Outside the Lines: The 10 Best Alternative Comics

Writer: Matt Fraction

Artists: Gabriel Ba, Fabio Moon

Complex says: Before Matt Fraction ruled the comic world as the writer of Invincible Iron Man, he broke on to the scene with his sci-fi/espionage book, Casanova. With its mix of sharp writing coupled with the style of a James Bond movie, Casanova is one of the most unique and fun reads on shelves. It's also a great example of genre-defying execution. Recommended especially for fans of science fiction and ass-kicking.

Recommended reading: Casanova Vol.1: Luxuria

Writer: Jason Aaron

Artist: R.M. Guera

Complex says: Set on a corrupt Native American reservation, Scalped offers a unique setting for a crime story. Jason Aaron, who currently writes the gruesomely engrossing Punisher Max, is a master at showcasing the world's seedy underbelly, and he pulls no punches in Scalped. His dim view of humanity is perfect, showcasing crime in a way similar to the classic noir films of the '40s. Any lovers of great crime fiction should pick this up not only for the great writing but also the atmospheric art of R.M. Guera.

Recommended reading: Scalped Vol.1 The Indian Country

Writer: Mark Waid

Artist: Peter Krause

Complex says: Mark Waid is a legend in the comic world. He's the man responsible for DC’s Kingdom Come, Justice League: The Tower of Babel, as well as some of the best work ever on Fantastic Four and Flash. All of those books deal with the deconstruction of the typical superhero image, but nothing compares to Irredeemable, which asks the question “What if the world’s greatest superhero turned evil?” Waid has created a disturbing and violent look at a hopeless society ruled by a rogue hero. This is in no way a “superhero” book as it focuses more on a desperate population coming to terms with their new relentless dictator. Combining elements that made Watchmen, The Dark Knight Returns, and Superman: Red Son so successful, Irredeemable goes a long way in changing our views on superpowers.
Recommended reading: Irredeemable Vol. 1, Incorruptible Vol. 1

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis

Artist: Alex Maleev

Complex says: Famous for their industry changing run on Daredevil, Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev finally debuted their creator-owned book last year. Scarlet tells the tale of Scarlet Rue, a woman who grows weary of America’s ultra-corporate ways and attempts incite a revolution. The series is notable for having Scarelt constantly break the fourth wall and speak directly to the readers. This is a chance to see one of comic's greatest creative teams flex their creative muscles and try something a little different.

Recommended reading: Pick up the single issues at your local comic store or wait for the debut collection to get released this summer.

Writer: Robert Kirkman

Artists: Tony Moore, Charlie Adlard

Complex says: The Walking Dead is nothing short of a phenomenon at the moment, due to its massive success on TV, not to mention the planned release of a video game. But while the TV show's first season was decent, the comic book is nothing short of legendary. With 80-plus issues already released, Robert Kirkman showed the world that you don’t need superpowers or tights to sustain a book’s success. With a great blend of horror and emotion, The Walking Dead is a seminal comic series that will be talked about for decades to come. It doesn't matter if you don't like zombies or horror tales; The Walking Dead appeals to anyone who enjoys a good story.

Recommended reading: The Walking Dead: Compendium One

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis

Artist: Michael Avon Oeming

Complex says: With a TV show in the works, Powers is set to explode into the mainstream in a big way. Before you get excited about the show, though, we’re here to fill you in on the comics first. Powers follows the lives of homicide detectives Christian Walker and Deena Pilgrim as they deal with superhuman crimes. Its heroes are flawed and insecure, and the writing delivers intricate plots and humor. Powers is an interesting take on the genre and reads like the lovechild of NYPD Blue and Superman.
Recommended reading: Powers: The Definitive Hardcover Vol. 1

Writer: Garth Ennis
Artist: Darick Robertson

Complex says: Crude, absurd, and ultra-violent, The Boys is a typical Garth Ennis book; it may also be his best. Revolving around a CIA-funded group charged with keeping an eye on superheroes, The Boys exists in a world where heroes act more like drunken frat boys than altruistic gods. The Boys are often tasked with intimidating, or sometimes even killing, heroes that continually get out of line. It reads like a twisted Edgar Wright movie, complete with plenty of offensive British humor and blasphemy. Darick Robertson provides some of the most gruesome and beautiful art imaginable as characters are routinely disemboweled, ripped apart, or melted on a monthly basis.

Pick up The Boys to satisfy all of your violent urges.
Recommended reading: The Boys Vol. 1: The Name Of The Game

Writer: Bill Willingham

Artist: Mark Buckingham

Complex says: How the hell did Bill Willingham make a comic book about Snow White, Pinocchio, and other fairytale characters that's so incredible? We still don’t know, but Fables has been one of the best comics on shelves for close to a decade now. Fables imagines a scenario where all of your favorite childhood fairytale characters exist in our world and have to adapt to our modern times. What Willingham's book always does so well is avoiding Disney-esque character touches, instead going out of his way to make sure they're all flawed, moody, and realistic.

Recommended reading: Fables: Vol. 1 Legends in Exile, Fables: Vol. 4 March of the Wooden Soldiers

Writer and Artist: Jeff Lemire

Complex says: Mad Max meets Bambi—that's how Sweet Tooth can be best described. Jeff Lemire's book tells the story of Gus, a mutated deer/human hybrid born into a post-apocalyptic world. Gus is constantly on the lookout for others just like him while trying to avoid merciless hunters. Sweet Tooth combines the youthful innocence of classic fantasy stories with the harsh reality of post-apocalyptic tales such as The Road into one heartbreaking book. This emotionally resonant comic transcends genres and mediums and ranks amongst the best fiction being produced right now.
Recommended reading: Sweet Tooth Vol. 1 Out of the Woods, Sweet Tooth Vol. 2: In Captivity

Writer: John Layman

Artist: Rob Guillory

Complex says: This is it, the best book on shelves in any genre. Better than any Spider-Man, Batman, or Little Lulu book. Chew tells the story of a world where a “bird flu” has ravaged the population and made eating poultry illegal. The book centers on FDA Agent Tony Chu as he tries to stop any unlawful chicken trade and other crimes associated with it. The problem is that Chu is a Cibopath, meaning that he gets psychic impressions off of anything that he eats. If there is a murdered corpse at police headquarters, his superiors will make him take a nibble in order to get a psychic vision and pin the culprit. It's sick stuff, but Chew is also the funniest and most enjoyable book currently out there. It's the perfect example of a comic not needing to be deadly serious in order to be beloved.

Recommended reading: Chew Omnivore Edition Vol. 1