Usually to kick off the year I put together a list of my favorite comics from the previous year as well as a reflection of that year. Well, 2025 was… dumpster fire doesn’t quite feel like the right term. Of course the upheaval of distribution was part of the top story of the year but that’s something to reflect on in another article.

Let’s celebrate the awesome comics that was!

Below is broken down into four sections, manga, monthly series/limited series/one-shots, graphic novels, and comics for young readers. There’s the comics I enjoyed and then there’s also some highlights of comics that really stood out and shouldn’t be missed. While I read a lot this past year, I didn’t read everything released, so this is based on what I read. Something not included doesn’t mean it wasn’t good, it’s possible I didn’t read it.

Manga and manhwa continue to stand out with some of the best stories and art on the shelves right now. If you’ve been nervous diving in to them, here’s some great ones to start with. There’s something for everyone. You can read comics any way you want and there’s stories and art styles out there for all tastes.

Now, on to what stood out in 2025 (in alpha order)….

Manga

Top five manga series in alpha order:

• A Business Proposal – The series wrapped up this year and was a fantastic ending. The series as a whole went from cringe concept to cute rom-com that saw characters grow and delivered depth in them.
• The Boxer – Each volume has been an amazing exploration of its characters and this year dropped major reveals as it heads towards its finale. This is far more than a story about boxing, it’s an exploration of humanity.
• Destroy All Humans. They Can’t Be Regenerated – A manga about Magic: The Gathering that’s about playing Magic: The Gathering. It’s a manga and story that shows depth and knowledge of the game instead of just using its settings and characters. Add in interesting relationships and friendships and you have a great story about finding your group.
• The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn’t a Guy at All – A cute manga about a girl who gets a crush on the “guy” that works at the local record store but is actually a woman and fellow student. It’s a story of finding friendship over one’s love of something with a will-they-won’t-they aspect.
• Not-Sew-Wicked Stepmom – A spin on Snow White, the characters have grown so much over the series and it’s blossomed into one about a real family. This latest volume added in more “Disney characters” that will take the series in an interesting direction.

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Graphic Novel

Top five graphic novels in alpha order:

• Dr. Werthless – A brilliant dive into who Fredric Wertham was, far more than the “anti-comic” crusader he’s painted as. It features a lot of surprises about his life and paints a complicated individual.
• Drome – Just absolutely fantastic art in a trippy sci-fi series.
• The Five Wolves – Some of the best art of the year, this is visually one of the best releases of the year from the art to the lettering.
• More Weight: A Salem Story – A released years in the making, a well researched massive tome about the Salem Witch trial. Add in more fantastic art and it’s been a year for fantastic art.
• Partisan – While it might seem like just another “war comic” but it’s packed with moments that’ll cause readers to gasp. Again, add in great art and it stands out as one from 2025 to not miss.

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Comics and Graphic Novels for Younger Readers

Top five comics and graphic novels for younger readers in alpha order:

• Box Tales: Grow, Strawberries, Grow – An adorable read that our youngest reviewer read multiple times. Parents will laugh at moments that are far too relatable.
• C.O.R.T.: Children of the Round Table – One of my favorites this year. It’s got some great manga-inspired art and a cool take on the Knights of the Round Table. This is one I want to see as an animated series.
• The Mighty Onion and Guinea Pig Girl! – The second volume of this series, it explores fame going to one’s head as the creative team find themselves having issues working together as their popularity rises. The execution in how it does all of that is brilliant with a mix of comics, notes, and journal entries.
• Ten-Ton Titan Terrier – A dog that controls a big mech to help protect Earth. Yeah, it’s just a lot of fun.
• Unico: Hunted – The second volume of the series, it continues the story of the magical unicorn that’s fun for kids and adults alike.

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Monthly Series/Limited Series/One-Shots

Top five monthly series/limited series/one-shots in alpha order:

• Absolute Batman – With the introduction of Absolute Bane, Absolute Joker, and one of the best annuals ever, it’s been a series that has delivered a brutal story that redefines what Batman can be.
• Everything Dead and Dying – The Walking Dead blew up the zombie genre to new heights and this series is its successor as it show the genre has a lot of life left in it. It’s been an emotional punch with multiple layers and exploration of humanity.
• Feral – The series delivers with every issue and every arc. The cute art mixed with the horrors within creates more of a punch. It keeps readers on its toes and has no problem tugging at heart strings. Even people who dislike horror will enjoy this tense series.
• The Killer: Affairs Of The State II – Few comics have been more relevant than this series that saw The Killer hired by the French government to eliminate members of an elite pedophile ring. It reflected the lack of justice in the real world as the comic debated what is justice and who can afford it?
• Space Ghost – The series continues to be one the best superhero comics out there delivering stories and issues that can be enjoyed on their own while also building the greater story. It’s just something we see far too often in today’s comics. Add in great art and it’s pulp superhero fun at its best.