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?
However, 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. In rare cases, a groundbreaking story can completely change 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)
Fables Compendium DC Comic Cover Art
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. Over two decades later, the story of these “Legends in Exile” is still unfolding.
The longevity alone speaks to the alchemy achieved by Willingham, Buckingham, Medina, and more. Not just with a million-dollar premise of fairy tale 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writer Mark Waid and iconic artist Alex Ross put together a miniseries that detailed the fall in prominence of the outdated “traditional” heroes and the rise of dangerous copycats.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 Lantern’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 trauma and burden from a lost homeworld, revenge, 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 her character’s power.
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 mental weight from 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)
Walking Dead cast in full color, Rick Grimes (foreground) with others in background.
The television adaptation may have madeThe Walking Deada 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 human drama (and horror) at our obsession with zombies—the series’ shocking ending only cemented its place in comic book history.
“Walking Dead understands to its core that zombies in zombie stories are just an excuse to force desperate people into close proximity. In love with practicalities on how people would cope or break in 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 Superman’s last days while returning to his earliest days—All-Star Superman marks an elite roster elevating from ‘exceptional’ to an instant classic. Doing it even while still releasing proved this point with authority.
“Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s All-Star Superman is something of a miracle. Subverting frequent criticism about Superman being overpowered by making him even more powerful—Morrison and Quitely reveal his true strength lies in his undying hope. The cover to issue #1 perfectly encapsulates this as relaxed Superman looks over his shoulder beckoning us to join him in 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 outset—withThe Immortal Hulk, true power and invincibility behind Bruce Banner’s curse would be explored in all its body horror glory. But not even horror fans could predict what this creative team had planned or how hard it would be to see Hulk differently again.
Amplifying Hulk’s curse into a horror movie monster tormenting its host—true mythology behind Hulk expanded redefining Marvel Universe as a whole.
An Avenger brutally disassembled—beloved Hulk characters twisted into nightmares—and gamma-powered eldritch horrors makeThe Immortal Hulka story no Marvel fan will 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 first reports arrived about DC Black Label’sWonder Woman Historia. Some foresaw retrospective while others anticipated an official lore ‘Bible,’ or even prestige series following legendary residents from Paradise Island. What arrived was stunning masterpiece ascending from must-read Wonder Woman story all way up crucial piece among DC’s most prestigious published works.
“I read first issue Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons on my tablet then immediately went comic store buy physical copy just marvel at Phil Jimenez’s art my own hands. After reading thousands superhero comics—Historia easily most beautiful DC story I’ve ever encountered —and that’s saying nothing powerful empowering story.”– Kate O’Donoghue , Comics Editor
6
Maus (1980)
Created by Art Spiegelman (Pantheon)
MAUS Cover Two Huddled Together
Apart from still-relevant subject matter within Art Spiegelman’s epic,Mausis unique as it remains only comic book ever awarded Pulitzer Prize. That alone earns its place among best medium has produced. But awards aside—the tale behind<Mauswould still hold equal power.
Based on interviews with his father Vladek—Spiegelman’s narrative recontextualizes account Polish Jews during Holocaust into tale mice on run from cats seeking them out. Equal parts biography fiction memoir countless other genre types—there are too many examples count ways<Mauss forever changed stories comics could make possible.
Sarah Parker is a research analyst and content contributor with a strong interest in business strategy, organizational behavior, and social development. With a background in sociology and public policy, she focuses on exploring the intersection between research and real-world application. Sarah regularly contributes articles that bridge academic insights and practical relevance, aiming to foster critical thinking and innovation across sectors.
