Just when I thought DC made their best decision ever by resetting their ongoing series after Flashpoint, they do something that probably isn’t the best thing in my opinion, but still a great twist to their whole universe by rebooting once again.
DC Rebirth seems to be something bigger and better than what The New 52 was, sort of like a mix of both worlds. I can’t say I’m completely happy with this move, maybe if they started something completely new I’d say something else, but I guess DC knows their public. Even five years out from The New 52 there are still people decrying the loss of the old universe.
All my friends know that I’m not a huge fan of Batman. Tim Burton is my favorite movie director ever and I’ve still never seen his take on the caped crusader. That being said, Batman Rebirth may change my opinion on the character. The story here is very dynamic, with the sort of fast pace I like a great deal. Scott Snyder and Tom King, the writers of this issue, did a great job combining drama, original story and developing the character’s psychology.
It surprised me when Batman said what was going on with the Robin-thing. That’s something I didn’t expect, and although I’m not sure if he has done it before (I don’t follow the series) it’s a great change in the main cannon everyone knows and is something different, fresh and very likable for both new and old readers. Maybe the Dark Knight will win more fans thanks to this after that movie thing that happened.
I must say the same about Maki Janin as an artist as I did with the writing. He has a combined style between simple and detailed with art that’s not so complicated while at the same time being something you can see has a lot of work put into it. The colors are bright, vivid and full of life. The first double page panel in this issue was a good choice to present for first time (in this new series) our main character. The traditional superhero entry breaking a glass of the ceiling is a cliche we all love and won’t get bored of.
The one thing that really made me love this issue was the villain; Calendar Man. This guy is one hell of a psycho, but not because he’s crazier than The Joker, instead because of his particular ability and the way it is presented to the public. It, and so many other art bits, added a cinematic sense to the whole issue. Everything just comes together really well.
The action in this particular issue was given to us in small doses, essentially drip feeding us the action. That being said it sets up something bigger and better for upcoming issues in that regard. One issue I have is that I thought the final scene of the book was somewhat hasty. Maybe one or two more pages would have given it a better effect. Sure, it was effective, but I just hope this doesn’t become a norm for the series.
Batman Rebirth is a fantastic start for a new series that brings some much needed life to a media battered Batman.
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