10 Best DC Stories of the 00s

The 2000s represented a remarkable era for DC comic book enthusiasts. Despite facing challenges in the ’90s, DC Comics managed to thrive by focusing more on crafting exceptional narratives rather than relying solely on eye-catching covers and top-tier artists. While there was still some reliance on gimmicks and A-list talent, there was also a wealth of high-quality comics produced during this time.

In the 2000s, DC Comics found themselves in an enviable position – they boasted a roster of talented writers and artists who were passionate about the DC universe. This passion led to some truly outstanding stories. The creators made a concerted effort to resurrect the DC Multiverse, and while there are valid arguments that they mishandled this task, causing readers to lose interest due to the elimination of post-Crisis ideas they cherished, which eventually led to the New 52, it cannot be denied that there were some exceptional DC Comics released during this decade.

In the early 21st century (specifically the 2000s), there was a period when DC Comics had an opportunity to overthrow Marvel in terms of popularity. While Marvel has been widely praised during this time, it’s important to remember that DC was holding its own and delivering outstanding stories that have stood the test of time. Narrowing down the best stories from this decade is challenging because I adore all of them, even the less-than-perfect ones. This list will focus on mainline DC comics rather than Vertigo books, which will be covered in a separate list at a later date. Here are ten standout DC stories from the 2000s that showcase the brilliance of DC Comics and may spark your love for their universe:

1. “Identity Crisis” by Brad Meltzer and Rags Morales (2004-2005)
2. “Infinite Crisis” by Geoff Johns, Phil Jimenez, and others (2005-2006)
3. “52” by Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, Mark Waid, and others (2006-2007)
4. “Countdown to Final Crisis” by Paul Dini, Tony Bedard, Keith Giffen, and others (2007-2008)
5. “Final Crisis” by Grant Morrison (2008-2009)
6. “Batman: The Court of Owls” by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo (2011-2012)
7. “The New 52” relaunch (2011-ongoing)
8. “Wonder Woman by Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang” (2011-2016)
9. “Justice League: The Darkseid War” by Geoff Johns, Jason Fabok, and Francis Manapul (2015-2016)
10. “DC Rebirth” by Geoff Johns, various artists (2016-ongoing)

10) Wonder Woman (Vol. 2) #195-226

In the 2000s, I’d highly recommend diving into the remarkable journey of Wonder Woman, specifically Greg Rucka’s run adorned with captivating covers by J.G. Jones. The series also features artworks by Drew Johnson, Shane Davis, and Rags Morales. This series is nothing short of exceptional as it transforms Wonder Woman into an emissary for Themyscira, sees her writing a book, and places her in the thick of numerous challenges.

While I could suggest a single story, Rucka’s run is more like a compelling series you won’t want to stop reading until you uncover its intriguing twists and turns. He skillfully assembles an engaging supporting cast for Wonder Woman and delves deep into the concept of her as a champion of peace. This is undoubtedly one of the finest portrayals of Wonder Woman, earning its praise as one of the best DC comics ever created.

9) DC Universe: Last Will and Testament #1

Brad Meltzer is highly regarded as one of the top DC writers from the 2000s, although his work on “Identity Crisis” has drawn criticism which is justified. However, his other DC works are exceptional, particularly his tenure on “Justice League of America” and the Green Arrow story “The Archer’s Quest.” In the comic “DC Universe: Last Will and Testament” #1, which serves as a one-shot tie-in to “Final Crisis,” Geo-Force embarks on a quest to confront the man who killed his sister Terra – Deathstroke. He seeks guidance from Black Lightning, leading to a deep exploration of pain and vengeance. This story is exceptional yet not widely recognized, making it worthy of being among the best DC stories ever. A significant aspect contributing to its quality is the collaboration between artist Adam Kubert and his father, DC legend Joe Kubert, resulting in striking visuals. This is a compelling little comic that may leave you shedding tears by the end. It’s often found in the larger, more expensive “Final Crisis” collections, but it’s worth tracking down the original issue.

8) “Blitz”

In the 2000s, Geoff Johns gained significant recognition across various DC comics, but it was his work on “The Flash” that truly propelled him into prominence. Johns breathed new life into Wally West and modernized the Rogues for the 21st century. I highly recommend reading Johns’ entire run on “The Flash”, but if you’re looking for a quick taste of what made it exceptional, look no further than the “Blitz” storyline. “Blitz” spanned issues #197-200 of “The Flash” (Vol. 2) and introduced readers to Wally’s version of the Reverse Flash, Zoom. Unlike Wally, who draws his speed from the Speed Force, Zoom’s powers are time-based, making him faster than Wally. This powerful new adversary forces Wally to confront his deepest fears in order to win. In essence, “Blitz” encapsulates everything that made Johns’ run on “The Flash” so outstanding – a hero battling his most formidable foe, wrestling with fear. This is the pinnacle of the Flash, and Scott Kolins’ artwork brilliantly captures the dynamic nature of the Flash, offering readers an unforgettable tale that will grip you from start to finish.

7) “Last Son of Krypton”

In the 2000s, some extraordinary Superman tales were published by DC Comics. They assigned talented writers to Superman’s comic books, resulting in many all-time great Superman stories. One of the most impressive runs from this period was Geoff Johns’ “Action Comics,” which is highly recommended for reading in its entirety. However, the standout story from this series is the one that initiated it – “Last Son.” Written by Geoff Johns, directed by Richard Donner (Superman: The Movie), and illustrated by Adam Kubert, this tale unfolds when a mysterious young Kryptonian boy lands on Earth. Superman takes him under his wing, but encounters challenges from Lex Luthor and Bizarro. Yet, it was all part of a plot as the child was sent to Earth to free General Zod, Ursa, and Non from the Phantom Zone. The ensuing conflict between Superman and Zod is the best ever. Johns, Donner, and Kubert make an outstanding team on Superman, offering readers a fresh take on the Man of Steel while maintaining familiarity. Kubert’s artwork is exceptional, with nearly every panel impressing the reader. This story perfectly encapsulates Superman.

6) JSA/Justice Society of America

The Justice Society of America (JSA) is hands down my favorite team comic book series, which is why I’m incorporating both complete versions of them. The JSA was initially launched in 1999, but most of its run occurred during the 2000s. This captivating series was penned by Geoff Johns, David S. Goyer, and James Robinson, with numerous talented artists such as Stephen Sadowski, Leonard Kirk, Rags Morales, Dale Eaglesham, Don Kramer, and others. These series primarily revolve around the Justice Society, offering exceptional character development and thrilling action sequences. To put it simply, these series are nothing short of extraordinary, and they’ll undoubtedly captivate readers from start to finish. These series played a significant role in cultivating a generation of DC fans who have grown fond of the JSA, and there’s no end to the praise they deserve.

5) 52

As a devoted fan, I found myself utterly captivated by the monumental achievement that was “52,” a weekly comic series that unfolded the tale of the year following the Infinite Crisis. This epic saga was meticulously crafted by an all-star team consisting of Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Mark Waid, and Greg Rucka. The layouts were skillfully handled by Keith Giffen, while a legion of talented artists ensured the book never missed its deadline.

“52” delved into the lives of characters such as Booster Gold, the Question, Renee Montoya, Animal Man, Starfire, Black Adam, Steel, Ralph Dibny, Will Magnus, Lobo, and many more, as they grappled with a menace that threatened to engulf Earth. From beginning to end, “52” was nothing short of extraordinary, offering a multifaceted narrative that took readers on an exhilarating journey before delivering a satisfying conclusion that tied up all the series’ numerous plot threads. Essentially, “52” embodied the pinnacle of DC storytelling, providing fans with a tale only DC Comics could deliver.

4) New Frontier

Darwyn Cooke’s masterpiece, titled “New Frontier,” offers an extraordinary exploration of the Silver Age DC characters and concepts, vividly portraying their emergence in the post-WWII era. The book brings together iconic heroes such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Barry Allen, Hal Jordan, among others, as they navigate their roles in this new world. However, a looming threat promises to shatter everything they’re striving to create. “New Frontier” is a must-read for any comic book enthusiast, offering a refreshing take on a significant era in superhero history by blending the nostalgic charm of Silver Age DC with a contemporary perspective. If you haven’t yet experienced this compelling narrative, I strongly recommend giving it a read.

3) Infinite Crisis

The captivating comic, “Infinite Crisis,” penned by Geoff Johns, Phil Jimenez, George Perez, Jerry Ordway, and Ivan Reis, stands as an exceptional DC tale. In this epic narrative, our fractured Earth heroes grapple with the united villains of DC, known as The Society, and two unseen manipulators who are determined to construct a flawless Earth at any expense. Originally designed to commemorate the 20th anniversary of “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” “Infinite Crisis” was carefully crafted over time, resulting in a story that surpasses expectations in every aspect.

The comic revives the most compelling concepts from the Silver/Bronze Age DC era and features moments that will remain etched in your memory forever. It served to rejuvenate DC after the successes of the early 2000s, even though they faltered slightly with the Multiverse that “Infinite Crisis” created. Nevertheless, it remains a brilliant comic and an unparalleled superhero epic.

2) Final Crisis

Final Crisis stands out as the epitome of a grand superhero saga, marking writer Grant Morrison’s crowning achievement in the realm of DC Comics. In this tale, Morrison offers readers a fitting conclusion to the DC Multiverse, although subsequent stories followed. This narrative serves as the pinnacle of superhero storytelling.

Morrison, teaming up with artists J.G. Jones and Doug Mahnke, delivers an outstanding Darkseid tale reminiscent of Jack Kirby’s work. In this storyline, Darkseid, the embodiment of evil, executes a plan to employ the Anti-Life Equation for universal domination.

Final Crisis is undeniably complex, and many readers find it challenging to grasp. Yet, beneath its intricate layers lies a masterful piece of storytelling, filled with mind-blowing twists and turns. The comic book also carries a meta dimension, as Morrison explores the dynamic between editors and creators.

Ultimately, Final Crisis is a multi-faceted story that demonstrates why DC’s superheroes are unrivaled in greatness, offering insights into their enduring appeal.

1) All-Star Superman

The acclaimed graphic novel “All-Star Superman,” penned by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Frank Quitely, is often hailed as the top superhero comic of all time. This epic Superman tale manages to encapsulate a timeless Superman narrative, drawing elements from various periods in the character’s history. By now, most are familiar with the plot of “All-Star Superman,” where Superman confronts mortality for the first time due to a scheme by Lex Luthor. In an effort to settle his affairs and leave the world improved, Superman embarks on a journey that results in a near-flawless story. This is a prime example of superheroes executed brilliantly, as Morrison captures the heart of Superman and shares it with readers. Quitely’s artwork is extraordinary; while some may not appreciate his style, they should look at the character acting, body language, and the exceptional visual storytelling on each page of this book. Since its release, “All-Star Superman” has yet to be surpassed in terms of quality.

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2025-07-06 21:41