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 Comics #993 Superman has gone back in time to save Krypton, and Booster Gold arrived half a second too late from the future to stop him. The rest you can puzzle out on your own in the Friendly issue you have in your hands. 7/10

 

Detective Comics #970 Uhm…. This is a decent issue, I suppose, but it’s really  not that friendly (which means it’s Unfriendly) as there’s a LOT to cover and the comic doesn’t give you breathing room to figure it out. Honestly, any recap I give you will be worse than if you went in blind. 6/10

The Flash #36 Part one of a new arc, which does make for a Friendly jumping on point, all things considered, finds Barry Allen at the center of a murder in the Iron Heights prison in a return to basics for the series (which means this is a really good starting point). 7.75/10

Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #34 I had actually forgotten all about what happened here last issue, and then the opening page reminded me. It’s a bit of a forced recap, but it works well enough for new folks – or for folks like me who have a terrible memory. Friendly, and half decent/ 7/10

New Super-Man #18 While the New Super-Man is trapped in Lex Luthor’s house while he tries to activate his full abilities (and instead opens a gate to Hell), Lex and Superman try to break through Luthor’s defenses to help him. Kong Kenan describes this issue best when “oh forget it, just punch anything with more than one head!” If you don’t worry to much about the plot, then you’ll enjoy this sloberknocker of a Friendly comic. 7.5/10

Red Hood And The Outlaws #17 The Outlaws have been convinced to go on a mission with the Suicide Squad in a very cold location. Ultimately, this Friendly issue is a lot of fun, even if lacking a little in substance. 6.5/10

Supergirl #16 It looks like Supergirl’s reputation is in the tank, and while someone is trying to actively ruin her in the public eye, the DEO is trying to apprehend her for her perceived crimes. I think. The issue is borderline Friendly. 7/10

Titans #18 For whatever reason I’ve missed the last couple issues of this series, and honestly have very little idea what’s going on here. Thankfully, despite this being a climactic (and probably emotional issue if you’ve been reading the series a little) battle, it’s quite Friendly. 7.5/10

Wonder Woman #36 If you give the issue time, and soak in all the details, then you’ll find this Friendly without a recap. It is also, conveniently enough, one of the better issues in the series for a month or two. 7.25/10

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That’s a wrap for this week folks. I’ll see you next time!