30 Classic Comic Books That Will Make You a True Fan

30 Classic Comic Books That Will Make You a True Fan

Over the years, Comic books have been created and distributed by a number of companies such as Marvel, DC, and Image Comics. They are art-characterized books that use imagery as a way of telling a story. They are usually accompanied by brief descriptive text. It should be noted that some comic books are published as graphic novels due to the fact that they tell a complex story.

Creators like Jack Kirby and Stan Lee have been considered the Kings of Comics. They have written comics such as The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, and Spider-Man. These comics are enjoyed by people of all ages and interests causing them to be adapted into films, and television shows as well as video games.

1. Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons

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Watchmen is set in an alternate history in which superheroes have been active for decades. In this reality, superheroes are no longer seen as heroes. It has been praised for its realistic portrayal of heroes and its exploration of complex themes. Readers have praised the comic for its ability to talk about dark themes by using imagery. Its amazing writing has made it the most influential comic book of all time.

2. The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller

It is a dark and gritty retelling of the Batman character story. It is set in a dystopian future in which Batman has retired for ten years but he is forced to come back when a new gang of criminals threatens Gotham. The comic is cited as one of the most influential comic books of all time. It is a classic comic book that explores complex themes through stunning artwork.

3. Invincible by Robert Kirkman

The comic is based on the story of Mark Grayson, a teenager who inherits the superpowers of his alien father. Invincible is a dark and violent superhero series that is known for its complex characters and storylines. It has been adapted into an animated television series on Amazon Prime Video.

4. The Sandman by Neil Gaiman

It is a comic book that follows Dream, who is the Lord of Dreams. The story begins when Dream is seeking his lost objects of power and restore order to the Dreaming which is the realm of dreams. The Sandman has rich storytelling that explores complex philosophical ideas. When it was first published, it had 75 issues that were adapted into a Netflix television series.

5. The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman

The comic is based on a world where a zombie apocalypse has wiped out most of humanity. Rick Grimes, a Kentucky sheriff’s deputy wakes up from a coma to find the world he knew to be completely different. He begins his journey to find his wife and son who fled when the apocalypse began.

The Walking Dead has been praised for its realistic portrayal of a zombie apocalypse. The comic’s exploration of the human condition is truly remarkable. It has been adapted into successful AMC television series.

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

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It is a series that features Peter Parker, a teenage boy who has superhuman powers. In the Spider-Man franchise, the origin story varies but it always begins with a teenager. The series explores themes such as responsibility, redemption, and guilt. The Amazing Spider-Man has been adapted into a number of live-action films, and television shows including the recent film Spider-Man: No Way Home.

7. The Avengers by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

It is a team of superheroes who were given the title Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Its original members were Iron Man, Ant-Man, Hulk, Thor, Black Widow, and the Wasp. Captain America joined the group after he was found trapped in ice. They are heroes from different parts of the world who are brought together by a common goal, protecting the world from threats. Avengers have been featured in many television shows and movies. 

8. Iron Man by Stan Lee and Larry Lieber

The comic is based on Tony Stark, a billionaire whose sole purpose was to manufacture weapons. When he was captured, he had a complication that forces him to use a chest-mounted electromagnet that keeps his heart beating. Tony creates a suit of armor that he uses to protect himself and escape. He later uses the suit to become the superhero, Iron Man. He is also a founding member of the Avengers.

In the comics, Iron Man is a member of S.H.I.E.L.D. In 2008, Iron Man was adapted into a film with the same name. It won the leading actor two Golden Globe Awards.

9. The Fantastic Four by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

It is a superhero team that consists of four astronauts who gained superpowers after being bombarded by cosmic rays during a space flight. Reed Richards, Susan Richards, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm are part of the team. The villains they have faced include Doctor Doom and Galactus. The Fantastic Four are the most popular superhero teams in the world.

10. The X-Men by Stan Leen and Jack Kirby

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It is based on a fictional superhero team who are mutant individuals born with superhuman abilities. The team was founded by Professor Charles Xavier a mutant who believes that mutants and humans can live together in peace. The X-Men have members from all over the world and walks of life. In 2000, it was adapted into a live-action film that has been praised for its action sequences special effects, and performances.

11. The Incredible Hulk by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

It is based on a fictional superhero who is depicted as a member of the Avengers and the Defenders. Bruce Banner is a brilliant scientist who is exposed to gamma radiation. The radiation transforms him into the Hulk who is known for his incredible strength and durability. In some issues, Hulk uses his anger and rage as a trigger for his powers.

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12. Captain America by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby

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It is based on a fictional superhero, Steve Rogers who is often depicted as a member of the Avengers. He is a frail young man who is enhanced to the peak of human perfection by a secret serum. Steve becomes Captain America, a patriotic superhero who is seen as the symbol of hope. The serum that enhanced Steve gave him superhuman strength, agility, and endurance. In the comics and the live-action adaptation, Captain America dedicated his life to fighting evil and defending the innocent.

13. Green Arrow by Greg Berlanti, and Andrew Kreisberg

The Arrow is a fictional superhero who is often depicted as a member of the Justice League and the Outsiders. Oliver Queen is a billionaire playboy who becomes a superhero after being stabbed on a desert island for five years. Arrow’s archery skills and his mastery of martial arts make him a great combat superhero. 

14. Thor by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

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It focuses on a fictional superhero who is a Norse god of the same name. Thor is the son of Odin and Frigga, the King and Queen of Asgard. Thor is a powerful warrior who wields the Mjolnir, a powerful hammer that was given to Thor by his father. He is also a skilled archer and a master of hand-to-hand combat.

He is a fierce defender of Asgard and Earth. He dedicates his life to fighting evil with his hammer. Thor was adapted into several live-action films.

15. The Flash by Gardner Fox and Harry Lampert

It is based on the character Barry Allen, a police scientist who is struck by lightning and doused with chemicals. The accident gives Barry superhuman speed which he uses to become The Flash. He uses his ability to run at super speed and pass through solid objects. In 2014, the character was adapted into a live-action television series on The CW. The show has been nominated for a Golden Globe Award.

16. Iron Fist by Roy Thomas and Gil Kane

It is based on a fictional character Danny Rand, the son of billionaire industrialist Wendell Rand. When Danny was young, his parents died in a plane crash, causing him to be raised in K’un-Lun. It is a hidden city in the Himalayas during his time there, he was trained in martial arts and the mystical art of chi kung. Danny’s ability is to harness the power of the Iron Fist, a mystical energy that is stored in his fist.

17. Legends of Tomorrow Series by Jeff Lemire

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It is a limited series that is based on the adventures of a team of superheroes who travel through time to prevent historical disasters that can destroy Earth. The team consisted of Rip Hunter, Hawkman and Hawkgirl, Vandal Savage, Doctor Fate, Animal Man, and Waverider. They were brought together by Rip Hunter who was a time traveler from the future. The series was adapted into a TV Show by the CW.

18. Agents of S.H.I.EL.D. by Joss Whedon, and Maurissa Tancharoen

It follows the adventures of a team of agents from the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division. They protect the world from threats that are too dangerous for the government to handle. In 2013, the television series aired and ran for seven seasons that ended in 2020. The series has featured a number of crossovers with the Marvel Cinematic Universe films.

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19. Supergirl by Otto Binder and Al Plastino

It is based on the fictional character Kara Zor- El, a Kryptonian who was sent to Earth as a baby after her planet was destroyed. Kara grew up on Earth and eventually adopted the identity of Supergirl. Supergirls’ powers include superhuman strength, speed, and flight. Supergirl uses her powers to fight crime and protect the innocent.

Supergirl has been adapted into several television series including a live-action series on The CW that premiered in 2015. The show was praised for its strong female lead and its action sequences.

20. Blankets by Craig Thompson

It is a graphic novel that is noted as a semi-autobiographical account of Thomson’s childhood and adolescence that focuses on his relationships with his family, his struggles with faith, and his first love. Blankets won the Eisner Award and the Harvey Award. Blankets is a comic that resonated with anyone who feels lost, lonely, and confused.

21. Batwoman by Geoff Johns and Greg Rucka

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It is based on the fictional character Kate Kane. She is a wealthy socialite who was raised on a military base, she decides to become a superhero when her cousin Bruce Wayne is presumed dead. Batwoman is known for her martial arts skills as well as her detective skills that she uses to protect Gotham. She is also noted as one of the few openly gay superheroes in DC Comics. Batwoman was adapted into a live-action television series on The CW. 

22. Black Lightning by Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eeden

It is based on the character Jefferson Pierce, a high school principal who gains the ability to generate and control lightning after being exposed to a chemical spill. With his powers, he is able to fight crime and protect the people of his community. Black Lightning was adapted into a live-action television series on The CW. However, in the live-action, his two daughters have somewhat similar powers as Jefferson.

23. The Umbrella Academy by Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba

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The series follows the story of a family of adopted supernaturals who reunite after their adoptive father’s death. The series was collected into six trade paperbacks that were published from 2008 to 2014. It has won the Eisner Award and the Will Eisner Comic Industry Award Hall of Fame.

In 2019, the series was adapted into a live-action television series on Netflix. Readers have shared that the comic has twists and turns making it the best superhero read.

24. Jessica Jones by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Gaydos

It is a fictional superhero character who is depicted as a member of the Defenders and the Avengers. The character is a former superhero who is retired after being brainwashed by the mind-controlling villain Kilgrave. After retirement, Jessica uses her superhuman strength and detective skills to work as a private investigator who helps people in need.

25. Paper Girls by Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang

It is a science fiction series that follows the adventures of four young girls who deliver newspapers in the early morning hours. However, one day they are caught up in a conflict between time-traveling soldiers from the future. The series was collected into six trade paperbacks that were published from 2016 to 2019. Paper Girls won the Eisner Award, the Harvey Award, and the Will Eisner Comic Industry Award Hall of Fame. 

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26. Luke Cage by Archie Goodwin and John Romita

It is based on a fictional character who is depicted as a member of the Defenders and the New Avengers. At the beginning of the comic, he is a former convict who is given superhuman strength and unbreakable skin after a prison experiment. Luke Cage uses his powers to fight crime in Harlem, New York City. It should be noted that Luke Cage is one of the few black superheroes that have starred in his own comic series.

27. Wonder Woman by William Moulton Marston

It is based on a fictional superhero character who is the founding member of the Justice League. She is among the most popular female superheroes in the world. Wonder Woman is an Amazonian princess who was raised on the isolated island of Themyscira. Her powers consist of superhuman strength, speed, and agility. Aside from Captain America, she is the symbol of peace and justice. 

28. The Defenders by Brian Michael Bendis

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It is about a superhero team that consists of four street-level heroes namely Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist. It was adapted into a television series on Netflix. The Defenders are known for their willingness to work with other superheroes. Readers have considered them to be the most relatable superheroes. 

29. Preacher by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon

It is a dark fantasy comic that follows the adventures of Jesse Custer who is a preacher from Texas who is possessed by the entity Genesis which is the offspring of an angel and a demon. With his new powers, Jesse sets out on a quest to find God. The comic was collected into nine trade paperbacks and was published by DC Comics from 1996 to 2001.

It won the Eisner Award, the Harvey Award, and the Will Eisner Comic Industry Award Hall of Fame. Preacher has been praised for its dark humor and graphic content.

30. Bone by Jeff Smith

It is a fantasy comic book that follows the adventures of three anthropomorphic bone cousins known as Fone Bone, Phoney Bone, and Smiley Bone. They travel to the Valley of the Wind, a magical land that is populated by anthropomorphic creatures.

It is part of the Bone Adventures series that was published from 1995 to 2004. It won the Eisner Award, the Harvey Award, and the Will Eisner Comic Industry Award.

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Comic books have been centered around providing additional information about the story such as dialogue, narration, and sound effects. The attention to detail is what makes the books become popular among all ages. Comics have evolved into a diverse medium that creates an interesting story.