For decades, Marvel and DC Comics have been the leading forces in the comic book industry. However, in recent years, independent publishers such as BOOM and Dark Horse have become increasingly popular. These indie comics offer readers unique stories and perspectives not found in the work of the major publishers, and many of the best comics of the last twenty years have come from these independent sources.
As a comic book fan, I’ve seen a huge shift in what’s really exciting the industry lately. It feels like independent comics – whether they’re about superheroes, aimed at adults, or for all ages, and whether they’re ongoing series or one-off stories – are now leading the way. I’ve been digging through everything that’s come out this century, and these ten indie comics really stand out as the absolute best.
The Power Fantasy Is An Ongoing Game-Changer That Deserves More Love
Kieron Gillen and Caspar Wijngaard’s comic, The Power Fantasy, demonstrates how much creativity is still possible within the superhero genre. With so many superhero stories already available, this book stands out by adding surprising depth and complexity to a familiar idea.
In a world ruled by six incredibly powerful individuals – enough power to destroy the planet many times over – The Power Fantasy explores a tense balance where everyone’s destruction is assured if anyone makes a move. This sci-fi superhero story is a smart, shocking, and impressive work of geopolitical fiction. With only fifteen issues released, and a potential final issue on the way, there’s every reason to start reading The Power Fantasy now.
Deadly Class Is A Blood-Soaked Coming-of-Age Masterpiece
Rick Remender’s comic Deadly Class stands out as one of the most original and captivating series of the last twenty years. Set in 1980s San Francisco, it follows students at a hidden school for assassins, blending typical high school experiences with intense, graphic violence. The comic is both smart and thought-provoking, offering a surprisingly insightful look at its characters and world.
With its constant surprises, Deadly Class is a captivating comic that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. The series, which ran for 56 issues, features incredible art by Wes Craig, a unique storytelling approach, and insightful social commentary. It’s a great choice for readers who are new to comics and primarily know superhero stories.
Descender Is A Beautiful Sci-Fi Odyssey
Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen collaborated on Descender, a beautiful and captivating science fiction story. The comic follows a young robot’s journey to understand who he is and what his purpose is, all set against the backdrop of a galaxy at war. With stunning watercolor art and deeply moving characters, Descender keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.
Jeff Lemire is a remarkably talented comic book writer who doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves, and Descender is arguably his finest work. This science fiction story is captivating and original, exploring themes of family, relationships, past hurts, and destiny. It’s not only one of the best independent comics of the 21st century, but a truly exceptional read.
Saga Is A Genre-Defining Epic From A Legendary Creator
Brian K. Vaughan, known for his acclaimed comic series Y: The Last Man, and artist Fiona Staples have created Saga, a truly remarkable sci-fi/fantasy story. It’s considered one of the best ongoing comics ever, praised for its incredible world-building and compelling characters.
Saga is an epic science fiction story that follows a family’s journey through a dangerous galaxy as they search for a safe place to call home. Over the course of many years and across numerous planets, the story introduces a wide cast of characters and takes unexpected turns, delivering high-stakes drama and a truly unique narrative. Many consider Saga to be a once-in-a-generation sci-fi masterpiece, comparable to Star Wars.
Kill or Be Killed Is A Bloody Crime Noir With A Supernatural Twist
Ed Brubaker is a highly acclaimed comic book writer known for his popular work on titles like Captain America, Daredevil, Gotham Central, and Batman. While he’s well-established in mainstream comics, some of his best work comes from collaborations with artist Sean Phillips on independent projects.
In the graphic novel Kill or Be Killed, a young man starts seeing a demon after a brush with death. The demon forces him to kill someone considered ‘bad’ each month in order to survive. This twenty-issue series is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the killer’s mind and the dark side of modern society, filled with intense violence.
The Walking Dead Changed The Zombie Genre Forever
Before Robert Kirkman created The Walking Dead comic, zombie stories were becoming less popular. Then, the comic came out and quickly became a huge hit – and for good reason. It’s a remarkably well-written and consistently engaging series that maintained a high level of quality for almost two hundred issues.
While The Walking Dead became a huge franchise with TV shows, games, and lots of merchandise, the original comic book is still the strongest part. Robert Kirkman is a skilled storyteller, especially when it comes to long, ongoing comic series, and The Walking Dead perfectly demonstrates that talent. Without it, the horror genre in popular culture today would be much less interesting, and that would be a loss.
It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Earth Is A Devastating Autiobiographical Graphic Novel
Zoe Thorogood’s work is a powerful blend of honest emotion, deep understanding of the human mind, and a distinctive sense of humor, all expressed through her art. Her book explores Zoe’s personal journey as she navigates challenges with creativity, mental health, and a world falling apart around her.
This graphic novel is incredibly touching and stands out as one of the most personal comics of the past twenty years. It could have easily felt showy or forced, but instead, it’s genuinely thoughtful, looks inward, and understands itself well. The author playfully suggests he’s “the future of comics,” and surprisingly, he might be right.
The Many Deaths of Laila Starr Is A Moving Portrayal of Grief and Fate
Ram V.’s five-issue comic series, The Many Deaths of Laila Starr, is a beautiful and moving story about mythology, life, and death. It follows the many deaths of its main character, Laila Starr, and is brought to life by the stunning artwork of Filipe Andrade. The way the story handles time, the joys of living, and the acceptance of death is truly impressive.
The Many Deaths of Laila Starr is a must-read for comic book fans. This beautifully atmospheric story explores what it means to be alive through the eyes of a god-like being, while also showing how humans can find peace and dignity in death. It’s a truly moving work of art and easily one of the best limited-run comic series ever created.
East of West Is A Post-Apocalyptic Western Epic
Jonathan Hickman and Nick Dragotta’s comic series, East of West, is a truly remarkable achievement in storytelling. It follows Death, a former rider of the Apocalypse, as he searches for his son in a desolate world. This action-packed political thriller is incredibly complex and tackles important social issues, making it one of the best forty-five-issue comics in recent years.
With compelling characters and a stunning conclusion, East of West is a comic book that every fan should experience. Jonathan Hickman demonstrates his incredible talent in this work, which is arguably his finest achievement.
Assorted Crisis Events Are Shattering Expectations With Every New Issue
Okay, seriously, Denis Camp is blowing my mind right now. This guy is killing it in comics. I’m telling you, he’s writing the best ongoing series at Marvel – The Ultimates is just incredible. Then he goes and does the same thing at DC with Absolute Martian Manhunter! And it doesn’t stop there – Assorted Crisis Events over at Image? Forget about it. That book isn’t just good, it’s a game-changer. Honestly, it’s one of the most impactful comics I’ve read in decades, and every new issue just keeps raising the bar.
It may seem surprising to rank a comic with only eight issues so highly among well-established, celebrated series. However, Assorted Crisis Events is a truly exceptional science fiction anthology. It tells powerful, emotionally resonant stories about ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges, with a unique and heartfelt focus on social issues. It’s a modern masterpiece and, in our opinion, the best independent comic of the 21st century.
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