Justice League of America: The Ray Rebirth #1

Event\Storyline: Rebirth Writer: Steve Orlando Artist: Stephen Byrne Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: January 18, 2017 Cover Price: $2.99 Critic Reviews: 24 User Reviews: 16
8.1Critic Rating
8.2User Rating

SPINNING OUT OF THE PAGES OF JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. SUICIDE SQUAD! Locked indoors, raised in the dark and told his medical condition could be fatal to himself and anyone he meets, Ray Terrill is dangerous. A freak. Broken. Or is he...? Witness the amazing power of realizing your true self and stepping into the light in this moving rebirth of a long-lost hero for a new generation.
One shot
RATED T

  • 10
    CourtOfNerds - Kevin Carley Jan 19, 2017

    So buy this comic. Give it to friend that might need some encouragement. Give it to someone who might be afraid. Help be a light in the darkness. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comicosity - Matt Santori Jan 18, 2017

    The Ray, in that regard, truly is an opportunity for rebirth, and exactly the kind of story among many many others of queer people telling their own stories that all creators and fans need to pay attention to. No story is going to fit everyones truth. The goal, of course, is to hit on a specific truth that can at least resonate genuineness, and not wallow in the point of view of the majority over that of the other. Orlando and Byrne have accomplished that, and developed a story that centers hope and brightness to the queer experience something those of us living and loving in that community needed to see. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Book Bin - Deejay Dayton Jan 20, 2017

    Although this one shot is just meant as a re-introduction before the Ray joins the Atom and Vixen in a new JLA, it really made me hope he will once again get his own book. Especially with Orlando and Byrne at the helm. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    SciFiPulse - Patrick Hayes Feb 7, 2017

    Who do I have to speak with to have this become a monthly with the same creative team? This was a terrific reintroduction to the character, with an origin that's fun and full of slick visuals. I enjoyed this much, much more than I thought I would. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Graphic Policy - Logan Dalton Jan 18, 2017

    Orlando and Byrne don't shy away from showing Ray's suicidal ideation as a kid in Justice League of America: The Ray#1when he thinks that going outside and possibly dying is better than a life of isolation. However, Ray's story is inspiring because he overcomes his loneliness, sadness, and isolation to become a great hero even though he still had bad days. I love how his favorite fictional characters got him through some hard days as both a kid and a young adult, and especially can't wait to see how he fits in the new-look Justice League of America. All in all, Ray Terrill is another great addition to DC's pantheon of LGBTQ superheroes. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    GWW - Pwaelchl Jan 18, 2017

    The Ray is moving and empowering without being preachy. Ray Terrill's journey to super hero reflects Orlando is creating an emotionally rich cast of characters for the JLA that look to shine light onto the world. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Nerd Church Radio - Carl Hamlin Jan 18, 2017

    This story is fantastic; it moves along at a quick pace butit still lets you learn about our new hero. The art is amazing, and my favoritepanels are the ones where Ray is glowing. Mr. Orlando you are outdoing yourselfwith these Justice League of America character intro books and have completelywon me over to believing that upcoming Justice League of America is a must pickup. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Bleeding Cool - Joe Glass Jan 21, 2017

    This is what a superhero story should be. It is hope. It is conscience. It is action. And it is accessible to anyone at all. JLA Rebirth: The Ray is a great example of what Justice League of America can bring to us. And it is bright indeed. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    IGN - Jesse Schedeen Jan 19, 2017

    I don't know if Geoff Johns had any hand in this new round of DC Rebirth specials like he did the original batch, but there's definitely a Johns-ian quality to Steve Orlando and Stephen Byrne's revamp of The Ray. Which, needless to say, means this issue is well worth a read. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Capeless Crusader - Jeremy Radick Jan 18, 2017

    For a one-shot designed to introduce a member of a soon-to-be assembled team, Justice League of America Rebirth - The Ray #1 really succeeds at its job. I like Ray Terrill, his origin is interesting and mysterious and well-handled, and it even establishes a tough-city setting and possible supporting cast and threat effectively. Like the other one-shots that preceded it, this issue makes me increasingly optimistic for the coming JLA series, and in that way the issue succeeds perfectly. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comics: The Gathering - mahargen Jan 18, 2017

    This is a really fun one-shot that sets up the character and his supporting cast well. I'm going to say I'm a little disappointed that this isn't an ongoing title. There is a lot to unpack in this issue, and I'd really like to see more of Ray's adventures without him having to share the spotlight with the rest of the JLA. I'm also interested in seeing how the character plays out without the "legacy" aspect that existed pre-Flashpoint. On the strength of the one-shots alone I'm suggesting everyone check out JLA when it drops next month. Steve Orlando's got a great set-up and I'm anxious to see his follow-through. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Bastards - Jonathan Edwards Jan 18, 2017

    I'll be honest, I'm sold on Orlando's JLA one-shots. Are they the type of comic that'll change your life? No, I don't think so. However, the way in which they've been rooted so firmly in their title characters is something I respect. It'll be interesting to see if Orlando applies that same idea to the main book. And if he does, how will he adapt it to fit a team of seven? At this point, I really do see these less as one-shots and more as a series, so I think my previous recommendations stand for all of them now. Should you pick it up? If you're a fan of DC or the characters, go for it, especially if you intended to read Justice League of America. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    The Pop Break - Alisha Weinberger Jan 19, 2017

    Stephen Byrne and Clayton Clowes give readers some great artwork, and Orlando tackles issues surrounding the LGBTQ community, such as gentrification, community, and the push back from a stubborn old guard. It would have been an interesting read and exploration had The Ray received his own series. Instead the one-shot comes off rushed and its allegory heavy handed towards the end. The Ray Rebirth isn't necessarily skippable as it is a enjoyable short story tackling heavy themes in the greater DCU, readers should opt for a digital copy and avoid driving to the shop for just this single issue. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    The Beat - Alexander Lu Jan 18, 2017

    The Ray: Rebirth is not just a good comic"it's an important one. It is built to inspire and empower those who might feel different and alone; who feel like the world judges and rejects them for who they are. It reminds them that their beliefs are worth fighting for and that they have unique skills through which to advocate for those ideas. In my opinion, this book is an easy buy. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - Jake Baumgart Jan 20, 2017

    Steve Orlando and Stephen Byrne's The Ray - Rebirth #1 is a tightly-crafted introduction to the lesser known Leaguer, giving a solid foundation for him to shine bright in Orlando's upcoming team book. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    The Fandom Post - Chris Beveridge Jan 21, 2017

    Steve Orlando gives us the basic but solid insights into his mindset that hopefully we'll see more of in the ongoing JLA and a lot of the positives in this book are because of Stephen Byrne's artwork and some great coloring to make the yellows pop as they need to while playing against the blacks of the costume. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Pop Culture Uncovered - Ray W Jan 18, 2017

    Justice League of America: The Ray Rebirth #1is an overall solid issue that reintroduces us to the character of the Ray. The writing, art, and colors are amazing, and makes this issue shine like a ray of hope in the darkness of the DC Universe. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Multiversity Comics - Ken Godberson III Jan 23, 2017

    Definitely the best of these JLA one-shots so far. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    411Mania - Stephen M. Lyon Feb 23, 2017

    Much like the previous one-shots, this is a very simple story. However, it introduces the reader into the world of The Ray in preparation for the new JLA series, which I am continually becoming more excited about. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Weird Science - Eric Shea Jan 18, 2017

    The Ray was an enjoyable issue that gave us an interesting and lonely backstory to Ray Terrill that really got me feeling for the character right away, but not knowing a whole lot about our hero going in, I just wish that we could have gotten a little more info about his actual power set....... and maybe that's just me.  We've got some decent art though and only a few slow spots throughout so ultimately, I had a good time reading this issue. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Eye On Comics - Don MacPherson Jan 20, 2017

    These one-shots are leading up to the new Justice League of America series, and after two strong character introductions, it might be interesting to see what Orlando will do with the team book. But I've had absolutely no interest in the new Justice League of America series given Lobo's presence in the lineup. I really detest the character. Furthermore, I can't see how the strong focus on characterization on display in the one-shots will persist in what will no doubt be an action-driven team book. But these one-shots have demonstrated the potential for solo titles for the B-list and C-list heroes. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Newsarama - Pierce Lydon Jan 18, 2017

    The Ray is a solid introduction for a character that fills a need for a DC line looking to keep diversifying. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles Jan 18, 2017

    With a new TV series on CW Seed and a prominent spot on Justice League, The Ray's stock is on the rise. This issue didn't do a lot to cast him as an enjoyable character, but I'm hopeful he'll fare better in his regular role on Justice League. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    We Got This Covered - Stephenson Ardern-Sodje Jan 19, 2017

    While DC are ramping up for what looks to be a pretty gripping main event, Justice League of America: The Ray Rebirth #1 feels distinctly relegated to a lower tier, special interest title. Read Full Review

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