Though by no means an expert on graphic novels or comics - my interest in them (other than childhood) has only, in fact, developed within the last couple years - I've been reviewing a number of both on this blog and elsewhere in recent months ... and have to say, Trinity Vol. 1: Better Together puts even the best of them to shame. Part of DC's Rebirth series, writer/artist/genius Francis Manapul (working with other incredible artists) is behind the six issues compiled here of the Trinity storyline, in which Batman and Wonder Woman, along with an older and wiser Superman, must learn to trust each other and come together as a team if they are to defeat one of their most unique foes - one who burrows into the deepest secrets of their souls in order to utilize both their fears and weaknesses. Everything about this series is stellar: the artwork, writing, characters, story arcs - engaging from first page to last, and first-class work worthy of arguably the three most iconic characters in comic history. Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman are all given equal star-status time here, each shown in his or her best light and with backstories that flesh them out as human - and humane - more than ever. Add to all this a deeply satisfying and surprisingly poignant ending, and it all only serves to remind the reader of just how well-crafted this series is; afterward you're left with the sensation of not wanting to leave the characters, but instead follow them to their next adventure - something I'd only before experienced in my most favorite of novels. Truly brilliant, and a must-read for fans of any of the characters involved - this is the kind of graphic novel that can turn a non-fan, one whose never even read a comic book, into a certified addict of the genre. Kudos, DC and Mr. Manapul! 5/5 stars

Note: I received a free ARC of this title via NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this graphic novel. I am admittedly a novice when it comes to graphic novels and comics, I’ve only read a handful, but I was still able to understand the story and enjoy it. I tend to be very intimidated with books like this simply because of how many books already exist in this universe and for these characters. It can sometimes feel like I’m going to miss some part of the story or like I need to go back and read other books to fully enjoy the newer releases. While that certainly helps with enjoyment, I love that I was still able to just pick up this story and I didn’t feel lost or confused. This was just fun, superhero action which is always a great time. Especially with the Wonder Woman movie which just came out, the whole DC universe feels really fresh in my mind so I feel like that helped increase my excitement and joy to just have some aspect of Wonder Woman to read about, because she is amazing and I love her. But beyond that, I really loved the interactions between the characters. I tend to be someone who gets into a plot before a character but I loved the relationships and the backstory and history that clearly exists with everyone involved in the story and how that is going to affect them as they try to move forward and work together despite having reservations. I liked this book in a way that I wasn’t prepared for and that excites me. I tend to go for superheroes because I love the action and fights, but those weren’t the moments that I found myself enjoying with this book and I’m surprised at myself, I loved the support each character gave to the others and how they can be there and understand each other in a way no one else can. I recommend this even for people who don’t read graphic novels or comics all the time, if you enjoy superhero movies or even just casually read superhero stories I think this is worth picking up.

I thought this story was going to be different than what was actually written. It was ok with showing a deeper understanding on how Superman, Batman, & Wonder Woman interact and grow their friendship. I liked how Bruce & Diana went to have dinner with Clark's family because it showed a different side to their superhero lifestyle.

I'm not sure that what's happening to Superman in the Rebirth universe is good. I mean, it's a statement of fact that the pre-New 52 Superman as a character was superior to the garbage that came out of the New 52, but trying to replace the New 52 Superman while everyone around him remains rebooted? So confusing. I don't think it's a positive thing for the origin story of the company's most iconic character to involve the crazy machinations that landed him where he is today. In All-Star Superman, Grant Morrison distilled this origin down to eight words. That should be all you need to know about Superman, but now it isn't. How do you you begin to explain this to a child reading his first Superman comic?

That said, given the current status quo, this new Superman obviously needs to build a rapport with the Wonder Woman and Batman that are new to him. And Wonder Woman and Batman need to get to know the most powerful being on earth before they can trust him the way they trusted his inferior New 52 counterpart. With that in mind, Trinity does a nice job of teaming them up for their first big adventure and forging the bonds of trust and friendship they will need going forward. The backstory is convoluted, but within that context, Manapul's story is about as good as you can get, and his art is compelling as always.

LOVED the artwork. Gorgeous . This is a good story with the three greatest heroes of all time with a new Superman. Fun and engrossing.

One of the best books I've read so far, the origin story of the friendship between this Superman, Batman and Wonderwoman was cleverly couched inside their own origins and the way the stories were tied together was emotionally captivating. Seeing Bruce begin as his normal distrustful self and through trial and danger growing to trust and love his companions was moving. Even more so when he was brought into the dream world to relive the worst night of his life and even fail to see what he most wanted. Clark reuniting with his father only to have to give it up and Diana getting all she wanted and choosing her friends over her paradise showed their strengths. This was a great start on a journey that so many comic, and cartoon, fans love. While the movie version of these characters has started out with a dark tone these books have chosen to focus on the more inspiring emotions as they first get together. While I personally enjoy the movies I think this method works amazingly well. It is a fresh take that brought back some older elements to tie it all together. Wonderfully done artwork with each setting having a different feel from the Kent farm to Gotham, from Themiscyra to the Dream world. When I finished the last page I felt inspired by the Trinity and I imagine most readers will feel emotionally uplifted by these stories.

This was very, very confusing. There's a lot of context missing that is never provided. I'm sure a lot of the context was provided in another title, but I really don't know which one to turn to since this is a volume 1. Also, setting aside the lack of context, it was still a very trippy, confusing story that jumped around a lot.

Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman are the Trinity, DC’s three most popular, iconic superheroes. But mixing three great tastes doesn’t necessarily make them taste great together, as Trinity Rebirth proves. “Better Together”? Ha!

Batman and Wonder Woman visit the new Superman’s Kansas farmstead for a getting-to-know-you dinner. BUT THEN…! Nonsense ensues meaning we have to endure re-reading each character’s well-known origins, finally ending on some convoluted, meaningless pap with a B-list villain.

Great: a book full of origins. As if I haven’t already read enough retellings of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman’s beginnings! There’s some sort of theme of parents/kids going on here but nothing remotely clever to make it worthwhile to suss it out. I was yawning pretty much non-stop throughout this one.

Francis Manapul’s art is a treat, especially during the Batman origin – golly, can he draw a compelling and dramatic Gotham! – but unfortunately his writing isn’t anywhere near as high quality. Mayhap completely green readers who haven’t read these characters’ origins too many times before might enjoy this one but I couldn’t have been less entertained.

The Rebirth crapfest chugs on…

Interesting mix of story and back-story. Wasn't incredibly exciting but intriguing.

The D.C. Trinity is out at odds with themselves after discovering they are not in their own timeline. What follows is a mother's struggle to contact her child, and how that child feels new human emotions. It's a really beautiful story, with equally beauty's artwork associated with it Posion Ivy has always been a favourite of mine, and she's represented so well in this book, as are Wonder Woman and Lois.

This started out really strong. The first issue was great and despite the lack of action had some really nice character development. The whole New 52 Superman dying and the post-Crisis Superman coming back thing is a bit confusing but him and his family having dinner with post-52 Diana and Bruce was nice to see. Even if it did go south pretty quickly, the interaction between Diana and Lois was also really well done. But Better Together is more of a character study of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman - who they really are at their core which I'm glad to see.

From there the next two issues were pretty cool but by issue 4 the plot started to get pretty confusing to follow. The conclusion was all over the place and didn't really make much sense. So while it started out really strong by the end it fell pretty flat. That said, Manapul's artwork (the issues he drew) were gorgeous. His color choices are vibrant and the color contrasts are just pleasing to look at.

I am newer to various Batman/Superman/Wonder Woman comics (though I have always enjoyed DC movies/tv shows), mostly because I was a latecomer to comics themselves and when I would flip through the New 52 the art style just did not appeal to me - it was very cold and unwelcoming.

Manapul's art in this Trinity volume is the exact opposite, the art is warm and full of heart. I loved the opening issues which are bringing the trio together and showing them out of action and out of combat, and brought me closer to the characters instead of focusing on the costume and the BAM POW WOOSH aspects.

Unfortunately, Manapul doesn't illustrate all of the issues, and it makes for a choppy reading experience. The overall plot kept my interest but did not keep me on the edge of my seat. Also this volume requires previous knowledge of the universe so it's not a *complete* reboot, even as it is resetting some of the stories. I settled in as best as I could, but it may not be the most ideal entry point for a newer comics reader. Longtime fans should enjoy it, however, and I look forward to seeing where this particular trinity progresses!

Trinity v 1
Photo from Goodreads
General

Trinity Vol. 1: Better Together by Francis Manapul

Pages: 144 (paperback)

Published: DC Comics (Release date June 13, 2017)

Genre: Superhero, Graphic Novel, Comic Book



Links: Goodreads/Amazon

Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley, but that does not have a sway in my reviews. I am a human being with thoughts of her own, and I am not obligated to automatically give this book five stars.



The Review

In the latest Rebirth series, Francis Manapul brings together the Dark Knight, the Man of Steel, and the Amazon Warrior Princess in an epic revival of the New 52 Trinity series that launched in June of 2008. Unlike its predecessor, I as a fan of the DC Big Three enjoyed this Rebirth. It was cohesive and heartwarming, blending the elements of humanity into these seemingly godlike heroes.

While most DC comics are narrated from the perspective of the main protagonist such as Batman or Wonderwoman, Manapul decided to narrate the story from Lois Lane's point of view. The outsider's look into the world of the superhero was refreshing because it didn't give off a "woe is me" storyline or a black and white, good vs evil narrative. Instead, it played into Lois' reporter narrative and how there are multiple parts to every story. There are many emotions that factor into creating a person's identity, and there are people with extraordinary abilities who need to break down their walls to let friends and family in.

These concepts are what makes this Rebirth genuine. It doesn't need the gimmicks of fighting one super villain after the next; all it needed was the sheer emotion in characterizing people who are able to enjoy life and family, to remain loyal to their friends, and to stay strong and endure through the good and the bad.

If you're thinking about following the DC Comic Universe, I recommend reading the Trinity Rebirth series. It's beautifully created and it's a refreshing take on the adventures and friendship of the DC Big Three.