The Multiverse. Since "The Flash of Two Worlds" appeared in 1961's Flash #123, DC Comics has expanded and contracted its universe of alternate earths and dimensions. Sometimes, it was down to one Earth. Lately, there are several dozen we readers know of. There could be billions and billions more not yet discovered.
Most of these are similar to the Earth where DC's primary superheroes reside. Others are not only the opposite but also so bad they make the world of Mad Max seem chipper. To review, here are the 5 best and 5 worst alternate dimensions in DC Comics.
10 Worst: Realworlds
In 2000, DC Comics launched its Realworlds line of stories. Based on an Earth like ours, they featured tales of real people who dressed up and performed heroic acts. In one issue, a mentally disabled man dresses as Batman to save his childhood friend -- his "Robin" -- from the world of drugs. In another, children who once dressed as Justice League members go on an amazing adventure as adults. In other words, a less-scary version of It.
While not quite "Worst" in alternate dimensions, dressing up in costume is no longer unique in our world. People dress up for conventions, for cosplay events, and as the President of the United States. In fact, the staff at CBR dresses like superheroes every day. Though, the guys who dress as Wonder Woman should really shave their legs.
9 Best: Batman: The Brave and the Bold
There's something pure about this alternate dimension where Batman is the big hero and Superman is relegated to sidekick status. Why does the Man of Steel get all the opportunities to traverse the galaxy to team up with Space Ghost, Space Cabbie, and Space Janitor? Do you know why the comic book version of Batman is so grumpy? He barely leaves Gotham. Frankly, their cheesesteaks aren't the greatest.
The alternate dimension that is Batman: The Brave and the Bold is bright, colorful, and funny. It's a universe where Aquaman and Green Arrow, neither known for their comedy chops, are provided with great one-liners. It's an alternate dimension where B'wana Beast is an A-list hero. Overall, it's a place where anyone can feel good about themselves.
8 Worst: Batman Beyond
On the other side is the alternate dimension that is Batman Beyond. The future might seem bright-ish, but there's definitely a dark undertone. For instance, why Neo-Gotham? What happened between the present day of DC Comics and the year 2039 that caused it to be rebuilt?
In addition, why is old Bruce so debilitated? One would think medical technology would improve over time, yet he can barely walk. Is the healthcare system so broken that the wealthy Bruce Wayne can't afford a co-payment? Definitely not an alternate dimension to enjoy.
7 Best: Justice Riders
There are two forms of this dimension, and both are cool. In the first, introduced in a 1997 one-shot, Wonder Woman is a U.S. Marshall intent on capturing the evil Max Lord and his partner Felix Faust. Diana is teamed with variations of the Flash, Hawkman and inventor Ted Kord, Think of Wild Wild West concept. The 1960s TV show, not the movie disaster with Will Smith.
The other form of this dimension -- actually, perhaps the same -- came about in the New 52 universe when the Time Trapper froze technological development on Earth-18. Instead of Superman and Batman you have the Native American Superchief and gun-slinging Bat Lash. Plus, they have steampunk versions of air travel and telegraph internet. Neat, except for the internet. Every time it goes down you need to climb a telegraph pole.
6 Worst: Watchmen
Sure, they have electric cars. Yes, they populated space. Okay, they get to swear in their comic books. However, the alternate universe where the Watchmen reside is one of the worst in DC's history. Sorry, Alan Moore.
There's not one person, hero or villain, that has a redeeming value to them. Furthermore, with the release of the 15-year mini-series Doomsday Clock, it seems that dimension has not fared well at all, let alone exists other than a charred heap. If there is any redeeming value to this alternate universe it's the ability to view it from afar and learn from their mistakes.
5 Best: Generations
Legendary artist and writer John Byrne put a unique spin on the legacies of the Dark Knight and Man of Steel in the late 90s and early 2000s. His two Superman & Batman: Generations series showed readers what it would be like if the two heroes and those around them did something truly amazing in comics: they aged. Shocking.
Nevertheless, it was done well and provided glimpses into versions of the Justice Society and Justice League we never thought about. In addition, though there were numerous tragedies, the dimension where these heroes began their careers in the late 1930s was much brighter. Thus, proving the point that older adults do lead happier lives.
4 Worst: Earth One
Again, this isn't a situation where this alternate dimension is the worst. Rather, it's just meh. There have been so many retcons of DC's characters over nearly a century that starting over didn't make much sense. Correction, it made sense when Brian Michael Bendis was writing Ultimate Spider-Man for Marvel's Ultimate Universe. Oh! That's why there haven't been any new Earth One titles.
Though the writing and art was good on these series, they didn't have enough oomph. In addition, they didn't seem to be part of a cohesive universe. They were more like the imaginary stories writers at DC Comics would put together during the height of the Silver Age. "This issue: An alternate world where Detective Bullock is thin and good-looking."
3 Best: Earth-23
How can an alternate universe be bad when its Superman is based on President Barack Obama and its Wonder Woman is based on Beyonce? This is what writer Grant Morrison had in mind when he constructed Earth-23 for Multiversity. He made the alternate dimension so appealing that they should be seen in their own series.
The Man of Steel is the President of the United States? It's not unbelievable. In the 1990s, Superman became the Chief Executive in an Elseworlds story. In addition, the Justice League of Earth-23 is more diverse than its Prime Earth counterpart. Frankly, we should all visit this dimension for a burst of positive energy.
2 Worst: Dark Multiverse
The adjective should be a sign that this series of alternate dimensions is the worst. No, it's the worst of the worst. No, it's the movie version of Wild Wild West. In other words, the Dark Multiverse is not a vacation destination.
Why is this, you may ask? Well, it features an Earth where Superman died in a battle with Doomsday and Lois Lane became a vengeful powerhouse who hated everyone. It's a dimension where Blue Beetle killed Max Lord and turned into a technological hybrid that took over the Earth. And, of course, it's the dimension where Batman became a Joker, and not the good kind.
1 Best: Captain Carrot/Looney Tunes
There's a reason these alternate dimensions are tied, and it comes down to two things. One is cartoon physics. The other is the availability of Acme explosives delivered to you via Amazon drone. Though, make sure they put them down carefully. Else, things go boom.
It's surprising that the characters in these two alternate dimensions never crossed over. They could pound on each other til the cows came home (and said something sarcastic) and be back in fine form by tea time. In addition, if Captain Carrot wasn't available, Bugs could certainly take over. He did have a career as Super Bunny in the 40s. Though retired, he probably still has some irradiated carrots available. Good irradiated, of course.