has long been at the forefront of pushing storytelling boundaries, unafraid to explore the depths of its heroes’ and villains’ psyches. Their tales have ventured into the darkest fates imaginable for these iconic characters, offering a raw, unflinching look at the consequences of their actions. In this list, we’ll rank DC's darkest comics, each one taking readers on a harrowing journey through the shadows, where hope is fleeting, and the line between right and wrong becomes increasingly blurred.

Be warned, though, these stories aren’t for the faint of heart, featuring grim themes, potentially triggering content, devastating consequences, and moments of despair that have broken even the strongest heroes of the DCU. But if you clicked on this article, you likely already knew that—you’re a fan of stories that push characters past their breaking point and then just a little farther for good measure. While each of the comics on this list is dark for different reasons, all are deserving of their place and are considered some of the most intense storylines that DC has to offer.

DC vs. Vampires is a gripping and sinister Elseworlds tale that reimagines the DC universe amidst a vampire apocalypse. The story plunges readers into a world of paranoia and mistrust as a hidden force corrupts even the most virtuous heroes. Themes of betrayal, moral compromise, and the fragility of alliances make this series one of DC’s darkest. Notably, this series also sees the Bat Family unraveling as Bat turns against Bat in the pursuit of power and world domination. With its blend of shocking twists, unrelenting stakes, and an ever-rising death toll, DC vs. Vampires leaves readers questioning whether they ever truly knew these characters to begin with.