What to Read: Best Comics of 2020

2020 has been a stellar year for comics. Despite all of the challenges the world has faced this year, there have been some incredibly talented people making great comics for us to enjoy.

Both DC and Marvel have released some great new series. Outside of the big two, there are tons of incredible indie comics to choose from for all ages.

There are excellent comics for any genre, from comedy to horror. As 2020 comes to a close, it’s fun to look back at some of the best comics of the year that you may have missed.

While everyone may have a different favorite, and there are so many to choose from, here are some of the top standouts from the year.

8. The Immortal Hulk

Al Ewing began writing The Immortal Hulk in 2018, and it has consistently been one of the best Marvel series ever since. It is a fresh take on one of Marvel’s most beloved characters.

Ewing introduced a horror element to Bruce Banner’s story. The art is grotesque at times, but it is captivating and thrilling. If you are looking for a new Marvel series to pick up, you can’t go wrong with this one.

The series has just reached issue #40, and it is still one of the best comics on the shelf. As long as you don’t mind a darker take on the Hulk, this is easily one of the best comics of the year.

7. Wonder Woman: Dead Earth

Wonder Woman: Dead Earth is both written and drawn by Daniel Johnson. I love when a creator is both the writer and artist of a comic, it allows them to make a truly unique work of art.

This comic is definitely unique. Wonder Woman wakes up after sleeping for a thousand years, and the earth is a dead wasteland. She must battle monsters and seek out answers for what caused the desolation.

The story is captivating, and the art is really special. Daniel Johnson’s art is gritty. Each panel looks like it could be the cover art for your favorite metal band’s next album.

6. Coffin Bound

Coffin Bound is an original indie series published by Image Comics. Written by Dan Watters and illustrated by Dani, this comic is a thrill ride that is full of non-stop action.

The story follows a young girl who is being chased by relentless killers. It is all about self-destruction, the weight of violence, and existential questions.

In many ways, this comic feels like a Tarantino movie. The action is very stylish, and it centers around the main character’s inner turmoil. Coffin Bound has continuously gotten better with each issue, making it one of the best comics of 2020.

5. Hellions

Hellions by Zeb Wells might be the best surprise hit Marvel has released all year. There have been some really solid X-Men comics this year, but Hellions is definitely the standout.

This comic tells the story of a small team of former villains and misfits banding together to help mutant society progress. Led by the notorious Mister Sinister, the team of trouble makers looks to change its reputation and do some good as a team.

The series is full of dark humor, and excellent action. This comic proves that you don’t need popular characters to make a hit X-Men story. The writing in this comic is superb, I can’t wait to see where this series is headed next year.

4. Once and Future

Kieron Gillen has written some excellent comics over the years. Once and Future is one of his latest hits. Published by Boom, this indie series reinvents the Arthurian legend.

An ancient evil gets reawakened, and a monster hunter must come out of retirement to stop the villain from becoming too powerful. This comic is a ton of fun. It is full of fantasy and mysticism.

The comic tells a fun story about a family working together to stop a growing evil, while also learning about their country’s history. Once & Future is certainly one of the best comics of 2020.

3. Far Sector

Far Sector is a superhero story that is certainly unlike any of DC’s other titles. It tells the story of a new Green Lantern from Earth, who must go to one of the farthest points in the galaxy to help solve a crime.

The City Enduring was a peaceful place for over 500 years, but then there is a mysterious murder that must be solved. Written by N.K. Jemisin, this series is a great new take on the Green Lantern mythos.

This comic is timely, it is mixing real-world issues with deep space sci-fi. It is an excellent story about a new hero who has to learn while on the job.

2. Strange Adventures

Writer Tom King and artist Mitch Gerard are a dream team for comic fans. Together, they have already made an instant classic with Mister Miracle back in 2018.

Now, it appears like this duo is at it again with Strange Adventures. This new series focuses on Adam Strange, a space explorer who has gotten himself involved in the affairs of distant planets.

This comic is really special. The art is beautiful, and the story shows how the lines between myth and reality can easily be blurred. It is a story about the weight of lies, and what makes someone a hero can just as easily make them a villain to someone else.

While the series has only hit its halfway point, it is definitely one of the best comics of 2020.

1. Ice Cream Man

Ice Cream Man is unlike any comic I’ve read. Written by Maxwell Prince, this series is truly innovative. Ice Cream Man is an anthology series that focuses on the oddness of life.

It is almost too difficult to describe this series in a simple way. The Ice Cream Man dances in and out of the lives of people that are dealing with despair, addiction, redemption, and other unique situations.

At times, this comic can be haunting. It certainly does not shy away from telling a dark story, but it always manages to balance that with thought-provoking questions and an unexpected twist.

It has been the comic that I’ve looked forward to reading each month because I never know what the next story is going to be like. While it may be too dark for some readers, Ice Cream Man has made it to the top of my list for the best comics of 2020.