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. You’ll also notice that each comic will get a rating that falls on Graphic Policy’s typical ten point scale, which is there to help you pick between issues if you only want to check out one or two.

Not every comic is covered week to week, and that’s because I  sometimes forget to read them  (although that doesn’t happen often), or I really can’t bring myself to pic up the issue. 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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Action Comic #986 Lex Luthor, now a hero, has been mind controlled into fighting Superman by a mechanical chip that’s on his neck. As long as you don’t care too much about plot and just want to enjoy a good Superman/Super Lex scrap then you’ll be okay to start here – even though there are some story beats that tie into the whole Rebirth story event as a whole. Depending on how you approach the comic will depend on whether you find this Friendly or Not. 6.75/10

Batgirl #14 Unfortunately it has been awhile since I picked this series up – in part because I always do this feature at the last minute and tend to not read the series I enjoy the least (something that isn’t happening this week). So without a recap we’re both in the same place. Fortunately, this is part one of a new arc (which seems to be my luck when I pick a series back up) that guest stars Nightwing, and tells a dual story of Now and Then that’s an easily read Friendly comic. 7.25/10

Batman Beyond #11 So Damian Wayne has taken his grandfather’s place as Ra’s Al Ghul and is currently engaging in a battle to the death with Terry McGinnis who is wearing a murderous version of his suit that is overriding his ability to control himself – all while Bruce Wayne looks on. It is a Friendly issue, which is a nice change for a concluding chapter. 7.5/10

Blue Beetle #12 Another comic that I’ve had an on again off again reading relationship with, this series has gone unread by yours truly for a couple months. This issue is fairly Friendly, but not overly good as Batman makes a guest appearance. 5/10

Detective Comics #963 Tim Drake is dead (except he’s not and Batman just found that out last issue) and Spoiler has abandoned Batman because, in part, of her grief over Red Robin’s death. Oh, and Clayface is a hero now. This issue refers back a little to the Night Of The Monster Men that saw Gotham’s heroes facing off against Godzilla sized beasties with infected blood. As far as these things go, this is a Friendly issue. 7/10

Hal Jordan And The Green Lantern Corps #27 So I don’t actually remember the last issue… at all. No idea why. Still, having forgot the last issue, this one turned out to be pretty Friendly all the same. 8/10

Harley Quinn #26 Full disclosure: I am not a Harley fan, and so usually when I’m pushed for time when writing this feature her comic is the first to go on the chopping block. And while this issue is somewhat chaotic, it is Friendly. I just didn’t enjoy it myself (but that doesn’t mean you won’t). 5/10

Nightwing: The New Order #1 The first of a six issue miniseries that takes place in 2040. It’s a fantastic future/alternate reality style take on Dick Grayson, and one that’s well worth checking out (bonus: the first issue is, somewhat obviously, Friendly). Because this is a miniseries, don’t expect the next issue to appear here. 8.5/10

Suicide Squad #24 Last I remember, Harley Quinn is the new leader of the Squad because the last one died. Beyond that? Not a clue. This issue is good enough to make me want to go back and read some of the more recent issues because this isn’t exactly an ideal place to start. Indeed, you could call this Unfriendly. 7/10

Teen Titans #11 The newest Teen Titan, the son of Black Manta and an Atlantean, is underwater with Black Manta as the villain tries to locate a powerful artifact that he’s been after for years. The conclusion to the current arc is Friendly enough as far as things go, but you could always wait to the next issue if you’re unsure. 7.25/10

The Flash #29 Barry Allen has a new set of powers because of the Negative Speed Force, and while I can’t quite remember the previous issue exactly, I seem to recall that the Flash’s new speed powers are incredibly destructive to those around him. As Barry Allen, he’s also been tasked to figure out who has been stealing evidence from the crime lab by Captain Singh. Good news: this issue is fairly Friendly. 7.5/10

The Hellblazer #13 I honestly don’t remember the last time I read this series, but it’s been at least a couple of months. Needless to say, while there’s no recap, this is a Friendly issue (partly because it’s another first parter). 7.75/10