Unbelievable '90s Comics That Blew Everyone Away

Contrary to popular belief, the ’90s are often considered a less golden era for comic books compared to the ’80s. The ’80s marked a significant growth spurt for the comic industry. DC Comics produced timeless classics such as “Watchmen” and “The Dark Knight Returns”, while Marvel kept fans enthralled with series like “Uncanny X-Men”, John Byrne’s “Fantastic Four”, and many more. At the same time, DC scouted talent from the British Isles. The independent comic market flourished, and Marvel launched their own creator-owned/mature readers imprint called Epic. In comparison, the ’80s set a high bar, making the ’90s seem less impressive. Additionally, Marvel’s shift towards style over substance in the ’90s paved the way for Image Comics and forever tarnished ’90s comics as visually appealing but devoid of depth.

In contrast to popular belief, the 1990s produced some truly exceptional comic books. While many came from Marvel and DC’s superhero series, it was the independent titles and DC’s Vertigo imprint that really shone in terms of quality during this period. It’s true that there were a great deal of poor-quality ’90s comics, but there were also some that are now considered among the greatest comic books ever created. These ten comics represent the cream of the crop from the ’90s, demonstrating just how potent the comic industry was during this era of extremity.

From Hell

As a dedicated comic enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the extraordinary talent that is Alan Moore. His groundbreaking work in the 1980s at DC Comics revolutionized the industry, but a change in ownership of certain works led him to venture into the realm of independent comics, where his career continued to flourish. One of his most notable creations during this period was the chilling masterpiece “From Hell,” which he co-created with artist Eddie Campbell.

First published in 1989 and running until 1998, “From Hell” is widely regarded as one of the greatest horror comics ever produced. The story unfolds in Victorian England, where Jack the Ripper wreaked havoc, with the central premise suggesting that Sir William Gull was the infamous killer. Moore’s painstaking research into the period brings the story to life, creating an engaging narrative that seamlessly blends character and history.

Eddie Campbell’s black-and-white artwork perfectly captures the grim atmosphere of those dark Victorian nights, leaving a lasting impression on readers. While a color version is now available, I strongly recommend experiencing the original black-and-white edition to fully immerse yourself in the story’s haunting ambiance. “From Hell” is a true masterpiece and undoubtedly one of the greatest comics of the ’90s.

Strangers In Paradise

In the 90s, the independent comic market was significantly influenced by early Image Comics, yet there was a flourishing indie scene offering a wide array of captivating narratives apart from the usual superhero tales from well-known comic artists. A defining indie comic of that era, launched in 1993, was “Strangers in Paradise” by writer/artist Terry Moore. Initially, it centered around a love triangle involving Francine, Katchoo, and David, garnering praise for its humor and stunning visuals. However, this series transcended the boundaries of a typical slice-of-life romance comic, evolving into a suspenseful crime/thriller as more about the characters was unveiled. “Strangers in Paradise” ran until 2007, spending seven years in the 90s and seven in the 00s. Its narrative style fits seamlessly with current Image or Boom! publications, demonstrating that 90s comics could encompass more than just costumed figures fighting each other.

Bone

In the past, comics were primarily geared towards children, but the ’80s marked a significant shift in this trend. Comics began to mature, and Marvel and DC Comics started catering to older audiences. Despite superhero comics still being marketed as kid-friendly, there was a noticeable lack of titles that captured the magic found in early Disney comics by Carl Barks. However, Jeff Smith revolutionized the landscape in 1991 with Bone. Bone was an innovative comic strip about the Bone cousins – Fone Bone, Phoney Bone, and Smiley Bone – embarking on their adventures after leaving Boneville. Bone seamlessly blended comedy and fantasy and proved to be enjoyable for readers of all ages. Smith’s artwork and storytelling are exceptional, and Bone ran until 2004, producing a stunning collection of 55 issues. The fact that Bone has never been transformed into an animated series remains puzzling, as it is a truly remarkable comic.

Sandman Mystery Theater

The graphic novel “Sandman Mystery Theater,” penned by Matt Wagner, Steve Seagle, and Guy Davis, is the initial Vertigo title on our list. This comic capitalized on the widespread success of “The Sandman” (which would have made the cut if not for Neil Gaiman’s offenses), reimagining the original Golden Age Sandman as a protagonist in gripping 1930s crime noir stories set in New York City. The series skillfully weaves elements of horror, suspense, and a heartwarming romance between Wesley Dodds (the Sandman) and Dian Belmont. “Sandman Mystery Theater” captivates readers with its compelling narrative and larger-than-life characters, offering an unvarnished portrayal of New York City at the end of The Great Depression. In 2023, DC released a comprehensive compendium gathering issues 1 through 35 of this series. Don’t hesitate; grab a copy today to help bring the remaining half of this masterpiece to life!

Preacher

Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon gained significant recognition from their work on Hellblazer, which was Vertigo’s runner-up in the ’90s. The writer/artist duo complemented each other exceptionally well, and they collaborated to create a comic that surpassed any previous Vertigo title in terms of daring content. Preacher is about Jesse Custer, a Texas preacher who becomes host to Genesis, an entity that is half-angel, half-demon and even scared God. Along with his ex-girlfriend Tulip and the Irish vampire Cassidy, Jesse embarks on a quest to locate God and confront him over the actions of His creations, armed with the power of Genesis. Preacher is known for its crude, blasphemous, and excessive violence, yet it possesses a deep sense of emotion. Readers are initially drawn in by the humor and violence, but they continue reading due to the poignant love story between Jesse and Tulip. It also stands out as one of the earliest comics to challenge toxic masculinity, making it ahead of its time.

The Invisibles

In the late 80’s and early 90’s, Grant Morrison gained recognition for their captivating work at DC, leaving readers spellbound with titles like “Animal Man”, “Doom Patrol”, and “Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth”. During this time, Morrison also contributed to various Vertigo books and DC’s superhero line, ultimately crafting the wildest Vertigo book of the ’90s in 1994 – “The Invisibles”. This series follows a group of occult freedom fighters known as the Invisibles, who engage in battle against the enigmatic forces of a grand conspiracy, referred to as the Outer Church. “The Invisibles” encapsulates Morrison’s style, taking readers on thought-provoking journeys through ’90s culture. This groundbreaking comic book series serves as a defining symbol of the ’90s era and tells one of the most intricate – yet rewarding – stories ever published. While it is among Morrison’s more challenging works, it is undoubtedly worth a read.

The Avengers (Vol. 3)

In the ’90s, the Avengers didn’t enjoy much success as Marvel focused more on the X-Men and Spider-Man. The Avengers were often left behind in the chase for trends. However, even with superstar artist Rob Liefeld on board during his peak career period on the book “Heroes Reborn”, it didn’t save the series. After “Heroes Reborn”, Marvel decided to return the Avengers to their roots, bringing in Kurt Busiek and George Perez for Avengers (Vol. 3). This version of the Avengers surpassed nearly everything that came before it. Busiek’s extensive knowledge of the Avengers’ history was instrumental, as he selected a classic team lineup, one that combined the best members from the team’s past with exciting new additions, and pitted them against some of their most formidable adversaries. George Perez’s artwork is stunning; he is one of the greatest comic artists ever, and his work on Avengers (Vol. 3) ranks among his best since his prime in the ’80s. In essence, Avengers (Vol. 3) embodies what an Avengers comic should be.

Infinity Gauntlet

1980s marked the introduction of event comics, with “Crisis on Infinite Earths” (1985) being considered their pinnacle. Following this, both Marvel and DC attempted to replicate the success of stories like “Crisis” and “Marvel Superheroes Secret Wars,” but failed to achieve the same level of triumph. However, in 1991, Marvel published a comic that has become legendary in event book history – “Infinity Gauntlet,” written by Jim Starlin, George Perez, and Ron Lim. This tale revolves around Thanos gaining godhood through the Infinity Gautlet, and the subsequent battles against him, encapsulating the quintessential superhero narrative. This six-issue series features universe-altering battles, and even after over three decades, it continues to be an enjoyable read. “Infinity Gauntlet” represents Marvel at its best and stands out as a significant milestone for the publisher in the ’90s.

Starman

In the realm of comic book criticism, allow me to share my thoughts on “Starman,” a gem that significantly shaped the DC Universe, particularly post-“Crisis on Infinite Earths.” The multiverse’s absence paved the way for heroic lineages reaching as far back as the Golden Age comics. Regrettably, these characters often fell short in the early ’90s, but all that changed with the 1994 debut of “Starman,” written by James Robinson and illustrated by Tony Harris.

This series delved into the legacy of Starman, where his son David inherits his father’s costume and cosmic rod, only to be slain by Mist II. In response, his brother Jack steps into the role, launching a narrative that transformed DC’s Golden Age heroes into intriguing pillars of the DC Universe. “Starman” is a masterful superhero comic, pushing boundaries and proving that superheroes can be richly complex characters. Jack Knight stands as one of the defining characters of DC in the ’90s, and I firmly believe it’s high time for DC to re-release “Starman,” allowing a new generation to relish in the same captivating experiences that ’90s readers did.

JLA

As a devoted comic book enthusiast, I’ve always been captivated by Grant Morrison’s unique storytelling prowess. Unlike many others, he breathed new life into DC Comics, particularly the Justice League, much like how the Avengers were rejuvenated in the ’90s with the launch of JLA. Written by Morrison and beautifully illustrated by Howard Porter, this comic stands as the epitome of superhero comics from that era. It showcases the Justice League facing off against cosmic threats, reminding us all of their unparalleled greatness.

Porter’s artwork was a revelation; it didn’t adhere to the conventions of ’90s superhero art, yet neither did it mimic the legends of yesteryear. His distinctive, intricate style transformed JLA into the most visually striking DC comic on shelves, and perfectly brought Morrison’s imaginative Justice League tales to life.

Morrison’s work on JLA is nothing short of genius. He wasn’t just the brilliant writer behind the series; Mark Waid also contributed several stories to help Morrison meet deadlines. This dynamic duo of talented writers made JLA a standout, solidifying its status as one of DC’s greatest comics.

2025-03-15 07:13

Unbelievable ’90s Comics That Blew Everyone Away