Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Gary Frank; Ethan Van Sciver; Brad Anderson; Jason Wright; Ivan Reis; Joe Prado; Hi-Fi; Phil Jimenez; Matt Santorelli; Gabe Eltaeb; & Nick J. Napolitano
Cover by Gary Frank & Brad Anderson
SUMMARY:
Released by DC Comics, this 2016 hardcover reprints the one-shot Rebirth opener from the same year. In the wake of the New 52 Superman’s death, the original Wally West desperately tries escaping captivity within the Speed Force. He knows that the DC Universe has been mysteriously de-aged ten years by some unknown cosmic threat. His efforts to reach Batman; an elderly Johnny Thunder; and a far younger Linda Park sadly fail, as Wally’s heroic past is revisited.
Knowing his time is finally up, Wally reaches out to his last hope. The unknown force ‘attacking’ the DC Universe is implied, as a crossover with Watchmen becomes ominously apparent.
Among other developments teased: a jailed Saturn Girl’s insistence to speak with Superman; two unknown heroes who may answer Gotham City’s Bat-signal; the existence of Wonder Woman’s brother; the fate of Pandora; Aquaman & Mera’s reunion; Ray Palmer needing his student protégé Ryan Choi’s help; Doctor Fate confronting Ted Kord; and ‘Mr. Oz’ contacting the real Superman. The one-shot story concludes with a Watchmen-style “The Clock is Ticking Across the DC Universe” two-page spread.
REVIEW:
Considering its all-star arsenal of artists, this book’s glossy visuals deliver an obligatory knock-out. Few times in recent years has DC Comics angled this kind of effort reaching out to traditional fans. Credit must go to writer Geoff Johns for cleverly initiating a number of storylines still to come (even without any explanation). Best of all, Johns satisfactorily re-assimilates the original Wally West into DC continuity, which is really the book’s most vital element. Seeing Wally back-dated to an age where he is Kid Flash again is intriguing. Though Johns doesn’t yet address the erasing of Wally & Linda’s two children, the poignancy between Wally and a Linda who doesn’t remember him is still well-played.
As for the book’s best sequence, it’s most likely Wally’s reunion with Barry Allen for the first time since pre-Flashpoint. Remembering Johns’ expertise re: these two characters, he ensures that a five-year wait is worth it. As a hint of redemption, Johns handles this Rebirth opener far, far classier than his ludicrous Infinite Crisis mini-series in 2005-2006.
However, Johns doesn’t alleviate New 52’s logistical gaffes: i.e. how can Batman still have a 13-year old son, if he is supposedly ten years younger? Why does Kate Kane’s Batwoman exist in this reality, if she wasn’t even active a decade before? Why are there now two Wally Wests/Kid Flashes? Johns indicates that the New 52 Wally is conveniently the original Wally’s cousin (with the same name and powers). It’s wholly implausible, but for now it’s an answer. In fairness, Johns didn’t generate every tone-deaf mistake re: the New 52 Universe, so it makes sense that other writers will contribute further remedies. Good luck to them trying to resolve these weird inconsistencies elsewhere.
Re: this book’s ‘deluxe’ features, the final page count is still a skimpy 96 pages. Keep that number in mind, as DC Comics could have easily padded this book with some insightful or at least nostalgic pre-New 52 reprints. Instead, fans are imparted only with some pretty (thin) wrapping. While a ‘deluxe’ special edition should offer more, DC Universe Rebirth: The Deluxe Edition, in little time, still accomplishes its primary goal. It’s a great ‘stay tuned’ read that justifies optimism to patient fans that welcome changes lie ahead.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
DC Entertainment President Diane Nelson pens a two-page introduction, which swerves between hype and unabashed gushing re: Johns. There’s a two-page spread each for the near-identical first printing and second printing covers by Gary Frank & Brad Anderson. Also included is a two-page spread for the variant cover by Ivan Reis; Joe Prado; and Alex Sinclair. Single-page covers depict the third printing (by Gary Frank & Alex Sinclair); the fourth (by Ethan Van Sciver & Gregory Wright), and a fifth (by Phil Jimenez & Alex Sinclair). A two-page spread celebrates DC Universe: Rebirth’s heroes (many with revised costumes).
Three pages are dedicated to the story’s artistic nods to Watchmen. Rebirth portraits of various characters (and reminders of their New 52 looks) are the remaining nine pages:
- Batman (by Greg Capullo); Superman (by Patrick Gleason); Wonder Woman (by Tony S. Daniel);
- Nightwing (by Javier Fernandez); Superboy / Jon Kent (by Jorge Jimenez); Donna Troy (by Brett Booth);
- Wally West’s Flash (by Brett Booth), though this new costume isn’t actually revealed in the story;
- Aquaman (by Brad Walker); and Green Arrow (by Otto Schmidt).
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
