The Most Popular Comic Book of All Time, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the comic book you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 25, 2024 06:33
In the colorful world of comic books, every reader has their champion - a character, a series, or a single issue that stands as a personal favorite. This fascination with comic books extends beyond mere entertainment; it fosters a community that spans generations and geographies. Ranking these books not only ignites passionate discussions but also helps new fans find acclaimed titles and hidden gems.
By voting for your treasured comics, you contribute to a collective judgment that shapes which stories are heralded as the most compelling, influential, or beautifully crafted. This interaction isn’t just about asserting preferences; it's a celebration of the art form, encouraging creators and the industry by recognizing their impact on culture and imagination. Your participation helps paint a picture of what resonates with readers and why.
What Is the Most Popular Comic Book of All Time?
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146votesCreated in 1939, Batman has remained a popular comic book character for over 80 years, with numerous adaptations across various media platforms. He is known for his brooding personality, impressive detective skills, and iconic gadgets like the Batarang.Batman is a fictional superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. He was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and first appeared in Detective Comics #27 in 1939. Batman is widely regarded as one of the greatest comic book superheroes of all time.
- Alter Ego: Bruce Wayne
- First Appearance: Detective Comics #27 (1939)
- Abilities: Peak physical and mental conditioning, expert detective skills, martial arts and combat expertise, advanced gadgets and technology, highly skilled strategist
- Secret Identity: Known to very few individuals, including trusted allies
- Base of Operations: Gotham City
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230votesSuperman was created in 1938 and has remained a beloved comic book character for over 80 years. He is known for his incredible strength, speed, and ability to fly. His iconic "S" symbol and red cape have become synonymous with superhero culture.Superman is a fictional superhero character widely regarded as one of the most iconic figures in comic book history. Created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, Superman made his first appearance in Action Comics #1 in 1938. As a character, Superman possesses extraordinary superhuman abilities, including super strength, invulnerability, heat vision, x-ray vision, flight, and super speed. The character is often depicted as a symbol of hope and justice, frequently coming to the rescue of those in need. Superman has been adapted into various forms of media, including movies, television shows, and video games, solidifying his status as a pop culture icon.
- First Appearance: Action Comics #1 (1938)
- Alter Ego: Clark Kent
- Super Powers: Super strength, invulnerability, heat vision, x-ray vision, flight, super speed
- Weakness: Kryptonite
- Affiliation: Justice League
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323votesSpider-Man was introduced in 1962 and quickly became one of Marvel's most popular characters. He is known for his agility, web-slinging abilities, and relatable struggles as a teenage superhero.Spider-Man is an action-adventure game based on the popular Marvel superhero. Players take on the role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man, swinging through the city of New York and battling various enemies and villains. The game features an open-world design, allowing players to freely explore the city and engage in both main story missions and side activities. With a compelling story, fluid traversal mechanics, and intense combat sequences, Spider-Man offers an immersive and thrilling gaming experience.
- Genre: Action-adventure
- Platform: PlayStation 4
- Release Date: September 7, 2018
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Developer: Insomniac Games
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411votesX-Men was created in 1963 and has since become one of Marvel's most popular comic book franchises. The X-Men are a group of mutants with unique powers who fight for equality and justice in a world that fears and hates them.X-Men is a popular cinematic universe that revolves around a fictional team of mutant superheroes in comic books, films, and other media. It explores the ongoing battle between mutants, individuals born with powerful abilities, and humans who fear and seek to control them. The X-Men universe is known for its complex themes of discrimination, social outcasts, and the struggle for acceptance.
- Start Date: 1963
- Publisher: Marvel Comics
- Film Series: X-Men (2000-2019)
- Number of Films: 13
- Box Office Revenue (Highest Grossing Film): $1.5 billion (X-Men: Days of Future Past)
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516votes
The Avengers
Joss WhedonThe Avengers were first introduced in 1963 and have since become one of the most popular superhero teams in comic book history. The team is made up of various Marvel characters, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and Hulk.The Avengers is a superhero film released in 2012, based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name. The movie brings together Marvel's iconic superheroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye, as they join forces to save the Earth from the villainous Loki.- Budget: $220 million
- Box Office: $1.518 billion
- Release Date: April 11, 2012 (Los Angeles premiere)
- Duration: 143 minutes
- Genre: Superhero, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
The Avengers in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular fandom on AO3
- Position 5 of 10 in Most successful comic book
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular fanfiction on FanFiction.net
- Position 8 of 10 in Most loved Marvel movie
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611votesWatchmen is a graphic novel created in 1986 by writer Alan Moore and artist Dave Gibbons. It is considered one of the greatest comic book stories of all time and has been praised for its complex characters, themes, and storytelling.Watchmen is a highly acclaimed 1986 graphic novel written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons. Set in an alternate reality where masked vigilantes exist, the story follows a group of retired superheroes investigating the murder of one of their own. Watchmen deconstructed the superhero genre, exploring complex themes such as political and moral ambiguity. The series has been praised for its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking narrative.
- Publication Year: 1986
- Genre: Superhero, Mystery, Drama
- Number of Issues: 12
- Setting: Alternate reality, 1980s
- Main Characters: Rorschach, Doctor Manhattan, Nite Owl, Silk Spectre, Ozymandias, The Comedian
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710votesSandman is a comic book series created by writer Neil Gaiman and artist Sam Kieth in 1989. The series follows the adventures of Dream, one of the seven Endless who govern various aspects of the universe. Sandman has been praised for its literary quality and has won numerous awards.Sandman is a highly acclaimed comic book series that blends elements of fantasy, horror, and mythology. It was created by Neil Gaiman and first published by DC Comics under their Vertigo imprint in 1989. The series follows the character Dream, also known as Morpheus or the Sandman, who is the personification of dreams. He embarks on various adventures and encounters with other supernatural beings, gods, and mortals.
- Publication Year: 1989
- Publisher: DC Comics (Vertigo imprint)
- Genre: Fantasy, Horror
- Number of Issues: 75 (including various spin-offs)
- Awards: Multiple Eisner Awards
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81votes
The Walking Dead
Frank DarabontThe Walking Dead is a comic book series created by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore in 2003. It follows a group of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. The series has been praised for its character development and emotional depth.The Walking Dead is a popular TV show that revolves around a post-apocalyptic world infested with zombies, also known as 'walkers'. It follows a group of survivors as they navigate through dangerous situations, form alliances, and try to rebuild society. The show primarily focuses on character development and explores themes like morality, survival instincts, and the resilience of humanity.- Genre: Drama, Horror
- Original Network: AMC
- First Episode Air Date: October 31, 2010
- Last Episode Air Date: Ongoing
- Number of Seasons: 10
The Walking Dead in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Telltale game
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular supernatural show
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular show in America
- Position 4 of 10 in Most overrated TV show of all time
- Position 7 of 10 in Most successful comic book
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular fandom
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98votesSaga is a comic book series created by writer Brian K. Vaughan and artist Fiona Staples in 2012. It follows the adventures of two star-crossed lovers from different species who are on the run from various factions. Saga has been praised for its world-building, character development, and social commentary.Saga is a popular comic book series that combines elements of science fiction and fantasy. It follows the epic tale of two star-crossed lovers, Alana and Marko, from different warring planets who embark on a dangerous journey to protect their family. The story is filled with gripping adventures, complex characters, and a richly crafted universe.
- Publication Date: March 2012 - Present
- Genre: Science fiction, Fantasy
- Publisher: Image Comics
- Number of Issues: 54 (as of October 2021)
- Main Characters: Alana, Marko, Hazel, Prince Robot IV, The Will, Lying Cat, Gwendolyn, Sophie, Upsher, and Doff
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107votesMaus is a graphic novel created by Art Spiegelman in 1986. It tells the story of Spiegelman's father, a Holocaust survivor, and their strained relationship. The novel has been praised for its unique storytelling style and emotional depth. It won a Pulitzer Prize in 1992.The Maus, also known as Panzerkampfwagen VIII Maus, was a super heavyweight tank developed by Germany during World War II. It was intended to be the most advanced German tank with unparalleled protection and firepower.
- Weight: 188 metric tons
- Length: 10.2 meters
- Width: 3.67 meters
- Height: 3.63 meters
- Crew: 6-7 members
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Ranking factors for popular comic book
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Sales figuresThe number of copies sold over time is a crucial factor in determining the popularity of a comic book. High sales numbers indicate significant interest and demand from the public and collectors alike.
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LongevityThe duration of a comic book's publication can be indicative of its popularity. Long-running series, especially if they maintain consistent sales numbers, suggest a continued interest in the characters and storyline.
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Cultural impactA popular comic book may have a significant cultural impact, influencing other forms of media such as movies, television shows, and video games. It may also inspire fan art, cosplay, and other fan-generated content.
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Critical receptionThe acclaim and recognition given by professional critics and comic book industry experts - through awards and reviews - can contribute to the popularity and overall ranking of a comic book.
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Iconic charactersThe presence of well-known and beloved characters who have become household names or highly recognizable can make a comic book more popular. These characters often have strong fan bases, appeal to a wide range of readers, and may transcend the comic book medium.
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Story qualityThe quality of the writing, storytelling, and the overall narrative arc can contribute to a comic book's popularity. Engaging and well-written stories tend to attract and retain readers over time.
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Artwork and visual styleThe artistic style and quality of illustrations in a comic book can greatly influence its appeal to readers. Many fans are drawn to comics with unique or visually striking art styles and may even purchase a comic solely because of the artwork.
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AccessibilityHow easy it is for a new reader to pick up and understand a comic book may affect its popularity, as well. A comic book that is welcoming to new readers and has clear points of entry will likely have a broader appeal.
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Influence on the comic book industryA comic book that has had a significant impact on the development of the comic book industry as a whole can be considered more popular. This includes comic books that have spawned entire genres, revitalized interest in certain characters, or prompted creative innovations in storytelling and artwork.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular comic book of all time. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or comic is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1643 views
- 162 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each comic once every 24 hours. The rank of each comic is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular comic book of all time
Comics have been around for over a century, and their popularity has only grown with time. From superheroes to funny animals, comics have entertained readers of all ages and backgrounds. But when it comes to the most popular comic book of all time, opinions can vary widely. Some might point to the iconic superhero tales of Superman or Batman, while others might argue that the manga phenomenon of Dragon Ball or Naruto deserves recognition. Regardless of personal preference, it's clear that comic books hold a special place in the hearts of many readers, and the debate over the most popular comic book of all time will likely continue for years to come.
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