New History of the DC Universe # 1 Stanley "Artgerm" Lay Foil Cover 2025 NM

New History of the DC Universe # 1, released on June 25, 2025, is the first of a four-issue prestige miniseries written by Mark Waid to celebrate DC's 90th anniversary. The series acts as a definitive guide to the modern DC timeline, consolidating decades of sprawling continuity into one cohesive narrative. 

Core Story: "The Golden Age" 

The issue is framed through the perspective of a retired Barry Allen (the Flash), who serves as the "chronicler of time" attempting to organize the complex history of the multiverse following the events of Dark Nights: Death Metal. 

• Creation Mythos: The narrative begins at the birth of the universe, incorporating high-concept cosmic entities like Perpetua and her sons (the Monitor, the Anti-Monitor, and the World Forger). It also integrates Vertigo elements like The Sandman's Endless and the Silver City into the primary DC origin.
• Ancient & Medieval Eras: It chronicles the early history of Earth, including the creation of Atlantis, the origins of Vandal Savage, and the mythical age of Camelot.
• The Golden Age: The bulk of the issue focuses on the rise of the Justice Society of America (JSA) and World War II-era heroes like the Seven Soldiers of Victory, Sgt. Rock, and Jonah Hex.
• Notable Retcons: The issue surprisingly integrates Milestone Media characters by tying Icon's arrival on Earth to the early 1800s.
• The Cliffhanger: The first issue concludes with the destruction of Krypton and the arrival of an infant Kal-El (Superman) on Earth. 

Creative Team & Format 

• Writer: Mark Waid.
• Artists: Jerry Ordway handles the "classic" lore sections, while Todd Nauck focuses on more modern additions to the timeline.
• Variants: The issue features several collectible covers, including a main wraparound cover by Chris Samnee and variants by Dan Mora, Ryan Sook, and Stanley "Artgerm" Lau.