DC’s New 52 has introduced a lot of new readers to DC and seen some other readers coming back after a long hiatus from reading comics. While the new #1 issues provide fresh starting points, not all of the story lines feature complete reboots. Here are some pre-New 52 collections that new and returning reader might want to check out:

Batman and Son by Grant Morrison and Andy Kubert

Unlike most of the new DC Universe, it doesn’t look like too many of recent Batman storylines have been altered by the reboot featured in the New 52 titles. This trade, first released in 2007, features both the the start of Grant Morrison’s at least somewhat relevant run on Batman as well as the introduction of Bruce Wayne’s son Damian. While we still have to see how much of the events that composed Morrison’s epic tale of the Caped Crusader are still in play, Damian Wayne’s place as the current Robin is unchanged. Morrison’s somewhat gonzo tone may be different that what is featured in current Bat-titles, his tales provide some great surprises that have effects that can still be felt in the New 52 Batman world.

Batwoman Elegy by Greg Rucka and J. H. Williams III

Originally published in issues #654-860 of Detective Comics, Elegy provides a great introduction to current Batwoman. The two tales in the collection feature her first adventure as a solo lead character as well as her origin story. Rucka’s writing gives the reader as a superhero as grim and fearsome has Batman in stories that combine Gotham’s well known criminal element with a side to the city that is less often seen: the supernatural. There isn’t a artist better suited to bring these stories to life than J. H. Williams III. William’s art is both haunting and breathtaking. When DC launched Batwoman as an ongoing series, Williams returned as both artist and co-writer. As a result, readers will find that Elegy perfectly transitions into the current ongoing title.

Green Lantern: The Sinestro Corps War by Geoff Johns, Dave Gibbons, et al

When reader’s jumped into the new Green Lantern #1, they found the villainous Sinsetro wielding the power of the Green Lantern instead of previous ring-bearer Hal Jordan. The popular Sinsetro Corps War storyline played a big role in establishing the current multi-lantern corps landscape that the Lantern books currently explore. For readers interested in getting some insight into the history between Hal Jordan and Sinsetro or that of the corps of Yellow Lanterns that the pair have been battling in recent issues, this is the storyline to read. Like J. H. Williams relationship with Batwoman, Green Lantern mastermind Geoff Johns is behind both “Sinestro Corps War” and the current Green Lantern series which makes the two Lantern storylines fit together perfectly. Truthfully, though, it doesn’t look like much as changed at all from the reboot and the Green Lantern saga John’s has been composing since Green Lantern: Rebirth back in 2004.

-Nick

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