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About Post-Apocalyptic Comics
At some point in our lives, we have all tried to imagine what it would be like to exist in a world dealing with the aftermath of a catastrophic event that devastates humanity. What's a better way to find out than reading a science fiction comic that tells the tale of characters struggling to live in a post-apocalyptic world?
Here's 63 Post-Apocalyptic Comics you should track down!
1. Akira (1982-1990)
Katsuhiro Otomo’s stunning post-apocalyptic comic series, Akira, is hailed as one of the best comic books ever written. Set in post-war Tokyo, the work uses conventions of the cyberpunk genre to present a story of turmoil. The lives of two streetwise teenage friends, Tetsuo and Kaneda, change forever when paranormal abilities start to evoke in Tetsuo, creating him a target for a shadowy agency that will stop at nothing to prevent another catastrophe like the apparent nuclear explosion on December 6, 1992, which destroyed previous Tokyo and started World War III.
2. Savage Highway (2017)
Published by Humanoids, Savage Highway is a brutal post-apocalyptic comic book written by Mathieu Masmondet, illustrated by Zhang Xiaoyu and lettered by Crank!. It's a tale of two opposites who are forced to unite to survive in a violent post-cataclysmic world. In which an ancient highway spans the wasteland and its cracked surface has become a migratory route for the anarchic hunters and marauders who dwell in this barren, future Earth.
Along the highway, Helene, an educated young woman on a grave mission to save her sister, encounters Mo, a solitary hunter, and Jin, an Asian warrior. Together they begin a legendary journey to a Paris in ruins, where a new social “order” is being forged. Clocking in at only 3 issues, this is a great grimdark post-apocalyptic tale to absorb on a quiet afternoon.
3. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1982-1994)
Hayao Miyazaki's Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind depicts the story of Nausicaä, a princess of a small kingdom on a post-apocalyptic Earth with a bioengineered ecological system, who becomes involved in a war between kingdoms while an environmental disaster threatens humankind.
This is dystopian earth, a world almost unrecognizable from that in which we live. It is a tale about humanity's folly, about hope.
4. Kamandi: The Last Boy on Earth (1975-1978)
Kamandi is one of the few survivors of a Great Disaster that has destroyed civilization. Humans have been reduced back to savagery in a world ruled by intelligent, highly evolved animals. He must proceed in a world swarmed by eerie mutated animals and other peculiar wonders!
Considered one of Jack Kirby's most creative works, Kamandi: The Last Boy on Earth features a band of anthropomorphic supporting characters who tag along with Kamandi as he searches for answers and adventure across the wastelands of Earth. It has previously been celebrated as a DC Comics blockbuster hit!
5. V for Vendetta (1982-1989)
V for Vendetta is a post-apocalyptic comic book series famously written by Alan Moore and illustrated by David Lloyd. The series is set in an imagined dystopian England which has just come out of nuclear war and is being ruled by a fascist party called Norsefire that has eradicated all its enemies and established a police state. The main protagonist called simply 'V', is an anarchist revolutionary who conducts a sequence of brutal attacks against the party as part of a large-scale vendetta for the treatment he suffered at a concentration camp.
6. Wild Blue Yonder (2013-2014)
Published by IDW and set in the near future, Wild Blue Yonder depicts a world where mankind has destroyed the Earth. Pollution and war have made most of the land area of the world dangerous to live in. The only refuge from radioactive pollution can be found in the skies. Sadly, diminishing supplies and bloodthirsty air pirates make life all the harder. The story follows the lives of the crew of the Dawn as they battle their way through hazardous threats from other crews and deadly troubles.
7. Wasteland (2006-2015)
Published by Oni Press, Wasteland is a post-apocalyptic comic book series written by Antony Johnston, illustrated by Christopher Mitten, colored by Ben Templesmith and lettered by Russ Wooton. It's set one hundred years after the Big Wet, an unspecified disaster that destroyed modern society and, it is assumed, changed the world's coastlines. Clocking in at 60 issues, this series takes place somewhere in America, now a barren desert and dustbowl without modern technology.
The Characters in this story, who are largely illiterate, are surviving the best way they can by forming small communities and trading for whatever they can. Like all good post-apocalyptic stories, the residents have their secrets and pasts as well as underlying traumas. But when this new trader, Michael, rolls through town, it becomes clear he has more secrets than most of the citrizens in this wasteland town.
8. Wonder Woman: Dead Earth (2020)
Creator Daniel Warren Johnson mixes sci-fi and fantasy into a harrowing post-apocalyptic vision of Wonder Woman, unlike anything you've ever seen. When Diana awakens from a centuries-long sleep, she discovers Earth has been reduced to a nuclear wasteland.
Now she's stranded in a dark and dangerous future, protecting what's left of humanity from the mutated monsters known as Haedra and struggling to uncover the secret of this dead Earth and how she may have caused it.
9. Lazarus (2013-Present)
Published by Image Comics, Lazarus is a comic book series written by Gregory Rucka, art by Michael Lark, coloring by Michael L. Smith and lettering by Troy Peteri. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland where these Mob-like 'Families' strive for power and control. The setting is in the near future, however resources are stretched thin and coveted, and to make matters worse - the government is non-existent.
What little resources can be obtained are managed by the 'Families', and serving a Family is about as safe as it can get. But keep your heads down because Forever Carlyle, the military leader of the Carlyle Family, has special regenerative powers and loves going around exacting punishment on folks who betray her mafia-style clan. This comic book is like if the film American Gangster and The Walking Dead were combined!
10. Sweet Tooth (2009-2013)
Published by Vertigo, Sweet Tooth is a post-apocalyptic comic book written and illustrated by Jeff Lemire, colored by Jose Villarrubia and lettered by Pat Brosseau. It focuses on Gus, a human-deer hybrid, and his journey across a pandemic ravaged earth. On his way he discovers others like him, hybrid children that part human and part animal.
Eventually, other humans and human factions try to capture him and harness the reason why the hybrids are immune to the pandemic which threatens to kill every human that's still alive. Throughout the series, concepts of friendship, family and survival are explored. Specifically, Gus's kindness versus human depravity and cruelty.
11. Y: The Last Man (2002-2008)
Published by Vertigo, Y: The Last Man is a post-apocalyptic comic book series written by Brian K. Vaughan, illustrated by Pia Guerra, colored by Pamela Rambo and lettered by Clem Robbins. It follows a mysterious plague which instantaneously wipes out every living mammal with a Y chromosome, except for one man, Yorick Brown, and his pet monkey, Ampersand.
The series focuses on Yorick, Ampersand, Agent 355 and Dr. Allison Mann, who embark on a quest to find a cure to the plague (and Yorick’s lost fiancée, Beth) which has killed every man on the planet. Along the way, Yorick and his friends encounter many obstacles and factions look to stop them including a militant feminist group calling themselves The Amazons who believe the plague is a blessing, and The Israeli Army, who want to use Yorick for their own plans. Along the way there are clues to the origins of the plague leading to the end of this series - which will shock you!
12. Grendel: War Child (1992-1992)
Published by Dark Horse Comics, Grendel: War Child is an Eisner-Award winning post-apocalyptic vigilante comic book written/inked by Matt Wagner, illustrated by Patrick McEown, colored by Bernie Mireault and lettered by Kurt Hathaway. It tells the tale of this post-apocalyptic Grendel-ruled planet that lies in ruins.
War Child is a story about Grendel Prime, a cyborg created and trained by Grendel Kahn, Orion Assante. Grendel Prime's purpose is to protect Assante's sole heir in the event of his death. Throughout this story, Grendel Prime must protect 10-year-old Jupiter Assante from zombies, mutants, rednecks, bikers, vampires, and worst of all his stepmother Laurel Kennedy Assante. It's a wild ride!
13. Low (2014-2020)
Published by Image Comics, Low is an epic post-apocalyptic science fiction comic book written by Rick Remender and with art by Greg Tocchini. Low, written by Rick Remender and drawn by Greg Tocchini, is another epic post-apocalyptic science fiction comic you should read. The series is set billions of years in the future after the start of the sun's expansion into a red giant has left the surface of earth uninhabitable.
The story of Low focuses on survivors who live in the underwater City of Salus, specifically the Caine family, and the pirate enemies of Salus. The main character, Stel Caine, is forever hopeful in finding a new home for humanity and embarks on a quest for a probe which she believes will point them in the direction of a new home. It's a bit like if 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was a post-apocalyptic comic book filled with political intrigue and pirates.
14. Animosity (2016-2020)
Published by Aftershock Comics, Animosity is a dystopian comic book written by Marguerite Bennett, illustrated by Rafael de Latorre, colored by Rob Schwager and lettered by Marshall Dillon. The story of Animosity depicts an event known as "The Wake" in which every animal on earth suddenly becomes self aware. During the resulting chaos, it becomes clear that while the animals can talk they have also gained human-level intelligence.
The world of Animosity follows these newly-intelligent Animals as they fight humanity and fight each other for their own lives in the pursuit of peace and happiness. One year after "The Wake", an 11-year-old girl, and her dog, Sandor, begin a cross-country journey to California, where Jesse's half-brother Adam North, her only surviving family member, lives. During this cross-country adventure they face many foes - human and animal alike.
15. The Walking Dead (2003-2019)
Published by Image Comics, The Walking Dead is a post-apocalyptic zombie survival comic book series that ran for 193 issues. It was originally presented in black and white and has since been released in colour under the name "The Walking Dead Deluxe." It was written by Robert Kirkman and illustrated by Tony Moore (first 6 issues) and Charlie Adlard (remaining 187 issues), and lettered by Russ Wooton. Whereas, Dave McCaig colored The Walking Dead Deluxe issues.
The Walking Dead focuses on main character Rick Grimes who wakes up in hospital (after an accident) to find the world he knew is in the middle of a zombie outbreak. He quickly reunites with his wife and son and their group of survivors. Together again, he attempts to lead them on into a world forever changed by the zombie apocalypse. However, Rick soon discovers that his fellow humans can be even more dangerous than the zombies themselves!
Attack on Titan
The Massive
East of West
Published by Image Comics, East of West is a genre-defying comic book series written by Jonathan Hickman, by Nick Dragotta colored by Frank Martin and lettered by Rus Wooton. It's a comic book which incorporates elements of science fiction, Westerns, dystopian politics, and apocalyptic prophecy.
A comic book with ambitious scope, rich in complex world building and with deeply emotional themes, East of West offers a gripping tale of love, vengeance, and the end of the world. It's perfect for fans of stories about an alternate earth or an impending apocalypse.
American Flagg! (1983-1988)
Battle Angel Alita
Scout's Honor (2021)
Published by Aftershock Comics, Scout’s Honor is a post-apocalyptic comic book mini-series written by David Pepose, illustrated by Luca Casalanguida, colored by Matt Milla and lettered by Carlos M. Mangual. It’s told through the lens of Boy Scout culture and so tackles many themes around survivalism, faith and identity.
Scout’s Honor follows a young scout named Kit living in a post-apocalyptic America where society has been rebuilt using the Scouts Guide rule book as a guide. The result being that only boys can be in the Scouts which is a problem for Kit who is secretly a girl. As the story progresses Kit begins to question her faith and undying devotion to the Scouts. A faith which is tested right at the end of the story.
Year Zero
Published by AWA Studios, Year Zero is a zombie apocalypse comic book series written by Benjamin Percy, illustrated by Ramon Rosanas, colored by Lee Loughridge and lettered by Sal Cipriano. It tells the zombie apocalypse story from different perspectives from different characters around the globe, highlighting a different catastrophe that takes place.
Year Zero follows five main stories and their stories of survival. The first one is set in Mexico and is about a hitman who uses his skills to fight off zombies. The second one is set in the United States and is about a doomsday prepper struggling to stay sane during his isolation. The third one is set in Afghanistan and is about a young Afghan boy trying to survive both a war torn region and one filled with zombies. The fourth one is set in Japan and is about a scientist who is overcome with guilt due to her role in the zombie outbreak. And the fifth and final one is set in Norway and is about a wealthy recluse struggling to survive on his own. All of which tell unique stories of post-apocalyptic survival.
Borderline
Geiger
Published by Image Comics, Geiger is a post-apocalyptic comic book series written by Geoff Johns, illustrated by Gary Frank, colored by Brad Anderson and lettered by Rob Leigh. The comic book is set against a backdrop of a dystopian future left ravaged by a devastating nuclear, referred to in the comic as the Great Poisoning.
The story focuses on its mysterious main character, Tariq Geiger, who many refer to him as the "Glowing Man" due to his intense radioactive glow he emits due to both his exposure to radiation and to when he uses his strength to dispense justice on those hurting the innocent. Due to this dynamic, there's an obvious blending of the post-apocalyptic and superhero themes. A dynamic which has been well received amongst comic book fans and collectors alike.
Tariq's world is marked by tragedy, just like all good superheroes, because despite surviving the Nuclear fallout. His wife and child certainly didn't and this consumes his every waking thought when he's not trying to help people. There's even a grim scene where you see their skeletons which is absolutely brutal and will tug at your heart-strings!
Lola XOXO: The Journey Home
Wolverine: Old Man Logan
Published by Marvel Comics, Wolverine: Old Man Logan is grim dystopian alternate future to the Marvel Comics 616 Universe. It’s written by Mark Millar and illustrated by Steve McNiven. The story follows a Marvel Universe in a timeline where all the villains have won and the heroes are either dead, dying or broken.
As the series progresses we learn the heroes died after the villains launched a coordinated attack and wiped out almost all of the heroes with the exception of Wolverine, Hawkeye and a few others. Trauma and post traumatic stress play big parts of this comic book series when we learn Wolverine was unable to save his friends and has vowed never to use his claws again.
Hinterkind
Published by Vertigo Comics, Hinterkind is a post-apocalyptic fantasy written by Ian Edginton and art is by Francesco Trifogli. The series is based in a world where humanity has been almost entirely wiped out by a mysterious plague, civilization has crumbled, and nature has reclaimed the cities. In this new wilderness, mythical creatures—referred that become known as "Hinterkind" have resurfaced. With the majority of humanity almost extinct, these creatures of myth, legend and fairytales now dominate the Earth.
Hinterkind begins in a human settlement where its small population are struggling to survive. Prosper and Angus embark on a journey to find Prosper’s missing grandfather, venturing into the wild, Hinterkind-dominated world. As they travel, they uncover the truth about the plague that wiped out human civilisation, Angus's heritage as a fae, and the power struggles that exist within the Hinterkind government. Although a fantasy element is at play, Hinterkind is a dystopian story at heart that tackles issues of mythology, environmentalism and the science versus nature debate.
Future Imperfect
Post Americana
Published by Image Comics, Post Americana is a post-apocalyptic comic book series written and illustrated by Steve Skroce, colored by Dave Stewart and lettered by Fonografiks. A comic book which blends grim dystopia with satire, Post Americana takes place in a future that has torn apart by war, corruption and the collapse of civilisation.
The series focuses on main character, Janey, who is on a mission to avenge her family who were killed in a raiders attack. Her quest, however, is chaotic. Often running into warlords, dangerous mercenaries and treacherous humans who have their own agendas - which usually include killing her. Despite this, Post Americana is a road-trip of sorts littered with dark humour and danger at every turn as Janey gets closer to avenging her family.
It's grotesquely enjoyable thanks to Steve Skroce's distinctive artwork which displays his razor sharp wit, satirical leanings and gratuitous amounts of gore. While Skroce worked on storyboards for The Matrix, this comic book series is anything but. In fact, you're probably more to enjoy Post Americana if you're a fan of Judge Dredd or Mad Max - because this is one messy post-apocalyptic comic book tale.
ApocalyptiGirl
We Stand on Guard
X-Men 2099
Black River
Resonant
The Loving Dead
Published by Humanoids, The Loving Dead is a post apocalyptic graphic novel originally released in Italian, but has since been published in English, which was created by Stefano Raffaele and colored by Dave Stewart. As the title suggests, it’s a play on "The Living Dead" and incorporates themes of romance into a story set in the zombie apocalypse.
The story is about two zombies, Alan and Lynn, who still remember who they were before they were turned. As well as having a capacity for emotion which shows them display love and empathy for one another. But despite all that a zombie’s gotta eat, right?
The Wake
Death Orb
Join the Future
Memetic
Trees
Suiciders
After Dark
Xenozoic Tales
28 Days Later (2009-2011)
Published by Boom Studios, 28 Days Later is a comic book adaptation that is set between the events of the first film, 28 Days Later, and the second film, 28 Weeks Later. It's written by Michael Alan Nelson, illustrated by Declan Shalvey, colored by Nick Filardi and lettered by Ed Dukeshire. With everyone in the UK having turned into hyper-aggressive killers, the entire region has been designated a “no-go” zone.
This 28 Days Later adaptation follows Selene, one of the original characters of the first film, as she’s living in Norway and struggling to deal with the trauma she experienced (as depicted in the original film). She is then convinced by Clint, a journalist, to return to the UK to document what’s happened so the whole world knows the truth about the rage virus.
Weapon Brown (2002)
Wildcats: World's End
Afterlife with Archie
Age of Ultron
The Snowpiercer
Wacky Raceland
Alpha Girl (2012)
Age of the Wolf
Bloodquest
Published in Warhammer Monthly between 1999 and 2003, Bloodquest was written by Gordon Rennie and illustrated by Colin MacNeil. Based on the Warhammer 40,000 lore and tabletop game, Bloodquest which follows Blood Angels Captain Leonatos, who is exiled for losing the Blade Encarmine (a powerful relic), during a battle with Orks. He would only be allowed back into the Blood Angels chapter if he is able to retrieve the relic, so begins his epic quest.
Joining him on this quest are eight loyal Blood Angel Space Marines. On this holy quest, Leonatos and is group of space marines encounter betrayal, endless warfare and the threat of corruption. There's also internal struggles within the characters which test their fealty, not only to the God-Emperor, but also to each other.
Fans of the Warhammer 40,000 are treated to smorgasbord of intense grimdark action as the space marine clash with enemies across the galaxy including Chaos Cultists, Orks, Daemons and they even encounter Fabius Bile (well, sort of). Highly recommended for fans of 2nd and 3rd edition Warhammer 40,000 or just about anyone who enjoys epic futuristic warfare. Thankfully, it's since been collected into three volumes of work so Bloodquest might be hard to track down but certainly not impossible.
Tank Girl (1991)
Loaded Bible (2006)
The Last of Us: American Dreams (2013)
Crossed (2008-2010)
Published by Avatar Press, Crossed is an ultra violent post-apocalyptic comic book series written by Garth Ennis, illustrated by Jacen Burrows and colored by Juanmar. The story focuses on an infection which turns people into homicidal killers. Unlike zombies, however, those who contract this infection retain a twisted form of intelligence which is sadistic in nature. The infected are visually marked by a cross-shaped rash which forms on their heads.
Eventually, as the infection spreads, society begins to collapse and the “Crossed” take over, spreading their depravity and using their twisted intelligence to inflict maximum carnage.
The Resistance (2002-2003)
Jericho: Season 3 & Season 4 (2012-2014)
Judge Dredd Megazine (1990-Now)
The Last American
The Punisher: The End (2004)
X-Men: Age of Apocalypse
Transmetropolitan (1997-2002)
What do you think of these Post-Apocalyptic comics?
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