The DCEU has had its problems over the years, making some rather basic mistakes, but has rebounded nicely recently. However, in a lot of ways, the movies have failed the heroes of DC. The movies have often used DC stories as inspiration but they haven't really captured the grandeur of their source material.
DC has been telling some of the greatest comic stories of all time, ones that DCEU fans need to read. The rich history of the DC Universe is something that every fan of the movies should get into. These stories truly show off the breadth and scope of the DCU in all of its glory.
10 Doom Patrol: Crawling From The Wreckage Showcases The Weird Corners Of The DCU
Fans of the Doom Patrol show are used to the wild and weird but for DCEU fans, things have been remarkably safe. However, this classic story, by writer Grant Morrison and artist Richard Case, will fill fans in on just how strange DC get and introduce them to Morrison's amazing DC oeuvre.
Featuring the Doom Patrol coming back together with new members and weirder than ever, this story does an amazing job of making the reader love the Doom Patrol. Full of great characterization and insane situations, it's a top-notch comic that will leave fans obsessed with Morrison's take on the team.
9 Teen Titans: The Judas Contract Shows Why The Teenage Heroes Of The DCU Are Some Of The Best
Teen Titans: The Judas Contract, by writer Marv Wolfman and artist George Perez, is the seminal Teen Titans story. Featuring the group's greatest villain, Deathstroke, and his most fiendish plan, it also sees the debut of Dick Grayson as Nightwing, the debut of Jericho, and is chock full of amazing action and adventure.
The Teen Titans are one of the most fun parts of the DC Universe and this story really showcases just how great they are. Wolfman and Perez's run on the book is one of the best comic runs of all time and this story is perfect proof as to why.
8 Legion Of Superheroes: The Great Darkness Saga Shows The Future Of Superheroes
The Legion of Superheroes is not easy to get into. There are years of continuity and more characters than one can shake a stick at. However, it's also pretty easy to catch up on what one needs to know- the character's powers are in their name and most of the relationships are well explained, especially in this classic story by writer Paul Levitz and artists Keith Giffen and Larry Mahlstedt.
Showcasing the Legion battling an ancient evil familiar to DCEU fans, it's easy to follow and showcases just why the Legion is one of DC's most venerable franchises. It also shows readers what the future of the DCU is like and how it carries on the legacy of the past.
7 Superman: Last Son Of Krypton Is Superman Vs Zod Done Right
Superman: Last Son of Krypton, by writers Geoff Johns and Richard Donner and artist Adam Kubert, featured the return of General Zod to DC continuity. Based on Superman II, the story expands on the concept, taking all of Donner's unused ideas from the movie and putting them on the page. It's also a Superman greatest hits package, featuring Lex, Bizarro, Metallo, and more.
While Man Of Steel played with the idea of Kryptonians invading the Earth, this story does it better in every way. Johns and Donner have a love for Superman that's apparent on every page and Kubert does an amazing job with the art. It's one of the best Superman stories of the last twenty years.
6 The Wonder Woman: Earth One Graphic Novels Are The Perfect Wonder Woman Stories
Wonder Woman is a huge part of the DCEU but it's hard to pick comics that really do her justice- there are just so many. However, that's where writer Grant Morrison and artist Yanick Paquette's Wonder Woman: Earth One Vol. 1-3 come in. Featuring Wonder Woman coming to Man's World and her life thereafter, it's a perfect distillation of everything Wonder Woman can be.
Morrison borrows from eighty years of Wonder Woman stories, boiling the character down to her essence and presenting the perfect version of her. Paquette's art is amazing and his page layouts have to be seen to be believed. These stories are a wonderful primer on everything Wonder Woman.
5 Mister Miracle Is A Different Kind Of Superhero Tale
Mister Miracle, by writer Tom King and artist Mitch Gerads, is a deep dive into the psychological side of superheroing. Starring Mister Miracle and his wife Big Barda, the story sees them embroiled in a new war against Darkseid while Mister Miracle deals the traumas and triumphs of his life.
Mister Miracle is a different kind of superhero story and one of King's finest works. Combining great superhero action, expert plotting, and amazing art from Mitch Gerads, Mister Miracle is full of emotion and wonder, a story that sinks into the gutters of depression and up into the stars of happiness.
4 Kingdom Come Is All About The Power Of Heroism
Kingdom Come, by writer Mark Waid and artist Alex Ross, is one of the greatest DC stories of all time. Taking a place in a future where the old guard of heroes have been replaced by a newer, more violent breed, a disaster brings Superman back on the scene, an occurrence that changes everything.
Waid and Ross tell a timeless story about the power of heroism and what it means to be a hero. Waid's story is pitch-perfect and Ross's photorealistic art style brings it all to life. It's also chock full of DC Easter eggs, amazing characterization, and breathtaking action. It's a surefire way to make anyone a fan of the DC Universe.
3 Infinite Crisis Is The Perfect Event Comic
Event books can be very hit or miss and the best of the last twenty years is Infinite Crisis, by writer Geoff Johns and artists Phil Jimenez, Jerry Ordway, George Perez, and Ivan Reis. While it does play a lot with DC continuity, it also does an amazing job of laying out what the reader needs to know as the heroes of the DC Universe face a threat from an unexpected source.
Chock full of everything great about the DC Universe, this book is full of big-time action and emotionally resonant storytelling. Johns and company nail it with this one, really digging into the DC Universe's rich history and what it means to be a hero.
2 Flash: The Return Of Barry Allen Is One Of The Greatest Flash Stories Of Them All
Flash: Return Of Barry Allen, by writer Mark Waid and artist Greg LaRocque, starred Wally West as the Flash, which is different from what a DCEU fan is used to. However, this story is still one of the best Flash stories regardless of who is wearing the costume. Barry Allen returns from the dead but not all is it seems and West has to push himself like never before to triumph.
This book shows just how great of a hero Wally West can be, introduces the Speed Force, and shows the legacy of DC's speedsters in detail. It's also just a great superhero tale, with Waid and LaRocque filling it with Flash goodness.
1 JLA: New World Order Shows Just Why The Justice League Is The Greatest
With the Snyder Cut, fans are ready for more Justice League and one of the best places for that would be JLA: New World Order, by writer Grant Morrison and artist Howard Porter. Featuring the return of the Big Seven League- Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash, Aquaman, and Martian Manhunter- it puts the team against the Hyperclan, a new group of heroes who aren't what they seem.
Morrison and Porter deliver what is one of the best Justice League stories of all time, one that every fan of the team should experience. Full of action, adventure, and a great twist, it's the perfect Justice League story.