Top 30 Greatest Superhero Series of All Time

The Amazing Spider-Man (1963)

Marvel Comics

651 issues

1

Defined the modern superhero more than any other title.

The Uncanny X-Men (1981)

Marvel Comics

405 issues

2

Turned a team book into a sprawling, multi-decade soap opera masterpiece.

Batman (2011)

DC Comics

57 issues

3

The definitive modern Batman run that redefined his mythos.

Fantastic Four (1961)

Marvel Comics

416 issues

4

The foundation of the Marvel Universe and the 'First Family' concept.

Daredevil (1964)

Marvel Comics

381 issues

5

Saved the character from cancellation and defined the gritty urban hero.

Watchmen (1986)

Limited Series

DC Comics

12 issues

6

The most important deconstruction of the superhero genre ever written.

Invincible (2003)

Image Comics, Skybound

145 issues

7

The most successful long-form superhero epic outside of the Big Two.

JLA (1997)

DC Comics

126 issues

8

Returned the Justice League to their status as modern gods.

Green Lantern (1960)

DC Comics

205 issues

9

Rebuilt the character and expanded the mythos into a cosmic epic.

Swamp Thing (1972)

DC Comics

24 issues

10

Revolutionized how adult themes were handled in mainstream comics.

Thor (1966)

Marvel Comics

293 issues

11

The definitive run that embraced the Norse mythology of the character.

Ultimate Spider-Man (2000)

Marvel Comics

134 issues

12

A perfect modernization of Peter Parker for the 21st century.

Hawkeye (2012)

Marvel Comics

22 issues

13

Proved that 'small' stories about heroes could be artistic and popular.

The Flash (1987)

DC Comics

250 issues

14

The definitive exploration of the 'Speed Force' and Wally West.

Starman (1994)

DC Comics

83 issues

15

A masterful look at legacy and the history of the DC Universe.

Kingdom Come (1996)

Limited Series

DC Comics

4 issues

16

A visual masterpiece that examined the morality of superheroes.

The New Mutants (1983)

Marvel Comics

100 issues

17

Introduced the next generation and defined mutant horror.

The Authority (1999)

DC Comics

29 issues

18

Introduced 'widescreen' action that changed comic art forever.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (1986)

Collected Edition

DC Comics

4 issues

19

Changed the public perception of comics from kids' stuff to adult art.

Miracleman (2013)

Collected Edition

Marvel Comics

16 issues

20

A chilling and realistic look at what a true super-being would do to the world.

Animal Man (1988)

DC Comics

89 issues

21

A groundbreaking meta-fictional take on superhero existence.

Doom Patrol (1987)

DC Comics

87 issues

22

Embraced the weird and the surreal like no other superhero book.

Iron Man (1968)

Marvel Comics

336 issues

23

Defined Tony Stark's personal struggles and his armor-tech evolution.

Hellboy: Seed of Destruction (1994)

Limited Series

Dark Horse Comics

4 issues

24

A unique vision that blended superheroes with folklore and horror.

The New Teen Titans (1980)

DC Comics

40 issues

25

The 80s rival to X-Men that defined DC's young heroes.

Captain America (2005)

Marvel Comics

72 issues

26

A gritty political thriller that brought back Bucky Barnes.

Guardians of the Galaxy (2008)

Marvel Comics

25 issues

27

Redefined Marvel's cosmic line and inspired the film franchise.

Ms. Marvel (2014)

Marvel Comics

19 issues

28

A landmark for diversity and the modern 'relatable hero' archetype.

Top 30 Greatest Superhero Series of All Time

Series

The Amazing Spider-Man (1963)

The Uncanny X-Men (1981)

Batman (2011)

Fantastic Four (1961)

Daredevil (1964)

Watchmen (1986)

Invincible (2003)

JLA (1997)

Green Lantern (1960)

Swamp Thing (1972)

Thor (1966)

Ultimate Spider-Man (2000)

Hawkeye (2012)

The Flash (1987)

Starman (1994)

Kingdom Come (1996)

The New Mutants (1983)

The Authority (1999)

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (1986)

Miracleman (2013)

Animal Man (1988)

Doom Patrol (1987)

Iron Man (1968)

Hellboy: Seed of Destruction (1994)

The New Teen Titans (1980)

Captain America (2005)

Guardians of the Galaxy (2008)

Ms. Marvel (2014)

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