Naming the best comic books of all time is no easy task, with each new decade delivering an instant-classic from Marvel, DC Comics, Image, Dark Horse, and many more. But a handful of famous comic books and graphic novels stand out above all the rest.
The medium has been growing exponentially since its early days in the 20th century. Gradually evolving mainstream culture and artistic approaches changed how comics and their characters are written, with each passing decade seeing more great comic stories published. DC and Marvel have unsurprisingly created some of the most famous comics ever, but the likes of Dark Horse, Image, and more have all earned their spots among the greatest comic books of all time.
20 Batman: The Long Halloween (1996)
Created by Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale
Batman: The Long Halloween is a haunting, gripping comic book that stands out among the hundreds of Batman stories. Set over the course of a year in Gotham, the Dark Knight investigates a mystery with twists and turns that changes the course of not only his life, but the lives of Batman’s greatest allies and adversaries.
“The Long Halloween is an emotional and pivotal Batman tale which has brought fans into Gotham for decades. Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale give readers a heartbreaking look at the way The Caped Crusader transforms his city even as he defends it from the evolving threats of new villains and old friends.” – Gabrielle Robbins, Comics Writer
19 The Walking Dead
Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, Charlie Adlard
“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
18 Sin City (1991)
Created by Frank Miller (Dark Horse Comics)
His work with Batman and Daredevil is typically first to come to mind as writer and artist Frank Miller’s best comics, but he’s also written some classic non-superhero stories. One of the genre’s best black-and-white comics, Dark Horse’s Sin City is an acclaimed neo-noir story set in a bleak, authoritarian-run town in the United States. The comic was revered for its approach and heavy inspiration from pulp and crime-noir TV, movie, and magazine stories.
Likewise, it presented an engrossing change of pace by Miller, writing Sin City more like a serialized TV/movie crime-drama in a comic book format. Though the second movie adaptation was poorly received, the initial 2005 movie received generally positive reviews.
17 Preacher (1995)
Created by Garth Ennis & Steve Dillon (Vertigo, DC Comics)
As one of the comic book industry’s “big two” publishers, DC Comics is primarily known for its superheroes. However, their Vertigo imprint of comics spawned some timeless non-superhero classics. Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon’s Preacher was one such cult-hit, with the story centered around a grim supernatural/religious disaster plaguing a small Texas town.
Jesse Custer, the titular preacher, becomes possessed by a supernatural entity comprised of pure goodness and pure evil, possibly becoming the most powerful entity in the universe. The story takes its small scope and eventually branches out across the country, meeting a bizarre cast of characters.
16 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.
15 V For Vendetta (1982)
Created by Alan Moore, David Lloyd & Tony Weare (Vertigo, DC Comics)
Alan Moore’s most iconic comic stories may feature DC’s superheroes, but V for Vendetta was another DC Vertigo comic that went in an excitingly different direction. It’s a dark political-dystopia story, where a fictional political party has successfully converted the United Kingdom into a gruesome neo-fascist police state.
The main character is the titular V, sporting the classic Guy Fawkes mask, leading an anarchistic revolution against the ruling oppressors. Given the intense premise, V for Vendetta tackles a variety of heavy political themes in a dense, elaborate story full of moral grays and extremes.
14 Batman: Year One (1987)
Created by Frank Miller & David Mazzucchelli (DC Comics)
Origin stories can occasionally feel like a dime a dozen and have understandably worn out fans’ patience over the years. However, Miller and David Mazzucchelli’s Year One is among the most definitive comic book origins. The late Dennis O’Neil started Batman’s exceptional noir reinvention, and Year One was one of the comics that brought this evolution to a crescendo.
Down to the pulp-inspired artwork, it’s a rich and atmospheric crime drama that shows fans how Bruce Wayne came to be Gotham City’s watchful protector. Likewise, it served as a great parallel origin story for soon-to-be Commissioner Gordon alongside Batman, depicting the two as flawed characters that are ultimately trying to do the best they can to bring justice to Gotham’s systematic corruption.
13 Green Lantern: Rebirth (2004)
Created by Geoff Johns & Ethan Van Sciver
Hal Jordan and the entire Green Lantern Corps got a major overhaul in one of the best entry points a fan could ever read. Green Lantern: Rebirth gives a fallen hero a second chance and makes him shine brighter than ever with a few revelations that have a huge impact on the entire DC Universe.
“This was the bedrock for Geoff Johns’ entire run on Green Lantern. 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.
Writer Tom King has earned a reputation as a storyteller always capable of turning in an instant classic, and Woman of Tomorrow is no exception. With the stated goal of distilling a “pure” Supergirl narrative, readers are given a standlone adventure showing everything that makes Kara Zor-El worthy of her ‘Super’ moniker (and everything that makes her unique from her famous cousin, as well). 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.
A
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
feature film is in development with Milly Alcock starring as Kara, and DC’s James Gunn directly praising King and Evely’s graphic novel as source material for the adaptation.
11 The Mighty Thor (2015)
Created by Jason Aaron & Russell Dauterman (Marvel Comics)
The fall of the ‘Unworthy’ Thor was one bombshell after another, first finding the Odinson unable to life Mjolnir, and soon revealing an unknown woman who had been called to replace him. Eventually the truth came out, and Jane Foster claiming Mjolnir as the Mighty Thor sent shockwaves through the comic book world. But fans weren’t ready for the heartbreaking story Jason Aaron and Russell Dauterman still had left to tell.
“The world of comics sends world-shattering villains coming and going each year, so it’s rare for a story, let alone a mystery to stand the test of time. But even if Jane Foster’s legacy as Thor hadn’t led to her ultimate sacrifice, or saw her take on a new role as Valkyrie, her time wielding Mjolnir was already carved in the stone of Marvel history from the first panel. Literally.” – Andrew Dyce, Comics Editor
10 Crisis on Infinite Earths (1985)
Created by Marv Wolfman & George Pérez
The multiverse and decades of DC Comics history collide in the 12-part epic Crisis on Infinite Universe. Marv Wolfman and George Pérez come together to create a defining moment in the DC Universe that masterfully tributes the first fifty years of DC Comics while ushering in a future filled with potential.
“Released to coincide with DC Comics’ 50th anniversary, Crisis on Infinite Earths ranks as one of their best. Epic in scope, starring every DC character to that point, Crisis set the standard for future comic book events, as well as helped shape the modern DC Universe.” – Shaun Corley, Comics Writer
9 All-Star Superman (2005)
Created by Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely & Jamie Grant (DC Comics)
After a rescue mission to the sun, Superman’s cells become unstable upon being super-charged with solar energy. Given only one year to live, Superman sets out to make the most of the time he has left.
“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)
Kelly Sue DeConnick and Phil Jimenez establish a standard in their DC Black Label book that few other creative teams have been able to rival. Wonder Woman: Historia is a jaw-droppingly beautiful story that doesn’t just explore Wonder Woman’s character, but creates a modern day Greek myth in the process.
“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 Locke & Key (2008)
Created by Joe Hill & Gabriel Rodriguez (IDW Publishing)
Coming from the team of 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
5 Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (1986)
Created by Frank Miller, Klaus Janson & Lynn Varley (DC Comics)
Arguably the most popular Elseworlds Batman story is Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns. While an unquestionable classic to most, some of its themes have been unfortunately misconstrued and subsequently glorified in the modern day. Despite this, it remains a gripping action and politically dystopian-set Batman arc portraying a more cynical, jaded version of the hero after the fall of most of its heroes.
A 50-plus-year-old Bruce Wayne is compelled back into the cape and cowl after Gotham regresses into senseless crime and the U.S. government continually neglects the dying city. Meanwhile, the same governing body has effectively turned the once-great Superman into a political weapon and lapdog.
4 X-Men: The Dark Phoenix Saga (1979)
Created by Chris Claremont, John Byrne, Bob Sharen, Terry Austin & Glynis Wein (Marvel Comics)
Chronicling the tragic downfall of a beloved hero and turning her into one of the X-Men’s greatest threats, this story’s groundbreaking character work from Chris Claremont and indelibly iconic art by John Byrne ensure that The Dark Phoenix Saga has remained a high point in Marvel’s history to this day.
“The Dark Phoenix Saga is where the X-Men really become the X-Men. Not only is this story epic on its own, but its still relevant to the franchise forty years later. This needs to be considered along the same lines as Watchmen or Dark Knight Returns. It’s that damn good.” – Tristan Benns, Comics Writer
3 Saga (2010)
Hailed as one of the best comic book entries in the science fiction genre ever made, the beloved Saga by Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples somehow managed to earn universal acclaim and success, while also building a cult following typically reserved for underdogs, or the underrated. But when a new reader gets to know the protagonists of this space opera, it’s easy to see why.
While technically operating on a grand, cosmic scale, it’s the drama and personality on display in the star-crossed lovers Alana and Marko that set the standard for the series. From the first page, and the first glimpse of their baby daughter Hazel, comic readers were in for the entire adventure (no matter how many bounty hunters, space police, or unthinkable monsters would attempt to cut it short). Thankfully, future readers in search of an outstanding space opera won’t have to wait as long, either.
2 Watchmen (1986)
Created by Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons & John Higgins (DC Comics)
Perhaps Moore’s most iconic work in comics came in his Watchmen series. Along with artists Dave Gibbons and John Higgins, the series functioned like a dark satirization of the superhero genre by portraying a group of morally-ambiguous “heroes” that are clearly — and dangerously — unstable in their respective ways.
The comic also incorporated (for its time) more contemporary elements like the Vietnam War and the Cold War. Doctor Manhattan, for instance, can be easily seen as the physical manifestation of paranoia over nuclear war breaking out. Along with the likes of The Sandman and The Dark Knight Returns, Watchmen was one of the first few comic books of the time to rank on The New York Times Best Seller list.
1 The Sandman (1989)
Created by Neil Gaiman, Sam Keith, Dave McKean, Mike Dringenberg (Vertigo)
The most iconic Vertigo series that DC published was its flagship The Sandman, written by the great Neil Gaiman and illustrated by numerous artists. The story revolves around Dream, one of the seven Endless, finding himself captured by cultists and forced to acknowledge that even entities that are stronger than DC’s gods such as them need to accept inevitable change.
The Sandman is celebrated as Gaiman’s magnum opus and praised for its ethereal and surreal personifications of metaphysical concepts. The Endless are these personifications, as they embody some of the most powerful forces that make up the universe.
