10 Best DC Comics Maxiseries of All Time, Ranked

DC Comics has consistently pushed the boundaries of the superhero comic book genre since its beginnings. A key part of their success has been the “maxiseries” format – limited-run stories that typically last between 10 and 12 issues, but can be any series exceeding that length. DC’s maxiseries are particularly popular with fans and are known for being some of the best superhero stories ever told. Since 1938, the company’s creators have delivered groundbreaking maxiseries that have significantly impacted the comic book world, and many are considered all-time classics.

DC Comics is renowned for its high quality, and its large-scale series have brilliantly developed many characters, delivering some truly memorable moments for readers. These series consistently stand out from the rest, and are among the best DC has ever published – with some considered all-time classics.

10) Rorschach

Tom King and Jorges Fornes’s Rorschach was a surprisingly excellent limited series. Considering how most sequels to Watchmen are poorly received, this one stands out. The story centers on an unnamed detective investigating an attempt on a politician’s life, seemingly committed by Rorschach and a woman disguised as a cowboy. Set after the original Watchmen story, the narrative unfolds as the detective pieces together clues, leading readers along the way. King and Fornes explore the dangerous growth of extremism, and cleverly include appearances from influential figures in the world of comics. Most people didn’t expect much from this series, but it turned out to be a delightful surprise.

9) Brightest Day

As a huge DC fan, I always felt Brightest Day got a little lost in the shuffle. It was the follow-up to the massive Blackest Night event, and it really delved into what happened to all those characters who came back to life. The 26-issue series was all about figuring out why they were brought back, and honestly, it had some genuinely surprising twists. What I loved was that it focused on a lot of characters who didn’t always get the spotlight – guys like Deadman, Hawkman and Hawkgirl, even Aquaman and Captain Boomerang! It felt like a real exploration of the DC Universe, and it actually set things up for a new direction… though, admittedly, that direction was pretty quickly overwritten by Flashpoint and the New 52. Still, it was the last big story of that era of the DC Multiverse, and I think it’s seriously underrated – it deserves way more love than it gets.

8) Justice

The early 2000s saw some fantastic Justice League stories, and one of the most memorable was Justice, created by Jim Krueger, Alex Ross, and Doug Braithwaite. Both the Justice League and the Legion of Doom are haunted by nightmares of a future catastrophe, and each team tries to prevent it in their own way. Think of it as a modern update to the classic SuperFriends cartoon, with the familiar heroes and villains engaged in a thrilling superhero story. The artwork is stunning – Alex Ross’s painting over Doug Braithwaite’s pencils creates a realistic and impressive look. The writing perfectly captures the spirit of those beloved Justice League tales, making this a true gem from DC Comics.

7) The Human Target

Before 2022, most comic fans had forgotten about The Human Target, a lesser-known DC spy character. But a new series by Tom King and Greg Smallwood brought him back in a compelling way. The story starts with Christopher Chance successfully protecting Lex Luthor, only to discover he has just twelve days to live. He then sets out to uncover who ordered his death and why, which leads him into the complex world of the Justice League International and reveals a surprising new side to the team. It’s a classic 1960s spy mystery blended with 1980s superheroes, brought to life with beautiful, retro-style artwork. Tom King reimagines the JLI, taking the characters in unexpected directions, all while making Christopher Chance a fascinating and enigmatic figure. Expect a complex, emotional story full of twists and turns with every issue.

6) 52

The comic series 52 was a weekly event that followed the events of Infinite Crisis. It filled in the story of the year that passed in the ‘One Year Later’ storylines. A team of top writers – Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, and Mark Waid – crafted the narrative, with Keith Giffen providing the initial layouts and a variety of artists completing the artwork. The story centers around lesser-known heroes like Booster Gold, Renee Montoya, the Question, and Black Adam as they face a crisis with potentially universe-altering consequences. Many fans consider 52 to be the best weekly comic series ever published, and it remains popular today. If you’re interested, it’s recommended to read Infinite Crisis first, then dive into the 52 issues.

5) Camelot 3000

Published in 1982, Camelot 3000 is a groundbreaking comic book maxiseries that often flies under the radar. Written by Mike W. Barr and illustrated by Brian Bolland, the story reimagines the Arthurian legend in the year 3000. When Earth is attacked by aliens, King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table are reborn to defend humanity, uncovering a surprisingly familiar force behind the invasion. It’s a truly unique take on the King Arthur story – think The Once and Future King set in the future, but without any problematic undertones. Bolland’s artwork is stunning; he spent years perfecting the visuals, and the dedication shows. This early 80s DC title is a classic that paved the way for many of the epic maxiseries that followed.

4) Mister Miracle

As a huge comic book fan, I have to say that Tom King and Mitch Gerads’ Mister Miracle is truly exceptional. The story starts with Scott Free, Mister Miracle himself, after a suicide attempt, and it unfolds alongside another invasion by Darkseid. Watching Scott and his wife, Big Barda, fight this new war really digs into the source of Scott’s pain and how it impacts everything – seriously, everything. It’s a story that beautifully captures the weight of past trauma, the struggles of the present, and the possibility of hope. King is a master of the 12-issue format, and this is arguably his best work. He and Gerads just click as a creative team, delivering a story that feels incredibly relatable. It’s a profound exploration of how trauma can both destroy and, surprisingly, give meaning to our lives.

3) Watchmen

Many consider Watchmen to be the best comic book ever created. This 12-issue series by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons is a complex and dark story that fundamentally changed what comics could be. It thoughtfully explored and redefined the superhero genre, earning more awards and recognition than any other comic. Watchmen is widely known, even among those who haven’t read it, and has become a cornerstone of popular culture. It was a groundbreaking work, utilizing the comic book format in innovative ways, and it inspired the industry and fans by demonstrating the medium’s full potential.

2) Crisis on Infinite Earths

Crisis on Infinite Earths fundamentally reshaped the DC Universe and is widely considered one of the most impactful comic book events ever created. Marv Wolfman, George Perez, and Jerry Ordway crafted an epic showdown between good and evil, uniting heroes from five different Earths against the devastating Anti-Monitor as entire universes crumbled. This story revolutionized how comic book events were structured, featuring a massive cast of DC’s most iconic characters battling an unprecedented threat. It remains a legendary story that continues to be celebrated for its incredible scope and impact.

1) All-Star Superman

All-Star Superman is a truly exceptional 12-issue comic series, unlike anything before or since. Written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Frank Quitely, it presents the definitive Superman story, beginning with the hero’s discovery of his impending death at the hands of Lex Luthor. Instead of despairing, Superman dedicates himself to improving the world, undertaking incredible feats inspired by the twelve labors of Hercules. This reimagining of the classic myth, blended with elements from Superman’s entire history, creates a captivating read. The writing is perfect, the artwork is stunning, and the entire series is an unforgettable experience.

https://comicbook.com/comics/list/10-dc-series-you-should-read-in-2026/embed/#

2026-01-25 23:17