I’ve been working hard on a list of 12 DC storylines that are my favourite. It hasn’t been easy to the point I’m not even sure I’m right about my own list. My reasoning, for a lot of them, is remembering how much I enjoyed reading them and also the effect they had on me, sometimes profound enough to change my outlook on things (the nihilism in Watchmen really effected my outlook on human existence when I read it. I know, it’s crazy that comic books can do that and that surprising aspect is something I love about them!)
A lot of these I read as a teenager, and it’s heavy with Batman stories, as Batman is my favourite DC character. I’m going to try and break down each one on a daily basis. But for now, here’s my list, I would love to see your lists too.
It’s hard as hell narrowing down favorites- I imagine making a list then immediately thinking of 12 more that I loved as much. But it’s a fun game to play, do I’ll think on it and come back with mine in a few days.
Yea, I found it a very challenging task, and it really came down to personal preference; a) how much I enjoyed reading the story and viewing the artwork and then b) the effect it had on me, how much of it is engrained in my memory. For example The Killing Joke I read when I was 13, it had curse words and hints of sexual assault, I was totally shocked by it.
Some almost made its were:
Green Arrow: Quiver
Superman: Man of Steel
Identity Crisis
Batman: Dark Victory
The Ray: A Blaze of Power
Batman: Red Rain
…there’s loads more…
I said a few days- narrowed it down in a few hours
I think I could come up with another 12 pretty easily-been reading comics for a long time, and have several stories that have had an effect on me.
If I had to pick twelve DC stories that were the only twelve I could ever read ever again, I would pick the following:
-All-Star Superman
-DC: The New Frontier
-Gotham Central
-Mister Miracle (by King and Gerads)
-Scalped (Vertigo, but still)
-Selina’s Big Score
-Batman R.I.P.
-Superman #156
-Dark Night: A True Batman Story
-Batman: Mad Love
-Hitman
-Starman
Are these the twelve best DC comics ever made? Probably not. Are they the twelve I’d be most likely to recommend to friends? Probably not. Are they the twelve that I’ll probably never get tired of flipping back through, or talking about, or thinking about, or loving? The twelve that I wouldn’t trade for anything? Absolutely.
I’ll play
All Star Superman
The Golden Age
New Frontier
Kingdom Come
Superman for All Seasons
Superman #775
Batman Hush
Brotherhood of the Fist
Long Halloween
Wonder Woman The Hiketeia
JLA Earth 2
Young Justice Sins of Youth
DC 1million
Great Darkness Saga
And while not DC (but you can read it here) Planetary
The Judas Contract
The Longbow Hunters
Swamp Thing (Anatomy Lesson)
For the Man Who Has Everything
Arkham Asylum
Man of Steel (Byrne)
V for Vendetta
Mister Miracle (Tom King)
Death and Return of Superman
The Question (Peacemaker)
Batman: Son of the Demon
Shazam: The Power of Hope
And maybe not exactly a “story”, but something I read countless times as a kid (and my very favorite cover ever). So, honorable mention…
Wow @DCGF12, what an incredible idea and such a nice dozen on your personal list. It’s interesting to see The Long Halloween as a top pick of most contributors here. Using your “grading scale” as a template for myself, here are my selections:
The Untold Legend of the Batman is soooo good. I forgot about that one (I’m ashamed to say). There’s a good number of things I haven’t read on that list that I’ll add to the reading list. Thanks!
You’re most welcome @DCGF12! That’s awesome! I’d love to hear your thoughts if/when you check any of them out! Most are on the service - but not Batman: Ego or Batman: Damned.
). There’s a good number of things I haven’t read on that list that I’ll add to the reading list. Thanks!