2022 was a year filled with a lot of incredible comic books. We’ve already spotlighted the Best Comic Book Single Issues and Best Comic Book Moments of 2022. Now it’s time to present our 10 Best Comic Book Series of 2022. From ongoings, mini-series, and big events we were treated well with plenty of comic books to read throughout the year. Below are the ten comic books that stood out above the rest that I read this year. Scroll down to find out what made the list of Best Comic Book Series of 2022.
10) SPIDER-VERSE UNLIMITED INFINITY COMIC
Issues Released In 2022: Spider-Verse Unlimited #1 to Spider-Verse Unlimited #30
Creative Team
Writers: Anthony Piper, J. Holtham, Ken Niimura, Gustavo Duarte, Alexandra Walker, Stephanie Williams, Carlos Hernandez
Artists: Bruno Oliveira, Nathan Stockman, Ken Niimura, Chihiro Inoue, Cristina Triana, Luis Yang, Gustavo Duarte, Ze Carlos
Colorists: Pete Pantazis and Erick Arciniega
Letterers: Joe Sabino and Ken Niimura
Editors: Nick Lowe, Ellie Pyle, and Sarah Brunstad
Assistant Editors: Kaeden McGahey, MR Daniel, and Anita Okoye
Webtoons popularity is one that cannot be ignored. The popularity of the comic format has surged across the world. This is why it wasn’t surprising that Marvel started their own brand of Webtoons under their Infinity Comics banner exclusive to their Marvel Unlimited service. And in 2022 Marvel has really nailed the way they’ve merged Webtoons and comic book art styles. There is no better example of that than the Spider-Verse Unlimited series that debuted this year.
With Spider-Verse Unlimited the creative teams tap into the potential of telling stories that utilize various members of the Spider-Man Family across the Multiverse. The storytelling is done in a way you don’t need to worry about any sort of continuity. Each writer nails the way you expect the different members of the Spider-Man Family featured in each story to talk. The artwork further solidifies the voices of each Spider-Man Family member by making great use of the Webtoons format to highlight how the Spider-Man franchise is perfectly at home with this reading format.
9) TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES
Issues Released In 2022: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #125 to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #135
Creative Team
Story Consultants: Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz
Writer: Sophie Campbell
Artists: Pablo Tunica, Sophie Campbell, Tony Gregori, and Fero Pe
Inker: Patricio Delpeche
Colorist: Ronda Pattison
Letterer: Sawn Lee
Editors: Bobby Curnow, Tom Waltz, Charles Beacham, Jonathan Manning
Assistant Editor: Vanessa Real
Sophie Campbell entered another gear with her work on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 2022 alongside Pablo Tunica, Sophie Campbell, Tony Gregori, and Fero Pe. This year we saw even more growth for Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, Jennika, and Michelangelo as they faced their toughest challenges yet as adults. They started their year with what they built being destroyed by the Punk Frogs then dealing with a mad scientist in Dr. Jasper Barlow and finally having to prepare for Rat King’s Armageddon Game.
How each of the Turtles dealt with these events in their lives was a strong test of how far they’ve come individually and as a family. Nothing was easy and new developments added to how far they still had to go. The way Oroku Saki factored into how Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, Jennika, and Michelangelo were pushed to grow made the dive into the mystic side of the franchise a great development. Add in a strong debut for IDW’s version of Venus that presented her character as incredibly complex from the beginning making 2022 another strong year that has consistently been one of the best comic books of the last decade.
8) DAREDEVIL
Issues Released In 2022: Daredevil #1 to Daredevil #6
Creative Team
Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Artists: Marco Checchetto, Rafael De Latorre, Alex Maleev, Paul Azaceta, Phil Noto, Chris Samnee, Klaus Janson, Mike Hawthorne, John Romita Jr., Scott Hanna
Colorist: Matthew Wilson
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Editor: Devin Lewis
Associate Editor: Tom Groneman
In the fallout of Devil’s Reign Matt Murdock has entered a whole new, unknown path in his life. That path is leading The Fist organization alongside Elektra Natchios, both as Daredevil, and preparing for a new war against The Hand, currently led by the Punisher. This new path has challenged Matt to do things much differently as he is in a position of being a leader. For a solo character like himself, this role is not an easy one to get used to. In that evolution, we’ve seen Zdarsky, Checchetto, and De Latorre delve more into Matt’s insecurities while still presenting him as someone with a clear mission in mind.
The way Elektra factors into things has increased the interest in this new direction for Daredevil. Building off Elektra’s own arc after she took on the Daredevil identity we are seeing how both she and Matt handle being co-leads. That’s all led to Matt and Elektra taking their relationship to the next level. What that has meant for their position in the Marvel Universe has created many intriguing storylines to follow going into 2023. How 2022 ended for Daredevil The Hand could be the least of their concern, which could lead to an event that makes Devil’s Reign small in comparison.
7) POISON IVY
Issues Released In 2022: Poison Ivy #1 to Poison Ivy #7
Creative Team
Writer: G. Willow Wilson
Artists: Marcio Takara and Brian Level
Inkers: Stefano Gaudiano and Jay Leisten
Colorist: Arif Prianto
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Editor: Arianna Turturro
Assistant Editor: Jessica Berbey
Poison Ivy is a character that DC Comics has shown signs of wanting to commit to being a bigger part of their universe but they have hesitated to pull the trigger when the chances are there. That finally changed in 2022 as G. Willow Wilson and Marcio Takara showcased exactly why Poison Ivy has been long overdue for a solo series. What’s been most impressive about how Wilson and Takara present Poison Ivy is that they aren’t suddenly thrusting her into the role of a superhero. Instead, they are using the chance of Poison Ivy getting a solo series to provide greater insight into how she views the world around her.
Building off what Poison Ivy went through during Batman: Fear State was a great starting point. With that event, we saw Poison Ivy through the time she was split into Queen Ivy presented herself as a God-like being. Showing how the merger with Queen Ivy has impacted her mentally, emotionally, and physically has been handled well. How this all shows another side of the DC Universe normally saved for Swamp Thing. It’s all led to Poison Ivy being one of the better character studies from DC Comics we’ve had.
6) GODZILLA VS MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS
Issues Released In 2022: Godzilla vs Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #1 to Godzilla vs Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #5
Creative Team
Writer: Cullen Bunn
Artist: Freddie Williams II
Colorist: Andrew Dalhouse
Letterers: Johanna Nattalie and Nathan Widick
Editors: Tom Waltz and Charles Beacham
Associate Editor: Jazmine Joyner
Cullen Bunn and Freddie Williams brought to life fans of the franchises could only imagine with Godzilla vs Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Bunn and Williams clearly understood the assignment as right out of the gate they start off with the clash between Godzilla and Dragonzord. From there it is just non-stop epic kaiju battles that do feel like you are reading something in your dreams but realize it is something you really read.
The story in Godzilla vs Mighty Morphin Power Rangers is very simple as what Rita Repulsa does to cause the crossover to happen is just a means to an end. That end is to leave fans with a smile on their face after reading every issue of this crossover. The action drawn by Williams when the Dino Megazord, Dragonzord, and Godzilla fight each other and other monsters are fantastic. In all of that are cool character moments that get over how epic of scale the Godzilla vs Mighty Morphin Power Rangers crossover is.
5) THE FLASH
Issues Released In 2022: The Flash #778 to The Flash #789; The Flash 2022 Annual
Creative Team
Writer: Jeremy Adams
Artists: Fernando Pasarin, Brent Peeples, Will Conrad, Amancay Nahuelpan, Serg Acuna
Inker: Matt Ryan
Colorists: Jeremy Cox, Peter Pantazis, Matt Herms
Letterers: Rob Leigh and Justin Birch
Editor: Chris Rosa
If 2022 proved anything is that Jeremy Adams may be the best at working in the setting created by big events or crossovers and still creating magic with The Flash. Throughout 2022 we saw Wally West’s Flash team up with the Justice League Dark, crossover with Teen Titans Academy and Suicide Squad for “War For Earth-3,” and play a key role in Dark Crisis On Infinite Earths. All that while maintaining a home-life balance as he and Linda Park were busy raising their twins, Jai and Iris, showing how a family is an important part of what makes Wally great.
Through it all Adams along with some of the best artistic talent in the business of Fernando Pasarin, Brent Peeples, Will Conrad, and Amancay Nahuelpan explore the importance of the Flash legacy and how Wally West carries that legacy. Wally’s connection to Barry Allen, Wallace West, Jay Garrick, and the entire Flash Family makes him special. Add in how Wally does his best to be a great dad and you have a series in The Flash that highlights why Wally West is one of the best DC Universe heroes.
4) SHE-HULK
Issues Released In 2022: She-Hulk #1 to She-Hulk #9
Creative Team
Writer: Rainbow Rowell
Artists: Roge Antonio, Luca Maresca, and Takeshi Miyazawa
Colorist: Rico Renzi
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Editor: Nick Lowe
Assistant Editor: Lindsey Cohick
Comic books are at their best when they aren’t simply focused on one style of storytelling. Rainbow Rowell’s She-Hulk is a great example of that as the series mixes superhero, professional, and personal life in one cohesive narrative. Each part of Jennifer Walters’s life makes the other parts better. What enhances it all is how Rowell embraces how She-Hulk does exist as part of the Marvel Universe. Every issue shows how She-Hulk’s connections across the Marvel Universe are a key part of the character. Jennifer values the friendships and professional working relationships she has with the superhero community. That then extends to the way the budding romance Jennifer has with Jack of Hearts.
The writing by Rowell is further elevated by the consistent art style Roge Antonio, Luca Maresca, and Takehashi Miyazawa have done. Each artist has brought their own individual style while making sure the overall look that Antonio as the first artist of the series established, with Rico Renzi’s coloring maintaining that consistency. While the action is obviously great, Antonio, Maresca, and Miyazawa all shine best with the various interactions She-Hulk has with her rotating supporting cast. The little details of how characters react to what each other says elevate scenes such as She-Hulk and Hellcat catching up over drinks.
3) X-MEN RED
Issues Released In 2022: X-Men Red #1 to X-Men Red #9
Creative Team
Writer: Al Ewing
Artists: Stefano Caselli, Juann Cabal, Andres Genolet, Michael Sta. Maria, and Madibek Musibekov
Colorists: Federico Blee and Fernando Sifuentes-Sujo
Letterers: Ariana Maher and Cory Petit
Editor: Jordan D. White
Assistant Editor: Lauren Amaro
The cosmic side of the Marvel Universe is one with unlimited potential. X-Men Red showcases that fact. Merging the ongoing politics of Marvel’s cosmic side with the current direction for the X-Men franchise Al Ewing and Stefano Caselli, along with other guest artists, have created something special with X-Men Red. We are seeing what it means for the X-Men to take a more active role in what is going on in the Marvel Universe beyond Earth.
Weaving that in with the evolving status quo for the X-Men after they terraformed Mars and renamed it Planet Arakko has opened the door for exploring elevated roles for various characters. Storm, Magneto, Sunspot, Cable, Abigail Brand, and Vulcan are shown all navigating the politics of the new planet Arakko in their own ways. In the process, we get a lot of memorable character moments even in tie-ins to A.X.E.: Judgment Day. Storm and Magneto as a pair and individual have been the highlight as their growth is spotlighted throughout X-Men Red. Add in how Abigail Brand has been elevated to be one of the most devilish villains in the Marvel Universe you got a title in X-Men Red that can’t be missed.
2) BATMAN: WAYNE FAMILY ADVENTURES
Issues Released In 2022: Batman: Wayne Family Adventures Ep. 20 to Batman: Wayne Family Adventures Ep. 65
Creative Team
Writer: CRC Payne
Artists: Maria Li, Lan Ma, C.M. Cameron, Suzi Blake, Geoniya Acuna
Inker: Starbite
Letterer: Kielamel Sibal
Production: Susan Cheng and Wil Kennedy
When you look into what’s made Batman have the longevity of popularity he still has you don’t have to look far for why as the answer is with the Batman Family. All of the members of the Batman Family have made the franchise better and stronger. There is no better showcase for the strength of the Batman Family than the Batman: Wayne Family Adventures on Webtoons. The fun CRC Payne, Maria Li, Starbite, and the entire team behind the series are having with working with the Batman Family pops off every panel of each episode.
Batman: Wayne Family Adventures works so well because the Batman Family themselves have such great chemistry. The series is largely light-hearted adventures. Batman plays the perfect straight man to the more energetic personalities Damian Wayne, Stephanie Brown, Duke Thomas, Cassandra Cain, and the rest of the Batman Family show. But don’t confuse the light-hearted fun as the only thing the series is about. When Batman: Wayne Family Adventures delves into more character-specific arcs it does it better than any comic book. There is a lot of depth in the storytelling that adds so much more personality to every member of the Batman Family. Which makes the fact that Batman: Wayne Family adventures got picked up for a second full-season run unsurprising. This is the must-read Batman series of the year.
1) NIGHTWING
Issues Released In 2022: Nightwing #88 to Nightwing #99; Nightwing 2022 Annual
Creative Team
Writers: Tom Taylor, Jay Kristoff, and C.S. Pacat
Artists: Bruno Redondo, Geraldo Borges, Daniel Di Nicuolo, Eduardo Pansica, and Inaki Miranda
Inkers: Wade Von Grawbadger, Caio Filipe, and Julio Ferreira
Colorist: Adriano Lucas
Letterers: Andworld Design and Wes Abbott
Editor: Jessica Chen
Assistant Editor: Jessica Berbey
Nightwing started the year by telling Blockbuster he will not be pushed around by the crime boss and finished the year by taking down Blockbuster’s reign over Bludhaven. Tom Taylor, Bruno Redondo, and Geraldo Borges have done a phenomenal job presenting Dick Grayson as someone who will not back down from anyone. Along with taking on Blockbuster, we’ve seen Dick Grayson use the fortune he gained to make a true difference in Bludhaven that goes beyond his actions as Nightwing. Dick Grayson is truly invested in making Bludhaven a better place to live and sets the example for all other superheroes to follow, including Batman.
Nightwing embracing the 80-plus-year history of the character and how that’s made Dick Grayson the most connected hero in the DC Universe has made the series special. We see that with the strong supporting cast Nightwing has that is made up of the Batman Family, Titans, and newly discovered sister in Melinda Grayson-Lin. The progress of Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon’s relationship has developed up to and beyond the end of the Battle For Bludhaven’s Heart a strong payoff. Taylor, Redondo, and Borges have created a special comic book run with their work on Nightwing. And with how Nightwing has been positioned post-Dark Crisis On Infinite Earths the best is yet to come and I am totally ready for what happens with Dick Grayson in 2023.
