8 Must-Read Elseworlds Stories from DC Comics

These days, it seems like everywhere you turn there’s a story about the Multiverse. But this storytelling genre is actually a longheld tradition for super heroes.

Comic book mythology has always been enhanced by asking, what if and how else? In fact, DC Comics has published stories outside of their main continuum since 1942, and especially later during the Silver Age. Years later, the Elseworlds imprint would provide some of the most well-known alternate universe DC stories.

From the end of the 1980s to 2014, DC’s Elseworlds books offered new takes on our favorite heroes. Many placed members of the Justice League in totally different time periods. Others completely switched up the genre from super hero to fantasy. Here are the top 8 DC Elseworlds stories when you need an escape from the familiar.

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Gotham by Gaslight

Written by: Brian Augustyn, Art by: Mike Mignola

As the World’s Greatest Detective, it only stands to reason that Batman would be involved in one of history’s grisliest mysteries. In Gotham by Gaslight, Batman must uncover the identity of Jack the Ripper in Victorian England. It’s one of the most compelling cases any Batman has had to solve, and the end reveal is nothing short of heart-wrenching.

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Superman: Red Son

Written by: Mark Millar, Art by: Dave Johnson, Andrew Robinson, Walden Wong, & Killian Plunkett

Superman is the world’s pure-hearted, do-gooder guardian from the United States. But how would he have changed if he weren’t an American hero — and instead, was a product of the Soviet Union? When baby Kal-El’s pod lands in Ukraine rather than Kansas, the Kryptonian’s entire history is dashed with red. Superman: Red Son is a fascinating exploration of how ideology changes everything.

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Elseworld’s Finest: Supergirl & Batgirl

Written by: Barbara Kesel, Art by: Matt Haley

In a world without Batman and Superman, even their heroic peers undergo drastic changes. Barbara Gordon is an orphan who grows up to become the Batgirl. She defends her city with merciless, unflinching justice. Likewise, Kara Zor-El is the sole surviving Kryptonian on Earth. As Supergirl, she works alongside Lex Luthor and the Justice Society. Together, these two women must overcome their differences and unite against The Joker’s devious plot.

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Batman: In Darkest Knight

Written by: Mike W. Barr, Art by: Jerry Bingham

A Green Lantern’s power is based on their ability to harness hope. However, other emotions along the Emotional Spectrum can shift a Lantern’s power. When you consider Batman’s motivations, a potent mix of hope and fear, Bruce’s potential as a Green Lantern is both intriguing and terrifying.

Bonus Selection: The Green Lanterns also have their own Elseworlds collection, Green Lantern: Evil’s Might. This story reimagines Kyle Rayner as the first wielder of the Green Lantern ring, going up against corrupted versions of Alan Scott and Hal Jordan in early 1900s New York City.

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Wonder Woman: Amazonia

Written by: William Messner-Loebs, Art by: Phil Winslade

Wonder Woman is hailed as a savior among her people, the storied hero who would bring justice for all to “man’s world.” But when the world outside Paradise Island falls victim to an evil British usurper, Diana Prince must emerge sooner than she anticipated. Set during the Victorian Era, Diana is abducted from her home by a cruel version of Steve Trevor. Soon, she must find the strength to battle against King Jack’s expanding empire and his misogynist mission.

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Kingdom Come

Written by: Mark Waid & Alex Ross, Art by: Alex Ross

When you have super heroes whose powers are limitless, there’s always the risk that they could crossover into dangerous territory. After all, what’s to stop an unstoppable figure from becoming a tyrant rather than a savior? When a new generation of heroes devolves into villainy, the elder protectors must reemerge in a fight for the planet. With art by the legendary Alex Ross, this Elseworlds story is a grand tale of checked (and unchecked) power.

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Lobo Annual Vol. 2

Written by: Alan Grant, Art by: Val Semeiks

No off-the-rails collection of DC stories would be complete without baddest bastich of them all, Lobo. Set in the Wild West, this collection of Lobo tales combine hallmarks of the Western genre (including many nods to iconic gunslingers like Clint Eastwood) with the signature antics of the Main Man. Buckle up because this one’s a fraggin’ bumpy ride.

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Justice Riders

Written by: Chuck Dixon, Art by: J.H. Williams III

While we’re on the subject of Western heroics, Justice Riders is a one-shot tale of the Justice League as Wild West vigilantes. However, these Earth-18 versions are slightly grittier than their Prime Earth counterparts. Sheriff Diana Prince assembles a ragtag group of outcasts so she can avenge her fallen town of Paradise against the evil railroad tycoon Maxwell Lord. This is Justice served with a heaping side of gun smoke.

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Considering the infinite realities within the DC Omniverse, there are still many other Elseworlds stories. Some combine Batman lore with infamous horror monsters like Dracula (Batman & Dracula: Red Rain) or the Phantom of the Opera (Batman: Masque). And of course Frankenstein (and his monster) are brought to life in Batman and Superman mythos with Castle of the Bat and The Superman Monster.

Of all the alternate universes, disrupted timelines, and speculative histories from DC Comics, which are your favorites? Join the conversation with other DC fans over at Sideshow Social Network or in side.show/geekgroup — and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!