Welcome, Citizens of the DC Universe, to the DC Book Club, and a hearty “hello” to the #dcubc members who started it all!
If you’re reading this, then you have discovered one of the very best pockets the internet has to offer. It is also safe to assume you have impeccable taste and style.
You have taken the first step into joining a book club dedicated to celebrating highlighted titles from DC’s vast library, which includes many perks like:
- All DC Book Club selections are free on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE during that month’s reading
- Access to digital perks like backgrounds, wallpapers, and printable bookmarks
- Updated information on special guest appearances & events
- Discussion with the community all month long
To join the DC Book Club, please follow these steps:
Click here for the join CLUB PAGE!
READY TO BEGIN?
Join the discussion for June’s selection, DC PRIDE, right over here!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the DC Book Club?
Each month, DC will post a poll with a selection of flagship titles for fans to vote on reading for the following installment of DC Book Club. Members will have one month to read the title, and return here to discuss with fans. As a bonus, the title that fans vote on will be available on DC Universe Infinite for FREE the whole month of book club!
Additional benefits include:
- Downloadable digital perks
- Access to discussion events w/ special guest talent
How Does It Work?
Once you join, you will be provided notifications for all future events, so be sure to hit that “Join” button! (More details on that below). Each month Book Club is live, we will host a moderated discussion, led with guided questions.
During the last week of the month, we will be joined by special guest talent to discuss their thoughts on the book, and answer your questions live, right in the comments!
How Do I Join?
By completing a few simple steps, you will gain the ability to read the free titles, participate in discussions, and receive live notifications as this post is updated, or members reply to your comments.
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Step 1: Register an account (No payment required!)
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Step 2: Visit our DC Book Club group page and click the “JOIN” button This will ensure you are receiving all our digital perks, and first access questions for talent, as well as provide you notifications for all Club happenings.
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Step 3: Read & discuss!
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We think you’ll like it very much once you settle in, but there’s no need to be restricted to just one discussion platform- You can also share your thoughts on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
APPENDIX
- Links to past discussions
- Dropdowns of past guided book questions (Use to run your own book club!)
- Past digital downloads
- Past Q&As with creators
MARCH, 2021: JUSTICE LEAGUE: TOTALITY
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Issues #1-3
- Did reading this story make you want to learn more about a certain member of the Justice League?
- When did Batman plant bombs inside the moon?
- Did you find any moments particularly funny?
- Do you think the comedy takes away or adds to the series?
- Do you hear any celebrity voices when you read the characters?
- How would you describe Jorge Jimenez’s art style?
- Did you have a favorite moment or panel of artwork? Why did that stand out to you?
Issue #4-5
- The Source Wall, The Totality, Umbrax, The Keep of Mars, the Still Force, the First Force, Turtle, the Ultraviolet/Invisible Spectrum- how do you keep them straight? What is your understanding of their interplay?
- Can you name all the Green Lanterns in this beautiful shot?
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How did having a different writer (James Tynion IV) and artist (Doug Mahnke) on the Legion of Doom issue impact the overall reading of the story so far? Did the change in tone complement the experience?
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As noted in issue #5: "If he could, [Lex Luthor] would ask you the question he asked the rest. ‘A legion that did not stand for people as they should be, but as they were, and would always be.’." Do you agree that people’s nature is fundamentally chaotic and doom-driven, as Luthor suggests?
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In the back pages of issue #5, we see Scott Snyder outline each villain’s core beliefs. A throughline of these beliefs is that everyone should be “true” to themselves. Do you agree with any of these villains’ philosophies? Why or why not?
Issues #6-7
- On page 17 of issue #6, we see a culmination of our heroes grappling with their sense of blame and guilt for not being more forthcoming about their struggles.
How do you think the outcome of events might have been different if they had risked being vulnerable? Even if it didn’t make a difference in the events of THE TOTALITY, might this vulnerability have made a stronger team?
- Do you have a favorite pairing of heroes, villains, or hero + villain in this series? What did you like about that chemistry?
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What do you think the final message of JUSTICE LEAGUE: THE TOTALITY was?
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What will you be reading next?
- Digital Perks: Mobile & Desktop Wallpapers, Printable Bookmarks
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Q&A with Staff of Round Robin
– Including Justice League: Totality associate editor Andrew Marino!
MAY, 2021: SUPERMAN SMASHES THE KLAN
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Periodical #1
- As always, we want to see your favorite art and moments! There were plenty of times our eyes welled up…We would love to see your screenshots, or even just a description, of your “Best Of” panels in the comments below!
- There are many references to characters’ jackets, coats, and capes. What ties the symbolism of all their clothes together? How do characters use their clothing to convey their personal story?
- Do you think this story would be received differently if it was set in modern times, rather than in the 1940s?
Periodical #2
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In what ways does Clark Kent’s exploration of his origin reflect each member of the Lee family’s experiences?
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“Uncover enough secrets, and you make a home”, is repeated throughout this periodical. Aren’t secrets normally supposed to be kept? How does this message change our understanding of secrets, and the way we understand other cultures?
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“Why only be half of what you are?” How have you related to this question in your own life?
Periodical #3
- What are some other comics that have depicted the origin story of Superman’s costume? How are they different, and how are they the same?
- Within the world of SUPERMAN SMASHES THE KLAN, what does it mean to be a hero?
- The Klan believes that “you cannot unite a nation that shares neither blood nor history.” What do you think bonds/unites people other than history?
- Do you think the lion’s okay?
Bonus Discussion! “ Superman & Me ” Back Pages by Gene Luen Yang
- In both the comic and in these back pages, there are themes that the beliefs the Klan hold are not based on hate. Even Denny, the fellow student who liked Gene’s G.I. Joe story, was kind to him until certain circumstances occurred. How do we reconcile opposing beliefs within ourselves or in others when confronted with them?
- Like " Clan of the Fiery Cross" , the 1940’s radio show SUPERMAN SMASHES THE KLAN was based on, the writing aimed to avoid being too preachy for adults, but also not too scary for kids. Do you think the story succeeded in this goal?
- What are some specific actions we everyday citizens can take to unite for a better tomorrow?
- Digital Perks: Mobile & Desktop Wallpapers, Printable Bookmarks
- Q&A with Gene Luen Yang
- BONUS! Recordings of CLAN OF THE FIERY CROSS, 1940’s Superman Radio Show that inspired the comic
*You can also explore the early origins of the DC Book Club. by visiting all the #dcubc, #dcubc-girl-power, and #dcubc-epics discussions run by @MattMcDonald and @JLWWSM!