DC Comics puts out a load of great comics, but it can be hard to figure out which ones fit your tastes or feature the heroes you care to read about. We've got you covered. Check out the list of our favorite DC books to learn what they're about, why they're so awesome, and where is a good place to start reading.
Be sure to let us know what you think of the list, and if you're a DC reader, let us know your Top 10 comics in the comments!
What it’s about: Buddy Baker is a superhero turned movie star turned family man who just wants to leave all that behind. But as the Avatar of the Red (is this sounding familiar?) with the power to channel the ability of any animal, those who granted him his powers won’t let him ignore the rise of the evil Rot. When Buddy realizes that the Rot’s bloated corpse soldiers are after his daughter Maxine, it becomes a personal affair he can’t ignore.
That was the start of Jeff Lemire’s run on Animal Man. Currently, after dealing with the Rot as well as more than a little family tragedy, he’s been swept across the universe by an alien entity that needs her own champion of the Red.
Why it’s awesome: The emphasis on family. Don’t get us wrong, Animal Man is just as horrifying as Swamp Thing, especially thanks to Travel Foreman and Steve Pugh’s visceral art, but it’s the focus on the dynamics of Buddy’s family that makes this book so endearing to read. His wife just wants a normal life, his son Cliff idolizes his superhero dad, and Maxine is so young that she just wants to use her budding powers to make everything alright so she can play with Socks the talking cat. Lemire makes you care for them like they were your own, which makes it all the more frightening when nasty Rot creatures try to eat them alive.
Start from the beginning: Animal Man Vol. 1 by Jeff Lemire & Travel Foreman
Jump on now: Animal Man #26 by Jeff Lemire & Cully Hamner
What it’s about: Dr. Alec Holland was a botanist (plant scientist) by trade, and as fate would have it, he was transformed into a walking swamp creature who can control plantlife. You may know him as Swamp Thing. His power is derived from the Green, the source of all plant life on Earth. The Green is mediated by the Parliament of Trees, bossy ancient tree-beings that chose Holland to be the Avatar of the Green on Earth. It sounds like a sweet gig, but Holland couldn’t be more conflicted about whether he’s a man, a plant, or something in between.
Why it’s awesome: It’s absolutely horrifying. Writer Scott Snyder is known for his chilling stories and terrifying concepts, and he uses that to flesh out Swamp Thing’s world in new and disgusting ways. Artist Yanick Paquette creates lush imagery that is as beautiful as it is disturbing. When Swamp Thing must take on the Rot as they seek to envelop the world in decay, it’s a heart-pounding race against time to save the world.
That said, Snyder and Paquette have handed the story over to writer Charles Soule and artists Kano and Jesus Saiz, but don’t worry, it’s better than ever. Their take has Swamp Thing investigating plant-based anomalies around the world, like a tree that grows bulbs of insanity-inducing whiskey and a mysterious oasis in the desert. He discovers a man with gifts like his own called The Seeder, who challenges him to be the new Avatar of the Green. It’s full of mystery, gorgeous art, and unexpected moments of genuine humor.
While Swamp Thing is part of the main DC Universe, and you might occasionally see him interact with the likes of Superman or the Scarecrow, his stories are generally just about him, leaving the creative teams to delve into his dark psyche to give you memorable tales about the man who became a salad.
Start from the beginning: Swamp Thing Vol. 1 by Scott Snyder & Yanick Paquette
Jump on now: Swamp Thing Vol. 4 by Charles Soule & Jesus
What it’s about: Years ago, Barbara Gordon was tragically attacked by the Joker and left paralyzed in a wheelchair. But after making a recovery, she has taken back up the mantle of Batgirl. She battles all manner of bad guys from the sociopathic Mirror to the eerie Gretel, but her biggest hurdle to overcome remains her PTSD from that fateful encounter that took away the use of her legs.
Why it’s awesome: Batgirl’s inner monologue is one of the best, if not the best, in comics right now. Writer Gail Simone channels her smart, gutsy, and surprisingly humorous voice to a tee. It sucks you into the comic and puts you in Batgirl’s Bat-boots, instilling you with her fears and lifting you up with her indomitable spirit. The art from Ardian Syaf and others is always top notch, delivering Batgirl’s unique combat style and the gritty city of Gotham. Barbara’s personal life is often as eventful and dramatic as her costumed one, what with her brother being a serial killer and all.
Start from the beginning: Batgirl Vol. 1 by Gail Simone & Ardian Syaf
Jump on now: Batgirl #28 by Gail Simone & Fernando Pasarin (release date 2/12/14)
What it’s about: Remember that campy Batman TV show from the 1960s with the POW! and ZOK! sound effects? Well this comic is that, but writer Jeff Parker carefully turns that camp into a sense of endearing fun. Batman and Robin take on the villain of the week, whether it be the Riddler with yet another puzzle or the Penguin who has taken up residence on a giant iceberg in the Gotham City harbor. The villains’ schemes are ridiculous as ever, but Batman and Robin always manage to top them with an inventive and smart response. And some punching.
Why it’s awesome: Parker fully embraces the silliness of the old TV show instead of mocking it. Along with the energetic and dynamic art by Jonathan Case and other artists, that proves to be the key ingredient in channeling that familiar Adam West Batman voice we all know so well. Instead of laughing at the material, you’ll be engaged by this refreshing take on Batman, proving that the caped crusader can be adapted any number of ways and still endure. The best part is the self-aware humor. When the Riddler’s plane crashes after an aerial dogfight with Batman’s Bat-plane, the police recover a parachute with a riddle on it. One of them remarks, “How does he plan all of this so far in advance?”
Start from the beginning: Batman ‘66 Vol. 1 by Jeff Parker & Jonathan Case
Jump on now: Batman '66 #27 by Jeff Parker & David Williams
What it’s about: No superheroes here. This is a post-apocalyptic story, but the twist is that the thing that caused the apocalypse was fantasy. Yup. One day, all sorts of goblins, trolls, and other monsters that had been slumbering for ages woke up and took back the Earth. Humans are now scarce, living in Central Park village at the mercy of the ravaged world and the beings who now rule it known as The Hinterkind.
Why it’s awesome: It’s The Walking Dead meets your childhood storybook. The setting is as grim as it is mysterious, but the characters give you a reason to hold onto hope. They are a diverse and multi-faceted cast that immediately get you rooting for them, even when they want something crazy. Some want to stay at home while others want to venture out into the wilds, but either way, Prosper Monday and the rest of the cast are just too engaging to not keep reading.
Where to start: Hinterkind #1 by Ian Edginton & Francesco Trifogli (it's a brand new series, so jump on now!)
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