In 1982, artist José Luis García-López was hired to spearhead an ambitious project: a standardization of DC Comics‘ look. The intent was to ensure that the packaging for all DC merchandise confirmed to a certain standard. The resulting three-ring binder was full of rules, color swatches, and character profiles, as well as stunning art. The guide has been revised repeatedly over the years, but never been made available outside the company offices until now.
Partnering with Standards Manual, Warner Bros. Discovery is officially releasing the 1982 DC Comics Style Guide as a publicly purchasable book. Reproduced from a rare mint copy of the original, the new book will be printed as a 1:1 hardcover. The new edition will also feature reproductions of pages from later editions, reflecting costume changes over time.
Several sample pages from the book can be viewed below.
DC Style Guide an Important Historical Artifact
The importance of the DC Style Guide to comics history cannot be understated. While created as an advertising resource. the guide was also used as a reference tool by rookie artists. Many artists honed their skills by studying José Luis García-López’s designs. The guide was also used by animators and toy-designers in their work. It is impossible to gauge just how many creative professionals the Guide has influenced over the years.
Beyond its value as a creative tool, the Guide is also a source of nostalgia. Many children’s first exposure to superheroes came not from comics or cartoons, but merchandise and toys. To their minds, the designs of José Luis García-López’s are the definitive versions of these characters and are still fondly remembered today.
The 1982 DC Comics Style Guide is available for $90 through an early-access pre-order at Standards Manuals. It will begin shipping on August 31, 2024. It will also be available through comic shops, bookstores, and the Official DC Shop.
