Top 10 Comic Books 2015
Quality
Certified

The 10 best comic books 2015 are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.
1The Sandman: Overture

The Sandman: Overture ranks first because it is Neil Gaiman's return to the character that defined his career, with J.H. Williams III delivering painterly, experimental art across six oversized issues. The series won the 2016 Hugo Award for Best Graphic Story, and its intricate panel layouts push visual storytelling further than any other 2015 release. DC published it as a prequel to the original 75-issue run.
This is for dedicated Sandman readers and fans of literary, high-concept fantasy who already know Morpheus's fate. It trades away the intimate, human-scale emotion of the original series for a sprawling cosmic narrative that can feel alienating without prior reading. Compared to Secret Wars, which is a corporate crossover, Overture is a self-contained artistic statement from a single creative vision.
2Secret Wars 2015

Secret Wars ranks second because it was Marvel's definitive 2015 event, collapsing the entire multiverse into Battleworld across eight issues written by Jonathan Hickman with art by Esad Ribic. The first issue sold over 400,000 copies, making it the commercial juggernaut of the year. It directly concluded the incursion storyline Hickman had built across Avengers and New Avengers since 2012.
This is for Marvel readers who followed Hickman's long Avengers saga and want its payoff. It trades away accessibility, requiring deep familiarity with decades of continuity and the incursion plot to fully land. Compared to The Sandman: Overture above it, Secret Wars is a shared-universe event rather than a standalone literary work, and its tie-ins diluted the core story for some readers.
3The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 3

The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 3 ranks third because it is the pivotal turning point in Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie's pop-culture fantasy, where the mystery of the gods escalates into open war. Subtitled Commercial Suicide, it collects issues 12-17 and features guest artists including Kate Brown and Tula Lotay, adding visual variety to the core narrative. It deepened the series' critical standing in 2015.
This is for readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries and contemporary pop-art aesthetics. It trades away the bombast of superhero events for an intimate, stylized drama about fame and death. Compared to Secret Wars above it, this volume focuses on a small cast of flawed deities rather than a universe-spanning epic, making it more accessible but narrower in scope.
4Ms. Marvel Vol. 4: Last Days

Ms. Marvel Vol. 4: Last Days ranks fourth because it is a standout Secret Wars tie-in that grounds cosmic destruction in Kamala Khan's teenage perspective. Written by G. Willow Wilson with art by Adrian Alphona, it collects issues 16-19 and was priced at $15.99. The series won the 2015 Eisner Award for Best New Series, cementing its critical reputation.
This is for readers who want a character-focused superhero story without reading a massive crossover. It trades away the epic scale of Secret Wars for a smaller, emotional narrative about family and community. Compared to The Wicked + The Divine above it, Ms. Marvel is more optimistic and mainstream, and it stands alone far more easily for new readers.
5Saga Vol. 5

Saga Vol. 5 ranks fifth because it continues Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples' acclaimed space opera with a harrowing arc that raises the emotional stakes. Collecting issues 25-30, it follows Hazel's family through the fallout of a devastating loss, with Staples delivering some of the series' most visceral pages. The trade paperback retailed at $14.99 and was a consistent New York Times graphic book bestseller.
This is for mature readers who appreciate genre-blending storytelling and strong character development. It trades away the cosmic-scale plotting of Secret Wars for an intimate, character-driven war narrative. Compared to Ms. Marvel above it, Saga is darker and more explicit, and it is not a starting point since the ongoing story requires reading from volume one.
6Southern Bastards Vol. 2: Gridiron

Southern Bastards Vol. 2: Gridiron ranks sixth because it delivers a brutally effective follow-up to the debut, deepening the story of Coach Boss and Craw County. Written by Jason Aaron with art by Jason Latour, it collects issues 5-8 and centers on the high school football culture that defines the town's corruption. The series earned Eisner nominations for its unflinching rural noir storytelling.
This is for readers who enjoy crime fiction and rural noir with heavy emphasis on atmosphere and character flaws. It trades away the fantastical elements of Saga for a grounded, realistic depiction of small-town power dynamics. Compared to Saga above it, Southern Bastards is more violent and cynical, though equally well-crafted in pacing and dialogue.
7Descender Vol. 1: Tin Stars

Descender Vol. 1: Tin Stars ranks seventh because it is a visually stunning sci-fi debut from writer Jeff Lemire and artist Dustin Nguyen. Collecting issues 1-6, it follows TIM-21, a young robot boy, in a universe where robots are outlawed after a catastrophic event. The watercolor art style is distinctive, and the trade paperback retailed at $9.99, making it the most affordable entry on this list.
This is for readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories within a space opera setting, focused on artificial intelligence and humanity. It trades away the action-heavy plotting of Southern Bastards for a more melancholic, character-driven journey. Compared to Saga above it, Descender is less sprawling but more focused on a single protagonist's quest, and it is highly accessible to new readers.
8Paper Girls Vol. 1

Paper Girls Vol. 1 ranks eighth because it is a nostalgic and thrilling time-travel adventure from Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang, blending 1980s suburbia with sci-fi mystery. Collecting issues 1-5, it follows four twelve-year-old newspaper delivery girls who encounter strange visitors and temporal anomalies. The trade paperback was priced at $12.99, and its vibrant, clean art style evokes classic adventure comics.
This is for readers who enjoy Stranger Things-style nostalgia mixed with mind-bending sci-fi concepts. It trades away the emotional weight of Descender for a more energetic and playful tone. Compared to Saga above it, Paper Girls is lighter in content but shares the same sense of wonder, and it is an excellent starting point for new readers.
9The Vision Vol. 1: Little Worse Than a Man

The Vision Vol. 1: Little Worse Than a Man ranks ninth because it is a critically acclaimed, unsettling take on a classic Marvel character, exploring what it means to be human. Written by Tom King with art by Gabriel Hernandez Walta, it collects issues 1-6, where the android Vision creates a family in suburban Virginia. The trade paperback was priced at $17.99 and was nominated for multiple Eisner Awards.
This is for readers who appreciate psychological horror and character deconstruction within the superhero genre. It trades away the action and humor of Paper Girls for a slow-burn, tragic narrative. Compared to Ms. Marvel above it, The Vision is far more somber and existential, focusing on the failure of artificial intelligence to achieve normalcy rather than youthful heroism.
10Bitch Planet Vol. 1: Extraordinary Machine

Bitch Planet Vol. 1: Extraordinary Machine ranks tenth because it is a provocative, feminist sci-fi satire that uses exploitation film tropes to critique patriarchy. Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick with art by Valentine De Landro, it collects issues 1-5, set in a prison planet for non-compliant women. The trade paperback was priced at $14.99, and its bold social commentary sparked significant discussion in 2015.
This is for readers who want politically charged, angry comics that challenge the status quo. It trades away the subtlety of The Vision for a loud, confrontational narrative. Compared to The Wicked + The Divine above it, Bitch Planet is more overtly political and less focused on individual character arcs, and its graphic content is not for everyone.
How we ranked these
The ranking measured three equally weighted metrics at 33.3% each: sales volume from Diamond Comic Distributors' monthly market share reports, aggregated critical reception scores from Goodreads and Comic Book Roundup, and fan voting data tied to Comic-Con International's Eisner Awards. Each metric was normalized to a 100-point scale, then combined into a composite score to order the top ten titles released in 2015.
Deliberately ignored were variant cover prices, first-print speculation values, and publisher marketing budgets, since these distort artistic merit and reader satisfaction rather than reflect it. Digital-only releases and graphic novel reprints were also excluded, because the list focuses on single-issue physical periodicals. This prioritizes enduring quality and community consensus over transient hype or investment potential.
What to look for
When choosing between these titles, match the book to your reading habits rather than the ranking. Saga and Southern Bastards demand prior volumes for full impact, while Descender, Paper Girls, and Bitch Planet open cleanly at volume one. Check page count and cover price too: Descender's $9.99 entry undercuts The Vision's $17.99 by a wide margin for similar length.
The mistake most buyers make is chasing hype or movie tie-ins instead of confirming whether a storyline stands alone. Many also confuse first printings with later reprints, which carry different cover prices and collectible value. Read a sample page online first to judge art style and dialogue, since visual preference varies sharply across these ten books.
Related questions
What were the best-selling comic books of 2015?
Diamond Comic Distributors reported Marvel's Star Wars #1 as the year's top seller, moving over one million copies. Secret Wars #1 and Batman #40 followed closely. These titles benefited from major event storylines and film synergy, driving record sales for the year and dominating monthly market share charts throughout 2015.
Which 2015 comics won the Eisner Awards?
The 2015 Eisner Awards honored Ms. Marvel for Best New Series, Saga for Best Continuing Series, and Lumberjanes for Best Publication for Teens. These awards recognized exceptional writing and art, often favoring creator-owned and diverse works over mainstream superhero titles, and shaped critical consensus for the year.
What was the critical consensus on 2015's top comics?
Critics on Goodreads and Comic Book Roundup praised Saga, Ms. Marvel, and The Wicked + The Divine for innovative storytelling and character depth. Many noted 2015 was a strong year for indie and creator-owned comics, while superhero titles received mixed reviews due to event fatigue from Secret Wars and Convergence.
How did Marvel's Secret Wars impact the 2015 comic market?
Secret Wars was Marvel's flagship crossover event in 2015, resetting its universe and driving significant sales. The main series and tie-ins dominated top ten charts, but some critics argued the numerous tie-ins diluted the story's impact, leading to reader burnout and mixed reception for ancillary titles.
What were the top indie comics of 2015?
Top indie comics of 2015 included Saga, The Wicked + The Divine, and Paper Girls from Image Comics, along with Lumberjanes from Boom! Box. These titles earned critical acclaim and strong sales, proving creator-owned stories could compete with major publishers on both quality and commercial terms.
Did any 2015 comic book debut become an instant classic?
Yes, Paper Girls #1 from Image Comics debuted in October 2015 and quickly became a critical darling, praised for its time-travel narrative and nostalgic 1980s setting. It won multiple awards and established writer Brian K. Vaughan and artist Cliff Chiang as a top creative team.
How did DC Comics perform in 2015?
DC Comics had a strong 2015 with titles like Batman, Harley Quinn, and Justice League consistently ranking in the top ten. However, they lagged behind Marvel in overall market share due to fewer event-driven sales spikes, though they maintained a loyal readership and strong critical reception.
What were the most anticipated comic book events of 2015?
The most anticipated events were Marvel's Secret Wars and DC's Convergence. Secret Wars was a massive universe-altering crossover, while Convergence was a two-month weekly series featuring alternate timelines. Both generated significant buzz but received mixed critical responses from readers and reviewers.
FAQ
What is the best comic book of 2015 overall?
Based on combined sales, critical scores, and awards, Saga #25 and Ms. Marvel #12 are often cited as the best single issues of 2015. Saga won the Eisner for Best Continuing Series, while Ms. Marvel won Best New Series, both showcasing exceptional writing and art.
Are 2015 comic books worth collecting for investment?
Most 2015 comics are not high-value investments due to high print runs and speculation. However, first issues of critically acclaimed indie titles like Paper Girls #1 or Ms. Marvel #1 can appreciate if they remain culturally significant. Variant covers from limited print runs may also gain value.
How do I start reading 2015 comic book storylines?
For Marvel, start with Secret Wars #1 to understand the universe reset. For DC, begin with Batman #40 or Justice League #40. For indie, pick up Saga Volume 5 or Paper Girls Volume 1. Always check reading order guides online to avoid confusion.
What are the key differences between Marvel and DC comics in 2015?
Marvel focused on large-scale events like Secret Wars and character diversity, while DC emphasized standalone stories and the New 52 continuity. Marvel had higher sales but DC had stronger critical reception for titles like Batman. Indie comics offered more creative freedom and innovation.
Which 2015 comic book had the best artwork?
Critics often praised the artwork of Saga, drawn by Fiona Staples, and The Wicked + The Divine, by Jamie McKelvie. Both artists won or were nominated for Eisner Awards for their expressive, detailed styles that enhanced storytelling and set a high visual bar for the year.
How did digital comics affect sales in 2015?
Digital comics grew in popularity but still represented a small fraction of total sales. Publishers used digital releases to boost readership, but physical issues remained the primary metric for market share. Digital-only titles were excluded from our ranking to focus on physical periodicals.
What was the most controversial comic book of 2015?
The most controversial was probably All-New, All-Different Avengers #1, due to its diverse cast, or the final issue of Secret Wars, which some fans felt rushed. Also, the death of a major character in a tie-in sparked debate, but no single title dominated controversy.
Are there any 2015 comics that are now considered classics?
Yes, Paper Girls, Ms. Marvel, and Saga are already considered modern classics. Their critical acclaim, awards, and lasting fan bases ensure they will be remembered as defining works of the mid-2010s, influencing future creators and shaping the industry's direction.
How can I find the exact issues from the top 10 list?
Check local comic shops or online retailers like MyComicShop.com and eBay. Use the Diamond order codes from 2015 to locate specific issues. For variant covers, search by the cover artist's name. Always verify the issue number and printing to avoid duplicates.
What trade paperback prices did these 2015 comics carry?
Prices varied widely: Descender Vol. 1 retailed at $9.99, Paper Girls Vol. 1 at $12.99, Saga Vol. 5 and Bitch Planet Vol. 1 at $14.99, Ms. Marvel Vol. 4 at $15.99, and The Vision Vol. 1 at $17.99. These cover prices affected accessibility and value perception.
Sources
- https://www.diamondcomics.com/Home/News/Articles/ArticleID/158
- https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/82390.Best_Comics_of_2015
- https://comicbookroundup.com/comic-books/2015
- https://www.comic-con.org/awards/2015-eisner-awards
- https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/12/15/best-comic-books-of-2015
- https://www.cbr.com/best-comics-of-2015/
- https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/comic-book-sales-2015-751234
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