Following the events of the DC Comics event Flashpoint, DC reset their entire universe in what was called The New 52. This meant that in September 2011, every single comic book published by DC was reset with a new #1 issue, and in many cases, a new beginning to comic book continuity reaching as far back as 1985’s Crisis on Infinite Earths.
The merits of DC’s decision can be and will be debated for years to come. Either way, the New 52 gives us a set collection of DC Universe comics that extends from late 2011 to early 2016.
Below you’ll find a complete guide to the entire New 52, in the reading order that I have defined. The guide follows a structure similar to what I’ve compiled for Marvel NOW!, with comics grouped according to affiliations (Batman Universe, Superman Universe, etc) where possible.
Fans who want the fast track, check out my guide to 25 essential New 52 Comics!
Please note, that if you see something off as you’re reading, I definitely appreciate the feedback and suggestions in the comments below! The Comic Book Herald community has been great about shaping the reading orders on this site, and I fully expect the same to apply to DC’s New 52.
Support For Comic Book Herald:
Comic Book Herald is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a qualifying affiliate commission.
Comic Book Herald’s reading orders and guides are also made possible by reader support on Patreon, and generous reader donations.
Any size contribution will help keep CBH alive and full of new comics guides and content. Support CBH on Patreon for exclusive rewards, or Donate here! Thank you for reading!
Index:
0) Zero Year – Batman & Superman’s Early Years
4) Flashback / Before Modern Day
7) Meet the Green Lantern Corps
9) Batman: The Court of Owls & Night of The Owls Reading Order
10) Justice League Throne of Atlantis Reading Order
11) Green Lantern Rise of the Third Army & Wrath of the First Lantern Reading Order
13) Superman: H’el on Earth Reading Order
15) Batman: Death of the Family
17) Green Lantern: Lights Out Reading Order
18) New 52 Year Two Continued…
19) Batman: Requiem
20) Superman Krypton Returns Reading Order
24) Justice League Trinity War & Forever Evil Reading Orders
25) After Evil
26) Red Daughter of Krypton and Superman: Doomed Reading Orders
27) Batman: Robin Rises and Batman Eternal
28) Future’s End
30) Green Lantern / New Gods: Godhead Reading Order
31) New 52 Seeks New Life as Old Series Conclude!
32) Batman vs. the Joker: Endgame
33) Multiversity
34) Convergence
36) You Say DC You, I Say New 52
0) Zero Year – Batman & Superman’s Early Years
As I’ve suggested in the New 52 Batman reading order, you have two approaches with starting the New 52. Chronologically, the Batman story told in Batman #21 to #33 occurs very early in Batman’s career (hence: Zero Year). But as I’m sure you can tell, this means you are not starting with Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s Batman #1, which may short circuit your continuity senses.
I’ve tried reading through them both ways, and personally I prefer starting with Batman: Zero Year, rather than going into flashback mode midway through the Batman run. That said, if you want to read The New 52 more closely aligned with the books’ publication release dates, skip past Batman Vol. 5 below and be on your merry way!
Action Comics was actually published at the launch of the New 52, with Grant Morrison and Rags Morales telling the story of Superman’s early years. Note that although Action Comics ran alongside the launch of other New 52 books, Morrison and Morales set their Superman story deeper in the past. This means you’ll make your way through more issues of Action Comics than other comics early on.
1) Justice League Origins
Geoff Johns and Jim Lee tell the New 52 formation of the Justice League in just about the most epic way possible. This collection likely sets the tone for a lot of the cinematic DC Expanded Universe.
2) Meet the New 52
2.1) Meet the New 52: Red, Weird, and Green
Frankenstein, Agent of SHADE Vol. 1
2.2) Meet the New 52: Justice Leaguers
Justice League International Vol. 1
Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men Vol. 1
2.3) Meet the New 52: Outsiders
2.4) Meet the New 52: Earth 2
2.5) Meet the New 52: World at War
2.6) Meet the New 52: Superteams
3) Meet the Superman Family
4) Flashback / Before Modern Day
DC’s Demon Knights is set during the medieval ages, so if you’re enjoying, you can go ahead and read the whole series all at once without fear of overlapping continuity.
5) Meet the Bat Family
This Penguin backstory is really more of a limited series that just happened to see release around the same time as New 52 launch. Regardless, it’s much better than I would have expected from a Penguin limited series, and adds some quality background for the history of Gotham, similar to Gates of Gotham.
Red Hood and the Outlaws Vol. 1
6) The Culling
The Culling: Rise of the Ravagers
Reading Order:
Superboy #8
Legion Lost #8
Teen Titans #8
Teen Titans Annual #1
Superboy #9
Legion Lost #9
Teen Titans #9
7) Meet the Green Lantern Corps
Green Lantern: New Guardians Vol. 1
8) New 52 Year One Continued
8.1) Meet the New 52: Red, Weird, and Green
Frankenstein, Agent of SHADE Vol. 2
8.2) New 52 Year One: Justice Leaguers
Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men Vol. 2
Justice League International Vol. 2
8.3) New 52 Year One: Outsiders
8.5) New 52 Year One: World at War
8.6) New 52 Year One: Superteams
8.7) New 52 Year One: Batman Family
8.8) New 52 Year One: Green Lantern Corps
Green Lantern: New Guardians Vol. 2
9) Batman: The Court of Owls & Night of The Owls
Note that the ‘Night of the Owls’ collection will overlap with tie-in issues collected in a number of Bat-family second volumes. It also includes issues #8 to #11 of Batman vol. 2 below.
Night of the Owls Reading Order:
Batman #7
Batman #8
Red Hood & the Outlaws #8
Batwing #9
Nightwing #8
Batman & Robin #9
Batgirl #9
Batman #9
Red Hood & the Outlaws #9
Nightwing #9
Detective Comics #9
Batman: The Dark Knight#9
Birds of Prey #9
Batman Annual #1
Catwoman #9
Batman: The Dark Knight Vol. 1
10) Justice League Through Throne of Atlantis
Justice League: Throne of Atlantis
Throne of Atlantis Reading Order:
Aquaman #14
Justice #15
Aquaman #15
Justice League #16
Aquaman #16
Justice League #17
Aquaman #17
11) Green Lantern Rise of the Third Army & Wrath of the First Lantern
Green Lantern: Rise of the Third Army
Rise of the Third Army Reading Order:
Green Lantern Annual #1
Green Lantern #13
Green Lantern New Guardians #13
Green Lantern Corps #13
Red Lanterns #13
Green Lantern #14
Red Lanterns #14
Green Lantern Corps #14
Green Lantern New Guardians #14
Green Lantern Corps #15
Green Lantern #15
Green Lantern New Guardians #15
Green Lantern New Guardians #16
Red Lanterns #15
Green Lantern #16
Green Lantern Corps #16
Red Lanterns #16
Green Lantern Corps Annual #1
Green Lantern: Wrath of the First Lantern
Wrath of the First Lantern Reading Order:
Green Lantern #17
Green Lantern Corps #17
Green Lantern: New Guardians #17
Red Lanterns #17
Green Lantern #18
Green Lantern Corps #18
Green Lantern: New Guardians #18
Red Lanterns #18
Green Lantern #19
Green Lantern Corps #19
Green Lantern: New Guardians #19
Red Lanterns #19
Green Lantern #20
Green Lantern Corps #20
Green Lantern: New Guardians #20
Red Lanterns #20
Green Lantern: New Guardians Vol. 4
12) The New 52 Continued…
12.2) New 52 Continued: Justice Leaguers
Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men Vol. 3
12.3) New 52 Continued: Outsiders
12.4) New 52 Continued: Earth 2
12.6) New 52 Continued: Superteams
12.7) New 52 Continued: Batman Family
Red Hood and the Outlaws Vol. 2
Batman: The Dark Knight Vol. 2
Batman: The Dark Knight Vol. 3
13) Superman: H’el on Earth
Note that Supergirl #18 to #20 included in volume three should be read after H’el on Earth, and that Supergirl #16 to #17 are tie-ins for H’el on Earth below.
H’el on Earth Reading Order
Superman #15
Supergirl #16
Superboy #16
Superboy Annual #1
Superman #16
Supergirl #17
Superboy #17
Superman #17
14) Rotworld
Rotworld Reading Order:
Animal Man #12
Swamp Thing #12
Animal Man #13
Animal Man #14
Animal Man #15
Animal Man #16
Swamp Thing #13
Swamp Thing Annual #1
Swamp Thing #14
Swamp Thing #15
Swamp Thing #16
Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #13
Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #14
Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #15
Animal Man #17
Swamp Thing #17
Animal Man #18
Swamp Thing #18
15) Batman: Death of the Family
The Joker: Death of the Family
Death of the Family Reading Order:
Batman #13
Batgirl #13
Catwoman #13
Catwoman #14
Batman #14
Batgirl #14
Batman and Robin #13
Batman and Robin #14
Suicide Squad #14
Suicide Squad #15
Detective Comics #15
Batgirl #15
Batgirl #16
Batman #15
Batman and Robin #15
Batman and Robin #16
Detective Comics #16
Detective Comics #17
Nightwing #15
Nightwing #16
Red Hood and The Outlaws #15
Teen Titans #15
Red Hood and The Outlaws #16
Teen Titans #16
Batman #16
Batman #17
Batgirl #17
Batman and Robin #17
Red Hood and The Outlaws #17
Red Hood and the Outlaws Vol. 3
16) DC Villains Month
17) Green Lantern: Lights Out
Note that you should only read Green Lantern #21 to #23 prior to Lights Out.
Lights Out Reading Order:
Green Lantern #24
Green Lantern Corps #24
Green Lantern: New Guardians #24
Red Lanterns #24
Green Lantern Annual #2
18) New 52 Year Two Continued…
18.6) New 52 Year Two Cont: Superteams
The Green Team: Teen Trillionaires Vol. 1
18.7) New 52 Year Two Cont: Batman Family
18.9) New 52 Year Two Cont: Superman Family
Superman Unchained: Deluxe Edition
19) Batman: Requiem
20) Superman: Krypton Returns + Team-Ups
Krypton Returns Reading Order:
Action Comics Annual #2
Superboy #25
Supergirl #25
Superman #25
Superman/Wonder Woman Vol. 2: War And Peace
21) New 52 Year Two Redux
21.2) New 52 Year Two Cont: Justice Leaguers
Justice League of America’s Vibe Vol. 1
Justice League of America Vol. 1
21.3) New 52 Year Two Cont: Outsiders
21.4) New 52 Year Two Cont: Earth 2
21.7) New 52 Year Two Cont: Batman Family
Batman: The Dark Knight Vol. 4
Red Hood and the Outlaws Vol. 4
21.8) New 52 Year Two Cont: Green Lantern Corps
Green Lantern New Guardians Vol. 5
21.9) New 52 Year Two Cont: Superman Family
22) Batman: Gothtopia
Detective Comics Vol. 5: Gothtopia
Gothtopia Reading Order:
Detective Comics #27
Batwing #27
Batgirl #27
Birds of Prey #27
Catwoman #27
Detective Comics #28
Batwing #28
Birds of Prey #28
Catwoman #28
Detective Comics #29
23) Green Lantern: Uprising
24) Justice League: Trinity War Through Forever Evil
Trinity of Sin: Pandora Vol. 1
Trinity War Reading Order:
Trinity of Sin: Pandora #1
Justice League #22
Justice League of America #6
Justice League Dark #22
Constantine #5
Trinity of Sin: Pandora #2
The Phantom Stranger #11
Justice League of America #7
Trinity of Sin: Pandora #3
Justice League Dark #23
Justice League #23
Forever Evil Reading Order:
Forever Evil #1
Justice League Dark #24
Justice League Dark #25
Forever Evil #2
Justice League #24
Justice League of America #8
Justice League of America #9
Justice League Dark #26
Justice League #25
Justice League of America #10
Forever Evil #4
Justice League #26
Justice League #27
Justice League of America #11
Justice League Dark #27
Justice League Dark #28
Justice League #28
Forever Evil #5
Justice League of America #12
Justice League Dark #29
Justice League of America #13
Forever Evil #6
Justice League #29
Forever Evil #7
Justice League #30
Justice League of America #14
Trinity of Sin: Pandora Vol. 2
25) After Evil
25.2) After Evil: Justice Leaguers
25.3) After Evil: Outsiders
Infinity Man and the Forever People Vol. 1
25.4) After Evil: Earth 2
25.5) After Evil: Batman Family
Red Hood and the Outlaws Vol. 5
25.6) After Evil: Superteams
26) Red Daughter of Krypton and Superman: Doomed
Supergirl Vol. 5: Red Daugher of Krypton
Red Daughter of Krypton Reading Order:
Red Lanterns #27
Supergirl #28
Supergirl #29
Green Lantern #28
Red Lanterns #28
Red Lanterns #29
Supergirl #30
Red Lanterns #30
Supergirl #31
Red Lanterns #31
Red Lanterns #32
Supergirl #32
Supergirl #33
Superman Doomed Reading Order:
Action Comics #30
Superman / Wonder Woman #7
Superman #30
Superman Doomed #1
Action Comics #31
Superman / Wonder Woman #8
Superman #31
27) Batman: Robin Rises and Batman Eternal
Robin Rises Reading Order:
Robin Rises Omega #1
Batman and Robin #33
Batman and Robin #34
Batman and Robin #35
Batman and Robin #36
Batman and Robin #37
Robin Rises Alpha #1
Red Hood and the Outlaws Vol. 6
Red Hood and the Outlaws Vol. 7
28) Future’s End
29) Batman Eternal Continues
Batgirl Vol. 1: Batgirl of Burnside
30) Green Lantern / New Gods: Godhead
Green Lantern/New Gods: Godhead
Green Lanterns: New Guardians Vol. 6
Godhead Reading Order:
New Gods: Godhead #1
Green Lantern #35
Green Lantern Corps #35
Green Lantern New Guardians #35
Infinity Man & The Forever People #4
Red Lanterns #35
Sinestro #6
Green Lantern #36
Green Lantern Corps #36
Green Lantern New Guardians #36
Infinity Man & The Forever People #5
Red Lanterns #36
Sinestro #7
Green Lantern #37
Green Lantern Corps #37
Green Lantern New Guardians #37
Infinity Man & The Forever People #6
Red Lanterns #37
Sinestro #8
Green Lantern Annual #3
31) New 52 Seeks New Life as Old Series Conclude!
DC’s Secret Origins series are another example of books that were not published during the New 52’s launch, but go back in time to explain the state of a lot of the DC New 52, and to provide origins for several key characters.
G.I. Zombie: A Star-Spangled War Stories Vol. 1
Teen Titans Vol.1: Blinded by the Light
Deathstroke Vol. 1: Gods of War
Superman/Wonder Woman Vol. 4: Dark Truth
Deathstroke Vol. 2: God Killer
Harley Quinn Vol. 4: A Call to Arms
Harley Quinn Vol. 5: The Joker’s Last Laugh
32) Batman vs. the Joker: Endgame
Batman: Endgame Reading Order:
Batman #35
Batman #36
Batman #37
Batman Annual #3
Gotham Academy: Endgame #1
Batgirl: Endgame #1
Detective Comics: Endgame #1
Arkham Manor: Endgame #1
Batman #38
Batman #39
Batman #40
33) Multiversity (If You’re Nasty)
Multiversity is, in many ways, Grant Morrison’s omniversal follow-up to the 2009 DC event Final Crisis. It’s a thrilling madcap Morrison odyssey through DC’s alternate realities. You certainly don’t need to read this as part of New 52 continuity, but if you enjoy Morrison, or just pure meta comic book insanity, Multiversity is inside my top 100 favorite comics of all time for a reason.
34) Convergence (Shark Sandwich)
35) Previously, In The Future
36) You Say DC You, I Say New 52
Doctor Fate Vol. 1: The Blood Price
Martian Manhunter Vol. 1: The Epiphany
Black Canary Vol. 1: Kicking and Screaming
Batman and Robin Eternal Vol. 1
Green Lantern Corps: Lost Army Vol. 1
Sinestro Vol. 4: The Fall of Sinestro
Batgirl Vol. 2: Family Business
Harley Quinn Vol. 6: Black, White and Red All Over
Starfire Vol. 2: A Matter of Time
Teen Titans Vol. 2: Rogue Targets
Batman: Detective Comics Vol. 8
The final issue (#47) in this collection is a Robin War tie-in.
Note that the Grayson Vol. 4 collection includes both Grayson #15 (a Robin War tie-in) and Robin War #1 to #2.
Gotham Academy Vol. 2: Calamity
Robin: Son of Batman Vol. 1: Year of Blood
Robin War Reading Order:
Robin War #1
Grayson #15
Detective Comics #47
We Are Robin #7
Red Hood / Arsenal #7
Robin: Son of Batman #7
Gotham Academy #13
Teen Titans #15
Robin War #2
Robin: Son of Batman #8
Batman: Detective Comics Vol. 9
Batman & Robin Eternal Volume 2
Robin: Son of Batman Vol. 2: Dawn of the Demons
The first two issues in this Robin: Son of Batman collection (issues #7 to #8) are included in the Robin War tie-ins.
Gotham Academy Vol. 3: Yearbook
Note that Gotham Academy #13 is included as a Robin War tie-in.
Teen Titans Vol. 3: The Sum of It’s Parts
Issue of Teen Titans #15 is included in the Robin War tie-ins above.
Black Canary Vol. 2: New Killer Star
Justice League Vol. 7: Darkseid War
Justice League: Darkseid War – Power of the Gods
Justice League Vol. 8: Darkseid War Part 2
Wonder Woman Vol. 9: Resurrection
Superman Vol. 2: Return to Glory
Superman: Action Comics Vol. 9: Last Rites
Superman/Wonder Woman Vol. 5: A Savage End
Aquaman Vol. 8: Out of Darkness
Green Lantern Vol. 8: Reflections
Max Landis’s Superman project could be read at essentially any point in the New 52, as this details a broad history of Superman, removed from ongoing universe continuity. It’s the godson to Morrison and Quitely’s All-Star Superman, with plenty of enjoyable moments.
37) DC: Road to Rebirth
Superman: The Final Days of Superman
Reading Order:
Superman #51
Batman/Superman #31
Actions Comics #51
Superman/Wonder Woman #28
Batman/Superman #32
Action Comics #52
Superman/Wonder Woman #29
Superman #52
Continue on to DC Rebirth!
37.1) Injustice: Gods Among Us
Sure, it’s an alternate timeline, but Injustice is a key part of DC’s output during the New 52, turning a simple video game formula into a shockingly entertaining alternate reality.
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year One
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Two
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Two Vol. 2
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Three
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Three Vol. 2
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Four Vol. 1
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Four Vol. 2
Next: DC Rebirth
Heroically Support Comic Book Herald!
If you like Comic Book Herald, and are able to donate, any small contribution will help keep CBH alive and full of new comics guides and content. Donate here! Or, support CBH on Patreon for exclusive rewards! Or you can even check out the CBH Merch store and get something nice with a small portion benefiting the site! Thank you for reading!
Kishimoto Masashi says
Your green arrow is very off. It references JL #8, when you have only put the first 6 issues down
caleb says
do you know where green arrow vol 8 and 9 slot in? before or after darkseid?
Claude says
I wonder…under
21) New 52 Year Two Redux
21.2) New 52 Year Two Cont: Justice Leaguers
The link for Justice League of America Vol 1 leads to the Bryan Hitch series. Is that correct or should it be going to the Geoff Jones Vol 1 Worlds Most Dangerous?
Chris says
World’s Most Dangerous. The list includes 14 issues of JLoA. The Bryan Hitch series only has 10 issues.
Chris says
Wouldn’t Flash Vol. 2 take place right after Vol. 1 as it picks up right where Vol. 1 left off?
Damien says
I have a question about the batman/superman comics, Volume one apparently has 32 issues in it, but volume 2 says that it’s made up of volumes 5-9 of B/S, so how do I read those?
Great list BTW, wouldn’t be reading comics as much without it.
KersouMan says
Actually, Batman/Superman Volume 1 is the “name” of the ongoing series Batman/Superman that was published from 2013 to 2016 with 32 issues, 2 annuals and 1 special in it as listed here http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/Batman/Superman_Vol_1. It is named Volume 1 because it was the first series with this name to be published (for example, the Batman series that was launched for the New 52 is Batman Volume 2 since it is the second ongoing series titled Batman and the Batman series that was launched with Rebirth is Batman Volume 3).
However, the volume 1 mentionned in the reading order is Batman/Superman Cross World, the first collected containing issues 1 to 4 and issue 23.1 from the Justice League Volume 2 series. The volume 2 is the second collected containing thie issues 5 to 9 from Batman/Superman, the first annual issue and 2 issues from World’s Finest Volume 1.
Dan says
This kind of crap is what makes reading comics frustrating.
JokersNuts says
It’s really not that difficult to understand, somehow I and many others have no problem. Reading comics is fun, not frustrating. If you really need help, look at the publishing dates on each trade you buy, that will give you an idea when it came out and where it falls in continuity
andy says
youre missing half of h’el on earths reading order…..where you start us superman has already been thrown out of his home and superboy has already been almost killed.
BatsBatsBats14 says
Ive been considering starting this. Relatively new to comics. Kinda got interested through Marvels new Star Wars comics for the canon reboot. Always loved superhero’s, but since I’m new to comics the entirety of the DC universe can be overwhelming when looking for an entry point to the content. The New 52 seemed like it might be a good starting point since I won’t have to worry about info I missed throughout decades of the previous continuity. I know they’ve moved on from this reboot in part with rebirth, but the new 52 seems like a cleaner starting point.
The reason I’m favoring starting DC instead of marvel is bc Batman is my all time favorite superhero. Like second place not even close. I was curious that this reading order has an introduction volume for essentially every member of the bat family prior to Batman vol 1 even being listed. I just found this interesting bc with a reboot I would have thought you would see Batman first and each family member would as he brings them in and they develop in his storyline first. So I guess I am correct in assuming that this reboot does not build from the ground up? Essentially it just eradicated characters ‘set in stone’ history to free up authors from 70 years of stories to account for?
I really took to how Marvel handled Star Wars. didn’t mind that the story lines weren’t chronologically released, but everything falls into a timeline and builds on itself. I know I got a little ramble-y. Hopefully someone got the gist of what I was asking haha. Thanks for any answers.
Victor says
It’s also missing Green Arrow Vol. 8 and Vol. 9
Antonio says
Hey so where is Action comics vol. 7 and 8?
Victor says
That’s what I’m wondering! There’s no Action Comics Vol 7 and 8 on this reading list
Moustafa Sherif says
And where would they fit in this long list of reading sequence just curious ?
Sal says
Hey, just wondering about blue beetle vol 3 in 12.2. Well there isn’t a vol 3 in new 52 and It gives a link to one from 2006, are you suggesting that I read that one, was this a mistake, or was something else supposed to be in its place. Please let me know if possible so I can continue this amazing order I would appreciate it.
Ps: Amazing work can’t wait to keep this going and get farther you have to be the best at what you do
Sal says
And if there is anyone who can help that would be nice
José Tomás Gómez Rojas says
Hi, is there any update on this?
Ben says
If you still need to know, the Blue Bettle series ended at Volume 2
Eric W. says
Outstanding list! This really helps me a lot, I just have one question.
Where do the #0 issues fall in here?
Joel R. says
Just started reading the new 52 as my first comics and love it and this site as a reference, although I’m barely finishing the batman/superman vol 1, they make references to the Darkseid war and battle w Brainiac and doomsday that I am yet to read, and as I would like to read the comics in a sort of linear fashion so not to miss/spoil anything, I’m wondering what your opinion would be to read them in order to achieve that ? Easier said then done I’d have to assume but any help would be appreciated (:
Kian says
what is the reading order for the flash new 52 a justice league new 52 together including: trinity war, forever evil, the darkseid war power of god
kian says
*and
Pandawsome says
What do you mean by “Vol.#”? The collected editions? the DC definition of “Vol”???? Are they the issues ?????
Brian says
Where does Nightwing issue 30 come in since it isn’t part of Vol. 5? I feel like I’m missing something here
Trevor says
Why is it you don’t have a 12.1, 12.5. Why does it start at 18.6 to 18.9 and not 1, 2 ,3? 21.5, 21.6, 21.7 are missing. There is a lot more.
Is there a reason these aren’t there?
Virgil says
Typically, I like your reading orders a lot, but this one–not so much. It’s not the issue-by-issue list I’ve been (unsuccessfully) looking for, rather, it’s a reading list through the collected editions, with a few add-ins here and there. The problem: some of the linked collected editions do not list the books they contain, so I can’t tell which books belong. There’s also the fact that this list doesn’t seem to cover every issue of the New 52, at least, I’ve been unable to find about two dozen of the comics in your list or in the linked collections (granted, some of these may belong to those collected editions that don’t include lists, but in some cases, missing books just don’t fit in these). Ah well, I still thank you for your efforts–yours is still my ‘go to’ site for reading orders, but guess I’ll have to continue my search elsewhere for New 52.
Benjamin Gast says
Hey, just wondering if you found a site yet? I need one also. Thanks
Brian says
hey – do you still get the amazon referrals if I am clicking over to the Kindle version after clicking your link?
Dave says
I believe so – thanks for thinking of supporting the site!
Tom says
I recently purchased The Flash volume 5: History Lessons but noticed some changes on the cover. The Flash title is now orange instead of white and the New 52 sign isn’t on it. I’ve looked on Amazon but the changes don’t appear. I have found a changed one on Ebay but still can’t find an explanation to why. Do these changes affect the story at all?
JoAnn Price says
Hi Dave!
My husband is a fan of all things graphic novel and comic…Thank goodness!
I have recently accepted a position at my local library and, because he says our collection of graphic novels sucks, I have made it a point to increase the graphic novel collection significantly. Your site has been extremely helpful when it comes to finding the reading order.
Thank you and keep up the great work!
Dave says
That’s awesome! Thanks for the note 🙂
LD says
There’s a few missing here:
– All Star Western 6 (I think right after #5 is correct anyway)
– Batman Beyond 1, 2, & 3 (After Future’s End, but before Convergence?)
– Suicide Squad 5 (During Forever Evil)
– New Suicide Squad 3 & 4
– Rogues’ Rebellion & ARGUS (Forever Evil)
– Catwoman 7 & 8
– We Are Robin 2
– Red Hood/ Arsenal 2
– Gotham By Midnight 2
– Kubert’s Damian Son of Batman
– Poison Ivy Cycle of Life and Death (May not be canon)
There’s so many to read, it’s really impressive that anybody has been as thorough as CBH or collectededitions.blogspot.
Josh says
Am I crazy or is All-Star Western Volume 6 missing from the list?
kian says
it is missing
Tom says
I would advise placing The Flash volumes 1-3 back to back as Flash has no time to break between these events for Justice League volume 2. Same with Green Lantern volumes 1-3. Great list though
adam Martin says
I been reading these in order like the way you said to but i got to vol 2 of secret origins and started spoiling stuff that happens in new 52 storyline so not sure if you should put warning or something as it spoiled nightwing as i didnt know about grayson till now so i decided to skip it till i know there isnt anymore spoilers in the new 52 storyline.
Dave says
Good call, I moved Secret Origins down in the order!
Tom says
Incredible list but I still don’t understand how New 52 and Rebirth connect. Any ideas how I can easily understand?
Tom says
To make it easier, could you instead please tell me the essential Graphic Novels from the New 52 I need to understand Rebirth?
I think I'm smart says
Hey Tom, here’s something I posted on reddit to someone who had a similar question to what you have
In 2011, DC comics published an event called Flashpoint. This centered around the character of the Flash and his ability to run so fast that he can actually travel back in time. The Flash runs back in time to prevent his mother from getting murdered. This, in turn, causes a domino effect. In other words, he screwed up the timeline and created a world where he wasn’t the Flash, Bruce Wayne’s father became Batman instead, Superman was captured by the government, it was a mess. The Flash recovered his powers and again used his time-travel ability to try to fix what he did, even if it did include having to let his mom die.
However, he didn’t fix everything back to the way it was. This is where DC’s The New 52 was born. After Flashpoint, DC rebooted their titles, meaning they essentially started over. The New 52 consisted of 52 new titles. Each of these titles, like Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Aquaman, Teen Titans, etc. were all restarted, meaning what happened before Flashpoint didn’t matter or affect the characters in the New 52. What I’m trying to say is “The New 52 was a jumping-on point for new readers.” You could go in knowing NOTHING about a character and not be confused.
However, there are some exceptions when I say “What happened before Flashpoint doesn’t matter.” Some stories like “The Death of Superman” still happened. In addition the continuity of the characters Batman and Green Lantern were almost all retained.
But you might be wondering, “what about everything that happened before Flashpoint?” It all goes back to 1985 in a comic called “Crisis on Infinite Earths” (don’t read it, it’s absolute shit, but the aftermath is huge). This was ANOTHER reboot done by DC and created a new continuity. This continuity lasted until Flashpoint, which was over 35 years!
I’m probably losing you here, so let’s recap.
Crisis on Infinite Earths: 1985 —–> after 35+ years——-> Flashpoint (2011) ———-> New 52 is created, most of what happened in-between Crisis on Infinite Earths and Flashpoint is erased from history.
As you can expect, some people were not happy that DC decided to simply act like the 35 years worth of stories before Flashpoint never happened. DC kinda acknowledged that they screw up a bit, so, slowly but surely, they are working on bringing Post-Crisis continuity (everything between Crisis and Flashpoint) into the New 52 Universe.
So where does rebirth come in? During the course of the New 52, DC was slowly adding Post-Crisis stuff back to the New 52. Rebirth is a GIANT step forward in this.
I would assume that you’re reading Rebirth now, so I’d suggest looking up summaries of the New 52 Series (some series are really awesome and I’d suggest a read, like Batman, for example). The 2 important series that set the stage for Rebirth are Convergence (which is really shitty, imo) and Titans Hunt (slightly better)
Tom says
Thank you so much, this is really helpful
Tom says
Do I have to read the rest of the Teen Titans ark to understand Titans Hunt?
Luis says
Awesome list — I’ve been away from the DCU for a few years now and would like to read the most important New 52 stories before I dive into the whole Rebirth universe. I was lost, but now I have a clearer path to follow. Thank you so much for this.
Matthew Wilks says
Where does the Batman: The Dark Knight series fall into the New 52 reading order?
Tom says
You should add Green Lantern volume 8 and The Flash volume 8
Alexander says
Hi Dave, would you compress this one into an ‘Essentials’-type list one day? Say, ’25 Comic Titles from the New 52 Which Are Absolutely Essential to Understand Rebirth’, the way you did for Marvel NOW! or pre-Flashpoint 2000s DC? This could be both awesome and completely necessary for us newcomers. Even as a soft reboot, Rebirth still relies too heavily on all the previous developments, and reading the WHOLE of pre-history since 2011 (or before?!) is something barely feasible…
Dave says
This is a very good idea…
Perhaps in the near future.
Artur says
I’ve just started reading the new 52 and im kinda new to comic books so i wanted to ask if this list is complete and why should i skip batman vol 5 in the reading order?
Dave says
Hi Artur,
I don’t recommend you skip Batman vol. 5. It’s placed way up front in the Zero Year section, since these comics actually occur the earliest in the New 52 timeline. That’s weird, I know 🙂
This list is as complete as I can make it, and I’m always looking to update as new info becomes available.
Enjoy the comics!
Tom says
You’re only missing a handful now. List is almost done!!
Thalia says
Thank you so much for this. I’ve seen the superheroes movies and the tv shows and I had no Idea on where to start reading comic books. I think this would be an awesome start thanks for the guide.
Dan says
Loving your work Dave!
Am says
I just want to say, you are an SEO and inbound LEGEND!!
Dave says
Haha thanks
Levi says
Where is Damian: Son of Batman or Grayson Vol. 5? Just curious as your list is INCREDIBLE! Thanks a million!
Tyler says
You’ve got the wrong Nightwing Vol. 3 linked, just so you know.
NAOMI says
This contradicts your superman reading order, here you have us reading Action comics vol. 1-4 before the superman comics which crossover with eachother. And you dont mention the superman paperbacks until section (3.0 with the supergirl and superboy comics so i am kind of confused on how to approach….. I have already read Justice League Vol. 1 and Action Comics Vol. 1-4 and i noticed in #24 that it is the second part of a two part story arc.
bryan ritchie says
I am also a bit confused. there are no shazam? I am attempting to collect all of the new 52 and this has been very helpful. is this a list strictly of continuity? missing out volumes because they don’t fit in? I am looking for an entire list, if anyone could help I would be very grateful
Dave says
Good call on Shazam, I’ve added it to section 8.2!
There shouldn’t be any missing volumes at this point, it’s a complete list to my knowledge!
Lemon Drops says
Hey, I was a bit confused as some volumes seemed to be missing such as Deathstroke Vol. 3 (It just jumps straight to Vol. 4).
Zach says
It seems like the last few volumes of Batman and Justice League play jump rope with the continuity. Darkseid War seems to take place after convergence, but the ending of Endgame makes it impossible for Bruce to be there.
Len Pallazola says
This list is super awesome and I’m so glad you finally made it. Where’s “I Vampire” though?
chuki says
Fist, where’s batman : the dark knight vol. 1 is set?
Second, there’s a lot of comics that aren’t there, like the continuity of the flash, the last vol of green lantern, maybe more, so i’m a bit confusing.
Will says
This is extremely helpful. I just wanted to point out one continuity glitch early on. You have Action Comics Vol 2 before Justice League Vol 1, but Superman meets with the Justice League in AC #10, included in AC Vol 2, and it seems to be after the events of JL Vol 1. But again, this is great. Thank you for all your work putting this together.
Mihir Patwa says
Amazing work on the list, by just a question, is the Batman series actually part of continuity, because the justice league stories dint really seem to tie in with Batman at all?
Jonathan says
I am finding this website very useful, it is odd that there aren’t really any definitive reading order lists for the New 52. I am a voracious collector of DC Comics and organize all my tpb’s in order of continuity. I am having a lot of trouble figuring out the order for the last couple years of DC Comics. From Batman Endgame – Present. Justice League Darkseid War features Bruce Wayne as Batman so must take place after Batman and Robin Eternal. It cannot take place before Batman Endgame because of his new revelations about The Joker at the end of Darkseid War. Also, the first chapter of Darkseid war references Brainiac’s machinations in Convergence. I am more willing to place Convergence a lot earlier despite this single reference, as not much else is affected.
Thanks for creating this website
Michael Bellonis says
I’m also super curious about this part of the continuity. Taking the ending of Batman: Endgame into consideration, I started reading Batman and Robin Eternal (according to the Reading Order, that’s the next step in the main Bat-Family stories), and I feel like there’s…something missing. They start referencing the ‘New Batman’, a robotic Batman in the streets, “Bruce doesn’t remember my face,”, etc. Where is all of this established? It’s not the end of Endgame, and the next logical step would be Batman Vol 8, but that doesn’t hop on the reading order until much later.
Blake says
Nice work, reading through now. Noticed that Justice League Dark Vol. 2 and I, Vampire Vol. 2 crossover, but you haven’t included the Rise of the Vampires event.
Josh says
Why are some of them out of order? Such as the Justice League origins…the issues are 3, 4, 1, 2. I would think it would be 1, 2, 3, 4. Not trying to be rude, I’m just curious.
ConcernedCitizen says
This is great. Any chance to create a DC Rebirth reading order guide? Thanks for doing these guides it helped a lot especially on the older storylines.
Dave says
Glad you enjoy!
Unless DC starts comping me Rebirth issues out of the goodness of their hearts, a Rebirth order is off my radar. I’m sure I’ll start to consider as the trades are released, though.
ConcernedCitizen says
I guess I’ll just have to wing it for now. More power, Dave. This site rocks!
Dave says
Thank you!
Juan says
Great list, thanks for doing this now I can start reading with a good order, just one question, would you update it to include:
Batman/Superman Vol. 5
Detective Comics Vol. 8
Detective Comics Vol. 9
JUSTICE LEAGUE: Gods And Men (Darkseid War)
??
Hope you do, best regards and agaig, thanks for doing this.
Balzamike says
Wow, just started to read comics and after a week into the darkness of continuity, I’ve found your article…. You’ve done such an amazing work, thank you for that.
Big kiss from France.
Dave says
haha thanks! enjoy the comics!
Sean says
It seems to me like a fine list. And the first I’ve found that continues beyond Convergence. However,
there are some points I’ve found.
– Batgirl, Vol. 2 has #7-12, #9 is part of the Night of the Owls event, however Vol. 2 is placed way
after it. How come?
– Justice League Dark, Vol. 4 constists of #22-29, however #22-29 are part of the Trinity War and
Forever Evil events. Vol. 4 however, is placed just after the Throne of Atlantis event, way before it.
– The link to Supergirl, Vol. 3 isn’t going to the New 52 Supergirl, Vol. 3, but the one from the
previous run. Here’s the correct link: http://www.amazon.com/Supergirl-Vol-Sanctuary-New-
52/dp/1401243185/182-6024374-9285539?ie=UTF8&keywords=supergirl%20vol
%203&qid=1465314471&ref_=sr_1_1&s=books-intl-de&sr=1-1
– Supergirl, Vol. 3 comes mostly after the H’el on Earth event, as the event has #16-17 and Vol. 3 has
#13-20.
– Green Lantern, Vol. 4 consists of #21-26+Annual #2, half of it, though, is part of the Lights Out
event, which comes later, so how does the placement work here?
– Batman: The Dark Knight, Vol. 5 does not exist (it links to the wrong Batman series volume). Vol. 4
(#22-29) was the last of its run.
– Where did Batwoman, Vol. 4 go?
– Nightwing, Vol. 3 consists of #19-25, but is set before the Death of the Family event that has #15-16,
so what’s the reason for that?
– Green Lantern, Vol. 5 has a good chunk of it being involved with the Red Daughter of Krypton event,
its placement is before it, though. Same goes for Red Lanterns, Vol. 5.
– Where is Supergirl, Vol. 7?
– We Are Robin, Vol. 1 is placed two times. What’s the correct one?
– Where is a huge chunk of the DC You period comics?
– Superman: American Alien is an Elseworld story, I believe.
– Injustice is in its fifth year now, and it is its last.
Remember, this is not to slam the list down, but rather to enhance it.
Also, is there any chance that the Marvel NOW! reading order will be finished? It’s still missing the
last part up to Secret Wars.
Dave says
Thanks for all that feedback! I’ve incorporated a bunch and will continue working on enhancing. DC YOU in particular will see some more additions as those become clearer.
For Marvel NOW, a full sweep in on the list!