What Is DC's ALL IN Initiative? The Movement Set to Transform DCU Storytelling for Years to Come

What Is the Absolute Universe, & How Does It Differ from the Current DC Universe?

Before delving into the Booster Gold-related news, it’s essential to understand what the ALL IN initiative and the Absolute Universe entail. Set to kick off this October, DC’s ALL IN initiative is not a reboot or retcon but rather a fresh start, offering both old and new readers a new entry point into DC’s ongoing titles, with two years' worth of storytelling already plotted out. This marks a revitalization of DC's storytelling without rewriting or disregarding past events. In fact, the events of ALL IN will occur 52 days after the grand finale of DC’s ongoing crisis event, Absolute Power, with the formation of the Absolute Universe taking place soon after.

Alongside the creation of the Absolute Universe–following a significant battle between the newly formed Justice League and Darkseid–DC’s heroes will be cut off from the multiverse. This will result in the coexistence of only the DCU and the Absolute Universe, with two versions of each character existing simultaneously (for instance, both a standard Batman and an Absolute Batman). Fans can think of the Absolute Universe as similar to Marvel’s Ultimate Universe. The key difference between the DCU and the AU is that while the DC Universe has been based on "Superman Energy," the Absolute Universe will be founded on "Doomsday Energy." Consequently, the Absolute Universe will feature wilder, more chaotic, and dangerous versions of fan-favorite characters.

Scott Snyder Confirms Booster Gold Will Be Central to DC's Storylines

Booster’s Time-Traveling Powers and Future Knowledge Offer Crucial Insight into ALL IN—Elevating Him Above His Fellow Heroes

As shared by Snyder, Booster Gold's role in the DCU and the Absolute Universe will be completely unique. As a time traveler and someone intimately familiar with the Superman-inflected Legion of Super-Heroes, he provides a perspective that no one else can. His insights into the events unfolding in the present, compared to how they played out in his timeline, enable him to grasp the implications of the timeline’s shift regarding the formation of the Absolute Universe and related events. Thus, Booster, typically viewed as the comedic relief, emerges as the only character who truly understands the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences of these changes.

"We thought of a lot of different characters you wouldn't expect to be on [the new Justice League roster], from Ambush Bug to whoever. And then it was kind of like, "You know what? Booster has this really powerful kind of view of it." Because having been not only a time traveler, but specifically being familiar with this kind of resplendent, Superman-inflected future of Legion, it feels like he would understand this moment in the trajectory of the DCU narrative, and he would see its importance. So if he was kind of both the comical character, you know, who you're like, how could he be invited? And then you start to get a sense of what it means to him to be here at this moment, because he knows it goes a certain way. And then suddenly, when that moment doesn't go that way, he understands the gravity of why, and how badly things can go because of that."

It’s this unmatched perspective that will make Booster the MVP of the Justice League, enabling him to offer invaluable insights to the league’s typical leaders—Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman. However, Booster’s role is likely to extend beyond mere counsel; he will likely take a direct part in the action, especially since he has been labeled as the bridge between the Absolute Universe and the DC Universe. While the specifics remain vague, one can assume that his time-traveling abilities will be the primary reason he can act as this bridge between the two worlds. Thus, Michael is wholly unique in the services he can provide.

DC’s ALL IN Initiative Will Redefine Booster Gold's Legacy

DC Is Poised to Elevate Booster Gold from Comic Relief to A-List Justice Leaguer in an Unprecedented Character Transformation

This understanding of the situation's gravity, along with his role as the bridge between the DCU and the Absolute Universe, has placed unprecedented responsibility on Michael's shoulders—one he has yet to experience. Hence, DC seems to be setting this character up for a significant transformation that will shift fan perception. Currently, Booster is often seen as a second-rate, wannabe hero with narcissistic tendencies, frequently the butt of jokes. However, if DC centers the events of the DCU and the AU around Booster Gold as they hint, they have the opportunity to alter fan perception and ensure he is taken more seriously as a hero.

DC'S ALL IN SPECIAL #1 is available October 2, 2024, from DC Comics.