The DC Universe (DCU) is the shared universe where most of the comic stories published by DC Comics take place. The DC superheroes are from this universe while it also contains well known supervillains such as Lex Luthor, the Joker and Darkseid. Note that in context, "DC Universe" is usually used to refer to the main DC continuity. Occasionally, "DC Universe" will be used to indicate the "DC Multiverse", the collection of all continuities within DC Comics publications.