The best reboots and relaunches of comics are, at the top,House of X / Powers of Xby Jonathan Hickman,DC Rebirth,Green Lantern: Rebirthby Geoff Johns andUltimate Spider-Manby Brian Bendis. This tier list ranks reboots that have succeeded in relaunching a character or a universe, according to their quality and impact. Facts (authors, publishers, dates) checked, no invented ratings.
Relaunching a series or a universe is a high-risk exercise: too many reboots miss their target. This tier list brings together those who have succeeded — by giving new life, meaning and readers to a character. Criterion: the success of the restart, both critical and lasting.
Editorial Ranks, Factsverified. Each entry refers to a site file when it exists.
Tier S: the big relaunches
House of X / Powers of X(2019) completely rebuilt the X-Men around the mutant nation of Krakoa.DC Rebirth(2016) reconciled readers after the New 52.Green Lantern: Rebirthrehabilitated Hal Jordan, andUltimate Spider-Manoffered a new front door to an entire generation.
Tier A: successful restarts
LeDaredevilby Mark Waid brought the light back to the character. THEBatmanby Snyder launched the New 52.Immortal Hulkreinvented Hulk, andThe Flash: Rebirthbrought Barry Allen back to the forefront.
Tier B: character rerolls
LeThorof Aaron,Ms. Marvel, L'Aquamanof Johns and theNightwingby Tom Taylor have each lastingly revived their hero.
Tier C: reinventions
LeMoon Knightof Lemire, theSupermanof Bendis, theDoom Patrolby Gerard Way and theNew X-Menby Grant Morrison brought a fresh perspective.
Tier D: bold bets
X-Statix, thereSuicide Squadof the New 52 and theHawkeyeby Fraction close this tier list: more risky but memorable relaunches.
To remember
- Geoff Johns and Jonathan Hickmanare the great masters of the successful reboot.
- A good rebootrestores meaning without denying the character's heritage.
- The #1 major relaunchesare often key numbers sought after.
- Each entry refers to a site file when it exists.
Frequently asked questions
House of X / Powers of X(Hickman) for the X-Men andGreen Lantern: Rebirth(Johns) are among the most successful and consensual revivals.
It's a reboot that relaunches a series or universe, often with a new #1, to offer a fresh entry point. It can erase or rearrange previous continuity.
Often yes: a successful reboot (Ultimate Spider-Man, DC Rebirth) is designed to welcome new readers without prerequisites. It's an excellent gateway.
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