The DC New 52 relaunch in 2011 shook the comic book world, offering a streamlined continuity and a fresh start for many iconic characters. However, navigating this era's numerous titles and storylines can be daunting. This guide provides several approaches to tackling the New 52 reading order, catering to different preferences and levels of experience.
Understanding the New 52's Structure
Before diving into specific reading orders, it's crucial to understand the New 52's structure. Unlike previous DC continuities, the New 52 wasn't strictly chronological. Many titles ran parallel storylines, often intersecting only occasionally. This means a purely chronological approach can be challenging and may not always be the most rewarding reading experience.
Reading Order Options:
Here are three distinct approaches to tackling the New 52, each with its own advantages:
1. By Title (Recommended for Beginners):
This method focuses on individual series, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in each character's arc before moving on. It's ideal for newcomers who want a more focused reading experience and don't need to follow intricate crossovers immediately. This approach minimizes the frustration of jumping between titles and storylines.
- Benefits: Easier to follow, less confusing, allows for deeper engagement with individual characters.
- Drawbacks: Misses some crossover events and the broader interconnected narrative.
Example: Focus on a single character, such as Batman. Start with Batman #1 and read through the entire run of issues released during the New 52. Then, move on to another title, like Superman, Wonder Woman, or Justice League.
2. By Event (Recommended for Experienced Readers):
This method prioritizes major crossover events, such as Trinity War and Forever Evil. You'll experience the New 52's big moments first, then delve into the individual series that tie into those events. This offers a broader understanding of the overarching narrative, but it requires more jumping between titles.
- Benefits: Provides a strong understanding of the overarching narrative and key events.
- Drawbacks: Can be disorienting jumping between different titles and storylines frequently. Requires more prior knowledge of the DC universe.
Example: Begin with Justice League #1, then follow the main storyline leading up to Trinity War. After Trinity War, explore the tie-in issues from other titles, and then proceed to Forever Evil and its connected narratives.
3. Thematic Reading Order (Recommended for Specific Interests):
This approach focuses on specific themes or genres within the New 52. Are you interested in the cosmic side of the DC universe? Perhaps focus on titles like Green Lantern, Aquaman, and Justice League Dark. Interested in horror elements? Dive into Swamp Thing and related titles.
- Benefits: Allows for exploration of specific themes or genres without getting lost in the larger, more complicated continuity.
- Drawbacks: Might miss out on the interconnectedness between different aspects of the New 52's narrative.
Example: A focus on the horror elements within the New 52 might start with Swamp Thing #1 and then branch out into related titles that feature supernatural or gothic elements.
Finding the Right Approach
The best approach depends on your familiarity with the DC Universe and your personal preferences. New readers might find the "By Title" approach more manageable. Experienced readers might prefer the "By Event" approach to grasp the overarching narrative more quickly. Those with a specific interest in a subgenre may want to employ the "Thematic Reading Order". Regardless of the method you choose, remember that the New 52 is a complex universe, and enjoy the journey of exploration.
Remember that this guide serves as a starting point. There are numerous online resources and forums dedicated to the New 52 that offer further guidance and discussion. Happy reading!
