The Best Superhero Comics That Are Not Published By Marvel Or DC

The Best Superhero Comics That Are Not Published By Marvel Or DC

Key Takeaways

  • Image Comics has grown to be a top publisher with gritty series like
    Spawn
    , setting a new standard in mature comics line-up.
  • Invincible,
    by Robert Kirkman, shocks readers with brutal twists and turns, making it an intense superhero saga like no other in comics.
  • Judge Dredd’s
    hyper-violence and satirical tales warn of government justice in a cyberpunk future, showing there are no traditional heroes.

As someone who’s spent countless hours poring over the pages of these extraordinary comic books, I must say that each one of them has left an indelible mark on my heart and mind. Let me take you on a brief journey through my perspective.


Through time, Marvel and DC have solidified themselves as undeniable power players in the entertainment industry. Each company has produced numerous films, television series, and toy collections, attracting millions of passionate followers from around the globe who eagerly anticipate their next comics-based release.

It’s worth noting that these giants in the comic industry aren’t the only ones creating captivating stories. In reality, they haven’t been the sole contributors to what many would deem as the most remarkable comic book tales. Additionally, publishers like Image and Dark Horse are continually expanding the boundaries of what comics can achieve, proving that there’s a wealth of remarkable comics produced by publishers outside the big two.

7 Spawn

Published By Image Comics

The Best Superhero Comics That Are Not Published By Marvel Or DC
  • Created By: Todd McFarlane
  • First Issue Published: May 1992

Spawn finds himself facing off against both divine and demonic powers following his resurrection. In essence, he’s an anti-hero who will go to any lengths to make amends for his past wrongdoings.

As a long-time fan of comic books and graphic novels, I can confidently say that few series have had as lasting an impact as this iconic one. Growing up, I remember eagerly awaiting each new issue, captivated by its gory and mature content that seemed to push the boundaries of what was acceptable in comics at the time. It’s no exaggeration to say that it helped shape my love for the genre and opened my eyes to the darker, more complex stories that could be told within its pages.

6 Invincible

Published By Image Comics

The Best Superhero Comics That Are Not Published By Marvel Or DC
  • Created By: Robert Kirkman
  • First Issue Published: January 2003

Mark Grayson is an ordinary high school student who coincidentally is the child of an alien from the Viltrumite empire. As his own abilities unfold, he finds himself grappling with managing everyday life while also dealing with the immense power that makes him one of the strongest entities in the universe.

At first glance, the storyline may seem familiar, but as readers dive deeper, they’ll soon find that their initial assumptions are shattered by the extreme brutality found in this captivating comic series. Although its various spin-offs and supplementary comics are excellent, Invincible stands out as an enormous, mind-blowing saga filled with shocking plot twists that are unparalleled in the world of comics.

5 Hellboy

Published By Dark Hose Comics

The Best Superhero Comics That Are Not Published By Marvel Or DC
  • Created By: Mike Mignola
  • First Issue Published: August 19, 1993

From a being as fiery and demonic as Hellboy, you might assume enmity towards mankind would be inherent. Quite the opposite, though. Born from the depths of hell but nurtured on this earthly plane, he’s devoid of any malevolence. Instead, his life’s work is dedicated to battling forces beyond our mortal comprehension. I, as a fan, find this dichotomy between his demonic appearance and human heart incredibly fascinating.

Hellboy stands out, notably for its unique style. The artwork, narratives, and themes all share a consistent gloomy atmosphere that frequently contrasts with the amusing character traits of the title figure, as demonstrated by occasional jokes or witty dialogue.

4 My Hero Academia

Published By Shueisha

The Best Superhero Comics That Are Not Published By Marvel Or DC
  • Created By: Kohei Horikoshi
  • First Issue Published: July 7, 2014

In a world dominated by extraordinary abilities (referred to as quirks), there are individuals who lack them. Izuku Midoriya happens to be one such individual, living in a state of envy for those gifted with these powers. However, fate takes a turn when he encounters the most renowned superhero on Earth. In exchange for his kindness, Izuku receives One For All, an extraordinary ability passed down from hero to hero. With this newfound quirk, Izuku aspires to become a great hero, emulating his idol, All Might.

My Hero Academia is a comic series spanning over 430 chapters, where each character gets their moment to stand out amidst the growing existential dangers they encounter. This manga thrives on exploring the ups and downs of having superpowers, taking every opportunity it can get.

3 Sailor Moon

Published By Kodansha

The Best Superhero Comics That Are Not Published By Marvel Or DC
  • Created By: Naoko Takeuchi
  • First Issue Published: December 28, 1991

Under the title “Sailor Moon“, we follow the journey of the reborn Sailor Guardians who unite to shield innocents from malevolent forces. They are determined to safeguard not just Earth, but the entire cosmos as they encounter one peril after another.

This manga, with its captivating power structure and unexpectedly complex narrative, has successfully maintained its vast fan base, despite being concluded years ago. Moreover, as a shojo genre aimed at females, it served as an introduction for numerous women globally into the world of comics.

2 The Umbrella Academy

Published By Dark Horse Comics

The Best Superhero Comics That Are Not Published By Marvel Or DC
  • Created By: Gerard Way
  • First Issue Published: September 2007

Supporters of My Chemical Romance might not have been aware that their lead singer, Gerard Way, has long had a passion and knack for creating comic books. Without their subsequent backing, The Umbrella Academy could have remained unpublished.

The narrative revolves around a unique group of individuals with extraordinary abilities, who were born to different women on the same day and subsequently brought up together as siblings by a wealthy guardian. In their maturity, they are summoned to unite and combat a grave danger that faces the world. It’s undeniably peculiar, but its intrigue was compelling enough to be transformed into a well-received Netflix series.

1 Judge Dredd

Published By IPC Media And Rebellion Developments

The Best Superhero Comics That Are Not Published By Marvel Or DC
  • Created By : John Wagner, Carlos Ezquerra, and Pat Mills
  • First Appearance: March 5, 1977

In a gritty, tech-driven tomorrow, I’m a law enforcer in the sprawling metropolis known as Mega-City One. Armed with an arsenal of ammo and witty comebacks, I’m relentless in my pursuit to maintain order and dispense justice. The streets here are far from safe, but I won’t rest until they’re clean.

Brimming with intense violence and abundant satire, Judge Dredd serves as a warning story about the far-reaching justice system of the government. Contrary to popular belief, Judge Dredd and his fellow Judges aren’t portrayed as heroes in this comic series. However, their actions, which are hard to ignore, make for compelling reading material.

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2024-08-27 15:34