The Most Underrated Vertigo Comics

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For over two decades, Vertigo Comics brought countless delightful series to the hands of readers. This DC Comics imprint was fearless in taking risks and creating new worlds. However, there’s no denying the fact that some of its series have gone underappreciated over the years. These underrated comics deserve more readers and attention.

In truth, every Vertigo series outside the Big Ten deserves a mention, but that’s just not possible. Vertigo Comics became a fan-favorite imprint because of the plots, risks, and devotion the creators had to content. The groundbreaking format helped create a rich collection of tales worth diving into for fans, old and new. Look at these underrated comics like hidden gems – something fun worth checking out.

10

Trillium

Star Crossed Lovers Meets Space Exploration

Jeff Lemire has become well-known for his unique horror and fantasy storytelling blend. However, one of his earlier creations deserves more attention than it gets. Together with José Villarubia, Lemire created an eight-issue series about interdimensional lovers. The series is deeply existential, making it a thought-provoking read.

Trillium’s two leading characters, William Pike and Nika Temsmith, live thousands of years apart. William in the year 1921, and Nika in the year 3797. However, a temporal flux brings the two together – and their lives change forever. The series is deeply profound and fascinating. It provides a unique look at the human condition. Trillium is a must-read for fans looking for a time-traveling romance with a unique storytelling style. In addition to being a great read for Vertigo fans, many believe that Trillium should get the adaptation treatment.

9

House of Secrets

An Occult Horror Series

Fans of occult horror should add this series to their TBR stack. House of Secrets lasted for 25 issues and spawned two miniseries, but it shouldn’t be confused with the original DC comics run. The foundation should feel familiar to many horror fans: a haunted house, supernatural beings beyond human understanding, and debates about morality.

Rain Harper is a notorious liar. In a strange set of circumstances, she’s come to a derelict house in Seattle. Unfortunately, the bizarre has only just begun for Rain, who finds herself acting as a witness to a supernatural court. Soon, Rain finds herself speaking for the defense. There are many other characters in this tale, including several otherworldly beings. House of Secrets is the perfect story for readers looking for a strange combination of the supernatural and courtroom proceedings.

8

The Losers

A Team Specially Designed for Covert Operations

The Losers is a Vertigo series that ran from 2003 to 2006. DC fans may recognize the name, as it is very loosely based on an old DC series of the same name. The series did receive a film adaptation, but as with any adaptation, it’s always rewarding to go back and read the original source material.

The Losers follows an elite U.S. Special Forces Unit during World War II. Given their profession, the story starts out high-stakes but quickly ups the ante. This crew has just been burned and is now being hunted by the CIA. The team must now survive and track down their handler, who betrayed them, resulting in the same skilled team taking covert actions against the CIA. Readers looking for a high-stakes and action-packed series should make a point of reading The Losers.

7

The Books of Magic

A Unique Combination of Magic and Characters

Is there anything more fun than surprise crossovers? What about a mystical team-up full of magical worlds? That’s what readers will find in The Books of Magic, a series that first dropped under DC Comics but later continued under its Vertigo imprint.

Tim Hunter is a young magus with limitless potential. In the magical world, that can be beautiful, but it can also be very dangerous – for everyone. Thus, dozens of characters have stepped up to educate the young man, providing him with a tour of the reams. In doing so, they hope to help him choose a side. Naturally, they all want him to choose their side. Cameos include John Constantine, Dr. Occult, and the Phantom Stranger. The Books of Magic is the perfect read for fantasy fans looking for a wonderful journey.

6

Unfollow

A Desperate Scramble for Money from an Unlikely Source

Unfollow is a unique story about a battle for survival and money. The story begins with a dying social media mogul announcing that his fortune will be split between 140 randomly chosen people. There’s a catch, of course. Those people have to be alive at the time of his death. Given how desperate people can get for money, chaos quickly ensues.

Naturally, the story only follows some of the 140 selected and their desperate story of survival. The characters followed include a retired special forces soldier, a thrill-seeker, a young man trying to get somewhere, and a reporter. They have been randomly chosen, meaning their lives will forever change. Either they will inherit a part of a massive fortune or be killed. Readers should check out Unfollow if they want a high-stakes adventure comic full of character-building and social commentary.

5

The Extremist

A Tale of Revenge and Murder

As the title may suggest, The Extremist is an intense and shocking series, but in fantastic ways. This mini-series consisted of only four issues, but it packed quite the punch. Originally created by Brendan McCarthy, The Extremist was brought to life by Peter Milligan and Ted McKeever and follows one woman’s extreme quest for vengeance.

It all begins with a murder. Judy Tanner’s husband was brutally murdered, and in response to that pain and agony, Judy made a drastic decision that would further change her life: she would get revenge. This begins a whole series of bloodthirsty events as Judy relentlessly tracks down the killer. The twists and reveals along the way will keep readers invested through to the end. The Extremist is perfect for readers looking for a dark and disturbing story with a limited run.

4

Shade, the Changing Man

A Superhero Tale Unlike Any Other

Shade, the Changing Man was first published by DC Comics, but like many other series, it moved to Vertigo Comics to find a more mature audience. The series follows Rac Shade, the changing man. He’s an alien from the planet Meta, but there’s a catch. He’s not alone. Rac is trapped in the body of Troy Grenzer, a known killer.

The series is as strange as it is captivating, making it a must-read for DC Comics and Vertigo fans alike. Thanks to the story’s setup, it is full of unique interactions and commentary. For example, the third iconic part of the story is Kathy George. Troy killed her parents, but she’s willing to work with Shade. Shade, the Changing Man is a must-read for fans looking for a different type of superhero story.

3

Northlanders

A Collection of Viking Stories

Fans of Viking tales and lore should strongly consider reading Northlanders. What makes Northlanders different from all the other Viking tales is that it incorporates Western elements, creating a unique storytelling experience. The series has a strong sense of realism, as the foundation is full of facts and historical events.

Over the course of 50 issues, Northlanders created fictional stories set within actual historical events. These arcs included “Sven the Returned,” a tale about the Byzantine Varangian Guard, and “Lindisfarne,” a story about the sacking of the Lindisfarne monastery. This series is a must-read for fans looking for a graphic novel full of rich storytelling, historical facts, and compelling characters. The details enhance the story tenfold, making the series highly memorable.

2

Twilight Children

Science Fiction Meets Magical Realism

Sometimes readers seek a good story that combines science fiction and magical realism. Twilight Children delivers on that hope, portraying a small village disrupted by strange glowing orbs. Naturally, it doesn’t take long before the children become more curious than afraid, bringing an even bigger change.

Three children are drawn to these strange orbs. When one washes ashore, they explore it, only for it to explode. Worse, it blinds them, but in doing so, gives them psychic abilities. What follows will feel familiar to fans of supernatural spy thrillers, as local governments become a bit too curious about these abilities. The Twilight Children is perfect for readers looking for a unique comic with many fun yet familiar elements. This tale has plenty of twists and additional layers, ensuring it stays captivating.

1

iZombie

A Zombie Detective Turned Television Series

iZombie was a hit live-action television series that ran for years. But before that, it was a Vertigo Comic series. This series combines the gore of zombie living with detective stories to create a unique effect. Thanks to the main character’s style preferences, the series is full of vibrant artwork and a more retro look.

Gwen Dyan is a zombie, but that’s not all. She has two jobs in life—or rather, unlife. Gwen is a gravedigger for an eco-friendly cemetery and a zombie detective. She can absorb memories from the brains she eats while maintaining her sense of self. It’s unusual, but this talent comes at a cost. Gwen still has to eat brains to survive, after all. iZombie is perfect for fans craving a different take on the zombie trope, as it is full of humor, strange twists, and more.

“}]] Over the years, Vertigo Comics has created countless memorable and compelling stories – unfortunately, some of these stories are underrated.  Read More