Ongoing Comics Series

One of my all-time favorite graphic novel series, Monstress, is an absolute must-read for anyone wanting to get more into the world of comics. Between the detailed worldbuilding from Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda’s lush Art Deco-inspired illustrations, this series sweeps you away from the very first page. It is always one of my most highly anticipated comic book releases every year. I’ve got a whole section of my bookshelves dedicated to Monstress. That’s how good it is.

If starting a long-established comic book series intimidates you, why not try one with only two volumes out so far? Cosmoknights is a delightful medieval-inspired space romp following a group of mech-fighting outlaws trying to unravel the patriarchal princess fights that determine the fates of people and planets across the galaxy. How? They’re winning them and upending the system from the inside out. With the third volume currently in development, it’s the perfect time to jump on board this great indie comic!

The superpowers that be, a collection of incredibly powerful beings from Earth and beyond, have a tentative truce. They know that any conflict between them would end in mutually assured destruction. It’s the only thing keeping them in check—mostly. After all, the majority of Europe is gone now after one superpower went rogue. Some humans fear them. Some want to be them. But even the superpowers know they’re Earth’s only hope—and its worst nightmare. The Power Fantasy is X-Men meets The Wicked and the Divine for anyone tired of the same old superhero stories. Start reading it now, because this series is only going to get bigger and better.

I’m not gonna surprise any comic aficionados with this one, but it’s on all the lists for a reason. That reason, if you’re wondering, is because it’s a fantasy space opera for the ages, reminiscent of greats like Star Wars and Dune, but with its own unique take on the weird world of aliens. Told from the perspective of the girl born (graphically) in its very first pages, Saga recounts the wild adventures of a couple whose very existence threatens the ongoing war between their two planets. It’s a dark, bawdy series very much intended for adult sci-fi-loving audiences, and you’ll have plenty of it to read with 12 volumes collected so far and 72 issues released.

Love kaiju or want to start reading an ongoing manga series, but don’t know where to start? Kaiju No. 8 is just what you need. The comic follows the Japan Defense Force, Japan’s elite kaiju fighting force. When Kafka Hibino, a man who’s long dreamed of joining the force, undergoes a transformation that turns him into a kaiju, how will he be able to fight back against the very sort of monster he’s become? Especially when the Japan Defense Force adds him to their list—but as Kaiju No. 8, targeted for extermination. There are 16 books of Kaiju No. 8 in total with the 15th being released in English from Viz Media next year. So if you want a series that is pretty much complete (just not fully available in English yet), you won’t have to wait very long for this one.

Want to get on board with a great new comic still in its early days? This Miyazaki-esque comic series only has one volume out so far with another set to come out next year. In the floating paradise of Hinoaruchi, a pre-human society ruled by demi-beings and watched over by dragons, the first human is born, fulfilling a long-awaited prophecy. Kamuna is a human boy with the hand of a dragon. His existence brings everything into question, with everyone wondering whether his presence will bring about salvation or annihilation.