A
pulp reimagining of
The DCU, launched in 2009 with
Batman/Doc Savage Special #1. Written by
Brian Azzarello, the First Wave universe features reimaginings of classic DC heroes interacting with classic pulp fiction heroes. Notably, no one has superpowers; everyone either is a
Badass Normal or has a
Charles Atlas Superpower. The setting itself is an intentional
Anachronism Stew of Tommy guns and jet planes,
dirigibles and
Ferraris, computers and walkie-talkies. There will, apparently, also be
jungles.
The principals of
First Wave are:
- The Avenger: Richard Henry Benson is back, and according to Word Of God, "has issues".
- Batman: Specifically, the original Batman from 1939 (even though he's still Batman and not the Bat-Man). This version of the Dark Knight is far more playboy millionaire than brooding gargoyle-dweller. Most notably, he's packing heat.
- Black Canary: Reimagined as an Indian-American teenager named Diyata Dasari.
- ''The Blackhawks'': The fighter pilots are back. At least one of them is a Legacy Character from the World War II-era team.
- Doc Savage: Instead of the Man of Steel, we have the Man of Bronze. Appears to be dealing with the loss of his father and seeking a diversion (wanted criminal Batman in his First Wave appearance).
- Rima the Jungle Girl: Mute Jungle Princess with a distinctly more savage appearance than anyone else.
- The Spirit: Denny Colt's city doesn't appear to be screaming anymore. Notably, his version of Ebony White is a girl.