Naming the best comic books ever released is no easy task, with heroes like Superman, Batman, the X-Men, or Hulk delivering some of the most iconic or memorable comic adventures of all time… but can that alone determine whether they are the “greatest” above all others?
But considering the books, graphic novels, or contained creative runs that have earned acclaim over the past half century or more, there is no denying when a hit graduates to legitimate ‘classic’ status among both critics and readers. And in rare cases, a groundbreaking story can, and has, completely changed what a comic book can be.
Taking all of those accolades, criticisms, and impact on the industry into account, we’ve selected the best comic books that have ever been made. The list may continue to grow over time, but for now it highlights the very best and brightest comics every fan should read, as soon as possible.
15
Fables (2002)
Created by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham (Vertigo, DC Comics)
The idea of reimagining beloved and well-known fairy tales has been around almost as long as the actual tales themselves, but with Fables, creator Bill Willingham unlocked a once in a generation story. And over two decades later, the story of these “Legends in Exile” is still unfolding.
The longevity alone speaks to the alchemy achieved by Willginham, Buckingham, Medina, and more. Not just with a million-dollar premise of fairy tales characters living secretly alongside us, exiles from their own lands. The individual characters, their bonds, and the twists and turns of their larger struggle have created an epic unlike any before, or any since.
14
Kingdom Come (1996)
Created by Mark Waid & Alex Ross (DC Comics)
Expanding to the greater Justice League, Kingdom Come is a landmark comic in DC’s pantheon of stories. This alternate-canon comic was a sort of meta deconstruction of “superheroes” as a concept. Veteran writer Mark Waid and iconic artist Alex Ross put together a miniseries that detailed the fall in prominence of the outdated “traditional” heroes and the rise of dangerous copycats.
The traditional superheroes fall out of touch with the changing times and new threats, with Batman’s team trying to stop Lex Luthor and the impending conflict. It’s a fascinating alternate tale that stands as one of the best DC Elseworlds comics in history.
13
Green Lantern: Rebirth (2004)
Created by Geoff Johns & Ethan Van Sciver (DC Comics)
With history settled on Hal Jordan’s descent into villainy as one of the most shocking villain twists in modern comics, Geoff Johns took it upon himself to restore Hal’s glory, and change the course of the DC Universe in the process.
Impossible to overstate, the success of Green Lantern: Rebirth made the Lanterns a core piece of the publisher’s universe for decades to come.
“This was more than just pressing the ‘undo’ button to absolve Hal from his actions in “Emerald Twilight”. This was a crucial shot in the arm that the Green Lantern franchise desperately needed. Everything that fans loved about Green Lantern in the mid-to-late 00s, “Sinestro Corps War”, “Blackest Night”, it all starts here with the passionate opening chapter of Green Latern’s boldest era.” – Justin Epps, Comics Writer
12
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (2021)
Created by Tom King,Bilquis Evely & Matheus Lopes (DC Comics)
It’s hard to discuss Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow without immediately taking note of the breathtaking artwork, delivering jaw-dropping visuals from literally the first cover art and preview pages.
The work of artist Bilquis Evely and colorist Matheus Lopes doesn’t disappoint in the story itself, taking its heroine across the DC Universe, through countless cosmic backdrops, fantastical worlds, and stunning future-classic-poster art. The term “masterpiece” is earned, which means the staggeringly beautiful script only adds to the power of the story.
Poignantly tackling the trauma and burden of a lost homeworld, revenge, the unsolvable morality of violent heroics, and so much more, it’s likely Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow will come to be known as ‘the’ Supergirl story, for those looking to understand the power of her character.
11
Locke & Key (2008)
Created by Joe Hill & Gabriel Rodriguez (IDW Publishing)
Coming from Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez, Locke and Key is a fantastic comic series (and eventual universe) that combines elements of magical realism, horror, and straight-up fantasy. The story is immediately gripping, with a wonderful premise and themes exploring the mental weight of grief. Funny and dark in equal parts, Locke and Key is one series every fan of comics as an art form should read.
“A true masterpiece from Hill and Rodriguez, Locke and Key is everything I look for in a good comic book.” – Evan Mullicane, Anime & Manga Editor
10
The Walking Dead (2003)
Created by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, Charlie Adlard (Image Comics)
The television adaptation may have made The Walking Dead a household name, but the comic book series was in a league of its own before the first episode was ever filmed. A singular exploration of the human drama (and horror) at the heart of our obsession with zombies, the series’ shocking ending only cemented its place in comic book history.
“Walking Dead understands to its core that the zombies in zombie stories are just an excuse to force desperate people into close proximity. In love with the practicalities of how people would cope or break in a world of constant danger, Walking Dead is one of the most satisfying episodic reads you’ll find in comics.” – Robert Wood, Comics Editor
9
All-Star Superman (2005)
Created by Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely & Jamie Grant (DC Comics)
The name set the standard, but fortunately the creative team of Morrison and Quitely lived up to it (and then some). Telling the tale of Superman’s last days, and returning to the earliest days of his life to do it, All-Star Superman marks the elite roster of books which elevate from ‘exceptional’ to an instant classic of the medium. Doing it even while it was still releasing just proved the point with authority.
“Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s All-Star Superman is something of a miracle. Subverting the frequent criticism of Superman being overpowered by making him even more powerful, Morrison and Quitely reveal his true strength lies in the character’s undying hope. The cover to issue #1 is the perfect encapsulation, as a relaxed Superman looks over his shoulder, beckoning us to join him in the clouds.” – Nathan Cabaniss, Comics Writer
8
The Immortal Hulk (2018)
Created by Al Ewing, Joe Bennett, Ruy José & Paul Mounts (Marvel Comics)
The mission laid out by Al Ewing and Joe Bennett was clear from the outset: with The Immortal Hulk, the true power and invincibility of Bruce Banner’s curse would be explored in all its true body horror glory. But not even horror fans could have predicted what the creative team had in mind, or how hard it would be to ever see Hulk the same way again.
Amplifying the curse of the Hulk into a horror movie monster to torment its host and everyone he encounters, the true mythology behind Hulk was expanded in ways that redefine the Marvel Universe as a whole.
An Avenger brutally disassembled, beloved Hulk characters twisted into nightmares, and gamma-powered eldritch horrors make Immortal Hulk a story no Marvel fan will ever forget (even if they would like to).
7
Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons (2023)
Created by Kelly Sue DeConnick & Phil Jimenez (DC Comics)
Comic audiences didn’t know quite what to expect when the first reports of DC Black Label’s Wonder Woman Historia arrived. Some foresaw a restrospective, others an official lore ‘Bible,’ or even a prestige series following the legendary residents of Paradise Island. What arrived was a stunning masterpiece that ascends from a must-read Wonder Woman story, all the way to a crucial piece of DC’s most prestigious published works.
“I read the first issue of Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons on my tablet, and then immediately went to the comic store to buy a physical copy just to marvel at Phil Jimenez’s art in my own hands. After reading thousands upon thousands of superhero comics, Historia is easily the most beautiful DC story I’ve ever encountered — and that’s saying nothing of the powerful and empowering story.” – Kate O’Donoghue, Comics Editor
6
Maus (1980)
Created by Art Spiegelman (Pantheon)
Aside from the still-relevant, still-evocative subject matter of Art Spiegelman’s epic, the fact that Maus is the only comic book to have ever won the Pulitzer Prize. That alone is reason enough to earn its place among the best the medium has ever produced. But awards aside, the tale of Maus would still be just as powerful.
Based on interviews with his father, Vladek, Spiegelman’s narrative recontextualizes the account of Polish Jews during the Holocaust into a tale of mice on the run from the cats seeking them out. Equal parts biography, fiction, memoir, and countless other genre types, there are too many examples to count the ways in which Maus forever changed what stories comics could make possible.
