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Navigating nearly nine decades of DC Comics can feel less like diving into a universe and more like trying to map an infinite multiverse without a compass. Since Action Comics #1 debuted in 1938, so many creators have contributed to stacked timelines on top of resets, birthed golden-age legends, spun off dark-fantasy imprints, and launched cosmic-level crises. For seasoned fans seeking forgotten gems or new readers overwhelmed by where to begin, the sheer volume of material often makes knowing what to read the hardest part of the journey.
That’s exactly the problem I faced recently (at the time of writing) while exploring possibilities for my next reading project for DC Casebook. As a result, I started looking into essential creator runs, historical milestones, monumental events, and obscure gems that shaped DC Comics history, from the sci-fi boom of the Silver Age to the mature dread of Vertigo and the modern ever-expanding universe. It soon spun out of control. What I came up with is what I call my DC Roadmap. It’s not exhaustive. It’s not definitive either. It’s full of runs, a lot I have not read, too. I just dig into the DC Comics catalog to look for books with a good reputation. I also tried to cover many of the big characters, because I have the ambition to read about some I barely know about.
Simply put, it’s my way of getting a grasp on the evolution of the DC Universe, a tentative blueprint for the very best, or at least the most intriguing, DC has to offer. I’m open to more suggestions. The roadmap will never end.
🚩Note on the organisation of the list: It’s not strictly chronological in terms of reading order, as I based it on start and end dates without giving it much further thought. When I explore a run, I’ll write a guide, but in the meantime, consider this a starting point, nothing more.
(1955-1968) Martian Manhunter by Joseph Samachson & Joe Certa
Introduced J’onn J’onzz, who provides a link between pre-Silver Age sci-fi and the founding era of the Justice League.
(1956-1968) The Flash (Barry Allen) by Robert Kanigher & Carmine Infantino
The official catalyst of the Silver Age, establishing modern sci-fi superheroics.
(1957-1959) Challengers of the Unknown by Jack Kirby & Dave Wood(or Joe Simon?)
Jack Kirby’s sci-fi adventuring group that may have served as a direct prototype for his Marvel work (FF!).
(1958-1962) Space Ranger by Edmond Hamilton & Bob Brown
A key entry in DC’s late-50s space-race sci-fi boom.
(1958-1966) Adam Strange by Gardner Fox & Carmine Infantino
A tale of planetary science fiction, Zeta Beams and pulp heroics set on the alien world of Rann.
(1958-1966) Superman & Supergirl by Otto Binder & Curt Swan
Defined the visual and thematic peak of Kryptonian lore, introducing Brainiac, Kandor, and Kara Zor-El.
(1958-1970) Legion of Super-Heroes by Otto Binder, Jerry Siegel, Edmond Hamilton & Jim Shooter
Expanded 31st-century cosmic world-building, teenage hero dynamics, and long-form serial storytelling.
(1959-1968) Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) by John Broome & Gil Kane
Reimagined the magic-ring concept into an intergalactic police force and cosmic corps.
(1959-1988) Sgt. Rock by Robert Kanigher & Joe Kubert
It set the gold standard for war fiction comics.
(1960-1964) Atomic Knights by John Broome & Murphy Anderson
Early post-apocalyptic radiation-fiction about armored heroes surviving in a nuclear future.
(1960-1964) Cave Carson by France Herron & Bruno Premiani
Subterranean sci-fi exploration following the crew of the Mighty Mole.
(1960-1968) Justice League of America by Gardner Fox & Mike Sekowsky
United DC’s premier flagship heroes into the definitive Silver Age team.
(1961) [EVENT] Flash of Two Worlds! by Gardner Fox & Carmine Infantino
Introduced Earth-Two and established the DC Multiverse framework.
(1961-1965) Rip Hunter… Time Master by Jack Miller & Nick Cardy
Laid the temporal mechanics and Time Sphere lore essential for future DC crossover events.
(1961-1968) The Atom (Ray Palmer) by Gardner Fox & Gil Kane
Sub-atomic shrinking mechanics and science-based crimefighting!
(1962-1968) Metal Men by Robert Kanigher & Ross Andru
High-energy, quirky robot adventures built on chemical elements and artificial intelligence.
(1963) [EVENT] Crisis on Earth-One! / Crisis on Earth-Two! by Gardner Fox & Mike Sekowsky
The very first annual JLA/JSA Earth-crossing event, establishing the “Crisis” tradition.
(1963-1968) Doom Patrol by Arnold Drake & Bruno Premiani
Introduced “the World’s Strangest Heroes,” exploring tragic outcast dynamics and surreal villains.
(1964-1968) Batman (“New Look” Era) by Julius Schwartz & Carmine Infantino
Moved Batman from campy 50s sci-fi plots back to detective work. Introduced the yellow oval emblem.
(1964-1968) Teen Titans by Bob Haney & Bruno Premiani
United sidekicks Robin, Kid Flash, Aqualad, and Wonder Girl into a youth-driven super-team.
(1965-1968) Metamorpho by Bob Haney & Ramona Fradon
Elemental body-horror superheroics driven by Ramona Fradon’s inventive pop-art style.
(1965-1968) Enemy Ace by Robert Kanigher & Joe Kubert
A tragic war tale starring a German WWI flying ace, exploring honor and isolation.
(1967-1969) Deadman by Arnold Drake & Neal Adams
For Neal Adams’ cinematic layouts and dark spectral mystery.
(1967-1969) The Hawk and the Dove by Steve Ditko & Steve Skeates
Channeling late-60s political polarization through superhero brothers.
(1968) Beware the Creeper by Steve Ditko & Denny O’Neil
Wild, manic anti-hero noir showcasing Steve Ditko’s unique art style.
(1968-1969) Secret Six by E. Nelson Bridwell & Joe Orlando
Covert-ops cult title that laid the blueprint for teams like the Suicide Squad.
(1968-1972) Aquaman by Steve Skeates & Jim Aparo
Serialization, political intrigue, and mature themes in Atlantis.
Green Lantern #78
The Bronze Age (1970-1985)
Social realism, dark fantasy revival, Jack Kirby’s Fourth World, prestige limited series, and the ultimate Multiverse reset. Once again, I have more context to provide in a dedicated article: DC Comics History: The Bronze Age, From Explosion to Implosion.
(1968-1977) House of Mystery by Joe Orlando, Bernie Wrightson & Various
Psychological dread, gothic atmospheres, supernatural horror, and moral twists hosted by Cain.
(1969-1974) The Phantom Stranger by Len Wein & Jim Aparo
A movie into legitimate occult horror with eerie séances and explosive supernatural battles.
(1970-1972) Green Lantern / Green Arrow (“Hard Travelin’ Heroes”) by Denny O’Neil & Neal Adams
A landmark run that introduced social realism, drug addiction, racism and political polarisation to the mainstream comic book industry.
(1970-1973) Fourth World Saga by Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby’s cosmic epic that created Darkseid, New Genesis, Apokolips, the anti-life equation, and more.
(1970-1974) Batman by Denny O’Neil & Neal Adams
Stripped away the 1960s TV camp inherited from the Adam West show to restore the dark creature of the night, introducing Ra’s al Ghul and Man-Bat.
(1971-1975) Swamp Thing by Len Wein & Bernie Wrightson
Introduced Dr. Alec Holland and defined DC’s gothic creature-feature aesthetic.
(1972-1974) The Demon by Jack Kirby
Introduced Jason Blood and Etrigan the Demon, expanding Arthurian dark magic in the DCU.
(1972-1976) Kamandi: The Last Boy on Earth by Jack Kirby
Kirby’s post-apocalyptic sci-fi epic set in a World After Disaster populated by intelligent animal tribes.
(1973-1978) Superman by Elliott S. Maggin & Curt Swan
The definitive philosophical heart of the Bronze Age Man of Steel
(1974-1975) OMAC: The One-Man Army Corps by Jack Kirby
Dystopian corporate sci-fi introducing Buddy Blank, Brother Eye, and global pacification.
(1974-1975) The Spectre by Michael Fleisher & Jim Aparo
(1974-1978) Aquaman (“Death of a Prince”) by Steve Skeates, Paul Levitz, David Michelinie & Jim Aparo
A tragic storyline that permanently changed Arthur Curry.
(1976-1988) The Warlord by Mike Grell
Long-running sword-and-sorcery epic following Travis Morgan in the subterranean world of Skartaris.
(1977-1978) Batman (“Strange Apparitions”) by Steve Englehart & Marshall Rogers
Defined modern Gotham crime stories, featuring Silver St. Cloud, Rupert Thorne, and the Joker.
(1977-1978) Black Lightning by Tony Isabella & Trevor Von Eeden
Introduced Jefferson Pierce, DC’s first major Black superhero to star in his own ongoing title.
(1977-1985) Jonah Hex by Michael Fleisher & Various
A foundational grim and unforgiving Western run.
(1978) [EVENT] The DC Implosion by Historical Industry Milestone
Massive cancellation of dozens of titles mid-story due to economic recession, one of the most catastrophic and industry-shaping events in the history of American comic book publishing.
(1978) Superman vs. Muhammad Ali by Denny O’Neil & Neal Adams
Iconic pop-culture crossover pairing the Man of Steel with “The Greatest” to save Earth from alien invasion.
(1980-1996) The New Teen Titans by Marv Wolfman & George Pérez
DC’s biggest blockbuster of the 1980s, introducing Cyborg, Raven, Starfire, Deathstroke, and The Judas Contract.
(1982-1985) All-Star Squadron by Roy Thomas & Ordway/Bucsema
Love letter to Earth-Two history, unifying Golden Age heroes into a single WWII wartime task force.
(1982-1985) Camelot 3000 by Mike W. Barr & Brian Bolland
DC’s first maxi-series printed on direct-market deluxe paper, starring King Arthur in a futuristic alien-invasion future.
(1982-1986) Batman by Gerry Conway & Doug Moench
A dual-title (Batman and Detective Comics) soap opera introducing Jason Todd and Killer Croc, expanding the world of Batman and Bruce Wayne.
(1982-1989) Legion of Super-Heroes (“The Great Darkness Saga”) by Paul Levitz & Keith Giffen
The high point for the 31st-century team, which was marked by Darkseid’s return.
(1982-1990) The Fury of Firestorm by Gerry Conway & Pat Broderick
Defined Ronnie Raymond and Martin Stein’s dual-composite nuclear hero throughout the 1980s.
(1982-1989) V for Vendetta (Proto-Vertigo)by Alan Moore & David Lloyd
Dystopian political thriller following the masked anarchist V fighting totalitarian rule in a future Britain.
(1983-1985) Swamp Thing (Proto-Vertigo) by Alan Moore, Stephen Bissette & John Totleben
Redefined comic storytelling with literary sophistication, psychological horror, and eco-mysticism, and introduced John Constantine.
(1983-1985) Sword of the Atom by Jan Strnad & Gil Kane
A cult-classic epic that put Ray Palmer in a gritty, pulp-inspired sword-and-sorcery odyssey.
(1983-1986) Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld by Dan Mishkin, Gary Cohn & Ernie Colón
A high-fantasy series following Amy Winston’s magical portal adventures in Gemworld.
(1984-1986) Blue Devil by Dan Mishkin, Gary Cohn & Paris Cullins
A cult classic series blending Hollywood stunt-suit special effects with genuine demonic curses.
(1985) Ambush Bug by Keith Giffen & Robert Loren Fleming
DC’s premier fourth-wall-breaking satire, mocking comic tropes, crossovers, and corporate mandates.
(1985-1986) [EVENT] Crisis on Infinite Earths by Marv Wolfman & George Pérez
The ultimate industry event, destroying the original Multiverse and rebooting 47 years of DC history into one unified timeline.
Barry Allen alters the past to save his mother, creating a dystopian alternate timeline that concludes by rebooting the entire DC Universe into The New 52.
Justice League Dark Annual #1
The New 52 Era (2011-2016)
A complete universe-wide reboot resetting DC canon to Issue #1s, introducing modernized origins, darker high-concept series, and major blockbuster events.
(2011-2012) The Shade by James Robinson & Cully Hamner
A globetrotting, Victorian-influenced tale expanding the backstory of Robinson’s Starman anti-hero.
(2011-2013) Action Comics by Grant Morrison & Rags Morales
Redefined Superman’s early, social-justice-driven beginnings in a t-shirt and jeans fighting corporate corruption in Metropolis.
(2011-2013) Aquaman by Geoff Johns & Ivan Reis
Elevated Aquaman into an A-list badass hero, and expanded Atlantean lore.
(2011-2013) Justice League Dark by Peter Milligan & Jeff Lemire
Gave the Magic Side of the DCU its own occult strike team to handle mystical threats.
(2011-2013) Batwoman by J.H. Williams III & W. Haden Blackman
Kate Kane’s solo adventures pitting her instead against esoteric, mythological, and supernatural horrors.
(2011-2013) Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. by Jeff Lemire & Alberto Ponticelli
High-concept monster-mash sci-fi following Mary Shelley’s creature leading a team of paranormal operatives for a government agency.
(2011-2014) Wonder Woman by Brian Azzarello & Cliff Chiang
Dark fantasy horror run rooted in classical Greek mythology that controversially rebooted Diana’s origins.
(2011-2014) The Flash by Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
Unravels the true physics of the Speed Force, with its kinetic artwork and fluid visual storytelling.
(2011-2014) Animal Man by Jeff Lemire & Travel Foreman
A family drama wrapped inside a visceral, apocalyptic body-horror epic.
(2011-2014) Batgirl by Gail Simone
Put Barbara Gordon back under the cowl after two decades as Oracle.
(2011-2015) Swamp Thing by Scott Snyder & Charles Soule
Goes from creature-feature body-horror era by Snyder to the mythological fantasy procedural by Soule.
(2011-2016) Batman by Scott Snyder & Greg Capullo
Introduced the Court of Owls, overhauled Gotham City’s history, in a psychological horror-heavy run.
(2011-2016) Justice League by Geoff Johns & Jim Lee / Jason Fabok
Rethinked the JL dynamic in a high-stakes, modern blockbuster way.
(2011-2016) Shazam! by Geoff Johns & Gary Frank
Modernized Billy Batson and introduced his adopted foster-family dynamic.
(2011-2016) Batman & Robin by Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Emotional, character-driven exploration of the father-son dynamic between Batman and Damian Wayne.
(2012-2013) Dial H by China Miéville & Mateus Santolouco
Re-invented the 1960s Dial H for Hero concept into a dark, Kafkaesque body-horror procedural.
(2013-2014) [EVENT] Trinity War / Forever Evil by Geoff Johns, Jeff Lemire & David Finch
The first major line-wide crossover where the villains completely take over the world.
(2013-2014) Green Arrow by Jeff Lemire & Andrea Sorrentino
A gritty noir story that strips Oliver down to his absolute bare essentials, a man and his bow.
(2013-2016) Green Lantern by Robert Venditti
A cosmic space opera that subverted the explored mechanics of the entire Emotional Spectrum.
(2013-2014) Superman: Unchained by Scott Snyder & Jim Lee
Explored the physical and philosophical limitations of the Man of Steel for his 75th anniversary.
(2013-2016) Harley Quinn by Amanda Conner & Jimmy Palmiotti
Reshaped Harley into an anti-hero icon in Coney Island, making her the pop-culture icon she is today.
(2014-2015) [EVENT] The New 52: Futures End by Brian Azzarello, Jeff Lemire, Dan Jurgens & Keith Giffen
An eleven-month weekly series explored a bleak, cybernetic future five years ahead where Brother Eye has turned Earth’s heroes into terrifying borg hybrids.
(2014-2015) The Multiversity by Grant Morrison & Various
A tour of DC’s 52 parallel earths in search of a cursed comic book to stop an extra-dimensional invasion.
(2014-2016) Grayson by Tim Seeley & Tom King
Following his identity reveal, Dick Grayson becomes “Agent 37” for the secret spy agency Spyral.
(2015) [EVENT] Convergence by Jeff King, Dan Jurgens & Scott Lobdell
Characters from the pre-“Flashpoint” universe are back to save the modern fabric of space and time.
Super Sons #6
DC Rebirth Era (2016-2021)
Restoring legacy, hope, and optimism to the DC Universe while untangling Watchmen’s cosmic intervention, leading into Dark Multiverse threats and a reimagined multiverse.
(2016) DC Universe: Rebirth #1 by Geoff Johns, Gary Frank, Ethan Van Sciver et al.
Brought Wally West back from the Speed Force, restoring heart, legacy, and lost time while revealing Doctor Manhattan’s interference in the timeline.
(2016-2017) Wonder Woman by Greg Rucka, Liam Sharp & Nicola Scott
Dual-narrative run (The Lies / Year One) that sorted out Diana’s contradictory New 52 origins and restored her classical Amazonian roots.
(2016-2018) Superman by Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Post-Crisis Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and their young son Jon Kent adjusting to life on a Hamilton County farm.
(2016-2018) Action Comics by Dan Jurgens & Various
Merged fragmented timelines to help rebuild the definitive modern Superman family.
(2016-2018) Deathstroke by Christopher Priest
A non-linear political family drama about Slade Wilson’s moral ambiguity, mercenary contracts, and dysfunctional children.
(2016-2018) Detective Comics by James Tynion IV & Eddy Barrows / Álvaro Martínez
Batman and Batwoman formed a Bat-Family military-style team in a high-stakes emotional thriller.
(2016-2018) Cave Carson Has a Cybernetic Eye (Young Animal) by Gerard Way, Jon Rivera & Michael Avon Oeming
Psychedelic sci-fi adventure reviving an obscure Silver Age explorer.
(2016-2018) Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps by Robert Venditti, Rafa Sandoval & Ethan Van Sciver
High-octane space opera reuniting the core four Earth Lanterns to face the Sinestro Corps.
(2016-2019) Batman by Tom King, Mikel Janín & David Finch
Deconstructive, character-driven saga exploring Bruce Wayne’s trauma and his romance with Catwoman.
(2016-2019) Nightwing by Tim Seeley & Sam Humphries
Returned Dick Grayson to his superhero costume, moving from international adventure to neon-noir crime procedural in Blüdhaven.
(2016-2020) The Flash by Joshua Williamson
A continuity-heavy family tragedy exploring the physical and psychological limitations of Barry Allen.
(2016-2020) Aquaman by Dan Abnett, Stjepan Šejić & Robson Rocha
Political thriller detailing Arthur Curry’s struggle as King of Atlantis, leading to the Underworld rebellion.
(2017) Batman/The Flash: The Button by Tom King & Joshua Williamson
Batman and Barry Allen investigate the mysterious smiley-face button embedded in the Batcave wall, leading to a Flashpoint universe crossover.
(2017-2018) Super Sons by Peter J. Tomasi & Jorge Jiménez
The fun and chaotic buddy-cop adventures of young Robin (Damian Wayne) and Superboy (Jon Kent).
(2017-2018) Batman: White Knight (Black Label) by Sean Murphy
Alt-universe story where a cured Joker) becomes a politician to expose Batman as Gotham’s ultimate villain.
(2017-2018) The Kamandi Challenge by Various Writers & Artists
A 12-issue round-robin creative experiment celebrating Jack Kirby’s 100th birthday, passing Kamandi from one creative team to the next on cliffhangers.
(2017-2018) [EVENT] Dark Nights: Metal by Scott Snyder & Greg Capullo
Introduced the Dark Multiverse, including villain The Batman Who Laughs, leading to the “New Age of Heroes.”
(2017-2019) Doomsday Clock by Geoff Johns & Gary Frank
Crossover colliding the DC Universe with Watchmen, examining Doctor Manhattan’s manipulation of Superman and the “Metaverse.”
(2017-2019) Mister Miracle (Black Label) by Tom King & Mitch Gerads
Psychological drama dealing with depression, war on Apokolips, and domestic life with Scott Free and Big Barda.
(2018) Milk Wars (DC / Young Animal) by Steve Orlando, Gerard Way et al.
Bizarre meta-crossover where the Justice League meets Young Animal characters to stop the Retaliators from corporate-sanitizing reality.
(2018-2019) [EVENT] Heroes in Crisis by Tom King & Clay Mann
Murder mystery set inside “Sanctuary,” a secret trauma treatment facility for superheroes dealing with PTSD.
(2018-2019) The Batman Who Laughs by Scott Snyder & Jock
Dark thriller in which The Batman Who Laughs launches a calculated shadow campaign inside the DC reality.
(2018-2020) Justice League by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV & Jorge Jiménez
Sprawling cosmic stakes, reality-bending concepts, and an ideological war over the fate of the Multiverse.
(2018-2021) Justice League Dark by James Tynion IV & Ram V
A team of misfits assembled by Wonder Woman faces cosmic superhero stakes and deep psychological horror.
(2018-2021) Hawkman by Robert Venditti & Bryan Hitch
The run that unified all past, present, and alternate-reincarnation timelines of Carter Hall across space and time.
(2018-2021) The Green Lantern by Grant Morrison & Liam Sharp
Episodic, Silver-Age sci-fi procedural following Hal Jordan as an intergalactic beat cop.
(2019) Event Leviathan by Brian Michael Bendis & Alex Maleev
Spy mystery where a reformed Leviathan dismantles DC’s secret intelligence organizations overnight.
(2019-2020) Lois Lane by Greg Rucka & Mike Perkins
Political journalism noir featuring Lois Lane investigating international corruption alongside Renee Montoya (The Question).
(2019-2020) Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen by Matt Fraction & Steve Lieber
Slapstick comedy following Jimmy Olsen’s bizarre adventures and viral stunts across Metropolis.
(2019-2020) [EVENT] Year of the Villain by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV et al.
Apex Lex Luthor offers upgraded power boosts to villains to finally defeat their superhero arch-nemeses.
(2019-2020) Wonder Twins (Wonder Comics) by Gene Luen Yang & Stephen Byrne
Satirical reboot of Zan and Jayna (from 1970s Super Friends cartoon) adjusting to American high school while interning at the Hall of Justice.
(2019-2020) Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang & Gurihiru
Inspired by a classic 1946 radio show, Clark Kent helps a Chinese-American family battle 1940s hate groups.
(2019-2020) Harleen (Black Label) by Stjepan Šejić
Dark psychological thriller exploring Dr. Harleen Quinzel’s tragic psychological descent into Harley Quinn.
(2019-2021) Far Sector (Black Label) by N.K. Jemisin & Jamal Campbell
Sci-fi political mystery introducing Green Lantern Jo Mullein at the edge of the universe in the City Enduring.
(2020-2021) Strange Adventures (Black Label) by Tom King, Mitch Gerads & Evan “Doc” Shaner
Deconstructive war crime investigation into Adam Strange’s celebrated heroics on planet Rann.
(2020-2021) Rorschach (Black Label) by Tom King & Jorge Fornés
A political conspiracy thriller set decades after the original Watchmen events following an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate.
(2020-2021) [EVENT] Dark Nights: Death Metal by Scott Snyder & Greg Capullo
Apocalyptic metal event reshaping Earth into a hellscape ruled by the Darkest Knight.
(2020-2021) Batman (“Joker War”) by James Tynion IV & Jorge Jiménez
Joker steals the Wayne fortune to wage full-scale war on Gotham, shifting the dynamics of the Bat-universe.
(2021) [EVENT] Future State by Various Writers & Artists
A glimpse into potential future DC timelines.
Nightwing #100
Infinite Frontier / Dawn of DC Era (2021-2024)
The establishment of the Omniverse where all history is canon, giving rise to optimistic character-driven runs, expanded legacy families, and high-stakes cosmic shifts.
1. Infinite Frontier & Dark Crisis (2021-2022)
(2021) [EVENT] Infinite Frontier #0 by Joshua Williamson, James Tynion IV, Geoff Johns et al.
Officially launched the post-Death Metal status quo, establishing the Omniverse, restoring pre-Crisis memories.
(2021-2022) Robin & Batman (Black Label) by Jeff Lemire & Dustin Nguyen
Painted introspective look at Dick Grayson’s early days adjusting to Bruce Wayne’s strict training in the Batcave.
(2021-2022) Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King & Bilquis Evely
Sci-fi epic take on True Grit following Kara Zor-El and a young alien girl across the galaxy on a quest for vengeance.
(2021-2022) Robin by Joshua Williamson & Gleb Melnikov
Takes Damian Wayne out of Gotham and his father’s shadow to explore his independence.
(2021-2022) Swamp Thing by Ram V & Mike Perkins
Introduced Levi Kamei as the new avatar of the Green, blending body horror with ecological intrigue.
(2021-2022) Catwoman: Lonely City (Black Label) by Cliff Chiang
An older Selina Kyle leaves prison ten years after the “Fool’s Night” tragedy to pull off one last heist.
(2021-2023) The Flash by Jeremy Adams
A wholesome, action-packed epic run focused on Wally West and his family.
(2021-2023) Action Comics by Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Took Superman away from his comfortable life on Earth and dropped him into a brutal cosmic arena.
(2021-2023) Nightwing by Tom Taylor & Bruno Redondo
Put Dick Grayson as the heart of the superhero community in a vibrant, kinetic run.
(2021-2023) The Human Target (Black Label) by Tom King & Greg Smallwood
Slow-burn, neon-noir romance and murder mystery where Christopher Chance investigates his own impending death by poison while tangled with the Justice League International.
(2021-Present) Batman/Superman: World’s Finest by Mark Waid & Dan Mora
A retro-modern series showcasing peak Silver/Bronze Age adventures of Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne.
(2021-2024) Detective Comics by Ram V
Gothic operatic saga in three acts centered on the Orgham family taking over Gotham and Batman battling an internal demon.
(2022) [EVENT] Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths by Joshua Williamson & Daniel Sampere
Deathstorm and Parallax’s Dark Army seemingly eradicate the Justice League, forcing the legacy generation to defend the Multiverse.
(2022) Flashpoint Beyond by Geoff Johns, Jeremy Adams & Tim Sheridan
Thomas Wayne awakes back in his failed Flashpoint timeline, uncovering cosmic truths regarding the “Divine Continuum.”
(2022-2024) The New Golden Age / Justice Society of America by Geoff Johns
Expanded the lost history of DC’s first superhero team.
The Flash #19
2. Dawn of DC Relaunch & Absolute Power (2022-2024)
(2022-2023) [EVENT] Lazarus Planet by Mark Waid, Gene Luen Yang et al.
A Lazarus volcano explosion rains magic-altering storm clouds across Earth, mutating meta-human abilities and launching the “Dawn of DC” initiative.
(2022-2025) Batman by Chip Zdarsky
High-stakes run introducing Failsafe and focusing on Batman’s obsession with absolute control.
(2023) [EVENT] Knight Terrors by Joshua Williamson, Howard Porter & Giuseppe Camuncoli
Insomnia traps heroes and villains inside nightmare realms, forcing Deadman to lead an investigation through the sleep dimension.
(2023-2024) [EVENT] Titans: Beast World by Tom Taylor & Ivan Reis
A global eco-horror pandemic that threatened to turn humanity into feral beasts.
(2023-2024) [EVENT] House of Brainiac by Joshua Williamson & Rafael Sandoval
Brainiac constructs an army of Czarnian clones to capture meta-humans, forcing Superman and Lobo into an uneasy alliance.
(2023-Present) Poison Ivy by G. Willow Wilson & Marcio Takara
Pamela Isley’s eco-journey across America to heal the planet.
(2023-Present) Superman by Joshua Williamson & Jamal Campbell
Energetic relaunch pairing Clark Kent with a reformed LexCorp (SuperCorp) to fight updated classic rogues.
(2023-Present) Green Lantern by Jeremy Adams & Xermánico
Grounded Hal Jordan’s return to Earth following United Planets’ takeover of Sector 2814.
(2023-2025) Birds of Prey by Kelly Thompson & Leonardo Romero
A fast-paced, high-energy, and humorous espionage-action team book.
(2023-2025) The Flash by Si Spurrier & Mike Deodato Jr.
Surrealist take on Wally West delving into deep Speed Force dimensional anomalies and horror-infused science.
(2024) [EVENT] Absolute Power by Mark Waid & Dan Mora
Amanda Waller forms the Trinity of Evil to drain every superhero on Earth of their powers, concluding the Dawn of DC era.
Absolute Batman #1
DC All In & The Absolute Universe Era (Late 2024-Present)
The co-existence of two distinct frontiers: an accessible, optimistic main universe anchored by Justice League Unlimited, alongside the dark, high-risk “Absolute Universe” where classic heroes are forged without their traditional safety nets.
(2024) [EVENT] DC All In Special #1 by Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Daniel Sampere & Wes Craig
Dual-perspective launch issue establishing the core premise of the All In era. One side shows the main Earth celebrating a united superhero front, while the other reveals Darkseid creating the alternate, harsh “Absolute Universe.”
(2024-2025) The New Gods by Ram V & Evan Cagle
Epic cosmic fantasy exploring high-stakes political intrigue and ideological war between New Genesis and Apokolips.
(2024-2025) Batman: Dark Patterns by Dan Watters & Hayden Sherman
Detective mystery exploring four distinct self-contained cases during Bruce Wayne’s early crimefighting career.
(2024-2025) Black Lightning by Brandon Thomas & Fico Ossio
Revitalized Jefferson Pierce as a mentor, community hero, and primary defender dealing with localized meta-human crises and family dynamics.
(2024-Present) Nightwing by Dan Watters & Dexter Soy
Street-level Blüdhaven noir and Dick Grayson’s evolving role within the superhero hierarchy.
(2024-Present) Justice League Unlimited by Mark Waid & Dan Mora
An all-inclusive, revolving-door roster operates out of an expanded Hall of Justice to tackle global threats.
(2024-Present) Absolute Batman by Scott Snyder & Nick Dragotta
Reimagines Bruce Wayne without his billionaire wealth, mansion, or butler, working as a blue-collar city engineer fighting a heavily armored, syndicate-controlled Gotham with raw, improvised tactics.
(2024-Present) Absolute Superman by Jason Aaron & Rafa Sandoval
Kal-El arrives on Earth not as a beloved farm boy with a cozy Kansas upbringing, but as a lone, working-class alien refugee fighting oppressive global regimes without a Fortress of Solitude.
(2024-Present) Absolute Wonder Woman by Kelly Thompson & Hayden Sherman
Raised in Hell rather than Paradise Island, Diana is a battle-hardened, witch-trained warrior wielding massive hell-forged weaponry against demonic pantheons.
(2025-2026) Absolute Martian Manhunter by Deniz Camp & Javier Rodríguez
Visually surreal reimaginings of J’onn J’onzz as an unearthly, psychic detective navigating alien horror, identity, and isolation on a harsh, unfamiliar Earth.
(2025-2026) [EVENT] DC K.O. by Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson&Various Artists
DC Universe heroes are forced into an Apokoliptian Tournament to find their champion to defeat King Omega.
(2026-Present) Batman by Matt Fraction & Jorge Jiménez
High-energy run focusing on high-tech detective work while Gotham politics is shifting against him and his family.
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After briefly crossing her path while reading Batman: Battle for the Cowl and Final Crisis, I was reminded of Misfit (aka Charlotte Gage-Radcliffe). I checked when she last appeared in the pages of a comic. It turns out she did make a cameo in Cheetah and Cheshire Rob the Justice League #4 by Greg Rucka and Nicola Scott (who created the Misfit costume originally), published last November (2025, for reference). That was the first appearance in over a decade! And I barely consider that relevant.
In the late 2000s, Oracle’s inner circle was expanding, and no new recruit had more breakout potential than Charlotte Gage-Radcliffe. Dressed in a homemade, stitched-together Batgirl costume and shouting her trademark battle cry (“Dark Vengeance!“), Misfit brought a chaotic, endearing energy to Metropolis and Gotham.
She had the powers, the tragic backstory, and Gail Simone writing her. So, what happened to Misfit?
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It was on a controversial note that the Golden Age ended. The history of American comics was changed forever by the adoption of the Comics Code. It will take decades to break free of it and, even then, its influence would never completely fade away.
In March 1955, the Comics Code’s seal began appearing on DC Comics covers, like Action Comics #202, Superman #96, Batman #90, Detective Comics #217, Wonder Woman #73, and more… but not on too many costume superhero books, as those had already started to fade away.
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The History of DC Comics started when Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson, already well-established in the printing industry, set up National Allied Publications and launched New Fun: The Big Comic Magazine in 1935. This was an oversized tabloid edited by Lloyd Jacquet. It worked well enough to justify the launch of another title, New Comics. Soon, the format changed (from tabloid to a more popular half-tabloid trim size) and the title too, as New Fun became More Fun Comics.
To meet the needs of this new successful venture, Wheeler-Nicholson started working with the printer and distributor Independent News, the company of Harry Donenfeld, who was also interested in investing in this new emerging market.
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Grant Morrison’s seven-year run on Batman is widely considered one of the most ambitious long-form epics in the history of modern comic books. Running across multiple titles from 2006 to 2013, the story functions as a massive three-act saga that breaks down Bruce Wayne before rebuilding him on a global scale.
As it is a big read, this may not be the most inviting entry point for new readers. But it’s one influential run that continues to impress and, at times, leave a little confusion. It’s a dense and coherent narrative driven by big ideas, fueled by deep cuts into obscure DC lore.
This article presents Grant Morrison’s run, outlining the key ideas, plot points, and characters. It serves as a roadmap providing context for my detailed reading order and retrospective review. So, let’s start exploring this rich case file!
Of course, Morrison was not alone. During his run, he worked with artists Andy Kubert, J.H. Williams III, John Van Fleet, Tony Daniel, Ryan Benjamin, Lee Garbett, Frank Quitely, Philip Tan, Cameron Stewart, A,dy Clarke, Frazer Irving, Scott Kolins, Chris Sprouse, Ryan Sook, Yanick Paquette, George Jeanty, David Finch, Scott Clark, and Chris Burnham.
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For DC Comics, the Silver Age was an era of reinvention when it came to its line of superhero comics, but it was the same people who were still creating those comics. With Marvel Comics becoming a serious competitor, changes were once again needed, but this time they were just as much on the pages as behind the scenes.
New editorial director Carmine Infantino brought change in a notable way. The funny animal comics disappeared, and “Weird” comics became à la mode (Weird Western, Weird Adventure Comics, Weird War, Weird Mystery). But Infantino’s important change was to give artists power and to bring new talents in. Marv Wolfman, Len Wein, Denis O’Neil, and Neil Adams soon became important names at DC.
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To a reader who is not all too familiar with Batman comics, Grant Morrison’s Batman run can, at times, feel like a fever dream. Why is there a “Bat-Mite”? Who are the “International Heroes”? The answer lies in The Black Casebook, a meta-fictional journal where Bruce Wayne recorded every encounter that defied logic, physics, or sanity.
When I first read this run, my knowledge of Batman was limited to recent publications. I lacked a broader understanding of what the character went through. Even some recurring characters were not known to me. I caught up quickly, as the stories Morrison wrote don’t require you to be a Dark Knight scholar to be understood, but the more you know, the more you can appreciate what the author did.
So, in this DC Casebook investigation, we strip away the modern shadows to reveal the 1950s and 60s “Golden & Silver Age” stories that Morrison transformed into psychological pieces to explore the mind of the Bat.
