25 Best-Selling Graphic Novels of All Time

Welcome to the ultimate guide through the best-selling graphic novels of all time! In this article, we are going to dive into a world of inspiring superheroes, breathtaking protagonists, and nightmarish villains as we explore some of the best-selling graphic novels that money can buy.

Whether you are looking for your read or you are taking your first steps into the world of graphic novels, this is the perfect place to start, here we will be discovering what graphic novels are, the best-selling graphic novels in the world.

What Are Graphic Novels?

For those of you that are new to graphic novels, they are a type of book not too dissimilar to comics, that combine words with vibrant images to create a story. While graphic novels share a lot of similarities with comic books, like the use of speech bubbles, panels, and visual effects; they differ in the fact that they tend to be self-contained, featuring an entire story arc with an easily identifiable start, middle, and end, whereas comic books tend to be episodic.

When you think of graphic novels, your mind likely goes straight to titles like Batman or the Avengers, but superheroes aren’t the only genre of graphic novels out there. There is no set number of genres within the umbrella of graphic novels because, in reality, there are thousands of them. The best-selling graphic novel genres you are likely to see include historical, superheroes, fantasy, sci-fi, and sports.

Best-selling Graphic Novels

The graphic novels on this list have all been chosen for both their estimated number of sales and their significance in the literary world, from Pulitzer Prize winners to books that sparked award-winning blockbusters, we have it all.

So, without further ado, let's jump in:

Watchmen

Author(s): Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons

Known for its gritty themes and morally ambiguous characters, Watchmen is a dark take on the classic superhero genre. Set in 1985, Watchmen follows a group of ex-superheroes as they investigate the murder of an old colleague. Packed with iconic characters such as Dr. Manhattan, Rorschach, and Ozymandias, Watchmen is revered as one of the all-time greats within the graphic novel community.

Maus

Author(s): Art Spiegelman

Maus is a hard-hitting exploration of the intergenerational trauma inflicted by the Holocaust during the Second World War. Maus is based around a son interviewing his father, a holocaust survivor, but instead of the people, all the characters are represented by mice and cats. The brutally honest nature of Maus earned it the title of being the only graphic to have ever won a Pulitzer Prize.

V for Vendetta

Author(s): Alan Moore & David Lloyd

Set in a dystopian Britain, V for Vendetta follows the protagonist, V, as he wages a secret war against the fascist dictatorship ruling the country. Since its release in 1982, V for Vendetta has become somewhat of a cultural phenomenon, giving birth to the iconic Guy Fawkes mask as a revolutionary symbolism. Featuring strong socio-political commentary and philosophical undertones, V for Vendetta is a must-read.

Persepolis

Author(s): Marjane Satrapi

Persepolis is an autobiographical account of Marjane’s childhood and the difficulties she faced during the Iranian Civil War. Acclaimed for its cultural significance, feminist insights, and transparent honesty, Persoplis is not only an interesting read but it’s also an important one as it touches on world affairs that are often forgotten or removed from public view.

The Sandman

Author(s): Neil Gaiman

The Sandman is a unique take on an epic story that follows Morpheus, a powerful being called an ‘Endless’, as he faces the monumental task of reclaiming the realm that rightly belongs to him. Combining multiple genres Neil Gaiman has been able to create a one-of-a-kind narrative that is rich in dreams, mythology, and colourful storytelling.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

Author(s): Frank Miller

Batman is a universally recognised figure, known for his gritty vigilantism. It was Batman: The Dark Knight Return that solidified the dark, anti-hero nature of Batman as it pitched him against foes like The Joker, Two-Face, and even Superman. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns creates a necessity for moral ambiguity around the masked vigilante which has remained a hallmark of his in future renditions.

Fun Home

Author(s): Alison Bechdel

Highly regarded for its approach to themes of family, identity, and sexuality, Fun Home is the memoir of a girl called Bechdel and her relationship with her closeted gay father. This graphic novel has been critically acclaimed for its LGTBQ+ representation, complex themes, and quality writing, so it’s a must-read for anyone looking for a new read.

Blankets

Author(s): Craig Thompson

Touching on themes of faith, first love, and personal growth, author Craig writes about his younger years growing up in a religious household and of his romantic awakening with a girl named Raina. Blankets explores the complexities Craig experienced living in a spiritually restrictive household and the struggles he faced when his emotional growth pushed against the boundaries set by his faith and his family.

Bone

Author(s): Jeff Smith

Combining epic fantasy with cartoon humour, Bone is a charming tale that follows Fone Bone and his cousins after they are exiled from their home. Throughout the pages of this much-loved graphic novel, you are taken on a journey through friendship, resilience, and loyalty as Bone & co make new friends and discover a dark power that they must overcome. Illustrated with lush artwork and articulated with easy-to-read storytelling, Bone is a must-see for both younger readers and adults.

Saga

Author(s): Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples

Saga is one of the all-time great graphic novels, with its to-the-point attitude and powerful messaging. It follows Alana and Marko, two lovers, as they face the challenges of parenthood, all while warring with a hostile alien race. Loaded with themes of endurance, solidarity, and love, Saga is an excellent read for both veteran graphic novel fans and newcomers to the style.

Y: The Last Man

Author(s): Brian K. Vaughan & Pia Guerra

Y: The Last Man takes place in a post-apocalyptic world after a catastrophic event that caused every creature on Earth with a Y chromosome to mysteriously die. The only known surviving male, Yorick Brown, quickly becomes a central figure in a world that has been forced to turn society on its head to adapt to a new world order. Y: The Last Man explores the connections between gender and power in both the political and societal arenas, making this graphic novel a gripping and deeply insightful read.

The Walking Dead

Author(s): Robert Kirkman & Tony Moore

Best known for the hit TV series, The Walking Dead is one of the world's foremost zombie franchises. Set after the outbreak of a deadly zombie virus where US society has collapsed and the remaining survivors must combat not only the shambling hordes of the undead but their fellow humans as well. The Walking Dead sees the breakdown of social constructs and brings humanity back to its most basic instincts, making this not only an exciting read for horror fans but a fascinating insight into human nature.

Ghost World

Author(s): Daniel Clowes

Ghost World is a starkly relatable story of two teenagers, Enid Coleslaw and Rebecca Doppelmeyer, as they grow up and gradually discover more about themselves. Touching on themes of loyalty, friendship, and personal growth, Ghost World is an endearing story of both the many highs and the many lows of youth. With growth can come loss, however, and Ghost World does a great job of portraying this as the two girls start to grow apart as they chase their own goals.

The Incal

Author(s): Alejandro Jodorowsky & Moebius

Rich in political undertones and deep-rooted psychology, Incal follows the lowly private detective John Difool, as his life is turned upside down when he comes into possession of a powerful ancient artifact called Incal. Thrust into a world of mind-bending power, John is forced to transform his timid, self-serving ways into traits more fitting of a hero, to defeat a host of new hostile entities. The Incal is an exciting read for fans of sci-fi and action graphic novels alike.

From Hell

Author(s): Alan Moore & Eddie Campbell

If you are a fan of history or true crime, or more specifically the legend of Jack the Ripper, then From Hell is the graphic novel for you. From Hell is the meticulously researched fictional account of the crimes of Jack the Ripper in 1888 London. With a rich exploration of Victorian Britain and the social landscape of the time, From Hell creates a unique portal back in time without leaving any of the gritty bits out.

300

Author(s): Frank Miller & Lynn Varley

Based on the Persian invasion of Ancient Sparta culminating in the Battle of Thermopylae, 300 offers a highly dramatized telling of this ancient event. Featuring well-known characters such as King Leonidas, leader of the kingdom of Sparta, and Xerxes, ruler of the Persian Empire, 300 is packed with intense combat, poltical intrigue, and betrayal as a force of 300 Spartan Warriors face-off against the far larger Persian army.

Sin City

Author(s): Frank Miller

Developing somewhat of a cult following after the release of the 2005 film adaptation, Sin City is a grim and gritty tale set in an urban hellscape rife with corruption and malice. Comprised of multiple interweaving character arcs and intriguing plotlines, Sin City is both a commentary on social decline and a gripping tale of heartbreak, mystery, and violence.

Akira

Author(s): Katsuhiro Otomo

Akira is a groundbreaking cyberpunk graphic novel, that tells the story of Kaneda, the bold young leader of a teenage biker gang, and his friend, Tetsuo. Set in the chaotic metropolis that is Neo-Tokyo, Tetsuo becomes the victim of a secret military experiment that goes horribly wrong, imbuing him with incredible power. This new-found power quickly spirals out of control leading to dire consequences. Akira showcases themes of youth, rebellion, corruption, and community in such a way that it makes it accessible and enjoyable for any reader.

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

Author(s): Alan Moore & Kevin O'Neill

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen is an intricately woven epic that reimagines a collection of iconic literary characters as covert Victorian-era superheroes. Set in an alternate 19th-century Britain, this team of mismatched heroes must confront a series of threats intent on bringing down the British Empire. With themes of identity, teamwork, and a strong sense of literary nostalgia throughout, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen has more than earned its place on this list of the best-selling graphic novels.

Hellboy

Author(s): Mike Mignola

Such was the success of Hellboy that it formed the basis for not one, not two, but three film adaptations. Hellboy is a supernatural action series blending elements of folklore, horror, and legend, to create an action-packed thrill ride on every page. The series follows Hellboy, a half-demon who, despite his infernal origins, works as a paranormal investigator for the 'good guys', battling monsters, witches, and ancient malignant gods.

Daytripper

Author(s): Fábio Moon & Gabriel Bá

Daytripper is a contemporary graphic novel that explores themes of love, loss, purpose, and family, to name a few. It follows Brás de Oliva Domingos, a Brazilian obituary writer who dreams of becoming a novelist. Each chapter of this thought-provoking graphic novel shows a significant moment in Brás's life – falling in love, becoming a father, achieving his dream job, etc. however, at the end of each chapter, Brás dies. This constant cycle of life and death forces the reader to think about their own life, and whether they are content with what they have achieved.

Asterios Polyp

Author(s): David Mazzucchelli

With heavy emphasis on the duality of man and the constant battle between emotion and logic that we all experience, Asterios Polyp follows the life of the successful but arrogant architect Asterios Polyp. The story follows him after his life is turned upside down after his apartment burns down and he ends up moving to a small rural town where he starts a new life as a mechanic. His new life gives him the time to reflect on the choices he has made during his life and brings into light questions of regret, remorse, and longing. This a fascinating read for anyone with an interest in psychology.

Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth

Author(s): Chris Ware

Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth is a heart-wrenching graphic novel that follows Jimmy Corrigan, a socially awkward middle-aged man who finally meets his estranged father for the first time. What follows is a tumultuous trip down memory lane triggering memories from Jimmy’s unhappy childhood. Though the tone is quite sad, Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth is regarded as of the most important graphic novels ever written thanks to its emotional depth and intricate artwork.

The Killing Joke

Author(s): Alan Moore & Brian Bolland

Considered one of the most influential Batman stories ever told, The Killing Joke narrates the Joker’s experiment to prove that anyone can go insane after just “one bad day”. Featuring themes of kidnapping, murder, revenge, and much more, this graphic novel isn’t for the faint-hearted. The Killing Joke is also a milestone for the DC universe for providing one of the most concrete origin stories for Gotham’s most dangerous villain, The Joker.

Heartstopper

Author(s): Alice Oseman

Heartstopper is a heartfelt graphic novel that tells the story of two British teens, Charlie and Nick. As the novel unfolds it explores themes of homosexuality, friendship, and self-discovery as the connection between Charlie and Nick strengthens and Nick begins to come to terms with his bisexuality. Heartstopper stands out for its gentle tones and realistic representation of LGBTQ+. Such is the popularity of this graphic novel it recently saw a hit TV adaptation of the same name which aired on Netflix in 2022.

So, that brings our list of the best-selling graphic novels to a close. From the gothic metropolis of Sin City to the dystopia landscapes of V for Vendetta, graphic novels cover a vast landscape of themes and genres. So, even if there aren’t any books that take your fancy on this list, there are sure to be one out there that is perfect for you.

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