DC All In Saga (Comics) | Review

Here's the thing about major DC crossovers: they promise everything and usually deliver half-baked conclusions wrapped in pretty artwork. The All In Saga breaks that pattern by building something that feels like actual stakes rather than another multiverse shuffle. This isn't just another crisis event designed to boost sales numbers.

What makes All In different is its patient setup following Absolute Power's fallout. Instead of rushing into cosmic destruction, Joshua Williamson (The Flash: Negative, The Flash: Year One) takes time to establish why heroes need to unite beyond simple plot convenience.

Creative oversight by writer Scott Snyder (All-Star Batman: Ends of the Earth, All-Star Batman: My Own Worst Enemy) of the All In initiative ensures Williamson's execution maintains the ambitious scope DC promised when launching this universe-wide reset.

The emotional weight carries through each issue, grounding character relationships in genuine stakes and consequences that actually matter beyond this story arc, creating lasting impact for the entire DC Universe and its future direction while making this feel like a proper culmination rather than editorial mandate disguised as storytelling.

Following the events of Absolute Power, the heroes of the core DC Universe have fought against deep divisions in the world around them to usher in a new era of unity. And it's just in time, too– because Darkseid has returned. But this isn't your standard Darkseid invasion story.

The traditional formula of heroes discovering the threat, assembling forces and engaging in climactic battle gets subverted here. Instead, Williamson focuses on the psychological impact of facing an enemy who operates by completely new rules.

The Lord of Apokolips returns fundamentally changed, having completed a unique journey of his own. This transformation creates genuine uncertainty about familiar power dynamics. Superman rallies every available hero on Earth, forming Justice League Unlimited as their cosmic defenses prepare for something unprecedented.

Previous encounters with Darkseid followed predictable patterns of overwhelming force meeting heroic determination. Now readers face the unsettling prospect that established strategies and power hierarchies might prove completely ineffective against this evolved threat.

2025 DC crossover event We Are Yesterday by writer Mark Waid (Indestructible Hulk: Gods and Monster, Indestructible Hulk: Humanity Bomb), begins in April with the past looking to the future, connecting directly to All In's foundation work.

The saga establishes crucial plot threads that will echo through multiple upcoming storylines and future DC events across different titles, making this required reading for longtime fans rather than optional event comics you can easily skip without consequences.

Unlike previous crisis events that reset character development for convenience, All In builds upon established relationships and their current complications. The emotional baggage from recent conflicts becomes narrative fuel rather than obstacle to overcome.

Williamson demonstrates understanding that modern readers crave consequences that extend beyond single story arcs. Each character interaction carries weight from previous encounters, creating layered storytelling that rewards longtime engagement while remaining accessible.

What's particularly smart is how All In addresses the universe's fractured state without ignoring previous continuity. Character relationships feel genuinely tested by recent events, creating organic tension that drives the narrative forward. Heroes who barely trust each other must suddenly coordinate against existential threat.

This dynamic creates dramatic tension because reader investment comes from wondering whether these fractured relationships can withstand cosmic-level pressure. The stakes feel personal and universal simultaneously, grounding abstract threats in character concerns.

The result transforms what could have been another forgettable crisis event into essential reading that actively shapes DC's entire future publishing direction and long-term creative vision for years to come across multiple titles. All In succeeds by treating its premise as foundation rather than conclusion or temporary reset.

The collaborative artwork by artists Dan Mora (Superman: Rise of the Superwoman, World's Finest: Return to Kingdom Come) and Daniel Sampere's captures both intimate character moments and universe-spanning action sequences without losing coherence.

Their combined visual storytelling feels appropriately menacing while suggesting the mysterious changes key characters have undergone throughout recent DC continuity. Sampere delivers artwork that captures both intimate character moments and universe-spanning action sequences without losing coherence or dramatic impact.

His Darkseid design feels appropriately menacing while suggesting the mysterious changes the character has undergone during his journey. Panel composition guides readers smoothly through complex battle sequences and emotional beats without overwhelming visual clutter.

Williamson's writing strikes the right balance between accessibility for new readers and rewarding continuity for longtime fans. Dialogue feels natural rather than exposition-heavy, letting character personalities shine through crisis moments. The pacing builds tension without rushing through various important story beats.

DC All In Saga succeeds where many crossover events fail by treating its premise seriously rather than just moving pieces around the board. This feels like genuine universe evolution rather than temporary change designed to reset next year when editorial priorities shift.

The connection to upcoming events like We Are Yesterday shows DC's commitment to building something lasting rather than delivering isolated stories. All In establishes solid foundations that future creators can build upon rather than ignore or retcon away. That's increasingly rare in modern comic-book events and publishing.

For readers burned out on meaningless crisis events and status quo shifts, All In offers something different: consequences that matter and changes that stick beyond next editorial mandate. This is essential reading for anyone following DC's current direction and future plans.

All In Saga is collected in a trade paperback and physical edition is available at comic-book shops, bookstores and online retailers. Digital versions are also available across various platforms like ComiXology, Kindle and DC Universe Infinite.