The Combined Best Comics & Graphic Novels of 2023!

Since October 2023 there have been many, many websites with “Best of 2023” lists concerning comic books, manga, webcomics and graphic novels. If you’ve looked at a few, you may have noticed some of the same books on different lists and seen some unique to only that list.

I went through 226 different URLs with “Best Of” Lists regarding comics and combined them into a spreadsheet. There are over 3,800 different listings of books from these websites. I should note that I’ve included books that were given honourable mentions. In short, if somebody thought it was a good book that you should check out, it’s on here.

This year the #1 book was Monica by Daniel Clowes, published by Fantagraphics.
Daniel Clowes and his book MonicaThe #2 book was Roaming by Mariko and Jillian Tamaki (Drawn & Quarterly). Squeaking into 3rd place was Shubeik Lubeik by Deena Mohamad (Pantheon). There is a 3 way tie for 4th place with Blood of the Virgin by Sammy Harkham (Pantheon), A Guest in the House by Emily Carroll (First Second) and The Talk by Darrin Bell (Henry Holt and Co.). 5th place was Why Don’t You Love Me? By P. B. Rainey (Drawn & Quarterly).

Below are all the books with 5 mentions or more.

Book Title Count Writer Artist Publisher
Monica 62 Daniel Clowes Daniel Clowes Fantagraphics
Roaming 51 Mariko Tamaki, Jillian Tamaki Jillian Tamaki Drawn & Quarterly
Shubeik Lubeik 37 Deena Mohamed Deena Mohamed Pantheon
Blood of the Virgin 35 Sammy Harkham Sammy Harkham Pantheon
A Guest in the House 35 Emily Carroll Emily Carroll First Second
The Talk 35 Darrin Bell Darrin Bell Henry Holt and Co.
Why Don’t You Love Me? 27 P.B. Rainey P.B. Rainey Drawn & Quarterly
W0rldtr33 24 James Tynion IV Fernando Blanco, Jordie Bellaire Image Comics
Birds of Prey 23 Kelly Thompson Leonardo Bastos Romero, Jordie Bellaire, Matt Herms DC Comics
Mexikid 23 Pedro Martín Pedro Martín Dial Books
Transformers 19 Daniel Warren Johnson Daniel Warren Johnson, Mike Spicer Image Comics
Family Style: Memories of an American From Vietnam 18 Thien Pham Thien Pham First Second
The Immortal Thor 17 Al Ewing Martin Coccolo, Matthew Wilson Marvel Comics
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest 17 Mark Waid Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain DC Comics
Three Rocks: The Story of Ernie Bushmiller, The Man Who Created Nancy 16 Bill Griffith Bill Griffith Harry N. Abrams
Impossible People: A Completely Average Recovery Story 16 Julia Wertz Julia Wertz Black Dog & Leventhal
Wonder Woman 15 Tom King Daniel Sampere, Tomeu Morey DC Comics
Local Man 15 Tim Seeley, Tony Fleecs Tim Seeley, Tony Fleecs Image Comics
Parachute Kids 15 Betty C. Tang Betty C. Tang Graphix
Time Under Tension 14 M.S. Harkness M.S. Harkness Fantagraphics
Girl Juice 14 Benji Nate Benji Nate Drawn & Quarterly
The Gull Yettin 14 Joe Kessler Joe Kessler New York Review Comics
Do a Powerbomb! 14 Daniel Warren Johnson Daniel Warren Johnson, Mike Spicer Image Comics
Things in the Basement 14 Ben Hatke Ben Hatke, Zack Giallongo First Second
20th Century Men 14 Deniz Camp Stipan Morian Image Comics
A First Time for Everything 14 Dan Santat Dan Santat First Second
Boys Weekend 13 Mattie Lubchansky Mattie Lubchansky Pantheon
River’s Edge 13 Kyoko Okazaki Kyoko Okazaki Kodansha Comics
Daredevil 13 Chip Zdarsky, Ann Nocenti Various Marvel Comics
Fantastic Four 13 Ryan North Iban Coello, Ivan Fiorelli Marvel Comics
Sunday 12 Olivier Schrauwen Olivier Schrauwen Colorama
Void Rivals 12 Robert Kirkman Lorenzo De Felici, Matheus Lopes Image Comics
This Country: Searching For Home in (Very) Rural America 12 Navied Mahdavian Navied Mahdavian Princeton Architectural Press
The Incredible Hulk 12 Phillip Kennedy Johnson Nic Klein, Matthew Wilson Marvel Comics
In Limbo 12 Deb JJ. Lee Deb JJ. Lee First Second
Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons 12 Kelly Sue Deconnick Phil Jimenez, Gene Ha, Nicola Scott DC Comics
The Enfield Gang Massacre 11 Chris Condon Jacob Phillips, Pip Martin Image Comics
What Awaits Them 11 Liam Cobb Liam Cobb Breakdown Press
Nejishiki 11 Yoshiharu Tsuge Yoshiharu Tsuge Drawn & Quarterly
Social Fiction 11 Chantal Montellier Chantal Montellier New York Review Comics
Are You Willing To Die For The Cause? 11 Chris Oliveros Chris Oliveros Drawn & Quarterly
Night Fever 11 Ed Brubaker Sean Phillips, Jacob Phillips Image Comics
The Human Target 11 Tom King Various DC Comics
Akane-banashi 11 Yuki Suenaga Takamasa Moue VIZ Media
Bea Wolf 10 Zach Weinersmith Boulet First Second
Juliette: Or, the Ghosts Return in the Spring 10 Camille Jourdy Camille Jourdy Drawn & Quarterly
The Second Fake Death of Eddie Campbell 10 Eddie Campbell Eddie Campbell Top Shelf Productions
Hungry Ghost 10 Victoria Ying Victoria Ying First Second
The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich 10 Deya Muniz Deya Muniz Little, Brown Ink
PeePee PooPoo 10 Caroline Cash Caroline Cash Silver Sprocket
The Naked Tree 10 Keum Suk Gendry-Kim Keum Suk Gendry-Kim Drawn & Quarterly
Danger and Other Unknown Risks 10 Ryan North Erica Henderson Penguin Workshop
Rare Flavours 10 Ram V Filipe Andrade BOOM! Studios
Goodbye, Eri 10 Tatsuki Fujimoto Tatsuki Fujimoto VIZ Media
Monstrous: A Transracial Adoption Story 10 Sarah Myer Sarah Myer First Second
Damn Them All 10 Si Spurrier Charlie Adlard, Sofie Dodgson, Shayne Hannah Cui BOOM! Studios
Werewolf Jones & Sons® Deluxe Summer Fun Annual! 9 Josh Pettinger, Simon Hanselmann Josh Pettinger, Simon Hanselmann, Nate Garcia Fantagraphics
W the Whore 9 Katrin de Vries Anke Feuchtenberger New York Review Comics
I Am Stan 9 Tom Scioli Tom Scioli Ten Speed Graphic
Okinawa 9 Susumu Higa Susumu Higa Fantagraphics
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees 9 Patrick Horvath Patrick Horvath IDW Publishing
Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound 9 Dave Chisholm Dave Chisholm Z2 Comics
Carmilla: The First Vampire 9 Amy Chu Soo Lee Dark Horse
Peacemaker Tries Hard! 9 Kyle Starks Steve Pugh, Jordie Bellaire DC Comics
Phantom Road 9 Jeff Lemire Gabriel Hernandez Walta Image Comics
I Must Be Dreaming 9 Roz Chast Roz Chast Bloomsbury Publishing
Mimosa 9 Archie Bongiovanni Archie Bongiovanni Harry N. Abrams
Sunshine 9 Jarrett J. Krosoczka Jarrett J. Krosoczka Graphix
Saga 9 Brian K. Vaughan Fiona Staples Image Comics
Ghost Book 9 Remy Lai Remy Lai Henry Holt and Co.
Love Everlasting 9 Tom King Elsa Charretier, Matt Hollingsworth Image Comics
Fielder 8 Kevin Huizenga Kevin Huizenga Self-Published
Unended 8 Josh Beyer Josh Beyer Uncivilized Books
Worm: A Cuban American Odyssey 8 Edel Rodríguez Edel Rodríguez Metropolitian
The Super Hero’s Journey 8 Patrick McDonnell Various Harry N. Abrams
Buzzing 8 Samuel Sattin Rye Hickman Little, Brown Ink
Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends 8 Kaz Windness Kaz Windness Simon Spotlight
The Ribbon Queen 8 Garth Ennis Jacen Burrows, Guillermo Ortego and Dan Brown AWA Studios
My Picture Diary 8 Fujiwara Maki Fujiwara Maki Drawn & Quarterly
Ultimate Invasion 8 Jonathan Hickman, Donny Cates Bryan Hitch, Andrew Currie, Alex Sinclair Marvel Comics
Kaya 8 Wes Craig Wes Craig Image Comics
Eerie Tales from the School of Screams 8 Graham Annable Graham Annable First Second
G.O.D.S. 7 Jonathan Hickman Valerio Schiti Marvel Comics
The Moth Keeper 7 K. O’Neill K. O’Neill Random House Graphic
Baby 7 Patrick Kyle Patrick Kyle Breakdown Press
The He-Man Effect: How American Toymakers Sold You Your Childhood 7 Brian “Box” Brown Brian “Box” Brown First Second
Somna 7 Becky Cloonan, Tula Lotay Becky Cloonan, Tula Lotay DSTLRY
Now Let Me Fly: A Portrait of Eugene Bullard 7 Ronald Wimberly Brahm Revel First Second
Saving Sunshine 7 Saadia Faruqi Shazleen Khan First Second
The Great Beyond 7 Léa Murawiec Léa Murawiec Drawn & Quarterly
Parasocial 7 Alex de Campi Erica Henderson Image Comics
Eden II 7 K. Wroten K. Wroten Fantagraphics
Green Lantern 7 Jeremy Adams, Peter J. Tomasi Xermanico, Scott Godlewski, Darko Lafuente, Romulo Fajardo, Tamra Bonvillain DC Comics
Artificial: A Love Story 7 Amy Kurzweil Amy Kurzweil Catapult
The Man in the McIntosh Suit 7 Rina Ayuyang Rina Ayuyang Drawn & Quarterly
Avengers Inc. 7 Al Ewing Leonard Kirk, Alex Sinclair Marvel Comics
Brooms 7 Jasmine Walls Teo DuVall Levine Querido
The Nice House on the Lake 7 James Tynion IV Alvaro Martino Bueno DC Comics
Doctor Strange: Fall Sunrise 7 Tradd Moore Tradd Moore, Heather Moore Marvel Comics
Nightwing 7 Tom Taylor Bruno Redondo, Geraldo Borges, Wade von Grawbadger, Adriano Lucas DC Comics
Gotham City: Year One 7 Tom King Phil Hester, Eric Gapstur, Jordie Bellaire DC Comics
Superman 7 Joshua Williamson Various DC Comics
Immortal X-Men 7 Kieron Gillen Lucas Werneck Marvel Comics
Moon Knight 7 Jed MacKay, Danny Lore Federico Sabbatini, Alessandro Cappuccio, Ray-Anthony Height Marvel Comics
School Trip 7 Jerry Craft Jerry Craft Quill Tree Books
Where the Body Was 6 Ed Brubaker Sean Phillips, Jacob Phillips Image Comics
Brooklyn’s Last Secret 6 Leslie Stein Leslie Stein Drawn & Quarterly
Four Eyes 6 Rex Ogle Dave Valeza, Ash Szymanik Graphix
She Loves to Cook, and She Loves to Eat 6 Sakaomi Yuzaki Sakaomi Yuzaki Yen Press
Minami’s Lover 6 Shungicu Uchida Shungicu Uchida Fantagraphics
I Wish I Was Stupid 6 Ebisu Yoshikazu Ebisu Yoshikazu Breakdown Press
The Great British Bump-Off 6 John Allison Max Sarin, Sammy Borras Dark Horse
Fire & Ice: Welcome to Smallville 6 Joanne Starer Natacha Bustos, Tamra Bonvillain DC Comics
Tegan and Sara: Junior High 6 Tegan Quin, Sara Quin Tillie Walden Macmillan
Prokaryote Season 6 Leo Fox Leo Fox Silver Sprocket
The Chromatic Fantasy 6 H.A. H.A. Silver Sprocket
Swan Songs 6 W. Maxwell Prince Various Image Comics
Danger Street 6 Tom King Jorge Fornés, Dave Stewart DC Comics
March Comes In Like a Lion 6 Chica Umino Chica Umino Denpa Books
X-Men Red 6 Al Ewing Stefano Caselli, Juann Cabal, Andres Genolet Marvel Comics
Superman vs. Meshi 6 Satoshi Miyagawa Kai Kitago DC Comics/Kodansha
Grace Needs Space! 6 Benjamin A. Wilgus Rii Abrego Random House Graphic
Pet Peeves 6 Nicole Goux Nicole Goux Avery Hill Publishing
The Hard Switch 6 Owen D. Pomery Owen D. Pomery Avery Hill Publishing
Hexagon Bridge 6 Richard Blake Richard Blake Image Comics
Batman: City of Madness 6 Christian Ward Christian Ward DC Comics
Where I’m Coming From 6 Barbara Brandon-Croft Barbara Brandon-Croft Drawn & Quarterly
Anaïs Nin: A Sea of Lies 6 Léonie Bischoff Léonie Bischoff Fantagraphics
Spa 6 Erik Svetoft Erik Svetoft Fantagraphics
Clementine Book Two 6 Tillie Walden Tillie Walden Image Comics
Sensational She-Hulk 6 Rainbow Rowell Andrés Genolet, Dee Cunliffe Marvel Comics
Scarlet Witch 6 Steve Orlando Various Marvel Comics
Poison Ivy 6 G. Willow Wilson Atagun Ilhan, Marcio Takara, Arif Prianto, Ivan Plascencia DC Comics
Chainsaw Man 6 Tatsuki Fujimoto Tatsuki Fujimoto VIZ Media
All Against All 6 Alex Paknadel Caspar Wijngaard Image Comics
Miracleman: The Silver Age 6 Neil Gaiman Mark Buckingham, Jordie Bellaire Marvel Comics
Batcat 6 Meggie Ramm Meggie Ramm Harry N. Abrams
Action Comics 6 Phillip Kennedy Johnson Various DC Comics
Two Tribes 6 Emily Bowen Cohen Emily Bowen Cohen Heartdrum
Barnstormers 6 Scott Snyder Tula Lotay Dark Horse
Dear Mini: A Graphic Memoir 5 Natalie Norris Natalie Norris Fantagraphics
The Penguin 5 Tom King Rafael de Latorre DC Comics
Lo and Behold 5 Wendy Mass Gabi Mendez Random House Graphic
Maple Terrace 5 Noah Van Sciver Noah Van Sciver Uncivilized Books
Proof That the Devil Loves You 5 Gilbert Hernandez Gilbert Hernandez Fantagraphics
The Buildings Are Barking: Diane Noomin in Memoriam 5 Bill Griffith Bill Griffith Fantagraphics
The Heavy Bright 5 Cathy Malkasian Cathy Malkasian Fantagraphics
Where Monsters Lie 5 Kyle Starks Piotr Kowalski, Vladimir Popov, Joshua Reed Dark Horse
Stories from Zoo 5 Anand Anand Bubbles Zine
Insomniacs After School 5 Makoto Ojiro Makoto Ojiro VIZ Media
Watership Down 5 Richard Adams, James Sturm Joe Sutphin Ten Speed Graphic
Choujin X 5 Sui Ishida Sui Ishida VIZ Media
The Night Eaters 5 Marjorie Liu Sana Takeda Harry N. Abrams
I Thought You Loved Me 5 MariNaomi MariNaomi Fieldmouse Press
The Ojja-Wojja 5 Magdalene Visaggio Jenn St-Onge Balzer + Bray
Universal Monsters: Dracula 5 James Tynion IV Martin Simmonds Image Comics
The Mysteries 5 Bill Watterson Bill Watterson, John Kascht Andrews McMeel Publishing
Ephemera: A Memoir 5 Briana Loewinsohn Briana Loewinsohn Fantagraphics
Blue Book Volume 1: 1961 5 James Tynion IV Michael Avon Oeming Dark Horse
Huda F Cares 5 Huda Fahmy Huda Fahmy Dial Books
Killadelphia 5 Rodney Barnes Jason Shawn Alexander, German Erramouspe, Lee Loughridge Image Comics
The Summer Hikaru Died 5 Mokumokuren Mokumokuren Yen Press
Last on His Feet: Jack Johnson and the Battle of the Century 5 Adrian Matejka Youssef Daoudi Liveright
Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham 5 Rafael Grampá Rafael Grampá, Steve Buccellato, Mat Lopes DC Comics
Detective Comics 5 Ram V, Simon Spurrier Rafael Albuquerque, Dani, Hayden Sherman, Dave Stewart, Nick Filardi DC Comics
It’s Jeff! 5 Kelly Thompson Gurihiru Marvel Comics
Asadora! 5 Naoki Urasawa Naoki Urasawa VIZ Media
Love and Rockets 5 Gilbert Hernandez, Jaime Hernandez Gilbert Hernandez, Jaime Hernandez Fantagraphics
Earthdivers 5 Stephen Graham Jones Davide Gianfelice and Joana LaFuente IDW Publishing
Eight Billion Genies 5 Charles Soule Ryan Browne Image Comics
Squire & Knight 5 Scott Chantler Scott Chantler First Second
Monstress 5 Marjorie Liu Sana Takeda Image Comics
Hoops 5 Matt Tavares Matt Tavares Candlewick
Shazam! 5 Mark Waid Dan Mora, Alejandro Sánchez DC Comics
Alison 5 Lizzy Stewart Lizzy Stewart Fantagraphics

The full spreadsheet with pivot tables for books, writers, artists, publishers and more is available here.

Regarding Publishers:

The biggest surprise this year was the 110 self-published books that made the list. That’s more than double the number of self-published books that appeared last year.

There was a tie for the publisher with the most number of books being picked.
DC squeaked into first place with 93 books picked.
Image came in 2nd with 92 books.
Marvel came in 3rd with 79 books.
Fantagraphics came in 4th with 58 books.
Dark Horse came in 5th with 53 books.

The most popular webcomic picked was Darlin’ and Her Other Names by Olivia Stephens and After School Lessons for Unripe Apples by Soonkki, Maengin, Yulpi tied at 3 picks each. Returning to the list for the 3rd time is Batman: Wayne Family Adventures by CRC Payne, StarBite, Maria Li and Lan Ma with 2 picks this year. Also getting 2 picks were Questionable Content by Jeph Jacques, Eleceed by Jeho Son & ZHENA Studio, To Be An Actor by Kimhaema, Gogwang & 2:00, Nap Comix by Rachael Smith and What We Mean By Yesterday by Benjamin Marra.

Caveats:

Where a reviewer/writer wrote ‘best of’ lists for multiple websites, I’ve cross referenced their lists and removed books that were named twice. I did not think it would be fair if those writers could tip the popularity scale by naming the same book(s) over and over again on multiple websites. Sadly, there was an increase of websites publishing lists with no credit to who (or whom) created the list. In those cases I marked them as n/a but the practice of not crediting writers is a shameful one. Although for libraries I understand fully if the Librarians picking the books want to remain anonymous due to the threatening, targeted climate in the United States.

If a writer wrote for multiple sites, but one of those sites picks was a group effort, I did not remove books that are listed twice.

I generally did not include lists that were a mixed of prose books and graphic novels unless there were a significant number of graphic novels on the list, or they had a list of GNs only and put a GN on a otherwise list of prose books. I did find there were more lists like that this year, which was one of the reasons it took me this long to finish this. Many YA prose books have Graphic Novel looking covers and I need to examine previews to determine if it’s comics or not. If this continues to be the trend I may need to just focus on GN/Comics only lists.

I did not use lists where the website was not in English and the books appeared to be translated versions.

With inkers and colourists I often, but not always included them within the Artist section. Where there were multiple (usually more than 5) involved in a book, or in the title’s run over the course of the year, various was used instead of listing them all. In some cases, I combined those involved even if they worked on the title for different issues. Where the translators were credited (without me having to really dig for it) are mentioned on column G of the data. The same goes for the editors of anthologies.

For simplicity sake, if a list named a specific comic book issue or specific volume of a graphic novel, I removed those specifics and just listed the series title, with rare exceptions. The same goes with issue #s. My apologies to the reviewers of those books.

Some reviewers included books that were published in 2022 or earlier. Normally the amount of times these books were mentioned isn’t significant. Often (but not always) the work was published again in a new collected edition and that is what the reviewer picked.

Most of the lists were general ‘best/favourite books’ of 2023, but I also included lists dedicated to young readers, manga, LGBTQ+, etc… What type list is noted on column B in the spreadsheet.

A small number of lists also had rankings and those are included in Column C.

This list of websites this list is compiled from:

Site URL
ALA https://www.ala.org/rt/gncrt/best-graphic-novels-children-reading-list-2023
ALA https://www.ala.org/rt/gncrt/best-graphic-novels-reading-list-2023
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/browse.html?rw_useCurrentProtocol=1&node=3003015011&ref_=bhp_brws_boty17
Ash Ave Comics https://ashavecomics.com/staff-picks-best-of-2023/
Asian Movie Plus https://asianmoviepulse.com/2023/12/the-20-best-manga-and-manhwa-releases-of-2023/
Autostraddle https://www.autostraddle.com/65-of-the-best-queer-books-of-2023/
Bam Smack Pow https://bamsmackpow.com/posts/bam-smack-pow-comic-book-awards-the-best-marvel-dc-and-more-2023
Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/books/barnes-nobles-best-books-of-2023/barnes-nobles-best-literary-graphic-novels-of-2023/_/N-29Z8q8Z2z3x
Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/books/barnes-nobles-best-books-of-2023/barnes-nobles-best-teens-ya-books-of-2023/_/N-29Z8q8Z2z44
Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/books/barnes-nobles-best-books-of-2023/barnes-nobles-best-childrens-books-of-2023/_/N-29Z8q8Z2z3m
Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/h/best-books-of-2023
Big Comic Page https://bigcomicpage.com/2024/01/01/bestof23/
Book Riot https://bookriot.com/best-graphic-novels-by-speculative-fiction-authors/
Book Riot https://bookriot.com/best-comics-of-2023/
Book Riot https://bookriot.com/best-romance-manhwa/
Booklist https://www.booklistonline.com/Booklist-Editors-Choice-Graphic-Novels-2023/pid=9788643
Bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/lists/best-comics-graphic-novels-for-adults-2023
Bookweb.org https://www.bookweb.org/news/2023-indie-gift-guide-genre-lovers-preview-1629900
Borg https://borg.com/2023/12/14/the-best-books-of-2023/
Bram Stroker Awards https://www.thebramstokerawards.com/front-page/the-2023-bram-stoker-awards-final-ballot/
Broken Frontier https://www.brokenfrontier.com/tag/broken-frontier-awards-2023/
Broken Frontier https://www.brokenfrontier.com/10-small-press-comics-you-need-to-own-2023/
Brooklyn Public Library https://www.bklynlibrary.org/
CBC https://www.cbc.ca/books/the-best-canadian-comics-of-2023-1.7052418
CBR https://www.cbr.com/cbr-editor-picks-best-comics-2023/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/best-image-comics-2023/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/cbr-top-100-comics-of-2023/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/best-indie-comics-debut/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/incredibly-underrated-dc-comics-2023/#superman-lost-has-showed-readers-a-different-side-of-the-man-of-steel
CBSI https://comicbookinvest.com/2023/12/28/top-5-new-comics-of-2023/
Chicago Public Library https://www.chipublib.org/news/cpl-best-of-the-best-books-2023/
Comic Book Couples Counseling https://www.comicbookcouplescounseling.com/post/the-50-best-comics-of-2023
Comic Book Herald https://www.comicbookherald.com/best-comics-of-2023/
Comic Book Revolution https://www.comicbookrevolution.com/best-manga-of-2023/
Comic Book Revolution https://www.comicbookrevolution.com/best-comic-books-of-2023/
Comicbook.com https://comicbook.com/anime/news/2023-golden-issue-awards-best-manga/
Comicbook.com https://comicbook.com/comics/news/wonder-woman-historia-3-best-graphic-novel-2023-golden-issues/
ComicBook.com https://comicbook.com/comics/news/comicbook-com-golden-issue-award-best-limited-comic-series-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-usagi-yojimbo-wherewhen/
ComicBook.com https://comicbook.com/comics/news/the-2023-comicbook-com-golden-issue-award-for-best-ongoing-comic/
ComicBookNews.org https://comicbooknews.org/best-new-comic-book-series-from-2023/
Comicon https://comicon.com/2023/12/26/comicons-best-ogns-of-2023/
Comicon https://comicon.com/2023/12/26/comicons-best-comic-series-of-2023/
Comicon https://comicon.com/2023/12/26/comicons-best-single-issues-of-2023/
Comicon https://comicon.com/2023/12/28/comicons-best-digital-webcomics-of-2023/
Comicon https://comicon.com/2023/12/29/comicons-most-progressive-comics-of-2023/
Comics Beat https://www.comicsbeat.com/horror-beat-best-comics-2023/
Comics Beat https://www.comicsbeat.com/best-comics-of-2023/
Comics Beat https://www.comicsbeat.com/the-beats-33-best-manga-of-2023/
Comics Beat https://www.comicsbeat.com/the-beats-20-best-webtoons-of-2023/
Comics Beat https://www.comicsbeat.com/the-marvel-rundown-the-top-10-best-marvel-comics-of-2023/
Comics Beat https://www.comicsbeat.com/dc-round-up-the-10-best-dc-comics-of-2023/
Comics Grinder https://comicsgrinder.com/2023/12/22/best-comics-graphic-novels-2023/
ComicsXF https://www.comicsxf.com/2023/12/28/best-comics-of-2023/
Cybils Awards https://www.cybils.com/2024/01/cybils-2023-graphic-novel-finalists.html
Cybils Awards https://www.cybils.com/2024/01/cybils-2023-easy-reader-early-chapter-book-finalists.html
DC Blog https://www.dc.com/blog/2023/12/19/my-2023-top-three-kelly-knox
DC Blog https://www.dc.com/blog/2023/12/18/my-2023-top-three-joshua-lapin-bertone
DC Blog https://www.dc.com/blog/2023/12/22/my-2023-top-three-alex-jaffe
DC Blog https://www.dc.com/blog/2023/12/20/my-2023-top-three-jules-chin-greene
DC Blog https://www.dc.com/blog/2023/12/21/my-2023-top-three-donovan-morgan-grant
Denver Public Library https://www.denverlibrary.org/kids/list/2023-graphic-novels
Denver Public Library https://www.denverlibrary.org/adult/list/staff-picks/2023-staff-picks-books-adults
Denver Public Library https://www.denverlibrary.org/teen/list/staff-picks/2023-staff-picks-books-teens
Denver Public Library https://www.denverlibrary.org/kids/list/2023-beginning-readers
Derby Comics https://derbycomicsdc.com/blogs/my-favorite-comics-of-2023
Dexerto https://www.dexerto.com/comics/2023-best-comics-dc-marvel-daredevil-wonder-woman-nightwing-2414598/
Diverse Tech Geek https://www.diversetechgeek.com/favorite-graphic-novels-2023/
Diverse Tech Geek https://www.diversetechgeek.com/10-favorite-webcomics-2023-edition/
Doom Rocket https://doomrocket.com/best-comics-2023/
Drawn & Quarterly https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/best-of-2023-melina
Drawn & Quarterly https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/best-of-2023-bridget
Drawn & Quarterly https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/best-of-2023-liz
Drawn & Quarterly https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/best-of-2023-jules
Excelsior Awards https://www.excelsioraward.co.uk/white2024
Excelsior Awards https://www.excelsioraward.co.uk/blue2024
Excelsior Awards https://www.excelsioraward.co.uk/red2024
Excelsior Awards https://www.excelsioraward.co.uk/black2024
Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/robsalkowitz/2023/12/22/the-top-graphic-novels-of-2023/?sh=58e9a25f59fc
Game Rant https://gamerant.com/best-romance-manga-that-ended-in-2023-ranked/
Game Rant https://gamerant.com/best-isekai-manga-ended-2023/
Game Rant https://gamerant.com/best-horror-manga-ended-2023/
Game Rant https://gamerant.com/best-isekai-manga-started-2023/
Game Rant https://gamerant.com/best-new-comedy-manga-in-2023/
Game Rant https://gamerant.com/best-marvel-comics-storylines-of-2023-ranked/
Game Rant https://gamerant.com/best-new-romance-manga-2023/
Game Rant https://gamerant.com/best-new-horror-manga-2023/
Game Rant https://gamerant.com/best-dc-comic-storylines-2023/
Game Rant https://gamerant.com/best-shonen-manga-ending-2023/
Game Rant https://gamerant.com/best-slice-life-manga-ended-2023/
Game Rant https://gamerant.com/best-seinen-manga-ended-2023-ranked/
Games Radar https://www.gamesradar.com/best-comics-2023/
Geek Dad https://geekdad.com/2024/01/stack-overflow-our-favorite-books-of-2023/
Geek Vibe Nation https://geekvibesnation.com/gvn-talking-comics-unveils-the-best-of-2023-a-year-in-review-for-comic-enthusiasts/
GLAAD https://glaad.org/mediaawards/35/nominees/
Go Bookmart https://gobookmart.com/15-best-manga-to-read-in-2023/
Good OK Bad https://goodokbad.com/2023.html
Gosh Comics https://goshlondon.com/the-gosh-blog/gosh-comics-best-of-2023-adult/
Gosh Comics https://goshlondon.com/the-gosh-blog/gosh-comics-best-of-2023-kids/
Graphic Policy https://graphicpolicy.com/2024/01/01/pharoahmiles-best-of-2023/
Graphic Policy https://graphicpolicy.com/2024/01/01/bretts-favorite-comics-of-2023/
Hipinion https://forums.hipinion.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=175045
Hollywood Reporter https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/the-best-comic-books-graphic-novels-2023-1235768943/
Horn Book https://www.hbook.com/story/fanfare-2023-booklist
Horror News Network https://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/2023-horror-comic-awards-one-shot-of-the-year-is-stuff-of-nightmares-slay-ride/
Horror News Network https://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/horror-comic-awards-2003-best-ongoing-series-is-ghost-rider/
Horror News Network https://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/2023-horror-comic-awards-mini-series-of-the-year-is-where-monsters-lie/
IGN https://www.ign.com/articles/best-comic-book-series-graphic-novel-2023
Imagination Soup https://imaginationsoup.net/best-middle-grade-books-of-2023/
Imagination Soup https://imaginationsoup.net/best-nonfiction-books-of-2023/
Imagination Soup https://imaginationsoup.net/best-books-of-2023-picture-books/
Indianapolis Public Library https://indypl.bibliocommons.com/list/share/1652485239_indypl_recommends/2423682229_indypl_staff_picks_2023-_best_of_teen
Indianapolis Public Library https://indypl.bibliocommons.com/list/share/1652485239_indypl_recommends/2423682307_indypl_staff_picks_2023-_best_of_biographies_and_memoirs
Indianapolis Public Library https://indypl.bibliocommons.com/list/share/1652485239_indypl_recommends/2424444469_indypl_staff_picks_2023-_best_of_suspense,_mystery,_and_horror
Indianapolis Public Library https://indypl.bibliocommons.com/list/share/1652485239_indypl_recommends/2424452359_indypl_staff_picks_2023-_best_of_sci-fi_and_fantasy
Irish Examiner https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsandculture/arid-41295040.html
JAMA Network https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2812742
Japan Geeks https://japan-geeks.com/best-manga-of-2023/
Joshua Edelglass https://joshuaedelglass.com/joshs-favorite-comic-book-series-of-2023/
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/best-of/2023/nonfiction/books/
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-feel-good-reads-2023/#the-exceptions-mit
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/best-of/2023/fiction/books/
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/best-of/2023/young-adult/books/
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/best-of/2023/middle-grade/books/
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/best-of/2023/picture-books/books/
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/p/best-graphic-novels-2023
L.E. Phillips Library https://volumeone.org/articles/2024/01/03/333504-le-phillips-library-shares-2023-favorite-books-for-youths
LibbyLife https://www.libbylife.com/2024-02-09-announcing-the-finalists-for-the-first-annual-libby-book-awards-aka-the-libbys
Library Journal https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/best-graphic-novels-2023
Looper https://www.looper.com/1468531/2023-best-dc-comics/
Looper https://www.looper.com/1471836/2023-best-marvel-comics/
Los Angeles Public Library https://www.lapl.org/books-emedia/lapl-reads/book-lists/best-2023-childrens-books
Los Angeles Public Library https://www.lapl.org/books-emedia/lapl-reads/book-lists/best-2023-graphic-novels
Medium https://johncassillo.medium.com/the-best-comic-books-of-2023-bf9c309886de
Medium https://carriemcclain.medium.com/my-favorite-comics-of-2023-d075909e3877
Medium https://medium.com/@ursulaconnor90/best-8-graphic-novels-e1416af8e00d
Mercury News https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/12/07/7-must-read-nonfiction-graphic-novels/
MLMILLER Writes https://mlmillerwrites.com/2024/01/02/my-13-favorite-horror-comic-books-of-2023/
Monbian https://mombian.com/2023/12/04/60-of-2023s-best-lgbtq-middle-grade-fiction-books/
Monkeys Fighting Robots https://monkeysfightingrobots.co/top-5-comic-books-of-2023/
More to Come – PW https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/podcasts/index.html?podcast=1283&channel=2
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2023-yir-cctabet/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2023-yir-chris-egan/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2023-yir-johnny-hall/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2023-yir-brian/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/yir-2023-elias-rosner/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2023-yir-quinn-tassin/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2023-yir-ramon-pina/
Nerdist https://nerdist.com/article/nerdists-best-comics-of-2023-including-hulk-thor-green-lantern-carmilla-action-comics-dc-marvel/
Nerdy Book Club https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2023/12/28/the-2023-nerdies-graphic-novels-announced-by-katherine-sokolowski/
Nerdy Book Club https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2023/12/29/the-2023-nerdies-early-readers-and-chapter-books-announced-by-alyson-beecher/
New York Public Library https://www.nypl.org/books-more/recommendations/comics-2023/adults?facets_query=&f%5B0%5D=terms%3ABiography%20%26%20Memoir
New York Public Library https://www.nypl.org/books-more/recommendations/best-books/teens?f%5B0%5D=terms%3AGraphic%20Novels
New York Public Library https://www.nypl.org/books-more/recommendations/best-books/kids?f%5B0%5D=terms%3AGraphic%20Novels
New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/08/books/review/the-best-childrens-books-of-2023.html
New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/26/books/review/the-year-in-graphic-novels.html?unlocked_article_code=1.JE0.GlgC.kJa_Wotw3mYt&smid=url-share
No Flying No Tights https://noflyingnotights.com/blog/2024/01/06/staff-picks-top-comics-of-2023/
NPR https://apps.npr.org/best-books/#tags=comics+%26+graphic+novels&view=list&year=2023
Our Queerest Shelves https://ourqueerestshelves.substack.com/p/the-best-recent-queer-ya-comics
Panel Patter http://www.panelpatter.com/2023/12/panel-patter-returns-james-favorite.html?m=1
Polygon https://www.polygon.com/23810267/best-comics-2023-graphic-novels-books
Powells https://www.powells.com/post/best-books/best-books-of-2023-graphic-novels
Publisher’s Weekly https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/comics/article/93951-impossible-people-and-roaming-top-pw-2023-graphic-novel-critics-poll.html
Random Thoughts https://lars.ingebrigtsen.no/2023/12/21/the-best-comics-of-2023/
Read Brightly https://www.readbrightly.com/middle-grade-chapter-books-2023/
Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/graphicnovels/comments/18vzhdm/this_guy_lists_100_favorite_comics_of_2023_list/
Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/ImageComics/comments/19bhv6j/rimagecomics_best_of_2023/
Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/graphicnovels/comments/18vc363/top_10_of_the_year_december2023_end_of_the_year/
Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/graphicnovels/comments/1aqncij/rgraphicnovels_best_of_2023_vote_for_your/
Resetera https://www.resetera.com/threads/best-comic-books-of-2023.793680/
School Library Journal https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/story/best-graphic-novels-2023-slj-best-books
School Library Journal https://teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2023/12/12/amandas-favorite-middle-grade-reads-of-2023/
School Library Journal https://teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2023/12/14/amandas-favorite-post-it-review-reads-of-2023/
School Library Journal https://heavymedal.slj.com/2023/11/20/graphic-novels-take-two-is-this-is-the-year/
School Library Journal https://afuse8production.slj.com/2023/12/21/31-days-31-lists-2023-graphic-novels-comics-for-kids/
School Library Journal https://afuse8production.slj.com/2023/12/19/31-days-31-lists-2023-older-funny-books-for-kids/
School Library Journal https://afuse8production.slj.com/2023/12/15/31-days-31-books-2023-wordless-picture-books/
School Library Journal https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/story/slj-top-10-manga-2023
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/best-ongoing-manhwa-of-2023/
Seattle Public Library https://www.spl.org/books-and-media/books-and-ebooks/staff-picks/seattle-staff-faves-2023-fiction?page=1
Seattle Public Library https://www.spl.org/books-and-media/books-and-ebooks/staff-picks/seattle-staff-faves-2023-nonfiction
Skokie Public Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/3560/2023-staff-picks-for-grades-3-5-graphic-novels-and-nonfiction/
Skokie Public Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/3562/2023-staff-picks-for-babies-prek/
Skokie Public Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/3565/2023-staff-picks-grades-k-2-picture-books/
Skokie Public Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/3561/2023-staff-picks-grades-k-2-readers-chapter-books-and-nonfiction/
Skokie Public Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/3563/2023-staff-picks-grades-6-8/
Skokie Public Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/3556/2023-staff-picks-graphic-novels/
Sktchd https://sktchd.com/column/the-sktchd-awrds-the-comics-of-2023/
Star Trek Daily News https://www.dailystartreknews.com/read/years-end-a-look-back-at-2023s-top-star-trek-comics
Substack https://spencerirwin.substack.com/p/top-comics-of-2023-part-1
Substack https://spencerirwin.substack.com/p/top-comics-of-2023-part-2
Superhero Hype https://www.superherohype.com/comics/561733-matt-morrisons-5-best-comic-series-of-2023
Texas Library Assocation https://txla.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/TMGNRL-2024-List-2023-Maverick-List.pdf
Texas Library Assocation https://txla.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2024-Little-Maverick-Graphic-Novel-Reading-List_updated-12-2023.pdf
The Comic Pals https://twitter.com/TheComicsPals/status/1742226950234456180
The Comics Journal https://www.tcj.com/the-best-of-2023-as-decreed-by-our-contributors/
The Globe and Mail https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books/article-globe-100-best-books-2023/
The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/dec/03/rachel-cookes-best-graphic-novels-of-2023-blankets-craig-thompson-monica-daniel-clowes-roaming-jillian-tamaki-mariko-tamaki-social-fiction-chantal-montellier-juliette-camille-jourdy
The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/dec/11/the-best-australian-childrens-books-of-2023-alice-pung-davina-bell-sean-avery-and-more
The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2023/dec/04/best-graphic-novels-of-2023
The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/dec/07/five-of-the-best-young-adult-books-of-2023
The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/dec/07/best-childrens-books-of-2023
The Irish Times https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2023/11/25/barely-a-page-that-doesnt-scintillate-the-best-graphic-novels-of-2023/
The Mary Sue https://www.themarysue.com/best-comics-and-graphic-novels-of-2023/
The New Yorker https://www.newyorker.com/best-books-2023
The Popverse https://www.thepopverse.com/popverse-best-comics-2023-list
The Shepherd https://shepherd.com/bboy/2023/graphic-novels?only-published
The Telegraph https://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/what-to-read/best-comics-graphic-novels-year-2023/
The Turnaround Blog https://theturnaroundblog.com/2023/12/21/turnaround-staff-picks-2023-graphic-novels/
Theron Reads Comics https://twitter.com/theronscomics
Toledo Library https://www.toledolibrary.org/blog/tlcpl-best-books-of-2023
Toronto Star https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/these-4-new-graphic-novels-deserve-to-be-read-deeply-powerful-messages-and-beautiful-art/article_2e0ce5cd-c50b-5706-862a-c4f83a06b064.html
Toronto Star https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/the-five-best-graphic-novels-of-2023/article_e6bb15b4-9ab3-11ee-816f-2f9687460892.html
Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/2023/11/13/best-graphic-novels-clowes-bell-tamaki/
Waterstones https://www.waterstones.com/blog/the-best-books-of-2023-manga
Waterstones https://www.waterstones.com/blog/the-best-books-of-2023-childrens-fiction
Waterstones https://www.waterstones.com/blog/the-best-books-of-2023-biography
Waterstones https://www.waterstones.com/blog/the-best-books-of-2023-teenage-and-young-adult
Why So Blu? https://whysoblu.com/greggs-best-comics-of-2023/
Women Write About Comics https://womenwriteaboutcomics.com/2024/01/favorite-2023-comics-young-readers/
Yuricon https://okazu.yuricon.com/2023/12/31/okazu-top-yuri-series-of-2023/

 

 

 

 

The Combined Best Comics & Graphic Novels of 2022!

Finally.

Over the last 5 months there have been many, many websites with “Best of 2022” lists concerning comic books, manga and graphic novels. If you’ve looked at a few, you may have noticed some of the same books on different lists and seen some unique to only that list.

I went through 213 different URLs with “Best Of” Lists regarding comics and combined them into a spreadsheet. There are almost 3,280 different listings of books from these websites. I should note that I’ve included books that were given honourable mentions. In short, if somebody thought it was a good book that you should check out, it’s on here.

This year the #1 book was Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton, published by Drawn & Quarterly. Ducks was picked more than double the amount of times than the #2 book. I’ve been doing these lists since 2015 and no #1 book had that big of a spread between it and the #2 book. This is the 2nd time Kate’s book was #1 on this list, with Step Aside, Pops: A Hark! A Vagrant Collection being tied for that spot in 2015. Congratulations to the very talented and intelligent Kate Beaton for making paying off your student loans pay you.

Ducks by Kate Beaton - Best GN of 2022

The #2 book was Fantastic Four: Full Cirlce by Alex Ross (Abrams ComicArts). It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Earth by Zoe Thorogood (Image Comics) and The Night Eaters, Book 1: She Eats the Night by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda (Abrams ComicArts) tied for the 3rd spot. The Nice House on the Lake by last years shout out James Tynion IV, Álvaro Martínez Bueno and Jordie Bellaire (DC Comics) are your top 5 recommended books of the year.

Below are all the books with 5 mentions or more.

Book Title Count Writer Artist Publisher
Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands 58 Kate Beaton Kate Beaton Drawn & Quarterly
Fantastic Four: Full Circle 28 Alex Ross Alex Ross and Josh Johnson Abrams ComicArts
It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Earth 26 Zoe Thorogood Zoe Thorogood Image Comics
The Night Eaters, Book 1: She Eats the Night 26 Marjorie Liu Sana Takeda Abrams ComicArts
The Nice House on the Lake 25 James Tynion IV Álvaro Martínez Bueno and Jordie Bellaire DC Comics
Squire 23 Nadia Shammas and Sara Alfageeh Sara Alfageeh Quill Tree Books
One Beautiful Spring Day 20 Jim Woodring Jim Woodring Fantagraphics
Do A Powerbomb! 19 Daniel Warren Johnson Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer Image Comics
Wash Day Diaries 18 Jamila Rowser Robyn Smith Chronicle Books
Little Monarchs 18 Jonathan Case Jonathan Case Margaret Ferguson Books
Monkey Meat 17 Juni Ba Juni Ba Image Comics
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest 17 Mark Waid Dan Mora, Travis Moore and Tamra Bonvillain DC Comics
Immortal X-Men 17 Kieron Gillen Lucas Werneck, Michele Bandini, David Curiel and Diijo Lima Marvel Comics
AXE: Judgment Day 17 Kieron Gillen Valerio Schiti and Marte Gracia Marvel Comics
Catwoman: Lonely City 17 Cliff Chiang Cliff Chiang DC Comics
Talk to My Back 17 Yamada Murasaki Yamada Murasaki Drawn & Quarterly
Saga 16 Brian K. Vaughan Fiona Staples Image Comics
Step By Bloody Step 16 Si Spurrier Matías Bergara and Mattheu Lopes Image Comics
Clementine 16 Tillie Walden Tillie Walden Image Comics
X-Men: Red 16 Al Ewing Various Marvel Comics
Keeping Two 16 Jordan Crane Jordan Crane Fantagraphics
Frizzy 15 Claribel A. Ortega Rose Bousamra First Second
Acting Class 15 Nick Drnaso Nick Drnaso Drawn & Quarterly
Chainsaw Man 15 Tatsuki Fujimoto Tatsuki Fujimoto VIZ Media
The Human Target 14 Tom King Greg Smallwood DC Comics
Swim Team 14 Johnnie Christmas Johnnie Christmas HarperAlley
Victory. Stand!: Raising My Fist for Justice 14 Tommie Smith and Derrick Barnes Dawud Anyabwile Norton Young Readers
Birds of Maine 14 Michael DeForge Michael DeForge Drawn & Quarterly
Time Zone J 14 Julie Doucet Julie Doucet Drawn & Quarterly
The Many Deaths of Laila Starr 14 Ram V Filipe Andrade BOOM! Studios
Eight Billion Genies 13 Charles Soule Ryan Browne Image Comics
Nightwing 13 Tom Taylor Various DC Comics
Public Domain 13 Chip Zdarsky Chip Zdarsky Image Comics
Miss Quinces 13 Kat Fajardo Kat Fajardo and Mariana Azzi Graphix
Enter the Blue 12 David Chisholm David Chisholm Z2 Comics
Flung Out of Space 12 Grace Ellis Hannah Templer Abrams ComicArts
Isla to Island 12 Alexis Castellanos Alexis Castellanos Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Men I Trust 11 Tommi Parrish Tommi Parrish Fantagraphics
That Texas Blood 11 Chris Condon Jacob Phillips Image Comics
The Flash 11 Jeremy Adams Various DC Comics
Shuna’s Journey 10 Hayao Miyazaki Hayao Miyazaki First Second
She-Hulk 10 Rainbow Rowell Rogê Antônio, Luca Maresca, Takeshi Miyazawa and Rico Renzi Marvel Comics
Thieves 10 Lucie Bryon Lucie Bryon Nobrow
The High Desert: Black. Punk. Nowhere—A Memoir 10 James Spooner James Spooner Harper
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow 10 Tom King Bilquis Evely and Mattheus Lopes DC Comics
Lore Olympus 10 Rachel Smythe Rachel Smythe Random House Worlds
Who Will Make the Pancakes 10 Megan Kelso Megan Kelso Fantagraphics
Chivalry 10 Neil Gaiman Colleen Doran Dark Horse Books
Sir Ladybug 10 Corey R. Tabor Corey R. Tabor Balzer + Bray
Detention 9 Tim Hensley Tim Hensley Fantagraphics
Sabretooth 9 Victor LaValle Leonard Kirk and Rain Beredo Marvel Comics
Reckless: The Ghost in You 9 Ed Brubaker Sean Phillips and Jacob Phillips Image Comics
Poison Ivy 9 G. Willow Wilson Marcio Takara, Brian Level, Atagun Ilhan and Arif Prianto DC Comics
Welcome to St. Hell: My Trans Teen Misadventure 9 Lewis Hancox Lewis Hancox Graphix
Amazing Spider-Man 9 Zeb Wells Various Marvel Comics
Messy Roots: A Graphic Memoir of a Wuhanese-American 9 Laura Gao Laura Gao Balzer + Bray
Goodbye, Eri! 9 Tatsuki Fujimoto Tatsuki Fujimoto VIZ Media
Reckless: Follow Me Down 9 Ed Brubaker Sean Phillips and Jacob Phillips Image Comics
Look Back 9 Tatsuki Fujimoto Tatsuki Fujimoto VIZ Media
The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza 9 Mac Barnett Shawn Harris Katherine Tegen Books
A Righteous Thirst for Vengeance 9 Rick Remender André Lima Araújo and Chris O’Halloran Image Comics
Spy x Family 9 Tatsuya Endo Tatsuya Endo VIZ Media
Fine: A Comic About Gender 9 Rhea Ewing Rhea Ewing Liveright
The Good Asian 9 Pornsak Pichetshote Alexandre Tefenkgi and Lee Loughridge Image Comics
The Flamingo 9 Guojing Guojing Random House Studio
Always Never 9 Jordi Lafebre Jordi Lafebre and Clémence Sapin Dark Horse Books
Invisible 9 Christina Diaz Gonzalez Gabriela Epstein Graphix
Cat + Gamer 8 Wataru Nadatani Wataru Nadatani Dark Horse Books
The Tryout 8 Christina Soontornvat Joanna Cacao and Amanda Lafrenais Graphix
Crickets 8 Sammy Harkham Sammy Harkham Commonwealth Comic Book Company
Akane-Banashi 8 Yuki Suenaga Takamasa Moue VIZ Media
The Liminal Zone 8 Junji Ito Junji Ito VIZ Media
Mamo 8 Sas Milledge Sas Milledge BOOM! Studios
Detective Comics 8 Ram V Rafael Albuquerque, Ivan Reis, Danny Miki and Dave Stewart DC Comics
Moon Knight 8 Jed MacKay Allesandro Cappuccio, Federico Sabbatini and Rachelle Rosenberg Marvel Comics
Action Comics 8 Phillip Kennedy Johnson Riccardo Federici, Will Conrad, Dale Eaglesham, Mike Perkins, and David Lapham DC Comics
Once & Future 8 Kieron Gillen Dan Mora and Tamra Bonvillan BOOM! Studios
Days of Sand 8 Aimée de Jongh Aimée de Jongh SelfMadeHero
Galaxy: The Prettiest Star 8 Jadzia Axelrod Jess Taylor and Cris Peter DC Comics
Love and Rockets: The First Fifty: The Classic 40th Anniversary Collection 8 Gilbert, Jaime and Mario Hernandez Gilbert, Jaime and Mario Hernandez Fantagraphics
Kaiju No. 8 8 Naoya Matsumoto Naoya Matsumoto VIZ Media
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin 8 Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird and Tom Waltz Esau Escorza, Isaac Escorza and Ben Bishop IDW Publishing
Wingbearer 8 Marjorie Liu Teny Issakhanian Quill Tree Books
Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths 7 Joshua Williamson Various DC Comics
Suzanne: The Jazz Age Goddess of Tennis 7 Tom Humberstone Tom Humberstone Avery Hill Publishing
As a Cartoonist 7 Noah Van Sciver Noah Van Sciver Fantagraphics
The Thing: The Next Best Thing 7 Walter Mosley Tom Reilly and Jordie Bellaire Marvel Comics
The Six Sidekicks of Trigger Keaton 7 Kyle Starks Chris Schweizer Image Comics
Joseph Smith and the Mormons 7 Noah Van Sciver Noah Van Sciver Abrams ComicArts
The Third Person 7 Emma Grove Emma Grove Drawn & Quarterly
Batman 7 Chip Zdarsky Jorge Jimenez and Tomeu Morey DC Comics
Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons 7 Kelly Sue DeConnick Phil Jimenez, Gene Ha, Nicola Scott and Hi-Fi DC Comics
Twin Cities 7 Jose Pimienta Jose Pimienta Random House Graphic
The Aquanaut 7 Dan Santat Dan Santat Graphix
What Is Home, Mum? 7 Sabba Khan Sabba Khan Street Noise Books
Devil’s Reign 7 Chip Zdarsky Marco Checchetto and Marcio Menyz Marvel Comics
Smahtguy: The Life and Times of Barney Frank 7 Eric Orner Eric Orner Metropolitan Books
The Department of Truth 7 James Tynion IV Various Image Comics
Run on Your New Legs 6 Wataru Midori Wataru Midori Yen Press
Witches: The Complete Collection 6 Daisuke Igarashi and Jamal Joseph Jr. Daisuke Igarashi Seven Seas Entertainment
Ride On 6 Faith Erin Hicks Faith Erin Hicks First Second
Orochi 6 Kazuo Umezu and Molly Tanzer Kazuo Umezu VIZ Media
DC Pride 2022 6 Various Various DC Comics
Salamandre 6 I.N.J. Culbard I.N.J. Culbard Dark Horse Books
The Greatest Thing 6 Sarah Winifred Searle Sarah Winifred Searle First Second
Ultrasound 6 Conor Stechschulte Conor Stechschulte Fantagraphics
One-Punch Man 6 ONE Yusuke Murata VIZ Media
The Projector and Elephant 6 Martin Vaughn-James Martin Vaughn-James New York Review Comics
Chef’s Kiss 6 Jarrett Melendez Danica Brine and Hank Jones Oni-Lion Forge Publishing Group
Walk Me to the Corner 6 Anneli Furmark Anneli Furmark Drawn & Quarterly
Daredevil 6 Chip Zdarsky Marco Checchetto, Rafael de Latorre and Matthew Wilson Marvel Comics
The Keeper 6 Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes Marco Finnegan Abrams ComicArts
Jujutsu Kaisen 6 Gege Akutami Gege Akutami VIZ Media
Sakamoto Days 6 Yuto Suzuki Yuto Suzuki VIZ Media
Pinball: A Graphic History of the Silver Ball 6 Jon Chad Jon Chad First Second
It Won’t Always Be Like This: A Graphic Memoir 6 Malaka Gharib Malaka Gharib Ten Speed Press
The Real Riley Mayes 5 Rachel Elliott Rachel Elliott Balzer + Bray
Killing Stalking: Deluxe Edition 5 Koogi Koogi Seven Seas Entertainment
Freestyle: A Graphic Novel 5 Gale Galligan Gale Galligan and K Czap Graphix
Your Pal Fred 5 Michael Rex Michael Rex Viking Books for Young Readers
Forest Hills Bootleg Society 5 Dave Baker Nicole Goux Simon & Schuster
20th Century Men 5 Deniz Camp Stipan Morian Image Comics
The Joy of Quitting 5 Keiler Roberts Keiler Roberts Drawn & Quarterly
Crumbs 5 Danie Stirling Danie Stirling Clarion Books
Rogues’ Gallery 5 Hannah Rose May and Declan Shalvey Justin Mason and Triona Farrell Image Comics
A Frog in the Fall 5 Linnea Sterte Linnea Sterte Peow Studio
X-Terminators 5 Leah Williams Carlos Gomez and Bryan Valenza Marvel Comics
Schappi 5 Anna Haifisch Anna Haifisch Fantagraphics
Ghost Cage 5 Caleb Goellner and Nick Dragotta Nick Dragotta Image Comics
My Aunt Is a Monster 5 Reimena Yee Reimena Yee Random House Graphic
Radical: My Year with a Socialist Senator 5 Sofia Warren Sofia Warren IDW Publishing
Defenders Beyond 5 Al Ewing and Javier Rodriguez Javier Rodriguez Marvel Comics
Katie the Catsitter: Best Friends 4 Never 5 Colleen AF Venable Stephanie Yue and Branden Lamb Random House Graphic
Aquaman: Andromeda 5 Ram V Christian Ward DC Comics
Ice Cream Man 5 W. Maxwell Prince Martin Morazzo and Chris O’Halloran Image Comics
Growing Pangs 5 Kathryn Ormsbee Molly Brooks Random House Graphic
Mazebook 5 Jeff Lemire Jeff Lemire Dark Horse Books
Something is Killing the Children 5 James Tynion IV Werther Dell’Edera BOOM! Studios
What’s the Furthest Place from Here? 5 Matt Rosenberg Tyler Boss, Josh Hickson, Roberto Lopez Ortiz and Sweeney Boo Image Comics
The Well 5 Jake Wyatt Choo First Second
Red Scare: A Graphic Novel 5 Liam Francis Walsh Liam Francis Walsh Graphix
Huda F Are You? 5 Huda Fahmy Huda Fahmy Dial Books
Newburn 5 Chip Zdarsky and Nadia Shammas Jacob Phillips and Ziyed Yusuf Ayoub Image Comics
Heartstopper 5 Alice Oseman Alice Oseman Graphix
Tokyo Revengers 5 Ken Wakui Ken Wakui Seven Seas Entertainment
We Only Kill Each Other 5 Stephanie Phillips Peter Krause and Ellie Wright Dark Horse Books
Iron Man 5 Christopher Cantwell, Kurt Busiek, and Gerry Duggan Various Marvel Comics
My Hero Academia 5 Kohei Horikoshi Kohei Horikoshi VIZ Media

The full spreadsheet with pivot tables for books, writers, artists, publishers and more is available here.

Regarding Publishers:

This year Image Comics was the most popular publisher with 89 different titles.

Marvel was 2nd place (again) with 84 different titles.

DC drops from 1st to 3rd with 69 different titles.

VIZ Media moves from 5th to 4th with 56 different titles.

and Fantagraphics gets the 5th spot with 48 titles.

47 Self-Published books made the list too.

The 3 most popular web comics were (again!) Batman: Wayne Family Adventures by CRC Payne, StarBite, Maria Li and Lan Ma (4 picks), The Nib and I’m Fine I’m Fine Just Understand by ND Stevenson trying for 2nd place with 2 picks each.

Caveats:

Where a reviewer/writer wrote ‘best of’ lists for multiple websites, I’ve cross referenced their lists and removed books that were named twice. I did not think it would be fair if those writers could tip the popularity scale by naming the same book(s) over and over again on multiple websites. Sadly, there was an increase of websites publishing lists with no credit to who (or whom) created the list. In those cases I marked them as n/a but the practice of not crediting writers is a shameful one.

If a writer wrote for multiple sites, but one of those sites picks was a group effort, I did not remove books that are listed twice.

I generally did not include lists that were a mixed of prose books and graphic novels unless there were a significant number of graphic novels on the list, or they had a list of GNs only and put a GN on a otherwise list of prose books. I did find there were more lists like that this year, which was one of the reasons it took me this long to finish this. Many YA prose books have Graphic Novel looking covers and I need to examine previews to determine if it’s comics or not. If this continues to be the trend I may need to just focus on GN/Comics only lists.

I did not use lists where the website was not in English and the books appeared to be translated versions.

With inkers and colourists I often, but not always included them within the Artist section. Where there were multiple (usually more than 5) involved in a book, or in the title’s run over the course of the year, various was used instead of listing them all. In some cases I combined those involved even if they worked on the title for different issues. Where the translaters were credited (without me having to really dig for it) are mentioned on column G of the data. The same goes for the editors of anthologies.

For simplicity sake, if a list named a specific comic book issue or specific volume of a graphic novel, I removed those specifics and just listed the series title, with rare exceptions. The same goes with issue #s. My apologies to the reviewers of those books.

Some reviewers included books that were published in 2021 or earlier. Normally the amount of times these books were mentioned isn’t significant, but I am seeing more and more books pop up that were comics series last year and came up again this year as a collected edition. Most notable for this year is The Many Deaths of Laila Starr, which tied for #1 last year, got 14 picks this year.

Most of the lists were general ‘best/favourite books’ of 2022, but I also included lists dedicated to young readers, manga, LGBTQ+, etc… What type list is noted on column B in the spreadsheet.

A small number of lists also had rankings and those are included in Column C.

This list of websites this list is compiled from:

ABC Canberra https://www.abc.net.au/canberra/programs/drive/book-club-recommendations-2022/101775420
AIPT https://aiptcomics.com/2022/12/18/aipt-comics-podcast-episode-202-best-comics-of-2022/
AIPT https://aiptcomics.com/2022/12/20/aipts-best-comics-of-2022-part-1/
AIPT https://aiptcomics.com/2022/12/22/aipts-best-comics-of-2022-part-2/
ALA https://www.ala.org/rt/gncrt/best-graphic-novels-adults-reading-list-2022
ALA https://www.ala.org/rt/gncrt/best-graphic-novels-children-reading-list-2022
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/b/ref=s9_acss_bw_cg_BHPNOV20_2b1_w?node=17296348011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0KFGJ2FX17ZEWNA94KE3&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=be85bac0-da1d-4ea4-a991-8f056d7023e6&pf_rd_i=17296227011
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/b/ref=s9_acss_bw_cg_BHPNOV20_2c1_w?node=17296349011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0KFGJ2FX17ZEWNA94KE3&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=be85bac0-da1d-4ea4-a991-8f056d7023e6&pf_rd_i=17296227011
Anime Hunch https://animehunch.com/dandadan-tops-japans-nationwide-bookstore-employees-recommended-manga-2022-ranking/
Anime Soul King https://www.animesoulking.com/2023/01/15/the-best-manga-of-2022-recommendations/
Anlist https://anilist.co/article/Top-10-Romance-Manga-of-2022
Anlist https://anilist.co/article/Top-10-Action-Manga-of-2022
Asian Movie Pulse https://asianmoviepulse.com/2022/12/best-manga-releases-of-2022/
Autostraddle https://www.autostraddle.com/92-of-the-best-queer-books-of-2022/
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/books/barnes-nobles-best-books-of-2022/barnes-nobles-best-graphic-novels-of-2022/_/N-29Z8q8Z2x7q
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/books/barnes-nobles-best-books-of-2022/barnes-nobles-best-young-reader-books-of-2022/_/N-29Z8q8Z2x83
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/books/barnes-nobles-best-books-of-2022/barnes-nobles-best-manga-manhwa-of-2022/_/N-29Z8q8Z2x7v
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/books/barnes-nobles-best-books-of-2022/barnes-nobles-best-picture-books-of-2022/_/N-29Z8q8Z2x7x
Beneath The Tangles https://beneaththetangles.com/2022/12/27/best-manga-of-2022/
Big Comic Page https://bigcomicpage.com/2022/12/23/bcps-top-10-comics-of-2022/
Book Riot https://bookriot.com/best-comics-of-2022/
Book Riot https://bookriot.com/bestbooks2022/
Borg https://borg.com/2022/12/15/borgs-best-of-2022-the-best-books/
Brightly https://www.readbrightly.com/middle-grade-chapter-books-2022/
Broken Frontier https://www.brokenfrontier.com/broken-frontier-awards-2022-winners/
But Why Tho? https://butwhytho.net/2022/12/year-in-review-top-indie-comics-of-2022/
But Why Tho? https://butwhytho.net/2022/12/year-in-review-top-superhero-comics-of-2022/
But Why Tho? https://butwhytho.net/2022/12/best-top-manga-of-2022/
CBC https://www.cbc.ca/books/the-best-canadian-comics-of-2022-1.6681575
CBR https://www.cbr.com/best-comics-2022/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/cbrs-top-100-comics-of-2022-100-76/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/cbrs-top-100-comics-of-2022-75-51/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/cbrs-top-100-comics-of-2022-50-26/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/cbrs-top-100-comics-of-2022-25-11/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/cbrs-top-100-comics-of-2022-10-1/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/best-dc-comic-issues-2022/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/marvel-comics-greatest-2022/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/best-new-ongoing-manga-2022/
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/200121216_chipublib_teens/2203506479_best_teen_graphic_novels_and_manga_of_2022?_gl=1*1cpl9yo*_ga*NzQ5OTQ3MzIwLjE2NzQwMDQ4Njk.*_ga_G99DMMNG39*MTY3Njk0ODYxMy40LjEuMTY3Njk0ODY0MC4wLjAuMA..
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/200121216_chipublib_teens/2203497959_best_teen_nonfiction_of_2022?_gl=1*1cpl9yo*_ga*NzQ5OTQ3MzIwLjE2NzQwMDQ4Njk.*_ga_G99DMMNG39*MTY3Njk0ODYxMy40LjEuMTY3Njk0ODY0MC4wLjAuMA..
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/199702383_chipublib_adults/2207078629_best_books_of_2022?_gl=1%2A1kirrze%2A_ga%2ANzQ5OTQ3MzIwLjE2NzQwMDQ4Njk.%2A_ga_G99DMMNG39%2AMTY3Njk0ODYxMy40LjEuMTY3Njk0ODY0MC4wLjAuMA..&page=2
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/200049033_chipublib_kids/2205109719_best_fiction_for_younger_readers_of_2022?_gl=1*1kirrze*_ga*NzQ5OTQ3MzIwLjE2NzQwMDQ4Njk.*_ga_G99DMMNG39*MTY3Njk0ODYxMy40LjEuMTY3Njk0ODY0MC4wLjAuMA..
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/200049033_chipublib_kids/2205123673_best_informational_books_for_older_readers_of_2022?_gl=1*1kirrze*_ga*NzQ5OTQ3MzIwLjE2NzQwMDQ4Njk.*_ga_G99DMMNG39*MTY3Njk0ODYxMy40LjEuMTY3Njk0ODY0MC4wLjAuMA..
Comic Book Club https://comicbookclublive.com/2022/12/28/best-graphic-novels-of-2022/
Comic Book Herald https://www.comicbookherald.com/best-comics-of-2022/
Comic Book Revolution https://www.comicbookrevolution.com/the-10-best-manga-of-2022/
Comic Book Revolution https://www.comicbookrevolution.com/the-10-best-comic-book-series-of-2022/
Comic Book Revolution https://www.comicbookrevolution.com/the-10-best-comic-book-single-issues-of-2022/
Comic Book Revolution https://www.comicbookrevolution.com/the-5-best-comic-book-storylines-of-2022/
Comic Book Yeti https://www.comicbookyeti.com/post/al-s-top-10-webcomics-of-2022
Comic Frontline https://comicfrontline.com/2022/12/28/best-comic-books-of-2022-winners/
Comic Frontline https://comicfrontline.com/2022/12/20/best-comic-books-of-2022-writer-penciller-ongoing-series-publisher-single-issue/
Comic Frontline https://comicfrontline.com/2022/12/13/best-comic-books-of-2022-best-under-the-radar-series-mini-maxi-series-shocking-moment-new-series-new-creative-team/
Comic Frontline https://comicfrontline.com/2022/12/06/best-comic-books-of-2022-best-male-character-female-character-villain-indie-title-1/
Comic Frontline https://comicfrontline.com/2022/11/22/best-comic-books-of-2022-cover-artist-event-one-shot-cover/
ComicBook.com https://comicbook.com/comics/news/2022-comicbook-golden-issue-award-best-graphic-novel-ducks-kate-beaton/
ComicBook.com https://comicbook.com/comics/news/the-2022-comicbook-com-golden-issue-award-for-best-limited-comic-series/
ComicBook.com https://comicbook.com/comics/news/2022-golden-issue-award-best-ongoing-comic-amazing-spider-man/
ComicBook.com https://comicbook.com/anime/news/2022-golden-issue-award-best-manga-series/
Comicon https://www.comicon.com/2022/12/29/comicons-5-best-digital-webcomics-of-2022/
Comicon https://www.comicon.com/2022/12/27/comicons-5-best-single-issues-of-2022/
Comicon https://www.comicon.com/2022/12/27/comicons-5-best-comic-series-of-2022/
Comicon https://www.comicon.com/2022/12/27/comicons-5-best-ogns-of-2022/
Comics Beat https://www.comicsbeat.com/the-beats-30-best-comics-of-2022/
Comics Grinder https://comicsgrinder.com/2022/12/19/best-comics-and-graphic-novels-of-2022/
Comics Wrorth Reading https://comicsworthreading.com/2023/01/04/my-favorite-comics-and-manga-of-2022/
Comics XF https://www.comicsxf.com/2022/12/19/comicsxfs-best-comics-of-2022/
Cybils http://www.cybils.com/2023/01/cybils2022-graphic-novels.html
Cybils http://www.cybils.com/2023/01/cybils2022-easy-reader-early-chapter-books.html
Den of Geek https://www.denofgeek.com/comics/best-comics-2022/
Denver Library https://www.denverlibrary.org/all-ages/list/staff-picks/staff-favorites-2022-graphic-format-books
Diverse Tech Geek https://www.diversetechgeek.com/10-favorite-graphic-novels-2022/
Diverse Tech Geek https://www.diversetechgeek.com/10-favorite-webcomics-2022-edition/
Doom Rocket https://doomrocket.com/best-comics-2022/
EW https://ew.com/books/the-best-comic-books-of-2022/
Fiction Talk https://fictiontalk.com/2023/01/03/best-graphic-novels/
Film School Rejects https://filmschoolrejects.com/best-comic-books-2022/
Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/robsalkowitz/2022/12/16/the-best-graphic-novels-of-2022/?sh=4e103e1319b3
Game Rant https://gamerant.com/best-manga-2022/
Games Radar https://www.gamesradar.com/best-comics-2022/
Geek Girl Authority https://www.geekgirlauthority.com/best-webtoon-series-2022/
Geek Hard Show https://geekhardshow.com/2023/01/andrews-picks-ten-best-comics-of-2022/
Geek Network https://geek-network.com/geek-network-top-10-best-comics-of-2022/
Geek Vibes Nation https://geekvibesnation.com/the-gvn-talking-comics-best-of-2022/
Geekcast Radio https://www.geekcastradio.com/comics/top-100-comics-of-2022/
GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/mediaawards/34/nominees
Globe and Mail https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books/article-top-5-graphic-novels-of-2022/
Go Book Mart https://gobookmart.com/web-stories/10-best-graphic-novels-of-2022/
Go BookMart https://gobookmart.com/top-10-manga-of-2022/
Good OK Bad http://goodokbad.com/index.php/about/2022comics
Good Reeds https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-graphic-novels-comics-2022
Gosh https://goshlondon.com/gosh-best-of/2022/
Graphic Policy https://graphicpolicy.com/2023/01/01/bretts-favorite-comics-of-2022-and-a-reflection-on-the-past-year/
Horn Book https://www.hbook.com/story/fanfare-2022-booklist
Horror News Network https://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/2022-horror-comic-award-winners/
IGN https://www.ign.com/articles/best-comic-book-series-graphic-novel-2022
Imagination Soup https://imaginationsoup.net/middle-grade-books-2022/
Imagination Soup https://imaginationsoup.net/best-picture-books-2022/
Imagination Soup https://imaginationsoup.net/the-best-chapter-books-of-2022/
Irish Times https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2022/12/28/best-irish-comic-books-of-2022/
Japan Geeks https://japan-geeks.com/best-manga-of-2022/
Joshua Adelglass https://joshuaedelglass.com/joshs-favorite-graphic-novels-of-2022/
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-indie-childrens-books-of-2022/
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-ya-graphic-literature-2022
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-graphic-middle-grade-2022
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-beginning-readers-of-2022
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/candlewicks-best-books-2022
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/lerners-best-books-2022
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-picture-books-of-2022-for-animal-lovers
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-picture-books-of-2022-about-nature
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-science-and-medicine-books-2022
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-memoirs-2022
Kotaku https://kotaku.com/best-manga-2022-one-punch-man-hell-paradise-chainsaw-ma-1849920639
Laughing Place https://www.laughingplace.com/w/articles/2022/12/29/the-year-in-marvel-comics-the-best-of-2022/
Level Up Entertainment https://levelupentertainment.com/news/2020/12/16/2022-didnt-completely-suck-awards
Library Journal https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/Best-Graphic-Novels-of-2022
Lit Reactor https://litreactor.com/columns/the-must-read-horror-graphic-novels-of-2022
Literary Hub https://lithub.com/the-best-reviewed-graphic-literature-of-2022/
Locus Magazine https://locusmag.com/2023/02/2022-recommended-reading-list/
Looper https://www.looper.com/1098307/the-best-comics-of-2022-so-far/
Los Angeles Public Library https://www.lapl.org/books-emedia/lapl-reads/book-lists/best-2022-graphic-novels
Marvel https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/2022-year-in-review-best-marvel-comic-issues
Matthew Price https://matthewlprice.com/2023/01/08/best-graphic-novels-of-2022/
Medium https://cryptoscatology.medium.com/the-cryptoscatology-top-ten-the-best-comic-books-of-2022-b0b7bfa20500
Medium https://medium.com/@TTCGroup/my-top-10-comic-books-of-2022-33e162f7b3ee
Medium https://medium.com/@atthehelm/comics-make-the-world-go-round-five-best-series-of-2022-5688d120c237
Medium https://medium.com/@lukewhenderson/the-10-best-graphic-novels-i-read-in-2022-1067339d4f11
Mercury News https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/12/08/best-graphic-novels-2022-free-comic-book-day-founder-gives-his-8-picks/
MLMILLERWRITES https://mlmillerwrites.com/2022/12/28/my-favorite-horror-comic-books-of-2022/
Monkeys Fighting Robots https://monkeysfightingrobots.co/justin-mundays-favorite-comics-of-2022/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2022-yir-webcomic/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2022-yir-digital-first-series/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2022-yir-single-issue/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2022-yir-one-shot/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2022-yir-reprint/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2022-yir-anthology/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2022-yir-licensed/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2022-yir-non-manga/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2022-year-in-review-best-ongoing-series/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2022-yir-mini/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2022-yir-new-series/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2022-yir-concluded-series/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2022-yir-manga-series/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2022-yir-ogn/
Multnomah County Library http://bestof.multcolib.org/2021/#tags=comics%2Fgraphic+novels&view=covers&year=2022
Nerdy Book Club https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2022/12/29/the-2022-nerdies-graphic-novels-announced-by-katherine-sokolowski/
Nerdy Book Club https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2022/12/28/the-2022-nerdies-early-readers-and-chapter-books-announced-by-alyson-beecher/
New York Public Library https://www.nypl.org/books-more/recommendations/comics-2022/adults
New York Public Library https://www.nypl.org/books-more/recommendations/best-books/teens?f%5B0%5D=terms%3AComics
New York Public Library https://www.nypl.org/books-more/recommendations/best-books/kids?f%5B0%5D=terms%3AGraphic%20Novels
New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/11/22/books/notable-books.html?action=click&pgtype=Article&state=default&module=styln-books-general&variant=show&region=BELOW_MAIN_CONTENT&block=storyline_flex_guide_recirc
New Yorker https://www.newyorker.com/best-books-2022
NPR https://apps.npr.org/best-books/#view=covers&year=2022
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2022/12/james-favorite-comics-of-2022-romance.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2022/12/james-favorite-comics-of-2022.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2022/12/seans-favorite-comics-of-2022.html
Parents https://www.parents.com/best-childrens-books-2022-6950985
Paste Magazine https://www.pastemagazine.com/books/lists/best-comics-of-2022/
Polygon https://www.polygon.com/2022/12/6/23488554/best-comics-2022-graphic-novels
Pop Culture and Comics https://www.popcultureandcomics.com/post/pop-s-best-comics-graphic-novels-movies-and-tv-of-2022
Pop Culture Squad https://popculturesquad.com/2022/12/31/year-in-review-2022-the-best-new-comics-and-ogns-of-the-year/
Pop Matters https://www.popmatters.com/best-books-2022
Powells https://www.powells.com/staff-top-fives-2022
Powells https://www.powells.com/post/best-books/best-books-of-2022-nonfiction
Powells https://www.powells.com/post/best-books/best-books-of-2022-scifi-fantasy-horror-romance-graphic-novels
Powells https://www.powells.com/post/best-books/best-books-of-2022-kids-and-young-adult
Publishers Weekly https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/comics/article/91182-beaton-s-ducks-tops-pw-s-2022-graphic-novel-critics-poll.html
Random Thoughts https://lars.ingebrigtsen.no/2022/12/20/the-best-comics-of-2022/
Reddit r/comicbooks poll https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/1010igv/here_we_have_it_your_rcomicbooks_bestof_2022/
Reddit r/ImageComics https://www.reddit.com/r/ImageComics/comments/10o7mrm/rimagecomics_best_of_2022/
Reddit: culturefan https://www.reddit.com/r/graphicnovels/comments/100l8b8/this_guy_lists_50_favorite_comics_of_2023/j2jbs14/
Reddit: MakeWayForTomorrow https://www.reddit.com/r/graphicnovels/comments/100l8b8/this_guy_lists_50_favorite_comics_of_2023/j2i83hx/
School Library Journal https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/story/best-graphic-novels-2022-slj-best-books
School Library Journal https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/story/slj-top-10-manga-2022
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/best-comic-books-2022-marvel-dc-graphic-novels/
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/best-new-manga-2022-deamons-shadow-ruridragon/
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/the-best-continuing-manga-of-2022/
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/best-new-horror-comics-2022-creepshow-slumber-vineyard/
Seattle Public Library https://www.spl.org/books-and-media/books-and-ebooks/staff-picks/seattle-staff-faves-2022-nonfiction
Seattle Public Library https://www.spl.org/books-and-media/books-and-ebooks/staff-picks-for-teens/seattle-staff-faves-2022-teen-books
She Reads https://shereads.com/best-graphic-novels-coming-2022/
Skokie Public Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/3047/2022-staff-picks-graphic-novels/
Skokie Public Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/3032/staff-picks-2022-fiction-graphic-novels-readers-and-nonfiction-for-grades-k-3/
Skokie Public Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/3027/staff-picks-2022-graphic-novels-and-nonfiction-for-grades-4-5/
Skokie Public Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/3029/staff-picks-2022-books-for-babies-through-preschool/
Skokie Public Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/3030/staff-picks-2022-picture-books-for-grades-k-3/
Skokie Public Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/3028/staff-picks-2022-books-for-grades-6-8/
Stack Overflow https://geekdad.com/2023/01/stack-overflow-our-favorite-books-of-2022/
Telegraph https://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/what-to-read/best-graphic-novels-2022-reviewed/
Texas Public Library https://txla.org/news/2022-maverick-graphic-novel-reading-list-announced/
Texas Public Library https://txla.org/tools-resources/reading-lists/maverick/current-list/
The Comics Journal https://www.tcj.com/the-best-comics-of-2022/
The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/books/2022/dec/03/the-best-comics-and-graphic-novels-of-2022
The Indianapolis Public Library https://indypl.bibliocommons.com/list/share/1652485239/2216635351
The Irish Times https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2022/12/10/the-irish-times-best-graphic-novels-of-2022/
The Mary Sue https://www.themarysue.com/best-comics-and-graphic-novels-2022/
The Pop Verse https://www.thepopverse.com/best-comic-comics-graphic-novels-2022-popverse
The True Japan https://thetruejapan.com/the-best-new-manga/#:~:text=The%2010%20Best%20New%20Manga%20in%202022%201,%28Motoo%20Nakanishi%2C%202021%20%E2%80%93%20Present%29%20…%20More%20items
The Turnaround Blog https://theturnaroundblog.com/2023/01/13/our-favourite-comix-from-2022-graphic-novel-staff-picks/
Toledo Public Library https://www.toledolibrary.org/blog/tlcpl-best-books-of-2022
Toronto Star https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2022/12/21/year-in-review-our-reviewers-pick-their-top-5-historical-fiction-graphic-novel-and-horror-books-of-2022.html
Walden Pond Books https://bookshop.org/lists/best-comics-graphic-novels-for-adults-2022
Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/2022/11/17/best-graphic-novels/
Waterstones https://www.waterstones.com/blog/the-best-books-of-2022-manga
Waterstones https://www.waterstones.com/blog/the-best-books-of-2022-teenage-and-young-adult
Waterstones https://www.waterstones.com/blog/the-best-books-of-2022-baby-and-toddler
Waterstones https://www.waterstones.com/blog/the-best-books-of-2022-childrens-fiction
What Do We Do All Day https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/best-graphic-novels-2022/
Why So Blu? https://whysoblu.com/the-best-comics-of-2022/
Women Write About Comics https://womenwriteaboutcomics.com/2023/01/wwacs-favorite-big-press-comics-of-2022/
Women Write About Comics https://womenwriteaboutcomics.com/2023/01/favorite-small-press-books-of-2022/
Yuri Anime News https://www.yurianimenews.com/yurimanga/top-10-yuri-manga-of-the-year-2022
Yuricon https://okazu.yuricon.com/2022/12/31/okazu-top-yuri-of-2022/

The Combined Best Comics & Graphic Novels of 2021!

Over the last 5 months there have been many, many websites with “Best of 2021” lists concerning comic books, manga and graphic novels. If you’ve looked at a few, you may have noticed some of the same books on different lists and seen some unique to only that list.

I went through 232 different URLs with “Best Of” Lists regarding comics and combined them into a spreadsheet. There are almost 3,500 different listings of books from these websites. I should note that I’ve included books that were given honorable mentions. In short, if somebody thought it was a good book that you should check out, it’s on here.

This year the #1 book was a tie between 2 books. The Many Deaths of Laila Starr by Ram V, Filipe Andrade and Inès Amaro (BOOM! Studios) and Monsters by Barry Windsor-Smith (Fantagraphics) are were both picked 34 times by reviewers.

For those that are unaware, Monsters sprung from a 1984 pitch that Barry Windsor-Smith made to Jim Shooter, then EIC of Marvel Comics that got approved. Before Barry could finish working on the comic a plagiarized version of his story appeared in an issue of Incredible Hulk. The details of this have been covered by Brian Cronin here and here. Barry was justifiably upset about this and did not complete the comic. Barry’s story had a significant impact in the Hulk Comics and was later used in one of the Hulk movies.

Since then Barry has been re-working the story from a Hulk story to something much grander and more in-depth to the issues of child abuse. It’s nice to see the story come out after all these years and get this level of critical acclaim.

James Tynion IVI also feel the need to give a shout out to James Tynion IV who had 2 books in the top 5 with The Department of Truth (also on last year’s list) and The Nice House on the Lake. He also by far had the highest number of reviewers (or groups of reviewers) at 83, picking one of his 9 books this year. Chip Zdarsky had more books picked at 12, with 1 book being co-written by Donny Cates. Also doing well was Jeff Lemire with 11 books total with 2 being co-written.

 

 

Pivot tables have been created to show which books appeared on the number of lists. Here are the books with 5 mentions or more:

Book Title Count Writer Artist Publisher
The Many Deaths of Laila Starr 34 Ram V Filipe Andrade and Inès Amaro BOOM! Studios
Monsters 34 Barry Windsor-Smith Barry Windsor-Smith Fantagraphics
The Department of Truth 32 James Tynion IV Martin Simmonds Image Comics
Nightwing 31 Tom Taylor Bruno Redondo, Robbi Rodriguez and Adriano Lucas DC Comics
The Nice House on the Lake 27 James Tynion IV Alvaro Martinez Bueno and Jordie Bellaire DC Comics
The Good Asian 27 Pornsak Pichetshote Alexandre Tefenkgi, Lee Loughridge and Dave Johnson Image Comics
The Secret to Superhuman Strength 27 Alison Bechdel Alison Bechdel Mariner Books
The Immortal Hulk 24 Al Ewing Various Marvel Comics
Far Sector 24 N.K. Jemisin Jamal Campbell DC Comics
Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts 22 Rebecca Hall Hugo Martínez Simon & Schuster
Stone Fruit 22 Lee Lai Lee Lai Fantagraphics
Nubia: Real One 20 L. L. McKinney Robyn Smith DC Comics
The Girl From The Sea 19 Molly Knox Ostertag Molly Knox Ostertag and Maarta Laiho Graphix
Run: Book One 19 John Lewis, Andrew Aydin L. Fury and Nate Powell Abrams ComicArts
Cyclopedia Exotica 19 Aminder Dhaliwal Aminder Dhaliwal Drawn and Quarterly
Crisis Zone 19 Simon Hanselmann Simon Hanselmann Fantagraphics
The Legend of Auntie Po 18 Shing Yin Khor Shing Yin Khor Kokila
Asadora! 18 Naoki Urasawa Naoki Urasawa VIZ Media
Factory Summers 17 Guy Delisle Guy Delisle Drawn and Quarterly
Barbalien: Red Planet 17 Jeff Lemire and Tate Brombal Gabriel Hernandez Walta and Jordie Bellaire Dark Horse Books
The Waiting 16 Keum Suk Gendry-Kim Keum Suk Gendry-Kim Drawn and Quarterly
Seek You: A Journey Through American Loneliness 16 Kristen Radtke Kristen Radtke Pantheon
In: A Graphic Novel 16 Will McPhail Will McPhail Mariner Books
Daredevil 16 Chip Zdarsky Various Marvel Comics
Tunnels 15 Rutu Modan Rutu Modan Drawn and Quarterly
The Other History of the DC Universe 14 John Ridley Giuseppe Camuncoli, Alex Dos Diaz, Andrea Cucchi and Jose Villarrubia DC Comics
Stray Dogs 14 Tony Fleecs Trish Forstner, Brad Simpson and Tone Rodriguez Image Comics
Himawari House 14 Harmony Becker Harmony Becker First Second
Black Widow 14 Kelly Thompson Elena Casagrande and Rafael de Latorre Marvel Comics
Beta Ray Bill: Argent Star 14 Daniel Warren Johnson Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer Marvel Comics
Reckless: Destroy All Monsters 13 Ed Brubaker Sean Phillips and Jacob Phillips Image Comics
No One Else 13 R. Kikuo Johnson R. Kikuo Johnson Fantagraphics
Lore Olympus 13 Rachel Smythe Rachel Smythe Del Rey
Hellions 13 Zeb Wells Stephen Segovia and Rain Beredo Marvel Comics
Did You Hear What Eddie Gein Done? 13 Harold Schechter Eric Powell Albatross Funnybooks
Djeliya: A West African Fantasy Epic 13 Juni Ba Juni Ba TKO Studios
Barbaric 13 Michael Moreci Nathan Gooden and Addison Duke Vault Comics
Cheer Up!: Love And Pompoms 13 Crystal Frasier Val Wise Oni Press
Save it For Later: Promises, Protest and Parenthood 12 Nate Powell Nate Powell Abrams ComicArts
Heaven No Hell 12 Michael DeForge Michael DeForge Drawn and Quarterly
Borders 12 Thomas King Natasha Donovan Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Thirsty Mermaids 11 Kat Leyh Kat Leyh Gallery 13
Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons 11 Kelly Sue DeConnick Phil Jimenez, Hi-Fi, Arif Prianto and Romulo Fajardo Jr. DC Comics
Strange Adventures 11 Tom King Mitch Gerads and Evan Shaner DC Comics
Catwoman: Lonely City 11 Cliff Chiang Cliff Chiang DC Comics
The Crossroads at Midnight 10 Abby Howard Abby Howard Iron Circus Comics
The Silver Coin 10 Various Michael Walsh, Gavin Fullerton and Toni Marie Griffin Image Comics
TMNT: The Last Ronin 10 Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird and Tom Waltz Esau & Isaac Escorza IDW Publishing
The Swamp Thing 10 Ram V Mike Perkins, Mike Spicer and John McCrea DC Comics
Shadow Life 10 Hiromi Goto Ann Xu First Second
Made in Korea 10 Jeremy Holt George Schall Image Comics
Katie the Catsitter 10 Colleen AF Venable Stephanie Yue Penguin Random House
Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters 10 Laura Samnee and Chris Samnee Chris Samnee and Matt D. Wilson Oni Press
Fictional Father 10 Joe Ollmann Joe Ollmann Drawn and Quarterly
Garlic and the Vampire 10 Bree Paulsen Bree Paulsen Quill Tree Books
Dead Dog’s Bite 10 Tyler Boss Tyler Boss Dark Horse Books
Die 10 Kieron Gillen Stephanie Hans Image Comics
Discipline 10 Dash Shaw Dash Shaw New York Review Comics
Chainsaw Man 10 Tatsuki Fujimoto Tatsuki Fujimoto ViZ Media
Boys Run the Riot 10 Keito Gaku Keito Gaku Kodansha Comics
Ultramega 9 James Harren James Harren and Dave Stewart Image Comics
Trots and Bonnie 9 Shary Flenniken Shary Flenniken New York Review Comics
The Me You Love in the Dark 9 Skottie Young Jorge Corona Image Comics
The Black Panther Party 9 David F. Walker Marcus Kwame Anderson Ten Speed Press
Red Room: The Unsocial Network 9 Ed Piskor Ed Piskor Fantagraphics
Red Rock Baby Candy 9 Shira Spector Shira Spector Fantagraphics
Reckless 9 Ed Brubaker Sean Phillips and Jacob Phillips Image Comics
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow 9 Tom King Bilquis Evely and Mattheus Lopes DC Comics
Something is Killing the Children 9 James Tynion IV Werther Dell’Edra and Miquel Muerto BOOM! Studios
Robin 9 Joshua Williamson Various DC Comics
Spy x Family 9 Tatsuya Endo Tatsuya Endo VIZ Media
My Begging Chart 9 Keiler Roberts Keiler Roberts Drawn and Quarterly
I Never Promised You A Rose Garden 9 Mannie Murphy Mannie Murphy Fantagraphics
Mazebook 9 Jeff Lemire Jeff Lemire Dark Horse Books
Once & Future 9 Kieron Gillen Tamra Bonvillain, Dan Mora BOOM! Studios
Allergic 9 Megan Wagner Lloyd Michelle Mee Nutter Graphix
Reckless: Friend of the Devil 8 Ed Brubaker Sean Phillips and Jacob Phillips Image Comics
Radiant Black 8 Kyle Higgins Marcelo Costa, Eduardo Ferigato and David Lafuente Image Comics
Nocterra 8 Scott Snyder Tony S. Daniels and Tomeu Morey Image Comics
It’s Life as I See It: Black Cartoonists in Chicago, 1940–1980 8 Various Various New York Review Comics
Human Target 8 Tom King Greg Smallwood DC Comics
Ballad for Sophie 8 Filipe Melo Juan Cavia Top Shelf Productions
The Dreaming: Waking Hours 7 G. Willow Wilson Nick Robles, Mat Lopes and Javier Rodriguez DC Comics
The Golden Hour 7 Niki Smith Niki Smith Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Tono Monogatari 7 Shigeru Mizuki Shigeru Mizuki Drawn and Quarterly
Superman and the Authority 7 Grant Morrison Mikel Janin and Jordie Bellaire DC Comics
Pawcasso 7 Remy Lai Remy Lai Henry Holt and Co. BYR Paperbacks
That Texas Blood 7 Chris Condon Jacob Phillips Image Comics
Rorschach 7 Tom King Jorge Fornés and Dave Stewart DC Comics
Strange Academy 7 Skottie Young Humberto Ramos and Edgar Delgado Marvel Comics
Night Bus 7 Zuo Ma Zuo Ma Drawn and Quarterly
Moon Knight 7 Jed Mackay Alessandro Cappuccio and Rachelle Rosenberg Marvel Comics
Iron Man 7 Christopher Cantwell CAFU and Juann Cabal Marvel Comics
Living with Viola 7 Rosena Fung Rosena Fung Annick Press
November Vol. IV 7 Matt Fraction Elsa Charretier Image Comics
Eternals 7 Kieron Gillen Esad Ribic Marvel Comics
Home Sick Pilots 7 Dan Watters Caspar Wijngaard Image Comics
COVID Chronicles: A Comics Anthology 7 Various Various Graphic Mundi
Chartwell Manor 7 Glenn Head Glenn Head Fantagraphics
After the Rain 7 Nnedi Okorafor and John Jennings David Brame Harry N. Abrams
Artie and the Wolf Moon 7 Olivia Stephens Olivia Stephens Graphic Universe ™
Tidesong 6 Wendy Xu Wendy Xu Quill Tree Books
The Flash 6 Jeremy Adams Fernando Pasarin DC Comics
The Blue Flame 6 Christopher Cantwell Adam Gorham Vault Comics
Superman: Son Of Kal-El 6 Tom Taylor John Timms, Gabe Eltaeb and Hi-Fi DC Comics
Static: Season One 6 Vita Ayala ChrisCross and Nikolas Draper-Ivey DC Comics
Robin and Batman 6 Jeff Lemire Dustin Nguyen DC Comics
Snow Angels 6 Jeff Lemire Jock Comixology Originals
Squad 6 Maggie Tokuda-Hall Lisa Sterle Greenwillow Books
Skulldigger + Skeleton Boy 6 Jeff Lemire Tonči Zonjić Dark Horse Books
The City of Belgium 6 Brecht Evens Brecht Evens Drawn and Quarterly
Sensor 6 Junji Ito Junji Ito VIZ Media
Let’s Talk About It 6 Erika Moen, Matthew Nolan Erika Moen, Matthew Nolan Random House Graphic
Infinitum: An Afrofuturist Tale 6 Tim Fielder Tim Fielder Amistad
Kaiju No. 8 6 Naoya Matsumoto Naoya Matsumoto ViZ Media
Ice Cream Man 6 W. Maxwell Prince Martin Morazzo and Chris O’Halloran Image Comics
My Love Mix-Up! 6 Wataru Hinekure Aruko VIZ Media
I Am Not Starfire 6 Mariko Tamaki Yoshi Yoshitani DC Comics
Jukebox 6 Nidhi Chanani Nidhi Chanani First Second
Fire Power 6 Robert Kirkman Chris Samnee Image Comics
Geiger 6 Geoff Johns Gary Frank and Brad Anderson Image Comics
Graveneye 6 Sloane Leong Anna Bowles TKO Studios
Guardians of the Galaxy 6 Al Ewing Juann Cabal, Marcio Takara and Juan Frigeri Marvel Comics
Batman: Wayne Family Adventures 6 CRC Payne StarBite, Maria Li and Lan Ma Webtoon – https://www.webtoons.com/en/slice-of-life/batman-wayne-family-adventures/list?title_no=3180&page=1
Batman: Urban Legends 6 Various Various DC Comics
Bubble 6 Jordan Morris and Sarah Morgan Tony Cliff and Natalie Riess First Second
Blue Period 6 Tsubasa Yamaguchi Tsubasa Yamaguchi Kodansha Comics
Friday 6 Ed Brubaker Marcos Martin and Muntsa Vicente Image Comics
The Parakeet 5 Espé Espé Graphic Mundi
Wonder Girl 5 Joelle Jones Adriana Melo and Jordie Bellaire DC Comics
When I Grow Up: The Lost Autobiographies of Six Yiddish Teenagers 5 Ken Krimstein Ken Krimstein Bloomsbury Publishing
The Joker 5 James Tynion IV Guillem March DC Comics
The Hazards of Love 5 Stan Stanley Stan Stanley Oni Press
X-Men 5 Jonathan Hickman and Gerry Dugan Various Marvel Comics
What’s the Furthest Place From Here? 5 Matthew Rosenberg Tyler Boss Image Comics
The Wrong Earth 5 Tom Peyer and Paul Constant Jamal Igle, Juan Castro, Frank Cammuso, Gary Erskine and Tom Feister AHOY Comics
Witch Hat Atelier 5 Kamome Shirahama Kamome Shirahama Kodansha Comics
The Mystery Of The Meanest Teacher: A Johnny Constantine Graphic Novel 5 Ryan North Derek Charm and Wes Abbot DC Comics
Tiny Tales: Shell Quest 5 Steph Waldo Steph Waldo HarperAlley
Turtle in Paradise 5 Jennifer L. Holm Savanna Ganucheau Random House Graphic
The Strange Death of Alex Raymond 5 Dave Sim and Carson Grubaugh Dave Sim and Carson Grubaugh Living the Line
Stillwater 5 Chip Zdarsky Ramón Pérez Image Comics
Scout’s Honor 5 David Pepose Luca Casalanguida and Matt Milla Aftershock Comics
Runaways 5 Rainbow Rowell Natacha Bustos and Andres Genolet Marvel Comics
Poison Ivy: Thorns 5 Kody Keplinger Sara Kipin, Jeremy Lawson and Steve Wands DC Comics
Parenthesis 5 Élodie Durand Élodie Durand Top Shelf Productions
Red Flowers 5 Yoshiharu Tsuge Yoshiharu Tsuge Drawn and Quarterly
Rebecca & Lucie in the Case of the Missing Neighbor 5 Pascal Girard Pascal Girard Drawn and Quarterly
Sir Edward Grey: Acheron 5 Mike Mignola Mike Mignola Dark Horse Books
Salt Magic 5 Hope Larson Rebecca Mock Margaret Ferguson Books
Renegade Rule 5 Ben Kahn, Rachel Silverstein Sam Beck Dark Horse Books
The Amazing Spider-Man 5 Various Various Marvel Comics
Karmen 5 Guillem March Guillem March Image Comics
I Walk with Monsters 5 Paul Cornell Sally Cantirino and Dearbhla Kelly Vault Comics
Look Back 5 Tatsuki Fujimoto Tatsuki Fujimoto VIZ Media
No One Returns from the Enchanted Forest 5 Robin Robinson Robin Robinson First Second
Inferno 5 Jonathan Hickman Valerio Schiti, Stefano Caselli and R. B. Silva Marvel Comics
Monstress 5 Marjorie Liu Sana Takeda Image Comics
Monster Friends 5 Kaeti Vandorn Kaeti Vandorn Random House Graphic
Mamo 5 Sas Milledge Sas Milledge BOOM! Studios
I Breathed A Body 5 Zac Thompson Andy MacDonald Aftershock Comics
Dark Knights of Steel 5 Tom Taylor Yasmine Putri DC Comics
Detective Comics 5 Mariko Tamaki Dan Mora, Viktor Bogdanovic, Daniel Henriques and Jordie Bellaire DC Comics
Haha 5 W. Maxwell Prince Various Image Comics
Crude: A Memoir 5 Pablo Fajardo, Sophie Tardy-Joubert Damien Roudeau Graphic Mundi
Fist of the North Star 5 Buronson Tetsuo Hara ViZ Media
A Sign Of Affection 5 Suu Morishita Suu Morishita Kodansha Comics
Celestia 5 Manuel Fior Manuel Fior Fantagraphics
Bad Sister 5 Charise Mericle Harper Rory Lucey First Second

The full spreadsheet with pivot tables for books, writers, artists, publishers and more is available here.

Regarding Publishers:

This year DC Comics was the most popular publisher with 105 different titles.

Marvel was 2nd place with 88 different titles.

Image was 3rd with 67 different titles.

Dark Horse was close behind with 60 different titles.

VIZ Media was 5th with 51 different titles.

59 Self-Published books made the list too.

The two most popular web comics were Batman: Wayne Family Adventures by CRC Payne, StarBite, Maria Li and Lan Ma (5 picks) and The Gift of Time by Lauren Weinstein (4 picks).


Caveats:

Where a reviewer/writer wrote ‘best of’ lists for multiple websites, I’ve cross referenced their lists and removed books that were named twice. I did not think it would be fair if those writers could tip the popularity scale by naming the same book(s) over and over again on multiple websites. Sadly, there was an increase of websites publishing lists with no credit to who (or whom) created the list. In those cases I marked them as n/a but the practice of not crediting writers is a shameful one.

If a writer wrote for multiple sites, but one of those sites picks was a group effort, I did not remove books that are listed twice.

I generally did not include lists that were a mixed of prose books and graphic novels unless there were a significant number of graphic novels on the list, or they had a list of GNs only and put a GN on a otherwise list of prose books. I did find there were more lists like that this year, which was one of the reasons it took me this long to finish this. Many YA prose books have Graphic Novel looking covers and I need to examine previews to determine if it’s comics or not. If this continues to be the trend I may need to just focus on GN/Comics only lists.

I did not use lists where the website was not in English and the books appeared to be translated versions.

With inkers and colourists I often, but not always included them within the Artist section. Where there were multiple (usually more than 5) involved in a book, or in the title’s run over the course of the year, various was used instead of listing them all. In some cases I combined those involved even if they worked on the title for different issues.

For simplicity sake, if a list named a specific comic book issue or specific volume of a graphic novel, I removed those specifics and just listed the series title, with rare exceptions. The same goes with issue #s. My apologies to the reviewers of those books.

Some reviewers included books that were published in 2020 or earlier. Normally the amount of times these books were mentioned isn’t significant, but I am seeing more and more books pop up that were comics series last year and came up again this year as a collected edition.

Most of the lists were general ‘best/favourite books’ of 2021, but I also included lists dedicated to young readers, manga, LGBTQ+, etc… What type list is noted on column B in the spreadsheet.

A small number of lists also had rankings and those are included in Column C.

This list of websites this list is compiled from:

AIPT https://aiptcomics.com/2021/12/21/best-comics-2021-part-1/
AIPT https://aiptcomics.com/2021/12/23/aipts-best-comics-of-2021-part-2/
AIPT https://aiptcomics.com/2021/12/26/aipt-comics-podcast-episode-153-best-comics-of-2021/
AIPT https://aiptcomics.com/2021/12/31/aipts-best-manga-and-anime-of-2021/
ALA https://www.ala.org/rt/gncrt/2021-best-graphic-novels-children-reading-list
ALA https://www.ala.org/rt/gncrt/2021-best-graphic-novels-adults-reading-list
Alex Jaffe https://www.dccomics.com/blog/2022/01/03/my-2021-top-three-alex-jaffe
Anchorage Daily News https://www.adn.com/arts/books/2021/12/25/our-reviewers-favorite-books-of-the-north-from-2021/
Anime Planet https://www.anime-planet.com/users/MangaInLibraries/lists/best-and-worst-manga-2021–new-york-comi-793223
Anime UK News https://animeuknews.net/2021/12/anime-uk-news-review-of-2021-part-2-manga-and-light-novels/
Autostraddle https://www.autostraddle.com/best-queer-books-2021/#comics
AV Club https://www.avclub.com/the-best-comics-of-2021-1848298433
Between the Shelves https://between-the-shelves.com/2021/12/2021-yearly-wrap-up/
Big Comic Page https://bigcomicpage.com/2021/12/27/best-comics-of-2021-mark-edition/
Big Comic Page https://bigcomicpage.com/2021/12/24/best-comics-of-2021-ceej-edition/
Book Riot https://bookriot.com/bestbooks2021/
Book Riot https://bookriot.com/best-childrens-books-of-2021/
Book Riot https://bookriot.com/ya-comics-from-2021/
Bookshop https://bookshop.org/lists/the-best-comics-and-graphic-novels-for-adults-2021
Borg https://borg.com/2021/12/16/borgs-best-of-2021-the-best-books/#more-65343
Boston Globe https://apps.bostonglobe.com/arts/graphics/2021/12/best-of-2021-books/
Brightly https://www.readbrightly.com/middle-grade-chapter-books-2021/
Broken Frontier https://www.brokenfrontier.com/broken-frontier-awards-2021-results/
Broken Frontier https://www.brokenfrontier.com/celebrating-2021-ten-uk-small-press-comics-you-need-to-own/
But Why Tho? https://butwhythopodcast.com/2021/12/09/year-in-review-top-manga-of-2021/
But Why Tho? https://butwhythopodcast.com/2021/12/09/best-bl-manga-of-2021/
But Why Tho? https://butwhythopodcast.com/2021/12/21/year-in-review-top-comics-of-2021/
Buzzfeed https://www.buzzfeed.com/farrahpenn/the-best-ya-books-of-2021
CBC https://www.cbc.ca/books/the-best-canadian-comics-of-2021-1.6286450
CBR https://www.cbr.com/best-2021-shojo-anime-manga/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/cbrs-top-100-comics-of-2021-100-76/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/cbrs-top-100-comics-of-2021-75-51/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/cbr-top-100-comics-of-2021-50-26/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/cbr-top-100-comics-of-2021-25-11/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/cbr-top-100-comics-of-2021-10-1/
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/200121216/2000678559
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/200121216/2009930559
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/200121216/2000663789
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/199702383_chipublib_adults/2006114679_best_books_of_2021?_ga=2.153138168.1115847762.1641860361-228142177.1640674497&_gl=1%2Awqumni%2A_ga%2AMjI4MTQyMTc3LjE2NDA2NzQ0OTc.%2A_ga_11XNMTZ0HG%2AMTY0MTg2MDM2MC4xLjEuMTY0MTg2MDkyNi4w&page=4
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/200049033_chipublib_kids/2006120199_best_informational_books_for_older_readers_of_2021?_ga=2.203013969.1115847762.1641860361-228142177.1640674497&_gl=1*18haqyu*_ga*MjI4MTQyMTc3LjE2NDA2NzQ0OTc.*_ga_11XNMTZ0HG*MTY0MTg2MDM2MC4xLjEuMTY0MTg2MDk2NS4w
CNN Philippines https://cnnphilippines.com/life/culture/literature/2021/12/31/our-best-komiks-of-2021.html
Code List (has payway) https://codelist.biz/2022/01/01/best-of-2021-part-5-comics-update-mexico/&ct=ga&cd=CAEYAioUMTEzNzM1MjU2Njc2OTE0Njc3NjcyGTEzMTcyY2ZkMzg2MTIxNzk6Y2E6ZW46Q0E&usg=AFQjCNG9T30R1WWOpoHnDe4XqZdRI-ZHrg
Comic Book Case https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/best-comics-2021-1-5-zack
Comic Book Case https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/best-comics-2021-zack-part-2
Comic Book Case https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/2022/1/4/best-comics-of-2021-16-to-25-zacks-picks
Comic Book Case https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/best-comics-2021-staff
Comic Book Herald https://www.comicbookherald.com/best-comics-of-2021/
Comic Book Revolution https://www.comicbookrevolution.com/best-comic-book-series-of-2021/
Comic Book Revolution https://www.comicbookrevolution.com/best-comic-book-single-issues-of-2021/
Comic Book Revolution https://www.comicbookrevolution.com/best-comic-book-storylines-of-2021/
Comic Front Line https://comicfrontline.com/2021/12/27/best-comic-books-of-2021-best-writer-penciler-ongoing-series-publisher-single-issue/
Comic Front Line https://comicfrontline.com/2021/12/20/best-comic-books-of-2021-under-the-radar-series-mini-series-shocking-moment-new-series/
Comic Front Line https://comicfrontline.com/2021/12/16/best-comic-books-of-2021-female-character-villain-indie-title-1/
Comic Front Line https://comicfrontline.com/2022/01/03/best-comic-books-of-2021-winners/
ComicBook https://comicbook.com/comics/news/2021-comicbook-golden-issue-awards-nominees-best-comics-comic-books/
ComicBook https://comicbook.com/anime/news/2021-golden-issue-award-best-manga/
Comicon https://www.comicon.com/2021/12/30/comicons-5-best-digital-webcomics-of-2021/
Comicon https://www.comicon.com/2021/12/28/comicons-5-best-single-issues-of-2021/
Comicon https://www.comicon.com/2021/12/28/comicons-5-best-comic-series-of-2021/
Comicon https://www.comicon.com/2021/12/28/comicons-5-best-ogns-of-2021/
Comics Grinder https://comicsgrinder.com/2021/12/29/best-comics-and-graphic-novels-of-2021/
Comics XF https://www.comicsxf.com/2021/12/17/best-comics-of-2021/
Cory Doctorow https://pluralistic.net/2021/12/08/required-ish-reading/
Cybils http://www.cybils.com/2022/01/2021-finalists-graphic-novels.html
Cybils http://www.cybils.com/2022/01/2021-finalists-easy-readers-and-early-chapter-books.html
Daily Herald Tribune https://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/entertainment/books/brown-what-were-the-top-10-comics-in-2021
DC Comics https://www.dccomics.com/blog/2022/01/06/my-2021-top-three-tim-beedle
Den of Geek https://www.denofgeek.com/comics/the-best-comics-of-2021/
Denver Library https://www.denverlibrary.org/teen/list/staff-favorites-2021-teen-books
Diverse Tech Geek https://www.diversetechgeek.com/10-favorite-graphic-novels-2021/
Diverse Tech Geek https://www.diversetechgeek.com/10-favorite-webcomics-2021-edition/
Donovan Morgan Grant https://www.dccomics.com/blog/2022/01/05/my-2021-top-three-donovan-morgan-grant
Doom Rocket https://doomrocket.com/hot-press-10-the-best-comics-of-2021/
Dual Shockers https://www.dualshockers.com/top-20-best-manga-of-2021-revealed-kono-manga-ga-sugoi/
EW https://ew.com/books/best-comics-of-2021/
Film School Rejects https://filmschoolrejects.com/best-comic-books-2021/
Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/robsalkowitz/2021/12/17/the-best-graphic-novels-of-2021/?sh=13a17da64614
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2021/12/29/four-color-apocalypse-year-in-review-top-ten-original-graphic-novels-2/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2021/12/28/four-color-apocalypse-2021-year-in-review-top-ten-contemporary-collections/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2021/12/26/four-color-apocalypse-2021-year-in-review-top-ten-vintage-collections/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2021/12/21/four-color-apocalypse-2021-year-in-review-top-ten-comics-series/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2021/12/21/four-color-apocalypse-2021-year-in-review-top-ten-single-issue-comics/
Games Radar https://www.gamesradar.com/best-comic-comics-2021-books-graphic-novels/
Geek Cast Radio https://www.geekcastradio.com/comics/top-100-comics-of-2021/
Geek Hard Show https://geekhardshow.com/2022/01/andrews-picks-ten-best-comics-of-2021/?doing_wp_cron=1642360816.2018659114837646484375
Geek Vibes Nation https://geekvibesnation.com/gvn-talking-comics-the-best-comics-of-2021-according-to-gvn/
GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-announces-nominees-33rd-annual-glaad-media-awards?fbclid=IwAR0ZE-0VL6b-2yJNgrhvl9uLai-LRguhkX8vsNl1ZrFi8lHAZmJcm9LeDVY
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-graphic-novels-comics-2021
Gosh https://goshlondon.com/kids/kids-gosh-best-of/?sort=newest
Gosh https://goshlondon.com/gosh-best-of/2021/
Graphic Novel Resources https://graphicnovelresources.blogspot.com/2022/01/my-2021-favorites.html
Graphic Policy https://graphicpolicy.com/2022/01/06/the-best-comics-of-2021/
Graphic Policy https://graphicpolicy.com/2022/01/01/bretts-favorite-comics-of-2021-and-a-reflection-on-the-past-year/
Graphic Policy https://graphicpolicy.com/2022/01/02/logans-favorite-comics-of-2021/
Graphic Policy https://graphicpolicy.com/2022/01/03/we-were-scared-horror-in-the-year-2021/
Grovel https://www.grovel.org.uk/category/best-of/best-graphic-novels-of-2021/
GWW https://thegww.com/best-comic-books-of-2021-gww-picks/
Horn Book https://www.hbook.com/story/fanfare-2021-booklist
Horror DNA https://www.horrordna.com/features/james-top-10-horror-comics-of-2021
Horror News Network https://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/horror-news-network-2021-comic-awards-best-mini-series-of-the-year/
Horror News Network https://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/horror-news-network-2021-comic-awards-best-series-of-the-year/
Horror News Network https://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/horror-news-network-2021-comic-awards-best-one-shot/
IGN https://www.ign.com/articles/best-comic-book-graphic-novel-2021
Imagination Soup https://imaginationsoup.net/best-chapter-middle-grade-books-2021/
Imagination Soup https://imaginationsoup.net/best-picture-books-2021/
Irish Times https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/best-books-for-christmas-2021-fiction-biography-sport-and-children-s-books-1.4732325
Jenn Haines https://www.facebook.com/jenn.haines.3/posts/10165842984015635
Kelly Knox https://www.dccomics.com/blog/2022/01/04/my-2021-top-three-kelly-knox
Kinder Comics https://www.kindercomics.org/blog/favoritesof2021
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-indie-childrens-books-of-2021/#raes-first-day
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-wordless-picture-books-2021/#alien-nation-bassi
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-middle-grade-nature-books-of-2021/
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-books-of-2021-for-beginning-readers/#see-the-dog
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-middle-grade-history-2021/#african-icons
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-middle-grade-graphic-fiction-of-2021/
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-memoirs-of-2021/#seek-you
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-ya-graphic-novels-of-2021/#himawari-house
Kotaku https://kotaku.com/the-11-best-manga-of-2021-1848272848
Laughing Place https://www.laughingplace.com/w/news/2021/12/30/the-year-in-marvel-comics-the-best-of-2021/
Level Up Entertainment https://levelupentertainment.com/news/2020/12/16/2021-didnt-completely-suck-awards
Library Journal https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/Best-Graphic-Novels-2021
Literary Hub https://lithub.com/the-best-reviewed-graphic-literature-of-2021/
Looper https://www.looper.com/680727/the-best-comics-of-2021/
Los Angeles Public Library https://www.lapl.org/books-emedia/lapl-reads/book-lists/best-2021-graphic-novels
Lotus Land https://www.lotuslandcomics.com/2021/12/the-best-comics-of-2021.html#.Yb1rxrLaCcM.twitter
Madison Public Library https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/reading-and-viewing/book-lists/graphic-novels-middle-grade-readers
Medium https://seamas.medium.com/the-best-comics-of-2021-by-me-the-celebrated-author-s%C3%A9amas-oreilly-7b1542b265c9
MiddleEastEye https://www.middleeasteye.net/discover/five-best-arab-comic-graphic-novel-releases-this-year
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-reprint/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-single-issue/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-one-shot/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-anthology/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-licensed/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-digital-first/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-limited/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-webcomic/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-manga/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-concluded/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-new-series/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-translated/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-ongoing/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-ogn/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/reader-poll/results-daredevil-ongoing-21/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-creators-yir-1/
Multnomah County Library http://bestof.multcolib.org/2021/#tags=comics%2Fgraphic+novels&view=covers&year=2021
Nerdist https://nerdist.com/article/best-comics-of-2021-nubia-static-night-bus-dc-marvel/
Nerdy Book Club https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2021/12/29/the-2021-nerdies-graphic-novels-announced-by-katherine-sokolowski/
Nerdy Book Club https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2021/12/28/the-2021-nerdies-early-readers-and-chapter-books-announced-by-alyson-beecher/
New York Public Library https://www.nypl.org/books-more/recommendations/best-books/adults?year=2021&f%5B0%5D=terms%3AComics
New York Public Library https://www.nypl.org/books-more/recommendations/best-books/teens?year=2021&f%5B0%5D=terms%3AComics
New York Public Library https://www.nypl.org/books-more/recommendations/best-books/kids?year=2021&f%5B0%5D=terms%3AGraphic%20Novels
New York Public Library https://www.nypl.org/books-more/recommendations/comics/adults
New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/12/books/review/artists-best-illustrated-childrens-books.html
New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/03/books/review/25-best-childrens-books.html
New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/10/books/best-graphic-novels-2021.html
NPR https://apps.npr.org/best-books/#tags=comics+%26+graphic+novels&view=covers&year=2021
Omaha Public Library http://topshelf.omahalibrary.org/#/tag/comic-graphic-novel
Orange County Register https://www.ocregister.com/2022/01/12/5-graphic-novels-to-read-now-tunnels-leonard-cohen-and-more/
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2021/12/rachels-2021-favorites-part-1.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2021/12/rachels-2021-favorites-part-2-graphic.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2021/12/seans-2021-favorites-long-box-short-box.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2021/12/robs-2021-favorites-part-1-short-list.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2021/12/robs-2021-favorites-part-2-my-favorite.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2021/12/james-2021-favorites-part-1-non-fiction.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2021/12/james-2021-favorites-part-2-superheroes.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2021/12/james-2021-favorites-part-3-favorite.html
Parents https://www.parents.com/fun/entertainment/books/best-chapter-books-for-kids-ages-5-to-12/
Pipedream Comics https://pipedreamcomics.co.uk/the-top-10-small-press-and-indie-comics-of-2021/
Pipedream Comics https://pipedreamcomics.co.uk/best-small-press-and-indie-comics-2021-20-11/
Pipedream Comics https://pipedreamcomics.co.uk/best-small-press-and-indie-comics-of-2021-30-21/
Pipedream Comics https://pipedreamcomics.co.uk/best-small-press-and-indie-comics-2021-40-31/
Pipedream Comics https://pipedreamcomics.co.uk/best-indie-and-small-press-comics-2021-50-41/
Polygon https://www.polygon.com/22821264/best-comics-2021-marvel-dc-manga
Pop Matters https://www.popmatters.com/best-books-2021-list-feature/5
Portsmouth NH Libraries https://portsmouth.bywatersolutions.com/cgi-bin/koha/opac-shelves.pl?op=view&shelfnumber=1555
Portsmouth NH Libraries https://portsmouth.bywatersolutions.com/cgi-bin/koha/opac-shelves.pl?op=view&shelfnumber=1548
Portsmouth NH Libraries https://portsmouth.bywatersolutions.com/cgi-bin/koha/opac-shelves.pl?op=view&shelfnumber=1549
Portsmouth NH Libraries https://portsmouth.bywatersolutions.com/cgi-bin/koha/opac-shelves.pl?op=view&shelfnumber=1546
Powells https://www.powells.com/staff-top-fives
Publishers Weekly https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/comics/article/88132-bechdel-s-secret-to-superhuman-strength-wins-pw-s-2021-graphic-novel-critics-poll.html
Publishers Weekly https://best-books.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/2021/young-adult
Publishers Weekly https://best-books.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/2021/comics
Publishers Weekly https://best-books.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/2021/middle-grade
Publishers Weekly https://best-books.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/2021/picture-books
Rad Raptor https://radraptor.com/index.php/2022/01/04/tims-best-comic-books-of-2021/
Rad Raptor https://radraptor.com/index.php/2022/01/01/jeff-conollys-best-comics-of-2021/
Rad Raptor https://radraptor.com/index.php/2021/12/31/andrews-best-comic-books-of-2021/
Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/graphicnovels/comments/rfhtw2/my_top_reads_of_2021_i_recommend_them_all/
SBNation https://www.nunesmagician.com/2021/12/31/22851917/tniaams-top-comic-books-of-2021
School Library Journal https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/?detailStory=best-graphic-novels-2021-slj-best-books
School Library Journal https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/?detailStory=slj-top-10-manga-2021
School Library Journal https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/?detailStory=slj-book-reviews-editors-favorite-books-read-in-2021
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/image-comics-best-books-2021/
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/best-comic-books-2021-marvel-dc/
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/best-single-issues-comics-2021/
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/best-marvel-comic-books-2021/
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/best-new-manga-titles-2021/
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/best-non-superhero-comic-books-2021/
Seattle Public Library https://www.spl.org/books-and-media/books-and-ebooks/staff-picks/seattle-staff-faves-2021-fiction?page=3
Sequential Planet https://sequentialplanet.com/best-comics-of-2021-comic-book-of-the-year/
Skokie Public Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/2634/2021-staff-picks-graphic-novels/
Skokie Public Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/2626/2021-staff-picks-grades-6-8/
Skokie Public Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/2625/2021-staff-picks-grades-4-5/
Skokie Public Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/2623/2021-staff-picks-ages-0-5/
Syfy https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/best-comic-books-of-2021
TCJ https://www.tcj.com/the-best-comics-of-2021/
Texas Public Library https://txla.org/news/2022-maverick-graphic-novel-reading-list-announced/
Texas Public Library https://txla.org/news/2022-little-maverick-graphic-reading-list-announced/
The Beat https://www.comicsbeat.com/best-comics-of-2021-list/
The Globe and Mail https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books/article-the-globe-100-the-books-we-loved-in-2021/
The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/dec/05/the-best-graphic-novels-of-2021
The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/dec/07/best-comics-and-graphic-novels-of-2021
The Indianapolis Public Library https://indypl.bibliocommons.com/list/share/1652485239/2013756539
The Irish Times https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/the-best-graphic-novels-of-2021-take-a-murderously-funny-trip-through-lockdown-1.4748160
The Mary Sue https://www.themarysue.com/2021-graphic-novel-gift-guide/
The Oklahoman https://www.oklahoman.com/story/entertainment/2021/12/30/taking-look-best-graphic-novels-2021/9035786002/
The Oklahoman https://www.oklahoman.com/story/entertainment/2022/01/07/word-balloons-which-periodical-comics-were-hits-2021-nightwing-and-daredevil-top-list/9081523002/
The Scotland Herald https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/19788922.best-graphic-novels-2021/
The Turnaround Blog https://theturnaroundblog.com/2021/03/16/queer-graphic-novel-reads-lgbtq-comics-for-2021/
The Turnaround Blog https://theturnaroundblog.com/2021/11/24/turnarounds-2021-staff-picks-graphic-novels/
The Turnaround Blog https://theturnaroundblog.com/2021/11/30/turnarounds-2021-staff-picks-nonfiction/
Toledo Public Library https://www.toledolibrary.org/tlcpl-best-books-of-2021
Tor https://www.tor.com/2021/12/16/best-young-adult-science-fiction-fantasy-and-horror-of-2021/
Under the Radar https://www.undertheradarmag.com/blog/under_the_radars_2021_holiday_gift_guide_part_6_books_and_graphic_novels
University of Pennsylvania https://www.gse.upenn.edu/news/penn-gse%E2%80%99s-best-books-young-readers-2021
Variety https://variety.com/shop/the-best-comics-of-2021-1235127525/
Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2021/11/18/best-graphic-novels/
Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/kidspost/2021/11/17/best-childrens-books-2021/
Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2021/11/18/best-feel-good-books/
What Culture https://whatculture.com/comics/10-best-short-marvel-comic-series-of-2021
Why So Blu? https://whysoblu.com/the-best-comics-of-2021/
Yuricon https://okazu.yuricon.com/2021/12/30/top-yuri-of-2021/

The Combined Best Comics & Graphic Novels of 2020!

Over the last 5 months there have been many, many websites with “Best of 2020” lists concerning comic books, manga and graphic novels. If you’ve looked at a few, you may have noticed some of the same books on different lists and seen some unique to only that list.

I went through 235 different URLs with “Best Of” Lists regarding comics and combined them into a spreadsheet. There are over 3,500 different listings of books from these websites. I should note that I’ve included books that were given honorable mentions. In short, if somebody thought it was a good book that you should check out, it’s on here.

This year I made a more of an effort to find best of lists with Manga on them. I find it odd that Manga in North America is as large as traditional comics publishers but there are much fewer ‘Best of Manga’ lists out by Manga reviewers. I did find some which likely lead to a particular Manga publisher getting more titles on the list this year.

Gene Luen Yang

Gene Luen Yang

 

The big story this year is Gene Luen Yang whose books were the #1 (Dragon Hoops) and #2 (Superman Smashes the Klan) books on the list. This is the first time an author took the first two spots with different books in a year. ComicsBeat picking him as the Comics Industry Person of the Year is very fitting.

 

 

Pivot tables have been created to show which books appeared on the number of lists. Here are the books with 5 mentions or more:

Book Title Count Writer Artist Publisher
Dragon Hoops 38 Gene Luen Yang Gene Luen Yang First Second
Superman Smashes the Klan 36 Gene Luen Yang Gurihiru DC Comics
The Magic Fish 34 Trung Le Nguyen Trung Le Nguyen Random House Graphic
When Stars Are Scattered 32 Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed Victoria Jamieson, Iman Geddy Dial Books
The Immortal Hulk 31 Al Ewing Various Marvel Comics
Daredevil 30 Chip Zdarsky Marco Checchetto, Francesco Mobili, Jorge Fornes, Nolan Woodard, Rachelle Rosenberg, Mattia Iacono Marvel Comics
The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Cartoonist 29 Adrian Tomine Adrian Tomine Drawn & Quarterly
The Department of Truth 29 James Tynion IV Martin Simmonds Image Comics
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen: Who Killed Jimmy Olsen 29 Matt Fraction Steve Leiber, Nathan Fairbairn DC Comics
Far Sector 28 NK Jemisin Jamal Campbell DC Comics
X-Men 28 Jonathan Hickman Leinil Francis Yu, R.B. Silva, Matteo Buffagni Marvel Comics
Kent State: Four Dead in Ohio 26 Derf Backderf Derf Backderf Harry N. Abrams
Snapdragon 25 Kat Leyh Kat Leyh First Second
Class Act 24 Jerry Craft Jerry Craft Quill Tree
Blue in Green 21 Ram V Anand RK, John J. Pearson Image Comics
Wonder Woman: Dead Earth 21 Daniel Johnson Daniel Johnson, Mike Spicer DC Comics
John Constantine: Hellblazer 21 Simon Spurrier Aaron Campbell, Jordie Bellaire DC Comics
Pulp 20 Ed Brubaker Sean Phillips, Jacob Phillips Image Comics
Marauders 20 Gerry Duggan, Vita Ayala Stefano Caselli, Matteo Lolli, Mario Del Pennino, Edgar Delgado, Federico Blee, Erick Arciniega Marvel Comics
Twins 20 Varian Johnson Shannon Wright Graphix
Dracula, motherf**ker! 19 Alex de Campi Erica Henderson Image Comics
Hellions 19 Zeb Wells, Tini Howard Stephen Segovia, David Curiel, Carmen Carnero Marvel Comics
Something Is Killing The Children 19 James Tynion IV Werther Dell’Edera BOOM! Studios
Paying the Land 19 Joe Sacco Joe Sacco Metropolitan Books
Flamer 19 Mike Curato Mike Curato Henry Holt and Co
Batman: The Three Jokers 18 Geoff Johns Jason Fabok, Brad Anderson DC Comics
Strange Adventures 18 Tom King Mitch Gerads, Doc Shaner DC Comics
Bitter Root 18 David F. Walker, Chuck Brown Sanford Greene, Sofie Dodgson Image Comics
Thor 18 Donny Cates Nic Klein, Aaron Kuder, Matthew Wilson Marvel Comics
Almost American Girl: An Illustrated Memoir 18 Robin Ha Robin Ha Balzer + Bray
Go with the Flow 18 Lily Williams, Karen Schneemann Lily Williams First Second
The Sky is Blue with a Single Cloud 17 Kiniko Tsurita Kiniko Tsurita Drawn & Quarterly
Once & Future 17 Kieron Gillen Tamra Bonvillain, Dan Mora BOOM! Studios
Slaughterhouse-Five: The Graphic Novel 17 Kurt Vonnegut, Ryan North Albert Monteys BOOM! Studios
Fire Power 16 Robert Kirkman Chris Samnee, Matthew Wilson Image Comics
Billionaire Island 16 Mark Russell Steve Pugh, Chris Chuckry Ahoy Comics
Familiar Face 15 Michael DeForge Michael DeForge Drawn & Quarterly
Wendy: Master of Art 15 Walter Scott Walter Scott Drawn & Quarterly
Banned Book Club 15 Kim Hyun Sook, Ryan Estrada Hyung-Ju Ko Iron Circus Comics
Sports is Hell 15 Ben Passmore Ben Passmore Koyama Press
Jack Kirby: The Epic Life Of The King Of Comics 14 Tom Scioli Tom Scioli Ten Speed Press
Stillwater 14 Chip Zdarsky Ramón K. Pérez, Mike Spicer Image Comics
A Map to the Sun 14 Sloane Leong Sloane Leong First Second
Dancing at the Pity Party: A Dead Mom Graphic Memoir 14 Tyler Feder Tyler Feder Dial Books
Dark Nights: Death Metal 13 Scott Snyder Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion, FCO Plascencia DC Comics
The Impending Blindness of Billie Scott 13 Zoe Thorogood Zoe Thorogood Avery Hill Publishing
Hedra 13 Jesse Lonergan Jesse Lonergan Image Comics
Long Way Down 13 Jason Reynolds Danica Novgorodoff Atheneum
X of Swords 12 Various Various Marvel Comics
Dancing After TEN 12 Vivian Chong, Georgia Webber Vivian Chong, Georgia Webber Fantagraphics
X-Men: Marvels Snapshots #1 12 Jay Edidin Tom Reilly, Chris O’Halloran Marvel Comics
You Brought Me the Ocean 12 Alex Sanchez Julie Maroh DC Comics
Vision 12 Julia Gfrörer Julia Gfrörer Fantagraphics
Year of the Rabbit 12 Tian Veasna Tian Veasna Drawn & Quarterly
The Man Without Talent 11 Yoshiharu Tsuge Yoshiharu Tsuge New York Review Books
Chasin’ the Bird: Charlie Parker in California 11 Dave Chisholm Dave Chisholm, Peter Markowski Z2 Comics
The Contradictions 11 Sophie Yanow Sophie Yanow Drawn & Quarterly
Displacement 11 Kiku Hughes Kiku Hughes First Second
Ice Cream Man 11 W. Maxwell Prince Martin Morazzo, Chris O’Halloran Image Comics
Stepping Stones 10 Lucy Knisley Lucy Knisley, Whitney Cogar Random House Graphic
X-Factor 10 Leah Williams David Baldeon Marvel Comics
Moms 10 Yeong-shin Ma Yeong-shin Ma Drawn & Quarterly
Spy x Family Vol. 1 10 Tatsuya Endo Tatsuya Endo VIZ Media
DCeased: Dead Planet 10 Tom Taylor Trevor Hairsine, Gigi Baldissini, Stefan Guadiano, Rain Beredo DC Comics
Maids 10 Katie Skelly Katie Skelly Fantagraphics
X-Force 10 Benjamin Percy Dustin Weaver, Joshua Cassara Marvel Comics
Big Black: Stand at Attica 10 Frank “Big Black” Smith, Jared Reinmuth Améziane Archaia
The Other History Of The DC Universe #1 9 John Ridley Giuseppe Camuncoli, Andrea Cucchi, Jose Villarrubia DC Comics
The Deep and Dark Blue 9 Niki Smith Niki Smith Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Ice Cream Man Presents: Quarantine Comix Special #1 9 Various Various Image Comics
Black Widow 9 Kelly Thompson Elena Casagrande. Jordie Bellaire Marvel Comics
Don’t Go Without Me 9 Rosemary Valero-O’Connell Rosemary Valero-O’Connell Shortbox
Becoming Horses 9 Disa Wallander Disa Wallander Drawn & Quarterly
Suicide Squad 9 Tom Taylor Bruno Redondo, Adriano Lucas DC Comics
Chainsaw Man 9 Tatsuki Fujimoto Tatsuki Fujimoto VIZ Media
Excalibur 9 Tini Howard Various Marvel Comics
AdventureMan 9 Matt Fraction Terry Dodson, Rachel Dodson Image Comics
Heartstopper 9 Alice Oseman Alice Oseman Graphix
Batman 9 James Tynion IV Jorge Jimenez, Tomeu Morey DC Comics
The Low, Low Woods 9 Carmen Maria Machado Dani, Tamra Bonvillain DC Comics
Paul at Home 9 Michel Rabagliati Michel Rabagliati Drawn & Quarterly
Portrait of a Drunk 8 Florent Ruppert, Jerome Mulot, Olivier Schrauwen Florent Ruppert, Jerome Mulot, Olivier Schrauwen Fantagraphics
S.W.O.R.D. 8 Al Ewing Valerio Schiti, Marte Gracia Marvel Comics
J&K 8 John Pham John Pham Fantagraphics
Skulldigger and Skeleton Boy 8 Jeff Lemire Tonci Zonjic Dark Horse Books
Goblin Girl 8 Moa Romanova Moa Romanova Fantagraphics
Alienated 8 Simon Spurrier Chris Wildgoose, Andre May BOOM! Studios
Shadow of the Batgirl 8 Sarah Kuhn Nicole Goux DC Comics
Undone by Blood or the Shadow of a Wanted Man 8 Zac Thompson, Lonnie Nadler Sami Kivelä, Jason Wordie AfterShock Comics
Crisis Zone 8 Simon Hanselmann Simon Hanselmann Web Comic
We Only Find Them When They’re Dead 8 Al Ewing Simone Di Meo BOOM! Studios
Venom 8 Donny Cates, David Michelinie Various Marvel Comics
Check, Please!, Book 2: Sticks & Scones 8 Ngozi Ukazu Ngozi Ukazu First Second
Beetle & the Hollowbones 8 Aliza Layne Aliza Layne, Natalie Riess, Kristen Acampora Atheneum
Fights: One Boy’s Triumph Over Violence 8 Joel Christian Gill Joel Christian Gill Oni Press
Seven Secrets 8 Tom Taylor Daniele Di Nicuolo, Walter Baiamonte, Katia Ranalli BOOM! Studios
Guardians of the Galaxy 8 Al Ewing Marcio Takara, Federico Blee Marvel Comics
Usagi Yojimbo 8 Stan Sakai Stan Sakai, Tom Luth IDW Publishing
Coffin Bound 8 Dan Watters Dani Image Comics
Breakwater 8 Katriona Chapman Katriona Chapman Avery Hill Publishing
Bowie: Stardust, Rayguns & Moonage Dreams 8 Steve Horton, Michael Allred Michael Allred, Laura Allred Insight Comics
Crossover 7 Donny Cates Geoff Shaw, Dee Cunniffe Image Comics
Séance Tea Party 7 Reimena Yee Reimena Yee Random House Graphic
Donut Feed the Squirrels 7 Mika Song Mika Song Random House Graphic
Ex.Mag 7 Various Various Peow Studios
Empyre 7 Al Ewing, Dan Slott Valerio Schiti, Marte Gracia Marvel Comics
The Dreaming: Waking Hours 7 G. Willow Wilson Nick Robles, Mat Lopes DC Comics
The Green Lantern: Season Two 7 Grant Morrison Liam Sharp, Steve Oliff DC Comics
Pea, Bee, & Jay Vol. 1 7 Brian “Smitty” Smith Brian “Smitty” Smith HarperAlley
Killadelphia 7 Rodney Barnes Jason Shaw, Luis NCT Image Comics
All Together Now 7 Hope Larson Hope Larson, Hillary Sycamore, Katrina Edwards Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Come Home, Indio: A Memoir 7 Jim Terry Jim Terry Street Noise Books
Basketful of Heads 7 Joe Hill Leomacs, Dave Stewart DC Comics
Gideon Falls 7 Jeff Lemire Andrea Sorrentino, Dave Stewart Image Comics
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 7 Sophie Campbell Sophie Campbell, Ronda Pattison IDW Publishing
I Know You Rider: A Memoir 7 Leslie Stein Leslie Stein Drawn & Quarterly
Black Heroes of the Wild West 7 James Otis Smith James Otis Smith TOON Graphics
Astronauts: Women on the Final Frontier 7 Jim Ottaviani Maris Wicks First Second
Lightfall: The Girl and the Galdurian 7 Tim Probert Tim Probert HarperAlley
My Hero Academia 7 Kōhei Horikoshi Kōhei Horikoshi VIZ Media
Solutions and Other Problems 7 Allie Brosh Allie Brosh Simon and Schuster
Primer 6 Jennifer Muro, Thomas Krajewski Gretel Lusky DC Comics
Ping Pong 6 Taiyo Matsumoto Taiyo Matsumoto VIZ Media
Arlo & Pips: King of the Birds 6 Elise Gravel Elise Gravel HarperAlley
Umma’s Table 6 Yeon-Sik Hong Yeon-Sik Hong Drawn & Quarterly
A Man and His Cat 6 Umi Sakurai Umi Sakurai Square Enix Manga
The Swamp 6 Yoshiharu Tsuge Yoshiharu Tsuge Drawn & Quarterly
Glass Town: The Imaginary World of the Brontës 6 Isabel Greenberg Isabel Greenberg Harry N. Abrams
Noisemakers: 25 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World 6 Various Various Knopf Books for Young Readers
Wynd 6 James Tynion IV Michael Dialynas BOOM! Studios
Decorum 6 Jonathan Hickman Mike Huddleston Image Comics
Redfork 6 Alex Paknadel Nil Vendrell, Giulia Brusco TKO Studios
Kill A Man 6 Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Steve Orlando Al Morgan AfterShock Comics
Bang! 6 Matt Kindt Wilfredo Torres, Nayoung Kim Dark Horse Books
Parable of the Sower:  A Graphic Novel Adaptation 6 Octavia E. Butler, Damian Duffy John Jennings Harry N. Abrams
Witch Hat Atelier 6 Kamome Shirahama Kamome Shirahama Kodansha Comics
Money Shot 6 Tim Seeley, Sarah Beattie Rebekah Isaacs, Kurt Michael Russell Vault Comics
November 6 Matt Fraction Elsa Charretier, Matt Hollingsworth Image Comics
Shirley and Jamila Save Their Summer 6 Gillian Goerz Gillian Goerz Dial Books
Black Stars Above 6 Lonnie Nadler Jenna Cha, Brad Simpson Vault Comics
Die 6 Kieron Gillen Stephanie Hans Image Comics
The Times I Knew I Was Gay 6 Eleanor Crewes Eleanor Crewes Scribner
Green Lantern: Legacy 6 Minh Lê Andie Tong DC Comics
Reckless 5 Ed Brubaker Sean Phillips, Jacob Phillips Image Comics
Avengers 5 Jason Aaron Various Marvel Comics
What We Don’t Talk About 5 Charlot Kristensen Charlot Kristensen Avery Hill Publishing
Catherine’s War 5 Julia Billet, Claire Fauvel Claire Fauvel HarperAlley
Blood On The Tracks 5 Shuzo Oshimi Shuzo Oshimi Vertical Comics
Child Star 5 Box Brown Box Brown First Second
A Cat Story 5 Ursula Murray Husted Ursula Murray Husted Quill Tree
Hotell 5 John Lees Dalibor Talajić, Lee Loughridge AWA Studios
Lost Soldiers 5 Aleš Kot Luca Casalanguida, Heather Moore Image Comics
Sex Criminals 5 Matt Fraction, Chip Zdarsky Chip Zdarsky Image Comics
Boston Corbett 5 Andy Douglas Day Andy Douglas Day Sonatina
Lonely Receiver 5 Zac Thompson Jen Hickman AfterShock Comics
We Served the People: My Mother’s Stories 5 Emei Burell Emei Burell Archaia
Plunge 5 Joe Hill Stuart Immonen, Dave Stewart DC Comics
The Dark Matter of Mona Starr 5 Laura Lee Gulledge Laura Lee Gulledge Amulet Books
Iron Man 5 Christopher Cantwell C Cafu, Frank D’ARMATA Marvel Comics
Giga 5 Alex Paknadel John Le, ROSH Vault Comics
Titan 5 François Vigneault François Vigneault Oni Press
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin 5 Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird, Tom Waltz Esau Escorza, Isaac Escorza, Luis Antonio Delgado, Kevin Eastman, Samuel Planta IDW Publishing
Consent (for Kids!): Boundaries, Respect, and Being in Charge of You 5 Rachel Brian Rachel Brian Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Be Gay, Do Comics 5 Various Various IDW Publishing
The Plot 5 Michael Moreci Tim Daniel, Kurt Michael Russel Vault Comics
Kodi 5 Jared Cullum Jared Cullum Top Shelf Productions
Justice League Dark 5 Ram V Various DC Comics
The Phantom Twin 5 Lisa Brown Lisa Brown First Second
Undiscovered Country 5 Scott Snyder, Charles Soule Giuseppe Camuncoli, Daniele Orlandini, Matt Wilson Image Comics
Amazing Spider-Man 5 Nick Spencer, Matthew Rosenberg Various Marvel Comics
Fence 5 C.S. Pacat Johanna the Mad BOOM! Studios
Fangs 5 Sarah Andersen Sarah Andersen Andrews McMeel Publishing
The Butcher Of Paris 5 Stephanie Phillips Dean Kotz, Jason Wordie Dark Horse Books
Eight-Lane Runaways 5 Henry McCausland Henry McCausland Fantagraphics
Bug Boys 5 Laura Knetzger Laura Knetzger Random House Graphic
Teen Titans: Beast Boy 5 Kami Garcia Gabriel Picolo DC Comics
Dead Day 5 Ryan Parrott Evgeniy Bornyakov, Juancho Velez AfterShock Comics
Excellence 5 Brandon Thomas Khary Randolph, Emilio Lopez Image Comics
The Last Halloween: Book 1 5 Abby Howard Abby Howard Iron Circus Comics

The full spreadsheet with pivot tables for books, writers, artists, publishers and more is available here.

Regarding Publishers:

DC Comics was again the most popular publisher with 122 different titles.

Marvel was again 2nd place with 90 different titles.

Image stayed at 3rd place with 76 different titles.

VIZ improved to 4th place with 50 different titles.

Dark Horse Books dropped to 5th place with 36 different titles.

There were also 49 Self-Published books that made the list.

The most popular web comics were Simon Hanselmann’s Crisis Zone (8)
Olivia Jaimes’ Nancy (4) and Rachel Smith’s Quarantine Comix (3)

Caveats:

The vast majority of books are listed under their imprint names, not their head publisher names.

Where a reviewer/writer wrote ‘best of’ lists for multiple websites, I’ve cross referenced their lists and removed books that were named twice. I did not think it would be fair if those writers could tip the popularity scale by naming the same book(s) over and over again on multiple websites. Sadly, there was an increase of websites publishing lists with no credit to who (or whom) created the list. In those cases I marked them as either n/a or various but the practice of not crediting writers is a shameful one.

If a writer wrote for multiple sites, but one of those sites picks was a group effort, I did not remove books that are listed twice.

I generally did not include lists that were a mixed of prose books and graphic novels unless there were a significant number of graphic novels on the list.

I did not use lists where the website was not in English and the books appeared to be translated versions.

With inkers and colourists I often, but not always included them within the Artist section. Where there were multiple (usually more than 5) involved in a book, or in the title’s run over the course of the year, various was used instead of listing them all. In some cases I combined those involved even if they worked on the title for different issues.

For simplicity sake, if a list named a specific comic book issue or specific volume of a graphic novel, I removed those specifics and just listed the series title, with rare exceptions. The same goes with issue #s. My apologies to the reviewers of those books.

Some reviewers included books that were published in 2019 or earlier. Normally the amount of times these books were mentioned isn’t significant but I found this year there were a lot more 2019 and earlier books mentioned in these lists. I suspect reviewers having more time on their hands due to Covid were reading unread books from previous years and including them on their lists.

Most of the lists were general ‘best/favourite books’ of 2020, but I also included lists dedicated to young readers, manga, LGBTQ+, etc… What type list is noted on column B in the spreadsheet.

A small number of lists also had rankings and those are included in Column C.

This list of websites this list is compiled from:

A.V. Club https://aux.avclub.com/the-best-comics-of-2020-1845983246
ALA http://www.ala.org/yalsa/2021-great-graphic-novels-teens
Alu https://twitter.com/WSJ_manga/status/1339453430876794882?s=19 (also: https://alu.jp/article/TLPEf6L0gNgxNdmaC81c)
Amino https://aminoapps.com/c/anime/page/blog/top-10-romance-manga-of-2020/3YtB_upP6Zg1prg8LJvbmwL0WDNG5
Amino https://aminoapps.com/c/comics/page/blog/my-top-30-comics-of-2020-guidelines-honorable-mentions/wPio_uB8WGLQKWZn6VxvpZ8raJjB6v
Amino https://aminoapps.com/c/comics/page/blog/my-favorite-comics-of-2020-part-1-30-21/NxiM_u3MgM5Q4E3bEZ6DzMke8QKBkX
Amino https://aminoapps.com/c/comics/page/blog/my-favorite-comics-of-2020-part-2-20-11/aai0_uK1aZqY01e06vYMXDb0KJlwMo
Amino https://aminoapps.com/c/comics/page/blog/my-top-10-comics-of-2020/baio_uBDZkjGm7qoYLZJ3Dv6d63GbL
Between the Shelves https://between-the-shelves.com/2020/12/2020-yearly-wrap-up/
Big Comic Page https://bigcomicpage.com/2020/12/23/bcps-best-of-2020-ceej-edition/
Big Comic Page https://bigcomicpage.com/2020/12/22/bcps-best-of-2020-mark-edition/
Big In Japan Grayman https://biginjapangrayman.wordpress.com/2020/12/30/top-reads-of-2020/
Bleeding Cool https://bleedingcool.com/comics/james-hepplewhites-top-6-comics-of-2020/
Book by Book https://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2021/01/best-books-read-in-2020.html
Book Riot https://bookriot.com/best-childrens-books-of-2020/
Book Riot https://bookriot.com/queer-comics-and-manga/
Borg https://borg.com/2020/12/18/borgs-best-of-2020-the-best-comics-and-games/
Boston Globe https://apps.bostonglobe.com/arts/graphics/2020/12/best-books-of-2020/
But Why Tho? https://butwhythopodcast.com/2020/12/17/year-in-review-top-comics-of-2020/
But Why Tho? https://butwhythopodcast.com/2020/12/18/year-in-review-top-manga-of-2020/
Canada Live https://canadalive.news/2020/12/30/comics-the-best-of-2020/
CBC https://www.cbc.ca/books/the-best-canadian-comics-of-2020-1.5840897
CBC https://www.cbc.ca/books/the-best-canadian-ya-and-middle-grade-books-of-2020-1.5831743
CBR https://www.cbr.com/best-dc-comics-2020-gift-guide/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/best-indie-comics-2020-gifts-holidays/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/marvel-best-2020-comics-for-gifting/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/best-comics-2020-cbr-editor-picks/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/cbr-editor-picks-the-best-manga-of-2020/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/marvel-comics-best-stories-releases-2020/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/dc-must-read-comics-2020/
Comic Attack https://comicattack.net/canet-top-5-of-2020-fan-poll-results/
Comic Attack https://comicattack.net/ca-top-5-of-2020-fan-poll-results-pt-2/
Comic Book Herald https://www.comicbookherald.com/best-comics-of-2020/
Comic Book Lounge https://comicbooklounge.com/2021/01/05/best-of-2020/
Comic Book Revolution https://www.comicbookrevolution.com/best-of-2020-manga-series/
Comic Book Revolution https://www.comicbookrevolution.com/best-of-2020-comic-book-single-issues/
Comic Book Revolution https://www.comicbookrevolution.com/best-of-2020-comic-book-storylines/
Comic Book Revolution https://www.comicbookrevolution.com/best-of-2020-comic-book-series/
Comic Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/reading-lists-archive/best-single-issue-comics-2020
Comic Booked https://comicbooked.com/comic-bookeds-best-of-2020/
Comic Frontline https://comicfrontline.com/2020/12/13/best-comic-books-of-2020-best-male-female-character-villain-indie-title-1/
Comic Watch https://comic-watch.com/news/comic-watchs-top-dc-comics-picks-of-2020
Comic Watch https://comic-watch.com/news/comic-watchs-top-indie-comic-picks-of-2020
Comic Watch https://comic-watch.com/news/comic-watchs-top-marvel-comics-picks-of-2020
Comic Years https://comicyears.com/comics/the-best-non-superhero-comics-of-2020/
Comicon https://www.comicon.com/2020/12/28/comicons-7-best-ogns-of-2020/
Comicon https://www.comicon.com/2020/12/28/comicons-7-best-comic-series-of-2020/
Comicon https://www.comicon.com/2020/12/28/comicons-7-best-single-issues-of-2020/
Comicon https://www.comicon.com/2020/12/30/comicons-7-best-digital-webcomics-of-2020/
Comics Beat https://www.comicsbeat.com/the-50-best-comics-of-2020/
Comics Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/reading-lists-archive/best-comics-2020-comics-bookcase-staff
Comics bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/reading-lists-archive/ariel-baska-2020-comics
Comics Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/best-comics-2020-top-5
Comics Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/best-comics-2020-6-to-11
Comics Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/best-comics-2020-16-to-25
Den of Geek https://www.denofgeek.com/comics/the-best-comics-of-2020/
Dennis Vogen https://dennisvogen.com/2020/12/31/best-comics-of-2020/
Diverse Tech Geek https://www.diversetechgeek.com/anthonys-2020-graphic-novel-picks/
Doom Rocket https://doomrocket.com/best-comics-2020/
Entertainment Weekly https://ew.com/books/the-best-comics-of-2020/
Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/robsalkowitz/2020/12/18/the-best-graphic-novels-of-2020/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2021/01/06/four-color-apocalypse-2020-year-in-review-top-10-original-graphic-novels/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2021/01/05/four-color-apocalypse-2020-year-in-review-top-10-contemporary-collections/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2021/01/05/four-color-apocalypse-2020-year-in-review-top-10-vintage-collections/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2020/12/28/four-color-apocalypse-2020-year-in-review-top-10-ongoing-series/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2020/12/24/four-color-apocalypse-2020-year-in-review-top-10-single-issues/
Four Color Apocalypse (Ryan Carey) https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2020/12/29/four-color-apocalypse-2020-year-in-review-top-10-special-mentions/
Geek Cast Radio https://www.geekcastradio.com/comics/top-100-comics-of-2020/
Geek Hard https://geekhardshow.com/2021/01/andrews-picks-ten-best-comics-of-2020/
Geek Tyrant https://geektyrant.com/news/tommys-favorite-things-of-2020
Globe and Mail (behind Paywall) https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books/article-the-globe-100-our-favourite-books-of-2020/
God Hates Geeks https://godhatesgeeks.com/the-geeeek-awards-best-comics-of-2020-joker-war-vs-x-of-swords/
GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-graphic-novels-comics-2020
Grovel https://www.grovel.org.uk/category/best-of/best-graphic-novels-of-2020/
Hipinion https://forums.hipinion.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=142718
IGN https://www.ign.com/articles/best-comic-book-series-2020
IGN https://www.ign.com/articles/best-limited-comic-books-graphic-novels-2020
Jenn Haines https://www.facebook.com/jenn.haines.3/posts/10164546654750635?__cft__[0]=AZWbL9duRQcp5LkcAfaDKpK2ILQBaBDmcTZpODGRsZEX0e7PfEFsWPIF9ca8Z4TdwG0EGPOBdrx2WbhsAm_H_FF5mYSw
Library Journal https://www.libraryjournal.com/?detailStory=best-books-of-2020-graphic-novels
Literary Hub https://lithub.com/the-best-reviewed-graphic-literature-of-2020/
London Free Press https://lfpress.com/entertainment/local-arts/graphic-novels-dan-browns-top-picks-of-2020
Looper https://www.looper.com/302819/best-comics-of-2020/
Los Angeles Public Library https://www.lapl.org/books-emedia/lapl-reads/book-lists/best-2020-graphic-novels
Madison Public Library https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/reading-and-viewing/book-lists/graphic-novels-2020
Medium https://cryptoscatology.medium.com/the-top-ten-graphic-novels-of-2020-da089f7c6f81
Medium https://level.medium.com/level-chops-it-up-about-the-best-comics-of-2020-c5866e219e95
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2020-yir-ogn/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2020-yir-ongoing/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2020-yir-new-series/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2020-yir-completed-series/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2020-yir-one-shot/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2020-yir-manga/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2020-yir-webcomic/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2020-yir-best-digital-first/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2020-yir-single-issue/
Nerdist https://nerdist.com/article/best-comics-of-2020/
New York Public Library – Adults https://www.nypl.org/books-more/recommendations/best-books/adults?f%5B0%5D=terms%3AGraphic%20Novels
New York Public Library – Kids https://www.nypl.org/books-more/recommendations/best-books/kids?f%5B0%5D=terms%3AGraphic%20Novels
New York Public Library – Teens https://www.nypl.org/books-more/recommendations/best-books/teens?f%5B0%5D=terms%3AComics
New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/09/books/review/best-graphic-novels.html?partner=IFTTT
New York Times – Children’s Books https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/02/books/review/best-childrens-books.html
NPR https://apps.npr.org/best-books/#reset=true&tags=comics+%26+graphic+novels&year=2020
Nunes Magician https://www.nunesmagician.com/2020/12/31/22198138/tniaams-top-comic-books-of-2020-marvel-comics-ranking-recommendations
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2020/12/seans-favorite-comics-of-2020-long.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2020/12/james-favorite-comics-for-2020.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2020/12/mikes-favorite-comics-of-2020.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2021/01/robs-favorite-comics-of-2020-part-1.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2021/01/robs-favorite-comics-of-2020-part-2.html
Pipedream Comics https://pipedreamcomics.co.uk/best-indie-and-small-press-comics-2020-50-41/
Pipedream Comics https://pipedreamcomics.co.uk/best-indie-and-small-press-comics-2020-40-31/
Pipedream Comics https://pipedreamcomics.co.uk/best-indie-and-small-press-comics-2020-30-21/
Pipedream Comics https://pipedreamcomics.co.uk/best-indie-and-small-press-comics-2020-20-11/
Pipedream Comics https://pipedreamcomics.co.uk/best-indie-and-small-press-comics-of-2020-10-2/
Pipedream Comics https://pipedreamcomics.co.uk/the-winner-of-best-indie-and-small-press-comics-2020-is/
Polygon https://www.polygon.com/comics/22179033/best-comics-2020
Pop Culture Squad https://popculturesquad.com/2020/12/22/year-in-review-best-new-comics-of-2020/
Pop Matters https://www.popmatters.com/best-books-2020-fiction-2644659425.html?rebelltitem=23#rebelltitem23
Pop Matters https://www.popmatters.com/best-books-2020-non-fiction-2644659215.html
Portsmouth NH Libraries https://portsmouth.bywatersolutions.com/cgi-bin/koha/opac-shelves.pl?op=view&shelfnumber=1056
Portsmouth NH Libraries https://portsmouth.bywatersolutions.com/cgi-bin/koha/opac-shelves.pl?op=view&shelfnumber=1053
Powells https://www.powells.com/post/lists/the-best-scifi-fantasy-horror-and-graphic-novels-of-2020
Powells https://www.powells.com/post/lists/best-of-kids-and-ya-2020
Publisher Weekly https://best-books.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/2020/comics#book/book-1
Publishers Weekly https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/comics/article/85141-kent-state-on-top-of-pw-s-2020-graphic-novel-critics-poll.html
Publishers Weekly https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/85201-children-s-publishers-choose-their-favorite-reads-of-2020.html
Rate Your Music https://rateyourmusic.com/list/mrlackadaisical/favorite-comics-2020/
Review Fix https://reviewfix.com/2020/12/2020-graphic-novel-year-in-review/
Right Stuf https://www.rightstufanime.com/post/Best-Manga-Of-2020
Scary Mommy https://www.scarymommy.com/booked-mindy-kaling-scary-mommy-book-club/
School Library Journal https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/?detailStory=best-graphic-novels-2020-slj-best-books
School Library Journal https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/?detailStory=SLJ-Top-10-Manga-of-2020
School Library Journal https://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/2020/12/19/comics/
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/2020-best-new-comics-marvel-dc-launched/
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/best-marvel-dc-comics-missed-overlooked-in-2020/
Seattle Public Library https://www.spl.org/books-and-media/books-and-ebooks/staff-picks/graphic-novels-we-love-2020
Sequential Planet https://sequentialplanet.com/best-comics-of-2020-best-limited-series/
Sequential Planet https://sequentialplanet.com/best-comics-of-2020-best-single-issues/
Sequential Planet https://sequentialplanet.com/best-comics-of-2020-best-new-series/
100 Scope Notes https://100scopenotes.com/2020/12/19/top-20-books-of-2020-the-full-list/
411 Mania https://411mania.com/movies/the-2020-411-comic-book-awards-winners/
Adventures in Poor Taste https://aiptcomics.com/2021/01/03/aipt-comics-podcast-episode-104-best-in-comics-2020/
ALA GRAPHIC NOVELS & COMICS ROUND TABLE http://www.ala.org/rt/gncrt/best-graphic-novels-adults-reading-list
AutoStraddle https://www.autostraddle.com/67-of-the-best-queer-books-of-2020/#comics
Book Riot https://bookriot.com/best-books-of-2020
Broken Frontier https://www.brokenfrontier.com/celebrating-2020-ten-small-press-comics-need-own/
Broken Frontier https://www.brokenfrontier.com/broken-frontier-awards-2020-zoe-thorogood-shazleen-khan-avery-hill-gosh-comics/
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/200121216_chipublib_teens/1769533449_best_teen_graphic_novels_and_manga_of_2020
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/200049033_chipublib_kids/1772749279_best_fiction_for_younger_readers_of_2020
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/200049033_chipublib_kids/1772060709_best_fiction_for_older_readers_of_2020
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/200049033_chipublib_kids/1772725699_best_informational_books_for_older_readers_of_2020
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/199702383_chipublib_adults/1772946599_best_books_of_2020
Comic Watch https://comic-watch.com/news/comic-watch-presents-the-2021-annual-watchie-awards-nominees
ComicBook https://comicbook.com/anime/news/2020-comicbook-golden-issue-awards-best-manga-my-hero-academia/
ComicBook https://comicbook.com/comics/news/2020-comicbookcom-golden-issue-awards-best-graphic-novel-dracula/
ComicBook https://comicbook.com/comics/news/2020-comicbookcom-golden-issue-awards-best-ongoing-comic-xmen/
ComicBook https://comicbook.com/comics/news/2020-comicbookcom-golden-issue-awards-best-limited-series-supermans-pal-jimmy-olsen-dc/
Comics Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/best-graphic-novels-2020
Cybils http://www.cybils.com/2021/01/2020-finalists-graphic-novels.html
Denver Library https://teens.denverlibrary.org/booklist/best-brightest-teen-graphic-novels-2020
Free Library of Philadelphia https://libwww.freelibrary.org/blog/?action=post&id=4442
Glaad https://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-announces-nominees-32nd-annual-glaad-media-awards
Gosh! https://goshlondon.com/gosh-best-of/adult-2020/
Gosh! https://goshlondon.com/gosh-best-of/kids-2020/
Gotham Calling https://www.gothamcalling.com/2020s-books-year-part-1/
Gotham Calling https://www.gothamcalling.com/2020s-books-year-part-2/
Gotham Calling https://www.gothamcalling.com/2020s-books-year-part-3/
Gotham Calling https://www.gothamcalling.com/2020s-books-year-part-4/
Gotham Calling https://www.gothamcalling.com/2020s-books-year-part-5/
Graphic Novel Resources https://graphicnovelresources.blogspot.com/2021/01/my-favorite-books-of-2020.html
Graphic Policy https://graphicpolicy.com/2021/01/01/logans-favorite-comics-of-2020/
Graphic Policy https://graphicpolicy.com/2021/01/01/bretts-favorite-comics-of-2020-and-a-reflection-on-the-past-year/
Horn Book https://www.hbook.com/?detailStory=fanfare-2020-booklist
Horror DNA https://www.horrordna.com/features/james-top-10-horror-comics-of-2020
Horror News Network http://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/2020-horror-comic-award-winners/
Imagination Soup https://imaginationsoup.net/best-middle-grade-chapter-books-2020/#anchor-4
Iowa City Public Library https://www.icpl.org/books-more/staff-picks/lists/icpl-top-picks-2020-sci-fifantasy-graphic-novels
Kinder Comics https://www.kindercomics.org/blog/25-favorite-print-comics-of-2020
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/best-of/2020/nonfiction/books/
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/best-of/2020/middle-grade/books/
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-graphic-ya-books-of-2020
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-ya-romance-of-2020/
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-ya-biography-and-memoir-of-2020
Level up Entertainment https://levelupentertainment.com/news/2020/12/16/2020-didnt-completely-suck-awards
Libraririe D+Q https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/staff-picks-2020-anna
Libraririe D+Q https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/staff-pick-2020-teddy
Libraririe D+Q https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/staff-picks-2020-arizona-oneill
Libraririe D+Q https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/staff-picks-2020-saelan-twerdy
Libraririe D+Q https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/2020-s-picks-catherine
Libraririe D+Q https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/staff-picks-2020-alyssa-favreau
Libraririe D+Q https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/staff-picks-2020-chantal
Libraririe D+Q https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/staff-picks-2020-rachel
Libraririe D+Q https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/staff-picks-2020-francine
Libraririe D+Q https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/staff-picks-2020-mara
Libraririe D+Q https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/staff-picks-2020-gigi
LRM Online https://lrmonline.com/news/best-comics-of-2020-the-comic-source-awards-part-1/
LRM Online https://lrmonline.com/news/best-comics-of-2020-the-comic-source-awards-part-2/
Multnomah County Library http://bestof.multcolib.org/2020/#/tag/comics-graphic
Nerdy Book Club https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2020/12/29/the-2020-nerdies-graphic-novels-announced-by-katherine-sokolowski/
New Retro Wave https://newretrowave.com/2020/12/31/top-10-comics-graphics-novels-of-2020/
Now Read This! https://www.comicsreview.co.uk/nowreadthis/2020/12/18/wins-top-ten-best-and-most-enjoyable-must-read-this-list-2020/
Omaha Public Library http://topshelf.omahalibrary.org/
Rad Raptor https://radraptor.com/index.php/2020/12/30/jeff-conollys-top-10-comic-books-of-2020/
Rad Raptor https://radraptor.com/index.php/2020/12/27/andrews-top-ten-comics-of-2020/
Read Brightly https://www.readbrightly.com/best-books-of-2020-tweens/
Ready Steady Cut https://readysteadycut.com/2021/01/01/the-best-and-worst-comics-from-2020/
Skokie Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/2121/2020-staff-picks-graphic-novels/
Skokie Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/2087/2020-staff-picks-2020-grades-4-5/
Skokie Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/2088/2020-staff-picks-grades-6-8/
Skokie Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/2119/2020-staff-picks-teen/
Smash Pages http://smashpages.net/2021/01/04/our-favorite-comics-of-2020/#more-26391
Solrad https://solrad.co/solrads-the-best-comics-of-2020
Sora News https://soranews24.com/2020/12/31/10-amazing-manga-to-read-over-the-winter-holidays/
Sputnik Music https://www.sputnikmusic.com/list.php?listid=194593
Syfy https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/comics-wire-best-comics-of-2020-this-weeks-hot-reads
TCJ https://www.tcj.com/the-best-comics-of-2020/
Texas Library Association https://txla.org/news/2021-little-maverick-reading-list-announced/
Texas Library Association https://txla.org/tools-resources/reading-lists/maverick/current-list/
The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/nov/28/best-comics-and-graphic-novels-of-2020
The Guardian (author Pick – Sophie Yanow) https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/dec/06/the-best-books-of-2020-picked-by-our-acclaimed-guest-authors
The Hearld https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/18960140.best-graphic-novels-2020-according-metaphrog-edward-ross-ricky-miller/
The Hollywood Reporter https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/the-best-comics-of-2020
The Indianapolis Public Library https://indypl.bibliocommons.com/list/share/1652485239/1788894799
The Oklahoman https://oklahoman.com/article/5679827/word-balloons-comics-fight-back-despite-challenging-year
The Sun Daily https://www.thesundaily.my/buzz/10-mangas-to-read-before-the-end-of-2020-YN5348818
The Turnaround Blog https://theturnaroundblog.com/2020/11/27/turnarounds-2020-staff-picks-graphic-novels/
The Young Folks https://www.theyoungfolks.com/books/150210/12-best-graphic-novels-of-2020/
Today https://www.today.com/shop/25-best-kids-books-2020-t203124#anchor-GraphicNovels
Toledo Library https://www.toledolibrary.org/blog/great-comics-of-2020
University of Pennsylvania https://www.gse.upenn.edu/news/educators-playbook/best-books-young-readers-2020
Waking Brain Cells https://wakingbraincells.com/2021/01/13/
Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/2020-graphic-novels/2020/11/16/f8c1c876-242c-11eb-952e-0c475972cfc0_story.html
What Culture https://whatculture.com/comics/10-best-comic-books-of-2020-2
Why So Blu? https://whysoblu.com/the-best-comics-of-2020/
Xavier Files https://www.xavierfiles.com/2020/12/17/xavier-files-best-comics-of-2020/
Yuricon https://okazu.yuricon.com/2020/12/29/okazu-top-yuri-manga-of-2020/

The Combined Best Comics & Graphic Novels of 2019!

Over the last few months there have been many, many websites with “Best of 2019” lists concerning comic books, manga and graphic novels. If you’ve looked at a few, you may have noticed some of the same books on different lists and seen some unique to only that list.

I went through over 208 different URLs with “Best Of” Lists regarding comics and combined them into a spreadsheet. There are almost 3,200 different listings of books from these websites. I should note that I’ve included books that were given honorable mentions. In short, if somebody thought it was a good book that you should check out, it’s on here. Pivot tables have been created to show which books appeared on the number of lists. Here are the books with 5 mentions or more:

Book Title Count Writer Artist Publisher
House of X/Powers of X 61 Jonathan Hickman Pepe Larraz, R.B. Silva, Marte Gracia Marvel Comics
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me 55 Mariko Tamaki Rosemary Valero-O’Connell First Second
The Immortal Hulk 42 Al Ewing Joe Bennet Marvel Comics
The Hard Tomorrow 34 Eleanor Davis Eleanor Davis Drawn & Quarterly
They Called Us Enemy 31 George Takei, Justin Eisinger and Steven Scott Harmony Becker Top Shelf Productions
Die 31 Kieron Gillen Stephanie Hans Image Comics
Rusty Brown 28 Chris Ware Chris Ware Pantheon
Guts 28 Raina Telgemeier Raina Telgemeier Graphix
These Savage Shores 26 Ram V Sumit Kumar Vault Comics
Little Bird 25 Darcy Van Poelgeest Ian Bertram Image Comics
New Kid 24 Jerry Craft Jerry Craft Quill Tree Books
DCeased 24 Tom Taylor Trevor Hairsine, Neil Edwards DC Comics
Are You Listening? 23 Tillie Walden Tillie Walden First Second
When I Arrived At The Castle 22 Emily Carroll Emily Carroll Koyama Press
The River at Night 22 Kevin Huizenga Kevin Huizenga Drawn & Quarterly
Once & Future 21 Kieron Gillen Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain BOOM! Studios
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen 20 Matt Fraction Steve Lieber DC Comics
Clyde Fans 20 Seth Seth Drawn & Quarterly
Spider-Man: Life Story 19 Chip Zdarsky Mark Bagley Marvel Comics
Daredevil 19 Chip Zdarsky Marco Checchetto, Lalit Kumar Sharma, & Jorge Fornes Marvel Comics
Criminal 19 Ed Brubaker Sean Phillips Image Comics
Stargazing 19 Jen Wang Jen Wang First Second
Green Lantern 18 Grant Morrison Liam Sharp DC Comics
Hot Comb 18 Ebony Flowers Ebony Flowers Drawn & Quarterly
Bloom 18 Kevin Panetta Savanna Ganucheau First Second
Is This How You See Me? 17 Jaime Hernandez Jaime Hernandez Fantagraphics
Gender Queer 17 Maia Kobabe Maia Kobabe Lion Forge
BTTM FDRS 17 Ezra Claytan Daniels Ben Passmore Fantagraphics
Silver Surfer: Black 16 Donny Cates Tradd Moore & Dave Stewart Marvel Comics
Middlewest 16 Skottie Young Jorge Corona Image Comics
Gideon Falls 16 Jeff Lemire Andrea Sorrentino Image Comics
Kid Gloves 16 Lucy Knisley Lucy Knisley Fantagraphics
This Was Our Pact 16 Ryan Andrews Ryan Andrews First Second
Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations 15 Mira Jacob Mira Jacob One World
Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass 15 Mariko Tamaki Steve Pugh DC Comics
Naomi 14 Brian Michael Bendis, David F. Walker Jamal Campbell DC Comics
Pumpkinheads 14 Rainbow Rowell Faith Erin Hicks First Second
Queen of the Sea 14 Dylan Meconis Dylan Meconis Walker Books
Bitter Root 14 David F. Walker, Chuck Brown Sanford Greene Image Comics
Crowded 14 Christopher Sebela Ro Stein, Ted Brandt Image Comics
Mister Miracle 13 Tom King Mitch Gerads DC Comics
Making Comics 12 Lynda Barry Lynda Barry Drawn & Quarterly
Batman: Last Knight On Earth 12 Scott Snyder Greg Capullo DC Comics
The Wicked + The Divine 12 Kieron Gillen Jamie Mckelvie, Matt Wilson Image Comics
Invisible Kingdom 11 G. Willow Wilson Christian Ward, Christian Ward Dark Horse Comics
Pittsburgh 11 Frank Santoro Frank Santoro New York Review Books
Paper Girls 11 Brian K. Vaughan Cliff Chiang, Matthew Wilson Image Comics
Best Friends 11 Shannon Hale LeUyen Pham First Second
Witch Hat Atelier 11 Kamome Shirahama Kamome Shirahama Kodansha Comics
Giant Days 11 John Allison Max Sarin BOOM! Studios
Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man 10 Tom Taylor Juan Cabal Marvel Comics
Lois Lane 10 Greg Rucka Mike Perkin DC Comics
Something Is Killing the Children 10 James Tynion IV Werther Dell’edera, Miquel Muerto BOOM! Studios
Assassin Nation 10 Kyle Starks Erica Henderson Image Comics
Superman Smashes The Klan 10 Gene Luen Yang Gurihiru DC Comics
Murder Falcon 10 Daniel Warren Johnson Daniel Warren Johnson Image Comics
X-Men 9 Jonathan Hickman Leinil Francis Yu Marvel Comics
Batman: Curse of the White Knight 9 Sean Murphy Sean Murphy DC Comics
Second Coming 9 Mark Russell Cayetano Valenzuela, Richard Pace Ahoy Comics
This Woman’s Work 9 Julie Delporte Julie Delporte Drawn & Quarterly
White Bird 9 R.J. Palacio R.J. Palacio Knopf Books for Young Readers
Peter Cannon: Thunderbolt 9 Kieron Gillen Caspar Wijngaard Dynamite
Our Dreams at Dusk: Shimanami Tasogare 9 Yuhki Kamatani Yuhki Kamatani Seven Seas Entertainment
Blackbird 9 Sam Humphries Jen Bartel Image Comics
The Plot 9 Tim Daniel, Michael Moreci Joshua Hixson Vault Comics
The White Trees 9 Chip Zdarsky Kris Anka Image Comics
Kiss Number 8 9 Colleen AF Venable Ellen T. Crenshaw First Second
Doomsday Clock 9 Geoff Johns Gary Frank, Brad Anderson DC Comics
I Was Their American Dream 9 Malaka Gharib Malaka Gharib Clarkson Potter
Coda 9 Simon Spurrier Matias Bergara BOOM! Studios
Nancy: A Comic Collection 8 Olivia James Olivia James Andrews McMeel Publishing
Absolute Carnage 8 Donny Cates Ryan Stegman Marvel Comics
Mooncakes 8 Suzanne Walker Wendy Xu Oni Press
Clue: Candlestick 8 Dash Shaw Dash Shaw IDW Publishing
Leaving Richard’s Valley 8 Michael DeForge Michael DeForge Drawn & Quarterly
Captain Marvel 8 Kelly Thompson Lee Garbett, Carmen Carnero, James Stokoe, Annapaola Martello Marvel Comics
Ascender 8 Jeff Lemire Dustin Nguyen Image Comics
Ice Cream Man 8 W. Maxwell Prince Martin Morazzo Image Comics
Batman 8 Tom King Various DC Comics
Blank Canvas: My So-Called Artist’s Journey 8 Akiko Higashimura Akiko Higashimura Seven Seas Entertainment
Cats Of The Louvre 8 Taiyo Matsumoto Taiyo Matsumoto VIZ Media
The Okay Witch 8 Emma Steinkellner Emma Steinkellner Aladdin Books
Grass 8 Keum Suk Gendry-Kim Keum Suk Gendry-Kim Drawn & Quarterly
Bad Gateway 8 Simon Hanselmann Simon Hanselmann Fantagraphics
Buffy the Vampire Slayer 7 Jordie Bellaire Dan Mora, Raul Angulo BOOM! Studios
Harleen 7 Stjepan Sejic Stjepan Sejic DC Comics
Marauders 7 Gerry Duggan Matteo Lolli Marvel Comics
Road of Bones 7 Rich Douek Alex Cormack IDW Publishing
Sentient 7 Jeff Lemire Gabriel Walta TKO Studios
Frogcatchers 7 Jeff Lemire Jeff Lemire Gallery 13
Runaways 7 Rainbow Rowell Various Marvel Comics
Conan the Barbarian 7 Jason Aaron Mahmud Asrar, Gerrardo Zaffino and Garry Brown Marvel Comics
A Fire Story 7 Brian Fies Brian Fies Harry N. Abrams
The Handmaid’s Tale 7 Margaret Atwood Renée Nault Nan A. Talese
Dial H for Hero 7 Sam Humphries Arist Devn, Joe Quinones DC Comics
Sobek 7 James Stokoe James Stokoe Shortbox
Venom 7 Donny Cates Ryan Stegman, Mark Bagley, Iban Coello Marvel Comics
Justice League 7 Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV Jorge Jimenez, Francis Manapul DC Comics
In Waves 7 A.J. Dungo A.J. Dungo Nobrow
Waves 7 Ingrid Chabbert Carole Maurel Archaia
Komi Can’t Communicate 6 Tomohito Oda Tomohito Oda VIZ Media
Ironheart 6 Eve Ewing Lucian Vecchio Marvel Comics
The Batman Who Laughs 6 Scott Snyder Jock, David Baron DC Comics
Money Shot 6 Tim Seeley, Sarah Beattie Rebekah Isaacs Vault Comics
King Thor 6 Jason Aaron Esad Ribić, Ive Svorcina Marvel Comics
Snow, Glass, Apples 6 Neil Gaiman Colleen Doran Dark Horse Comics
Sabrina the Teenage Witch 6 Kelly Thompson Veronica Fish Archie Comics
Cannabis: The Illegalization of Weed in America 6 Box Brown Box Brown First Second
Bradley of Him 6 Connor Willumsen Connor Willumsen Koyama Press
The War of the Realms 6 Jason Aaron Russell Dauterman Marvel Comics
Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy: A Graphic Novel 6 Rey Terciero Bre Indigo Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Fearscape 6 Ryan O’Sullivan Andrea Mutti Vault Comics
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 6 Kevin Eastman, Bobby Curnow, Tom Waltz Various IDW Publishing
East of West 6 Jonathan Hickman Nick Dragotta Image Comics
Thor 6 Jason Aaron Mike del Mundo Marvel Comics
The Walking Dead 6 Robert Kirkman Charlie Adlard, Cliff Rathburn Image Comics
Off Season 6 James Sturm James Sturm Drawn & Quarterly
Copra 6 Michel Fiffe Michel Fiffe Image Comics
Sara 6 Garth Ennis Steve Epting, Elizabeth Breitweiser TKO Studios
The Drifting Classroom HC 5 Kazuo Umezz Kazuo Umezz VIZ Media
Outer Darkness 5 John Layman Afu Chan Image Comics
Angel 5 Bryan Edward Hill Gleb Melnikov, Gabriel Cassata BOOM! Studios
Internet Crusader 5 George Wylesol George Wylesol Avery Hill Publishing
X-Force 5 Benjamin Percy Joshua Cassara Marvel Comics
Far Sector 5 N.K. Jemisin Jamal Campbell DC Comics
Commute: An Illustrated Memoir of Female Shame 5 Erin Williams Erin Williams Harry N. Abrams
For Real 5 James Romberger James Romberger Uncivilized Books
Bezimena 5 Nina Bunjevac Nina Bunjevac Fantagraphics
How I Tried To Be A Good Person 5 Ulli Lust Ulli Lust Fantagraphics
Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Crisis in a Half Shell #6 5 James Tynion IV Freddie E. Williams I, Jeremy Colwell, Kevin Eastman IDW Publishing
Meet the Skrulls 5 Robbie Thompson Marcos Martin Marvel Comics
Kramer’s Ergot #10 5 Various Various Fantagraphics
Faithless 5 Brian Azzarello Maria Llovet BOOM! Studios
Bury the Lede 5 Gaby Dunn Claire Roe BOOM! Studios
Excellence 5 Brandon Thomas Khary Randolph, Emilio Lopez Image Comics
Drawing Power: Women’s Stories of Sexual Violence, Harassment, and Survival 5 Various Various Harry N. Abrams
The Unstoppable Wasp 5 Jeremy Whitley Gurihiru Marvel Comics
Cannonball 5 Kelsey Wroten Kelsey Wroten Uncivilized Books
Usagi Yojimbo 5 Stan Sakai Stan Sakai IDW Publishing
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Vol 4: The Tempest 5 Alan Moore Kevin O’Neill Top Shelf Productions
Amazing Spider-Man 5 Nick Spencer, Clay Chapman, Zeb Wells, Keaton Patti Various Marvel Comics
Reincarnation Stories 5 Kim Deitch Kim Deitch Fantagraphics
Penny Nichols 5 M.K. Reed, Greg Means Matt Wiegle Top Shelf Productions
Grip 5 Lale Westvind Lale Westvind Perfectly Acceptable Press
Wasted Space 5 Michael Moreci Hayden Sherman Vault Comics
I Know What I Am: The Life and Times of Artemisia Gentileschi 5 Gina Siciliano Gina Siciliano Fantagraphics
American Carnage 5 Bryan Hill Leandro Fernandez DC Comics
Beastars 5 Paru Itagaki Paru Itagaki VIZ Media
Alienation 5 Inés Estrada Inés Estrada Fantagraphics
Swimming In Darkness 5 Lucas Harari Lucas Harari Arsenal Pulp Press
Monstress 5 Marjorie Liu Sana Takeda Image Comics
Operatic 5 Kyo Maclear Byron Eggenschwiler Groundwood Books
Skip 5 Molly Mendoza Molly Mendoza Nobrow
Creation 5 Sylvia Nickerson Sylvia Nickerson Drawn & Quarterly
Pilu of the Woods 5 Mai K. Nguyen Mai K. Nguyen Oni Press
Black Hammer: Age of Doom 5 Jeff Lemire Dean Ormston, Dave Stewart Dark Horse Comics
King of King Court 5 Travis Dandro Travis Dandro Drawn & Quarterly
Cosmoknights 5 Hannah Templer Hannah Templer Top Shelf Productions
Marvel Comics #1000 5 Various Various Marvel Comics
Friendo 5 Alex Paknadel Martin Simmonds Vault Comics
The Wild Storm 5 Warren Ellis Jon Davis Hunt DC Comics
Canto 5 David M. Booher Drew Zucker IDW Publishing

The full spreadsheet with pivot tables for books, writers, artists, publishers and more is available here.

Regarding Publishers:

This year DC Comics was the most popular publisher with 97 different titles.

Marvel was 2nd place with 83 different titles.

Image dropped to 3rd with 78 different titles.

Dark Horse had 43 different titles.

Fantagraphics  had 41 different titles.

55 Self-Published books made the list too.

Caveats:

One thing I tried be more consistent with this year was using the imprint name with publishers. In the past I would put EG Raina Telgemeier’s books under the umbrella company name Scholastic instead of it’s imprint name Graphix, then I would put First Second books under imprint name First Second and not their umbrella company name of Macmillan. Now they are all under the imprint name and that applies to comic book publishers as well.

Where a reviewer/writer wrote ‘best of’ lists for multiple websites, I’ve cross referenced their lists and removed books that were named twice. I did not think it would be fair if those writers could tip the popularity scale by naming the same book(s) over and over again on multiple websites. Sadly, there was an increase of websites publishing lists with no credit to who (or whom) created the list. In those cases I marked them as Unknown but the practice of not crediting writers is a shameful one.

If a writer wrote for multiple sites, but one of those sites picks was a group effort, I did not remove books that are listed twice.

I generally did not include lists that were a mixed of prose books and graphic novels unless there were a significant number of graphic novels on the list.

I did not use lists where the website was not in English and the books appeared to be translated versions.

With inkers and colourists I often, but not always included them within the Artist section. Where there were multiple (usually more than 5) involved in a book, or in the title’s run over the course of the year, various was used instead of listing them all. In some cases I combined those involved even if they worked on the title for different issues.

For simplicity sake, if a list named a specific comic book issue or specific volume of a graphic novel, I removed those specifics and just listed the series title, with rare exceptions. The same goes with issue #s. The vast majority of reviewers listed House of X and Powers of X as one series. There were a few odd cases of a reviewer picking a single issue or only one of those series, I’ve listed them as the combined House of X/Powers of X. Also, 4 people chose Bad Weekend: Criminal – I changed it to just Criminal as that’s what most reviewers picked. My apologies to the reviewers of those books.

Some reviewers included books that were published in 2018 or earlier. Normally the amount of times these books were mentioned isn’t significant but this year one book is. Mister Miracle which was popular on last years list (when it was running as a comic book) is also popular on this years list when it was collected and published as a graphic novel.

Most of the lists were general ‘best/favourite books’ of 2019, but I also included lists dedicated to young readers, manga, LGBTQ+, etc… What type list is noted on column B in the spreadsheet.

A small number of lists also had rankings and those are included in Column C.

This list of websites this list is compiled from:

411 Mania https://411mania.com/movies/the-2019-411-comic-book-awards-house-of-x-batman-conan-more/
Adventures In Poor Taste https://www.adventuresinpoortaste.com/2020/01/07/aipts-favorite-comics-of-2019/
Advocate https://www.advocate.com/books/2019/12/23/best-lgbtq-graphic-novels-2019
Affino https://www.affino.com/blogs/my-blog–stefan/best-of-entertainment-for-2019—albums-songs-movies-tv-and-graphic-novels
Already has another list? https://radraptor.com/index.php/2020/01/03/rad-raptors-top-ten-comics-of-2019/
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/b/ref=amb_link_7?ie=UTF8&node=17296227011
Amazon.ca https://www.amazon.ca/s?i=stripbooks&bbn=17932503011&rh=n%3A916520%2Cn%3A2418666011%2Cn%3A2418668011%2Cn%3A3034670011%2Cn%3A17932503011%2Cn%3A13932641&dc&fst=as%3Aoff&qid=1575173553&rnid=927726&ref=sr_pg_1
Animo Apps https://aminoapps.com/c/comics/page/blog/kitemans-top-50-comics-of-2019-guidelines-and-honorable-mentions/Q8iX_ulXVbYbYn2klkjBn8dL6l3JMd
Animo Apps https://aminoapps.com/c/comics/page/blog/kitemans-top-50-comics-of-2019-50-41/zqix_uDpgp2mB2qxBoEQXQb2w2wMGg
Animo Apps https://aminoapps.com/c/comics/page/blog/kitemans-top-50-comics-of-2019-40-31/NxiM_u3eDBa4Dxl7LWkBYboq2VmL43
Animo Apps https://aminoapps.com/c/comics/page/blog/kitemans-top-50-comics-of-2019-30-21/EJiP_uvZ5dKDvM4n8QGPamd6Y2zNj
Animo Apps https://aminoapps.com/c/comics/page/blog/kitemans-top-50-comics-of-2019-20-11/k2iG_upYKGdmrrBwYvGE6LWKjWeGWx
Animo Apps https://aminoapps.com/c/comics/page/blog/kitemans-top-50-comics-of-2019-10-1/xxi2_u38ger2wGYJpPww7abw5W0DEo
Animo Apps https://aminoapps.com/c/comics/page/blog/comics-best-of-2019/Q8iX_ulo3PnoQPB3g1BRBdqXndLJ0l
Austin Texas Library https://library.austintexas.gov/recommended/whats-hot/721800
AutoStraddle https://www.autostraddle.com/55-of-the-best-queer-books-of-2019/
AV Club https://aux.avclub.com/the-20-best-comics-of-2019-1840464630
Berkeley Place https://berkeleyplaceblog.com/2019/12/11/my-favorite-comics-of-2019/
Big Comic Page https://bigcomicpage.com/2019/12/17/bcps-best-of-2019-mark-edition/
Big Comics Page https://bigcomicpage.com/2019/12/17/bcps-best-of-2019-ceej-edition/
Big Shiny Robot https://bigshinyrobot.com/editorial/the-wizeguy-best-of-2019/
Black Sci-Fi https://blacksci-fi.com/top-black-comics-of-2019/
Booklist https://www.booklistonline.com/Top-10-Graphic-Novels-2019-Sarah-Hunter/pid=9722377?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
Booklist https://www.booklistonline.com/Top-10-Graphic-Novels-for-Youth-2019-Sarah-Hunter/pid=9722320
Bookriot https://bookriot.com/2019/12/06/2019-graphic-memoirs/
Borg https://borg.com/2019/12/29/borgs-best-of-2019-the-best-in-comics/
Broken Frontier http://www.brokenfrontier.com/broken-frontier-awards-2019-announcing-winners/
Brooklyn Public Library https://www.bklynlibrary.org/
But Why Tho? https://butwhythopodcast.com/2019/12/25/top-comics-of-2019/
But Why Tho? https://butwhythopodcast.com/2019/12/27/year-in-review-top-comic-issues-of-2019/
CBC https://www.cbc.ca/books/the-best-canadian-comics-of-2019-1.5382861
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/200121216_chipublib_teens/1526338949_best_teen_graphic_novels_and_manga_of_2019
Comic Attack https://comicattack.net/canet-2019-fan-poll-results-pt-1/
Comic Attack https://comicattack.net/canet-2019-fan-poll-results-pt-2/
Comic Book Herald https://www.comicbookherald.com/the-best-comics-of-2019/
Comic Book Lounge https://comicbooklounge.com/2020/01/01/2019-books/
Comic Book Revolution https://www.comicbookrevolution.com/top-10-comic-books-of-2019/
Comic Front Line https://comicfrontline.com/2019/12/02/best-comic-books-of-2019-cover-artist-event-one-shot-cover/
Comic Frontline https://comicfrontline.com/2019/12/23/best-comic-books-of-2019-best-1-under-the-radar-series-mini-series-shocking-moment-new-series/
Comic Frontline https://comicfrontline.com/2019/12/30/best-comic-books-of-2019-best-writer-penciler-ongoing-series-publisher-single-issue/
Comic Frontline https://comicfrontline.com/2020/01/06/best-comic-books-of-2019-winners/
Comicbook https://comicbook.com/comics/2019/12/31/the-2019-golden-issue-nominees/#10
ComicBooked https://comicbooked.com/comic-bookeds-best-of-2019/
Comicon http://www.comicon.com/2019/12/31/comicons-most-progressive-comics-of-2019/
Comicon http://www.comicon.com/2019/12/27/comicons-7-best-comic-series-of-2019/
Comicon http://www.comicon.com/2019/12/27/comicons-7-best-ogns-of-2019/
Comicon http://www.comicon.com/2019/12/31/comicons-5-best-digital-webcomics-of-2019/
Comics and More https://comics-and-more.blogspot.com/2020/01/top-ten-comics-of-2019.html
Comics Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/2019/12/24/best-comics-of-2019-contributor-picks
Comics Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/2019/12/27/best-single-issues-of-2019-house-of-x-superman-and-the-walking-dead
Comics Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/2019/12/27/best-new-comics-series-of-2019-vault-comics-undiscovered-country-dawn-of-x-and-more
Comics Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/2019/12/28/best-comics-of-2019-16-25
Comics Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/2019/12/28/best-comics-of-2019-6-15
Comics Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/2019/12/29/best-comics-of-2019-1-5
Comics Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/2020/1/6/best-graphic-novels-of-2019-bttm-fdrs-guts-the-replacer-rusty-brown-and-more
Comics Bulletin http://comicsbulletin.com/comics-bulletins-best-of-2019-part-1-the-series/
Comics Bulletin http://comicsbulletin.com/comics-bulletins-best-of-2019-part-2-the-stories/
Comics The Gathering https://www.comicsthegathering.com/blogs/stephengervais/13342/our-favorite-books-2019
ComicsBeat https://www.comicsbeat.com/the-best-comics-of-2019/
Cosmic Comics https://www.cosmiccomics.vegas/reviews/reviews-comics/top-comic-books-of-2019/
Cybils http://www.cybils.com/2020/01/2019-finalists-graphic-novels.html
Den of Geek https://www.denofgeek.com/us/books/284857/best-comics-of-2019
Denver Library https://kids.denverlibrary.org/booklist/best-brightest-graphic-novels-2019
Doom Rocket https://doomrocket.com/best-comics-2019/
Drawn & Quarterly Bookstore http://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/staff-picks-2019-flore
Entertainment Weekly https://ew.com/books/2019/12/20/the-best-comics-of-2019/
Entropy https://entropymag.org/best-of-2019-comics-graphic-novels/
Fantagraphics http://fantagraphics.com/flog/whats-in-store-best-comix-of-2019/
Folio https://www.foliomag.com/books-print-people/
Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/robsalkowitz/2019/12/13/the-best-graphic-novels-of-2019/#702938ab584d
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2019/12/08/four-color-apocalypse-year-in-review-top-ten-original-graphic-novels/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2019/12/08/four-color-apocalypse-2019-year-in-review-top-ten-special-mentions/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2019/12/07/four-color-apocalypse-2019-year-in-review-top-ten-collected-editions-contemporary/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2019/12/06/four-color-apocalypse-2019-year-in-review-top-ten-collected-editions-vintage/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2019/12/04/four-color-apocalypse-2019-year-in-review-top-ten-ongoing-series/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2019/12/01/four-color-apocalypse-2019-year-in-review-top-ten-single-issues/
Fox Force Five News http://www.foxforcefivenews.com/top-10-comics-of-2019-featuring-invisible-kingdom-sentient-these-savage-shores/
Free Library of Philadelphia https://libwww.freelibrary.org/blog/post/3972
Fully Booked https://www.fullybookedonline.com/books/best-books-of-2019/graphic-novel-and-manga.html
Gamespot https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/the-best-comics-and-graphic-novels-of-2019/2900-3330/
Geek Cast Radio https://www.geekcastradio.com/comics/top-100-comics-of-2019/
Geek Hard Show https://geekhardshow.com/2020/01/andrews-picks-ten-best-comics-of-2019/?doing_wp_cron=1578192893.4391438961029052734375
Geekade https://geekade.com/staff-picks-best-book-or-comic
Gizmodo https://io9.gizmodo.com/our-favorite-comics-of-2019-1840377374
Glaad https://www.glaad.org/mediaawards/31/2020%20nominees
Good Reads https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-graphic-novels-comics-2019
Gosh! https://www.goshlondon.com/blog/2019/11/13/the-gosh-best-of-2019-kids
Gosh! https://www.goshlondon.com/blog/2019/11/13/the-gosh-best-of-2019-adult
Graphic Novel Resources https://graphicnovelresources.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-graphic-novels-of-2019.html
Graphic Policy https://graphicpolicy.com/2020/01/01/alexs-best-comics-of-2018-2/
Grovel http://www.grovel.org.uk/category/best-of/best-graphic-novels-of-2019/
Heroic Girls http://www.heroicgirls.com/the-20-best-graphic-novels-of-2019/
Hipinion https://forums.hipinion.com/viewtopic.php?t=132816&p=8225146
Hipinion https://forums.hipinion.com/viewtopic.php?p=8245968#p8245968
Hollywood Reporter https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/best-comics-2019-1265254
Horror DNA https://www.horrordna.com/features/james-top-10-horror-comics-of-2019
Horror News Network http://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/horror-news-networks-comic-awards-2019-best-anthology/
Horror News Network http://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/horror-news-networks-comic-awards-2019-best-one-shot/
Horror News Network http://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/horror-news-networks-comic-awards-2019-best-mini-series/
Horror News Network http://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/horror-news-networks-comic-awards-2019-series-of-the-year/
Huffington Post India https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/best-graphic-novels-of-2019_in_5ddf7e5ee4b0d50f329ca1f2
Hyperallergic https://hyperallergic.com/531363/best-of-2019-our-top-25-books/
IGN https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/12/05/best-comic-book-series-2019
IGN https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/12/05/best-limited-comic-book-mini-series-2019
IGN https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/12/05/best-original-graphic-novel-2019
Imagination Soup https://imaginationsoup.net/best-childrens-nonfiction-books-2019/
Imagination Soup https://imaginationsoup.net/2019-best-middle-grade-chapter-books-graphic-novels/
Inside Pulse https://insidepulse.com/2019/12/20/the-column-top-10-comics-of-2019/
Iowa City Public Library https://www.icpl.org/books-more/staff-picks/lists/icpls-favorite-books-2019-graphic-novels
Jenn Haines Picks https://www.facebook.com/jenn.haines.3/posts/10162725101695635
John Lees https://www.patreon.com/posts/my-top-ten-of-32576302
Kinder Comics https://www.kindercomics.org/blog/2019favorites
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/lists/best-middle-grade-graphic-novels-of-2019/new-kid-craft/
Levelup Entertainment https://levelupentertainment.com/blog/2019/12/13/2019-didnt-completely-suck-awards-best-game-t62g5
Library Journal https://www.libraryjournal.com/?detailStory=best-graphic-novels-2019-best-books
Los Angeles Public Library https://lapl.org/collections-resources/lapl-reads/book-lists/best-2019-graphic-novels
Manga Worth Reading https://mangaworthreading.co/manga-worth-reading-2019/
Monkeys Fighting Robots https://monkeysfightingrobots.co/best-comic-book-single-issues-of-2019/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2019-year-in-review-anthology/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2019-in-review-translated/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2019-in-review-reprint/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2019-in-review-digital-first/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2019-in-review-webcomic/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2019-in-review-ongoing/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2019-in-review-ogn/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2019-in-review-limited-series/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2019-in-review-one-shot/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2019-in-review-best-single-issue/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2019-in-review-new-series/
Multnomah County Library http://bestof.multcolib.org/2019/
Nerdy Book Club https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2019/12/30/the-2019-nerdies-graphic-novels-announced-by-katherine-sokolowski/
New Retro Wave https://newretrowave.com/2019/12/15/top-ten-comics-of-2019/
New York Public Library https://www.nypl.org/bestbooksadults2019
New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/02/books/review/best-childrens-books.html
New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/17/books/review/best-comics-of-the-year-hillary-chute-ed-park.html
Newsarama https://www.newsarama.com/48427-best-shots-the-best-of-2019.html
Nijomu http://www.nijomu.com/reviews/comics-i-enjoyed-in-2019/
NPR https://apps.npr.org/best-books/#tags=comics+%26+graphic+novels&view=covers&year=2019
Omaha Public Library http://topshelf.omahalibrary.org/
Outright Geekery https://www.outrightgeekery.com/2019/12/27/family-comic-friday-best-2019/
Outright Geekery https://www.outrightgeekery.com/2019/12/26/best-new-comic-series-of-2019/
Panel Patter http://www.panelpatter.com/2019/12/seans-favorite-comics-of-2019.html
Panel Patter http://www.panelpatter.com/2019/12/james-favorite-comics-of-2019.html
Panel Patter http://www.panelpatter.com/2019/12/mikes-25-favorite-comics-of-2019.html
Panel Patter http://www.panelpatter.com/2019/12/neils-favourite-comics-of-2019.html
Panel Patter http://www.panelpatter.com/2020/01/robs-favorite-comics-of-2019-part-1.html
Panel Patter http://www.panelpatter.com/2020/01/robs-favorite-comics-of-2019-part-2.html
Paste https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2019/12/holiday-gift-guide-comic-book-readers-2019.html
Paul’s Picks https://paulspicks.blog/2019/12/23/paulspicks-best-graphic-novels-of-2019/
Pipe Dream Comics http://pipedreamcomics.co.uk/indie-comic-of-the-year-2019-50-41/
Pipeline Comics https://www.pipelinecomics.com/my-top-10-favorite-bd-albums-of-2019/
Polygon https://www.polygon.com/comics/2019/2/8/18215983/best-comics-2019-dc-marvel-image-collections
Pop Matters https://www.popmatters.com/best-books-2019-fiction-2641548365.html
Pop Matters https://www.popmatters.com/best-books-2019-non-fiction-2641136347.html
Powells https://www.powells.com/post/lists/best-science-fiction-fantasy-horror-and-graphic-novels-of-2019
Publisher’s Weekly https://best-books.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/2019/comics
Publisher’s Weekly https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/comics/article/81991-they-called-us-enemy-tops-pw-s-graphic-novel-critics-poll.html
Publisher’s Weekly https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/82038-children-s-publishers-choose-their-favorite-reads-of-2019.html
Rad Raptor https://radraptor.com/index.php/2019/12/21/andrews-top-ten-comics-of-2019/
Rad Raptor http://radraptor.com/index.php/2020/01/01/jeff-conollys-top-10-comics-of-2019/
Rad Raptor https://radraptor.com/index.php/2020/01/03/rad-raptors-top-ten-comics-of-2019/
Rad Raptor https://radraptor.com/index.php/2020/01/06/tims-top-ten-comics-of-2019/
Ranker https://www.ranker.com/list/new-manga-2019/anna-lindwasser
Read Brightly https://www.readbrightly.com/middle-grade-books-2019/
Reading with a flight ring https://readingwithaflightring.weebly.com/my-best-books-of-the-week/my-best-books-for-2019
Readings https://www.readings.com.au/news/our-favourite-graphic-novels-and-comics-for-kids-in-2019
Ready Steady Cut https://readysteadycut.com/2020/01/01/the-best-comics-of-2019/
Salon https://www.salon.com/2020/01/04/5-must-read-graphic-novels-you-missed-last-year/
Sam Noir Picks https://www.facebook.com/sam.noir.90/posts/1344224295749268
School Library Journal https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=best-graphic-novels-2019-slj-best-books
School Library Journal http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/2019/12/19/31-days-31-lists-2019-comics-graphic-novels/
School Library Journal https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=top-10-manga
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/best-indie-comics-miniseries-2019/
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/best-marvel-comics-2019-miniseries/
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/best-dc-miniseries-2019/
Shortlist https://www.shortlist.com/lists/best-books-roundup-401608
Skokie Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/1531/2019-staff-picks-graphic-novels/
Sliver of Ice https://sliverofice.com/comics/the-best-and-the-worst-of-2019-comic-books?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SheHulk-67AndGreen-AComicBlog+%286%277%22+and+Green+-+A+Comics+Blog%29
Soda and Telepaths https://sodaandtelepaths.com/staff-picks-top-comic-book-releases-of-2019/
SyFy https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/year-in-review-best-new-comic-books-2019
Syfy https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/syfy-fangrrls-favorite-comics-of-2019
Texas Library Association https://txla.org/tools-resources/reading-lists/maverick/current-list/
Texas Library Association https://txla.org/tools-resources/reading-lists/little-maverick/current-list/
The Comics Journal http://www.tcj.com/the-best-comics-of-2019/
The Globe and Mail https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books/article-the-globe-100-books-that-shaped-2019/ (paywall)
The Good Men Project https://goodmenproject.com/all-things-geek/all-things-geek-best-books-of-2019-gift-guide-xela/
The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/nov/30/best-comics-and-graphic-novels-of-2019
The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/dec/08/best-graphic-novels-of-2019-seth-chris-ware
The Herald https://www.heraldscotland.com/arts_ents/18106162.graphic-content-choice-best-graphic-novels-year/
The Herald https://www.heraldscotland.com/arts_ents/18085772.graphic-content-cartoonists-choose-best-year/
The Irish Times https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/the-best-comics-of-2019-stunning-debuts-canon-revamps-and-more-1.4109568
The London Free Press https://lfpress.com/entertainment/books/brown-ruinworld-tops-my-list-of-the-best-graphic-novels-of-2019
The Oklamian https://oklahoman.com/article/5650625/word-balloons-top-10-comics-series-of-2019?custom_click=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+newsok%2Fhome+%28NewsOK.com+RSS+-+Home%29
The Oklamian https://oklahoman.com/article/5651313/word-balloons-top-10-graphic-novels-of-2019
The Quietus https://thequietus.com/articles/27603-behold-2019-comics-best-of-review
The Strand https://www.strandbooks.com/strand-blog?utm_content=buffer28c09#/entry/entry262-best-of-comics
The Turnaround Blog https://theturnaroundblog.com/2019/11/28/turnarounds-2019-staff-picks-graphic-novels/
Thrillist https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/best-graphic-novels-comic-books-2019
Villain Media https://villainmedia.com/jorge-solis-top-10-comic-books-of-2019/
Waking Brain Cells https://wakingbraincells.com/2020/01/09/best-graphic-novels-2019/
Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/the-best-graphic-novels-memoirs-and-story-collections-of-2019/2019/11/20/447e7f76-0722-11ea-8292-c46ee8cb3dce_story.html
What Culture http://whatculture.com/comics/10-best-comic-books-of-2019
Why So Blu? https://whysoblu.com/the-best-comics-of-2019/
Wired https://www.wired.com/story/best-comics-2019/
YA Book Nerd https://yabooknerd.blogspot.com/2020/01/top-ten-graphic-novels-of-2019.html?m=0
YALSA http://www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2020/01/02/2020-great-graphic-novels-for-teens-list-announced/
YALSA http://www.ala.org/yalsa/2020-great-graphic-novels-teens
Yuricon http://okazu.yuricon.com/2019/12/29/okazu-top-yuri-manga-of-2019/

 

The Combined Best Comics & Graphic Novels of 2018!

Over the last few months there have been many, many websites with “Best of 2018” lists concerning comic books and graphic novels. If you’ve looked at a few, you may have noticed some of the same books on different lists and seen some unique to only that list.

I went through over 194 different “Best Of” Lists regarding comic books and graphic novels and combined them into a spreadsheet. There are over 3,000 different listings of books from these websites. I should note that I’ve included books that were given honorable mentions. In short, if somebody thought it was a good book that you should check out, it’s on here. Pivot tables have been created to show which books appeared on the number of lists. Here are the books with 5 mentions or more:

 

Book Title Count Writer Artist Publisher
The Prince and the Dressmaker 46 Jen Wang Jen Wang First Second
Sabrina 41 Nick Drnaso Nick Drnaso Drawn and Quarterly
On A Sunbeam 39 Tillie Walden Tillie Walden First Second
Mister Miracle 37 Tom King Mitch Gerads DC Comics
Berlin 34 Jason Lutes Jason Lutes Drawn and Quarterly
Immortal Hulk 32 Al Ewing Joe Bennett, Ruy José, Paul Mounts Marvel Comics
Saga 28 Brian K. Vaughan Fiona Staples Image Comics
Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles 26 Mark Russell Mike Feehan, Sean Parsons, Paul Mounts DC Comics
Woman World 24 Aminder Dhaliwal Aminder Dhaliwal Drawn and Quarterly
Why Art? 24 Eleanor Davis Eleanor Davis Fantagraphics
Venom 24 Donny Cates Ryan Stegman Marvel Comics
Infidel 23 Pornsak Pichetshote Aaron Campbell, Jose Villarrubia Image Comics
Be Prepared 23 Vera Brosgol Vera Brosgol First Second
Young Frances 21 Hartley Lin Hartley Lin AdHouse Books
Gideon Falls 21 Jeff Lemire Andrea Sorrentino Image Comics
The Lie and How We Told It 20 Tommi Parrish Tommi Parrish Fantagraphics
My Boyfriend Is A Bear 20 Pamela Ribon Cat Farris Oni Press
Hey, Kiddo 20 Jarrett J. Krosoczka Jarrett J. Krosoczka Scholastic
Upgrade Soul 19 Ezra Claytan Daniels Ezra Claytan Daniels Lion Forge
All the Answers 19 Michael Kupperman Michael Kupperman Simon & Schuster
X-Men: Grand Design 18 Ed Piskor Ed Piskor Marvel Comics
Nancy 18 Olivia Jaimes Olivia Jaimes United Features Syndicate
Dirty Plotte: The Complete Julie Doucet 17 Julie Doucet Julie Doucet Drawn and Quarterly
Crowded 17 Christopher Sebela Ro Stein, Ted Brandt, Triona Farrell Image Comics
Bingo Love 17 Tee Franklin Jenn St-Onge, Joy San Image Comics
Black Hammer: Age of Doom 17 Jeff Lemire Dean Ormston, Rich Tommaso, Dave Stewart Dark Horse Comics
Monstress 16 Marjorie Liu Sana Takeda Image Comics
Prism Stalker 16 Sloane Leong Sloane Leong Image Comics
Abbott 16 Saladin Ahmed Sami Kivelä Boom!
My Heroes Have Always Been Junkies 15 Ed Brubaker Sean Phillips Image Comics
Frontier #17 15 Lauren Weinstein Lauren Weinstein Youth In Decline
X-Men Red 14 Tom Taylor Mahmud Asrar, Carmen Carnero, Roge Antonio Marvel Comics
Coyote Doggirl 14 Lisa Hanawalt Lisa Hanawalt Drawn and Quarterly
Check, Please!: #Hockey 14 Ngozi Ukazu Ngozi Ukazu First Second
Batman 14 Tom King Lee Weeks, Jorge Fornés, Mikel Janin, Mark Buckingham, Clay Mann, Joëlle Jones, Michael Lark DC Comics
Batman: White Knight 14 Sean Murphy Sean Murphy DC Comics
Yellow Negroes and Other Imaginary Creatures 13 Yvan Alagbé Yvan Alagbé New York Review Comics
The Mighty Thor 13 Jason Aaron Russell Dauterman, Matt Wilson Marvel Comics
Passing for Human 13 Liana Finck Liana Finck Random House
Runaways 13 Rainbow Rowell Kris Anka, Matthew Wilson Marvel Comics
Parallel Lives 13 Olivier Schrauwen Olivier Schrauwen Fantagraphics
Eternity Girl 13 Magdalene Visaggio Sonny Liew DC Comics
Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World 13 Pénélope Bagieu Pénélope Bagieu First Second
Poochytown 12 Jim Woodring Jim Woodring Fantagraphics
Coda 12 Simon Spurrier Matias Bergara Boom!
Skyward 11 Joe Henderson Lee Garbett Image Comics
Ice Cream Man 11 W. Maxwell Prince Martin Morazzo, Chris O’Halloran Image Comics
Girl Town 11 Carolyn Nowak Carolyn Nowak Top Shelf
The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins 10 Clint McElroy, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, Travis McElroy, Carey Pietsch Carey Pietsch First Second
The Wild Storm 10 Warren Ellis Jon Davis-Hunt DC Comics
Speak: The Graphic Novel 10 Laurie Halse Anderson Emily Carroll Farrar, Straus and Giroux
One Dirty Tree 10 Noah Van Sciver Noah Van Sciver Fantagraphics
Love That Bunch 10 Aline Kominsky-Crumb Aline Kominsky-Crumb Drawn and Quarterly
Isola 10 Brenden Fletcher, Karl Kerschl Karl Kerschl, Msassyk Image Comics
Fearscape 10 Ryan O’Sullivan Andrea Mutti, Vladimir Popov Vault Comics
Doctor Star and the Kingdom of Lost Tomorrows 10 Jeff Lemire Max Fiumara, Dave Stewart Dark Horse Comics
Chlorine Gardens 10 Keiler Roberts Keiler Roberts Koyama Press
The Cardboard Kingdom 9 Chad Sell Chad Sell Knopf Books
Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #310 9 Chip Zdarsky Chip Zdarsky Marvel Comics
Frankenstein: Junji Ito Story Collection 9 Junji Ito Junji Ito Viz
Justice League Dark 9 James Tynion IV Alvaro Martinez DC Comics
Grip 9 Lale Westvind Lale Westvind Perfectly Acceptable Press
Dark Nights Metal 9 Scott Snyder Greg Capullo DC Comics
All Summer Long 9 Hope Larson Hope Larson Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction 9 Inio Asano Inio Asano Viz
Black Panther 9 Ta-Nehisi Coates Daniel Acuña Marvel Comics
The Winner 8 Karl Stevens Karl Stevens Retrofit Comics
These Savage Shores 8 Ram V Sumit Kumar, Vitorio Astone Vault Comics
Thor 8 Jason Aaron Mike Del Mundo, Christian Ward Marvel Comics
The Weatherman 8 Jody Leheup Nathan Fox Image Comics
Soft X-Ray/Mindhunters 8 A. Degen A. Degen Koyama Press
Paper Girls 8 Brian K. Vaughan Cliff Chiang, Matt Wilson Image Comics
Home After Dark 8 David Small David Small Liveright
Kill or Be Killed 8 Ed Brubaker Sean Phillips Image Comics
Brat 8 Michael DeForge Michael DeForge Koyama Press
Black Hammer: The Quantum Age 8 Jeff Lemire Wilfredo Torres, Dave Stewart Dark Horse Comics
West Coast Avengers 7 Kelly Thompson Stefano Caselli Marvel Comics
Thanos Wins 7 Donny Cates Geoff Shaw Marvel Comics
Supergirl: Being Super 7 Mariko Tamaki Joëlle Jones DC Comics
The Wicked + The Divine 7 Kieron Gillen Jamie McKelvie, Matt Wilson Image Comics
Your Black Friend And Other Strangers 7 Ben Passmore Ben Passmore Silver Sprocket
The Seeds 7 Ann Nocenti David Aja Dark Horse Comics
Sleepless 7 Sarah Vaughn Leila del Duca Image Comics
Eternal 7 Ryan K. Lindsay Eric Zawadski, Dee Cunniffe Black Mask Studios
East of West 7 Jonathan Hickman Nick Dragotta Image Comics
Fake Blood 7 Whitney Gardner Whitney Gardner Simon & Schuster
Love And Rockets 7 Jaime and Gilbert Hernandez Jaime and Gilbert Hernandez Fantagraphics
Fence 7 C.S. Pacat Johanna the Mad, Joana Lafuente Boom!
Friendo 7 Alex Paknadel Martin Simmonds Vault Comics
Illegal 7 Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin Giovanni Rigano Sourcebooks
Green Lantern: Earth One 7 Gabriel Hardman Corinna Bechko DC Comics
Bitter Root 7 David F. Walker, Chuck Brown Sanford Greene, Rico Renzi Image Comics
All the Sad Songs 7 Summer Pierre Summer Pierre Retrofit Comics
Doomsday Clock 7 Geoff Johns Gary Frank DC Comics
Aquicorn Cove 7 Katie O’Neill Katie O’Neill Oni Press
Action Comics 7 Brian Michael Bendis Ryan Sook, Patrick Gleason, Yanick Paquette DC Comics
Belonging: A German Reckons With History And Home 7 Nora Krug Nora Krug Scribner
Blammo #10 7 Noah Van Sciver Noah Van Sciver Kilgore Books
Superman 6 Peter J. Tomasi, Patrick Gleason Barry Kitson, Scott Hanna, Gabriel Eltaeb DC Comics
The New World 6 Aleš Kot Tradd Moore Image Comics
The Dreaming 6 Simon Spurrier Bilquis Evely, Mat Lopes DC Comics
Shit is Real 6 Aisha Franz Aisha Franz Drawn and Quarterly
Shanghai Red 6 Christopher Sebela Joshua Hixson Image Comics
My Brother’s Husband 6 Gengoroh Tagame Gengoroh Tagame Pantheon
My Hero Academia 6 Kohei Horikoshi Kohei Horikoshi Viz
Rogue & Gambit 6 Kelly Thompson Pere Pérez Marvel Comics
Photographic: The Life Of Graciela Iturbide 6 Isabel Quintero Zeke Peña Harry N. Abrams
Justice League 6 Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV Jorge Jimenez, Jim Cheung, Francis Manapul, Mikel Janin, Doug Mahnke DC Comics
Is This Guy for Real?: The Unbelievable Andy Kaufman 6 Box Brown Box Brown First Second
From Lone Mountain 6 John Porcellino John Porcellino Drawn and Quarterly
Farmhand 6 Rob Guillory Rob Guillory, Taylor Wells Image Comics
Judas 6 Jeff Loveness Jakub Rebelka Boom!
Hawkeye: Kate Bishop 6 Kelly Thompson Leonardo Romero Marvel Comics
Giant Days 6 John Allison Max Sarin, Whitney Cogar Boom!
I Am Young 6 M. Dean M. Dean Fantagraphics
Art Comic 6 Matthew Thurber Matthew Thurber Drawn and Quarterly
Assassinistas 6 Tini Howard Gilbert Hernandez, Rob Davis IDW
A Perfect Failure: Fante Bukowski 3 6 Noah Van Sciver Noah Van Sciver Fantagraphics
Black Bolt 6 Saladin Ahmed Christian Ward Marvel Comics
Death Or Glory 6 Rick Remender Bengal Image Comics
Amazing Spider-Man 6 Nick Spencer Ryan Ottley Marvel Comics
Captain America 6 Ta-Nehisi Coates Leinil Francis Yu, Sunny Gho Marvel Comics
The Dead Hand 5 Kyle Higgins Stephen Mooney, Jordie Bellaire Image Comics
Von Spatz 5 Anna Haifisch Anna Haifisch Drawn and Quarterly
The Pervert 5 Michelle Perez Remy Boydell Image Comics
The Weaver Festival Phenomenon 5 Ron Regé Jr. Ron Regé Jr. Self-Published
Wasted Space 5 Michael Moreci Hayden Sherman, Jason Wordie Vault Comics
Wonder Woman: Earth One 5 Grant Morrison Yanick Paquette DC Comics
The Nameless City 5 Faith Erin Hicks Faith Erin Hicks First Second
The Vision 5 Tom King Gabriel Hernandez Walta Marvel Comics
The New World: Comics From Mauretania 5 Chris Reynolds Chris Reynolds New York Review Comics
The Bride Was a Boy 5 Chii Chii Seven Seas Entertainment
The Nib: Death 5 Various Various The Nib
The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl 5 Ryan North, Will Murray Erica Henderson, Zac Gorman, Derek Charm Marvel Comics
Multiple Man 5 Matthew Rosenberg Andy Macdonald Marvel Comics
Oblivion Song 5 Robert Kirkman Lorenzo De Felici Image Comics
Manfried The Man 5 Caitlin Major Kelly Bastow Quirk Books
Long Lost 5 Matthew Erman Lisa Sterle Scout Comics
Koshchei The Deathless 5 Mike Mignola Ben Stenbeck, Dave Stewart Dark Horse Comics
Flavor 5 Joseph Keatinge Wook Jin Clark, Tamra Bonvillain Image Comics
Euthanauts 5 Tini Howard Nick Robles IDW
Descender 5 Jeff Lemire Dustin Nguyen Image Comics
Dognurse 5 Margot Ferrick Margot Ferrick Perfectly Acceptable Press
Cosmic Ghost Rider 5 Donny Cates Dylan Burnett Marvel Comics
Angloid 5 Alex Graham Alex Graham Kilgore Books
Darth Vader: Lord Of The Sith 5 Charles Soule Giuseppe Camuncoli, Jim Cheung Marvel Comics
All-New Wolverine 5 Tom Taylor Juan Cabal, Marco Failla, Djibril Morissette-Phan, Ramon Rosanas, David Lopez Marvel Comics
Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation 5 Ari Folman David Polonsky Pantheon
Beneath The Dead Oak Tree 5 Emily Carroll Emily Carroll Shortbox

 

Of interest Tillie Walden’s On a Sunbeam, which showed up as a web comic in 2016 and 2017 now shows up at #3 in print form on this years list. Olivia Jaimes take on Ernie Bushmiller’s Nancy is the top ranking web comic (unless you count On a Sunbeam) getting far more mentions than any webcomic previously. While I normally remove the issue number on mainstream titles to make the list more useful to readers, I made an exception with Chip Zdarsky’s Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #310 because so many people made reference to it. Also, Captain America is on here with 6 mentions but 2 of those mentions were for the Mark Waid, Chris Samnee, Matthew Wilson run.

The full spreadsheet with pivot tables for books, writers, artists, publishers and more is available here


Regarding Publishers:

Image was the most popular with 90 different titles.

DC and Marvel are tied for 2nd with 73 different titles.

Fantagraphics is 3rd with 52 different titles.

Dark Horse has 42 titles.

Boom! did well with 33 titles.

104 Self-Published books made the list too.

Caveats:

Where a reviewer/writer wrote ‘best of’ lists for multiple websites, I’ve cross referenced their lists and removed books that were named twice. I did not think it would be fair if those writers could tip the popularity scale by naming the same book(s) over and over again on multiple websites. Sadly, there was an increase of websites publishing lists with no credit to who (of whom) created the list. In those cases I marked them as Unknown but the practice of not crediting writers is a shameful one.

If a writer wrote for multiple sites, but one of those sites picks was a group effort, I did not remove books that are listed twice.

I generally did not include lists that were a mixed of prose books and graphic novels unless there were a significant number of graphic novels on the list.

I did not use lists where the website was not in English and the books appeared to be translated versions.

With inkers and colourists I often, but not always included them within the Artist section. Where there were multiple (usually more than 5) involved in a book, or in the title’s run over the course of the year, Various was used of listing them all. In some cases I combined those involved even if they worked on the title for different issues.

For simplicity sake, if a list named a specific comic book issue or specific volume of a graphic novel, I removed those specifics and just listed the series title, with rare exceptions. Apologies to the reviewers of those books.

Some writers included books that were technically published in 2017 and at least 1 just listed best books they read that year, but the vast majority of those lists were 2018 books. The number of non 2018 books in the spreadsheet is very tiny and insignificant to the overall list.

Most of the lists were general ‘best/favourite books’ of 2018, but I also included lists dedicated to young readers, manga, etc… What type list is noted on column B in the spreadsheet.

A small number of lists also had rankings and those are included in Column C.

This list of website this list is compiled from:

101 Comics https://101comics.com/best-comic-series-of-2018/
Advenures In Poor Taste http://www.adventuresinpoortaste.com/2018/12/14/aipts-favorite-comics-of-2018-part-1-the-best-of-everything-else/
Advenures In Poor Taste http://www.adventuresinpoortaste.com/2018/12/17/aipts-favorite-comics-of-2018-part-2-the-best-series/
Advocate https://www.advocate.com/books/2018/12/20/best-lgbtq-graphic-novels-2018#media-gallery-media-0
Affino https://www.affino.com/blogs/blogs/best-of-entertainment-2018—film-tv-albums-songs-and-graphic-novels
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/b/ref=s9_acss_bw_cg_BOTY18_3c1_w?node=17388344011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-4&pf_rd_r=RRZ5ZWV6QTNM30GW5G3J&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=09b4dfa3-c856-4416-85ee-67abbfa4b511&pf_rd_i=17388344011
Autostraddle https://www.autostraddle.com/50-of-the-best-lgbt-books-of-2018-441796/
AVClub https://aux.avclub.com/the-best-comics-of-2018-1830657952
Bam Smack Pow https://bamsmackpow.com/2018/12/31/time-year-top-ten-comic-books-2018/
Barnes And Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/sci-fi-fantasy/our-favorite-comics-graphic-novels-of-2018/
Barnes And Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/sci-fi-fantasy/best-manga-of-2018/
BATMAN’S BOOKCASE https://www.batmansbookcase.com/updates/2018/12/28/best-comics-of-2018-batmans-bookcase-contributor-picks
BATMAN’S BOOKCASE https://www.batmansbookcase.com/updates/2018/12/28/taylor-pechters-top-5-comics-of-2018
BATMAN’S BOOKCASE https://www.batmansbookcase.com/updates/2018/12/28/the-stewart-bros-top-10-comics-of-2018
BATMAN’S BOOKCASE https://www.batmansbookcase.com/updates/2018/12/31/top-comics-of-2018-16-25
BATMAN’S BOOKCASE https://www.batmansbookcase.com/updates/2018/12/31/top-comics-of-2018-6-15
BATMAN’S BOOKCASE https://www.batmansbookcase.com/updates/2019/1/1/top-comics-of-2018-1-5
BATMAN’S BOOKCASE https://www.batmansbookcase.com/updates/2019/1/1/best-single-comic-book-issues-of-2018
Berkley Place http://berkeleyplaceblog.com/2018/12/10/the-best-comic-books-of-2018/
Big Comic Page https://bigcomicpage.com/2018/12/21/bcp-best-of-2018-mark-editio/
Big Comic Page https://bigcomicpage.com/2018/12/23/bcp-best-of-2018-ceej-edition/
Big Comic Page https://bigcomicpage.com/2018/12/29/bcp-best-of-2018-indy-edition
Book Riot https://bookriot.com/2018/12/04/best-comics-of-2018/
Booklist Online https://www.booklistonline.com/Top-10-Graphic-Novels-2018-Sarah-Hunter/pid=9677963
Booklist Online https://www.booklistonline.com/Top-10-Graphic-Novels-for-Youth-2018-Sarah-Hunter/pid=9676799
Boston Globe http://apps.bostonglobe.com/arts/graphics/2018/12/year-end-books-2018/#graphic-novels
Broken Frontier http://www.brokenfrontier.com/celebrating-2018-ten-uk-small-press-comics-need-jayde-perkin-cat-sims-peony-gent/
Brooklyn Public Library https://www.bklynlibrary.org/
Bustle https://www.bustle.com/p/8-graphic-novels-comics-that-make-really-thoughtful-unique-gifts-13161953
CBC https://www.cbc.ca/books/the-best-canadian-comics-of-2018-1.4944651
CBR https://www.cbr.com/marvel-venom-best-comic-2018/
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/200121216/1304495217
Colby Sharp https://www.mrcolbysharp.com/2018/
Comic Book Herald https://www.comicbookherald.com/the-best-comics-of-2018/
Comic Obsessed https://comicobsessed.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-top-ten-best-dc-comics-of-2018.html?spref=tw
ComicBook.com https://comicbook.com/comics/2018/12/18/2018-golden-issue-award-winner-best-comic-series/
ComicBook.com https://comicbook.com/marvel/2018/12/18/2018-golden-issue-award-winner-best-limited-comic-series/
ComicBook.com https://comicbook.com/comics/2018/12/18/2018-golden-issue-award-winner-best-graphic-novel/
ComicBook.com https://comicbook.com/comics/2018/12/18/2018-golden-issue-award-winner-best-new-comic-series/
ComicBook.com https://comicbook.com/comics/2018/12/18/2018-golden-issue-award-winner-best-indie-comic/
Comicon http://www.comicon.com/2018/12/31/comicons-7-best-digital-webcomics-of-2018/
Comicon http://www.comicon.com/2018/12/31/comicons-most-progressive-comics-2018/
Comicon http://www.comicon.com/2018/12/27/comicons-7-best-comic-series-of-2018/
Comicon http://www.comicon.com/2018/12/26/comicons-7-best-original-graphic-novels-of-2018/
Comicon http://www.comicon.com/2018/12/26/comicons-7-best-single-comic-issues-of-2018/
Comicosity http://www.comicosity.com/2018-the-10-comic-books-that-turned-our-heads/
Comicosity http://www.comicosity.com/2018-the-world-of-graphic-novels/
Comics Alternative http://comicsalternative.com/episode-303-our-favorite-comics-of-2018/
Comics Beat http://www.comicsbeat.com/the-best-comics-of-2018/
Comics Beat http://www.comicsbeat.com/the-best-manga-of-2018/
Cranboyz http://cranboyz.blogspot.com/2018/12/popas-favorite-comics-of-2018-in-no.html
Daily Grindhouse http://dailygrindhouse.com/thewire/grindhouse-comics-column-top-ten-graphic-novels-2018/
Den of Geek https://www.denofgeek.com/us/books/278336/best-comics-of-2018
Denver Public Library https://kids.denverlibrary.org/booklist/best-brightest-graphic-novels-2018
Diverse Tech Geek https://www.diversetechgeek.com/2018/12/19/10-favorite-comics-2018/
Doom Rocket https://doomrocket.com/best-comics-2018/
Dustin Harbin http://www.dharbin.com/blog/post.php?s=the-year-in-media
EW https://ew.com/books/best-comics-2018/
Extra Inks http://extra-inks.comicssociety.org/2019/01/19/2018-faves/
Eye On Comics http://www.eyeoncomics.com/?p=4360
Fanfare https://fanfareland.com/andrews-top-10-comics-of-2018/
Five Books https://fivebooks.com/best-books/best-comics-2018/
Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/robsalkowitz/2018/12/07/the-best-graphic-novels-of-2018/#7d193f494aad
Forbidden Planet https://www.forbiddenplanetnyc.com/the-18-best-comics-of-2018/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2018/12/02/four-color-apocalypse-2018-year-in-review-top-10-ongoing-series/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2018/12/05/four-color-apocalypse-2018-year-in-review-top-ten-contemporary-collections/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2018/12/06/four-color-apocalypse-2018-year-in-review-top-ten-vintage-collections/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2018/12/08/four-color-apocalypse-2018-year-in-review-top-ten-special-mentions/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2018/12/01/four-color-apocalypse-2018-year-in-review-top-ten-single-issues/
Free Library https://libwww.freelibrary.org/blog/post/3583
Gamespot https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/the-best-superhero-comics-of-2018-batman-captain-m/2900-2433/
Geek Cast Radio https://www.geekcastradio.com/comics/m-articles-comics/top-100-comics-of-2018/
Geek Fair http://www.geekfair.co.uk/best-comics-of-2018-part-1/
Geek Fair http://www.geekfair.co.uk/best-comics-of-2018-part-2/
Geeks World Wide https://thegww.com/gwws-best-comics-of-2018/
Goodeads https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-graphic-novels-comics-2018
Gosh London https://www.goshlondon.com/blog/2018/11/6/the-gosh-best-of-2018-kids
Gosh London https://www.goshlondon.com/blog/2018/11/6/the-gosh-best-of-2018-adult
Graphic Novel Resources http://graphicnovelresources.blogspot.com/2019/01/my-favorite-graphic-novels-of-2018.html
Graphic Policy https://graphicpolicy.com/2019/01/01/logans-favorite-comics-of-2018/
Grovel http://www.grovel.org.uk/category/best-graphic-novels-2018/
Herad Scotland https://www.heraldscotland.com/arts_ents/17298714.graphic-content-our-choice-of-the-best-graphic-novels-of-the-year/
Heroic Girls http://www.heroicgirls.com/the-best-graphic-novels-of-2018-for-kids-and-teens/
Heroic Girls http://www.heroicgirls.com/the-best-graphic-novels-of-2018-for-adults/
Hollwood Reporter https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/best-comics-2018-1171840
Huffington Post https://www.huffingtonpost.in/2018/12/07/2018-was-a-great-year-for-graphic-novels-here-s-proof_a_23610578/
HyperAllergic https://hyperallergic.com/474333/best-graphic-novels-of-2018/
ICPL http://blog.icpl.org/2018/12/30/icpl-top-staff-picks-for-2018-graphic-novels/
IGN https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/12/10/best-comic-book-series-of-the-year-2018
IGN https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/12/10/best-original-graphic-novel-2018
IGN https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/12/10/best-limited-comic-book-or-mini-series-2018
IGN https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/12/10/best-new-comic-book-series-2018
Infinte Earths https://iearths.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-top-10-best-comics-of-2018.html
iO9 https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-best-comics-of-2018-1831216345
Jennifer Haines https://www.facebook.com/jenn.haines.3/posts/10161159899825635
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/lists/best-middle-grade-graphic-novels-of-2018/
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/lists/best-ya-books-of-2018-facing-trauma/
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/lists/best-ya-nonfiction-of-2018/
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/lists/best-ya-books-of-2018-that-explore-family-and-self/
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/lists/best-ya-science-fiction-of-2018/last-pick/#feature
Lewton Bus http://lewtonbus.net/editorials/jonathan-hansens-favorite-comics-of-2018/
LF Press https://lfpress.com/entertainment/books/graphic-novel-on-vinyl-tops-my-list-of-the-years-best-graphic-novels
Library Journal https://www.libraryjournal.com/?page=best-books-2018
Mega City Comics https://megacitycomics.wordpress.com/2018/12/14/top-15-graphic-novels-of-2018/
Monkey Fighting Robots https://www.monkeysfightingrobots.co/best-of-2018-top-5-comic-book-single-issues/
Multiersity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2018-new-series/
Multiersity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2018-best-anthology/
Multiersity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2018-best-translated-material/
Multiersity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2018-original-graphic-novel/
Multiersity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2018-limited-series/
Multiersity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2018-best-reprint/
Multiersity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2018-best-digital-first/
Multiersity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2018-best-webcomic/
Multiersity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2018-one-shot/
Multiersity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2018-best-ongoing/
Mutcolib http://bestof.multcolib.org/2018/#/_
Nerdy Book Club https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/the-2018-nerdies-graphic-novels-announced-by-katherine-sokolowski/
New York Public Library https://www.nypl.org/books-music-movies/recommendations/best-books/ya
New York Public Library https://www.nypl.org/bestbooksadults2018
Newsarama https://www.newsarama.com/43276-best-of-best-shots-2017-our-review-crew-picks-the-best-of-the-year.html
Newsweek https://www.newsweek.com/best-comic-books-1179816
Nijomu http://www.nijomu.com/reviews/comics-i-enjoyed-reading-in-2018/
North Tonawanda Public Library http://www.ntlibrary.org/best-graphic-novels-of-2018/
NPR https://apps.npr.org/best-books-2018/#/tag/comics-and-graphic-novels
Nylon https://nylon.com/best-illustrated-books-2018
NYTimes https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/11/19/books/review/100-notable-books.html
Omaha Library http://topshelf.omahalibrary.org/
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2018/12/james-18-favorite-comics-of-2018.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2018/12/seans-favorite-limited-comic-series-2018.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2018/12/seans-favorite-first-issues-2018.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2018/12/seans-favorite-ongoing-comics-2018.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2018/12/neil-favourite-comic-reads-of-2018.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2018/12/mikes-favorite-comics-of-2018.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2019/01/robs-favorite-comics-of-2018-part-1.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2019/01/rob-favorite-comics-of-2018-final-29.html
Paste Magazine https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2018/12/the-10-best-superhero-comics-of-2018.html
Paste Magazine https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2018/12/the-25-best-comic-books-of-2018.html
Paste Magazine https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2018/12/the-15-best-sci-fi-fantasy-comics-of-2018.html
Paste Magazine https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2018/12/the-15-best-horror-comics-of-2018.html
Paste Magazine https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2018/12/the-20-best-kids-comics-of-2018.html
Pastrami Nation http://pastramination.com/best-of-2018-comic-books/
Polygon https://www.polygon.com/comics/2018/10/19/17983626/best-comics-2018-marvel-dc-batman
Powells https://www.powells.com/post/lists/best-science-fiction-fantasy-horror-and-graphic-novels-of-2018
Print Magazine https://www.printmag.com/comics-and-animation/2018-best-biography-comics/
Print Magazine https://www.printmag.com/comics-and-animation/3-best-graphic-novels-for-kids-2018/
Print Magazine https://www.printmag.com/comics-and-animation/best-graphic-novels-for-teens/
Publishers Weekly https://best-books.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/2018/comics
Publishers Weekly https://best-books.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/2018/young-adult#book/book-9
Random Thoughts https://lars.ingebrigtsen.no/2018/12/31/the-best-comics-of-2018/
Readings https://www.readings.com.au/news/graphic-novels-and-comics-we-loved-in-2018
School Library Journal https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=top-10-graphic-novel
Scifi Pulse http://www.scifipulse.net/comic-books-2018-the-year-in-review/
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/best-comic-books-2018/
Sequential State https://sequentialstate.com/blog/comics-that-challenged-me-in-2018-the-complete-list/
Smash Pages http://smashpages.net/2018/12/27/smash-pages-favorite-comics-of-2018/
Spy https://spy.com/2019/entertainment/books-music-movies/best-graphic-novels-2018-saga-marvel-149805/
Study Breaks https://studybreaks.com/culture/reads/the-8-most-important-graphic-novels-of-2018/
Super Skull http://www.superskullshow.com/episodes-all/2018/12/12/best-comics-of-2018
SyFy https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/syfy-fangrrls-favorite-comics-of-2018
TCJ http://www.tcj.com/the-best-comics-of-2018/
Tech Aeris https://techaeris.com/2018/12/31/top-6-best-comic-books-2018/
Texas Library Association https://txla.org/tools-resources/reading-lists/maverick/current-list/
The Bookshelf Corner https://thebookshelfcorner.wordpress.com/2018/12/20/reading-2018-best-of-manga/
The Comeback https://thecomeback.com/pop-culture/the-five-best-comic-books-of-2018-mister-miracle-west-coast-avengers-and-the-wicked-divine-lead-strong-year.html
The Daily Dot https://www.dailydot.com/parsec/best-new-comics-2018/
The Globe and Mail https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/130252.Globe_Mail_The_Globe_100_Best_Books_Of_2018/ (public)
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books/article-the-globe-100-our-favourite-books-of-2018/#comics (subscriber)
The Good Men Project https://goodmenproject.com/all-things-geek/gift-guide-2018-books-xela/
The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/books/ng-interactive/2018/dec/01/guardian-review-best-books-of-2018
The Irish Times https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/the-best-graphic-novels-of-2018-1.3734219
THE OKLAHOMAN https://newsok.com/article/5619205/word-balloons-best-graphic-novels-of-2018
The Smart Set https://thesmartset.com/comic-countdown-2018/
The Verge https://www.theverge.com/2018/12/13/18136739/best-comics-2018-runaways-girl-town-emily-carroll
The Woolamaloo Gazette http://www.woolamaloo.org.uk/?p=6377
Thrillist https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/best-comics-graphic-novels-2018
Toledo Library http://www.toledolibrary.org/blog/best-comics-and-graphic-novels-of-2018
Tor https://www.tor.com/2018/12/12/pull-list-best-comics-of-2018/
Turnaround https://theturnaroundblog.com/2018/11/23/turnarounds-best-of-2018-graphic-novels/
Under The Radar http://www.undertheradarmag.com/news/under_the_radars_holiday_gift_guide_2018_part_10_graphic_novels_and_books/
Villain Media https://villainmedia.com/jorge-solis-top-10-best-comic-books-list-of-2018/
Vulture https://www.vulture.com/2018/12/best-comics-2018.html
Vulture https://www.vulture.com/2018/12/best-superhero-stories-2018.html
WAKING BRAIN CELLS https://wakingbraincells.com/2019/01/10/2018-best-graphic-novels/
Washngton Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/the-10-best-graphic-novels-of-2018/2018/11/13/a192b760-e2d7-11e8-ab2c-b31dcd53ca6b_story.html
What Culture http://whatculture.com/comics/10-best-comic-books-of-2018
What Culture http://whatculture.com/comics/10-most-underrated-comic-books-of-2018
Why So Blu http://whysoblu.com/best-comics-of-2018/
Wired https://www.wired.com/story/best-comics-2018/
Women Write About Comics https://womenwriteaboutcomics.com/2019/01/wwac-favorite-big-press-comics-2018/
Women Write About Comics https://womenwriteaboutcomics.com/2019/01/wwacs-favorite-small-press-comics-of-2018/
Your Chicken Enemy http://www.yourchickenenemy.com/2018/12/books-we-liked-2018-rob-clough-kim.html
Your Chicken Enemy http://www.yourchickenenemy.com/2018/12/books-we-liked-2018-ryan-carey-philippe.html
Your Chicken Enemy http://www.yourchickenenemy.com/2018/12/books-we-liked-2018-nick-hanover-sara-l.html
Your Chicken Enemy http://www.yourchickenenemy.com/2018/12/books-we-liked-2018-francesca-lyn-david.html
Your Chicken Enemy http://www.yourchickenenemy.com/2018/12/books-we-liked-2018-matt-vadnais-justin.html

The Combined Best Comics & Graphic Novels of 2017!

Over the last few months there have been many, many websites with “Best of 2017” lists concerning comic books and graphic novels. If you’ve looked at a few, you may have noticed some of the same books on different lists and seen some unique to only that list.

I went through over 136 different “Best Of” Lists regarding comic books and graphic novels and combined them into a spreadsheet. There are over 2,100 different listings of books from these websites. I should note that I’ve included books that were given honorable mentions. In short, if somebody thought it was a good book that you should check out, it’s on here. Pivot tables have been created to show which books appeared on the number of lists. Here are the books with 5 mentions or more:

 

Book Title Count Writer Artist Publisher
My Favorite Thing Is Monsters 64 Emil Ferris Emil Ferris Fantagraphics
Mister Miracle 45 Tom King Mitch Gerads DC Comics
The Best We Could Do 36 Thi Bui Thi Bui Harry N. Abrams
Boundless 32 Jillian Tamaki Jillian Tamaki Drawn & Quarterly
Batman 27 Tom King Mikel Janin DC Comics
You & A Bike & A Road 26 Eleanor Davis Eleanor Davis Koyama Press
Spinning 24 Tillie Walden Tillie Walden First Second
Black Hammer 21 Jeff Lemire Dean Ormston, David Rubin Dark Horse Comics
My Lesbian Experience With Loneliness 20 Nagata Kabi Nagata Kabi Seven Seas
Shade The Changing Girl 19 Cecil Castellucci Marley Zarcone DC Comics
Anti-Gone 19 Connor Willumsen Connor Willumsen Koyama Press
The Mighty Thor 17 Jason Aaron Russell Dauterman Marvel Comics
Songy Of Paradise 16 Gary Panter Gary Panter Fantagraphics
Hostage 15 Guy Delisle Guy Delisle Drawn & Quarterly
Everything Is Flammable 14 Gabrielle Bell Gabrielle Bell Uncivilized Books
The Flintstones 13 Mark Russell Steve Pugh, Rick Leonardi DC Comics
Paper Girls 13 Brian K. Vaughan Cliff Chiang Image Comics
Monograph 12 Chris Ware Chris Ware Rizzoli
Real Friends 12 Shannon Hale Leuyen Pham First Second
Giant Days 12 John Allison Max Sarin, Liz Fleming, Whitney Cogar BOOM! Studios
Crickets No. 6 12 Sammy Harkham Sammy Harkham American Comics
Mirror Mirror II 11 Various Various 2dcloud
One More Year 11 Simon Hanselmann Simon Hanselmann Fantagraphics
Saga 11 Brian K. Vaughan Fiona Staples Image Comics
Doom Patrol 11 Gerard Way Nick Derington DC Comics
Roughneck 11 Jeff Lemire Jeff Lemire Gallery 13
The Customer Is Always Wrong 10 Mimi Pond Mimi Pond Drawn & Quarterly
The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl 10 Ryan North Erica Henderson Marvel Comics
Batman / Elmer Fudd Special #1 10 Tom King Lee Weeks DC Comics
Sex Fantasy 10 Sophia Foster-Dimino Sophia Foster-Dimino Koyama Press
Rock Candy Mountain 9 Kyle Starks Kyle Starks Image Comics
Silver Surfer 9 Dan Slott Michael Allred And Laura Allred Marvel Comics
Pretending Is Lying 9 Dominique Goblet Dominique Goblet New York Review Comics
Redlands 9 Jordie Bellaire, Vanesa Del Rey Jordie Bellaire, Vanesa Del Rey Image Comics
Uncomfortably Happily 9 Yeon-Sik Hong Yeon-Sik Hong Drawn & Quarterly
My Brother’s Husband 9 Gengoroh Tagame Gengoroh Tagame Pantheon
God Country 9 Donny Cates Geoff Shaw Image Comics
4 Kids Walk Into A Bank 9 Matthew Rosenberg Tyler Boss Black Mask Studios
Sticks Angelica, Folk Hero 8 Michael Deforge Michael Deforge Drawn & Quarterly
Spill Zone 8 Scott Westerfeld Alex Puvilland First Second
Wonder Woman 8 Greg Rucka Nicola Scott, Liam Sharp, Romulo Fajardo Jr. DC Comics
Iceland 8 Yuichi Yokoyama Yuichi Yokoyama Retrofit/Big Planet
Aliens: Dead Orbit 8 James Stokoe James Stokoe Dark Horse Comics
Brave 8 Svetlana Chmakova Svetlana Chmakova Yen Press
Black Bolt 8 Saladin Ahmed Christian James Ward Marvel Comics
Dark Nights: Metal 8 Scott Snyder Greg Capullo DC Comics
Pope Hats #5 7 Ethan Rilly Ethan Rilly Adhouse Press
Now #1 7 Various Various Fantagraphics
All’S Faire In Middle School 7 Victoria Jamieson Victoria Jamieson Dial Books
The Complete Strange Growths, 1991-1997 7 Jenny Zervakis Jenny Zervakis Spit and a Half
Crawl Space 7 Jesse Jacobs Jesse Jacobs Koyama Press
Secret Weapons 7 Eric Heisserer Raul Allen, Patricia Martin Valiant
Motor Crush 7 Brenden Fletcher, Cameron Stewart Babs Tarr, Cameron Stewart Image Comics
Extremity 7 Daniel Warren Johnson Daniel Warren Johnson, Mike Spicer Image Comics
Mis(H)Adra 7 Iasmin Omar Ata Iasmin Omar Ata Gallery 13
The Girl From The Other Side: Siúil, A Rún 7 Nagabe Nagabe Seven Seas
Everyone’s A Aliebn When Ur A Aliebn Too: A Book 7 Jomny Sun Jomny Sun Harper Perennial
Deathstroke 7 Christopher Priest Diogenes Neves DC Comics
Hawkeye 7 Kelly Thompson Leonardo Romero, Michael Walsh, Jordie Bellaire Marvel Comics
The Wild Storm 6 Warren Ellis Jon Davis-Hunt DC Comics
How To Read Nancy: The Elements Of Comics In Three Easy Panels 6 Paul Karasik, Mark Newgarden Fantagraphics
Fante Bukowski Two 6 Noah Van Sciver Noah Van Sciver Fantagraphics
The Black Monday Murders 6 Jonathan Hickman Tomm Coker, Michael Garland, Rus Wooton Image Comics
Bitch Planet 6 Kelly Sue Deconnick Valentine De Landro, Taki Soma Image Comics
Language Barrier 6 Hannah K. Lee Hannah K. Lee Koyama Press
Providence 6 Alan Moore Jacen Burrows Avatar Press
Nightlights 6 Lorena Alvarez Lorena Alvarez Nobrow Press
Poppies Of Iraq 6 Brigitte Findakly And Lewis Trondheim Lewis Trondheim Drawn & Quarterly
Imagine Wanting Only This 6 Kristen Radtke Kristen Radtke Pantheon
The Wicked + The Divine 6 Kieron Gillen Jamie Mckelvie, Matt Wilson Image Comics
Pashmina 6 Nidhi Chanani Nidhi Chanani First Second
America 6 Gabby Rivera Joe Quinones, Ramon Villalobos Marvel Comics
House Of Women 6 Sophie Goldstein Sophie Goldstein Fantagraphics
Ms. Marvel 6 G. Willow Wilson Adrian Alphona, Takeshi Miyazawa Marvel Comics
The Stone Heart: The Nameless City 6 Faith Erin Hicks Faith Erin Hicks, Jordie Bellaire First Second
I’M Not Here 6 GG GG Koyama Press
Venice 5 Jiro Taniguchi Jiro Taniguchi Fanfare/Ponent Mon
Royal City 5 Jeff Lemire Jeff Lemire Image Comics
Batman Annual #2 5 Tom King Lee Weeks, Michael Lark, Elizabeth Breitweiser, June Chung, Deron Bennett DC Comics
Aquaman 5 Riccardo Federici, Dan Abnett Stjepan Sejic, Various DC Comics
Savage Town 5 Declan Shalvey Philip Barrett, Jordie Bellaire Image Comics
Mech Cadet Yu 5 Greg Pak Takeshi Miyazawa BOOM! Studios
Education 5 John Hankiewicz John Hankiewicz Fantagraphics
Sunburning 5 Keiler Roberts Keiler Roberts Koyama Press
To Laugh That We May Not Weep: The Life And Art Of Art Young 5 Art Young,‎ Art Spiegelman,‎ Frank Young Art Young Fantagraphics
Farmer Ned’S Comic Barn 5 Gerald Jablonski Gerald Jablonski Fantagraphics
As The Crow Flies 5 Melanie Gillman Melanie Gillman Iron Circus Comics
The Interview 5 Manuele Fior Manuele Fior Fantagraphics
Bolivar 5 Sean Rubin Sean Rubin Archaia
The Tea Dragon Society 5 Katie O’Neill Katie O’Neill Oni Press
The Wendy Project 5 Melissa Jane Osborne Veronica Fish Papercutz
Mighty Jack And The Goblin King 5 Ben Hatke Ben Hatke First Second
Black Panther 5 Ta-Nehisi Coates Various Marvel Comics
Black 5 Various Various Black Mask Studios
The Unworthy Thor 5 Jason Aaron Olivier Coipel Marvel Comics
Kill Or Be Killed 5 Ed Brubaker Sean Phillips Image Comics
Monstress 5 Marjorie Liu Sana Takeda Image Comics
Spy Seal 5 Rich Tomasso Rich Tomasso Image Comics
Where’s Halmoni? 5 Julie Kim Julie Kim Little Bigfoot
The Abominable Mr. Seabrook 5 Joe Ollmann Joe Ollmann Drawn & Quarterly
Shaolin Cowboy: Who’ll Stop The Reign? 5 Geof Darrow Geof Darrow Dark Horse Comics
Fire!! The Zola Hurston Neale Story 5 Peter Bagge Peter Bagge Drawn & Quarterly
Baking With Kafka 5 Tom Gauld Tom Gauld Drawn & Quarterly
Voices In The Dark 5 Marcel Beyer, Ulli Lust Ulli Lust New York Review Comics
5 Worlds, V.1: The Sand Warrior 5 Mark Siegel, Alexis Siegel Mark Siegel, Xanthe Bouma, Matt Rockefeller, Boya Sun Random House
Tenements, Towers & Trash 5 Julia Wertz Julia Wertz Black Dog & Leventhal

Also of note, a handful of reviewers included a webcomic within it’s best books lists. Tilly Walden’s On A Sunbeam got the most (4) mentions this year, which is remarkable as she tied for the most mentions last year. Like last year The Nib got 2nd place as a general site and Nib hosted specific comics Sarah Glidden’s The Art of War and Jess Parker’s Who Was The Somerton Man were also mentioned. Tied for 2nd with 3 mentions is Michael DeForge’s Leaving Richard’s Valley.  It should be said that several Self-Published and very small press comics were both web comics and printed books. I did not do a through check, but it’s possible that some of those books are available as web comics and vice versa.

The full spreadsheet with pivot tables for books, writers, artists, publishers and more is available here.

Regarding Publishers:

Image was the most popular with 74 different titles.

DC was 2nd with 54 different titles.

Fantagraphics and Marvel are tied for a close 3rd with 53 different titles.

Dark Horse has 30 titles.

First Second did well with 24 titles.

58 Self-Published books made the list too.

Caveats:

Where a reviewer/writer wrote ‘best of’ lists for multiple websites, I’ve cross referenced their lists and removed books that were named twice. I did not think it would be fair if those writers could tip the popularity scale by naming the same book(s) over and over again on multiple websites.

If a writer wrote for multiple sites, but one of those sites picks was a group effort, I did not remove books that are listed twice.

I generally did not include lists that were a mixed of prose books and graphic novels.

I did not use lists where the website was not in English and the books appeared to be translated versions.

I did not use nominations/winners for awards.

With inkers and colourists I often, but not always included them within the Artist section. Where there were multiple (usually more than 5) involved in a book, or in the title’s run over the course of the year, Various was used of listing them all. In some cases I combined those involved even if they worked on the title for different issues.

For simplicity sake, if a list named a specific comic book issue or specific volume of a graphic novel, I removed those specifics and just listed the series title, with rare exceptions. Apologies to the reviewers of those books.

Some writers included books that were technically published in 2016 and at least 1 just listed best books they read that year, but the vast majority of those lists were 2017 books. The number of non 2017 books in the spreadsheet is very tiny and insignificant to the overall list.

Most of the lists were general ‘best/favourite books’ of 2017, but I also included lists dedicated to young readers, manga, etc… What type list is noted on column B in the spreadsheet.

A small number of lists also had rankings and those are included in Column C

 

A Reading Life – https://areadinglife.com/2017/11/28/best-of-2017-books-for-adults/
A Reading Life – https://areadinglife.com/2017/11/29/best-of-2017-books-for-young-adults/
A Reading Life – https://areadinglife.com/2017/11/30/best-of-2017-books-for-children/
Adventures in Poor Taste – http://www.adventuresinpoortaste.com/2018/01/02/the-year-in-queer-the-top-10-lgbtq-comics-of-2017/
Advocate – https://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/2018/1/03/best-lgbt-graphic-novels-2017
All The Wonders – http://www.allthewonders.com/podcasts/some-of-the-top-middle-grade-graphic-novels-of-2017-books-between-episode-40/
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=17388344011
Anime News Network – https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2017-12-29/best-manga-and-light-novels-of-2017/.125750
AV Club – https://www.avclub.com/the-best-comics-of-2017-1820879242
Bam! Smack! Pow! – https://bamsmackpow.com/2017/12/31/top-comic-books-2017/
Barnes and Nobel – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/sci-fi-fantasy/best-comics-graphic-novels-2017/
Barnes and Nobel – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/sci-fi-fantasy/best-new-manga-series-2017/
Ben Towle – http://www.benzilla.com/?p=6266
Booklist Online – https://www.booklistonline.com/Top-10-Graphic-Novels-2017-Sarah-Hunter/pid=8966988
BookList Online – https://www.booklistonline.com/Top-10-Graphic-Novels-for-Youth-2017-Sarah-Hunter/pid=8964161
Bounding Into Comics – http://boundingintocomics.com/2017/12/27/the-10-best-comic-books-of-2017/
CBC – http://www.cbc.ca/books/the-best-canadian-comics-and-graphica-of-2017-1.4453579
CBR – https://www.cbr.com/tag/bestcomics2017/
Chicago Public Library – https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/200121216_chipublib_teens/1058615227_best_teen_graphic_novels_and_manga_of_2017
ComicBook.com – http://comicbook.com/comics/2018/01/01/the-10-best-indie-comics-of-2017/#1
Comicon.com – http://www.comicon.com/2017/12/26/comicons-8-best-comic-series-of-2017/
Comicon.com – http://www.comicon.com/2017/12/26/comicons-8-best-original-graphic-novels-of-2017/
Comicon.com – http://www.comicon.com/2017/12/26/comicons-8-best-single-comic-issues-of-2017/
Comicon.com – http://www.comicon.com/2017/12/28/comicons-8-best-webcomics-of-2017/
Comicon.com – http://www.comicon.com/2017/12/29/comicons-most-progressive-comics-2017/
Comicosity – http://www.comicosity.com/best-of-2017-graphic-novel/
Comicosity – http://www.comicosity.com/best-of-2017-series/
Comicosity – http://www.comicosity.com/best-of-2017-single-issue/
Comics Alternative – http://comicsalternative.com/young-readers-reviews-of-good-night-planet-the-dam-keeper-and-misfit-city-as-well-as-a-look-back-at-2017/
Critical Hit – https://www.criticalhit.net/comics-toys/20-best-comic-books-2017/
Cryptoscatology – http://cryptoscatology.blogspot.com/2017/12/the-cryptoscatology-top-ten-best-comic.html
Daniel Elkin – http://www.danielelkin.com/2017/12/top-13-small-press-comics-i-reviewed-of.html
Den of Geek – http://www.denofgeek.com/us/books-comics/best-comics-of-2017/269562/best-comics-2017-comicbooks
Denver Public Library – https://kids.denverlibrary.org/booklist/best-brightest-graphic-novels-2017
Entropy – https://entropymag.org/best-of-2017-comics-graphic-novels/
EPL (Edmonton Public Library) – https://epl.bibliocommons.com/list/share/664197898_comicsprof/1032066367_best_graphic_novels_2017
EW – http://ew.com/books/best-comics-2017/best-comics-of-2017/
Fantagraphics – http://fantagraphics.com/flog/whats-store-top-comix-2017/
Fantom Comics – http://fantomcomics.tumblr.com/post/169268628241/fantoms-favorite-comics-of-2017
Forbes – https://www.forbes.com/pictures/5a2aaf04a7ea432f2e756465/best-graphic-novels-of-20/#262f8e171d9b
Forbidden Planet – http://forbiddenplanet.blog/2017/best-year-2017-matts-picks/
Forbidden Planet – http://forbiddenplanet.blog/2017/best-year-2017-richmonds-picks/
Forbidden Planet – http://forbiddenplanet.blog/2018/best-of-the-year-2017-joes-picks/
Forbidden Planet – http://forbiddenplanet.blog/2018/best-year-2017-richard-begs-forgiveness-tardiness/
Free Library of Philadelphia – https://libwww.freelibrary.org/blog/post/3168
Fresh Toast – https://thefreshtoast.com/culture/best-comic-books-from-each-major-publisher-in-2017/
Gamespot – https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/the-10-best-comics-of-2017/2900-1711/
Geeks – https://geeks.media/best-comics-of-2017-for-fans-of-every-genre
Good OK Bad – http://goodokbad.com/index.php/about/2017comics
Good Reads – https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-graphic-novels-comics-2017
Gosh London – https://www.goshlondon.com/blog/2017/11/17/the-gosh-best-of-2017-kids
Gosh London – https://www.goshlondon.com/blog/2017/11/9/the-gosh-best-of-2017
Graphic Policy – https://graphicpolicy.com/2018/01/04/alexs-best-2017/
Guide Live – https://www.guidelive.com/comic-books/2017/12/14/perfectpanels-10-best-comic-books-2017
Hell Machine Jog (Joe McCulloch) – https://twitter.com/snubpollard/status/947651965797961728
Herald Scotland – http://www.heraldscotland.com/arts_ents/15784889.Graphic_Content__From_werewolves_to_cross_dressing__our_choice_of_books_of_the_year/
Herald Scottland – http://www.heraldscotland.com/arts_ents/15783879.Graphic_Content__Cartoonists_choose_their_comics_and_graphic_novels_of_the_year/
Heroic Girls – http://www.heroicgirls.com/best-graphic-novels-2017-kids-teens/
Hipinion – http://forums.hipinion.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=115077
Hollywood Reporter – https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/best-comics-2017-1070417
i09 – https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-15-best-comics-of-2017-1821292444
ICPL – http://blog.icpl.org/2017/12/30/icpl-top-staff-picks-for-2017-graphic-novels/
ICV2 – https://icv2.com/articles/columns/view/39263/the-10-best-graphic-novels-2017
ICV2 – https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/39211/top-10-kids-graphic-novels-2017
Infinite Earths – https://iearths.blogspot.ca/2017/12/the-top-10-best-comics-of-2017.html?m=1
Inverse – https://www.inverse.com/article/39420-best-comics-2017-writers-ninjak-batgirl-kaijumax-flintstones
IVC2 – https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/39236/top-10-manga-2017
Kevin Huizenga – https://kevinh.blogspot.com/2017/12/2017-time-capsule.html
Kirkus – https://www.kirkusreviews.com/lists/best-middle-grade-graphic-novels-2017/
Kitsap Regional Library – http://www.krl.org/blog/best-graphic-novels-teens-2017
Large Hearted Boy – http://www.largeheartedboy.com/blog/archive/2017/12/favorite_graphi_6.html
Lars Ingebrigtsen – https://lars.ingebrigtsen.no/2017/12/14/the-best-comics-of-2017/
Leo Weekly – https://www.leoweekly.com/2017/12/leo-looks-back-best-comic-books-2017/
Let’s Talk Picture Books – http://www.letstalkpicturebooks.com/2017/12/best-graphic-novels-of-2017.html
Library Journal – http://lj.libraryjournal.com/bestbooks2017/graphic_novels.php
Lisa Hanawalt – https://twitter.com/lisadraws/status/946879618551726080
Matt Seneca – http://mattseneca.tumblr.com/post/169372094107/2017-a-fuck-ass-year
Multiversity Comics – http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2017-in-review-best-miniseries/
Multiversity Comics – http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2017-in-review-best-new-series/
Multiversity Comics – http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2017-in-review-best-ongoing-series/
Multiversity Comics – http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2017-in-review-best-single-issue/
Multiversity Comics – http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2017-in-review-graphic-novel/
Multiversity Comics – http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2017-in-review-webcomic/
Multiversity Comics – http://www.multiversitycomics.com/reader-poll/2017-readers-choice/
Newsarama – https://www.newsarama.com/37961-best-of-best-shots-2017-our-review-crew-picks-the-best-of-the-year.html
NJ – http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2018/01/what_was_the_best_comic_book_series_of_2017_comic.html
NPR – http://apps.npr.org/best-books-2017/#/tag/comics-and-graphic-novels
Observation Deck – https://observationdeck.kinja.com/comic-books-2017-1821374651
Panel Platter – http://www.panelpatter.com/2017/12/james-2017-favorites-in-17-ridiculous.html
Panel Platter – http://www.panelpatter.com/2018/01/rob-m-favorite-sci-fi-and-fantasy.html
Panel Platter – http://www.panelpatter.com/2018/01/rob-ms-favorite-anthologies-of-2017.html
Panel Platter – http://www.panelpatter.com/2018/01/rob-ms-favorite-horror-comics-of-2017.html
Panel Platter – http://www.panelpatter.com/2018/01/rob-ms-favorite-horror-comics-of-2017.html
Panel Platter – http://www.panelpatter.com/2018/01/rob-ms-favorite-indie-books-of-2017.html
Panel Platter – http://www.panelpatter.com/2018/01/rob-ms-favorite-superhero-style-comics.html
Paste – https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/12/the-10-best-kids-comics-of-2017.html
Paste – https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/12/the-25-best-comics-of-2017.html
Pierce County Library – http://www.piercecountylibrary.org/books-materials/pierce-county-favorites/Default.htm
Polygon – https://www.polygon.com/comics/2017/12/22/16807870/comics-2017-marvel-dc
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Readings – https://www.readings.com.au/news/graphic-novels-and-comics-we-loved-in-2017
Ryan C’s Four Colour Apocalypse – https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2017/12/07/2017-year-in-review-top-10-single-issues/
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Scifi Pulse – http://www.scifipulse.net/comic-books-2017-the-year-in-review/
Sequential State – https://sequentialstate.com/blog/comics-challenged-2017-complete-list/
Slackjaw Punks – http://slackjawpunks.com/top-5-comics-of-2017/
Spy – http://spy.com/2017/entertainment/books-music-movies/best-graphic-novels-2017-comics-72376/
Super Skull – http://www.superskullshow.com/episodes-all/2017/12/7/super-skulls-best-graphic-novels-of-2017
SyFy – http://www.syfy.com/syfywire/syfy-wires-best-ongoing-genre-comics-of-2017
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The Comics Journal – http://www.tcj.com/the-best-comics-of-2017/
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The Smart Set – https://thesmartset.com/comic-countdown/
The Verge – https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/22/16807260/best-comics-of-2017
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Under The Radar – http://www.undertheradarmag.com/blog/under_the_radars_holiday_gift_guide_2017_part_9_books_and_graphic_novels/
Unwinnable – https://unwinnable.com/2018/01/03/the-best-comics-of-2017/
Uproxx – http://uproxx.com/hitfix/best-comics-2017/
Vice – https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/paqaxk/the-ten-best-comics-of-2017
Villain Media – https://villainmedia.com/jorge-solis-top-10-comic-books-2017/
Vulture – http://www.vulture.com/2017/12/10-best-comics-2017.html
Washington Post – https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/the-10-best-graphic-novels-of-2017/2017/11/10/ded1688c-af85-11e7-9e58-e6288544af98_story.html?utm_term=.74d0cde5c002
Waukegan Public Library – https://www.waukeganpl.org/2017-review-graphic-novels/
WhatCulture – http://whatculture.com/comics/10-best-comic-books-of-2017
WhatCulture – http://whatculture.com/comics/10-best-comic-books-of-2017-so-far
Why So Blu? – http://whysoblu.com/best-comic-books-2017/
Wired – https://www.wired.com/story/best-comics-2017/
Women Write About Comics – http://womenwriteaboutcomics.com/2018/01/03/small-press-bites-faves-of-2017-edition/
Women Write About Comics – http://womenwriteaboutcomics.com/2017/12/30/wwacs-favorite-big-press-comics-of-2017/
Zainab Akhtar – https://twitter.com/comicsandcola/status/941346392492167168

Milton Griepp Interview

Milton Griepp at the 2010 C2E2

Milton Griepp at the 2010 C2E2

Originally published in May of 2004. This is another one of my comic business type interviews. One of the most significant events to happen in the comics industry was Marvel buying Heroes World and exclusively distributing their comics through them. That started a chain reaction leading to Diamond having a virtual monopoly on comic book distribution to the direct market. Milton Griepp had a unique view of those events that I don’t think anybody else had asked him about.

 

Milton Griepp Interview

Milton Griepp has been in the comics industry for 30 years as a publisher, distributor, retailer and consultant. He once ran the largest direct distribution comic book company Capital City Distribution. He was involved with the Internet retail company NextPlanetOver.com and is currently running ICv2.com, a pop culture industry news Website. Along the way he has also done lots of consulting on the comic book industry. In this interview we go through his career and he gives us his analysis of the comic book industry. He also examines the effect other media are having on comics and whether manga’s popularity will last.

 

Jamie: Let’s take it from the beginning. I’m sure that like most in this industry you started as a reader. What kind of comic books got you hooked?

Milton Griepp: The first comic I remember reading was a Carl Barks Disney comic and I continued to read those. I also read a lot of DCs. Superboy, The Legion and Superman were probably the three things I read the most. I inherited a collection from my cousin that was mostly 50’s comics, including a lot of DC’s, and I continued buying those until the 60’s. In his collection were things like the Fox and Crow and other funny animal stuff that I read. When I got to college, I started reading Marvels and I also read a lot of undergrounds which were coming out in great numbers at that time.

 

Jamie: When about did you get involved in the business end of comics?

Milton Griepp: From a friend in high school. When we were in college he started a business advertising in shopper papers in northern Wisconsin, buying collections, and taking them to conventions and selling them there or selling them though the Comic Buyers Guide. I started going to shows with him in the early 70s, about 72 and 73, and working behind the table with him was my first exposure to comics as a retailer.

 

Jamie: When did you move into distribution?

Milton Griepp: That experience in the comics business got me a job in 1976 with a company called Wisconsin Independent News Distributors which carried some magazines and books and had a comic department. I was hired for the comic department. So that was my first distribution experience. The territory was fairly limited: mostly Wisconsin, a little of Illinois, a little bit of Minnesota. Then they went out of business and their business got absorbed by a company called Big Rapids Distribution Company, which at one time became the largest direct distributor in the late 70s. I worked for them, also out of Wisconsin.

 

Jamie: I understand you and John Davis teamed up to form Capital City (Distribution). When about did that happen?

Milton Griepp: I hired John at WIND and we also worked together at Big Rapids. When Big Rapids went out of business, John talked me into starting a business that would handle just comics. Both Big Rapids and Wisconsin Independent News Distributors had comics as a small part of the company, along with book and magazine distribution. So the idea that was different was to do something that specialized in comics. That was in the early 1980s.

 

Jamie: I understand at one point a group of smaller distributors all combined to take Capital to a national distributor?

Milton Griepp: I don’t know where you got that impression.

 

Jamie: That never happened?

Milton Griepp: That never happened, but we did do some small acquisitions. Our first location outside of Wisconsin was–we bought a little company called North Eastern Ohio News, which was primarily a comics distributor, based in the Cleveland area. We did some other small acquisitions over the years but most of our growth was by sales efforts one store at a time.

 

Jamie: I understand Capital was #2 going up to #1 competing against Diamond most of the way . . . Were you surprised when Marvel decided to pull out, buy Heroes World and distribute exclusively through them?

Milton Griepp: Just to set the stage, Capital was #1 until Diamond bought Bud Plant. Diamond was #2 and Bud Plant was #3 and the combination of those two companies made them larger than we were. So we were #2 at the time Marvel did their deal with Heroes World.

I guess in one sense it wasn’t a surprise, as Marvel had been making noises about being dissatisfied with the direct distribution system for a couple of years, primarily because they didn’t think they were getting their due as the largest publisher. But primarily I was surprised, because I didn’t think anybody would do anything that stupid.

 

Jamie: At that time, what did you think would happen to the comic industry?

Milton Griepp: Well, it was a very dynamic situation. We really didn’t know what to expect, so we ran the business on several tracks trying to prepare for different contingencies. There was a lot of damage done to the business during that period. Heroes World was really incapable of distributing Marvels nationally, so that was happening. Also, at the same time, the market was declining rapidly after a period of explosive growth during the early 90’s. And other publishers were maneuvering, deciding what they were going to do in the wake of Marvel’s decision. So it was an unpredictable situation, and it required a number of contingency plans for different eventualities.

 

Jamie: Looking back, do you wish you had tried harder to get DC to go exclusive with Capital instead of Diamond, with some other deal you could have made them?

Milton Griepp: Well, DC came to us and other companies and said they were thinking about going with a single company for their distributor as Marvel had. And we did pitch them hard to go with Capital; we couldn’t have tried any harder to do that. We were also trying to convince them not to go with a single distributor, and we felt they could have taken a leadership position with the retailers and distributors and united the rest of the industry against the model that Marvel was developing with the single distributor model. It would have gotten a lot of good will and a lot of support and I believe that would have been a very viable and successful action for them.

In the end I see DC’s choice as the most conservative option, which is not surprising as DC is part of a large company and that creates a tendency towards conservatism. The first instance of conservatism was that they followed what Marvel had done (Marvel was #1, DC was #2) and they followed to a single distributor. The second conservative choice was picking Diamond, as they were larger than we were, and so it represented less risk of losing business to choose Diamond than it did to choose Capital. So they took the two low-risk decisions and that led them to Diamond.

 

Jamie: How do you think the exclusive agreements between publishers and distributors have affected the industry?

Milton Griepp: Well, it’s brought stability and I think that’s had both positive and negative affects. On the positive side, considering the circumstances (this is very important), publishers had a reliable way to reach the market and through a very profitable company that always pays its bills. Given the volatility in what was happening to the smaller distributors at the time, that was a good thing for publishers and ultimately the industry.

It was also good for retailers because they were experiencing the same upheaval in terms of where and how they got their products. So after the transition period when Diamond took over the Capital stores after they bought Capital City, that led to a very reliable system of distribution for retailers. That was a good thing.

On the negative side, the fact that there were fewer viewpoints at the distribution level slowed innovation to some degree. I don’t know how much of that effect there was, but you have to assume that a number of companies all working in that field with a variety of viewpoints would have led to faster change and more innovation.

 

Jamie: After Diamond bought out Capital, did they offer you a position there?

Milton Griepp: They didn’t and I really didn’t expect one. I was a CEO and they didn’t need a CEO and they didn’t need a COO. They had Steve Geppi as the CEO and a very capable COO with Chuck Parker. They didn’t really have a position that fit my skills so I didn’t expect an offer and didn’t receive one.

 

Jamie: After that you started working with NextPlanetOver.com. What was that experience like?

Milton Griepp: Actually that was a while after the Capital sale, and both before and after that I did some consulting in the field.

Well, the NextPlanetOver experience was a unique time and place. It was in San Francisco, and at a venture-funded Internet company at the peak of the dot com boom. That was a really interesting time and place to be geographically, from a business history point of view, and from a technological innovation point of view. It was a really interesting thing to see.

I’d seen a lot of bubbles before in the pop culture products business, you know especially when there is a resale market involved. Like the black and white comics–there was a bubble and then everybody produces them, then there’s too many and then the market collapses. I hadn’t seen a capital bubble of this type, which was that the cost of capital was very low and the money was flowing into all kinds of Internet businesses. So that was new to see, and although there were some negative outcomes, the experience was very positive. I learned a lot about private equity, learned a lot about technology and the Internet.

Capital was a very technologically progressive company; even in the early 90s we were doing order uploads and using electronic communication with our customers. But this was on a different level, because we were on the real cutting edge, at that time, of the development of e-commerce technology. So we sold off the company at the end and that was a negative, but the experience of being there at that time and place and how much I learned was very positive, on balance.

 

Jamie: There was controversy at that time, particularly when they were being located at the same warehouse Diamond was shipping comics from. What did you think about that at the time?

Milton Griepp: Well, it wasn’t really located at the same place. Diamond was doing order fulfillment for NextPlanetOver. NextPlanetOver bought merchandise from Diamond and rather than Diamond doing one big shipment to NextPlanetOver they shipped it directly to NextPlanetOver’s customers. That was a very efficient system in that it gave NextPlanetOver access to a large inventory and allowed the company to offer that to its customers without being in possession before it was being purchased.

It was on the original model that Amazon was built on–an inventory-less model where the product was offered, then acquired from a wholesaler at the time of sale. So from a business point of view I think it made a lot of sense. There was some controversy from the reaction from retailers thinking NextPlanetOver had a special deal that was going to hurt them. But ultimately there was very little threat to brick and mortar retailers from that arrangement. The controversy boomed and then tailed off. It wasn’t unexpected and ultimately didn’t affect our business.

 

Jamie: Out of the whole ordeal what did you learn about trying to sell comic books online?

Milton Griepp: I wouldn’t really call it an ordeal. There were certainly parts of it that were an ordeal, but over-all there were also some positive things about it.

From my first involvement in the company, I wanted it focused not on selling comic books online (periodicals), but on selling graphic novels, toys, apparel–selling the things that customers bought other than comics. Comics are really too cheap to sell through a traditional shopping cart model where you are selling, at that time, a two dollar product one at a time. It just wasn’t an efficient model and ultimately we did change the orientation of the product mix to emphasize the other product lines that Diamond also offered.

The subscription service model that’s been around for many years works well for selling periodical comics via mail order or via the Internet. Selling one at a time is just not a terribly efficient model, which was what I thought going in and that was proven by the results. We did re-orient the mix to focus on some of the higher-priced items and I’d say that was the upshot of the learning experience there–that selling comics like backlist in an “off-the-rack” situation was not a viable business model, but I do think, as other businesses have proven since, selling graphic novels, toys, and the higher-priced stuff works fine.

 

Jamie: During that time you were also doing some consulting work. Were there any clients in particular you could name that you worked with?

Milton Griepp: Well, I’ll talk a bit about the categories I’ve worked with. I worked with publishers, I worked with retailers, toy companies, international consulting firms, educational firms, educational institutions, investment firms. My clients generally prefer that I advise them without revealing their identities.

 

Jamie: When coming up with ICv2.com, why did you decide to go as a Website instead of as a printed magazine?

Milton Griepp: I had just come out of a Web business, and I learned a lot about it, so I had this knowledge base on how to do it. It seemed inexpensive to start a Website as a result of improving technology at the time. When we started NextPlanetOver, for example, the code for the content area had to be all written from scratch. By the time I started ICv2, things like the search function could be acquired relatively inexpensively instead of writing it from scratch. That learning experience of how to develop the Website relatively inexpensively allowed saving a non- trivial amount of money.

The reason I wanted to do it on the Web was to use that knowledge, and I felt the Web was a superior way of delivering news. Obviously it’s faster and more accessible; also it involves the ability to interact with the user, which does not exist in print. I also believed I could develop an audience at a lower cost on the Web than in print so it was a classic business model-driven decision.

 

Jamie: Last year ICv2.com did a printed magazine called the ICv2 Retailers Guide to Graphic Novels. How successful was that?

Milton Griepp: Actually we’ve done a number of magazines; I think the number is over 10, in three categories. We do the ICv2 Retailers Guide to Anime and Manga, the ICv2 Retailers Guide to Graphic Novels, and the ICv2 Retailers Guide to Games.

I started pitching the first magazine at San Diego a year and a half ago and was really surprised at the response, which was that advertisers that were resistant to the idea of advertising online were receptive to the idea of advertising in a magazine. I think it’s just a matter of preference that people have established over the years with certain types of media. So that was a big response on the advertisers’ side.

On the content side, the magazine was also a good fit with our online content. The online content is very fast; we publish daily, with shorter articles, primarily news. The print medium allowed us to take a longer view of things, do more analysis, more features, more in-depth reporting. I think the two media, online and print, are complementary and we really like the way they fit together. I think both are important to how ICv2 serves its audience and advertisers. So online was a good place to start and print was a good place to expand to.

 

Jamie: Despite doing well in bookstores, many comic book retailers are having a hard time selling manga. What do you think retailers have to do to move manga like the bookstores do?

Milton Griepp: Well, I want to push back on the idea that comic stores are having a lot of difficulty selling manga. Obviously they are selling a lot more manga than they were a few years ago and I think that’s going to continue. The thing is, some comic stores are a lot better than others at manga, and I think it’s a matter of how they merchandise the manga line, also what their clientele base is like, and how they retail to their clientele.

The reason bookstores have grown much faster than comic book stores have over the last few years is that bookstores have a larger female audience and a lot of the manga content is directed at female consumers. So a comic store that focuses on superheroes or action adventure material that has a primarily male audience is going to miss out on a lot of manga sales because there is a lot of material that doesn’t appeal to that action adventure audience.

On the other hand, I have seen some comic stores do a very good job with manga. In fact, the best manga stores I’ve seen are comic stores that carry far greater variety than the best bookstores. They also have better product knowledge at the counter than the best bookstores. So I think that comic stores can be extremely successful with manga, it’s just a matter of how they merchandise it, who their clientele is and how they reach out to their clientele–a store that is friendly for consumers of both sexes and all ages (as the manga audience in bookstores is a little bit younger than the typical comic book store audience). So comic stores can reach that audience, but historically comic stores have been a male-supported distribution channel and that presents barriers in some stores.

 

Jamie: ICv2.com has been tracking sales numbers for quite some time. Are there any particular tends you’ve noticed that others in the industry should know?

Milton Griepp: Well, first of all there has been a change a little over a year ago in how Diamond puts out their numbers, how they calculate indexes, and that has affected our ability to do year-to-year comparisons. Between 2000 and 2002, we were able to do year-to-year comparisons which were extremely useful, because it tracked what was happening in comic stores in that period, which was the first growth that had happened in about a decade. That was really a good thing to track.

Now we’re just getting to the end of the first year with Diamond and its new numbers. Once again, the first month we did comparisons for, the market was up and that was a good thing. In the long run, Diamond using actual numbers instead of pre-orders for their index is going to be very positive because it’s a much more accurate snapshot of the market.

In terms of overall trend analysis, by looking at the comic stores and other channels, the biggest growth is graphic novel sales in bookstores. The biggest thing happening there is that bookstores are replacing newsstand distribution, which collapsed for comics in the last five to ten years, as a feeder system into comic book stores. In other words, consumers are exposed to comics in book stores and if they want to find a broader range of titles they’ll end up in a comic store. Before, it used to be that happened from magazine-type outlets and newsstands, convenience stores, those kinds of outlets, where people pick up a comic book and then find their way to a comic store later. I think that’s a huge, huge shift in the comic business.

I mentioned earlier the fact that younger readers and female readers are finding comics in bookstores and that’s a hugely positive trend for the entire industry. Opening up the market to female readers to a greater degree doubles the available pool of consumers.

Getting younger kids reading comics is positive because it will hopefully build lifetime consumers. The comic market has been aging dramatically for the last 10 to 12 years, and this can reverse that trend. Those are really positive things happening in the comics business, the fact that the business in comic stores is also growing, those are positive things.

I think we’re seeing a greater impact of other media on comic sales, specifically movies and television. Obviously the Batman movie had a huge impact on Batman product sales in the late 80s and early 90s, but now there’s a whole plethora of media influences on comic sales just in the last few years. Smaller movies like Ghost World and American Splendor, something like Road to Perdition or From Hell and the mega-blockbusters like Spider-Man, Hulk, and X-men, those have all been really positive events for comic sales.

On television now, not only are there a number of cartoons being done based on American comics but the anime, which is tied to manga, are also popularizing those properties to a great degree. So movies and television are having a much greater impact than they had in the past, which is obviously a very positive thing for the comics business.

There is a bunch of positive trends sort of coalescing in the industry and it’s a good time for the comic business.

 

Jamie: I noticed that movies don’t seem to help the superhero comics quite as much as do the independent comics.

Milton Griepp: Spider-Man and Hulk moved a lot of product through all channels and it lifted Spider-Man graphic novels to the top of the charts. The bookstores moved a lot of Spider-Man product, as did the comic stores, so I think there is a connection. Recent Marvel movies have shown that. I think it doesn’t always work that way, The Punisher, for example. The early indication is it’s not moving product quite as well as Hellboy is. So I think it depends on the combination of the movie and the material.

 

Jamie: How do you see the comic book industry changing in the next 5 years?

Milton Griepp: I see the comic audience growing in a number of demographic groups, including adults that are interested in comics as literature. Certainly there is a pop culture aspect to them, but comics are being taken more seriously as real literature. This has been going on for a while, but for the last couple of years we’ve really accelerated that trend. And at the same time, we see the market for comics growing among younger readers, girls, and women. Comics being reviewed by book reviewers in the literary establishment also opens up an even larger, more serious reading audience of adults. So again we see multiple audiences in which the comics medium is growing. So I think those are very positive trends.

Another aspect that is unlike some previous growth trends of the comic business: none of this is being based on the after-market value, so the risk of collapse in the business due to a collapse of after-market values or overproduction or whatever just isn’t there in the same way as was there in earlier growth periods. That again is a very, very positive trend.

 

Jamie: So you don’t think manga is just a fad then? (laughs)

Milton Griepp: It’s been going on too long to be a fad. The Japanese stuff has been growing since the early 80s, so you can’t take a 25-year trend and say “It’s a fad.”

 

Jamie: yes . . .

Milton Griepp: Certainly there are times where it gets super-hot and then cools off. Pokemon was a huge phenomenon and it exploded, then there was space for a while and shrinks back a little bit, but I don’t think it’s a fad. I wrote something in 2000-2001 that said something to the effect that we’re witnessing a change in world culture, in the sense that more and more pop culture is coming from Asia. You can almost say that as American culture took over from British as the ruling popular culture, now we’re seeing a move towards Asian pop culture.

Hollywood is not going anywhere, American television is not going anywhere, American comics is not going anywhere; but there is a growing influence in all markets from Asian pop culture. Something like Kill Bill is ostensibly an American movie, but it’s got elements of Hong Kong action movies, little pieces of old American movies, there is anime in the first volume.

You can see the Asian influence growing in American pop culture in so many ways. So that’s another reason that I don’t think manga is just a fad.

Ty Templeton Interview

Ty Templeton at 2014 Joe Shuster Awards

Ty Templeton at 2014 Joe Shuster Awards

Originally published in November of 2002. At this point I had dropped all monthly comics and was only reading Graphic Novels. When I made that switch I found I didn’t like reading superhero graphic novels all that much, with the exception of Kurt Busiek’s Astro City. Ty’s Bigg Time had recently came out and I enjoyed it and I thought it was neat that he was relatively local to me.

 

Ty Templeton Interview

Ty Templeton has done a mix of big name superhero, independent and licensed cartoon comics during his career. His latest work is something different: it’s an original, black and white graphic novel published by DC/Vertigo. The book is called Bigg Time and is about something Ty is very familiar with, show business and fame. Ty comes from a very famous family. His mother was a singer with a few hits and his father was heavily involved in show business and politics. In this interview, we talk about graphic novels in general, Bigg Time, politics, his future and more.

 

Jamie: How did you like doing an original graphic novel compared to a monthly comic book?

Ty Templeton: First and foremost, it’s wonderful to have the time to stretch out and really TELL a story, rather than racing through everything in twenty two pages. I get to indulge the characters more, and indulge the pace . . .

This particular graphic novel was originally conceived as a six issue mini-series however, so many of the monthly comic book joys and headaches were all packed into the experience anyway. I wrote it in eighteen page chunks, for instance so I could get a paycheck every couple of weeks. The chapters tend to run to the same breaks that were written into the script when it was intended to be a miniseries . . .

 

Jamie: Did you find yourself trying to put in a cliffhanger every 24 pages or so like a normal comic series?

Ty Templeton: WHOOPS! See answer above! Since it was conceived that way, yup, I did . . . But we knew it was a graphic novel before I’d gotten much farther than the first dozen or so pages anyway . . . so I wasn’t a slave to that format in the end. But there are elements of that, that remained in the finished thing, because they’re in the original plot structure.

 

Jamie: I noticed with Bigg Time, you did *everything* on the comic, some things your not known for like lettering, colouring and separations. Why did you take on all aspects of doing the book?

Ty Templeton: Well, I’m not known for them cause I haven’t done them in a while. But I used to letter everything I drew, and when I worked in the independent comics industry in the Eighties, I had no choice but to do everything, including boxing issues up to be shipped. I even drove comics home from a printer once . . . I also used to colour my own covers on Batman, so I’m used to working with a computer to colour things. I’m very big on the idea that comics should be created by as few hands as possible. That’s one of the joys of the medium . . . I can conceive, write, draw, colour and (should I suddenly wish to lose money) print and publish my own comic iffen I want to. Vive la Artiste Solo! You can’t do that in Movies or TV!

 

Jamie: Did you do lettering, colouring and separations by hand or by computer?

Ty Templeton: Most of the word balloon lettering is done on a computer. All my sound effects letters are done as line art on the boards. I always feel sound effects are part of the art, and ALWAYS do those myself when I pencil.

 

Jamie: Do you think graphic novels are the future of the comic industry?

Ty Templeton: Gosh, I hope so and I hope not. I’d like to see more of them, but only good ones, of which there haven’t been that many over the years. Road to Perdition is a wonderful graphic novel, as is Stuck Rubber Baby, and Maus, and everything Will Eisner ever did with the form . . . but some of the best of the “Graphic Novels”, such as Watchmen, or Sandman, were originally serialized stories anyway. They just happen to collect up nicely. GON, and Asterix, arguably my favorite graphic novel characters, are both in ongoing series, ALSO originally printed in a serialized form . . . But, I still get a kick out of reading Batman or Wolverine’s adventures every month. Guilty pleasure, the ongoing series, who’d like to see that go? And I don’t much agree with the graphic novels that are essentially just long, long superhero stories. There’s been a few Batman or Green Lantern stories that came out as hundred page hardcover books that would have worked far better as four issue mini-series, both in terms of pace, and price. From a marketing standpoint, I’m all for my publisher making money, but the stories that make it as graphic novels don’t always deserve the format. More stuff by Eisner and Kyle Baker and folks like that, hell yeah. Superheroes belong in the monthlies, though.

 

Jamie: I’m no longer a huge superhero lover myself but it’s surprising that you would “write off” a whole sub-genre as not being worthy of a different format. How would you react if someone were to say oh.. Westerns should be off limits to a different format like free digest sized weekly books?

Ty Templeton: I don’t think I “wrote off” a whole sub-genre with the phrase “the (superhero) stories that make it as graphic novels don’t always deserve the format”. That’s more of a judgment about what’s BEEN done with the format, rather than a rule of conduct for future projects. An awful lot of the stuff that gets turned directly into a graphic novel, (rather than a series that gets collected up, such as Dark Knight, etc . . . ) just hasn’t met my particular critical standards. In my experience, the Punisher, Spider-Man, JLA, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Avengers, X-Men “direct to graphic novel” format projects that I’ve read haven’t particularly deserved the high price or high page count. I could mention specific titles, but that’s just needlessly mean to the creators involved, most of whom are fine writers and artists, and often friends of mine. Can you name an original superhero graphic novel published in the last ten years that was particularly good?
Examples of Superhero graphic novels that WERE to my liking include The Death of Captain Marvel by Starlin, Batman: Birth of the Demon, by O’Neil and Breyfogle, Superman vs. Mohammad Ali by O’Neil and Adams. Those were all a while ago, I’ll admit . . . but I haven’t found many that blew me away of late. I haven’t read Catwoman’s Big Score, by Cooke, which I’m told is pretty good, so I may change my mind any day now.
But think through your favorite superhero stories or moments over the years . . . I’ll be surprised if many, or if ANY of those moments come in an original graphic novel format. My favorite moments sure don’t. But some of my favorite moments in comics DO come in graphic novels. Cowboy Wally, Maus, The Building . . . all manage sublime moments of wonder, without a cape in sight. I think pop songs, sit-coms, poetry, candy, liquor, comedy sketches, and superheroes all work best is short doses. I’m certainly willing to watch a four hour Fawlty Towers marathon, or read Dante’s epic poems, because no rule of art and creativity is written in stone. But I don’t think a four hour Just Shoot Me marathon would keep my attention, and consider all the SNL sketch characters who get expanded out to star in HORRIFIC two hour films. But I LOVE the idea of free digest sized Westerns. Who can we contact to get started on that?

 

Jamie: Do you want to do more original graphic novels?

Ty Templeton: I might enjoy writing one. I don’t think the art side attracts me quite so much, unless I get around to actually learning to draw. I have no natural talent for art . . . I’m self taught, and hardly taught at that . . . I’m too much the perfectionist, and I sweat out each line sometimes, continuously dissatisfied with what goes onto the paper. I’m getting less angry at my hands, but I still don’t much enjoy the constant fight that illustrating is to me. I’m much better in short bursts, like single issues, or covers. Writing makes me giggle and smile though.

 

Jamie: Are not artists supposed to be this way? Perfectionists, always unsatisfied with their work, etc . . . ?

Ty Templeton: Not for their own sanity, they’re not supposed to be. I’d rather not spend my days frustrated. I get more of a hoot out of laughing and tickling my children than fighting with my lack of ability to draw. I’m a good writer, and a good inker, and I never seem to sweat that stuff, but penciling is something I’m not basically very good at, and I find it frustrating. I’ve read that Jerry Ordway and Al Williamson are like that too, and they are two of my FAVORITE pencilers in the biz . . . so there!

 

Jamie: With a monthly series, you can get some feedback along the way to what readers do and don’t like about your work. Was it any easier or more difficult to do a whole story without audience feedback along the way?

Ty Templeton: I had feedback working on the book. My wife and a number of my friends read the chapters as I was doing them, and of course, both my editors, Joan Hilty and Heidi MacDonald were good to bounce off of. I may not have had much feedback directly from fans for the story, but the story was fairly personal anyway, and wouldn’t have benefited from too many hands on the tiller.

 

Jamie: I can’t but notice that the book takes place in a very similar Toronto town, even a few blocks from here (the Toronto Expo) is the Bay Street Station. “The Bums Rush” has a familiar looking background. Why did you base this Hollywood story so close to home?

Ty Templeton: As I said, it’s a more or less personal story. If you read the “About the Author” in the back of the book, you’ll find out I’ve been in and around show biz and the famousness business my whole life, which I happened to have spent in Toronto. I didn’t see a need to put it in L.A. or New York, since I haven’t really lived in either city. I actually don’t name the city any of this takes place in, but you’re right, it’s Toronto. Besides, more movies are made in Toronto, and more albums recorded up here, than in any city in North America BUT New York and LA. Why NOT put it up here? We’re Hollywood North, ain’t we?

 

Jamie: Yes, but American entertainment companies often like to Americanize things in order to make them more commercial. Did you choose to not name Toronto so the story would be more universal?

Ty Templeton: Well, I more or less did name Toronto, by not particularly hiding that it was Toronto. T.O. Subway stations, street signs, and the Canadian Prime Minister run about the novel unmolested . . . well, the PM gets molested a LITTLE bit. The name of the town simply never came up in the script, but it was a Canadian town, since I’m a Canadian writer.

 

Jamie: How did the idea of you doing Bigg Time come about? Did you have to aggressively pitch that to DC/Vertigo or did they come to you?

Ty Templeton: While at a convention in Chicago, I pitched Joan Hilty about a science fiction project I wanted to do (and still do, btw). She told me she wasn’t buying anything SF at the time, but did I have something with a magical angle to it . . . ? I mentioned an old screenplay idea that I’d started and never finished a year or so before, and she asked to hear about it . . . liked it, and we went from there. It mutated through a mini-series, to a graphic novel, back to a mini and back to a graphic novel along the way, and the plot underwent a couple of major and a few minor changes from the pitch, but that was about it. There wasn’t much aggressive pitching on my part. Right place at the right time. Plus, the pitch made her laugh . . .

 

Jamie: How Americans do you think will get the Canadian Prime Minister Jean Crouton joke?

Ty Templeton: Believe it or not, the name was actually Chrétien RIGHT up until about a week before the whole thing went to the printer. Literally on the last proofread through, the editor called me up and asked me if Chrétien was the P.M’s real name. “Yeah,” I said . . . “Oh we can’t have that,” said the editor . . . “For legal reasons, you can’t use the Prime Minister’s real name.” So we relettered the balloon so it read Crouton . . . but here’s the best part: No one caught the fact that it was the real PM’s name, because both the editor and the proofreader thought I made the name “Chrétien” up. They thought it was a French spoof on the word cretin.

 

Jamie: Of course you noticed he resigns as Prime Minister the day after your book hits the stands. So that’s obviously your fault.

Ty Templeton: All according to plan. Now if only the Bush people get the secret hypnotic message that’s intended for them, then my work here is done.

 

Jamie: And who would you replace Chrétien and Bush with?

Ty Templeton: I have nothing particularly against Chrétien. I’ve voted for him, and might have even done it again. I’m basically a Liberal or NDP kind of vote, pretty well every election. Paul Martin seems like a fine replacement for Jean . . . I’m fairly sure he’s who we’ll get anyway. As for replacing Bush? Pretty well any creature, vertebrate or invertebrate could do a better job than that smirking frat boy clown. Don’t even get me started on the ruinous car wreck that I find his Fraudulent and embarrassing administration to be. Imagine someone actually usurping the position of “Worst American President of my Lifetime” from Nixon . . .

 

Jamie: Was this book a nice change of pace from doing all those cartoon comics for the last few years?

Ty Templeton: My whole career is a change of pace. Cartoon comics (including Ren and Stimpy, Batman Adventures, Bugs Bunny, the Simpsons) have been a mainstay of my work for the last little while, by my own choice, and as a change of pace from the mainstream superhero comics I did for a while, (Superman, Avengers, Justice League) which were a change of pace from the funky independent stuff (Stig’s Inferno, National Lampoon, Mr. X, etc . . . much like this graphic novel, in fact) that I did for most of the Eighties and early Nineties.

 

Jamie: Are there any particular genre’s and/or formats you want to explore in the future?

Ty Templeton: I’m getting a tickle to work on some more Looney Toons stuff in the future. I may or may not get to . . . but I did a little bit for the 100th anniversary issue of Looney Toons from DC, and enjoyed it greatly, and wouldn’t mind doing more. I’ve got a nibble from a friend of mine to help art direct yet another TV pilot, (making it about a dozen I’ve worked on over the years) which I hope I get to do. Beyond that, I’m focusing on Batman, the Simpsons and the other projects I have actually ON my desk. I don’t get too far ahead of the present . . . I’m a live in the moment kind of guy.

 

Jamie: According to ICV2.com Bigg Time placed #18 in the top 50 Graphic Novels, selling approximately 6,400 pre orders through Diamond. Is that better or worse than you expected?

Ty Templeton: We had a re-order a couple of weeks later that took us up to about eight thousand, I believe. That’s about what my editor and I guessed it was going to do . . . about eight thou . . . It would be nice if it could sneak up to ten thousand over the next year . . . it would be nice, but I’m not holding my breath. So it did about what we expected.

 

Jamie: What are you doing in the future?

Ty Templeton: I’m writing a mini series for DC, that’s not yet scheduled, so it’s hush hush time. More or that later. I’m doing a little more Batman work again . . . I just inked an issue, and might be writing and/or drawing a few more. I always loved Batman to work on, so it’s nice to be home with him again. Gotham City is familiar and fun territory. I did a couple of Simpsons/Bongo comics stories . . . a Simpson’s Hallowe’en special that’s just come out, and a Radioactive Man story that’s due out in a few months, I think.
I did a page in the Looney Toons 100th issue special, and had so much fun on it, I promised myself to do more with the Warner Bros characters in the future. Joan Hilty is editing the Warner Bros. comics at DC, and since we worked together on the BIGG TIME novel . . . well, we’re happy to work together again . . . so maybe a Duck Dodgers giant, or something. Who knows?

Max Allen Collins Interview

Originally published in October of 2001. I bought Road to Perdition at a going out of business bookstore sale and really enjoyed the book. I was pleasantly surprised when I heard it was being made into a movie (and became really happy when it was a really good one). Shockingly, DC and parent company Warner Brothers did not realize what they had and let the movie rights slip away. I am really surprised that during this time of ‘republish anything that was good’ era of comics that Ms. Tree remains unpublished, especially with the demographics of today’s comic readers.

 

An Interview With Max Allen Collins

Max Allen Collins is probably the best writer you never heard of. His works stretch from comics to novels to screenplays. He has won a number of awards for his work outside of comics, but inside the industry he’s largely ignored. Among his better remembered works is Ms. Tree done through Eclipse and DC. He recently wrote a graphic novel called Road to Perdition that is extremely good and is going to be coming out in early 2001 as a movie. The movie will star Tom Hanks and be directed by American Beauty’s Sam Mendes and is expected to be a major hit at the box office. In this interview we ask about Road to Perdition, Ms. Tree and numerous other topics regarding his future.

 

Jamie: How long did it take you to research and write Road to Perdition?

Max Allen Collins: The research and writing was spread out over at least a four year period; this was because of the time it took the artist, Richard Piers Rayner, to turn out his precise, detailed artwork (often working from research materials I sent to him) (he’s in England).

 

Jamie: How much of Road to Perdition is true? Which parts did you have to fill in with your own assumptions?

Max Allen Collins: It’s mostly fiction. John and Connor Looney are real, and much of the material involving them has some basis in reality, including the Gabel shooting and Connor’s eventual death…and several lieutenants who felt betrayed by Looney. So the setting and historical underpinnings are fairly real — though Looney’s reign was more in the teens and ’20s — but the story of Michael O’Sullivan and his son is my invention.

 

Jamie: Did you at all contact Michael O’Sullivan while researching his father?

Max Allen Collins: He did not exist; I created him.

 

Jamie: Road to Perdition has a number of nifty lines like “God made Irishmen pale, but not as pale as those priests who came out after papa had unburdened his soul to them.” Where you thinking about a possible movie adaptation when writing?

Max Allen Collins: Thanks — a sort of quiet poetry emerged from the narrator’s distance from the story. As for thinking about the movies, no more than usual — but comics, as a visual medium, has ties to film. As Will Eisner has aptly pointed out, however, there are many differences between them.

 

Jamie: What is the current status of Road to Perdition? Does it have a publisher?

Max Allen Collins: ROAD TO PERDITION will be reprinted by DC in time for the movie’s release. The movie will probably have a limited late ’01 release to qualify for Oscars, then a wide one early in ’02.

 

Jamie: Did DC give you a reason when they didn’t resign the rights to the book back when they had the chance?

Max Allen Collins: They still have reprint rights. It’s just the other rights — movie, sequels, prequels, etc. — that I own. (Actually, Richard and I own the movie rights to ROAD.)

 

Jamie: What was your reaction when you learned that Sam Mendes and Tom Hanks wanted to do Road to Perdition as a movie?

Max Allen Collins: I said I would believe it when I saw it. Having been on the set, and met and talked to both Mendes and Hanks, I believe it now! And I’m thrilled.

 

Jamie: Were you at all involved in the making of the film?

Max Allen Collins: Not really. Visited the set, spoke frequently to Producer Dean Zanuck, and have written a novelization. The script is good — very faithful, though it compresses the material and it’s somewhat less action-driven.

 

Jamie: Does the success of the film concern you at all?

Max Allen Collins: I don’t quite know how to answer that. The bigger it is, the better my future — so, sure, it concerns me! If you mean, artistically, I am convinced this will be a quality picture.

 

Jamie: Do you lie awake at nights thinking about the possibilities of your future if the movie is a smash hit?

Max Allen Collins: Sleep?

 

Jamie: You’ve said in other interviews that you consider Road to Perdition your comic writing swan song. Has that changed?

Max Allen Collins: Possibly. DC has spoken to me about doing a major BATMAN project. I have been working solely on novels and screenplays, however; the moribund status of the industry — and my own disconnection from it, for several years — hasn’t sent me scurrying to comics publishers…or, frankly, vice versa. I thought I would get some calls from comics editors/publishers, after ROAD got this major movie deal…what could be bigger? The only editor who has called is Andy Helfer, who edited ROAD, God bless him.

 

Jamie: There has been a lot of talk lately about how the comic industry should move towards Graphic Novels and movie deals, although not exactly hand in hand. Road to Perdition is a success in both areas but it doesn’t get the praise it should within the comic industry. Does that disappoint you?

Max Allen Collins: That was largely why I walked away from comics. ROAD got almost no reviews, and did not receive an Eisner nomination. If I could do my best work, and get no notice whatsoever…well, it was a bitter pill. Many people followed the lead that Terry Beatty and I took with MS. TREE, and we’ve had zero recognition while lesser, trendier crap gets raves. My attitude was, “Screw them.” To some degree, frankly, it still is.

 

Jamie: Do you think Road to Perdition would have gotten more reviews/praise/nominations if DC promoted it better? I tend to wonder if the lack of response is directly related to the lack of marketing on DC’s part.

Max Allen Collins: DC did some limited promotion, but ROAD was the last of the Paradox Press slate of crime novels, and the others had not done well. So we were lucky to be published at all, and DC can’t be faulted much. Where they can be faulted is that some key high people at DC did not recognize the quality of the work; if they had, they would not only have promoted it, but would have matched the DreamWorks offer for movie rights (which they could have done).

What is truly annoying to me is how DC has ignored Richard and myself, and our work, when this is arguably the biggest comics movie ever…because they are apparently embarrassed to have let ROAD “get away.” If they promoted us, and bragged about a DC project being this big Hollywood deal, the people at Warner above them would ask embarrassing questions…like, why isn’t this a Warner Bros. movie?

 

Jamie: Do you think DC would have promoted it more if they had owned the work, lock, stock, and barrel like they do Batman?

Max Allen Collins: Undoubtedly. But I don’t think they knew what they had — at least one of the top people simply didn’t “get” it. (Let me say that Paul Levitz has been great to me and did in fact publish the book when others in his position might not have.)

 

Jamie: What’s the current situation with the rights to Ms. Tree. I know for a while it was published through DC. Do they still own the character?

Max Allen Collins: Terry Beatty and I own MS. TREE, and we would love to do something with her, after a several year lay-off (preferably a graphic novel). A TV option is about to run out. We’ll see.

 

Jamie: Any chance of putting out a TPB collecting your Ms. Tree work?

Max Allen Collins: Possible. We’re available if anybody’s interested. But I’m not sure where the negatives are. The early stuff we don’t have, and DC controls the rest. I would love to see the DC stuff gathered, as I feel it’s our best work.

 

Jamie: You work in a lot of different storytelling arenas, mainly prose novels, but also in film making and music. What can you do in comics that can’t be done in other forms of storytelling?

Max Allen Collins: That would require a book-length response that neither of us has time for. I would say, however, that one aspect is the manner in which comics fall between film and prose: film is an exterior medium — shows us the story from the outside — and prose is an interior medium — tells us the story from inside. Comics is the only form that can gracefully give us both the interior and exterior of a story (ROAD is a case in point). Words and music, in other words…or rather, music and words. As Eisner has pointed out, the manner in which images can be frozen, in effect…the emphasis and rhythm that is possible, a manipulation of image that is quite beyond film…makes comics a storytelling medium without peer. Unfortunately, for cultural reasons, Americans will never understand that.

We just lost Johnny Craig. Did any newspaper in America cover that?

 

Jamie: You’re best known for writing in the Crime genre, both novels and comics. Do you have any desire to work in other genres?

Max Allen Collins: I have always been attracted to suspense and crime — because of the inherent conflict. (All good stories have a conflict at their heart.) Most genres have these elements — I wrote the novelizations of WATERWORLD, a science-fiction story, and MAVERICK, a western, without even thinking much about the fact that they weren’t “mysteries.” I’ve written quite a bit of horror, for instance, because those same elements are there to attract me: suspense, conflict, crime. There are more mainstream subjects that interest me, too, but I would guess whatever tale I tell, suspenseful conflict…some kind of tension, fear, crime element…is going to be in there.

 

Jamie: Jim Steranko recently called right now the “Kervorkian Age of Comics” saying there is too much violence in comics, linking them to the recent terrorist attacks in NYC. He went as far as to call an upcoming comic called PRO a “Terrorist Comic.” As a writer who writes scenes of violence, what is your response to this?

Max Allen Collins: Well, it’s obviously hyperbole, and Steranko is if anything the master of the grand gesture. My view is a little different. What I don’t like about comics and much of popular culture in recent years is a sort of phony darkness — a juvenile, arch darkness. “Darkness” isn’t tattoos and piercings and discordant music — “darkness” is flying a fucking plane into a building…that’s true darkness, and it’s not terribly entertaining. I feel my work — ANGEL IN BLACK, the latest Heller for example — is more legitimately dark, or anyway noir, than most of this stuff. James Ellroy is the best example, of course…it’s so childishly dark; everybody’s a dog-raping child molester or something. Laughable.
What’s going to be interesting is seeing where popular culture goes. Hollywood is re-releasing fluff like LEGALLY BLONDE and shelving the new Arnold-kicks-terrorist-butt movie…but maybe Americans would like to see Arnold kick some terrorist butt. About now a Mike Hammer novel with a great over-the-top revenge ending might feel pretty good. But I’m relieved to be a historical novelist at the moment — the 20th Century seems like a much safer canvas right now.

 

Jamie: What are you working on now?

Max Allen Collins: I just finished the novelization of ROAD, but I’m having trouble with DreamWorks because the licensing person feels I’ve put in too much material not in the script. The fact that I created this story and these characters does not seem to sway this person. So that’s a small nightmare I’m wrestling with.

And I’m working on THE LUSITANIA MURDERS, another of my “disaster” novels. Then I do the movie tie-in for THE SCORPION KING. Before the end of the year you’ll see two other recent works: WINDTALKERS, a John Woo novelization, and the first CSI novel, DOUBLE DEALER.

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