Top Five Favorite DC New 52 Series
New 52 wasn't everyone's cup of tea, but here are some runs that stuck with me
Over twelve years have passed since the birth of New 52 changed the DC comic universe. Personally, I’ll never forget picking up a copy of Flashpoint #5 and seeing how the universe completely changed just because Barry Allen hopped on a cosmic treadmill (comics are weird sometimes).
It wasn’t everyone’s favorite decision. Restarting their entire universe and shrinking it to 52 stories changed fundamental plots, characters, and histories. It’s undeniable there was a lack of plan and little to no communication in the writer’s rooms, which is very obvious in many of the stories. I’m also still a little aggravated about the ableist “correction” of Barbara Gordon’s paralysis and the throwing away of the little disability representation DC had.
However, there were some winners. Here are my top five favorite New 52 runs.
5. The Flash by Francis Manupal and Brian Buccalatto
Controversial, I know. But, although it is a very different take on the famous character, the New 52 ‘The Flash’ has everything you could ever want from a comic run - hilarious villains, gorgeous art and panels, adorable romance, and heartwarming friendship. It also inspired The CW’s hit show, The Flash, which, in my opinion, was one of the last good shows to come out of the network.
4. Green Lantern Corps by Peter Tomasi and Fernando Passarin
This series is not to be confused with Green Lantern by Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke. While that run is probably one of the best-written Green Lantern stories, it focuses mainly on Hal Jordan and Sinestro and feels a little out of place in the universe. I preferred the Corps because I love John Stewart and Guy Gardner’s partnership. They balance each other perfectly and make the series feel kind of buddy-cop-like. This was the perfect sci-fi, space-action story, making the Green Lantern Corps a special part of New 52.
3. Justice League Dark by Peter Milligan, Jeff Lemire, and Mikel Janin
I love magic. Don’t get me wrong, I love the traditional lab accident or alien encounter origin story for a superhero, but there’s something so intriguing about the unexplainable mystic elements of the DC universe. The New 52 Justice League Dark run took the magic element and knocked it out of the park. It focused on some of my favorite characters, i.e., Zatanna and John Constantine, and built a whole new fandom. If you haven’t already checked out the animated movies based on Justice League Dark, I recommend it.
2. Batman by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo
This probably doesn’t shock anyone. I mean, this series pretty much made the New 52 and is one of the best-selling Batman runs of all time. Although a classic, the new take on the Court of Owls is so exhilarating and hooking that it was adapted into some of my favorite animated films and video games. Although there are appearances from the extended Batfamily, this run takes the time to examine Bruce’s motivations, history, and future without relying on them too much. This series was truly Batman at its finest.
Honorable Mention: Batman and Robin By Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason
Although Snyder’s Batman holds the trophy of best New 52 Batman series, something always draws me back to Batman and Robin. I have always loved the Robins, and Damien holds a special place in my heart. Although he’s aggravating and gives me migraines, seeing him finally have the chance to work with his father and deal with his traumatic past is very fulfilling.
1. Red Hood and The Outlaws by Scott Lobdell and Kenneth Rocafort
If you know me, you know I will die on this hill. In my opinion, Red Hood and the Outlaws (Starfire and Arsenal) is the best series to come out of New 52 and one of the best iterations of Jason Todd’s Red Hood. The artistry is stunning, and the deep dive into this trio’s tragic backstories is heartwrenching but done so well. It’s hard to see characters you loved as a child have a fall from grace, but it was worth the emotional turmoil to see them build each other back up again. This series made Jason my favorite Robin and one of my favorite characters in DC. I recommend this series, along with Rebirth’s Red Hood and the Outlaws, to anyone interested in learning more about Jason Todd’s character and development.