DC Comics hitting the reset button

DC Comics is going back to the starting point in September, renumbering its entire lineup of DC Universe titles beginning with No. 1 and retooling nearly all of its major characters, including Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman.

At the same time, the company – which has been publishing comics for 76 years – also said it would start selling digital copies of its printed ongoing superhero titles through apps and a website the same day they’re released in comic shops.

That means DC is joining a movement already embraced by Archie Comics, which began same-day digital and print sales in April, along with other smaller publishers.

The launch of 52 new series will start with “Justice League International” No. 1 in September, which will reunite the classic lineup of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman and Green Lantern.

Other initial releases will include “Green Arrow,” “Mister Terrific,” “The Fury of Firestorm” and “Captain Atom.”

Characters getting new series also include Aquaman, Wonder Woman and The Flash. The anthology title “DC Universe Presents,” with Deadman in the first issue, will focus on multi-issue story arcs featuring different heroes.

“We have taken great care in maintaining continuity where most important, but fans will see a new approach to our storytelling,” Bob Wayne, senior vice president for sales, said in a letter to retailers.

“Some of the characters will have new origins, while others will undergo minor changes. Our characters are always being updated; however, this is the first time all of our characters will be presented in a new way all at once.”