Best DC Comics of All Time: A Journey Through the DC Universe

The world of DC Comics is a vast and wondrous place, filled with iconic characters, epic stories, and legendary creators. With a rich history spanning nearly a century, it’s no wonder that fans of the DC Universe are spoiled for choice when it comes to their favorite comics. From the classic tales of Superman and Batman to the more recent hits like Far Sector and Mister Miracle, there’s something for everyone in the world of DC Comics.

In this article, we’ll be counting down the top 20 best DC Comics of all time, exploring the stories that have shaped the DC Universe and continue to captivate readers to this day. From action-packed adventures to thought-provoking dramas, these comics showcase the best of what DC has to offer.

20. The Multiversity (2014)

The Multiversity is a critically acclaimed series written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by various artists. This story follows a group of heroes as they explore the vast Multiverse, encountering various alternate versions of themselves and other DC characters.

19. Superman: Red Son (2003)

Superman: Red Son is a critically acclaimed Elseworlds story written by Mark Millar and illustrated by Dave Johnson and Killian Plunkett. This story reimagines Superman’s origin, with him being raised in the Soviet Union instead of Kansas.

18. Batman: Year One (1987)

Batman: Year One is a critically acclaimed storyline written by Frank Miller and illustrated by David Mazzucchelli. This story reimagines Batman’s early days as a crimefighter, with a focus on his origin and his relationship with Commissioner Gordon.

17. The Omega Men (1983)

The Omega Men is a critically acclaimed series written by Jim Starlin and illustrated by Bernie Wrightson and others. This story follows a group of intergalactic mercenaries as they navigate a complex web of intrigue and politics in the far reaches of space.

16. Far Sector (2019)

Far Sector is a relatively new series that has quickly become a fan favorite. Written by N.K. Jemisin and illustrated by Jamal Campbell, this sci-fi mystery follows Green Lantern Sojourner “Jo” Mullein as she protects the City Enduring, a massive metropolis with a population of 20 billion people. The city has maintained peace for over 500 years by stripping its citizens of their emotions, but a new threat is about to disrupt this fragile balance.

Far Sector is a standalone story that gives a fresh spin to the Green Lantern concept, making it accessible to new readers while still appealing to long-time fans. The series is known for its Afro-futurist themes, stunning artwork, and intricate plot twists.

“It represents the best of the Green Lantern concept: a standalone story that embracing decades of DC cosmic worldbuilding without being over-reliant on dense Lantern continuity,” says Kate Donoghue, Comics Editor.

15. Batman: Under The Red Hood (2005)

Batman: Under The Red Hood is a critically acclaimed storyline that marked a significant turning point in the Batman mythos. Written by Judd Winick and illustrated by Doug Mahnke, Paul Lee, Shane Davis, and Eric Battle, this story follows Batman as he confronts his former sidekick Jason Todd, who has returned from the dead as the violent vigilante Red Hood.

Under The Red Hood is a powerful exploration of grief, revenge, and family drama that sets a new tone for Batman’s character. The story has been praised for its emotional depth, intense action sequences, and surprising plot twists.

“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,” says Taylor Blake Forsberg, Comics Writer.

14. Young Justice (1998)

Young Justice is a beloved series that follows a team of teenage superheroes as they navigate their way through adolescence and superheroics. Created by Peter David and Todd Nauck, this series is known for its humor, adventure, and heart.

Young Justice has been praised for its relatable characters, engaging storylines, and nostalgic value. It’s a must-read for fans of sidekicks and teen heroes.

“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,” says Kate Donoghue.

13. Mister Miracle (2018)

Mister Miracle is a critically acclaimed series that reimagines Jack Kirby’s classic character Scott Free as a modern-day escape artist. Written by Tom King and illustrated by Mitch Gerads and Clayton Cowles, this story follows Scott Free as he struggles to overcome his past traumas and find his place in the world.

Mister Miracle has been praised for its emotional depth, stunning artwork, and thought-provoking themes. It’s a must-read for fans of psychological dramas and character-driven stories.

“Tom King tries to achieve many things at once in Mister Miracle…and somehow balances each theme perfectly,” says Joe Myrick, Comics Writer.

12. Blue Beetle (2006)

Blue Beetle is a fan-favorite series that follows teenager Jaime Reyes as he becomes the new host of the Blue Beetle scarab. Written by Keith Giffen and John Rogers and illustrated by Cully Hamner, this series is known for its humor, action-packed sequences, and heartfelt moments.

Blue Beetle has been praised for its relatable characters, engaging storylines, and nostalgic value. It’s a must-read for fans of teen heroes and superhero origin stories.

“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,” says Kate O’Donoghue.

11. DC: The New Frontier (2004)

DC: The New Frontier is an acclaimed series that reimagines the early days of the Justice League in the 1950s. Written and illustrated by Darwyn Cooke, this story follows a team of heroes as they come together to fight against an alien invasion.

DC: The New Frontier has been praised for its stunning artwork, engaging storylines, and nostalgic value. It’s a must-read for fans of Golden Age heroes and Silver Age classics.

“In The New Frontier , Darwyn Cooke bridges the gap between the Golden Age and Silver Age…giving the JLA their best origin story,” says Ashley Land.

10. Batman: The Long Halloween (1996)

Batman: The Long Halloween is a critically acclaimed storyline that explores Batman’s early days as a crimefighter. Written by Jeph Loeb and illustrated by Tim Sale and Gregory Wright, this story follows Batman as he hunts down a serial killer who is targeting Gotham City on holidays throughout the year.

The Long Halloween has been praised for its haunting atmosphere, gripping mystery plot, and memorable characters. It’s a must-read for fans of Batman’s early adventures.

“The Long Halloween is an emotional and pivotal Batman tale which has brought fans into Gotham City for decades,” says Gabrielle Robbins.

9. Crisis on Infinite Earths (1985)

Crisis on Infinite Earths is an epic maxi-series that marked a turning point in DC Comics’ history. Written by Marv Wolfman and illustrated by George Pérez, this story follows multiple versions of Superman as they battle against Anti-Monitor and Brainiac to save their respective universes from destruction.

Crisis on Infinite Earths has been praised for its scope, epic battles, and nostalgic value. It’s a must-read for fans of classic DC Comics events.

“Released to coincide with DC Comics’ 50th anniversary…Crisis ranks as one of their best,” says Shaun Corley.

8. The Flash: Rebirth (2010)

The Flash: Rebirth is an acclaimed storyline that saw Barry Allen return from the dead to reclaim his title as the Fastest Man Alive. Written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Ethan Van Sciver and Alex Sinclair,

This story has been praised for its emotional depth.

7. The Dark Knight Returns (1986)

Written by Frank Miller and illustrated by Klaus Janson and Lynn Varley, The Dark Knight Returns is a groundbreaking series that redefined the Batman character and the superhero genre as a whole. This epic tale follows an aging Batman as he comes out of retirement to take on a new villain, the Joker, in a violent and gritty battle.

The Dark Knight Returns has been praised for its bold storytelling, iconic artwork, and subversive themes.

6. Watchmen (1986-1987)

Watchmen is a critically acclaimed deconstruction of the superhero genre written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons. This 12-issue maxi-series follows a group of vigilantes as they uncover a conspiracy that threatens their very existence.

Watchmen has been praised for its complex characters, intricate plot, and thought-provoking themes.

5. All-Star Superman (2005-2008)

All-Star Superman is a critically acclaimed series written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Frank Quitely. This story follows Superman as he battles various villains, including Bizarro, General Zod, and Lex Luthor, while also exploring his relationships with Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen.

All-Star Superman has been praised for its innovative storytelling, stunning artwork, and nostalgic value.

4. Batman: The Killing Joke (1988)

Batman: The Killing Joke is a critically acclaimed one-shot written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Brian Bolland. This story follows the Joker as he attempts to drive Commissioner Gordon insane and kill Batman.

Batman: The Killing Joke has been praised for its dark themes, psychological tension, and iconic artwork.

3. Identity Crisis (2004-2005)

Identity Crisis is a critically acclaimed limited series written by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Rags Morales and Michael Bair. This story follows the Justice League as they investigate the murder of Sue Dibny, the wife of Ralph Dibny (Elongated Man).

Identity Crisis has been praised for its complex characters, intricate plot, and emotional depth.

2. The Death of Superman (1992-1993)

The Death of Superman is a critically acclaimed storyline that saw Superman die at the hands of Doomsday. Written by Dan Jurgens and illustrated by Brett Breeding, Dan Jurgens, Jon Bogdanove, Rick Burchett, Jackson Guice, and others, this story follows the heroes of the DC Universe as they mourn the loss of their beloved hero.

The Death of Superman has been praised for its emotional impact, dramatic tension, and nostalgic value.

1. The Sandman (1989-1996)

The Sandman is a critically acclaimed series written by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by various artists. This series follows Dream (also known as Morpheus), one of the seven Endless, as he embarks on a journey to reclaim his powers and his place in the universe.

The Sandman has been praised for its imaginative storytelling, complex characters, and themes that explore mortality, identity, and power.

What do you think? Did I miss any other important DC Comics series or storylines?

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