BATMAN: REBIRTH #1 Review
Writers: Scott Snyder & Tom King
Artist: Mikel Janin
Colors: June Chung
Letters: Deron Bennett
Cover: Mikel Janin
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: June 1, 2016
Batman: Rebirth #1 marks the passing of the torch from one acclaimed Batman creative team to another. Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo have guided Batman’s tales since the beginning of the New 52. From the “Court of Owls” to “Death of the Family” to “Zero Year” to “Superheavy”, the duo have cemented themselves in the Dark Knight’s history books.
Now its time for a new era on Batman. And it all kicks off with Batman: Rebirth #1 from Snyder, new Batman writer Tom King and artists Mikel Janin and June Chung.
Each Rebirth #1 is a starting point for new readers. King and Snyder use the villain Calendar Man to introduce us to Batman along with his supporting cast of Alfred, Commissioner Gordon, and a new recruit. I’m not familiar with Calendar Man, so it was fun to see what type of threat he poses. Since every Batman foe has to have a gimmick, Calendar Man’s gets a thumbs up from me for uniqueness.
Mikel Janin worked with Tom King on Grayson so its great to see the two level-up on Batman. Janin can take a simple Bruce Wayne workout and leave the reader speechless. The panel layouts are visually stunning. The location of the aforementioned workout is displayed in one huge splash page that has an amazing view up above looking down. Chung’s colors reflect the hot sun overhead, glistening off a skyscraper and water. A spring-theme is also reflected in soft color palettes of green and orange throughout the issue.
More cool paneling is seen when Janin uses an action set piece to form the Bat signal with panels, and a two-page spread displaying the Batcave.
In fact, fans of Janin’s shirtless Grayson will be relieved that the cheesecake factor follows him to Batman. I actually thought Dick Grayson was making a guest-appearance. There’s even attention to detail by showing the accumulation of sweat on Bruce’s hands as he does one-armed pull-ups.
Remember the new recruit I mentioned earlier? What’s cool about this potential sidekick is its not filling the role of Robin. There are enough Robins in the DC Universe. Plus, no one can replace Bruce’s son Damian. This gives the recruit a chance to forge their own destiny. I’m looking forward to watching that unfold.
Calendar Man isn’t chosen haphazardly to go up against Batman. The evolution of his powers mirrors Batman’s journey as a hero. Calendar Man is a reflection of what is old being new again. Bruce loses and regains his fortune. He has near-death (and some actual-death) experiences as Batman but comes back better than ever. In other words, Batman is primed and ready for Rebirth.
*CLICK TO ENLARGE*
Timdogg
#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE
