10 Fantasy Graphic Novels to Immerse Yourself In

There’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in a captivating fantasy graphic novel. The pairing of amazing storytelling with breathtaking art feels like transporting straight into imaginative worlds filled with magic, mythical creatures, and outlandish characters.

But the incredible thing about the fantasy genre is that there’s a little bit of something for everybody to enjoy - from epic high fantasies to lighthearted adventures. Join us as we dive into a list of our favorite fantasy graphic novels and unravel the magic the diverse genre offers for all readers.

Sandman

By Neil Gaiman and various artists

Published by Vertigo/DC Black Label

Image: Vertigo/DC Black Label

The mind-bending world of Neil Gaiman's "Sandman" is one where reality and dreams weave together into an intricate tapestry you can’t pull yourself away from. In this groundbreaking series, Gaiman takes you on a breathtaking journey through the realms and (immortal) lives of the Endless, a family of enigmatic siblings who each rule over their domains. At the heart of the tale, Morpheus, the Lord of Dreams, captivates readers with his dark personality and space and time-bending adventures.

From the very first page, you'll be drawn into Gaiman's mesmerizing storytelling, as he delves into the human psyche, myths, and legends through the lens of godlike beings. The Endless, brought to life by a collective of exceptional artists, will enchant you with their tales of love, loss, and redemption. “Sandman” is a must-read for any fantasy lover as it's a transcendent fantasy graphic novel that will linger in your dreams long after you've put the book down. Then be sure to also check out the incredible Netflix adaptation of Sandman once you turn the final page.

Image: Netflix

Once & Future

By Kieron Gillen and Dan Mora

Published by BOOM! Studios

Image: BOOM! Studios

Once & Future is a thrilling and inventive spin on classic Arthurian mythology. Imagine a world where ancient myths walk among us in the modern era, where long-dead knights are resurrected and the legendary Excalibur's power is let loose!

Our unassuming hero, Duncan, is enlisted by his ass-kicking grandma, Bridgette, to go on a dangerous quest to stop the rampage of King Arthur himself. But this is far from the noble king legends often portray him as – he's become a twisted ghoul with sinister plans of ruling the world. Together, Duncan and Bridgette fight through a world filled with otherworldly monsters and unravel why their family is connected to the legendary tale. Combine the stunning artwork of Dan Mora with Gillen’s witty script and you get an absolute page-turner of a fantasy graphic novel on your hands.

Monstress

By Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda

Published by Image Comics

Image: Image Comics

Monstress is a dark fantasy masterpiece with breathtaking art by Sana Takeda. Set in an alternate Asia, this captivating world is one plagued by the conflict between the powerful women of the Federation and the magical creatures known as Arcanics.

The story follows Maika Halfwolf, a human-looking Arcanic with a mysterious past and a monstrous entity living inside her. In Maika’s pursuit to avenge her mother’s death, she uncovers the truth of her origins as she delves deeper into the brutal conflict between humans and Arcanics. With its complex characters, political intrigue, and lush world-building, "Monstress" is a visual and narrative delight that fantasy graphic novel lovers will eat right up.

Bone

by Jeff Smith

Published by Cartoon Books and Image Comics

Image: Cartoon Books

This hilariously fun fantasy adventure is perfect for readers of all ages. It all begins when the lovable Bone cousins – the Fone, Phoney, and Smiley Bone – find themselves far from their hometown, lost in a mysterious valley. The charming art and unforgettable characters make "Bone" an instant classic that's both heartwarming and thrilling.

Their journey leads them to meet plenty of colorful characters, from the spirited girl Thorn and her eccentric grandmother Gran'ma Ben to the enigmatic Lord of the Locusts. Smith's delightful storytelling will have you rooting for the Bone cousins as they adventure through a world filled with whimsy, wonder, and danger.

Fables

By Bill Willingham and various artists

Published by Vertigo/DC Black Label

Image: Vertigo/DC Black Label

Imagine your favorite fairy tale and folklore characters living secretly in New York City, and that's exactly the premise of this legendary fantasy graphic novel series. After being exiled from their magical homelands to escape an evil warlord known as the Adversary, these whimsical characters are all seeking out their place in a new and foreign world.

You'll see familiar characters like Snow White, Bigby Wolf (the Big Bad Wolf), and Prince Charming portrayed in new and exciting ways as they navigate the complexities of modern life while keeping their true identities hidden. Willingham masterfully crafts dramatic stories that seamlessly weave characters from different fairy tales. With a rich cast of memorable characters and a world that's as magical as it is real, "Fables" will have you binging through its entire run.

Image: Telltale Games

If you want to take your “Fables” experience even further, you can check out the incredible video game “The Wolf Among Us” by Telltale Games. This point-and-click adventure puts you in the shoes of Bigby himself as he tries to uncover the mystery behind a prostitute's vicious murder in Fabletown.

Saga

By Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples 

Published by Image Comics

Image: Image Comics

What hasn’t been said about how amazing Saga is at this point? This epic tale follows star-crossed lovers Alana and Marko, who hail from opposing sides of a brutal interstellar war. When they have a child together, their forbidden love sets off a thrilling adventure across the galaxy.

With an imaginative cast of characters, like the sassy, lie-detecting Lying Cat and morally conflicted bounty hunter The Will, Saga’s universe naturally feels rich and diverse. The gorgeous artwork of Fiona Staples brings to life an expansive galaxy that’s filled with vibrant planets and strange-looking creatures.

Vaughan's witty dialogue and thought-provoking themes of love, family, and prejudice make "Saga" a standout in the world of fantasy graphic novels. If you're ready for an extraordinary journey through the stars, don't miss out on this riveting, one-of-a-kind series!

Mouse Guard

By David Petersen 

Published by Archaia Studios Press

Image: Archaia Studios Press

Set in a medieval world where mice have their own little society, the Mouse Guard is a brave group of protectors, defending their fellow mice from predators and other dangers. The story follows three valiant heroes – Lieam, Saxon, and Kenzie – as they embark on thrilling adventures, battling treacherous creatures and uncovering dark secrets. Petersen's masterful storytelling is perfectly matched by his enchanting artwork, drawing you into a world that's both adorable and perilous.

Don’t let appearances deceive you. What may seem like cute mice with swords is a tale of loyalty, courage, and friendship that will captivate readers of all ages. If you're a fan of fantasy, adventure, and heartwarming stories, this is one graphic novel series you won't want to miss.

Head Lopper

By Andrew MacLean and Mike Spicer

Published by Image Comics

Image: Image Comics

This brutally fun fantasy graphic novel follows the adventures of Norgal, the titular Head Lopper, a hulking, bearded warrior with a knack for – you guessed it – lopping off heads. Accompanied by Agatha, the severed head of a blue witch, they traverse a dangerous and magical world filled with deadly foes and bizarre creatures.

MacLean's distinct art style gives "Head Lopper" a unique visual flair that perfectly complements the story's mix of intense action and witty banter. You'll be on the edge of your seat as Norgal battles monstrous beasts, sinister sorcerers, and other treacherous adversaries in his quest to rid the world of evil.

Joe the Barbarian

By Grant Morrison and Sean Gordan Murphy

Published by Vertigo/DC Black Label

Image: Vertigo/DC Black Label

This incredible fantasy graphic novel is a beautiful blend of reality and fantasy. Thanks to the stunning art by Sean Gordon Murphy, it’s an absolute visual feast to boot. The story follows Joe, a young boy with Type 1 diabetes, as he ventures through a strange and perilous world created by his vivid imagination.

Joe's journey starts when he suffers from a diabetic episode and slips into a hypoglycemic state. Suddenly, he finds himself in a breathtaking world where his toys and pets become brave warriors, and he's the hero who must save this fantastical realm from dark forces. But, at the same time, he's also struggling to survive in the real world.

Kill 6 Billion Demons

By Tom Parkinson-Morgan

Published by Image Comics

Image: Image Comics

This visually stunning webcomic-turned-graphic novel follows Allison, a seemingly ordinary girl who's suddenly thrust into a bizarre, multidimensional universe teeming with gods, demons, and all sorts of otherworldly creatures. Armed with a mysterious key that grants her unimaginable power, Allison sets off on a mind-bending adventure to save her kidnapped boyfriend and fulfill an ancient prophecy.

Parkinson-Morgan's intricate artwork and inventive world-building make "Kill 6 Billion Demons" a feast for the eyes and the imagination. If you're into high-concept fantasy graphic novels with a touch of humor and a healthy dose of epic action, you've got to give this a read!