7 Shocking DC Plot Twists That Will Leave You Speechless

DC Comics revolutionized the superhero genre by merging pulp heroes from the early 1900s with hard-boiled detectives of noir, resulting in a unique and innovative form. Over time, DC has consistently reshaped the boundaries of what constitutes a superhero comic, pioneering concepts such as superteams, teenage heroes, sidekicks, mature reader comics, and numerous other groundbreaking ideas. The talented creators they’ve worked with have provided readers with unparalleled narratives that left lasting impressions, filled with memorable plot twists that redefined the genre for many years.

In contemporary discussions about storytelling, the concept of plot twists is often misinterpreted. Many people view plot twists as simply “things I don’t prefer.” However, when skillfully employed, plot twists can leave lasting impressions on readers, and it is these instances that we will be focusing on today. Among all DC Comics’ plot twists, the seven highlighted here are considered the finest ever, as they led stories down unexpected paths, making them some of the most remarkable superhero tales in history.

7) The Reverse Flash Reveal in “The Return of Barry Allen”

Initially, Wally West wasn’t the beloved Flash we know today. For quite a while, the Flash character was not well-received by fans. However, when Wally stepped into the role, it took a significant effort from DC Comics to win back the fans’ affection for the Flash. This change began with the story “The Return of Barry Allen,” penned by Mark Waid and illustrated by Greg LaRocque. The return of Barry Allen took fans by surprise, and Wally found himself grappling with the return of his mentor at a time when he was just beginning to establish himself as the Flash. However, things took an unexpected turn when Barry chose to abandon his heroic path and become a villain, overpowering Wally in the process.

Wally sought guidance from Jay Garrick, Johnny Quick, and Max Mercury to find the strength to overcome Barry. But it turned out that this wasn’t the real Barry; instead, it was Eobard Thawne, the Reverse Flash, who had traveled back in time to take Barry Allen’s place after his death. This twist in the plot left fans astonished, as they were already grappling with the concept of a villainous Barry. The revelation that this wasn’t actually Barry added another layer to the story. Wally’s victory over Barry’s arch-nemesis, the Reverse Flash, solidified his position as the premier Flash, and this plot twist remains one of the most captivating in comic book history.

6) Terra Working with Deathstroke in “The Judas Contract”

The Judas Contract,” penned by Marv Wolfman and illustrated by George Perez, is hailed as one of the best DC stories ever written for a solid reason. The story’s most captivating aspect lies in Deathstroke’s assault on the New Teen Titans, using the newcomer Terra as his weapon. The Terra plot twist elevates an otherwise typical good Teen Titans story into a timeless tale that no DC fan will easily forget.

Terra was a beloved character who could be feisty and a bit of a challenge, yet she appeared to be softening up and bonding better with the team; even sharing a kiss with Beast Boy. Readers were eagerly anticipating Terra’s full acceptance into the Teen Titans… but then it was disclosed that she had been collaborating with Deathstroke all along. This twist is one that continues to resonate, even when you know it’s coming. It’s a pivotal moment not just in DC Comics, but in superhero comic books overall.

5) The True Enemy in “Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?”

In the comic “Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?” written by Alan Moore, Curt Swan, and George Perez, we find ourselves at the conclusion of Superman’s pre-Crisis storyline. Uncharacteristic violent attacks from Superman’s adversaries target Metropolis, with even Bizarro taking a life. The revealing of Superman’s secret identity, the manipulation of Lex Luthor by Brainiac, and the tragic loss of Krypto, Jimmy Olsen, and Lana Lang all occur during these escalating events.

Superman gathers his friends and allies to the Fortress of Solitude for a final showdown against the Legion of Supervillains, Kryptonite Man, and the Lex/Brainiac team. The culmination of this battle leads to a surprising revelation – Mr. Mxyzptlk, the Fifth Dimensional imp, is the mastermind behind these events.

Mr. Mxyzptlk has been amusing himself by causing chaos in Superman’s life for centuries but decides to change his approach from playful to brutal. This unexpected plot twist takes a seemingly ordinary character and adds layers of complexity in a brutally effective manner, making it the most Alan Moore-esque twist in storytelling.

4) The Batman Mindwipe in Identity Crisis

The 21st-century event series “Identity Crisis,” penned by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Rags Morales, has been unfairly criticized. While it earned notoriety for its questionable treatment of Sue Dibny, including fridging and sexual assault, it also introduced a significant DC plot point – the Justice League’s mind-wiping.

The revelation was that the League had erased the memories of several villains who knew their secret identities, such as Dr. Light, Sue’s attacker. This twist alone was substantial, but the narrative took another turn when Wally West discovered Green Arrow was hiding something about the night Dr. Light was mind-wiped. It was then revealed that Batman had returned to check on Sue while the League was dealing with Dr. Light, causing a significant conflict within the team. The situation escalated when Zatanna froze Batman, forcing the Justice League to vote on whether or not to mind-wipe him. This additional layer made the plot twist even more intriguing.

Although “Identity Crisis” justifiably faces criticism for its handling of Sue Dibny, the Justice League’s mind-wiping plot, especially with the added complexity involving Batman, remains an engaging DC concept.

3) The Return of Darkseid in “The Great Darkness Saga”

The “Great Darkness Saga,” penned by Paul Levitz, Keith Giffen, and Larry Mahlstedt, is often hailed as the finest tale featuring the Legion of Superheroes. In this narrative, an enigmatic group of powerful beings launch a relentless assault on the Legion and the United Planets’ realms. Initially, the team struggles against this new menace until they uncover that these entities are rooted in formidable alien races such as Kryptonians, Oans, and even the New Gods themselves. The planet Daxam is reconfigured into an army for these forces, which, numbering in the billions, employs their heat vision to sculpt their world into the image of their new master – the malevolent Darkseid, who has returned from the dead. This unexpected turn of events elevated an already grand tale to even greater heights, as the Legion is forced to collaborate with ancient deities to vanquish their most formidable adversary ever. The reasons for this story’s exceptional acclaim are manifold, but this plot twist undoubtedly plays a significant role in its enduring popularity. Although the Legion may not hold the same level of adoration as before, this plot twist remains one of the most indelible moments in Legion lore and has cemented their place among the best DC Comics stories ever told.

2) Alexander Luthor and Superboy-Prime’s True Purpose in Infinite Crisis

The graphic novel “Infinite Crisis,” written by Geoff Johns, Phil Jimenez, George Perez, Ivan Reis, and Jerry Ordway, is a pivotal DC Comics event from the 2000s. It set the stage for the revival of the DC Multiverse and reintroduced concepts typical of the Silver and Bronze Ages into the publisher’s characters. This was achieved by paying tribute to the original “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” even resurrecting the four protagonists from that story: Earth-Two Superman and Lois Lane, Alexander Luthor from Earth-Three, and Superboy-Prime. Initially, these heroes appeared much like their former selves, with Earth-Two Superman enlisting Power Girl to aid them in saving the world from imminent danger. However, all was not as it seemed, and fans soon discovered that Alexander Luthor and Superboy-Prime were orchestrating the troubles plaguing the DC Universe prior to “Infinite Crisis.” They believed they alone had the power to save existence by crafting a flawless universe using the energy of the old multiverse, which could only be accessed through the heroes from those dimensions. The narrative took an unexpected turn with the unveiling of the original “Crisis” heroes and the revelation of Luthor and Prime’s true intentions, completely altering the story’s direction.

1) The Dark Future of “Rock of Ages”

Rock of Ages,” written by Grant Morrison and Howard Porter, stands among the finest Justice League tales ever penned. The narrative begins with the Justice League squaring off against the Injustice Gang, led by Lex Luthor, Joker, Mirror Master, Circe, Dr. Light, and Ocean Master. This confrontation, orchestrated by Lex after discovering a powerful artifact, quickly spirals into an all-or-nothing battle.

However, as the fight unfolds, Kyle Rayner, Wally West, and Aquaman are mysteriously abducted by the New God Metron and transported to WonderWorld. Here, they’re informed that their fellow Leaguers are on a collision course with a relic known as the Philosopher’s Stone, a choice that could lead to an unimaginably dreadful future. The trio is sent back to warn their comrades, but instead of returning to the present Earth, they find themselves in a devastated future version of their home planet.

The narrative’s tone abruptly shifts as Wally, Kyle, and Aquaman must now grapple with not only finding a way home but also preventing their teammates from bringing about this grim future. This unexpected twist elevates an already exceptional story to even greater heights, a remarkable achievement indeed.

2025-05-26 15:40