7 Comics You Should Read If You're Not Into Superheroes

But you still looooove those graphic novels. It is the best medium, after all.

1. Ruse (2001-2004) written by Mark Waid/Scott Beatty, art by Butch Guice (and guests)

Hands down my favourite comic ever. Think Sherlock Holmes but with supernatural tendencies, and on another planet. And gargoyles that flap around like pigeons. That said, this is not strictly fantasy, but more of a Victorian era-inspired mystery. Although originally a part of the CrossGen (which sadly went bankrupt in 2004, but fortunately Ruse managed to finish its run) comic universe, this title is more self-contained than others and can be read independently without worries. And at a mere 26-issue run – plus a four-issue revival by Marvel in 2011 - it's great to pick up if you don't want to get into anything with big proportions (if you do, see below).

Guice's artwork was the reason I first got into Ruse. I personally need to find the graphics appealing to start reading a title, and I really can't praise Ruse's beauty enough. It's a masterpiece. And of course the writing is also superb, with two fully fleshed out protagonists and a whole array of quirky supporting characters. I highly recommend it to everyone; it's totally original, and just so damn great.

2. Fables (2002-2015) written by Bill Willingham, art by Mark Buckingham (and guests)

Speaking of big proportions – Fables is a true epic, with 150 issues published over a timespan of 13 years. Willingham created a whole new alternate universe set in modern-time New York, starring the characters of lore we all know and love – Snow White, the Big Bad Wolf, Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, Pinocchio, Ali Baba; to just name a very few of this massive cast. It's a brilliant idea - so brilliant that you wonder why no one thought of it before. It will keep you on the edge of your seat during the action, it will make your heart swell during the (mostly unexpected) romances, and it will make you laugh witnessing the banter between the characters. Fables has won numerous Eisner Awards (THE award within comics and graphic novels), and has spawned several spinoffs; including Jack of Fables, Fairest, Cinderella, and The Wolf Among Us (currently ongoing comic; also a dynamite video game by Telltale Games). They are all worth checking out.

3. Saga (2012-ongoing) written by Brian K. Vaughan, art by Fiona Staples

I picked up Saga just a few months ago, and it became an instant favourite. It’s like Romeo (with horns) and Juliet (with wings), and the fight is intergalactic. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds. Add a love child getting born in the very first issue, and you've got the premise. The star-crossed lovers are joined by the ghost of a dead teenager, while being pursued by cold-hearted (or not so cold-hearted?) assassins… It's really one hell of a ride. And it’s executed brilliantly. The dialogue is witty and realistic, and the art is – once again – beautiful. It’s especially great to see a female comic artist. Saga also doesn't shy away from free sexuality and having a multi-racial cast; hopefully making it an inspiration for everyone. It’s NSFW though, as it depicts both sex scenes and drug use.

4. Morning Glories (2010-ongoing) written by Nick Spencer, art by Joe Eisma

Six teens are transferred to Morning Glory Academy, a prestigious prep school, but soon realise that not all is what it seems. There’s time travel, cold-blooded murder, mistaken identities, and truly epic fight scenes. Containing more plot twists than Lost, this title is not for the lazy reader. But even if it can be confusing as hell at times, you will get immersed in the story and continue reading – because you just have to know what’s going on, and how it all will end. Spencer’s writing is truly admirable and Eisma’s artwork is always spot-on. There’s a large cast of characters, who seem to just gain more and more depth as the story goes on. If you’re not afraid to dive head-first into another epic (and you shouldn't be), then give Morning Glories a go. You won't be able to put it down.

5. The Less Than Epic Adventures of TJ and Amal (2009-2014) written and illustrated by E.K. Weaver

Alright, this is NSFW. It’s a classic road trip story – except maybe for the fact that the two dudes fall in love (and yes, there are some quite explicit sex scenes). Weaver has single-handedly created something incredibly awesome, with protagonists so real and flawed that you feel like you really know them after finishing this truly epic (despite what the title says) graphic novel. The illustrations are so detailed and beautiful (you sensing a theme here...? Yes, I am a sucker for beautiful comic artwork), that even if I obviously prefer coloured pages – and TJ and Amal is in black and white - it's not any less amazing. While their story is pretty friggin’ funny, there are also heartbreaking scenes of real truth. The truth being: life is not always easy. But if you find the little beautiful things, you will get through it.

Available to read for free at their official website (see link in title).

Also, don't miss out on the epilogues edition published in 2015 (only in print/ebook).

6. Orange Junk (ongoing at Sparkler Monthly) by Heldrad

Here’s one for the manga-lovers. Orange Junk by Mexican writer/artist Heldrad is a webcomic available to read for free at Sparkler Monthly (updating three times a week). A teenage riches-to-rags story: it mixes high school troubles, personal struggles, and innocent romance in a hilarious, true to shojo manga package. Heldrad’s writing is upbeat and fun, while her illustrations are delicate in one panel and full-blown manga madness in the next. It's a great read, which also bears re-reading many times when you need some comic relief.

7. Lettera (2010-2014; English version ongoing at Sparkler Monthly) by Studio Kosen

Studio Kosen are two Spanish female writers/artists who make manga-style comics, which are both hilarious and beautiful. Lettera follows a cursed witch with a bad and selfish attitude, as she goes on a quest to break said curse, but ends up with more than she bargained for. The skillful mix of gripping fantasy and classic manga slapstick humour makes this comic a true joy to read. Plus, there's some pretty awesome romance in there too. Available to read for free at Sparkler Monthly!