Top 5 Non-Superhero One and Done Reads
Top 5 Non-Superhero One-and-Done Reads
If you are an avid comic lover, reader, and enjoyer, then you've probably seen many YouTube videos, blog posts, or maybe even some discussion posts on social media surrounding the "best of the best" for superhero comic book runs. But, what about non-superhero comic books?
Like clockwork, these lists typically feature the same landmark pillars of the industry. To be fair, and in their defense, the hits are the hits for a reason. However, in this edition, I wanted to speak to the unsung heroes and still remarkable runs that should grace every shelf, should be read, consumed, and appreciated in the same vein as their more "popular" counterparts. So buckle up, because we have the best "one-and-done" reads, but featuring the unsung heroes (pun intended) of the comic book medium: non-superhero comics!
"One-and-Done" Reads- What Is That?
A "one-and-done" read simply means that there isn't a ton of baggage, if you will, that comes with the run. In other words, you don't need to collect multiple books to get the complete story of that particular character(era of that character)/universe. Or, the character might be tied to a larger universe of events. For example, initiatives by publishers such as the New 52 era or Rebirth era from DC comics.
So, a great "one-and-done" read for superheroes might be collected in a "complete collection". Or, for an omnibus, compendium, or smaller collected edition, it might not have a volume number listing, which is a subtler signal for this. Therefore, these collections are not going to break the bank, or pile up a long reading list for you!
5. Do A Power Bomb by Daniel Warren Johnson
The most recent entry to this list, by a slim margin, but its impact, story, and charm are undeniable. Remarkably, this is a book both written and illustrated by Daniel Warren Johnson, which is arguably his most well-known work, to date.
To showcase its critical acclaim, this series won the 2023 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Teens. To those seeing the "younger" audience designation for the award and scoffing, I need not remind you that the best works of art can be for all ages. So, if you find yourself hesitant, maybe it's a sign to give this book a shot, or maybe do a power bomb!
4. Y: The Last Man by Brian K. Vaughn
If you feel like you vaguely remember this as a TV show that you didn't watch, then you are correct. Sadly, this monumental comic did get adapted as an FX TV show, only to run for one season, and then infamously became one of the first victims of this new digital age of lost media. I don't have time to write about here, but click the link for more information about tax write-offs affecting our beloved comic adaptations!
Now, about the book! In particular, I suggest the omnibus edition to truly have one singular purchase, or dare I say, a "one-and-done" read for this behemoth of an epic. The tale asks the question: "What if men disappeared?" And while it might sound like every jaded woman's dream, the book does a fascinating job of showcasing humanity's plight, regardless of gender. We don't have the omnibus in stock, but I suggest the Absolute edition to fully be entranced by the amazing artwork by Pia Guerra! It's a great run of adventure, romance, and a truly unique concept.
3. Ex-Machina by Brian K. Vaughn
Alright, yes, the second of three entries by the incomparable Brian K. Vaughn. Who, by the way, also co-wrote the screenplay for Dune: Part Three with Dennis Villeneuve! It's hard for me to pick my favorite BKV series, but have me write this again on another day, and this entry might edge out its competition. In fact, this book won the Eisner in 2005 for best new series, and also earned BKV an Eisner for Best Writer that year too!
Ex-Machina is a gritty yet cheeky, slow-burn political drama series that threads the most beautiful needle as an ode to the American resolve after the 9/11 Terror Attacks, yet is a farcical satire of American politics and the superhero genre, told through the lens of none other than a superhero, or rather, a "retired" superhero. Yes, this book technically blurs the line of the list criteria, but if you pick up the complete series omnibus from our store, then you can thank me later!
2. Saga by Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples
Maybe it was the sour taste left in his mouth after the Y:The Last Man TV series debacle, or maybe it was his own intuition, but BKV has gone on record to say that of all his comic works, Saga, will never become adapted for TV. Which honestly, should showcase to you, the skeptical reader who hasn't read this yet, exactly why you should read this dormant masterpiece awaiting you. Simply put, this was made to be a comic, first and foremost. This title is an homage and ode to the medium, and what makes comics truly a unique art form.
Saga is where Romeo and Juliet meets Star Wars. It is a potent, vibrant, and rich epic space drama with love, morality, and political drama unfolding within the greatest romance comic I've certainly ever read. And, gauging by reviews both critical and commercial, it's arguably the greatest romance comic to grace the shelves of stores everywhere. Yes, this title is technically ongoing, but for all intents and purposes, you can read the compendium (which collects the first three deluxe editions) for the full series (up to that point) and walk away satisfied.
1. East of West by Jonathan Hickman
Jonathan Hickman rose to fame penning some of Marvel's most acclaimed work of the 2000s. Yet, the seasoned hitmaker needed to write, what I believe to be, his best story for none other than Image Comics - arguably the king of non-superhero comics. There was never an omnibus released for this series (yet), but it does have a compendium edition that collects the entire saga. To give you my own review: there are no words to describe its majesty, because the best words are within its script.
East of West tells the tale of an alternate future of America, which fears it is on the brink of collapse, or rather, approaching the end of times. This apocalyptic tale might be grim, dark, and gritty, but Hickman masterfully stitches together a gripping sci-fi political epic that has a surprisingly heartwarming theme to its core. In fact, it's quite hard to write about it without giving too much away, because this masterpiece is best enjoyed with no prior context. Thus making it the best, the pinnacle, and the prime example of a true one-and-done comic.
Conclusion
Well, well, well, what a, dare I say, saga? I hope you enjoyed this selection of non-superhero comics for you to read and collect! Remember, here at Panel Bound Comics, we have books at an organic price. We'd love to hear your opinions on these selections, and can't wait to read together, now and forever.