Phil Allen:
Rebirth is upon us! The long-awaited not-reboot is here, and last Saturday’s WonderCon announcements have everyone talking. Like the New 52 was for many, I’ll almost definitely buy more number 1s than I’ll end up getting on a regular basis, and I will be getting all the “Rebirth” one-shots, but here are a few of the new series I’m looking forward to.
- First up, The Bat-Family. Given that I’m a huge Batman fan since before I can even remember, it’s safe to say I’m all in, at least for now. A few of the creators have me nervous, like Tom King on Batman and Tim Seeley on Nightwing. I’m not a big fan of Grayson so putting its two writers on these books isn’t the selling point, but I’ll check them out for a while anyway. What I am really looking forward to is All-Star Batman from Scott Snyder and the slew of fantastic artists. I’m not sure if this picks up where Frank Miller’s ASB left off or if it’s completely new, but I’m stoked. I’m interested to see who Oracle might be in Batgirl and the Birds of Prey. Rafael Albuquerque’s Batgirl art has me sold already, as does Detective Comic’s idea of Batman and Batwoman leading a Bat-style bootcamp with Tim Drake, Cassandra Cain, Stephanie Brown and…Clayface? I’m glad to see Detective and Action Comics returning to their original numbering, so I’ll be in on that. Also, I wasn’t a big fan of the post-Convergence Batman Beyond series at first, but the second arc brought me around. Now, with Terry McGinnis returning (but to what capacity?) I’m even more excited than before!
- Trinity from Francis Manapul should be good, I’ve enjoyed his runs on The Flash and Detective Comics, and Matt Wagner’s Trinity has made me want more for years. I’ve been reading more Gene Luen Yang lately, especially his Superman run and the Avatar: The Last Airbender series, so New Super-Man looks pretty cool. On the regular Superman title, Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason look to continue their fan-favorite team-up since their end on Batman and Robin. It was a great series and the two obviously work well together. I’m excited to see Greg Rucka returning not only to DC but to Wonder Woman with Liam Sharp and Rucka’s Black Magick co-creator Nicola Scott alternating on art! Super Sons looks like a cool idea, and for some reason is making me nostalgic for Jeph Loeb’s run on Superman/Batman.
- I’m not the biggest fan of Benjamin Percy’s current run on Green Arrow (which he’ll be continuing during “Rebirth”) but the idea of Damian Wayne as a permanent member of the Teen Titans has me intrigued, which Percy is also writing. It’ll also be interesting to see Geoff Johns back on Green Lantern after only a couple years off. There are many other books I’m glad to see returning, some with new creative teams like Hellblazer and others that are still unknown like Gotham Academy: Next Semester.
- As for other June releases, it appears that a few series such as We Are Robin, Martian Manhunter, Starfire, and Omega Men are done, at least for now. I, for one, would love to see a few of these newer ones return. Despite its other shortcomings and quick cancellation, the DCYou launch did have a few good titles.
- Overall, I’m excited to see how Rebirth plays out, and glad to see DC doing something about such persistent fan feedback, both positive and negative. It appears Geoff Johns is leading this charge, and I couldn’t think of anyone better to do it. Making this a slow-rollout event while continuing other beloved series might turn out to be better than a whole line of new series in one month like the New 52 was. Only time and fans will tell, but I’m feeling pretty good about this.
James Fulton:
- I’m not going to fall for Rebirth, and have decided that I’m not going to commit to any series, or preorder anything, until DC can prove in the first few months that they are going to maintain their creative teams. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised, seeing the way his getting the book came together, to see Greg Rucka walk off Wonder Woman before the fifth issue, for example. I think that there is some real promise in here, but have lost trust in DC’s editorial practise to the point that I don’t think they’ll be able to pull it off.
- That said, I do think I’m going to be checking out the following books:
Batman – I’ve been really impressed with everything I’ve read by Tom King, but I really wish David Finch wasn’t attached to this comic. A title like this deserves a more interesting artist (I’m okay with Mikel Janin being the alternate artist, so long as they aren’t sharing individual issues).
Detective Comics – If this approach were being taken, yet the book was monthly, I’d be more likely to support it. Biweekly is too often for too many titles, so I’m only willing to give it a shot for books I feel are essential, or are doing something special with the format.
Flash – I feel the same way about this; I’d love to read Flash again, and if the focus is not just on Barry Allen, I might be able to handle this title, but not bi-weekly.
Wonder Woman – I’m down if it looks like Rucka is going to stay for a while. The approach, which makes this two monthly books, basically, works for me, as does Nikola Scott’s art (although I’d be much happier reading more Black Magick from her and Rucka than Wonder Woman).
- I like that DC’s not launching everything in the same month, so I will be definitely ordering the following:
New Suicide Squad #21 – Just like the way DC wrecked Ales Kot’s very good arc on this title, they are now cancelling this very good take on the team by Seeley and Ferreyra, to replace them with creators I don’t care for. Anyone who thinks Jim Lee is going to be doing more than a page or two in a bi-weekly book is nuts.
Sheriff of Babylon – I can’t say enough good things about this series.
- Getting back to Rebirth, the only title that has me excited is Deathstroke, because I’m very happy to see Christopher Priest making his return to comics. For the record, I don’t care at all about Slade Wilson.
John Babos:
Interesting offerings from DC in June 2016 with 23 books likely on tap for me.
- REBIRTH
Superman Rebirth #1, Superman #1, Action Comics #957 & #958 – I never expected to pick up any Superman titles again, but with the return of the married, with son, pre-Flashpoint Superman I am intrigued. The creative teams on both sets of ongoing series are amazing and worth the price of admission. I truly had hoped only to read the monthly Trinity series in Rebirth so I can get my fix of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman in one title, but the Rebirth changes to the Superman family has me intrigued and excited for these characters for the first time in several years, perhaps even decades.
Green Lanterns Rebirth #1 & Green Lanterns #1 – I’m really intrigued by Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz being the titular heroes here from a new writer to DC who, if I recall correctly, did grittier series for Marvel. This looks promising with a fresh perspective on the Green Lantern mythos by the two most different and diverse ring bearers since the 1970s.
Green Arrow Rebirth & Green Arrow #1 – I’m a long-time fan of Oliver Queen and to hear that this creative team is inspired by the socially relevant tales from the classic Denny O’Neill and Neal Adams’ Green Lantern / Green Arrow run and Mike Grell’s 1980’s run, I am hoping for super-heroics , but also social commentary relevant to today. I may not always agree with Ollie’s politics, but having a passionate streak in the character has been sorely needed for years.
Titans Rebirth #1 – Awesome creative team with the reintroduction of DC’s first teen hero team, now all grown up, in their own series to come. I’m also a long-time fan of these characters, and even the 1980’s New Teen Titans run, so am curious about the tone of the book. Certainly Titans Hunt, springing from Convergence, gives some clues.
- NEW 52 / DC YOU
Justice League #51 sees the end of Darkseid War, finally, and Justice League #52 is a prelude of Titans Rebirth #1 telling a tale set early in the New 52 future Dick Grayson as Robin, pre-Nightwing, alongside the Justice League. This series has been fun since issue #1.
Bloodlines #3 – Not sure what to make of this series, but if I like the debut issue I may be around for issue #3. If it’s like the original and is intended to create new viable characters, then I hope they succeed, and that the story is compelling.
Grayson Annual #3 – Green Lantern Simon Baz and Azrael guest star? Yes, please.
Green Lantern Corps: Edge of Oblivion #6 – This is the pre-Rebirth set-up for Green Lanterns and Hall Jordan & The Green Lantern Corps. This mini-series has been solid so far.
Earth 2: Society #13, Deathstroke #19, Deathstroke Annual #2, New Suicide Squad #21, Suicide Squad Most Wanted: Deadshot/Katana #1, Batman Beyond #13, Teen Titans #21 and Teen Titans Annual #2 – These titles include characters and super-team faves of mine from my younger days.
- HANNA-BARBERA
Future Quest #2 – If I enjoy issue #1, I’ll be here for issue #2. I like that this title incorporates several Hanna-Barbera action heroes and concepts. Looks promising.
- VERTIGO
Nothing yet, but it appears a Vertigo Rebirth is in the offing moving the imprint away from creator-owned works to repurposing classic DC properties like it did in the 1980’s. Doom Patrol is rumored as an early offering with no date yet if true.
Matt Graham:
- For Rebirth overall, Supergirl is one of my favourite DC characters and I’m glad she’s back with a title.
- I’m disappointed Marguerite Bennett was not the unveiled author for Wonder Woman, but Rucka never did wrong with the character and Nicola Scott doing the Year One portion seals it for me.
- Deathstroke by Christopher Priest is the most exciting and unexpected reveal for me.
- Rounding out my Day One buys are Tom King on Batman, Hope Larson and Rafael Albuquerque on Batgirl, Tony Daniel’s pencils on Justice League, Rob Williams and Philip Tan working the Suicide Squad, and Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti’s work with Harley Quinn. All talents I trust and enjoy, and most of DC’s Rebirth investment hinged on the creative teams over just following the characters. It’s gotten too risky to do otherwise the past few years.
- I am looking forward to Batgirl & the Birds of Prey and Teen Titans as well.
