For most people, comic books mean superheroes. Batman, the X-Men, Superman, Captain America—we love them all at The Portalist. But comic books are so much more than that!
If you're new to the comic book and graphic novel scene, then your whole world is about to open up with the introduction of indie comics. Not necessarily referring to small companies, “indie” here just refers to anything that isn't the big two, DC and Marvel.
From Image Comics to BOOM! Studios, these publishers are delivering unique and gripping science fiction and fantasy tales. From a forbidden family trying to find solace amid interstellar war to an undead girl trying to find her killer, here are eight of the best indie comics you can dive into tonight!
Saga Volume 1
Alana and Marko are two soldiers on opposing sides of an endless galactic war. When they fall in love, they risk everything to keep their growing family safe.
With baby Hazel serving as proof of their forbidden union, forces from both their homelands relentlessly pursue them. But how can this young family find their place among worlds that have no desire for peace?
This volume collects Saga #1-6.
Paper Girls Vol. 1
On Halloween in 1988, four preteen newspaper delivery girls—Erin, MacKenzie, KJ, and Tiffany—stumble across a story that would make an unbelievable headline. Their town is the site of an invasion from a mysterious force from the future.
As two factions of time travelers rage against each other, the girls get caught in the middle of the conflict.
This volume collects Paper Girls #1-10.
East of West Vol. 1: The Promise
In this sci fi Western comic, readers are welcomed into a dystopian version of the United States. The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse hold the fate of the world in their hands—and it isn't looking good.
However, as the End Times draw near for humanity, it seems their last chance at life lies with Death.
This volume collects East of West #1-5.
Umbrella Academy Volume 1: Apocalypse Suite
In one simultaneous and inexplicable event, 43 children were spontaneously born to women around the world. These children were born with extraordinary gifts.
Millionaire inventor Reginald Hargreeves was intrigued by this phenomenon, and promptly adopted seven of these miraculous children. His reasoning? To save the world, of course.
With these seven children, the Umbrella Academy is formed—and eventually grown into a dysfunctional family.
When the team disbands as adults, the only thing that brings them back together is Hargreeves' death. And it happens just in time for them to save the world…again.
This volume collects The Umbrella Academy #1-6.
Monstress, Volume 1: Awakening
Set in an alternate matriarchal version of 1900s Asia, an art deco steampunk world jumps off the page.
Maika Halfwolf is a teenage girl has been burdened by the trauma of war. What's more, she shares a mysterious psychic connection with a powerful monster.
As Maika seeks vengeance for a great loss, this link will transform both her and the monster alike.
This volume collects Monstress #1-6.
Something is Killing the Children Vol. 1
In Archer's Peak, children have started going missing. Hope dwindles as more and more disappear, and the few who return alive bring horrific stories with them.
It seems there are terrifying creatures living in the shadows, and their only hope is a new and mysterious stranger, Erica Slaughter.
Erica not only believes the tales these children tell, she claims she's the only adult who can see the very same terrors they do. And her purpose in life is to kill monsters.
This volume collects Something is Killing the Children #1-5.
Rachel Rising 1: The Shadow of Death
When Rachel Beck awakens, its in a shallow grave. She claws her way out of the dirt, as from afar a mysterious woman watches on…
Rachel has no recollection of what unfolded the night before. With the help of the town mortician, Aunt Johnny, she sets out to find her own killer.
Unfortunately, Rachel keeps ending up in the morgue after a series of attacks. But as she wakes up again and again, her inability to stay dead proves to be both a blessing and a curse.
This volume collects Rachel Rising #1-6.
Nocterra Vol. 1: Full Throttle Dark
The sun was swallowed up by darkness 10 years ago. Since then, nearly everyone Val Riggs knew was infected and transformed into horrific shades.
Val now serves as a ferryman, transporting people and goods through dangerous, evil infested dark roads in an 18-wheeler. And then she stumbles upon the promise of an illuminated sanctuary.
The journey ahead of her is more tumultuous than any other ferryman before her has faced. And with a loved one fighting infection, the clock is ticking.
This volume collects Nocterra #1-6.
