1. Superman: The Man of Steel (1986)
2. Batman: Year One (1987)
3. Watchmen (1986-1987)
4. The Dark Knight Returns (1986)
5. Crisis on Infinite Earths (1985-1986)
6. Kingdom Come (1996)
7. Batman: The Killing Joke (1988)
8. Justice League: The New Frontier (2004)
9. Wonder Woman: The Circle (2008)
10. The Flash: The Return of Barry Allen (1993)
11. Swamp Thing: Saga of the Swamp Thing (1982-1987)
12. Green Lantern: Rebirth (2004-2005)
13. Batman: Hush (2002-2003)
14. Justice League: A Midsummer’s Nightmare (1996)
15. Aquaman: The Trench (2011)
16. Nightwing: Year One (2000)
17. Teen Titans: The Judas Contract (1984)
18. Batgirl: Year One (2003)
19. Legion of Super-Heroes: The Great Darkness Saga (1982)
20. Birds of Prey: Of Like Minds (2003)
21. Batman: The Long Halloween (1996-1997)
22. Green Arrow: Year One (2007-2008)
23. Superman: Red Son (2003-2004)
24. Batman: Arkham Asylum – A Serious House on Serious Earth (1989)
25. The Sandman: Preludes & Nocturnes (1989-1990)
26. Wonder Woman: Gods and Mortals (1987)
27. The Flash: The Return of Wally West (1992)
28. The New Teen Titans: The Judas Contract (1984)
29. Preacher: Gone to Texas (1995)
30. Infinite Crisis (2005-2006)
More About Where To Start With Dc Comics
Welcome fellow comic book enthusiasts! If you’ve ever wanted to explore the captivating world of DC Comics but didn’t quite know where to start, you’re in the right place. With a vast array of iconic characters, compelling storylines, and interwoven universes, DC Comics has been thrilling readers for decades. Whether you’re a newcomer to the comic book realm or a long-time fan looking to dive deeper into this captivating universe, this guide will help you navigate your way through the pages of DC Comics.
DC Comics, short for Detective Comics, has been captivating readers since its inception in 1934. While they are best known for characters like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, the DC Universe is home to countless other incredible heroes, anti-heroes, and villains. From the depths of Gotham City to the imaginative realm of Atlantis, DC Comics offers a wide range of unique and diverse narratives.
With such a vast comic book library, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. However, a great place to start is with some of the most iconic characters that have defined the DC Universe. Undoubtedly, Batman is one of the most popular and enduring characters in DC’s roster. The Dark Knight’s adventures in Gotham City have captivated readers for generations. You can explore his origin story in classics like “Batman: Year One” by Frank Miller or delve into the psychological depths of the character in graphic novels like “The Killing Joke” by Alan Moore.
Superman, the very first superhero, is another fantastic character to explore in the DC Universe. His extraordinary powers, strong moral compass, and captivating backstory make him a beloved character among many. Consider reading “Superman: Birthright” by Mark Waid, which provides a modern retelling of Superman’s origin story, or “All-Star Superman” by Grant Morrison, which showcases the very essence of the character and his place in the DC Universe.
For those seeking a powerful and inspiring female protagonist, Wonder Woman is the perfect choice. Introduced in 1941, she has been an icon of female empowerment, strength, and compassion. Delve into her rich mythology and adventures with acclaimed graphic novels such as “Wonder Woman: The Hiketeia” by Greg Rucka or “Wonder Woman: Blood” by Brian Azzarello.
It’s worth noting that DC Comics has also embraced the concept of shared universes, making crossovers and team-ups a significant part of their storytelling. If you’re interested in exploring a team dynamic, the Justice League is an excellent place to start. This legendary team brings together DC’s most prominent heroes, including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, and many others. Dive into the epic tales of the Justice League in graphic novels like “JLA: Earth 2” by Grant Morrison or “Justice League: The New Frontier” by Darwyn Cooke.
For readers who enjoy a darker and more supernatural aspect of the DC Universe, titles such as “Constantine” or “Swamp Thing” might pique your interest. These darker, edgier stories delve into the occult, blurred morality, and personal demons, painting a different shade of heroism within the DC Comics’ tapestry.
As you embark on your journey into the world of DC Comics, keep in mind that the beauty of this medium lies in personal preferences. Some readers may prefer to start from the very beginning, immersing themselves in the early adventures of characters like Batman in “Detective Comics #27” or Superman in “Action Comics #1.” Others may choose to explore recent reboots, such as the New 52 or DC Rebirth, which offer refreshed takes on familiar characters and a great entry point for newer readers.
Remember, there is no right or wrong way to start your DC Comics reading journey. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of characters, iconic stories, and breathtaking artwork that have made DC Comics a genre-defining giant in the comic book industry. So, grab a comic book, embrace your inner hero, and get ready to be transported into a world where anything is possible. Happy reading!
Where To Start With Dc Comics FAQs:
1. Question: Who are the major superheroes in DC Comics?
Answer: Some of the iconic superheroes in the DC Comics universe include Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman, and Cyborg.
2. Question: Where should I start reading DC Comics?
Answer: A good starting point is usually with entry-level graphic novels or “origin stories” of popular characters, such as “Batman: Year One” or “Superman: Birthright.” These provide a foundation for understanding the character and their universe.
3. Question: Are DC Comics connected to each other, or can I read them individually?
Answer: DC Comics has a shared universe, known as the DC Universe, where characters interact and coexist. However, most comics can still be read individually, as they often have self-contained storylines, especially in recent years.
4. Question: How can I catch up on decades of DC Comics history?
Answer: There are several options for catching up: reading essential storylines, following character-centric reading orders, or utilizing online resources that provide summaries of major events and storylines.
5. Question: Are there any alternate universes or parallel versions of characters in DC Comics?
Answer: Yes, DC Comics introduced the concept of “multiverse,” where alternate realities and versions of characters exist. Notable examples include Earth-2, where different versions of heroes exist, and various parallel universes featured in crossover events.
6. Question: What are some important crossover events in DC Comics?
Answer: Some significant crossover events in DC Comics include “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” “Infinite Crisis,” “Blackest Night,” “Flashpoint,” and “Rebirth.” These events often have far-reaching consequences and shape the DC Universe.
7. Question: Where can I find DC Comics to read?
Answer: DC Comics can be found in various formats, such as physical copies in comic book stores, collected editions (trade paperbacks or hardcovers) available in bookstores or online retailers, and digitally through platforms like DC Universe Infinite or Comixology.
8. Question: Are there any recommended graphic novels for DC Comics beginners?
Answer: Some popular graphic novels for beginners include “Batman: The Long Halloween,” “Watchmen,” “Wonder Woman: The Hiketeia,” “Green Lantern: Rebirth,” and “The Flash: Rebirth.” These offer self-contained stories that showcase the characters and their worlds.
9. Question: Is there a suggested reading order for the DC Comics universe?
Answer: While there isn’t a specific reading order due to the vastness of the DC Comics universe, there are reading guides available online that provide suggested chronological orders or character-specific reading orders. However, it’s not necessary to strictly follow them.
10. Question: Are there any ongoing DC Comics series worth checking out?
Answer: Yes, there are several ongoing series published by DC Comics that are highly regarded. Some current popular series include “Batman,” “Superman,” “Wonder Woman,” “Justice League,” “The Flash,” “Aquaman,” and “Green Lantern.” These offer fresh and engaging stories for readers to enjoy.
