DC Comics frequently overhauls its entire universe with big reboots. Some, like the one after the *Crisis* event, have been huge successes. Others haven’t fared so well, and today we’re looking at one of those – the New 52. Launched in 2011 and lasting until 2016, the New 52 started strong but ultimately failed. The main issue was that DC editorial, under Dan DiDio, prioritized making immediate changes over creating a cohesive, long-term plan, essentially ignoring existing story problems instead of solving them. For many reasons, the New 52 is often considered a misstep.
Just because the New 52 had problems doesn’t mean we should ignore everything good about it. There were actually a lot of fantastic comics released during that era, and they often get overlooked when people criticize the New 52 as a whole. Here are ten stories from the New 52 that are truly excellent and worth checking out for any DC Comics fan.
10) “Darkseid War”
The *Justice League* comic series, launched as part of DC’s New 52 initiative, had a mixed reception, with some stories being strong and others less so. However, it ended on a high note with the “Darkseid War” storyline, which followed the events of *Forever Evil*. This arc features a conflict between the Justice League and both Darkseid and the Anti-Monitor. While “Darkseid War” tries to combine themes from the Fourth World and *Crisis on Infinite Earths* without fully succeeding, it’s still an enjoyable read on its own. The artwork by Jason Fabok is excellent, the villain Grail is compelling and underappreciated, and the story feels suitably grand in scope. Despite its flaws, “Darkseid War” is considered the best story arc from the *Justice League* series.
9) “Zero Year”
Many fans consider the *Batman* comic run by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo to be the best of the New 52 series, though opinions vary. Within that run, “Zero Year” is a standout story that reimagines Batman’s origin. It shows Bruce Wayne returning to Gotham City after extensive training, just as the city is thrown into chaos by the Red Hood Gang and a major disaster, allowing a well-known villain to rise to power. While not quite as iconic as the original “Year One,” “Zero Year” is still a compelling and beautifully illustrated story. Snyder’s writing expertly captures the essence of Batman, and Capullo’s artwork is stunning. Importantly, “Zero Year” delved deeper into the character’s history and the city itself, something few other New 52 comics did, which greatly benefited the story.
8) “Court of Owls”
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s run on *Batman* began with the thrilling “Court of Owls” storyline. This arc, which launched the New 52 series, introduced a brand-new secret society manipulating Gotham City, and Batman investigates. “Court of Owls” is a captivating story that highlights the creative talents of Snyder and Capullo, and it quickly became a fan favorite when it was released in 2011. Many consider it one of the greatest *Batman* comics ever made.
7) “The Trench”
DC’s New 52 initiative aimed to revitalize many characters, and while it often fell short, Aquaman was a significant success. DC had already started building him up with the *Blackest Night* and *Brightest Night* events, and the New 52 continued that momentum. The creative team of Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis, known for their work on *Green Lantern* and *Blackest Night*, delivered “The Trench,” a storyline that redefined Aquaman and introduced his wife, Mera. This story pitted Aquaman and Mera against the Trench, terrifying creatures from the ocean depths. It was a thrilling, action-packed adventure that proved Aquaman was far more than just someone who communicated with fish. “The Trench” is widely considered one of the best Aquaman stories ever told, and it demonstrated that the New 52 could be truly great when the right creators were involved.
6) “The Gathering”
The story *Infinite Crisis* laid the groundwork for the DC Multiverse, but it wasn’t really explored until the New 52 initiative. The comics *Earth-2* and *World’s Finest* then focused on characters from an alternate Earth, bringing classic Golden Age heroes into modern-day adventures. While *Earth-2* had its ups and downs, it was particularly strong when initially written by James Robinson and illustrated by Nicola Scott. Their first storyline, “The Gathering,” was a standout. It detailed Steppenwolf’s invasion of Earth-2, the tragic deaths of its Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, and the emergence of the Wonders – a new team of heroes – five years later, facing a renewed threat. “The Gathering” is a truly excellent story, with a near-perfect first issue and consistently high quality throughout. Although later issues of *Earth-2* didn’t live up to this standard, “The Gathering” remains a remarkable story arc.
5) “Endgame”
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo team up again with “Endgame,” continuing their Joker storyline after “Death of the Family.” This story sees the Joker, having previously removed his own skin, return with another plan to break Batman. What makes “Endgame” so compelling is the hint of a brand new, and surprisingly different, origin for the Joker – a concept that builds on ideas from Grant Morrison’s “Batman and Robin” while moving away from the classic tale in “Batman: The Killing Joke.” Whether you enjoy this new direction is a matter of personal preference, but it’s a bold idea. Beyond the intriguing story, the book features unforgettable action sequences. “Endgame” marks a significant turning point in Snyder and Capullo’s run on Batman, concluding with a major change that will leave readers eager to continue the series.
4) Forever Evil
While DC’s New 52 era wasn’t known for its big crossover events, *Forever Evil* stands out as a truly excellent one. It began with the supervillain group, the Crime Syndicate from Earth-3, defeating Earth’s heroes and taking control. But Lex Luthor wasn’t going to let that stand. He gathered his own team – made up of villains like Deathstroke, Black Manta, Black Adam, Captain Cold, Catwoman, Sinestro, and a clone of Bizarro – to fight back. Geoff Johns is a master at writing compelling villains, and this story really showcases that talent. *Forever Evil* is a hidden gem that highlights why DC Comics has some of the most iconic villains in the industry.
3) Geoff Johns’s Green Lantern
Despite being called a reboot, The New 52 didn’t actually start everything over. Many popular DC comics continued their stories uninterrupted, and that includes *Green Lantern* (Vol. 5) issues #1-20. These issues conclude the long and celebrated run of writer Geoff Johns on the title. Working primarily with artist Doug Mahnke, Johns brought back the villain Sinestro as a Green Lantern, introduced the new hero Simon Baz, and exposed secrets about the Guardians of the Universe. Widely considered one of the greatest *Green Lantern* writers ever, Johns wraps up his work on the book with a satisfying and action-packed finale, delivering the kind of large-scale storytelling fans had come to expect since *Green Lantern: Rebirth*.
2) Grant Morrison’s Action Comics
Grant Morrison’s work on *Action Comics* is considered one of the best Superman stories of recent years. Morrison crafted the beginning of Superman’s journey in the New 52 universe, delivering a fantastic epic over 19 issues (#0-18). The run expertly builds a compelling Superman narrative from start to finish, while also cleverly referencing Superman’s classic, early years as a hero of the common people. It introduced a uniquely cool version of Superman from across the multiverse and provided a satisfying explanation for the Kryptonian armor. These 19 issues flow together as a single, continuous story, filled with inventive ideas and stunning artwork from artists like Rags Morales, Andy Kubert, Gene Ha, and Talent Foreman. Many fans, including myself, consider this the best New 52 run by any writer, and a prime example of Superman’s potential.
1) The Multiversity
Many consider *The Multiversity* to be a hidden masterpiece, and the highlight of DC’s New 52 era. Writer Grant Morrison first hinted at this story after *Final Crisis*, and it finally arrived during the New 52 run. The series consists of two main issues framing seven standalone stories, each taking place on a different Earth within the New 52 DC Universe. It’s a fantastic exploration of what makes comics special, and showcases some of Morrison’s best writing – particularly *The Multiversity: Pax Americana*, which is often cited as a standout issue. The artwork is equally impressive, featuring a stunning lineup of artists including Ivan Reis, Chris Sprouse, Cameron Stewart, Frank Quitely, Karl Story, Ben Oliver, Jim Lee, and Doug Mahnke. Simply put, *The Multiversity* is a brilliant comic book.
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2025-10-18 21:15