Trinity Annual #1 “Tied Together”
Writer: Rob Williams
Artist: Guillem March
Colorist: Tomeu Morey
It must be hard amalgamating this new Superman into the Trinity. The New 52 Superman was Bruce Wayne’s childhood friend in the universe for over 20 years, and that same Clark was Diana Prince’s romantic, permanent partner (Clark was ready to propose at a point). Bringing in this Rebirth, Pre-New 52 Clark Kent must jab at old wounds. This disconnection is why Trinity has felt lacking from other team-up comic series such as Red Hood and the Outlaws and Batman/The Shadow, both flow smoothly. Each writer from Trinity has brought up connection. From the very first issue, Trinity has been about connecting and bringing Clark Kent into their family of heroes. Many of my beloved moments are when heroes talk out-of-suit, and Trinity Annual #1 delivers.
Hands are a significant theme. We’ve seen this throughout Trinity, for example, the cover of Issue #5 (see third image above). Guillem March lines their bodies so well, illustrating a bond. As humans, we show emotion and connection through our hands and when we bond with people who aren’t blood-related, physical touch is one of the greatest ways we demonstrate trust and protection. I appreciate how the artists accept drawing this, and I’m more than happy to see that there is no difference due to gender. Rob Williams and Guillem March restricts the over-feminization and sexualization of Diana, not making her some prize in between the two (side-eyes Uhura between Kirk and Spock in the Reboot Star Trek). March moves both Clark and Bruce’s body to face each other equally. I understand big-macho heroes like Bats and Supes can’t be holding hands as openly and easily as Diana affectionately holds theirs, however, this doesn’t stop the artists from connecting them while in-suit. As Diana binds them both in the first image, Bruce and Clark shift their bodies to each other. Thus, their full attention is split and isn’t simply focusing on one member. They bring it back to all three because as a team, the Trinity is the most powerful triumvirate in the comic universe. The group can’t hold this title without good chemistry.
Tomeu Morey is a grand colorist. His shading is realistic, and the tones that catch my eyes are the illuminated brushing, enhancing the effects of light.
The informal, idiomatic writing is infatuating. It’s a writing style that each storyteller follows in Trinity. It captivates me as I am able to fall into the minds of superheroes and villains. Also allowing an easier narration between three views, Clark, Diana, and Bruce. Ra’s Al Gul contemplates his access to power, which is why he’s a successful villain. He’s not one to accept power without knowing the terms and condition. Everything has a cost. Having Etrigan is symbolic as well as he struggles with balance. Holding powers of both monster and savior, goodness and darkness, he battles those demons. The demon leaves his body, and Jason Blood is content to finally die. But we need Blood to carry his monster otherwise the world suffers. Batman tells him how our demons and sacrifices are part of our identity. Jason Blood is eternally tied to his demon, just as universe after universe, the Trinity is tied to each other.
Conclusion
The plot is a little convoluted, I noticed this for many Trinity story-arcs. I followed the Pre-New 52 Trinity series from the early 2000s, and a major flaw was that several narratives didn’t make sense. So much time-hopping. I really hope this doesn’t occur for Rebirth Trinity. It’s a relatively new universe, so it’s alright that they made four Superman clash into each other (although, why Rebirth? Why?) It needs to flow better. I believe that the lack of history between Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne/Diana Prince is a significant reason why Trinity appears nonlinear. Until issue #6, the writers were doing a bang-up job with story plotting. It looks like they’re on their way to tie things together. At the end of the issue, the dark Trinity appears; Red Hood, Artemis, and Bizzaro from Red Hood and the Outlaws! I’m stoked for the next adventure. Yet, if they give me more out-of-suit parties, dinners, and interactions, I won’t complain. Bruce! Stop freaking out Clark with the bill!
Images courtesy of DC Entertainment