15 Best DC Comics of All Time, Ranked

The writers and artists of DC Comics have produced some of the greatest graphic novels and comics in the industry’s history, from iconic game-changers like The Dark Knight Returns, to Superman or Justice League epics 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 the greatest works starring Superman, Batman, the Justice League, and more, these are 15 of the best DC Comics stories in history.

21 Far Sector (2019)

The best parts of the Green Lantern concept, in a standalone sci-fi mystery

For anyone looking to dive into the worlds of Green Lantern, but aren’t ready to digest decades’ worth of ongoing drama, Far Sector is 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

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19 Batman: Under The Red Hood (2005)

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.

Writer

Judd Winick

Penciler

Doug Mahnke, Paul Lee, Shane Davis, Eric Battle

The story that brought Jason Todd back from the grave and 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 in Batman’s history 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

18 Flashpoint (2011)

Created by Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert

When Barry Allen decides to go back in time and rescue his mother from murder, he effects a change to the DC universe so massive its reverberations are still being felt to this day. After changing the timeline, Barry Allen finds that he’s lost his powers and the whole world is falling apart, giving him a choice to make: become the Flash again and save the world or keep his mother alive – but not if the Reverse-Flash, his mother’s murderer, has anything to say about it.

This comic introduced fans to the successful world of Flashpoint, where Thomas Wayne is Batman and Martha Wayne is the Joker. Flashpoint has been revisited many times, and this elseworlds Batman has even entered into the mainstream continuity of DC, as both a hero and a villain in Batman’s own Gotham. More than that, this timeline reset was one of the biggest changes in comics history, erasing many characters out of existence, like Wally West.

17 Young Justice (1998)

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.

Writer

Peter David

Penciler

Todd Nauck

Who doesn’t love sidekicks branching out on their own? Young Justice is 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 Justice is the perfect book for comic book fans of 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

16 Mister Miracle (2018)

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.

Writer

Tom King

Penciler

Mitch Gerads

Letterer

Clayton Cowles

Tom King and Mitch Gerads stunned the comic book world with their take on the DC Universe’s death-defying escape artist in Mister Miracle. The creative team’s take on Scott Free dazzled readers and became an instant ‘must-read’ for comic book fans everywhere. Mister Miracle takes a big swings with the Fourth World mythos and 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

15 Batman: Year One (1987)

Created by Frank Miller & David Mazzucchelli (DC Comics)

Origin stories can occasionally feel like a dime a dozen and have understandably worn out fans’ patience over the years. However, Miller and David Mazzucchelli’s Year One is among the most definitive comic book origins. The late Dennis O’Neil started Batman’s exceptional noir reinvention, and Year One was one of the comics that brought this evolution to a crescendo.

Down to the pulp-inspired artwork, it’s a rich and atmospheric crime drama that shows fans how Bruce Wayne came to be Gotham City’s watchful protector. Likewise, it served as a great parallel origin story for soon-to-be Commissioner Gordon alongside Batman, depicting the two as flawed characters that are ultimately trying to do the best they can to bring justice to Gotham’s systematic corruption.

14 Blue Beetle (2006)

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.

Writer

Keith Giffen, John Rogers

Penciler

Cully Hamner

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 point for 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

13 DC: The New Frontier (2004)

The power of nostalgia and tradition to create a brand new masterpiece

DC The New Frontier

In the 1950s, Cold War paranoia outlawed the Mystery Men of the Golden Age. Stalwarts such as Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman continued to fight for truth and justice, but as the world hurtled toward an uncertain future, it would take a new breed of hero to define the American Way.

Writer

Darwyn Cooke

Penciler

Darwyn Cooke

Colorist

Dave Stewart

A true masterwork by comic book legend Darwyne Cooke, DC: The New Frontier takes a new look at the founding of the Justice League against the backdrop of the 1950s. Cooke excels in showing the thematic growth of from the war-torn Golden Age to the optimistic Silver Age in a story as timeless as it is beloved.

“In The New Frontier, Darwyn Cooke bridges the gap between the Golden and Silver Age of DC, while giving the JLA their best origin story. Cosmic terror, political thriller and stunning art define this truly seminal piece of comic history, set against the backdrop of a tumultuous 1950s America.” – Ashley Land, Comics Writer

12 Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (2021)

Created by Tom King,Bilquis Evely & Matheus Lopes (DC Comics)

It’s hard to discuss Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow without immediately taking note of the breathtaking artwork, delivering jaw-dropping visuals from literally the first cover art and preview pages. The work of artist Bilquis Evely and colorist Matheus Lopes doesn’t disappoint in the story itself, taking its heroine across the DC Universe, through countless cosmic backdrops, fantastical worlds, and stunning future-classic-poster art. The term “masterpiece” is earned, which means the staggeringly beautiful script only adds to the power of the story.

Writer Tom King has earned a reputation as a storyteller always capable of turning in an instant classic, and Woman of Tomorrow is no exception. With the stated goal of distilling a “pure” Supergirl narrative, readers are given a standlone adventure showing everything that makes Kara Zor-El worthy of her ‘Super’ moniker (and everything that makes her unique from her famous cousin, as well). Poignantly tackling the trauma and burden of a lost homeworld, revenge, the unsolvable morality of violent heroics, and so much more, it’s likely Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow will come to be known as ‘the’ Supergirl story, for those looking to understand the power of her character.

11 Batman: The Long Halloween (1996)

The perfect Batman mystery that would define Gotham’s energy for decades

Batman The Long Halloween

Christmas. St. Patrick’s Day. Easter. As the calendar’s days stack up, so do the bodies littered in the streets of Gotham City. A murderer is loose, killing only on holidays. The only man that can stop this fiend? The Dark Knight. In a mystery taking place during Batman’s early days of crime fighting, Batman: The Long Halloween is one of the greatest Dark Knight stories ever told.

Writer

Jeph Loeb

Penciler

Tim Sale

Colorist

Gregory Wright

Letterer

Richard Starkings, Comicraft

Batman: The Long Halloween is a haunting, gripping comic book that stands out among the hundreds of Batman stories. Set over the course of a year in Gotham, the Dark Knight investigates a mystery with twists and turns that changes the course of not only his life, but the lives of Batman’s greatest allies and adversaries.

“The Long Halloween is an emotional and pivotal Batman tale which has brought fans into Gotham for decades. Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale give readers a heartbreaking look at the way The Caped Crusader transforms his city even as he defends it from the evolving threats of new villains and old friends.” – Gabrielle Robbins, Comics Writer

10 Superman: Birthright (2003)

Created by Mark Waid, Leinil Francis Yu, Gerry Alanguilan, Dave McCaig

When Mark Waid set out to tell a new, modern origin story for Superman, there were few comic writers more ‘up to the task,’ monumental as it might be. But combined with the talents of Leinil Yu, the result was an origin story that was gorgeous, timely, and emotionally resonant as it was necessary. Forging new connections to his Kryptonian culture and his adopted home planet, Birthright would end up as DC’s new canon origin, and a major inspiration for the Man of Steel movie reboot.

“As someone who never felt connected to the ‘all-American, Boy Scout’ Superman, I was the exact person Waid and Yu had in their crosshairs with their updated origin. From Ma Kent’s proud UFO fandom, to Clark’s quiet isolation, and the brilliant redefining of the ‘S’ insignia, every note was perfectyly struck. There is no question: Birthright is the reason I became a Superman fan, proving that one incredible comic can convert a non-believer into a lifelong fan.” – Andrew Dyce, Lead Comics Editor

9 Crisis on Infinite Earths (1985)

A story that changed the industry, and redefined what’s possible with a comic event

Crisis On Infinite Earths

Crisis on Infinite Earths dates back to 1985 when DC Comics published the first 12-issue arc. The original crossover event features Anti-Monitor and Brainiac trying to conquer the remaining Earths. Ultimately their plan fails, which creates a single Earth in the Multiverse. Crisis on Infinite Earths has also been used as the basis for several story arcs in The CW’s Arrowverse shows like The Flash and Arrow.

Writer

Marv Wolfman

Penciler

George Pérez

The multiverse and decades of DC Comics history collide in the 12-part epic Crisis on Infinite Universe. Marv Wolfman and George Pérez come together to create a defining moment in the DC Universe that masterfully tributes the first fifty years of DC Comics while ushering in a future filled with potential.

“Released to coincide with DC Comics’ 50th anniversary, Crisis on Infinite Earths ranks as one of their best. Epic in scope, starring every DC character to that point, Crisis set the standard for future comic book events, as well as helped shape the modern DC Universe.” – Shaun Corley, Comics Writer

8 The Flash: Rebirth (2010)

A return from the dead that set new foundations for Barry Allen, and his universe

The Flash: Rebirth

The epic story of Barry Allen’s return from the dead to reclaim his title as The Fastest Man Alive. Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver, the writer/artist team behind the blockbuster Green Lantern: Rebirth and The Sinestro Corps War, create an explosive, jaw-dropping epic that reintroduces Barry Allen, the modern–age Flash. But how will Barry Allen find his place in the twenty-first century?

Writer

Geoff Johns

Penciler

Ethan Van Sciver

Colorist

Alex Sinclair

Barry Allen made his triumphant return as the Fastest Man Alive in Flash: Rebirth. Just as Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver helped bring Hal Jordan back into the spotlight with Green Lantern: Rebirth, this story reintroduces the Silver Age hero for a new generation while planting the seeds for the Scarlet Speedster and the DC Universe’s future.

“It really is impossible to understate what Geoff Johns pulled off: not only bringing Barry Allen back from the dead, but doing it with so much reverence and gravitas, that the celebration drowned out any naysayers. There were hall-of-fame epics before Rebirth (with more than one Flash), and Flashpoint came after, but this was the watershed that defined how big, how bold, and how important Flash Family stories would be to the DC Universe.” – Andrew Dyce, Comics Editor

7 Green Lantern: Rebirth (2004)

The story that saved Hal Jordan, and relaunched his entire mythology for DC’s future

Green Lantern: Rebirth

Former Green Lantern Hal Jordan descended into madness and left a path of death and destruction that changed the DC Universe forever. This is the story of Jordan’s triumphant return to the DC Universe as well as the reintroduction of the Green Lantern Corps.

Writer

Geoff Johns

Penciler

Ethan Van Sciver

Colorist

Moose Baumann

Hal Jordan and the entire Green Lantern Corps got a major overhaul in one of the best entry points a fan could ever read. Green Lantern: Rebirth gives a fallen hero a second chance and makes him shine brighter than ever with a few revelations that have a huge impact on the entire DC Universe.

“This was the bedrock for Geoff Johns’ entire run on Green Lantern. This was more than just pressing the ‘undo’ button to absolve Hal from his actions in “Emerald Twilight”. This was a crucial shot in the arm that the Green Lantern franchise desperately needed. Everything that fans loved about Green Lantern in the mid-to-late 00s, “Sinestro Corps War”, “Blackest Night”, it all starts here with the passionate opening chapter of Green Latern’s boldest era.” – Justin Epps, Comics Writer

6 Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (1986)

Created by Frank Miller, Klaus Janson & Lynn Varley (DC Comics)

Arguably the most popular Elseworlds Batman story is Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns. While an unquestionable classic to most, some of its themes have been unfortunately misconstrued and subsequently glorified in the modern day. Despite this, it remains a gripping action and politically dystopian-set Batman arc portraying a more cynical, jaded version of the hero after the fall of most of its heroes.

A 50-plus-year-old Bruce Wayne is compelled back into the cape and cowl after Gotham regresses into senseless crime and the U.S. government continually neglects the dying city. Meanwhile, the same governing body has effectively turned the once-great Superman into a political weapon and lapdog.

5 Watchmen (1986)

The greatest deconstruction of superheroes there ever was, and likely will ever be

Watchmen

In the mid-eighties, Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons created Watchmen, changing the course of comics’ history and essentially remaking how popular culture perceived the genre. Popularly cited as the point where comics came of age, Watchmen’s sophisticated take on superheroes has been universally acclaimed for its psychological depth and realism.

Writer

Alan Moore

Penciler

Dave Gibbons

Colorist

John Higgins

Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ classic 12-issue series transported readers to a new world, one where superheroes weren’t just a part of history, but influencing it. From deconstructing the superhero genre to tapping into the fears of the Cold War and nuclear proliferation, Watchmen is still regarded as one of the most ingenious comics ever created.

“Alan Moore once said he was changed, reading his first issue of Fantastic Four. Unlike DC heroes, they bickered, were petty, and were monstrous. Watchmen turned that to 11, and transformed the comics medium. By bringing superheroes to the adults’ table, he laid the groundwork for every meta, subversive story afterward.” – Casey Connor, Comics Writer

4 Kingdom Come (1996)

Two comic legends, delivering an iconic saga guaranteed to stand the test of time

Kingdom Come

In the near future, the DC Universe is spinning out of control. The new generation of heroes have lost their moral compass, becoming as reckless and violent as the villains they fight. The previous regime of heroes—the Justice League—returns under dire circumstances, which sets up a battle of the old guard against these uncompromising protectors in a conflict that will define what heroism truly is.

Writer

Mark Waid

Penciler

Alex Ross

The Justice League has never looked better or made fans think as much as they did in Mark Waid and Alex Ross’ Kingdom Come. Whether an old fan or a brand-new reader, this comic is an absolutely perfect story that explores an ideological rift between classic DC Universe heroes and a more edgy, new-wave generation.

“Kingdom Come is inarguably one of DC Comics’ definitive sagas and my favorite comic of all time. A career-defining collaboration from legends Mark Waid and Alex Ross, this dystopian epic provides a hauntingly prescient vision of the future while serving as a perfect refutation of the over-the-top cynicism of ’90s comics. Kingdom Come is a genuine distillation of what makes DC Comics, and Superman in particular, truly iconic. Plus, Magog is just sick as hell.” – Tristan Benns, Comics Writer

3 The Sandman (1989)

A story about stories, and one of comics’ greatest contributions to literature

The Sandman

After his 70-year imprisonment and eventual escape, Dream, also known as Morpheus, goes on a quest for his lost objects of power. On his arduous journey, Morpheus encounters Lucifer, John Constantine, and an all-powerful madman.

Writer

Neil Gaiman

Penciler

Mike Dringenberg, Michael Zulli, Chris Bachalo, Sam Kieth

Arguably the crown jewel of DC Comics’ Vertigo line, The Sandman is an epic that follows Dream, aka Morpheus, the King of Dreams who returns after a nearly century-long imprisonment. What begins as a curious story tangentially-related to the DC Universe becomes something so much more as readers follow Dream and those connected to him.

“The ultimate story about stories, The Sandman is amazing in every sense. Neil Gaiman’s opus takes readers on a journey full of incredibly rich characters and hauntingly beautiful moments. The Sandman set the standard for DC Comics’ Vertigo imprint and few comics have come close to matching its legendary quality.” – Justin Epps, Comics Writer

2 Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons (2023)

An achievement in art and storytelling to rival any published in comic history

Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons

The wait is over, and the entire story of the Amazons can finally be told! A new society was born, one never before seen on Earth, capable of wondrous and terrible things…but their existence could not stay secret for long. When a despairing woman named Hippolyta crossed the Amazons’ path, a series of events was set in motion that would lead to an outright war in heaven—and the creation of the Earth’s greatest guardian!

Writer

Kelly Sue DeConnick

Penciler

Phil Jimenez

Kelly Sue DeConnick and Phil Jimenez establish a standard in their DC Black Label book that few other creative teams have been able to rival. Wonder Woman: Historia is a jaw-droppingly beautiful story that doesn’t just explore Wonder Woman’s character, but creates a modern day Greek myth in the process.

“I read the first issue of Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons on my tablet, and then immediately went to the comic store to buy a physical copy just to marvel at Phil Jimenez’s art in my own hands. After reading thousands upon thousands of superhero comics, Historia is easily the most beautiful DC story I’ve ever encountered — and that’s saying nothing of the powerful and empowering story.” – Kate O’Donoghue, Comics Editor