My Favorite Comics of 2023
It’s the most listicle time of the year! Some of these year-in-review lists have been circulating the comicsphere for weeks, but I’ve held off until the bitter end to enjoy as many issues as possible before putting together my first ever year-end wrap up. Straight, white, male Boomers can claim comics are too “woke,” this year gave us some truly inspiring books from an insanely diverse group of creative minds.
I set a few ground rules for myself when putting this list together and wanted to share my thought process:
I’m purposefully calling this a list of my favorites, rather than a “best of” or “top rankings” because these are the comics that brought me the most joy this year.
This list is in alphabetical order because it felt far too arbitrary to rank this in any specific order.
I had to have actually read all of the comics on this list. I refuse to tap into other lists for the sake of following the herd of other blogger/reviewers (some of whom seem to have suspiciously similar lists 🧐).
Comics had to have at least two issues out in 2023.
I don’t want to corner myself into a certain number every year, but I ended up with 13 comics on this year’s list. Who knows how many will make the list next year!
So without further ado, I present the inaugural edition of My Favorite Comics of the Year…
BARBARIC: QUEEN OF SWORDS
Writer: Michael Moreci
Artist: Corin Howell
Colors: K.J. Díaz
Letterer: Jim Campbell
Spinning out of the pages of the acclaimed Barbaric franchise, perhaps one of my favorite new franchises over the past few years, Queen of Swords took us on a rip-roaring adventure fueled by equal parts mayhem, humor, and a brand-new talking, bloodthirsty weapon with an opinion on everything. Buckle up, because this was one wild ride you won't want to miss. Queen of Swords was a bloody good time, packed with action, humor, and heart. With its unforgettable characters, stunning artwork, and witty writing, it's a must-read for any fan of fantasy comics who likes their heroes a little on the rough side. Moreci continues to impress with each new expansion of the Barbaric universe and I can clearly see why Vault labeled this past year as the Year of the Axe.
BATMAN: CITY OF MADNESS
Writer/Artist: Christian Ward
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
With two of the miniseries three issues out this year, Ward crafts a disturbingly beautiful visual of the Gotham Below, a subterranean reflection of the (in)famous city above, twisted and warped by madness and fear. This is no simple underworld; it's a Lovecraftian nightmare brought to life in vivid detail by Ward’s visionary artistic skills. Ward's story is equally compelling but the art is the true star of the show. His scratchy, expressive lines and bold use of color bring the book to life in all its horrifying glory. The distorted figures and otherworldly landscapes are truly unsettling, creating a palpable sense of unease on every page. It’s all tied together by the brilliant lettering by Otsmane-Elhaou who reminds readers why he is one of the best in the business.
G.O.D.S.
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Valerio Schiti
Colors: Marte Garcia
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Jonathan Hickman knows how to write dense, grandiose events better than anybody and this may be one of his most ambitious projects yet and, so far, it is hitting all the right notes. When it was announced, the concept for this book was head-scratching at best. Major cosmic entities who have existed throughout time, but are now just being introduced in their own series? A tough sell! Yet G.O.D.S. showcases Hickman's signature dense world-building and philosophical themes in spades. He weaves together elements of mythology, science, and political commentary, creating a universe that feels both ancient and surprisingly relevant. The story raises profound questions about power, free will, and the cyclical nature of creation and destruction, keeping readers engaged in both the action and the underlying ideas. Hickman meticulously lays the groundwork for what promises to be an epic conflict, introducing these new characters with ease. They’ve quickly established personalities which feel entirely believable and accurate.
Schiti's artwork brings the book’s concepts to life with breathtaking detail and imagination. From majestic landscapes to intricate designs, Schiti paints a vibrant and awe-inspiring canvas that compliments the story's grand scale. The panel layouts and fight sequences are equally dynamic, immersing readers in the heart of the action and spectacle.
THE HUNGER AND THE DUSK
Writer: G. Willow Wilson
Artist: Chris Wildgoose
Colors: Msassyk
Letterer: Simon Bowland
G. Willow Wilson's The Hunger and the Dusk isn't your typical fantasy comic. Sure, it has the grand world-building, epic clashes, and mythical creatures, but there's a raw, unsettling grit beneath the surface that sets it apart. The Hunger and the Dusk is a powerful and thought-provoking comic book. It's a story about survival, prejudice, and the enduring power of hope in the face of overwhelming darkness.
This story dives deep into a dying world where humans and orcs cling to existence amidst the encroaching darkness of the Vangol, a monstrous entity driven by an insatiable hunger. At the heart of the story lies the initially uneasy alliance between Callum, a stoic human mercenary, and Tara, a formidable orc diplomat. Their conflicting cultures and personal demons create a constant push-pull dynamic, but Wilson excels at showing how their respect and understanding gradually grow through shared trials. Chris Wildgoose's artwork is breathtaking, perfectly capturing the desolate beauty of the world and the raw emotion of the characters.
THE IMMORTAL THOR
Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Martín Cóccolo
Colors: Matthew Wilson
Letterer: Joe Sabino
Unlike the cocky/confident hero the MCU has primed us to expect, this version Thor is burdened by immortality and the weight of countless battles. Ewing explores the psychological toll of eternal existence and the challenges of wielding immeasurable power, adding depth and vulnerability to the character. Ewing's talent for crafting complex narratives and fleshing out compelling characters has shined during Immortal Thor’s first arc. The supporting cast, including a multi-layered Loki, adds unique dynamics and intrigue to the story. Martín Cóccolo’s art is simply divine. Perhaps my favorite aspect of the book’s visuals so far has been Cóccolo’s depiction of the Elder God Toranos. This has been an ambitious cosmic tale, introspective character exploration, and the creative team’s masterful storytelling make it a compelling read. While it is still early in its run, the early issues demonstrate the potential for this series to become a landmark run for the character similar to how Ewing’s work on Immortal Hulk defined that character for today’s generation.
THE INCREDIBLE HULK
Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Artists: Nic Klein/Travel Foreman
Colors: Matthew Wilson
Letterer: Cory Petit
After an unsuccessful attempt to relaunch an ongoing series featuring the Jade Giant with the Donny Cates & Ryan Ottley-led Hulk series following Al Ewing’s triumphant Immortal Hulk, Marvel turned to Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Nic Klein and brought back the Incredible moniker. This new run embraces a full-on horror lens, which Klein leans into wonderfully with an uneven, chaotic presence to his lines. He seems destined to be drawing Hulk with some of the BEST full-page and full-spread panels featuring Hulk in some of the most gruesome and intimidating ways. To push the envelope further, Klein has also produced some of the year’s best covers with his work on this series. Similar to Martin Coccolo, I would not be shocked to see Nic Klein’s name mentioned when next year’s Eisner nominees are released.
I’d also be remiss to note Matthew Wilson appearing on these back-to-back entries. His colors across Immortal Thor and Incredible Hulk not only speak to the level of his skills, but the breadth as well. There are some similarities that connect the two books, but each book’s color palette comes with its own identiy and can stand on its own. The average comic book reader probably wouldn’t even know the same person is responsible for both. I smell another Eisner nomination!
THE ODDLY PEDESTRIAN LIFE OF CHRISTOPHER CHAOS
Writer: Tate Brombal (from an idea by James Tynion IV)
Artist: Isaac Goodhart
Colors: Miquel Muerto
Letterer: Aditya Bidikar
There may not be a comic book this year that I have felt more personally invested in than Christopher Chaos. Not only was my first ever interview with the book’s creative team, the book itself touches on so many topics that connected with me personally: LGBTQ characters, feelings of isolation/loneliness, personal discovery, and the power of creating your own chosen family. Wrap that all up in a sci-fi, coming of age horror story about monsters and superpowers trying to uncover conspiracies crafted by an ominous and secretive faction running a town? Yes, please!
The artwork is a delightful throwback to Saturday morning cartoon shows from my youth, with bold lines, vibrant colors, and expressive characters — Christopher’s instantly iconic outfit has already been emulated by cosplayers at cons! Each panel bursts with energy and charm, bringing the quirky world of the story to life in a way that both entertains and inspires.
Brombal’s story is a refreshing blend of genre elements, offering something for everyone who enjoys a good dose of the strange and delightful. It's a comic that celebrates individuality, embraces weirdness, and reminds us that even the most unexpected friendships can make life a whole lot more exciting. For a character who feels like he is so different, the only thing odd about Christopher Chaos is just how relatable he and his friends are to anyone who has ever felt like they don’t belong.
ULTIMATE INVASION/ULTIMATE UNIVERSE
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artists: Bryan Hitch, Andrew Currie (Ultimate Invasion)/Stefano Caselli (Ultimate Universe)
Colors: Alex Sinclair (Ultimate Invasion)/David Curiel (Ultimate Universe)
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Remember when I said Hickman knows how to write major events when discussing G.O.D.S.? Yeah, well, his four-part Ultimate Invasion miniseries and Ultimate Universe one-shot were no different. Hitch’s top notch pencilwork flooded Ultimate Invasion with panels fit for movie screens giving Hickman’s story the epic visuals it deserved. The introduction to Maker’s nefarious plans and the inhabitants of Earth-6160 were masterfully constructed to help launch Marvel’s new Ultimate Comics line which will kick off in 2024 with Ultimate Spider-Man, Ultimate Black Panther, and Ultimate X-Men. This new universe has the potential to give the main storylines of Earth-616 a run for their money.
USAGI YOJIMBO: ICE & SNOW
Writer/Artist/Letterer: Stan Sakai
Colors: Hi-Fi Colour Design
The inclusion of Stan Sakai’s iconic rabbit ronin on this list is fully due to the endorsement by Brad & Lisa over at the Comic Book Couples Counseling podcast. Brad has waxed poetically about Usagi forever so I finally decided to dive into the universe with the start of this arc and boy was I glad I did! Usagi Yojimbo: Ice & Snow is an entertaing and captivating adventure that proves the timeless appeal of Sakai's creation. His artwork brings a smile to my face on every page. His fluid lines capture the graceful movements of samurai action and the stark beauty of the snowy Japanese landscape. His character expressions are full of life, drawing you into the story with their exaggerated emotions. With its engaging story, compelling characters, and timeless artwork, this is a must-read for fans of Sakai’s previous work or if you’re a newcomer like myself!
W0RLDTR33
Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Fernando Blanco
Colors: Jordie Bellaire
Letterer: Aditya Bidikar
There is nothing quite like the first few issues/arcs of a James Tynion story. W0rldtr33 is a chilling descent into the darkest corners of the internet, where digital entities bleed into reality and a group of friends discover the horrifying consequences of online exploration and exploitation. While its a horror story at its core, W0rldtr33 also dives into deeper themes of addiction, responsibility, and the dangers of unchecked technology. It raises important questions about how we interact with the digital world and the real-world consequences of our online actions.
WONDER WOMAN
Writer: Tom King
Artists: Daniel Sampere/Belén Ortega (Trinity’s back-up story)
Colors: Tomeu Morey/ Alejandro Sánchez ( Trinity’s back-up story)
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
The new creative team took over Wonder Woman #1 (Legacy #801) back in September and it immediately had me hooked. The series’ beginning “Outlaw” arc has unfolded against the backdrop of a world teetering on the brink of conflict. Political tensions between Themyscira and the outside world are at an all-time high, fueled by misinformation and manipulation. King has deftly woven real-world themes of political polarization, gender norms, and media manipulation into his gripping narrative, adding a layer of topical relevance and making the stakes feel even higher. Sampere captures Diana with masterful skill. His action sequences are particularly dynamic and engaging, while the quieter moments are imbued with a poignant beauty.
The “World’s Finest” back-up story starting in the third issue re-introduced us to Lizzie, a.k.a. Trinity, who was first teased in the final issue of the previous Wonder Woman run. There is still a lot more of her story to be told, but the few bits we’ve seen so far have been adorable and charming. Her relationship with Jon and Damian is so pure and heartwarming, I can’t wait to see more of this trio in the future.
X-MEN: RED
Writer: Al Ewing
Artists: Stefano Caselli, Jacopo Camagni, & Yildiray Çinar
Colors: Federico Blee
Letterer: Ariana Maher
Another Al Ewing title makes my list and given his full roster of Marvel work in 2023, the case can be made that he’s the best writer at the publisher currently. The X-titles have had quite an uneven year across the board, especially during the “Fall of X" arc, but Ewing’s work on X-Men: Red consistently delivered issue after issue all year long and was capped off with the climactic conclusion to the Genesis War. Given some of the most daunting work of all X-writers, Ewing was able to turn the relatively new Arakki inhabitants into fan-favorite characters who will hopefully have a place in the post-Krakoan mutant world. Yet most his most impressive and commendable work has to be his writing for Storm. No writer in recent memory has been able to capture all of Storm’s best qualities in such a complete and total package the way Ewing has over X-Men: Red’s run and her role in the Genesis War proved she is not only one of the strongest mutants, but perhaps one of mutantkind’s most able and noble leaders. I feel for the writer who will need to follow-up Ewing’s work when they take on Storm next and can only hope they are able to handle her with even half as much care and respect. It will surely be a tough act to follow.
ZAWA + THE BELLY OF THE BEAST
Writer/Artist/Letterer: Michael Dialynas
So far, ZAWA has been a unique and captivating blend of folklore and social commentary packaged in a heartwarming and visually stunning comic book. It unassumingly tackles important themes like environmental protection, prejudices, and the dangers of unchecked power and greed. The story doesn't shy away from portraying the consequences of these exploitations, but it also offers a message of hope through the unyielding determination of the engrossing main characters. Dialynas’ detailed and fantastical illustrations bring the world and characters to life in a stunning way and fans of his past work will not want to miss out on this!
