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.

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Aquaman #15 The conclusion to The Deluge is actually relatively Friendly without a recap.

Batman #15 Catwoman may or may not have murdered a couple hundred people. Batman gave her one last night of freedom in Gotham before he takes her to prison in the morning. After stopping a few crimes, and having a chat, they end up naked on a roof together… This could be a Friendly comic with that recap, but I don’t know if it’s worth your time.

Green Arrow #15 Ollie has been framed for numerous murders by the Dark Archer. He also beat the snot out of a crooked cop who was assaulting a civilian a few issues ago. That’s more or less enough to get you into the visually amazing Friendly comic.

Green Lanterns #15 Is actually an incredibly Friendly issue. We focus on Jessica Cruz’s greatest battle, and it’s a comic that gives us quite an insight into her character.

Justice League Vs. The Suicide Squad # 5 (of six) As you may imagine, this issue sees the story rocketing toward the conclusion of the arc, so what do you need to know to not feel lose? Well, Max Lord – a villain who can influence your darkest desires, who has a misguided sense of eroism – has taken control of the Justice League minus Batman via some kind of mind controlling diamond, and that’s… pretty much it. I’d still recommend you read the series as a whole rather than starting here, but it’s Friendly enough, I suppose.

Nightwing #13 Having just arrived in Bludhaven for the first time post Rebirth in order to find himself again, Nightwing comes across a supervillain support group who are being gradually framed for murder. The Bludhaven PD aren’t thrilled with having a superhero take up residence in their city, either… this Friendly book has become one of the best Bat family books from DC in recent months.

Superman #15 Last issue had a lot of build up that can basically be boiled down to the following: someone is hunting Supermen across the multiverse, and our Superman has teamed with President Superman and some others to stop them. This is a Friendly, and enjoyable, story.

Superwoman #6 Lois Lane and Lana Lang were both Superwoman until Lois was killed in issue #1. Since then, Lex Luthor has been locked up by his sister (no, we didn’t know he had one either), who has become Ultra-Woman – essentially a very comic book villain version of Lex Luthor who is trying to do something nefarious. The comic is kinda  Friendly.

Trinity #5 Uh… I don’t actually remember too much about the last four issues, but the relevant parts are skimmed over enough in the comic that I wasn’t lost. It’s Friendly enough, I suppose, although  you may want to track down #4.