Best DC Fanfiction
The must-read DC fics on AO3, ranked and reviewed. From beloved classics to hidden gems.
Why DC Fanfiction Is Worth Reading
DC Comics fanfiction draws from decades of comic book history, animated series, and live-action adaptations to create a vast, layered fandom. With 175,000 works on AO3, DC fic is particularly strong in the Bat-family corner, where writers have built an intricate shared fanon around Bruce Wayne and his many adopted and biological children. The fandom excels at found-family dynamics, identity exploration, and stories that dig into the psychological complexity of vigilante life.
See also: Full DC fandom guide
Top DC Fics, Ranked
The highest-rated DC stories on AO3, ranked by community kudos. These are the fics that readers return to again and again.
Моменты между ними
by Patian2050
Просто небольшие моменты между Билли и другими героями, которые знают, что этот ребёнок Капитан Марвел.
A Grave Of Irises (How To Tell Your Son You Love Him?)
by LuKuXing
Jason had been brought up in a dark place, where walls closed on him, food was rotten, and hearts were broken. He endured screams, insults, and hate thrown at him, and yet, he didn't mind admitting he loved being carried. His grateful nature was still there when his mother kissed his forehead goodni
The Anatomy of Vengeance
by burmeser
“First, do no harm.” In Gotham City, oaths are a luxury the living can’t afford. Dr. Elena Vance has spent her short career patching up the city’s broken pieces, but some things can’t be fixed with a suture. When a warehouse explosion leaves her brother in a coma, Elena knows exactly who to blame: t
Dangerous
by 90sbabywriting
In which Klarion has set out to find a Universe where Raven doesn’t fall in love with Garfield Logan.It might be harder than he thinks. Part II of “It Will Always Be You”, spin-off of “It Was Always You” (there’s no need to have read IWAY or “Shelter” to read this, but this work contains minor spoil
The Mad Men of Gotham City
by Klybneeka
~Joker / Richard "Dick" Grayson~ | TW: Violence, Sexual Content, DeathEarth-66, the year 2025. Gotham City has endured decades of terror at the hands of madmen and lunatics. The city’s defenders, Batman and Robin, fight a grueling daily war to drive back the darkness. Pow! Bonk! Crash! But in a city
Hellblazer: Grimm Exorcist
by Shawnort
Heroes and monsters, gods and demons—they're all constants in the multiverse. But when John Constantine finds himself thrown into the new Earth of Remnant, he'll have to use all his wits, lies, and magic tricks to survive or, if possible, act like a hero for once in his life.
Something that can be understood
by hasipond
This never happened during my everyday life.He would suddenly appear in the gaps between my daily routine, such as on my way home from work or while I was taking a break.With his pure white cape fluttering in the wind, he would call out my name with an innocent smile. "Hello! Nice to see you again,
The Prize
by HellsLittleLiar
At 10 years old, Tim gets kidnapped and enslaved by the League of Assassins. While he is captured, he meets his future family, but will they be able to save him from the clutches of Ra's?
Bonding Activity
by BookofOdym
Alan and Todd decide to spitroast Hank as a bonding activity
The Second or Third Time
by FriendlyNeighborhoodGothamite
In this Reverse Robins Alternate Universe, Slade forces Damian to become his apprentice by threatening the lives of his team. Or: Damian gets kidnapped by Slade after Bruce fires him from being Robin because this kid just can't catch a break.
What If: Jason Todd Finds Out that You Watches Death Note
by bisexualhoult
No summary provided.
On Forgiveness
by Haynow
Conner and Tim were best friends, but haven't spoken since Conner discovered Tim tried to clone him. After a chance encounter, Conner decides he wants Tim back in his life. Now that they're older and trying to be friends again, they have to reconcile what they were to each other and what this might
Calling All Kents
by AinesseyYessenia
His version of found family could probably be considered insane. But 'crazy' was sometimes just another word for 'miraculous'.
Up From The Concrete
by tworedlights
This isn’t the end of the world, it’s an adjustment period. Whatever Dick has been feeling falls by the wayside, swept away in the river’s current. The detective has far worse things to worry about. Namely, the body. — OR Dick fights to protect his city as a new case forces him to confront an old tr
Mom-Adjacent
by MissShezz
Selina absolutely, positively, without a shadow of doubt wasn’t mom material.Hell, she wasn’t even aunt material.Yet…Somewhere between breaking into Bruce’s life and refusing to leave it, she became… something to the three strays he adopted. Not their mother but… mom-adjacent.
Conquest
by megamatt09
If Maxima is willing to be taken, Superman will oblige her.
second skin
by aimlesscalamity
Tim forgot to take his domino mask off after patrol. Then he forgot again. And again. Jason notices. Tim needs him to drop it.
Hollow
by MissShezz
Bruce Wayne kneels in the wreckage of a warehouse in Ethiopia, cradling Jason Todd’s still‑warm body against his chest. The world around him blurs into silence — no sirens, no heartbeat, no hope. Only the crushing weight of a boy he couldn’t save. Grief hollows him out, leaving nothing but the echo
bats best friend
by TheAlphabetMan
after helping Tim fake his death, Roy has to deal with a grieving dick Grayson while keeping him at a distance, so he doesn't find out about him and Jason.orDick Grayson uses investigating his best friend's boyfriend to try and move on from his brother's death.orJason Todd tries to stay undercover t
Blast to the past ( more like a week ago but yeah )
by Iamadog
Young Justice sees one of Captain Marvel’s memories Not the best description please read Disclaimer ⚠️: I have only seen season 1 of young justice and that was a while ago
Best DC Ships to Read
The most popular DC pairings on AO3, each with thousands of dedicated stories.
SuperBat
Bruce Wayne/Clark Kent
The sun and shadow dynamic between optimistic Clark and brooding Bruce offers endless possibilities for exploring how opposites attract.
45,000 works →
BirdFlash
Dick Grayson/Wally West
Their deep friendship since childhood and natural chemistry make them a beloved friends-to-lovers pairing with strong emotional foundation.
35,000 works →
JayTim
Jason Todd/Tim Drake
Their shared trauma and different approaches to being Robin create compelling tension and opportunities for healing through connection.
28,000 works →
WonderBat
Bruce Wayne/Diana Prince
Diana's ability to understand Bruce's darkness while bringing light to his world makes for compelling romantic tension and character growth.
22,000 works →
BatJokes
Joker (DCU)/Bruce Wayne
Fans are captivated by the obsessive codependency, the philosophical battle of ideals, and the raw intensity of two characters who define each other's existence.
12,000 works →
Popular Tropes in DC Fanfiction
These are the storytelling patterns that DC writers and readers love most.
Hurt/Comfort
One character is hurt (physically or emotionally) and another provides comfort and care.
920,000 works sitewide →
Fix-It
Stories that 'fix' canon events that fans found unsatisfying, usually character deaths or relationship outcomes.
480,000 works sitewide →
Alternate Universe (AU)
Stories set in a different universe or setting than canon, from coffee shops to space operas.
1,100,000 works sitewide →
Angst
Stories focused on emotional pain, drama, and intense feelings.
980,000 works sitewide →
Found Family
Characters forming family bonds with people they're not related to by blood.
280,000 works sitewide →
How to Get Started with DC Fanfiction
Navigation tip
DC fic spans comics, TV, and movies. Bat-family fic is the largest corner. Use character tags to find your preferred version of these characters.
Your first read
If you love the Bat-family, sort by kudos in the "Batman - All Media Types" tag. For something lighter, look for Young Justice or Teen Titans ensemble fics.
Reading on mobile
For the best experience reading DC fics on your phone, download Fanfict Reader. It offers offline reading, custom themes, and a clean interface built specifically for AO3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best DC fanfic?
The best DC fanfics often center on the Bat-family, exploring the complex dynamics between Bruce Wayne and his many proteges. Top-kudos works include found-family stories, identity reveals, and explorations of life beyond the mask.
What are the most popular DC ships?
Popular DC ships include Superbat (Superman/Batman), JayTim (Jason Todd/Tim Drake), DickBabs (Dick Grayson/Barbara Gordon), and BatCat (Batman/Catwoman). Bat-family ships dominate the DC fandom on AO3.
How many DC fanfics are on AO3?
There are over 175,000 DC fanfiction works on Archive of Our Own, making it one of the platform's largest fandoms.
Where can I read DC fanfiction?
The best place to read DC fanfiction is Archive of Our Own (AO3). For the best mobile reading experience, download Fanfict Reader for offline reading, custom themes, and seamless browsing.
Read DC on the go
Fanfict Reader is the best way to browse, search, and read AO3 fanfiction on your iPhone. Download for free and start reading your favorite DC fics today.