Primer on DC’s Rebirth Relaunch

It’s here, it’s finally here. DC Comics re-launch of their entire line, entitled Rebirth is finally hitting stands with issue number one on new comic book day May 25.

Jumping off from the New 52 Initiative earlier in the month, the DC Universe is reset in a post-Flashpoint like way. Many of the titles under the Rebirth line will come out twice a month and cost $2.99. The first rumblings of this comic event were made in January, where DC Comics co-publishers Jim Lee and Dan DiDio tweeted out an image with ‘Rebirth’ written on it.

The official DC Comics describes the line as:

It all begins here. Do not skip to the last page. Do not let a friend or message board ruin this comic for you. The future (and past) of the DC Universe starts here. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

THEY SAID IT: “Rebirth is about focusing in on the core of the character and their respective universe,” says writer and DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns. “It brings back what has been lost: the legacy of the characters, the love and the hope of the DCU!” 

In February, the idea behind it was fleshed out with the Rebirth Initiative. DC Rebirth #1 comes out as an 80-page one shot. It is written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Ivan Reis, Phil Jimenez, Ethan van Sciver and Gary Frank. Many of the ongoing titles will revert back to first issues as well as Detective Comics and Action Comics returning to #934 and #957 respectively. There are several one-shots leading the way, including Superman, Titans, Wonder Woman in June and Batgirl ad the Birds of Prey, Hal Jordan & The Green Lantern Corps, The Hellblazer, Justice League, Nightwing, and Red Hood and the Outlaws in July. Blue Beetle, Cyborg, Deathstroke, Suicide Squad, Supergirl, and Trinity following in August. The one-shots for Batman Beyond and Teen Titans is expected in stores in September.

There are plenty of new Batman and Batfamily books coming out through the summer. Batman, Detective Comics lead the way in June with Batgirl and Nightwing launching in July. All-Star Batman, Batgirl and the Birds of Prey round it out in August.

In the Superman family, Action Comics, Superman, and Wonder Woman come out in June with New Super-Man following up in July. Superwoman is the lone August title followed by Supergirl and Trinity in September.

In the Justice League line, Aquaman, The Flash and Green Lanterns start up in June. Hal Jordan & The Green Lantern Corps, Justice League and Titans follow in July, and Cyborg drops in August. Justice League of America commences in September and Teen Titans in October.

Other comics launching, not attached to those lines, are Green Arrow in Jue, Deathstroke in August, along with Harley Quinn, The Hellblazer, Red Hood and the Outlaws and Suicide Squad. Blue Beetle as well as Super Sons are expected in September with Batman Beyond in October.

You can check out what else is On the Rack to pick up at your comic book stores on May 25.