DC Comics announced Villains Month, beginning Sept. 4, that will transform all “The New 52” titles into stories about the bad guys and not the superheroes. Some the villains, such as Lex Luthor, will take on new roles that will surprise longtime fans.

Villains Month
DC Comics is celebrating Villains Month during September. DC Comics

Villains Month kicks off with “Forever Evil,” a seven story mini-series that focus on Superman’s archenemy Lex Luthor. As reported by the Associated Press, the Crime Syndicate takes over and Luthor is forced into the role of hero. The mini-series serves as the catalyst that will change all of “The New 52” titles from stories about superheroes to stories about super-villains.

Geoff Johns, DC Comics chief creative officer and “Forever Evil” writer, speaking to AP, said, “One of the most important characters is Lex Luthor, who decides someone has to stand up to these villains and stop them.” Villains month was inspired by “The New 52” relaunch which began in 2011 and served to reboot the whole DC universe. With all the new stories being told about superheroes, Villains Month serves as a counterpoint, notes Johns, and lets the writers focus on the bad guys.

According to Johns, Villains Month will also let the writers flex their creative muscles and explore storylines without fear that they are betraying the tone, or moral center, of a superhero. “The great thing about villains is that they cross the line all the time,” said Johns to AP.

Deadshot Cover
Villains Month will feature special lenticular covers. DC Comics

Ra’s Al Ghul, Joker, Darkseid, Deadshot, Reverse Flash, Lobo, Mongul, Killer Frost, Arcane and Deathstroke are just a few of the villains that will take over during Villains Month. Every title, including “Action Comics,” “Green Lantern,” “Justice League of America,” “Swamp Thing,” “Batman & Robin,” “Teen Titans,” “Superman,” “Batman” and “Green Arrow,” will be affected during September. Each of the special issues will feature a lenticular, a 3D motion, cover.

DC Comics’ blog has a full rundown of titles during Villains Month including previews of the villains that will be featured each week.