DC/RWBY #1 (of 7)

Geek Dad

It’s odd that in terms of inter-media crossover, the two most consistent crossovers with the DCU are the megahit Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles… and this unusual but popular Rooster Teeth animation franchise. Marguerite Bennett also wrote the previous RWBY/Justice League crossover, which cast the League members as younger versions of themselves in the RWBY fantasy world. This one does something completely different—sending the most popular members of the RWBY world into the DCU. (...) This first issue is a fast-paced, often funny read that does a great job with setting up its concept and core main characters, although we have yet to see how it’ll expand into the main DCU.

But Why Tho?

As the issue wraps, we are left with a moment to allow the larger threat that the monsters in Gotham represent to sink in. The closing proclamation by Ruby further drives home the melodramatic energy that superhero comics revel in. It is the perfect wrap-up for a story that thrives in archetypal comic book storytelling.

Multiversity Comics

The RWBY (pronounced like “Ruby”) multimedia franchise has been fairly popular since it’s introduction in 2012, with entries across its origins in animation, video games, prose novels, and manga. However, considering every entry, including crossovers with other franchises, is primarily focused within its own world, there has been little room for outsiders to come in and enjoy the tale in full, mostly relying on existing fans. With “DC/RWBY” #1, Marguerite Bennett seems to try to put an end to that trend, bringing characters from the Rooster Teeth-based series into a version of the DC Universe, rather than keeping them centered within what they know. With the trends somewhat stacked against her in terms of an inviting narrative, how does she do at both bringing in a new audience and keeping the old? (...) Inviting for new readers while not disparaging those who already know the basic premise of either franchise, this debut is entertaining for readers new and old.

You Don't Read Comics

Bennett rolls somewhat gracefully through the motions of the mix-up before the team-up. It’s a tedious trope, but Bennett keeps it reasonably fresh throughout the issue. This is quite an accomplishment given the fact that the bulk of the story is an extended fight scene...in an alley in Gotham City in the rain at night. There isn’t much in the basic premise that’s original, but Bennett finds a brisk enough pacing. The action never really has a chance to drag for very long. There’s power in Bennett’s delivery of the unique personalities of everyone involved in the action.

Get Your Comic On

The DC Universe is capable of many amazing things and the crossover with Team RWBY is definitely a highlight. In a way, it feels incredibly random, but as Bennett, Hetrick and Lee prove, RWBY somehow manages to fit in perfectly with our favourite superheroes. As an introduction, this first issue does a fantastic job of setting the scene and laying down the foundations of this crossover. (...) DC/RWBY #1 is a fun and playful start to a story that has a lot of potential. Batman’s world collides perfectly with the wonders of RWBY in this first issue, and in the same breath the visual aesthetic that makes RWBY stand out is very well adapted to suit the DC universe.