Top 5 Must Read Indie Comic Books Today!

The Independent comic scene is as crowded as ever. While the big two feature shared universes with mostly superhero comics. The indie market is rich with a wide variety of genres and art styles. There were major developments on the indie scene the past 12 months. IDW Media is experiencing major financial issues and looking to sell key assets or take on new investors. Oni Press and Lion Forge merged. Valiant Comics, once the most cohesive shared universe in the industry, was sold to Chinese-based DMG Media Entertainment. The sheer volume of books on the indie market makes it virtually impossible to consider every worthy series.
Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips are one of the most prolific creative teams in the industry. Sean Phillips gritty art style fits the world of Criminal perfectly. He excels at panel layouts. The way he visually switches between past and present is very easy to follow. Ed Brubaker is one of the most accomplished writers in the industry. He’s found the perfect home in crime noir. The stories of the Lawless family are darkly funny and feature all kind of sleazy locations and characters. It’s a violent series but never goes too far over the line.
Terry Mayo and Lucas Romero are the creative team behind one of the best post-apocalyptic series in comics today. Romero has a distinct anime influence in his character faces and actions. He fuses them with Western comic art style impeccably. His characters all emote through the page and add to the tension of the story. Terry Mayo does a wonderful job molding post-apocalyptic San Diego. He focuses a majority of his efforts on what he does best. Characterization. Mayo fleshes out brothers Lucas, Matt, Mark and Johnny as well as the supporting cast to perfection. This is the best comic on the market for character focused readers.
Todd McFarlane launched Spawn as a flagship series at Image Comcis 27 years ago. Spawn has an amazing list of past artists including McFarlane, Greg Capullo and Tony Daniels. Jason Shawn Alexander took lumps early on but he’s at home on the series now. His gothic visuals fit the character and setting flawlessly. His art belongs alongside the very best Spawn artists of the past 27 years. Spawn has developed dramatically over the years. He’s currently on a mission to save humanity from the agents of hell who created him. Spawn is developing new powers as Al Simmons and the symbiote continue growing together. Spawn is one of the most exciting series in the industry heading to its record breaking issue 300.
Mateus Santolouco is the writer/artist behind this fantastic miniseries. The Brazilian comics pro previously wrote and illustrated The Secret History of the Foot Clan miniseries. He’s taken his graphics to the next level. His line art is extremely fluid and clean. His characters are very dynamic and action impactful. Santolouco is also masterful with character facial expressions and body language. Shredder in Hell builds upon the first 50 issues of IDW’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles that culminated in the death of the iconic villain. It delves even deeper into former ninja clan mates turned enemies Oroku Saki and Hamato Yoshi. Santolouco does an amazing job humanizing Saki in preparation of his return to the TMNT universe as Shredder.
Keiron Gillen and Stephanie Hans create the best fantasy series in comics today,
Image Comics Die. Die might be the most beautifully illustrated series in the industry. Stephanie Hans’s artwork is a revelation. Her visuals are bold and fantastical. You will never find anything this daring or imaginative in a DC or Marvel comic. Her use of light to convey emotion is superb. Hans creates a host of unique character designs and creatures that bring Gillen’s story to life. Stephanie Hans has not only arrived, she is a powerhouse in the industry. Kieron Gillen’s writing is similarly brilliant. It’s a very sad and at times depressing story. The group of would-be heroes try to right the wrongs of the past and maybe even save a friend left behind. His characters are fully realized and easy to relate. The setting is dangerous and fleshed out in striking detail. Keiron Gillen has penned many great stories over the years but Die is his finest achievement to date.
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