Starting to read comic books can feel overwhelming. Many people think it’s hard to begin with long-running series because they have so much history and complex storylines. While that’s often true for popular superhero comics from companies like Marvel and DC, there are also independent comics available that are easier to jump into.
It can be difficult to start reading popular superhero comics like Uncanny X-Men, Batman, or Daredevil mid-story – you might feel lost without knowing what happened before. That’s where independent comics shine. Because they don’t rely on years of established backstory, indie comics are ideal for people new to the medium, offering self-contained stories that are easy to jump into. Here are ten of the best indie comics to get you started.
Deadly Class Is A Violent Coming-of-Age Epic
Rick Remender is a highly acclaimed writer in the comic book world. While he’s created some fantastic superhero stories, his best work comes from independent comics. A prime example is Deadly Class, a brilliant 56-issue series about a group of teenagers learning the art of assassination at a special school.
Set in the 1980s, Deadly Class is a remarkably well-crafted comic that blends political and social commentary with thrilling action. It’s visually striking, easy to follow, and consistently delivers shocking moments. The comic features memorable characters and a compelling, ongoing storyline that keeps readers hooked.
Eight Billion Genies Is A Fantastic Sci-Fi Miniseries
Charles Soule’s comic book series, Eight Billion Genies, is a great choice for anyone curious about comics but not ready to start a long-running story. In just eight issues, this wildly imaginative series explores a world where everyone on Earth suddenly receives a genie and one wish.
Eight Billion Genies is a truly special comic – it’s wild, moving, and surprisingly heartfelt. It proves what comics can achieve beyond typical superhero stories. It’s a funny, disturbing, and completely unique story, and its themes make it one of the most satisfying comics in recent years.
Ice Cream Man Is The Perfect Feel-Bad Anthology For Horror Fans
For the past two decades, Ice Cream Man, created by writer W. Maxwell Prince and artist Martin Morazzo, has become a highly acclaimed horror comic. This unique anthology series consistently delivers strange and unsettling stories, each one a standalone tale of terror, and most are considered exceptional.
This comic book consistently features a creepy, supernatural ice cream man as its central figure. It’s a great choice for readers interested in comics that blend different genres, and it’s considered one of the best in its class.
Descender Is A Beautifully Rendered Sci-Fi Odyssey
I’m a huge Jeff Lemire fan, and he consistently delivers comics that really hit you in the feels. But honestly, I think his series Descender, which he created with artist Dustin Nguyen, is his masterpiece. It’s a sprawling, thirty-two issue sci-fi story about a young robot on the run, and it’s just incredible. Lemire and Nguyen really pull out all the stops to create a truly unforgettable experience – it’s a story that’s stayed with me long after I finished reading it.
Featuring stunning artwork, memorable characters, and a fast-moving plot, Descender is truly exceptional. It was so popular that the same creators followed it up with Ascender, a similarly impressive series that leans more into fantasy.
Saga Is An Ongoing Masterpiece That Mixes Fantasy and Sci-Fi
Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples’ comic book series, Saga, is a truly exceptional work of imaginative storytelling. It’s often compared to Star Wars, but for a new generation, and it takes readers to a stunning universe filled with war, magic, and strange landscapes. At its heart, Saga is the story of a family’s enduring quest for a safe and peaceful life.
Fiona Staples’ artwork is truly exceptional. Even after seventy-two issues, Saga remains a fantastic series, and anyone new to it should definitely start reading now to prepare for the next installment.
The Walking Dead Reinvigorated A Dying Subgenre
Suggesting a comic book series with 193 issues to someone new to comics might sound crazy, but Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead is truly one of the best comics ever written. It’s a fast-paced, engaging story with fantastic characters and consistently surprising plot twists, making each issue a worthwhile read.
This comic series sparked one of the most beloved TV franchises ever created, and it’s widely credited with reviving the zombie genre. Many consider it the greatest horror comic book of all time.
Murder Falcon Utilizes The Comic Art Form To Its Absolute Fullest
Daniel Warren Johnson’s Murder Falcon is a captivating eight-issue series perfect for anyone looking for something new. It’s a passionate tribute to art, with music playing a central role. Beyond the striking visuals – easily among the best in comics for the last two decades – the story itself is equally compelling.
Murder Falcon is a wildly imaginative comic book about a reunited rock band who use their music to battle world-ending monsters. It’s a fast-paced, visually stunning story that’s both emotionally engaging and unlike anything you’ve read before.
East of West Is A Post-Apocalyptic Western That Shatters Expectations
Created by acclaimed writers Jonathan Hickman and Nick Dragotta, East of West is a sprawling sci-fi Western that blends political intrigue with intense action. This 45-issue series is known for its incredible world-building, complex characters, and stunning artwork.
East of West is an epic, politically charged comic series comparable to Game of Thrones. It follows Death, one of the former Horsemen of the Apocalypse, as he searches for his son in a world ravaged by disaster. The story explores themes of power, religion, and control as different groups fight for survival. If you haven’t read East of West, you’re missing out, and it’s a perfect series for anyone curious about getting into comic books – it might just make you a lifelong fan.
Assorted Crisis Events Is A Current Sci-Fi Anthology That Has Changed The Medium Forever
Deniz Camp is a highly acclaimed comic book writer making a significant impact on the industry. He’s currently writing some of the best titles available, including Marvel’s The Ultimates, DC’s Absolute Martian Manhunter, and Image’s Assorted Crisis Events. Assorted Crisis Events is a continuing sci-fi series that uses grand, imaginative ideas to explore relevant social issues.
“Assorted Crisis Events” is a truly brilliant comic series that consistently pushes the boundaries of the medium, proving why comics remain a vital art form. After just eight issues, it’s incredibly accessible for new readers and easily one of the best series being published right now.
Invincible Scratches The Superhero Itch Without All The Continuity
If you’re interested in getting into superhero stories with exciting action, Invincible is a great place to start. While it can be tough to jump into the huge universes of Marvel and DC these days, Invincible, created by Robert Kirkman, Corey Walker, and Ryan Ottley, is easy to pick up and enjoy.
With 144 issues, Invincible might appear lengthy, but it’s surprisingly easy to read, much like Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead. It’s filled with memorable action, funny and well-developed characters, and stunning artwork. Invincible is a superhero story that truly demonstrates why the genre remains popular, and it’s a great comic to get people excited about the medium – making it an ideal choice for new readers.
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2026-02-11 22:12