DC Universe: Rebirth #1 Review

DC Universe: Rebirth #1 is here and it has lived up to the promise of being a great issue that sets the stage for the return of a more familiar DC—one that embraces hope and optimism. However, one question still remains: will DC successfully execute on their promise?

DC Universe: Rebirth #1

Writer: Geoff Johns

Chapter 1—Artists: Gary Frank and Ethan Van Sciver / Colorists: Brad Anderson and Jason Wright

Chapter 2—Artist: Gary Frank / Colorist: Brad Anderson

Chapter 3—Penciler: Ivan Reis / Inkers: Joe Prado and Reis / Colorist: Hi-Fi

Chapter 4—Pencilers: Phil Jimenez and Gary Frank / Inkers: Matt Santorelli and Frank / Colorists: Gabe Eltaeb and Brad Anderson

Epilogue—Pencilers: Gary Frank and Ivan Reis / Inkers: Frank and Joe Prado / Colorists: Brad Anderson and Hi-Fi

Letterer: Nick J. Napolitano

Cover: Frank and Anderson / Variant Cover: Reis, Prado, and Alex Sinclair

In DC Universe: Rebirth #1, Geoff Johns speaks to the fans through Wally West. As the speedster—trapped in the Speed Force—visits his colleagues, he makes a heartfelt attempt to make them remember. Exploring the mystery of what has happened since Flashpoint, Johns’s top-notch writing skills engross the reader in an adventure that seeks to answer questions as well as pose new ones.

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When I originally heard of the concept of DC Universe: Rebirth #1, I thought that it would be a story that lightly implied a sort of acknowledgement that the characters were getting too ridiculously dark, and that the stories weren’t working too well. I had no idea that Johns was going to be so direct.

That head-on, no holds barred attitude is cleverly planted from the start of the issue. Readers may feel a sort of familiarity with the first couple of pages. The paneling and layout is identical to the uniform nine-panel grid style used in Watchmen. Because of that story’s popularity, DC started to emulate the darkness seen in Watchmen‘s characters and plot. With that, Johns is now telling us about “something” in DC’s history that made it go off course.

Speaking through Wally West with poignant monologues, Johns reminds readers about the relationships that have been forgotten and the hope that has been lost. What’s great about Johns’s writing is that this reminiscing never seems to feel like we’re being hit over the head with a giant DC mallet. Yes, he speaks to you as a reader and as a fan, but he’s also asking himself these questions … acknowledging them.

Johns could’ve introduced another character—a being—to convey these thoughts. However, he chose to do this through a familiar character who was lost after the events of Flashpoint. And this was the right way of doing it. Why? This is where the “meta” aspects of this issue really kick into high gear. Rebirth is about connecting back to classic themes—themes that were once the hallmark of DC. What better way to convey this than a character who has been forgotten.

Above all, Wally West is also one of the most optimistic of the DC characters. The one who always held his head up high, and was a fan of the heroes—just like us in the real world. So it was only logical to have Johns convey his thoughts though him—a fanboy. Couple these two concepts and you basically have the message of “forgotten hope.”

With a regretful tone, DC Universe: Rebirth #1 as an open letter of apology. It’s humble, yet great at the same time. With bright colors and a story that has peril—but never despair—Johns engrossing story actually ends a bit too soon. At eighty pages, this issue could’ve used eighty more. And that’s probably the master plan for DC. It has shown us a sample of things to come—things that have successfully whet our appetites.

Since we’re on the subject of page count, the amount of artists on this large tome is equally daunting. However, the pencils, inks, and colors have an amazing consistency across chapters. Yes, DC planned this issue well which shows that it’s serious about this “not-a-reboot.” Once of the best pieces of art to come out of this one-shot is the “The Greatest Heroes … Their Greatest Threats …” splash page found at the end. It’s been a long time since I saw Superman and Batman smiling (okay, maybe a little, but I’ll take it). Let’s hope that this will be a consistent thing going forward.

More superheroes and comics: Prepare For Rebirth With A Review Of Justice League #50

DC Universe: Rebirth #1 is a great start, and it basically creates a checklist of priority items that need to be fixed. Now that the fans have this master plan, it’ll be up to DC to execute on it. Johns has taken us on a quick journey of what was wrong with the universe, it’s now time for DC to gather up its bruised self and become the storyteller it once was.

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