Batman currently is the only profitable DC franchise...
For example there was an article making rounds about how of the Top40 most sold DC comics recently, Batman is in 37 of them.
Basically, Batman sells, other DC properties, not so much. Even Superman is struggling.
I have no idea why is that, but I suspect that is because most DC characters require too much skill to write well (for example superman is literally invincible and indestructible, the only conflict you can have in his stories are psychological, ethical, etc... ones. But instead crappier writers kept relying on the stupid kryptonite, because that is the only way to force Superman to have a not-boring action sequence if there are no psychological, ethical, sociological, etc... restraints).
I liked Watchmen's take on a Superman-like character. Morally gray stuff like Dr. Manhattan being used to win the Vietnam War (as an analogue of nuclear weapons) and him becoming so powerful he becomes detached from mankind. Why would Superman care about us, when we are like ants to him?
There's also Red Son, a truly interesting take on... commie Superman.
But there's so many times you can tell those stories, I guess. Superman is a really boring character.
For example there was an article making rounds about how of the Top40 most sold DC comics recently, Batman is in 37 of them.
Basically, Batman sells, other DC properties, not so much. Even Superman is struggling.
I have no idea why is that, but I suspect that is because most DC characters require too much skill to write well (for example superman is literally invincible and indestructible, the only conflict you can have in his stories are psychological, ethical, etc... ones. But instead crappier writers kept relying on the stupid kryptonite, because that is the only way to force Superman to have a not-boring action sequence if there are no psychological, ethical, sociological, etc... restraints).