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.

Batman #36 Batman got engaged to Catwoman. That’s all you need to know about perhaps the best issue of this series in a LONG time. Needless to say, this Friendly issue is a must read for anybody who enjoys the relationship between Batman and Superman. 9.25/10

Cyborg #19 An interesting, and ultimately Friendly, story that has the cybernetic hero far out of his usual environment. Unfortunately it’s entirely forgettable after Batman #36. 6.75/10

Deathstroke #26 Deathstroke has been captured (four days ago) and his team of young heroes, Defiance, are unsure if his disappearance is another of his tests (as he is wont to do to assess their effectiveness) or if he’s genuinely in peril – though the young team aren’t overly sure how smart you’d have to be to kidnap Deathstroke. This series is best read in solid chunks (think trades), and picking up the series randomly tends to leave you hovering around the Friendly/Unfriendly line. Generally, the series has been at the very least worth reading. 7.25/10

Green Arrow #35 Ollie Queen has been accused of  a murder he didn’t commit (the supposed victim was kidnapped and held underground for sometime before being rescued in a catatonic state – and now Ollie doesn’t want to put her through more trauma so he’s facing trial for her murder… it’s a noble yet foolish gesture), and he’s also broke. In order to secure some evidence he needs, he needs to head underwater… the issue is relatively Friendly at this point. 7/10

Green Lanterns #36 This issue is actually pretty Friendly all by its lonesome, even if it is the second in a two part story. Not the best, honestly, but enjoyable nonetheless. 6.75/10

Justice League #34 Pretty sure this is a standalone story, and as such it is Friendly, but once again not the best representation of the characters with as we follow what is essentially a day-in-the-life tale. Not a bad story to pick up, and  nice breather after several long arcs. 6.75/10

Nightwing #34 I’ll be completely honest with you: aside from the very basics I don’t remember too much about this series. Thankfully, there’s a recap given through the narrative on the first page that will get you right up to speed. It’s a Friendly, and very enjoyable twenty odd pages, but it’s also the end of an arc. Whether you start here or next issue, that’s up to you. 7.5/10

Superman #36 Look, I won’t beat around the bush. This is an Unfriendly mess at the best of times, and a convoluted waste at others, so if you want to start on this series, wait for the next issue. You’ll thank me. 5/10

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