DC Rebirth is worth the hype. Without exception, every DC Rebirth issue sampled below was compelling enough to follow each series. DC has brought together some fantastic writer/artist teams. Thankfully, the number #1’s are all stronger than the first Rebirth “not zero issues, but zero issues.”
Interestingly enough, the Rebirth issues not only sold well in the comic book stores, but also on secondary markets like Amazon, for prices far above the issue price. By more than one measure, these comics are in demand. As far as content, all of the initial Rebirth issues targeted new readers. If you read the DC Universe Rebirth Special, you generally got what you needed to follow the story lines. Don’t join the craze unless you like to complete the whole set. Go for these #1’s as your first priority, if you have not already jumped aboard. Every DC Rebirth #1 I’ve read so far excels, and brings back the joy and good story-telling to the iconic Justice League first string.
The following is a round-up of many of the DC Rebirth true #1’s:
Batman #1: (writer: Tom King, pencils: David Finch, ink: Matt Banning)
Dan Slott (Amazing Spider-Man, Silver Surfer) recently tweeted “Batman’s in great hands with writer,” and writer Tom King nails it his opening with a new super for Gotham in Batman #1. The Batman/Alfred dialogue is perfect, and to see them calmly walk through last will and testament instructions was pitch perfect. To follow Scott Snyder’s dream run on Batman is a challenge, but Tom King swings into action with this first issue. David Finch contributes his wonderful art to a series worth collecting.
Superman #1. (Writer: Peter J. Tomasi, Pencils: Patrick Gleason, Inks: Mick Gray)
Loving Jon Kent. Superman #1 looks fun and possesses gravitas appropriate to tell the tale of the boy who had Superman as a father. This Super-Son looks like he is going to be the perfect counter-balance to Damian Wayne. “That’s my father” has fittingly different legacies, both rich in material for future story lines. Superman #1 is gives a fantastic grounding for the Boy Who Will Fly.
Detective Comics #935: (Writer: James Tynion IV, Pencils: Eddy Barrows, Inks: Eber Ferreira)
If Tim Drake and Stephanie Brown were a fond memory of your 1990’s collections, you will love Detective Comics #935. This book also reminds you that Batwoman is awesome and more than just a red-headed cousin to the Bat-Family. Cassandra Cain (formerly known as Batgirl and Black Bat, now goes by Orphan) is back in the fold again, where she deserves to be. Detective Comics #935 is now heir to the well-written, fan-service Batman and Robin Eternal, and a gem. The prior story arc of Jim Gordon donning the Bat-Bunny Suit was not well-received by many fans, and this new direction makes up for it. Having Killer Croc instead of Clayface as the resident villain-on-the-payroll would have been my personal preference, but I understand Croc’s commitments to the Suicide Squad. I actually like Clayface as my second choice for an ally, mainly due to the treatment of the character in the Gotham Academy series.
The only disturbing note is the Tim Drake dilemma. It fits some Batman Beyond lore, but it comes across as a dangerous reminder that Tim Drake was almost written out of DC Comics, regulated to Batman Beyond timeline, or worse, since the Robin in Teen Titans will be Damian Wayne. Tim’s my Robin of choice, but the success of the recent well-received Justice League vs. Teen Titans animated movie shows the great potential of putting Batman’s son front-and-center in the new team. Also, Red Robin was drawn a little generically in some panels, which by design or not could imply a “General Issue Robin” for us paranoid types. Keep Tim Drake in comics!
Wonder Woman #1. (Writer: Greg Rucka, Pencil/Inks: Liam Sharp)
This issue is stunning. Wonder Woman #1 is for those who buy for the art or the storyline; neither will be disappointed. The reader gets to chase Diana through the Rabbit’s Hole, and it has all the trappings of an epic journey worthy of our Amazonian. If Wonder Woman was the best part of Batman V Superman for you, then this book if for you as well. The redesign of one of Diana’s long-time foes is alone more than worth the $2.99 entry fee. Fans of Red Sonja should follow this series closely, and not just because of the awesome cape.
Action Comics #958 (Writer: Dan Jurgens, Art: Patrick Zircher)
Action Comics #958 is comic book madness spinning out of control! (OK, Action Comics #957 was technically the “number one” issue, but I’m going with the latest for this one. No one knows which way is “up, up and away!” This is what the wake of the Death of Superman should have felt like. These inheritors to the “S” I love even more than Steel, Cyborg Superman, Superboy, and Eradicator ever did. Hold on to this series. Wherever this roller coaster is going, it’s going to be a fun ride. One minor irritant: having Kal-El be closed-minded to the fact that this world could be different from his own feels like a weakness greater than kryptonite, and hopefully will used even more sparingly as a plot device. My Superman is mighty!
Aquaman #1.
Arthur Curry seems to be fighting an impossible battle to be a peacemaker between his two worlds in Aquaman #1. Focusing on the Atlantian and the Royal Naval Attaché was a brilliant way of showing the possible hope of Aquaman’s dream, and draws an uncomfortable parallel to Brexit. Overall, this issues draws together old and new elements of Aquaman, and does it well.
Flash #1.
To be honest, I was most wary of Flash #1. I wanted to have more Flash in my life after the wonderful fan-service in the CW’s The Flash, but the first new-52 Flash did not hold my attention. The solicit warned of additional speedsters, which I felt lukewarm about at best. The art in the DC Rebirth “not a zero issue” left some to be desired as well. However, Flash #1 races past all the naysayers, and is a solid work. Keep Flash #1 on the pull-list. Is there any way Vibe could guest star, though?
Green Arrow #1.
Green Arrow #1 bridges the fans of the CW show and the veteran fans of the goatee/social justice era. Keep Oliver Queen a bleeding heart Seattle liberal! It has always felt like a conundrum that Oliver Queen has membership in the 1% and probably the Green Party as well. It provides a wonderful contradiction of expectations for our usual stereotypes. In the past, this contradiction has been addressed by taking Oliver Queen out of the uber-rich 1%. Some of the plots indicate that Ollie might be due losing his company again, but surely his portfolio is diversified right? Maybe he has interest in a flower shop downtown? Or owns at least one of the Starbucks plentiful in Seattle? Green Arrow and Black Canary together again is wonderful chemistry, and this issue deserved to sell out.
Green Lanterns #1.
I can’t say enough good things about Jessica Cruz and Simon Baz. I know Sector 2814 has more than its share of Green Lanterns, considering Earth is located (as the philosopher-poet Douglas Adams once penned) “far out in the uncharted backwaters of the unfashionable end of the western spiral arm of the galaxy”. Green Lanterns #1 is police rookies meet Hawk and Dove, but it is done right. Both Green Lanterns are complicated characters. Jessica Cruz is a hero overcoming anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues, and immediately endearing. Simon Baz is the pessimistic one who trusts no one, and packs a gun for backup. Baz is culturally and psychologically interesting, and more of a risk to don the red ring of rage one day. His new power will be interesting to explore as well. Forget Hal Jordan and Guy Gardner: these are my Green Lanterns!
In summary?
DC Rebirth has a very strong start. DC Rebirth is definitely worth the hype, with great writers and artists and stories. DC Rebirth is the revival DC Comics deserves. It takes so much of what was missed from Pre-Flashpoint, and pleases different readers, regardless of their entry point to these heroes. DC Rebirth is worth reading; every book remains in my pull list so far.
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