Ask any avid comic book reader - not a fan of comic book TV or movies - and they'll tell you that there really is no other medium like comic books. While TV shows or films can build up to 'events,' cliffhangers, or stunning plot twists, such bold moves usually come with some time off to plan the follow-up. But in comics, the writers, artists, and publishers usually have a matter of weeks. And as Fox, Marvel Studios and DC Entertainment have started pulling the spotlight from the comics themselves with their shared movie universes, DC Comics is looking to remind fans of where these characters were born to begin with; and it's coming in the form of the DC Comics "Rebirth".
Readers and fans are no stranger to 'reboot fatigue,' since both Marvel and DC have turned the success of crossover event series and company-wide reboots into, arguably, a gimmick; when writers boldly start at Issue #0 every few years, investment and excitement can only dwindle. But with DC Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns standing as the spokesperson for the new initiative, he's promising some BIG changes. Changes that may make this initiative the one for lapsed fans - or those looking to get into comics to begin with - their best chance.
No company-wide event or initiative is a simple one, though. So to make sure fans or newcomers can make sense of the issue numbering, rollout schedules, and new creative teams, we're breaking down all the details in The DC Comics "Rebirth": A Complete Guide For New Readers.
First Things First: It's Not a Reboot
As much as the title (and aforementioned reboot craze) might imply that the stories of DC's "New 52" relaunch or the recent "Convergence" will be thrown out completely to start from scratch, "Rebirth" is actually meant to communicate the same structure as "The Flash: Rebirth" and "Green Lantern: Rebirth" before it. It was the latter which propelled Geoff Johns to the forefront of the DC Comics conversation, and aided in his meteoric rise to the top of DC's leadership - and for good reason.
In an industry built on pursuing modern tastes and sensibilities, "Green Lantern: Rebirth" didn't restart anything, just returned Hal Jordan, the beloved hero of DC's Silver Age, to the existing continuity with all the emotional turmoil and baggage it required. A top-tier hero, writing, and art team reminded fans why they loved Hal "Hi-Ball" Jordan in the first place, and used his return to enrich the title and brand across the company. That is what "Rebirth" means in DC , and that is what the DC Comics "Rebirth" will (hopefully) seek to create on a company-wide level.
It would be foolish to think that EVERY comic book series will achieve, or even attempt a similar change in the status quo, but the company has assembled arguably more veteran, acclaimed and fan-favorite creators to tackle than ever before, each tasked with drawing on the "legacy" of the characters and DC Universe as a whole to not just reminisce, but break new ground.
Johns explains in an interview with CBR:
"If you look at the new Star Wars [The Force Awakens] -- it's kind of a rebirth, right? It goes back to the classic tropes of Star Wars, but it introduces new characters. New threats. It has the spirit of Star Wars, it feels like a Star Wars movie. Probably the first Star Wars movie that's felt like a Star Wars movie in a long, long time. That's a perfect example of what I think "Rebirth" is -- a celebration, but it doesn't mean we're just going backwards. It's an echo of the past, but looking to the future. That's what I want to do with this."
Considering his shift to leading the DC Films division of Warner Bros. after a recent restructuring, Johns' work in "Rebirth" may be some of his last for some time. And knowing this is his mission, and the talent being called on to - if all goes according to plan - bring the biggest rise in overall quality to the DC library in years, now is the time for lapsed or new fans to start making trips to their local comic shop. Especially thanks to these new changes:
- Major DC titles will now be releasing TWO issues per month, instead of one
- Major Titles will be releasing a special "Rebirth" issue before their own #1's
- All comics are now priced $2.99 USD, across the board
So, without further ado - and without SPOILING any of the major plot points - let's get started: what's coming, when it's releasing, and what each new series has in store...
DC Universe: Rebirth #1
Release Date: May 25th, 2016
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Ethan Van Sciver, Ivan Reis, Gary Frank and Phil Jimenez
Cover By: Gary Frank
Issues Per Month: One-Shot
The entire "Rebirth" starts here. This 80-page issue is essential reading before the other "Rebirth" issues releasing in June, containing a character's death, returning faces that haven't been seen for some time, and the first big chapter in the forces at work in the DC Universe mythology. Considering the amount of changes that have come to the DCU under Geoff Johns' watch - the Rebirths, Trinity/Darkseid War, Flashpoint, New 52, etc. - this is the issue which will set the bar for the event, and - for those who have yet to read it (get our full breakdown here) - reveal the mystery that will likely become the biggest in years.
Aside from Johns' writing, the artists bringing the story to life are some of DC's most accomplished and acclaimed in the modern age. Ivan Reis has been a regular go-to for Johns' event series, from "Blackest Night" to "Brightest Day", Johns' New 52 run on "Aquaman"; he even took over duties from Jim Lee in "Justice League". If you read comics, you've likely also seen Phil Jimenez's work in titles ranging from "Wonder Woman" to "Astonishing X-Men" and "Fables". Gary Frank's nostalgic take on "Superman" in Christopher Reeve's image has been dubbed by Johns as the "best of his generation," and at this point, Ethan Van Sciver's presence in a major DC event goes without saying.
Note: "Rebirth" should be fine to jump in on for those with casual knowledge of the heroes - and aware that they may need to fill in some of the holes as they go - but for some extra homework, picking up "Justice League" #41-50 and "Superman" #52 should help set the stage, as well.
Batman: Rebirth #1
Release Date: June 1st, 2016
Writer: Scott Snyder & Tom King
Artist: Mikel Janin
Cover By: Mikel Janin
Issues Per Month: One-Shot
The comic world got one of its most promising shots in the arm when Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo took over the core "Batman" series, with an introduction of the "Court of Owls" that spawned a renaissance for the Dark Knight in "Batman: Zero Year", "Death of The Family" and more. And with "Rebirth" #1 - spinning out of the events of Johns' issue - Snyder and new caretaker Tom King collaborated to begin a story that's more than a little 'meta,' featuring the Dark Knight "trying something new."
The villain of the issue is a new, darkly supernatural Calendar Man, but the issue is a launching pad, as much as anything else. Snyder has collaborated with King on other Bat-Family titles, in preparation for the handing-off (before the "Rebirth" issue was even planned). King has cut his teeth on plenty of titles already, including "Grayson" with artist Mikel Janin, but coming off of a memorable run on "Justice League Dark" Janin is more than capable of delivering some stunning scenes.
Need one last reason to get excited for this hand-off? According to Snyder, King is not only a close friend and mentor (a claim they both make), but sees him as one of the most accomplished, bravest writers working today. In other words: if you missed out on a front row seat to Scott Snyder's ascent into "Batman" history - don't make the same mistake twice, when King takes over just two weeks later...
Batman #1
Release Date: June 15th, 2016
Writer: Tom King
Artist: Matt Banning, David Finch
Cover By: Matt Banning, David Finch
Issues Per Month: Two
Just two weeks after Snyder and King deliver their hand-off, the latter takes the reins in, once again, challenging the status quo for the Dark Knight. Where Snyder's Batman saw Bruce Wayne "out of sorts" for a number of reasons - realizing Gotham City holds secrets even from him - King's run, beginning with the story "I Am Gotham" will meet Bruce as most fans know him. King has claimed that he has the first year of the comic mapped out in his head, divided into three chapters, all telling one story when it's said and done. And yes, he will definitely be calling on the real experience and emotions gained from serving as a very real CIA agent in the 2000s.
Pencils and Inking duo David Finch and Matt Banning will be bringing their award-winning skills to the introduction of a brand new vigilante: Gotham, a young, bright-eyed do-gooder who believes that a positive outlook and give-em-hell attitude will help fight back the city's darkness. Obviously, things don't go so smoothly. DC is never cavalier with who they entrust their caped crusader to, so for fans of the Bat, mark your calendars for every other Wednesday.
Superman: Rebirth #1
Release Date: June 1st, 2016
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Artist: Doug Mahnke, Jaime Mendoza
Cover By: Doug Mahnke
Issues Per Month: One-Shot
Here's where things get a little bit tricky with the whole New 52/Convergence/Rebirth dynamic. Casual comic fans will recall the New 52 version of Superman - either in blue jeans and an 'S'-emblazoned t-shirt, or a collared suit of Kryptonian armor - pushing the older, classic version of the hero (married to Lois Lane) out of continuity. Recently, it was actually revealed that the older, bearded Superman was alive and well in the New 52 universe. How? Again, the comic helps answer that question - because it's the classic version of Clark Kent who will be re-taking the spotlight in all "Superman" series - along with his wife, Lois, and their son, Jonathan.
The fact is, there's no way to talk about the current state of Superman in simple : as complex or convoluted as the DCU gets as a whole, Supes tends to embody it. We'll just say this: Peter Tomasi is as reliable a DC creator as you'll find, so seeing him entrusted with the DC mascot going forward is no shock (and the quality of Mahnke's artwork usually scales with the spectacle and narrative punch). This issue confirms that the mantle has been ed (back) to the new Man of Steel for good... even though he'll have some help (we'll get to that later).
Superman #1
Release Date: June 15th, 2016
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Artist: Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray
Cover By: Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray
Issues Per Month: Two
The safest introduction to the new "Superman" will probably be found in his titular title, even if Superman cast as the father of a ten-year-old son may be a bit of an unexpected characterization for some. Having spent a good amount of time below the radar (as mentioned above), it won't just be supervillains that Superman leaps back up to fight. When Jonathan starts to show the superpowers one would expect from the Last Son of Krypton's... son, Clark and Lois have to decide: how do they teach him to control those gifts - and whether he should actually use them, or conceal his powers from the entire world?
It's a theme that has potential to play on the themes highlighted by Zack Snyder's Man of Steel, even if the forces pressing the issue look to be a bit more cosmic in nature (judging by the cover art). Whatever the case, Tomasi, Gleason and Gray have hit their stride together on the previous "Batman and Robin" series, meaning the twice-monthly schedule shouldn't bog them down, and will hopefully put their experience on a father/son-esque act to good use.
Green Lanterns: Rebirth #1
Release Date: June 1st, 2016
Writer: Geoff Johns & Sam Humphries
Artist: Ethan Van Sciver, Ed Benes
Cover By: Ethan Van Sciver
Issues Per Month: One-Shot
It just wouldn't be a "Rebirth" without Geoff Johns returning to Green Lantern. But this time around, it's part of a larger collaboration between Johns, Van Sciver (two names synonymous with the best of GL), Benes (yet another top-tier DC artist) and Sam Humphries, set to take over the "Green Lanterns" series proper. And the main goal of "Green Lanterns: Rebirth" #1? To establish (or for newcomers, introduce) the characters of Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz - Earth's two new Lanterns.
Jessica Cruz, to the unfamiliar, entered DC continuity during Geoff Johns' "Forever Evil", when the famous weapon of Power Ring - the 'anti-Green Lantern' of an alternate world in which the Justice League heroes are evil - forced itself upon her. Having previously seen her friends killed for witnessing a crime in progress, and spent four years without leaving her apartment as a result, this was only the latest trauma. For Simon Baz, a Lebanese-American from Michigan (like Johns himself), his selection as a suitable Lantern recruit came in the midst of a mix-up with the Federal government, due to his Muslim heritage.
Both will be appearing in DC's new "Justice League", but this issue sees them thrust together by Hal Jordan himself - possible even fusing their Lanterns into a single power source (but you didn't hear it from us).
Green Lanterns #1
Release Date: June 15th, 2016
Writer: Sam Humphries
Artist: Robson Rocha
Cover By: Robson Rocha, Joe Prado
Issues Per Month: Two
In the duo's first solo title, expect the 'team-up' vibe to take full effect. Referring to the dynamic as "Lethal Weapon with alien technology," Sam Humphries has been given serious freedom with Simon and Jessica - two heroes who are canon heroes, but without much backstory defining them as characters. And with the two of them coming from completely different walks of life, and suffering some serious emotional scars, it's no surprise that tension and friction between the two is promised almost immediately.
Being left to patrol Earth as the planet's two new Lanterns - let's make that clear: these are the Lanterns of space Sector 2814 - the first story arc, titled "Red Planet" sees the duo forced to defend the planet from what remains of the Red Lanterns. The rage-fueled ringbearers should pose a serious challenge, but judging by the issue's cover art, Robson Rocha's knack for gruesome/gnarly detail will make it as entertaining as possible. For those looking to see some new blood injected into the world Geoff Johns helped create, then "Green Lanterns" could be just what's needed.
Green Arrow: Rebirth #1
Release Date: June 1st, 2016
Writer: Benjamin Percy
Artist: Otto Schmidt
Cover By: Juan Ferreyra
Issues Per Month: One-Shot
The CW's Arrow series may have found success by (and more recently, taken criticism for) essentially dressing Batman in a green hood, but while the two heroes are similar, Oliver Queen began as a political opposite to the Dark Knight. Where Batman searched for the criminals of Gotham, the Green Arrow searched for those responsible for the poverty which bred Star City's crime to begin with. And under writer Benjamin Percy, that's the version of Oliver that has re-taken the spotlight.
Since taking over the "Green Arrow" series in 2015, Percy has focused mainly on Oliver out of the hood, struggling with his finances, romance, and what it means to be a hero. In "Rebirth", Percy has teased, Oliver will step into the identity of Green Arrow, and all it will come to mean. Since Percy will be remaining onboard as the writer of the series, he's described the "Rebirth" issue as a "prelude" to his next story, including the introduction of - finally - Black Canary. And trust us: Otto Schmidt's one-of-a-kind artwork, often resembling something closer to still animation than traditional comic art, will be worth checking out alone.
Green Arrow #1
Release Date: June 15th, 2016
Writer: Benjamin Percy
Artist: Otto Schmidt
Cover By: Juan Ferreyra
Issues Per Month: Two
Once Percy and Schmidt get back into their regular swing of things, "Green Arrow" will be going headlong into the social issues that defined Oliver Queen to begin with. Percy has proudly stated that Oliver Queen is a "social justice warrior" in the truest sense of the word, making it his mission to bring justice to every person under his watch. We wouldn't expect the storylines to get overtly political (at least not at expense of the characters), but for plenty of readers, it will be the arrival of Black Canary that's the real reason to pick up an issue.
Percy has said that it would actually be accurate to title the series "Green Arrow & Black Canary" for this next arc, so fans of Dinah Lance have even more reason to check out the "Rebirth" issue, at the very least. Although Percy's writing will be less of a shake-up than on other titles, his claim that working with Geoff Johns on the "Rebirth" initiative centered on "how to tell the best Green Arrow story ever" is hard to ignore. Especially since he's also teased that this run will show Oliver accepting the true philosophy of Robin Hood, possibly giving up his entire fortune willingly...
