Ra’s Al Ghul Reading Order

This reading order is designed to give an outline of major storylines featuring Ra’s al Ghul throughout DC Comics. It may not encompass every one of his appearances but is an outline of the major ones and the stories that affect them.

The continuity details relating to each specific storyline are explained in the “Review” of each storyline. Every “Review” link will provide a detailed continuity breakdown of that story and will explain any reference the story makes to other aspects of the DC Universe. All of this can be found under the “Continuity” section of each link.

Jump to: New 52 – Rebirth – Universe

New 52

At the beginning of the New 52, the DC Universe was reset. In this new continuity, almost every character’s history was mostly wiped clean and they were reintroduced to the DC Universe. It is unclear exactly what impact this has on Ra’s Al Ghul, as most of his pre-New 52 history goes unmentioned. However, it is clear that his lengthy, antagonistic relationship with Batman and his bitter relationship with his daughter both remain in continuity.

In this era, Ra’s Al Ghul has an ongoing narrative centered around his grandson (Reading Order) and also appears as a generic villain in several story arcs. His ongoing narrative starts in Batman Incorporated, where he begins working on a plan; continues in Batman and Robin, where he faces off against Batman; and concludes in Batman Eternal, which looks at the aftermath of his most recent encounter with Batman. Outside of this, Ra’s appears as a villain in story arcs from Red Hood and the Outlaws, Birds of Prey, and Deathstroke. However, these appearances have little to do with one another.

Notes

1. This issue only features a brief appearance from Ra's that simply serves to set up his larger appearances in the next few issues.
2. Ra's Al Ghul only has brief appearances in these issues. His role in Batman Incorporated #10 simply serves to show his condition at the time and have him remark on Talia's plan. Meanwhile, his role in Batman Incorporated #13 teases something that comes into play in the Batman and Robin series.

Rebirth

The transition from the New 52 to the Rebirth era has little to no major continuity changes for Ra's Al Ghul.

In this era, Ra's Al Ghul's narrative is a bit fragmented and does not contain an overarching plotline like in the previous era. He appears as an antagonist in story arcs from Teen Titans, All-Star Batman, Trinity, Detective Comics, and Batman. However, his appearances in these comics are mostly independent and do not relate to one another at all. As such, readers can technically approach these comics in any order they want. This reading order simply puts them in a mostly chronological order.

Notes

1. Ra's Al Ghul makes a brief appearance in this comic. Though this appearance is very brief, it highlights his connection to a larger group of immortals.
2. This series is mostly about Deadman (Reading Order) and Batman. However, Ra's Al Ghul's appearances in it help set up his larger role in Batman vs. Ra's Al Ghul, a comic published in a later era.
3. This comic is more about Damian Wayne (Reading Order) and Catwoman (Reading Order) than it is about Ra's Al Ghul. However, it may be interesting for fans who want to see more of Damian's interactions with his grandfather.

Universe

The Universe era is essentially an extension of the Rebirth era, as it maintains the same continuity. In this way, Ra's Al Ghul's story essentially continues from previous eras. Specifically, it elaborates on his connection to Lady Shiva (Reading Order) that was established in Detective Comics issues from the previous era.

In this era, Ra's Al Ghul's most prominent role is in the Batman and the Outsiders series. Ra's Al Ghul serves as the primary antagonist across this entire series, pitting his League of Assassins against Batman's Outsiders. Outside of this series, Ra's also takes on a starring role in the Batman vs. Ra's Al Ghul series and plays a supporting role in a few issues of Batman/Superman.

Notes

1. These issues primarily focus on Batman, Superman (Reading Order), and General Zod (Reading Order). However, Ra's Al Ghul appears as a supporting character.

All DC Comics Reading Orders