Throughout the 2000s, the success and hits from Image Comics typically serves as a strong indicator of the kind of decade it’s been for English-speaking creator-owned comics. The 2010s in particular reflect the 2nd Golden Age of Image Comics, with an early decade rush of hit series like Saga, Sex Criminals, Bitch Planet, East of West, and many more. The 2020s then are more about carving a new path forward for what it means to be an Image book, after many of those previous decade hits ended, faltered or simply disappeared. The hypes not as loud but the comics can be just as good. [Read more…] about 10 Best Image Comics of the Decade (2020 – Present)
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10 Best Marvel Comics of the Decade (2020 – Present)
Marvel’s had a rough 2020s, as a waning MCU and the failing leadership of CB Cebulski’s tenure as editor-in-chief led to DC overtaking Marvel in local comic shop market share for the first time since the splash of 2011’s New 52 (and on a sustained basis for the first time this century!). It’s a notably down decade for the once and future House of Ideas, but as is always the case, even at historical low points, amazing creators make amazing Marvel Comics that shine through.
For Marvel, the decade’s most memorable moments include the X-Men’s Age of Krakoa, the Maker’s new Ultimate Universe, and Doctor Doom’s most notable world takeover since Emperor Doom. Below you’ll find my picks for the best Marvel Comics of the 2020s, limited to new releases this decade. Longer runs of comics could begin prior to the 2020s, but must release a substantial amount of the run after the year 2020. Otherwise, all that matters is that I had a great time reading and think you will too! [Read more…] about 10 Best Marvel Comics of the Decade (2020 – Present)
10 Best DC Comics of the Decade (2020 – Present)
Heading into the 2020s, DC Comics was in a precarious position. The late 2010s DC Rebirth initiative was closing in on 4 years, and had clearly lost its luster after launching to tremendous fanfare in 2016. Likewise, co-publishers Jim Lee and Dan Didio were closing in on a decade in the role, with a tenure that began with the controversial, shockwave-inducing New 52. Coupled with increasing pressure and meddling from the corporate overlords at Warners Bros, the future of DC Comics seemed murky at best.
Given that shaky foundation, the decade has gone about as well as you could have imagined. In early 2020, Marie Javins replaced Didio as DC’s Editor-in-Chief, and through a series of new initiatives (Infinite Frontier, Dawn of DC, All-In), the 2024 launch of the Absolute Universe, the continued prestige presence of DC Black Label, and the overwhelmingly beloved compact comics format launch, DC surpassed Marvel as the market share sales leader in comic shops by mid-decade. [Read more…] about 10 Best DC Comics of the Decade (2020 – Present)
35 Most Popular Comics of the 2020s Decade (2020 to Right Now!)
I’d say if I learned two things from Wicked, number one is every musical should end at the intermission, and number two is that it’s very fun to sing the word pop-U-lure. As such, these are the most – sing it with me! – popUlar comics of the decade, from superhero comics to kids comics to critically acclaimed fancypants graphic novels and everything in between!
Given a fragmented sales ecosystem and shifting standards and metrics, keeping track of what’s popular in comics and graphic novels is not quite as simple as a New York Times bestseller list, or a year-end sales list. Plus, the goal posts shift depending on the playing field – for example, the expectations and sales of manga and kids comics are *very* different than the American model for selling superhero comics in local comic book stores. I try to take all that into consideration while also factoring in the personal experience of what it felt like to be obsessed with comics this decade and the books that made the most noise. [Read more…] about 35 Most Popular Comics of the 2020s Decade (2020 to Right Now!)
The Best Superhero Comics & Graphic Novels
I’ve been tracking and ranking all my favorite (and least favorite!) comic books for well over a decade publicly on Comic Book Herald on the world’s most regularly updated best comics of all time guide. While the behind-the-scenes spreadsheet is approaching 1,500 ranked works, I publish the top 500 as my recommended favorites (and think they’re all quite good!). I’ve largely avoided breaking that list out into categories, but I get enough requests for just the superhero side of the coin, so ya know what, fine, we’ll break this puppy out into a best superhero comics guide!
Much like the government’s definition of pornography, I know superhero comics when I see them. Obviously, anything from Marvel and DC are easy pickings, but the selections below won’t be limited to the Big 2 superhero universes. There may well be some here that you think don’t qualify as “superhero” in the traditional “capes and superpowers” sense. That’s fair! I also won’t be changing anything! The decision’s been made! Stop pushing!
[Read more…] about The Best Superhero Comics & Graphic Novels