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 #20 Aquaman is fighting some kind of water demon called Deadwater (disclosure: Deadwater probably isn’t a water demon, I just don’t remember the last issue that well) who can teleport wherever there’s even a drop of water. It’s kinda intense, yet quite Friendly.

Batman #20  I’ll save you the pain, and suggest you wait till next issue. Hopefully it’ll be less Unfriendly, and tell a better story.

Cyborg #11 I don’t remember the last issue (yeah, my memory isn’t great… I know), but there’s a very Friendly internal monologue at the beginning of the comic that helps quite a bit.

Green Arrow #20 The conclusion of the three part story detailing the return of Roy Harper to Green Arrow’s life. While I’d recommend you reading the arc, this would be an Unfriendly place to start the series.

Green Lanterns #20 One day, I’m going to remember the previous issue to a comic before I read the following one. Case in point this one – I have only the vaguest recollection of previous events, but basically Doctor Polaris trapped the Green Lanterns in a big ball of metal underwater so he can escape and cure his brother of cancer. The only problem? Doctor Polaris is a borderline psychopath. The issue itself is surprisingly Friendly.

Justice League #18 There’s another universe/timestream ending event that the League has to prevent. They’ve been split up and sent to various different points in the timestream to fight something that’s happening at the same time in the past and present… if that sounds confusing, then you may want to skip to the next arc.

Nightwing #18 If you have fond memories of Dick Grayson as Batman with Damian Wayne’s Robin, then you’ll enjoy this story. The two have partnered to find Nightwing’s pregnant girlfriend, and former villain, Shawn Tsao and rescue her from the clutches of Professor Pyg. It’s awesome, and the awesomeness makes it Friendlier than not.

Superman #20 A new arc kicks off here, and as always it’s a Friendly place to begin, but quickly kicks up the pace.