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The Ultimate Ranking of the Best Comic Books of All Time: Don't Miss #1

Updated: Dec 20, 2023

Comics


Comic books have been a beloved form of entertainment for decades, captivating readers with their unique blend of words and images. From superheroes to slice-of-life stories, there is a comic book for every taste and interest. But with so many great options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That's why we've compiled this list of the best comic books of all time, based on a combination of storytelling, artwork, and cultural impact. Whether you're a seasoned comic book reader or a newcomer to the scene, there's something on this list for you.




The Criteria for Selecting the Best Comic Books:


When it came to selecting the best comic books of all time, we considered a variety of factors. First and foremost, we looked for comic books that told a compelling and memorable story, with well-developed characters and a strong narrative arc. We also considered the artwork of each comic book, looking for visually stunning and creative panel layouts. Finally, we took into account the cultural impact of each comic book, considering its influence on the medium and its lasting legacy.


We reviewed a range of sources, including professional judgment and online reviews, to arrive at our decisions. The individual experiences of our team members, who have decades of combined reading and reviewing comic book experience, were also taken into consideration.



The Top 10 Best Comic Books of All Time:

1. "Watchmen" by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons


This groundbreaking graphic novel deconstructed the superhero genre and offered a thought-provoking look at the role of heroes in society. Its complex characters and nonlinear storytelling have made it a classic of the medium.


2. "Maus" by Art Spiegelman


This Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel tells the heart-wrenching true story of Spiegelman's father, a Holocaust survivor. Using the metaphor of mice representing Jews and cats representing Germans, "Maus" explores the horrors of the Holocaust in a deeply personal and poignant way.



3. "The Sandman" by Neil Gaiman


This sprawling epic follows the adventures of Dream, the personification of dreams, as he navigates the realms of the unconscious. With its richly detailed world-building and deep character development, "The Sandman" is a must-read for any comic fan.



4. "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns" by Frank Miller


This influential graphic novel reimagines Batman as a darker, more brooding hero, set in a future where he must come out of retirement to save Gotham City from a new threat. Its dark tone and sophisticated storytelling have made it a classic of the Batman mythos.



5. X-Men: Days of Future Past" by Chris Claremont and John Byrne


This epic storyline follows the X-Men as they travel through time to prevent a future apocalypse caused by giant robots called Sentinels. Its time-travel plot and themes of prejudice and acceptance have made it a fan favorite for decades.



6. "The Walking Dead" by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore


This ongoing series follows a group of survivors in a world overrun by zombies. Its character-driven narrative and exploration of themes like survival and morality have made it a hit with both critics and readers.



7. "Ms. Marvel" by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona


This groundbreaking series follows Kamala Khan, a Pakistani-American teenager who discovers she has shape-shifting powers. Its diverse cast and depiction of a Muslim superhero have made it a fan favorite and a critical success.


8. "The Amazing Spider-Man" by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko


This classic series follows Peter Parker, a high school student who gains spider-like abilities after being bitten by a radioactive spider. Its themes of responsibility and the consequences of power have made it a timeless classic.



9. "Saga" by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples


This ongoing sci-fi/fantasy series follows a family of rebels on the run from rival factions in a war-torn galaxy. Its complex characters, stunning artwork, and engaging plot have made it a fan favorite.



10. "Y: The Last Man" by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra


This post-apocalyptic series follows Yorick, the last surviving man on Earth after a mysterious event wipes out all male mammals. Its exploration of gender roles and the consequences of societal collapse have made it a thought-provoking and memorable read.



The Best Of The Best


There are a ton more excellent choices available; these are simply a few of the greatest comic books ever created. There is a comic book out there for everyone, whether you like superheroes, science fiction, or slice-of-life stories. Pick up a handful of these classics or check out some brand-new books to learn more about what the comics industry has to offer.


 

Comics

This blog is part of our Comic Topic category! On The COMICS category on our blog you'll find reviews, news, and more about the world of comics. Our team is dedicated to providing a comprehensive and in-depth look at all things comic-related, from the latest releases to classic series. We strive to present a balanced perspective on the comic industry, and we work hard to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date information. Whether you're a fan of superhero comics, indie titles, or graphic novels, you'll find something of interest here. So come back often to stay updated and stay nerdy!


 
Sources:
“Exclusive: Ms. Marvel Is Getting a New Comic With a New Creative Team in 2019.” EW.com, ew.com/books/2018/12/14/ms-marvel-new-comic-new-creative-team. Accessed 29 Dec. 2022.
“Green Goblin Wreaks Havoc in Amazing Spider-Man #850 Trailer!” Green Goblin Wreaks Havoc in Amazing Spider-Man #850 Trailer! – Weird Science Marvel Comics, 3 Sept. 2020, weirdsciencemarvelcomics.com/2020/09/03/green-goblin-wreaks-havoc-in-amazing-spider-man-850-trailer.
“Maus Comics - Google Search.” Maus Comics - Google Search, www.google.com/search?q=maus+comics&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwiH04rhz5_8AhUfN0QIHTLVBggQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=maus+comics&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzIFCAAQgAQyBggAEAUQHjIGCAAQBRAeMgcIABCABBAYOgQIABADOgcIABCxAxBDOggIABCABBCxAzoECAAQQzoECAAQHlDHBViBC2DNC2gAcAB4AIABfogB3ASSAQM3LjGYAQCgAQGqAQtnd3Mtd2l6LWltZ8ABAQ&sclient=img&ei=rPKtY4fNBp_ukPIPsqqbQA&bih=809&biw=1470&rlz=1C5GCEM_enUS1022US1022&hl=en#imgrc=-wgTGOfsWK9WUM. Accessed 29 Dec. 2022.
Nadler, Lonnie, and Jason Jenkins. “[Visions of Horror] Dave McKean’s Cover for ‘The Sandman’ #1.” Bloody Disgusting!, 30 Aug. 2013, bloody-disgusting.com/news/3251470/visions-of-horror-dave-mckeans-cover-for-the-sandman-1. Nast, Condé, and @wired. “Alan Moore: ‘I Don’t Want Watchmen Back.’” WIRED, 21 July 2010, www.wired.com/2010/07/alan-moore-watchmen.
Riesman, Abraham Josephine. “X-Men’s ‘Days of Future Past’ Is One of the Most Influential Comics Stories Ever. Here’s How It Happened.” Vulture, 22 May 2014, www.vulture.com/2014/05/x-men-days-of-future-past-origins-legacy.html.
“The Walking Dead Comic Finally Gets Interesting Again (the Walking Dead #186 Review) - IGN.” The Walking Dead Comic Finally Gets Interesting Again (the Walking Dead #186 Review) - IGN, 6 Dec. 2018, www.ign.com/articles/2018/12/06/the-walking-dead-comic-finally-gets-interesting-again-the-walking-dead-186-review. “Why Is the Dark Knight Returns Considered a Breakthrough Graphic Novel?” Quora, www.quora.com/Why-is-The-Dark-Knight-Returns-considered-a-breakthrough-graphic-novel. Accessed 29 Dec. 2022.
Yu, Mallory. “Radical Pacifism and Violence Collide in One Family’s Epic Sci-fi ‘Saga.’” NPR.org, 27 Apr. 2022, www.npr.org/2022/04/27/1082550516/saga-comic-volume-58-return.
“Y: THE LAST MAN OMNIBUS.” DC, 18 Dec. 2019, www.dc.com/graphic-novels/y-the-last-man-2002/y-the-last-man-omnibus.

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