The Most Successful Comic Book: A Rank Among Industry Giants
Voting rules: Choose the comic you think is the most successful!
Updated on Nov 28, 2023 10:12
Welcome to StrawPoll, the ultimate hub of opinions, where your voice matters! We're excited to present to you our newest ranking: "What is the most successful comic book?" From iconic superheroes to mind-bending tales, comic books have captured our imaginations for generations. Now, it's time to put these beloved stories to the test and see which one takes the crown! We've assembled a list of the most popular and influential comic books of all time, but we need YOU to decide their fate. Cast your vote, make your mark, and join the conversation! Do you have a hidden gem in mind that we missed? Don't hold back, suggest your favorite and rally the troops to make it rise to the top! So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of comics and let the battle for the most successful comic book begin!
What Is the Most Successful Comic Book?
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136votesSuperman created in 1938, Superman is one of the most iconic and enduring superheroes of all time, and his comic book series has been a consistent best-seller for over 80 years.DescriptionSuperman 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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221votesBatman another hugely popular superhero, Batman was first introduced in 1939 and has since starred in numerous successful comic book series, including The Dark Knight Returns and Batman: Hush.DescriptionBatman 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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324votesMarvel Comics' flagship character, Spider-Man has been a major success since his debut in 1962, with his comic book series consistently ranking among the best-sellers in the industry.DescriptionSpider-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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46votesX-Men first published by Marvel Comics in 1963, the X-Men have become one of the most beloved and successful superhero teams in comic book history, with numerous successful series and spin-offs.DescriptionX-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 another iconic superhero team, The Avengers have been a major success for Marvel Comics since their debut in 1963, with numerous successful series and spin-offs.DescriptionThe 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 popular comic book of all time
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular fanfiction on FanFiction.net
- Position 8 of 10 in Most loved Marvel movie
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular box office movie
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611votesWatchmen a critically acclaimed and highly influential graphic novel series first published in 1986, Watchmen is widely regarded as one of the greatest comic book series of all time.DescriptionWatchmen 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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79votes
The Walking Dead
Frank DarabontThe Walking Dead a hugely successful comic book series first published in 2003, The Walking Dead has spawned a highly successful TV series and numerous spin-offs.DescriptionThe 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 AMC show
- 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 8 of 10 in Most popular comic book of all time
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813votesSandman a critically acclaimed and highly influential comic book series created by Neil Gaiman, Sandman is widely regarded as one of the greatest comic book series of all time.DescriptionSandman 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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97votesSaga is a highly successful and critically acclaimed comic book series first published in 2012, Saga has won numerous awards and has been consistently praised for its innovative storytelling and world-building.DescriptionSaga 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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105votesMaus is a Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel series created by Art Spiegelman, Maus is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential comic book series of all time, tackling complex themes of identity, trauma, and memory.DescriptionThe 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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Discussion
Ranking factors for successful comic book
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Sales figuresOne of the primary factors in determining a comic book's success is its sales figures. The number of copies sold can provide insights into a comic's popularity and appeal to readers.
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Cultural impactSome comic books have had a significant impact on pop culture, influencing other comics, movies, TV shows, and video games. A comic book that has had a lasting impact on popular culture would be considered successful.
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Critical receptionCritical reception can be another factor in determining a comic book's success. Comics that are well-regarded by critics and industry professionals may be more likely to generate buzz and attract readers.
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Awards and accoladesAwards and accolades can also be a measure of success in the comic book industry. Winning prestigious awards, such as the Eisner or Harvey Awards, can be a sign of a comic book's quality and appeal.
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LongevitySome comics have been around for decades and have maintained a dedicated fan base over time. Longevity can be a measure of a comic's enduring appeal and success.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most successful comic book. 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
- 1133 views
- 148 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 successful comic book
Comics have been a popular form of entertainment for decades. From superheroes to crime-fighting detectives, comic books have created a universe of characters loved by millions. But which comic book can boast the title of the most successful? The answer to this question is not an easy one, as various factors can impact a comic's success, such as its impact on society, commercial success, and critical acclaim. However, some comics have undoubtedly left a significant mark on the industry and have become cultural icons. In this article, we'll explore the most successful comic books and the reasons behind their massive success.
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