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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All-Star Batman #9 With both the main story and the back up concluding this issue it’s Unfriendly. Hold off until the next issue.

Aquaman #21 There’s a sea-demon thing that attacked and probably murdered a bunch of people, but it was also possibly transformed from one of those people by some weird water stuff called H2.0 that Arthur Curry can’t breath in. So obviously Aquaman and Mera have gone into that weird water stuff, and their radio signal just vanished, which probably isn’t good. Unlike this Friendly issue.

Batman #21 The genesis of this comic goes all the way back to DC Rebirth #1, in which Batman found a conspicuous yellow button with a bloodstain. This is going to be a huge story event for the Rebirth branded comics, likely introducing some form of the Watchmen into the core DC Universe… and it’s almost Friendly

Batwoman #2 I honestly don’t remember much about the last issue other than Batwoman isn’t in Gotham anymore… So that being said, surprisingly, this is still Friendly enough for you to enjoy.

Green Arrow #21 Part one of the Rise Of Star City arc, and it’s about as Friendly as you can expect. Green Arrow sorta-kinda recounts his recent adventures throughout the issue, which allows the reader to get into his perspective.

Green Lanterns #21 A supervillain with what seems to be some form of dissociative identity disorder, Doctor Polaris is trying to use his electromagnetic super powers to cure a loved one’s cancer, and the Green Lanterns are trying to stop him because he’s a villain with questionable motives and regard for collateral damage. It isn’t going well for them, but the issue is Friendly.

Justice League #19 Uh… the current arc is confusing enough if you’re reading it (at least, I’m having a time following it), so jumping in here will be tough. But basically, some weird dude decided to remove Earth from the time stream and drop it at the edge of the universe, and to stop him the Justice League split up throughout time to fight their own personal battles. They won, but then all his power went to a potentially evil person… and I’m still confused. But I’m pretty sure the arc is over with this issue, so that’s a bonus.

.Nightwing #19 The previous events are sorta explained during this comic, and the way they’ve been presented make them only mildly confusing. For that reason I won’t recap the comic in case it twists everything back to front for you, but the issue is hovering between Friendly and Unfriendly, and I’m not gonna choose a side of the fence this week.

Superman #21 Batman and Robin are investigating why Superboys powers aren’t emerging as Batman believes they should be… and just as Batman makes a discovery that could unveil the truth, he vanishes. Although I’m not fond of the art, the comic is actually pretty Friendly and quite good.

Super Sons #3 Robin and Superboy have been attacked by Batman and Superman! This madcap Friendly issue flies along at one hell of a pace, and really doesn’t need much of a recap.

Superwoman #9 Lana Lang is sick, so Superman put her within a Kryptonian suit of armour to heal her. That’s about all I remember, and should make the issue Friendly – especially since there’s a bit of a recap at the beginning.

Trinity #8 This issue takes place after the Superman Reborn story arc in which the New 52 and Pre-52 Supermen merged into one character. – that may sound confusing, and the way in which it happened was, but that’s not all that relevant to this comic (thankfully). Other than that, you’ll be pleased to know it’s a Friendly issue.