10 Most Underrated DC Event Comics of All Time, Ranked

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The idea of large-scale, universe-spanning stories in comics started with DC in the Silver Age through their annual team-up books like Justice League of America. However, Marvel launched what we now consider the first true event series with Marvel Super Heroes: Contest of Champions. Secret Wars followed, but DC responded with what many consider the greatest event of all time: Crisis on Infinite Earths. Ever since, these big events have become a key part of DC’s identity. While DC events often follow familiar patterns (and Marvel’s do too, though it’s less discussed), when DC gets it right, their events are truly spectacular.

While some DC event storylines are instantly popular, others are surprisingly great but don’t get enough attention. Here’s a ranking of ten of the most underrated DC events, based on how well they’re written and executed.

10) Zero Hour: A Crisis in Time

Even after the Crisis on Infinite Earths event, DC Comics’ history still had inconsistencies. By the mid-1990s, a new story, Zero Hour: A Crisis in Time by Dan Jurgens and Jerry Ordway, was created to address these remaining issues – some of which were actually caused by the original Crisis. The story features a new villain called Extant and the unexpected arrival of heroes from different realities. While not a masterpiece, Zero Hour is better than it’s often given credit for. It includes memorable moments, a few surprises for DC fans, and impressive artwork from Jurgens and Ordway. It didn’t completely solve all the continuity problems, but it did create a clearer DC timeline and is a more enjoyable read than many remember.

9) Armageddon 2001

The DC event Armageddon 2001 centers around Waverider, a time traveler, who attempts to discover the identity of the villainous Monarch and how he conquered the world. Unfortunately, the Monarch’s identity was accidentally revealed early, forcing the writers to quickly create a new conclusion. The story unfolded across various annuals, showing readers a glimpse of the heroes’ lives in the year 2001. These future chapters are surprisingly well-done, and the two-issue Armageddon 2001 series by Archie Goodwin, Denny O’Neil, Dan Jurgens, and Dick Giordano is an enjoyable superhero fight. Despite its somewhat negative reputation, the story is actually quite good.

8) “House of Brainiac”

As a huge Superman fan, I have to say there are so many hidden gems in his history, but “House of Brainiac” is easily one of the most exciting Superman stories we’ve had in a long time. Written by Joshua Williamson with art by Rafa Sandoval, Fico Ossio, Miguel Mendonca, and Edwin Galmon, it spanned both the Superman and Action Comics titles, plus a special one-shot and tie-ins in Green Lantern and Power Girl. The plot is brilliant: Brainiac uses an army of Czarnians to kidnap members of both the Super family and the Luthors, all in a desperate search for a secret that will let him build the ultimate weapon. Honestly, it’s a fantastic story, a real highlight for DC in 2024, and it’s great to see the Superman books getting this kind of attention and quality.

7) Absolute Power

Mark Waid and Dan Mora’s Absolute Power started taking shape after the Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths event and continued through DC’s “Dawn of DC” comics. The story centers on Amanda Waller’s scheme to control all superheroes, culminating in a four-issue showdown where the heroes desperately try to stop her meticulously planned attack. Waid and Mora’s collaboration is fantastic, and the related tie-in comics are all top-notch. Absolute Power is a shining example of how to create a compelling DC event and is a real gem for fans.

6) Flashpoint Beyond

The storyline Flashpoint launched DC’s New 52 universe, but hasn’t held up particularly well over time, despite DC’s attempts to promote it as a classic. Later, the story revisited the world of Flashpoint with Flashpoint Beyond, created by a team including Geoff Johns and Jeremy Adams. This sequel focused on Flashpoint Batman, who was brought back to life and was trying to understand what was happening, drawing on plot threads Johns had established in previous comics. It’s a surprisingly strong story, especially thanks to the excellent artwork by Xermanico. Even if you weren’t a fan of the original Flashpoint, this follow-up might change your mind.

5) Titans: Beast Wars

Tom Taylor, Ivan Reis, and Lucas Meyer’s Titans: Beast War was a major storyline for the Titans team as part of DC’s new publishing push. The story centers around an attack by the alien monster Necrostar, which Beast Boy fights by temporarily becoming a Starro the Conqueror himself. Unfortunately, Amanda Waller intervenes, using Doctor Hate to manipulate Beast Boy and cause him to unleash smaller Starros that turn people into beasts, creating worldwide panic – and making the heroes the scapegoats. This series really showcased the Titans taking the lead in a large-scale battle, and it’s a surprisingly enjoyable read. The accompanying City Tour one-shots are excellent standalone stories that add depth to the overall event. Overall, Titans: Beast War is a fantastic story.

4) Doomsday Clock

Geoff Johns and Gary Frank’s Doomsday Clock has faced unfair criticism. This twelve-issue series successfully blended the worlds of Watchmen and the DC Universe, resolving a storyline that began with DC Rebirth #1. Johns skillfully evokes the style of Alan Moore without repeating the issues seen in Three Jokers, reminding readers why he was a popular writer in the 2000s. Gary Frank’s artwork is simply outstanding. The story culminates in a particularly strong final issue, and despite some delays, reading it now reveals a truly impressive work.

3) Final Night

Often overlooked, Final Night by Karl Kesel and Stuart Immonen is a truly unique DC event. This 1990s story features a threat that plunges the Earth into darkness – a creature that devours the sun! Instead of massive fights, the story focuses on the heroes’ desperate attempts to fix the situation, facing failure after failure. It culminates in a surprising ending that offers redemption for a beloved DC character. Kesel’s writing creates a tense and emotional experience, beautifully enhanced by Immonen’s stunning artwork.

2) DC One Million

DC One Million is a truly exceptional comic book event, ranking among the best of the 1990s from both Marvel and DC. Created by Grant Morrison and Val Semeiks, the story began with the Justice Legion A from the far future (the 853rd century) bringing the Justice League forward in time. But the villains Vandal Savage and Solaris have a dangerous scheme: they use their understanding of the past to attack their enemies in both the present and future. The core four-issue series is fantastic, and the numerous tie-in issues – each with a special #1,000,000 issue number – are almost as good. DC One Million exemplifies everything a great event comic should be.

1) Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths

It’s a shame that Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. This series by Joshua Williamson and Daniel Sampere is another event that reshapes DC continuity, building on the legacy of the original Crisis, and that’s actually what makes it enjoyable. Fans of past Crisis events will find plenty to love here – it delivers the high stakes and exciting action you’d expect, and it gets everything right. Plus, the tie-in books are excellent and add a lot of depth to the overall story. Ultimately, it’s a really fun superhero epic, and if you know what you’re signing up for, you’re in for a great time.

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2026-03-26 22:12