Coup d'État is a comic book crossover storyline published by WildStorm Comics in 2004. It consists of four issues, each focusing on a different title within the WildStorm Universe: Sleeper, Stormwatch: Team Achilles, Wildcats 3.0, and The Authority. This crossover was described by Jim Lee as a "stand-alone 4-part mini-series event" and was notable for its interconnected narrative while allowing each series to maintain its unique identity.
Publication Details
- Issues: The crossover ran across four main issues, each created by the respective writers and artists of the series involved.
- Afterword Issue: An additional "Afterword" issue was released, which included previews for upcoming volumes of Sleeper and Wetworks.
Plot Summary
In Coup d'État, the character Tao manipulates the U.S. Government into using a device that allows them to access the Bleed, leading to an explosion that damages an alien vessel and ignites an interdimensional war. This event has significant repercussions within the WildStorm Universe, notably with The Authority seizing control of the U.S. Government and Stormwatch: Team Achilles being forced underground. However, many of these developments could not be fully explored due to the subsequent cancellation of both Stormwatch: Team Achilles and Wildcats 3.0.
Reception and Legacy
The crossover was well-received, with both the Sleeper and Afterword issues selling out despite what DC described as "generous overprints." The story's impact continued with the events leading into The Authority: Revolution.
Collected Editions
Coup d'État was later compiled into a trade paperback that includes all four issues along with the Afterword, totaling 112 pages and released in November 2004.
This storyline is significant as it exemplifies WildStorm's approach to complex narratives and character interactions within its shared universe during that period.
