The best modern comics runs (2010-2025), all publishers combined, are at the topSagaby Brian K. Vaughan,Immortal Hulkby Al Ewing, theBatmanby Scott Snyder and theDaredevilby Mark Waid. This tier list ranks recent major runs according to their quality and influence. Facts (authors, periods) verified, no invented odds.
A “run” designates the significant passage of a screenwriter (often with a designer) on a series. This tier list focuses onperiod 2010-2025: recent runs which have marked the medium and which can still be followed in bookstores. Criterion: the quality of writing combined with the imprint left on the character or the series.
Editorial Ranks, Factsverified. Each run refers to its file.
Tier S: the runs of the decade
Saga(2012) is the great indie run of the period, multi-awarded.Immortal Hulk(2018-21) reinvented the character as a metaphysical horror. THEBatmanby Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo (2011-16) is the flagship superheroic run of the New 52. And theDaredevilby Mark Waid and Chris Samnee brought back the light to the character, praised by critics.
Tier A: contemporary excellence
Hawkeyeby Matt Fraction (2012) redefined the intimate comic.The VisionetMister Miracleby Tom King are two moving modern tragedies. And theThorby Jason Aaron (2012-19) took the god of thunder to a mythological height.
Tier B: the big character runs
LeBlack Pantherby Ta-Nehisi Coates gave political depth to Wakanda.House of Xby Jonathan Hickman relaunched the X-Men.Ms. Marvelby G. Willow Wilson created a cult heroine, and theBatmanby Tom King divided as much as he scored.
Tier C: recent runs to follow
Something is Killing the Childrenby James Tynion IV is a horror hit in progress. THENightwingby Tom Taylor rejuvenated the character, and theSupermanby Brian Bendis marked his passage. Three solid runs, a notch below the highs.
To remember
- Tom King, Jonathan Hickman and Al Ewingdominate recent superhero writing.
- Modern runs are accessible:almost all of them exist in still-published collections.
- Acclaimed run drives up demandon the first numbers concerned.
- Each run refers to the character or series sheet.
Frequently asked questions
This is the period during which a screenwriter (often with an assigned designer) directs a series. We speak of “Snyder’s run on Batman” to designate all of his issues.
Sagaindie side andImmortal Hulksuperhero side are referring. For Batman, the runSnyder/Capullois the most consensual of recent times.
Yes, most are starting a new cycle and can be read without prerequisites. They exist in bound collections, an ideal format for discovering a character through their best recent run.
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