10 Vertigo Comics You Didn’t Know Were DC Canon

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Vertigo Comics is a beloved imprint under DC Comics. It ran for over 27 years, and recently, DC announced the planned return of Vertigo. This is great news for fans, old and new, as countless new stories on the way. What makes the Vertigo Imprint so fascinating is how many of its stories are actually connected to the main DC universe. In other words, many stories from Vertigo are considered DC canon. Or at least they were at the time. Modern reboots may change things.

Over the years, Vertigo Comics established a reputation for bold and memorable stories. The imprint was allowed to create darker tales and take more risks, which is perfect for the comic industry. As such, many memorable characters got to explore new depths and adventures.

10

Swamp Thing Started Before Vertigo Did

Swamp Thing Began As a DC Comics Series But Transferred to Vertigo

Swamp Thing is, arguably, one of the most iconic series by Vertigo Comics. Because of this, most readers will likely not be surprised to learn that it’s connected to the DC Universe. After all, Swamp Thing’s story began before Vertigo Comics was born and continued after the imprint’s closing. What’s important here is that Swamp Thing gained new life under Vertigo, as Alan Moore was allowed to take risks and worry less about making the stories family-friendly.

The story of Swamp Thing follows the titular character as he strives to protect the Green. The series provided a platform for social and environmental commentary, tackling issues like pollution, nuclear waste, and humanity’s impact on nature. Both fans and critics praised Swamp Thing, which went on to win multiple Eisner and Jack Kirby Awards.

9

Hellblazer Was Originally a DC Comics Series

John Constantine’s Stories Carried Vertigo to New Heights

Hellblazer is another iconic series under Vertigo Comics. Many readers called this series the workhorse of Vertigo, as by the time it was all said and done, Vertigo had released over 300 issues of Hellblazer. As with Swamp Thing, most dedicated readers or DC fans already know how John Constantine’s story ties into the larger universe. His story began in DC Comics before moving to Vertigo Comics. Likewise, his story didn’t end upon the imprint’s closing.

John Constantine: Hellblazer was the perfect series for the newer imprint, as Constantine’s morally gray center was ripe for exploration. John is a jack-of-all-trades magical user who has historically tackled some of the darkest beasts in the known DC universe. While Hellblazer never received the same accolades as some other Vertigo series, it was still wildly popular and loved.

8

Doom Patrol Has Been Around Since the 1960s

The Unlikely Team of Heroes Has Worked for Both DC and Vertigo

Doom Patrol is another popular Vertigo series that originated from DC Comics. While the Doom Patrol first appeared in My Greatest Adventure #80 in 1963, the series achieved new levels of acclaim when the book was given to Grant Morrison. It went from being a strange but fun series to an odd combination of storytelling that explored complex topics. The series was transitioned to the Vertigo imprint and later became the inspiration for the live-action Max series.

At its core, Doom Patrol is about a team of unlikely heroes. Made up of misfits with deep personal trauma, they’re expected to band together and save the world, all while struggling to understand themselves. The series explores themes of mental health, identity, and self-acceptance, making it one of the most unique and emotionally resonant superhero stories.

7

Shade, the Changing Man Is a Vertigo Superhero

Shade, the Changing Man Fits Snugly into DC and Vertigo

Shade, the Changing Man is a different sort of superhero series. Like many of Vertigo’s superheroes, Shade’s story began under the DC Comics label before moving to the imprint. Here, it found a more mature audience, allowing it to tell a different side of the story. Given the story’s connection to serial killers, this was the right move.

Under Vertigo Comics, Shade, the Changing Man explored intense themes of identity, love, and forgiveness. It follows Rac Shade, an alien trapped in the body of a serial killer, which is made even more complicated by the fact that he’s working alongside the daughter of one of his body’s victims. The series was popular enough to inspire an animated adaptation in DC Nation Shorts and a spin-off series, Shade, the Changing Girl.

6

Madame Xanadu Has a Long History In DC Comics

Madame Xanadu Got a Solo Series Under Vertigo

Nimue Inwudu, aka Madame Xanadu, is a powerful magic user in DC Comics. More accurately, she’s a fortune-teller with mystical abilities and deep connections within the Universe. Madame Xanadu was introduced to DC Comics in Doorway to Nightmare #1 in 1978, but she received a solo series under the Vertigo Comics imprint. Like other series under the imprint, it was designed for more mature readers.

Madame Xanadu explores the titular character’s history, from her origins to her early life and beyond. Born in the medieval era, she weaves through key historical events, offering guidance to notable figures—though whether they listened is another story. The series also breathes new life into her rivalries, adding depth and context to her character. Well-received by fans and critics alike, it was nominated for four Eisner Awards.

5

Animal Man Was Revamped By Grant Morrison

Buddy Baker Was Introduced to DC Comics In the 1960s

Animal Man, aka Buddy Baker, was introduced in Strange Adventures #180 in 1965. During the 80s, DC Comics tapped Grant Morrison to reinvent the character. Morrison’s run was initially planned as a four-issue miniseries and was eventually moved to Vertigo. By the end, Animal Man ran for over 120 issues, including its annuals.

Animal Man is a unique superhero who can take on the attributes of any animal, which allows him to fly, dig, or adapt as needed. Given Buddy’s deep connection to nature, it’s no surprise that he quickly became a defender of animal rights, one of the many themes explored throughout the series.

4

Black Orchid Started As a Limited Series

Black Orchid Became One of Many Stories Continued Under Vertigo

DC Comics originally published Black Orchid as a three-issue limited series that followed two girls, Flora and Suzy, on their journey through the larger DC Universe. Though it was initially intended as a standalone story, it later inspired a new series under Vertigo, with a different creative team taking the reins.

Black Orchid‘s two characters, Flora and Suzy offer a unique perspective on the superhero genre. Flora awakens in a greenhouse, created to continue the legacy of the original Black Orchid, a fallen superhero. Soon after, she discovers Suzy, another like her. Together, they travel to Gotham, encountering both its heroes and villains as they navigate their mysterious existence.

3

Books of Magic Is a Magical Adventure

Books of Magic Told a Story That Spilled Over Into Vertigo’s Imprint

At a glance, it may not seem like The Books of Magic series is considered DC canon, but it actually does fit within the larger universe. The series originated under DC Comics before shifting over to live under the imprint. As such, it brings characters from both worlds together for wild and memorable adventures unlike anything else.

The Books of Magic follows Tim Hunter, a young magus with vast potential. The magical users of the universe easily see this young man’s potential and thus step up to train him. This includes giving him a chance to see the world and make decisions for himself. The ultimate goal is to persuade a powerful magic user to the side of good, as readers well know the risk he could pose.

2

Kid Eternity Was Created In the 1940s

The Long-Forgotten Kid Eternity Found New Life Under Vertigo’s Wings

The character known as Kid Eternity has had a long and complicated journey in the world of comics, to say the least. His character originally belonged to Quality Comics, but it shut down. DC Comics acquired the right to his character, along with a few others. He found a home with the Marvel Family, although indirectly. As for his superhero powers, Kid Eternity can summon different historical figures to stand in as his champions. Much like Shazam, all he had to do to activate his powers was shout “Eternity.”

Under Vertigo Comics, Kid Eternity ran for several volumes, providing the character with limitless adventures and entertainment. The whole story is set within the larger DC Universe. However, Kid Eternity’s story never interacted with any other characters from the DC Universe, largely keeping him to his own adventures.

1

Jonah Hex: Shadows West Continued the Tales of the DC Antihero

Vertigo Opened the Door for a Darker Continuation of Jonah Hex’s Story

Jonah Hex is a violent bounty hunter from DC Comics who first appeared in All-Star Western #10 in 1971. His story also lives within Vertigo Comics, as Jonah Hex: Shadows West was a limited series released under the imprint. At the time, it was the third series following Jonah Hex, though the more mature publication opened the door for different adventures. Likewise, Jonah’s story enabled Vertigo to explore a more Western horror theme.

During the events of Shadows West, Jonah Hex finds himself on trial for murder. While he does escape, it isn’t without help. This sets him up for a strange adventure full of vengeance, blood, and a bit of murder. In the end, Jonah Hex lived up to his reputation and then some while working under Vertigo’s branding.

“}]] Vertigo Comics was a popular imprint of DC comics, yet many readers may not realize just how many series are canonical within DC’s larger universe.  Read More