Best Comics of 2021 (So Far): DC Comics
By Zack Quaintance — Here we are at our fourth and final post in this series — Best Comics of 2021 (So Far) DC Comics. I took my time with this one, in part because DC itself was taking its time doing what was essentially a linewide relaunch spread out over the first half of this year. And, indeed, that relaunch is likely to stretch further after the Future State event stripped this publishing line to the studs. But you know what? The renovation has been a success so far, and today we’re looking at our favorite books that are part of it.
Enjoy!
Best Comics of 2021 (So Far): DC Comics
1. The Batman Family Comics
Writers: James Tynion IV, Mariko Tamaki, Ram V., and more
Artists: Jorge Jimenez, Dan Mora, Ferdando Blanco, and more
Most Recent Issue: Batman #109
Next Issue: Batman - Urban Legends #3, Detective Comics #1037, Future State - Gotham #2, and The Joker #4 are all out Tuesday, June 8
Relevant Trade Collection: The Joker War Saga
It doesn’t exactly make me the edgiest or hippest comics curation site to sit here and type, BATMAN COMICS ARE GOOD. But you know what, friends? Batman comics are good right now, very good. In fact, in the many years I’ve been reading comics, this is the most exciting that the whole line of comics about Gotham City has been in I don’t know how long. There’s a great cohesion to these books, the type of interconnectivity you can only find this well done within monthly superhero comics.
In short, if you’re not reading Batman right now, you should be — the Batman books are the best comics of 2021 from DC Comics. I would rank them in order of necessity as Batman and The Joker first — with those two both written by Batman mastermind, James Tynion IV. The Batman main series is a must-read month-to-month, as Tynion and artist Jorge Jimenez steadily introduce new characters that are expanding Batman’s world, while re-evaluating the increasingly dated ideas around Batman’s extreme wealth. It’s really impressive stuff. The Joker — a book I had zero interest in at first — is more so a Jim Gordon comic, following the ex-commissioner as he goes on an international manhunt for the titular villain in the aftermath of The Joker War storyline. It’s just a really well-done book that makes the most of the two characters’ shared history.
Next, you’ll want to read Detective Comics (which looks amazing), Robin (which follows the Damian Wayne version of the character as well as Green Arrow), Catwoman, and Harley Quinn. Yes, Harley Quinn. All these books are exploring Gotham and the associated characters in different, interesting ways. You’ll also want to for sure pick up the Batman: Urban Legends anthology series, which has been fantastic, giving us new stories with peripheral Bat characters like Jason Todd. What about Nightwing? Well, just wait and keep reading below…
More Relevant Trades: If you want just the main story line, you can get that in Batman Vol. 1 - Their Dark Designs, Batman Vol. 2 - The Joker War, Batman Vol. 3 - Ghost Stories, and Batman Vol. 4 - Cowardly Lot; while the Jim Gordon v. The Joker side bar can be found in the forthcoming The Joker Vol. 1; Batman Detective Comics Vol. 1 is a very pretty book; and Batman Urban Legends Vol. 1 is a must-read supplementary anthology.
2. Nightwing
Writer: Tom Taylor
Artist: Bruno Redondo
Most Recent Issue: Nightwing #80
Next Issue: Nightwing #81 is out June 15, 2021
How good is this new run of Nightwing, which started back with Nightwing #78? It’s so good that I had to break it out from the entire section dedicated to Batman comics above and give it its own spot on the list. This comic has just been a blast, capturing the more light-hearted role that Dick Grayson has long played within the Bat-family while also incorporating fun pieces of the characters long and rich history. On top of that, Nightwing has also taken in a stray dog.
And even if you don’t like Nightwing, this book is just relentlessly well executed. The dialouge is snappy and clever, the plot twists dramatic yet never oppressive, and the supporting cast perfect. Characters like Tim Drake and Barbara Gordon are already showing up, as is the legacy of the dearly departed Alfred Pennyworth. There’s just so much to like about this bright and fast-paced Nightwing adventure comic
Relevant Trade: Nightwing, Vol. 1 - Stepping Into the Light is due out in December.
3. Batman / Superman
Writer: Gene Luen Yang
Artist: Ivan Reis
Most Recent Issue: Batman / Superman #18
Next Issue: Batman / Superman #19 is due out June 22, 2021
For whatever reason, telling really memorable stories in the Batman and Superman duo title has always felt like a challenge for creators. I don’t know why. Maybe it has to do with the two being so tonally at odds, making it difficult to find compelling common ground. In this new run, however, writer Gene Luen Yang and artist Ivan Reis (both of whom are excellent, just generally) go straight at the differences, telling a story predicated on the characters coming from two different worlds.
Within that, this book uses two of my favorite tools in the DC box — the long histories of its characters (Golden Age callbacks abound) and multiversal shenanigans. I don’t want to spoil anything here, but I will also note that past that, this title through three issues has featured new villains, and some of the best uses of Lois Lane and Robin the Boy Wonder that I’ve seen in years. It’s just a romp, and another great book this year so far from DC.
Relevant Trades: Batman/Superman - The Archive of Worlds is due out later this year.
4. The Nice House on the Lake
Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Alvaro Martinez Bueno
Most Recent Issue: The Nice House on the Lake #1
Next Issue: The Nice House on the Lake #2 is out July 7, 2021
Yes, I know, as I write this only one issue of this comic has been released so far this year, but as I wrote in my full The Nice House on the Lake #1 review, this is one of the best new #1 issues I’ve read in some time, certainly this year. All of the small things in this comic are just done so well, from the character introductions to the info pages to the way the story ends on one hell (heh) of a surprising climax.
What I think I like most about this book, however, is that it takes a less obvious approached to the end of the world than many end of the world comics have been taking of late. This is a book that draws heavily from the zeitgeist, putting forth lavish wealth worship that we see on Instagram, thrown together circles of friends, watching horror unfold online from a place of great comfort, and so forth. It’s also a great-looking comic, relentlessly stylish and polished. It’s early in the run, but based on the strength of this first issue, I’m all but certain this will be one of the best comics of 2021 when the year is said and done.
5. Far Sector
Writer: N.K. Jemisin
Artist: Jamal Campbell
Most Recent Issue: Far Sector #12
Next Issue: Far Sector Full Collection (due in October)
I don’t think I’ve ever read a comic quite like Far Sector, certainly not from either of the Big 2. Far Sector — which is written by sci-fi/fantasy novelist N.K. Jemisin, whose Broken Earth Trilogy won an unprecedented three consecutive Hugo Awards — is a complex and almost anthropological science fiction comic that just so happens to have a Green Lantern in it.
Illustrated by Jamal Campbell (a rising superstar artist in the industry), some of the brightest set pieces in this 12-issue series (which just wrapped up this week, as I write this) have less to do with giant muscular figures punching each other and more to do with quiet moments of understanding, moments that involve dancing or laying on a blanket or simply having a conversation that leads to greater personal and societal consensus. It’s an interesting book, and one that gets a hearty recommendation if you’re game for higher concept sci-fi.
Relevant Trade: The full collection of Far Sector is due in October
6. Superman / Action Comics
Writer: Philip Kennedy Johnson
Artists: Daniel Sampere, Phil Hester, Eric Gapstur, Scott Godlewski, and more
Most Recent Issues: Action Comics #1031 and Superman #31
Next Issues: Action Comics #1032 is out June 22, and Superman #32
While the Batman comics have been the headliner (isn’t that always the case, DC fans?), the Superman books have been equally as strong, albeit it in a more contained way. Yes, while this line of book is really the story of two (and another we’ll get to later), it’s a good story, to be sure. These books have centered on Superman’s relationship with his now-grown son, Jon Kent, who is obstensibly in the process of taking over for him.
So far, the two titles have told a relatively intertwined story, with all of it written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, who has done an absolutely fantastic job, and a series of strong artistic collaborators. Soon, the books will fracture a bit more, with writer Tom Taylor taking over a Superman book that will now focus entirely on Jon Kent while Johnson continues to write Action Comics, which will follow Clark Kent into his adventures in space. What is likely to elevate these books the most, however, is that one of the best comics writers of all time, Grant Morrison, is coming aboard to write a miniseries titled Superman and the Authority. That series starts in July, and it looks all kinds of interesting.
Relevant Trades: There are three trades you need to catch up with this era. Start with Future State: Superman, then move on to Superman: Vol. 1 The Man Who Fell, and finally, make sure to pick up Superman - Action Comics, Vol. 1 Warworld Rising. Finally, if you want to get out ahead of things, you can already order Superman and the Authority.
7. The Dreaming: Waking Hours
Writer: G. Willow Wilson
Artist: Nick Robles
Most Recent Issue: The Dreaming #10
Next Issue: The Dreaming #11 is out June 22
This year, we are on borrowed time with The Dreaming, which was originally set to end after just six issues. Thankfully, however, this book continued, and we sure are glad it did. Why? Well, the next entry on today’s Best Comics of 2021 - DC Comics list is arguably the best sequel series that Neil Gaiman’s all-time great Sandman series has ever had. It really is that good.
It’s that good because it captures a lot of the novelistic ambitions that the original series in a way that also feels really additive with elements that speak directly to the zeitgeist in 2021. On top of that, Nick Robles is just such a perfect pick to illustrate this series, with his haunting, beautiful, and ethereal artwork. We can’t recommend this book enough.
Relevant Trades: The Dreaming - Waking Hours is out this November.
8. Superman Red and Blue
Writers: Various
Artists: Various
Most Recent Issue: Superman - Red and Blue #3
Next Issue: Superman - Red and Blue #4 is due out June 15
DC Comics has really brought back the anthology series, as well as series that only deal in certain colors, having now done so with Batman, Harley Quinn, Wonder Woman, and Superman. The strongest of these in 2021 so far has been Superman - Red and Blue, which has introduced established Big 2 creators as well as more idiosyncratic cartoonist to play with Superman in experimental ways. This has led to some excellent storytelling in this series so far.
What this also has done has enabled a different kind of look at an American icon of a character, one free of any baggage, continuity, or planning for future storylines. These are bold, rich, short stories that are able to get to poignant territories that typical corporate superhero storytelling just can’t reach. Now, when can we get a Green Arrow…uh…Green book. You know, maybe it’s best I’m not personally in charge of DC Comics.
Relevant Trades: Superman - Red and Blue in collected format is due out this December.
9. The Swamp Thing
Writer: Ram V.
Artist: Mike Perkins
Most Recent Issue: The Swamp Thing #4
Next Issue: The Swamp Thing #5
The Swamp Thing feels like an outlier in DC Comics current line, in that it’s not connected to an 80-year-old household name corporate character, nor is it connected to a property that is currently getting a television or film adaptation. Granted, there was a Swamp Thing television show somewhat recently, albeit one nobody paid much attention to. No, The Swamp Thing is essentially one of two in terms of DC Comics books that are heavily rooted in just the comics, with the other being Crime Syndicate.
So, that’s nice. What’s also nice? This comic has been fantastic, with writer Ram V. and artists Mike Perkins ranking as another team that feels determined to both pay homage to the past while pushing this classic character and concept into new, more modern territories. This is also just a gorgeous book, with Perkins’ work and the world of Swamp Thing feeling made for each other.
Relevant Trades: The Swamp Thing, Vol. 1 - Becoming
10. Justice League
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: David Marquez
Most Recent Issue: Justice League #62
Next Issue: Justice League #63 is out June 22
It’s not really the coolest stance to take within online comics discourse circles, but I am 100 percent a Brian Michael Bendis apologist, thinking the veteran creator is one of the best dialouge writers in the business, scripting in a way that takes advantage of the comics medium while also acknowledging the bedrock level of fun absurdity that has long made these superhero comics in particular worth following. And now he’s teaming with his long-time collaborator, David Marquez, for a run on DC Comics’ flagship team book.
And so far? It’s been fantastic. The cast is interesting and varied, the plot is (finally!) building out the world of great new character Naomi, and the Marquez artwork is absolutely stunning. These are high production big blockbuster team superhero comics, and they are not to be missed.
Best DC Comics Trade Collections for 2021
Batman: Creature of the Night
Written by Kurt Busiek and illustrated by the late John Paul Leon, this is a metafictional gothic take on Batman, akin to the classic, Superman: Secret Identity, just with Gotham City sensibilities. It’s a surprising book that will likely be Leon’s last major work, as the artist passed away earlier this year.
More Information
The Dark Knight Returns: Golden Child
Despite being from all-time great creator Frank Miller and visionary artist Rafael Grampa, it still felt like this one flew a bit under the radar. But don’t miss it, it’s a wild romp through Miller’s Dark Knight Returns continuity, involving electioneering (sort of), Darkseid, and The Joker. It wasn’t at all what I was personally expecting, taking a lot more goofy risks, all of which seemed to pay off. Highly recommend.
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Future State
For the early months of this year, the entire DC Comics line was subsumed by an alternate future event, DC Future State. Now, you can read it all collected across six trades, with the Superman book getting our heartiest recommendation.
Future State - The Next Batman
Future State - Superman
Future State - Justice League
Future State - Dark Detective
Future State - Wonder Woman
Future State - Suicide Squad
Green Lantern by Grant Morrison and Liam Sharp
Late last year, Grant Morrison completed a 20-issue run of Green Lantern, all of which is now available in collected edition.
The Green Lantern, Vol. 1: Intergalactic Lawman
The Green Lantern, Vol. 2: The Day The Stars Fell
The Green Lantern Season Two, Vol. 1
The Green Lantern Season Two, Vol. 2: Ultrawar
John Constantine: Hellblazer
This run was felt unceremoniously short, especially given how excellent it was. But that’s comics for you. Anyway, these books are good — the best Constantine comics have been in forever — and you can get the trades now.
John Constantine: Hellblazer, Vol. 1 - Marks of Woe
John Constantine: Hellblazer, Vol. 2 - The Best Version of You
Wonder Woman: Dead Earth
Wonder Woman joins Batman and Superman in getting her own sort of ending story, definitively so courtesy of madcap comics creator Daniel Warren Johnson.
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Dark Nights: Death Metal
Finally, as we noted above, DC Comics is enjoying a fantastic new status quo right now, and none of that would be possible without the tablesetting even that preceeded it — Dark Nights: Death Metal. This event doesn’t really stand alone too well, but it’s still interesting given what has now come after it.
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More Best Comics of 2021 (So Far) Lists
Check out the Best Comics of 2021 (So Far): Marvel Comics
Check out the Best Comics of 2021 (So Far): Image Comics
Check out the Best Indie Comics of 2021 (So Far)
Don’t forget to check out our weekly new comics reviews as well!
Zack Quaintance is a tech reporter by day and freelance writer by night/weekend. He Tweets compulsively about storytelling and comics as Comics Bookcase.