The best fantasy comics are, at the top,Boneby Jeff Smith,Conan the Barbarian,Monsterby Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda, andElfQuest. This tier list classifies comic book fantasy stories according to their quality, their universe and their influence, from classic heroic fantasy to modern dark fantasy. Facts (authors, publishers, dates) checked, no invented ratings.
Fantasy offers comics its most abundant worlds: imaginary kingdoms, magic, creatures. This tier list brings together the series that build the richest universes and the most gripping stories, from adventure for all audiences to adult fantasy. Criterion: the success of the story and the depth of the world.
Editorial Ranks, Factsverified. Each entry refers to a site file when it exists.
Tier S: the great fantasy worlds
Boneby Jeff Smith is the ultimate fantasy epic for all audiences, funny and profound, one of the most awarded series in history.Conan the Barbarian(Marvel, 1970) brought Robert E. Howard's heroic fantasy to the top of the newsstand.Monsterunfolds a sumptuous Asian dark fantasy, andElfQuestremains a cult independent saga since 1978.
Tier A: modern fantasy
dieby Kieron Gillen mixes fantasy and deadly role-playing.Rat Queensrevisits the dungeon adventure with humor,Sandman: Openingsextends Gaiman's universe, andAmuletby Kazu Kibuishi is a huge youth success.
Tier B: universes to explore
Kill Six Billion Demons,Birthright,The Autumnlandsby Kurt Busiek and theDungeonof Sfar and Trondheim (monument of Franco-Belgian fantasy) offer rich and original worlds.
Tier C: gender values
Elrick(after Moorcock),Northlanders(Viking fantasy by Brian Wood),PathfinderetSkullkickerscomplete the selection with solid adventures.
Tier D: the curiosities
WarlordetClaw the Unconquered(DC fantasy from the 70s) andWeirdworld(Marvel) close this tier list: historical or offbeat series, real but confidential.
To remember
- Boneis the consensus summit of fantasy in comics.
- Conanremains the heroic fantasy reference, highly sought after in terms of collection.
- Indie fantasy is thriving(Monstress, Die, Rat Queens).
- Each entry refers to a site file when it exists.
Frequently asked questions
Boneby Jeff Smith is unanimously acclaimed as a fantasy epic for all audiences. For an adult fantasy,Monsteretdieare the modern references.
Some key issues of Conan the Barbarian (Marvel, 1970), notably #1, are sought after. Always check the edition and condition before purchasing, as the series has been heavily printed.
ByBone(accessible to all) orMonster(for adults). Both exist in complete bound collections.
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