As demonstrated by the emotional reunion between Barry and Wallyeasily the most heart-warming moment of Rebirth and beautifully drawn by Phil Jiminezmost fans are willing to forgive almost anything to see their favorites on the comics page once more. But with each rebirth, we run the risk of seeing an incarnation of the DCU that, even as it runs head first towards nostalgia, strays further and further away from what once made it such a fun place to visit. In Buddhism, we learn that the endless cycles of rebirth can only be stopped by insight and the extinguishing of desire. At what point will DC find enlightenment and finally end its samsara?

To be sure, Batman #1 has its fair share of flashy splash pages, but Finch and Banning don't sacrifice storytelling in the process either.