NEW HISTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE: THE DAKOTA INCIDENT #1 (DC COMICS)
In 1993, a legendary imprint made history with an impact still felt today.
Milestone Media gave African American and diverse creators a massive spotlight to feature their storytelling creativity. Denys Cowan, Derek Dingle, Michael Davis & the late, great Dwayne McDuffie ushered in a new era onto the comic and pop culture landscape.
Icon. Hardware. Blood Syndicate. Static. Four titles (published by DC Comics) that left a massive impression on fans and creators alike.
When Mark Waid wrote, “The New History Of The DC Universe” in 2025, The “Dakotaverse” was featured in the historic recap. Spinning out of that series is a special edition casting an even greater focus on these incredible characters with some of the best creators in the business today bring this event to the masses.
NEW HISTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE: THE DAKOTA INCIDENT #1 by Joseph Illidge, Valentine De Landro, Marissa Louise, Stephanie Williams, Carlo Pagulayan, Stephen Segovia, Jason Paz, John Kalisz, Morgan Hampton, Fico Ossio, Ulises Arreola, Nikolas Draper-Ivey, Edwin Galmon, Andrew Dalhouse & AndWorld Design (DC Comics) exposes a hidden occurrence in the vast history of the DCU.
Let’s take a closer look at what secrets are unlocked here.
NEW HISTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE: THE DAKOTA INCIDENT #1 by Joseph Illidge, Valentine De Landro, Marissa Louise, Stephanie Williams, Carlo Pagulayan, Stephen Segovia, Jason Paz, John Kalisz, Morgan Hampton, Fico Ossio, Ulises Arreola, Nikolas Draper-Ivey, Edwin Galmon, Andrew Dalhouse & AndWorld Design (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The issue has multiple creative teams overseeing three acts (plus a prelude & epilogue) - All sections is lettered by AndWorld Design:
Draper-Ivey, Galmon, & Dalhouse open events up in the future. Beacon starts events off with a battle with Shiv. The conflict seems on the surface very straight forward. Beacon’s talk with Static is light-hearted business. Once events start turning, the tables get flipped fast. Readers watch as the scenes play out like a horror movie. The writing ramps up the intrigue before Beacon makes a choice with larger consequences than imagined.
The art launches Beacon into business with a great opening panel. Shiv enters the pages via a full shot. It is imposing enough to emphasize his impact. Beacon responds accordingly with some great action panels. This leads into a more chaotic look at what is unfolding now. The reactions of those affected amplify the horror aspect. This spins into a heroic declaration form Beacon before transitioning into the first arc. Readers will be locked and loaded into what unfolds next from here.
Illidge, De Landro, & Louise take Act One. This is a great look at the true history of Dakota. The view of vintage Dakota is one filled with hope and deception. Edwin Alva and Curtis Metcalf have a vision. Seeing the pair working in this manner teases an ambitious plan. Their dialogue leans into the experimental methods of saving the city. After executing the vision, its’ aftermath reveals the disturbing truth of business and ambition. This also rolled into the introduction of metahumans. Illidge unveils the hopeful promise of heroes with an optimistic spin. This mood is swayed by another matter. Readers watch as a major move spiderwebs even further through the world of Dakota and beyond. It garners the attention of a certain President who shows no compassion to the world of superheroes.
De Landro & Louise lock in on Alva and Metcalf to start of this chapter. Alva’s shifty grin with Metcalf’s hopeful look teases a greater plan in motion. The panels show the bold reaction to their plans to take down crime. They hold nothing back as “Operation: Big Bang” commences. This moment begins the slow dissolvement of their partnership. Readers watch as Alva’s greed and ego begins to dismantle Metcalf. The presentation of the heroes of Dakota come off in grand fashion. Having half panels capture some crowd responses gives a real glimpse into the city’s reaction. It doesn’t steal away from Metcalf’s drama taking center stage.
As an event unfolds, readers can sense the air letting out of Hardware’s sails. Knowing the outcome’s consequences, the conversation with Dakota’s finest brings out a few different looks. It never steals away from the impending doom coming. The art team showcases the evil governing officials before the president makes his debut. Luthor’s cold eyes display there will be no remorse for what’s coming. This feel carries directly over to the creative team changing.
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Williams, Pagulayan, Segovia, Paz, & Kalisz handle Act Two. Readers don’t wait long for some action to start. Luthor sends his task force in to take over the “uprising”. They’re met with a equal response of hostility. Williams floors the pacing to exemplify the conflict. It’s a great method to drive home the brutality of Luthor’s moves. The dialogue between Hardware and Bronze Tiger hits on many levels. Fans watch as the emotions start coming out from Hardware pleading his case. This leads into a fantastic point in the battle. The writing breaks down the risks involved and reasons to fight. Even as more guest stars hit the scene, Tiger’s words stick as a bold reminder of the truth what’s unfolding now. This act will leave an unforgettable impression.
The art teams both crush this act in various ways. With a quick introduction, Luthor’s squad gets their orders and go. Readers don’t wait long as they are greeted by heroes ready to defend home turf. A half panel ushers in the welcoming party to the battle. This allows the action to come out swinging. There’s no shortage of gunfire and punches. This escalates into a superb two page splash. It doesn’t lock in on just fighting but spotlighting the attempts to keep innocents safe. There’s never a real moment of pause as matters go from bad to worse quickly. Another two page splash gives a heavyweight feel to one particular battle. Even as other heroes join in, the look of worry on Bronze Tiger’s face speaks louder volumes. Overall, this was a great act.
Hampton, Ossio, & Arreola jump in on Act Three. The meeting of all parties involved moves the conflict into a game of human chess. Static and Rocket’s talk with Black Lightning hits on a few key aspects. None might be more important than Jefferson Pierce’s advice to the young heroes. His involvement teases a few directions before going to the “diplomacy” of Luthor. Readers will have a strong reaction to the fallout taking place. Hampton nails the devious nature while leaving events with some questions into the future. It’s a very intense piece which presents absolute adversity into the best of hearts.
Ossio and Arreola brings Luthor and his cabinet to Dakota with a dramatic way. Amongst the heroes, his helicopter weasels in between characters. Knowing his poker hand is good, Luthor’s mannerisms portray victory. This mood luckily changes with Pierce talks with Static and Rocket. There’s a bit more pent up emotions behind his advice to the heroes. It serves to reflect the anger rising in Dakota. Icon’s stand-off with Luthor is mirrored in will and determination. There is no give between either. This moves events into their final phases. An uncomfortable situation keeps getting worse until Static must partake. The close-up of his eyes when Luthor speaks doesn't miss on its’ point. It leaves with a panel filled with frustration and disappointment. Even with words of encouragement, it doesn’t alleviate what’s ben done. A final panel caps off events with a sense of uncertainty for the future.
Draper-Ivey, Galmon, & Dalhouse return for the epilogue. The full shot of Beacon flying back sets the pace for what lies ahead. Seeing what he walks into is a very unlikely scene. The writing teases the surprise of what transpires in this time period. This event leads into a needed conversation. While the moment is brief, it’s maximized to the fullest potential. Beacon’s near full page proclamation is the injection of hope absolutely needed at this stage. His words have some sting to them but its super necessary in this moment. Once in the final pages, the panels spotlight the impact made by Beacon. It leads into a direct response in actions. The final half page drops a huge exclamation point on what happens next. It is a perfect way to complete this chapter.
FINAL GRADE: 9.4
A lost moment in time becomes the catalyst for a future uncertain in a spectacular reminder of how incredible the Milestone Universe is. Each creative team puts a unique look to the mounting drama. The art locks in on the weight of the conflict at hand and its immense fallout. The final page is the spark needed to light the next wave of Milestone stories. If looking for why this universe is still as impactful as ever, look no further than this issue.
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