Tangent Comics

Tangent Comics was a DC Comics imprint created in 1997–1998, developed from ideas created by Dan Jurgens. The line, formed from various one-shots, focused on creating all-new characters using established DC names, such as the Joker, Superman, and the Flash. Contrasting the Tangent Universe with the DC Universe Jurgens commented:

Publication history

Superman

Dan Jurgens recalled the reconceptualization of Superman "went through many permutations." An early idea eschewed powers altogether and revolved around highlighting the "man" in "Superman," and making him "a cop, or a doctor or something different. A guy with no powers but tremendous character who fights on behalf of his fellow man." Writer Millar noted that "the classic Superman role is already filled by the Atom," and wanted to echo "Kafka's metamorphosis where we actually see this likable, regular guy transform into a superhuman." Thus Millar took Jurgens' early idea "of the average Joe as the superMAN," and used artist Guice's "unique approach to the flashback scenes" (as seen in his Resurrection Man work) to create a different style than that used by Guice on his Action Comics work. The Tangent universe's Superman utilises the name of DC villain Two-Face (Harvey Dent) rather than the name 'Clark Kent.' Superman's powers, according to his writer, are that "his brain is evolving at an accelerated rate" thanks to a 'god-force'.