Born Again: DC’s Summer Event ‘Rebirth’ to Steady Their Creative Path

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Early Saturday morning, DC Comics engaged a packed hall at Wondercon to reveal their latest event (not a reboot, but a refinement!) that’ll re-energize the fanbase by making their core characters more accessible, exciting to read and affordable (all titles will be $2.99). The brainchild of DC Comics Co-Publisher Dan DiDio and Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns, Rebirth provides a “new chapter” in the progression of the vibrant DC universe and will hopefully set the direction of the company and its titles for years to come.

Beginning May 25, DC will release a one-shot Rebirth Special written by Johns – as well as preludes for every title that is restarting at issue one. Johns also hinted Rebirth would set into motion the return of a number of characters, a significant death and the unveiling of “the biggest secret of the DC Universe ever.”

Gentleman, you had my curiosity… but now you have my attention.

The first slate of books discussed at the event were all about the Bat family. A litany of changes are coming – if anything, the talent all appear very inspired and will definitely shake up the status quo in their books.

Batman – Writer: Tom King | Artists: David Finch & Mikel Janin | Release: June 15
The twice-monthly series now helmed by fan favorite Tom King will focus on Batman’s dedication to fighting crime and the all too real possibility of losing himself in the pursuit of rogues. King’s intent is to use his personal history as a CIA counterterrorism analyst to heighten the complexities of being a champion of Gotham and the unseen costs of defending the city.

Detective Comics – Writer: James Tynion IV | Artist: Eddy Barrows & Alvaro Martinez | Release: June 8

Beginning with #934, Detective will become a team book that features Batman, Batwoman, Tim Drake (in his original duds), Spoiler, Cassandra Cain …and Clayface? Intriguing!

Batgirl – Writer: Hope Larson | Artist: Rafael Albuquerque | Release: July 13

In Larson’s first jaunt writing superheroes, she intends to “level up” Batgirl with additional training by taking her out of Burnside and going on adventures through Asia.

Nightwing – Writer: Tim Seeley | Artists: Javi Fernandez & Marcus To | Release: July 27

Dick Grayson is back in his old black-and-blues and will once again be under the wing of another mentor, a new character that goes by the name Raptor. The first arc – titled “Better than Batman” – will introduce this mysterious figure.

All-Star Batman – Writer: Scott Snyder | Artists: John Romita Jr, Jock, Sean Murphy & Tula Lotay | Release: August

The monthly will not be a continuation of Jim Lee and Frank Miller’s controversial take on the Dark Knight and Boy Wonder, but an in-continuity anthology of sorts featuring villains like Catwoman, Mr. Freeze and Two-Face. The first arc will focus on the latter, charging Batman to protect Dent from assassins as they traverse the country. Yep. They’re going on a road trip.

Batgirl and the Birds of Prey – Writers: Julie Benson & Shawna Benson | Artists: Claire Roe | Release: August 24

The writers of CW’s The 100 are reuniting Huntress, Black Canary and Batgirl for a monthly series to investigate the activities of a person claiming to be Oracle. But first the trio of ladies have to figure out how to get along.

UP UP AND AWAY

Next up, DC announced the titles of your favorite Kryptonian (plus his newly extended family) and the Amazonian demi-goddess. The most significant and surprising changes of the morning were featured among the Super-books, though little details were divulged about the connection between series.

Action Comics – Writer: Dan Jurgens | Artists: Patrick Zircher, Tyler Kirkham & Stephen Segovia | Release: June 8

Probably the most radical shift in the Super books, Action Comics will be twice monthly beginning with #957 and take place in the pre-new 52/Flashpoint universe. Taking off from Jurgens’ previous work in Lois and Clark, Lex Luthor has established himself as The Super-Man of Metropolis and that’s when things get wacky. The first arc – “Path of Doom” will feature Doomsday (kind of) and a new guy named… Clark Kent?

Superman – Writers: Peter J. Tomasi & Pat Gleason | Artists: Doug Mahnke & Pat Gleason | Release: June 15

Not much was disclosed about this series (also twice monthly) however from the look of the cover, there will be a ridiculous amount of danger looming over the horizon for Lois and Jon.

New Superman – Writer: Gene Luen Yang | Artist: Viktor Bodganovich | Release: July 13

Formerly titled The Super-Man, this book centers on a Chinese teen who acquires the powers of Superman, but they come at a serious cost. In spite of this, he tries his best to become a hero like Kal while managing a normal life.

Superwoman – Writer: Phil Jimenez | Artists: Phil Jimenez & Emmanuela Lupacchino | Release: August 10

DC was mum about this new series featuring another brand new character. Surely more will be announced in the coming months.

Supergirl – Writer: Steve Orlando | Artists: Brian Ching | Release: September 7

Writer Steve Orlando intends to spin tales for Kara in a “classic Superman tone” but will emphasize her place in the mythos as a relative outsider. Her lead antagonist – Cyborg Superman – offers her the chance to return to Krypton. By the way, he’s also her father Zor-El. Talk about awkward.

Wonder Woman – Writer: Greg Rucka | Artists: Liam Sharp & Nicola Scott | Release: June 22

Greg Rucka returns to infuse new life in an amazing character by fashioning dual arcs: Liam Sharp will pencil the modern adventures of Diana Prince, while Nicola Scott will be featured in the “Year One” arc.

Trinity – Writer: Francis Manapul | Artists: Francis Manapul & Clay Mann | Release: September 21

Yet another DC book that remains close to their chest, the only info revealed was the talent involved. It’s easy to presume a number of rogues will fly through its pages, given the impressive gallery of villains Kal, Bruce and Diana have made over the decades.

JUSTICE FOR ALL

Justice League – Writer: Bryan Hitch | Artists: Tony Daniel & Fernando Pasarin | Release: July 20

The new roster of the League will feature Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Flash Cyborg and Green Lanterns Jessica Cruz and Simon Baz. Naturally, the team must contend with a potential calamity of global proportions.

Flash – Writer: Josh Williamson | Artists: Carmine DiGiandomenico & Neil Googe | Release: June 22

A “Speed Force storm” washes over Central City, imbuing dozens of people with its powers. Barry does his best to find every new speedster but some slip through the cracks. One of which becomes a formidable villain that goes by the moniker Godspeed. Ego much?

Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps – Writer: Rob Venditti | Artists: Ethan Van Sciver & Rafa Sandoval | Release: July 27

Focused more on protecting the entire universe (Sector 2814 has enough heroes) the Corps has to deal with the persistent malice that is Sinestro. It’s especially more difficult now that he’s in command of Warworld.

Green Lanterns – Writer: Sam Humphries | Artists: Robson Rocha & Ardian Syaf | Release: June 15

The new series lead by Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz will kick off with “Red Dawn” as the emerald defenders face off against Atrocitus and his Red Lanterns.

Cyborg – Writer: John Semper | Artists: Will Conrad & Paul Pelletier | Release: August 17

Screenwriter/producer John Semper aims to focus on Cyborg’s increasing concerns about losing his humanity.

Aquaman – Writer: Dan Abnett | Artists: Brad Walker, Jesus Merino & Phil Briones | Release: June 22

Touted as “the most popular unpopular character” in all of DC, the through line in Abnett’s new series will have Arthur attempt to make Atlantis a greater part of the world. Unfortunately for the King, he’ll receive violent resistance from all sides.

Titans – Writer: Dan Abnett | Artist: Brett Booth | Release: July 27

The team is comprised of Nightwing, Aqualad, Donna Troy, Arsenal and a currently unrecognizable heroine. It was strongly implied that this book has a direct connection to the Rebirth Special.

After all these amazing reveals, the most unanticipated tease of all was declared by artist Jason Fabok. This great secret will finally be exposed in Justice League #50. So what is it? The true identity of the Joker! During last year’s Darkseid War, Batman asked the Moebius Chair the real name of the enduring, seemingly unkillable psychopath but it never answered… or did it.

THE DARKER SIDE OF STORYTELLING

Harley Quinn – Writers: Jimmy Palmiotti & Amanda Conner | Artists: Chad Hardin & John Timms | Release: August 3

Every book is being adjusted in some form or fashion except Harley Quinn. Why mess with perfection? Writer Amanda Conner did promise more Poison Ivy and appearances by Power Girl and other members of the Bat-Family.

Suicide Squad – Writer: Rob Williams | Artists: Jim Lee & Phillip Tan | Release: August

The roster will essentially be the same as the upcoming film’s: Rick Flagg, Deadshot, Harley Quinn, Killer Croc, Boomerang and Katana.

Green Arrow – Writer: Ben Percy | Artists: Otto Schmidt & Juan Ferreyra | Release: June 15

Oliver Queen will finally be acquainted with Dinah Drake-Lance (aka Black Canary).

Red Hood and the Outlaws – Writer: Scott Lobdell | Artist: Dexter Soy | Release: August 24

If you can’t beat him, join him! Two new Outlaws are filling Hood’s ranks: Artemis and… Bizarro?

The Hellblazer – Writer: Simon Oliver | Artist: TBA | Release: August 3

At least in the first arc, John Constantine will team up with Swamp Thing to right wrongs on a supernatural level.

Deathstroke – Writer: Christopher Priest | Artists: Carlo Pagulyan, Igor Vitorino & Felipe Watanabe | Release: August 24

Barely a hint of a whiff was given about the book’s direction. However Christopher Priest is interested in exploring the grey area of Slade Wilson.

Batman Beyond – Writer: Dan Jurgens | Artist: Bernard Chang | Release: October

Terry McGinnis is back and here to stay (at least for now)!

Blue Beetle – Writer: Keith Giffen | Artist: Scott Kolins | Release: September 28

Jaime Reyes is still the Beetle, but Ted Kord is finally going to have a more active presence in the new 52 as Reyes’ mentor.

Teen Titans – Writer: Ben Percy | Artist: Jonboy Meyers | Release: October

Damien Wayne has forced others to accept him as leader of this new outfit and none of his teammates are pleased about the development.

Super Sons – Writers: Chris Burns & Dennis Culver | Artist:Jorge Jimenez | Release: September 7

Yep. Kal and Bruce’s kids team up and have their own adventures.

Justice League America – Writer: TBA | Artist:TBA | Release: September 14

Absolutely nothing was revealed about the seminal title except an exact date for purchase and it’ll be released twice monthly.

So there you have it, the future of DC Comics! See more pics on our DC Comics’ Rebirth Pinterest board. Sure it is a lot to take in, but does it have you excited for the summer? Comment below or on our Facebook page and let us know!