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DC’s New 52 relaunch was a pretty big deal. It aimed to revitalize the entire comic book line, giving new jumping-on points for readers. Some loved it, some hated it, but there’s no denying it produced some memorable stories. Figuring out which ones are actually worth your time can be tricky, so I’ve put together a list of my top picks from that era.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- Batman (Scott Snyder & Greg Capullo): A dark, detective-driven take on the Dark Knight.
- Wonder Woman (Brian Azzarello & Cliff Chiang): A mythological reimagining of the Amazonian princess.
- Aquaman (Geoff Johns & Ivan Reis): Elevated the character from joke to a formidable hero.
- Animal Man (Jeff Lemire & Travel Foreman): A mind-bending, horror-infused exploration of family and identity.
- Swamp Thing (Scott Snyder & Yanick Paquette): A horror-tinged story with environmental themes and stunning visuals.
Top 5 Best New 52 Comics
1. Batman
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s Batman run is considered by many to be the highlight of the New 52. It’s a complex, character-driven story that explores Bruce Wayne’s psyche as much as it does Gotham’s villains. The artwork is fantastic, too.
Pros:
- ✅ Compelling storylines and character development.
- ✅ Stunning artwork by Greg Capullo.
- ✅ Explores Batman’s fears and vulnerabilities.
Cons:
- ❌ Can get a bit dark and disturbing.
- ❌ Some arcs are stronger than others.
- ❌ Requires some existing knowledge of Batman lore to fully appreciate.
Verdict: If you’re a Batman fan looking for a modern, psychological take on the character, this is a must-read.
2. Wonder Woman
Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang’s Wonder Woman is a bold reimagining of the character’s mythology. It leans heavily into the Greek pantheon, presenting a darker, more complex world for Diana to navigate. This run feels very different from traditional Wonder Woman stories, and that’s a good thing.
Pros:
- ✅ Fresh and unique take on Wonder Woman’s origins.
- ✅ Strong focus on mythology and family dynamics.
- ✅ Beautiful and distinct artwork.
Cons:
- ❌ Some may find the departure from traditional Wonder Woman lore jarring.
- ❌ The darker tone might not appeal to all readers.
- ❌ Can be confusing at times due to the complex mythology.
Verdict: For those open to a new interpretation of Wonder Woman, this run offers a compelling and visually stunning experience.
3. Aquaman
Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis’ Aquaman run is largely responsible for rehabilitating the character’s reputation. It takes Aquaman seriously, portraying him as a powerful and capable leader, not just the guy who talks to fish. The story balances superhero action with political intrigue, making it surprisingly engaging.
Pros:
- ✅ Elevated Aquaman into a credible and compelling hero.
- ✅ Strong world-building and political intrigue.
- ✅ Fantastic artwork, especially the underwater scenes.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be a bit slow-paced at times.
- ❌ Some of the supporting characters aren’t as well-developed.
- ❌ Relies on some familiar superhero tropes.
Verdict: If you’ve always dismissed Aquaman, this run will change your mind. It’s a solid superhero story with impressive visuals.
4. Animal Man
Jeff Lemire and Travel Foreman’s Animal Man is a mind-bending, horror-infused exploration of family and identity. Buddy Baker, aka Animal Man, struggles to balance his superhero life with his role as a husband and father. The story gets incredibly weird and unsettling, but in a good way. It’s not your typical superhero fare.
Pros:
- ✅ Unique blend of superhero action and horror elements.
- ✅ Thought-provoking exploration of family and identity.
- ✅ Unpredictable and surreal plot twists.
Cons:
- ❌ The horror elements might not appeal to all readers.
- ❌ The artwork can be divisive.
- ❌ Can be confusing at times due to its surreal nature.
Verdict: If you’re looking for a superhero comic that pushes boundaries and isn’t afraid to get weird, Animal Man is for you.
5. Swamp Thing
Scott Snyder (again!) and Yanick Paquette’s Swamp Thing is a horror-tinged story with strong environmental themes. Alec Holland, the Swamp Thing, must confront a growing darkness that threatens both the Green and the world itself. The artwork is absolutely stunning, and the story is genuinely creepy.
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent horror elements.
- ✅ Strong environmental themes.
- ✅ Stunning and unique artwork.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be quite dark and disturbing.
- ❌ Requires some familiarity with Swamp Thing lore.
- ❌ The plot can be a bit convoluted at times.
Verdict: Fans of horror comics with a touch of environmentalism will love this Swamp Thing run. The visuals alone are worth the price of admission.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right New 52 comic depends on your personal taste. Here’s what to consider:
- Genre: Are you into superhero action, horror, mythology, or something else? Each of these comics has a distinct flavor.
- Character Preference: Do you have a favorite DC character? Starting with a character you already know and love can make it easier to get into the New 52.
- Writer/Artist: Research the creative teams behind each comic. If you like a particular writer or artist, chances are you’ll enjoy their work on these books.
- Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews from other readers to get a sense of what to expect. Don’t just rely on my list!
- Start Small: Don’t feel like you need to buy every issue at once. Start with the first trade paperback (a collection of several issues) and see if you like it.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the New 52:
- What exactly was the New 52?
It was a 2011 relaunch of the entire DC Comics line, with all titles restarting at issue #1. The goal was to make the universe more accessible to new readers. - Is the New 52 still canon?
Not entirely. DC has since introduced Rebirth and other initiatives that have altered the continuity. However, many of the stories from the New 52 are still considered important and influential. - Do I need to read all the New 52 titles to understand these stories?
No, each of the titles on this list is relatively self-contained. You don’t need to read every New 52 comic to enjoy them. - Where can I buy these comics?
You can find them at most comic book stores, online retailers like Amazon, and sometimes even at used bookstores. Digital versions are also available on platforms like ComiXology.
Conclusion
The New 52 was a mixed bag, but it definitely produced some gems. These five comics represent some of the best stories and creative talent to come out of that era. Whether you’re a longtime DC fan or a newcomer, there’s something here for everyone. Hopefully, this list helps you discover some new favorites!
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