10 Incredibe Sci-Fi Comics That Put Most Sci-Fi Movies To Shame

Science fiction is a major force in the world of comics. For years, creators have cleverly integrated sci-fi ideas, often to make superheroes even more compelling. While superheroes and science fiction pair well, most superhero stories aren’t strictly science fiction. Though many superhero comics feature sci-fi elements – the most memorable Fantastic Four stories often do – not every superhero tale qualifies as pure sci-fi. However, publishers like Marvel and Image Comics have released numerous comics that are truly outstanding works of science fiction.

Science fiction comics focus on classic sci-fi themes like epic space conflicts, robots, and futures gone wrong. The best ones offer truly imaginative stories that can even change your perspective. Here are ten of the very best, guaranteed to take you on unforgettable adventures.

10) Infinity

Jonathan Hickman often blends science fiction elements into his superhero comics, and his work on Avengers and New Avengers was particularly notable for this. Among his stories, *Infinity*, illustrated by Jim Cheung, Dustin Weaver, Jerome Opena, Leinil Yu, and Mike Deodato, always stood out to me as being the most heavily focused on sci-fi themes.

To fully experience the epic scope of *Infinity*, it’s best to get the collected edition, which includes related issues featuring the *Avengers* and *New Avengers*. The story has two main threads: an ancient race called the Builders starts a universe-wide war to destroy all life, and the Avengers join other galactic empires to fight back. Meanwhile, on Earth, the Illuminati must confront Thanos. *Infinity* is so effective because writer Jonathan Hickman perfectly balances grand science fiction with classic superhero action, creating a truly impressive blend of both genres. It’s a high point for superhero sci-fi.

9) Descender/Ascender

Image Comics is known for fantastic comics, and their sci-fi offerings are particularly strong. Among the best is the connected series *Descender* and *Ascender*. *Descender* is set in a galaxy still recovering from a disaster caused by robots, who are now seen as public enemies. The story begins with Tim-21, a robot who wakes up and sets out to find the family that raised him, unaware of how much the galaxy has changed. He quickly becomes caught up in a growing galactic war that will reshape everything. *Ascender* then follows Mila, the daughter of Tim-21’s former owner, as she explores a completely new universe. Created by writer Jeff Lemire and artist Dustin Nguyen, these two series beautifully combine science fiction and fantasy with a powerful emotional core. They’re truly captivating comics that deserve more recognition for their quality.

8) StarHenge Book One: The Dragon and the Bear

Liam Sharp’s *StarHenge Book One: The Dragon and the Boar* expertly blends science fiction and fantasy. The story takes place in a future where humans and artificial intelligence are at war, and humanity’s only chance of winning lies in magic. Both sides race to find Merlin, sending warriors back in time – one side to protect him, the other to eliminate him. From the very start, *StarHenge* is a captivating read. This six-issue series promises an exciting journey, revealing the origins of magic and its connection to the future war. Sharp’s work is exceptional, and the stunning artwork alone makes this book worthwhile. It deserves a wider audience, so he can continue telling this incredible story (a follow-up, *Ore*, has already been released, but there’s still much more to explore).

7) The Ballad of Halo Jones

As a big fan of Alan Moore, I think he’s easily the greatest comic book writer of all time, and he’s done a lot of science fiction. But one of my absolute favorites is *The Ballad of Halo Jones*, illustrated by Ian Gibson. I first discovered it in the British comic *2000A.D.*, and it’s just brilliant – it follows the life of Halo Jones from when she’s a teenager all the way into old age, set in the 50th century. Moore and Gibson really nailed the futuristic setting, creating smart, thoughtful sci-fi that still feels really human. It doesn’t get as much attention as his work on *Watchmen*, but for me, *The Ballad of Halo Jones* is another perfect example of just how incredibly talented Alan Moore is.

6) Black Science

Rick Remender and Matteo Scalera’s *Black Science* was a standout title during the surge of creative comics at Image in the 2010s. The story centers on Grant McKay, a scientist with a troubled past, who invents a device for traveling between universes. During a test run, he and his team become lost in another universe and must fight to find their way back home. The series explores themes of family, love, and betrayal, and also captures the sense of disillusionment often associated with Generation X – a theme Remender frequently revisits, as seen in his other work, *Deadly Class*.

This series is fantastic and full of surprises, constantly leaving you wondering what will happen next. The artwork by Scalera is particularly impressive – his distinct style really enhances Remender’s writing. While *Black Science* had a bit of a wait between issues during its run, it was absolutely worth it (the last issue is one of the best series finales I’ve ever read!). Honestly, it’s better experienced as a collected trade paperback than individual issues, because Remender fills each story arc with unexpected twists. If you enjoy this, you might also like *Low*.

5) East of West

Jonathan Hickman is a masterful storyteller, and I consider *East of West* to be his best independent comic. It’s a truly unique blend of alternate history, dystopian themes, biblical apocalypse, and science fiction – and that’s what makes it so captivating. The story is set in a United States where seven powerful groups emerged during the Civil War, ending the conflict after discovering a prophecy about the end of the world. These factions maintain a fragile peace, but everything falls apart when the Horseman of Death begins a quest for revenge, and his three previously slain brothers return. *East of West* delivers everything a comic fan could want: thrilling action, compelling adventure, richly detailed world-building, complex political maneuvering, and unforgettable characters. It’s a breathtaking read from start to finish, brought to life by Nick Dragotta’s stunning artwork, which creates a version of the United States unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Simply put, *East of West* is a comic book classic.

4) Judge Dredd

As a lifelong cinema and comic book fan, I’ve always felt like *Judge Dredd* really paved the way for a lot of what we see in the industry today. It first showed up in the British comic *2000 AD* back in 1977. Created by John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra, it introduced this incredibly bleak future where most of humanity lives crammed into massive Mega-Cities, and law enforcement isn’t just about catching criminals – these ‘Judges’ have the power to decide guilt, deliver sentences, *and* carry them out themselves. It was a truly groundbreaking concept.

Judge Dredd stories center around the iconic law enforcer as he battles crime and corruption throughout the sprawling megacity. Dredd had a huge impact on British comics, and that influence helped breathe new life into the American comic book industry in the mid-1980s. With decades of stories available, the character has attracted some of the most talented artists and writers in British comics. Judge Dredd is a landmark figure in comic book history, and while not every story is a masterpiece, there’s always something to enjoy across his 48-year run.

3) The Incal

As a critic, I have to say *The Incal* is truly one of the most celebrated science fiction comics ever created. Originally published in the French magazine *Metal Hurlant* between 1980 and 1988, it throws you into a sprawling, futuristic dystopia and centers on John Difool, an ordinary guy unexpectedly caught up in an epic quest that could redefine the universe. The story comes from the mind of Alejandro Jodorowsky, and it’s fascinating to learn it grew out of his ambitious, unrealized attempt to adapt *Dune* – seriously, check out the documentary *Jodorowsky’s Dune* if you’re curious. It’s a wild ride! What really sets *The Incal* apart is its abstract, almost hallucinatory quality; it’s a journey unlike anything else you’ll find in comics. And the artwork? Absolutely stunning. Moebius, the artist, is a legend – arguably the greatest European comic artist of all time – and every single page is a visual masterpiece. Yes, it gets weird, but it earns it, delivering a mind-blowing experience and launching a whole universe of sequels and prequels. It’s a truly unforgettable comic.

2) Saga

Considered one of the best comics of the 21st century, *Saga* is a sci-fi story created by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples. While the comic has faced some publishing delays recently, it remains a fantastic read. *Saga* centers on Marko and Alana, who fall in love despite being from opposing sides of a galactic war – Alana was a guard and Marko a prisoner when they met. After escaping, they become targets, and their daughter Hazel represents the hope for peace between their cultures, making her a target as well.

Saga is a truly captivating story, boasting incredible world-building, thrilling action, and a fantastic cast of characters. However, what truly sets it apart is the powerful emotion woven into every issue. This emotional connection draws you in and makes you deeply invested in the fate of the characters. You’re not just reading a great story; you’re genuinely eager to discover what happens to Marko, Alana, Hazel, and everyone around them. Saga is a modern classic – a truly unique and unforgettable series.

1) Nameless

Grant Morrison has always incorporated science fiction into their work, but their most compelling sci-fi comic is arguably *Nameless*, illustrated by Chris Burnham. The story centers on Nameless, a detective specializing in the occult, who is sent on a space mission to investigate a strange object approaching Earth. What unfolds is a masterclass in cosmic horror – a constantly surprising and unsettling story that gradually reveals the object’s origins and the truth behind the unfolding events.

“Nameless” is a complex and thought-provoking book, drawing on mystical and magical ideas. It requires careful reading to fully appreciate its depth, but the effort is well worth it – it’s truly mind-bending. The artwork by Burnham is exceptional, vividly capturing the intense and unsettling themes Morrison explores. This sci-fi horror novel is unlike anything else and deserves to be experienced firsthand.

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2025-09-16 20:44