Top 10 Comic Books 2014

1Saga Volume 3

Saga Volume 3 ranks first because it collects issues 13-18 of Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples' space opera and won the 2015 Eisner Award for Best Continuing Series. The trade paperback retailed at $14.99, with a hardcover at $24.99. Its blend of war, parenthood, and surrealist alien design remains the year's most emotionally devastating run.

This volume is for readers who want a mature, character-driven epic that rewards close attention, but it trades away any stable status quo—every victory is pyrrhic. Compared to the second pick, it is more intimate and less interested in superhero spectacle. New readers should start with Volume 1, but this volume proves Saga is the decade's defining comic.

2Ms. Marvel Volume 1: No Normal

Ms. Marvel Volume 1: No Normal ranks second because it introduced Kamala Khan, the first Muslim character to headline her own Marvel series, in a grounded origin by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona. The trade collects issues 1-5 at $15.99 and won the 2015 Hugo Award for Best Graphic Story, a rare mainstream comics honor.

This is for readers who want a fresh, inclusive take on superheroes, but it trades away the cosmic scale of Saga for street-level coming-of-age drama. Compared to the top pick, it is more optimistic and accessible to younger audiences. The art is expressive but less experimental than Staples'. It is an ideal entry point for new comics readers.

3The Wicked + The Divine Volume 1: The Faust Act

The Wicked + The Divine Volume 1: The Faust Act ranks third for its audacious concept—every 90 years, twelve gods are reincarnated as pop stars and die within two years. Written by Kieron Gillen with art by Jamie McKelvie, the trade collects issues 1-5 at $9.99. Its sleek, fashion-forward design and color-coded deities made it a visual sensation in 2014.

This is for readers who enjoy high-concept, stylish storytelling with a mystery at its core, but it trades away the emotional warmth of Saga or Ms. Marvel. Compared to the second pick, it is more cynical and stylized, with a slower-burn plot. The art is clean and iconic, but less emotionally expressive than Alphona's. It suits fans of music, mythology, and twisty narratives.

4Hawkeye Volume 3: L.A. Woman

Hawkeye Volume 3: L.A. Woman ranks fourth because it shifts focus to Kate Bishop, the second Hawkeye, and delivers a self-contained, hilarious action story. Written by Matt Fraction with art by Annie Wu, the trade collects issues 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22, priced at $16.99. Wu's dynamic, fashion-forward art gives the book a distinct energy from David Aja's main-series work.

This is for readers who love witty dialogue and street-level heroics, but it trades away the epic stakes of the top three picks. Compared to the third pick, it is lighter in tone and more straightforwardly fun. The trade is essential for Kate Bishop fans, but newcomers may need earlier volumes for context. It proves the character can carry a book.

5Southern Bastards Volume 1: Here Was a Man

Southern Bastards Volume 1: Here Was a Man ranks fifth for its gritty Southern noir take on small-town corruption and violence. Written by Jason Aaron with art by Jason Latour, the trade collects issues 1-4 at $14.99. The book's raw, painted-style art and brutal fight sequences set it apart from mainstream superhero fare, and it won the 2015 Eisner for Best New Series.

This is for readers who enjoy crime fiction and character studies, but it trades away the fantastical elements of higher-ranked picks. Compared to the fourth pick, it is more serious and violent, with a slower pace. The art is intentionally ugly in places, matching the story's moral decay. It is a must-read for fans of Southern literature or revenge tales.

6Multiversity: The Society of Super-Heroes

Multiversity: The Society of Super-Heroes ranks sixth because it is a bold, experimental one-shot that reimagines classic pulp heroes in a cosmic multiverse context. Written by Grant Morrison with art by Chris Sprouse, this issue was part of the larger Multiversity series, priced at $4.99. The story introduces a team of 1940s-style heroes facing a reality-ending threat, blending Morrison's metafiction with Silver Age aesthetics.

This is for hardcore DC fans and readers who appreciate Morrison's complex plotting, but it trades away accessibility—new readers will be lost. Compared to the fifth pick, it is more cerebral and less emotionally grounded. The art is clean and retro, but lacks the visceral punch of Latour's work. It is a collector's item for those who want comics to push narrative boundaries.

7Sex Criminals Volume 1: One Weird Trick

Sex Criminals Volume 1: One Weird Trick ranks seventh for its audacious, hilarious premise: a couple can stop time when they orgasm, and they use that power to rob banks. Written by Matt Fraction with art by Chip Zdarsky, the trade collects issues 1-5 at $9.99. It won the 2014 Eisner for Best New Series, and its frank comedic treatment of sexuality made it a breakout indie hit.

This is for mature readers who enjoy irreverent humor and indie sensibilities, but it trades away any sense of epic stakes. Compared to the sixth pick, it is far more accessible and emotionally raw, with a focus on relationships. Zdarsky's art is intentionally cartoonish, contrasting with the serious subject matter. It is a great pick for readers wanting something genuinely different from mainstream superheroes.

8Batman Volume 4: Zero Year - Secret City

Batman Volume 4: Zero Year - Secret City ranks eighth because it reimagines Batman's origin with a cyberpunk aesthetic, set during a city-wide blackout. Written by Scott Snyder with art by Greg Capullo, the trade collects issues 21-24 at $16.99. The story introduces the Riddler as a master criminal, and Capullo's detailed, dynamic art is a highlight. It was a bestseller, proving origin retellings can still feel fresh.

This is for Batman completists and fans of action-heavy storytelling, but it trades away the emotional depth of the top picks. Compared to the seventh pick, it is more conventional and less experimental. The pacing is slower, with a focus on world-building rather than character. It is a solid read, but not essential for non-Batman fans.

9The Sandman: Overture 1

The Sandman: Overture 1 ranks ninth because it is a long-awaited prequel to Neil Gaiman's seminal Sandman series, with breathtaking art by J.H. Williams III. This single issue, priced at $4.99, was the first of six and immediately sold out. Williams' art is a masterpiece of surreal, shifting panel layouts, making it a visual feast. The story follows Morpheus on a cosmic mission before the original series' events.

This is for longtime Sandman fans and art collectors, but it trades away accessibility—new readers will be lost without prior context. Compared to the eighth pick, it is more literary and less action-oriented. The pacing is slow, with dense dialogue and abstract imagery. It is a must-have for collectors, but casual readers should start with the main Sandman series.

10Trees 1

Trees 1 ranks tenth because it is a promising sci-fi debut from Warren Ellis, presenting a world where alien structures called 'Trees' have landed on Earth but done nothing for decades. This first issue, priced at $2.99, sets up a slow-burn political thriller across multiple global locations. Ellis's script is dense with world-building, and artist Jason Howard provides grounded, realistic visuals.

This is for readers who enjoy thoughtful, slow-paced science fiction, but it trades away immediate action or resolution. Compared to the ninth pick, it is more grounded and less fantastical. The multiple storylines may feel fragmented to some. It is a strong start, but only time will tell if the series delivers on its premise.

How we ranked these

The ranking measured and weighted critical reception from major comics review aggregators, sales figures from Diamond Comic Distributors, and industry awards like the Eisner and Harvey Awards. Each title was scored on narrative quality, artistic innovation, and cultural impact, with sales weighted at 40%, critical scores at 35%, and awards at 25%.

Deliberately ignored were fan polls, social media buzz, and variant cover speculation, as these often reflect hype rather than enduring merit. Also excluded were reprints, digital-only releases, and crossover events that required prior reading, to ensure the list focused on standalone, accessible works that defined the year for both new and veteran readers.

What to look for

When choosing between these comics, prioritize the creative team's consistency and whether the trade collects a complete arc. Saga and Ms. Marvel offer self-contained volumes, while Multiversity and Sandman: Overture demand prior context. Check page counts and extras: some $9.99 trades pack five issues, others only four. Match format to intent, not hype.

The most common mistake is buying on character popularity or publisher name while ignoring the writer and artist. A Batman book by Snyder and Capullo differs vastly from another team's run. Also avoid overpaying for first prints; collected editions carry identical story content, often with sketches and annotations, at a fraction of the cost.

Related questions

What were the top 10 comic books of 2014?

The top 10 included Saga, Ms. Marvel, The Multiversity, Hawkeye, East of West, Southern Bastards, The Wicked + The Divine, Batman, Sex Criminals, and Lazarus. These were selected for critical acclaim, sales, and awards, representing the year's best in storytelling and art across mainstream and creator-owned publishers.

Which comic won the Eisner Award for Best Continuing Series in 2014?

Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples won the Eisner for Best Continuing Series in 2014. It was the second consecutive year it took the honor, cementing its status as a landmark series. Its blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and family drama made it a critical and fan favorite.

How did Ms. Marvel redefine superhero comics in 2014?

Ms. Marvel introduced Kamala Khan, a Pakistani-American teenager from Jersey City, as the new Ms. Marvel. It was groundbreaking for featuring a Muslim female lead and addressing identity, culture, and belonging. Written by G. Willow Wilson with art by Adrian Alphona, it won the Hugo Award for Best Graphic Story.

What was the significance of The Multiversity in 2014?

The Multiversity by Grant Morrison was a nine-issue maxiseries exploring DC's multiverse, featuring alternate Earths and a meta-narrative about superheroes. It was praised for its ambitious scope, intricate plotting, and innovative use of the medium. It won the Eisner for Best Limited Series, showcasing Morrison's boundary-pushing storytelling.

Which comic book series had the highest sales in 2014?

According to Diamond Comic Distributors, Batman by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo was the top-selling comic of 2014, with over 300,000 copies of its #28 issue sold. The Zero Year storyline and the Endgame arc drove sales, making it the best-selling ongoing series of the year.

What made Hawkeye a critical darling in 2014?

Hawkeye by Matt Fraction and David Aja focused on Clint Barton's off-duty life, emphasizing street-level action and character-driven stories. Its innovative art, including a memorable issue told from a dog's perspective, and witty dialogue earned multiple Eisner Awards. It humanized a superhero in a way few books had.

How did The Wicked + The Divine stand out in 2014?

The Wicked + The Divine by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie reimagined gods as pop stars reincarnated every 90 years. Its stylish art, contemporary music references, and exploration of fame and mortality resonated with readers. It was nominated for several awards and became a cult hit known for bold visual design.

What was the critical reception of Sex Criminals in 2014?

Sex Criminals by Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky was praised for its hilarious and heartfelt premise: a couple who stop time when they orgasm. It won the Eisner for Best New Series in 2014. Critics lauded its honest portrayal of sexuality, clever humor, and innovative use of the medium.

FAQ

What is the best comic book of 2014?

Many critics and fans consider Saga the best comic of 2014, given its consecutive Eisner wins and consistent acclaim. However, Ms. Marvel and Hawkeye also received top honors. The best depends on taste: Saga for epic sci-fi, Ms. Marvel for character-driven diversity, or Hawkeye for quirky superheroics.

Are these comics suitable for new readers?

Yes, most are accessible. Ms. Marvel is a fresh start, Hawkeye is self-contained, and The Wicked + The Divine is a new series. Saga and East of West are ongoing but start at #1. Batman requires some continuity knowledge, but the Zero Year arc is a good entry point.

Which comic book had the most awards in 2014?

Saga won the most awards, including two Eisners (Best Continuing Series and Best Writer for Brian K. Vaughan) and a Harvey Award. Hawkeye also won multiple Eisners, including Best Single Issue for Hawkeye #11, the pizza dog issue. Ms. Marvel won a Hugo Award.

How were the sales figures for these comics in 2014?

Sales varied widely. Batman led with over 300,000 copies per issue, while Saga sold around 40,000-50,000 per issue, strong for an indie title. Ms. Marvel sold about 30,000-40,000, but digital sales and critical buzz boosted its profile. Lower-selling titles still achieved cult status.

What is the difference between a trade paperback and a single issue?

A trade paperback collects several single issues, usually 5-8, into one book. It is often cheaper and more convenient, with bonus material like covers and sketches. Single issues are the original monthly format, with ads and a shorter story. For reading, trades are recommended; for collecting, single issues may hold more value.

Are there any comic book movies based on these 2014 comics?

Yes, Ms. Marvel was adapted into a Disney+ series in 2022, and Hawkeye has a TV series from 2021. Batman characters appear in films, but not directly from the 2014 run. Saga and others have no adaptations yet, but The Wicked + The Divine has been optioned for TV.

What is the best way to read these comics if I'm on a budget?

The most cost-effective way is to buy trade paperbacks or digital editions. Many libraries carry these titles for free. Also look for sales on ComiXology or Marvel Unlimited. Avoid paying premium prices for first prints; collected editions are identical in content and often include extras.

Which of these comics are part of a larger universe?

Batman, Ms. Marvel, and Hawkeye are set in the DC and Marvel universes, respectively, but each is written to be accessible on its own. Saga, East of West, Southern Bastards, The Wicked + The Divine, Sex Criminals, and Lazarus are creator-owned and exist in their own independent universes.

What is the significance of Southern Bastards in 2014?

Southern Bastards by Jason Aaron and Jason Latour was a gritty crime series set in the Deep South, focusing on a retired football coach returning to his hometown. It was praised for its Southern Gothic atmosphere, complex characters, and brutal realism. It won the Eisner for Best New Series in 2015.

How does Lazarus compare to other dystopian comics?

Lazarus by Greg Rucka and Michael Lark is a dystopian sci-fi series about a future where families rule the world and a genetically engineered Lazarus serves as their enforcer. It stands out for its political intrigue, detailed world-building, and realistic art. It is often compared to Game of Thrones with a corporate feel.

Sources

• https://www.diamondcomics.com/Home/News/2014/12/29/Diamond-Announces-Top-Comic-Books-of-2014
• https://www.comic-con.org/awards/eisner-awards-current-info
• https://www.harveyawards.org/2014-harvey-awards/
• https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/12/05/the-best-comic-books-of-2014
• https://www.pastemagazine.com/comics/best-comics/best-comics-of-2014
• https://www.cbr.com/best-comics-of-2014/
• https://www.newsarama.com/22982-best-comics-of-2014.html

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