2025 has been an amazing year if you’re a comic book fan. Marvel, DC, and Image Comics have given readers the incredible content that you’d expect from them. There are also ones like Mad Cave Studios and Dynamite Entertainment that have produced bangers all year.
This article will give you the 25 must-read comic books of 2025. Let’s begin with the surprise series of 2025.
25. Captain Planet (Surprise Series of the Year)
Grab this series to see the best evolution of classic comic book characters since Skybound created the Energon Universe. And not just the heroes. The villains were improved as well. Here’s hoping this series is around for a long time.
Epic moment: Linka "punches" a hurricane (issue No. 5).
24. The Unchosen
I started this series because I love David Marquez’s art and ended up loving his writing too. There are mysteries at every turn and characters you’ll be conflicted about. In short, the mark of a fantastic series.
Epic moment: Aida's last words in the final panel (issue No. 4).
23. It Killed Everyone But Me
It Killed Everyone But Me is one of the reasons horror comic books are becoming a personal favorite. It isn’t about the gore. The creative team here brilliantly creates an evil being that you can’t help but love, with a protagonist that you feel for.
Epic moments: Whenever the Heathen is sassy (every issue).
22. Eddie Brock: Carnage
A lot of people didn't think they’d enjoy a comic book starring Eddie Brock, and he wasn’t Venom (this writer included). With that being said, every doubter should have known better since Charles Soule was writing it. He perfectly balanced Eddie’s morality with Carnage's lunacy and made it entertaining from the first page of the premiere issue to the final page of the finale.
Epic moment: Carnage in suits (issue No. 10).
21. Blood and Thunder
Blood and Thunder is an example of why Image Comics was the best comic book company of the year. Writer Benito Cereno is telling deep tales, while artist E.J. Su creates striking, yet gorgeous characters. Plus, Benito Cereno is keeping things interesting by giving readers just enough to keep certain parts of the story a mystery.
Epic moment: Prisoner from Cell Block X being more than an unstoppable force (issue No 6).
20. Ultimate Black Panther (Underrated Series of the year)
With all of the amazing titles in Marvel Comics’ Ultimate Universe, this one gets forgotten. Bryan Edward Hill redefined how people will look at Erik Killmonger to the point that I think he (Killmonger) should appear in Universe-616.
I can’t leave this section without discussing Storm and T’Challa. To me, this is the best their relationship has looked. They may not have fallen in love, but their closeness, which led to passion, was flawless.
Epic moment: Giant, robot panther (issue No. 23).
19. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Writer Jason Aaron and artist and colorist Juan Ferreyra breathed a different kind of life into one of comics’ greatest franchises by being realistic about the brothers’ lives and personalities. Brothers fight because they love and have certain expectations for each other. However, they eventually find common ground and make things right. Sure, feelings will be hurt, and punches will be thrown, but it’ll be worth it. This is exactly what happened, and it was told in a relatable way.
If you've ever wanted to get into a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic book series, this is the perfect starting point.
Epic moment: New Yorkers defending the TMNT (issue No. 11).
18. Batman
Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez are killing it as the creative team for Batman. They aren’t only giving readers a Dark Knight who’s fighting crime. Readers are seeing a lot more of Bruce Wayne’s personal life as a businessman and how the cost of being a vigilante affects his personal life. For example, Tim Drake’s boyfriend, Bernard, thinks Bruce is abusing Tim.
If this were more than four issues into the series, it would have been ranked higher. I fully expect Batman to be in 2026’s top ten comics.
Epic moment: Batman talking to Killer Croc instead of fighting him (issue No. 1)
17. Aquaman (Upgrade of the Year)
Arthur Curry should never have been a joke. Thankfully, writer Jeremy Adams closed the door on the jests about the King of Atlantis by making him a god. That isn’t enough to make this a top-25 series, but adding new and interesting characters while telling an incredible story on top of him becoming a strong as a deity is. He also dominated Hawkman in the DC K.O. tournament.
If you want to get into Aquaman, this is the perfect entry point. Jeremy Adams and Jon Timms are doing phenomenal work on this series, and there’s more to come in 2026.
Epic moment: Aquaman becomes a god (issue No. 8)
16. Something Is Killing The Children
Something Is Killing The Children didn’t have a lot of issues, but that makes its ranking even more impressive. Writer James Tynion, artist Werther Dell'Edera, and colorist Miquel Muerto make sure that each issue is worth reading and gives you reasons to care about the characters. And even though we haven’t seen the repercussions of Erica Slaughter’s actions in SIKTC No. 35, seeing her backstory is a must and has helped readers better understand her.
Epic moment: Erica telling Jessica Slaughter off (issue No. 45)
15. Bug Wars
In every issue of Bug Wars, writer Jason Aaron finds a way to make you think about life in the real world, and he’s using bugs to do it. He’s one of the few writers who can take a story about the life of insects and make it thought-provoking, violent, and funny. I can’t wait for the next chapter.
Epic moment: Slade Slaymaker saving his brother (issue No. 6).
14. Absolute Superman
Kal-El has less than any of the lead heroes in DC Comics’ Absolute Universe. Even the Flash had Barry Allen, and now the Rogues and Grodd have his back. And whenever he began to get a feel of the community or started to become loved, something happened to take it away. There were even times when he was ready to quit helping people and end his life. But he didn’t, and watching him continue to rise up despite it all was incredible.
Epic moment: Protecting Smallville (Absolute Superman: The Free State of Smallville)
13. Transformers
In 2025, there wasn’t an issue of Transformers where something emotional or inspiring didn’t happen. A lot of it involved Optimus Prime giving the Autobots a speech to get them going, or the Decepticons doing something atrocious. But the epic and Earth-shattering battles were a major part, too. It was difficult not to put this in the top ten.
Epic moment: Optimus Prime fights Megatron (issue No. 24)
12. Immortal Thor
Al Ewing had the seemingly impossible task of writing another Immortal Marvel Comics title after his iconic run of Immortal Hulk. Shocking to no one, the challenge was accepted and surpassed all expectations.
Immortal Thor did more than highlight the God of Thunder. Many of the Asgardian gods had moments that showed their strength and courage. And even though Loki had a moment of betrayal, you learn that they had a righteous plan in the works.
Epic moment: Defeating Kemur and Mejed (issues Nos. 23 and 24).
11. Miles Morales: Spider-Man
The growth of Miles Morales extends beyond what he’s done as Spider-Man. Yeah, he survived a conflict between the gods of Olympus (led by Ares), defeated a possessed T’Challa, and beat Deadpool. But he also did this while never missing a therapy session, helping his brother/clone adjust to his new life, and still tries to help his enemies become better people.
Epic moment: Surviving a war between gods (Miles Morales: Spider-Man: God War)
10. Assorted Crisis Events (Emotional Series of the Year)
If I had to pick a comic book for people who don’t normally read them, this is the series I’d recommend. It has the right balance of science fiction, storytelling, and depth. It won’t make you laugh until your sides hurt, but it will make you cry and feel things in ways you didn’t know possible.
Epic moment: Surviving (issue No. 5).
9. Uncanny X-Men (Comforting Series of the Year)
Are the X-Men still hated and feared for being mutants? Of course, they are. However, Gail Simone has shown the other side of humanity that exists in the comic book world and the real one. The part that loves.
In each issue, the X-Men and the Outliers fight enemies that want them dead. But they’re also learning to love each other, become a family, and grow as people. It’s been beautiful and a nice change from them always being detested by everyone they encounter.
8. Absolute Martian Manhunter (Art of the Year)
Writer Deniz Camp (who has three titles on this list) brought his normal A-game with the awe-inspiring art of Javier Rodriguez. Together, they created a comic book series that stands tall in a universe with multiple bangers. And, as I’ve mentioned in previous articles, the darkness of Camp’s stories is balanced by Javier’s bright artwork. Thanos would be proud.
7. Birds of Prey (Entertaining Series of the Year)
Kelly Thompson, along with various artists, made the Birds of Prey team dangerous, powerful, and funny. Each month, it was among the first comic books I read, regardless of what was released. I hope James Gunn has read it, because there wasn’t a more entertaining comic book in 2025. It’s the kind of series that deserves an animated project.
6. Storm (X-Man of the Year)
As this article is being written, Storm hasn’t had 25 solo comic books in the 50+ years she's been around. Whatever the reason, that doesn’t matter because Murewa Ayodele is writing the series fans have waited decades for. It’s Ororo Munroe at her strongest, while being the kindest person in comics. Eventually, Murewa Ayodele's title will be looked at as the definitive run for Marvel’s Mightiest Mutant.
Epic moment: Defeating gods.
5. Absolute Wonder Woman
Absolute Wonder Woman is the shining light in the darkest universe in comic books, and Kelly Thompson is making that known. No matter how bad things get, Diana looks at the brighter side and looks to save people rather than destroy them. After everything she’s experienced (including the various gods trying to kill her), it’s a miracle she hasn’t turned cold. Then again, that’s what makes her amazing.
Epic moment: Freeing prisoners from the maze (issue No. 12).
4. Batman: Dark Patterns (Best Comic Book Covers of the Year)
As I made this list, I looked back at the people who’ve written Bruce Wayne/Batman, and Dan Watters is among the best. Considering the long line of writers who came before him, that should say a lot.
Everything that makes the character mighty was on display. But, most importantly, you get to see the "World’s Greatest Detective" at work. Yes, mistakes were made, but no one is perfect, which was another part that made this a must-read for any Batman fan.
Epic moment: Batman listening to the sounds of the building (Issue No. 4)
3. Absolute Batman
I have covered Absolute Batman so much that it’s difficult to say something that I haven’t. Batman may be bigger, but so are his threats. Bane was a giant genius. Black Mask was a smart billionaire who threw money at the right people and places. And then there’s Grim (Joker) and Ark M doing whatever they can to slow him down and turn people into monsters. Yet, in each story, Bruce finds a believable way to succeed. The best part? Scott Snyder is just getting started.
Epic moment: Defeating Bane
2. Ultimates (Hero Team of the Year)
The messaging behind this series is only one part of the Ultimates’ greatness. There always seems to be something going on that will come back into play later on. Whether it’s the Wasp being a traitor, Thor making side deals in another realm (issue No. 11), or the secret that Deniz Camp says links to Dr. Doom in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you want to pay attention to everything. Otherwise, you’ll miss something key and have to reread the series (like I am right now).
Epic moment: Starting a revolution (issue No. 16)
1. The Power Fantasy (Best Comic Book Series of 2025)
Fun fact: whenever a new issue of The Power Fantasy is published, I just add it to my best of the week list because, from the writing (Kieron Gillen) to the art (Caspar Wijngaard), there’s no way each issue wouldn't be a banger. So far, I haven’t been wrong yet. I can’t wait for another year of this series. In 2025, every issue was brilliant thanks to deep conversations and profound philosophical questions about, wait for it, the fantasy of power.
Epic moment: Etienne Lux’s plan (issue No. 12 and13)