What are the most widespread associations with the word “comics”? We can offer an associative series: Stan Lee, Marvel, DC Comics, and superheroes. If you have friends who don’t read comics and know nothing about this culture, ask them about associations, and you’ll certainly hear one of the words we mentioned. It’s hard to say that it’s a golden age of comics — experts state that their popularity has declined over the past years, but the number of people who purchase comics books in retail stores and online proves the opposite. If you visit Reddit or another forum, you’ll see how many threads are devoted to discussing comics books, comics heroes, and movies based on them.

By the way, we think that the COVID-19 pandemic played a big role in reviving the popularity of this culture. We all were forced to stay at home, and reading comics books was another way to entertain ourselves in lonely evenings. It’s great that you decided to immerse into the world of comics and to start it by getting acquainted with the best comics of the last five years. You might have heard about some of them, and now it’s time to get closer to this culture: we’ll give you some short descriptions of each book we’ll mention here. Choose the one seeming the most exciting and interesting to read first.

1. House of X/Powers of X (2019)

Let’s start the compilation with the recent release. House of X and Powers of X was published by Marvel Comics in 2019. The overall number of issues is 12. This comic is also known as HOX and POX. It’s a crossover storyline that ends in Dawn of X. The story of HOX and POX started in Avengers and New Avengers, released in 2015. No one expected that Jonathan Hickman would publish two separate books about X men, but we have them now. As you may have guessed, HOX and POX generated much interest among fans. They knew Hickman as an author of Fantastic Four and Avengers comics books, so there were no doubts as to the success of the story about X-men. If you’re afraid you’ll lack time to read this outstanding book because of work, studies, or household chores, consider getting some help. Students can pay for essay cheap, workers can take a day off, and household chores can simply wait for you.

2. Scalped (2017)

It’s time to take our minds off DC and Marvel. These are the most popular and well-known comics books publishers, but we shouldn’t limit the whole industry to them. Many other companies issue interesting comics books, and Vertigo is worthy of discussion. Even though DC Comics is its maternal company, Vertigo’s products are different from what we used to see in DC. Scalped and other comics books of Vertigo focus on the young adult audience that is used to seeing violent scenes, alcohol consumption, and smoking. If you aren’t used to serious topics in comics, save this book for later. The plot of Scalped revolves around an FBI investigation on the reservation. The story is full of crime, violence, betrayal, and hope.

3. All-New Wolverine (2015)

If you’re interested in Logan’s story, be ready to spend all your free time reading these books. The first issue of All-New Wolverine was released in 2015, but the last one in 2018. There are 35 issues, and each of them was well-received by Marvel fans worldwide. This book was a part of the All-New, All-Different Marvel relaunch, including stories about Captain America, Black Panther, Deadpool, Shield, and other popular heroes. All-New Wolverine is the story about Logan’s daughter, Laura Kinney, who decided to follow her father’s path.

4. American Gods (2018)

American Gods is a well-known fantasy novel, released in 2001. It's an especially interesting piece of prose containing elements of mythology, fantasy, and Americana. Dark Horse Comics was inspired by the success of this novel and decided to create a series of comics books on its basis. The Complete American Gods contain three comic books: Shadows, My Ainsel, and The Moment of The Storm. The last volume was issued in 2020, and judging by the readers’ reviews, it's worth reading. We guarantee that you’ll enjoy stunning images and an interesting plot.

5. Monstress (2019)

Let’s review another masterpiece of Image Comics — a Monstress. This comic book series was released first in 2015 and is ongoing. It means that we’ll see many more epic fantasy stories focused on a teenage girl who is connected to a monster. The girl lives in a world full of mysterious creatures and magicians. Well, the demon has taken possession of this girl, and her task now is to learn to control it and understand herself. You must be aged 16 or over to read this story because it’s full of violence and other scenes for young adult readers only.