Comic Review: *DC All-In Special #1* – A Comic You Read Twice… And Still Don’t Fully Grasp

 

In an era where comic book universe reboots happen faster than social media updates, and every reboot seems to chase the next, DC All-In Special #1 rises above the average, offering much more than just a pit stop between crossover events. This 64-page one-shot isn’t just another entry in the sprawling DC Comics universe—it’s a true spiritual successor to the now-iconic DC Universe Rebirth, and simultaneously a bridge to an entirely new chapter in the publisher's history: the birth of the Absolute Universe and the reuniting of heroes under the banner of Justice League Unlimited (JLU). 


The very structure of the comic demands special attention, making it a collector’s item worthy of its own space in any fan’s library. DC All-In Special #1 is what’s known as a flipbook—a double-sided comic that can be read from either end, with both narratives meeting precisely at the center. One side presents the heroes' perspective, labeled "Alpha," primarily told through Superman and Booster Gold. The other side features "Omega"—a story told from the point of view of Darkseid, who embarks on a journey through hell and heaven in search of answers to fundamental questions… and to himself. This formal division of two narratives, converging at one critical moment, is a true conceptual masterstroke, giving the comic a unique depth.


“It all began with an idea…”

These are the words that open All-In Special, serving not just as a narrative introduction but also as a kind of philosophical declaration. After the events of Absolute Power (which will undoubtedly be referenced in future stories), the world of heroes stands at a crossroads. Their existing methods of combating evil prove insufficient to protect what matters most. What’s needed is unity on an unprecedented scale—not just the typical team-up of superheroes, but a deeper message: only community and cooperation can effectively counter absolute destruction.

That’s why the Alpha side showcases a new version of the Watchtower and a renewed Justice League—Justice League Unlimited. The duo of Daniel Sampere (art) and Alejandro Sanchez (colors) delivers not just dynamic, radiant panels, but also a tone of hope, as if every pencil stroke is a symbolic act of constructing something lasting. This part of the comic leaves readers with the sense that the world can rise from any catastrophe—so long as its defenders, whether superheroes or regular people, can unite.
Special attention should be paid to Booster Gold. Once seen mostly as a comic relief side character, here he’s presented as a mature and competent team member. The fact that DC gives him such a prominent role in a landmark issue suggests he may play a pivotal part in the future of the Absolute Universe. And it must be said—based on how he’s portrayed here, he absolutely deserves it.


Darkseid Is… Darkseid Was…

The other side of the coin—or rather, the other side of the comic—is Omega, the story of Darkseid. Here we dive into a completely different tone: dark, unsettling, almost apocalyptic. Wes Craig (art) and Mike Spicer (colors) create a visual style reminiscent more of post-punk dystopias like Deadly Class than the traditional DC universe. And it works phenomenally.
Craig pays no mind to symmetry or conventional beauty. His panels are jagged, brutal, filled with warped proportions and raw fury. It’s not just stylistic—it’s an aesthetic that fits Darkseid perfectly as he undergoes something akin to a cosmic identity crisis. During his journey through hell, heaven, and the edges of existence, he encounters the Spectre, who explains a new reality: all versions of Darkseid have been unified into one true form. No more multiverses, clones, or alternates. Now there is only one Darkseid. One. True. Absolute.
This change has enormous consequences for the entire DCU. It’s not just an update to the lore—it’s almost a theological transformation of a villain who now isn’t just one of many, but the singular embodiment of absolute evil. Interestingly, though his initial actions seem absurd (why is he attacking heroes he has no direct conflict with?), after reading the Omega section, it all makes sense. His monologues and actions gain context, and readers gradually realize that Darkseid wasn’t speaking to his enemies—but to himself… or to something even more powerful.


The Meeting of Light and Shadow

The climactic moment of the comic is a double-page spread by Dan Mora and Tamra Bonvillain, placed exactly in the center of the issue. It’s here that the Alpha and Omega stories intersect, forming a single narrative crescendo. Without spoiling too much: this is more than just a “connecting scene.” It’s a symbolic collision of order and chaos, hope and despair, Superman and Darkseid—two fundamental poles of this universe.
And that’s why this comic works. It’s not just about a new League, a new status quo, or another universe. It’s about narrative balance. Light and darkness each have their place, and their confrontation doesn’t lead to mutual destruction, but to a new beginning.
Why should you read DC All-In Special #1?
If I had to point to just one reason to pick up this issue, it would be its formal and conceptual boldness. DC proves that it’s possible to create big events that aren’t just explosions, crossovers, and reboots. All-In Special is a thoughtful, balanced, and artistically polished story that bridges the past, present, and future of the DC Universe.

Pros:
+ Unconventional flipbook structure (two stories meeting in the middle)
+ Excellent artwork (the contrast between Sampere and Craig is perfect)
+ Mature portrayal of Booster Gold as a full-fledged hero
+ Fascinating transformation of Darkseid
+ Strong foundation for a new status quo

Cons:
- May be hard to follow without knowledge of Absolute Power
- The philosophical layer may deter fans looking for pure action
If you haven’t yet picked up All-In Special, and you care about the DCU, you not only should—but must—read it. This comic could mark the start of a new era. And if it truly is the beginning of the Absolute Universe, then it’s shaping up to be a very promising one.


My Rating: 8/10