15 Best DC Comics of All Time, Ranked

Summary

• Every fan of DC Comics has their favorites, starring heroes like Superman, Batman, and the Justice League. But which are the very best?
• Iconic hits like Kingdom Come, All-Star Superman, and Geoff Johns’ ‘Rebirth’ reboots are must-reads for any comic fan.
• While other books like The Sandman and Wonder Woman Historia stand apart for delivering incredible stories only possible though graphic novels.

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.

15 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 Donoghue, Comics Editor

14 Batman: Under The Red Hood (2005)

Batman’s rogues gallery returns for an unforgettable new chapter in his mythology

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

13 Young Justice (1998)

The most underrated run on DC’s most underrated super-team

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 Donoghue, Comics Editor

12 Mister Miracle (2018)

A brilliant, modern spin on Jack Kirby’s Fourth World that became an instant classic

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

11 Blue Beetle (2006)

A flawlessly-told origin story, from one of DC’s most treasured storytellers

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

10 DC: The New Frontier (2004)

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

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

9 Batman: The Long Halloween (1996)

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

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

8 Crisis on Infinite Earths (1985)

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

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

7 The Flash: Rebirth (2010)

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

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

6 Green Lantern: Rebirth (2004)

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

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

5 Watchmen (1986)

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

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

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

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

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

1 All-Star Superman (2005)

When Superman loses his powers, he reminds the world why he defined what a ‘superhero’ should be

All-Star Superman has become one of the most frequently recommended Superman stories in recent years, and for good reason. Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s book dives deep into what it is that drives the Man of Steel in 12 issues that could have even the most hardened cynic looking at the brighter side of life.

“All-Star Superman has become the definitive story featuring the Man of Steel because of how it explores the hero in a completely different light. It’s Supes at his most vulnerable, making his last days all the more impactful. There’s a reason it’s the influence for James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film.” – Angela Davis, Comics Writer