Visit Gotham, Hell, & the Darker Side of the DC Universe
Batman, Superman, and even the Flash have been a part of some heavy storylines. Come with us on a journey through the dark side of DC comics.
If you’re anything like me, you’re obsessing over episodes of Netflix’s new Sandman adaptation. And I might just be speaking for myself, but I’ve been basking in the quiet glow of DC’s more adult side. I mean, with a guy like Bruce Wayne running around, it’s no surprise that the universe has some pretty hardcore stories and universes. Step out of the light with us – have your read these dark DC comics yet?
Before we get started, a note. Digital comics are so convenient, but if you see something you absolutely need to own in the meatspace, be sure to head to your local comic book shop!
The Sandman by Neil Gaiman
Okay, this is the obvious one, and if you haven’t read it, I’m sure you’ve already added it to your “to read” pile. Go ahead and order it. It’s worth it. And if you already own it, when’s the last time you gave it a good reread.
If you’re unsure if your love for the live-action show will translate to the page, give the first volume a try. It’s free with a Comixology subscription.
Dark Knights: Metal by Scott Snyder & Greg Capullo
There’s a dark place below the Multiverse filled with shadow monsters made of fear, and a lot of those monsters are scary AF versions of Batman. The Dark Knights is horror and heavy metal aesthetics penned by one of comics’ sharpest horror minds. It’s one of the best reimaginings of a new kind of DC universe – it’s dark, it’s twisted, and it’s a roaring good time.
Blackest Night by Geoff Johns & Ivan Reis
I have a soft spot in my heart for this book because it’s one of the first single-issues series I picked up. I know, this was the massive DC event I started with? What can I say, I was ambitious.
When the Black Lantern Corps comes to Earth, the various Lantern Corps have to band together. Because these Black Lanterns didn’t come to play – they’re turning some of DC’s major players into living-dead servants to their cause. The event may be lightly comparable to Marvel Zombies, but this story has a whole different tone. It gets dark, it gets scary – and it gives many of DC’s best characters the opportunity to become Lanterns themselves.
Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth by Grant Morrison & Dave McKean
Even if he only exclusively made art comic book art, there will never be enough Dave McKean comics for me. His art is surreal and textural. His use of color and blur lends itself perfectly to this haunting story of Batman against every patient at Arkham Asylum. The book is stunning to look at and sees Batman surrounded by the terror of many members of his iconic rogues’ gallery. A Batman comic written and drawn like a horror story is a brilliant idea, and should not be missed by readers.
Flashpoint by Geoff Johns
Okay, listen, Flashpoint is actually a little too dark for my taste. I mean, it’s the DC universe for people who want to torture themselves. If you watched Geoffrey being terrible on Game of Thrones and thought “That, but make it DC” then stay tuned. If you wanna punish yourself this way, I’m not here to kink-shame you. Thomas Wayne is a gun-loving Batman, Wonder Woman and Aquaman are world-conquering assholes, and the Flash is the only guy who can remember a world that doesn’t suck. If this sounds like your jam, then give it a read. Just remember, the safe word is “Martha”.
