Saga

One of the most exciting things to happen to comics over the last decade is Saga. Bryan K. Vaughn has written a story which is utterly contemporary, and Fiona Staples has turned those ideas into art that is cutting edge in nearly every way. It looks like no other artist alive, and her work amplifies the outrageousness of the story, the distance, and somehow even the inclusiveness of the storyline that works to blur gender, sexuality, and class distinctions within a space-faring series of adventures. Staples actually creates much of the story through her art, making this not merely the vision of Vaughn, but the kind of collaboration you'd see from the likes of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in the 1960s. Vaughn's writing blends elements of Romeo & Juliet, Star Wars, the works of Ursula K. LeGuin, and Andre Norton. The result is a combination of science fiction and fantasy adventure that explores themes of love, longing, identity, and life during wartime. The series is brilliantly paced, and presents us with the love song of Alana and Marko, who are the kind of characters one embraces and holds close to their heart. Why it's on the list: One of the most brilliant comics of recent years, Vaughn and Staples blend undeniable creative chemistry into a comic art masterpiece.