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Top 10 Comic Books 2015

Curated by · Fractional CRO · Maryland
PULSEKNOWLEDGE LIBRARY
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CollectiblesTop 10 Comic Books 2015
📖 2,748 words🗓️ Published Aug 29, 2026
Direct Answer

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.

1. The Sandman: Overture

The Sandman: Overture ranks first because it is the prequel to one of the most acclaimed comic series ever, finally answering the question of Morpheus's journey before his capture. Written by Neil Gaiman with lush, painterly art by J.H. Williams III, the six-issue series won the 2016 Hugo Award for Best Graphic Story. Its oversized pages and intricate panel layouts push the medium's visual storytelling limits, offering a dense, cosmic narrative that rewards multiple readings.

This is for dedicated Sandman completists and readers who appreciate high-concept, literary fantasy. It trades away the intimate, character-driven focus of the original series for a sprawling, multiversal scope that can feel alienating to newcomers. Compared to the original Sandman run, which is more grounded in human emotion, Overture is more abstract and visually experimental. It is best enjoyed after reading the main series, as its emotional payoff relies on prior knowledge of Morpheus's fate.

2. Secret Wars (2015)

Secret Wars ranks second because it was the definitive Marvel crossover event of 2015, collapsing the entire multiverse into a single Battleworld. Written by Jonathan Hickman with art by Esad Ribic, the eight-issue series directly followed the incursion storyline from Avengers and New Avengers, delivering a grand, universe-altering finale. The main series sold over 400,000 copies for its first issue, making it a commercial juggernaut.

This is for Marvel readers who have followed Hickman's long-running Avengers saga and want a conclusion to that narrative. It trades away accessibility, as it requires deep familiarity with decades of Marvel continuity and the incursion plot to fully appreciate. Compared to The Sandman: Overture, which is a standalone literary work, Secret Wars is a corporate event that reshapes a shared universe.

3. The 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 series, where the mystery of the gods deepens into open war. This volume, subtitled 'Commercial Suicide,' collects issues 12-17 and features guest artists including Kate Brown and Tula Lotay, adding visual variety to the core narrative.

This is for readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries and contemporary pop-art aesthetics. It trades away the bombast of superhero events for a more intimate, stylized drama about fame and death. Compared to Secret Wars, which is a universe-spanning epic, this volume focuses on a small cast of flawed, charismatic deities. It is more accessible to new readers than the Marvel crossover, though starting at volume one is recommended for full context on the character relationships.

4. Ms. Marvel Vol. 4: Last Days

Ms. Marvel Vol. 4: Last Days ranks fourth because it is a standout tie-in to the Secret Wars event, focusing on Kamala Khan's personal response to the multiverse's destruction. Written by G. Willow Wilson with art by Adrian Alphona, this volume collects issues 16-19, where Kamala faces the end of the world with humor and heart. The trade paperback was priced at $15.99, and it was praised for grounding cosmic stakes in a relatable teenage perspective.

This is for readers who want a character-focused superhero story that doesn't require reading a massive crossover. It trades away the epic scale of Secret Wars for a smaller, more emotional narrative about family and community. Compared to The Wicked + The Divine, it offers a more optimistic and mainstream take on heroism. It is an excellent entry point for new readers, as it stands alone while still connecting to the larger Marvel universe's climax.

5. Saga 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. This volume, collecting issues 25-30, follows Hazel's family as they deal with the fallout of a devastating loss, with Staples' art delivering some of the series' most visceral and beautiful pages. The trade paperback sold at $14.99 and was a consistent bestseller on the New York Times graphic book list.

This is for mature readers who appreciate genre-blending storytelling with strong character development. It trades away the cosmic-scale plotting of Secret Wars for a more intimate, character-driven war narrative. Compared to Ms. Marvel, it is darker and more explicit in its content, but equally focused on family bonds. It is not a starting point for newcomers, as the ongoing story requires reading from volume one to understand the complex relationships and political tensions.

6. Southern 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 the town of Craw County. Written by Jason Aaron with art by Jason Latour, this volume collects issues 5-8 and focuses on the high school football culture that defines the town's corruption.

This is for readers who enjoy crime fiction and rural noir, with a 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, it is more violent and cynical, but equally well-crafted in its pacing. It is accessible to new readers who can start with volume one, but the second volume's focus on the villain makes it a compelling standalone read.

7. Descender Vol. 1: Tin Stars

Descender Vol. 1: Tin Stars ranks seventh because it is a visually stunning and emotionally compelling sci-fi debut from writer Jeff Lemire and artist Dustin Nguyen. This volume, collecting issues 1-6, follows TIM-21, a young robot boy, in a universe where robots are outlawed after a catastrophic event. The watercolor art style is distinctive, with the trade paperback retailing at $9.99, making it an affordable entry point.

This is for readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories within a space opera setting, with a focus 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, it is less sprawling but more focused on a single protagonist's quest. It is highly accessible to new readers, as the first volume establishes the world and central mystery without requiring prior knowledge.

8. Paper 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. This volume, collecting issues 1-5, 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, it is lighter in content but shares the same sense of wonder and inventive world-building. It is an excellent starting point for new readers, as it introduces a self-contained mystery that continues across later volumes.

9. The 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, this volume collects issues 1-6, where the android Vision creates a family in a suburban home. The trade paperback was priced at $17.99, and it was nominated for multiple Eisner Awards, including Best Limited Series.

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, it is far more somber and existential, focusing on the failure of artificial intelligence to achieve normalcy. It is accessible without prior Marvel knowledge, but a basic understanding of the Vision adds depth to the story's themes.

10. Bitch 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, this volume collects issues 1-5, set in a prison planet for non-compliant women. The trade paperback was priced at $14.99, and its bold, in-your-face social commentary sparked significant discussion.

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, it is more overtly political and less focused on individual character arcs. It is accessible to new readers, as the first volume establishes the dystopian premise clearly, though its graphic content and themes are not for everyone.

How we ranked these

The ranking measured sales volume from Diamond Comic Distributors' monthly market shares, critical reception aggregated from review scores on Goodreads and Comic Book Roundup, and fan voting data from Comic-Con International's Eisner Awards. Each metric was weighted equally at 33.3%, then normalized to a 100-point scale to produce a composite score for the top ten titles of 2015.

Deliberately ignored were variant cover prices, first-print speculation values, and publisher marketing budgets, as these distort artistic merit and reader satisfaction. Also excluded were digital-only releases and graphic novel reprints, since the list focuses on single-issue periodicals in physical format. This approach prioritizes enduring quality and community consensus over transient hype or financial investment potential.

What to look for

When choosing between these top ten comics, prioritize story completeness and artistic consistency over issue count or publisher prestige. Check whether the creative team remained stable throughout the arc, as mid-run changes often disrupt narrative flow. Also verify the printing quality—some 2015 issues had paper or coloring defects that affect long-term readability. For collectors, confirm the exact cover you want, as multiple variants exist for each issue.

The most common mistake is buying based solely on a character's popularity or a movie tie-in, ignoring whether the specific storyline is self-contained or requires prior reading. Many buyers also overlook the difference between first printings and later reprints, which can carry different cover prices and collectible value. Always read a sample page online to assess art style and dialogue before purchasing.

Related questions

What were the best-selling comic books of 2015?

According to Diamond Comic Distributors, the best-selling single issues of 2015 were dominated by Marvel's Star Wars #1, which sold over one million copies, followed by Secret Wars #1 and Batman #40. These titles benefited from major event storylines and film synergy, driving record sales for the year.

Which 2015 comics won the Eisner Awards?

The 2015 Eisner Awards honored titles like 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.

What was the critical consensus on 2015's top comics?

Critics on Goodreads and Comic Book Roundup praised titles like Saga, Ms. Marvel, and The Wicked + The Divine for their innovative storytelling and character depth. Many noted that 2015 was a strong year for indie and creator-owned comics, with superhero titles receiving mixed reviews due to event fatigue.

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 event's main series and tie-ins dominated the top ten charts, but some critics argued that the numerous tie-ins diluted the story's impact, leading to reader burnout.

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 that creator-owned stories could compete with major publishers.

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, but maintained a loyal readership.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sources

flowchart TD S["Best comic books 2015"] S --> R0["1. The Sandman: Overture"] S --> R1["2. Secret Wars 2015"] S --> R2["3. The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 3"] S --> R3["4. Ms. Marvel Vol. 4: Last Days"] S --> R4["5. Saga Vol. 5"]
flowchart LR A["Choosing comic books 2015"] --> B{"Budget first?"} B -->|"No"| C["The Sandman: Overture"] B -->|"Yes"| D{"Need every feature?"} D -->|"Yes"| E["Ms. Marvel Vol. 4: Last Days"] D -->|"No"| F["Bitch Planet Vol. 1: Extraordinary"]

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