This is a column that focuses on something or some things from the comic book sphere of influence that may not get the credit and recognition it deserves. Whether that’s a list of comic book movies, ongoing comics, or a set of stories featuring a certain character. The columns may take the form of a bullet pointed list, or a slightly longer thinkpiece – there’s really no formula for this other than whether the things being covered are Underrated in some way. This week: the DC Comics that fall under the Rebirth banner.

This week on Underrated, I wanted to take a look at some of DC’s ongoing series post Rebirth. These are all series that I’ve been enjoying more than I expected, but haven’t been selling as much as the other series. While the sales numbers are still higher than a lot of other non Big Two series, these are the series that either don’t have as much buzz surrounding them as they should, or that have simply surprised me the most in a positive way since Rebirth began.  I’ve indicated the sales numbers as reported by Comichron, as well as whether I think the series is likely to be cancelled  (based purely on my interpretation of the Comichron sales data for February and no basis whatsoever on rumours or solicitations). Where a book double shipped, I went with the highest numbered issue.

Let’s get to it, shall we?

Red Hood And The Outlaws 
February Rank / Sales Numbers: 82 / 28,753
Cancellation Chance: Slim To None

I’ve never been fond of the idea behind Red Hood, or at least my concept of the idea as a cross between Batman and Punisher. But this series has thrown a dash of Green Hornet into the mix and has really delved into the conflicted nature of the character whilst surrounding him with a fantastic supporting cast in Artemis and Bizarro. Even with a line up of strong Batbooks post Rebirth, Red Hood And The Outlaws has been consistent in it’s solidness for the eight issues we’ve had so far.

Aquaman
February Rank / Sales Numbers: 76 / 30,584
Cancellation Chance: Pretty Unlikely with a movie in the not too distant future.

Had you told me a year ago that I would end up liking Aquaman, I’d have called you a liar. Then I started reading it for the weekly Rebirth Recap & Review feature for Graphic Policy and I haven’t looked back since. Why is it on the list? Because it’s an Aquaman comic.

New Super-Man
February Rank / Sales Numbers: 131 / 16,962
Cancellation Chance: Uh… if the sales numbers drop below 10,000, then maybe.

On the surface, this is about the Chinese equivalent of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman, and how the young adults given the abilities of these heroes struggle to live up to their Western counterparts. On top of that, there’s also the angle of the New Super-Man being a jerk who is growing beyond his earlier prejudices and becoming the hero he wants to be.

Gotham Academy: Second Semester
February Rank / Sales Numbers: 198 / 8,624
Cancellation Chance: It’s the lowest selling Rebirth comic right now.

This is an interesting choice for this list, as I’m not as big a fan of this comic as I am some of the others on the list. So why is it included? Because those who do read this series love the innocent charm of this series set in a boarding school in Gotham, and the students in the detective club. I may not be a huge fan, but I bet there’s more of you out there who would be if you gave it a chance.

That’s about it for this week. Next week we’ll be looking at February’s Underrated Comics not in the top 100 for sales according to Diamond.