This Was the Best Vertigo Comic Series (And You Won't Change My Mind)

Vertigo is one of the most revered comic book imprints in history, tracing its roots back to the early ’80s when British writer Alan Moore was brought to the U.S. to create comics. His work, along with artists like Brian Bolland and Dave Gibbons, proved incredibly successful, ushering in what became known as the “British Invasion” at DC Comics. This influx of British creators led to the publication of unique comic books such as Animal Man, Doom Patrol, Shade the Changing Man, Hellblazer, and The Sandman. Initially intended for all readers, these titles were eventually marketed exclusively to mature audiences in 1993. To house these adult-oriented comics and also publish creator-owned works, DC Comics launched Vertigo—an imprint that would go on to deliver some of the best comic books of the ’90s and beyond, leaving a lasting impact on readers with its timeless stories.

Recently, I’ve been experiencing a return of Vertigo symptoms, which made me reminisce about my favorite Vertigo comic. As a teenager in the ’90s, I was well-versed in all things Vertigo, but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that I discovered what I consider to be the best Vertigo book – “The Invisibles.” Written by Grant Morrison, this masterpiece stands out as the greatest Vertigo series ever, and my opinion on that matter is unwavering. “The Invisibles” is a remarkable piece of work, and it’s hardly comparable to anything else in existence.

The Invisibles Was the Wildest Book of the ’90s

When one considers Vertigo comics during the ’90s, two distinct styles often come to mind: either the dark, gothic narrative of series like “The Sandman” or the outrageous, chaotic storytelling of “Preacher”. However, “The Invisibles” stands apart from both; it’s uniquely Grant Morrison. Known for his groundbreaking work at DC Comics during the late ’80s and early ’90s, particularly with “Animal Man” and “Doom Patrol”, Morrison played a significant role in shaping Vertigo, even after he moved on from these titles. His stories were thought-provoking and reflective of his ideas and beliefs. Morrison began “The Invisibles” at the time when Vertigo was formed, making it one of the first creator-owned books published by the imprint. Unlike many comics of the mid ’90s that embraced the gothic aesthetic, “The Invisibles” was set in the world of raves and bondage clubs, gay bars and cabarets.

In the ’90s, both “The X-Files” and “The Invisibles” delved into the pervasive sense of conspiracy that characterized the decade. While “The X-Files” suggested that aliens were part of a global conspiracy orchestrated by various governments, “The Invisibles” took this concept to new heights. The protagonists in “The Invisibles” were freedom fighters battling the Outer Church, a powerful conspiracy that manipulated every government worldwide. The Outer Church was ruled by the Archons, beings from another dimension known for their terrifying order. The Invisible College trained the Invisibles in magic and guerrilla warfare to wage a relentless battle against the agents of the Outer Church.

The story revolves around a specific clandestine group known as The Invisibles, centering on their key figures: King Mob, Lord Fanny, Ragged Robin, and Boy. They induct a new member, Dane McGowan, a native Liverpudlian who is believed to be the reborn Buddha and one of the most potent humans currently alive. The initial volumes of the series chronicled Dane’s tutelage and his journey towards assuming the mantle of Jack Frost, his mystical moniker. As the narrative progresses, tension mounts as the group flees from British agents of the Outer Church and relocates to America. Here, The Invisibles encounter other cells, prepare for the dawning of a new millennium, and face off against a plan that the Outer Church has been meticulously preparing for centuries.

The Invisibles was a stylish, intelligent read that evoked the ’90s vibe. The characters were exceptional; Morrison modeled King Mob and Lord Fanny, a transgender bruja, after themselves, making them two of comics’ most iconic figures. Dane is side-splittingly funny, and following his journey of self-discovery and witnessing his growth is captivating. Robin and Boy are more than they seem, and the other characters — Mr. Six, Sir Miles, Jim Crow, Jolly Roger, Mason Lang, Mr. Quimper, and numerous others — are all intriguing, deep personalities. The artwork was exceptional, with renowned artists like Jill Thomas, Phil Jimenez, and Chris Weston contributing significantly, while Morrison’s collaborators such as Steve Yeowell, Frank Quitely, and others delivered stunning issues. The Invisibles also includes one of the best single issue stories I’ve ever encountered — The Invisibles(Vol. 1) #13, titled “Best Man Fall”. It defies belief and must be experienced to be fully appreciated. It’s a complex book that benefits from repeated readings.

The Invisibles Pushed the Envelope

The Unseen Characters leveraged the creative liberty afforded by the Vertigo imprint; while DC had previously published comics for mature audiences, none were as explicit or sexually charged as The Invisibles. Often recognized as the most violent and profane Vertigo book, Preacher holds that title, but The Invisibles comes close. Yet, it’s not its graphic content that makes The Invisibles stand out for me. Rather, what truly makes this comic extraordinary is its ability to redefine the boundaries of a comic and stimulate my intellectual growth.

The Invisibles weaves mysterious concepts spanning the 20th century and beyond into its pages, offering readers an enlightening experience that alters their perspective of the world. This captivating book offers a mix of action, adventure, drug culture, dance, romance, humor, and love, making it not just something to read, but an integral part of one’s life. It stirs curiosity about the ideas within its pages and challenges readers to ponder the essence of reality from fresh angles. Beyond being a comic, it serves as a thought-provoking and enriching resource for those who dare to explore it.

2025-04-04 17:10

This Was the Best Vertigo Comic Series (And You Won’t Change My Mind)

The Invisibles Was the Wildest Book of the ’90s

The Invisibles Pushed the Envelope

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