DC Compact Comics Ranking Which are the BEST for New Readers

[@comicnutt7677]

Long Halloween is the definitive Batman story.

[@TBATB]

Touché but my heart has always favored Dark victory

[@soshiderek]

Hope DC Compact format this too!

[@alingo1996]

It’s good but boring, read hush instead

[@lor8262]

I'm a college student, and iv been reading a lot of these between classes, and I can't wait to get more of these!

[@TBATB]

Which one have you liked best?

[@lor8262]

@@TBATB watchmen and the court of owls. Iv been meaning to read both for a while and I'm so glad I did

[@esdraslopez4658]

Cant believe they havent released compact editions before! Great idea!

[@TBATB]

Right?! Such a great idea!

[@lucywillis4174]

Im glad there is now a cheap graphic novel imprint. What id like to see... 1: new frontier 2: death of superman 3: doom patrol 4: invisibles 5: Supergirl woman of tomorrow 6: green lantern by grant morrison 7: legend of wonder woman 8: legends of the dark knight 9: hellblazer 10: green arrow by kevin smith

[@mero7731]

I bet we'll get a woman of tomorrow compact comic when the movie comes out

[@TBATB]

New frontier is the most needed! Doom patrol would be awesome! I’ve never read invisibles. Woman of tomorrow makes sense.

[@chuckransford3624]

As a newbie I appreciate that DC are putting out these ultra affordable collections. I was hoping for a better Wonder Woman release in this format, as I have yet to read anything that is WW centric and I've seen it almost universally stated that this arc isn't great for new readers.

[@TBATB]

In a couple months, DC is releasing. Another line of comics called the finest collection and they are starting with Gail Simone’s Wonderland one which I highly highly recommend.

[@chuckransford3624]

@@TBATB oh that is good news, thanks for the heads up!

[@ghost-noir0.273]

So far I own every compact comics and my favorite compact are the Batman the court of owls and hush and watchman

[@TBATB]

Probably my favorite three also

[@jemothy7498]

I love the compact comics so much! A great way for people to get into comic stories

[@TBATB]

It really is! I love big books too but more importantly I love what ever gets new people into comics!

[@LizardKing75]

Dark Knight Returns is the most famous Batman comic IMO. Not saying it's better but i can remember in 1986 that book was getting mainstream press and there was news coverage of the book and Frank Miller. I think Year One is also more famous than Hush. My 3 favorites are probably Long Halloween, Dark Victory and Court Of Owls.

[@TBATB]

Haha I know I was just trying to be controversial lol all of the stories have the better story but hush has fantastic art that’s hard to beat

[@rap3208]

@@TBATB I think DC should publish first those easy to digest and beginner friendly to entice those manga readers as well as new readers.

[@LydDaLightSkin]

Just picked up the Watchmen compact edition today. This will be my first time ever reading Watchmen. Can’t wait! Love your videos! Keep it up 👍🏽

[@TBATB]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@stevelandmartin-khan2430]

Incredible video, thank you for talking about all of them in a succinct and effective way. I’m not the newest reader, but this video gave me a good idea which books I’m interested in

[@TBATB]

That meant a lot to hear, thank you! Which ones are you interested in?

[@dinobob4946]

This was great! You should do more of these everytime a new compact comic comes out. It helps a lot

[@TBATB]

Should I do them each month or should I wait a few months till more then 2 new ones have come out?

[@soshiderek]

Catwoman is coming out next week on 1st. And next May, Kingdom Come!

[@MoramothHauntz]

Going shopping this week hoping to pick up a few more. Perfect size for my locker or trolley reading

[@TBATB]

Dang, I’ve never read on a trolley before but now I want to

[@TheComicBookReport]

Some beautiful books here, appreciate the coverage. Far sector might finally get me 😂

[@TBATB]

Honestly, if you’ve waited this long, hold out till February for the Deluxe Edition

[@lexofpower2822]

@@TBATBthe crossover I’ve wanted for a while 😊

[@vincentimbesi3947]

I don’t own any of these compact books yet, because I have them all in larger size. I do think this is a great idea by DC and I can’t believe it took them this long to create them! I hope more are released so new readers are attracted to them. 💙👍🏼

[@TBATB]

That's a great idea! You are smarter than me, not doubling up on formats!

[@wilsonng994]

Thks for the vid. I'm thinking of picking up Batman: Hush. Read the reprinted Trade Paperback editon but I'm going to get it in compact edition and read it wherever and whenever.

[@mattlebowski453]

Great video! Been wanting to check out these compact editions so I appreciate this breakdown. Keep up the great work!

[@TBATB]

Glad I could help! I love these if they get new people reading because it’s such an amazing price point and I hope we get a lot more people reading comics

[@d-rawkz6323]

I picked up the Watchmen compact and I like it. It’s a good idea they did here.

[@TBATB]

It’s a great idea!

[@LSOK38]

All Star Superman was a love letter to the silver age and I loved it!

[@williamjackson6705]

What I think they should do is The Batman: Earth One, Wonder Woman by George Perez, Flash Point & Green Lantern : Sinestro Corps. War.

[@TBATB]

Those would all be awesome choices! I also want a green lantern earth one!

[@masterofcomedy4619]

Great review, man! Waiting for my Hush compact that I pre-ordered. I love this edition, pretty friendly to the/my wallet 😂 Maybe Long Halloween compact next?

[@TBATB]

That’s such a fantastic choice!

[@zatmurad]

Out of the current books on the compact format, I would pick up All Star Superman. Waiting on Kingdom Come when that comes out. I would like for DC to produce New Frontier in this format, or even the first story arc from Preacher or Swamp Thing.

[@TBATB]

New frontier is my most wanted!

[@retrojunior7993]

I only got all stars superman compact just finished it

[@jamesbruce1456]

Same weirdly enough

[@Thebat1997]

You all liked it or not Because I'm also the same

[@Thebat1997]

​@@jamesbruce1456you too

[@TBATB]

Hope you all enjoyed it!!

[@InfinityDude88]

Same here, mostly because I already own all the rest (aside from Far Sector).

[@M0nk1iii]

I’m a relatively new reader (I started collecting comics this summer) and these are a great jumping on point in my opinion. I started with watchmen and then I bought Batman hush and I have the complete compact comics collection now and some other classic dc stories (flashpoint, the long Halloween, for all seasons, etc) but I would have to say that Harley Quinn and the Gotham city sirens is my favorite compact edition so far

[@siriactuallysara]

This reminds me of old school Archie digests that they used to sell in the grocery store by the register for 1.50

[@chazkhaira6621]

Great video

[@TBATB]

Thanks! It means a lot to hear positive feedback!

[@koczott03]

I bought Court of Owls and Gotham City Sirens, I will also buy Wonder Woman too in my favourite comicbooks store in Cracow. A lot of content for a ridiculously low price. These issues also have a characteristic rough and specific smelling paper that reminds me of Ben10 comics from my childhood. 😌Greetings from Poland!

[@TBATB]

Greetings from America! So happy that you are enjoying these books!

[@dannytorrence9424]

I also just got joker because I never read that one. But my favorites are definitely the court and hush. I just cannot get enough of either of those stories. I don't own the absolutes but I have everything else. I just love the idea of what you said. Comics easy in a backpack. Need to get more. But most importantly....where did you get that shirt!!!!! My goodness its just amazing. I tried to figure it out I couldn't hahahahaha. Totally cool. Very jealous.

[@TBATB]

Haha it was a special shirt 😂 There is a super expensive geek fandom shirt company called RSVT. They make the most boss shirts ever! But they are super expensive so my wife only lets me get like 1 a year haha. Despite the price they are the most comfortable material I’ve ever worn. This one came out as part of the new Batman 85 year anniversary launch

[@AlexBaldwinFTW]

Travelling internationally these were great to have - loved rereading Watchmen.

[@TBATB]

The perfect travel comic book!

[@StarJoes]

I got Far Sector because I wanted it all collected together. Then I found out after this came out that they are doing a deluxe hardcover. But still love having this small collection also. I also got Hush and Court of Owls because I just love both stories so much.

[@TBATB]

This was my first time reading far sector, and it was amazing, but I can’t wait to see this art in a larger format. It was truly out of this world cheesy pun intended. Despite it being so intergalactic the story and problems that she faced were definitely ones that we deal with in our own society. This book deserves all the awards that got.

[@StarJoes]

@@TBATB I fortunately read it as issues since I’m a huge GL fan and get anything GL related. I agree that I am looking forward to seeing the art in large format. Side note, white boy seasoned was hilarious. LOL

[@TBATB]

Haha 🤣 I’m glad that joke was taken in the spirit it was intended

[@nivekleveb8872]

Thanks for the overview on these - i own literally all of these books in larger formats but I'm considering picking these up as stocking stuffers for friends and family who i think would be into it (my wife reads manga occasionally and really beats up her books so these would be perfect for someone like her)

[@TBATB]

Glad it was helpful! Sometimes if I see an extra, I’ll buy it and gift it to a friend. These are the perfect gateway comics.

[@nivekleveb8872]

@@TBATB exactly! I applaud DC for doing this and I hope it takes off

[@TBATB]

I’m doing my best to at least spread the awareness as much as I can! But seriously, the goal of my channel is just to get more people reading comics for the first time and I think this is a great way to do it

[@evangrogan8008]

Bought all of them expept Hush, (already have it). Such an amazing format to get into comics, All star Superman was incredible, generally think Superman has overtaken Batman for me due to that book. But the most iconic batman story to me is Frank Millers The Dark Night Returns.

[@TBATB]

I think someday we’re getting Superman birthright in compact comic. You should definitely check that out too.

[@MattHorton]

I tried to read All-Star Superman, and I didn't like it that much. I think I'm just not into Morrison. Glad to see you enjoying Far Sector!

[@TBATB]

That’s okay! They are not for everybody!

[@mickiemallorie]

At 10 bucks I'm getting them all.

[@richardmoreno1942]

Big fan, thank you for the amazing content. Of you coreagchoose the next dc compact edition what 3 would you choose to be created.

[@TBATB]

Long Halloween, Superman Up in the Sky, Batman Black Mirror

[@suryanih7015]

Before the release of compacts, I've never read any comic book in physical format. One of the reasons is that dc and marvel (and other comic publishers) don't publish their comics in my country. So i can only read comics digitally on my phone. But around 2 months ago i stumbled on a tweet that said you can read the whole court of owls saga for just $9.99. So i decided to preorder the book, and i don't know why but reading it in physical format feels WAY better than reading a comic book on your phone. Fast forward to now, i have a few trade paperbacks and 2 weeks ago i just bought woman of tomorrow deluxe edition and smashes the klan. I can't believe i fell down the rabbit hole of collecting/buying physical comic books because of these compact comics 😂

[@TBATB]

That is amazing! Both of those books you bought are incredible! I’m so happy that the compact comics were a good entry place for you! What do you want to read or collect next?

[@suryanih7015]

@@TBATB catwoman lonely city and gotham city sirens are probably what I'll get next! Oh, and also gotham city year one, heard a lot of good things about that book

[@KevinReadsComics]

I’ve been seeing these at Target. Need to get comics in front of new readers!

[@TBATB]

So far I’ve only seen Watchmen at target but I was stoked!

[@drummingninja1065]

I kind of want to read that Joker compact just to see how bad it really is. Great video as always. Loved the rating and the summaries of each!

[@TBATB]

You should totally never take my word for it and read a story yourself and see if you love it because we all have different opinions! If you read it and love it that is totally OK and we can still be friends!

[@jplayer230]

Like how Jake and I are still friends even though I like Joker!

[@drummingninja1065]

@@jplayer230 man i got both of you to reply? Awesome. I'll put my DCIU to work and check it out. Thank you guys for your replies. Love your work!

[@TBATB]

Enjoy and tell us what you think!!

[@gmoney12stacks]

picked up watchmen a month or so ago and it kicked off my comic reading journey. my only complaint is that it set the bar so high!

[@TBATB]

What else have you read can I help you with any suggestions?

[@gmoney12stacks]

@@TBATB i’ve also read Year One, Long Halloween, Killing Joke, Man Without Fear, Daredevil by Chip Zadarsky vol. 1, Daredevil by BMB vol. 1, and i’m currently reading Punisher Max vol. 1 by Ennis. i would love some suggestions!

[@TBATB]

Finishing up daredevil by Bendis and then going on to Brubaker would be an incredible experience! If you’ve read long Halloween, there’s a sequel called dark victory that I also really like. I also really like rise and fall of the Batmen which is a team book of the batfamily

[@gmoney12stacks]

@@TBATB thanks so much, man. i’ll definitely check out all of those.

[@nicktroisi6347]

I would love The Flash Rebirth (2009) and Green Lantern Rebirth (2004) in Compact Form

[@TBATB]

Those would rock!

[@soshiderek]

Owls was impressive. Just started Hush. :)

[@TBATB]

Will this be your first time reading it?

[@soshiderek]

Yes, lots of catching up! Owl, one of the best. Hush, straightforward so far.

[@CarlosDias-er6dd]

I have Watchmen on Deluxe format. I'm tented to grab the compact edition, the trade paperback and the Absolute,just to have the story in 4 different sizes!

[@TBATB]

You can never own too much watchmen!

[@CarlosDias-er6dd]

@@TBATB that's true!

[@Moyeeshen2304]

Surprisingly, I love far sector a lot more than other story (except all-star, I haven't revisit it yet). Maybe is the fact that I can't really get into a classic batman comic for some unknown reason

[@Moyeeshen2304]

and also, I really want a batman long halloween compact edition because I haven't read it before and looks like everyone is praising about it.

[@nawankcrossline4593]

I got Wonder Women, amazed by the art of Yanick, but the story if Off......I'm planned of having WATCHMEN next month

[@bztan100]

I agree. I thought I loved Grant Morrison's writing because of All-Star Superman but I've tried out their first volumes of Action Comics and Wonder Woman Earth One books and.... I don't really like it. Hopefully their Batman run is good tho, I'm reading a lot of Ra's Al Ghul and Talia Al Ghul stories to prepare myself for Morrison's Batman run.

[@TBATB]

I still love Grant Morrison, but sometimes they’re Whiting can be really hard to access the first time you’re reading it. In the case of action comics and wonder woman, both of those were supposed to bring the character back to their original essence, a golden age in the modern era. I prefer Grant Morrison when they are weird, but the characters are still easy to access like doom, patrol or animal man.

[@bztan100]

@@TBATB Yep, I'm aware of the point of Action Comics and WW: Earth One being a love letter to the Golden Age era but maybe I just dislike how whimsical and weird the Golden Age era is. I'd much more prefer stories set in the Silver Age or Modern Age.

[@nawankcrossline4593]

@@TBATB and ....why Steve become so dark here??? 😀😀😀😀....I really dont get it.......honestly

[@RAMENWORLD-ry8oq]

While no doubt Hush is a great story, revently i read The long Halloween and that story was amazeing the who done it mixes well with two faces orgin. Ill have to Read Hush to see if it can top The Long Halloween. My second favorite is Court of owls. The third is Killing joke. So many great Batman stories. Yet deffinotly going to read other heros.

[@TBATB]

You should also check out dark victory, the sequel to long Halloween and Batman black mirror. Those are other Batman stories. I absolutely love. Long Halloween probably beat hush in terms of story, but the hush art is on a whole other level

[@sethbenjamin5202]

Wow! Thanks so much , just bought batman court of owls.

[@TBATB]

Awesome one to start with!

[@mero7731]

My Batman Hush trade got water damaged when i was moving so im going pick up that.

[@TBATB]

Oh no! Hush has some of the best art ever!

[@bunkmastab]

"And I'm sure BunkmastaB on Comics would agree" Sir, how dare you?

[@jplayer230]

He does dareth!

[@TBATB]

DID I STUTTER

[@Notoriousastroboy]

I feel like Batman knightfall is the definitive Batman story

[@crimefightingspider]

I am a fan of the compact editions, but hush does not belong being so small. I will agree, i don't really like wonder woman earth one.

[@TBATB]

Haha I know it needs an artist edition honestly! But if this helps new readers find and read hush for the first time that’s awesome and hopefully they get it again later in a better format!

[@ChristopherLono]

Even WW Blood & Guts would have been a better choice than Earth1 for this edition. And Joker is such a miss (without Lex), or just combine Batman Noel with Damned instead and you have an awesome Bermejo book.

[@TBATB]

All excellent points! Why aren’t you in charge of dc?!? Jkjkk but yeah a few Losses on their part

[@ChristopherLono]

@@TBATB Ha, thanks :) But sometimes it does feel almost as if they didn't even spare a few seconds to think about their choice. Every compact book should be between 200-300 pages. Great video as always.

[@anaveragegamer359]

Could have also done a joker stories collection Joker, Mandy who laughs and killing joke together

[@MattHorton]

Hey, you might not know, but Grant Morrison wants to be referred to by they/them these days.

[@TBATB]

Oh, I’m totally aware. I’m sorry if I accidentally misgendered them. I usually am really good at making sure to say they them but I appreciate you correcting me in a polite way.

[@jdsantibanez]

I am waiting for the Darwyn Cooke comic of Catwoman.

[@TBATB]

I have the omnibus but I will be getting this one as well!

[@aidanbyrnes9513]

Will DC release any more compact comics after october? I know there's a few coming next summer, but i don't know if DC will release any before then?

[@TBATB]

I think that this is the end of wave one and wave two is starting in the summer

[@aidanbyrnes9513]

@@TBATB oh okay thanks 👍

[@moritzkersting7563]

Are these complete stories? Or just part 1 of each storyline? Kinda new to this thing

[@TBATB]

Some of them are complete stories others are part ones, but they usually say! Which one was interesting to you?

[@moritzkersting7563]

@@TBATB all star superman and batman hush and watchmen

[@eknox4748]

White person seasoned lol I just got the Joker compact Even though I know your opinion on it, I will give it a shot! And congrats on 2 years of sobriety Jake !

[@TBATB]

Dude thank you so much! That means a lot too me haha

[@EdDeeb]

There is something weird about this video. Not the content. The consistency.

[@TBATB]

😧

[@idoshaul57]

I’m about to go on a international trip and I’m not sure which one to get… I wanted watchmen but he might be right and the writing might be too small, only read hush from the list

[@TBATB]

I think All-Star and Court of Owls are awesome, or if you want Sci-fi do Far Sector!

[@idoshaul57]

@@TBATB thanks, kinda wanted all-star anyways

[@joncarroll2040]

The best of these for my moneys to hand to a new reader is All Star Superman. It's the closest to a *good* Superman comic you can find in a regular run but has no other continuity to read.

[@TBATB]

I hope we get secret origin for all season seasons and birthright next!

[@joncarroll2040]

The problem with Secret Origins and For All Seasons are that they're too short. It seems like they're keeping these to stories that are 12 issues.

[@chrism023]

Where do you get these and a release order list and such?

[@TBATB]

For most collected comics I use comicreleases.com but they don’t track books this small. You can buy them from Amazon or in stock trades but pretty soon they should be available at local targets and Walmart and places where comic books aren’t normally sold.

[@lucywillis4174]

Just ordered American vampires. WW was unavailable which hopefully means out of stock...

[@TBATB]

You know, I’ve never read American vampires, but I’m excited too!

[@zaqqaz]

I got them all. It’s just so cheap.

[@YoQ]

id go for compacts, but id rather commit the cardinal sin of digitally reading my comics on my tablet while I slowly save money for their hardcovers later on.

[@TBATB]

Haha I have been reading digitally more but I want to do the best I can to support the compact comics

[@dominicdavidson300]

Flashpoint, The Long Halloween, and The Judas Contract Arc

[@TBATB]

I can’t believe we don’t have long Halloween already

[@dominicdavidson300]

@@TBATB Really liked the two part animated movies but i havent read the comics

[@anaveragegamer359]

The comics are very different

[@AlexanderMiller-z5u]

Is it good paper quality on the compacts

[@korribreki]

It's definitely not bad quality.

[@TBATB]

Yeah, it’s OK. Paper quality. It’s just the colors don’t look as great as other formats.

[@anaveragegamer359]

Isn't there another Catwoman book coming?

[@TBATB]

Yes I think it’s next month! Written by Ed Brubaker, with art by the amazing Darwin Cooke it is seriously amazing!

[@nicholasvacura3817]

The compact editions are great and fantastic gateway comics for new readers. I have to ask if that’s your thoughts on the joker then what’s your thoughts on the boys if you’ve read that. I’ve found that comic to be mean spirited and needlessly gratuitous.

[@TBATB]

Sometimes I feel like edgy writers read watchmen and TDR and get the wrong message. I haven’t read the Boys or crossed but I also have no desire. The real world can be pretty dark sometimes and I want to read things that inspire me or make me feel complex emotions. Not just see mean spirited characters trying to be edgy.

[@nicholasvacura3817]

@@TBATB with you completely. The boys was a complete waste of time for me to read. Sometimes it’s just fine reading Superheroes being super. That’s why Batman adventures will always be timeless.

[@jrson5000]

Far sector above hush is wild

[@Boushh420]

Tbf beautiful Jim Lee art can only cover up so much of a worse version of Long Halloween.

[@TBATB]

I thought I kind of gave love to both and far sector. I don’t think I ranked one above the other.

[@jrson5000]

@@TBATB my fault I thought they were in ranking order

[@TBATB]

Oh no, I did them in order of when they were released

[@BerryCherry131]

I MIGHT be in the minority here but, I think Hush is vastly overrated story wise. (Don’t hurt me)

[@TBATB]

How dare you! Jk It’s no Long Halloween! But to me the art is some of the best I’ve ever seen and the story is just so fun to see each villain drawn by Jim Lee. Do you have a favorite Batman story?

[@ElDorado226]

I bought the WW Year One out of curiosity and, after reading it, decided to put it on ebay. Not awful, just not a keeper. A little too much utopianism for a comic, IMHO.

[@TBATB]

Yeah it was hard to really vibe with it.

[@ChibiTenshi1000]

Why is far sector getting a compact and not an actually good and serious GL story? Is this a bad joke or something???

[@TBATB]

I really liked far sector, I thought it was an awesome way to read a Green Lantern story that tackled real themes without needing a long continuity to get into. It also want a Hugo, which is a really prestigious award. But if you didn’t like it, that’s completely fine and hopefully we get more Green Lantern and compact comics which ones would you like to see?

[@IanEggleston]

Maybe with the success of these books at a $9.99 price point, DC will re-access their $4.99, $5.99 price point for their single issues.

[@TBATB]

It has to be so hard because of how many people are involved in the creation of a single issue. I want comics to be accessible but also for creators to be paid a fair amount

[@spielebrocken]

Just be warned that these things fall apart during your first reading. You get what you pay for.

[@TBATB]

People have said this to me about compendiums before, but I’ve never had a single one ever fall apart

[@spielebrocken]

@@TBATB Well I think for the price you cant do much wrong anyways. 300+ pages for 8.99 is a crazy deal, even if it would break down after reading through. It will for sure do its job of getting new readers interested in the hobby.

[@FreeNahshon]

white people seasoned was funny as hell 😂

[@TBATB]

😂 haha that was a total in the moment joke

[@AlexanderMiller-z5u]

Jake hush is like an 8 out of 10 I don’t think it’s bad but it’s not greasy still of of the best Batman comics though happy 2 years and happy Batman day

[@TBATB]

Haha sometimes I like to throw out controversial opinions to start a healthy debate in the comments. Maybe I should say that hush has some of the best art of any Batman comic ever, but my heart will always belong to long Halloween.

[@rap3208]

I think they need to do a compact comic for: (And not necessarily one and done stories) 1. I, Vampire (New 52) 2. The Authority 3. Injustice year 1, Injustice year 2, etc. 4.Green Arrow by Lemire (New 52) 5. Several volumes of the Death and Return of superman storyline (death of superman/Funeral for a friend/the 4 supermen replacements/the return of superman) 6. Planetary 7. DC The New Frontier

[@TBATB]

Authority would be great before the movie, injustice would be so many volumes but great, the death and return would be cool, luckily they are doing a compendium this year!