10 Best Alternate DC Earths

While the idea of a multiverse wasn’t first created by DC Comics, they were the first to bring it to the world of comic books, even before Marvel was established. For many years, the DC Multiverse was a defining feature of their comics, particularly in the 1960s and 70s. Though the Crisis on Infinite Earths storyline initially ended the original multiverse, the concept was quickly revived through stories like Elseworlds, which explored alternate realities. The multiverse has since returned to DC, and many feel it’s a core part of what makes DC, DC – even as other universes, like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, have attempted to claim the idea as their own.

Throughout our company’s history, we’ve explored some incredibly imaginative alternate Earths. These worlds have offered fresh takes on classic DC characters and given readers stories they wouldn’t have experienced anywhere else. Here are ten of the very best alternate DC Earths – legendary worlds brimming with amazing characters and unforgettable tales.

10) Absolute Earth

DC Comics is currently experiencing strong sales, largely thanks to the popular Absolute DC book series. Titles like Absolute Batman, Absolute Wonder Woman, Absolute Superman, Absolute Flash, Absolute Green Lantern, and Absolute Martian Manhunter have captivated readers with a unique storyline where Darkseid reigns supreme and evil triumphs. After nearly two years, these books continue to be a hit, offering a fresh and exciting take on the DC universe with a promising future.

9) Flashpoint Earth

For nearly two decades, DC Comics fans have voiced concerns about the New 52 reboot. The storyline that initiated it, Flashpoint by Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert, has often been criticized. However, Flashpoint also presented a fantastic alternate universe. Without the Flash, this world drastically altered the superhero landscape and offered some truly compelling stories. The various connected stories introduced interesting twists to beloved characters, and many fans would have loved to explore that world further. When the story revisited this alternate Earth in Flashpoint Beyond, free from the weight of the New 52 continuity, it really highlighted just how exciting this universe could be.

8) The Dark Knight Returns Earth

Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns was a groundbreaking comic that reshaped the medium and created a memorable alternate Earth. Set in a future where Reagan’s presidency extended for many years and superheroes were heavily controlled by the government, it provided a compelling backdrop for a fantastic Batman story. The work allowed Miller to explore fresh perspectives on superheroes and pop culture. Though subsequent sequels haven’t quite lived up to the original, they still offer intriguing concepts and demonstrate the richness of this unique world.

7) Pax Americana Earth

The comic Watchmen originally used characters from a smaller publisher, Charlton Comics, who later became part of the larger DC Universe after the Crisis on Infinite Earths event. Years later, DC’s The Multiversity explored different alternate realities, and one of the most memorable came from the Multiversity: Pax Americana issue, created by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely. Though we only visited this Earth for a single issue, it was incredibly well done. Morrison cleverly reimagined the concepts from Watchmen, presenting fresh and compelling takes on familiar heroes. It’s a fantastic alternate world, and fans are eager to see it revisited.

6) Thunderworld

If you’re looking for a fantastic single-issue story from Grant Morrison that introduces a brand new alternate Earth, check out The Multiversity: Thunderworld Adventures. Illustrated by Cameron Stewart, it takes you to a fresh take on Earth-S, featuring the classic Marvel Family – no modern Shazam here! – fighting their familiar foes in a world that feels hopeful and reminiscent of the Silver Age of comics. It perfectly captures the retro vibe you’d expect from stories about this family of characters, with bright, optimistic heroes and delightfully evil villains. It’s an Earth I’d love to see explored further, and it deserves more recognition than it gets.

5) JLA: The Nail Earth

In JLA: The Nail, the story unfolds on an Earth where Superman was never adopted by the Kents. This created a superhero world with a classic, Silver Age vibe, but without the Man of Steel. While this Earth feels strangely familiar, the differences are significant. JLA: The Nail and its sequel, JLA: Another Nail, brilliantly showcase this world and its heroes, offering fresh takes on beloved characters and delivering two truly memorable stories. If you’re unfamiliar with this alternate Earth, now is the perfect time to find these books – you won’t be disappointed!

4) Kingdom Come Earth

Many fans consider Kingdom Come to be one of the greatest alternate universes in DC Comics history. Created by Mark Waid and Alex Ross, the story presents a future where modern, often brutal, heroes have replaced the classic ones, leading to widespread suffering. The core message of Kingdom Come is a celebration of traditional DC heroism, arguing that it’s superior to the darker, more violent anti-heroes that became popular in the 1990s. It’s a beloved story that continues to resonate with fans and has been revisited frequently over the years, solidifying its place as a truly exceptional alternate Earth.

3) Watchmen Earth

Many consider Watchmen to be the pinnacle of comic book storytelling, as Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons introduced complex themes and a sophisticated narrative style to the medium. The story is set on an Earth where superheroes emerged in the 1940s – initially without powers – then declined, before experiencing a revival with the arrival of Doctor Manhattan, the first person with superpowers. This richly detailed world has captivated readers since its debut in the mid-1980s, and even spin-off stories, despite their varying quality (like Before Watchmen), attract interest due to the strength of the original world-building.

2) Earth-Three

Earth-Three was the first alternate DC world to feature evil versions of heroes, and it served as the base for the Crime Syndicate. In this world, the strongest villains ruled, with the Syndicate at the top. While DC has revisited the concept with different Earths – like Earth-2 and Earth-3 – the original Earth-Three remains the most memorable. It pioneered the idea of an ‘evil’ parallel world in comics, a trend that continues today. And, personally, I’ll always remember how great Earth-Three’s Lex Luthor was before the events of Crisis on Infinite Earths changed everything.

1) Earth-Two

Earth-Two is where DC Comics’ heroes first came to life, serving as the original home of the Justice Society of America and the starting point for legends like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. It became a popular alternate world explored in comics from the Silver and Bronze Ages, with the Justice Society and its successor team, Infinity Inc., fighting their Earth’s most dangerous enemies – they even had their own comic book series in the late 70s and 80s. While there have been several different versions of Earth-Two created over time, fans still consider the original to be the best, not just within DC Comics, but across all comics.

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2026-02-26 17:41