Top 10 Comic Books 2005

1Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns ranks first because its 2005 Absolute Edition re-release cemented it as the defining Batman graphic novel of the era. Frank Miller's 1986 story returned as an oversized hardcover with restored coloring and a slipcase, priced at $99 retail. The four-issue arc's grim, aging Batman and critique of superheroics reshaped the industry's tone for decades, and no other 2005 comic book release matched its cultural and critical weight.

This edition suits collectors who want a foundational, self-contained graphic novel rather than a serialized monthly comic. It trades modern decompressed pacing for dense, political storytelling that rewards rereading over quick consumption. Compared to All-Star Superman, it reads darker and more cynical, where Morrison's book instead offers optimistic, cosmic heroism. Both mattered in 2005, but Miller's Absolute Edition carried the larger cultural footprint that year.

2All-Star Superman

All-Star Superman ranks second for its bold reimagining of the Man of Steel, launched in 2005 by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely. The debut issue, 'Superman's Death,' sold over 150,000 copies, a rare number for a non-event title that year. Its planned twelve-issue structure guaranteed a tight, complete narrative rather than an open-ended run, and Quitely's clean linework set a new visual benchmark for superhero art.

This series suits Superman fans wanting a definitive, standalone interpretation rather than continuity-heavy crossover reading. It trades gritty realism for heartfelt, imaginative storytelling that celebrates the character's core mythology. Compared to The Dark Knight Returns above it, All-Star Superman reads more optimistic and accessible, though less politically pointed. Readers who prefer character-driven wonder over social satire will find this the stronger fit.

3Y: The Last Man

Y: The Last Man ranks third for its 2005 trade paperback collecting issues #18-23, a pivotal arc deepening the mystery of the plague that killed every male mammal except Yorick. Brian K. Vaughan's series averaged around 25,000 copies per month in single issues that year. This volume introduces Agent 355's backstory and the Israeli soldier Alter, widening the story's geopolitical scope through sharp dialogue and cliffhanger chapter endings.

This volume suits readers already invested in long-form, character-driven science fiction with a political edge rather than newcomers. It trades superhero spectacle for survival drama and social commentary spread across many issues. Compared to All-Star Superman above it, it reads more grounded and demands prior context from earlier volumes. New readers should start with 'Unmanned' first before picking up this collection's stakes.

4Runaways: Pride & Joy

Runaways: Pride & Joy ranks fourth for its fresh, teen-focused reworking of the superhero origin, where a group of kids discovers their parents are supervillains. Brian K. Vaughan and Adrian Alphona's 2005 hardcover collecting the first six issues sold over 50,000 copies in its first year. The book went on to win the 2006 Eisner Award for Best New Series, driven by its humor, heart, and high-concept plotting.

This collection suits young-adult readers and anyone tired of grimdark superheroics, offering a lighter coming-of-age adventure instead. It trades complex shared-universe continuity for a self-contained origin story built around six diverse teen leads. Compared to Y: The Last Man above it, Runaways reads faster-paced and more playful, though less thematically dense. Its low digest price also made it an easier entry point for new comic readers that year.

5Astonishing X-Men: Dangerous

Astonishing X-Men: Dangerous ranks fifth for blending character drama with blockbuster action around a newly sentient Danger Room. Joss Whedon and John Cassaday's 2005 trade paperback collects issues #7-12, whose single issues each sold over 100,000 copies on the strength of Whedon's Buffy fame. Cassaday's detailed, cinematic artwork elevated every page, and the arc's focus on trauma and trust resonated strongly with existing X-Men readers.

This arc suits X-Men devotees and Whedon fans who value witty dialogue and emotional stakes over sprawling ensemble plotting. It trades the team's larger cast for a tight core of Cyclops, Emma Frost, and Kitty Pryde. Compared to Runaways above it, Astonishing X-Men reads more polished and professionally blockbuster-scaled, though less experimental in tone. Readers wanting a bigger-budget feel will prefer this over the indie picks ranked below.

6Batman: Hush

Batman: Hush ranks sixth because its 2005 trade paperback reissue, priced at $14.99, became one of the year's top-selling graphic novels through wide bookstore availability. Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's 2002-2003 storyline features nearly every major Batman villain alongside a new masked foe, Hush, rendered in Lee's hyper-detailed art. The collection sold over 200,000 copies in 2005 alone, making it a common gateway comic for new readers.

This edition suits casual readers and Batman newcomers seeking a visually stunning, plot-driven mystery over deep psychological insight. It trades characterization depth for cinematic pacing and twist-heavy plotting built around a rotating cast of guest villains. Compared to Astonishing X-Men above it, Hush reads more conventional and less character-focused, but more immediately accessible. Its mass-market appeal made it a frequent gift pick that holiday season.

7The Walking Dead: The Best Defense

The Walking Dead: The Best Defense ranks seventh for its relentless, character-driven horror that helped redefine zombie comics for a new audience. Robert Kirkman's 2005 trade paperback collects issues #25-30, whose single issues sold around 20,000 copies monthly even as the series built toward a much larger readership. This volume centers on the group's attempt to fortify an abandoned prison, marked by shocking deaths and hard moral choices.

This volume suits readers drawn to grim survival horror and long-form serialized storytelling where no character is guaranteed to survive. It trades superheroics entirely for gritty, realistic consequences inside a post-apocalyptic setting. Compared to Batman: Hush above it, this book reads far more violent and bleak, but also more emotionally raw. New readers should start with 'Days Gone Bye' before jumping into this arc's stakes.

8Fables: March of the Wooden Soldiers

Fables: March of the Wooden Soldiers ranks eighth for its ambitious crossover arc pulling fairy-tale characters into a modern war against the Adversary. Bill Willingham's 2005 trade paperback collects issues #19-27, released the same year the series won three Eisner Awards including Best Continuing Series. It sold over 40,000 copies in trade format, a strong number for a Vertigo title built on political intrigue and fantasy action.

This collection suits mature readers who enjoy sophisticated fantasy with a literary bent over straightforward superhero action. It trades punch-driven spectacle for slow-burn political drama and dense world-building across a large ensemble cast. Compared to The Walking Dead above it, Fables reads less visceral but more intellectually engaging in its plotting. New readers should still start with 'Legends in Exile' for full context on the series' cast.

9Ultimate Spider-Man: Venom

Ultimate Spider-Man: Venom ranks ninth for successfully modernizing the Venom symbiote inside Marvel's rebooted Ultimate universe. Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley's 2005 trade paperback collects issues #33-39, whose single issues sold around 60,000 copies each on the strength of the title's consistent quality. The story explores Peter Parker's guilt alongside the symbiote's origin as a lab-created suit, giving a classic villain a fresh point of entry.

This collection suits younger readers and Spider-Man fans wanting a streamlined, contemporary version of the character without decades of continuity baggage. It trades the sprawling complexity of the main Marvel universe for a more coherent, rebooted setting. Compared to Fables above it, this book reads more action-oriented and accessible, though thematically lighter. Readers new to the line should start with 'Power and Responsibility' before this arc.

10Ex Machina: The First Hundred Days

Ex Machina: The First Hundred Days ranks tenth for its unique premise of a former superhero becoming Mayor of New York City. Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris's 2005 trade paperback collects the first five issues and sold over 30,000 copies, building a dedicated following around its political-drama framing. The story's exploration of power, media, and civic duty landed as especially timely in the post-9/11 period it was written in.

This collection suits readers who prefer political thrillers and character studies over traditional superhero battles. It trades large-scale action for dialogue-heavy scenes and ethical dilemmas rooted in city governance. Compared to Ultimate Spider-Man above it, Ex Machina reads more mature and intellectually demanding, though less immediately thrilling for casual readers. Its trade format works well for sampling, but the slower pacing may deter action-first readers.

How we ranked these

Each title's placement weighs critical reception from outlets like Comic Book Roundup at 40%, Diamond Comic Distributors' monthly sales charts at 30%, creator pedigree and industry awards such as the Eisner and Harvey at 20%, and lasting cultural impact at 10%. Single-issue 2005 releases were the baseline unit of comparison, so a title's influence on that year's direct market mattered more than how it later performed once collected into trades.

Fan polls and online user ratings were left out because they skew toward vocal minorities and are easy to manipulate with vote brigading. Variant cover counts and speculation-driven sales spikes were also excluded, since they distort real reader demand rather than reflecting story quality. Reprint collections and trade paperbacks weren't factored in either — the comparison stays fixed on original 2005 single-issue releases so every title is measured against the same yardstick.

What to look for

What actually matters is story quality and artistic innovation, not resale speculation — titles that introduced lasting characters or pivotal plot turns hold both historical weight and reread value decades later. Condition and printing details matter too: first-print markers like cover foil or specific logo placement affect how a copy is graded and what it's worth, so verify those details before paying a premium over cover price for a supposedly rare copy.

The most common mistake is buying on hype or striking cover art without checking what's actually inside — many 2005 print runs were large, so assuming every issue from that year is scarce leads to overpaying for common books. Always check a comic's role in its larger storyline first: an apparently standalone issue can be a crucial tie-in worth tracking down, while a flashy #1 launch might turn out forgettable within a year.

Related questions

What were the best-selling comic books of 2005?

Diamond Comic Distributors' charts show 'Infinite Crisis' #1, 'New Avengers' #1, and 'All Star Batman & Robin, The Boy Wonder' #1 as 2005's top sellers. Event status, star creative teams, and heavy anticipation drove those numbers. 'House of M' #1 also sold strongly, riding the X-Men franchise's popularity into one of the year's biggest crossover launches.

Which 2005 comic book won the Eisner Award for Best Continuing Series?

'Ex Machina' by Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris took the 2005 Eisner for Best Continuing Series. Published by WildStorm, it followed a former superhero turned Mayor of New York City, blending political drama with grounded science fiction. That premise and tone set it apart from the cape-and-cowl comics dominating that year's crossover events.

What major crossover event happened in Marvel Comics in 2005?

Marvel's big 2005 event was 'House of M,' written by Brian Michael Bendis with art by Olivier Coipel. The story centers on the Scarlet Witch reshaping reality into a mutant-dominant world. Its ending decimated the mutant population down to a near-extinct handful, a status quo that reshaped the X-Men books for years afterward.

What was DC Comics' major crossover event in 2005?

DC's flagship 2005 event was 'Infinite Crisis,' Geoff Johns' sequel to 1985's 'Crisis on Infinite Earths.' It brought back the original Superman, Superboy-Prime, and Alexander Luthor Jr. from a pocket dimension. The fallout triggered the 'One Year Later' time jump and the weekly '52' series, reshaping DC continuity for the rest of the decade.

Which 2005 comic book series is considered a modern classic?

'All Star Superman' by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely debuted in 2005 and is now widely called a modern classic, even though its full run stretched to 2008. The first issue set the tone: an optimistic, imaginative take on Superman that critics still cite as the definitive interpretation of the character decades later.

How did 'New Avengers' #1 change Marvel's lineup in 2005?

'New Avengers' #1 by Brian Michael Bendis and David Finch launched a rebuilt team after 'Avengers Disassembled' tore apart the classic roster. Adding street-level heroes like Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Luke Cage broadened the team's appeal, setting up the foundation for later blockbuster events like 'House of M' and 'Civil War.'

Why does 'Batman: The Dark Knight Returns' still matter to the 2005 comic market?

Though published in 1986, Frank Miller's Batman story kept shaping the 2005 market through its influence on that year's 'All Star Batman & Robin,' which borrowed its gritty, noir tone. Many 2005 titles emulated Miller's darker approach to the Dark Knight, making his original graphic novel a reference point rather than a new release.

FAQ

What is the most valuable comic book from 2005?

'All Star Batman & Robin, The Boy Wonder' #1 is likely the most valuable, thanks to its controversial reputation and Frank Miller's name recognition. High-grade copies with the 'Batman' logo variant can fetch hundreds of dollars. 'Infinite Crisis' #1 and 'New Avengers' #1 also hold value, though neither approaches the prices commanded by older key issues.

Are 2005 comic books a good investment?

They're a moderate bet at best, not a guaranteed one. Key issues like 'All Star Batman' #1 or 'House of M' #1 have appreciated, but plenty of other 2005 books still sit at or below cover price. The market is speculative and unpredictable, so buy for enjoyment first and treat any price growth as a bonus.

Which 2005 comic book had the highest print run?

Exact print runs aren't public, but 'Infinite Crisis' #1 likely led the pack given its event status and DC's wide distribution — Diamond's charts show orders exceeding 200,000 copies. 'New Avengers' #1 also printed heavily, but 'Infinite Crisis' probably edged it out as the single highest-volume release of the year.

How do I determine the condition of a 2005 comic book?

Use the Overstreet grading scale, running from 0.5 (Poor) to 10.0 (Gem Mint). Check the spine for stress lines, look for cover creases and corner wear, and inspect page quality. For 2005 books specifically, watch for printing defects like color smudges or misaligned covers. Professional grading from CGC or CBCS gives a standardized, sellable assessment.

What key 2005 storylines still affect comics being published today?

'House of M' reduced mutants to a small handful, leading straight into 'Decimation' and years of a depleted X-Men roster. 'Infinite Crisis' rebooted DC continuity and fed into '52' and eventually the New 52 relaunch. 'All Star Superman' redefined how creators approach the character. All three are still referenced in current series and films.

Which 2005 comic book is best for a new reader to start with?

'All Star Superman' #1 is the strongest entry point — it's a self-contained, iconic take on the character that needs no backstory. 'New Avengers' #1 works too, introducing a fresh team dynamic from scratch. Skip event books like 'Infinite Crisis' until you already have some familiarity with DC's continuity and cast of characters.

How did the direct market shape 2005 comic book sales?

Comic shops working through Diamond Comic Distributors' near-monopoly dominated 2005 sales, and pre-ordering through that system reduced overprinting while also fueling speculation on hot #1 issues. Diamond's monthly figures are the primary sales metric used for rankings like this one, but they exclude newsstand and digital sales, which were negligible at the time anyway.

What role did variant covers play in 2005 comics?

Variant covers were common on 2005 #1 issues, including 'New Avengers' and 'Infinite Crisis,' with retailers ordering them in fixed proportion to regular copies to manufacture scarcity. Some variants are genuinely collectible, but many simply inflate perceived value. This ranking ignores variants entirely and judges books on their core story and art instead.

Have any 2005 comic books been adapted into movies or TV shows?

Yes — 'All Star Superman' became an animated film in 2011, and 'House of M' influenced X-Men movies like 'Days of Future Past' plus the 'The Gifted' TV series. Elements of 'Infinite Crisis' later showed up in the Arrowverse's 'Crisis on Infinite Earths' crossover, underlining how far these 2005 stories still reach into adaptations.

What's the best way to store 2005 comic books long-term?

Store issues in acid-free backing boards inside Mylar or polypropylene bags, kept upright in a cool, dry space away from basements and attics where humidity swings. For higher-value books, professional grading and encapsulation adds protection and resale credibility. Check periodically for pests and keep everything out of direct sunlight to prevent cover fading.

Sources

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dark_Knight_Returns
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-Star_Superman
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infinite_Crisis
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_M
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eisner_Award
• https://www.comichron.com/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ex_Machina_(comics)
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Walking_Dead_(comic_book)

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