Written by Francis Manapul
Art by Clay Mann; Seth Mann; Brad Anderson; & Steve Wands
Cover Art by David Mazzucchelli; Clay Mann; & Sonia Oback
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Better Together, Part Three: Nobody Dies Tonight,” DC Comics released this issue for January 2017. Mysteriously trapped together in a strange alternate reality, Superman & Wonder Woman help Batman cope with the haunting memories inflicted the night his parents were murdered.
Batman’s fragmented psyche is further conveyed by a young Bruce Wayne taking solace from both Alfred and psychiatrist Dr. Harleen Quinzel. The Trinity realizes that, whatever presence is holding them captive, is re-opening their deepest emotional wounds for some unknown purpose.
Meanwhile, at the Kent Family farm, in Hamilton County, Lois Lane desperately tries to reach her devastated young son, Jonathan, who has apparently locked himself in the barn. A worried Lois realizes something sinister is already brewing.
Note: Artist Steve Epting created this issue’s variant cover.
REVIEW:
Including the cover image, this issue’s art squad delivers top-caliber work. The flip side is a semi-disjointed plot where Batman’s tragic origin is exploited (for the umpteenth time) under a microscope, so to speak.
Writer Francis Manapul’s premise has potential intermingling with Clark & Diana’s own origins; however, the result is an enigmatic stream-of-thought plot reminiscent of Grant Morrison’s pre-Final Crisis run on Batman. Manapul’s brief Lois & Jonathan sub-plot holds up better, as sufficient clues justify the last page’s abrupt cliffhanger.
Overall, Trinity (DC Rebirth) # 3 isn’t a must-have, but DC fans should find the issue’s visuals appealing.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The “DC All Access” column hypes the Justice League vs. Suicide Squad crossover mini-series. There’s also a two-page Preacher spread in memory of series artist Steve Dillon.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
