Since its explosive debut in 1992, Image Comics has transformed from a brash upstart into a creative powerhouse, offering a platform where creators retain full rights to their work and push the boundaries of the comic medium. Founded by seven superstar artists, including Todd McFarlane, Jim Lee, and Rob Liefeld, Image began with flashy superheroes and evolved into a diverse catalog of genres and voices. Over the years, it has been the birthplace of some of the most innovative and influential comic series of all time. Here’s a look at the top 10 Image Comics series that not only defined the publisher but left a permanent mark on the industry.
Topping the list is Saga, the sprawling space opera created by writer Brian K. Vaughan and artist Fiona Staples. Since its debut in 2012, Saga has captivated readers with its blend of high fantasy and sci-fi, centered on two star-crossed lovers from warring planets trying to raise their child amid a galactic conflict. With vivid world-building, raw emotional storytelling, and strikingly original art, Saga redefined what mature, serialized storytelling could be in comics. Its fearless approach to taboo subjects and complex characters has made it a landmark series for modern readers and a perennial bestseller.
Another iconic title is Spawn, the flagship series that launched Image Comics itself, created by Todd McFarlane. Debuting in 1992, Spawn follows Al Simmons, a betrayed government assassin who returns from Hell as a vengeful antihero. Known for its dark, gothic art and brutal action, Spawn tapped into 90s counterculture, becoming one of the best-selling independent comics ever. Its longevity is unmatched—Spawn is the longest-running creator-owned comic book series of all time, breaking records and still going strong. McFarlane’s relentless expansion of the Spawn universe into toys, film, and animation cemented his character’s pop culture legacy.
The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman and artist Tony Moore (later Charlie Adlard) is perhaps the most commercially successful Image title, redefining the zombie genre for an entire generation. Debuting in 2003, it focuses not just on survival horror but on human drama, following Rick Grimes and a shifting group of survivors navigating a post-apocalyptic world. Its black-and-white aesthetic gave it a gritty, timeless quality, while its shocking character deaths and moral ambiguity kept readers hooked. The massive success of AMC’s television adaptation only amplified the comic’s reach, making The Walking Dead a cultural phenomenon that brought mainstream attention to Image Comics.
Kirkman struck gold again with Invincible, a superhero series co-created with artist Cory Walker and later illustrated by Ryan Ottley. At first glance, Invincible seems like a classic coming-of-age superhero story following Mark Grayson, the son of an alien hero, as he gains his own powers. But it soon subverts expectations with intense violence, mature themes, and a sprawling cosmic mythology. Balancing humor, heart, and carnage, Invincible ran for 144 issues and became one of Image’s best-loved series, recently gaining a resurgence thanks to a wildly successful animated adaptation on Prime Video.
East of West, created by writer Jonathan Hickman and artist Nick Dragotta, is a genre-bending epic that mixes dystopian sci-fi with alternate history and apocalyptic prophecy. Set in a reimagined America divided into seven nations, the story follows Death—one of the Four Horsemen—as he seeks vengeance and attempts to prevent the end of the world. With its dense world-building, cryptic storytelling, and sleek, futuristic art, East of West is a cerebral thrill ride, a masterclass in narrative complexity that rewards readers’ investment with political intrigue and cosmic stakes.
Black Science by writer Rick Remender and artist Matteo Scalera explores the chaos of interdimensional travel through the lens of Grant McKay, a scientist who shatters the boundaries of reality with his invention, the Pillar. The series is a visually stunning, frenetic journey through alien worlds, laden with philosophical introspection, family drama, and moral reckoning. Scalera’s dynamic, often psychedelic art style makes each issue a visual feast, while Remender’s writing delves into the consequences of hubris and the weight of redemption. Black Science is a high-concept sci-fi rollercoaster that doesn’t let up.
Monstress, created by Marjorie Liu and artist Sana Takeda, is a gorgeously illustrated fantasy epic set in a matriarchal world of magic, monsters, and war. The story follows Maika Halfwolf, a young woman with a powerful ancient force living inside her, as she navigates a brutal world while seeking answers about her past. Takeda’s lush, manga-inspired art infuses every page with depth and beauty, while Liu’s intricate storytelling weaves themes of trauma, identity, and survival. Monstress has won numerous awards, including multiple Eisners, and continues to raise the bar for dark fantasy storytelling.
Another standout is Sex Criminals by writer Matt Fraction and artist Chip Zdarsky, a raunchy, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt series about a couple who can freeze time when they orgasm—and decide to rob banks. Beyond its provocative premise, the series is a sharp exploration of relationships, sexuality, and personal growth, with Zdarsky’s playful yet emotive art complementing Fraction’s witty, honest writing. Sex Criminals carved out a niche for itself with its unapologetic tone and inventive storytelling, proving that comics can be both irreverent and deeply human.
Paper Girls, created by writer Brian K. Vaughan and artist Cliff Chiang, is a nostalgic yet subversive sci-fi tale that follows four newspaper delivery girls in the 1980s who stumble into a conflict involving time travelers, aliens, and alternate realities. With its vibrant color palette, grounded characters, and mind-bending plot, Paper Girls captures the spirit of coming-of-age classics while offering something entirely new. Its exploration of fate, friendship, and growing up has resonated with readers, earning critical acclaim and a recent Amazon Prime adaptation.
Rounding out the top ten is Chew, a bizarre, comedic detective story by writer John Layman and artist Rob Guillory. It stars Tony Chu, a “cibopath” who gets psychic impressions from anything he eats—making for some gruesome crime-solving tactics. Set in a world where poultry is outlawed due to a bird flu epidemic, Chew is wildly original, blending dark humor, grotesque visuals, and inventive world-building. Its mix of absurdity and detective noir set it apart from anything else on the shelves, proving Image’s commitment to publishing offbeat, creator-driven stories.
These ten series showcase the diversity and creative freedom that define Image Comics. From high-octane action to introspective drama, Image has continually elevated the comic book medium, offering stories that challenge, entertain, and inspire, all while empowering creators to tell tales no one else could.