The Essential DC Reading Guide (Part 1) | Superman, Batman & the Rise of Modern DC Classics
If you’re diving into the DC Universe—whether because of James Gunn’s upcoming slate or because you just want to explore the greatest superhero stories ever told—these books are the perfect place to start. This guide mixes iconic runs, bold modern takes, and Elseworlds stories that every DC fan should experience.
Below are 10 must-read DC stories that define the heart, grit, and mythology of the DC Universe.
1. Superman: For All Seasons
A foundational story for fans excited about James Gunn’s tone for the DCU. Warm, emotional, mythic.
Amazon - Physical
Amazon - Digital
2. Superman (2024–Present Run)
The current ongoing run has surprised fans with its strong character work and fresh direction. It’s encouraged to at least Start from the Issue #19 starting in October 2024 to get the full grasp of the current story.
3. All-Star Superman
Grant Morrison’s masterpiece. A poetic, hopeful celebration of the Man of Steel that is seemingly beloved by everyone. Also another inspiration behind James Gunn’s DCU film SUPERMAN.
Amazon - Physical
Amazon - Digital
4. Kingdom Come
In what is probably Slav’s #1 pick when it comes to a comic story line. Kingdom Come is a sweeping epic that dives into legacy, morality, generational conflict, and the true weight of being a hero.
Amazon - Physical
Amazon - Digital
5. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
Essentially the basis of what Zack Snyder built his version of Batman off of. Frank Miller’s gritty classic is essential for fans who prefer darker, more grounded Gotham stories. Honestly, it is a must read for anyone who considers themselves a Batman fan.
Amazon - Physical
Amazon - Digital
6. Absolute Batman (The ABSOLUTE Line)
Debuting in 2024, This bold, modern Elseworlds-style take is darker, experimental, and perfect for fans who want something new. This isn’t the Batman you are used to as it flip everything upside down and establishes a new kind of DC universe.
Amazon - Physical
Amazon - Digital
7. Batman: Year One
This might be the definitive modern Batman origin as it strips the character down to his raw, vulnerable beginnings and rebuilds him through gritty noir storytelling. It’s less a superhero comic and more like a crime thriller.
Amazon - Physical
Amazon - Digital
8. Batman: The Court of Owls
This has gone down as one of the most chilling Gotham mysteries in Batman’s lore. Not only is a it a absolute fantastic read but it introduces one of the biggest and threatening foes Batman has ever faced.
Amazon - Physical
Amazon - Digital
9. Wonder Woman: Historia
In what is a visually breathtaking, mythic deep dive into Amazon history this comic is mature, brutal and jaw dropping. Diana’s world becomes something grand, ancient, and operatic. If you want to understand the raw, divine power behind Wonder Woman’s mythology, this is one of the most striking books DC has ever published.
Amazon - Physical
Amazon - Digital
10. Wonder Woman (Rebirth by Greg Rucka)
Greg Rucka’s Rebirth run brings Diana back to her emotional and thematic core. It’s one of the cleanest, most accessible starting points for fans who want to understand Diana beyond the movies.
*While I do have links to Amazon to purchase these books, I encourage you all to go to and support your local comics shops and pick these and many other comics there.
