Comics have been a favorite medium of storytelling for decades, and with the rise of superhero movies and TV shows, their popularity has only increased. From Marvel and DC to independent publishers, the 21st century has seen a plethora of comic books that have captured the hearts of readers. Here are some of the most popular comic books published between 2000 and 2020:

1. The Walking Dead (2003-2019)

Robert Kirkman’s horror series about a group of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies was a massive hit, both in comic book form and as a TV show. The comic book series ran for 193 issues and became a cultural phenomenon, spawning merchandise, video games, and even a theme park attraction.

Number of Issues: 193
Creator: Robert Kirkman
Features: Became a cultural phenomenon with adaptations into a TV series, video games, and theme park attractions.

2. Watchmen (2009)

Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ 1986 comic book miniseries is widely regarded as one of the greatest graphic novels of all time. The 2009 film adaptation, directed by Zack Snyder, brought the story of retired superheroes investigating a conspiracy to a wider audience, and introduced new fans to the complex characters and intricate plot.

Originally Published: 1986 (Miniseries)
Creator: Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons
Features: Film adaptation directed by Zack Snyder in 2009; widely regarded as one of the greatest graphic novels.

3. Batman: The Court of Owls (2011-2012)

Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s run on Batman in the early 2010s revitalized the character and introduced new villains to his rogues’ gallery. The Court of Owls storyline, which revealed a secret society controlling Gotham City from the shadows, was a standout arc that kept readers on the edge of their seats.

Number of Issues: Part of the ongoing Batman series
Creators: Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo
Features: Introduced a new villainous group and revitalized Batman’s character with a compelling conspiracy storyline.

4. Sandman: Overture (2013-2015)

Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series is a classic of the comic book medium, and the 2013 prequel series Overture was eagerly anticipated by fans. Illustrated by J.H. Williams III, the series explores the origin of Morpheus, the lord of dreams, and features stunning artwork and complex storytelling.

Number of Issues: 6 (Part of the larger Sandman universe)
Creator: Neil Gaiman
Features: Prequel to the classic Sandman series, exploring the origin of Morpheus with stunning artwork.

5. Y: The Last Man (2002-2008)

Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra’s series about the last man on Earth after a mysterious plague wipes out all male mammals was a critical and commercial success. With its unique premise and strong character development, Y: The Last Man remains a classic of the comic book medium.

Number of Issues: 60
Creators: Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra
Features: Explores a unique post-apocalyptic scenario where a plague wipes out all male mammals except one.

6. Black Panther (2016-2018)

Ta-Nehisi Coates and Brian Stelfreeze’s run on Black Panther in the mid-2010s introduced new depth and complexity to the character of T’Challa, the king of Wakanda. The series explored themes of power, politics, and identity, and was a landmark moment for representation in comics.

Number of Issues: Part of the ongoing Black Panther series
Creators: Ta-Nehisi Coates and Brian Stelfreeze
Features: Brought new depth to the character of T’Challa and explored themes of power and identity.

7. The Umbrella Academy (2007-2008)

Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá’s quirky superhero series, about a dysfunctional family of superpowered siblings trying to prevent an apocalypse, was adapted into a popular Netflix series in 2019. With its offbeat humor and distinctive art style, The Umbrella Academy became a cult favorite.

Number of Issues: 6 in the initial series
Creators: Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá
Features: Adapted into a Netflix series in 2019; mixes superhero elements with quirky humor.

8. Saga (2012-2018)

“Saga” is a space opera/fantasy comic book series written by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Fiona Staples. The story revolves around two lovers from opposing sides of an intergalactic war and their fight to keep their newborn daughter safe from the conflict. The series is known for its inventive world-building, complex characters, and powerful themes of love and family. It ran for 54 issues from 2012 to 2018 and has won multiple Eisner Awards, as well as being praised by critics and fans alike.

Number of Issues: 54
Creators: Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Features: A critically acclaimed space opera exploring themes of love, war, and family; winner of multiple Eisner Awards.

9. Invincible (2003-2018)

“Invincible” is a superhero comic book series created by writer Robert Kirkman and artist Cory Walker. The story follows Mark Grayson, a teenage boy who inherits superpowers from his father and becomes the superhero Invincible. The series is known for its deconstruction of the superhero genre, subverting expectations and exploring complex themes such as power, morality, and family. It ran for 144 issues from 2003 to 2018 and has been highly acclaimed for its storytelling, character development, and bold approach to the genre.

Number of Issues: 144
Creators: Robert Kirkman and Cory Walker
Features: A deconstruction of the superhero genre, exploring themes of morality and the complexities of heroism.