For those of you who aren’t familiar with the work of many comic book creators, this list may not be what you’re looking for. There are many great comic books and graphic novels from the past and present, but this list isn’t intended to be a comprehensive reference guide to the entire genre. Instead, this list is comprised of personal favorites chosen by readers. Some of the most popular comics on this list include Maus, Check Please, and Fun Home. board game
Tom Gauld’s Goliath isn’t a historical account of the Biblical story, but it is an innovative reinvention of the famous story. Set in the Valley of Elah, Goliath tells the story of famous civil rights activist and former Congressman John Lewis. This powerful graphic novel tells his personal story, and it is a necessary reminder that the struggle for equality and freedom comes in many different forms.
The Walking Dead was originally a graphic novel series that was published by DC Comics and Vertigo Comics. Its characters were created by writer Robert Kirkman and artist Tony Moore. The graphic novel series is a fictional version of the comic book universe, but it is still one of the best graphic novels in history. The series has garnered a wide following because of its unique take on a superhero story.
Maus by Art Spiegelman is a graphic novel that won the Pulitzer Prize. It tells the story of a Jewish family surviving Nazi-occupied Europe, and the lingering trauma the survivors experience. The book is told in two timelines: one of which features the author’s father’s experiences during World War II and the other focusing on his relationship with his father, who was a Holocaust survivor. https://stoneboxer.eu
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood is another classic. Set in a dystopian society, this novel chronicles the lives of women who are subjected to patriarchal social hierarchies. The series’ art is created by Renee Nault, who focuses heavily on red, making the story more visceral. The graphic novel was adapted into a film in 2013, and has since been regarded as one of the best graphic novels of all time.
The Punisher is a popular comic book character from the Marvel Universe. His brutality made him a popular character in mainstream American comic books, and several psychologically troubled antiheroes followed. The book is available in 6 volumes, and it covers two story arcs. It also features extended supplementary materials such as concept art and sketches. The first five volumes of the series are a must-read for fans of horror comics.
Killer Queens is a complex film noir murder mystery by the creator of the Batman series, David B. Isil. It features a gay character and a jetpack-wielding fluffy monkey. Despite their gay nature, they must work together to finish a mission assigned by Alex’s old flame. The mission is to retrieve a stolen ship from a moon – half of which is under the control of a fascist dictator who is hostile toward foreigners.
Heretics! is another graphic novel that stands out from the rest. This graphic novel is a retelling of the famous poem by Samuel Coleridge. It’s a story of a middle-aged womanizer who flees to the mid-west in search of a better life. David Mazzucchelli’s graphic novel moves through memories of his past and explores the meaning of being human.
Watchmen is one of the best-rated comics and graphic novels ever. A Time Magazine list called Watchmen included the Alan Moore story as one of the 20 Best Graphic Novels of All Time. It’s no wonder that the story has been a popular choice for critics and audiences alike. The storyline, the characters, and the subtle subtext of Watchmen have made this graphic novel a favorite of critics.
