10 Best DC Stories of the ‘10s

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In the 2000s, DC Comics produced some outstanding work. Compared to Marvel, DC proved more resilient during the ’90s, and this trend continued into the new millennium. Readers were treated to exceptional story arcs penned by top comic creators on characters such as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Manhunter, among others. Teams like Justice Society (JSA), Outsiders, Birds of Prey, and Justice League also saw some fantastic series during this period. The mid-2000s witnessed the reintroduction of pre-Crisis concepts in innovative ways, resulting in compelling narratives. While the late ’00s didn’t reach the heights of earlier works, the groundwork for future success was clearly established. The 10s promised to be a golden age for DC Comics, and fans were optimistic, particularly following the release of “Blackest Night” (which won’t be included in this list since half of it debuted in ’09, making it a transitional period; however, it’s exceptional and highly recommended reading).

In all honesty, the 2010s weren’t exactly a golden era for DC comics enthusiasts. While there were undeniably some fantastic titles during this period, the introduction of the New 52 brought about a wave of mediocre stories and the dismantling of what DC had carefully constructed in the 2000s. The 2010s were something of a roller coaster ride for fans – one never knew whether they’d be in store for something brilliant or a letdown. Nevertheless, there are several comics from this decade that truly shine, and these ten are the cream of the crop.

10) Forever Evil

During the New 52 era, the Justice League played a significant role, but upon revisiting the Justice League comics of that period, only a few can be labeled as exceptional. Some were decent, some were average at best. However, there were intriguing concepts within these comics, and the standout among them was the invasion of Earth-3’s Crime Syndicate, which culminated in the outstanding event comic of the New 52 – Forever Evil, penned by Geoff Johns and David Finch. The Crime Syndicate managed to overpower the Justice League, and their next target was the rest of the world. They exploited the heroes with the aid of villains, but not all heroes succumbed. Lex Luthor assembled a team of villains – Sinestro, Black Adam, Black Manta, Captain Cold, Deathstroke, and a Superman clone named Bizarro (B-1) – who allied with Batman and Catwoman to combat the Crime Syndicate. This is an exhilarating, action-packed narrative that offers a fresh perspective on Lex Luthor. DC Comics boasts some remarkable events, and this one certainly earns its spot among them. It highlights why DC has some of the finest villains in comics and delivers everything readers would expect from a story like this.

9) “Zero Year”

Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s Batman series during the New 52 era was one of the most captivating highlights. It offered a consistently engaging narrative accompanied by exceptional artwork. Many readers enjoyed tales like “The Court of Owls”, “Death of the Family”, and “Endgame”. However, among these excellent stories, I’d argue that “Zero Year” stood out as the finest. The New 52 universe was a blend of novel and traditional concepts, but DC struggled to clarify what was canonical. “Zero Year” provided insights into the origin of the New 52 Batman, as Bruce Wayne grappled with finding ways to save his beloved city, only to face challenges from the Red Hood Gang, the Riddler, and a colossal storm. Essentially, “Zero Year” represented Snyder and Capullo unleashing their creative ideas amassed throughout their tenure, demonstrating that despite the New 52’s differences, certain elements remained constant – the determination of one man striving to mend a corrupt city.

8) Doomsday Clock

The Doomsday Clock isn’t always appreciated, but it deserves more recognition than it receives. There are several reasons why the Doomsday Clock has been a contentious topic among DC fans. For some, the idea of Watchmen crossing over with the heroes of the DC Multiverse was unpalatable and they refused to give it a chance. Additionally, the book’s delays, writer Geoff Johns’s tendency to borrow ideas from Alan Moore’s DC work, and his attempts to mimic Moore’s writing style were met with mixed reactions. However, if you disregard these aspects and focus solely on the 12-issue series, it turns out to be quite impressive. The series offers a crossover between two distinct universes in an excellent manner, shedding light on how the New 52 came about and contrasting Superman with Doctor Manhattan, who find themselves on a collision course due to their differing perspectives of the universe. While Doomsday Clock has its share of problems, especially at the start when it was more focused on Easter Eggs, the final issue (#12) is one of the best standalone comics released in 2019.

7) Omega Men

Tom King, a writer known for stirring up debate in the world of DC Comics, makes his debut on this list but not the last. His appearance is connected to one of the top books from the later phases of the New 52 – “Omega Men”. Working alongside artist Barnaby Bagenda, they transport readers back to the Vega Sector, a premier sci-fi location for DC Comics in the ’80s, which also includes some outstanding Alan Moore shorts found in the “DC Universe by Alan Moore”. The storyline of “Omega Men” revolves around a band of rebels engaged in a guerrilla war against the ruling powers of the Vega Sector. The White Lantern Kyle Rayner is unwillingly drawn into this conflict. “Omega Men” showcases top-tier DC sci-fi, and it’s in this 12-issue format that King excels the most. When it was first released, this book generated quite a buzz, and it deserves far more recognition than it currently receives.

6) “I Am Suicide”

Tom King’s stint on Batman tends to elicit strong opinions; people either love it or find themselves divided. Personally, I fall into the former category, appreciating how King delves into the complexities of Batman’s character. There are certainly some aspects that might disappoint fans (such as Batman (Vol. 3) #50, “The Gift”, and issues #56-57), but there are also standout stories like “I Am Suicide”. This tale centers around Batman employing Psycho-Pirate’s powers to cure Gotham Girl’s insanity, but there’s a snag – Bane has Psycho-Pirate imprisoned in Santa Prisca. In response, Batman assembles his own Suicide Squad and they launch an assault on Bane’s stronghold. This story is exceptional, skillfully exploring the emotional turmoil that defines Batman, and Mikel Janin’s artwork is simply breathtaking. If you haven’t read it yet, I strongly recommend checking out some pages – you won’t be disappointed. This is a top-notch portrayal of Batman that will linger in your memory for years to come.

5) Brightest Day

The captivating tale of Blackest Night was truly exceptional, and its sequel might even surpass it. Known as Brightest Day, this engrossing series spanned 26 biweekly issues penned by Geoff Johns, Pete Tomasi, Ivan Reis, Fernando Pasarin, Ardian Sayif, Patrick Gleason, Scott Clark, and Joe Prado. The narrative revolved around characters resurrected at the end of Blackest Knight by the White Lantern – Martian Manhunter, Deadman, Jade, Captain Boomerang, Reverse Flash, Osiris, Maxwell Lord, Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Firestorm, and Hawk. This epic tale is a fan favorite from beginning to end, embodying the essence of beloved DC Comics characters. It skillfully set the stage for future events, but unfortunately, the New 52 was initiated by DC publisher Dan DiDio, which significantly impacted the continuity. Nevertheless, the brilliance of this book remains undiminished.

4) The Multiversity

Grant Morrison stands out as DC’s most exceptional writer throughout history due to his innovative work within the publisher. Although his exceptional work may have dwindled somewhat during the 2010s compared to earlier decades, he still delivered a remarkable masterpiece called “The Multiversity”. Unlike a typical comic series, “The Multiversity” consists of two bookend issues and seven one-shots in between, each set on a unique parallel Earth. All these stories are interconnected through the magic of comics. For “The Multiversity Guidebook” #1, Morrison collaborated with artists such as Ivan Reis, Chris Sprouse, Ben Oliver, Frank Quitely, Cameron Stewart, Jim Lee, Doug Mahnke, and a large group of artists. The stories are exceptional, each taking different directions inspired by various comic book eras. My personal favorites among them are “Pax Americana”, “Thunderworld Adventures”, and “Ultra Comics”, but they’re all impressive. This is an example of the grand storytelling that Morrison is famous for, and it’s nearly a flawless comic that celebrates the power of comics itself.

3) DC Rebirth #1

The initial phase of DC Rebirth was less impressive, but that doesn’t diminish the extraordinary nature of DC Rebirth #1. Penned by Geoff Johns with art contributions from Phil Jimenez, Ivan Reis, Ethan Van Sciver, and Gary Frank, this comic marked the return of the post-Crisis Kent family and Wally West. The reasons behind the New 52’s emergence were called into question, adding fuel to an already intense comics community. This comic was one of the most highly anticipated in recent memory. In 2016, offering 80 pages for just $2.99 was quite a spectacle, and it sparked a blaze across the entire comic book web. While some may argue that the subsequent issues weren’t as strong, it doesn’t detract from the sheer enjoyment of this read. This comic was a huge commercial success and has become somewhat iconic among DC enthusiasts.

2) Action Comics (Vol. 2) #0-18

In contrast to the many flaws of The New 52, Grant Morrison’s 19-issue run on Action Comics stands out as a shining exception. Teaming up with artists Rags Morales, Andy Kubert, Gene Ha, Talent Foreman, and Ben Oliver, Morrison skillfully reintroduced Superman to his roots as a man of the people. The narrative unfolds during Superman’s early days in Metropolis before he became a member of the Justice League. This series is classic Morrison at its finest – grand superhero action coupled with mind-blowing concepts that will leave you spellbound. The climax, a six-issue arc, unveils the true villain behind five years of global turmoil and reveals the intricate connections between all the events that preceded it. Although this storyline may not appeal to every fan due to its complexity, there’s no denying its charm. Morrison delivers a captivating performance throughout, and the artwork in each issue is exceptional. The narrative consists of three distinct story arcs, but they seamlessly complement one another. If you stick with it, you’ll be richly rewarded with what many consider to be the finest DC story of the New 52 (forgive me, Batman fans).

1) Mister Miracle

The captivating comic book series “Mister Miracle,” penned by Tom King and illustrated by Mitch Gerads, is nothing short of exceptional. The narrative delves into the life of Mister Miracle after a suicide attempt, as he grapples with his existence, the pain and fear it entails, finding no solace. However, a fresh conflict against Apokolips draws him and his spouse Big Barda into the fray. This tale is masterfully crafted from beginning to end, demonstrating exceptional storytelling prowess. It’s intense, moving, and skillfully employs the nine-panel grid to manage the narrative’s pace flawlessly. The depth of this story is remarkable, showcasing a level of synergy between writer and artist that few teams achieve. “Mister Miracle” has always been extraordinary, offering a reading experience that amazes, unsettles, and moves you to tears. Will Mister Miracle break free from the ultimate trap, dear reader? The answer awaits only in the pages of this remarkable series… and it may just surprise you.

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2025-08-05 17:16