Despite tremendous success at the box office and on TV, there are apparently people who are not into superheroes. I know, I don’t get it either. But that is OK, because even if you are not someone who gets goosebumps at the latest Marvel trailer or gets excited to see The Flash visit Earth-2, you should have no trouble finding a story for your particular tastes.
Y: the Last Man (Vertigo)
60 issues (2002-2008)
This is the place to start for novices to start reading comic books. “Y: the Last Man” tells the story of Yorrick Brown and his pet monkey Ampersand navigating a world in which all males have mysteriously dropped dead. Brian K. Vaughan’s tale explores the dynamics of gender while still being a globe-spanning adventure. The layout of the art is what really makes this a hit for new readers, as the clearly defined panels carry the reader from page to page.
Locke & Key (IDW Comics)
37 issues plus two one-shots (2008-2013)
This haunted house-style epic was written by Joe Hill, the son of Stephen King, and he clearly learned his lessons from his old man. Telling the tale of one family and a generation-spanning encounter with evil, “Locke & Key” is part “The Shining” and part “The Stand.” Hill creates genuinely human characters and then refuses to let their actions exist without consequences.
Transmetropolitian (Helix, Vertigo)
60 issues (1997-2002)
With a wise-cracking, F-bomb-dropping, violence-loving main character, “Transmetropolitan” is a comic that can win over anyone. Set in a dystopian future where even household appliances are on drugs, “Transmetropolitan” follows journalist Spider Jerusalem and his faithful “filthy assistants” as they work to expose alien hybrid cults and corrupt politicians. Spider Jerusalem doles out his own brand of justice (in one instance shooting the president of the United States with a diarrhea-inducing laser gun) in an effort to make the world a better place. Although the comic was originally published in 1997, it remains very relevant today, especially with the presidential elections drawing near.
“Alex + Ada” (Image Comics)
15 issues (2013-2014)
This hard science-fiction story (wait, wait … don’t leave) explores the dynamics of artificial intelligence through a simple tale of a man falling in love with a sentient robot (OK, now i’ve lost you). For all its high minded exploration of personhood, “Alex + Ada” is a genuinely moving story with incredibly delicate and intricate artwork. With only 15 issues produced, this is also a story that readers could finish in an afternoon.
Star Wars and Darth Vader (Marvel Comics)
17 issues and 16 issues (2014 and ongoing)
Possibly the only thing more popular than comic book heroes right now is “Star Wars.” “The Force Awakens” made, like, a kajillion dollars this holiday season, and it would have been really easy for Marvel to pump out some books and still have them fly off the shelves. Instead, The House of Ideas put some of its strongest writers on these two titles. “Star Wars” and “Darth Vader” have intersecting storylines, exploring the period after “A New Hope.” The most interesting aspect has been the ramifications of Vader’s colossal failure in failing to prevent the destruction of the Death Star.
“Sex Criminals” (Image Comics)
13 issues (2013 and ongoing)
Two people discover that they have the power to stop time when they orgasm and use this power to rob a bank. Let’s just get that ridiculous premise out of the way first. Often very funny and often incredibly sad, “Sex Criminals” examines love, lust, hatred and relationships of all types. Its fourth-wall breaking narrative and chaotic drawing style fit perfectly with the heightened emotions of the characters.
“Saga” (Image Comics)
33 issues (2012 and ongoing)
Another title from Brian K. Vaughan, “Saga” is an epic in the truest sense of the word. Set against the backdrop of a decades-long war on distant planets, Vaughan never loses sight of the true story at the center. What could have felt incredibly removed from reality with weird-looking aliens and robots with TV screens for heads became incredibly personal through the lens of brand parents Alana and Marko, who are trying so hard just to make it to the next day. Add in Fiona Staples’ beautiful and boundary-breaking artwork and you will be able to see why this is consistently the pick for best comic book of the year.