Memories of DC Comics: Batman and Superman Publisher

Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Teen Titans, Robin, Swamp Thing, the list could go on for the characters the DC universe has built. DC has been around for most of the important eras of comics books, going all the way back to the 1930s and the creations of Superman and Batman. DC is often competing with Marvel comics, a reputable publisher as well.

What makes DC comics great?

For me, the answer would be Batman and the Elseworlds tales. Usually I enjoy Marvel comics more, but Batman is one of my favorite characters. The dark knight has been envisioned in so many ways, including the classic Red Rain graphic novels where Batman fought Dracula and turned into a vampire, which is odd because his name is Bat-Man. Elseworlds was similar to the Marvel "What If" storylines where the regular universe of the DC comics is set aside and a new take on a character or story is told. As stated, Batman turning into a vampire wasn't going to stay in line with normal continuity.

"Watchmen" was published by DC comics, and because it's considered not only the best graphic novels of all time but one of the better novels ever. Many forget DC published "Watchmen" which was written by comic book celebrity Alan Moore.

What should you read?

Reading "Watchmen" is a must. There is another graphic novel you should read that was published by DC: "The Dark Knight Returns." This graphic novel told the tale of an older Batman retaking Gotham, and is the best work of Sin City and 300 creator Frank Miller. The continuity, or evolving storylines, of the DC universe can be complicated, so much that you often won't understand storylines. A good primer on the universe and all its interlocked world would be the "Crisis on Infinite Earths." For pleasurably reading, I would advise getting as many Batman comics as possible. He is the best character in the DC universe.

Are they better than Marvel?
That's a loaded question if there ever was one. I would say Marvel is the superior publisher, as I personally buy more comics from them. DC has a lot going for it, but the super hero teams like Justice League and Teen Titans aren't as good as the popular Avengers and X-Men. There is a fine line here though; two of the best graphic novels ever-"Watchmen" and "The Dark Knight Returns"-were published by DC comics. So you could make an argument that DC is more important, but Marvel more entertaining.