When one thinks of comics, they usually think of superheroes and flashy, action-packed stories—aspects that have persevered since the beginning of the medium. The birth of the comic book was the era of the newspaper, with attention-grabbing hooks and stories enticing passerby to drop a precious dime. In the 1930s and 40s, patriotism reigned supreme, and ideals like unity, justice, and world peace were pervasive through the iconic heroes of DC’s Superman and Marvel’s Captain America.
It wasn’t until the 1980s that the comic medium began to really branch from the trends of superheroes and villains. Independent publishers like Dark Horse began to pop up and take the spotlight. As creators began to branch away from the stifling Comics Code Authority, inspiration thrived. Other themes were explored on the page, some much darker and more intense than anyone had previously seen. In the modern era of comics, we are blessed with thousands of stories that use the comic format in creative and beautiful ways.
Only in the past few years have I branched out and begun enjoying these indie comics. I was a typical comic reader, prioritizing the mainstream publishers and superhero stories without exploring other options. Once I moved to Chicago, I had the pleasure of meeting Dal and Patrick from Challenger’s Comics + Conversation—my favorite shop in the city. The wonderful community they have built recommended (and gifted!) their favorite indie comics to me to read and explore. I read heartwarming tales, hilarious romps, and adventures that reimagined for me what comics could be.
Below are some of my favorite hidden comic gems, and ones that you should make sure to put on your list.
Daytripper by Fabio Moon and Gabriel Bá
Daytripper is one of the most profoundly moving comics I have had the pleasure of reading. It is, at its heart, about stories. Stories about life, death, and what makes us who we are. This ten-issue saga follows an obituary writer who reflects on his own life—which moments would someone mark as significant in his own story? Full of magical realism and characters that will have your heart aching, Daytripper will change the way you think about the little moments we experience and choose to embrace them to the fullest.
Deep Cuts by Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark
This six-issue miniseries was such an informative and creative way to explore the birth and impact of jazz music. Each issue is set at a different point throughout history, from the birth of jazz in the streets of New Orleans in 1917 to its new-wave sibling in 1968 NYC. The rotating group of artists keeps each issue fresh and vibrant, and sheet music is included at the back of each issue, which is so unique and immersive. Deep Cuts brings a new energy to the comic medium and will give you a new appreciation for one of the genres that made music what it is today.
Black Cloak by Kelly Thompson and Meredith McClaren
Lovers of the comic series Saga must read Black Cloak. It is a beautiful blend of fantasy and sci-fi with a murder mystery twist. After a prince is murdered, two Black Cloak detectives must follow the trail and discover what truly happened before the city is engulfed in war. This female writer-artist power-duo has crafted not only a magical world (with mermaids!!) but an intriguing mystery woven with fraught politics. Black Cloak is a delightful read that will have you enthralled from start to finish.
Eight Billion Genies by Charles Soule and Ryan Browne
What if every person on earth received a personal genie that fulfilled one wish— whatever their heart desired? That is exactly the question that Eight Billion Genies explores. As you can imagine, some wishes are heartfelt, some are funny, and some lead to absolutely devastating consequences. This series is a profound (and hilarious) exploration of human nature and the consequences of our own choices.
If you enjoy this comic, you should also check out this duo’s ongoing series Lucky Devils!
Indigo Children by Curt Pires
Returning to the sci-fi/fantasy meets mystery genre, Indigo Children will have you on the edge of your seat. In this beautifully drawn series, a journalist tracks down six gifted children after their mysterious disappearance years prior—and let’s just say, “gifted” is an understatement. “Otherworldly” may be a better term… The first arc in this series is completed with issues #1-6, and another new mystery will be released in April. If you’re in the mood for an eerie, suspenseful, quick read, Indigo Children is for you.
Universal Monsters: Frankenstein by Michael Walsh
If you’re a fan of classic monsters like me, you’ll love the ongoing project by Universal to bring each of their monsters to life via the comic genre. They are all wonderful, but the one that stands out is Frankenstein. The art of this story is breathtaking, and it tells the classic tale in a new, creative way. Each of the five issues follows a separate body part—and the person it is attached to—which is used to create the Monster. Universal Monsters: Frankenstein is a visually stunning and clever take on the classic tale.
If you enjoy this comic, you should also check out their Dracula and upcoming Phantom of the Opera comics!
Klik Klik Boom by Doug Wagner
As soon as I heard the premise for this miniseries, I was sold. Klik Klik Boom follows an assassin who only communicates through Polaroid pictures. To avenge her grandfather’s murder, the small-town Idaho native must travel to NYC and face everything the city has to offer. It is a wonderful blending of murder mystery meets “small town girl in the big city” genres, and the emphasis on conversations through photos makes it perfect for the comic medium.
The Great British Bump Off by John Allison and Max Sarin
The Great British Bump Off is another fun premise in a short and sweet story. This miniseries is for anyone who has wondered if maybe that cozy baking show could use a little more…murder. The four-issue story follows Shauna as she fights to prove both her baking and detective skills in the tent after a contestant is poisoned. The Great British Bump Off is silly, hilarious, and just a downright good time to read.
If you enjoy this comic, you should also check out the sequel series The Great British Bump Off: Kill or Be Quilt!
Pretty Deadly by Kelly Sue DeConnick and Emma Rios
One thing I love about comics is that they have such creative blends of genres. We’ve talked about sci-fi/fantasy blending and murder mystery/fantasy, but get ready for: A fantasy and western genre blend. Pretty Deadly follows Death’s daughter who roams a vivid fantasy landscape seeking justice. Evoking other modern westerns like Django Unchained and The Hateful Eight, this slow-burn story will hook you from the first issue. The art by Emma Rios is incredible, really showcasing the violent and fantastical elements of the world. If you’re looking for a unique and compelling story that pushes the boundaries of the comic genre, look no further than Pretty Deadly.
That’s all for this issue of The Cosmic Comic Collective! I’m interested to hear if you have any favorite indie comic recommendations or if you’ve read any on this list. Stay safe, keep reading comics, and MTFBWY!
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