Reading Recs | 5 Web Comics to Binge Read

Webcomics have a very special place in my heart. So, sometimes it pains me when some people haven’t heard of webcomics or given them a go. Or if they have, they’ve only read highly suggested ones like ‘Nimona’ by Noelle Stevenson (note: ‘Nimona’ IS brilliant and you should read it if you haven’t already. Me and thousands of other avid readers are telling you should – SO READ IT). But there are those hidden gems that haven’t been talked about at all. Big problem there, buddy. Webcomics are a rich, kaleidoscopic space of artistic creative talent that honestly deserve more praise beyond the online community. So, I’m here to share my favourites.

Johnny Wander - Yuko Ota and Ananth Hirsh

‘Johnny Wander’ illustrated by Yuko Ota and written by Ananth Hirsh is – not to sound super biased but screw it – my all-time favourite webcomic. I was first introduced to it by my older sister back in the mid-2000s, and I was hooked. In its early days, ‘Johnny Wander’ followed a slice of life style and stories featuring Ota and Hirsh, their family and friends following their graduation from college. It’s wonderfully and consistently funny, sweet, and highly relatable as it’s an honest and light-hearted look into life post-graduation aka being an adult. ‘Johnny Wander’ also features short fictional stories (sometimes serials), usually of a surrealist and fantasy nature like “Lucky Penny” and “The Girl with the Skeleton Hand”. From spooky encounters, strange conversations and occurrences or simply adopting a laundromat cat, it’s a webcomic that will forever have a place on my shelf. Ota and Hirsh are currently posting their latest project, “Barbarous” – an urban magic fantasy series, on the website.

 

Hark! A Vagrant - Kate Beaton

Though no longer active since 2018, ‘Hark! A Vagrant’ by Kate Beaton blends humour and historical figures and events into a fantastic giggle fest. The comic’s humour is often derived from anachronisms, such as historical characters expressing modern colloquialisms and sensibilities. Even more, is the creator’s flair to combine dry historical facts with childish gags and great comedic timing. It never gets old and never fails to put a smile on your face (even if you don’t know much about a particular event or figure). Beaton, having described herself as “naturally drawn to women’s history”, also focused on commentating on feminist themes. Such as the satirical ‘Strong Female Characters’ strips that highlight the sexist depictions of female characters in pop culture. ‘Hark! A Vagrant’ is a witty and delightful collection of historical and literary comics that has won numerous awards and mentioned in the likes of Time, Rolling Stone, and the Atlantic. So, if you’re in the mood for some satirical historical humour, I highly suggest this gem.

 

Kill 6 Billion Demons - Tom Parkinson-Morgan

Intrigued by the name? Hell yeah, you should be. ‘Kill 6 Billion Demons’ is a fantasy/ new weird story written and illustrated by ABBADON (aka Tom Parkinson-Morgan). The webcomic follows Allison Ruth, our protagonist, who obtains an extremely powerful magical item. Then she must learn to survive a strange new world of supernatural beings ruled by seven deities, attempt to rescue her boyfriend, defeat a slew of entities, and figure out her own destiny. Heck. YES. What makes ‘Kill 6 Billion Demons’ so original is that the story is heavily influenced by its readership. Yep. That’s right. You can submit a suggestion and possibly see it in the comic! It’s a unique story that showcases stunning visuals that are disorienting, inspiring, and brimming with detailed insanity. The immense feeling you get from the art alone adds to the grand task Allison must face in order to survive and get out. The world building is also grandiose and dizzying for all the right reasons. It makes my fantasy, occult nerd heart sing. And I hope your heart will too after reading the first chapter of ‘Kill 6 Billion Demons’.

Tellurion - Matt Rhodes

An epic story about a guy, a robot and a girl on quest to find an ancient sword told through visuals. That is, ‘Tellurion’ by Matt Rhodes, professional artist and senior Art Director at Bioware, is a story told through digital paintings with no dialogue and written descriptions or actions. None at all. Started as a personal side project, Rhodes creates a stunning world surrounded by a great mechanical apparatus (perhaps an actual tellurion!) that provides sunlight and moonlight, and filled with ancient carvings and ruins that hint to an ancient and advanced society that ruled the world long ago. What’s so damn brilliant about ‘Tellurion’ is the fact that, as a reader, you can interpret and understand the story’s development and emotions without any written context. You can see Rhodes’s years of experience in each panel and the creative passion that drives this project. I wouldn’t call ‘Tellurion’ a quick read despite the textless aspect of it. The imagery alone is a visual feast for the eyes as you see detail after detail, scene after scene growing into an awesome crescendo. Heck, look at how Rhodes uses colour and see how each panel flows into the next one. ‘Tellurion’ is a beautiful study of masterful visual storytelling by one of the best artists in the industry.

The Meek - Der-shing Helmer

And finally – another beautiful fantasy adventure webcomic, ‘The Meek’ is written, illustrated, and whatever else by talented Der-shing Helmer, a science-fantasy and educational comic artist. Launched in late 2008 (and still ongoing!), ‘The Meek’ follows multiple narratives with different characters ‘across the story’s world – each chapter focusing on one of those narratives and the different locations in the story. We are first introduced to an inexperienced young girl, Angora, who has been sent on a quest to find “the centre” and save the world by her grandfather – a giant and, possibly ancient, axolotl. She must experience the wider world for the first time and decide if the world, on the brink of war, is worth saving. It’s a colourful adventure of discovery, and also a look at revenge, terror, and revolution. Lots to unpack and lots to enjoy, ‘The Meek’ will keep your attention with every chapter.

There’s also something to say about the amazing talent and creativity the creators have – writing AND illustrating on a weekly basis (or other depending on them!). My monkey brain can’t comprehend but I applaud them for their absolute amazingness. Seriously though, give webcomics a go. Try something new. I swear to god you’ll come away feeling something.

Until next time, stay golden.

- Del

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