Reading Orders
DC Absolute Universe
The Absolute Universe is DC Comics’ newly reimagined continuity born from the Absolute Power event, offering a streamlined, modern take on classic heroes and their origins within a bold, unified timeline.
The New Ultimate Universe (Earth 6160)
Marvel’s newly reborn Ultimate Universe — a fresh, creator-driven world built from the ground up. With bold storytelling and modern reinventions of classic heroes.
Batman Essentials
We are building a chronological timeline of core Batman events in DC’s main continuity, tracing Bruce Wayne’s evolution from his first year as the Dark Knight to his most recent battles. Ideal for beginners, but don't feel you need to read it all - why not start at the beginning and see where it takes you?
Hickman's Marvel
Jonathan Hickman is the ultimate world builder - his Marvel work spans epic, interconnected sagas that redefined the Fantastic Four, Avengers, X-Men, and the multiverse itself—culminating in universe-shaping events like Secret Wars and House of X.
Geoff Johns' DC (by series)
Geoff Johns’ DC Comics work is defined by revitalizing iconic characters and teams—like Green Lantern, The Flash, and the Justice League—while weaving epic storylines that blend continuity reverence with modern twists. Note: This isn't really in a chronological reading order, but rather broken down into his work on each major series. You can find links to crossovers within each reading order.
The Ultimate Ultimate Universe
Marvel reimagines classic heroes in a modern, grounded continuity, offering fresh origins and streamlined storytelling for a new generation of readers.
Fantastic Four by Four
A timeline of Fantastic Four reading orders centered on four of the most influential FF authors - each a jump on point for any new FF readers. Follow the team’s evolution through Byrne’s character-driven reinvention, Simonson’s cosmic epics, Waid’s emotional re-grounding, and Hickman’s multiversal saga of legacy and destiny.
Watchmen
A shadowy timeline spanning decades, this DC saga threads together Before Watchmen and Watchmen with the main DC Universe through reality-shifting events like The Button, Superman: Reborn, and The Oz Effect, culminating in Doomsday Clock, where past and present collide to reshape the future of continuity itself.
Bendis's Marvel
Brian Michael Bendis reshaped Marvel’s modern era with character-focused storytelling, redefining heroes like Spider-Man and the Avengers while spearheading major events that transformed the Marvel Universe.
