Much like Liam Neeson, I’m always making lists. If you’re familiar with Comic Book Herald, you know these are typically massive reading order lists, with a primary focus on Marvel comics (and some DC!).
The below list is a very different breed, and is instead a collection of all my favorite comics and graphic novels I have ever read. Every time I read a new comic book series, I add it to the list, and rank it among the substantial competition of all the best comics ever.
There are two essential notes I’d like to add before you get to the list.
1 – I do not claim to have read all the greatest comics of all time. I am literally one man (at best, a half animal, part party machine). This list is an evolving organism that will take new shape as I pick up new books. If you have a personal favorite you don’t see included here, I’d love to hear about it in the comments, on Twitter, via email, on the street, from a disembodied voice floating through my attic… you get the idea.
2 – I have read many more Marvel comics than I’ve yet included on this list. This is changing all the time as I re-read Marvel series as part of My Marvelous Year and subsequently rank the titles. Again, if you’re looking for your Marvel comics fixin’s, I’d also check out my favorite 100 stories from 1998 to 2015, or the top 25 Marvel trade collections from 1961 to 1998.
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Finally, the rankings you’ll see here are entirely comics I like a lot. The higher a comic is ranked, the more I like it. The full list is approaching 1,000 rankings, but this contains the top 500 good ones!
Let the superlative headlines begin, and enjoy the comics!
Last Updated: February 26, 2024
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1 2 3 … 5 Next »You mustn't have read Iron Man - Director of SHIELD complete collection by the Knaufs. GOATed series and the best Iron Man has to offer.
I cannot believe you don’t have the JMS Spider-Man run on here. Once one removes the last couple arcs (once editorial/Quesada’s fat fingers got all over it), you’re left with easily the greatest modern ASM run of all-time.
Release the full list
wow nice lists but I vote fo Akira.
My favorite Childhood comics were Tintin by Herge and Asterix
man i still tear u when i remember reading them as a kid 🥹 now im 20yrs old a
Hiya! Noticed that No 34 is missing from the list, phenomenal stuff otherwise.
Hi great list...it would be much appreciated if you can also provide a quick description for superhero comics of what to read before lots of stories reference older events that I have no idea about
Amazing list, really enoyed going and finding out about them all. I'm an artist and this is source supreme.
Only omission is Lone Sloane: Delirius by Philippe Druillet
Thanos Quest didn't make the list? Is it not long enough?
#154
Could be higher :)
It would be nice if there were any comments or explanation on why you thought these were the best comics of all time
The fact that you have Tom Kings Mister Miracle number 6, is an utter comic book blasphemy. Just for the fact that it is above many that are far better than that craptastic non-story. This list is a farce.
There seems to be a mistake with "The Department of Truth", it's listed at both position 86 and 241.
Or is it all a great conspiracy!
(It's not. Thank you!)
Where's Morrison's Seven Soldiers?
Okay, I can understand why an American wouldn't list European comics, but I'm surprised that V for Vendetta didn't make the list. If you need some suggestions for European comics I can help out. I've been reading European comics for over 40 years.
You are 100% correct. Especially when talking about V for Vendetta. I mean, really? Not even on the list? And I am American. I am surprised he has From Hell here. Alan Moore is one of the greatest writers ever.