“Sinestro Corps War” is a monumental 2007 crossover event that saw Sinestro’s fear-powered Yellow Lanterns clash with the Green Lantern Corps. Led by former Green Lantern Sinestro, this war nearly overwhelmed the universe’s protectors. The event laid the groundwork for the emotional spectrum storylines that followed, deepening the mythology of the Lantern Corps. Its stakes were high, leading to shocking revelations and a new direction for the Green Lantern franchise.

• Introduced the concept of the emotional spectrum.
• Hal Jordan fights both Superboy-Prime and the Anti-Monitor.
• It led directly to the “Blackest Night” event.

Below is the recommended reading order to follow the storyline in its entirety:

1. Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps Special #1
2. Green Lantern #21
3. Green Lantern Corps #14
4. Green Lantern #22
5. Green Lantern Corps #15
6. Green Lantern #23
7. Tales of the Sinestro Corps: Parallax #1
8. Green Lantern Corps #16
9. Green Lantern #24
10. Tales of the Sinestro Corps: Cyborg Superman #1
11. Green Lantern Corps #17
12. Green Lantern #25
13. Green Lantern Corps #18
14. Tales of the Sinestro Corps: Ion #1
15. Tales of the Sinestro Corps: Superman-Prime #1

This order provides a clear path through the core storyline, balancing the narrative between Green Lantern and Green Lantern Corps issues, as well as important one-shots related to key characters in the event.

“New Krypton” (2008-2009) centered on Superman discovering the existence of 100,000 Kryptonians on a recreated Kandor. These Kryptonians establish a New Krypton, leading to tensions between them and Earth. Superman faces challenges not only from humans distrustful of Kryptonians but also from within the newly formed Kryptonian society, where different ideologies arise. This event expanded the Superman universe significantly and explored the complexities of identity and belonging.

• Supergirl’s parents are revived.
• The event introduces General Zod as a more sympathetic figure.
• It ties into the larger “War of the Supermen” storyline.

Below is the recommended reading order to follow the entire New Krypton arc:

Prelude to New Krypton:

1. Superman: New Krypton Special #1
2. Action Comics #870
3. Superman #681
4. Supergirl #34

New Krypton:

5. Superman: New Krypton #1
6. Action Comics #871
7. Superman #682
8. Supergirl #35
9. Action Comics #872
10. Superman #683
11. Supergirl #36
12. Action Comics #873
13. Superman: New Krypton Special #2

Post-New Krypton:

14. Superman: World of New Krypton #1-12
15. Superman #684
16. Action Comics #874
17. Superman #685
18. Supergirl #40-44

War of the Supermen (Finale of the New Krypton saga):

19. War of the Supermen #0 (Free Comic Book Day issue)
20. War of the Supermen #1-4

This order ensures you follow the entire New Krypton saga, from its beginnings with Kandor’s release, through the rise of New Krypton, to the final showdown in War of the Supermen.

“The Death of Superman” (1992) is one of the most iconic DC events, featuring the brutal battle between Superman and the monstrous Doomsday. This titanic showdown ends with both characters succumbing to their injuries, shocking readers and leaving the world to grapple with the loss of its greatest hero. The storyline’s emotional impact reverberated through subsequent arcs, especially during the “Reign of the Supermen.”

• Superman’s death issue sold over 6 million copies.
• The event was adapted into multiple animated and live-action films.
• This arc led to the first appearances of Steel, Cyborg Superman, and Superboy.

Here’s the recommended reading order to experience the full storyline:

Prelude to The Death of Superman:

1. Superman: The Man of Steel #17 (First appearance of Doomsday, minor)
2. Superman: The Man of Steel #18 (Doomsday begins his rampage)
3. Justice League of America #69 (Doomsday attacks the Justice League)
4. Superman #74
5. Adventures of Superman #497
6. Action Comics #684

The Death of Superman:

7. Superman: The Man of Steel #19
8. Superman #75 (The iconic issue where Superman dies)

Funeral for a Friend:

9. Adventures of Superman #498
10. Action Comics #685
11. Superman: The Man of Steel #20
12. Superman #76
13. Adventures of Superman #499
14. Action Comics #686
15. Superman: The Man of Steel #21
16. Superman #77

Reign of the Supermen (The aftermath and the rise of four Superman “replacements”):

17. Adventures of Superman #500
18. Action Comics #687 (Debut of the Eradicator)
19. Superman: The Man of Steel #22 (Debut of Steel)
20. Superman #78 (Debut of Cyborg Superman)
21. Adventures of Superman #501 (Debut of Superboy)

From here, the storyline continues as the world deals with Superman’s death and the emergence of four characters trying to claim his mantle. Eventually, this leads to Superman’s return in later issues.

This reading order provides the full experience of The Death of Superman event, including its prelude, the battle itself, and the aftermath, known as Funeral for a Friend and Reign of the Supermen.

“Final Crisis” (2008) is a cosmic, reality-warping event written by Grant Morrison. Darkseid succeeds in taking over the multiverse, and his Anti-Life Equation enslaves humanity. The Justice League faces overwhelming odds as time unravels and reality crumbles. Themes of sacrifice, time travel, and the nature of good and evil dominate the storyline, with notable moments like Batman facing Darkseid and Superman singing the multiverse back into existence.

• Batman appears to die but is actually sent through time.
• Barry Allen returns as the Flash after years of absence.
• The story explores the concept of the Multiverse collapsing into a singularity.

Here’s the recommended reading order to follow the full Final Crisis event:

Core Final Crisis Story:

1. Final Crisis #1
2. Final Crisis #2
3. Final Crisis: Requiem #1 (A tribute to Martian Manhunter)
4. Final Crisis: Rogues’ Revenge #1-3 (Optional; focuses on the Flash’s villains)
5. Final Crisis #3
6. Final Crisis: Superman Beyond 3D #1-2 (Explores the Multiverse and Superman’s role)
7. Final Crisis: Submit #1 (Focus on Black Lightning and the resistance)
8. Final Crisis #4
9. Final Crisis: Rage of the Red Lanterns #1 (Optional; introduces Red Lanterns)
10. Final Crisis #5
11. Final Crisis #6
12. Final Crisis: Revelations #1-5 (Optional; focuses on the Spectre, the Question, and the battle with the Anti-Life Equation)
13. Final Crisis #7

Optional Tie-Ins (To expand on specific elements):

• Final Crisis: Resist #1 (Focus on Mr. Terrific and Checkmate’s resistance to Darkseid’s rule)
• Batman #682-683 (“Last Rites” arc; shows Batman’s fate during the event)
• Green Lantern #36-38 (Involves the Green Lantern Corps during the events of Final Crisis)

Post-Final Crisis (Follow-Up):

• Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds #1-5 (Wraps up threads for the Legion of Super-Heroes)
• Final Crisis: Aftermath miniseries (4 mini-series that detail the aftermath of the event)

This order covers the major narrative beats, including the core Final Crisis series and relevant tie-ins that expand the story. Final Crisis is a dense, cosmic storyline, so these optional tie-ins help flesh out some of the more nuanced aspects of the event.

“Blackest Night” (2009-2010) is a Green Lantern-centric event that explores the darker aspects of the emotional spectrum. The villain Nekron unleashes Black Lantern rings that resurrect the dead as Black Lanterns, threatening to extinguish all life. Heroes and villains alike, including Superman and Batman, return as undead Black Lanterns, forcing the living to confront the ghosts of their pasts. The event culminates in a battle for the very survival of existence.

• It introduces the White Lantern Corps, symbolizing life.
• Batman’s resurrection as a Black Lantern was a fake-out; he had not truly died.
• The emotional spectrum concept reaches its full potential here.

Here’s the recommended reading order to follow the entire Blackest Night storyline:

Core Blackest Night Story:

1. Blackest Night #0 (Free Comic Book Day issue, prologue)
2. Blackest Night #1
3. Green Lantern #43 (Prelude, origin of Black Hand)
4. Green Lantern #44
5. Blackest Night #2
6. Green Lantern #45
7. Blackest Night: Batman #1-3 (Optional, Batman tie-in)
8. Blackest Night: Superman #1-3 (Optional, focuses on Superman)
9. Blackest Night: Titans #1-3 (Optional, focuses on the Titans)
10. Blackest Night #3
11. Green Lantern #46
12. Blackest Night #4
13. Green Lantern #47
14. Blackest Night: The Flash #1-3 (Optional, Flash tie-in)
15. Blackest Night: Wonder Woman #1-3 (Optional, Wonder Woman tie-in)
16. Blackest Night: JSA #1-3 (Optional, focuses on the Justice Society)
17. Blackest Night #5
18. Green Lantern #48
19. Blackest Night #6
20. Green Lantern #49
21. Blackest Night #7
22. Green Lantern #50-51
23. Blackest Night #8
24. Green Lantern #52

Tie-ins (Optional but Expanding the Story):

• Blackest Night: Tales of the Corps #1-3 (Backstories on various Lantern Corps members)
• Blackest Night: Wonder Woman #1-3 (Focus on Wonder Woman’s role in the event)
• Adventure Comics #4-5 (Superboy-Prime tie-in)
• Blackest Night: The Atom & Hawkman #46 (One-shot tie-in)
• Outsiders #24-25, Justice League of America #39-40, Booster Gold #26-27 (Blackest Night tie-in issues with other series)

Aftermath (To wrap up the event):

• Green Lantern #53 (Post-Blackest Night, leading into Brightest Day)
• Green Lantern Corps #48 (Leading into Brightest Day)
• Brightest Day #0-25 (Follow-up series exploring the aftermath of Blackest Night)

This reading order covers the entire core storyline while offering additional tie-ins that deepen the experience by showing how various characters and teams deal with the resurrection of the dead via Black Lantern rings. The “Aftermath” issues lead into the follow-up event, Brightest Day, which deals with the consequences of Blackest Night.

“Dark Knights: Metal” (2017-2018) is a reality-shattering event that introduced the Dark Multiverse, an alternate dimension filled with twisted versions of DC’s heroes. The Batman Who Laughs leads a team of evil Batmen to conquer the DC Universe. This story mixes elements of cosmic horror with rock-and-roll fantasy, as the Justice League battles these nightmarish foes across time and space. “Metal” is visually stunning, packed with bold ideas and high stakes.

• The Batman Who Laughs becomes one of DC’s most popular modern villains.
• It introduces new metals, such as Nth Metal and Element X.
• Scott Snyder drew inspiration from heavy metal music and album covers.

Here’s the recommended reading order to experience the full Dark Knights: Metal event:

Prelude to Dark Knights: Metal:

1. Dark Days: The Forge #1
2. Dark Days: The Casting #1

Core Dark Knights: Metal Story:

3. Dark Nights: Metal #1
4. Dark Nights: Metal #2
5. Batman: The Red Death #1 (Evil Flash/Batman origin from the Dark Multiverse)
6. Batman: The Murder Machine #1 (Evil Cyborg/Batman origin)
7. Batman: The Dawnbreaker #1 (Evil Green Lantern/Batman origin)
8. Batman: The Drowned #1 (Evil Aquaman/Batman origin)
9. Batman: The Merciless #1 (Evil Wonder Woman/Batman origin)
10. Batman: The Devastator #1 (Evil Doomsday/Batman origin)
11. Dark Nights: Metal #3
12. Batman Lost #1 (Batman’s journey through the Dark Multiverse)
13. Dark Nights: The Batman Who Laughs #1 (Origin of the Batman Who Laughs)
14. Dark Nights: Metal #4
15. Hawkman: Found #1 (Hawkman’s role in the event)
16. Dark Nights: Metal #5
17. Dark Nights: Metal #6

Tie-In Issues (Optional but Expanding the Story):

• Teen Titans #12 (Gotham Resistance, Part 1)
• Nightwing #29 (Gotham Resistance, Part 2)
• Suicide Squad #26 (Gotham Resistance, Part 3)
• Green Arrow #32 (Gotham Resistance, Part 4)
• Justice League #32-33 (Bats Out of Hell, Part 1-2)
• The Flash #33 (Bats Out of Hell, Part 3)
• Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #32 (Bats Out of Hell, Part 4)

Post-Dark Knights: Metal (Optional but Follow-Up):

• Dark Knights Rising: The Wild Hunt #1 (Side story tying into the final issues)
• Justice League: No Justice #1-4 (Direct follow-up to Metal, leads into the new direction for the Justice League)

This reading order covers the Dark Knights: Metal main storyline, along with one-shots detailing the origins of the evil Batmen from the Dark Multiverse and tie-in stories that show how the event impacts various characters. The post-event stories like Justice League: No Justice set the stage for the next phase in DC’s universe.

“52” (2006-2007) was a weekly comic series running for a year, chronicling the year after “Infinite Crisis.” In a world without Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, lesser-known heroes like Booster Gold, Steel, and Renee Montoya rise to the challenge. Each week told interconnected stories, weaving a complex narrative that expanded the DC Universe in exciting and surprising ways. “52” was lauded for its character development and inventive storytelling.

• “52” was the first major weekly comic series in DC history.
• Black Adam’s fall from grace is a central arc.
• The series leads to the discovery of the new Multiverse.

Below is the recommended reading order for 52 and its key tie-ins:

Core 52 Weekly Series:

1. 52 #1-52 (This is the main series and the core of the story, focusing on different characters and interconnected storylines across the DC Universe)

Recommended Tie-Ins (Optional but Expand the Story):

• Infinite Crisis #1-7 (Before reading 52, as it sets up the premise of the missing Trinity)
• The Four Horsemen #1-6 (A direct follow-up to the events in 52 concerning Black Adam)
• World War III #1-4 (Details the events that happen during Week 50 of 52, adding more context to the global chaos)

While 52 is a self-contained series, reading Infinite Crisis beforehand gives context, and World War III explains the larger conflict near the series’ conclusion. The storylines are rich with character development, weaving together the lives of lesser-known DC heroes while leading to significant consequences for the wider DC Universe.

“DC Rebirth” (2016) was a relaunch of DC Comics aimed at restoring the legacy and history of its characters while combining elements from the New 52 era. Wally West’s return from the Speed Force serves as the emotional core, as he tries to remind everyone of the forgotten past. The storyline blends hope, legacy, and mystery, building towards the eventual “Doomsday Clock” crossover with Watchmen characters.

• Rebirth reintroduces long-missing elements of DC’s history.
• It marked the return of classic characters like Ted Kord and the JSA.
• Wally West’s return sparks renewed interest in The Flash legacy.

Here’s the recommended reading order for the key DC Rebirth storyline:

Core Reading Order:

1. DC Universe: Rebirth #1 (This one-shot sets the stage for the entire Rebirth era, reintroducing Wally West and teasing the involvement of Watchmen characters)

Major Storylines & Key Issues:

2. The Flash: Rebirth #1-6 (Focuses on Wally West’s return and the mystery of the missing 10 years from the DC Universe timeline)
3. Batman: Rebirth #1
4. Superman: Rebirth #1
5. Wonder Woman: Rebirth #1
6. Action Comics #957-962 (Reintroduces the pre-Flashpoint Superman and continues his story)
7. Detective Comics #934-940 (Follows Batman and Batwoman as they train a team of heroes)
8. Titans: Rebirth #1 (Focuses on Wally West’s reunion with the Titans and his role in unraveling the mystery of Rebirth)
9. Green Lanterns: Rebirth #1
10. Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps: Rebirth #1
11. Justice League: Rebirth #1

The Button Crossover (Expanding the Rebirth Mystery):

12. Batman #21 (Part 1 of “The Button” crossover)
13. The Flash #21 (Part 2 of “The Button”)
14. Batman #22 (Part 3 of “The Button”)
15. The Flash #22 (Part 4 of “The Button”)

Doomsday Clock (The Event that Resolves the Rebirth Mystery):

16. Doomsday Clock #1-12 (Follows up on the Watchmen-related plot threads and answers the questions raised during DC Rebirth, as well as how Dr. Manhattan impacted the DC Universe)

Other Key Arcs and Events:

• Superman: Reborn (Crossover between Superman and Action Comics that merges the pre-Flashpoint Superman with the New 52 Superman, resolving their dual existence)
• The Lazarus Contract (Crossover between Titans, Teen Titans, and Deathstroke, dealing with the fallout of Wally West’s return)
• Dark Nights: Metal (A major crossover event that delves into the Dark Multiverse and ties into some of the lingering mysteries from Rebirth)

Post-Rebirth Follow-Up:

• Heroes in Crisis #1-9 (A storyline dealing with trauma and consequences for the heroes introduced during Rebirth)
• Justice League: No Justice #1-4 (Follow-up to Dark Nights: Metal, and sets the stage for a new era of Justice League stories)
• Event Leviathan #1-6 (Deals with the mystery behind the Leviathan organization and its reshaping of the DC Universe’s covert organizations)

This reading order will guide you through the essential parts of DC Rebirth, starting with the one-shot that kicks off the mystery, through key character relaunches, crossovers like The Button, and culminating in Doomsday Clock, where the overarching mysteries of Rebirth are resolved. The follow-up events continue to build on the threads laid out by Rebirth, expanding the storylines and ushering in new eras for DC’s heroes.

“Infinite Crisis” (2005-2006) was a sequel to “Crisis on Infinite Earths” and dealt with the Multiverse’s rebirth. Superboy-Prime, Alexander Luthor, and Earth-2 Superman try to reshape reality into a “perfect” universe, clashing with the heroes of the main DC Universe. The event sees massive destruction, including the deaths of key characters like Superboy (Conner Kent), and drastically alters the landscape of the DC Universe.

• It marked the return of the Multiverse after being erased in “Crisis on Infinite Earths.”
• Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman take a year-long hiatus after this event.
• It introduces the OMACs and Brother Eye.

Here is the recommended reading order for the Infinite Crisis event:

Prelude to Infinite Crisis:

1. Countdown to Infinite Crisis #1 (This one-shot sets the stage for Infinite Crisis by showing the death of Blue Beetle and the rise of the OMACs and Brother Eye)
2. The OMAC Project #1-6 (One of the major storylines leading into Infinite Crisis, focusing on Batman’s Brother Eye satellite and the OMACs)
3. Day of Vengeance #1-6 (Another lead-in, focusing on the magical side of the DC Universe and the Spectre’s war on magic)
4. Rann-Thanagar War #1-6 (Explores the cosmic conflict between Rann and Thanagar, which plays a part in the larger crisis)
5. Villains United #1-6 (Follows a group of villains, led by Lex Luthor, trying to resist a larger villainous conspiracy)
6. JLA: Crisis of Conscience #1-6 (An important prelude involving the Justice League dealing with the fallout from the mind-wiping of villains and internal team conflicts)

Infinite Crisis Core Series:

7. Infinite Crisis #1
8. Infinite Crisis #2
9. Infinite Crisis #3
10. Infinite Crisis #4
11. Infinite Crisis #5
12. Infinite Crisis #6
13. Infinite Crisis #7 (The conclusion to the main event)

Tie-In Issues (Optional but Expand the Story):

• Adventures of Superman #647
• Superman #226
• Action Comics #836 (These three issues form the “This Is Your Life, Superman” storyline that ties directly into Infinite Crisis)
• Wonder Woman #219 (This issue is a key tie-in that shows Wonder Woman’s role in the killing of Maxwell Lord, a pivotal moment in the lead-up to Infinite Crisis)
• Outsiders #28 and Teen Titans #32 (Tie-in issues dealing with the fallout from Villains United)

Aftermath and Follow-Up:

• Infinite Crisis Secret Files 2006 (Offers background information on the characters and plot points from the main event)
• 52 #1-52 (This weekly series picks up right after the conclusion of Infinite Crisis, filling in the gap left by the missing Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, and setting up the post-Crisis DC Universe)
• Superman: Up, Up, and Away (The story arc in Superman #650-653 and Action Comics #837-840 that deals with Superman’s return after losing his powers post-Infinite Crisis)
• One Year Later (Several DC titles jumped forward a year following Infinite Crisis, including Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, with major changes in each series)

This reading order includes the core Infinite Crisis series, essential preludes that set up the event, and some key tie-ins that expand on the story’s events. The follow-up series, 52, helps explain the new status quo for the DC Universe post-Crisis, while the One Year Later stories explore the ramifications of Infinite Crisis for major heroes.

“Crisis on Infinite Earths” (1985-1986) is the most influential DC event of all time. This epic storyline collapsed the Multiverse into a single universe, streamlining DC’s complex continuity. The Anti-Monitor sought to destroy all reality, pitting the combined might of DC’s heroes and villains against him. The event reshaped the DC Universe, with major deaths like Supergirl and Barry Allen, and forever changed how crossovers would be handled in the future.

• It was the first major crossover to permanently kill off major characters.
• Marv Wolfman and George Pérez were the creative team.
• The series’ success led to yearly DC crossover events.

Here’s the recommended reading order to follow the entire Crisis on Infinite Earths event:

Core Crisis on Infinite Earths Series:

1. Crisis on Infinite Earths #1
2. Crisis on Infinite Earths #2
3. Crisis on Infinite Earths #3
4. Crisis on Infinite Earths #4
5. Crisis on Infinite Earths #5
6. Crisis on Infinite Earths #6
7. Crisis on Infinite Earths #7 (Iconic issue with the death of Supergirl)
8. Crisis on Infinite Earths #8 (The death of Barry Allen/The Flash)
9. Crisis on Infinite Earths #9
10. Crisis on Infinite Earths #10
11. Crisis on Infinite Earths #11
12. Crisis on Infinite Earths #12 (Conclusion)

Key Tie-Ins (Optional but Expanding the Story):

• The New Teen Titans #13-14 (The Teen Titans battle across the multiverse, encountering alternate versions of their team)
• The Flash #350 (Focuses on Barry Allen before his death in Crisis on Infinite Earths #8)
• Superman #414 (Superman’s adventures during Crisis)
• DC Comics Presents #86 (Crossover with Superman and Superboy-Prime)
• Green Lantern #194-195 (The Green Lantern Corps’ involvement in Crisis)
• Justice League of America #244-245 (The JLA faces the Crisis)
• All-Star Squadron #50-55 (Features the Golden Age heroes’ role in the multiverse)

Aftermath and Follow-Up:

• The History of the DC Universe #1-2 (A two-part mini-series that serves as an epilogue to Crisis, summarizing the new history of the post-Crisis universe)
• Superman: Man of Steel #1 (Part of the rebooted Superman origin after Crisis, written by John Byrne)
• Wonder Woman #1 (A new beginning for Wonder Woman after the events of Crisis)
• The Flash #1 (Wally West becomes the new Flash following Barry Allen’s death)

Optional Reading for Context (Before Crisis):

• The Flash of Two Worlds (The Flash #123) (The first major story to introduce the multiverse concept in DC Comics)
• Justice League of America #21-22 (The first crossover between Earth-1 and Earth-2, expanding the idea of the multiverse)

Impact and Legacy:

• Zero Hour: Crisis in Time (1994) (Another attempt to fix continuity issues caused by Crisis)
• Infinite Crisis (2005-2006) (The direct sequel to Crisis on Infinite Earths, revisiting the Multiverse concept)
• Final Crisis (2008) (A continuation of the Multiverse storyline, dealing with even larger cosmic threats)
• Convergence (2015) (Explores the fate of the pre-Crisis multiverse and brings back many of the characters and worlds)
• Dark Nights: Metal (2017-2018) (Reintroduces the concept of the Dark Multiverse)
• Dark Crisis On Infinite Earths (2022) (Following the death of the Justice League, Pariah has tasked Deathstroke and the Secret Society of Supervillains to start a Crisis Event, and using the crisis energy which would form, restart and bring back the infinite earths lost in the original Crisis.)

This reading order covers the core Crisis on Infinite Earths storyline, key tie-ins that expand the narrative, and essential follow-up series that deal with its aftermath. The event had profound and lasting effects on the DC Universe, leading to new origins for major heroes like Superman and Wonder Woman, the death of Barry Allen, and the reshaping of DC continuity for years to come.

All images used in this article are courtesy of © DC Comics.