DC Comics has released the massive two-page splash that appears at the end of DC Universe Rebirth #1 just a few hours ahead of the comicbook’s release. The one-shot launches the renewal of the DC Universe, featuring a story by Geoff Johns and a cadre of a-list DC artists.
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The spread, by frequent Johns collaborators Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, and Hi-Fi Colors, features a huge group od DC Comics characters, the vast majority of whom have big, recognizable smiles on their faces. It’s as much of a mission statement as any interview Johns or anyone else at DC Comics could give: our heroes are going to enjoy being heroes again.
SPOILERS in the full image below and the analysis that follows!
Aside from the smiles, the spread also features several other notable surprises. Chief among them is Wally West, the narrator and feature character of Rebirth #1, down in the bottom left corner in an all-new red and white Flash costume. He’ll be wearing that in Titans and Flash coming out of Rebirth. He joins the other, New 52 Wally West as Kid Flash and Barry Allen also as The Flash as the speedsters here. The entire Shazam family is in the upper right, with six characters in the mystical lightning costume. Both Blue Beetles – Ted Kord and Jaime Reyes are present, and you can see Tim Drake in a Robin costume – Red, Green, and Yellow, down toward the bottom middle. Donna Troy is there in stars, and Bumblebee and Vixen, two female heroes of color are both present in the image, fresh off their successful re-introductions in other media, on Super Hero Girls and The CW, respectively.
Jackson, the newest Aqualad is missing from the image, despite appearing in the issue – it’s by no means comprehensive, in other words. Most other transmedia characters like the Suicide Squad members, plus the new members of the Super family are included here as well. And of course, centering it all are Wonder Woman, Superman, and Batman, the trinity of the DC Universe.
DC Universe Rebirth #1 hits store shelves at Midnight tonight. It’s very, very good.
