AIPT’s Best Comics of 2025: Part 1

If I had to summarize 2025, it would be with the “This Is Fine” meme, but the dog is clearly on fire.

Also, his whole family is crying and screaming off-page.

Because if you’re an American (or you simply have the observational powers of a half-sleeping snail), you don’t need me to recount the hellish news and feckless policy decisions that have shaped our existence this entire calendar year. Similarly, based on recent happenings, I can’t tell you that any of it is going to get better any time soon.

I could, however, share more memes or cat pics.

Now, given the state of it all, I could say that comics have been a vital salve across 2025 (as they have been for so many of us practically forever). And, to a noteworthy extent, that remains undeniably true: Comics help us unwind from the chaos, digest important news and other vital developments, and generally give us some kind of hope for tomorrow. But there was a sense (at least in my life but surely in yours to one degree or another) that comics wasn’t always enough. That the world is at a point where good stories can’t save your life, and we must deal with the fear, anxiety, and stress that has come with modern life. Yeah, even Absolute Batman can’t fix the world, it seems.

But even this “development” is, to paraphrase our canine friend, “fine.”

Because even if comics can’t make it all better, creators are nonetheless out there busting their butts every darn day and night. They’re working long hours (often holding down two or more just jobs to survive); giving up vital time with friends and family; and slaving away for little money and attention. Why they do it? Because some stories are worth being told through the onslaught of this modern chaos, and so many folks would rather suffer for their art if it means its somehow reaches just one person. It’s dumb, yeah, but god is it brave and so dang life-affirming.

So, be like me: Take solace in the fact that comics stories are being told at this very moment. That room is always being made for Big Two books about fascist-smashing superheroes; sci-fi adventures exploring grief and healing; and even several tales of extremely heroic dogs. Even if these offerings don’t always help everything, their mere existence is a testament to the humanity, emotion, bravery, and general power that we can access whenever we keep the light of great storytelling burning.

We affirm our existence with every new project, and even if sometimes there’s more pain or suffering (or even just stupidity) than there is goodness and decency, that doesn’t take away from what these stories do for us. They’re a reminder that we can always march on because there’s more to say; that we need one another to be inventive and free to really make the world hum; and that nothing can ever truly beat us (even when it feels like it already has) because we have something that cannot ever be broken down or consumed by villains. We’re not out of the woods yet (or maybe ever?), but the North Star are these magical books we share with one another.

So, enjoy the first crop of selections; there are some truly prime examples of what I’ve been talking about here, comics that make life feel meaningful even when it’s often not worth a damn. And then join us Thursday for part two, where we’ll have even more great stories and general goodness to share. (And hopefully we’ll be less of a buzzkill about it all.) Things are hard, yes, but we feel endlessly lucky to share this with you, our dearest readers. May your 2026 be a little brighter and packed with even more comics.

— Chris Coplan, Comics Editor

(Editor’s Note: Check out AIPT’s Best Comics of 2025 Part 2)

Best Comic to Show a Lapsed Fan: Batman (2025)

Writer Matt Fraction, artist Jorge Jiménez, colorist Tomeu Morey, and letterer Clayton Cowles

In a year where the Ultimate and Absolute universes dominated the comic book landscape (for good reason), it may be a little strange to point out Batman by Matt Fraction and Jorge Jimenez. While Absolute Batman is the obvious choice to make here, weirdly, it feels like Fraction and Jimenez’s Batman hasn’t had the push outside of the industry that the Absolute titles have had. Yet I’d argue that this latest spin on the Dark Knight is just as accessible as his big, beefy Absolute version, and also full of just as many surprises by going for the unconventional story beat every time it can. What other comic would have its first issue feature Batman and Killer Croc not throwing down, but talking it out?

Better yet, Batman is a comic that is largely removed from a lot of the big happenings in DC at the moment. There are zero references to the current DC K.O. event, and only a quick aside about the events of “H2sh” (all for the better, which is as much as I’ll say regarding that story). With single-issue stories that offer both satisfying conclusions and expertly set up the next issue, Batman is one of the few comics on the stands that seems designed to attract those lapsed readers who gave up on mainstream superhero comics four events ago. In fact, I know from experience, as I picked up an extra copy of issue #1 for my best friend, and it’s gotten him to restart a pull list for this series alone.

Batman is eternal, and Fraction and Jimenez are ensuring he stays that way.

– Jon Waugh

Best Writer: Deniz Camp

Nobody is doing it like Deniz Camp. In the space of one year, he’s launched two significant titles (Assorted Crisis Events with Eric Zawadzki at Image Comics, and Absolute Martian Manhunter at DC Comics) — not to mention his continued stellar work with Ultimates at Marvel. All three feel utterly distinct: Assorted Crisis Events chronicles the struggle to survive when time and space are upheaved around you; Ultimates is a story of revolution against the Maker’s machinations on Earth-6160; and Absolute Martian Manhunter is a mind-melting mystery.

All three of these titles are phenomenal, but they also manage to tell a complete story within every issue, meaning that whether you pick up the first issue or the most recent, you’ll get a full read. Very few comic writers manage to pull this off, but Camp isn’t like most writers; he knows how to work with profound ideas and shape the medium in ways we haven’t seen since Grant Morrison. With Ultimate Endgame around the corner, it wouldn’t be surprising if Camp manages to put his own unique stamp on the concept of the comic book event at large.

– Collier “CJ” Jennings

Best #1 Issue of The Year: Absolute Martian Manhunter #1

Writer Deniz Camp, artist/colorist Javier Rodriguez, and letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

DC’s Absolute line of comics has been a blast, taking some of that universe’s biggest names and revamping them in unique ways. Yet I’m still blown away by what Absolute Martian Manhunter accomplished in its debut issue. Writer Deniz Camp wove a truly weird mystery that artist Javier Rodriguez brought to life via his art — and I do mean “life,” as this comic feels like it’s moving at times. Add in Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou’s signature lettering style, a kaleidoscope of colors, and you have a comic that everyone should read. While Absolute Batman and Absolute Wonder Woman have been getting well-deserved praise, Absolute Martian Manhunter stands out both as an example of the boundaries that the Absolute Universe (and comics as a whole) can push.

– Collier “CJ” Jennings

Best Original Graphic Novel: Spectators

Writer Brian K. Vaughan and artist Niko Henrichon

While Brian K. Vaughan continues to amaze us with Saga (his ongoing series with artist Fiona Staples), it’s always exciting when the writer brings something entirely new to the table, and Spectators is exactly that. Reuniting with Pride of Baghdad artist Niko Henrichon, the two creators take what is a rather well-worn premise about spirits talking through the world of the living and tell a retrospective story with themes that Vaughan has previously explored. That, and it’s very much rooted in the relatability of characters, where humor and tragedy come out of frank conversations about relationships and our animalistic urges as humans.

As thematically rich as this 300-plus-page graphic novel is, it is also very graphic as it leans hard into the sex and violence, which actually serves as a response to American censorship. But it is also visually stunning, as Henrichon’s hand-painted art is lavish and beautiful, even when depicting the dystopian monochrome future that is contrasted with the colored “Spectators” themselves. After reading this, you can see why Spectators was three years in the making and well worth the wait!

– Rory Wilding

Best Miniseries: Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton

Writer Ryan North, artist Mike Norton, colorist Ian Herring, and letterer Lucas Gattoni

2025 was the year of the Superdog. Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton by Ryan North, Mike Norton, Ian Herring, and Lucas Gattoni is guaranteed to make even a grown man cry. The five issues neatly showcase Krypto’s journey from landing to Earth to facing his own struggles before finding Clark and the Kents. I can’t choose which issue was my favorite because the entire book is such a fun little story.

Having read some of his Fantastic Four, I knew North’s take on Krypto would not disappoint, especially since his strong point is writing familial bonds. One such detail that made me appreciate this book more is the lettering. Lucas Gattoni has done such a creative job in differentiating how the dialogues read when a character is directly talking to Krypto versus when they’re not. As the book takes place in different seasons of Earth, Norton’s art and Herring’s colors make the pages look more vibrant and alive, keeping you invested in Krypto’s story.

Krypto has always been the most loyal and supportive member of the Superman family, and it’s not because of his powers but simply because he’s a family dog. Lost and far away from his home, Krypto doesn’t give up and instead chooses to help even through tough times. Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton captures a dog’s resilience perfectly. It’s such a relatable tale that will tug at anyone’s heartstrings, especially if you’re a dog person.

– Vish

Biggest Surprise: Doug becomes Revelation

Writer Steve Foxe, penciler Netho Diaz, inker JP Mayer, colorist Alex Sinclair, and letterer Clayton Cowles

Any given comic book series can have a surprise, and there were many in 2025. In fact, there are a number that could be listed here instead, but I think most can say the biggest twist is the soft-spoken language nerd Doug Ramsey (Cypher) being revealed as the big bad of the Age of Revelation event, the mutant despot Revelation (heir to Apocalypse).

Sure, the series Heir of Apocalypse ended in a way that suggested he was going to break bad, but consider what it means to make Doug evil. The turn from idealistic translator into the architect of a genocidal X-virus future, ruling the “Revelation Territories” and literally reshaping the Earth with his voice, is not something anyone ever saw coming.

The change also weaponizes a long-running “nice guy” support character in a way fans didn’t expect, especially after the Krakoa era framed Doug as the heart of mutant diplomacy. Given how many adore and even pine for the return of Krakoa, it was a shocker. A shocker that isn’t just a shock for shock’s sake; it powers the entire event’s premise and recontextualizes multiple X-books.

– David Brooke

Best Event: Deadpool/Batman and Batman/Deadpool

Deadpool/Batman: Writers Al Ewing, Chip Zdarsky, Kelly Thompson, Zeb Wells, Kevin Smith, and Ryan North; writer/artist Frank Miller; and letterer Joe Caramagna

Batman/Deadpool: Writers G. Willow Wilson; Grant Morrison; James Tynion IV; Joshua Williams; Mariko Tamaki; Scott Snyder; and Tom Taylor and artist Amanda Conner

It may not be considered a traditional event, but can you argue that this was the comics thing people were talking about for most of the year? Breaking from DC and Marvel’s decades-long inability to work together, the announcement alone got everyone excited about heroes fighting heroes and even a possible Amalgam return.

It also meant both Marvel and DC putting forward their best talent to play with flagship characters Batman and Deadpool, along with fun, shorter backup stories to satiate fans. Not every story hits with every single fan, but you can’t argue that these two one-shots made superhero comics massively exciting again. This was the event everyone talked about, thought about, and got excited about comics all over again.

– David Brooke

Best Letterer: Clayton Cowles

There are several reasons that Clayton Cowles is a top-notch letterer. Shoot, he won the dang Eisner award this year, and that alone feels like a mic drop of why his creative approach to lettering (always trying new approaches and techniques as Cowles pushes himself) is often unmatched.

Even without big-time industry prizes, though, there are the books themselves, and be it the Absolute Batman 2025 Annual #1, Alien vs. Captain America, or Star Wars, it’s clear that Cowles has the range to support the overt skill. But if you really want proper proof about Clowes’ skill, go peep his Instagram account.

He’s shared countless examples of lettering work in recent years. And not only are they downright cool and inventive, but each one (without the content of a story to support it) still stands out like a singular piece of art. That right there is a testament to Cowles’ mix of skill and dedication, a mighty medley that means every project he’s on is empowered by lettering that feels familiar but breaks new ground to make for stories all the more gripping and engaging.

For whatever reason, though, Cowles is among the finest working letterers today, and you can read it almost everywhere.

– Chris Coplan

Best Single Issue (One-Shot or Otherwise): Titans 2025 Annual #1

Writer/artist Phil Jimenez, colorist Arif Prianto, and letterer Wes Abbott

The big takeaway? This is Phil Jimenez’s return to Donna Troy. The original Wonder Girl was highly anticipated for well over a year, and this story did not disappoint. After constant revisions to her origin story, Jimenez here sets out to deliver the definitive Troy story. This issue (written and drawn by Jimenez) was one of the most incredible stories I’ve ever read. Not only was the art exceptionally dynamic, but the story truly bore its heart on its sleeve. What made this issue truly memorable, though, was that it spoke to more than just Donna Troy – it spoke to greater themes of identity and love. Titans Annual #1 is a story anyone struggling to find themselves will want to read to truly remind themselves of love’s limitless power.

– Michael Guerrero

Best Layouts: Drome

Writer/artist/letterer Jesse Lonergan

Since discovering Jesse Lonergan’s work with Hedra, he’s been a must-read creator thanks to his inventive use of layout and structure. While I knew that would inevitably make Drome a compelling read, what I actually found was a mythical creation story that outmatched his visual storytelling. Told over five chapters, the story opens with a god made of stars planting a seed to create life on a planet. The life struggles, only for another god to add time. They add more things, make tweaks, and throw obstacles in the way of bona fide leaders – only for them to triumph, face heavy loss, and go on quests that take them into new realms of reality. It’s a story that feels like an ode to Gilgamesh and 2001: A Space Odyssey. Told with limited dialogue, it’s a work that all ages can enjoy and find themselves locked into for hours at a time.

What longtime comic readers will take away, however, is the layouts. Lonergan constantly plays with form and function in its layouts, with characters interacting with them in different ways on some pages and the layouts framing things in exciting, creative ways on others. Much like Hedra, Drome is a book that should be studied for its layout ideas.

– David Brooke

Stay tuned for Part 2 later this week!