Trinity # 1 2016 VF+

Trinity #1 is the premier issue of an ongoing series published by DC Comics on September 21, 2016. Written, illustrated, and colored by superstar creator Francis Manapul, the issue launched as a cornerstone of the company-wide DC Rebirth relaunch.

The Rebirth Context: An Awkward Dynamic

The issue's entire premise hinges on the major status-quo shift of the Rebirth era:

• The New Man of Steel: The younger, brasher New 52 universe version of Superman had recently died.
• The Veteran Replacement: In his place stepped an older, wiser, pre-Flashpoint Superman (Clark Kent), who was living secretly on a farm in Hamilton County with his wife, Lois Lane, and their young son, Jon Kent.
• The Ideological Gap: This means that while Clark has fond memories of "his" universe's Batman and Wonder Woman, this universe's Batman and Wonder Woman have absolutely no history with him, viewing him as an unproven stranger who looks exactly like their fallen friend.

Issue Plot Summary: "Better Together" (Part 1)

Instead of starting with a massive world-ending threat, Manapul delivers an intimate, highly praised character piece focused entirely on a family dinner.

• Dinner at the Farm: To break the ice and build trust, Lois Lane invites Batman and Wonder Woman over to Smith Farm for a home-cooked dinner. Bruce Wayne arrives carrying a luxury bottle of wine, while Diana of Themyscira brings a massive wild boar she hunted herself—introducing a touch of comedic culture shock.
• Tensions and Tenderness: The evening is layered with quiet, interpersonal drama. Lois and Diana share an emotionally complex moment discussing the awkwardness of Lois being married to a version of the man this timeline's Diana had once loved. Meanwhile, Bruce remains characteristically paranoid and guarded about Clark's sudden presence.
• The Super-Son Incident: Tensions momentarily flare when young Jon Kent gets startled and accidentally discharges his heat vision, singing Batman's armor. Superman steps in to de-escalate, showcasing his gentle nature and capabilities as a protective father.
• The Supernatural Cliffhanger: After a night of sharing stories about what family means to them, the group begins to bond. However, as they walk out into the barn, the reality around them fractures. The issue ends on a shocking cliffhanger when they are suddenly confronted by an apparition of Clark's deceased human father, Jonathan Kent, signaling that they have walked right into a trap orchestrated by the parasitic White Mercy.