7 Best ‘90s DC Comics That Get Better With Age

DC Comics is currently experiencing a period of great success, with their comics proving incredibly popular. Many fans feel DC’s storytelling is currently superior to Marvel’s. This isn’t a new trend; in the 1990s, Marvel was selling well despite releasing many poorly-written comics, while DC was producing some of the best superhero stories ever seen. At a time when the industry focused on flashy visuals, DC, the original superhero publisher, distinguished itself with exceptional writing across its main titles and its mature readers line, Vertigo.

The 1990s weren’t a great time for comic books overall, but DC Comics consistently produced stories that were a cut above what Marvel, Image, or independent publishers were offering. While not every story holds up perfectly today, some have actually improved with time, becoming classics. Here are seven DC stories from the ’90s that have aged particularly well.

7) Animal Man #26

Grant Morrison’s run on Animal Man is considered a breakthrough, and while much of the series after 1990 is also excellent, the final issue, Animal Man #26, stands out. This issue, created with artist Chas Troug, brought the entire story to a head when the hero, Animal Man, actually met Grant Morrison himself. They discussed the impact of violence in fiction and what it reveals about us. Morrison then gave Animal Man a surprisingly happy ending after putting him through so much hardship. It’s a remarkably insightful comic, and its self-aware style foreshadowed the complex relationship between the DC Multiverse and the real world – and how they influence each other.

6) Kingdom Come

Mark Waid and Alex Ross’s Kingdom Come remains a timeless story, originally created as a response to the trends in 1990s comics. It depicts Superman and his fellow heroes returning to prominence after a catastrophe caused by their more aggressive successors claims millions of lives. But powerful, hidden enemies oppose their return, sparking a conflict that threatens the entire planet. At its heart, Kingdom Come explores what it truly means to be a hero, offering a contrast to the increasingly violent and gritty comics of that era. Even now, the story continues to spark debate about the role of superheroes, especially as titles like The Boys and Invincible push the boundaries of darkness and violence in the genre.

5) The Golden Age

James Robinson and Paul Smith’s The Golden Age beautifully recaptures the spirit of DC’s original Golden Age heroes. Set after World War II, the story follows these American superheroes as they adjust to a changed world. But a familiar foe is plotting to resurrect a legendary villain, threatening to destroy them from the inside. This miniseries kicked off a revival of Golden Age stories in the 1990s and remains compelling today. Its themes of hidden enemies and powerful figures concealing dark truths feel particularly relevant to the anxieties of our current times.

4) The Flash (Vol. 2) #62-155

Many fans consider Wally West to be the definitive Flash, and his rise to prominence began with Mark Waid’s acclaimed run on The Flash (vol. 2) in the 1990s. Starting with issue #62 in 1992, Waid wrote the series consistently throughout the decade and into the early 2000s. This period allowed Wally to step out from the shadow of Barry Allen and develop his own heroic identity, laying the foundation for the iconic hero he would become. The run featured collaborations with fantastic artists, including the beloved Mike Wieringo, and also included stories by writers like Bryan Augustyn, Grant Morrison, and Mark Millar. This era is widely considered the high point for The Flash and one of the greatest solo superhero storylines of all time.

3) JLA #1-41

Okay, this one’s a bit different – I’m including issues from after December 1999, which I didn’t do with The Flash Vol. 2. But the final story arc of Grant Morrison and Howard Porter’s incredible run on JLA, along with several stories by Mark Waid, is essential to understanding why this series is so beloved. This version of the Justice League brought back the classic Big Seven lineup and launched them into truly epic adventures, reminiscent of the Silver Age Justice League of America. It’s a perfect example of a superhero team comic – the kind that makes you realize how many modern team books fall short, and it actually holds up even better today than when it was first published.

2) Preacher

Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon’s Preacher became Vertigo’s best-selling title, surpassing The Sandman. The story centers on Jesse Custer, a preacher burdened by a troubled family, who becomes host to Genesis, a powerful and unusual being. Discovering that God has left Heaven because of Genesis, Jesse embarks on a bizarre road trip with his ex-girlfriend Tulip, a skilled hitwoman, and the Irish vampire Cassidy, to confront the divine. Preacher is known for its intense violence and over-the-top action, offering a dark and gritty look at American life. However, beneath the surface, it’s a surprisingly emotional story about a man grappling with harmful ideas about masculinity and religion. It’s a bold, provocative, and deeply moving series that remains unmatched by many modern comics.

1) The Invisibles

Grant Morrison’s The Invisibles, a landmark comic from the 1990s, remains incredibly relevant today. It tells the story of a secret group of rebels and magicians—the Invisibles—who are fighting against a hidden, powerful force called the Outer Church. This force has made a deal with the world’s elite to essentially turn reality into a nightmare. Created with stunning art from talents like Jill Thompson and Frank Quitely, the comic perfectly captures the spirit of the ’90s while also exploring profound questions about what it means to be human. With today’s headlines revealing the dark secrets of the powerful, the conflict at the heart of The Invisibles feels more impactful than ever.

2026-05-16 03:42