The Best Non-Superhero Graphic Novels You Need to Read
Welcome to Riya’s Blogs, your one-stop corner for all things culture, creativity, and curiosity. Today, we’re diving into something special—cool comics for adults that aren’t Marvel or DC. Yes, there’s a world beyond Batman’s broodiness and Iron Man’s tech wizardry. Whether you’re new to graphic novels or a lifelong comic reader craving something different, this guide is for you.
We’re about to journey through the top graphic novels, some of the best independent comics, and several famous graphic novels that have nothing to do with capes and cosmic battles. These aren’t just comics; they’re literary experiences. So, let’s skip the superhero spandex and get into some deeply human, wildly creative, and sometimes heartbreakingly beautiful storytelling.
🌀 Why Look Beyond Marvel and DC?
We love our superheroes, no doubt. From Superman’s best graphic novels to Batman’s iconic arcs, there’s a reason Marvel and DC rule the shelves. But if you’ve ever wanted something… more grounded? More experimental? More reflective of everyday chaos, trauma, love, or laughter? Then non superhero comics are the answer.
Think of it this way: Marvel and DC are the Hollywood blockbusters. These cool comics for adults that aren’t Marvel or DC? They’re the A24 films, the indie darlings, the cult classics waiting to blow your mind.
🏆 31 Best Graphic Novels and Comics for Adults That Break the Superhero Mold
Each of these picks is a standout. Some are underground hits. Others are notable graphic novels that have won awards and changed the medium. But all of them—all of them—are worth your time.
1. “Maus” by Art Spiegelman
A Pulitzer Prize winner, Maus is arguably the best graphic novel of all time. This true account of the Holocaust, where Jews are depicted as mice and Nazis as cats, is a masterclass in storytelling. Heavy? Yes. Important? Absolutely. It’s often called one of the greatest comics of all time, and for good reason.
2. “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi
Growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, Marjane’s memoir is both funny and devastating. Persepolis isn’t just one of the best rated graphic novels—it’s one of the most human. If you’ve ever wanted a coming-of-age tale wrapped in political rebellion, this is it.
3. “Saga” by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Okay, hear us out—it has sci-fi elements, but this isn’t superhero territory. Saga is a Romeo and Juliet-style love story told across galaxies. It’s raw, violent, deeply emotional, and easily one of the hottest graphic novels in recent years.
4. “Blankets” by Craig Thompson
This one feels like curling up with an old journal. Blankets explores young love, family, religion, and guilt. If you’re looking for cool comics for adults that aren’t Marvel or DC, start here. It’s tender, beautiful, and relatable in ways you don’t expect.
5. “Ghost World” by Daniel Clowes
Ah, angsty teens and the existential dread of growing up. Ghost World is iconic. The friendship between Enid and Rebecca, their sarcastic rants, and the disillusionment they face is timeless. A famous graphic novel that still resonates.
6. “Daytripper” by Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá
Every chapter ends with the main character’s death—yet every chapter is about life. Sounds weird? It’s amazing. Daytripper is one of those notable graphic novels that makes you cry and then feel thankful for being alive.
7. “Fun Home” by Alison Bechdel
You’ve probably heard of the Bechdel Test. This is the woman behind it. Fun Home is a memoir about growing up, sexuality, and her father’s secrets. Deeply literary and unapologetically raw, it’s a top graphic novel for anyone seeking truth through art.
8. “Y: The Last Man” by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra
A mysterious plague wipes out every male on Earth—except one. Intriguing, right? Y: The Last Man is post-apocalyptic, political, and packed with social commentary. One of the best independent comics that proves non-superhero tales can still feel epic.
9. “My Favorite Thing Is Monsters” by Emil Ferris
A masterpiece that took over six years to draw. Ferris tells the story through a sketchbook diary of a 10-year-old girl obsessed with monsters. But it’s not just horror—it’s about family, trauma, and identity. Easily one of the best graphic novels of the decade.
10. “Black Hole” by Charles Burns
Set in the ’70s, this surreal horror follows teens who contract a bizarre STD that causes physical mutations. Creepy and fascinating, Black Hole is a cult classic among non superhero comics and one of the cool comics for adults who love David Lynch-style weirdness.
11. “From Hell” by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell
Not all top graphic novels need to fly. From Hell is Moore’s deep, disturbing dive into the Jack the Ripper case. Meticulously researched and chilling, it shows the real horrors of humanity.
12. “The Sculptor” by Scott McCloud
Imagine being given the power to sculpt anything you can imagine—with your hands—but you only have 200 days to live. That’s the premise here. Emotional, philosophical, and visually stunning. Definitely a notable graphic novel that makes you question legacy and time.
13. “Essex County” by Jeff Lemire
A trilogy about life in a small Canadian town—hockey, grief, and memories. Lemire’s storytelling is quiet, but the emotional punch is thunderous. If you’re looking for best rated graphic novels, this one earns its spot.
14. “A Contract with God” by Will Eisner
This is the book that basically invented the term “graphic novel.” Will Eisner’s classic about Jewish tenement life in New York still feels fresh, sad, and real. It’s one of the most famous graphic novels for a reason.
15. “Strangers in Paradise” by Terry Moore
This one mixes romance, thriller, and social drama. It’s a soap opera in the best possible way—raw, full of secrets, and emotionally rich. If you want to explore the best independent comics, this one’s a gem.
16. “March” Trilogy by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin & Nate Powell
This isn’t just a notable graphic novel, it’s a piece of history. Congressman John Lewis recounts his real-life experiences during the Civil Rights Movement. It’s powerful, educational, and emotionally gripping. Every panel feels like it should be studied in schools—and thankfully, it is.
17. “Rusty Brown” by Chris Ware
If you’ve ever read Jimmy Corrigan, you already know Chris Ware’s unique style: deeply intricate, painfully introspective. Rusty Brown follows a handful of characters dealing with memory, time, and disappointment. One of the most cool comics for adults that aren’t Marvel or DC, especially if you love literature that makes you pause and think.
18. “Bitch Planet” by Kelly Sue DeConnick and Valentine De Landro
A feminist sci-fi that flips The Handmaid’s Tale on its head. Women who defy gender norms are sent to a prison planet. It’s bold, loud, and rebellious. If you’re into socially relevant best independent comics, you’ll want this on your shelf.
19. “They Called Us Enemy” by George Takei
This top graphic novel is an autobiographical account of George Takei’s childhood in a Japanese-American internment camp during WWII. It’s beautifully written, delicately illustrated, and one of those graphic novels that change the way you see the world.
20. “The Killing and Dying” by Adrian Tomine
These slice-of-life short stories are like little gut punches—subtle, sad, and sometimes darkly funny. Tomine captures everyday awkwardness and heartbreak like no one else. A best rated graphic novel that feels like indie cinema in book form.
21. “Monstress” by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda
Dark fantasy meets steampunk in a world where a young woman shares a psychic link with a monstrous creature. The art is lush and breathtaking, and the plot is intense. This is one of the hottest graphic novels for fantasy lovers who want rich, complex world-building with a strong female lead.
22. “100 Bullets” by Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso
What if a stranger handed you a gun and untraceable bullets… and the green light to take revenge? That’s the chilling premise of 100 Bullets. Gritty and noir-drenched, it’s among the best graphic novels for crime thriller fans.
23. “Pluto” by Naoki Urasawa
This one’s for the manga lovers. Based on Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy, Urasawa reimagines it as a deep, philosophical murder mystery. It’s emotional, intense, and completely gripping. A notable graphic novel that proves comics are universal.
24. “This One Summer” by Mariko and Jillian Tamaki
A quiet summer vacation turns into a time of transformation for two adolescent girls. Tender, nostalgic, and visually stunning, This One Summer is a cool comic for adults wrapped in a coming-of-age bow.
25. “Love and Rockets” by Jaime & Gilbert Hernandez
Spanning decades, this indie comic series blends punk rock, magic realism, and raw emotional storytelling. It’s been called one of the greatest comics of all time, and rightly so. Each issue feels like a punk zine mixed with a literary novel.
26. “The Nikopol Trilogy” by Enki Bilal
French, surreal, and outrageously imaginative. Gods, politics, and dystopia all clash in this vivid graphic novel trilogy. If you’re looking for something mind-bending and visually arresting, this top graphic novel delivers.
27. “The Department of Truth” by James Tynion IV and Martin Simmonds
Conspiracies come to life—literally. What if belief shapes reality? A sharp, eerie comic that blends paranoia and politics. Among the newer best rated graphic novels with serious staying power.
28. “Goodnight Punpun” by Inio Asano
One of the darkest, most haunting coming-of-age stories you’ll ever read. It follows a boy (drawn as a bird) as he spirals through trauma, love, and existential dread. A famous graphic novel that breaks your heart slowly, page by page.
29. “Seconds” by Bryan Lee O’Malley
From the creator of Scott Pilgrim, Seconds tells the story of a woman who discovers a way to undo her mistakes—until the timeline unravels. Witty, clever, and full of charm, this is one of the best graphic novels for anyone stuck wondering “what if.”
30. “Grass” by Keum Suk Gendry-Kim
A Korean comfort woman’s harrowing story, told with empathy and depth. Grass is a notable graphic novel that brings forgotten history to life with stunning impact. It’s not easy to read—but it’s necessary.
31. “The Arrival” by Shaun Tan
No words. Just illustrations. Yet The Arrival tells the immigrant experience more powerfully than most novels could. Its art speaks volumes, offering one of the most memorable non superhero comics you’ll ever read.
💬 Final Thoughts: There’s a Universe Beyond Capes
If you’re still wondering how a comic without superheroes can be amazing—well, hopefully this list convinced you. These cool comics for adults that aren’t Marvel or DC stretch what the medium can do. They tell stories about love, death, identity, revolution, and more—without a single Kryptonite crystal in sight.
At Riya’s Blogs, we’re all about exploring the unusual, the artistic, and the awe-inspiring. Whether you’re searching for the best independent comics, rediscovering the greatest comics of all time, or hunting down the hottest graphic novels this year, there’s always a new page to turn.
And hey—maybe after reading these, you’ll have a new definition of what a hero looks like. Spoiler: sometimes, they don’t wear a cape.
Want to read a bit more? Find some more of my writings here-
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