Initially, when I thought of comics, only superheroes came to mind, and I am sure you may be like me. But over the years, comic creators have somehow steered away from this standard narrative and fused their works with science fiction, which I have found incredible. Just like book genres have expanded, so have comics.

I feel like using sci-fi elements makes whichever theme is in a comic pop and weaves the story thoroughly to offer great entertainment and imagination flow. So why not enter this thrilling reading experience if you haven’t yet?

Below are some of the best sci-fi comics I have indulged in since the beginning of this year.

What Are Some New Engaging Sci-Fi Comics?

Lazarus Planet, by Mark Waid (2023)

I liked that this sci-fi book features superheroes too. It is an excellent read if you fancy themes surrounding saving and changing the world. It is a good start for DC comics and even more impressive that it has given an avenue for monkey prince.

The explosive events of Robin #4 and Batman led to the Lazarus volcano's eruption. As a result, dangerous but transformative chemicals are in the Earth’s atmosphere. They are showering down the planet, and people are now developing strange capabilities.

Some of these extraordinary abilities are also changing, and chaos are erupting like never before. Can Damian Wayne end this distress alongside Batman, Power Girl, Poison Ivy, and Cyborg?

Could the whole world's fate be in the monkey prince’s hands?

The Earthlings, by Mike Dubisch (2023)

I found The Earthlings to be an exciting read, mainly because it involves futuristic themes with a fusion of what life would be after an alien occupation.

Aliens have always been the most frequent human alternatives in science fiction, and this book will appeal to you if these extraterrestrial beings fascinate you.

In the book, the aliens that have enslaved human beings finally leave, and humans realize that it is not only their planet that is altered. They have been bioengineered and modified into diverse races and differently-sized beings.

You will love how Mike envisions a new world that is bizarre, disturbing, and astonishing as you think about what it would actually mean to be in it. The illustrations excellently add to the imagination and will provoke your thoughts deeply as you think about a new and daunting reality.

I love that this book gives a different perspective on culture and human life, now and in the future. It creates an anthropological description of commerce, entertainment, and the monetary system, which will be impactful, especially if you are into business matters.

Antarctica, by Simon Daniel Birks (2023)

Antarctica is like a fusion of Stargate and His Dark Materials, made into a sci-fi action blockbuster. If this is your vibe, this book is right up your alley.

This book is a short read, but I found it very interesting. I am definitely looking forward to its second issue. If you love a mysterious and suspenseful story like me, you will enjoy Antarctica, but the scientific themes will also be worth your time.

When Hannah’s father fails to return from a hidden Smith-Petersen Research Station in Antarctica, her life is imploded. Lonely and on the street, she is devastated by life, but a friend offers to help her. She retrains as an engineer and gets a job at the same station.

She is here to find her father, but then she stumbles into a conspiracy that puts her and everything she believes at risk.

Order and Outrage, by Jim Starlin (2023)

Order and Outrage is a space opera created by a comic world legend. I loved how the art in this book is excellently done to bring everything to life. You will relate to this book if you have experienced or heard about totalitarian governments. It will also help you think about what central ruling, control, and lack of freedom mean.

In the book, gene manipulation is exclusively for those that can pay for costly prenatal treatments. In this world, your income does not only determine your status. It also ascertains your survival. In the event that you do not have optimized genes, the Order does not need you, and you are tagged as either nonessential, to be eliminated or less than.

Anything done is to keep the state’s ship sailing regardless of the cost. But we all know that any totalitarian system breeds seeds of independence, rebellion, and outrage.

Void Rivals, by Robert Kirkman (2023)

If you loved The Walking Dead, you will love this new comic series by its creator. In this book, war rages in the Sacred Ring. The last existing remnants of two worlds are in an unending black hole war.

When pilots Solila and Darak crash on a deserted planet, they must look for a way to get out despite their indifferences. Are they the only ones on this odd planet? And what kind of dark forces could be here threatening the entire universe?

Void Rivals is an excellent start that will make you yearn to see what the Energon universe has in store. It will make you eager to see how G.I. Joe and Transformers fit in this new universe. I loved how this book draws from older franchises, but the mystery is undoubtedly wondrous.

Black Cloak, by Kelly Thompson (2023)

I have been a superhero comic reader for a long time, but I can tell you that a time comes when you primarily read comics for the author and not the characters. This is what Kelly Thompson has made me realize. I like how she has pitched the ideas in this book, but the art used is also incredible.

This comic book is for you if you enjoy sci-fi with strange creatures alongside a world packed with mystery, murder, and political intrigue.

Black Cloak is Kelly’s first image debut, and it mixes SAGA-esque drama with Blade Runner Style to give a delightful sci-fi fantasy. In the book, two black cloaks are meant to solve the murder of a Kiros’ prince before it can tip the city into chaos and war.

Saga Compendium One, Brian K. Vaughan (2019)

The story kicks off with a bang, introducing us to Alana and Marko, two lovers from warring extraterrestrial races. Their struggle to keep their family safe in a universe hell-bent on tearing them apart is not just gripping, but it hits you right in the feels. The characters are so well fleshed out, you can't help but root for them, despite their flaws.

What really stood out for me was the artwork. Staples' illustrations are nothing short of stunning. Each page is a visual feast, with colors and details that bring this wild universe to life. The way she captures emotions on her characters' faces is remarkable – you can sense their pain, joy, and fear.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, sci-fi has been a massive player in comics. Even though sci-fi is still gaining popularity and may not gain the plaudits it deserves in comics, it is undoubtedly one of the best things to happen in the comic industry.

If you are a comics fan but haven’t yet discovered sci-fi comics, the books on this list are an excellent place to start and pique your interest.

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