Written by: Francis Manapul
Art by: Francis Manapul
Publisher: DC Comics
Hope, Optimism, Relationships and Fun are the pillars of DC’s Rebirth initiative and so it is fitting that Trinity #1 brings us all of these with a story about the three pillars of the DC Universe. While some creators might be tempted to tell a big, action scene littered tale, full of worlds ending and villains aplenty, writer and artist Francis Manapul, instead elects to tell a smaller scope story and it pays off wonderfully.
The crux of this issue explores Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman’s relationship, and while this concept has been done before, the way Manapul approaches it is refreshingly new. Seeing as the current Superman in the DC Universe is from a different universe, and thusly isn’t well known to Wonder Woman or Batman, this focus on getting to know one another is one that makes sense, and opens the door for some exciting new territory.
This issue also targets the dourness of the New 52 and the cynicism often associated with it head on, as characters in this book are fairly hostile and cold to one another at the beginning, yet are brought closer by the end. It is fitting that Lois Lane brings these larger than life heroes together, and her insistence against a fair bit of skepticism from both Clark and Bruce, elevates the family aspect of this book. Lois has always been a major highlight of the Superman mythos, but it is in these subdued moments that she shines the brightest. Also, Jon is loveable as always and the issue ties in his sporadic powers well, and he and Lois make the trinity more relatable by proxy.
Just because this issue doesn’t feature any big fights or action sequences does not mean it’s a boring one to look at, as the art by Francis Manapul is gorgeous and oozes painter-like fluidity. The way he introduces Wonder Woman and Batman is simply breathtaking and he makes good use of double page spreads. This issue does a fair bit of flashback panels, that are definite standouts, especially the Rainbow Batman one. Also standing out are Manapul’s colours, as they are vibrant yet strangely calming, giving the art an almost hypnotic look.
Above all, Trinity #1 manages to capture a sense of intimacy, as it begins to peel back the layers of DC’s founding heroes in a loving and beautifully drawn way.
