As fun as it is to keep up with comics and graphic novels from big-name publishers like Marvel and DC, there exists a whole world of indie-published webcomics that are just as worthy of your time. Here are a few of my personal favorite fantasy/adventure stories.
— Chris
Note: The main pages of some webcomics display the most recent page, so I’ve included a “Start here” link for each one in case you’d rather dive in without having anything spoiled.
Gunnerkrigg Court by Tom Siddell.
Gunnerkrigg Court »
→ Start here ←
Gunnerkrigg Court was one of the first webcomics I started reading a decade ago, and the one I’m still most excited to read whenever a new page is posted. This comic has come a long way since 2005, especially in terms of the artwork. The story has always been great of course, but as you read through it, you can actually see how Tom Siddell’s artistic skill has improved.
Wikipedia explains the basic story quite well:
The comic tells the story of Antimony Carver, a young girl who has just started attending a strange and mysterious school called Gunnerkrigg Court, and the events that unfold around her as she becomes embroiled in political intrigues between Gunnerkrigg Court and the inhabitants of the Gillitie Wood, a forest outside the school. The comic’s style and themes include elements from science, fantasy creatures, mythology from a variety of traditions, and alchemical symbols and theories; the literary style is heavily influenced by mystery and manga comics.
Zen Pencils by Gavin Aung Than.
Zen Pencils »
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Technically, Zen Pencils isn’t a single long-form story like the rest of the webcomics in this guide, but rather a series of one-off comics inspired by famous inspirational quotes. Still, there are often fantastical, high-flying elements in Gavin Aung Than’s illustrations, which earned it a spot on this list.
Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant by Tony Cliff.
Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant »
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Delilah Dirk is set in the early 19th century, and it’s about a master swordswoman who “saves the life of Turkish tea-master Erdemoglu Selim, and he becomes duty-bound to follow her across Turkey, struggling to repay the debt he owes her.” There are violent moments throughout, of course, but the story manages to be charming the whole way through.
I have yet to read the sequel, Delilah Dirk and the King’s Shilling, but it’s definitely on my to-do list.
Paranatural by Zack Morrison.
Paranatural »
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While Paranatural certainly has plenty of action, paranormal activity, and spectral-superpowered middle schoolers to spare, it also happens to be the funniest webcomic in this guide. Just about every page has moments that will make you smile or laugh out loud. It’s action-packed silliness.
Necropolis by Jake and Kathryn Wyatt.
Necropolis »
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Whereas Gunnerkrigg Court grew into its beautiful art style over time, Jake Wyatt’s Necropolis was gorgeous right off the bat. The story follows a young girl who returns home only to discover bandits razing her town, and her father dead as a result. She decides to become a force of revenge, making a grim bargain in exchange for a charmed sword.
It’s been a bit of a slow-moving and irregularly-updated comic, to be honest, only being on Chapter Two, Page Eleven after being around for a year now. Even so, what little story there is thus far is still great.
Girl Genius by Phil & Kaja Foglio.
Girl Genius »
→ Start here ←
This is one of the few steampunk things I’ve ever enjoyed. Girl Genius follows the adventures of Agatha Heterodyne, who begins as a hapless student but soon discovers she is something called a “Spark”, i.e. someone naturally gifted at repairing and creating devices of all kinds. Sparks tend to turn out as mad scientist types whose inventions cause more harm than good, so you can imagine how Agatha’s journey ends up going.
Note: This series is intended for teens and up.