5G is the long rumored and basically confirmed reboot coming at the end of 2020. It will focus on bringing every past timeline and reboot back together into one full timeline.
What is 5G?
5G will be an anti-reboot in the sense that it is sort of reversing the reboots of the past while being a reboot itself. If that’s confusing, let me explain it this way. The main history of DC will begin with Generation 1 (now titled The Age of Mysteries). This is the era of the golden age where Wonder Woman becomes the first hero of the DC Universe and inspires every hero who follows. (Wonder Woman #750, “Brave New World”). It will continue through the silver age all the way up to 2011 at which the timeline will continue through New 52. Events like Year Zero will no longer be continuity and a couple of other events will be removed too. If a reboot is a full restart, this is a reward for everything you’ve ever read having meaning and continuity. 5G will mostly (according to rumors) take place in a Gen 5 where the heroes we love will pass the torch. Superman --> Jonathan Kent, Batman --> Luke Fox, Green Lantern --> (the character from far sector). Note that these are only rumors, however, almost everything we DO know about seems to confirm them. (Jonathan and “future college” and Lucius Fox returning to be a Pennyworth like figure). However, the characters you know and love won’t be leaving you. Instead they will be given Black Label Titles taking place throughout Generations 1-4 in the timeline…
When will it start?
5G unofficially began based on rumors with Wonder Woman #750. In the comic, Wonder Woman saved president Roosevelt from assassination during WW2. Alan Scott can be seen at the end being inspired by her. The next unofficial starting point begins on Free Comic Book Day with Generation Zero: Gods Among Us #1. The story “lays the foundation for even more seismic-level changes in the DC universe.” The story will include an epilogue to Flash Forward, and guess what? a reprint of Wonder Woman #750 “A Brave New World.” (That’s now telling or anything).
What should I read to get ready?
First, remember everything is based on speculation and rumor. A year from now, my recommendations would be WAY better. However, a couple of stories seem to be prepping us for 5G.
Flash Foward #1-6 isn’t the BEST book in the world by any means, but the fact that the first “5G” comic is a flash forward epilogue should be telling.
Wonder Woman #750: “A Brave New World” is the first look at a new status quo from Wonder Woman which will likely set up the next set of 5G comics.
Batman #86- James Tynion is an amazing writer who really understands Batman. Also he’s starting at a time when 5G is already in planning, so he’s likely setting stuff up. Notable a rumor came out that said Luke Fox would become the new Batman, then one month later Tynion reveals Lucius is an important character in the story.
Justice League (2018) #1-46 Scott Snyder release Dark Nights Metal to critical and fan acclaim. Spinning off of his work is one of the biggest and craziest Justice League Titles to ever exist. The scope of his work is OVER THE TOP in the best way possible.
Batman/Superman (2018) #1-6 I’m including this one because of it is important background for this next story.
Year of the Villain: Hell’s Arisen#1-4 Written by James Tynion IV, it brings the plot of Justice League and Batman/Superman together to set up the Metal Sequel.
Far Sector If the Green lantern rumor that Far Sectors protagonist will become the main Green Lantern, then this will be VERY important. The comic is also REALLY special and wonderful and deserves your time and attention!
What should I Plan to Read Coming Up?
Dark Knights: Death Metal will be the follow sequel to Dark Knights Metal and will have MASSIVE consequences on the future of DC. Scott Snyder is writing it and it looks amazing.
Joker War is the main Batman-centric event that looks to kick off the final story of Batman Rebirth. There will be lots of tie-ins and more. Fortunately it looks like it will be a blast!
The 80th anniversary specials According to a rumor, each of the anniversary specials will give little sneak peaks about 5G.
But What actually are the 5G comics?
We don’t have a lot of details yet. We have some knowledge about what is setting up 5G. However we just got our first taste of 5G today with 5 one shots.
Generation 1: Age of Mysteries #1
Generation 2: Age of the Metahuman #1
Generation 3: Age of Crisis #1
Generation 4: Age of Rebirth #1
Generation 5: Age of Tomorrow #1
Writers: Brian Michael Bendis, Dan Jurgens, Andy Schmidt, Robert Venditti, and Joshua Williamson,
Illustrated by artists including Doug Mahnke, Bryan Hitch, Mikel Janín, Ivan Reis, David Marquez, and more.
Each one shot will reveal a piece of the 5 timeline and will be extra-sized and prestige format. Expect art to appear soon.
This is all I have to share FOR NOW. I will be either updating this document or posting more later.
-Nathan.Payson
5G Masterpage