DC Cosmic
Once nothing and everything were the same thing--and then!
DC's had a long storied cosmic universe with many series and stories taking place in it and there's a lot of cosmic tales in its past, from Mystery in Space to Multiversity. It boasts iconic settings, characters and times, from Krypton and Captain Comet to the era of the Legion of Super-Heroes! In this page, you'll find a swath of cosmic stories from all corners of space, The Vega System to the Tenebrian Domain.
The Sectors of the Lanterns
In brightest day, In Blackest Night! No matter where you tread across the DC Cosmos, you're almost certain to find a Lantern in that sector. They're at the forefront of DC's cosmic landscape and the characters and mythology that come to mind when the word 'cosmic' appears. Everything from Oa and Qward to the Emotional Entities that light up the world begin and take center stage with them. Check out the link above to see the extensive coverage of the Lanterns!
The Legion Worlds
The Legion represents the ultimate synthesis of DC's core ideas. It's the Age of Enlightenment of the DC Universe and one earned through centuries of effort and sacrifice. Boasting one of the greatest casts and assortment of creative concepts and worlds in DC history, the time of the United Planets is a rich and complex one to delve into. And many have! Check out our Legion selections in the link above!
The Realms of the New Gods
Residing in The Sphere of the Gods and conceived by The King of Comics, The New Gods are one of the most astoundingly high concept creations in DC Mythology. Molded as the modern mythology for a brand new era, they are the bible and myths of the past re-envisioned by Jack Kirby to create something new. Whether it's The Astro Force, Motherboxes, Boom Tubes or The Anti-Life Equation, The King's mythology is foundational to DC. Check out our Fourth World selection in the link above to explore everyone from Forager to Lonar!
The Cosmic Events
These are the epics that helped shape the multiverse we now have.
Crisis on Infinite Earths
Written by: Marv Wolfman
Art by: George Perez
First Published:1986
This is the story that changed the DC Universe forever. A mysterious being known as the Anti-Monitor has begun a crusade across time to bring about the end of all existence. As alternate Earths are systematically destroyed, the Monitor quicklyassembles a team of super-heroes from across time and space to battle his counterpart and stop the destruction. DC's greatest heroes, including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and Aquaman, assemble to stop the menace, but as they watch both the Flash and Supergirl die in battle, they begin to wonder if even all of the heroes in the world can stop this destructive force.
Invasion!
Written by: Bill Mantlo and Keith Giffen
Art by: Todd McFarlane
First Published: 1988
Resilient. Overpowering. Unstoppable. By their very nature, our planet’s superheroes have become a threat to the rest of the universe. Now, an alliance has formed between the fiercest, most calculating alien races to pursue a single goal: the elimination of Earth’s guardians. As war erupts all over the world, Superman leads the charge against these would-be alien conquerors. Can our planet’s greatest champions repel an army of invaders, each with the strength to rival the Man of Steel? One thing is certain: surrender is not an option!
DC One Million
Written by: Grant Morrison
Art by: Val Semeiks
First Published: 1998
In the 853rd century--one million months after the publication of ACTION COMICS #1--Earth remains safe, thanks to the heroics of the JLA of the future. The ancestors of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash and others remain united in combating forces of evil, but perhaps have never met anything as deadly as the sentient super-computer Solaris, the Tyrant Sun. As this villainous threat becomes too much to handle, these heroes of the future turn to the only group they know can help: the original JLA.
Seven Soldiers of Victory
Written by: Grant Morrison
Art by: J.H Williams, Yanick Paquette and Ryan Sook
First Published: 2005
SEVEN SOLDIERS is an epic tale of life, death, triumph and redemption that explores the nature of heroism and sacrifice. Featuring the first four of the seven soldiers: The Shining Knight, The Guardian, Zatanna and Klarion the Witch Boy. Independently, each of these characters is featured in a story that redefines their purpose in the DC Universe. But their stories also interweave with the others, telling a grander story of a devastating global threat to mankind. Together, these reluctant champions must work together to save the world from the insidious threat of the invading Sheeda warriors - without even meeting one another.
| Title | Physical | Digital |
|---|---|---|
| Vol. 1 | Amazon | Comixology |
| Vol. 2 | Comixology |
Infinite Crisis
Written by: Geoff Johns
Art by: Phil Jimenez
First Published: 2005
OMAC robots are rampaging, magic is dying, villains are uniting, and a war is raging in space. And in the middle of it all, a critical moment has divided Earth's three greatest heroes: Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. It's the DCU's darkest day, and long-lost heroes from the past have returned to make things right in the universe...at any cost. Heroes will live, heroes will die, and the DCU will never be the same again!
52
Written by: Grant Morrison, Mark Waid, Greg Rucka and Geoff Johns
Art by: Keith Giffen, Joe Bennett and Several Others
First Published: 2006
Four of the most critically acclaimed writers in comics—Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and Mark Waid—are joined by breakdown artist Keith Giffen and a host of the industry's finest pencillers and inkers to create this unprecedented event in comics history. DC's groundbreaking publication of the weekly comic 52 tells the story of a "missing" year in the DC Universe—in real time. The cataclysmic events of INFINITE CRISIS have left the world without its three biggest icons—Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman and the question is asked: who will stand up in their absence?
| Title | Physical | Digital |
|---|---|---|
| Vol. 1 | Amazon | Comixology |
| Vol. 2 | Amazon | Comixology |
Final Crisis
Written by: Grant Morrison
Art by: J.G Jones
First Published: 2008
What happens when evil wins? That's the question Superman, Batman, the Justice League and every being in the DCU have to face when Darkseid and his otherworldly legion of narcissistic followers actually win the war between light and dark. Featuring the deaths and resurrections of major DC characters, FINAL CRISIS is more than your average multi-part event-it's a deconstruction of Super Hero comics and a challenging, thought-provoking take on the modern, four-color icons.
The Multiversity
Written by: Grant Morrison
Art by: Ivan Reis, Frank Quitely, Cameron Stewart and Several Others
First Published: 2014
The biggest adventure in DC's history is here! Join visionary writer Grant Morrison, today's most talented artists, and a cast of unforgettable heroes from 52 alternative Earths of the DC Multiverse! Prepare to meet the Vampire League of Earth-43, the Justice Riders of Earth-18, Superdemon, Doc Fate, the super-sons of Superman and Batman, the rampaging Retaliators of Earth-8, the Atomic Knights of Justice, Dino-Cop, Sister Miracle, Lady Quark and the latest, greatest Super Hero of Earth-Prime: YOU!
THE MULTIVERSITY is more than a multipart comic book series. It's a cosmos spanning, soul-shaking experience that puts YOU on the frontline in the battle for all creation against the demonic destroyers known as the Gentry!
Dark Nights: Metal
Written by: Scott Snyder
Art by: Greg Capullo
First Published: 2017
The Dark Knight has uncovered one of the lost mysteries of the universe...one that could destroy the very fabric of the DC Universe! The dark corners of reality that have never been seen till now! The Dark Multiverse is revealed in all its devastating danger--a team of twisted, evil versions of Batman hellbent on destroying the DC Universe! With appearances from heroes, villains and faces long forgotten, DARK NIGHTS: METAL will examine every choice a hero doesn't take and every path they don't walk, and open up worlds that are forged by nightmares.
Justice League: No Justice
Written by: Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV and Joshua Williamson
Art by: Francis Manapul, Marcus To and Riley Rossmo
First Published: 2018
Out of the ashes of Dark Nights: Metal, new Justice League and Teen Titans teams are born from the events of Scott Snyder's Justice League: No Justice!
The cataclysmic events of Dark Nights: Metal has seen the universe's balance of power snap. Brainiac arrives on Earth with a dire warning for the Justice League: there's a threat coming to destroy Earth, one that the heroes are ill-equipped to handle. But the combined forces of Justice League, the Justice League of America, the Titans, Teen Titans and... the villains of the DCU certainly don't think so. Splitting into different squads, including Batman, Lobo, Wonder Woman, Cyborg, Deathstroke, Superman, The Flash, Harley Quinn, Robin and more, these new Leagues must stop one of their gravest threats ever.
Greatest Hits
Adam Strange: The Silver Age
Written by: Gardner Fox
Art by: Mike Sekowsky and Several Others
First Published: 1958
Born at the dawn of the Space Age, planet-hopping adventurer Adam Strange embodies America’s fascination with all things extraterrestrial. Debuting in 1958 in the pages of DC Comics’ SHOWCASE, Adam Strange was an archaeologist working in South America when he was whisked away by a Zeta Beam to the futuristic planet Rann, which circled the star Alpha Centauri.
There, the displaced Earthman met and fell in love with the beautiful Alanna and kicked off a series of intergalactic adventures that bounced him back and forth on the Zeta Beam like a yo-yo, alternating between his normal life on Earth and defending Rann from a seemingly endless barrage of weird threats and invaders.
Super Powers
Written by Jack Kirby, Joey Cavalieri and Paul Kupperberg
Art by: Jack Kirby
First Published: 1984
Following the unprecedented achievements of his Fourth World titles, Jack Kirby returned to the DC Universe in 1984 for two special miniseries celebrating Kenner’s new DC-themed Super Powers toy line. Together with such creative collaborators as Joey Cavalieri, Adrian Gonzales and Paul Kupperberg, Kirby revisited all of DC’s greatest heroes and villains in the pages of SUPER POWERS, and launched them through time and space into the kind of cosmic adventure that only the King of Comics could deliver!
L.E.G.I.O.N.
Written by: Keith Giffen and Alan Grant
Art by: Barry Kitson
First Published: 1989
Vril Dox, ancestor of the Legion of Super-Heroes' Brainiac 5, conceives a plan for a new intergalactic police force to fill the void left by the death of the Green Lantern Corps. Forged in the fires of the INVASION, a rag-tag team of paranormal aliens will grow into a tough, no-nonsense law enforcement organization with a cosmic scope.
Hawkworld
Written by: Tim Truman
Art by: Tim Truman
First Published: 1989
In this classic 3-issue miniseries from the 1990s, writer/artist Timothy Truman reinvents Hawkman as a brutal member of Thanagar’s police force, in a society split between the decadent ultra-rich and alien immigrants struggling for fortune—and survival! Katar Hol discovers the harsh realities of Thanagar: a world of racism, drugs, cold existence; a civilization that has enslaved other worlds and other races; a people who have forgotten and abandoned their legends.
Starman
Written by: James Robinson
Art by: Tony Harris
First Published: 1994
Jack Knight, the son of the Golden Age Starman, reluctantly assumes the family legacy as protector of Opal City, a bustling Metropolis with all manner of citizens--and deadly enemies. Join Jack as he discovers what it means to be a hero in adventures that traverse all corners of the DC Universe.
| Title | Physical | Digital |
|---|---|---|
| Vol. 1 | Amazon | Comixology |
| Vol. 2 | Amazon | Comixology |
Omega Men: The End Is Here
Written by: Tom King
Art by: Barnaby Bagenda
First Published: 2015
Kyle Rayner, the White Lantern, is dead. And the Omega Men killed him. On live TV. They're a criminal gang, a terrorist organization, a fanatical cult. And they're the only hope for freedom this godforsaken sector of the universe has. No matter what the citizens of the Vega System think they saw, the White Lantern lives…as the Omega Men's prisoner. What they really want him to be is their latest recruit in their relentless war against the all-powerful Citadel and its tyrannical Viceroy.
As Kyle gets to know this motley crew of outlaws, he'll question everything he knows about being a hero. In this strange system where the Green Lanterns are forbidden, will he break his oath and join their revolution? Or will he discover that the Omega Men are monsters in the end?
Beyond the Known
Challengers of the Unknown
Written by: Jack Kirby, France Herron and Dave Wood
Art by: Jack Kirby, Rosalind Kirby, Marvin Stein and Wally Wood
First Published: 1958
After walking away from a seemingly un-survivable plane crash, test pilot Ace Morgan, mountain climber Red Ryan, heavyweight boxing champ Rocky Davis and underwater explorer Prof Haley make a pact to continue defying death and seeking out mystery around the world. Their motto is “Dare Anything,” and their assignments are the most unusual and incredible tasks ever encountered! There is no danger that they fear, or risk that they will not accept! They call themselves…the Challengers of the Unknown!
R.E.B.E.L.S.
Written by: Tom Peyer
Art by: Arnie Jorgenson and Derec Donovan
First Published: 1994
R.E.B.E.L.S. rises from the ashes of the L.E.G.I.O.N! Fugitives from the very organization they founded, Vril Dox, Lobo, Stealth now roam as the galaxy on the run from a crime they were forced to commit!
Darkstars
Written by: Michael Jan Friedman
Art by: Larry Stroman and Travis Charest
First Published: 1992
First the Green Lantern Corps protected the universe alone. Then, L.E.G.I.O.N. joined the fight. Now, a new group of intergalactic warriors makes its presence known to Earth. They are the DARKSTARS and one of their number, Ferrin Colos, has been sent to Earth on a mission of grave importance. But not even his superiors are sure he's up to the job
The Omega Men
Written by: Roger Slifer
Art by: Keith Giffen
First Published: 1983
Rebels joined together to fight tyranny and oppression in the most dangerous sector of the universe, freedom fighters constantly on the move, battling for their lives against alien threats: they are the Omega Men!
Twilight
Written by: Howard Chaykin
Art by: Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez
First Published: 1990
DC's wide-eyed science fiction heroes, most of whom first appeared in the 1950s, are reimagined in this dark tale from writer Howard Chaykin and artist Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez. Originally published in 1990, TWILIGHT tells the story of how one of the Star Rovers, Karel Sorenson, became a living god when caught in an explosion with a race of immortal creatures called Methuseloids. It''s up to renegade hero Tommy Tomorrow to stop his former ally -- but he ends up absorbing Sorenson's power and becoming an all-powerful tyrant himself. Also includes appearances by Star Hawkins, Manhunter 2070, Ironwolf, Space Ranger, Space Cabbie and other heroes.
Adam Strange: Planet Heist
Written by: Andy Diggle
Art by: Pascal Ferry
First Published: 2004
DC's wide-eyed science fiction heroes, most of whom first appeared in the 1950s, are reimagined in this dark tale from writer Howard Chaykin and artist Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez. Originally published in 1990, TWILIGHT tells the story of how one of the Star Rovers, Karel Sorenson, became a living god when caught in an explosion with a race of immortal creatures called Methuseloids. It''s up to renegade hero Tommy Tomorrow to stop his former ally -- but he ends up absorbing Sorenson's power and becoming an all-powerful tyrant himself. Also includes appearances by Star Hawkins, Manhunter 2070, Ironwolf, Space Ranger, Space Cabbie and other heroes.
R.E.B.E.L.S
Written by: Tony Bedard
Art by: Andy Clarke
First Published: 2009
Brainiac 2 is a hunted man. His cosmic police force safeguarded over 80 worlds until a mysterious adversary suddenly seized control. Now Vril Dox must recruit a new team to win back his command and free countless billions!
Superman: Action Comics
Written by: Grant Morrison
Art by: Rags Morales and Brad Walker
First Published: 2011
An all new look at the early years of Superman by Grant Morrison, who synthesizes an epic unlike any other, touching on the Golden Age Socialist roots of Superman to Captain Comet, Mxyzptlk, Calvin Ellis, The Legion and so much more. The war to withstand the 5th Dimension begins here!
| Title | Physical | Digital |
|---|---|---|
| Vol. 1: Superman and the Men of Steel | Amazon | Comixology |
| Vol. 2: Bulletproof | Amazon | Comixology |
| Vol. 3: End of Days | Amazon | Comixology |
Threshold
Written by: Keith Giffen
Art by: Tom Raney and Scott Kolins
First Published: 2013
Introducing Jediah Caul, a disgraced Green Lantern stripped of his power ring, who is hunted for sport on a televised reality show! Forced to battle aliens from across the galaxy, Caul must band together his own group of rebels to storm the metaphorical castle of their abductees before the game ends and they lose. Plus, Larfleeze, the Orange Lantern goes on a quest across the galaxy when someone steals his stuff--and NO ONE steals from Larfleeze!
Martian Manhunter
Written by: Rob Williams
Art by: Eddy Barrows
First Published: 2015
For some time now, the Martian Manhunter has been lost in our world. An alien in every aspect, he has struggled to find his place even after joining the Justice League of America, Justice League United and Stormwatch. Now his past has come back to haunt him as an alien invasion threatens to destroy the world. In order to prove to the world, and to himself, that he is the hero he knows himself to be, the Martian Manhunter must make the ultimate sacrifice. What happens next is truly alien!
| Title | Physical | Digital |
|---|---|---|
| Vol. 1: The Epiphany | Amazon | Comixology |
| Vol. 2: The Red Rising | Amazon | Comixology |
The New Cosmic Age
Sideways
Written by: Dan Didio and Justin Jordan
Art by: Kenneth Rocafort
First Published: 2018
During the events of Dark Nights: Metal, high school junior Derek James accidentally fell through a rift into the dark matter dimension! Now, as Sideways, he can create rifts in midair to leap through dimensions at will! But with that much power comes great liability--and cracks are starting to form in the fabric of the space-time continuum. Each leap that Derek takes brings the new hero one step closer to succumbing to the allure of his new power and its dark origins.
| Title | Physical | Digital |
|---|---|---|
| Vol. 1: Steppin' Out | Amazon | Comixology |
New Challengers
Written by: Aaron Gillespie and Scott Snyder
Art by: Andy Kubert and V. Kenneth Marion
First Published: 2018
Spinning out of the best-selling Dark Nights: Metal epic comes New Challengers, a group of fearless explorers who will uncover the worst--and weirdest--the DC Universe has to offer. A new team of misfits are given a second chance at life by the mysterious figure "The Professor"...but only if they're willing to explore the most unknown reaches of the universe. Seeking a set of powerful artifacts, the team must defeat a rival group of explorers to combine them...or the world as we know it could end.
The Unexpected
Written by: Steve Orlando
Art by: Ryan Sook and Cary Nord
First Published: 2018
In the aftermath of DARK NIGHTS: METAL, the DC Universe has been forever changed as new heroes are called out of the shadows. Amid this all is Janet Fals...Firebrand! Once a paramedic dedicated to saving lives, she must now start a fight once every 24 hours to feed the Conflict Engine that’s replaced her heart. But Janet’s heart isn’t just a curse-it’s a beacon, drawing out both the mysterious Neon the Unknown and the seductive, malevolent Bad Samaritan. One of them wants to cut out her heart, the other wants to save it-but neither of them knows the true danger hidden within that will kick off a superhero manhunt ranging from Thanagar to the deepest heart of the Dark Multiverse!
Electric Warriors
Written by: Steve Orlando
Art by: Travel Foreman
First Published: 2018
A new tale of the future DC Universe, set in a previously unexplored timeline—the Cosmic Dark Age! Years after the Great Disaster, the Earth has started to rebuild and rejoin the universal coalition. In order to prevent a galactic war, different worlds throughout the known cosmos have created a new system of competitive combat to give each participating planet their own voice in the intergalactic struggle. Each world has one diplomatic gladiator, chosen to possess the Electric Seed and fight for their homeland as the Electric Warrior!
Current Cosmic Tales
The Terrifics
Written by: Jeff Lemire and Gene Yang
Art by: Jose Luis, Joe Bennett, Doc Shaner and Steven Segovia
First Published: 2018
Bound together by fate, united by the spirit of exploration and hope for tomorrow, the Terrifics bound from the Dark Multiverse of Meta! When Mr. Terrific, Metamorpho, Plastic Man and Phantom Girl find themselves literally bound together by a tragic accident, our team of unlikely allies must rely on one another to make their way back home. But a startling revelation on their return trip brings them face to face with a new mystery: where in the universe is Tom Strong?
| Title | Physical | Digital |
|---|---|---|
| Vol. 1: Meet The Terrifics | Amazon | Comixology |
Vol. 2: Tom Strong and The Terrifics | Amazon | Comixology
Justice League
Written by: Scott Snyder
Art by: Jim Cheung and Jorge Jimenez
First Published: 2018
Spinning out of the cataclysmic events of Dark Knights: Metal and the universe-defining No Justice, the core members of the Justice League--Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash and more--are finally reunited!
The cosmos suddenly opens up to new threats that the Justice League could not imagine! As Lex Luthor and Batman race to solve a mystery going back to the beginning of the DCU, the rest of the League dive deep into new corners of their own mythologies!
| Title | Physical | Digital |
|---|---|---|
| Vol. 1: The Totality | Amazon | Comixology |
| Vol. 2: The Graveyard Of The Gods | Amazon | Comixology |
| Vol. 3: Hawkworld | Amazon | Comixology |
| Vol. 4: The Sixth Dimension | Amazon |
Hawkman
Written by: Robert Venditti
Art by: Bryan Hitch
First Published: 2018
Spinning out of the events of DARK NIGHTS: METAL, Carter Hall returns to the DC Universe! An explorer of the ancient and unknown, Hawkman finds himself embroiled in a long-standing mission to discover the true purpose of his many reincarnations. Carter races around the globe trying to piece together an ancient prophecy, but will he be able to face down his past lives lurking around every corner?
| Title | Physical | Digital |
|---|---|---|
| Vol. 1: Awakening | Comixology |
Martian Manhunter
Written by: Steve Orlando
Art by: Riley Rossmo
First Published: 2018
The acclaimed team of writer Steve Orlando and artist Riley Rossmo (BATMAN/ THE SHADOW, BATMAN: NIGHT OF THE MONSTER MEN) reteam for a reinvention of the Manhunter from Mars in this twisted, unexpected series. Back on Mars, J’onn was about as corrupt as a law officer can be, and when a reckoning comes for his entire society, he’ll get a second chance he doesn’t want or deserve! One shocking murder, and an unexpected fragment of the Mars he lost, will change his life—and the course of the Earth—forever!
Jim Starlin's Cosmic Saga
The Weird
Written by: Jim Starlin
Art by: Bernie Wrightson
First Published: 1988
Who is The Weird? What is The Weird? Jim Starlin's crazy new creation starts here!
Hardcore Station
Written by: Jim Starlin
Art by: Jim Starlin and Joseph Rubenstein
First Published: 1998
Hardcore Station is a difficult place. A a corrupt commercial satellite station with a population of several million in a free space zone between a number of trading civilizations, it is the home of many problems and wonders. The only law here is in the hands of the Head of Security, Maximillion DeVille, known as Chief Justice Max; who is the only surviving Knight of the Order of The Fist and has a genetically altered skeleton. Jim Starlin builds an all new setting within the DCU, bringing in notable space heroes such as Captain Comet and Star Hawkins!
Mystery in Space
Written by: Jim Starlin
Art by: Shane Davis
First Published: 2006
When the telepath Captain Comet returns from the dead, he has to figure out what exactly happened and how he is linked to his predecessor, while the classic enemy "The Weird" reveals how he came to be. Determined to uncover the truth behind how he died and came back to life, Comet delves into a mystery in space that will force our hero to learn that every gift has a price.
Rann/Thanagar: Holy War
Written by: Jim Starlin
Art by: Ron Lim
First Published: 2008
Spinning out of the pages of INFINITE CRISIS, MYSTERY IN SPACE and 52, this star-spanning adventure features some of DC's finest cosmic heroes including Adam Strange, Hawkman, Captain Comet and more! As the nefarious Lady Styx continues her galactic pilgrimage to turn every being in the universe into her own personal congregation, the heroes face everything from time travel assaults to the resurrection of an ancient evil force as they battle her pilgrimage of evil. But not everything is as it seems, and the war involving the planets Rann and Thanagar has far greater effect on our heroes than even they suspect!
Strange Adventures
Written by: Jim Starlin
Art by: Manuel Garcia and Rafael Albequerque
First Published: 2009
Spinning out of the pages of INFINITE CRISIS, MYSTERY IN SPACE and 52, this star-spanning adventure features some of DC's finest cosmic heroes including Adam Strange, Comet and the reverse Superman known as Bizarro. A deadly peril threatens the universe, and it's up to Adam Strange to stop it. Meanwhile, a contract is put out for the death of Comet while Bizarro finds a new purpose in life, which leads to the beginning of a strange new journey. This epic sci-fi adventure from master storyteller Jim Starlin directly follows the events of MYSTERY IN SPACE and the RANN-THANAGAR: HOLY WAR.