41. Red Lanterns
In recent years, Geoff Johns has introduced several Lantern Corps to the DCU. Each color lantern corresponds to a different emotion. The Red Lanterns derive their power from rage. When a Red Lantern is chosen, the ring replaces the lantern's heart and their blood is replaced with an acid like substance. The main arc of Red Lanterns has been split between three stories. First, we witness the birth of the first human Red Lantern (other than Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner and Kyle Rayner) named Jack Moore. Although, he later adopts the name of Rankorr. Then, we see a battle for control of the Corps between the leader Atrocitus and Bleez. And lastly, the return of Atrocitus's first attempt at a Red Lantern as he tries to destroy the Corps. I enjoyed the series, but it was always at the bottom of my read list. My only knowledge of the Red Lanterns comes from Blackest Night so I was happy to get some more backstory on them. And the art was nice throughout with some gruesome scenes. It's my least favorite of the Lantern titles, but a decent read overall.
40. Deathstroke
Who is Deathstroke? He is the greatest mercenary assassin in the world. Slade Wilson was originally created by Marv Wolfman and George Perez as an enemy for the Teen Titans way back in 1980. In the DC New 52, he seems to be reaching the end of his career. He is getting older and starting to have problems with shaky hands. He's even havin a hard time getting work. Potential employers think that he has lost his edge. But Slade is determined to show everyone that he is still the best. In addition to that main arc, Deathstroke also finds out that his dead son, Ravager, may still be alive. Deathstroke surprised me with how good it was. The art and writing are both really great and having a main character who is an assassin opens up the possibility for single issue missions and tons of action. I will be sticking with the books for the foreseeable future.
39. Batman: The Dark Knight
Most people that I have talked to hate Batman: The Dark Knight. They think that it is the weakest of the Batman titles. As its position on this list shows, I kind of agree. Although it is better than Detective Comics, I think it has some major issues in the writing department. There are a lot of illogical character choices and some nonsensical plot elements. Need some examples? In issue one, Batman leads a SWAT team into Arkham. Batman would never do this because he wouldn't want to put the SWAT team in harm's way. He'd go it alone. In issue five, he fights Superman and makes the Man of Steel bleed. No kryptonite, just steroids. They may seem like small things, but these types of things are throughout the first arc. Fortunately, it has improved drastically since David Finch stepped down as writer after issue eight. Finch is still the main artist on the book and I have no complaints there. His art is perfect for this book. It matches the tone and style of the series. And the new story arc by Gregg Hurwitz is one of the best Scarecrow stories I have ever read. It makes the villain scary and evil again. So I'd say skip the first arc altogether.
38. Red Hood and the Outlaws
There are plenty of team books in the New 52 including Justice League, Suicide Squad and Stormwatch. But only one team has a hot alien chick wearing almost nothing and having sex with anyone and everyone. And that team is Red Hood and the Outlaws. Okay, that was a bit of an exaggeration. But it was the main controversy over the first issue which had Starfire being scantily clad and propositioning Arsenal for sex. Since then, DC has toned down the sex and even put Starfire in a full body costume. As for the rest of the title, I will say that I enjoyed the first arc, but started losing interest after that. Red Hood (Jason Todd AKA the second Robin), Arsenal (Roy Harper AKA Speedy AKA Red Arrow ) and Starfire make for an interesting don't-call-them-a-team. Red Hood is a loner who finds himself thrown together with these other two "heroes" and tries to make the best of it. It has some nice flashbacks to Jason Todd's post-death, pre-Red Hood days that helps fill in some blanks and set up a really interesting story. And I love Arsenal's "recovering hero" character. His wit and confidence make him an enduring character. And yes, Starfire is hot. But there is more to the character than that. Much more. As much as I haven't enjoyed the second arc of the series, it is nice to see more of her backstory and her role as a princess.
37. Batman Incorporated
Prior to the New 52, I had never read anything by Grant Morrison. Everyone I spoke to said that his writing was dense and sometimes confusing. After reading his Action Comics run, I did not know what people were talking about. Dense? Yes. Confusing? No. But then, I read Batman Incorporated. The first issue was great. Then, the second issue left the main plot and focused on a Talia Al Ghul story that was also great. But issue three threw me for a loop. And I'm not quite sure why. Batman, Inc. is a continuation of the pre-Flashpoint series with new numbering. Maybe that is why I am so lost. But after reading the previous volume of the series, I was still confused. I was told to read Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne, but I also had to read Batman & Robin and Batman: RIP and several other stories. Then, I understood the confusion. DC relaunched their universe in an attempt to make it more new-reader friendly. But when it comes to Grant Morrison, you have to backtrack through years of previous continuity to fully understand what is going on. The Geoff Johns written New 52 Green Lantern is built upon years of continuity, but I was able to jump on with no problem. Maybe Morrison's writing is too dense. But I will continue to try to catch up because, despite the overwhelming confusion, I am still somehow fascinated with where the story is going. Plus, I really enjoy the art. It is a beautiful book.
36. O.M.A.C.
O.M.A.C. is The Incredible Hulk meets Shazam meets Terminator. Kevin Kho is just an ordinary guy working for Cadmus labs. Somehow, he gets infected with a biomechanical virus controlled by a sentient satellite known as Brother Eye. Whenever Kevin says the phrase "OMACtivate," he transforms into a big blue mohawked creature. Unfortunately, Brother Eye controls OMAC and uses him for his own purposes including breaking into Cadmus and Checkmate. To Brother Eye, Kevin is a tool. But being OMAC ruins Kevin's life. Cadmus and Checkmate send agents after OMAC and Kevin's girlfriend is put in danger. So Kevin must leave to seek help from Brother Eye's creator, Batman. The book was very enjoyable from start to finish and I was disappointed to see it end. Although, OMAC does pop up in Justice League International and plays a big part in the JLI annual.