The 1980s stood out as a pivotal decade for comic books, surpassing others significantly in terms of maturity and innovation. While the ’40s set the foundation for superheroes and the ’60s reimagined them for a contemporary era, it was during the ’80s that comics truly came into their own. Some of the most iconic comic books ever created were either published or conceived in this decade, with DC Comics leading the charge in a comics revolution. The ’80s saw an abundance of extraordinary comics from DC, and it served as a breeding ground for many modern greats in the industry. When examining DC’s comic book output during the ’80s, it becomes challenging to single out the best works; there are so many acclaimed runs from this era that continue to be recognized among the greatest of all time, and they forever altered the perception of superhero comics.
During the extravagant ’80s, DC Comics stood out as the superior among the two major publishers. They produced comics that symbolize the ’80s and demonstrated that superhero stories could transcend mere morality tales. The top DC comics from this era are artistic masterpieces, reflecting the evolution of the superhero genre since its inception at the close of the Great Depression. These 10 DC comics of the ’80s were groundbreaking, shaping how the public interacts with superheroes.
10) Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth
Batman had a fantastic time in the ’80s, which isn’t surprising given his iconic status across comic book eras. The ’80s brought some exceptional stories to the Caped Crusader, and while classics like “The Dark Knight Returns,” “The Killing Joke,” and “Year One” are often mentioned, they didn’t make it onto this list. Instead, we’re highlighting “Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth,” written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Dave McKean. This story is a superhero horror masterpiece, combining the typical Arkham breakout tale with psychological horror elements. While Morrison’s script is impressive, McKean’s artwork truly shines, bringing the horror of the story to life and giving it the atmosphere needed to stand out among other ’80s Batman stories. If you can find a first printing (the hardcover was designed by McKean), it’s definitely worth adding to your collection.
9) V for Vendetta
Initially, Alan Moore embarked on his writing journey in the UK, contributing to comic anthologies such as 2000 A.D. and Warrior. Notably, he initiated the graphic novel V for Vendetta at Warrior, collaborating with David Lloyd on a black-and-white serial. Later, DC Comics published it in America during 1988 and 1989. Known as his most politically charged work, V for Vendetta serves as a powerful critique of fascism, exposing the links between conservative ideologies and totalitarian regimes. The narrative revolves around Evey’s journey into the world of the freedom fighter V and his crusade against the Norsefire party, who seized power in Great Britain following a limited global nuclear conflict in 1997. To this day, V for Vendetta remains a compelling work of anti-fascist art, resonating profoundly within today’s social media activism culture. It stands as an exemplary demonstration of the expansive potential of the comic medium and has significantly influenced protest movements in the digital era.
8) Camelot 3000
As a die-hard fan of comics, I’ve had the privilege of immersing myself in some truly remarkable stories, but few have left an indelible mark on me like “Camelot 3000” by Mike W. Barr and Brian Bolland. This epic saga took a painstaking three years to unfold across its 12 issues, but when it finally came to a close, it had gifted us with one of the most brilliant reinterpretations of the King Arthur legend ever conceived.
Fast forward to the year 3000, and Earth is embroiled in a brutal war against an enigmatic alien force that’s been relentless in its onslaught. But just as all hope seems lost, our heroes from Camelot begin to resurface in brand-new bodies. These legends may be the good guys, but they also harbor darkness within them. As the champions of light awaken, so too do their villainous counterparts, and the tragic cycle that defined Camelot is reborn anew.
“Camelot 3000” stands tall as a sci-fi/fantasy tour de force, with Barr’s script weaving a captivating tale, but it’s Bolland’s artistry that truly brings this masterpiece to life. A veritable titan in the comic world, Bolland’s work is nothing short of breathtaking and transcendent.
Forty years on, “Camelot 3000” remains a pinnacle of mature comic storytelling, demonstrating that greatness knows no age.
7) “The Judas Contract”
Marv Wolfman and George Perez’s “New Teen Titans” was DC Comics’ counterpart to Marvel’s “Uncanny X-Men,” and it quickly became a sales phenomenon, offering some of the top superhero tales from the ’80s. Among the numerous great stories in their series, I particularly enjoy “Who’s Donna Troy?” from New Teen Titans #38 and New Teen Titans #20, but most agree that “The Judas Contract” stands out as the best. This story unfolds across Tales of the Teen Titans #42-44 and Tales of the Teen Titans Annual #3, where Terra and Deathstroke launch their final assault against the Teen Titans. It provides readers with Deathstroke’s origin, introduces Jericho, and marks Dick Grayson’s transition to Nightwing. This story is exceptional, as Wolfman and Perez pour all of their creative talents into crafting a tale that left readers in awe at the time. The collected editions typically include the key components of the entire Terra saga, such as an impressive Brother Blood story and the conclusion of Robin and Kid Flash’s tenure with the team, making it well worth your reading time. Wolfman and Perez’s Teen Titans are exceptional, and “The Judas Contract” is their most outstanding work.
6) “Crawling From the Wreckage”
The extraordinary run by Grant Morrison on the Doom Patrol comic series is often hailed as one of the best ensemble stories ever written, and it all began with issues #19-22 from Doom Patrol (Vol. 2). Together with artist Richard Case, Morrison crafted a captivating tale. Morrison amplified the peculiar nature that has always been at the core of the Doom Patrol, making it more prominent than ever. Cliff Steele is now in a mental health facility, grappling with the aftermath of the previous Doom Patrol team’s demise, where he encounters Crazy Jane, a woman with 63 distinct personalities, each possessing unique abilities. The Negative Man develops a connection with Dr. Eleanor Poole to transform into Rebis, an intersex being endowed with immense power. Niles Caulder and Joshua Clay attempt to reassemble the Doom Patrol using these new members, as they will need all the assistance they can get against the enigmatic Scissormen, who are extracting people from reality for an unknown purpose. “Crawling From the Wreckage” is a flawless storyline, offering a deep exploration of characters and delving into the most unusual aspects of the superhero genre. Morrison and Case’s Doom Patrol is a recommended read, and “Crawling From the Wreckage” is certain to win you over with its unique team dynamics.
5) Animal Man #1-5
Grant Morrison’s ‘Animal Man’ is an exceptional piece of existential superhero literature that I strongly recommend reading from start to finish. In the 90s, Morrison and artist Chas Troug revamped the Silver Age hero Animal Man for a modern audience. The initial five issues depict Animal Man battling B’Wana Beast, whose ape companion has been taken for animal testing. This forms a compelling superhero narrative, providing a glimpse into Buddy Baker’s life and altering how his powers function. However, issue #5 truly shines, as Animal Man encounters a cartoon coyote that torments a desert landscape. This storyline hints at the metatextual direction the comic would take, exploring our treatment of fictional characters. It is one of the most remarkable single issues from any 80’s comic. The first five issues of ‘Animal Man’ are flawless, and if they don’t spark your interest in continuing Morrison’s run, then you might be made of stone.
4) “The Great Darkness Saga”
The Legion of Superheroes, one of DC Comics’ more perplexing franchises due to decades of continuity alterations that have reshaped the team’s history and led to no less than seven revamps, was once among DC’s most beloved series in the 1980s. A dedicated fanbase thrived around it. The epic storyline in “Legion of Superheroes” issues 290-294, penned by Paul Levitz, Keith Giffen, and Larry Mahlstedt, stands out as the team’s crowning achievement, famously titled “The Great Darkness Saga.”
In a future galaxy of the 30th century, the United Planets face an assault from enigmatic, formidable adversaries. When Brainiac 5 uncovers the truth behind these attacks, it triggers the resurrection of DC Multiverse’s most fearsome villain, poised to bring about universal conquest for the first time. This ancient enemy assembles an army of soldiers with powers rivaling Superman, posing a grave threat to all life in the galaxy. “The Great Darkness Saga” is nothing short of extraordinary, a superhero spectacle brimming with unexpected plot twists that showcase the Legion’s unique strengths and will surely win over any newcomer to the team.
3) Watchmen
Generally speaking, many comic enthusiasts consider “Watchmen,” penned by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, as the finest comic book of the 1980s. This piece has captivated fans for decades, becoming an object of fascination. The characters such as Rorschach, Nite-Owl II, Silk Spectre II, Ozymandias, Doctor Manhattan, and the Comedian have long been etched in our minds, serving as a remarkable demonstration of superhero deconstruction. By dissecting the archetypes within the comic book industry, Moore and Gibbons reveal the flawed individuals beneath it all. “Watchmen” leads readers down numerous paths, offering a complex narrative filled with unexpected twists, showcasing both the tragedy and beauty of existence. This work transcended the boundaries of the superhero genre, demonstrating what could be achieved when gifted creators were given the freedom to tell any story they desired. “Watchmen” reimagines superhero comic tropes in innovative ways, leaving an indelible impact on readers.
2) Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing run
Typically, you’d find an Alan Moore “Swamp Thing” tale here, often it’s “Saga of the Swamp Thing” #21 or “American Gothic.” But if you truly want to grasp why Moore’s “Swamp Thing” is a remarkable accomplishment, I recommend reading the entire series. Moore penned issues #20-61 and #63-64, transforming a comic on the brink of cancellation into a standout title. He reimagined a swamp monster that was once a man, telling instead the tale of a god assuming human form. Working with artists such as Steve Bissette, John Totleben, Rick Veitch, Shawn McManus, Alfredo Alcala, and others whose names I might forget, these artists breathed life into Moore’s intricate, intelligent scripts. Moore’s “Swamp Thing” is the epitome of superhero horror, a deeply emotional book that offers insights about ’80s society, with the primary theme in most stories being the bond between Swamp Thing and Abby Arcane. “American Gothic” stands as the run’s pinnacle, but the entire series is virtually flawless.
1) Crisis on Infinite Earths
Many individuals have wondered why I ranked “Crisis on Infinite Earths” by Marv Wolfman, George Perez, and Jerry Ordway above other classics such as “Watchmen,” Moore’s “Swamp Thing,” or “Animal Man” (not to mention “The Dark Knight Returns,” which didn’t make the list). The explanation is straightforward — this book revolutionized the DC Universe forever. The tagline, “Worlds will live, worlds will die, and nothing will ever be the same,” succinctly explains why “Crisis on Infinite Earths” stands out as the best DC comic of the ’80s. This war against the Anti-Monitor encompassed almost every aspect of DC history, with every significant character from every major Earth making an appearance, and provided readers with the kind of outstanding action and storytelling that subsequent event books have attempted to offer but seldom achieved. The book paid tribute to the past while gracefully concluding the DC Multiverse. “Crisis” embodies the pinnacle of superhero action, crafted by creators whose affection for DC is evident on every page. It’s a remarkable accomplishment, and if you’ve already read it, I encourage you to revisit it; it truly is that exceptional.
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2025-07-05 20:11