The classic, Milton Glaser-designed DC logo, affectionately known as the “DC Bullet,” is back. The new version of the icon, which was in use from 1977 to 2005, will be the official “new” logo for DC Comics, video games, books, and more, including a tweaked version for DC Studios.
The news comes via The Hollywood Reporter, which checked in with DC President and publisher Jim Lee about the change at San Diego Comic-Con, before the official unveiling of the logo at his Jim Lee and Friends panel.
“Definity for me, and many generations of fans, that particular logo defined DC in its heyday,” Lee said. “I remember during the renaissance of DC in the 1980s, with Watchmen, Dark Knight Returns, The Shadow coming out, that was the DC logo. In the minds of many fans, that is the mark that defined the DC brand. It’s exciting to bring it back.”
James Gunn, who was in attendance at the panel, added via a press release provided to Comic Book Club, “Peter [Safran] and I knew we needed one logo that would bring us all together. We knew it needed to be something that was immediately recognizable, something that honored the comics, the legendary writers and artists who inspired everything we do – including our own Jim Lee – not to mention the generations of passionate and extraordinary DC fans.”
The new logo will replace the previously used logo, which has been in place since 2016’s DC Rebirth initiative, starting in October. Perhaps not so coincidentally, this is also when DC Comics will begin its DC All In initiative, which aims to provide new entry points for readers, as well as a new universe called the Absolute Universe.
In addition to the DC Studios version of the logo, a new motion graphic will replace the previously character-heavy intro to DC’s TV shows and movies. Now, it will show a Joe Shuster-drawn Superman bursting out of chains, segueing into the DC Bullet logo.
Said DC co-head Peter Safran, “We love the simplicity of the MGM lion. It’s timeless, classic. And we thought, ‘What are the elements that we have for something like that?’ And Superman felt like that for DC.”