5 Best Comic Books Based on Video Games (And #1 Isn’t Isn’t Injustice)

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Comics offer much more than just superhero stories. While superheroes are a popular part of the comic book world, the format is incredibly versatile and works well for adapting stories from other sources, like movies, TV shows, and video games. Many excellent comics are actually based on these other types of media. Comics and video games have a strong relationship, often inspiring each other – comics frequently inspire video games, but it’s also common to see video game stories continued or reimagined in comic book form.

Video games and comics naturally go well together because they’re both visual mediums. But comics based on video games really stand out when they expand on the original story, and some do this exceptionally well. Here are five of the best video game-based comics – and before you ask, Injustice isn’t included. It’s a good comic, but we wanted to highlight some other truly excellent titles that deserve recognition, too.

5) Tomb Raider (Top Cow)

This comic series, published by Top Cow from 1999 to 2005, is a fantastic adaptation of Tomb Raider. It’s the first of two Tomb Raider comics on this list, and it really expands on Lara Croft’s personality, giving fans a deeper understanding of who she is as a character and a hero. This added depth makes the stories – inspired by the video games – even more engaging, and it has continued to influence how Lara Croft is portrayed in other media.

The Tomb Raider comic from Top Cow wasn’t just a standalone series; it connected to other Top Cow titles, letting readers see Lara Croft interact with a wider universe of characters and stories. These comics are consistently excellent.

4) The Last of Us: American Dreams (Dark Horse)

Comics play a unique role in the world of The Last of Us. Not only is there a comic book within the game’s story, but there’s also a comic adaptation of the game itself – a prequel titled The Last of Us: American Dreams. Written by the game’s creator, Neil Druckmann, and released in 2013, this comic delves into Ellie’s life before the events of the game, focusing on her friendship with Riley and their adventures as teenagers growing up in a strict, military-controlled quarantine zone.

As a huge fan, I was really impressed with this book! It covers everything leading up to the ‘Left Behind’ DLC, but what I loved most was how much deeper it went into Ellie’s backstory. We finally get to understand her life growing up in the orphanage and see how she learned all the skills she uses in the game. Honestly, it really adds a whole new layer to both the character and the game itself. And the best part? You don’t even need to have played ‘The Last of Us’ to enjoy it – it’s a great story on its own!

3) Tomb Raider (Dark Horse)

I’m really excited about the Tomb Raider comic series from Dark Horse! It’s based on the 2013 reboot of the games, and the writers – Gail Simone, Mariko Tamaki, and Rhianna Pratchett – did an amazing job giving Lara Croft a fresh start. It basically retells her origin story, but in a way that really adds depth to her character. This Lara feels so much more real – she’s not just a fearless adventurer, she’s vulnerable and complex. It makes her way more interesting and relatable than any version I’ve seen before, honestly!

Although the Top Cow comics are likely superior, the Dark Horse series offers a more sweeping and impressive portrayal of Lara, making it a really enjoyable read.

2) Assassin’s Creed (Titan and Dark Horse)

I may be a bit biased since I love the Assassin’s Creed video games, but the comic book series is really good. The games are so expansive and detailed that the comics are able to flesh out parts of the story the games don’t have time to cover, and that’s what makes them so enjoyable.

I’ve been reading the comics, and honestly, they’ve been amazing for understanding all the little details in the games. But it’s not just that – they really build out the world and story in a huge way. I’m getting to experience totally new adventures with my favorite characters, and see them in places I never imagined! It’s so good, I almost feel like I don’t even need the games to enjoy it, which is pretty rare for a tie-in comic.

1) Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie Comics)

While many comics have featured Sonic the Hedgehog, the Archie Comics series remains the best. Running for almost 300 issues, it’s remarkable because it not only follows the games, but also creates its own rich, connected world. It uniquely incorporates elements from other Sonic adaptations – like cartoons and TV shows – resulting in a truly comprehensive version of the Sonic universe.

Archie’s Sonic the Hedgehog comic series was hugely influential, shaping how many fans – even those unfamiliar with the games – viewed the character. It’s considered a landmark achievement, and it’s unlikely another video game comic adaptation will ever reach the same level of success.

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2026-04-10 04:10