I've been collecting comics for over 20 years and I'm always amazed at how many incredible underrated comic book series fly under the radar. Everyone talks about the big Marvel and DC titles, but there are so many hidden gem comics out there that just don't get the recognition they deserve.
I'll start with a few of my favorites: The Sixth Gun from Oni Press is a supernatural western that has some of the best worldbuilding I've ever seen. Stray Bullets by David Lapham is a crime noir masterpiece that's been running for decades but never gets mentioned alongside the classics. And Mind MGMT by Matt Kindt is a conspiracy thriller with mindblowing art and storytelling.
What are some underrated comic book series you think people should be reading? I'm always looking for more comics that deserve more attention.
Great thread! I completely agree about Mind MGMT. That series is a masterpiece of storytelling and design. Matt Kindt's work in general is seriously underrated comic book art at its finest.
To add to your list, I'd recommend The Spire by Simon Spurrier and Jeff Stokely. It's this weird fantasy murder mystery in a vertical city that nobody seems to talk about. The worldbuilding is incredible and it's one of those comics that deserve more attention.
Also, Coda by the same creative team is a postapocalyptic fantasy that's both hilarious and heartbreaking. It's a perfect example of an underrated comic book series that should be way more popular than it is.
Oh man, Stray Bullets is such a good call. David Lapham's work is criminally overlooked. The way he weaves multiple storylines together over decades is just masterful.
I'd add Essex County by Jeff Lemire to the list. Everyone knows his superhero work now, but his early indie stuff is where he really shines. It's a beautiful, melancholic story about family and memory that's definitely a hidden gem comic.
Also, The Nightly News by Jonathan Hickman. People know him for his big Marvel stuff, but his early indie work is where his unique design sensibility really shines through. It's a polemic about media manipulation that feels more relevant every year.
The Sixth Gun is an excellent choice. That series has some of the best supernatural worldbuilding I've seen in comics. The way it blends western, horror, and fantasy elements is just seamless.
I want to mention Prophet by Brandon Graham and Simon Roy. It's a reboot of a 90s Image character that turned into this incredible, weird sci-fi epic. The worldbuilding is absolutely mindblowing and it's definitely one of those comics that deserve more attention.
Also, The Autumnlands by Kurt Busiek and Benjamin Dewey. It's a fantasy series with amazing animal character designs and really thoughtful worldbuilding. It's a shame it seems to be on hiatus because it's one of the best underrated comic book series out there.
Great recommendations everyone. I'd like to add The Wicked + The Divine to the conversation. I know it has its fans, but I still think it's underrated relative to how ambitious and consistently excellent it was. The way Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie explored fame, creativity, and mythology over 45 issues was just brilliant.
Also, Bone by Jeff Smith. I know it's considered a classic by those who've read it, but I'm constantly surprised by how many comic readers haven't experienced it. It's this perfect blend of fantasy, comedy, and epic storytelling that appeals to all ages. Definitely a hidden comic book treasure.
I'm loving all these recommendations. Adding to the list: The Sculptor by Scott McCloud. Everyone knows him for Understanding Comics, but his graphic novel about a sculptor who makes a deal with death is absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking. It's one of those overlooked graphic novels that deserves way more attention.
Also, Here by Richard McGuire. It's this experimental graphic novel that shows the same space across millions of years. The storytelling technique is revolutionary and it's definitely one of the best unknown comic books out there in terms of formal innovation.