Graphic novels and comic books have long been a medium for showcasing creativity and storytelling. Among these, some stand out for their sheer originality and boldness. Whether through bizarre characters, eccentric plots, or unconventional art styles, these comics embrace the weird and the wonderful. In this guide, we delve into 31 Comics Featuring Outlandish that exemplify outlandishness, each offering a unique experience for readers seeking something beyond the ordinary.
1. Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
A space opera blending fantasy and science fiction, Saga follows star-crossed lovers from warring planets. The story is filled with imaginative creatures and surreal landscapes, making it a must-read for fans of the bizarre.
2. Doom Patrol by Grant Morrison and Richard Case
Doom Patrol is a superhero team unlike any other, featuring characters like Crazy Jane and Robotman. Morrison’s run is known for its psychedelic storytelling and deep psychological themes.
3. The Umbrella Academy by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá
A dysfunctional family of adopted superpowered children, The Umbrella Academy is a wild ride of time travel, talking monkeys, and apocalyptic threats.
4. Chew by John Layman and Rob Guillory
In a world where chicken is illegal, FDA agent Tony Chu solves crimes by getting psychic impressions from what he eats. This dark comedy is as quirky as it gets.
5. Tank Girl by Alan Martin and Jamie Hewlett
Set in a post-apocalyptic Australia, Tank Girl follows the chaotic adventures of its titular character and her mutant kangaroo boyfriend. The comic’s anarchic spirit and punk aesthetic make it a cult favorite.
6. Transmetropolitan by Warren Ellis and Darick Robertson
Journalist Spider Jerusalem navigates a dystopian future filled with strange technology and even stranger people. The series is a scathing satire wrapped in outrageous visuals.
7. Sex Criminals by Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky
This comic tells the story of a couple who can stop time when they have sex and decide to rob banks. It’s both humorous and surprisingly heartfelt.
8. The Maxx by Sam Kieth
The Maxx blends reality and the surreal, following a homeless man who believes he is a superhero protecting the Jungle Queen in a parallel world.
9. Madman by Mike Allred
Madman is a resurrected corpse with superpowers and a penchant for 1950s pop culture. His adventures are a kaleidoscope of colors and retro references.
10. Rat Queens by Kurtis J. Wiebe and Roc Upchurch
This series features a group of foul-mouthed, hard-drinking adventurers in a Dungeons & Dragons-inspired world, mixing humor with fantasy tropes.
11. Bone by Jeff Smith
Combining epic fantasy with cartoonish charm, Bone follows the Bone cousins on a journey filled with monsters, magic, and humor.
12. Cerebus the Aardvark by Dave Sim
What starts as a parody of Conan the Barbarian evolves into a complex, satirical exploration of politics, religion, and gender.
13. Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, and Brooke Allen
At a summer camp for “hardcore lady-types,” a group of friends encounter supernatural creatures and mysterious phenomena. It’s quirky, heartwarming, and empowering.
14. The Invisibles by Grant Morrison
A secret organization battles against oppressive forces in a series blending counter-culture, mysticism, and conspiracy theories.
15. Sweet Tooth by Jeff Lemire
In a post-apocalyptic world where human-animal hybrids exist, a deer-boy named Gus embarks on a journey of survival and discovery.
16. Y: The Last Man by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra
After a plague wipes out every male mammal except for one man and his monkey, they navigate a world reshaped by the absence of men.
17. Black Hammer by Jeff Lemire and Dean Ormston
This series deconstructs superhero tropes, focusing on retired heroes trapped in a mysterious small town.
18. I Hate Fairyland by Skottie Young
A darkly comedic tale about a girl trapped in a sugary fantasy world for nearly 30 years, becoming a foul-mouthed, axe-wielding anti-hero.
19. Snotgirl by Bryan Lee O’Malley and Leslie Hung
A satirical take on the fashion blogging world, following Lottie Person, a glamorous but allergy-prone influencer.
20. Paper Girls by Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang
Four newspaper delivery girls uncover a time-traveling adventure in their small town, blending 80s nostalgia with sci-fi elements.
21. Saga of the Swamp Thing by Alan Moore
Moore’s take on the character introduces deep ecological themes and a poetic, horror-tinged narrative.
22. Locke & Key by Joe Hill and Gabriel RodrÃguez
After their father’s murder, the Locke siblings discover magical keys in their ancestral home that grant them various powers.
23. East of West by Jonathan Hickman and Nick Dragotta
Set in a dystopian America divided into seven nations, this series combines elements of sci-fi, Westerns, and apocalyptic prophecy.
24. The Wicked + The Divine by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie
Every ninety years, twelve gods incarnate as humans, becoming pop stars who burn brightly for two years before dying. A stylish and tragic exploration of fame and divinity.
25. Revival by Tim Seeley and Mike Norton
In a small town where the dead have come back to life, a police officer and her sister navigate the eerie aftermath.
26. B.P.R.D. by Mike Mignola and various artists
A spin-off from Hellboy, this series follows the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense as they battle supernatural threats.
27. Hellblazer by Various
The adventures of John Constantine, a cynical magician dealing with demons, both literal and personal, in the darker corners of the DC Universe.
28. Nailbiter by Joshua Williamson and Mike Henderson
Set in a town known for producing serial killers, this horror comic follows an FBI agent investigating the mystery behind the phenomenon.
29. We3 by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely
A heart-wrenching tale of three animals turned into deadly cyborgs by the military, who escape and search for home.
30. Casanova by Matt Fraction and Gabriel Bá
A chaotic spy thriller that defies conventions with its nonlinear narrative and psychedelic art.
31. Johnny the Homicidal Maniac by Jhonen Vasquez
This dark, satirical series follows Johnny C., a maniacal killer, offering a bleak yet humorous look at the human condition.
Conclusion
These 31 Comics Featuring Outlandish showcase the breadth of creativity in the medium, each offering a unique, outlandish experience. From the surreal to the satirical, they push the boundaries of storytelling, proving that in the world of comics, the weird and wonderful reign supreme.
