8 Perfect DC Comics Runs Where Every Issue Is a 10/10

Comic books boast many iconic stories. Talented writers and artists have frequently collaborated to produce truly memorable work, often changing how we view beloved characters. Though not every run achieves lasting fame, many are so influential that their ideas and plot points continue to inspire comics today, even years or decades later.

Comic book fans often crave more than just a good read. They’re looking for truly exceptional comics – the kind that consistently deliver a perfect experience with both story and artwork. These standout issues can be transformative, potentially turning anyone into a dedicated follower of the DC Universe.

Mike Grell’s Green Arrow Took The Hero In A More Realistic Direction

Though often overlooked now, Mike Grell’s run on Green Arrow is considered one of the best comic book series of the 1980s. Starting with The Longbow Hunters, Grell reimagined the character, offering a fresh perspective on the Emerald Archer.

Grell reimagined the character as more realistic, placing him in a world without superheroes. This version of Oliver abandoned his signature trick arrows and, facing genuine threats, didn’t hesitate to use lethal force.

Though often overlooked, Kevin Grell’s artwork on Green Arrow is remarkably beautiful for its time. Its incredibly realistic style enhances the series’ down-to-earth tone, as the story focuses not only on Green Arrow fighting crime, but also on his battles against powerful criminal organizations.

The only real flaw in the book is that Black Canary isn’t as active a hero as she could be. However, it successfully portrays Oliver and Dinah’s relationship as meaningful and unique.

Mark Waid’s Flash Transformed Wally Into The Fastest Man Alive

I always loved Wally West as the Flash, especially during Mark Waid’s run! It was amazing to see him really come into his own. He’d stepped in for Barry during Crisis on Infinite Earths, but it was then that he became the Flash. He used to cover up his insecurities about living up to Barry’s legacy with a lot of bravado, but he eventually found genuine confidence and truly embraced being the Fastest Man Alive. It was a fantastic character arc!

Mark Waid significantly expanded the Flash mythos, revealing a complex history beyond just Barry Allen and Wally West, notably through the conflict between Flash and Cobalt Blue. He also created the concept of the Speed Force, detailing how it functions and opening up new possibilities for Flash storylines.

What’s really remarkable is that Waid crafted one of the most popular Flash storylines ever, despite largely moving away from the classic Rogues villains and introducing a fresh set of adversaries.

Geoff Johns’ Green Lantern Added To The Mythology

When Geoff Johns began working on Green Lantern: Rebirth, bringing Hal Jordan back wasn’t the widely accepted idea it is now. Today, it’s clear Johns significantly shaped the Green Lantern story, and many still consider his arc to be the best in over a decade.

Geoff Johns revitalized Green Lantern to the point where it could successfully support four separate monthly comic series simultaneously—an unprecedented achievement. A key to his success was his willingness to both reimagine existing characters and introduce entirely new ones whenever the story needed them.

He didn’t just create a typical villain in Sinestro; he crafted a complex, well-developed character while keeping all the traits that made him menacing. Additionally, through storylines like the Sinestro Corps War and Blackest Night, he greatly expanded the Green Lantern universe, solidifying its place as a standout series even now.

Grant Morrison and Howard Porter’s JLA Gave Readers High Stakes Adventures

DC Comics made a brilliant move by giving Grant Morrison and Howard Porter control of the Justice League of America, resulting in the acclaimed JLA series. After previously rejecting pitches from many creators, DC finally let Morrison pursue his vision, and it proved to be a huge hit.

Grant Morrison made every story arc feel incredibly important and grand, so each issue of JLA felt essential. The comic was so well-done that even with frequent crossovers, readers didn’t mind, because Morrison skillfully wove those changes into the ongoing narrative.

No matter the lineup – whether it featured an energized Superman or a switch between Diana and Hippolyta – the Justice League always rose to meet any threat. It’s still difficult to beat the thrill of classic stories like the JLA facing the Hyperclan, or Darkseid’s overwhelming victory in Rock of Ages.

James Robinson and Tony Harris’ Starman Showed Love To The Golden Age

Following the ‘Zero Hour’ event, James Robinson’s ‘Starman’ offered a welcome change of pace. It felt like a classic superhero story, but avoided the tropes of more flashy, over-the-top comics. This was largely thanks to its main character, Jack Knight, who rejected the typical superhero costume and gadgets.

Despite being different, Starman always felt like a natural fit within the DC Universe. Writers James Robinson and Greg Harris built up the hero’s hometown, Opal City, with so much rich history and detail that it became as iconic and well-developed as cities like Metropolis and Gotham.

When it comes to its story, Starman clearly draws inspiration from classic superhero tales and highlights how important it is for heroes to pass the torch. What really sets it apart is that Jack Knight, the main character, undergoes a complete and realistic journey – a story with a clear start, middle, and satisfying conclusion.

Geoff Johns’ JSA Made The Classic Team Look Cool Again

DC once published a well-received Justice Society of America (JSA) comic, but it was canceled because editors worried having older heroes would reflect poorly on the company. To make the JSA successful, Geoff Johns and James Robinson needed to update the team to feel as relevant and exciting as the Justice League, and they achieved that goal.

Johns and Robinson designed fantastic updates to the team’s look, ensuring everyone felt current and cohesive. Geoff Johns is skilled at streamlining complicated storylines, allowing him to successfully bring back several overlooked heroes and villains from the Golden Age.

The JSA comic quickly became a fan favorite, lasting for many years and continuing through different periods of DC Comics history. Regardless of the era, the series consistently maintained a high level of quality, as seen in storylines like JSA’s “Black Reign” and the Justice Society of America’s “Thy Kingdom Come”.

Grant Morrison’s Batman Reset The Dark Knight’s Status Quo Permanently

Look, when people talk about the best Batman comics ever, Grant Morrison’s run always comes up, and for good reason. It’s like, everything that’s ever happened to Batman is part of this huge, connected story – it’s crazy to think about how much he’s been through! Morrison really took things to the next level, kicking off a new chapter by introducing Damian Wayne as the new Robin – Bruce Wayne’s son with Talia. It totally changed the game.

Grant Morrison’s run on Batman is ideal for readers who enjoy seeing Batman always prepared. The story Batman RIP shows that even when a villain manages to manipulate his mind, they can’t ultimately defeat him because of a hidden, secondary personality he’s developed as a safeguard.

Following that, Morrison launched Batman Incorporated, a worldwide network of Batman-like heroes created to battle the global threat of Leviathan. Morrison had a knack for creating incredible storylines, and many of the concepts they introduced during that run continue to influence Batman comics even now.

Greg Rucka’s Wonder Woman Showed How Versatile The Character Could Be

Greg Rucka is often considered one of the best writers to ever work on Wonder Woman. He’s created two excellent stories featuring the character, each set in a different time period – one before the ‘Flashpoint’ event, and one after.

The initial series remains the strongest, immediately introducing a compelling Wonder Woman and a rich world that draws readers in. Beyond simply portraying her as a fighter, Greg Rucka’s run emphasizes what Wonder Woman does when she’s not being a superhero, adding depth to the character.

The story portrays Wonder Woman as a multi-faceted character – an ambassador, an author, and a community organizer – all while remaining a uniquely skilled warrior. It challenges readers’ preconceived notions of her, ultimately making her even more impressive and relatable.

2025-11-30 02:43