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You are here: Home / Reading DC Comics / DC Comics New 52 Reading Order

DC Comics New 52 Reading Order

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.
DC's New 52 Justice League

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Index:

0) Zero Year – Batman & Superman’s Early Years

1) Justice League Origins

2) Meet the New 52

3) Meet the Superman Family

4) Flashback / Before Modern Day

5) Meet the Bat Family

6) The Culling Reading Order

7) Meet the Green Lantern Corps

8) New 52 Year One Continued

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

12) The New 52 Continued…

13) Superman: H’el on Earth Reading Order

14) Rotworld Reading Order

15) Batman: Death of the Family

16) DC Villains Month

17) Green Lantern: Lights Out Reading Order

18) New 52 Year Two Continued…

19) Batman: Requiem

20) Superman Krypton Returns Reading Order

21) New 52 Year Two Redux

22) Batman: Gothtopia

23) Green Lantern: Uprising

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

29) Batman Eternal Continues

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

35) DC Comics of the Future

36) You Say DC You, I Say New 52

37) Injustice: Gods Among Us

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!

Batman Vol. 4

DC Comics: Zero Year

Batman Vol. 5

Batman/Superman Vol. 1

Action Comics Vol. 1

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

Justice League Vol. 1

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.

Action Comics Vol. 2

Action Comics Vol. 3

Action Comics Vol. 4

2) Meet the New 52

2.1) Meet the New 52: Red, Weird, and Green

Animal Man Vol. 1

Swamp Thing Vol. 1

Frankenstein, Agent of SHADE Vol. 1

2.2) Meet the New 52: Justice Leaguers

Green Arrow Vol. 1

Blue Beetle Vol. 1

Justice League International Vol. 1

Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men Vol. 1

Justice League Dark Vol. 1

Aquaman Vol. 1

Captain Atom Vol. 1

The Flash Vol. 1

Wonder Woman Vol. 1

Savage Hawkman Vol. 1

2.3) Meet the New 52: Outsiders

Hawk and Dove Vol. 1

OMAC Vol. 1

Static Shock Vol. 1

Deathstroke Vol. 1

Mister Terrific Vol. 1

DC Universe Presents Vol. 1

Legion Lost Vol. 1

Voodoo Vol. 1

Grifter Vol. 1

Resurrection Man Vol. 1

2.4) Meet the New 52: Earth 2

Earth 2 Vol. 1

World’s Finest Vol. 1

2.5) Meet the New 52: World at War

Team 7 Vol. 1

Men of War Vol. 1

Blackhawks Vol. 1

2.6) Meet the New 52: Superteams

Suicide Squad Vol. 1

Teen Titans Vol. 1

Stormwatch Vol. 1

3) Meet the Superman Family

Supergirl Vol. 1

Supergirl Vol. 2

Superboy Vol. 1

Superman Vol. 1

Superman Vol. 2

4) Flashback / Before Modern Day

Demon Knights Vol. 1

Demon Knights Vol. 2

Demon Knights Vol. 3

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.

All-Star Western Vol. 1

All-Star Western Vol. 2

All-Star Western Vol. 3

All-Star Western Vol. 4

5) Meet the Bat Family

Penguin: Pain and Prejudice

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

Batwoman Vol. 1

Batman and Robin Vol. 1

Detective Comics Vol. 1

Batgirl Vol. 1

Batwing Vol. 1

Nightwing Vol. 1

Catwoman Vol. 1

Birds of Prey 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

The Ravagers Vol. 1

7) Meet the Green Lantern Corps

Green Lantern Corps Vol. 1

Red Lanterns Vol. 1

Green Lantern Vol. 1

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

Animal Man Vol. 2

Swamp Thing Vol. 2

8.2) New 52 Year One: Justice Leaguers

Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men Vol. 2

Justice League International Vol. 2

Justice League Dark Vol. 2

Blue Beetle Vol. 2

Captain Atom Vol. 2

The Flash Vol. 2

Wonder Woman Vol. 2

Savage Hawkman Vol. 2

Aquaman Vol. 2

Shazam! Vol. 1

8.3) New 52 Year One: Outsiders

DC Voodoo Vol. 2

Legion Lost Vol. 2

I, Vampire Vol. 1

I, Vampire Vol. 2

Resurrection Man Vol. 2

Deathstroke Vol. 2

Phantom Stranger Vol. 1

Sword of Sorcery Vol. 1

8.5) New 52 Year One: World at War

GI Combat Vol. 1

8.6) New 52 Year One: Superteams

Suicide Squad Vol. 2

Stormwatch Vol. 2

8.7) New 52 Year One: Batman Family

Batwoman Vol. 2

Batwoman Vol. 3

Birds of Prey Vol. 2

8.8) New 52 Year One: Green Lantern Corps

Red Lanterns Vol. 2

Green Lantern: New Guardians Vol. 2

9) Batman: The Court of Owls & Night of The Owls

Batman Vol. 1

Batman: The 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 Vol. 2

Nightwing Vol. 2

Batwing Vol. 2

Catwoman Vol. 2

Batman: The Dark Knight Vol. 1

Batgirl Vol. 2

10) Justice League Through Throne of Atlantis

Justice League Vol. 2

Justice League Dark Vol. 3

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

Aquaman Vol. 4

11) Green Lantern Rise of the Third Army & Wrath of the First Lantern

Green Lantern Vol. 2

Green Lantern Corps Vol. 2

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

Larfleeze Vol. 1

Larfleeze Vol. 2

Green Lantern Corps Vol. 4

Green Lantern: New Guardians Vol. 4

12) The New 52 Continued…

12.2) New 52 Continued: Justice Leaguers

Blue Beetle Vol. 3

Green Arrow Vol. 2

Green Arrow Vol. 3

Wonder Woman Vol. 3

Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men Vol. 3

The Flash Vol. 3

The Flash Vol. 4

Wonder Woman Vol. 4

The Flash Vol. 5

12.3) New 52 Continued: Outsiders

Threshold Vol. 1

Dial H For Hero Vol. 1

Grifter Vol. 2

DC Universe Presents Vol. 2

I, Vampire Vol. 3

Dial H for Hero Vol. 2

DC Universe Presents Vol. 3

Phantom Stranger Vol. 2

Constantine Vol. 1

12.4) New 52 Continued: Earth 2

Earth 2 Vol. 2

Worlds’ Finest Vol. 2

12.6) New 52 Continued: Superteams

Stormwatch Vol. 3

Teen Titans Vol. 2

Ravagers Vol. 2

Stormwatch Vol. 4

12.7) New 52 Continued: Batman Family

Batman and Robin Vol. 2

Red Hood and the Outlaws Vol. 2

Detective Comics Vol. 2

Batwing Vol. 3

Talon Vol. 1

Batman: The Dark Knight Vol. 2

Batman: The Dark Knight Vol. 3

Detective Comics Vol. 3

13) Superman: H’el on Earth

Superboy Vol. 3

Supergirl Vol. 3

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.

Superman: H’el on Earth

H’el on Earth Reading Order

Superman #15

Supergirl #16

Superboy #16

Superboy Annual #1

Superman #16

Supergirl #17

Superboy #17

Superman #17

Superman Vol. 4

14) Rotworld

Animal Man Vol. 3

Swamp Thing Vol. 3 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

Animal Man Vol. 4

Swamp Thing Vol. 4

15) Batman: Death of the Family

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

Teen Titans Vol. 3

Nightwing Vol. 3

Red Hood and the Outlaws Vol. 3

Catwoman Vol. 3

16) DC Villains Month

DC New 52 Villains Omnibus

17) Green Lantern: Lights Out

Green Lantern Vol. 4

Note that you should only read Green Lantern #21 to #23 prior to Lights Out.

Green Lantern: 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

Suicide Squad Vol. 3

Teen Titans Vol. 4

The Movement Vol. 1

The Green Team: Teen Trillionaires Vol. 1

The Movement Vol. 2

Suicide Squad Vol. 4

Stormwatch Vol. 5

18.7) New 52 Year Two Cont: Batman Family

Birds of Prey Vol. 3

Batwoman Vol. 4

18.9) New 52 Year Two Cont: Superman Family

Superboy Vol. 4

Superman Unchained: Deluxe Edition

Supergirl Vol. 4

19) Batman: Requiem

Batman Inc. Vol. 1

Batman Inc. Vol. 2

Batman and Robin Vol. 4

20) Superman: Krypton Returns + Team-Ups

Superman: Krypton Returns

Krypton Returns Reading Order:

Action Comics Annual #2

Superboy #25

Supergirl #25

Superman #25

Batman/Superman Vol. 2

Superman/Wonder Woman Vol. 1

Superman/Wonder Woman Vol. 2: War And Peace

21) New 52 Year Two Redux

21.2) New 52 Year Two Cont: Justice Leaguers

Wonder Woman Vol. 5

Wonder Woman Vol. 6

Justice League of America’s Vibe Vol. 1

Justice League of America Vol. 1

Green Arrow Vol. 4

Green Arrow Vol. 5

Aquaman Vol. 5

Aquaman Vol. 6

21.3) New 52 Year Two Cont: Outsiders

Katana Vol. 1

All-Star Western Vol. 5

Harley Quinn Vol. 1

Harley Quinn Vol. 2

Swamp Thing Vol. 5

Swamp Thing Vol. 6

Swamp Thing Vol. 7

Animal Man Vol. 5

21.4) New 52 Year Two Cont: Earth 2

World’s Finest Vol. 3

World’s Finest Vol. 4

Earth 2 Vol. 3

Earth 2 Vol. 4

21.7) New 52 Year Two Cont: Batman Family

Detective Comics Vol. 4

Nightwing Vol. 4

Catwoman Vol. 4

Talon Vol. 2

Batman: The Dark Knight Vol. 4

Birds of Prey Vol. 4

Birds of Prey Vol. 5

Batgirl Vol. 4

Batgirl Vol. 5

Catwoman Vol. 5

Batwing Vol. 4

Red Hood and the Outlaws Vol. 4

Batman and Robin Vol. 5

Batwing Vol. 5

Nightwing Vol. 5

Batwoman Vol. 5

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

Superman Vol. 5

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

Green Lantern Corps Vol. 5

Sinestro Vol. 1

24) Justice League: Trinity War Through Forever Evil

Justice League Vol. 4

Justice League: Trinity War

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

Forever Evil: Arkham War

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

Justice League Vol. 6

Justice League Dark Vol. 4

Justice League Dark Vol. 5

Trinity of Sin: Pandora Vol. 2

25) After Evil

25.2) After Evil: Justice Leaguers

The Flash Vol. 6

The Flash Vol. 7

Aquaman and the Others Vol. 1

Green Arrow Vol. 6

25.3) After Evil: Outsiders

Constantine Vol. 3

Phantom Stranger Vol. 3

Harley Quinn Vol. 3

Harley Quinn and Power Girl

Infinity Man and the Forever People Vol. 1

Constantine Vol. 4

25.4) After Evil: Earth 2

Earth 2 Vol. 5

World’s Finest Vol. 5

World’s Finest Vol. 6

Earth 2 Vol. 6

25.5) After Evil: Batman Family

Red Hood and the Outlaws Vol. 5

Batman/Superman Vol. 3

Batwoman Vol. 6

25.6) After Evil: Superteams

Teen Titans Vol. 5

New Suicide Squad Vol. 1

Justice League United Vol. 1

Justice League United Vol. 2

26) Red Daughter of Krypton and Superman: Doomed

Superboy Vol. 5

Action Comics Vol. 5

Green Lantern Vol. 5

Red Lanterns Vol. 5

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

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

Supergirl Vol. 6

27) Batman: Robin Rises and Batman Eternal

Batman and Robin Vol. 6

Batman and Robin Vol. 7

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

Batman Eternal Vol. 1

Red Hood and the Outlaws Vol. 6

Red Hood and the Outlaws Vol. 7

Detective Comics Vol. 6

Batman Vol. 6

Detective Comics Vol. 7

28) Future’s End

Earth 2: World’s End Vol. 1

Earth 2: World’s End Vol. 2

New 52: Futures End Vol. 1

New 52: Futures End Vol. 2

New 52: Futures End Vol. 3

29) Batman Eternal Continues

Batman Eternal Vol. 2

Grayson Vol. 1

Grayson Vol. 2

Arkham Manor

Batgirl Vol. 1: Batgirl of Burnside

Batman Eternal Vol. 3

Batman/Superman Vol. 4

30) Green Lantern / New Gods: Godhead

Green Lantern/New Gods: Godhead

Green Lantern Vol. 6

Green Lantern Corps Vol. 6

Red Lanterns Vol. 6

Sinestro Vol. 2

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!

Secret Origins Vol. 1

Secret Origins Vol. 2

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.

Justice League Dark Vol. 6

G.I. Zombie: A Star-Spangled War Stories Vol. 1

Aquaman and the Others Vol. 2

Teen Titans Vol.1: Blinded by the Light

Deathstroke Vol. 1: Gods of War

Superman/Wonder Woman Vol. 3

Superman/Wonder Woman Vol. 4: Dark Truth

Deathstroke Vol. 2: God Killer

Sinestro Vol. 3

Harley Quinn Vol. 4: A Call to Arms

Harley Quinn Vol. 5: The Joker’s Last Laugh

Green Arrow Vol. 7

Catwoman Vol. 6

Wonder Woman Vol. 7

Action Comics Vol. 7

Secret Six Vol. 1

Gotham Academy Vol. 1

Lobo Vol. 1

Midnighter Vol. 1

Superman: The Men of Tomorrow

Gotham by Midnight Vol. 1

32) Batman vs. the Joker: Endgame

Batman Vol. 7

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

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)

Convergence

Convergence reading order

35) Previously, In The Future

Justice League 3000 Vol. 1

Justice League 3000 Vol. 2

Justice League 3001 Vol. 1

Justice League 3001 Vol. 2

Legion: Secret Origin

Legion of Super-Heroes Vol. 1

Legion of Super-Heroes Vol. 2

Legion of Super-Heroes Vol. 3

36) You Say DC You, I Say New 52

Cyborg Vol. 1: Unplugged

Doctor Fate Vol. 1: The Blood Price

Martian Manhunter Vol. 1: The Epiphany

Black Canary Vol. 1: Kicking and Screaming

Starfire Vol. 1: Welcome Home

Red Hood/Arsenal Vol. 1

Batman and Robin Eternal Vol. 1

New Suicide Squad Vol. 2

Deathstroke Vol. 3

Deathstroke Vol. 4

Lobo Vol. 2

The Flash Vol. 8: Zoom

The Omega Men

Wonder Woman Vol. 8

Action Comics Vol. 8: Truth

Green Lantern Vol. 7

Green Lantern Corps: Lost Army Vol. 1

Sinestro Vol. 4: The Fall of Sinestro

Aquaman Vol. 7: Exiled

Superman Vol. 1: Before Truth

Batman Vol. 8

Batgirl Vol. 2: Family Business

Batman/Superman Vol. 5

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.

Grayson Vol. 3

Grayson Vol. 4

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

We Are Robin Vol. 1

Robin: Son of Batman Vol. 1: Year of Blood

Robin War

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 Vol. 9

Midnighter Vol. 2

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

Batgirl Vol. 3: Mindfields

Justice League Vol. 7: Darkseid War

Justice League: Darkseid War – Power of the Gods

Justice League Vol. 8: Darkseid War Part 2

Grayson, Vol. 5: Spyral’s End

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

The Flash Vol. 9: Full Stop

Aquaman Vol. 8: Out of Darkness

Green Lantern Vol. 8: Reflections

Batman Vol. 10

Superman: American Alien

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

Titans Hunt

Superman: Lois and Clark

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

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ethan Donovan says

    January 25, 2022 at 2:00 am

    Have you read all of these?

    Reply
  2. Anonsous says

    January 6, 2022 at 4:14 pm

    (**SPOILERS FOR BATMAN**)

    Batman Eternal still has Robin dead from what Im currently reading (issue 5) but I already read Robin Rises which Robin is resurrected. Gotta put Batman Eternal after Forever Evil then before Robin Rises if that’s the case. If the event happened between issues then a note is ok. Truth be told this is very annoying and frustrating for a reader but still, thank you for the list. But please change it

    Reply
    • Anonsous says

      January 7, 2022 at 6:30 am

      May I add, Im currently on Detective Comics vol. 6 (issue 30) and Robin is still dead. Its really hard to continue when you already have the emotional Impact in Robin Rises…

      Reply
  3. Thulr Odinsson says

    June 11, 2021 at 5:41 am

    Hello, I am noticing this New 52 Reading Order, as it pertains to Batman, is in a different order from your “Batman Reading Order”. This one begins with Year Zero, but then has us reading both Vol. 1 of Batman and Robin & Vol. 1 of Detective Comics, before reading Court of Owls, while in your Batman Reading Order, you suggest beginning with either Year Zero or Court of Owls. Also, I am noticing this New 52 Reading Order has us read Suicide Squad Vol. 1 before reading the Batman storyline involving the Joker’s face, which is out of chronology and confusing for the reader.
    I am just beginning the New 52 and wanted to use your reading order, but it seems all out of chronology. Please let us know if you fix this. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Angelo says

      February 4, 2022 at 9:53 pm

      Hi. Just like you I’m just beginning The New 52 and I’ve already read Flashpoint.
      Can you tell what comes after that going?

      Reply
      • Ismail says

        May 19, 2022 at 2:16 pm

        Zero Year acts as a Flashback story set in New 52 continuity. Realistically, he can follow either order.

        You can either read it in release order as a flashback story or you can kick off with it as an origin story that sets the stage for New 52 Batman. This isn’t like Star Wars or the MCU where you have to follow it in the order it was released.

        Hope that helps!

        Reply
  4. Mick V says

    May 26, 2021 at 6:11 pm

    I’ve recently been reading the Batman and Bat-Family related titles, however i noticed that ‘We Are Robin Vol. 2: Jokers’ hasn’t been listed in the ‘Robin War’ end of the New 52 reading order.

    I found info elsewhere referring to the title going after Robin War #1&2, though i wanted to know if it goes directly after or slightly later?

    (Also, thanks heaps for this extensive list!!!)

    Reply
  5. Ruta says

    April 17, 2021 at 11:37 am

    Hi! Thanks for this reading order. But I think there is a small problem about Action Comics vol. 4. Vol. 4 contains a story about Diana and Clark going on a date. The in the order you put vol. 4 they haven’t even know each other that well. Just saw each other in Justice League vol. 1.

    And also vol. 4 contains Psi War part 2. Part 1 is in Superman vol. 4. So Action Comics Vol.4 needs to be read after Superman, vol. 4: Psi War.

    Have a good day!

    Reply
  6. Andrew says

    January 27, 2021 at 11:41 am

    Hiya, I’m a big fan of the lists and all the hard work you and everyone involved put into it. Thank you so much for all you do. It has been a big help when organizing my collection.

    I’m noticing an inconsistency with the Robin Rises/Batman Eternal, section 27. The list states that the Robin Rises arc predates Batman Eternal. However, I am currently reading through Batman Eternal and have nearly finished the final volume. It is stated throughout the arc that Robin/Damian is still very much gone as well as Nightwing.

    Reply
  7. Jon says

    January 24, 2021 at 7:28 pm

    Anyway, I’m a patron now, and been returning to this page for 4 months now, and found it nearly impossible to get thru this list. I understand some people just read/consume, but if I’m not collecting books then there’s no point for me, meaning I have to really like a series to continue with it. Not an OCD completionist! Obviously, it’s quite expensive to go the book route vs digital, and have had to cull/curate the list to a manageable level because 200 books is too much.
    I found while making this attempt that I really do not enjoy the serialized books. It’s all just so much BS to me when I read so many books quickly in order. I don’t like seeing the marketing BS, the circular storytelling, the garbage writing (and at least half of New 52 is truly just a pile of horseshit not worth reading).
    My solution was to return to the characters I like most, explore a little, and only dive deep with known/good series. Given up on about 3/4 of the library. It was educational.

    Reply
  8. hamim says

    November 28, 2020 at 10:36 pm

    where is batman vol 2 ?

    Reply
    • Roger says

      January 3, 2021 at 11:48 pm

      Está no capítulo 9 Batman the court of owls

      Reply
  9. vegalal177 says

    November 19, 2020 at 1:28 pm

    When is this last updated? i see some missing miniseries. are they intentionally leftout cause they dont have a major role in the main story of the “52 universe”, or did you forget? its fine either way, i just want to know.

    Reply
  10. Gene says

    October 21, 2020 at 11:53 pm

    Two volumes I don’t see listed are Forever Evil: Blight and Gotham by Midnight Vol. 2.
    Curious where in the timeline those go.

    Reply
  11. Justin says

    October 13, 2020 at 9:13 pm

    Where do volumes 3 and 4 of New Suicide Squad belong?

    Reply
  12. Jon says

    September 24, 2020 at 12:29 pm

    Your list is missing AQUAMAN VOL 3

    Reply
    • Jon says

      September 24, 2020 at 12:45 pm

      nvm, I see that it’s duped in JL: ToA. I hate it when DC does that.

      Reply
  13. Pakmax12 says

    September 15, 2020 at 1:55 am

    If you got yourself a DC Uvinerse account, and want to start reading this Reading order of the New 52 i will make some playlist to share with you, i´ll be making them as i go on reading the comics so be patient with me.

    Anyway Lets start with:
    Batman, Vol. 4: Zero Year – Secret City:
    https://www.dcuniverse.com/comics/book/batman-2011-24/dbf1fb5e-e3d5-4a6a-8a8c-8a9439a78f76/

    Reply
    • Pakmax12 says

      September 15, 2020 at 1:57 am

      Sorry wrong link, here it is: https://www.dcuniverse.com/mydc/lists/f229fbc3-e41d-43fb-a065-cd6a587e81a1

      Reply
      • Pakmax12 says

        September 15, 2020 at 1:59 am

        DC COMICS: ZERO YEAR:

        https://www.dcuniverse.com/mydc/lists/abaaab74-aa9a-4360-b6fe-cecff75e21be

        Reply
        • Pakmax12 says

          September 15, 2020 at 2:00 am

          Batman Vol. 5: Zero Year – Dark City:
          https://www.dcuniverse.com/mydc/lists/38bb33de-3efa-4bfe-b280-78ca61c4fa34

          Reply
          • Pakmax12 says

            September 15, 2020 at 2:02 am

            Batman/Superman Vol. 1: Cross World:
            https://www.dcuniverse.com/mydc/lists/98fb4a31-d589-4248-9c64-71bd76384245

          • Pakmax12 says

            September 15, 2020 at 2:05 am

            Action Comics, Vol. 1: Superman and the Men of Steel:
            https://www.dcuniverse.com/mydc/lists/b8193047-79d4-4b78-8651-694fa4b718d1

            And this concludes Zero Year – Batman & Superman’s Early Years

            I will post more if you guys want

  14. Jon says

    September 13, 2020 at 6:39 pm

    TYVM for this guide. Why comic publishers are always so irrational and illogical and disorderly is probably due to fighting for survival in a tough market. It’s a shame the listings are such a mess, it really is impossible for fans to keep track of all this crap. I gave up on comics and now only read trades, and even those are incomprehensible unless you’re just a fan of a certain character, then it’s easy enough. I wanted a full New 52 experience after only going through about half of it and this guide is perfect. Thank you! I’ll consider contributing to your patreon.

    Reply
  15. Ryan says

    May 28, 2020 at 9:56 am

    I noticed Huntress: Crossbow at the Crossroads is not listed. It takes place right before the events of Worlds Finest Volume 1, but Worlds Finest Volume 1 has flashback information from before the Huntress volume. Hope this helps!

    Reply
  16. R says

    April 22, 2020 at 3:47 pm

    Justice League Dark volume 2 has to be read after I, Vampire volume 1- issue 1 of JL Dark has MASSIVE spoilers for I, vampire #6.

    Reply
  17. Joshua says

    March 27, 2020 at 12:27 pm

    Where does

    Justice League of America: Power and Glory
    Cyborg Vol. 2: Enemy of the State
    Martian Manhunter Vol. 2: The Red Rising
    and Green Arrow Vol 8-9

    Fit in to the timeline?
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Victoria says

      September 2, 2020 at 12:18 pm

      JLA: Power and Glory is included in the JLA read through, Cyborg Vol. 2 can go right after Vol. 1, Matian Manhunter Vol 2 can go right after Vol 1, and Both vol 8 and 9 can go after green lantern Vol 8

      Reply
  18. Milo says

    November 3, 2019 at 9:32 pm

    The Blue Beetle Vol. 03, I think is not part of the “NEW 52”. Please reply and correct me if I’m wrong

    Reply
    • Ryan says

      May 28, 2020 at 10:00 am

      Blue Beetle only had two volumes for New 52 before being cancelled. That third volume links to a different Blue Beetle run from before New 52.

      Reply
  19. Astitva Mittal says

    July 28, 2019 at 7:53 am

    Okay, i completed Batman vol 5, and wanna move on to Batman/Superman but, I don’t get it…how am i supposed to read it. It feels like im missing something…plz help ASAP.

    Reply
  20. Theodore says

    July 12, 2019 at 1:39 pm

    Hello. Thank you for your list. It’s very helpful. But I don’t understand when I read Batman/Superman Vol 1 (which covers issues 1-4) should I read issue 3.1 Doomsday #1? And dccomics.com says that when you read Batman/Superman Vol 1 you should read Justice League #23.1 too. But isn’t that way ahead of the story? Your list puts Batman/Superman Vol 1 Before Justice League Vol 1.

    Reply
  21. Badr says

    May 10, 2019 at 7:51 am

    Hello,
    Please I need your help with starting to read DC comics, I never read them before & I would like to read all of the DC universe story, I was gonna start from scratch but then again you reminded me in another article that the story goes way back to 30s, what I understood from this article is that new readers do not have to read all of the old stories but can simply start with NEW 52 which have all of the story rewritten for them?
    is that it? if not, is there any order by which I can read the comics of DC in order as to have the full story from A to Z without jumping between them,
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Dave says

      May 14, 2019 at 5:03 pm

      You could jump right into the New 52, which will give you a self-contained universe from about 2011 to 2016. If you want to jump ahead to where DC’s at today, check out the DC Rebirth reading order: https://www.comicbookherald.com/reading-dc-comics/dc-rebirth-reading-order/

      Reply
    • Benjamin Gast says

      May 29, 2019 at 5:51 am

      I would probably start with New 52 since Rebirth continues the story anyway. From now, New 52 is where it starts, Rebirth is just an extension of the same universe.

      Reply
  22. Tom says

    April 29, 2019 at 4:45 pm

    Hello there, I’ve just finished reading Justice League Darkseid War but although it’s a great comic, I noticed something strange. At a couple of points in part 2, Oa is mentioned as the home of the Green Lantern Corps, with something happening that John Stewart mentioned Hal Jordan helped the Corps with. However, I was under the impression that Mogo had been the home of the Corps for a while and Oa no longer functioned after it was decimated during an attack. Now, I haven’t read Green Lantern Vol. 7 and 8, but this seems really strange to me. Does something happen where Oa becomes the home of the Corps once more or is it just a mistake on the writers’ parts. Could someone please help because this is annoying me to death!!! Thanks

    Reply
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