TBATB Best DC Comics of All Time
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A reading list for everyone
This is a DC reading list anyone can jump into and love. New readers will find easy entry points. Longtime fans will see all time greats that still sing.
How I picked these
Simple rules. Start with stories that stand alone or come with a clean starting point. Keep everything in print or easy to find. Favor books with strong art and a clear voice. Mix classics with modern hits. No strict order.
The list
Watchmen
By Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons
A complete story about masks, power, and messy people. Tight plotting. Visuals full of clues.
Great for readers who want a smart, self contained masterpiece.
Good editions Deluxe hardcover or Absolute.
Superman Smashes the Klan
By Gene Luen Yang and Gurihiru
Superman meets a Chinese American family in a 40s set story that punches hate and lifts hearts. Warm, clear, and hopeful.
Great for new readers and families.
Good editions Trade paperback or hardcover.
Batman Superman World’s Finest
By Mark Waid and Dan Mora
Pure superhero joy. Big ideas. Clean art. You get the Bat and the Boy Scout at peak charm.
Great for anyone who wants fun without homework.
Good editions Volumes 1 and up.
Supergirl Woman of Tomorrow
By Tom King and Bilquis Evely
A space quest that turns Supergirl into your favorite character. Lyrical writing and art that glows.
Great for readers who enjoy character journeys.
Good editions Hardcover or paperback.
Wonder Woman Historia The Amazons
By Kelly Sue DeConnick and multiple artists
Myth retold with museum level art. Every page is a poster.
Great for readers who love myth and world building.
Good editions Deluxe or hardcover collection.
Wonder Woman Dead Earth
By Daniel Warren Johnson
Post apocalypse with heart. Big action. Bigger feelings.
Great for readers who want raw energy and a complete ride.
Good editions Trade paperback or Deluxe.
The Dark Knight Returns
By Frank Miller, Klaus Janson, and Lynn Varley
Older Bruce puts the cowl back on. Bold layouts. Big statements.
Great for anyone curious why Batman became a cultural pillar.
Good editions Trade paperback or Absolute.
Mister Miracle
By Tom King and Mitch Gerads
Escapism meets adulthood. Nine panel grids that hit like a drum.
Great for readers who want modern emotion with classic roots.
Good editions Deluxe hardcover.
Batman The Long Halloween
By Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale
A year of murders. Early Batman learns hard lessons. Noir to the bone.
Great for fans of detective stories and moody art.
Good editions Deluxe or Absolute.
Tom Strong
By Alan Moore and Chris Sprouse
Pulpy science hero stories with a bright smile. Clean lines. Endless imagination.
Great for readers who want clever adventure with no baggage.
Good editions Deluxe hardcovers or trades.
Planetary
By Warren Ellis and John Cassaday
Archaeologists of the impossible. A tour through the history of pop genres with style.
Great for readers who enjoy mystery and big ideas.
Good editions Absolute or omnibus.
All Star Superman
By Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely
A love letter to Superman. Twelve perfect chapters.
Great for everyone. Full stop.
Good editions Absolute or Deluxe.
Bonus Superman Legacy Box Set
Curated Superman reads in one place. Perfect starter bundle.
Great for new collectors who want a simple buy.
Absolute Batman by Scott Snyder Vol 1
By Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo
Court of Owls gives Gotham a new secret history. Sharp hooks. Big set pieces.
Great for readers who want a modern Batman that still feels classic.
Good editions Absolute or the first two trades.
DC The New Frontier
By Darwyn Cooke
The Silver Age reborn with grace. Hope, jet age style, and a perfect final act.
Great for anyone who wants to feel why DC heroes matter.
Good editions Deluxe or Absolute.