From the publisher: DC Universe: Rebirth is the line-wide series relaunch of the World's Greatest Super Heroes. Starting from Volume 1, DC Universe Rebirth ties in threads from the past five decades of storytelling and sprinkles exciting new creators and a diverse mix of heroes and villains into the new DC Universe that began in 2012.

This DC Universe Rebirth sampler includes the first chapters of the most critically and commercially successful series from this monumental launch, including:

SUPERMAN VOL. 1: SON OF SUPERMAN
by Peter J. Tomasi, Patrick Gleason and Doug Mahnke

BATMAN VOL. 1: I AM GOTHAM
by Tom King, David Finch and Mikel Janin

WONDER WOMAN VOL. 1: THE LIES
by Greg Rucka and Liam Sharp

THE FLASH VOL. 1: LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE
by Joshua Williamson and Carmine Di Giandomencio

JUSTICE LAGUE VOL. 1: THE EXTINCTION MACHINES
by Bryan Hitch and Tony S. Daniel

NIGHTWING VOL. 1: BETTER THAN BATMAN
by Tim Seeley and Javier Fernández

GREEN ARROW VOL. 1: THE DEATH & LIFE OF OLIVER QUEEN
by Benjamin Percy, Otto Schmidt and Juan Ferreyra

The DC Universe: Rebirth Vol. 1s Sampler is a great introduction to the first round of collected editions from DC's Rebirth event. This book contains seven different first issues. Included are Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Justice League, Nightwing, and Green Arrow. Reading all these different series in one place showed the variety that is included in the DC universe. The artwork is very different from series to series, and the writing styles vary as well.

Standout stories include Superman #1, Nightwing #1, and Batman #1. The status quo in these books has changed in the transition from the New 52 to Rebirth, and the new directions of these stories are interesting. Nightwing has returned to being a hero in costume, Batman has regained his memory, and Superman is adjusting to a new world with his wife and son.

The Justice League should be interesting as there are new characters filling the standard heroes rolls (two new Green Lanterns, a Superman from another world, etc.) The Flash is dealing with the return of Wally West, which was the impetus for the Rebirth event, and Wonder Woman is going through yet another origin adjustment, or so it seems. Finally, Green Arrow seems to be returning to his roots, and it reflects the tv show a bit more, as well.

Overall, I enjoyed having a chance to get a glimpse of how Rebirth was going to look. I recommend DC Universe: Volume 1s Sampler for anyone who may want to try out the new direction of these heroes before committing to their individual books.

I received a preview copy of this book from DC Comics and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This sampler gives readers a taste of the story-lines within the DC Universe Rebirth. Son of Superman shows the "Smith" family living quietly on their farm as young Jonathan tries to control his burgeoning powers. I Am Gotham has Batman flying into the air to rescue a passenger jet hit by a missile. As he works on guiding the plane toward a safer landing Alfred jokes with him, "Yes, sir. Awaiting your stability. As always." The Lies finds Wonder Woman searching for a way back to Themyscira, looking for answers in the Okarango Region of Bwunda. And, by amazing coincidence, Steve and his team happen to be in the same country on an op. Lightning Strikes Twice has Barry Allen as the Flash trying to be everywhere at once, which is impossible even with his speed. He is still working forensics for the police department and keeping his secret identity under wraps. The Extinction Machines finds the entire Justice League battling an ELE with major earthquakes and tsunamis striking simultaneously across the world. And each of them is confronted by people saying they are part of the Kindred and they want their stolen powers back. Better than Batman has Dick Grayson swinging back into action as Batwing, but having to work with a sinister organization who have gained his compliance by threatening the life of Damian, a.k.a. Robin. And, in The Death and Life of Oliver Queen, Oliver seems to be facing trouble on multiple fronts - his possible relationship with the Black Canary, his half-sister Emi wanting to leave school, and the discovery of corruption at Queen Enterprises. What's a poor little rich boy to do?

Each story is just a chapter, a quick taste to whet your appetite and let you see the artwork, the characterization, and the plot lines that are being developed. If you have any interest in the characters, you will want to read the entire story arc for each one after these appetizers.

While not always the first chapter in the respective volumes, these samples do provide a decent look at the storylines.