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Trinity (2016)
Trinity, Vol, 1: Better Together
A part of DC Universe: Rebirth!
The Dark Knight. The Man of Steel. The Amazon Warrior. The three greatest heroes in the DC Universe unite when the threats to their planet are bigger than just one of them can handle. They are the core of the World's Greatest Heroes...but with a new Superman! When a new villain emerges, the bonds these three share will be tested and redefined to their breaking point, with the lives of innocents hanging in the balance!
By New York Times best-selling creator Francis Manapul (The Flash), Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman unite again...for the first time in Trinity, Volume 1: Better Together!
Collecting: Trinity 1-6
The Dark Knight. The Man of Steel. The Amazon Warrior. The three greatest heroes in the DC Universe unite when the threats to their planet are bigger than just one of them can handle. They are the core of the World's Greatest Heroes...but with a new Superman! When a new villain emerges, the bonds these three share will be tested and redefined to their breaking point, with the lives of innocents hanging in the balance!
By New York Times best-selling creator Francis Manapul (The Flash), Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman unite again...for the first time in Trinity, Volume 1: Better Together!
Collecting: Trinity 1-6
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2016
136 people are currently reading
940 people want to read
About the author
Francis Manapul
545 books231 followersFrancis Manapul is a comic book artist living in Toronto, Canada currently working for DC comics. His list of credits include the forthcoming Adventure Comics, and Superman Batman. In the past he's worked on titles like Legion of Super-Heroes, Iron and the Maiden, Necromancer, Sept Guerrieres, Tomb Raider, Darkness, G.I Joe and of course Witchblade.
Photo by Luigi Novi.
Photo by Luigi Novi.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
June 5, 2017
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. Manapul-ing stuff. 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…
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. Manapul-ing stuff. 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…
July 9, 2017
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths.
My rating is 3.5 stars.
Superman. Batman. Wonder Woman. The Big Three icons of DC. Separate, they are fan favorites. Together, they should be the stuff of fanboy dreams. And while Trinity: Better Together isn’t a revolutionary book; it is actually an engaging read, not overwhelmingly action-packed, but still entertaining, especially if you enjoy more of a character driven plot.
It all starts off with Batman and Wonder Woman heading on over to the Kent’s farm to have a get-to-know-you-better dinner with the new Superman. This interaction some of the best parts of the story; Diana and Bruce naturally having to try to accept this other Earth interloper.
But every story has to feature a villain, and quickly, our trio is caught up in a plot by not one but two B List baddies. (I won’t mention them by name, because I always like to be surprised.) The plot soon immersing our heroes in their past, retelling to some extent the most important parts of their origin stories. What they learn about one another helping Supes, Bats, and Wonder Woman not only overcome this adversary but begin to empathize with each other. Which is really what this whole story is about: understanding and friendship.
Overall, Trinity: Better Together is a nice book to lose yourself in for a bit. The story itself has some cool moments (especially our heroes initial awkward attempts to bond); and the focus on the characters themselves, their history, their differences, and what binds such different people together is handled really well. I have to admit being a bit letdown by the villains and their grand scheme, but I commend writer/artist Francis Manapul for doing something different, not settling for the tried-and-true huge fight scene after huge fight scene readers have seen far too many times.
As for the art, it is the real selling point of this collection. Manapul is an amazing artist. His distinct pencils, vibrant colors, and unique atmosphere raising this book up among the best of the Rebirth titles.
To sum up, I liked Trinity, especially the art. Sure, the story wasn’t everything I dreamed it to be, but it still had its highlights. And, yes, I would recommend people give it a read.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
My rating is 3.5 stars.
Superman. Batman. Wonder Woman. The Big Three icons of DC. Separate, they are fan favorites. Together, they should be the stuff of fanboy dreams. And while Trinity: Better Together isn’t a revolutionary book; it is actually an engaging read, not overwhelmingly action-packed, but still entertaining, especially if you enjoy more of a character driven plot.
It all starts off with Batman and Wonder Woman heading on over to the Kent’s farm to have a get-to-know-you-better dinner with the new Superman. This interaction some of the best parts of the story; Diana and Bruce naturally having to try to accept this other Earth interloper.
But every story has to feature a villain, and quickly, our trio is caught up in a plot by not one but two B List baddies. (I won’t mention them by name, because I always like to be surprised.) The plot soon immersing our heroes in their past, retelling to some extent the most important parts of their origin stories. What they learn about one another helping Supes, Bats, and Wonder Woman not only overcome this adversary but begin to empathize with each other. Which is really what this whole story is about: understanding and friendship.
Overall, Trinity: Better Together is a nice book to lose yourself in for a bit. The story itself has some cool moments (especially our heroes initial awkward attempts to bond); and the focus on the characters themselves, their history, their differences, and what binds such different people together is handled really well. I have to admit being a bit letdown by the villains and their grand scheme, but I commend writer/artist Francis Manapul for doing something different, not settling for the tried-and-true huge fight scene after huge fight scene readers have seen far too many times.
As for the art, it is the real selling point of this collection. Manapul is an amazing artist. His distinct pencils, vibrant colors, and unique atmosphere raising this book up among the best of the Rebirth titles.
To sum up, I liked Trinity, especially the art. Sure, the story wasn’t everything I dreamed it to be, but it still had its highlights. And, yes, I would recommend people give it a read.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
May 22, 2018
I thought this was a pretty solid beginning to the book. Francis Manapul's art is a beauty to behold. I could stare at it all day. Unfortunately there are some fill in artists for some of the issues. Fortunately, Clay and Seth Mann and Emanuela Lupacchino are all talented artists in their own right.
Manapul does a great job with the first issue. Bruce Wayne and Princess Diana come to the Kents' farm for dinner to get to know each other better. It's nice, heartwarming issue. Leading into the 2nd issue I was completely confused, but partway through the book I figured out what was really going on, paying homage to one of the most famous pre-Crisis Superman stories. Yes, we do get variations of the big 3 origins, but there is a purpose for it which leads into the back half of the book. All in all, it was actually better than I expected.
Received an advance copy from DC and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Manapul does a great job with the first issue. Bruce Wayne and Princess Diana come to the Kents' farm for dinner to get to know each other better. It's nice, heartwarming issue. Leading into the 2nd issue I was completely confused, but partway through the book I figured out what was really going on, paying homage to one of the most famous pre-Crisis Superman stories. Yes, we do get variations of the big 3 origins, but there is a purpose for it which leads into the back half of the book. All in all, it was actually better than I expected.
Received an advance copy from DC and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2017
I have read Francis Manapul's first arc of the Trinity series in separate issues. The otherwise promising start somehow ended in an anticlimactic and underwhelming fashion. But given the right mindset, one could really appreciate one Manapul is trying to convey to its readers.
Trinity's Better Together is not a boombastic fight between comic's most iconic heroes and whoever supervillain they are fighting against. There's that fight of course in the end but in a rather subdued and in an extremely small scale given what Mongul (and even Poison Ivy) can REALLY do. But Better Together is more of a character study of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman - who they really are at their core, what binds them and what distinguishes them from each other.
Manapul's art is another thing. His color choices are vibrant and the color contrasts are just pleasing to look at. This may be the most dreamy-vibed main series in DC Rebirth right now. And I am pleased that Manapul has went to that route instead of a more generic superhero art gallery.
Trinity's Better Together is not a boombastic fight between comic's most iconic heroes and whoever supervillain they are fighting against. There's that fight of course in the end but in a rather subdued and in an extremely small scale given what Mongul (and even Poison Ivy) can REALLY do. But Better Together is more of a character study of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman - who they really are at their core, what binds them and what distinguishes them from each other.
Manapul's art is another thing. His color choices are vibrant and the color contrasts are just pleasing to look at. This may be the most dreamy-vibed main series in DC Rebirth right now. And I am pleased that Manapul has went to that route instead of a more generic superhero art gallery.
June 19, 2022
This was so good omg!
We get to see Bruce and Diana visiting this new Clark and Lois but what happens when they confront something in the barn and then we see them visiting each others past and its beautiful. One of my most memorable DC stories and we see the thing with Clark and his father and what Bruce went through in his childhood and the nightmares there and finally Diana and what happens when she finally finds her way home?! Its so emotional omg and the way they connect is awesome and then the threat of Mongul and Poison Ivy and this new "White mercy" and its story omg its so good, the battles both internal and external!
Its one of the most fascinating stories and I love the way its told and also showing maybe the villain is not a bad one, just misguided and shows the threat of Mongul but also the friendship between this three and how after this story maybe they're closer than ever and understand each other on another level entirely!
I just love it and the art of Manapaul is enough to get me read anything by him! <3
We get to see Bruce and Diana visiting this new Clark and Lois but what happens when they confront something in the barn and then we see them visiting each others past and its beautiful. One of my most memorable DC stories and we see the thing with Clark and his father and what Bruce went through in his childhood and the nightmares there and finally Diana and what happens when she finally finds her way home?! Its so emotional omg and the way they connect is awesome and then the threat of Mongul and Poison Ivy and this new "White mercy" and its story omg its so good, the battles both internal and external!
Its one of the most fascinating stories and I love the way its told and also showing maybe the villain is not a bad one, just misguided and shows the threat of Mongul but also the friendship between this three and how after this story maybe they're closer than ever and understand each other on another level entirely!
I just love it and the art of Manapaul is enough to get me read anything by him! <3
February 18, 2017
This has a promising beginning and end but the story arc did nothing for me. It was basically a blank slate to rehash the backgrounds of all of these characters. Maybe they thought it necessary with the Rebirth relaunch but it didn't make for entertaining reading.
The art is gorgeous.
The beginning where Clark has to get used to Bruce and Diana was great! I loved Jon's meeting with Bruce. Diana and Lois had few moments. That was all I really enjoyed about this. I'm sure the next issues will be better because they can move on from retell into the origins of the characters.
The art is gorgeous.
The beginning where Clark has to get used to Bruce and Diana was great! I loved Jon's meeting with Bruce. Diana and Lois had few moments. That was all I really enjoyed about this. I'm sure the next issues will be better because they can move on from retell into the origins of the characters.
June 16, 2017
Manapul's art is spectacular, but unfortunately the writing is not to the same standard. It's simply yet another bland look at the origins of characters whose origins have been written and re-written to death. There's meant to be character development, but there's nothing that hasn't already been developed half a dozen times before. The impulse to write an ongoing book with DC's Big Three isn't off target, but it needs to say something that hasn't already been said, repeatedly.
July 11, 2017
I love these three together. Just love it. Especially when there is no unnecessary romance thrust on them. These three are meant to be together, and I mean in a platonic way. I it like when they work as a team and family, as soldiers and heroes. On equal footing. And Clark making fun of Bruce is pure gold. So is Bruce getting protective of the other two and Diana babysitting them when they get their ass kicked. I am hoping future volumes will involve Diana arguing with B and C about their differing views on killing villains. Those are my favorite.
Unfortunately very few Trinity Volumes are worth anything. Lucky me that this one is !
The story is not very revolutionary, but atleast its fun. And the art is BEAUTIFUL.
Will keep reading this one.
Trinity funnies as Bonus!! *drum-roll*
Unfortunately very few Trinity Volumes are worth anything. Lucky me that this one is !
The story is not very revolutionary, but atleast its fun. And the art is BEAUTIFUL.
Will keep reading this one.
Trinity funnies as Bonus!! *drum-roll*
December 10, 2017
[Read as single issues]
It's been a while since there was a Trinity book, but I think it's time we had a new one. This one we get is pretty darn good, thanks in part to writer Francis Manapul's good understanding of the characters as well as the gorgeous art on display.
The story focuses on the Trinity, as you'd expect, when they get attacked by a mysterious plant and end up trapped in dream worlds that help them relive their origin stories. After the set-up issue, each issue following explores a different character and lets all of the Trinity into what makes each other tick. You feel like there's a stronger understanding between the three of them by the time the story ends, and it's a good way to start a book like this.
Things do get a bit messier once we get back to the real world. There's Poison Ivy, and Mongul, and the overall motivations of the plant (which most people will have twigged fairly early on I expect) are murky, but it lands for the most part.
The art is spectacular, however. Manapul himself paints three of the five issues in his usual breathtaking watercolours, while Clay Mann and Emanuela Luppachino take the other three. Luppachino comes off a bit short changed compared to the very distinct styles of the others, but I've mentioned before that she's a great artist in her own right. I'm really surprised DC haven't given her an ongoing gig at this point.
Trinity's a solid story that I think any casual fan of Batman, Wonder Woman, or Superman should snag to help introduce them to the DC Universe at large.
It's been a while since there was a Trinity book, but I think it's time we had a new one. This one we get is pretty darn good, thanks in part to writer Francis Manapul's good understanding of the characters as well as the gorgeous art on display.
The story focuses on the Trinity, as you'd expect, when they get attacked by a mysterious plant and end up trapped in dream worlds that help them relive their origin stories. After the set-up issue, each issue following explores a different character and lets all of the Trinity into what makes each other tick. You feel like there's a stronger understanding between the three of them by the time the story ends, and it's a good way to start a book like this.
Things do get a bit messier once we get back to the real world. There's Poison Ivy, and Mongul, and the overall motivations of the plant (which most people will have twigged fairly early on I expect) are murky, but it lands for the most part.
The art is spectacular, however. Manapul himself paints three of the five issues in his usual breathtaking watercolours, while Clay Mann and Emanuela Luppachino take the other three. Luppachino comes off a bit short changed compared to the very distinct styles of the others, but I've mentioned before that she's a great artist in her own right. I'm really surprised DC haven't given her an ongoing gig at this point.
Trinity's a solid story that I think any casual fan of Batman, Wonder Woman, or Superman should snag to help introduce them to the DC Universe at large.
June 13, 2017
ARC REVIEW
Story: In an act of friendship and as a chance to get to know the new Superman, Lois Lane invites Diana Prince and Bruce Wayne to the farm house for dinner. It goes fine aside from little Jon accidentally burning a hole through the door and almost burns a hole through Bruce and Diana. But after dinner something funny happens. They get tangled up in a suspicious vine that transports them into their dreams where they must relive pivotal life changing events from their lives. Poison Ivy orchestrated it but the real menace behind it all is not who they think. Now Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman need to trust each other enough to get out alive all the while Lois and Jon are in the real world dealing with Poison Ivy.
Art: Beautiful. Francis Manapul did the art for the part 1, 2, and 5. Emanuela Lupacchino does the penciling for 4 and 6 with Ray McCarthy and Matt Santorelli and HI-FI as the inkers and colorist. Part Three is done by Clay and Seth Mann with Seth Anderson as the colorist. They all did a fantastic job. I am always picky on Poison Ivy and how she is drawn and I love how she’s drawn in this. I’m warming up on the neon colors, not much but I’m getting used to it.
Characters: Diana Prince/ Wonder Woman, Bruce Wayne/ Batman, Clark Kent/ Superman, Lois Lane, Jon Kent, Poison Ivy, and various characters from each of the characters pasts.
Review: I had no idea what happened before this with Superman and was a little lost but that is what Google is for I looked it up and found a great spoiler from back in March, (What the Hell did Superman just do to the DC Comics) that explained it to me. With this new information so much more makes sense! The story in this was very engaging I couldn't put it down, that's why I wait for the volumes to come out. Each of the characters had to face something from their past that helped shape who they are and face other issues that came from the guilt of their past. Clark gets to talk to his father again, Diana meets a younger version of herself and Bruce has to relive his parents death and the trauma afterwards. But in each situation the character takes away an important lesson from it. Unfortunately they weren't the only ones learning the vulnerabilities of the trio. It was a great story and showed so much character development.
Story: In an act of friendship and as a chance to get to know the new Superman, Lois Lane invites Diana Prince and Bruce Wayne to the farm house for dinner. It goes fine aside from little Jon accidentally burning a hole through the door and almost burns a hole through Bruce and Diana. But after dinner something funny happens. They get tangled up in a suspicious vine that transports them into their dreams where they must relive pivotal life changing events from their lives. Poison Ivy orchestrated it but the real menace behind it all is not who they think. Now Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman need to trust each other enough to get out alive all the while Lois and Jon are in the real world dealing with Poison Ivy.
Art: Beautiful. Francis Manapul did the art for the part 1, 2, and 5. Emanuela Lupacchino does the penciling for 4 and 6 with Ray McCarthy and Matt Santorelli and HI-FI as the inkers and colorist. Part Three is done by Clay and Seth Mann with Seth Anderson as the colorist. They all did a fantastic job. I am always picky on Poison Ivy and how she is drawn and I love how she’s drawn in this. I’m warming up on the neon colors, not much but I’m getting used to it.
Characters: Diana Prince/ Wonder Woman, Bruce Wayne/ Batman, Clark Kent/ Superman, Lois Lane, Jon Kent, Poison Ivy, and various characters from each of the characters pasts.
Review: I had no idea what happened before this with Superman and was a little lost but that is what Google is for I looked it up and found a great spoiler from back in March, (What the Hell did Superman just do to the DC Comics) that explained it to me. With this new information so much more makes sense! The story in this was very engaging I couldn't put it down, that's why I wait for the volumes to come out. Each of the characters had to face something from their past that helped shape who they are and face other issues that came from the guilt of their past. Clark gets to talk to his father again, Diana meets a younger version of herself and Bruce has to relive his parents death and the trauma afterwards. But in each situation the character takes away an important lesson from it. Unfortunately they weren't the only ones learning the vulnerabilities of the trio. It was a great story and showed so much character development.
August 13, 2017
Poor ending but hits all the emotions right.
World: The art is deceptive, it starts off absolutely gorgeous cause it's Manapul and slowly but surely as he focuses on writing and other artists comes in loses the wonderful splash pages and beautiful emotions and colors. The world building is good. This is a first arc and though we all know these characters' origins and it is a rehash, I felt the pieces of the world we visited and the characters meeting their younger selves and the emotions of the world involved made for an interesting world. I also love the continuation of stories like Ivy's and the villains from the New52. Good job!
Story: This story is about family, it's about love and walls and I liked it. This is not a big huge battle for the first arc it's an small internal look at the core of these characters that gets readers new and old reoriented with these tweaked Rebirth versions of the Trinity. I like that Lois was the narrator of the story giving a light and human touch to these Gods among men characters. Ivy as a catalyst gave the heart and core for the story and also a point to the story, the child is how the Trinity in their core and their hope can inspire and change people for the better (which is what DC has always been about before the doom and gloom, inspire). I liked it, is it a rehash? Yes. Does the book lose steam towards the tail end? Yes. However, it was so emotionally resonant for not only as a manifesto for Rebirth, but also for a clear look at how this Trinity bonded and became family, I like it.
Characters: There is a lot of retread on themes but it's more of a retweak for Rebirth and I was okay with it. This is a first arc and it did allow for readers to see these classic characters in the context of Rebirth and what we are to expect from each of them at their core, and also in the context of a Trinity. Clark's moments was beautiful and quiet. Bruce's moments were powerful and tragic. Diana's moments were loving and hopeful. These character moments were way more important than any large huge explosion and fight that could have started this series. Plus the villains were done well and the child (trying to avoid spoilers) is there to feel the culmination of what this new Rebirth retweaked Trinity and DC's new direction is all about.
I liked it, it did lose a lot of steam in the art, and a little bit in the story but it hit the emotions and I had the feels.
Onward to the next book!
*read single issues*
World: The art is deceptive, it starts off absolutely gorgeous cause it's Manapul and slowly but surely as he focuses on writing and other artists comes in loses the wonderful splash pages and beautiful emotions and colors. The world building is good. This is a first arc and though we all know these characters' origins and it is a rehash, I felt the pieces of the world we visited and the characters meeting their younger selves and the emotions of the world involved made for an interesting world. I also love the continuation of stories like Ivy's and the villains from the New52. Good job!
Story: This story is about family, it's about love and walls and I liked it. This is not a big huge battle for the first arc it's an small internal look at the core of these characters that gets readers new and old reoriented with these tweaked Rebirth versions of the Trinity. I like that Lois was the narrator of the story giving a light and human touch to these Gods among men characters. Ivy as a catalyst gave the heart and core for the story and also a point to the story, the child is how the Trinity in their core and their hope can inspire and change people for the better (which is what DC has always been about before the doom and gloom, inspire). I liked it, is it a rehash? Yes. Does the book lose steam towards the tail end? Yes. However, it was so emotionally resonant for not only as a manifesto for Rebirth, but also for a clear look at how this Trinity bonded and became family, I like it.
Characters: There is a lot of retread on themes but it's more of a retweak for Rebirth and I was okay with it. This is a first arc and it did allow for readers to see these classic characters in the context of Rebirth and what we are to expect from each of them at their core, and also in the context of a Trinity. Clark's moments was beautiful and quiet. Bruce's moments were powerful and tragic. Diana's moments were loving and hopeful. These character moments were way more important than any large huge explosion and fight that could have started this series. Plus the villains were done well and the child (trying to avoid spoilers) is there to feel the culmination of what this new Rebirth retweaked Trinity and DC's new direction is all about.
I liked it, it did lose a lot of steam in the art, and a little bit in the story but it hit the emotions and I had the feels.
Onward to the next book!
*read single issues*
June 9, 2017
As much as I have read many solo adventures featuring Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, with the exception of them being founding members of the Justice League, there aren’t many stories working as a threesome, let alone many good ones (Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice). As one of the most prominent artists for DC in the last ten years, Francis Manapul reunites the holy trinity in a world that is different yet familiar with the characters and their readers.
Please click here for my full review.
Please click here for my full review.
February 15, 2022
A book of backstories. If you're reading this, you're probably extremely familiar with Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman and don't need reminding of their origins. These rehashes are haphazardly wrapped up in one of the most convoluted and uninteresting plots that I've ever had the misfortune to read. The conflict is boring, but not as boring as the main antagonist who is so forgettable that I've literally forgotten their name already. Luckily, Manapul seems to have a knack for writing the Trinity and sprinkles in some wonderful comedic moments amongst the rather bland action sequences. Completely carried by the Trinity's dynamic and the bold and colourful art, it's not a necessity, but pick it up and you'll probably find at least one thing you like about it.
September 28, 2017
Hey everyone, let's get DC's BIG THREE together . . . and then briefly re-hash their origin stories once again and stick them in a standard mind-screw plot. That probably sounds way more harsh than intended, because it was great to see this trio (friends and teammates who know and understand each other) in action. So what if the story was average? The artwork was vibrant, I liked Lois Lane's narration, and the ending leaves a door wide open for continuing and future adventures.
January 12, 2018
Not bad but not particularly strong either.
August 23, 2021
The sort of convoluted dwelling on origins thing I enjoy but it ain’t for everyone.
July 2, 2017
Nice art. Story was a bit of a rehash of a rehashed rehash.
August 27, 2023
Bruce story part was the most interesting one.
June 12, 2017
Considering this is another kick at the can thanks to a reboot (soft or otherwise) I was a bit hesitant at first. I was really worried that we’d be rehashing something again for the sake of rehashing it. In the end, this was actually pretty fun and for me at least, the elements from the past felt more like nods of the hat than say a call back that served no purpose.
Long story short, this is the current iteration of how the Trinity (Wonder Woman, Superman, and Batman) meetup and come to an agreement to work together. Thanks to the somewhat confusing backstory of the current Superman (current while this story was first printed) he and his family are a bit hesitant, but Lois steps up to the plate and invites Diana and Bruce over for a dinner. An incredibly benign event to try and get these folks talking and hopefully respect each other. There’s a cute call back to the Rainbow Suit Batman which was a nice touch in a moment of levity. Soon though, things go south on the farm and the Trinity is in some peculiar trouble. I’m happy to see one of my old favourites show up in the form of Mongul and that oh-so-dangerous temptress in the form of a plant, the Black Mercy! Might be seen as a bit of a spoiler, but still leaves much to be discovered in the story.
Manapul’s art and writing is a bit sharper in this compared to his tie-ins to the Darkseid War (compiled in Power of the Gods). It was more heartfelt and emotional to read for me. I really enjoyed it and the way he chose to portray the Trinity (in particular a good old squared-jawed Superman!). One downside might be that you don’t get the full enjoyment of the story without knowing the surrounding bits contained in the individual titles of each character. In particular, I feel that Wonder Woman’s loses some emotion punch and weight if one doesn’t know the current challenges she is facing in Rucka’s run and her ongoing struggle to return home.
This was pretty fun, with some good sappy moments in it for someone like me, lovely art, and a story that was fluffy, but engaging enough to keep me going.
Long story short, this is the current iteration of how the Trinity (Wonder Woman, Superman, and Batman) meetup and come to an agreement to work together. Thanks to the somewhat confusing backstory of the current Superman (current while this story was first printed) he and his family are a bit hesitant, but Lois steps up to the plate and invites Diana and Bruce over for a dinner. An incredibly benign event to try and get these folks talking and hopefully respect each other. There’s a cute call back to the Rainbow Suit Batman which was a nice touch in a moment of levity. Soon though, things go south on the farm and the Trinity is in some peculiar trouble. I’m happy to see one of my old favourites show up in the form of Mongul and that oh-so-dangerous temptress in the form of a plant, the Black Mercy! Might be seen as a bit of a spoiler, but still leaves much to be discovered in the story.
Manapul’s art and writing is a bit sharper in this compared to his tie-ins to the Darkseid War (compiled in Power of the Gods). It was more heartfelt and emotional to read for me. I really enjoyed it and the way he chose to portray the Trinity (in particular a good old squared-jawed Superman!). One downside might be that you don’t get the full enjoyment of the story without knowing the surrounding bits contained in the individual titles of each character. In particular, I feel that Wonder Woman’s loses some emotion punch and weight if one doesn’t know the current challenges she is facing in Rucka’s run and her ongoing struggle to return home.
This was pretty fun, with some good sappy moments in it for someone like me, lovely art, and a story that was fluffy, but engaging enough to keep me going.
April 13, 2023
Oh, doamne, chestia asta nu m-a prins deloc. Și mi-am cumpărat recent ca prostu și volumul 2 :)))
Deci se iau 3 mari supereroi din DC: Batman, Superman și Wonder Woman, li se găsește un inamic nici prea-prea nici foarte-foarte (Mongul) și binile învinge. Parte un soi de recapitulare a originilor celor trei, dar camuflată cumva ca o călătorie falsă în timp, parte luptă contra celui rău, dar luptă nu foarte ingenioasă și nici grozavă, trebuie să spun că m-am plictisit cap-coadă. Arta alternează de la ok la mneah, povestea slăbuță.
Better together? Nu prea cred.
Deci se iau 3 mari supereroi din DC: Batman, Superman și Wonder Woman, li se găsește un inamic nici prea-prea nici foarte-foarte (Mongul) și binile învinge. Parte un soi de recapitulare a originilor celor trei, dar camuflată cumva ca o călătorie falsă în timp, parte luptă contra celui rău, dar luptă nu foarte ingenioasă și nici grozavă, trebuie să spun că m-am plictisit cap-coadă. Arta alternează de la ok la mneah, povestea slăbuță.
Better together? Nu prea cred.
January 10, 2018
Francis Manapul reunites the three DC icons in a plot that uses one issue per character to underline their frailties and strenghs before confronting the menace that'll bind them again.
The story starts reasonably well. I was honestly surprised to see that Manapul could write pretty decently. The off monologues sound good if sometimes a bit mushy and the plot is well paced.
Too bad the underwhelming final issue half ruined it and left all the mushy aspects floating on the surface.
Yet it seems Manapul has some real understanding of the characters and he treats them with respect. This effort deserves some recognition but I hope the future stories will be meatier.
Artwise the 3 issues drawn by Manapul (1,2,5) are very good, enhanced by his beautiful colors.
Clay Mann does one (3), a decent job with comendable colors by Brad Anderson.
Emanuela Lupacchino does two (4,6). #4 is boldly inked by Ray McCarthy while #6 is flatly inked by Matt Santorelli and you'd never think it was the same penciller! Shows the importance of a good inker, particularly if like Lupacchino you pencil decently but without any notable style.
Colors are by some studio that sadly don't bother to use Manapul's chart.
In short, if you're into the beefcake, the bat and the brunette, go for it. It won't blow your mind out but it won't hurt your feelings either.
The story starts reasonably well. I was honestly surprised to see that Manapul could write pretty decently. The off monologues sound good if sometimes a bit mushy and the plot is well paced.
Too bad the underwhelming final issue half ruined it and left all the mushy aspects floating on the surface.
Yet it seems Manapul has some real understanding of the characters and he treats them with respect. This effort deserves some recognition but I hope the future stories will be meatier.
Artwise the 3 issues drawn by Manapul (1,2,5) are very good, enhanced by his beautiful colors.
Clay Mann does one (3), a decent job with comendable colors by Brad Anderson.
Emanuela Lupacchino does two (4,6). #4 is boldly inked by Ray McCarthy while #6 is flatly inked by Matt Santorelli and you'd never think it was the same penciller! Shows the importance of a good inker, particularly if like Lupacchino you pencil decently but without any notable style.
Colors are by some studio that sadly don't bother to use Manapul's chart.
In short, if you're into the beefcake, the bat and the brunette, go for it. It won't blow your mind out but it won't hurt your feelings either.
August 12, 2017
Loved this 'big three' centred story which serves as a nice connective between the individual character's own issues. Talking of issues...boy...do these guys have them! 'Other world' Clark has parenting doubts while still dealing with his own daddy issues; Bruce had major league guilt; Diana needs to find home and doesn't know how to get there, but they soon realise (thanks to Lois) that they need each other to work it out.
While the arc may be a little 'Oprah', it's a good opportunity to let the personalities of the characters shine rather than just focusing on 'monster of the week' as in the Justice League runs. That is until the last few issues where it all turns into a overly contrived that's easily forgettable.
Art is great, but this review copy suffered due to the double page layouts being impossible to read on a tablet. As comics move more and more towards the digital age, editors really need to get creatives focusing on single page spreads. I'm a huge fan of both mediums and can see the worthiness of both, but this is something that needs sorting. The double-page spreads in this issue were wasted, and it's a damn shame.
While the arc may be a little 'Oprah', it's a good opportunity to let the personalities of the characters shine rather than just focusing on 'monster of the week' as in the Justice League runs. That is until the last few issues where it all turns into a overly contrived that's easily forgettable.
Art is great, but this review copy suffered due to the double page layouts being impossible to read on a tablet. As comics move more and more towards the digital age, editors really need to get creatives focusing on single page spreads. I'm a huge fan of both mediums and can see the worthiness of both, but this is something that needs sorting. The double-page spreads in this issue were wasted, and it's a damn shame.
October 2, 2017
Meh, nice art, but it's another boring, introduction to the characters and their background motivations. It adds little to the DC universe and reads like a million other comics that came before it.
June 14, 2017
***** In return for an honest review, I got a digital ARC of this book from DC through Netgalley.
Where, oh where to start with this this one? Since the art is fantastic in this book, I guess I'll start there. Francis Manapul, Clay Mann, and Emanuela Lupacchino all contribute illustrations for the book. Manapul draws issues #1, 2, & 5. Mann's lone issue is #3. Lupacchino handles issues #4 & 6. Each is an amazing artist. Emanuela Lupacchino has a bit of a different style than the other 2. Her art is closer in style to Jim Lee with its need for heavier inks. The 2 guys have a more fine line style like Mikel Janin. This seems to be an ever more popular style in today's comics. I've had a really hard sitting here debating whose art I like the best. I guess I would have to go with Emanuela over the others. Her female characters look great, of course, they all have beautiful females, but she also has the best Batman in the book. Clay Mann has a couple of really great panels of Wonder Woman. He must have been looking at a picture of Gal Gadot for one of them because it's a close-up profile that looks just like her. Mann illustrates the Gotham issue and really nails the horrific visions Bruce sees. Manapul really excels at the plain characters like Lois and the heroes out of uniform. All-around 5 star art.
I think the only thing I've ever read that was written by Francis Manapul was the New 52 Flash series. I loved that. To me, that was the best Flash had been in years. I was anxious to get my hands on this to see if he wrote Bruce, Clark, and Diana as well as he did Barry. I liked how well he ended up writing all 3. He kept Clark as the voice of hope. Bruce was the skeptic that used reason to try to deduce what was going on, and Diana just sought out the truth while distancing herself enough to get a clear picture of what was going. I like the choice for main villain too. Definitely need a powerhouse that is capable of taking on all 3 heroes. I'm already looking forward to which villain or groups of villains hat the Trinity take on next. The writing gets 4 stars.
This was one of the best Rebirth titles so far. I'll definitely be buying a paper copy of this in the future to add to my collection. Some long time readers may be disappointed that the book gives a little glimpse of the origins of each character, but it doesn't go really in depth or even spend a whole issue for each one. It's just enough to introduce the characters to new readers which is the whole point of having the Rebirth reboot anyway. This is a great place for readers that have been too daunted by the massive histories of each of the characters to jump onto a book that contains all 3 at one time. The only other place you're going to get all 3 at once is in the pages of Justice League and they're gonna have to share page time with even more people. Long time readers may enjoy the spotlight on the 3 together without the rest of the JL so I can recommend this to pretty much anyone that likes these characters. Overall rating is 4.5 stars.
Where, oh where to start with this this one? Since the art is fantastic in this book, I guess I'll start there. Francis Manapul, Clay Mann, and Emanuela Lupacchino all contribute illustrations for the book. Manapul draws issues #1, 2, & 5. Mann's lone issue is #3. Lupacchino handles issues #4 & 6. Each is an amazing artist. Emanuela Lupacchino has a bit of a different style than the other 2. Her art is closer in style to Jim Lee with its need for heavier inks. The 2 guys have a more fine line style like Mikel Janin. This seems to be an ever more popular style in today's comics. I've had a really hard sitting here debating whose art I like the best. I guess I would have to go with Emanuela over the others. Her female characters look great, of course, they all have beautiful females, but she also has the best Batman in the book. Clay Mann has a couple of really great panels of Wonder Woman. He must have been looking at a picture of Gal Gadot for one of them because it's a close-up profile that looks just like her. Mann illustrates the Gotham issue and really nails the horrific visions Bruce sees. Manapul really excels at the plain characters like Lois and the heroes out of uniform. All-around 5 star art.
I think the only thing I've ever read that was written by Francis Manapul was the New 52 Flash series. I loved that. To me, that was the best Flash had been in years. I was anxious to get my hands on this to see if he wrote Bruce, Clark, and Diana as well as he did Barry. I liked how well he ended up writing all 3. He kept Clark as the voice of hope. Bruce was the skeptic that used reason to try to deduce what was going on, and Diana just sought out the truth while distancing herself enough to get a clear picture of what was going. I like the choice for main villain too. Definitely need a powerhouse that is capable of taking on all 3 heroes. I'm already looking forward to which villain or groups of villains hat the Trinity take on next. The writing gets 4 stars.
This was one of the best Rebirth titles so far. I'll definitely be buying a paper copy of this in the future to add to my collection. Some long time readers may be disappointed that the book gives a little glimpse of the origins of each character, but it doesn't go really in depth or even spend a whole issue for each one. It's just enough to introduce the characters to new readers which is the whole point of having the Rebirth reboot anyway. This is a great place for readers that have been too daunted by the massive histories of each of the characters to jump onto a book that contains all 3 at one time. The only other place you're going to get all 3 at once is in the pages of Justice League and they're gonna have to share page time with even more people. Long time readers may enjoy the spotlight on the 3 together without the rest of the JL so I can recommend this to pretty much anyone that likes these characters. Overall rating is 4.5 stars.
August 14, 2022
If I could pick just one of Alan Moore's DC ideas I'd kill off once and for all - no chance of course, creators will be eating these particular brains for decades yet - I think it might be Black Mercy. The flower that kills you by making your dreams come true is a carry-over from Moore's Superman Annual, "For The Man Who Has Everything", and it's been seized on by other writers ever since. The original story finds Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman teaming up, so perhaps it's no surprise Francis Manapaul decided a six-part revisitation was in order for a new series taking such team-ups as its premise.
The problem is that what makes the Moore story great isn't the sodding flower, and it's not even the plot as such (perfectly neat though it is). The real draw was seeing Moore tackle Krypton, making Superman's homeworld seem more alien and more interesting than it had done for a years. Without Moore's dark, hallucinatory Krypton, what do you have? A vehicle for five issues of dream sequences. And crashingly obvious dream sequences at that - Pa Kent! Crime Alley! The embarassing realisation that Wonder Woman's origin doesn't have anything as iconic as Pa Kent and Crime Alley!
Manapaul, ironically, is one of DC's most imaginative current artists, capable of wonderfully fluid and imaginative page designs - a widescreen-era heir to Nick Cardy or Carmine Infantino. If anyone can make the Trinity concept work visually, it's him (and often he does, though this volume doesn't hit the heights of his Flash issues). But it's terribly frustrating that this artistry is in the service of Manapaul the writer and his fondness for mediocre retreads of over-worked concepts.
The problem is that what makes the Moore story great isn't the sodding flower, and it's not even the plot as such (perfectly neat though it is). The real draw was seeing Moore tackle Krypton, making Superman's homeworld seem more alien and more interesting than it had done for a years. Without Moore's dark, hallucinatory Krypton, what do you have? A vehicle for five issues of dream sequences. And crashingly obvious dream sequences at that - Pa Kent! Crime Alley! The embarassing realisation that Wonder Woman's origin doesn't have anything as iconic as Pa Kent and Crime Alley!
Manapaul, ironically, is one of DC's most imaginative current artists, capable of wonderfully fluid and imaginative page designs - a widescreen-era heir to Nick Cardy or Carmine Infantino. If anyone can make the Trinity concept work visually, it's him (and often he does, though this volume doesn't hit the heights of his Flash issues). But it's terribly frustrating that this artistry is in the service of Manapaul the writer and his fondness for mediocre retreads of over-worked concepts.
February 28, 2017
Read in February 2017. Read in individual issues.
I loved this arc!! Manapul's writing and art (on the issues he drew) is breathtaking! All the arty was breathtaking but his panel placement was fantastic. In issue #1, when he incorporated character's logo with their first appearance in the issue was absolutely wonderful and I loved it so, so, so much.
I definitely can't wait to see where this title takes us!
I loved this arc!! Manapul's writing and art (on the issues he drew) is breathtaking! All the arty was breathtaking but his panel placement was fantastic. In issue #1, when he incorporated character's logo with their first appearance in the issue was absolutely wonderful and I loved it so, so, so much.
I definitely can't wait to see where this title takes us!
August 24, 2017
Well, this wasn't satisfying.. at all.. to say the least..
Flimsy characters, uninteresting storyline, lame jokes, and so on...
Strange that I even managed to finish this one.
Would have expected more from The Trinity... :(
In my eyes, this can be skipped altogether...
But of course these are just my two cents.
Flimsy characters, uninteresting storyline, lame jokes, and so on...
Strange that I even managed to finish this one.
Would have expected more from The Trinity... :(
In my eyes, this can be skipped altogether...
But of course these are just my two cents.
October 15, 2017
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 really 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 loved the relationships, the backstory and history that clearly already exist between all the characters involved in the story and how that influences their interactions and conversations. 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 was surprised at myself. I loved the support each character gave to the others, how they are able to 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 am excited to see what happens in the next volume.
August 18, 2017
In an effort to regain the trust they once had, Clark, Bruce and Diana come back together to talk and get to know each other. What unfolds from there is a little more complicated, but very plausible when you consider it.
Their reunion is interrupted by a sudden transporting to Clark's childhood, forcing him to again face the loss of his father. All three, now in costume, are confused as to how they got there. It is revealed to us that they are under a plant-based spell facilitated by Poison Ivy, who is trying to use the solar power inside Superman to bring forward her child, "White Mercy". While under the toxin, we also experience heartbreaking scenes from the death of Bruce's parents and the exile of Diana, ultimately ending up at Mongol.
"White Mercy" is the subconscious desire for freedom brought into life through Mongol's torture under the plant "Black Mercy". Mongol is using the desires of Poison Ivy, and her connection to The Green, to help him to escape from his toxin based prison. Due to the emotional outbursts and overcoming of our 3 heroes, "White Mercy" has learned that emotions are not weaknesses, and uses it against Mongol.
The heroes escape the nightmare, bonded stronger together, and forming the "Trinity" we all know and love.... but who is that hiding in the corn fields??
Excellent start to a new series. Recommend.
Their reunion is interrupted by a sudden transporting to Clark's childhood, forcing him to again face the loss of his father. All three, now in costume, are confused as to how they got there. It is revealed to us that they are under a plant-based spell facilitated by Poison Ivy, who is trying to use the solar power inside Superman to bring forward her child, "White Mercy". While under the toxin, we also experience heartbreaking scenes from the death of Bruce's parents and the exile of Diana, ultimately ending up at Mongol.
"White Mercy" is the subconscious desire for freedom brought into life through Mongol's torture under the plant "Black Mercy". Mongol is using the desires of Poison Ivy, and her connection to The Green, to help him to escape from his toxin based prison. Due to the emotional outbursts and overcoming of our 3 heroes, "White Mercy" has learned that emotions are not weaknesses, and uses it against Mongol.
The heroes escape the nightmare, bonded stronger together, and forming the "Trinity" we all know and love.... but who is that hiding in the corn fields??
Excellent start to a new series. Recommend.
May 29, 2018
Beautiful artwork. So far, I’m impressed with the stories that Rebirth has presented. The premise here centers around DC’s trinity—Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman getting past their differences and getting to know each other for the first time.
New 52 Superman is gone and in his wake, pre-New 52 Superman has decided to take up the mantle. This Superman with his family Lois and Jon survived the convergence event and have been living in parallel but in secret to the New 52 heroes.
Lois knows that to be the heroes they need to be they need to get past their social awkwardness. However, her dinner takes a wayward turn when Poison Ivy gets involved and traps the trinity in a dream space where they must confront their internal struggles and worries. Of course, Ivy’s plan goes off the rails when Mongul invades their dreamspace and attempts to re-enter the real world through Superman’s empty vessel. As you might have guessed, his plan does not go according to plan. The trinity manage to defeat Mongul and escape the dreamscape and with that comes a reaffirmation of their friendship moving forward. I think this arc does a nice job of reintroducing the trinity and getting them to each take part of their emotional journeys to re-solidify their friendship and working relationship.
New 52 Superman is gone and in his wake, pre-New 52 Superman has decided to take up the mantle. This Superman with his family Lois and Jon survived the convergence event and have been living in parallel but in secret to the New 52 heroes.
Lois knows that to be the heroes they need to be they need to get past their social awkwardness. However, her dinner takes a wayward turn when Poison Ivy gets involved and traps the trinity in a dream space where they must confront their internal struggles and worries. Of course, Ivy’s plan goes off the rails when Mongul invades their dreamspace and attempts to re-enter the real world through Superman’s empty vessel. As you might have guessed, his plan does not go according to plan. The trinity manage to defeat Mongul and escape the dreamscape and with that comes a reaffirmation of their friendship moving forward. I think this arc does a nice job of reintroducing the trinity and getting them to each take part of their emotional journeys to re-solidify their friendship and working relationship.
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