Graphic novels combine the best of comic books and novels, letting you enjoy an immersive storytelling experience with rich details and great artwork. If you’ve always been a DC Comics fan, then it’s time to delve deeper into the DC Universe by getting your hands on some of the top graphic novels released by the brand. From dark Batman plots that blow your mind to stories about Aquaman, you’ve probably got your work cut out for you when it comes to choosing the best graphic novels! To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of four great DC graphic novels based on their availability on Amazon and the merits of their storylines.
Batman: Arkham Asylum
Batman: Arkham Asylum has cemented a reputation for being not just one of the leading graphic novels within the DC universe, but also one of the best Batman video games. Of course, we’re here to talk about the former. The premise of the graphic novel is that the inmates have taken over Arkham Asylum, a detention centre in Gotham that holds some of the city’s most insane criminals. The inmates demand Batman in return for relinquishing control of the asylum. As a result, our hero must face a range of dark and terrifying situations concocted by the Joker, Poison Ivy, Scarecrow and many others.
Watchmen: The Deluxe Edition Hardcover
The Watchmen takes place in an alternate universe and is set in the 1980s. With government-sanctioned superheroes altering history, political turmoil playing a key role in the central plot, and unforgettable characters like Dr Manhattan, The Watchmen is certainly a must-have in your collection. If that’s not enough, this graphic novel was on Time Magazine’s list of top 100 English novels published since 1923. Additionally, this graphic novel boasts of stellar animation and is a good option for those who love exploring different styles of artwork. Also, if you’re planning to watch the latest HBO series titled Watchmen, then reading this graphic novel to get an idea about the universe it’s set in is a must!
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns is set 10 years after Batman’s retirement, with a brand new generation of psychopaths and villains to deal with. One of the aspects of this graphic novel that sets it apart from its predecessors is the fact that it has a female Robin, in the shape of Carrie Kelley, letting women enjoy a three-dimensional representation of a female character in a male-dominated universe. Apart from journeying with Batman as he battles some of his oldest enemies (and new ones), you also get to experience the fallout of a war between superheroes, as one strong character is pitted against another. In terms of animation style, you can expect a very classic, almost cartoonish, take on the artwork.
All Star Superman
The All Star Superman, as the name suggests, is a graphic novel about DC’s all-powerful Superman. Journey with the Man of Steel as he embarks on a near-impossible journey to rescue astronauts from the sun. This may not seem like a tough feat for one of the strongest superheroes, however, there’s a catch – as Superman gets his powers from the sun, moving closer to the star charges him to the point of nearly dying. Apart from a wild adventure, Superman must also deal with various issues in his personal life. For starters, he needs to tell Lois Lane about his identity, and salvage his relationship with the leading lady after doing so. In terms of animation, you can expect a very retro vibe, with liberal use of primary colours and flat-animation styles. This should help you take a walk down memory lane to the days when you spent reading brightly coloured comics as a young child.
Follow Us
Kajoli Anand Puri
Kajoli is a tech-enthusiast with a soft-spot for smart kitchen and home appliances. She loves exploring gadgets and gizmos that are designed to make life simpler, but also secretly fears a world run by AI. Oh wait, we’re already there. View Full Profile
