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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Batman #40 The conclusion to a two part arc (ignore the “part four” on the cover- the first two parts have nothing to do with the second two other than they share a slight thematic similarity) that saw Batman and Wonder Woman fighting a horde of demons for 37 years in a place where time is frozen while the usual horde fighter, the Gentle Man, takes a rare break to see his wife. The first part wasn’t great, but the arc is redeemed with this issue. It’s sorta Friendly, but another win for Tom King. 8/10

Deathstroke #28 I’d give you a recap if I knew what the hell was going on anymore. This issue is a touch Unfriendly due to it’s reliance on previous events in the story, but  not bad over all. 6.5/10

Green Arrow #37 There’s a lot to get through here so that you get the basis of the story… but it can be narrowed down to this: Ollie Queen is on trial for murder, the victim is in shock from what actually happened to her (she was sold to people traffickers) so Ollie won’t make her stand as a witness. On top of that, his mother who is suddenly not dead, is i league with the people who framed him, the Ninth Circle, and is about to offer them a significant sum of money. Oh, and Malcolm Merlyn just shot Ollie’s sister with an arrow. This may not be too Friendly, but you can still read this comic and enjoy it. 8/10

Green Lanterns #40 A new story line dealing with the trafficking of superheroes starts here, and because it is the first part in the story, the comic is Friendly. 7.5/10

Justice League #38 I have no idea what’s happening here. Priest is a good writer, but he’s near unpenetrable if you miss a few issues in a row – but when you catch his entire run, then it’s well worth reading (in trade or in floppy as long as you get it all).

Nightwing #38 Nightwing is up against the Judge, a manipulative villain who can make people do almost anything in return for their deepest desires. A man with whom Dick Grayson has history, and feels responsible for every life on the Judge’s hands. The comic is kinda Friendly, and worth reading. 7/10

Superan #40 Another new and subsequently Friendly issue. 7.5/10

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