The DCnU:A fan's eye view

DC Comics is making major changes to some of the most familiar characters in comics.So forget everything you know about DC.

Well almost everything...

Acually in certain cases don't forget anything.

Already confused?I'll try to explain.In an effort to re-establish and re-purpose their comic line,DC is revamping its stable of superheroes,vigilantes and other assorted characters with everything from new costumes to new team lineups to even new origins.All apparently in an effort to pick up new readers.

However,classifying what they've done has been difficult due to the somewhat inconsistent statements by DC.While there are apparently major changes in store for Superman(as people may actually be skeptical of the man of steel in his debut)and Wonder Woman(her own recent revamp may be the new status quo),There maybe little if any changes to the Green Lanterns(all four human ring bearers apparently have a presence)and Batman and his supporting cast(nearly every Robin has a role in the DCnU from original turned Nightwing Dick Grayson to current mantle holder Damian Wayne).

All these changes haven't come without a good deal of controversy and debate.Some for characters you might not expect.Take the recent revelation concerning Batgirl.After being shot by the Joker left her confined to a wheelchair, leading her to become super hacker Oracle,Barbara Gordon will be back on the streets of Gotham as Batgirl.Good news for old-school fans who read her adventures,bad news for current fans who either liked current Batgirl Stephanie Brown or preferred Barbara as Oracle.

Then there's the apparent diversity initiative.As an African-American I can appreciate the sentiment but it still seems a bit narrow in my view.Sure Cyborg will apparently be a new "founder" of the Justice League(apparently sacrificing his Teen Titans history),Mr Terrific received his own solo title(while his teammates in the Justice Society are in hiatus),Milestone mainstay Static is poisitioned as a major player and Firestorm is now a unique merger attempting to personify the initiative.The problem seems to be any other race being represented.No major images with asians,latinos or any other group.

With Comic-con in San Diego only days away,hopefully we will get more concrete answers on the fate of the DCnU,the characters,and it's future as far as comics,TV,movies and other media arenas.We can only hope for the best.