The Best Comics of the Decade (2010 – 2019)
As another decade dawns for the comic book industry, it only makes sense to look back on the best comics of the past ten years. The 2010's were certainly a time of major upheaval, from DC's New 52 reboot to Archie Comics drastically reinventing itself to the rise of digital comics. But through it all, it was never not a great time to be reading comics.After plenty of thought a debate, we've put together a list of the 100 best comics of the 2010's. This list includes ongoing series, miniseries and graphic novels. The only qualifier is that these projects had to begin in 2010 or later (which is why books like Locke & Key or Geoff Johns' Green Lantern didn't make the cut). All of these picks are equally deserving of being considered the best of the decade, hence why the list is ordered alphabetically rather than ranked.Check out the slideshow gallery below or read on to see our picks for the 100 best comics of the past decade. And for more great reads, see our picks for the best comic book series of 2019, the best plot twists of 2019 and the 25 greatest Batman graphic novels of all time.
Afterlife With Archie
written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, art by Francesco Francavilla (Archie Comics)After Sabrina the Teenage Witch inadvertently begins the zombie apocalypse, things in Riverdale are weirder than ever. You wouldn't think Archie and the gang would fit into a horror comic, but they do perfectly. This book is eerie, suspenseful, and shouldn't be missed.
All-New Doop
written by Peter Milligan, art by Laura Allred and David Lafuente (Marvel Comics)Doop is certainly one of Marvel's oddest characters, but he has an endearing charms that's all his own. He stars in his own limited series for a fourth-wall bending look behind the scenes of one of the X-Men's more recent earth-shattering adventures.
All-New Wolverine
written by by Tom Taylor, various artists (Marvel Comics)Laura Kinney breathed new life into Wolverine when she took on the name in 2015. She's more than worthy of the mantle and follows in Logan's footsteps to unearth her past–and determine her own future.
American Gods
written by Neil Gaiman and P. Craig Russell, art by P. Craig Russell and Scott Hampton (Dark Horse Comics)The comic book adaptation of Neil Gaiman's American Gods is just as stunning as the source material. Ancient gods of legend walk the earth alongside modern deities, and a war between them is brewing.
Andre the Giant: Life and Legend
by Box Brown (First Second Books)This touching, painstakingly detailed comic biography tells the story of a man who was truly larger than life. Emotional and written without pretense or hyperbole, Box Brown's biography is a must-read for wrestling fans.
Animal Man (Lemire)
written by Jeff Lemire, art by Travel Foreman and Dan Green (DC Comics)Jeff Lemire's Animal Man took a classic (and somewhat second-rate) DC Comics character and absolutely turned him on his head in this masterful blend of horror and heroics. This book will hit you like a rhino.
Bandette
written by Paul Tobin, art by Colleen Coover (Monkeybrain)This Eisner-award winning comic has an old school feel and stars a costumed teen thief, perfect for those times when you want a comic that's just plain fun.
Batgirl (Stewart/Fletcher/Tarr)
written by Brenden Fletcher and Cameron Stewart, art by Babs Tarr (DC Comics)Cameron Stewart, Brenden Fletcher and Babs Tarr reinvented Bagirl with a new costume and new base of operations in 2015, and Barbara Gordon took the comics world by storm. Updated for modern readers while honoring Barbara's history and legacy, this Batgirl run struck a chord with anyone who has ever loved the character. (Which is everyone, basically.)
Batman ‘66
written by Jeff Parker and Tom Peyer, various artists (DC Comics)A brilliant blast from the past, Batman '66 captures the spirit of the 1960s TV series without taking itself too seriously. You won't be able to resist the energy and joy from this take on a Bat-tastic classic.
Batman (Snyder/Capullo)
written by Scott Snyder, art by Greg Capullo (DC Comics)Snyder and Capullo's run on Batman, which kicked off the New 52 relaunch of the Dark Knight, is already considered a classic and must-read run. From introducing the Court of Owls to the most grisly and fearsome take on The Joker yet, this book forever changed Batman–for the better.
Batman (King)
written by Tom King, various artists (DC Comics)The Cat and the Bat took center stage together for much of this landmark run as Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle finally took their relationship to a new level.
Batman and Elmer Fudd Special #1
written by Tom King, art by Lee Weeks (DC Comics)We are vewy, vewy serious: this is a good comic. An unexpectedly masterful mash-up of Batman and Looney Tunes with a gritty, noir feel, this unlikely pairing tells the tale of two men who are more alike than you might think.
Batwoman (Williams)
written by J. H. Williams III and Haden Blackman, art by J. H. Williams III (DC Comics)The creative team of Williams III and Blackman redefined Kate Kane both in and out of the cowl in a book that's unique, dark, and lovely.
Bitch Planet
written by Kelly Sue DeConnick, art by Valentine De Landro (Image Comics)This creator-owned book impacted the comic book landscape like a meteor. Unflinching and emotionally charged, Bitch Planet captures the shocking aesthetic of 1960s and 70s exploitation films to tell the tales of women incarcerated in an off-planet prison.
Black Hammer
written by Jeff Lemire, art by Dean Ormston (Dark Horse Comics)Black Hammer is a mesmerizing take on superheroes who have been forced into retirement after their last battle to save the world trapped them in a mysterious town. Bleak with deliciously dark humor, dramatic, and mysterious, this book is one of the standout creator-owned comics of the decade.
Black Panther (Coates)
written by Ta-Nehisi Coates, art by Brian Stelfreeze (Marvel Comics)In Ta-Nehisi Coates' compelling take on Black Panther, T'challa is the leader of a Wakanda that's reaching a boiling point. Coates focuses on both the Black Panther and those who support him as T'challa struggles with his dual roles as a leader of a country in upheaval and a superhero.
Black Science
written by Rick Remender, art by Matteo Scalera (Image Comics)Like your favorite pulpy sci-fi adventure, Black Science hits the ground running as it tells the dark tale of dimensional castaways tossed from alien world to alien world. As they struggle to make their way home again, each dimension is more dangerous than the last, and the suspense never stops.
Bloodshot: Reborn
written by Jeff Lemire, art by Jeff Lemire and Mico Suayan (Valiant)Jeff Lemire's take on one of Valiant's flagship characters is simultaneously action-packed and thoughtful, violent and character-driven.
Captain Marvel (DeConnick)
written by Kelly Sue DeConnick, art by Dexter Soy (Marvel Comics)This is the book that changed everything for Carol Danvers. Adopting the new name Captain Marvel, Carol's adventures took her from an exploration of her past to starting a new future among the stars.
Daredevil (Waid/Samnee)
written by Mark Waid, art by Chris Samnee (Marvel Comics)Often credited for its more lighthearted tone than some of the flagship Marvel titles, Daredevil broke free of its usual dark and despairing storylines in this destined-to-be-a-classic run from Waid and Samnee. The book embraced Matt Murdock's struggles (without taking them too seriously) as a street-level superhero whose "secret" identity was no longer a secret.