Dark Nights: Metal Reading Order Tie-Ins! - Comic Book Herald

Simply put, the Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo led DC Dark Nights: Metal is the most excited I’ve been about a comic book event since Marvels’ 2015 Secret Wars (aka my favorite comic event of all time).

Metal reunites the stellar New 52 Batman creative team in an event spanning a multiverse of Batmen, and honing in on some of the greatest mysteries in the DC Universe (Joker’s true identity, for example).

Despite it’s massive scope, Metal is effectively tied into DC Rebirth as a whole, making this the first Crisis level event in Rebirth’s lineup.

As new issues of Metal are released, I’ll be ordering them here and letting you know how essential each book is to the event as a whole. You can also find essential comic book history that will help explain Metal’s plot, as well as a detailed checklist of upcoming releases that tie into the event.

Previously: DC Rebirth Year One

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Sequel: Dark Nights Death Metal

DC HISTORY LESSON – METAL’S MAIN INFLUENCES

In all honesty, Metal dives heavily into DC continuity, and as a fan of long and rich comic book universe histories, I’m head over heels in love.

If you’re newer to the DCU, though, or simply missed out on some of the selections below, there can be a lot of confusing moments that don’t have a lot of context. Metal is not pausing often to explain any references, instead opting for the kinetic pace of forward progress. Again, this is great for the story, but not great for understanding what on (multiple) earths is happening.

Batman: Dark Knight, Dark City

Crucial backstory? Minor.

Peter Milligan, Kieron Dwyer, and Jim Aparo’s work on “Dark Knight, Dark City” has been directly referenced in the tie-in issue Batman Lost, and will help explain the early 90’s origins of Metal’s big bad. This story is included primarily for Batman obsessives and completists!

Hawkman: Endless Flight

Crucial backstory? Yes.

Hawkman is crucial to the understanding of Metal? Am I serious?

Turns out, yes!

I was skeptical as well, even after Carter Hall made prominent appearances in the Dark Days prelude issues, but Batman Lost ties heavily into characters and stories stemming from Geoff Johns’ run on Hawkman.

I genuinely enjoyed and appreciated the reveals of Batman Lost significantly more given the fact that I had read the opening story arc of Johns’ Hawkman only days before.

The Return of Bruce Wayne

Crucial backstory? Yes.

True story: The Return of Bruce Wayne was the only part of Grant Morrison’s run on Batman titles that I had missed. I followed Morrison on Batman, Batman and Robin, Final Crisis, and Batman Inc, but I never bothered with the return.

That’s a big mistake if you’re getting into Metal.

Reading The Return of Bruce Wayne has seriously augmented my understanding of Metal in many enjoyable ways. It is highly recommended reading for Metal heads.

The question really becomes whether or not you need the full Grant Morrison Batman run to understand The Return of Bruce Wayne. While I’d recommend it, all you need for the purposes of Metal is the knowledge that Bruce Wayne gets shot through time in Final Crisis, and needs to find a way to return.

Multiversity

Crucial backstory? Partially.

Speaking of Morrison, Metal is a giant love letter to the living legend. A full familiarity with the DC Comics of Grant Morrison is always recommended, but for the purposes of Metal, his time writing Batman and his cosmic mapping of the DC multiverse in Multiversity are the most relevant.

You can enjoy Metal just fine without Multiversity, but I can say with a good deal of confidence that if you love one you’ll love the other. Also, look for the Multiversity easter egg in the pages of Metal as you go (literally a comics character carrying a copy of the hardcover!).

New 52 Batman

Crucial Backstory? Partially.

Creators Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo took over the launch of DC’s New 52 Batman and from issue #1 clearly established themselves as the creative team to watch.

Over the course of 52 issues, their Batman consistently impressed, and is quite simply one of my 50 favorite comics of all time. As such the entire run is highly recommended reading.

If you’re strapped for time, I would recommend you at least check out “The Court of Owls” narrative in Batman Vol. 1 and Batman Vol. 2, as well as Batman: Endgame. This will introduce you to Snyder and Capullo’s narrative, the Owls of Gotham, this team’s vision of the Joker,  Duke Thomas, and the introduction of Batman’s connection to the mysterious Dionesium.

All-Star Batman Backup “The Cursed Wheel”

Crucial Backstory? Partially.

The backup shorts running throughout All-Star Batman are great background and build to the character of Duke Thomas, who plays a relevant role in Metal. Thanks to reader Mao L for the tip!

Justice League: Darkseid War

Crucial backstory? No.

Reading the entirety of Darkseid War just to find out what’s up with Darkseid in Metal #1 may seem crazy, but that’s the kind of comic book fan I like!

Sandman: The Wake

Crucial backstory? Partially.

Embarrassingly, I could barely remember how Neil Gaiman’s Sandman ended, and it’s my second favorite comic of all time. “The Wake” will serve as a refresher for those of you as forgetful as me.

If you’ve never read an issue of Sandman in your life: 1) Shame on you and 2)  I do not recommend starting with “The Wake.” Either go H.A.M. on the run, or just keep calm and Metal on!

DC Metal Collected Trade Reading Order

Dark Days: The Road to Metal

Collects: Dark Days: The Forge #1, Dark Days: The Casting #1, Nightwing #17, Detective Comics #950

Please note that the Dark Days issues are also included as individual issues below – I include the recently announced “Road To Metal” trade to call out the less obvious “tie-ins” in Nightwing and Detective Comics.

Detective Comics is not a direct Metal tie-in, and is for absolute die-hards only. You can read Metal without Detective! That said, Detective begins teasing out Batman’s quest, and the mysteries of DC Metal prior to “The Forge.”

The third and final story in Detective Comics #950 is a short review of Batman’s Rebirth planning, with Tim Drake, aka Red Robin, asking Bruce why he’s preparing for war. There’s then a “Dark Days Are Coming” teaser for Metal.

It’s not included in the collection details, but I would also argue that Detective Comics #959 is a good prelude to the “Dark Days” issues.

Dark Nights: Metal: Deluxe Edition

Collects: Dark Nights Metal #1 to #6

Dark Nights: Metal: The Resistance

Collects: The Flash #33, Hal Jordan And The Green Lantern Corps #32, Justice League #32-33, Hawkman: Found #1, Teen Titans #12, Nightwing #29, Suicide Squad #26, Green Arrow #32, Batman: Lost #1 And Hawkman Found #1

Dark Nights: Metal: The Nightmare Batmen

Collects: Batman: The Red Death #1, Batman: The Devastator #1, Batman: The Merciless #1, Batman: The Murder Machine #1, Batman: The Drowned #1, Batman: The Dawnbreaker #1, The Batman Who Laughs #1, Dark Knights Rising: The Wild Hunt #1

I’d note that “The Resistance” and “Nightmare Batmen” issues will flow a lot better if read in the issue by issue order I’ve suggested below. Hopefully DC will release a complete Metal Omnibus in the future that syncs these two related segments of the story.

DC’s Dark Knights Metal Issue by Issue Reading Order

ROAD TO METAL

Dark Days: The Forge #1

How essential is this tie-in? 5.0 out of 5

“The Forge” kicks off Metal with an eons and character spanning story that brings to mind Grant Morrison’s opening on Final Crisis. Don’t worry “The Forge” isn’t quite that overwhelming, but this comic event is definitely expecting a high degree of DC Universe knowledge, as well as an infinity for all things Multiversity (yes please).

Likewise, “The Forge” will feel more familiar to readers who enjoyed Snyder and Capullo’s New 52 Batman, and are familiar with the revelations about the Joker from Justice League: Darkseid War.

Dark Days: The Casting #1

How essential is this tie-in? 5.0 out of 5

“The Casting” continues the exciting stage setting of “The Forge,” and has me insanely pumped for DC Metal!

DARK MULTIVERSE INVADES!

Dark Nights: Metal #1

Dark Nights Metal #2

The first two issues of Metal are darn near perfect love letters to the DC Universe, touching on everything from Mongul to the creation of the DC Multiverse!

As I’ve mentioned previously, you’ll survive, but the payoff for this Batman centric event will be much greater if you’ve checked out Snyder and Capullo’s New 52 run.

THE GOTHAM RESISTANCE & THE DARK KNIGHTS!

Batman The Red Death #1

How essential is this tie-in? 4.8 out of 5

Hot damn this event is great. The first look into the Bats of the dark multiverse highlights “The Red Death,” a look at a dark Batman with the speed force. If you’ve ever wanted to see Batman wield the combined weapons of the Rogues in a fight with the Flash, this is your chance.

Batman The Murder Machine #1

How essential is this tie-in? 5.o out of 5

The Murder Machine is another great “dark” Batman one-shot. The issue spends about 50% of the time during the present day and 50% explaining this Batman’s origin, making it an essential continuation of the Metal story.

I initially placed the Dark Knights one-shots after the “Gotham Resistance” storyline, thinking they could be read in parallel. Green Arrow #32 includes a brief reference to The Murder Machine, though, meaning these issues can be read prior to the 4-part “Gotham Resistance,” which reads best in one chunk.

Teen Titans #12

How essential is this tie-in? 4.2 out of 5

Teen Titans #12 transitions very directly out of the last page reveal at the end of Metal #2. This is part one of the “Gotham Resistance” crossovers, and gives you a good sense of how Metal impacting the DC Universe more broadly. Particularly great read for fans of Damian Wayne!

Nightwing #29

How essential is this tie-in? 4.5 out of 5

Nightwing’s entrance into the Gotham Resistance connects the dots between the prelude Nightwing #17 issue and the Metal saga.

Suicide Squad #26

How essential is this tie-in? 4.0 out of 5

The Gotham resistance continue to fend off the invasion of the Batman Who Laughs and a Gotham turned inside out.

Green Arrow #32

How essential is this tie-in? 4.5 out of 5

Big developments for the Gotham Resistance squad of Damian Wayne (Robin), Green Arrow, Nightwing, Harley Quinn and Killer Croc as they take on the Batman Who Laughs and his creepy Robins. Green Arrow #32 clearly connects to developments from the Murder Machine and helps explain some developments in The Dawnbreaker.

Batman The Dawnbreaker #1

How essential is this tie-in? 4.o out of 5

My least favorite of the Dark Knights one-shots to date, but still highly relevant to the overall narrative. The conclusion of Dawnbreaker clearly connects to Green Arrow #32, bringing the series together and setting up the Justice League’s tie-ins to come.

Batman The Drowned #1

How essential is this tie-in? 4.3 out of 5

The Drowned gets the Dark Knights tie-ins back on track, with the story of a gender-swapped DC Dark Earth, and the Aqua-Bat (nobody calls her that, but here’s to trying). Mostly backstory for one of the Dark Knights, with some insight into what has happened to Aquaman and Atlantis in the present day.

Batman The Merciless #1

How essential is this tie-in? 4.0 out of 5

Another quality one-shot explanation of the “Wonder Woman” Dark Knight. Batman the Merciless ties into the various present day government agencies like ARGUS, Task Force X, and SHADE. To its everlasting credit, this tie-in also includes a Multiversity easter egg, which is easily my favorite panel detail in comics so far in 2017.

JUSTICE LEAGUE VS THE DARK KNIGHTS

Dark Nights: Metal #3

Batman The Devastator #1

How essential is this tie-in? 4.7 out of 5

While Flash #33 is the most direct follow-up to Metal #3, Batman: The Devastator makes the most sense after you’ve already consumed Metal #3. Devastator references specific events that happen in Metal #3, and would otherwise spoil or confuse the main event issue.

Devastator feels like a one-shot with real consequences, as the Doomsday Virus Batman invades Metropolis and anyone still placing their hope in Superman. It’s an extremely strong issue and one that has me wondering how the DCU will recover.

The Flash #33

How essential is this tie-in? 4.5 out of 5

Flash #33 kicks off the Justice League Metal tie-ins in a story arc titled “Bats Out of Hell.” It was only a matter of time before the Earth-0 Justice League had to take on the dark Bat-versions of their characters, and Flash kicks off those developments in style.

Justice League #32

How essential is this tie-in? 4.8 out of 5

Justice League’s tie-in to Metal gives updates on nearly every characters standing in the invasion of the Multiverse, and brings our clearest insight into Cyborg’s situation since Batman: The Murder Machine.

Hal Jordan & The Green Lantern Corps #32

How essential is this tie-in? 4.0 out of 5

Hal gets his own strobing spotlight on his battle with the Green-Batman, aka the Dawnbreaker.

Justice League #33

How essential is this tie-in? 4.5 out of 5

The Metal tie-ins continue to be extremely tight and relevant to the overall understanding of the event, with Justice League #33 capping the “Bats out of Hell” crossover.

Batman Lost #1

How essential is this tie-in? 4.7 out of 5

There have been a number of odes to the DC work of Grant Morrison throughout Metal, but nothing more than Batman Lost. You need approximately 7 PHDs in DC-ology to appreciate Batman Lost, and while this will be off-putting to many, the furious pilgrimage through Batman history is an essential part of understanding Metal.

From my read, these are the DC reads that will most clearly support your read of Batman Lost:

Batman: Dark Knight, Dark City

Hawkman: Endless Flight

Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne

The Batman Who Laughs #1

How essential is this tie-in? 4.9 out of 5

Pro-tip: Do not read this deeply disturbing explanation of the Joker / Bats merger directly preceding bed, as you will have endless nightmares (learned that one from experience).

Cosmic Metal (This is the End)

Dark Nights: Metal #4

Hawkman Found #1

How essential is this tie-in? 3.0 out of 5

Given the insanely talented creative team-up of Jeff Lemire and Bryan Hitch, I wanted to like Hawkman Found significantly more than I did. It’s a fine comic, but with significantly more questions than answers, to the point that I’m not sure how much this issue contributes that the core event wouldn’t already cover. Since Metal is so comparatively tight (for an event), I wouldn’t actually skip, but if you’re strapped for time or cash, you can.

Dark Nights: Metal #5

Dark Knights Rising: The Wild Hunt

How essential is this tie-in? 5 out of 5

If you need (as I wrote above) 7 PHDs in DC-ology to understand Batman Lost, well, you’ll need a full 52 to understand “The Wild Hunt.”

The tie-in marks the triumphant return of Grant Morrison to DC Comics, co-writing the issue alongside Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, and James Tynion IV. The comic is pure Morrison, going so far as to call back the evil super science squad from DC’s weekly 52 series from the late 2000’s! I won’t be adding the entirety of 52 to the essential background reading, but be aware that a lack of familiarity with the series will make this a tough read.

Same goes for a lack of familiarity with the excellent Multiversity, which becomes increasingly important throughout the revelations of “The Wild Hunt” as well!

If all that sounds like weird and wacky Grant Morrison writing you can probably skip, there’s a core portion of this one-shot that also delivers some of the biggest developments for the Justice League and Dark Batmen in all of Metal. It’s basically Metal issue #5 and one half. A wild ride that demands revisiting!

Dark Nights: Metal #6

The New Age of DC Heroes

Batman & The Signal #1

How essential is this tie-in? 2.6 out of 5

I find the decision to release Batman & The Signal #1 prior to Metal #5 and Metal #6 extremely confusing. The issue clearly occurs in the aftermath of Metal. What was the rush to release this new series? The odd scheduling brings to mind Marvel releasing their All-New All-Different lineup prior to the conclusion of Secret Wars, semi-spoiling the outcome in the process.

The upside of Duke Thomas’ debut as The Signal is that it serves as a reminder about all those developments for Duke (and, uh, The Joker?) teased in The Forge and The Casting. The metagenes have primarily gone unexplored throughout Metal #1 to #4. As it stands, it’s an average debut with promise, and should clearly be read after Metal.

Damage — 01/17/18

Sideways #1 — 02/14/18

The Terrifics #1 — 02/28/18

The Silencers

The Immortal Men

The New Challengers

The Unexpected

The Curse of Brimstone

Next: DC Rebirth Year Two

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