10 Daring Fantasy Comics You Must Read
(Image courtesy FB/CC.)
Fantasy comics are not the same as superhero, horror, or sci-fi comics. Fantasy usually involves elements of the supernatural, fantastical creatures, otherworldly beings or concepts, and a collision of events outside the reality of the main characters. While many consider Star Wars science fiction, it could be more correctly fall under the description of fantasy with its non-descript and vague ideals about “The Force.”
With that in mind, here are 10 daring fantasy comics you should read now. The comics on this list have cult followings but deserve much wider exposure. Please buy physical copies – I believe comic books should be held. However, you can also invest in the best tablets to read comic books on digital too. Keep an open mind when it comes to fantasy comics and try them out.
1. Gatchaman
(Image courtesy FB/Mad cave)
Science Ninja Team Gatchaman, also known as Gatchman or Battle of the Planets, is a legendary 1970s Japanese anime that became a cult hit in the United States. It’s about a young group of superheroes who wear bird-based superhero suits to fight alien terrorists who want to take over the world.
Independent publisher Mad Cave has the license to publish new Gatchaman fantasy comics for a new generation of fans.
Get the paperback collected volume of the 2024 series for $17.99 at Amazon.
2. Space Ghost
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Space Ghost originated as a campy 1960s Hanna-Barbera cartoon before being reinvented in the 1990s as a sharp-witted animated talk show host for Adult Swim. Now, DC Comics and, more recently, Dynamite Comics are reintroducing him to a new generation as a serious superhero.
At his core, Space Ghost is a cosmic vigilante, fighting evil across the galaxy.
Get the first volume of the critically acclaimed 2024 Dynamite series for $19.99 at Amazon.
3. Red Sonja
(Image courtesy FB/O.R.)
Red Sonja debuted in 1973 at the peak of the sword-and-sorcery fantasy comics craze. A fierce warrior, she battles evil and vows to only lie with a man who can defeat her in combat. With a devoted cult following, the character continues to thrive, with Dynamite Comics now publishing new adventures.
Get the 300-page paperback Red Sonja: She-Devil With a Sword for $29.99 at Amazon now.
4. Seven to Eternity
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The kingdom of Zhal lives in constant paranoia under the oppressive rule of the God of Whispers. This world of sorcery, magic, and rudimentary technology is shaped by noble houses of knights with ancient lineages. Among them is Adam, a knight from a disgraced house, who faces his own mortality. With time running out, he must decide whether to join a band of adventurers in overthrowing Zhal’s rulers or focus on his own fate.
Seven to Eternity has earned a cult following and stands as one of the greatest fantasy comics in decades.
Get this 544-page harcover for $59.57 at Amazon.
5. Thundercats
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Thundercats began as a beloved 1980s cartoon and has since become one of the best fantasy comics in publication today. The story follows a group of feline humanoids fleeing marauders, only to crash-land on their new home, Third Earth. Led by Lion-O and armed with the legendary Sword of Omens, which houses the Eye of Thundera, the Thundercats fight to defend their new world from ever-present threats.
Get the 2024 Dynamite comics relaunch of the IP. The first volume of stories in paperback is only $19.99 at Amazon.
6. The Wicked + The Divine
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This fantasy comic has a devoted cult following, but it deserves even more recognition. The story follows twelve gods who take human form for just 24 months, appearing once every 90 years. During their brief existence, they wield immense power, rise to fame, and pursue their ambitions—knowing their time is fleeting.
Get the 144-page paperback volume of the first issues for $7.26 at Amazon.
7. Lady Mechanika Volume 1
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In a Victorian-inspired world of fantasy and steampunk, where simple robots and flying airships fill the skies, Lady Mechanika operates as both a detective and vigilante. With no memory of her past, she is believed to have survived a Jack the Ripper-style killer. Discovered with mechanical limbs and no recollection of how she got them, she now dedicates her life to helping those in need while uncovering the mysteries of her own origin.
Get the 160-page hardcover of the first 6 issues for $24.22 at Amazon.
8. Monstress
(Image courtesy FB/Vendetta)
Monstress unfolds in a richly imagined fantasy world inspired by early 1900s Asia, where a matriarchal society known as the Cumaea wages war against mystical beings called Arcanics. In the midst of this conflict, a young woman named Maika finds herself caught between both sides when she discovers a powerful psychic bond with a mysterious monster.
Get the first volume, 528-page hardcover for $37.28 at Amazon.
9. Fables
(Image courtesy FB/HT)
If you love classic fairy tales with a modern twist, Fables is a must-read among fantasy comics. An ancient evil known as the Adversary has ravaged the homelands of beloved storybook characters like Boy Blue, Snow White, Bigby Wolf, and Prince Charming. Forced into exile, they now reside in a hidden town in upstate New York, struggling to blend in with the human world while navigating their own conflicts and secrets.
Get the first 1,100-page omnibus for $32 at Amazon.
10. Locke and Key
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Written by Joe Hill, son of Stephen King, Locke & Key weaves a tale of family grief, a haunted house, and dark fantasy. After their father’s tragic death, the Locke children discover a mysterious key that unlocks far more than they bargained for—unleashing secrets and dangers hidden within their ancestral home.
The story was later adapted into a Netflix series of the same name.
You can get the 168-page first volume of the series for $20.05 at Amazon now.
Fantasy Comics
Fantasy comics may not be for everyone, but they offer a rich blend of storytelling and adventure beyond the typical superhero fare. Titles like The Sandman and Conan have captivated readers with their immersive worlds and epic narratives.
If you’re tired of the same old stories, dive into the world of fantasy comics—you might just find your next favorite read.
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Allen Francis is a full-time writer, prolific comic book investor and author of The Casual’s Guide: Why You Should Get Into Comic Book Investing. Allen holds a BA degree from Marymount Manhattan College. Before becoming a writer Allen was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including saving and investing in your own small business.
