Drowned Earth Reading Guide

Overview:

Drowned Earth is a 2018 DC Comics crossover event, primarily written by Scott Snyder with art by Francis Manapul, Howard Porter, and others. It spans Justice League #10-12, Aquaman #41, and several one-shot issues, and centers on the Justice League, particularly Aquaman, as they face a threat from ancient ocean gods.

The story begins when the Justice League encounters the alien Ocean Lords, who flood the Earth with a mysterious substance that transforms anyone it touches into a monstrous sea creature. The Ocean Lords aim to subjugate Earth’s oceans, putting Aquaman and Wonder Woman at the forefront of the battle. Other members of the League, including Batman, Superman, and Flash, play key roles as well, with Aquaman facing personal stakes related to his Atlantean heritage.

Critically, Drowned Earth received a mixed-to-positive reception. Fans praised the art and high-stakes adventure, though some felt the plot became convoluted and rushed. Nonetheless, Aquaman’s character arc and the crossover’s ties to broader DC continuity were well-received. Drowned Earth is a visually dynamic event that showcases the Justice League’s unity while exploring themes of legacy and responsibility, especially for Aquaman.

Best Way To Read:

• Justice League/Aquaman: Drowned Earth
  • Collects: Justice League/Aquaman: Drowned Earth #1, Justice League (vol. 4) #10–12, Titans (vol. 3) #28, Aquaman (vol. 8) #41–42, Aquaman/Justice League: Drowned Earth #1

For crossover and significant events, I typically only read the main story the first time I encounter it. Trying to read all of the tie-ins with the story tends to make them increasingly convoluted and are not crucial to the main narrative. However, I think they are important to read, as many series-shifting plotlines can happen.

For the tie-in issues, I only read them as they come up in the reading guide that I am working through. This can become problematic because the tie-in issues are not always included in collected editions of the event. So you may need to hunt for them.

Reading Order:

References:

• Wikipedia
• Comic Book Herald
• Comic Book Reading Orders

Feature Image from Aquaman #11 cover art by Howard Porter, Hi-Fi, and Riccardo Federici