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. Generally, the quality of an issue won’t be discussed unless it directly impacts a new reader’s enjoyment of the series.

You may notice that not every comic is covered week to week, and that’s because I  sometimes forget to read them  (although that doesn’t happen often). 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.

There was a lot of DC books released this week, and while I didn’t get to read all of them, most are covered below.

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Action Comics #971 Lex Luthor is about to be tried for crimes that he hasn’t yet committed on a distant planet, and Superman has just turned on him, even though Lex is doing is best to fill in a dead Superman’s shoes. Even though this is two or three issues into to the arc, it’s quite Friendly.

All-Star Batman #6 The very nature of this series is such that this could just as easily be a new #1 issue. It’s a Friendly comic that’s frankly amazing.

Detective Comics There’s very little recap needed here, as the comic focuses primarily on Batwoman’s background. Yes, you may need to know that the prisoner in the Bell Tower is her father, and the Colony is a militarized special forces unit that’s modeled on a lethal version of Batman. The Colony is also responsible for the “death” of Tim Drake, although that’s less relevant than you’d think this issue. Friendlier than you’d expect.

Hal Jordan And The Green Lantern Corps #12 When a story arc has been as fantastic as this one has, writing a very short recap seems almost insulting… but whatever. Hal Jordan died and went to Lantern Heaven but the White Lantern dude ressurrected him, meanwhile the rest of the Green Lantern Corps were trapped in a shrunken city by the Lantern equivalent of a compulsive hoarder. Working with their traditional enemies, the Sinestro Corps, they escaped, which brings you more or less up to date. Enjoy the Friendly conclusion!

Justice League/Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers #1 I just… it’s Friendly for fans of one or both properties, and worth reading (surprisingly).

Justice League Of America: Vixen Rebirth #1 It’s a one shot comic that introduces Vixen to the post Rebirth universe. It’s Friendly enough to do it’s job.

Justice League Vs Suicide Squad #4 We’re at the half way point now in the mini series now, and the easiest way to summarize it for you so that it’s Friendly is this: The League and the Squad have been forced to partner to defend the Squad’s prison headquarters from a team of villains.

New Super-Man #7 This comic doesn’t really need a recap, as a lot of the relevant information is given in the opening few pages, which makes this one of DC’s Friendliest comics this week.

Red Hood And The Outlaws #6 As a conclusion to the first arc, this wraps up the story nicely, while also leaving enough to have you coming back  next issue. Although I could summarize the entire arc the only relevant bit to you here is that Black Mask has mind controlled Bizarro through techno mumbo jumbo and has decided to break stuff. Red Hood and Artemis are trying to stop them. While that’ll make the issue Friendly, I urge you to check out the trade when it hits the racks.

Suicide Squad #9 Serving as a prequel to the JL Vs SS miniseries this is a solid issue, but there’s no sense reading it if you’re not following that series unless you’re curious about the Squad before the current roster. For that reason I’m marking this as Unfriendly because it probably won’t get you into the series as a whole.

Supergirl #6 Supergirl’s Kryptonian father has somehow become the cyborg Superman, and he has a plan to save what remains of his people by turning their bodies into cyborgs powered by human life force. Supergirl is understandably less than pleased, but was trapped in space by her father as he attacks her home city. Was trapped. Go grab the Friendly issue for some crazy fight scene fun.

The Flash #14 Kicking off a new story arc with some of the Scarlet Speedster’s more popular villains. Thanks to the introductory pieces of narration at the beginning, this is Friendly enough

Titans #7 An issue where the Titans can take a bit of a break after the chaotic opening arc. Friendly because it allows you to get to know the heroes you may be less familiar with.

Wonder Woman #14 Over the past 13 issues, this has become one of my favourite comic books. Luckily, aside from the fact that Ares has just shown up, and there’s a plot to gas a bunch a targets that we don’t yet know about, you can pick this up without any real idea of what’s going on and just enjoy the Friendly comic.