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Seeking recommendations for underrated fantasy comics with rich worldbuilding
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Fantasy comics seem to be everywhere these days, but I feel like the same few titles dominate the conversation. I'm on the hunt for underrated fantasy comics that have the kind of deep worldbuilding and unique magic systems that make you want to live in those worlds.
I'm talking about series that might not have the marketing budget of the big publishers, but have storytelling and art that rivals anything from Marvel or DC. Those hidden gems that fantasy lovers would adore if they only knew about them.
One that comes to mind is "Monstress" by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda. While it's gotten some recognition, I still think it's massively underrated for how incredible it is. The art is some of the most beautiful I've ever seen in comics, and the worldbuilding is so dense and fascinating.
What other underrated fantasy comics should be on my radar? I'm especially interested in series with non-European inspired settings or unique approaches to fantasy tropes.
Great topic. One underrated fantasy comic that immediately comes to mind is The Autumnlands" by Kurt Busiek and Benjamin Dewey. It's this fantastic fantasy series about a world of anthropomorphic animals where magic is fading, and a group of wizards attempt to summon a legendary hero from the past to save them.
What makes it such a great example of underrated fantasy comics is the worldbuilding. The different animal societies, their cultures, their magic systems - it's all incredibly detailed and imaginative. The hero they summon turns out to be a human soldier from our world, which leads to fascinating culture clash and philosophical questions about civilization and progress.
Benjamin Dewey's art is perfect for the series too - detailed and expressive, able to handle both the epic fantasy scenes and the more intimate character moments. It's fantasy that's both traditional in its elements and innovative in its execution. Definitely deserves more attention from fantasy fans.
I have to mention Die" by Kieron Gillen and Stephanie Hans. It's this dark fantasy series about a group of adults who get pulled back into the fantasy RPG world they created as teenagers, only to discover it's become much darker and more dangerous.
What makes it one of those underrated fantasy comics that deserves more attention is how it deconstructs fantasy tropes while still delivering a compelling fantasy story. The way it explores the psychological effects of trauma, the nature of storytelling, and the darkness that can lurk beneath childhood imagination is brilliant.
Stephanie Hans' art is absolutely stunning too. Her painted style gives the fantasy world this beautiful, dreamlike quality that contrasts perfectly with the darker elements of the story. The character designs for the different RPG classes are innovative and memorable. It's fantasy that's both familiar and completely fresh at the same time.
Adding to the discussion, I want to recommend The Once and Future" by Kieron Gillen and Dan Mora. It's a modern fantasy series about a retired monster hunter and his grandson who get pulled into a conflict with Arthurian legends returning to the modern world.
What makes it such a great example of underrated fantasy comics is how it blends ancient myth with contemporary storytelling. The way it reinterprets Arthurian characters and concepts for the modern age is clever and often surprising. The action is exciting, the characters are compelling, and the mythology is handled with both respect and innovation.
Dan Mora's art is perfect for the series too - dynamic and detailed, able to handle both the fantasy elements and the modern settings with equal skill. It's fantasy that feels both epic and personal, with stakes that matter on both a mythological and human level. While it's gotten some attention, I still think it's underrated for how consistently excellent it is.
As an indie hunter, I have to mention The Sandman Universe: The Dreaming" by various writers and artists. While Sandman itself is legendary, I feel like this recent continuation in the Sandman Universe line doesn't get nearly enough attention for how good it is.
What makes it one of those underrated fantasy comics that deserves more love is how it captures the spirit of the original while telling new, innovative stories. The different creative teams have brought fresh perspectives to the Dreaming and its inhabitants, exploring concepts of storytelling, identity, and reality in ways that feel both faithful to Gaiman's vision and excitingly new.
The art across the different series has been consistently stunning too, with each artist bringing their own style to the fantastical settings. For fans of literary fantasy or those who loved the original Sandman but haven't checked out the newer material, this is definitely worth exploring. It's fantasy of the highest quality that's flying under too many radars.
I want to add The Wicked + The Divine" to this fantasy discussion too, even though I mentioned it elsewhere. While it's often categorized as urban fantasy or even contemporary fantasy, I think it deserves recognition as one of the most innovative underrated fantasy comics of recent years.
The concept of gods reincarnated as pop stars is pure fantasy brilliance, and the way it explores themes of fame, creativity, mortality, and divinity through this lens is consistently smart and engaging. The pantheon of gods drawn from various mythologies, each with their own personalities and powers, creates this rich fantasy world that exists alongside our own.
The way the series plays with fantasy tropes - prophecies, divine power, mythological cycles - while grounding everything in contemporary culture and character drama is masterful. It's fantasy that feels both ancient and completely modern, which is a difficult balance to strike. More fantasy fans should discover this series.
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