DC Rebirth

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DC Rebirth
Promotional image
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
Genre
Publication dateMay 25, 2016 – November 29, 2017
Main character(s)DC Universe
Creative team
Written byVarious
Artist(s)Various

DC Rebirth is a 2016 relaunch by the American comic book publisher DC Comics of its entire line of ongoing monthly superhero comic book titles. Using the end of The New 52 (2011–2016) initiative in May 2016 as its launching point, DC Rebirth restored the DC Universe to a form much like that prior to the 2011 "Flashpoint" storyline while still incorporating numerous elements of The New 52, including its continuity. It also saw many of its titles move to a twice-monthly release schedule, along with being released at US$2.99.

DC Comics ended the Rebirth branding in December 2017, opting to include everything under a larger "DC Universe" banner and naming. The continuity and repercussions established by Rebirth continues into the New Justice (2018–2021), Infinite Frontier (2021–2023), and Dawn of DC (2023) relaunches.

Publication history[edit]

DC Universe: Rebirth Special and initiative launch[edit]

In January 2016, DC Comics co-publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee tweeted an image of a blue curtain with the word "Rebirth" on it, teasing the event's release.[1] The following month, DC announced its Rebirth initiative, a line-wide relaunch of its titles, to begin in June 2016. Beginning with an 80-page one-shot which was released on May 25, 2016, Rebirth returned Action Comics and Detective Comics to their previous numbering (#957 and #934, respectively). It also released all comic titles at the price of US$2.99, multiple books shifted to a twice-monthly release schedule, a number of existing titles relaunched with new #1s, and several new titles were released.[2][3]

Wrap-around cover of DC Universe: Rebirth #1 (July 2016). Art by Gary Frank.

Geoff Johns, president and CCO of DC Entertainment, described the 80-page one-shot as "re-laying the groundwork for DC's future while celebrating the past and present. It's not about throwing anything away. It's quite the opposite." On the initiative, which was described as a rebirth of the DC Universe, Johns called Rebirth more "in the same vein as Green Lantern: Rebirth and The Flash: Rebirth. Some things alter and change, but it's more character-driven, and it's also more about revealing secrets and mysteries within the DC Universe about "Flashpoint" and The New 52 that are part of a bigger tapestry." The Rebirth initiative would reintroduce concepts from pre-"Flashpoint" continuity that The New 52 had done away with, and build "on everything that's been published since Action Comics #1 up thru The New 52."[2] Lee said that Johns "came up with this brilliant story [for the DC Universe: Rebirth Special] that basically allows us to seat the New 52 within the continuity that preceded it. So it really synchronizes and harmonizes pre-52 with New 52 continuity".[4]

Creative teams for the Rebirth titles, along with some art and storylines, were revealed at WonderCon 2016.[5][6] Johns worked with each writing team and the editors for the titles to help refocus "on these characters, deconstructing them down to their core DNA and building out story arcs based on that DNA".[4] Additionally, two titles part of the initial announcement in February, Gotham Academy: Second Semester and Earth 2,[3] were revealed to no longer be considered Rebirth titles, instead acting as continuations of their New 52 titles, Gotham Academy and Earth 2: Society, respectively.[5] Regarding the decision to focus on fewer titles, with some shipping twice-monthly, DiDio said, "What we did was eliminate some of the lower ranked titles, and we're trying to incorporate those ideas into the main books themselves, because we feel that makes the main books stronger" adding, "we look at things like... Gotham by Midnight. And I loved Gotham by Midnight, but it never got the sampling that a Batman book would. But if we did that Gotham by Midnight story and integrated it into the Batman series that was shipping twice monthly, there was a better chance for people to see those characters, get excited by those characters, and more importantly, if we ever decided to thin them out, maybe we'd have a stronger audience and a better chance for series like that to succeed." DiDio also revealed that DC had breaks in the schedule "where we'll decide whether or not a double-ship is working" and potentially change it to monthly status. "We're going to be examining that on a regular basis", he added. "We're not going to keep book double-shipping if we don't think the demand is there."[4]

Regarding the release of variant covers for titles, Lee said, "we're only using specialty variants with comic book shops and variant covers in judicious ways. We're not going to have a gazillion SKUs across the entire line. We find that, at that point, why publish a story inside at all, if you're just going to build a business based on variant covers. We're still using variant covers, but we're actually using one variant cover artist for each book. They sort of get tenure, as it were. And they're going to be responsible for being the alternate cover artist on that book. And we're only doing it on our top-selling books."[4]

On May 27, 2016, DC announced that DC Universe: Rebirth Special #1 would receive a second printing. The re-release, being sold at US$5.99, featured an update to Gary Frank's cover, better revealing the outstretched hand of Doctor Manhattan in the top right corner, as well as a square-bound format.[7] Less than a week later, DC revealed the title would receive a third printing, again being released at US$5.99 with a square-bound format and a new cover from Frank. Additionally, the first wave of Rebirth one-shots – Superman: Rebirth, Batman: Rebirth, Green Lanterns: Rebirth and Green Arrow: Rebirth – also received second printings, with a recolored Rebirth banner to differentiate it from the original printing.[8] A fourth printing featured a cover by Ethan Van Sciver depicting the scene where Wally West interrupts Batman in the Batcave, with the image of three Jokers on the Batcomputer.[9] DC Universe: Rebirth Special's fifth printing, announced in August 2016, featured a new cover by Phil Jimenez that depicts Barry Allen and Wally West grabbing each other's hands.[10][11]

Second phase, price increase, and the end of Rebirth[edit]

In September 2016, DC announced the Justice League vs. Suicide Squad miniseries for release in December 2016 through January 2017,[12] which would "reintroduce a supervillain that hasn't been seen for some time." Johns called the story in the miniseries "another building block to 'Rebirth’" that would "set the stage for ‘Rebirth’ Phase 2" with the reemergence of "a surprising team... and another piece of the puzzle of the future of the DC Universe, and the past, [coming] into focus."[13] The second phase of Rebirth began in February 2017, with the launch of Justice League of America, Super Sons, and Batwoman.[14] In January 2017, DC announced the four-issue storyline "The Button" for release in April and May 2017. Taking place in issues 21 and 22 of Batman and The Flash, the storyline continues plot elements from the DC Universe: Rebirth Special with Batman and Barry Allen investigating the mystery of the Comedian's smiley face button found in the Batcave.[15] Shortly after, DC revealed that in April 2017, all of the monthly titles releasing at the time (Batgirl, Batgirl and the Birds of Prey, Batman Beyond, Batwoman, Blue Beetle, Cyborg, The Hellblazer, New Superman, Red Hood and the Outlaws, Super Sons, Supergirl, Superwoman, Teen Titans, Titans, and Trinity), would increase their price to US$3.99,[16] with All-Star Batman continuing to maintain its US$4.99 price.[17] To account for the price increase, each physical copy came with a code to redeem a free digital copy of the title. DC also indicated that the semi-monthly titles would stay at the US$2.99 price point.[16]

In May 2017, DC announced the miniseries Doomsday Clock for release in November 2017. Written by Johns with art by Frank, it continues the story presented in the DC Universe: Rebirth Special and "The Button" storyline focusing on Superman and Doctor Manhattan. Speaking on the project, Johns said, "It is Watchmen colliding with the DC Universe. It is the most personal and most epic, utterly mind-bending project I have ever worked on in my career. With Rebirth, I opened the door to Manhattan. Part of that was I loved the real-world influence Watchmen has. I put Manhattan out there, and always thought there was a Manhattan/Superman story to be told... at the core of it, there’s a being who has lost his humanity and distanced himself from it, and an alien who embodies humanity more than most humans. I love the idea that Watchmen influenced DC, but what would that look like in reverse? And it goes well beyond that." Johns indicated the miniseries would not be a sequel to Watchmen and would be a stand-alone story, with no tie-in material. Despite this, Johns noted Doomsday Clock "will have an impact on the entire DC Universe. It will affect everything moving forward and everything that has come before. It will touch the thematic and literal essence of DC."[18] Johns also noted that the miniseries would be set one year in the future of the DC Universe, so by the time the final issue releases, "the rest of the universe will have caught up to it — and the repercussions of the event will become known."[19]

In October 2017, DC revealed that they would be discontinuing the Rebirth branding and logo from their titles in December 2017, releasing everything under a single umbrella title as the "DC Universe". Coincided with the release of the New Age of Heroes imprint, DiDio explained, "We want to make it clear that this is all the DC Universe... Rebirth pretty much is the DCU now; while we're taking Rebirth off the books, we'll be following the direction that Rebirth established." Titles also received new trade dresses, with those "that tie in clearly to our larger DC Universe" having a "DCU logo on them" in addition to corner boxes with icons of the characters to help identify the family of titles; titles outside the DCU, such as Injustice 2 and DC Bombshells would simply have the DC logo on them. DC planned to continue their dual cover release of titles as they have "seen a genuine interest in them, as they're well accepted by both fans and retailers".[20]

Changes for the DC Universe[edit]

With the release of DC Universe: Rebirth Special, characters not seen during the New 52 line of DC Comics comic books, such as the first version of the character Wally West, Jackson Hyde and Ryan Choi, reappeared in the DC Comics line of comic books, while other characters, such as Ted Kord and Ray Palmer, were revised to be similar to their characters as they appeared prior to the "Flashpoint" storyline.[citation needed] Within the story, Wally states to Barry Allen that the cause of the alterations to "history" following the end of "Flashpoint" was an outside force (revealed to be Doctor Manhattan from the Watchmen universe) removing 10 years of history from the internal timeline of the comic books' stories (resulting in the younger age of heroes in the "New 52" storyline, the resurrections of several deceased characters, and the loss of legacy and previous relationships) rather than Barry's merging of several alternate timelines, as was previously presented in the "Flashpoint" story.[21]

Nearly all characters had their designs revised.[22] Some of those who are also featured in the DC Extended Universe (WarnerMedia's film franchise based on DC Comics characters) now more closely resemble their on-screen counterparts, such as Harley Quinn and Wonder Woman.[citation needed]

Another new character is the enigmatic "Mr. Oz", who is watching Earth, kidnapping characters such as Mister Mxyzptlk, Doomsday and Tim Drake, as he hinted they would play very important roles in the future, and insisted they must remain "off the field".[23][24]

At the end of the "Superman Reborn" event in April 2017, a story in the comic book Action Comics presents Superman, alongside his wife Lois Lane and their son Jonathan Samuel Kent, merging the "timelines" of the DC Comics superhero line from before and after the "Flashpoint" event into a single fictional reality, resulting in further change to the internal timeline of the fictional world of DC Comics superheroes.[25] Peter J. Tomasi said that "The events of Action #976 reset and reshape the entire Superman timeline. Where there had been two Superman, their realities have now been fused into one timeline with just one of them."[26][25]

DC Comics representatives stated that the books will deal with the aftermath of Doctor Manhattan's actions by the end of the Doomsday Clock miniseries.[18][19]

Titles[edit]

Ongoing series[edit]

At WonderCon 2016, DC revealed the initial titles under four different "families", grouping similar characters or titles together.

Batman[edit]

These titles feature Batman and the "Batman Family" of characters.[27]

Title Publication dates / Issues Initial creative team[note1] Notes / References
Batman June 2016[5] – present
(1– , plus 4 annuals)
Writer
Tom King
Artists
David Finch
Mikel Janin
The title initially shipped twice monthly.
Detective Comics June 2016[5] – present
(934– , plus 3 annuals )
Writer
James Tynion IV
Artists
Eddy Barrows
Alvaro Martinez
Featuring a team initially consisting of Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, Cassandra Cain and Clayface, led by Batman and Batwoman.[27] The title initially shipped twice monthly.
Batgirl July 2016[5] – October 2020
(1–50, plus 2 annuals)
Writer
Hope Larson
Artist
Rafael Albuquerque
Christian Wildgoose
Focusing on Barbara Gordon. The title initially shipped monthly.
Nightwing July 2016[5] – present
(1– , plus 2 annuals)
Writer
Tim Seeley
Artists
Javi Fernandez
Marcus To
Focusing on Dick Grayson. The title initially shipped twice monthly. It began shipping monthly in April 2018 before returning to a twice monthly schedule in September 2018.
All-Star Batman August 2016[5] – October 2017[28]
(1–14)
Writer
Scott Snyder
Artists
Multiple
Artists for the series include John Romita, Jr., Jock, Sean Murphy, Paul Pope, Tula Lotay, Afua Richardson, Francesco Francavilla, and more.[5] The title initially shipped monthly.
Batgirl & the Birds of Prey August 2016[5] – May 2018[29]
(1–22)
Writers
Julie Benson
Shawna Benson
Artist
Claire Roe
Roge Antonio
Focusing on the team consisting of Barbara Gordon, Black Canary and Huntress.[27] The title initially shipped monthly.
Batwoman March 2017[30] – August 2018
(1–18)
Writers
Marguerite Bennett
James Tynion IV
Artist
Steve Epting
The title initially shipped monthly.

Superman/Wonder Woman[edit]

These titles feature Superman, the "Superman Family" of characters and Wonder Woman.[31]

Title Publication dates / Issues Initial creative team[note1] Notes / References
Action Comics June 2016[5] – present
(957– )
Writer
Dan Jurgens
Artists
Patrick Zircher
Tyler Kirkham
Stephen Segovia
Featuring the pre-Flashpoint Superman existing alongside Clark Kent, as well as Lex Luthor in his Superman armor. The title initially shipped twice monthly.
Superman June 2016[5] – April 2018
(1–45, plus 1 annual)
Writers
Peter J. Tomasi
Patrick Gleason
Artists
Patrick Gleason
Doug Mahnke
This title focuses on the pre-Flashpoint Superman's family, and follows the story through his son Jon Kent's eyes. The title initially shipped twice monthly.
Wonder Woman June 2016[5] – December 2019
(1–83 , plus 3 annuals)
Writer
Greg Rucka
Artists
Liam Sharp
Nicola Scott
For the first 12 issues, the odd numbered issues told a story, "Wonder Woman: The Lies", in the present, with Sharp as the artist. For the even numbered issues, Rucka told the story "Wonder Woman: Year One", set in the past, with Scott as the artist.[6][32] The title initially shipped twice monthly.
New Super-Man July 2016[5] – June 2018
(1–24)
Writer
Gene Luen Yang
Artist
Viktor Bogdanovic
Focusing on a Chinese teenager named Kong Kenan who gains a portion of Superman's power.[31][33] The title was previously announced as The Super-Man but was changed once Yang came on board and pointed out that there is no Chinese word for "the".[5] The title initially shipped monthly. It became New Super-Man & the Justice League of China for issues #20-24
Superwoman August 2016[5] – January 2018[34]
(1–18)
Writer
Phil Jimenez
Artists
Phil Jimenez
Emmanuela Lupacchino
Focusing on Lana Lang who had gained superpowers.[35] The title initially shipped monthly.
Supergirl September 2016[5] – May 2020
(1–42, plus 2 annuals)
Writer
Steve Orlando
Artist
Brian Ching
Focusing on Kara Zor-El. The title initially shipped monthly.
Trinity September 2016[5] – April 2018
(1–22, plus 1 annual)
Writer
Francis Manapul
Artists
Francis Manapul
Clay Mann
Focusing on Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. The title initially shipped monthly.

Justice League[edit]

These titles feature characters related to the Justice League, as well as the Green Lantern Corps and the Teen Titans.[36]

Title Publication dates / Issues Initial creative team[note1] Notes / References
Aquaman June 2016[5] – December 2020
(1-66, plus 1 annual)
Writer
Dan Abnett
Artists
Brad Walker
Jesus Merino
Phil Briones
The title initially shipped twice monthly.[5] It began shipping monthly in July 2017.[37]
The Flash June 2016[5] – April 2020
(1– 88), plus 3 annuals
Writer
Joshua Williamson
Artists
Carmine Di Giandomenico
Neil Googe
Focusing on Barry Allen. The title initially shipped twice monthly.
Green Lanterns June 2016[5] – October 2018 [38]
(1–57), plus 1 annuals
Writer
Sam Humphries
Artists
Robson Rocha
Ardian Syaf
Set on Earth, the title follows the two newest human Green Lanterns, Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz.[36] The title initially shipped twice monthly.
Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps July 2016[5] – August 2018[39]
(1–50)
Writer
Rob Venditti
Artists
Ethan Van Sciver
Rafa Sandoval
Focusing on Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, the other members of the Green Lantern Corps and White Lantern Kyle Rayner.[36] The title initially shipped twice monthly.
Justice League July 2016[5] – April 2018
(1–43)
Writer
Bryan Hitch
Artists
Tony Daniel
Fernando Pasarin
Featuring on a team consisting of Aquaman, Batman, Cyborg, Flash (Barry Allen), Superman, Wonder Woman, and the Green Lanterns Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz.[36] The title initially shipped twice monthly.
Titans July 2016[5] – April 2019
(1–36, plus 2 annuals)
Writer
Dan Abnett
Artist
Brett Booth
Focusing on a team consisting of Wally West, Dick Grayson, Donna Troy, Arsenal, Garth, and Lilith Clay.[40] The title initially shipped monthly. It began shipping twice monthly in September 2018.
Cyborg September 2016[41] – June 2018[42]
(1-23)
Writer
John Semper
Artists
Will Conrad
Paul Pelletier
The title initially shipped twice monthly.[41] It began shipping monthly in January 2017.[43]
Teen Titans October 2016[5] – November 2020
(1–47, plus 2 annuals and 2 specials)
Writer
Ben Percy
Artist
Jonboy Meyers
Khoi Pham
Focusing on a team consisting of Damian Wayne, Starfire, Raven, Beast Boy, and Wally West II.[35] The title initially shipped monthly.
Justice League of America February 2017[44] – April 2018[45]
(1–29, plus 1 annual)
Writer
Steve Orlando
Artists
Ivan Reis
Joe Prado
Spinning out of the events seen in the miniseries, Justice League vs. Suicide Squad.[12] Focusing on an initial team of Atom (Ryan Choi), Vixen, Ray (Ray Terrill), Killer Frost (Caitlin Snow), Batman, Black Canary and Lobo.[46] The title initially shipped twice monthly.

Other[edit]

These titles do not fall under the larger headings above, or were not announced with those titles.[47]

Title Publication dates / Issues Initial creative team[note1] Notes / References
Green Arrow June 2016[5] – March 2019 [48]
(1–50, plus 1 annual)
Writer
Ben Percy
Artists
Otto Schmidt
Juan Ferreyra
The title initially shipped twice monthly. It began shipping monthly in November 2017.
Deathstroke August 2016[5] – December 2019
(1–50), plus 1 annual
Writer
Christopher Priest
Artists
Carlo Pagulyan
Igor Vitorino
Felipe Watanabe
The title initially shipped twice monthly.[5] It began shipping monthly in June 2017.[49]
Harley Quinn August 2016[5] – October 2020
(1–75)
Writers
Jimmy Palmiotti
Amanda Conner
Artists
Chad Hardin
John Timms
The title initially shipped twice monthly.
Hellblazer August 2016[50] – July 2018
(1–24)
Writer
Simon Oliver
Artist
Moritat
Focusing on John Constantine. The title initially shipped monthly.
Red Hood and the Outlaws August 2016[5] - December 2020
(1–52, plus 2 annuals)
Writer
Scott Lobdell
Artist
Dexter Soy
Focusing on a team consisting of Jason Todd, Bizarro and Artemis.[47] Starting from Issue 26 the series was rebranded as Red Hood Outlaw, where Red Hood now works solo. The title initially shipped monthly.
Suicide Squad August 2016[5] – January 2019
(1–50 ), plus 1 annual
Writer
Rob Williams
Artists
Jim Lee
Philip Tan
Focusing on a team consisting of Harley Quinn, Killer Croc, Deadshot, Rick Flag, Katana, Captain Boomerang, The Enchantress, and a "couple other ones".[47] The title initially shipped twice monthly.
Blue Beetle September 2016[5] – February 2018
(1–18)
Writer
Keith Giffen
Artist
Scott Kolins
Focusing on Ted Kord and Jaime Reyes. The title initially shipped monthly.
Batman Beyond October 2016[5] – December 2020
(1–50)
Writer
Dan Jurgens
Artist
Bernard Chang
Focusing on Terry McGinnis. The title initially shipped monthly.
Super Sons February 2017[44] – May 2018[29]
(1–16, plus 1 annual)
Writers
Peter J. Tomasi
Artist
Jorge Jimenez
Focusing on Damian Wayne and Jonathan Kent, the sons of Batman and Superman, respectively. The title initially shipped monthly.[5] The title was originally revealed with Chris Burns and Dennis Culver serving as writers.[51]

One-shots[edit]

Title Creative team Notes / References
DC Universe: Rebirth Special #1
May 2016[5]
Writer
Geoff Johns
Artists
Ivan Reis
Phil Jimenez
Ethan Van Sciver
Gary Frank
Aquaman Rebirth #1
June 2016[5]
Writer
Dan Abnett
Artists
Brad Walker
Jesus Merino
Phil Briones
Batman Rebirth #1
June 2016[5]
Writers
Tom King
Scott Snyder
Artist
Mikel Janin
The Flash Rebirth #1
June 2016[5]
Writer
Josh Williamson
Artists
Carmine Di Giandomenico
Neil Googe
Green Arrow Rebirth #1
June 2016[5]
Writer
Ben Percy
Artists
Otto Schmidt
Juan Ferreya
Green Lanterns Rebirth #1
June 2016[5]
Writers
Geoff Johns
Sam Humphries
Artists
Ethan Van Sciver
Ed Benes
Superman Rebirth #1
June 2016[5]
Writers
Peter J. Tomasi
Patrick Gleason
Artist
Doug Mahnke
Titans Rebirth #1
June 2016[5]
Writer
Dan Abnett
Artist
Brett Booth
Wonder Woman Rebirth #1
June 2016[5]
Writer
Greg Rucka
Artist
Phil Winslade
Batgirl and the Birds of Prey Rebirth #1
July 2016[5]
Writer
Julie Benson
Shawna Benson
Artist
Claire Roe
Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps Rebirth #1
July 2016[5]
Writer
Rob Venditti
Artist
Ethan Van Sciver
The Hellblazer Rebirth #1
July 2016[52]
Writer
Simon Oliver
Artist
Moritat
Justice League Rebirth #1
July 2016[52]
Bryan Hitch
Nightwing Rebirth #1
July 2016[52]
Writer
Tim Seeley
Artist
Yanick Paquette
Red Hood and the Outlaws Rebirth #1
July 2016[5]
Writer
Scott Lobdell
Artist
Dexter Soy
Blue Beetle Rebirth #1
August 2016[5]
Writer
Keith Giffen
Artist
Scott Kolins
Deathstroke Rebirth #1
August 2016[5]
Writer
Christopher Priest
Artists
Carlo Pagulyan
Igor Vitorino
Felipe Watanabe
Suicide Squad Rebirth #1
August 2016[5]
Writer
Rob Williams
Artist
Phillip Tan
Suicide Squad: War Crimes Special #1
August 2016[50]
Writer
John Ostrander
Artist
Gus Vazquez
Supergirl Rebirth #1
August 2016[5]
Writer
Steve Orlando
Artist
Emmanuela Lupacchino
Batman Beyond Rebirth #1
September 2016[5]
Writer
Dan Jurgens
Artist
Bernard Chang
Ryan Sook
Cyborg Rebirth #1
September 2016[41]
Writer
John Semper
Artists
Will Conrad
Paul Pelletier
Teen Titans Rebirth #1
September 2016[5]
Writer
Ben Percy
Artist
Jonboy Meyers
Justice League Director's Cut #1
October 2016[53]
Writer
Bryan Hitch
Artist
Tony S. Daniel
Batman Director's Cut #1
November 2016[54]
Writer
Tom King
Artist
David Finch
All-Star Batman Director's Cut #1
December 2016[55]
Writer
Scott Snyder
Artist
John Romita, Jr.
DC Rebirth Holiday Special #1
December 2016[55]
Writers
Multiple
Artists
Multiple
Justice League of America: The Atom Rebirth #1
January 2017[43]
Writer
Steve Orlando
Artist
Andy Macdonald
Prelude to the Justice League of America series. Focusing on Ryan Choi.[56]
Justice League of America: Killer Frost Rebirth #1
January 2017[43]
Writers
Steve Orlando
Jody Houser
Artist
Mirka Andolfo
Prelude to the Justice League of America series. Focusing on Caitlin Snow.[56]
Justice League of America: The Ray Rebirth #1
January 2017[43]
Writer
Steve Orlando
Artist
Stephen Byrne
Prelude to the Justice League of America series. Focusing on Ray Terrill.[56]
Justice League of America: Vixen Rebirth #1
January 2017[43]
Writers
Steve Orlando
Jody Houser
Artist
Jamal Campbell
Prelude to the Justice League of America series.[56]
Batwoman Rebirth #1
February 2017[44]
Writers
Marguerite Bennett
James Tynion IV
Artists
Ben Oliver
Steve Epting
Justice League of America Rebirth #1
February 2017[44]
Writer
Steve Orlando
Artist
Andy Macdonald
Suicide Squad Director's Cut #1
March 2017[30]
Writer
Rob Williams
Artists
Jim Lee
Jason Fabok
Ivan Reis
Dark Days: The Forge #1
June 2017[49]
Writer
Scott Snyder
James Tynion IV
Artists
Jim Lee
Andy Kubert
John Romita Jr.
others
Prelude to Dark Nights: Metal.[57]
Dark Days: The Casting #1
July 2017[58]
Writer
Scott Snyder
James Tynion IV
Artists
Jim Lee
Andy Kubert
John Romita Jr.
others
Prelude to Dark Nights: Metal.[57]
Batman: The Red Death #1
September 2017[59]
Writer
Joshua Williamson
Artist
Carmine Di Giandomenico
Tie-in to Dark Nights: Metal.[59]
Batman: The Murder Machine #1
September 2017[59]
Writer
Frank Tieri
Artist
Ricardo Federici
Tie-in to Dark Nights: Metal.[59]
Batman: The Dawnbreaker #1
October 2017[59]
Writer
Sam Humphries
Artist
Ethan Van Scriver
Tie-in to Dark Nights: Metal.[59]
Dark Days: The Forge / The Casting Director's Cut #1
October 2017[60]
Writers
Scott Snyder
James Tynion IV
Artists
Jim Lee
Andy Kubert
John Romita Jr.
others
Batman: The Drowned #1
October 2017[59]
Writer
Dan Abnett
Artist
Philip Tan
Tie-in to Dark Nights: Metal.[59]
Batman: The Merciless #1
October 2017[59]
Writer
Peter J. Tomasi
Artist
Francis Manapul
Tie-in to Dark Nights: Metal.[59]
Batman: The Devastator #1
November 2017[60]
Writer
Frank Tieri
Artist
Tony S. Daniel
Tie-in to Dark Nights: Metal.[60]
Batman: Lost #1
November 2017[61]
Writers
Scott Snyder
James Tynion IV
Joshua Williamson
Artists
Doug Mahnke
Jamie Mendoza
Yanick Paguette
Jorge Jimenez
Tie-in to Dark Nights: Metal.[60]
The Batman Who Laughs #1
November 2017[60]
Writer
James Tynion IV
Artist
Riley Rossmo
Tie-in to Dark Nights: Metal.[60]
Dark Nights: Metal Director's Cut #1
November 2017[62]
Writer
Scott Snyder
Artist
Greg Capullo
Hawkman: Found #1
December 2017[62]
Writer
Jeff Lemire
Artists
Bryan Hitch
Kevin Nowlan
Tie-in to Dark Nights: Metal.[62]
Dark Knights Rising: The Wild Hunt #1
February 2018[34]
Writers
Scott Snyder
James Tynion IV
Joshua Williamson
Artists
Doug Mahnke
Ivan Reis
Tie-in to Dark Nights: Metal.[34]

A Rebirth issue for Trinity was also planned for release in August 2016, written by Francis Manapul with art by Manapul and Clay Mann, but it was never released.[5]

Miniseries[edit]

Title Creative team Notes / References
Justice League vs. Suicide Squad #1–6
December 2016 – January 2017[12][43]
Writer
Joshua Williamson
Artists
Jason Fabok
Tony S. Daniel[13]
Dark Nights: Metal #1–6
August 2017[57] – March 2018[63]
Writer
Scott Snyder
Artist
Greg Capullo
Doomsday Clock #1–12
November 2017[18] – December 2019[19][citation needed]
Writer
Geoff Johns
Artists
Gary Frank
Brad Anderson
Batman and the Signal #1–3
January 2018[34] – April 2018
Writers
Scott Snyder
Tony Patrick
Artist
Cully Hamner
Focusing on Duke Thomas and spinning out of All-Star Batman and the New 52 title We Are Robin.
Justice League: No Justice #1–4
May 2018
Writers
Scott Snyder
Joshua Williamson
Artist
Francis Manapul
Dark Nights: Metal left the DCU transformed in ways both terrifying and wondrous—and only the Justice League is strong enough to face the threats to come...or are they?

The six-issue miniseries Death of Hawkman, written by Marc Andreyko with art by Aaron Lopresti,[64] does not feature the "Rebirth" banner on its cover, but is considered by Andreyko to be "'Rebirth' adjacent".[65] Despite not having the "Rebirth" banner on its cover, the miniseries Mister Miracle was stated to be a part of the Rebirth continuity by writer Tom King.[66]

Sales[edit]

By the end of August 2016, all Rebirth titles combined accounted for 12 million units shipped, with 11 issues exceeding 200,000 units shipped, over 60 issues exceeding 100,000 units shipped, and 21 issues having multiple printings.[67]

Marketing[edit]

Beginning in January 2017, television commercials aired on AMC, IFC, TBS, TNT, truTV, El Rey Network and Boomerang through February 2017. The commercials promoted the release of the first wave of collected editions, highlighting Batman, The Flash, Green Arrow, Justice League, Suicide Squad, Supergirl, Superman, and Wonder Woman, with three additional commercials promoting Rebirth as a whole. Additionally, DC "is also offering [comic] retailers co-op funds to help pay for ads on local markets, promoting Rebirth with a space for a store tag at the end of the commercial."[68] In February 2017, DC partnered once again with National CineMedia to promote its comics and partner comic shops with pre-movie advertisements. Having worked with National CineMedia for ads during The New 52, DC created 15 and 30 second ads for Rebirth "that comic shops can have their contact info added into," with DC "offering a 50% reimbursement on these ads should a retailer buy them with National CineMedia."[69]

Collected editions[edit]

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

1. ^ For additional creative team information, see each title's individual article.

References[edit]

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  42. ^ CYBORG Re-Cancelled, With JULY & AUGUST's Issues Nixed -Newsarama
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