DC Rebirth

DC Rebirth is a 2016 publishing initiative by DC Comics that aimed to restore hope, legacy, and emotional depth to its characters after the controversial New 52 reboot. Kicking off with the one-shot DC Universe: Rebirth #1 by Geoff Johns, Rebirth reintroduced lost heroes, rekindled relationships, and acknowledged past continuity without undoing recent developments.

This era explores the idea that something—or someone—stole ten years from the DC Universe. As mysteries unfold across the multiverse, the return of beloved characters like Wally West and the subtle influence of Watchmen’s Dr. Manhattan become central threads.

Rebirth is not a hard reboot, but rather a soft relaunch, combining the best of the old and new. It leads into massive storylines like Doomsday Clock, Dark Nights: Metal, and Death Metal, reshaping the multiverse and redefining the very nature of continuity itself.

Prologue (Pre-Rebirth)

A major timeline-altering event where Barry Allen attempts to save his mother, resulting in a drastically changed reality. It leads directly to the creation of the New 52 universe.

• Flashpoint (2011)

Phase 1 – Rebirth Launch (2016–2017)

The heroes of the DC Universe begin to rediscover lost memories and relationships after ten years were mysteriously removed from their lives. Wally West returns and reveals that a mysterious force is behind it all.

• DC Universe Rebirth – Volume 1
• DC Universe Rebirth – Volume 2
• DC Universe Rebirth – Volume 3
• DC Universe Rebirth – Volume 4

Core Series

Explore the rebuilding of the core heroes: Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman reclaim their iconic roles. The Flash and Titans investigate the loss of time and legacy.

• Batman Rebirth – Volumes 1–3
• Superman Rebirth – Volumes 1–2
• Wonder Woman Rebirth – Volumes 1–2
• The Flash Rebirth – Volumes 1–2

Supporting Series

These titles expand the Rebirth universe by exploring fan-favorite characters and teams beyond the core Trinity. They delve into street-level heroes, antiheroes, and team dynamics, enriching the overall continuity with diverse tones — from gritty to playful.

Notable runs include Aquaman’s oceanic adventures, Green Arrow’s vigilantism, Harley Quinn’s chaotic humor, and Nightwing’s Gotham escapades, offering deeper character development and side stories that complement the main arcs.

• Aquaman Rebirth – Volumes 1–5
• Green Arrow Rebirth – Volumes 1–6
• Green Lanterns Rebirth – Volumes 1–6
• Nightwing Rebirth – Volumes 1–5
• Deathstroke Rebirth – Volumes 1–7
• Suicide Squad Rebirth – Volumes 1–7
• Harley Quinn Rebirth – Volumes 1–10
• Birds of Prey Rebirth – Volumes 1–3

Phase 2 – Crossovers and Connections

The first major cross-title events since Rebirth. These arcs deepen the mystery of the missing years and link Rebirth directly to upcoming cosmic events. "The Button" hints at the involvement of Watchmen’s Dr. Manhattan.

• Batman – Night of the Monster Men (La Nuit des Monstres)

• Justice League vs Suicide Squad
• Batman / Flash – The Button
• Batman Rebirth – Volumes 4–6
• Detective Comics – Volumes 3–4
• The Flash Rebirth – Volumes 3–5

Phase 3 – Doomsday Clock and Crises

Dr. Manhattan’s manipulation of time and reality is revealed. The multiverse is rewritten again, with Superman’s legacy anchoring the concept of the Metaverse. Heroes grapple with destiny, memory, and hope.

• Doomsday Clock (Complete)
• Batman Rebirth – Volumes 7–12
• Detective Comics – Volumes 5–7
• Heroes in Crisis (1 volume)

• The Batman Who Laughs – Volumes 1–2 (Le Batman Qui Rit)

• Justice League – No Justice
• Justice League – New Justice – Volumes 1–4
• Justice League – Doom War – Volumes 1–2
• Legion of Super-Heroes – Volumes 1–2

Phase 4 – METAL and DEATH METAL

The DC Multiverse is attacked by dark forces from the Dark Multiverse. Batman uncovers dark truths about reality and faces a multiversal threat led by the Batman Who Laughs. The events culminate in a total reboot of time and space.

• Dark Nights: Metal – Volumes 1–3
• Tales from the Dark Multiverse – Volumes 1–2
• Dark Nights: Death Metal – Volumes 1–4
• Death Metal – Special Editions – Volumes 1–7
• Justice League – Endless Winter

Phase 5 – Future State and the End of the Arc

A glimpse into possible futures of the DC Universe following the Death Metal events. These stories explore new generations of heroes, legacy roles, and dystopian challenges.

• Future State: Batman – Volumes 1–2
• Future State: Justice League – Volumes 1–2
• Future State: Superman – Volume 1

Expanded Universe and Standalone Series

This collection of mini-series and character-focused runs explores unique corners of the DC Universe during the Rebirth era. From legacy heroes like Clark Kent’s Superman to fresh faces such as Naomi, these stories add depth and variety beyond the main narrative threads.

Whether it's the youthful energy of the Super Sons, the streetwise antics of Red Hood & The Outlaws, or the quirky charm of Wonder Twins, these series provide fun, fresh perspectives that round out the Rebirth experience.

• Clark Kent: Superman – Volumes 1–7
• Shazam Rebirth – Volumes 1–2
• Super Sons – Volumes 1–4
• Red Hood & The Outlaws – Volumes 1–2
• Wonder Twins – Volumes 1–2
• Naomi – Volume 1
• Harley & Ivy – Volume 1
• Harley Quinn: Old Lady Harley – Volume 1
• Selina Kyle: Catwoman – Volumes 1–3
• The Terrifics – Volume 1
• Young Justice – Volumes 1–3

Epilogue / Metaverse

A return to the Flashpoint timeline as Thomas Wayne tries to prevent the collapse of his world. It connects the timelines of Flashpoint, Doomsday Clock, and Death Metal, expanding on the role of the Time Masters and setting up future DC timelines.

• Flashpoint Beyond (2022)