History of Tom King (writer) in Timeline

Tom King is an American author and comic book writer, notable for his work with both Marvel and DC Comics. Before his writing career, he was a CIA officer. He gained recognition for his novel, A Once Crowded Sky, and further solidified his reputation with acclaimed comic book series such as The Vision, Sheriff of Babylon, Batman, Mister Miracle, and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. His work often explores complex themes and character-driven narratives, earning him critical praise and a dedicated following within the comic book community.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

July 15, 1978: Tom King Born

On July 15, 1978, Tom King, American author, comic book writer, and ex-CIA officer, was born.

1981: Creation of The Omega Men

In 1981, The Omega Men were created as DC's cosmic equivalent to Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy.

2000: Graduation from Columbia University

In 2000, Tom King graduated from Columbia University, having studied both philosophy and history.

July 10, 2012: Publication of A Once Crowded Sky

On July 10, 2012, Tom King's debut superhero novel, A Once Crowded Sky, featuring comics pages illustrated by Tom Fowler, was published by Touchstone, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, receiving positive reception.

A Once Crowded Sky: A Novel

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May 2014: Launch of Grayson

In May 2014, Tom King, along with Tim Seeley and Mikel Janin, launched Grayson for DC Comics, featuring Dick Grayson as Agent 37, a Spyral spy, after leaving his Nightwing persona.

June 2015: Publication of The Omega Men

In June 2015, Tom King's relaunch of the DC Comics series, The Omega Men, with artist Barnaby Bagenda, was published as part of DC You. The series features White Lantern Kyle Rayner and follows rebels fighting an oppressive galactic empire.

September 2015: Cancellation and Revival of The Omega Men

In September 2015, DC initially cancelled Tom King's The Omega Men, but later reversed the decision due to fan response, extending the series to at least 12 issues.

November 2015: Launch of The Vision

In November 2015, Tom King launched The Vision as part of Marvel Comics' All-New, All-Different relaunch, with art by Gabriel Hernández Walta, color by Jordie Bellaire, and covers by Mike del Mundo. The series was well-received.

December 2015: Launch of The Sheriff of Babylon and "Robin War" Crossover

In December 2015, Tom King launched The Sheriff of Babylon to critical acclaim, inspired by his time in Iraq. That same month, DC announced "Robin War", a crossover storyline orchestrated by King, running through various titles.

February 2016: Exclusivity Deal with DC Comics

In February 2016, Tom King signed an exclusivity deal with DC Comics and Vertigo, ensuring he would write exclusively for them. He also confirmed he would finish his planned story arc for The Vision.

March 2016: Announcement as Writer for Batman

In March 2016, it was announced that Tom King would be writing the main bi-weekly Batman series, replacing Scott Snyder, starting that June as part of DC's Rebirth relaunch. His run was planned for 100 issues, later reduced.

2016: Residence in Washington, D.C.

As of 2016, Tom King resides in Washington, D.C., with his wife and three children: Charlie, Claire, and Crosby.

August 2017: Launch of Mister Miracle Series

In August 2017, Tom King and Mitch Gerads launched the first issue of their Mister Miracle series, planned for twelve issues.

June 2018: Heroes in Crisis Announcement

In June 2018, DC Comics announced that Tom King would be writing Heroes in Crisis, a limited series centered around a concept he introduced in Batman.

July 2018: Eisner Award for Best Writer

In July 2018, Tom King received the Eisner Award for Best Writer, shared with Marjorie Liu, for his work on Batman, Batman Annual #2, Batman/Elmer Fudd Special #1, and Mister Miracle.

2018: Eisner Award for Best Writer

In 2018, Tom King received the Eisner Award for Best Writer, shared with Marjorie Liu, for his work on multiple Batman books and Mister Miracle.

June 2019: USO Tour in Kuwait

In June 2019, Tom King, along with Jim Lee and CW series actresses Nafessa Williams, Candice Patton, and Danielle Panabaker, toured five U.S. military bases in Kuwait with the USO, visiting approximately 12,000 U.S. military personnel as part of DC's 80th anniversary of Batman celebration.

September 2020: Announcement of Batman: Black and White Revival

In September 2020, DC Comics announced that Tom King would be among the creators for the revived Batman: Black and White anthology series.

December 8, 2020: Debut of Batman: Black and White Anthology Series

On December 8, 2020, DC Comics debuted the revived Batman: Black and White anthology series, with Tom King among the contributing creators.

2021: Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow Miniseries

In 2021, Tom King wrote the eight-issue miniseries Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow with artist Bilquis Evely.

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November 2022: Announcement of Batman: The Brave and the Bold and The Penguin

In November 2022, it was announced that Tom King would be writing both Batman: The Brave and the Bold and The Penguin as part of the Dawn of DC relaunch in 2023.

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2022: Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow Miniseries

In 2022, Tom King continued writing the eight-issue miniseries Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow with artist Bilquis Evely.

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January 2023: DC Universe Architect and Supergirl Adaptation Announcement

In January 2023, DC Studios co-chairman James Gunn announced that Tom King would be an architect of the new DC Universe media franchise, and his Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow miniseries would be adapted into a feature film.

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March 2023: Announcement of Wonder Woman Relaunch

In March 2023, it was announced that Tom King would be writing the new Wonder Woman relaunch as a part of Dawn of DC.

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July 2023: New Creator-Owned Series for Boom! Studios

In July 2023, it was announced that Tom King would work on a new creator-owned series for Boom! Studios, with Peter Gross as the illustrator, later revealed to be Animal Pound.

2023: Dawn of DC Relaunch

In 2023, Tom King was announced to be writing both Batman: The Brave and the Bold and The Penguin as a part of the Dawn of DC relaunch.

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May 2024: Writer and Executive Producer of HBO's Lanterns

In May 2024, it was announced that Tom King would be the writer and an executive producer of HBO's Lanterns for DC Studios.

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June 2024: HBO Order for Lanterns Series

In June 2024, HBO gave an eight-episode, straight-to-series order to Lanterns, which follows John Stewart and Hal Jordan as they investigate a murder.

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June 2025: Mister Miracle Animated Series Greenlit

In June 2025, during the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, an adult animated series based on Tom King and Gerads’ Mister Miracle maxiseries was greenlit, with King as executive producer and showrunner.