DC Compact Comics Are the Future, And These 9 Series Need a Makeover ASAP

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In 2024, DC Comics launched its first wave of DC Compact Comics – and now it has released the second batch of Compact titles. The Compact Comics initiative has been DC’s way of introducing classic stories to new readers, while also affording a cheaper alternative to physical copies, another reason they are so appealing to new potential comics fans.

As announced by DC, fifteen new DC Compact Comics have been announced, adding to the growing collection of available books.

From All-Star Superman to Watchmen, this line of comics features reprints of some of DC’s most iconic stories in convenient 5.5″ x 8.5″ sized trades. DC Compact Comics also only go for $9.99, cheaper than most traditional trade paperbacks and graphic novels. Because of this, DC Compact Comics have seen great success, and they make great introductory books for new comic readers.

9

“Superman: Birthright”

Birthright Is The Best Retelling Of Superman’s Origin, From Mark Waid, Leinil Francis Yu, & Gerry Alanguilan

Superman: Birthright is considered to be one of the best Superman comics in history, as well as one of the best modern re-tellings of The Man of Steel’s origin story. Specifically, it looks at why Clark Kent decided to take on the responsibilities of Superman and how he becomes the Man of Steel fans know and love.

Writer Mark Waid has written Clark Kent many times and with good reason, expertly exploring the character time and again, especially in Birthright. While Clark Kent’s origin story is well-known thanks to pop culture, for new readers, Superman: Birthright is the perfect comic to turn to if they want to experience that origin directly from the source. Plus, with the Superman film set to release Summer 2025, fans excited about that movie can pass the time by reading one of Superman’s key comics beforehand.

8

“Kingdom Come”

Kingdom Come Is An Essential Elseworlds Comic By Mark Waid & Alex Ross

Another comic series by writer Mark Waid is Kingdom Come, an Elseworlds story. Comics that fall under this branch of DC Comics take place in an alternate reality from the main continuity, giving the creative team more freedom with their iterations of popular characters, as well as the plot since they often do not impact the main continuity. Taking place in a dystopian future where DC’s iconic, more hopeful heroes have retired, a new age of anti-heroes has risen in Waid and artist Alex Ross’ Kingdom Come.

Looking at Waid’s history as a comic writer, it’s no secret he is a fan of highlighting the hopeful side of heroes. It’s also no surprise that Kingdom Come is one of several DC Comics inspiring the upcoming Superman film by director James Gunn. As one of those comics, turning this story into a DC Compact Comics is a great way to rope in new readers excited about the highly anticipated movie.

7

“DC: The New Frontier”

Darwyn Cooke Delivers A History Lesson On DC Comics With The New Frontier

For another outside of main continuity and hopeful take on some of DC’s most iconic characters, DC: The New Frontier is also getting the DC Compact Comics treatment, and this DC classic deserves more spin offs given its past success and high quality. Written and drawn by Darwyn Cooke, this is the comic creator’s second series to receive a DC Compact Comics’ adaptation, The first book was Catwoman: Trail of the Catwoman by Darwyn Cooke and writer Ed Brubaker, and both series make captivating reads for new fans, especially given Cooke’s charming, unique art.

With a big selling point to these compact comics being that they are jumping in points into the world of DC, reprinting popular comic stories that take place outside the main continuity, like DC: The New Frontier, makes for an easy entry. Plus, this Eisner winning comic is inspired by the Golden Age of DC Comics, while also tackling some of the political issues going on during those decades. It’s a great historical look at DC Comics while still being a solid superhero read for all generations, especially with Cooke’s art.

6

“DCeased”

Tom Taylor, Trevor Hairsine, & Stefano Guadiano Bring The End Of The World To A Zombified DC Universe

For new readers looking for a standalone comic in the DC universe with a darker tone and beyond the main continuity, DCeased is more so up that alley, especially for fans of horror films and zombies. Set in a reality where a techno-organic virus transforms a majority of the world, including some heroes and villains, into zombies. DCeased started as a six-issue series, but it led to many spin-off comics, so for anyone who falls in love with this DC Compact Comic, there are plenty of other books to pick up from this universe.

Along with that, there have been other horror takes on the DC universe, like DC vs. Vampires, which sees the heroes and villains of DC go up against their former friends and enemies who’ve been turned into vampires. For new readers wanting to explore genres beyond superhero action, DCeased eases them into the horror world of comics. With how many incredible horror comics there are beyond DC, this DC Compact Comic can turn new readers who already like horror into life-long comic fans, ones willing to explore other publishers and their scary stories.

Vita Ayala, Reginald Hudlin, Nikolas Draper-Ivey, & Denys Cowan’s Milestone Series Hits DC Compact Comics

In the early ’90s, DC fans were introduced to Milestone Comics, a new, diverse universe of superheroes by Black creators and other creators of color This was an opportunity to introduce more Black representation on page while also showcasing and uplifting Black talent behind the scenes. Over thirty years later, and characters from Milestone continue to be in demand, including none other than Static, a young adult hero who endeared himself via his original comics, as well as the hero’s iconic TV show, Static Shock.

While this DC Compact Comic is not his original run, Static Season 1 is a great introduction to the character of Static, and it is the perfect jumping in point for the character’s contemporary stories. This comic is one of several that marks the return of Milestone, and it tells the story of Virgil Hawkin’s transformation into Static after being exposed to experimental tear gas while standing up for his community and city. Along with introducing new readers to Static, this DC Compact Comic is a great way to introduce new fans to Milestone.

4

Batman: The Long Halloween

Jeff Loeb and Tim Sale Deliver One Of The Dark Knight’s Greatest Mysteries

DC Compact Comics lives up to the promise of delivering some of the publisher’s most iconic stories in a new, more accessible form with Batman: The Long Halloween. Regarded by many as one of the best Batman comics in history, Batman: The Long Halloween has been revisited time and again with different prints, an animated adaptation, and now its DC Compact Comic form. It is even one of several comics to influence Matt Reeve’s The Batman.

Taking place over the course of a year, Batman investigates a new serial killer known as Holiday, who only kills on the holidays. Together with D.A. Harvey Dent and Lieutenant James Gordon, the three work hard to find and stop the killer before another life is lost. With Batman being one of DC’s most popular and influential heroes, it’s no wonder DC Compact Comics has reprinted several staple Batman stories, including The Court of Owls, Hush, and now The Long Halloween. Plus, for new readers specifically looking for a great in to Batman, DC Compact Comics’ The Long Halloween is a good starting place, especially since it has a follow-up series, The Last Halloween, currently coming out as single issues.

3

Batwoman: Elegy

Greg Rucka and J.H. Williams III Showcase Gotham’s Other Vigilante Detective

For those wanting to stick with the Bat-family, another DC Compact Comic set to release in 2025 is Batwoman: Elegy by Greg Rucka and J.H. Williams III. The Bat-family is large, including the likes of several Batgirls, Red Hood, Nightwing, a few Robins, Batwoman, and more. Batwoman, however, is not as often featured as some other heroes, but that can make her an excellent introductory hero. While Elegy is part of the main DC universe, there is not much one needs to know about Batwoman before diving into this story. Plus, while part of the Bat-family, Batwoman and her comic stand on their own.

In Rucka and William’s Elegy, Batwoman takes on the Lewis Carroll-inspired villain known as Alice. With haunting artwork, Batwoman: Elegy makes for a captivating detective story with haunting yet beautiful artwork. Plus, Batwoman has recently taken center stage in DC’s Outsiders comic series, so for those who loved this introduction to the character, they can turn to that series next. They can also check out her solo series from the New 52 era of DC, which is now collected in trades and features Williams once more.

2

Harley Quinn: Wild at Heart

Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti’s Harley Quinn Run Continues To Inspire The Character To This Day

For those who want to stay in Gotham City but prefer antiheroes and villains, Harley Quinn: Wild at Heart is their best bet. Taking place during the New 52 era of DC, this Harley Quinn solo series sees the Clown Princess of Crime inherit an apartment complex in Coney Island. Looking for a fresh start, Harley takes her new home by storm. It is also one of the best Harley Quinn comics, according to many fans of Dr. Harleen Quinzel.

Fans of Harley Quinn’s animated series on Max, as well Margot Robbie’s portrayal of the character in The Birds of Prey film, need to look no further than this DC Compact Comic for something similar. Along with that, Harley Quinn: Wild at Heart airs on the more comedic and meta side of superhero comics, so it’s perfect for new readers looking for DC series eager to embrace the fun and irreverent side of comics.

1

V For Vendetta

Alan Moore and David Lloyd’s Iconic Political Thriller Can Reach New Readers As A DC Compact Comic

Taking a complete 180 from the traditional world of superheroes is V for Vendetta. From Vertigo, which recently made a comeback with DC Comics, this is another comic series outside the DC main continuity. Along with that, Vertigo Comics often target a more mature audience with darker stories that feature heavier subject matter. This makes it perfect for V for Vendetta, a comic unafraid to tackle political issues.

Set in totalitarian England in the not so distant future, V for Vendetta follows V, a masked anarchist who fights the system on behalf of the oppressed. The series also follows Evey, an average woman sucked into V’s world of anarchy and revolution. From the same writer who brought fans Watchmen, this is one of Alan Moore’s staple comics; although, Alan Moore has disowned and stepped away from his comics. While he has separated himself from titles like V for Vendetta, readers can still enjoy this book. Plus, as a DC Compact Comic, V for Vendetta will introduce new comic readers to another side of DC Comics, one that is far from the superhero fare most people have come to expect.

Sources: DC Compact Comics announcement, DC, Milestone Comics

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