DC’s Dark Nights: Death Metal Reading Order

Dark Nights: Death Metal is the newest event story at DC Comics. It’s written by Scott Snyder and with art by Greg Capullo. The same team behind The New 52’s Batman run and the original Dark Nights: Metal.

If you have read the highly successful Dark Nights: Metal, then you must not miss Dark Nights: Death Metal.

The official synopsis:

When the DC Universe is enveloped by the Dark Multiverse, the Justice League is at the mercy of the Batman Who Laughs. Humanity struggles to survive in a hellish landscape twisted beyond recognition, while Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman have all been separated and must fight to survive. Along the way, Wonder Woman roars across the horrifying Dark Multiverse landscape in the world’s most demented monster truck, with Swamp Thing riding shotgun! And when the Justice League launches its assault on New Apokolips, the team’s goal is to free Superman from his solar prison, but it all goes off the rails when they learn that the Man of Steel is gone for good thanks to the Anti-Life Equation.

Even if you have not read Dark Nights: Metal back in 2017, it is still not difficult to follow what is Dark Nights: Death Metal all about. However, I would still recommend that you at least read Dark Nights: Metal and The Batman Who Laughs if you got the time.

The Dark Nights: Death Metal reading order below will help you to get through it. It has been put together in the recommended reading order so that you do not miss any of the action. 

Dark Nights: Death Metal Reading Order:

Dark Nights: Death Metal #1 (of 7)

Get ready for the earth-shattering encore! The legendary team behind Dark Nights: Metal and Batman: Last Knight on Earth takes center stage and reunite for one last tour. When the Earth is enveloped by the Dark Multiverse, the Justice League is at the mercy of the Batman Who Laughs.

Humanity struggles to survive in a hellish landscape twisted beyond recognition, while Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman have all been separated and fight to survive. Unleash the beast and let the headbanging begin!

Written by Scott Snyder. Art by Greg Capullo. Available 16th June 2020.

I actually have 3, yes … three copies, of issue #1. Dark Nights: Death Metal #1 Minimal Trade Puppeteer Lee, Dark Nights: Death Metal #1 Trade Dress Puppeteer Lee, and Dark Nights: Death Metal #1 (of 6) Stanley Artgerm Lau Wonder Woman variant edition.

Read about Dark Nights: Death Metal #1 here.

Dark Nights: Death Metal #2 (of 7)

Get ready to scream! Wonder Woman roars across the horrifying Dark Multiverse landscape in the world’s most demented monster truck, with Swamp Thing riding shotgun! The two arrive at the ghoulish cemetery base of Batman and his army of zombies, but can the former friends stand each other long enough to form a plan and take back the planet? Plus, what’s Lobo doing in space? Don’t miss the second chapter of the wildest ride in the DC Universe, from the epic team of writer Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo!

Written by Scott Snyder. Art by Greg Capullo. Available 15th July 2020.

Dark Nights: Death Metal Legends of the Dark Knights #1 (One Shot)

The DC Universe has become engulfed by the Dark Multiverse, where demons dwell and reality is overrun by monstrous versions of The Dark Knight, all ruled by the Batman Who Laughs. In this collection of short tales, learn the terrifying secrets of these new Bats out of hell and other creatures of the night like Robin King, whose origin is just the worst! Plus, read about the secret buried beneath Castle Bat, the sentient Batmobile, and…how did Batman turn into a dinosaur?

Written by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Joshua Williamson, Peter J. Tomasi, Garth Ennis, Daniel Warren Johnson, and Frank Tieri. Art by Tony S. Daniel, Jim Cheung, Joelle Jones, Daniel Warren Johnson, Riley Rossmo, and Francesco Francavilla. Available 4th August 2020.

Dark Nights: Death Metal #3 (of 7)

All aboard! When the Justice League launches its assault on New Apokolips, the team’s goal is to free Superman from his solar prison. But it’s all going off the rails when they learn that the Man of Steel is gone for good thanks to the Anti-Life Equation. Plus, the deep secret of the Darkest Knight is revealed – but how much darker could the Batman Who Laughs possibly get? And don’t miss the surprise return of everyone’s favorite wanna be Robin!

Written by Scott Snyder. Art by Greg Capullo. Available 11th August 2020.

I already have all 3 with me.

Dark Nights: Death Metal Guidebook #1 (One Shot)

Earth is turned upside down, shrouded in a realm of darkness after the Justice League’s defeat by the cosmic goddess Perpetua. Now the Batman Who Laughs and his army of Dark Knights rule the planet, wreaking havoc on humanity and raining destruction on the world. As Wonder Woman, Superman, Batman, and other heroes fight to survive in this strange new landscape, one cloaked figure has been observing from the sidelines, creating a guidebook to this new world and its evil leaders in the hope of forming a plan of justice…and penance.

This issue showcases the new factions of Earth and explores the mystery of what happened to our heroes after their battle with Perpetua. How does Wonder Woman, the new queen of Hell, reign over her prisoners? What is Batman doing with the Black Lantern Ring? And what happens when Harley Quinn takes charge of the Wasteland, and finds love in the process? All this and more in this jam-issue exploring the new world order.

Written by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Joshua Williamson, Becky Cloonan, Vita Ayala, Chip Zdarsky, and Christopher Priest. Art by Doug Mahnke, Becky Cloonan, Eduardo Risso, Khardy Randolph, and Dan Panosian. Available 18th August 2020.

Dark Nights: Death Metal Trinity Crisis #1 (One Shot)

With Superman freed from his New Apokolips prison, the classic Trinity lineup is reunited and ready to rock! Wonder Woman, Batman, and Superman amp up their power to launch an assault on Castle Bat, and that’s just the warm-up act! Three walking nightmares are hidden deep inside the fortress—but these Dark Multiverse versions of the Anti-Monitor, Superboy Prime, and Darkseid hold the key to humanity’s survival. The Justice League have to face down their old nemeses, but will round two be the end for our heroes?

Written by Scott Snyder. Art by Francis Manapul. Available September 8th.

Justice League #53

Doom Metal Part 1 of 5 — The Dark Nights: Death Metal tie-in that will directly impact the finale of that event! Nightwing’s on a mission to free the Legion of Doom from Perpetua’s clutches. But to do so, he’ll need the help of none other than…Lex Luthor?! The surprises are only just beginning, as Nightwing, Lex, and a new Justice League must fight their way through an Earth twisted by the Dark Multiverse. Titans will be tested, hearts will be broken, and blood will be spilled!

Written by Joshua Williamson. Art by Xermanico. Available September 15th.

Release Date: 15th September 2020

Dark Nights: Death Metal Speed Metal #1 (One Shot)

It’s the drag race from hell in this one-shot tie-in to Dark Nights: Death Metal! Taking place after the events of Dark Nights: Death Metal #3, the Darkest Knight is after Wally West and his Dr. Manhattan powers. Thankfully, Wally has backup in the form of Barry Allen, Jay Garrick, and Wallace West! It’s a knockdown, drag-out race through the Wastelands as the Flash Family tries to stay steps ahead of the Darkest Knight and his Lightning Knights!

Written by Joshua Williamson. Art by Eddy Barrows and Eber Ferreira. Available September 22nd.

Dark Nights: Death Metal Multiverse’s End #1 (One Shot)

Perpetua, mother of all existence, has culled all life and creation in the Multiverse, condensing all beings to one planet: Earth-Prime. In her quest for power and dominance, she rules absolutely and in totality, using her children — the Monitors and Anti-Monitors — as her heralds and destructors. But a group of heroes has banded together across multiple worlds in a last-ditch effort to stop her from destroying all of existence: Owlman, President Superman, Iris West, Captain Carrot, Guy Gardner, and others have chosen to make their final stand in a battle they’re destined to lose!

Written by James Tynion IV. Art by Juan Gedeon. Available September 29th.

Justice League #54

Doom Metal Part 2 of 5 storms the stage in this essential Dark Nights: Death Metal tie-in! It’s the Titans reunion you’ve been clamoring for when Starfire and Cyborg join Nightwing in this twisted Justice League. The team is hell-bent for Brimstone Bay to free the Legion of Doom, but what horrors and desires will the Valley of Starros reveal to them – and who or what is the villain named Mindhunter?

Written by Joshua Williamson. Art by Xermanico. Available 6th October 2020.

Dark Nights: Death Metal Robin King #1 (One Shot)

With a utility belt filled to the brim with weapons designed to kill every hero in the DCU, Robin King is the most sadistic soldier in the Darkest Knight evil army! Can anyone stop him from laying waste to Earth’s last line of defense? And how did he become one of the Batman Who Laugh’s groblins in the first place? And in the backup story, can the Robins liberate Gotham City from the Darkest Knight’s control?

Written by Peter J. Tomasi and Tony Patrick. Art by Riley Rossmo. Available October 6th.

Dark Nights: Death Metal #4 (of 7)

Wonder Woman, Batman, and Superman are trapped in nightmare worlds within the Dark Multiverse! They’ll need to face down their fiercest foes once again if they hope to accomplish their mission and bring back a power capable of stopping the Darkest Knight. But what horrors has he unleashed on Earth while they’ve been locked away?!

Written by Scott Snyder. Art by Greg Capullo. Available October 13th.

Justice League #55

Doom Metal Part 3 of 5. The motley crew of “Doom Metal” sets sail for the cliffs of insanity, captained by Nightwing — or so he thinks! The team fractures, and Detective Chimp reveals the horrible secret wish in his heart. And speaking of hearts, Hawkgirl will stop at nothing to find Martian Manhunter, even if she jeopardizes the League’s mission and their souls. Part three of this five-issue tie-in to Dark Nights: Death Metal features the debut of a villain so huge he dwarfs all hope. Enter the Omega Knight.

Written by Joshua Williamson. Art by Robson Rocha and Daniel Henriques. Available October 20th.

Dark Nights: Death Metal Rise of the New God #1 (One Shot)

Batman. Always. Wins. This irrevocable truth resonates to the very heart of Perpetua’s battle with the Batman Who Laughs…and when her ally reveals his absolute nature, she will upend this mantra and destroy the last planet. His planet. But that’s not enough…and the mother of all creation must wonder, if power lies in destruction, why would she ever stop? But that’s the thing about truth…when it turns to fact, there’s no disputing its godlike reverence…and so enters the Darkest Knight. Featuring a backup story that spins out of the cliffhanger from Dark Nights: Death Metal Multiverse’s End #1.

Written by James Tynion IV and Bryan Hill. Art by Jesus Merino and Nik Virella. Available 27th October 2020.

Justice League #56

Doom Metal Part 4 of 5! In this Dark Nights: Death Metal tie-in issue, the Justice League has nowhere left to hide from the agents of Perpetua. The towering, nightmarish Omega Knight hunts them to the edges of Brimstone Bay and will stop at nothing until the team is obliterated! And all the while, above Perpetua’s throne, Hawkgirl battles the Mindhunter for the soul of the man she loves: Martian Manhunter!

Written by Joshua Williamson. Art by Robson Rocha and Daniel Henriques. Available November 3rd.

Dark Nights: Death Metal Infinite Hours Exxxtreme! #1 (One Shot)

Pull up a chair, ya bastiches — it’s time for Uncle Lobo’s Infinite Hour! It’s your chance to let the Main Man Lobo-tomize you with familiar yet freaky stories of the DC Universe, exactly as he remembers them: with blood and guts and exxxtreme gratuitous violence! Tell yer comics guy to put you down for alllll the copies!

Written by Frank Tieri, Becky Cloonan, and others. Art by Dale Eaglesham and others. Available November 10th.

Justice League #57

Doom Metal Part 5 of 5! The Legion of Doom has been freed — and now they’re turning on their saviors — the Justice League! Teeth will gnash, knuckles will be bared, and Lex Luthor will make a decision that shocks everyone, including Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman! The ending of this epic story leads directly into Dark Nights: Death Metal #5!

Written by Joshua Williamson. Art by Xermanico. Available November 17th.

Dark Nights: Death Metal #5 (of 7)

The Darkest Knight has won. With absolute power at the villain’s fingertips, Wonder Woman and the rest of the DC heroes are nothing to him. As the Darkest Knight turns his sights to his true goal, remaking the Multiverse in his image, can Earth’s heroes rally together to make a last stand?

Written by Scott Snyder. Art by Greg Capullo. Available November 17th.

Updated Oct 9: DC updated four covers for #5. I am getting the Stanley Lau variant. The creepy Spectre variant and Kael Ngu looks nice. Might get that as well.

• The Dark Nights Death Metal #5 Cover A Greg Capullo and Jonathan Glapion embossed foil.
• Cover B David Finch Pitch Black Martian Manhunter variant.
• Cover C Stanley Artgerm Lau Kull variant.
• Cover D Kael Ngu Spectre variant.

Dark Nights: Death Metal The Multiverse Who Laughs #1 (One Shot)

The DC Multiverse is a collection of alternate-reality worlds where anything is possible. Each world tells the tale of a possible split in reality, or shows how lives vary depending on a single, solitary decision. But now that the Multiverse has been destroyed, the Batman Who Laughs has used his god like power to create a new Dark Multiverse…a collection of 52 evil worlds, each more terrifying than the last. This one-shot offers the curious — and the brave — a glimpse into the nightmare realities that the Batman Who Laughs has created in tales by creators who know what it means to have a truly twisted sense of misfit humor. An Arkham Asylum even more terrifying than what we know? A world of evil Super Pets? All that and more in these new tales of the Multiverse Who Laughs!

Written by Amanda Conner, Patton Oswalt, Jimmy Palmiotti, Scott Snyder, Brandon Thomas, James Tynion IV, and Joshua Williamson. Art by Chad Hardin and others. Available November 24th.

Dark Nights: Death Metal The Secret Origin #1 (One Shot)

The DCU’s darkest secrets are explored while two titans clash! The heroes search for a way to defeat the Darkest Knight through the universe’s past, while Superboy Prime faces down the demonic Batman!

Written by Scott Snyder and Geoff Johns. Art by Ryan Benjamin. Available December 1st.

Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last Stories of the DC Universe #1 (One Shot)

The last battle against the Batman Who Laughs is at hand…the final fight for everything in the universe. And while the night is usually darkest just before the dawn, what would be the last thing you’d do if you weren’t sure the dawn would ever arrive? Join our heroes in their waning hours as we show their journeys through what could be their final moments…heroes that have fought a million times before, but are keenly aware this could be their endgame. These are the stolen moments detailing the last stories of the DC Universe.

Written by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Joshua Williamson, Mark Waid, Gail Simone, Mariko Tamaki, Jeff Lemire, Cecil Castellucci, and Christopher Sebela. Art by Francis Manapul and others. Available December 8th.

Dark Nights: Death Metal #6 (of 7)

The battle rages as the entire DC Universe stands against the Darkest Knight! Villains fight alongside heroes working as one to banish this demon from the deepest corners of the Dark Multiverse. Meanwhile, the Robin King lurks nearby, his army of Groblins in wait. The dogs of war are loose and no one is safe.

Written by Scott Snyder. Art by Greg Capullo. Available December 15th.

Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last 52: War of the Multiverses (One Shot)

What would it take to get every being left in the Multiverse to side together in the ultimate, final showdown? Total decimation and the complete undoing of all existence? The Batman Who Laughs has made his final move, bringing the most horrifying opposition to the battleground, and now every hero and villain left alive will stand and fight together. This epic battle book details every side of the last war across the Multiverse — Wonder Woman leading the heroes, Superman leading the villains, and Batman leading the dead — everyone has to play their part. Everyone and everything is at stake…so join here for the last of the DCU as we know it!

Written by Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Magdalene Visaggio, James Tynion IV, Kyle Higgins, Marguerite Bennett, Matt Rosenberg, Justin Jordan, Regine Sawyer, and Che Grayson. Art by Daniel Sampere and others. Available December 29th.

Dark Nights: Death Metal #7 (of 7)

The song remains anything but the same as the house lights start to come up on DC’s biggest, baddest battle for control of the Multiverse! The Darkest Knight is on the verge of ending this concert once and for all, but Wonder Woman has more than just a greatest hit planned. The Amazonian warrior stands ready to shred the Darkest Knight, solo! Plus, this extra-sized finale issue includes not one but two mind-blowing epilogues that lead directly into the next phase of the DC Universe — and no fan will want to miss that!

Written by Scott Snyder. Art by Greg Capullo. Available January 5th.

3 Variant Covers That Unites 3 Eras of DC Heroes.

Something interesting tweeted by Brad Anderson earlier this month.

DC’s Death Metal cover by @1moreGaryFrank and I, coming soon 😀 pic.twitter.com/eBal6BWTz1

— Brad Anderson (@bdanderson13) September 11, 2020

There are variant covers from three of the one-shots that are split across three eras of DC’s history. The covers are by Gary Frank and Brad Anderson.

The first one is the cover from Dark Nights: Death Metal The Secret Origin #1 which features Wonder Woman in her classic uniform with the Justice Society of America.

The second cover is from Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last Stories of the DC Universe #1. It features Superman, the Teen Titans, the Doom Patrol, and Green Lantern.

The final cover features Batman with members of Justice League International. It is from Death Metal: The Last 52 War of the Multiverses #1.

However, there is a problem. All the 3 covers are listed as incentive variants. A 1:25 ratio.

It will be difficult to collect them all.

What’s Next After Dark Nights: Death Metal?

So far DC, and Scott Snyder, has not revealed anything much.

That’s the idea – The purpose of the whole story is to sort out continuity and the universe and give you something fun bright and coherent on the other side https://t.co/iSpbQGtSBH

— Scott Snyder (@Ssnyder1835) April 14, 2020

From DC Connect #5, we do know is that Generations Shattered #1 will continue from the pages of Detective Comics #1027 and Dark Nights: Death Metal.

Generations Shattered #1 (One Shot)

A threat of cosmic proportion to DC’s newest (and oldest) universe compels one of the most unusual groups of heroes ever assembled to take on the most mysterious foe they have ever encountered. What started in Detective Comics #1027 explodes out of Dark Nights: Death Metal to tell the story of the generations-spanning history of the DC Universe! Join the original Batman, Kamandi, Starfire, Sinestro, Booster Gold, Dr. Light, Steel, and Sinestro in their quest to save the universe before time runs out.

Written By Dan Jurgens, Andy Schmidt, and Robert Venditti. Art By Ivan Reis, Bryan Hitch, Kevin Nowlan, Aaron Lopresti, Fernando Pasarin, Paul Pelletier, and others. Available 5th January 2021.

I have not finished reading and not all has been released. There’s another 3 months to the last issue. Please leave a comment in the comment section if you find any mistake in the Dark Nights: Death Metal reading order list.