DC ESSENTIAL EDITIONS are trade paperbacks in the 300-400 page range for around $30 aimed at new readers. DC describes them with the following paragraph: 'The DC Essential Edition series of graphic novels highlights the best standalone stories the medium has to offer featuring comics' greatest characters. These trade paperback editions focus on the easiest entry points DC has in its vast library, with seminal, groundbreaking tales that transcend the printed page. Start with the Essentials.' The line kicked off with BATMAN: THE COURT OF OWLS SAGA, FLASH: STARTING LINE, and JUSTICE LEAGUE: THE DARKSEID WAR.