10 Best Graphic Novels: Journey Through Rawness, Space and Imagination

Publication Date: August 28, 1990

In Neil Gaiman’s seminal work, “The Sandman,” readers are transported to a realm where dreams hold sway over the fabric of reality.

Through the enigmatic figure of Dream, also known as Morpheus, Gaiman weaves a tapestry of myth, magic, and existential angst.

As Dream navigates the realms of the Dreaming and encounters a cast of otherworldly characters, readers are drawn into a mesmerizing exploration of the human psyche and the power of storytelling.

Publication Date: January 1, 1983

Alan Moore’s groundbreaking run on “Swamp Thing” redefined the possibilities of the comic book medium, transforming a lesser-known character into a literary icon.

Through the tragic tale of Alec Holland, a scientist transformed into the elemental guardian of the swamp, Moore explores themes of identity, environmentalism, and the blurred boundaries between man and nature.

As Swamp Thing battles supernatural forces and confronts the depths of his own humanity, readers are treated to a haunting meditation on the interconnectedness of all life.

Publication Date: December 8, 2011

Warren Ellis’s “Planetary” takes readers on a thrilling journey through a world of hidden history, secret societies, and parallel dimensions.

As the members of Planetary, a team of archaeologists of the impossible, unravel the mysteries of the multiverse, Ellis pays homage to the rich tapestry of pulp fiction and genre storytelling.

With its dazzling array of pop culture references and mind-bending plot twists, “Planetary” stands as a love letter to the power of imagination and the boundless possibilities of storytelling.

Publication Date: January 1, 2001

In “Lucifer,” Mike Carey spins a mesmerizing tale of rebellion, redemption, and cosmic intrigue centered around the titular fallen angel.

As Lucifer Morningstar abandons his throne in Hell to forge his own path in the cosmos, Carey explores themes of free will, destiny, and the nature of divinity.

Against the backdrop of a celestial power struggle, readers are drawn into Lucifer’s enigmatic journey of self-discovery and moral reckoning.

Publication Date: January 1, 2013

Jonathan Hickman’s “East of West” paints a sprawling portrait of a fractured America on the brink of apocalypse, where the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse walk among men.

Against this tumultuous backdrop, Hickman weaves a complex tapestry of political intrigue, supernatural warfare, and personal vendettas.

As the enigmatic Death embarks on a quest for vengeance and redemption, readers are drawn into a riveting tale of love, betrayal, and the struggle for survival in a world teetering on the edge of oblivion.

Publication Date: July 19, 2016

Marjorie Liu’s “Monstress” transports readers to a war-torn world where humans and Arcanics, magical beings with animal-like features, struggle for dominance.

Through the eyes of Maika Halfwolf, a young Arcanic with a dark secret, Liu crafts a mesmerizing tale of power, prejudice, and the quest for self-discovery.

With its lush artwork and complex characters, “Monstress” offers a haunting meditation on trauma, identity, and the search for redemption in a world consumed by violence.

Publication Date: June 1, 1994

Mike Mignola’s “Hellboy” follows the adventures of the titular demon-turned-hero as he battles occult threats and uncovers the mysteries of his own origin.

With its blend of folklore, mythology, and Lovecraftian horror, “Hellboy” captivates readers with its atmospheric artwork and pulpy storytelling.

As Hellboy confronts ancient evils and struggles with his own destiny, Mignola crafts a timeless saga of heroism, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

Publication Date: January 1, 1981

Moebius and Jodorowsky’s “The Incal” transports readers to a surreal universe where mystical forces and intergalactic intrigue collide.

Through the adventures of John DiFool, a hapless private detective, the creators explore themes of destiny, enlightenment, and the search for meaning in a universe teetering on the brink of chaos.

With its mind-bending visuals and philosophical undertones, “The Incal” remains a seminal work of science fiction, inspiring generations of artists and writers with its boundless imagination.

Publication Date: October 10, 2012

Brian K. Vaughan’s “Saga” follows the star-crossed lovers Alana and Marko as they flee across the galaxy with their newborn daughter, pursued by warring factions and cosmic forces.

With its richly imagined world and diverse cast of characters, “Saga” defies genre conventions to deliver a sweeping epic of love, family, and the struggle for survival in a universe torn apart by conflict.

As Alana and Marko navigate the complexities of parenthood amidst the chaos of war, Vaughan crafts a poignant meditation on the power of love to transcend boundaries and defy fate.

Publication Date: January 1, 1994

Grant Morrison’s “The Invisibles” immerses readers in a surreal world where secret societies, time travel, and psychedelic experiences converge.

Through the exploits of the Invisibles, a ragtag group of anarchists and mystics, Morrison explores themes of identity, reality, and the nature of consciousness.

With its dizzying array of pop culture references and esoteric symbolism, “The Invisibles” challenges readers to question their perceptions of reality and embrace the transformative power of imagination.