The year 2024 was anything but ordinary for DC Comics fans, filled with shocking twists and emotional turmoil that turned heads across the comic book landscape. Who could have anticipated that a storyline launching with an invasion of animal-human hybrids would culminate in the death of one of DC’s most iconic adversaries? This year delivered a rollercoaster of betrayals, losses, and unexpected events that left fans buzzing with excitement—some moments so bizarre that they had readers doing a double take. As we step into a new year, let’s explore the ten most astonishing DC Comics moments from 2024.
10 Raven Traded Places with Her Demonic Half
Happened In: Beast World #6, Tom Taylor, Ivan Reis, Lucas Meyer, and Eduardo Pansica
The “Beast World” crossover unleashed chaos in the DC Universe when spores from Beast Boy transformed the populace into animal hybrids. Within this turmoil, a villain named Doctor Hate emerged as a creation of Amanda Waller, revealing itself as the physical manifestation of Raven’s darker side. In the pivotal issue of Titans: Beast World #6, Raven confronted her evil counterpart—only to suffer a shocking defeat.
The malevolent Raven imprisoned her heroic half within her gem, infiltrating the Titans and setting into motion a sinister plan to transform Raven into the formidable Dark-Winged Queen.
9 Green Arrow Went All In on Supporting Amanda Waller
Happened In: Green Arrow #13, Joshua Williamson and Amancay Nahuelpan
After navigating through time and space, Green Arrow returned home but quickly found himself at odds with Amanda Waller. Initially crafting a facade of deception, Oliver laid the groundwork for a high-stakes con. However, during the Absolute Power arc, he delivered an unexpected bombshell: “I believe in Waller.”
This statement turned out to be part of a ruse, facilitated by a mental trick with Martian Manhunter. Nonetheless, witnessing Green Arrow take drastic actions against his allies shocked fans and left lasting repercussions within the hero community.
8 DC Offers a Surprising Resolution to Its ‘Three Jokers’ Mystery
Happened In: Batman #143, Chip Zdarsky, Andrea Sorrentino, and Giuseppe Camuncoli
Fans of the “Three Jokers”saga were treated to a remarkable revelation in Batman #143, where the narrative delved deep into Joker’s origins. This storyline, set shortly after the infamous clown’s inception, revealed his training under Dr. Daniel Captio, who imparted a technique that led to Joker developing three distinct personalities, each one reflecting a more sinister aspect of himself.
Rather than confirming the existence of three separate Jokers, this storyline clarified that only one Joker exists but is fragmented into three devious personas, each vying for control.
7 Wonder Woman’s Greatest Love Lost His Life
Happened In: Wonder Woman #14, Tom King and Daniel Sampere
Throughout a prolonged conflict with the Sovereign, Wonder Woman faced unimaginable loss when her beloved partner, Steve Trevor, was brutally murdered at point-blank range. This incident incited a wave of emotional strain for Diana as she struggled to cope with the grief of losing her greatest love.
Despite her attempts to journey to the underworld and rescue Steve, he urged her to let go and move forward, leading to a poignant moment of transformation—his death ultimately catalyzed Wonder Woman’s mission to bring a child into the world, a symbol of her enduring love for Trevor.
6 Lex Luthor Sacrificed His Mind to Save the Day
Happened In: Superman #15, Joshua Williamson and Rafa Sandoval
The intense spring event, “House of Brainiac,” saw Brainiac’s return push Superman and his allies to their limits. Brainiac abducted Lex Luthor along with a cadre of Metropolis’ metahumans to materialize the Brainiac Queen. In a surprising twist, Lex hatched a plan where he and Brainiac’s intended creation would ultimately turn the tables on their captor.
Lex’s gamble involved linking his mind to Brainiac’s core, successfully erasing the villain’s memories but at a significant cost—he sacrificed his own identity in the process, rendering him amnesiac and leaving fans pondering his fate.
5 The Emotional Spectrum Created a Lantern Powered by Sadness
Happened In: Green Lantern #13, Jeremy Adams, Fernando Pasarin, and Oclair Albert
As the Green Lantern Corps faced a malicious new foe, Lord Premier Thaaros, the destruction of Central Power Batteries led to unforeseen disruptions in the Emotional Spectrum, culminating in the introduction of a Lantern powered by sadness. Nathan Broome, devastated after being left at the altar by Carol Ferris, unexpectedly manifested powers linked to his sorrow.
Taking on the alias “Sorrow,”Nathan now channels his anguish to inflict pain on others, stepping into a previously unexplored realm of emotional power within the Lantern mythology.
4 Superman’s Son Was Turned into a Living Weapon
Happened In: Absolute Power #2, Mark Waid and Dan Mora
In a devastating development, Jon Kent found himself ensnared by the Brainiac Queen, transformed into a formidable weapon against his own father and allies. Superman’s efforts to save his son were in vain, as Jon was forced to confront his friends, illustrating the tragic weight of his predicament.
3 The MonsterVerse’s Kong Became a Green Lantern
Happened In: Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong #7, Brian Buccellato, Tom Derenick, and Christian Duce
The crossover event “Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong” delivered a thrilling and outrageous conclusion when Kong received a Green Lantern ring amidst the chaos. Although the storyline may not be part of the official continuity, seeing the Eighth Wonder harness power to create constructs, including a replica of his battle axe, epitomizes the sheer fun of blending universes.
Kong’s brief stint as a Green Lantern proved to be one of 2024’s most memorable moments and a testament to creativity within comic book storytelling.
2 Absolute Power Caused Chaos for DC’s Heroes
Happened In: Absolute Power #1-4, Mark Waid and Dan Mora
Amanda Waller’s machinations reached new heights in 2024, as she orchestrated chaos among DC’s heroes through blackmail, manipulation, and power-grabbing schemes. Seizing the abilities of metahumans, Waller attempted to assert dominion over the DC Universe, capturing numerous heroes and villains.
Fortunately, her plan crumbled when her Amazos were ultimately defeated, restoring the powers to most metahumans. Yet, a few heroes suffered from bizarre power swaps, leading to the formation of the Atom Project, tasked with rectifying the shifting powers among heroes and preserving their legacy.
1 Darkseid Died and Brought a Dark, New DC Universe to Life
Happened In: DC All In Special #1, Joshua Williamson, Scott Snyder, Daniel Sampere, and Wes Craig
The aftermath of “Absolute Power” loomed large in the narrative of the DC Universe, particularly following Darkseid’s demise, which incited a chain reaction that reshaped everything. In a state of insanity, Darkseid attempted a fusion with the Spectre, ultimately leading to his annihilation and dispersal of his essence throughout the multiverse, birthing a stark new landscape.
This new realm, dubbed the Absolute Universe, reflects Darkseid’s cold aspirations, presenting a harsher reality for heroes. As Absolute versions of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman emerge, they grapple with an increasingly dire world where they must strive to prevent catastrophe. 2024 firmly established that the stakes in the DC Universe are higher than ever.
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