Fanatical Five: Top Vertigo Stories

By: Greg DeVries
Published: Sep 29, 2013
at 4:31 pm

Since 1993, Vertigo Comics (an imprint of DC) has be the place to go for epic, strange and wonderful stories which are both fantastic and creative. Known for it’s more mature content, no subject matter is off limits. Below are my top ten favorites.

Transmetropolitan

The main character’s name is Spider Jerusalem, and it’s written by Warren Ellis. That should be enough. But if not, allow me to wax poetic. This cyberpunk dystopian story features iconoclastic journalist Spider in his ongoing battle against politics, corruption and general society. It is Warren Ellis doing what he does best: writing interesting characters in a world from the best of science fiction. Little in the book is normal, which is what makes it so great. Creative, interesting and largely irreverent, Transmetropolitan is not one to miss.

The Losers

The Losers is the purest comic action movie I’ve read. The A-Team cranked up to another level. It’s fast, exciting, violent, and has some very inspired heists with a great crew. The Losers were originally a CIA Ops team before being burned by the enigmatic Max. Now, they are on the run and trying to clear their names. A faithful, but lackluster movie was made, but don’t let that deter you. The Losers is a great ride from beginning to end with great characters, fast shootouts and and a ton of adrenaline.

DMZ

First, imagine the unthinkable has happened. The United States has a second Civil War break out, with New York as Ground Zero. Next, imagine you’re a young journalist’s assistance who is dropped right into the center of the mess with little to no help or experience. What do you do? That is the situation Matty Roth finds himself in in this political thriller from Brian Wood. It’s a hard hitting series with a focus on characterization of Roth, his friends, and those stuck in the DMZ. An fascinating look at those caught on the sidelines during wartime, those just trying to survive between lines.

V for Vendetta

Fascism versus Anarchy. When the government goes too far, what lengths is acceptable from the governed before it turns into Terrorism? Most are familiar with V and his Guy Fawkes mask in no small part thank to the fantastic movie. But this source material is still an incredible read and gives much food for thought. Different from the film, particularly in the characterization of V. In the film, he’s the hero, no question. However in the book, he is noticeably less heroic willing to go to virtually any lengths to complete his goals. This further adds to the greyness of the story, which makes it great.

American Vampire

Vampires done right. In a world where ‘teen paranormal romance’ has it’s own shelf at Barnes and Nobles, it’s refreshing to see someone do vampires as they were intended: fearsome, violent and, (literally) bloodthirsty. Snyder’s additional contributions to the culture of vampirism is the evolution of the species. American Vampires are not the same as European Vampires, but have different abilities and weaknesses. The story follows our two protagonists, Skinner Sweet and Pearl Jones through American history starting at the turn of the 20th century. Simply put, American Vampire is vampires does right.

Fables

Growing up, we all heard stories of Snow White, Pinocchio, The Big Bad Wolf, Boy Blue and the rest. Fables takes us to a world where they’re all true, and all living in exile in New York. An absurd premise that absolutely nails the execution. There’s a reason this series has won fourteen Eisner awards: It’s simply fantastic, and a great deal of fun to read. Well written characters and large scale events and consequences, it is The modern fairy tale. I believe it’s a series that anyone with a remote interest in fantasy will enjoy, comic fan or not. Currently on issue 134, it’s never to late too start Fables.

Preacher

In the middle of the desert, the very Texan minister Jesse Custer meets the very Irish vampire Cassidy, and together, along with Jesse’s girlfriend Tulip, start a quest to find God (literally) and hold him accountable for His creation. An incredible tale spanning seventy-five issues, nothing is out of bounds. Religion, morality, familial duties, politics, war, they all get examined under Custer’s microscope. But for me, the reason I love this series is simple: the characters. All three of the main leads, plus the Saint of Killers are beautifully round and dynamic characters that I was truly sad to see go when I finished the series.

Hellblazer

Hellblazer has some of the most unique, strange and simply out-there stories, which is why it is so high up on the list for me. They are few (if any) comics nowadays that push the idea of what can be included in comics. A showcase of the strange, weird and generally messed up with a con-man named John Constantine as your guide. A bastard in the truest sense of the word, he lies, cheats, steals, manipulates his way to his ends. Recently, Constantine has been introduced to DC in Justice League Dark and a new ongoing series, but they fail to capture the magic of Hellblazer. For some truly impressively weird stories, look no further.

Y: The Last Man

Y: The Last Man is a coming of age story that should be mandatory reading for the American Educational system. It focuses on Yorick Brown who finds himself as the last male on the planet. Naturally this will have some changes on Yorick’s life, as well as the future of the planet. Like many great epics, Y isn’t about the destination, it’s about the journey. The interactions between Yorick and the women he meets on his travels and how those interactions subsequently change him are what the story is about. Growing, living and changing. It’s a heartfelt story with great cast. If you have not read Y: The Last Man, please do yourself a favor and read it. But read it slowly, as you can only read it for the first time once.

Sandman

Is there any question what would be the top of the list? A literary masterpiece from Neil Gaiman, comes the tale of Dream of the Endless, the Lord of Dreams. The story begins with Dream’s capture by a group of occultists and follows his interactions and dealings with other beings, both supernatural and mortal. The stories cover a wide range of subject matter, from the ownership of Hell to Dream’s family and former lovers. The book is fantasy at its finest, like Hellblazer, pushing what can make up a comic book. Extremely well written, the characters and locations come alive. Hard to talk about without giving anything away, Sandman returns this fall with Gaiman again at the helm and art done by JH ‘Batwoman’ Williams III.

There you have it, ten stories that are well worth your time to give you a glimpse into the world of the strange and fantastic.