REVIEW: DC Universe Rebirth #1

Publisher: DC
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Gary Frank, Ethan Van Sciver, Ivan Reis, Phil Jimenez, Joe Prado, Matt Santorelli
Colourists: Brand Anderson, Jason Wright, HI-FI, Gabe Eltaeb
Editor: Andrew Marino
Release Date: OUT NOW!

Price: $2.99

DC Universe Rebirth #1 DC
DC Universe Rebirth #1
DC

You can tell there’s a problem with DC Universe Reboot, um, Rebirth #1 right from the cover. It features DC’s mightiest heroes: Superman, Superboy, Supergirl, Batman, Robin, Batgirl, Shazam, Flash, Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern Corps and…Harley Quinn? Let the pandering begin!

Flashpoint was a good seller, right? And Watchmen? So here’s more of that. DC Universe Rebirth #1 centres around Wally West/Kid Flash stuck in the Time Force and reaching out to his former friends for escape. The problem is that nobody remembers him, not even his old girlfriend Linda.

Along the way in DC Universe Rebirth #1, Wally appears to everyone so the reader can catch up on the doings of Batman, the Atom, Johnny Thunder, Blue Beetle, Wonder Woman, Superman, Aquaman and the Flash. Wally’s final escape comes thanks to a variation of “true love’s kiss” and the emotional interaction between Wally and Flash is the best part of DC Universe Rebirth #1.

A squad of artists and colorists have produced beautiful work on DC Universe Rebirth #1, better than the writing, especially Ivan Reis.

DC Universe Rebirth #1 is a rehash of previous stories and ideas, and even the great art can’t save it. DC feels like it’s playing it safe; welcome to the Burbank, Calif., version of DC. But in order for the comic event to have any impact the publisher needs to take a few risks and be original. The good news is that is still an option.

Are you listening DC?

 

Reviewer: Joe Lovece
Reviews Editor: Steve Hooker