DC Character Recommended Reading Lists

[AlexanderKnox]

Members of the community often ask, “Where’s the best place to start reading about a character?” and, “What are some good stories featuring this character?” This topic is dedicated to answering those questions by providing reading lists for characters based on the DC Universe comic library.

This topic is not a discussion thread. Rather, it is a resource for readers looking for guidance. As such, please do not create new replies without permission from the topic creator. All subsequent posts in this topic will be in the Wiki format to allow for community editing. Those posts are linked here alphabetically by character name, and more characters will be added periodically.

Use the following links to navigate the topic:

• Allen, Barry (Flash)
• Brown, Stephanie (Spoiler/Robin/Batgirl)
• Curry, Arthur (Aquaman)
• Grayson, Richard “Dick” (Robin/Nightwing)
• J’onzz, J’onn (Martian Manhunter)
• Jordan, Hal (Green Lantern)
• Kent, Clark (Superman)
• Prince, Diana (Wonder Woman)
• Wayne, Bruce (Batman)

[AlexanderKnox]

Allen, Barry (Flash)

1. Where to Start

A. Origin Stories

• Mystery of the Human Thunderbolt by Robert Kanigher
  First appearance of Barry Allen.

B. Jumping-On Points

• Flash: Rebirth by Geoff Johns
  The world reacts to Barry’s return from the dead.

• Move Forward by Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato
  Barry’s first story arc in the rebooted New 52 timeline.

• Lightning Strikes Twice by Joshua Williamson
  Barry’s first story arc after the events of DC Universe Rebirth.

2. Recommended Stories

A. Classic Stories (Pre-Crisis)

• Flash of Two Worlds by Gardner Fox
  Barry meets retired Flash Jay Garrick in the first parallel Earth story.

• Trial of the Flash by Carey Bates
  Barry is charged for the death of Reverse Flash.

• Crisis on Infinite Earths by Marv Wolfman
  The final chapter in Barry’s original tenure as the Flash.

B. Modern Stories (Post-Crisis)

• The Dastardly Deaths of the Rogues by Geoff Johns
  Are Barry’s classic foes being murdered, and if so, by whom?

• Flashpoint by Geoff Johns
  Barry finds himself in a bleak alternate timeline and seeks to correct it.

C. Current Stories (Post-Flashpoint)

• The Button by Tom King and Joshua Williamson
  Batman and Flash investigate an item tied to DC Universe Rebirth.

[AlexanderKnox]

Curry, Arthur (Aquaman)

1. Where to Start

A. Origin Stories

• The Submarine Strikes by Mort Weisinger
  The first appearance of Aquaman.

• The Legend of Aquaman by Keith Giffen and Robert Fleming
  Post-Crisis retelling of Aquaman’s origin.

• Atlantis Chronicles by Peter David
  The story of Atlantis itself, culminating in the birth of Aquaman.

B. Jumping-On Points

• A Small World Incident by Shaun McLaughlin
  Oumland invades Atlantis in this 50th anniversary story.

• Time and Tide by Peter David
  The sequel to Atlantis Chronicles and prologue to the author’s main run.

• The Trench by Geoff Johns
  The start of the character’s New 52 stories.

2. Recommended Stories

A. Classic Stories (Pre-Crisis)

• The Search for Mera by Steve Skeates
  Aquaman must find and rescue his abducted wife.

• The Death of a Prince by David Michelinie
  Aquaman seeks revenge after a family tragedy.

B. Modern Stories (Post-Crisis)

• Thicker than Water by Neal Pozner
  Aquaman’s first miniseries after the Crisis.

• Tide of Battle by Keith Giffen and Robert Fleming
  A jellyfish invasion coincides with tensions between Arthur and Mera.

• Hitting Bottom by Peter David
  Aquaman reinvents himself after a terrible injury.

C. Current Stories (Post-Flashpoint)

• Throne of Atlantis by Geoff Johns
  Aquaman’s brother declares war on the surface world.

• Out of Darkness by Dan Abnett
  Prelude to Abnett’s Rebirth run. Aquaman faces the monstrous Dead Water.

[AlexanderKnox]

J’onzz, J’onn (Martian Manhunter)

1. Where to Start

A. Origin Stories

• The Strange Experiment of Dr. Erdel by Joseph Samachson and Jack Miller
  The classic origin for the Manhunter from Mars.

• DC: The New Frontier by Darwyn Cooke
  Martian Manhunter’s origin plays a major part in this story.

B. Jumping-On Points

• The World of No Return by Gardner Fox
  The first issue of the original JLA series, featuring Martian Manhunter.

• Purification Plague by David Michelinie
  The first story arc of Justice League Task Force.

• New World Order by Grant Morrison
  Martians invade in the opening arc of Morrison’s JLA series.

2. Recommended Stories

A. Classic Stories (Pre-Crisis)

• The Invaders from the Space Warp by Jack Miller
  J’onn makes a new friend: an alien pet named Zook!

• The Death of John Jones, Detective by Jack Miller
  J’onn has to abandon his policeman alter ego.

• The Origin of the Justice League – Minus One by Steve Englehart
  J’onn meets his future teammates before the official founding of the JLA.

• The Graveyard Gambit by Gerry Conway
  J’onn faces off in a chess match against Despero for the lives of the League.

B. Modern Stories (Post-Crisis)

• Justice League International by Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis
  As the team expands its focus, Batman appoints J’onn as its leader.

• Valley of the Daals by Peter David
  J’onzz gender-swaps to help the Task Force negotiate a prisoner release.

• Double Stuff by John Ostrander
  The Manhunter’s love of cookies goes one step too far.

C. Current Stories (Post-Flashpoint)

• The Epiphany by Rob Williams
  J’onn learns a horrible truth about his repressed past.

• Identity by Steve Orlando
  An exploration of J’onn’s two police careers: on Mars and on Earth.

[AlexanderKnox]

Jordan, Hal (Green Lantern)

1. Where to Start

A. Origin Stories

• S.O.S. Green Lantern by John Broome
  First appearance of Hal Jordan.

• DC: The New Frontier by Darwyn Cooke
  Hal’s origin is a major part of this miniseries.

• Secret Origin by Geoff Johns
  Hal’s revised backstory after Infinite Crisis.

B. Jumping-On Points

• Green Lantern: Rebirth by Geoff Johns
  Hal returns to life and faces the entity that had once possessed him.

• Sinestro by Geoff Johns
  The opening arc of Hal’s New 52 adventures.

2. Recommended Stories

A. Classic Stories (Pre-Crisis)

• Green Lantern Co-Starring Green Arrow by Dennis O’Neil
  Oliver Queen brings the space cop back down to Earth with 1970s social issues.

B. Modern Stories (Post-Crisis)

• Emerald Twilight by Ron Marz
  The tragic fate of Coast City leads Hal down a dark path.

• Blackest Night by Geoff Johns
  The undead terrorize the living as the Black Lantern Corps.

C. Current Stories (Post-Flashpoint)

• Sinestro’s Law by Robert Venditti
  The Sinestro Corps has seized control, and Hal plans a resistance.

• Intergalactic Lawman by Grant Morrison
  Hal defies his suspension from the Corps and faces the Blackstars.

[AlexanderKnox]

Kent, Clark (Superman)

1. Where to Start

A. Origin Stories

• Clark Kent Gets a Job by Jerry Siegel
  Reprint of Superman’s origin and earliest Action Comics adventures.

• The Man of Steel by John Byrne
  New origin for Superman after Crisis on Infinite Earths.

• Birthright by Mark Waid
  Modernized take on Superman’s origin from 2003.

• Secret Origin by Geoff Johns
  Revised origin for Superman after Infinite Crisis.

B. Jumping-On Points

• Triangle Era Vol. 1 by Various
  The start of the tightly-intertwined stories of the 1990s.

• Superman and the Men of Steel by Grant Morrison
  The introduction of New 52 Superman.

• Son of Superman by Peter Tomasi
  The opening story arc of Superman Rebirth from 2016.

• The Man of Steel by Brian Michael Bendis
  Prologue to the author’s run on Superman and Action Comics.

2. Recommended Stories

A. Classic Stories (Pre-Crisis)

• Superman in the Slums by Jerry Siegel
  Superman seeks to take down the root cause of juvenile delinquency.

• Superman vs. the Cab Protective League by Jerry Siegel
  Superman faces his first supervillain, Ultra-Humanite.

• Sandman Saga by Dennis O’Neil
  An experiment leads to the creation of a silica Superman duplicate.

• For the Man Who Has Everything by Alan Moore
  Superman sees an alternative life on Krypton while in an induced dream state.

B. Modern Stories (Post-Crisis)

• Death of Superman by Various
  A monster from space proves unstoppable for everyone but Superman.

• All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison
  Superman overcomes various trials after learning that he is dying.

• Last Son by Geoff Johns
  Lois and Clark take in a young boy who appears to be Kryptonian.

C. Current Stories (Post-Flashpoint)

• Convergence: Superman and Superman: Lois and Clark by Dan Jurgens and Lee Weeks
  Superman and Lois are caught up in universe changing events that lead to the birth of their son.
• Up In The Sky by Tom King and Andy Kubert
  When a little girl is abducted, Superman must travel the universe to find her.
• The Men of Tomorrow by Geoff Johns
  Superman meets Ulysses–the last son of Earth?
• Superman: Man of Tomorrow by Robert Venditti and various
  Superman faces Parasite and a host of other foes, old and new, in this digital first anthology series with some throughlines running in issues 1-5 and 11-15

[AlexanderKnox]

Prince, Diana (Wonder Woman)

1. Where to Start

A. Origin Stories

• Introducing Wonder Woman by William Moulton Marston
  Wonder Woman’s debut and the first appearance of Steve Trevor.

• The Origin of Wonder Woman by William Moulton Marston
  Further details are developed in the first issue of Diana’s solo book.

• Gods and Mortals by George Perez
  Diana’s revised origin after Crisis on Infinite Earths.

• Year One by Greg Rucka
  The current version of Wonder Woman’s origin.

B. Jumping-On Points

• Wonder Woman Arrives in Man’s World by William Moulton Marston
  Diana’s second appearance begins her starring role in Sensation Comics.

• The New Wonder Woman by Dennis O’Neil
  Diana’s entire status quo changes as she loses her powers.

• Who is Wonder Woman by Allan Heinberg
  Diana begins working for the Department of Metahuman Affairs.

• Blood by Brian Azzarello
  Details of Diana’s origin are brought into question in the New 52.

2. Recommended Stories

A. Classic Stories (Pre-Crisis)

• Adventure of the Life Vitamin by William Moulton Marston
  Futuristic story set in a matriarchal United States.

• The Impossible Day by Robert Kanigher
  The first of the Wonder Woman Family “Impossible Tales.”

• The Twelve Labors by Various
  Diana proves her worth to rejoin the JLA after regaining her powers.

• The Legend of Wonder Woman by Kurt Busiek and Trina Robbins
  Coda to Diana’s adventures with a frame story set after her death.

B. Modern Stories (Post-Crisis)

• Legends by John Ostrander and Len Wein
  Diana debuts as a hero for the first time in a new timeline.

• War of the Gods by George Perez
  The finale of Perez’s run on the series.

• Paradise Island Lost by Phil Jimenez and George Perez
  Civil war breaks out on Themyscira, resulting in major ramifications.

• Down to Earth by Greg Rucka and Drew Johnson
  The start of Greg Rucka’s first run on the series, introducing Diana’s status quo as Themiscyran Ambassador and superhero.

• The Cirle by Gail Simone and Terry and Rachel Dodson
  Gail Simone’s run on Wonder Woman began with this dark mystery rooted in Diana’s past.

C. Current Stories (Post-Flashpoint)

• The Lies by Greg Rucka
  Companion piece to Year One, challenging revelations from Blood.

[AlexanderKnox]

Wayne, Bruce (Batman)

1. Where to Start

A. Origin Stories

• Untold Legend of the Batman by Len Wein
  Definitive pre-Crisis origin story.

• Year One by Frank Miller
  Lt. Gordon deals with a bat-themed vigilante in this post-Crisis origin.

• Zero Year by Scott Snyder
  Batman’s origin for the New 52 timeline.

B. Jumping-On Points

• The Case of the Chemical Syndicate by Bill Finger
  Batman’s first appearance, starting his leading role in Detective Comics.

• The Joker by Bill Finger
  Batman meets his archenemy in the first issue of his self-titled series.

• One Bullet Too Many by Frank Robbins
  Bruce moves out of the manor as Dick Grayson leaves for college.

• Batman and Son by Grant Morrison
  Batman learns of his child at the start of Morrison’s run.

• Court of Owls by Scott Snyder
  Batman faces a secret society in the opening arc of the New 52.

2. Recommended Stories

A. Classic Stories (Pre-Crisis)

• The People vs. Batman by Bill Finger
  Batman is finally recognized as a hero, not a vigilante.

• Mystery of the Menacing Mask by John Broome
  Batman adopts his “new look” (the yellow oval bat-logo).

• Daughter of the Demon by Dennis O’Neil
  Batman meets Ra’s Al Ghul for the first time in this globe-trotting adventure.

• Night of the Stalker by Steve Englehart
  Batman chases a group of criminals after they shoot a child’s parents.

• There is No Hope in Crime Alley by Dennis O’Neil
  Batman revisits the place of his parents’ death and speaks with Leslie Thompkins.

• Strange Apparitions by Steve Englehart
  Batman faces off against Rupert Thorne, Hugo Strange, Deadshot, and the Joker.

• Wars Ended…Wars Begun by Mike Barr
  Batman forms the Outsiders to rescue his captured friend, Lucius Fox.

• The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller
  Future tale of Batman coming out of retirement to fight crime once more.

B. Modern Stories (Post-Crisis)

• My Beginning and My Probable End by Mike Barr
  Batman reflects on his past as Leslie Thompkins tries to save Robin’s life.

• Son of the Demon by Mike Barr
  Batman allies himself with Ra’s Al Ghul and consummates his marriage with Talia.

• The Cult by Jim Starlin
  Batman is captured and brainwashed by a charismatic leader.

• Venom by Dennis O’Neil
  Batman deals with addiction in his second year on the job.

• Knightfall by Various
  Batman faces unbeatable odds as Bane frees the Arkham inmates.

• The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb
  Early in his career, Batman works with Gordon and Dent to solve a series of murders.

• No Man’s Land by Various
  Gotham City is in ruins, and Batman must strive to hold it together.

• Hush by Jeph Loeb
  A mysterious enemy orchestrates an elaborate conspiracy against Batman.

C. Current Stories (Post-Flashpoint)

• I Am Gotham by Tom King
  New superheroes arrive in Gotham as the Rebirth era begins.

[AlexanderKnox]

Grayson, Richard “Dick” (Robin/Nightwing)

1. Where to Start

A. Origin Stories

• Robin the Boy Wonder by Bill Finger
  First appearance of Robin, complete with origin.

• Robin Annual: Year One by Chuck Dixon
  Modern retelling of Robin’s origin.

• The Choice by Dennis O’Neil
  Alternative modern version of the story.

• Dark Victory by Jeph Loeb
  Sequel to The Long Halloween featuring Robin’s origin.

B. Jumping-On Points

• New Teen Titans by Marv Wolfman
  Robin becomes increasingly independent as the Titans reform.

• Ties that Bind/A Knight in Bludhaven by Dennis O’Neil and Chuck Dixon
  Nightwing’s first miniseries and the start of his solo series.

• Traps and Trapeses by Kyle Higgins
  The first arc of Nightwing’s New 52 series.

• Better than Batman by Tim Seely
  The first arc of Nightwing’s Rebirth series.

2. Recommended Stories

A. Classic Stories (Pre-Crisis)

• Bruce Wayne Loses the Guardianship of Dick Grayson by Bill Finger
  Dick’s uncle fights for custody of Robin.

• Dick Grayson, Boy Wonder by Bill Finger
  The tale of Robin’s second adventure.

• The Secret of the Ant-Man/Robin Dies at Dawn by Bill Finger
  Grayson guards Gotham while Batman confronts his fear of losing Robin.

• The Thousand-and-One Dooms of Mr. Twister by Bob Haney
  Robin teams up with fellow sidekicks Kid Flash and Aqualad.

• The Beast-God of Xochatan by Bob Haney
  The Teen Titans face a supernatural foe in their first issue.

• The Teen-Age Gap by Mike Friedrich
  Robin’s backup stories begin shortly before his departure to college.

• The Judas Contract by Marv Wolfman
  Dick adopts his Nightwing persona for the first time.

B. Modern Stories (Post-Crisis)

• Batman: Year Three by Marv Wolfman
  Dick reflects on his origin as his parents’ killer is granted parole.

• The Gauntlet by Bruce Canwell
  Young Dick is tested to earn his place as Batman’s sidekick.

• Robin: Year One by Chuck Dixon and Scott Beatty
  The newly-minted Boy Wonder endures trials and Two-Face.

• Nightwing: Year One by Chuck Dixon and Scott Beatty
  Dick retires his Robin identity and takes on a new name.

• The Great Leap by Peter J. Tomasi
  Nightwing faces Two-Face and deals with Batman’s death.

• Batman Reborn by Grant Morrison
  Dick takes over as Batman and trains his own Robin.

C. Current Stories (Post-Flashpoint)

• Night of the Owls by Kyle Higgins
  Nightwing explores his familial links to a villainous secret society.

• The Untouchable by Sam Humphries
  Nightwing takes on the Judge.

• The Bleeding Edge by Benjamin Percy
  State-of-the-art technology proves dangerous for Bludhaven.

[bcarder2]

WOW! Thank you for putting this list together. Reading this should get me through for a while.

[capo-mage]

Hey @AlexanderKnox… nice stuff. I’ve been putting together lists in notebooks of tons of reading orders for years. This will be very helpful. Appreciate it.

[Nobody.bladesmith]

If you can find it for batfamily: The novelization of No mans land. it reveal’s so much more in the inner workings of the bat family( of that timeperiod) then you get from the comics…

[AlexanderKnox]

Brown, Stephanie (Spoiler/Robin/Batgirl)

1. Where to Start

A. Origin Stories

• Inquiring Minds by Chuck Dixon
  Stephanie’s first appearance, featuring her villainous father, the Cluemaster.

• Batman Eternal by Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV
  The New 52 retelling of Stephanie’s origin story.

B. Jumping-On Points

• Clueless by Chuck Dixon
  Stephanie joins the cast of Tim Drake’s solo series.

• Batgirl Rising by Bryan Q. Miller
  Stephanie gets her own series as she takes on the role of Batgirl.

2. Recommended Stories

A. Modern Stories (Post-Crisis)

• Looking for Clues by Chuck Dixon
  Stephanie is held hostage by a gang, and Tim must rescue her.

• Uneven Parallels by Keri Kowalski
  An early solo adventure for the Spoiler!

• Date Night by Chuck Dixon
  Stephanie reveals to Tim that she is pregnant!

• War Games by Various
  Stephanie’s short tenure as Robin leads to a city-wide gangland massacre.

• The Odds Against by Chuck Dixon
  Someone in a Spoiler costume begins appearing after Stephanie’s death.

B. Current Stories (Post-Flashpoint)

• Gathered From All Sides by Genevieve Valentine
  Stephanie seeks training from an unexpected source: Catwoman!

• Rise of the Batmen by James Tynion IV
  Spoiler joins the Gotham Knights, a team assembled by Batman.

• Gang War by Brenden Fletcher and Cameron Stewart
  Spoiler teams up with classic Batgirl Barbara Gordon.

[Blueandred]

Do you have one for Deathstroke??? Just wondering.