In celebration of Stan Lee’s 100th birthday, DC Comics is bringing back his vision of their world for what is slated to be one of the most astonishing throwback comics of all time. Tales from Earth-6: A Celebration of Stan Lee is set to feature a ten-part anthology of stories centered around the versions of iconic DC characters as reimagined by the man himself over twenty years ago. The names might be the same, but the stories couldn’t be more different, and all the basics are covered right here for any reader who could use a refresher on just who the superheroes of Earth-6 really are.
Batman
Wayne Williams made his first appearance in 2001’s Just Imagine: Batman (by Lee and Joe Kubert) as a man whose entire life had been destroyed by crime and corruption. Following the murder of his father, Wayne was framed for a vicious crime, only for one personal tragedy after another to befall his family during his incarceration. After helping quell a prison riot, he was offered a full pardon, and with his newfound freedom, he embarked upon a pro wrestling career as Batman. With his wealth, he can fund his true quest to dismantle various criminal organizations. Along with the help of an esteemed scientist, Frederick Grant, he is able to push both his body and mind further than ever before.
Superman
The alien Law Bringer known as Salden made his introduction in 2001’s Just Imagine: Superman (by Stan Lee and John Buscema) after following the man who killed his wife across the stars all the way to Earth. Upon arrival, Salden discovered that Earth’s gravity and atmosphere made him stronger, faster, and more resilient than its natural inhabitants. This coupled with his already immense sense of duty drove Salden to continue his peacekeeping efforts on Earth, and after meeting agent and publicist Lois Lane, the alien hero was rebranded as Superman.
Wonder Woman
In Maria Mendoza’s first appearance in 2002’s Just Imagine: Wonder Woman (by Stan Lee and Jim Lee), she was doing everything she could to push back against the corporatist expansion that threatened her village and destroyed so much of the surrounding Peruvian wilderness. When forced to face off against the despicable tyrant Armando Guitez within recently excavated ruins, two runes are discovered that change the course of each of their lives. While Guitez was transformed into a superhuman monster by claiming the power of one rune, Maria became a gleaming warrior with the power of the second. Now wielding powers such as flight, telekinesis, and a touch of genuine divinity, Maria is all but unstoppable as Wonder Woman.
The Flash
When Mary Maxwell was introduced in the pages of 2002’s Just Imagine: The Flash (by Stan Lee and Kevin Maguire), she was as much of a genre fan as anyone reading her titular one-shot. Despite having dreams of becoming a hero like the ones she adored in print, Mary’s life seemed like it would never escape its mundane nature. At least, that was the case until she discovered that her father was part of a secret time travel program. Her father was responsible for altering the DNA of those who would partake in the chronological experiments. After being accidentally injected with hummingbird DNA during an attack, Mary emerged with the ability to move at superhuman speed. She has even been seen moving faster than light and through time itself, although she has yet to take full advantage of all the possibilities that her powers hold.
Green Lantern
Before the events of 2002’s Just Imagine: Green Lantern (by Stan Lee and Dave Gibbons), Professor Leonard Lewis’ life was about as adventurous as he could have hoped for. Not only was Len a successful archeologist, but he was also helping to shape the greatest minds of the next generation. During a trek to uncover the Tree of Life, things took a turn for the fantastical, albeit not by the best of circumstances. During a battle with the evil Reverend Darrk, Leonard was very nearly killed, only to have his life saved by the living consciousness of Yggdrasil itself. Since that day, Leonard has used his divine powers to protect the world as the Green Lantern.
Shazam
Far from the likes of Billy Batson before him, Robert Rogers is easily the most menacing version of Shazam to ever grace comics. During a mission to India alongside fellow Interpol agent, Carla Noral, Rogers attempted to help a dying man, only for the strange to impart upon him one dying word — Shazam. Though he didn’t know what it meant, Rogers soon enough discovered that uttering that magic word allowed him to transform into a hulking beast of unfathomable strength, all while maintaining his human persona. Between his impossible strength and sprawling wingspan, the Shazam of Earth-6 is an absolute powerhouse, unlike anything his monstrous visage would imply.
Aquaman
During an otherwise ordinary expedition, marine biologist Ramon Raymond happened to dive right into an ominous green glow inhabiting a random patch of the ocean. This combined with Raymond’s outlandish decision to begin injecting himself with the combined DNA of various sea creatures transformed him from a normal human into Aquaman. With near-endless possibilities in terms of what he can do, Raymond is an untouchable shape-shifter, unshakable assailant, and unyielding hero all in one.
Catwoman
Joan Jordan used to spend her nights lounging around her penthouse apartment after long days of walking the runway. When a bolt of green lightning came crashing through her window in 2002’s Just Imagine: Catwoman (by Stan Lee and Chris Bachalo), both Joan and her cat Ebony were struck. Somehow the two became intertwined in such a way that Joan was imbued with all the speed and agility of a feline, while Ebony’s newfound human intelligence and psychic link to her owner made the once ordinary house cat a powerful partner in their ensuing war on crime.
The Sandman
Larry Wilton grew up a sick, feeble child who hardly ever had the strength to venture further than his own room. As luck would have it, Wilton eventually grew out of his childhood ailments, although he could never escape his love of sci-fi and fantasy. This combined with his innate desire to push the limit saw him go from bodybuilder to fighter pilot to astronaut. It was during a mission to space in 2002’s Just Imagine: Sandman (by Stan Lee and Walt Simonson) that Larry would encounter a green mist all too familiar to fans. After a crash landing back on Earth, Larry awoke to find himself able to traverse between our world and the Dreaming which, along with his other mystical powers, left him little choice but to embrace his role as the Sandman.
The Justice League of America
2002’s Just Imagine: JLA (by Stan Lee, Jerry Ordway, and David Baron) brought together many of the heroes who came before it for an epic battle with the villainous Doom Patrol, Reverend Darrk, and the latter’s Church of Eternal Empowerment. In spite of their different motivations and concerns, Batman, Superman, Flash, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern all fought alongside one another to save the day. Unfortunately, they would also be manipulated into helping the devious Adam Strange very nearly usurp his father Darrk’s preeminent supernatural superpower. Even in the face of such an astounding threat, the Justice League of Earth-6 prevailed, and with any luck, their impending return will see them do the very same against whatever the last twenty years have had in store for them finally arrives.
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