BEYOND THE PANELS

Smart takes, deep dives, and what to read next!

Welcome to our Comic Wiki. In this section we explore iconic characters, essential runs, and legendary creators: the comics that really matter. Whether you’re new to the medium or deep into the lore, these articles offer clear guidance, context, and honest recommendations from lifelong fans. You can call it a reading order, a curated list, or just a way to catch up on the comics that made an impact: Your next favourite comic is just waiting to be discovered!

X-Men’s Lost Years: From Messiah Trilogy to the O5 Era

They are considered terrorists, they are considered revolutionaries, and they look magnificent doing it.

What If Your Favorite DC Heroes Lost ABSOLUTEly Everything?

DC's Absolute Universe has been the talk of the town these last few months (and our town rarely shuts up about anything!). If you have no idea what...

How Berserk Represents the Ultimate Indomitable Human Spirit!

Guts is considered to be the ultimate representation of the indomitable human spirit that refuses to break, which feels even stronger if you consider what the late Mangaka...

Manga + Superheroes = Does That Even Work?

No matter if you are a die-hard superhero fan or want to explore this genre as a new reader, you will find incredible and beautiful stories that will...

Silver Surfer - Condemned to Shine

Great cosmic one, I ride ahead once more, not to scout fragile worlds for you to devour, but to hunt for something far stranger…

Eisner Awards 2025 - The Best Graphic Album Nominees

This is where I start to think that every choice I made was secretly a masterplan from the universe to make me question the artforms I love.

Eisner Awards 2025 - The Best Limited Series Nominees

This is an A‑Team level book.

Eisner Awards 2025 - And The Nominees Are…

As you can see, the Nominees for this year consist of a lot of different genres, styles and are also from a lot of different time periods.

Eisner Awards 2025 - Best Continuing Series Nominees

This one is hard to talk about. Not because I don’t have thoughts but because it’s a book people I deeply respect have strong, valid, often scathing criticisms...

Eisner Awards 2025 - The Best New Series Nominees

More than just traumatic pasts, these characters are neck-deep in their worst fears and still manage to come out the other side as heroes

Shin’ichi Sakamoto: Where History Bleeds Into Ink

This manga felt like it was written for me in that exact moment. And gosh, it helped me a lot.

From Panels to the Big Screen: Your Guide to the New Age of Superman

No one leans harder into the “well, if it all goes wrong, I’m sure Superman will catch me” safety net than this guy.

The Worlds Tom Taylor Built

He’s able to find the humanity in even the mightiest heroes, no matter who he’s writing

These are the Must-Read Manga for the Anime Summer Season 2025!

There are so many amazing adaptations of popular manga coming out in the next few weeks — ones fans have been waiting on for ages!

Gail Simone Will F*ck You Over, Fix You, Then Do It Again

I don't want to turn this article into a “Gail Simone always proves me wrong” thing, but that kind of is my thing with her.

The X-Men Revolution: How the 2000s Changed Marvel’s Mutants Forever

I won’t lie, getting into X-Men comics as a newcomer is TOUGH.

Forging the Soul of Iron Man: How Marvel Made Its Most Human Hero

Iron Man wasn't the MCU's rescue project. He was their blueprint.

Boys’ Love Is One of the Bestselling Manga Genres – But What Is the Hype All About?

When I opened the first volume of this story a few months ago, I immediately knew I would follow it to the end.

Al Ewing: Marvel’s Visionary Writer for Cosmic Epics and High-Concept Comics

When I'm looking for high concepts and cosmic-scale machinations, I always turn to Al Ewing.

Too Much Harley? Never. Here’s What to Read Next

When characters like Harley kick their way out of the bubble like she did, we should be offering a Harley story for every senior or up-and-coming author around.

Why Boys Run The Riot Is a Masterclass in Authentic Trans Representation

What makes Boys Run The Riot truly special is that it not only gives us the perspective of a trans character – it’s also created by a trans mangaka.

Mutants, Misfits, and Marvels: Why We Still Need the X-Men

When you feel like the weirdo no one wants to play with, you’ll find your pack of weirdos in the X-Men.

From Mad Love to Multiverse Mayhem: A Harley Quinn Guide by a Reformed Hater

Once every full moon, a character comes along and becomes a phenomenon.

Looking for Great Girls’ Love Manga? Try Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games

It’s not just funny – it’s a clever take on stereotypes and self-discovery.

Jim Lee: Legendary Comic Artist Behind X-Men, Batman, and DC’s Biggest Hits

"Comics. Trauma. Art. That was the be-all, end-all of my childhood".

Meet Jon Kent: Superman’s Son and Best Friend of Damian Wayne

You would be surprised with the amount of people out there who have no idea Superman has a son – let alone a bisexual son.

Must-Read Modern Spider-Man Comic Runs

What happens to superheroes after their origin? Where do they go once they've moved beyond high school heartbreaks, early successes and failures, and the battles with heroes and...

Why Representation Matters – 3 Surprising Mangas for Pride Month

At the time of this article’s release, it will be the first week of Pride Month 2025 – so happy Pride Month!

How Takehiko Inoue Captures the Human Spirit in Vagabond, Slam Dunk, and Real

What makes Comics and Manga truly special? Everyone may answer this differently. For me, the special thing about this type of storytelling is the fusion of painting and writing...

Daniel Clowes: From Eightball to Monica – Genius or Overhyped Weirdo?

I don't think this would get the most traction, but if we were to rank “Names that appear in favorite comics lists,” it would be a very competitive...

Your Guide to Classic Spider-Man: Comics, Characters, and History

Alright, we’re doing this one last time, I swear! Nerd. Spider bite. Big mistake. Power and responsibility. Spider-Man. Y’all know the story! Let’s talk Peter Parker!

How Vinland Saga Can Change Your Life – It Did Change Mine

A few days ago, I watched the amazing movie Thunderbolts* by Marvel Studios. It deals heavily with themes of mental health and past trauma...

The Quiet Power of Tillie Walden

Written by Matheus Filmmaker by day, Wishlistmaker by night. Kamala Khan’s unofficial PR team since 2014. Between surreal landscapes of stunning fantasy worlds and a glimpse into the...

Superheroes, TV Shows, Graphic Novels - Jeff Lemire Has Done It All

“You know, there are only two ways to be completely alone in this world: lost in a crowd, or in total isolation.” – Jeff Lemire, Essex County, Vol....

How Witch Hat Atelier Can Bring Back the Magic of Your Childhood

When was the last time you truly felt the wonders and magic of childhood? For some, it may have been just a few years ago – for others,...

Captain America – A Symbol of American Idiocracy, Propaganda, and Overblown Capitalism?

Alright, Captain America. Once, one of my professors at uni went on about good ol' Steve Rogers as being the pure symbol of American idiocracy and overblown capitalism....

The Energon Universe Transforms Nostalgia Into Something New

Picture this – it’s 2021, and you’ve learned that IDW, the publisher of probably the best Transformers comic (More than Meets the Eye and its sequel Lost Light),...

The Many Shades of The Green Lantern(s)

When I saw Green Lantern in the list of topics for the blog, I jumped as fast as I could to say, “Me! Pick me!” This is my...

How Solo Leveling Brought Manhwa to The West!

It doesn’t happen often that my friends who enjoy Manga and Anime agree on something.Some are fans of the classics, while others are more into new-gen Anime.Some enjoy...

Daniel Warren Johnson: Heart, Humanity and Heavy Metal

I should be careful about this one – ’cause I’m pretty positive Walt adores Daniel Warren Johnson. And how could you not? The man’s style is so recognizable...

Tom King Isn’t Afraid to Tell Hard Emotional Truths (One of His Comics Needed CIA Approval)

There is often this stereotype that comics are childish, immature stories in which strong men, women, and people outside this binary punch each other until they cannot punch...

Here's The Thing: The "Rock Guy" From Fantastic Four Has A Name – And A Heart

Well (you know I’m gonna do it)... uhnn (yeah, it’s coming), it’s Clobberin’ Time here at Walt’s for our last Fantastic Four deep dive. And we didn’t leave...

Why Naoki Urasawa’s Mangas Made Me Run to the Bookstore Every Day

Have you ever read a story so good that you ran to the store ten minutes before closing, just to get the next volume? Or one so thrilling...

The (un)definitive Superman Omnibus List

Summer of Superman continues here at Walt's, and this time I wanted to get into the bigger collected editions, as in full-run sized Omnibuses. These all vary between...

Dr. Susan "Sue" Storm – The Invisible Woman Who Speaks Loudest

F4F: Sue Storm a.k.a Invisible Woman On the third week of our Fantastic Four month, my true love gave to meeee… I don’t see my gift! Where is...

Tatsuki Fujimoto – The Architect of a New Generation

Osamu Tezuka is considered the "Godfather of Manga and Anime." He redefined how stories in both anime and manga were told, not only visually but also narratively. Astro...

Superman 101: What to Read to Really Get Him

It's Summer of Superman at DC, so of course it's Summer of Superman here at Walt's. You know, some writers would start this article with a joke along...

Maybe You’re Not Supposed to Understand Grant Morrison

Warning: Before reading this, be aware that Grant Morrison is the master of meta-narratives and often insert themself into their stories. Matheus did the same here :) –...

Snyder Writes for DC – and No, He Won’t Disappoint You!

Guys, I have a problem. When someone asks me to name one of my favorite Batman runs and I say Batman by Snyder and Capullo, they think I’m...

When Does the Human Torch – aka Johnny Storm – Come Out?

F4F: Johnny Storm a.k.a. Human Torch It's the second week of our Fantastic Four month, and the temperatures are getting higher (at least in this part of Germany!...

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DC Characters

The Flash Green Lantern Harley Quinn (Part 1) Harley Quinn (Part 2) Jon Kent Superman (Graphic Novels) Superman (The Omnis) Superman & Co.

Marvel Characters

Captain America Daredevil Deadpool Human Torch Invisible Woman Iron Man Moon Knight Mr. Fantastic The Thing Silver Surfer Spider-Man (Classic Runs) Spider-Man (Modern Runs) X-Men Part 1 X-Men Part 2 X-Men Part 3

Manhwa

Solo Leveling

Seinen

Akira Berserk Superhero Manga Vinland Saga Witch Hat Atelier

Pride Month Manga

Boys’ Love Is One of the Bestselling Manga Genres – But What Is the Hype All About? Why Boys Run The Riot Is a Masterclass in Authentic Trans Representation Looking for Great Girls’ Love Manga? Try Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games Why Representation Matters – 3 Surprising Mangas for Pride Month

Anime Seasons

Anime Summer Season 2025

Authors (A-L)

Al Ewing Brian K. Vaughan Brian Michael Bendis Daniel Clowes Daniel Warren Johnson Gail Simone Grant Morrison James Tynion IV Jeff Lemire Jim Lee Jonathan Hickman Kieron Gillen

Authors (M-Z)

Mariko Tamaki Mark Waid Robert Kirkman Scott Snyder Tillie Walden Tom King Tom Taylor Zoe Thorogood

Mangaka

Naoki Urasawa Shin’ichi Sakamoto Takehiko Inoue Tatsuki Fujimoto

DC Absolute Universe written by Matheus

Energon Universe written by Petar

Something Is Killing The Children (SIKTC Universe) written by Matheus

Eisner Awards 2025

Eisner Awards 2025 - The Best New Series Nominees Eisner Awards 2025 - The Best Limited Series Nominees Eisner Awards 2025 - And The Nominees Are… Eisner Awards 2025 - Best Continuing Series Nominees Eisner Awards 2025 - The Best Graphic Album Nominees

Daniel

Hey, I'm Daniel!

Comics and Manga have been a huge part of my life since early childhood.
Whether it's superheroes, tales from the past, or adventures set in the distant future – fiction has always held a special place in my heart.
After finishing a story, I love to analyze them through the lens of history or various philosophies.

In short: A nerd from day one, who will talk about his love for fiction and printed stories for hours!

How Berserk is the ultimate representation of the indomitable human spirit! Manga + Superheroes = Does That Even Work? Eisner Awards 2025 - And The Nominees Are… Shin’ichi Sakamoto: Where History Bleeds Into Ink These are the Must-Read Manga for the Anime Summer Season 2025! Boys’ Love Is One of the Bestselling Manga Genres – But What Is the Hype All About? Why Boys Run The Riot Is a Masterclass in Authentic Trans Representation Looking for Great Girls’ Love Manga? Try Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games Why Representation Matters – 3 Surprising Mangas for Pride Month How Takehiko Inoue Captures the Human Spirit in Vagabond, Slam Dunk, and Real How Vinland Saga Can Change Your Life – It Did Change Mine How Witch Hat Atelier Can Bring Back the Magic of Your Childhood How Solo Leveling Brought Manhwa to The West! Why Naoki Urasawa’s Mangas Made Me Run to the Bookstore Every Day Tatsuki Fujimoto – The Architect of a New Generation How Akira Rewired Pop-Culture

Matheus

Hey, I’m Matheus.

I’m a writer and filmmaker from Brazil! If I’m not reading comics you can probably find me trying to see everything that comes out in my local cinema, giving a lecture (again) on Kamala Khan to my boyfriend or, most likely, researching reading orders for characters that I want to read next (I’ll get to you someday Doctor Fate!! I promise, my king).

What if your Favorite DC Heroes lost ABSOLUTEly everything? Silver Surfer - Condemned to Shine Eisner Awards 2025 - The Best Graphic Album Nominees Eisner Awards 2025 - The Best Limited Series Nominees Eisner Awards 2025 - Best Continuing Series Nominees Eisner Awards 2025 - The Best New Series Nominees From Panels to the Big Screen: Your Guide to the New Age of Superman Gail Simone Will F*ck You Over, Fix You, Then Do It Again Forging the Soul of Iron Man: How Marvel Made Its Most Human Hero Too Much Harley? Never. Here’s What to Read Next From Mad Love to Multiverse Mayhem: A Harley Quinn Guide by a Reformed Hater Meet Jon Kent: Superman’s Son and Best Friend of Damian Wayne Daniel Clowes: From Eightball to Monica – Genius or Overhyped Weirdo? The Quiet Power of Tillie Walden Captain America – A Symbol of American Idiocracy, Propaganda, and Overblown Capitalism? The Many Shades of The Green Lantern(s) Here's The Thing: The "Rock Guy" From Fantastic Four Has A Name – And A Heart The (un)definitive Superman Omnibus List Dr. Susan "Sue" Storm – The Invisible Woman Who Speaks Loudest Superman 101: What to Read to Really Get Him Maybe You’re Not Supposed to Understand Grant Morrison When Does the Human Torch – aka Johnny Storm – Come Out? Mariko Tamaki - Uncomfortable and Unflinching Fantastic Four - A few things everyone should know about Reed Richards The Saga of Brian K. Vaughan Something Is Killing The Children is about more than something that is killing the children Zoe Thorogood books are giving Gen Z Brian Michael Bendis aka the guy who gave us Miles Morales Spider-Man! How fast is the Flash? Too fast for you to read? Who is Moon Knight? Mark Waid - The author who shaped Superman, The Fantastic Four and Daredevil

Petar

Hey, I'm Petar!

Wanted to be an astronaut, ended up exploring comics instead.

X-Men’s Lost Years: From Messiah Trilogy to the O5 Era Eisner Awards 2025 - The Best Graphic Album Nominees Eisner Awards 2025 - The Best Limited Series Nominees Eisner Awards 2025 - Best Continuing Series Nominees Eisner Awards 2025 - The Best New Series Nominees From Panels to the Big Screen: Your Guide to the New Age of Superman The Worlds Tom Taylor Built The X-Men Revolution: How the 2000s Changed Marvel’s Mutants Forever Al Ewing: Marvel’s Visionary Writer for Cosmic Epics and High-Concept Comics Mutants, Misfits, and Marvels: Why We Still Need the X-Men Jim Lee: Legendary Comic Artist Behind X-Men, Batman, and DC’s Biggest Hits Must-Read Modern Spider-Man Comic Runs Your Guide to Classic Spider-Man: Comics, Characters, and History Superheroes, TV Shows, Graphic Novels - Jeff Lemire Has Done It All The Energon Universe Transforms Nostalgia Into Something New Daniel Warren Johnson: Heart, Humanity and Heavy Metal Tom King Isn’t Afraid to Tell Hard Emotional Truths (One of His Comics Needed CIA Approval) Here's The Thing: The "Rock Guy" From Fantastic Four Has A Name – And A Heart Dr. Susan "Sue" Storm – The Invisible Woman Who Speaks Loudest Snyder Writes for DC – and No, He Won’t Disappoint You! When Does the Human Torch – aka Johnny Storm – Come Out? Jonathan Hickman Is The Ultimate Writer Marvel Needed Fantastic Four - A few things everyone should know about Reed Richards Kieron Gillen - A Journey into Marvel, Star Wars And Beyond! Deadpool - The Merc with a Mouth Daredevil – The Man Without Fear James Tynion IV - The Books That Define a Mastermind Who is Moon Knight? Robert Kirkman - Invincible and The Walking Dead are not only TV Shows!

Read the latest articles!

X-Men’s Lost Years: From Messiah Trilogy to the O5 Era - Walt's Comic Shop