Top 100 (Detailed)
100. Essex County
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Jeff Lemire
Top Shelf Productions
2008-2011
2022 Rank: 101
"It's a deeply satisfying emotional experience that naturalistically captures the lives of three intersecting generations of residents of a small country area. The book that keeps breaking your heart in deeply satisfying ways " - Jason Sacks, Comics Bulletin
99. Sweet Tooth
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Jeff Lemire
Vertigo
2009-2021
2022 Rank: 104
"In all the years I've been reading comics, I've never read a story as satisfying as Sweet Tooth. Lemire should be damn proud of what he's accomplished here." - Victor Correa, comicbooked.com
98. Pluto
Writer: Naoki Urasawa, Takashi Nagasaki
Artist: Naoki Urasawa
Shogakukan
2003-2009
2022 Rank: 144
"Now that I've read the first volume of "Pluto" I'm changing 'worth checking out' to 'absolutely must be read.'... If "Pluto" doesn't rack up award nominations next year, I will be genuinely perplexed. Remember my prediction this time next year, because "Pluto" is just that good." - Greg McElhatton, Comic Book Resources
97. This One Summer
Writer: Mariko Tamaki
Artist: Jillian Tamaki
First Second
2014
2022 Rank: 73
"Though the themes and issues of "This One Summer" are large and emotional, Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki execute the story with such precision and care that it never tips into melodramatic, instead preferring to be quiet and nuanced and thus infinitely relatable, real, and emotional. "This One Summer" is a near perfect book and an example of two creators working in such perfect sync they appear more as one creator than two" - Kelly Thompson, Comic Book Resources
96. New X-Men
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Frank Quitely, Leinil Francis Yu, Ethan Van Sciver, Igor Kordey, John Paul Leon, Ethan Van Sciver, Chris Bachalo, Marc Silvestri
Marvel
2001-2004
2022 Rank: 92
"Every once in a while a creator lands a run on a mainstream comic which suits them to a ‘t’. There’s Alan Moore’s tenure on Swamp Thing and Frank Miller’s run on Daredevil, for example. Sure, both writers did great work with other characters on a stand-alone basis (notably Superman and Batman respectively), but these were generally individual arcs rather than directing three or four years of the characters’ stories. Having read New X-Men, I can confirm that Grant Morrison has found his own such series." - Darren Mooney, The Movie Blog
95. Hark! A Vagrant
Writer: Kate Beaton
Artist: Kate Beaton
Webcomic
2007-2018
20222 Rank: 75
"From New Yorker cartoonist Kate Beaton comes Hark! A Vagrant -- a witty and wonderful collection of comics about historical and literary figures and events, based on her popular Web comic of the same name. Scientists and artists, revolutionaries and superheroes, suffragists and presidents -- they're all there, as antique hipsters, and they're all skewered with equal parts comedic and cerebral prod." - Maria Popova, The Atlantic
94. Batman: Hush
Writer: Jeph Loeb
Artist: Jim Lee
DC
2002-2003
2022 Rank: 144
"As I mentioned earlier, the Jeph Loeb Batman mysteries are a big part of the Dark Knight’s canon. This story takes all of Loeb’s previous work in that genre, and makes them feel like a 35-minute episode of Columbo! Clues, false and true, are everywhere, and there are “could it be?” moments littered throughout. The only way to truly comprehend the level of mystery and thrill in this story is to read it!" - James Attias, Dark Knight News
93. Gotham Central
Writer: Ed Brubaker, Greg Ruka
Artist: Michael Lark
DC
2002-2006
2022 Rank: 114
"Michael Lark does a wonderful job on this issue's main action set piece that has our detectives making their way through a dark and foreboding building, where every shadow looks to hold potential danger. I also have to give the art full marks for offering up a simple but decidedly creepy design for the costumed threat that endangers our detectives, as the page where the character descends from the stairwell, and starts blasting away is an undeniably powerful visual, as is the bit of action that follows his attack on Montoya." - Jason Cornwell, Comics Bulletin
92. Kraven's Last Hunt
Writer: J. M. DeMatteis
Artist: Mike Zeck
Marvel
1987
2022 Rank: 71
"Kraven’s Last Hunt features the usual comic action, but it also blends aspects from classic literature and recurring themes in order to present a deeper, more complicated narrative. It routinely quotes William Blake’s poem The Tyger, and Mike Zeck’s art fills the book with gritty photorealism. This one's for a more sophisticated audience." - Jason Serafino, Complex
91. Eightball
Writer: Daniel Clowes
Artist: Daniel Clowes
1989-2004
2022 Rank: 158
"It showcased Clowes exploring all corners of his artistic creativity and expanding the art form as he did. His style and skill progressed at an astonishing rate. Eightball was a peek into the flourishing mind of a growing artist. He went to so many different places but somehow made every story a hit." - Jay Hill, Comicsthegathering.com
90. East of West
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Nick Dragotta
Image
2013-2019
2022 Rank: 90
"A spectacular comic to end the series, the year, and even the decade. East of West has been a prime example of perfect storytelling and this ending proves why this creative team are one of the best working in the business today." - Darryll Robson, Monkeys Fighting Robots
89. Ultimate Spider-Man
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Mark Bagley, Stuart Immonen, David Lafuente
Marvel
2000-2011
2022 Rank: 106
"Bagley has a wonderful sense of pacing – perfectly creating a dramatic rhythm to his stories. He’s an artist capable of going large or going small, depending on what the situation calls for. His vaguely cartoonish style allows his characters to be tremendously expressive, both physically and emotionally, and it’s hard to imagine what the book would have looked like in the hands of another artist" - Darren Mooney, The Movie Blog
88. The Punisher
Writer: Garth Ennis
Artist: Lewis Larosa, Leandro Fernández, Dougie Braithwaite, Goran Parlov, Lan Medina, Howard Chaykin
Marvel
2004-2009
2022 Rank: 43
"I can't say enough about Garth Ennis' run on Punisher MAX. For my money, it's the best work that's ever been done with the character." - Dan Phillips, IGN
87. The Wicked + The Divine
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Jamie McKelvie
Image
2014-2019
2022 Rank: 50
"This is a comic that has engaged both my head and heart... This comic will always have a beloved place in my heart, and I look forward to rereading, reminiscing, and recommending it into the decades to come even as I begin to look like the characters in this issue." - Logan Dalton, Graphic Policy
86. 100 Bullets
Writer: Brian Azzarello
Artist: Eduardo Risso
Vertigo
1999-2009
2022 Rank: 52
"What more can I say? Do yourself a favor and pick this up. You'll be amazed at what you can do in this storytelling medium. It is indeed different and unique. Nothing like you have ever read before. It may just be the greatest book published right now. Read and enjoy and tell me what you think." - Richard Frankel, Comics Bulletin
85. The Vision
Writer: Tom King
Artist: Gabriel Hernandez Walta
Marvel
2015-2016
2022 Rank: 95
"This is an absolute must-read. It's not often a comic can deliver so many emotions. This book has been an eye-opener and has become one of my top-recommended series." - Tony Guerrero, Comic Vine
84. Batman
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Andy Kubert, Lee Garbett, J.H. Williams, III Ryan Benjamin, Tony S. Daniel, John Van Fleet
DC
2006-2009
2022 Rank: 109
"Morrison's Batman is a conglomeration of some of the best takes on the character of all time, specifically that of Denny O'Neil and Steve Englehart. There's an unmistakable classic feel to his take on the character, one underlined by Morrison's trademark brand of weirdness." - Dan Phillips, IGN
83. Calvin and Hobbes
Writer: Bill Watterson
Artist: Bill Watterson
Andrews McMeel Publishing
1985-1995
2022 Rank: 107
"At a time when comic strips are being drawn with minimal detail and written with obvious punch lines, Bill Watterson’s creation is nothing less than a miracle... In the process, the two have become the most entertaining, complex characters on the funny pages these days." - Ken Tucker, Entertainment Weekly
82. Superman For All Seasons
Writer: Jeph Loeb
Artist: Tim Sale
DC
1998
2022 Rank: 78
"Loeb and Sale wanted to tell a story that balanced the heroics of Superman, the humanity of Clark Kent, and the core characters of his classic supporting cast. The result is that Superman for All Seasons presents not only one of the most heartfelt versions of Superman ever written, but also one of the best portrayals of his surrounding community." - Vin, The Cosmic Circus
81. Lone Wolf and Cub
Writer: Kazuo Koike
Artist: Goseki Kojima
Futabasha
1970-1976
2022 Rank: 100
"This is one of the cornerstones of the entire Japanese graphic novel tradition. Lone Wolf and Cub is a definite must for any action lover or fan of Japanese culture. Even if you are neither, the simple quality and depth of this graphic novel make it worth a try. A definite must in any good graphic fiction collection!" - Theo, Ninth Arts Delight
80. Berlin
Writer: Jason Lutes
Artist: Jason Lutes
Drawn & Quarterly
1996-2018
2022 Rank: 84
"Irregularly published since 1996, Berlin is Lutes' long-in-production, multi-volume story of Weimar Berlin from 1928 to the dawn of the Nazi era. It was originally slated for 24 issues; by issue 18, its slow march toward some sort of conclusion felt damn near interminable. Then you pick up one of the two collections published to date — and suddenly, this interweaving tale of politics and problems seems worth the wait." - Joe Gross, Rolling Stone
79. Captain America
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Steve Epting, Michael Lark, Mike Perkins, Butch Guice, Luke Ross
Marvel
2005-2009
2022 Rank: 97
"It’s a clever and well-crafted story that demonstrates that Brubaker has more in him than just gritty pulp like his fantastic runs on Daredevil and Gotham Central... In the meantime, it’s a solid, nostalgic and clever use of an iconic character to tell a good story, with more than a little intelligent subtext going on underneath." - Darren Mooney, The Movie Blog
78. Ms. Marvel
Writer: G. Willow Wilson
Artist: Adrian Alphona
Marvel
2014-2019
2022 Rank: 89
"Ms. Marvel was everything I hoped it would be and more. It's a fantastic series from beginning to end, accomplishing so much more than just being a regular comic. Kamala Khan means something now." - Sean Ian Mills, Henchman-4-Hire
77. The Invisibles
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Various
Vertigo
1994-2000
2022 Rank: 98
"It's complex but rewarding plot gives to the reader as much as they are willing to put in. Despite a plodding final volume, The Invisibles is a fantastic work of esoteric science-fiction that functions as a thesis statement for Morrison's entire life's work." - The Literary Comic
76. Astonishing X-Men
Writer: Joss Whedon
Artist: John Cassaday
Marvel
2004-2008
2022 Rank: 69
"The key is his greatest asset as a writer, the ability to write dialogue. There are many portions of the series, non-fighting portions, that you want to re-read, and then re-read again, because of some witty (and completely in character) thing that Whedon had them say. And, as great as the dialogue is, some of the best moments of the series are when characters are struck speechless." - Andy the Saint, Top Five Reviews
75. Civil War
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Steve McNiven
Marvel
2006-2007
2022 Rank: 59
"The artwork by Steve McNiven is incredible, and perhaps the unqualified success of the entire miniseries. It looks absolutely stunning, with faces perfectly rendered (there’s never ambiguity about how a given character feels in any of his scenes) and “widescreen” panels offered beautifully and effectively. McNiven was born to illustrate this sort of “big” event, with big splash pages and panels and lots and lots of characters to render." - Darren Mooney, The Movie Blog
74. 300
Writer: Frank Miller
Artist: Frank Miller, Lynn Varley
Dark Horse
1998
2022 Rank: 47
"Having said that, the book is an important part of Miller’s bibliography, up there with the likes of Ronin. If you’re a history nut, you might want to avoid this, but for the Miller fans, this is indispensable reading. For those of you who’re still on the edge, go pick up this book. Regardless of what anyone says, it’s difficult indeed to not thoroughly enjoy a book like 300." - Kushagra Udai, Strip Tease Magazine
73. Secret Wars
Writer: Jim Shooter
Artist: Mike Zeck, Bob Layton
Marvel
1984-1985
2022 Rank: 96
"This classic event comic maintains much of its appeal in the modern day. The comic has unique concepts, epic battles, solid artwork, and a compelling storyline. It does great work with its cast of characters and really lets a few of them shine. Plus, the entire adventure is an important and memorable piece of comic book history." - Comicbook Wire
72. Batman
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Greg Capullo
DC
2012-2016
2022 Rank: 92
"Snyder and Capullo also put their unique seal on the Bat-mythology by expanding not just on the history of the characters, but on the history Gotham... Quintessential storytelling. Quintessential artwork. Quintessential Batman." - Mike McG, Never Ending Radical Dude
71. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Writer: Hayao Miyazaki
Artist: Hayao Miyazaki
Tokuma Shoten
1982-1994
2022 Rank: 138
"Fortunately, and I think most of the world probably knows this by now, Miyazaki is among the best storytellers of our age. It shows in Nausicaä. The sureness of his authorial footing in this book is never at doubt. From beginning to end, we are on his ground and it’s a good place to be." - Seth T. Hahne, GoodOkBad.com
70. Wolverine
Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: Frank Miller
Marvel
1982
2022 Rank: 87
"Wolverine is a very fine character study, one that skillfully balances its introspection with its action and uses both in concert to delve into what makes its title character tick, what makes him, to paraphrase one of his catchphrases, 'the best there is at what he does.'" - Justin Harrison, AIPT Comics
69. Hellblazer
Writer: Various
Artist: Various
Vertigo
1988-2013
2022 Rank: 53
"The indignant, Brit magician is one of Vertigo's best characters. Constantine has experience all manner of personal hell. He's nearly died from cancer -- and that was one of his better days. The series has had some low points, but James Delano's original crack set the tone for the character. Garth Ennis did some of his best work in his long stint on Hellblazer." - Hilary Goldstein, IGN
68. Animal Man
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Chas Truog
DC
1988-1990
2022 Rank: 56
"Animal Man asks a lot of great questions if you let it, but beyond that, it’s just a great superhero book. Buddy is a fun character to spend time with, and his family is great. There’s a lot of action and drama and the mind-bending stuff that Morrison does so well. For my money, it’s one of those seminal comics works that anyone who is really serious about studying the medium should read." - David Harth, YouDontReadComics.com
67. Sex Criminals
Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Chip Zdarsky
Image
2013-2020
2022 Rank: 54
"It’s the book’s bawdy frankness about modern sexual politics that makes it so appealing: Suzie and Jonathan have an extraordinary talent, but they’re ordinary people, kind of perverts, kind of prudes, with complicated feelings about sex. So the book reads not only as a clothing-optional adventure but as a smart and sex-positive take on the state of bumping uglies in America, circa 2014." - Dan Kois, Slate
66. Criminal
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Sean Phillips
Image
2006-Ongoing
2022 Rank: 82
"Is the comic good? It's beyond good, it's great. Criminal #1 shows that Brubaker and Phillips is a team of creators that are some of the best in the comics business. Criminal #1 is one of the strongest debuts in quite a while and a very welcomed return." - Brett Schenker, Graphic Policy
65. The Mighty Thor
Writer: Walt Simonson
Artist: Sal Buscema
Marvel
1983-1987
2022 Rank: 81
"They were odd and exciting... Simonson re-crafts the god of thunder right from the beginning of his run and almost immediately does away with Donald Blake, allowing Thor to be Thor for the duration of nearly fifty issues. Beyond this trick allowing Simonson to focus on Thor’s godhood." - Seth T. Hahne, GoodOkBad.com
64. Legion of Superheroes: The Great Darkness Saga
Writer: Paul Levitz
Artist: Keith Giffen, Larry Mahlstedt
DC
1982
2022 Rank: 85
"The story is chock full of the soap opera that this part of the Levitz era was known for, emphasizing the interpersonal drama of couples, playing up the seeming self-obsession of Dream Girl and further developing Element Lad as a complete jerk in the lead up to the election of a new leader... The Great Darkness Saga remains one of the pillars of DC Comics storytelling." - D. Emmerson Eddy, ComicBookcase.com
63. March
Writer: John Lewis, Andrew Aydin
Artist: Nate Powell
Top Shelf
2013-2016
2022 Rank: 30
"March: Book One is a work of art that should be used as a teaching device in every school in North America. This is a brilliant original graphic novel that is a must read for anyone who enjoys the medium, and a fantastic bridge book for many who have not read comics before. This is as good as it gets and is a brilliant showcase of the power of the medium to tell powerful stories." - Aaron Long, Comicosity
62. Invincible
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Cory Walker, Ryan Ottley
Image
2003-2018
2022 Rank: 61
"The legacy Invincible leaves behind is something only so many books have accomplished. The final issue gives its readers everything that made the series what it is and why it will always be highly recommended to new readers. Invincible has truly earned his place among the list of greatest superhero comics of all time." - D. Ivester, The GWW
61. Blacksad
Writer: Juan Díaz Canales
Artist: Juanjo Guarnido
Dargaud
2000-Ongoing
2022 Rank: 63
"Blacksad is dark and brooding. The stories are magnificent, there is a reason why this is such a respected graphic novel series... I loved Blacksad and am looking forward to finishing it up soon. Check it out." - Elizabeth Tabler, Grimdark Magazine
60. The Fantastic Four
Writer: Stan Lee
Artist: Jack Kirby
Marvel
1961-1972
2022 Rank: 79
"Besides the obvious charm of discovering how many classic Marvel characters were first introduced in these early issues, there were also many small touches for sharp-eyed readers would appreciate making the effort... I would encourage people who love Marvel history to read these early issues, as it did seem as though every single issue offered some gem that Marvel later built upon." - D. S. Christensen, Studio Remarkable
59. Superman: Red Son
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Dave Johnson, Andrew Robinson, Walden Wong, Killian Plunkett
DC
2003
2022 Rank: 49
"Not only does this ending really bring home the ironies inherent in the elseworlds concepts, but it is clever and engaging. It made me happy... It took a while to get here, but it’s here at last. From its creepy-as-Hell cover to the final surprise of the conclusion, this is a solid read. Millar and Plunkett and rest of the team did themselves proud." Paul Brian McCoy - Comics Bulletin
58. Understanding Comics
Writer: Scott McCloud
Artist: Scott McCloud
Tundra Publishing
1993
2022 Rank: 102
"In one lucid, well-designed chapter after another, [McCloud] guides us through the elements of comics style, and... how words combine with pictures to work their singular magic. When the 215-page journey is finally over, most readers will find it difficult to look at comics in quite the same way ever again." - Art Spiegelman, Maus, Breakdowns
57. Locke & Key
Writer: Joe Hill
Artist: Gabriel Rodríguez
IDW
2008-2013
2022 Rank: 62
"This is issue works on so many different levels. The Locke kids and the reader have been on a journey of discovery all these issues, and just when we think the big questions will never get answers, Joe Hill delivers a story that spells it out for us. Gabriel Rodriguez continues to mesmerize, and the creatures on the other side of the black door are creepier than I remember." - Stephen Schleicher, Major Spoilers
56. My Favorite Thing Is Monsters
Writer: Emil Ferris
Artist: Emil Ferris
Fantagraphics
2017
2022 Rank: 27
"Overall, probably one of the most essential books every reader who loves a great story must have in their collection. The story by Ferris, feels like the Secret Life of Walter Mitty, but with monsters, and keeps the reader moving forward. The art by Ferris, will leave the reader floored by how beautiful and luminous it is. Altogether, a great book, for anyone who love a great story, an if you love monster movies and MAD Magazine, it would help but not necessary, as a good story like this, will always shine through." - Pharaoh Miles, Graphic Policy
55. American Born Chinese
Writer: Gene Luen Yang
Artist: Gene Luen Yang
First Second
2006
2022 Rank: 76
"What makes this such a compelling read is that while prejudice and racist cliches are the catalysts, the real story is about self-image and self esteem... Even the monkey god's journey of empowerment and later rediscovery of his cultural identity are elements that one can easily find in one's own life. The meticulous quality of this graphic novel's construction is eclipsed only by the honesty and universal nature of the subject matter." - Don MacPherson, Eye on Comics
53 (Tie). The Incal
Writer: Alejandro Jodorowsky
Artist: Jean Giraud, Zoran Janjetov, José Ladrönn
Les Humanoïdes Associés
1980-2014
2022 Rank: 118
"The artwork by Moebius is perfect. It looks much simpler than it is. The linework and deliberate lack of shadows makes the art look almost simplistic, but he always has the perfect perspective and perfect frame composition. His drawings and panels are very dynamic and work wonders to draw you into the story; really visual storytelling at its best. The coloring is understated, but the controlled nature of it makes the panels appealing and inviting." - Jeroen Admiraal, A Sky of Books and Movies
53 (Tie). Planetary
Writer: Warren Ellis
Artist: John Cassaday
Wildstorm
1998-2009
2022 Rank: 65
"I went into this book with super-high expectations, all the while knowing that it was highly probable that the book wouldn't live up to the hype, but in this case, I was happy to be wrong... John Cassaday's art is stellar throughout, especially the subtle differences between the various alternate reality Planetary teams, and Ellis delivers a script that is complex without devolving completely into "technojargon as dialogue," a common problem with futuristic/super-sciency storytelling." - Matthew Peterson - Major Spoiler
52. Nimona
Writer: ND Stevenson
Artist: ND Stevenson
Web Comic
2012-2014
2022 Rank: 32
"Written and illustrated by ND Stevenson, "Nimona" is a web comic-turned-graphic novel that's been captivating readers since its publication in 2015. With its charming blend of humor, fantasy, and heartfelt storytelling, you can easily see why this graphic novel for tweens is an absolute page-turner. "Nimona" offers a delightful journey that weaves together themes of friendship, morality, and the challenge of finding one's place in a judgemental world." - Javier Reyes, Gonk Bonk
51. The Infinity Gauntlet
Writer: Jim Starlin
Artist: George Pérez, Ron Lim
Marvel
1991
2022 Rank: 68
"While The Infinity Gauntlet leaves readers with a return to the status quo – of sorts – there is no doubt that the ride was a hoot. An advantage of the divinity contained within the Gauntlet is the ability to reset that status quo... In looking back and re-reading Infinity Gauntlet for the umteenth time, I was just happy to have been given the excuse to enjoy a fun piece of art once again." - Robert Queen, robwqueen.com
50. Doom Patrol
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Richard Case
DC
1989-1993
2022 Rank: 48
"I don’t know if anyone but Morrison could pull this off. I have connected with other comic characters before, but not in the same way that I have with Morrison’s Doom Patrol... I am, though, a messed up freak who questions their place in their world. That’s the core of the Doom Patrol. A bunch of people, labelled freaks by society, questioning their place in the world. And fighting the weirdest threats you can imagine." - David Harth, You Don't Read Comics
49. X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills
Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: Brent Anderson
Marvel
1982
2022 Rank: 41
"Reading this story in 2016 was surreal, because it actually feels more relevant than ever. The book seems like a cautionary tale about our country’s current political climate—or perhaps, the globe’s political climate—and yet it’s 34 years old. Prejudice towards an outcast minority, fear mongering by a conservative icon, the leveraging of religion to gain political power, casual bigotry boiling to surface and suddenly becoming a focal point of public discourse—the echoes to today’s reality are dishearteningly apt." - Lucas Kelleher, Kelleher Bros
48. Asterios Polyp
Writer: David Mazzucchelli
Artist: David Mazzucchelli
Pantheon
2009
2022 Rank: 64
"Enter 'Asterios Polyp': a big, proud, ambitious chunk of a graphic novel, with modernism on its mind and a perfectly geometrical chip on its shoulder. The tension between formalist rigor and emotional subtlety is not just the theme (and method) of the cartoonist David Mazzucchelli’s decade-in-the-making opus; it’s basically the plot. The book is a satirical comedy of remarriage, a treatise on aesthetics and design and ontology, a late-life Künstlerroman, a Novel of Ideas with two capital letters, and just about the most schematic work of fiction this side of that other big book that constantly alludes to the 'Odyssey.'" - Douglas Wolk, The New York Times
47. Crisis on Infinite Earths
Writer: Marv Wolfman
Artist: George Perez
DC
1985-1986
2022 Rank: 45
"Crisis on Infinite Earths had a massive impact on release, but it’s not only worth reading for the impact it had on DC’s shared continuity. Instead, it’s worth reading as the blueprint for big “event” stories, watching Wolfman and Pérez piece together the rulebook as they went along. The story itself might seem just a bit clunky in places, but there’s no denying what an accomplishment it was. All involved can hold their heads high." - Darren Mooney, The Movie Blog
46. Usagi Yojimbo
Writer: Stan Sakai
Artist: Stan Sakai
Dark Horse
1984-Ongoing
2022 Rank: 67
"I don't think I'm exaggerating at all when I say that Stan Sakai is arguably the greatest living comic book creator in the world, and Usagi Yojimbo is a thirty-year masterpiece that has a consistency and craftsmanship that other comics only touch when they're at their peak. It's so good in every way that the people who love it rarely even bother to explain why anymore --- if we're not talking about it all the time, it's only because its greatness has been such a permanent part of comics that we're taking it as a given. And really, that's a pretty big deal." - Chris Sims, Comics Alliance
45. Ghost Word
Writer: Daniel Clowes
Artist: Daniel Clowes
Fantagraphics
1993-1997
2022 Rank: 22
"'Ghost World' is a book that conveys so much unsaid through the brilliant, laugh-out-loud, and genius dialogue. Pain, insecurity, jealousy, love, and, most of all, denial shared between Enid and Rebecca are just some of the intense and real emotions that pour forth from the humor and characters that Clowes writes and draws in this modern classic." - Keith Dooley, Comics Alliance
44. Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Dave McKean
DC
1989
2022 Rank: 39
"McKean's art is crucial to the tale. No other artist, with the exception perhaps of David Mack, could come close to capturing the claustrophobic psychosis permeating Arkham Asylum... Batman: Arkham Asylum is unlike any other Batman book you've ever read. No one's ever tried to duplicate it. I doubt anyone could." - Hilary Goldstein, IGN
43. New Teen Titans
Writer: Marv Wolfman
Artist: George Perez
DC
1980-1984
2022 Rank: 58
"They weren’t like Superman or Batman fighting criminals and saving the world ten times over. They were just some teenagers that had grown up together and were struggling finding their voice and identity. This is the heart of the series and why I love reading this run... Wolfman and Perez just created this tightly knit team of friends and then focused on creating a superhero comic." - Wyatt Barczak, SeppinRek
42. Whatever Happened To The Man of Tomorrow?
Writer: Alan Moore
Artist: Curt Swan
DC
1986
2022 Rank: 57
"‘Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?’ is a fantastic celebration of the previous fifty years of Superman, especially the the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. It works because Moore recognized that elements such as Bizarro and Krypto the Superdog weren’t impediments to readers believing in Superman – rather, they were important parts of the series’ charm. Freed of any considerations of consequences for continuity, Moore’s able to introduce some quite radical occurrences, and a number of characters, both allies and enemies... everything is handled with dignity." - Tony Keen, The Slings & Arrows
41. Scott Pilgrim
Writer: Bryan Lee O'Malley
Artist: Bryan Lee O'Malley
Oni Press
2004-2010
2022 Rank: 25
"So it’s a testament to Lee O’Malley‘s singular sense of humour that he was able to craft a seminal work of art seemingly borne out of nowhere. The anime-meets-Genndy-Tartakovsky drawing style, the naturalistic dialogue, the seamless integration of retro iconography into the story- all of this was soldered together unlike any other work at the time." - Dusty Lalas, A Forever Quest
40. The Amazing Spider-Man
Writer: Stan Lee
Artist: Steve Ditko
Marvel
1963-1971
2022 Rank: 55
"His pencils keep the longer-than-your-average-comic-book flowing sharply; meanwhile, Lee packs in details of his own. Not only does Spidey face his fearsome foes, he also struggles with doubts and inadequacies with his powers and strives to rescue Aunt May and Betty Brant from Doc Ock's grasp. Pulse-pounding action and great characterization litter every page. This annual is a timeless classic, and Lee and Ditko should both be commended on the work they did here." - Nathan Kiehn, Hobby Lark
39. Astro City
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artist: Brent Anderson, Alex Ross
Image
1995-Ongoing
2022 Rank: 39
"One of the things I loved about Astro City back then and continue to love today is how easy it is to go in and out of the world (there’s even a sign at the end of every arc, letting you know you are now leaving Astro City, a touch I’ve long appreciated). The book feels like you’re visiting an actual living place, with its own history and people and events that happen in between the stories you get to see. It’s a great effect, and I’m not sure any other comic does it so well." - Zack Quaintance, Comics Bookcase
38. Fables
Writer: Bill Willingham
Aritst: Mark Buckingham
Vertigo
2002-Ongoing
2022 Rank: 24
"Fables works well not just as Story As Story, but as a commentary on the contemporary reader. Obviously, the work says many things about its creators, but just as interesting are the reactions it provokes in its readership—whether joy or frustration or pleasure or groans or interest or rage. When embedded fans of the series will devote their time and energy to incisive critique and critical readings, that is the mark of a worthwhile read." - Seth T. Hahne, GoodOkBad.com
37. Hawkeye
Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: David Aja
Marvel
2012-2015
2022 Rank: 46
"Hawkeye is a flawless superhero comic from start to finish, genuinely one of the best superhero series of the modern age, reinvigorating Clint Barton just as much as his alter ego. This is a feast for the soul, a book giddy with purely joyous storytelling, but which also boasts a deceptive complexity and rich intelligence." - G. Forrest, The Slings and Arrows
36. A Contract With God
Writer: Will Eisner
Artist: Will Eisner
Poorhouse Press
1978
2022 Rank: 38
"But, it’s “A Contract with God” that lingers with me. There’s so much pain drawn in the illustrations themselves, but Eisner’s words accompany the illustrations beautifully. Page after page show a man trudging through a downpour, finally saying it was the day Frimme Hersh buried Rachele, his daughter. “Only the tears of ten thousand angels could cause such a deluge.” It’s a personal, unforgiving story." - Lesa Holstine, Lesa's Book Critique
35. Black Hole
Writer: Charles Burns
Artist: Charles Burns
Fantagraphics
1995-2005
2022 Rank: 26
"The real test of the work is in what lies outside that central and somewhat prosaic narrative; it's about the pathetic, foolish, squalid, miserable, fantastic and transcendent lives of adolescence. You go on a journey with them and, like a journey shared with any adolescents, they'll make sick, and angry, annoyed and perhaps even a little envious by the time you get to your destination." - Rob Cave, Ninth Art
34. League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
Writer: Alan Moore
Artist: Kevin O'Neill
ABC
1999-2019
2022 Rank: 23
"I think the worldbuilding in this book is excellent, merging innumerable pieces of literature into a living, breathing world that is both recognizable and fantastical. O’Neill’s art is wonderfully expressive and evocative as well, often doing a great job of showing what a character is thinking and feeling without aid of words." - Ryan Carter, Muse With Me
33. DC: The New Frontier
Writer: Darwyn Cooke
Artist: Darwyn Cooke
DC
2004
2022 Rank: 51
"New Frontier is a look at that world that was newly minted for kids, but dressed up and sophisticated for adults, full of meaning and style. Sometime a few months ago, I realized that it is, in all likelihood, the best comprehensive account of the entire DC Universe in one work. If I had one DC story to take to a desert island, I can't think of a better choice." - Rikdad, Rikdad's Comic Thoughts
32. Miracleman
Writer: Alan Moore
Artist: John Tottleben
Eclipse
1985-1989
2022 Rank: 42
"Rereading Miracleman, as I’ve probably done seven or eight times in its various awkward forms, I’m struck again by how deeply felt it is, how earnestly Moore addresses the concerns of a mistreated lower-class child, and how specific that address remains... It ought to inspire, but it ought to inspire better work. Ultimately, the best imitation of personal art is personal art. Or, failing that, life." - Sam Thielman, Slate
31. Sin City
Writer: Frank Miller
Artist: Frank Miller
Dark Horse
1991-2000
2022 Rank: 13
"Reading Sin City: The Hard Goodbye is not just a recommendation but Required Reading for anyone who considers themselves a comic book aficionado. Frank Miller is a God and the proof is in his hard liquor-flavored words and stylish visuals that makes the Sin City collection a literary masterpiece. If you missed it the first few times, this is your chance to own this amazing piece of work." - Eden Zacharias, Comic Revolution
30. Daredevil: Born Again
Writer: Frank Miller
Artist: David Mazzucchelli
Marvel
1986
2022 Rank: 37
"David Mazzucchelli’s art holds up well in the modern era. There’s a simple, soft approach about his panels that still get the point across... Daredevil: Born Again is the definitive Daredevil story that will please fans and make fans of people who don’t know anything about the character. Mature themes combine with quality writing to make Born Again one of the greatest comic stories ever told." - Jamie Ryder, The Comic Vault
29. Daytripper
Writer: Fábio Moon, Gabriel Bá
Artist: Fábio Moon, Gabriel Bá
Vertigo
2010
2022 Rank: 33
"Daytripper is absolutely breathtaking. Both the writing and the illustrations are beautiful, and the combination is powerful. Moon and Bá don't really do anything in the comics that pushes the boundaries of the medium itself — as far as that goes, it's a pretty straightforward comic — but they create a masterpiece within the traditional constraints of the medium. If you love comic books and you're looking for a great story, Daytripper is a must-read." - Jonathan H. Liu, Wired
28. Akira
Writer: Katsuhiro Otomo
Artist: Katsuhiro Otomo
Kodansha
1982-1990
2022 Rank: 59
"The level of detail in every panel is astonishing and you really need a few minutes to soak in the many double page spreads. It's no wonder that the manga took nearly ten year to be finished, nearly 2000 pages of that kind of detail takes a while... The manga is worth a look just to take in all the art, it's on a level that few comics today are." - Helen, Narrative Investigations
27. Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic
Writer: Alison Bechdel
Artist: Alison Bechdel
Houghton Mifflin
2006
2022 Rank: 16
"If the theoretical value of a picture is still holding steady at a thousand words, then Alison Bechdel's slim yet Proustian graphic memoir, "Fun Home," must be the most ingeniously compact, hyper-verbose example of autobiography to have been produced. It is a pioneering work, pushing two genres (comics and memoir) in multiple new directions, with panels that combine the detail and technical proficiency of R. Crumb with a seriousness, emotional complexity and innovation completely its own." - Sean Wilsey, New York Times
26. The Walking Dead
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Tony Moore
Image
2003-2019
2022 Rank: 21
"TThe Walking Dead is in a more exciting and thoughtful place than it's been in a long time, and maybe even ever. This series is consistently one of the best on the stands, and it only looks to get better as Kirkman and Adlard futher refine their craft. So come on, people, catch up on the trades and come along for the ride, already." - Dan Pihllips, IGN
25. Love and Rockets
Writer: Hernandez Brothers
Artist: Hernandez Brothers
Fantagraphics
1982-Ongoing
2022 Rank: 44
"As a kid, the first issue of Love and Rockets I saw astonished me not just with its visual and storytelling mastery, but with the worlds it focused on – characters of every shape and background, from women selling babosas barefooted to sexy, smart mechanic girlfriends. I’d never experienced anything like it, and that’s because there is nothing else like it." Gail Simone, The Guardian
24. Transmetropolitan
Writer: Warren Ellis
Artist: Darick Robertson
Vertigo
1997-2002
2022 Rank: 31
"Transmetropolitan does what DC's Vertigo imprint did best in its prime: take high-minded concepts and transplant them into the two-fisted world of pulp comics. For writers, it’s a bit of a power fantasy — I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I will never stop a riot with a blog post or attack a recalcitrant source with the "chair leg of truth" — but it’s also both a celebration and an indictment of a world gone beautifully, hilariously mad." - Adi Robertson, The Verge
23. Daredevil
Writer: Frank Miller
Artist: Frank Miller, Klaus Janson
Marvel
1979-1986
2022 Rank: 35
"Miller and Janson’s work isn’t perfect, but it showed that it was possible to innovate, rather than stick to the stale format comics had at the time. They both redefined a character who’d struggled for years, imprinting a mileu, and the storytelling influence is a legacy still rippling through Daredevil and the Marvel Universe. Superhero comics became grittier, the art allowed to simply tell the story, and the cluttered speech bubbles so common at the time were shed." - Jamie McNeil, The Slings and Arrows
22. Batman: The Long Halloween
Writer: Jeph Loeb
Artist: Tim Sale
DC
1996-1997
2022 Rank: 36
"Though hailed as one of the greatest Batman stories of all time, I wasn't sold on the story when I initially read it in 1998. Returning to the story years later and reading it all in one long sitting, I am a convert. Batman: The Long Halloween is deserving of its praise... This is tight, engrossing and intelligent writing that never betrays that characters." - Hilary Goldstein, IGN
21. Batman: The Killing Joke
Writer: Alan Moore
Artist: Brian Bolland
DC
1998
2022 Rank: 6
"Outside of the psychological and sociological undertones, The Killing Joke is a masterfully told story. Each scene features perfect transitions, allowing the story to easily weave between present and past as the Joker attempts to force his insanity on James Gordon. Brian Bolland's art is a rarity for comics. It features no set-ups, no heavily-reused poses. Everyone's face is full of expression, no muscle is left unused throughout the short tale. Together Moore's rhythmic dialogue and Bolland's organic art create a unique story often mimicked but never matched." - Hilary Goldstein, IGN
20. Kingdom Come
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Alex Ross
DC
1996
2022 Rank: 28
"In fact, 1996 brought its own state-of-the-union manifesto. It was a smaller one, only four issues in length. It had no cosmic implications. It wasn’t a crossover. Very little in the mainstream DC status quo was changed by it. Co-written by Mark Waid and Alex Ross and drawn (well, drawn and painted) by Ross, it was titled Kingdom Come, and it was, perhaps, the greatest DC self-assessment of them all. Indeed, it stands as one of the best superhero stories ever told — and one that every comics publisher would do well to revisit and be inspired by today." - Abraham Josephine Riesman, Vulture
19. Jimmy Corrigan, The Smartest Kid on Earth
Writer: Chris Ware
Artist: Chris Ware
Pantheon
1995-2000
2022 Rank: 34
"There’s light in the book – even if it is, for the most part, the light shining from its cleanly precise presentation. If you’ve never read a graphic novel, or if you’re someone who thinks they’re all spandex and improbable physiques, you should really read this book. Jimmy Corrigan, the Smartest Kid on Earth is a touching, subtle tale of the sadness curled inside each of us, accompanied by some of the finest graphic work you’ll find." - Luke, Captain Fez
18. Persepolis
Writer: Marjane Satrapi
Artist: Marjane Satrapi
L'Association
2000-2004
2022 Rank: 8
"Thanks to its timeliness and its subject, Marjane Satrapi's "Persepolis" makes for one of the most vital and surprising reads of the season. That she did it as a graphic memoir says a lot about the growth of this art-form. You could, and should, easily get a younger teenager to read it. Sometimes funny and sometimes sad but always sincere and revealing, "Persepolis" will be one of the best graphic books of the year." - Andrew Arnold, TIME
17. Marvels
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artist: Alex Ross
Marvel
1994
2022 Rank: 12
"I think it’s safe to say that Marvels, the four issue miniseries from Marvel released during the nineties revolutionised the industry. An attempt to create something akin to a social history of the Marvel Universe from the perspective of “everyman” reporter Phil Sheldon charted the course of history in the fictional Marvel Universe... wondering what ideas and themes could be derived from the evolution of this world populated with the magnificent and the ridiculous, the epic and embarrassing, the big and the small." - Darren Mooney, The Movie Blog
16. Blankets
Writer: Craig Thompson
Artist: Craig Thompson
Top Shelf
2003
2022 Rank: 15
"In telling his story, which includes beautifully rendered memories of the small brutalities that parents inflict upon their children and siblings upon each other, Thompson describes the ecstasy and ache of obsession (with a lover, with God) and is unafraid to suggest the ways that obsession can consume itself and evaporate." - Ken Tucker, New York Times
15. Y: The Last Man
Writer: Brian K. Vaughan
Artist: Pia Guerra
Vertigo
2002-2008
2022 Rank: 11
"I love that Vaughan throws all that at us and asks us to consider what we’d do. And I love that he doesn’t make it clear. He doesn’t make it easy. He doesn’t make it right. Yorick makes decisions, foolish and blind, and – it’s true. To him. Maybe not to the ideals of what this world could be. But it’s his experience of that world, and Vaughan lets that happen in the right way. The complicated, contradictory and often foolish way." - Daisy May Johnson, Did You Ever Stop To Think
14. Uncanny X-Men
Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: John Byrne
Marvel
1975-1991
2022 Rank: 20
"By any standard, Chris Claremont’s original, 17-year run as writer of the X-Men comic book series is legendary. During his time steering the lives of Marvel Comics’ band of outlaw mutants, Claremont managed to not only work with a who’s who of amazing artists—like John Byrne, Paul Smith, Dave Cockrum, John Romita Jr., Marc Silvestri, and Jim Lee—he also elevated the superhero narrative to that of an epic novel, weaving the stories of dozens of characters over a decade-plus of battles, deaths, relationships, and more." - Alex Segura, Crime Reads
13. The Saga of The Swamp Thing
Writer: Alan Moore
Artist: Stephen Bissette
DC
1982-1985
2022 Rank: 19
"This collection from Moore’s Swamp Thing run sealed the deal for me. I haven’t ever read better moments of horror in a comic book than some of the sequences in these issues. Moore knows how to take surreal imagery and turn it into dread-inducing moments where reality bends & warps. In that distortion, we are treated to a story that blends horror with epic dark fantasy. It’s fascinating to see how Moore set a standard for the occult corner of the DC Universe that has held strong four decades later." - Seth Harris, Pop Cult
12. Preacher
Writer: Garth Ennis
Artist: Steve Dillon
Vertigo
1995-2000
2022 Rank: 17
"An unforgiving look at faith and hypocrisy, Preacher is overflowing with humor and violence. Its true power comes from its fascinating cast of characters, including the vampire Cassidy. With Heaven, the law and the Saint of Killers in hot pursuit, Custer and crew search for God, hoping He can set things straight. The journey isn't an easy one and Ennis never once pulls a single punch." - Hilary Goldstein, IGN
11. V For Vendetta
Writer: Alan Moore
Artist: David Lloyd
Vertigo
1982-1989
2022 Rank: 5
"A frightening and powerful tale of the loss of freedom and identity in a chillingly believable totalitarian world, V for Vendetta stands as one of the highest achievements of the comics medium and a defining work for creators Alan Moore and David Lloyd... Crafted with sterling clarity and intelligence, V for Vendetta brings an unequaled depth of characterization and verisimilitude to its unflinching account of oppression and resistance." - Iris Vonk, Books In Character
10. Batman: Year One
Writer: Frank Miller
Artist: David Mazzucchelli
DC
1987
2022 Rank: 29
"Miller went to great lengths to portray Batman’s world in an incredibly realistic way by taking out all of the character’s sci-fi gadgets and over-the-top villains. Instead, he left readers with an obsessed man in Spandex systematically taking down the mob, but he did it in a thrilling way that let readers in on the psychology behind the mask. And when you throw in Mazzucchelli’s near-perfect art, Year One remains not only one of the best Batman stories of all time, but one of the best comics as well." - Jason Serafino, Complex
9. Bone
Writer: Jeff Smith
Artist: Jeff Smith
Cartoon Books
1991-2004
2022 Rank: 18
"The whole book is just pitch-perfect in terms of how the story works with the art, and how the whole thing moves you forward at a pace that never seems too rushed or too slow. For a book that was serialized over twelve years, it is incredibly impressive how coherent it is. I’ve read a lot of webcomics and serialized comics, and usually the art improves or things change as the years pass, but Smith’s cartooning is so confident that you would never know how long this took. The fantasy plot is so well done, and Smith does interesting things with what can be a repetitive genre. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It’s funny, touching, thoughtful, dense, rewarding, every positive description." - GentleRain, Cannonball Read
8. From Hell
Writer: Alan Moore
Artist: Eddie Campbell
Top Shelf
1989-1998
2022 Rank: 7
"Moore has done a fine job here of weaving a complex tale from the “Jack the Ripper” legend. He examines Victorian society on several different levels, one that is displayed as corrupt and rotten below a shiny veneer of enlightenment and progress... In a way, it is the stuff of cosmic horror, where most people are completely unaware that they have no control over the happenings of their world; however, the only monsters here are all too human, which can prove even more frightening upon further reflection. The artwork of Campbell, all in black and white and intricately detailed, compliments the terrors of the story well. It is a dark and gritty tale with flourishes of wonder, and you see that in every panel." - Benjamin Clanton, University of Memphis Library
7. Hellboy
Writer: Mike Mignola
Artist: Mike Mignola
Dark Horse
1994-2013
2022 Rank: 14
"“Seed of Destruction” is a book created with an abundance of imagination and attention to detail in the art and story. It is an introduction of a distinct character and unique world that is overflowing with endless possibility. Mignola, Byrne, and Chiarello have created a perfect introduction to Mignola’s Hellboy, his mysterious surroundings, and the unanswered questions that surround his origin. The world of Hellboy is a world of fun and is one that any reader would be remiss not to plunge into feet first." - Keith Dooley, Comics Authority
6. Saga
Writer: Brian K. Vaughan
Artist: Fiona Staples
Image
2012-Ongoing
2022 Rank: 10
"“Saga” takes as much as it gives. It’s a beautiful, romantic tragedy that constantly reminds you that in a world filled with oppression and suffering, sometimes the best way to rebel is to find someone you love enough to eat pizza and watch terrible movies with on the couch all day. So, this Valentine’s Day, pick up “Saga” and realize that as much as the story will make you fall apart, it will eventually put you back together into something better than you ever were before." - Oscar Guevara, Washington Square News
5. All-Star Superman
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Frank Quitely
DC
2005-2008
2022 Rank: 9
"Superman is tough to write for. He's just too strong and too tough to write good plots around — those big muscles tend to break down any nuanced or believable plot-mechanics, and he's too morally rigid to be interesting or relatable. But writer Morrison seems to get what's fun about Superman: He's ridiculously powerful, and therefore he just sees and does and has lots of incredibly cool, totally bizarre stuff. All Star Superman isn't bound by DC-universe continuity, so the sky isn't even close to the limit: time machines, nanonauts, sun-eaters, a super-dense sphere of black kryptonite from the Underverse, it's all good." - Lev Grossman, Time
4. Sandman
Writer: Neil Gaiman
Artist: Sam Kieth, Mike Dringenberg
DC
1988-1996
2022 Rank: 4
"This entire series was amazing. I really loved all the meaning hidden deep within the panels. Honestly, I want to see the English course devoted to the meaning behind The Sandman, it could be eye-opening for those that see comics as only for kids. Gaiman weaves a tale that is entertaining and illuminating all at once. The art that accompanies the story enhances the overall story and adds layers to the meanings within." - Luna Gauthier, The Cosmic Circus
3. The Dark Knight Returns
Writer: Frank Miller
Artist: Frank Miller, Klaus Janson
DC
1986
2022 Rank: 3
"The Dark Knight is a success on every level. It keeps the core elements of the Batman myth intact; with Robin, Alfred the butler, Commissioner Gordon, and the old roster of villains present, yet brilliantly subverted. The artwork is design brilliance -harsh, claustrophobic, psychotic. It's fundamentally a great story: Gotham City is a hell on earth, street gangs roam but there are no heroes. Decay is ubiquitous. Where is a hero to save Gotham? It's Frank Miller's richly imagined vision of the Dark Knight's future; Batman how he should be. Genius." - Forbidden Planet
2. Watchmen
Writer: Alan Moore
Artist: Dave Gibbons
DC
1986-1987
2022 Rank: 1
"Yet, somehow, that is the beauty of the story: that nothing is certain, that each individual’s morality is of his or her own making. No matter what the circumstances are, they can always change, hopefully for the better. More importantly, Watchmen exhibits the best part of being human: our ability to choose our own ideas for right and wrong and act upon them. Despite being deemed superheroes, the characters in Watchmen, including Dr. Manhattan, are all fundamentally human... Perhaps the point is not that superheroes can be human, but that humans can be superheroes. Moore suggests that because of our ability to choose our own ethics, our own limitations and the fate of the world are ultimately in our hands, which aligns perfectly with Watchmen’s enigmatic ending." - Jeffrey Wu, The Greater Good: Analyzing Morality in Watchmen
1. Maus
Writer: Art Spiegalman
Artist: Art Spiegalman
Pantheon
1980-1991
2022 Rank: 2
"The two volumes of Art Spiegelman’s Maus: A Survivor’s Tale, published in book form in 1986 and ’91, defy classification. The remarkable work has a rightful place on our list of top 10 graphic novels; TIME’s Lev Grossman has noted that Maus’ Pulitzer was “a landmark event in the history of the medium — its sheer power forced the mainstream world to take comics seriously.” Yet Maus — in which the artist-author not only tells the true story of his father Vladek, a Holocaust survivor, but also conveys the complicated relationship between father and son — can just as rightly lay claim to being among the best memoirs ever written. Spiegelman draws the Jews as mice, the Nazis as cats and the Poles as pigs, all the while drawing the reader closer to the truth. As Grossman wrote, “the cartoonish conceit doesn’t trivialize the story; it makes it viscerally real — it strips away our practiced indifference to an all-too-familiar story. Those mice are more human than most people.” - Alexandra Silver, Time