The best comics of the last decade are not published by Marvel or DC. The indie scene is stacked and here are the books you should be reading.
Image Comics (the powerhouse):
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Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples — A Romeo and Juliet story set in an intergalactic war. Narrated by the couple's daughter. Funny, brutal, romantic, and politically sharp. 65+ issues. The greatest ongoing comic of the 21st century.
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Invincible by Robert Kirkman and Cory Walker/Ryan Ottley (complete, 144 issues) — A coming-of-age superhero story that becomes one of the most violent and emotionally devastating series in comics. The Amazon animated adaptation is excellent but the comic goes further.
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East of West by Jonathan Hickman and Nick Dragotta (complete, 45 issues) — An alternate history where the American Civil War never ended and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are reborn. Hickman's most ambitious work, including his Marvel runs.
BOOM! Studios:
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Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell'Edera — 36+ issues. Horror at its finest. A monster hunter tracks invisible creatures that feed on children. Currently the best-selling non-Marvel/DC comic.
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Once & Future by Kieron Gillen and Dan Mora (complete, 30 issues) — King Arthur mythology weaponized as horror. Dan Mora's art is some of the best in the industry.
Dark Horse:
- Hellboy by Mike Mignola (complete) — 25+ years of occult adventure. Mignola's art style is instantly recognizable and endlessly influential. The Hellboy universe (including B.P.R.D. and Abe Sapien) is one of the richest in comics.
Why independents matter: Creator-owned comics allow artists to tell complete stories without editorial mandates, corporate crossover events, or character licensing restrictions. The result is bolder, more personal storytelling.
Where to buy in DFW:
- Red Pegasus Comics (Oak Cliff) — indie-focused, excellent curation
- Collected Comics and Games (Plano) — massive back issue selection
- Zeus Comics (Oak Lawn) — community hub, great staff picks
Sources: Publisher data, DFW comic shop visits, Image Comics solicitations
East of West is Jonathan Hickman's masterpiece and I say that as a fan of his Fantastic Four, Avengers, and X-Men runs. The scope of that series is unreal.