The comic book industry in 2026 is putting out some exceptional work that does not get the attention it deserves because everyone is focused on the MCU. Here is what is worth reading right now.
Marvel:
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Immortal Thor by Al Ewing (art by Martin Coccolo) — Ewing continues to be Marvel's best writer. He is redefining Thor's cosmic role while honoring the Kirby/Simonson/Aaron legacy. Issue #8's exploration of the World Tree is stunning. Source: Marvel Comics, ongoing.
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Ultimate Spider-Man by Jonathan Hickman (art by Marco Checchetto) — The best Spider-Man comic in 15 years. Peter Parker as a married father in an alternate universe where he gets his powers later in life. Checchetto's art is gorgeous. Source: Marvel Comics, ongoing since 2024. First issue sold 300,000+ copies.
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X-Men by Jed MacKay — Post-Krakoa era X-Men. The mutant nation fell and now the team operates out of a brownstone. Smaller scale, character-focused. A necessary reset after the Hickman/Krakoa era.
DC:
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Batman by Chip Zdarsky — Zdarsky's run has brought Batman back to street-level detective work after years of cosmic events. The Failsafe arc (issues #125-130) was the best Batman story since Scott Snyder's Court of Owls.
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Green Lantern by Jeremy Adams — A return to classic space cop adventures. Hal Jordan feels like Hal Jordan again. Fun, cosmic, and beautifully drawn.
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Superman by Joshua Williamson — Williamson understands that Superman works best when the stories are about hope, not punching. The Chained arc is excellent.
Independent:
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Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV (BOOM! Studios) — Issue #36+ is the best horror comic on the market. Erica Slaughter hunting invisible monsters that eat children is consistently terrifying.
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Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples (Image Comics) — The greatest comic of the 21st century returned from hiatus and has not missed a step. Source: Image Comics, ongoing.
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Local Man by Tim Seeley and Tony Fleecs (Image) — A satirical take on 90s Image Comics aesthetics with a murder mystery. Hilarious and clever.
Sources: Diamond/Lunar distribution sales data, publisher solicitations, personal reading
Saga being back from hiatus is a gift. Vaughan and Staples are operating at peak level. If you have not read Saga, start from issue #1. It is the best sci-fi comic ever made.