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 pick 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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Deathstroke Annual #1 Leaning heavily on the previous events in the series, this isn’t the easiest annual to just pick up and read, but it does give you a sense of where the series is at currently, so in that sense it’s almost Friendly. 6.7/10

Detective Comics Annual #1 The origin of Clayface (re)told! This issue is very Friendly for new readers, and is also perhaps the best comic DC have put out all week. Exploring the tragic fall of Basil Karlo as he transforms into the monster Clayface, Batman is seldom seen here, instead becoming a bogeyman in the dark as we watch a man turn into a monster. 8.7/10

The Flash Annual #1 Wally West (the red headed Wally) was lost in the timeline for the entirety of the New 52, and now he’s back – but the world doesn’t remember him. This annual focuses a little on the fallout of a previous story in The Flash, but there’s no recap needed as the relevant details are all included. The annual itself tends to center around Wally West’s journey and sets the character up for the next year or two (or more) with some cool Speed Force moments to quench your thirst for Flash action. Yes, this is Friendly, and it’s also worth checking out if you’re interested in the Scarlet Speedster. 8/10

Harley Quinn #36 It has been a long time since I read this series, so there’s no recap to be had, but once you figure out that Harley has somehow been infected by the Man-Bat serum, you’ll find this Friendly enough if you do want to read it. I was reminded of why I haven’t missed the series, however. 5/10

The Silencer #1 A new character from the events of Dark Nights Metal, and thus no recap necessary (I say that because I have no idea where the original appearance for the character is – it could well be this issue for all I know). The comic’s Friendly, though with little obvious to tie in with Dark Nights Metal. Worth a read if you enjoy John Romita Jr’s art. 7/10

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