Welcome to Graphic Policy’s DC Rebirth: Recap And Review where we take a look at the comics released under DC‘s Rebirth banner and try to work out just how accessible they are for new readers – we’ll also be providing recap of sorts for the relevant story beats up until the issue in question in order to help you figure out if the series is something you’re interested in.
Each comic will receive a rating of Friendly or Unfriendly based on how easy it was for new readers to pick them up; the ratings are based solely on the issues released in the post-Rebirth ongoing series. More consideration regarding the comic’s accessibility will be given for the specific issue being read rather than the series overall, but if reading a back issue will help, then that will be mentioned. You’ll also notice that each comic will get a rating that falls on Graphic Policy’s typical ten point scale, which is there to help you pick between issues if you only want to check out one or two.
Not every comic is covered week to week, and that’s because I sometimes forget to read them (although that doesn’t happen often), or I really can’t bring myself to pic up the issue. If I have missed an issue, typically I won’t go looking for back issues to catch up on events – this feature is all about accessibility for new readers, after all.
Batman: White Knight #1 This standalone series is Friendly assuming you know who Batman, his supporting cast, and the Joker are. Once you know that, then imagine Joker using the law to fight Batman – this is a really unique premise and I’m super excited to see where it goes. Because it’s a miniseries don’t expect to see this returning next month, but I hope you read this. It’s great. 8.25/10
Batman #32 So this is it; the conclusion to a story that’s had it’s ups and not-so-ups that can basically get boiled down to Joker verses Riddler with Batman in the middle. Last issue the Riddler won the War of Jokes and Riddles and his soldiers turned on Batman… until Kiteman turned on the Riddler. Yes, Kiteman. By the time you open the comic, only Batman, Joker and Riddler are left standing, and we’re finally going to find out what Bruce is trying to tell Selina before she answers his proposal. It’s a Friendly issue, and well done. 7/10
Cyborg #17 The aftermath of some story or another that is very digitally orientated. Honestly if you want a unique battle then you can’t go wrong, but even after reading the previous issue I’m still a little lost. It’s a touch Unfriendly, but visually interesting. 6.25/10
Deathstroke #24 After turning over a new leaf (quote/unqoute) Deathstroke formed a new team to help atone for his past sins, but the team are starting to question whether or not Slade’s motives are entirely pure. This series is always best read in chunks, trades are a great option, as it can be a little impenetrable when you only read each issue once 
(such as for a feature like this when you’re judging accessibility of a series). That said, it’s always very good and would reward multiple reads. This is a barely Friendly issue, but you can read it. 8/10
Green Arrow #32 This is the fourth part of a Dark Nights: Metal tie in that ran across Teen Titans, Nightwing and Suicide Squad. If you’re reading that story you’ll pick this up… if not, then you can skip the issue and start with issue #33
Green Lanterns #32 After the crazy events of the last few issues (which is quickly referred to in the beginning and never again) we get a really enjoyable comic that has our heroes facing some oddly normal issues – it’s a lower key issue, but very Friendly. 7.75/10
Justice League #30 The kids of the current League members have come from the future to kill the League. Future Aquaman (wearing Future Cyborg’s body as armour) has come back to kill the kids. Simon Baz has literally just been corrupted by an evil black oil of some kind. If none of that makes sense… then don’t read this. However if you’re curious, this is a touch Unfriendly, but an interesting read nonetheless. 7/10
Nightwing #30 A new arc that is also a pretty Friendly starting point for the series. Obviously there’ll be things you won’t quite know right away, but there’s nothing that you’ll find utterly ruinous if you’re unaware of the finer details. Plus, this is also a retty good read. 7.75/10
Superman #32 Lois Lane was doing an exposé on Deathstroke, and in the course of said story he saved her life a few times as she was caught in the cross fire from assassins looking to kill Deathstroke. But things are never that simple, and by the end of last issue it turned out that after the story ran, Deathstroke took a new job – to kill Lois Lane! Both Friendly and enjoyable. 8/10
Action Comics #988 Last issue it was revealed that the mysterious figure behind a lot of the Rebirth events, including the disappearance of Timothy Drake, Mr. Oz was actually, spoiler alert, Jor-El. Be prepared for an origin story which is Friendly enough. 7/10
Highfather. The rest you’ll pick up along the way. 8/10
