With Rebirth now in full swing and so many exciting new titles to try, we can’t blame anyone for needing a reminder of what happened in the last issue. Or maybe you’re looking to add a new book to your list and need to get caught up on earlier chapters? Either way, we’re here to help. Every week, we’ll be recapping the prior issues of that week’s new Rebirth and Hanna-Barbera comics, as well as sharing our favorite moments. It’s a quick, easy way to ensure you’re up to speed and ready for New Comic Day. Plus, as a bonus, we’ve included a few animated recaps, to give you just a little more detail.
We hope you find these recaps helpful, but be aware that they do contain some spoilers!
The Flash #11
By Josh Williamson, Davide Gianfelice and Ivan Plascencia
After realizing Wally has gone missing, both Iris and the Flash begin their search efforts—but neither of them has to look very far. The mysterious shadow creature that’s been stalking the streets of Central City is their prime suspect, and is also the first person they find. Or rather, it finds them, and makes short work of doing to them what it did to Wally: transporting them into a shadow dimension. Inside the bizarre new world, Barry is separated from Iris and meets a familiar face—a former villain of his named Shade, who seems to be the source of the shadow creatures. Apparently Shade has lost control over his shadow form and was pulled into the “Shadowlands,” inside which he and now Barry and Wally are trapped. And what’s worse, they’re not alone. Iris and Shade’s former lover, Hope, have been sent into the Shadowlands too, and it seems they have already succumbed to its power.
Unforgettable Moment: The Shadowlands are an unforgiving place, and even less so to a person who isn’t tapped into the Speed Force for protection. It looks like getting out may cause Barry to go up against not only his old rogue, Shade...but Iris. Here’s hoping the Fastest Man Alive can think quickly enough to get them all out of this one.
Detective Comics #945
By James Tynion IV, Al Barrionuevo, Earmen Carnero, Scott Hanna and Adriano Lucas
Stephanie’s encounter with the First Victim has left her confidence in Batman’s entire mission shaken. After all, the Victim Syndicate’s mission may be brutal on the outside, but at the end of the day, they’re a group made up of exactly what it says in the name—victims. Or, more specifically, Batman’s victims. And they do have a point. Haven’t they all suffered enough lately? Tim’s gone, Steph herself nearly died, Kate’s lost her father... Maybe it would all just be better if Bruce complied with the Syndicate’s demands and unmasked himself. Between Stephanie’s crisis of faith, Kate’s doubts in newcomer Luke Fox, and Basil’s overall lack of self-confidence in his position on the team, it looks like Batman’s boot camp might be on course to come to an untimely end. But not before the Victim Syndicate can continue to execute their own plans, cornering both Harper Row and Jean-Paul Valley within the free clinic they volunteer at. It may be a place of sanctuary and healing, but according to the First Victim, that’s exactly what they need.
Unforgettable Moment: It looks like Tim Drake may not actually be as gone as everyone thinks he is?! As Stephanie finally finds herself alone within the base, she tells Tim she needs to talk and he...manifests himself right behind her. What the—?!
Action Comics #968
By Dan Jurgens, Tyler Kirkham and Ulises Arreola
Superman dukes it out with Zade, while L’Call and Lex battle on the rooftop nearby. Meanwhile, the non-powered Clark and Lois race to rooftop to observe L’Call and Lex. Zade proves to be stronger than Superman thought, but young Jon helps out by driving a semi truck straight into Zade. Superman and Jon then head over to help Lex. L’Call stabs Superman, injuring his shoulder. L’Call then shows Superman a vision of the future where Lex has taken over. The aliens go on to overwhelm Lex and Superman. But before L’Call delivers a killing blow on the Man of Steel, he’s interrupted by Jon begging for him to not kill his dad. L’Call spares Superman and with Zade, transports Lex to an undisclosed location. Superman believes Lex shouldn’t be punished for things he hasn’t done yet. Shockingly, his unpowered doppelganger believes that if Lex is destined to do those things, he should be killed.
Unforgettable Moment: There’s something up with L’Call and Zade…they either know how to battle and win against Superman, or they’re using some kind of magic. Either way, we’re curious to know who they really are!
Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #9
By Robert Venditti, Rafa Sandoval, Jordi Tarragona and Tomeu Morey
The Green Lanterns work to figure out how to break through the barrier that’s currently imprisoning them. John and Soranik bump heads about Sinestro, but are interrupted by the planet’s inhabitants approaching them under the Starro spores’ control. Elsewhere, the missing Hal Jordan talks with a being, who turns out to be Abin Sur, in the mysterious Emerald Space—the place where those who sacrificed everything in service to the Green Lantern Corps go. Back on Xudar, the Corps and Yellow Lanterns work together to figure out a way to subdue the mind-controlled inhabitants without harming them when they are suddenly attacked by more of Starro’s spores. Green Lantern Rot Lop comes through big time by using his F-Sharp Bell power to sever communications between Starro and its spores—killing the spores and freeing the planet’s inhabitants. However, the victory is short lived as John and Soranik discover they’re trapped inside a Brainiac bottle. At the same time in another part of the galaxy, Ganthet summons Kyle Rayner to help find and save Hal.
Unforgettable Moment: Easy. Abin Sur!
Wonder Woman #10
By Greg Rucka, Nicola Scott and Romulo Fajardo
Steve, Barbara and Etta take Diana to a shopping mall, where the experience is a real culture shock for the Amazon. While at a food court, the group each holds a portion of the “Golden Perfect,” her lasso. It helps them to understand and speak with Diana, but also has them revealing their inner truths. The talk is interrupted abruptly as the mall breaks out into chaos and a team of active shooters enter and begin attacking shoppers. Steve, Diana and Etta spring into action to help out. Steve works to take out the shooters while Etta attends to wounded victims. Wonder Woman uses her lasso and sheer Amazonian strength to protect the mall-goers and take out the bad guys. After all the shooters are neutralized, the group notices the tree tattoo on one of the thug’s chest. Both Diana and Barbara recognize it and Steve identifies it as the symbol of The Sear group.
Unforgettable Moment: Diana working with Steve to take out the shooters was awesome!
Supergirl #3
By Steve Orlando, Brian Ching and Michael Atiyeh
Kara travels to Argo City, accompanied by her adopted mother Eliza. After landing on the planet, Supergirl is greatly disturbed as she looks around and sees what the Cyborg Superman has done—turning Argo City and its past inhabitants into emotionless machines. Elsewhere on Earth, Cat questions Ben as to the whereabouts of Kara, while Jeremiah has to answer to Cameron about why he let Kara and Eliza go to Argo City. Back on Argo City, seeing her now-robotic mother pushes Kara to the edge and she attacks Cyborg Superman—blasting him to another moon with her heat vision. The two continue to battle—crashing back on Argo City. Cyborg Superman restrains Kara in a robotic contraption, explaining that he can make the Argo citizens less like machines and more like humans again, by harvesting the Odic Force (the raw ore of life) from certain organic species. He plans on starting with Eliza. Cyborg Superman then gathers his robot army and heads toward Earth to begin collecting the Odic Force.
Unforgettable Moment: Even though its bad news, we thought it was cool seeing Cyborg Superman and his army heading towards Earth…there’s trouble a-brewing!
New Super-Man #5
By Gene Luen Yang, Viktor Bogdanovic, Richard Friend and Hi-Fi
The Freedom Fighters of China plan to bring Starro to Zhongnanhai—center of the Chinese National Government. Kong’s father explains to him that his mother was China’s first superhero and that he met her through Kong’s uncle when the three were all a part of a political activist group. He further explains that Kong’s mother was killed by the Ministry of Self-Reliance, the very same people that Kong is currently working for—effectively convincing Kong to join his father. The father and son then meet up with the Freedom Fighters of China, where it’s reveled that the Human Firecracker is Kong’s uncle. The group is tearing through police as they make their way towards Zhongnanhai. Bat-Man and Wonder-Woman try stopping them, but the Human Firecracker slaps Starro spores on their faces—allowing him to control their minds. Kong and his father realize the Freedom Fighters of China are in the wrong with their plan to take Starro to Zhongnanhai. Kong and his father escape, returning to the Oriental Pearl Tower—where it’s confirmed that Kong’s powers are based on his emotions. The Freedom Fighters of China board a plane, armed with mind-controlled passengers, and head towards Zhongnanhai. Kong and his father pursue them.
Unforgettable Moment: Kong being rescued by his father just before drowning was the highlight of the issue. Their relationship is starting to mend.
Deathstroke #7
By Priest, Larry Hama, Carlo Pagulayan, Jason Paz and Jeromy Cox
Joey admits his doubts to Rose about their father’s role in ordering her assassination while Deathstroke himself works to follow the breadcrumbs. Apparently, whoever did want Rose dead did their homework, and knew enough about Slade to set up the hit so that even Batman would suspect he’s behind it. There aren’t many people with that sort of knowledge. In fact, Slade’s pretty certain he’s narrowed it down to just one: the mother of his other children, Adeline. She resents Rose’s very existence, and she intends to do something about it. Fortunately, violence is a language that Slade speaks fluently and he and Adeline are able to part ways without killing each other. Good news, for the future of Slade’s career. That is, assuming he’s able to survive an encounter with Superman, who has been sent by the government to bring Slade in.
Unforgettable Moment: Joey’s taken up some “superheroing” of his own, in a suit he stole from his ex, Dr. Ikon. Well, “stole” may actually be putting it lightly. Last issue, we saw Joey murder the doctor by throwing him from a building, all to keep the secret of their relationship safe. It looks like Joey isn’t too broken up over the loss.
Gotham Academy: Second Semester #3
By Brenden Fletcher, Becky Cloonan, Karl Kerschl, Adam Archer, Sandra Hope, Msassyk and Serge LaPointe
The mysterious mind controlling witch of the Gotham Academy school grounds has started directing her victims—Maps included—to start stealing and burning books from the campus to accomplish some sort of spell. This is something the Detective Club, who happen to be pretty big fans of both Maps and books, can’t stand for. They figure out that the kids wearing witch hats are being mind controlled by electronics in their hats, and being summoned to the woods yet again for a massive bonfire of their pilfered pages. There are some big literary losses (namely, poor Eric’s notebook), but the team is able to stop the majority of the damage and free the kids by pulling the hat off the head witch’s head. The head witch, who, turns out, is none other than the academy’s English teacher, Professor Pio. Apparently, she’s got a major bone to pick with Mr. Scarlet—his “lies” have “cost her everything.” But what that actually means is yet to be seen.
Unforgettable Moment: It looks like mysteries aren’t the only thing in the air at the academy this year. Pom calls Colton out on his crush on Kyle, encouraging him to come clean about his feelings, which he hesitantly agrees is probably, maybe, a good idea. Unfortunately for him, the night ends with Colton in even more trouble than normal. No, this time, it looks like he just might end up suspended. Yikes.
Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #4
By Julie Benson, Shawna Benson, Roge Antonio and Allen Passalaqua
After an attempt to restart her mission solo, Helena finds herself in a tight spot against the trio of snake-themed villains that seem to be cropping up at every potential mafia hit on her list. Luckily, Babs and Dinah are not so easily deterred from a friend, and arrive just in time to bail her out…and to attempt to convince her to rejoin the group effort. It’s far from a perfect situation, but when Babs drops the bombshell that the Oracle imposter has files on Helena—and not only that, knows her real identity—the choice becomes pretty clear. It’s just as well, because Babs has uncovered yet another lead for a potential location on the fake Oracle. This time, the trio is led to a high rise guarded by a platoon of robots themed after famous Bat-villains. They put up a fight, but it’s nothing the girls can’t handle. The tough part is what comes next: after breaking into what ought to be the imposter’s HQ, Babs is shocked to discover that not only is Oracle not home, but apparently a collector. The entire room is decorated top to bottom in Batgirl—and Barbara Gordon—paraphernalia and information.
Unforgettable Moment: We get some pretty dark insights into what made Huntress into Huntress, including a look back at her family life. Her family was mafia, sure, but they were loving. At least, right up until they were all murdered before her eyes in their own home when she was just a child.
Suicide Squad #7
By Rob Williams, Jim Lee, Scott Williams, Jonathan Glapion, Sandra Hope and Jeremiah Skipper
A single beam of yellow sun pierces through the Phantom Zone to General Zod. Chaos still ensues outside as madness spreads throughout the prison. Harley Quinn, ironically the only sane one in the building after the Black Vault seemingly drove all of Belle Reve mad, works to try and get to the lab and cut the power that’s feeding yellow sunlight to Zod. Waller, who is desperately trying to fight the insanity within her mind, helps guide Harley through the disorder that has taken over Belle Reve. At the same time, Hack works to fight a virus she feels within herself and the prison’s computer system. Just as she makes headway, she’s captured by one of the prison’s large mechanical clamps. Hack discovers that the “virus” is actually a digitized version of Captain Boomerang and he wants out of the digital world and back into ours.
Unforgettable Moment: Glad to see it looks like Boomerang will be making a return!
Red Hood and the Outlaws #4
By Scott Lobdell, Dexter Soy and Veronica Gandini
Jason’s attempt to make contact with Black Mask’s imprisoned Bizzaro clone comes to a violent crescendo that very nearly forces him to blow his own cover. Thankfully, he manages to calm the Kryptonian abomination down, but unfortunately it looks like maintaining cover isn’t actually something he’s had to worry about. It turns out Black Mask has been targeting Jason from the start, he knows exactly who he is and exactly why he’s there. Even worse, Roman’s plans extend far beyond crime lord standard fair and push well into full-blown super-villain territory. Roman’s scheme revolves around the execution of every current villain and hero in Gotham, taking over the city in its entirety in a way that will never allow it to exchange hands again. Now, Jason has a choice: Join with Black Mask’s insane plan, or suffer the consequences—consequences that are about to include a mind-controlled Kryptonian clone under Black Mask’s sway.
Unforgettable Moment: Every now and again, Jason’s prickly defenses come crashing down and he says something earnest. In this case, it was a truly heartfelt digression about the nature of Gotham City in a bid to calm Bizarro down. Gotham may be hell more frequently than not, but sometimes, just sometimes, even Jason can admit that it’s pretty.
Scooby Apocalypse #7
By Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis, Howard Porter and HI-FI
The gang works to figure out a plan on how to escape the store they’re trapped in. Daphne and Velma continue to butt heads. The group decides to go to the Mall-Mart rooftop in order to get a better idea of how many monsters await them outside, but they’re shocked to find that there are some monsters on the roof, preventing them from getting out. Daphne grabs Velma’s laptop and throws it off the roof—causing the monsters to get distracted and jump after the laptop. Throwing the computer turns out to be a double-edge sword, however. It frees the group up to be able to look for an escape route, but the sound of the laptop crashing on the ground attracted a massive amount of new monsters to the area. The group heads back inside and develops a game plan to blow up a portion of the Mall-Mart in order to draw the monsters to the explosion and give the gang a chance to get to the Mystery Machine and escape. As they ignite the explosives and start to escape, Fred is grabbed by one of the monsters, who breaks his leg severely. Scooby sacrifices himself for the good of the group—running out and getting the monsters to chase him. The gang gets to the Mystery Machine and finds a hospital for Fred, but it’s uncertain what may be waiting for them inside…
Unforgettable Moment: Scooby drawing the monsters away from the crew was a selfless act and helped to keep them all alive!
We'll be back in a week with another set of Reader Recaps. Also, don't miss our weekly new comic book unboxing every Tuesday on Periscope for an exclusive preview of the week's new comics!
