There’s a reason superheroes have remained a steady centerpiece in the comic book medium for generations. They’re as comforting in their familiarity as they are creative in their efforts to tell new stories with old characters again and again. The top superhero comics of 2022 really highlight the medium’s ability to make old new again and again.
Marvel and DC print a lot of comic books every week, and the team at But Why Tho? reads a great swath of them. They’ve put forth their top superhero comics of 2022 and with their opinions combined, we present to you our list of the Top Superhero Comics of 2022.
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15. Dark Crisis
Creative Team: Joshua Williamson, Daniel Sampere, Jack Herbert, Cam Smith, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Rafa Sandoval, Alejandro Sánchez, Alex Guimarães, Romulo Fajardo Jr, Matt Herms, Tom Napolitano
Publisher: DC Comics
“Dark Crisis goes out with the same incredible magnitude it entered with. This is a book that is a beautiful mix of heartfelt character moments and some of the most epic set-pieces of the year.”
14. It’s Jeff!
Creative Team: Kelly Thompson, Gurihiru
Publisher: Marvel Unlimited
13. Carnage
Creative Team: Ram V, Roge Antonio, Erick Arciniega, Joe Sabino
Publisher: Marvel Comics
“This is one of the most interesting books Marvel has put out in a minute, and if you’re looking for something off the beaten path, I’d highly suggest you pick this book up.”
12. Captain Marvel
Creative Team: Kelly Thompson, Julius Ohta, Ruth Redmond, Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics
“Captain Marvel continues to show that Carol is always capable of going higher, further, faster. With great writing, amazing art, and superlative use of an endearing supportive cast, the series always sets the bar for great character storytelling.”
11. Black Widow
Creative Team: Kelly Thompson, Rafael Pimentel, Elena Casagrande
Publisher: Marvel Comics
“The latest Black Widow series delivered astounding action and great character growth. Writer Thompson and company have crafted a singular story that is sure to redefine Natasha’s character.”
10. Iron Man
Creative Team: Christopher Cantwell, Ángel Unzueta, Frank D’Armata, Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics
“Each chapter of Cantwell’s run is full of content and is a meaningful read. The character study of Tony Stark is investing, and the plots are both familiar to classic Iron Man comics and new in the territories being explored”
9. Batgirls
Creative Team: Becky Cloonan, Michael W. Conrad, Jorge Corona, Sarah Stern, Becca Carey
Publisher: DC Comics
“Whether it’s Steph’s bubbling enthusiasm, Cassie’s tendency to speak little, yet say much, or Barabara’s loving exasperation with her charges, these personalities needed to be delivered in a way that is true to the characters, as well as be utilized in a way that allows them to click as a team. Cloonan and Conrad manage to land this mix of personalities wonderfully.”
8. Detective Comics
Creative Team: Ram V, Rafael Albuquerque, Dave Stewart, Ariana Maher, Simon Spurrier, Dani, Stewart, Steve Wands
Publisher: DC Comics
“The new creative team brings all the modern gothic aesthetics, two poignant mysteries, and enigmatic characterization all with the grittiness you should expect in Gotham City.”
7. The Flash
Creative Team: Jeremy Adams, Amancay Nahuelpan, Jeromy Cox, Rob Leigh
Publisher: DC Comics
“Adams shows a terrific understanding of structure as he is able to control such a huge plot and a dozen speedsters while having the emotional core shine through. All of this is presented through intelligent and magnificent artistic skills.”
6. Action Comics
Creative Team: Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Mike Perkins, Lee Loughridge, Thao-La, David Lapham, Trish Mulvihill, Dave Sharpe
Publisher: DC Comics
“This arc is a testament to Superman’s prowess. But more to the point, it’s a treatise on what makes this hero resonate—not to mention a statement on what the recent film version of the character lacked. His qualities are infectious, showing readers that positive influence can spread outward. This arc is more than just eye candy. It’s a reaffirmation of how to be a hero.”
5. Knights of X
Creative Team: Tini Howard, Bob Quinn, Erick Arciniega, Ariana Maher
Publisher: Marvel Comics
“All of the characters are fantastic and the dialogue between them brings a smile to the face. What should be mentioned is that it is very unfriendly as a jumping-on point for new readers, and requires a lot of prior knowledge to feel truly comfortable within it.”
4. Nightwing
Creative Team: Tom Taylor, Bruno Redondo, Caio Filipe, Adriano Lucas, Wes Abbott
Publisher: DC Comics
“The twists and turns are sublime all the way to the final page, and there’s enough humor squeezed between the broken glass and electric arcs to make things amusing. I’m hyped to see what comes next in Bludhaven.”
3. Daredevil
Creative Team: Chip Zdarsky, Marco Checchetto, Rafael De Latorre, Matthew Wilson, Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics
“Zdarsky knows all of these characters completely at this stage, yet still tries to bring out new aspects to their personalities. From the start, it is evident that Murdock and Elektra come into this book with tortured souls and troubled minds. The art is gorgeous and it is so exciting to see this creative team back again.”
2. Judgement Day
Creative Team: Kieron Gillen, Valerio Schiti, Marte Gracia, Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics
“While the Avengers, X-Men, and Eternals have battled gods before, this is a refreshing take on the matter because it may force them to be more introspective.
1. Devil’s Reign
Creative Team: Chip Zdarsky, Marco Checchetto, Marcio Menyz, Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics
“The battle is epic, and Matt and Wilson’s showdown was worth waiting for. Devil’s Reign has been a good event, filled with fantastic drama and intense action. But it works even better if you consider it the final act of Zdarsky’s Daredevil run.”
So many other titles made it into individual contributor’s lists of the top superhero comics of 2022, including Harley Quinn, several X-Men books, and Strange Academy. What else did we miss on your list for this year? Let us know on social media @butwhythopc.
