Written by Geoff Johns
Art by (See Below)
- Chapter 1: Gary Frank; Ethan Van Sciver; Brad Anderson; & Jason Wright
- Chapter 2: Gary Frank & Brad Anderson
- Chapter 3: Ivan Reis; Joe Prado; & Hi-Fi
- Chapter 4: Phil Jimenez; Gary Frank; Matt Santorelli; Gabe Eltaeb; & Brad Anderson
- Epilogue: Gary Frank; Ivan Reis; Joe Prado; Brad Anderson; & Hi-Fi
Wraparound Cover Art by Gary Frank & Brad Anderson
SUMMARY:
Released for July 2016 by DC Comics, this 80-page one-shot heralded DC Comics’ exit strategy from its controversial New 52 era. Set after Justice League # 50 and the death of the New 52’s Superman (circa Superman # 52), a major thunderstorm descends on DC’s Earth.
Chapter 1 is entitled “Lost.” Initially heard as a mysterious voice, the original Wally West desperately seeks to escape the Speed Force by reaching out to Batman in the Batcave. Wally’s heroic past and his dire predicament are spelled out. Ten years of DC history have been ominously erased, as Wally (whom no one remembers) has been aged back to his look as Kid Flash.
Chapter 2 is “Legacy.” Wally’s next reach-out is the JSA’s elderly Johnny Thunder, who has long since lost his magical Thunderbolt. Held in police custody, a visitor from the Legion of Super-Heroes seeks Superman. College student Ryan Choi finds himself Professor Ray Palmer’s chosen rescuer to help him return from the micro-verse. Doctor Fate visits Ted Kord, who now advises Jaime Reyes’ Blue Beetle. Jessica Cruz’s Green Lantern and the new Aqualad are briefly seen. Pandora’s fate is revealed.
“Love” dominates Chapter 3. A new foe for Wonder Woman is revealed, as DC’s New 52 heroes mourn the loss of its Superman. Wally realizes the time shift’s discrepancies — i.e. why the current Green Arrow & Black Canary have only a faint inkling of their past history together. The pre-Flashpoint Superman discovers that his family’s secret presence on this Earth has been discovered. Aquaman seeks his destiny with Mera. Wally is devastated that his Speed Force tethering to a now far-younger Linda Park has been severed.
Chapter 4 is “Life.” On the verge of oblivion, a dissipating Wally’s last chance is his uncle, Barry Allen. In the Batcave, Batman finds shocking proof that the DC Universe is under surveillance by an unknown entity. The epilogue further hints towards the Doomsday Clock crossover saga with Watchmen that begins in late 2017.
Note: Though the image isn’t provided here, the variant cover artists are Ivan Reis; Joe Prado; & Alex Sinclair.
REVIEW:
DC Universe: Rebirth # 1 implies that DC Comics seeks to rebuild bridges with long-time fans that the New 52 era had gladly torched. Instead of prompting yet another convenient Crisis, Geoff Johns deserves credit for a more unpredictable approach. In that sense, this issue serves up a tantalizing multitude of teasers meant to start playing out in a blitz of new # 1 issues (an obligatory tactic in DC’s reboot playbook).
While this approach is obviously self-serving and less-than-apologetic, it’s at least an effective shift in the right direction. Specifically, Rebirth # 1 proves a ‘best of both worlds’ pre-Flashpoint/New 52 blueprint makes sense moving forward. Led by Gary Frank, the art squad’s top-caliber visuals deliver a most welcome gift to DC fans.
Even if the Rebirth concept wouldn’t accomplish all it sought to do, this one-shot should be deemed a must-have in any DC Comics collection.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Unsurprisingly, there are several full-page ads for the DC Universe: Rebirth saga. The back inside cover further lists upcoming premiere issues under DC’s Rebirth banner.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
