The writers and artists ofDC Comicshave produced some of the greatest graphic novels and comics in the industry’s history, from iconic game-changers likeThe Dark Knight Returns, toSupermanorJustice Leagueepics that altered their shared universes for decades to come.
With almost a century of characters, stories, series, and sagas to choose from, naming the very best is almost impossible. But for those looking to enjoy thegreatest works starring Superman, Batman, the Justice League, and more,these are the best DC Comics stories in history.
2552 (2006)
An impressive experiment that showcased a full year in the DC Universe
In the wake ofInfinite Crisis, DC Comics decided to jump ahead an entire year for many of its series as part of its “One Year Later” branding. But that year was examined in full in 52, a massive collaboration between numerous writers and artists such as Geoff Johns, Greg Rucka, Eddy Barrows, Dan Jurgens, and more. From Lex Luthor funding a project to create superheroes to Elongated Man investigating a strange mystery, this year is full of moments that will have fans gasping and crying. It’s a fantastic saga that shines andshowcases heroes other than the DCU’s Trinity.
The best parts of the Green Lantern concept, in a standalone sci-fi mystery
Far Sector
For the past six months, newly chosen Green Lantern Sojourner “Jo” Mullein has been protecting the City Enduring, a massive metropolis of 20 billion people. The city has maintained peace for over 500 years by stripping its citizens of their ability to feel. As a result, violent crime is virtually unheard of, and murder is nonexistent. But that’s all about to change in this new maxiseries that gives a DC Young Animal spin to the legacy of the Green Lanterns!
For anyone looking to dive into the worlds ofGreen Lantern, but aren’t ready to digest decades' worth of ongoing drama,Far Sectoris the answer. From an acclaimed writer and paired with an artist whose style and energy are instantly legendary,Jo Mullein gets the introduction a superhero can only dream of.
“Far Sector represents the best of the Green Lantern concept: a standalone story that embraces decades of DC cosmic worldbuilding without being over-reliant on dense Lantern continuity. With a dash of Afrofuturism from Hugo award-winning writer N.K. Jemisin and stellar artwork from Jamal Campbell, I find myself recommending Far Sector to long-time DC readers as well as complete comic-book newbies."- Kate O’Donoghue, Comics Editor
Batman’s rogues gallery returns for an unforgettable new chapter in his mythology
Batman Under The Red Hood
Batman is confronted with a hidden face from the past: it’s the return of the vigilante Red Hood who appears to be Batman’s one-time partner Jason Todd, the same Jason Todd that died many years ago. But the Red Hood’s violent ways pit him against the Dark Knight in his hunt for the very person responsible for his death: The Joker. This volume collects Batman #635-641, #645-50 and Batman Annual #25.
The story that brought Jason Todd back from the graveand reinvented him for a new generation of fans. “Under the Red Hood” injects heartbreaking family drama into a story about crime, loss, and revenge. A pivotal story for any comic book heavily invested inBatman’shistory with his troubled sidekick.
“Judd Winick’s Batman: Under the Red Hood masterfully intertwines deep emotion with intense action, redefining the Batman mythos through the narrative resurrection of the Dark Knight’s second Robin—Jason Todd. This epic pushes the boundaries of superhero storytelling, offering a profound exploration of grief, revenge, and familial bonds, cementing its place among the most enduring comics of all time."- Taylor Blake Forsberg, Comics Writer
22Flashpoint (2011)
The story that defined Barry Allen’s Flash for the modern age of DC Comics
An alternate reality/timeline putting new twists on familiar characters is nothing new, as every fan of DC’s bestElseworldcomics already knows. But withFlashpoint, the company transformed a ‘what it?’ into an unforgettable’What did you do?‘The larger publishing plans that followed might makeFlashpointbest known asthe origin of DC’s New 52 relaunch, but the tale would have earned its spot on this list regardless of what impacts, if any, it had on the larger line.
“It’s not the story that brought Barry back to life, but it’s the one which set his modern character, history, motivations, and heart for the modern age of DC mythology. Featuring more than one moment on the shortlist of the most memorable in Flash history, Johns and Kubert turned in a work that will forever be imitated, but never recreated."- Andrew Dyce, Comics Editor
21Animal Man (1988)
A bold reinvention that defined meta superhero storytelling.
Buddy Baker was all but forgotten until Grant Morrison revived the character along with Chaz Truog in a series that took an underdog hero and made him the star of a tragic tale.Animal Manfollows Buddy as he embarks on a new chapter in his life. But along the way, he encounters harrowing events, including a tragedy that would try any hero. The series was praised for its unconventional storytellingand made Animal Man a fan-favorite in the hearts of many. It’s a powerful story with a lot to say about the relationship between fictional characters and their writers.
The most underrated run on DC’s most underrated super-team
Young Justice
Batman. Superman. The Flash. The incredible members of the Justice League of America cast a long shadow, and the members of Young Justice are eager to step out of it. Robin, Superboy, and Impulse want to prove to their superhero mentors that they’re capable of tackling super-villains on their own. Under the guidance of the stoic, wise Red Tornado, the three teen heroes begin their quest to make a name for themselves, apart from their famous friends.
Who doesn’t love sidekicks branching out on their own?Young Justiceis Peter David and Todd Nauck at their absolute best as they chronicle the lives of Robin, Superboy, Impulse and dozens of other fan-favorite superheroes. Filled with adventure and charm,Young Justiceis the perfect book for comic book fansof any age.
“A testament to the importance of legacy characters in the DC Universe, Young Justice is filled with heart, humor, found family, shenanigans, Lobo clones, and unbeatable ’90s fashion. Sometimes the best comics are, in fact, the silliest. Young Justice was my gateway DC story when I was a teenager, and nearly 15 years later, it’s still my favorite series of all time."- Kate O’Donoghue, Comics Editor
A brilliant, modern spin on Jack Kirby’s Fourth World that became an instant classic
Mister Miracle
Scott Free is the greatest escape artist who ever lived. So great that he escaped Granny Goodness’ gruesome orphanage and the dangers of Apokolips to travel across galaxies and set up a new life on Earth with his wife, the former Female Fury known as Big Barda. You might say Scott Free has everything…so why isn’t it enough? Mister Miracle has mastered every illusion, achieved every stunt, pulled off every trick—except one. He has never escaped death.
Tom King and Mitch Gerads stunned the comic book world with their take on the DC Universe’s death-defying escape artist inMister Miracle. The creative team’s take on Scott Free dazzled readers and became an instant ‘must-read’ for comic book fans everywhere.Mister Miracletakes a big swings with the Fourth World mythosand absolutely succeeds.
“Through Mister Miracle, Tom King tries to achieve many things at once. Mister Miracle is a meditation on depression, recovery, and a tribute to Jack Kirby. Trying to balance such complicated attributes at once in any other work from any other creator risks becoming a mess, but somehow, King balances each theme perfectly. The character’s emotional struggles through Mitch Gerald’s’ often haunting imagery make for a multi-layered character study filled. There’s intrigue at all possible angles."- Joe Myrick, Comics Writer
18Batman: Year One (1987)
The origin story that took Batman’s ‘noir’ incarnation to its heights
Long before the idea of ‘another Batman origin story’ seemed like a regular, as opposed to risky proposition, the creative dynamic duo ofMiller and Mazzucchelli blew the doors off withYear One, a definitive and refreshing look at Bruce Wayne’s early career. And just like the greatest tales in Batman’s long history, the story showed fans how both Bruce Wayne and Jim Gordon propelled one another to their modern legend status.
A flawlessly-told origin story, from one of DC’s most treasured storytellers
Blue Beetle
The mystical Blue Beetle scarab has chosen its new guardian: teenager Jaime Reyes! But supernatural powers can be a blessing or a curse, and when it comes to the powers of the Scarab, you don’t get one without the other.
The Blue Beetle legacy reaches its apex with Jaime Reyes' first solo title,Blue Beetle. Spinning out of Infinite Crisis, Reyes finds his world turned upside down as he adjusts to life as a superhero while balancing his life as a teenager. A perfect entry pointfor anyone slightly curious about the fan-favorite Blue Beetle.
“Giffen and Hamner’s introduction of Jaime Reyes as the Blue Beetle isn’t just a significant turn in DC history; it’s one of the most heartfelt, entertaining superhero comics I’ve ever read. This team made me fall in love with Jaime’s supporting cast as much as Jaime himself. If you want to stay up too late binge-reading a comic — as I did, back in 2010 — this story is for you."- Kate O’Donoghue, Comics Editor
The hard-hitting team that shook up DC Comics storytelling.
The Suicide Squad got a radical overhaul when it was rebooted by John Ostrander and Luke McDonnell. Rather than a band of soldiers, this volume ofSuicide Squadmade the superb choice to feature villains and other C-list characters to take on the government’s dirty work. Tense and atmospheric, this was a series that didn’t play around, and virtually any mission could have been the end for one of its key players.This series opened up new avenues of storytelling at DC Comicsand paved the way for more stories focusing on morally gray, even villainous main characters and teams.
