The best fantasy comics are, at the top,Bone by Jeff Smith, Conan the Barbarian , Monster by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda, and ElfQuest. 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, Facts verified. 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.Monster unfolds a sumptuous Asian dark fantasy, and ElfQuest remains a cult independent saga since 1978.
Tier A: modern fantasy
die by Kieron Gillen mixes fantasy and deadly role-playing.Rat Queens revisits the dungeon adventure with humor,Sandman: Openings extends Gaiman's universe, and Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi is a huge youth success.
Tier B: universes to explore
Kill Six Billion Demons , Birthright , The Autumnlands by Kurt Busiek and the Dungeon of 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),Pathfinder and Skullkickers complete the selection with solid adventures.
Tier D: the curiosities
Warlord and Claw the Unconquered(DC fantasy from the 70s) and Weirdworld(Marvel) close this tier list: historical or offbeat series, real but confidential.
To remember
- Bone is the consensus summit of fantasy in comics.
- Conan remains 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
Bone by Jeff Smith is unanimously acclaimed as a fantasy epic for all audiences. For an adult fantasy,Monster and die are 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.
By Bone (accessible to all) or Monster(for adults). Both exist in complete bound collections.
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