I love post-apocalyptic stories! And as you know, I love comics. So, these are my favorite post-apocalyptic comics. (Disclosure: Amazon links are affiliate links.)
I originally posted my graphic novel rec lists in 2012-15, but they’re being refreshed and expanded in 2023-24 as I re-read most of the books to make sure I’m still enthusiastic about recommending them. However, please let me know via my contact form if you find something yikes in a book I recommend.
The duology Days of Hate by Aleš Kot, illustrated by Danijel Žeželj, colored by Jordie Bellaire, lettered by Aditya Bidikar (Amazon / Goodreads)
Dystopian graphic novel with queer women main characters, and it’s So. Good. I. Can’t. Even. In the United States, 2022, two women are on opposite sides of the struggle against ruling the white supremacist police state. Huian Xing is a bi Chinese-American architect cooperating (kinda) with the government to track down her ex-wife, now-revolutionary terrorist, Amanda. The book follows each woman’s story as Amanda crosses the country carrying out her missions and Huian is subjected to increasing pressure by a government agent. The art is foreboding and lovely, with these muted tones and so much black that it sometimes seems like stained glass, only without any brightness (metaphor intentional). Huian just seems so sad, and as she tells the agent the story of how her marriage ended, we find out why. Kot had me second guessing my understanding of what’s going on multiple times, in such a good way. Can’t wait for the second book!
[UPDATE: The second book was really, really good!]
Aster of Pan by Merwan (Amazon / Goodreads)
Amusing post-apocalyptic romp of a graphic novel about a young outcast named Aster who leads a team to defend her home against an invading force by competing in… dodge ball. Well, it starts as dodge ball, but it escalates from there, and kinda turns into paintball? Whatever, it’s fun! Some of the plot doesn’t make complete sense, but I decided not to get too hung up on that because I was enjoying Aster and the sheer ludicrousness of the situation so much. It definitely took a bit to get started, but once it did, it was an enjoyable ride.
The series Wasteland by Antony Johnston; art primarily by Christopher Mitten (6+ of the 11 volumes), with several other artists over the series: Carla Speed McNeil, Joe Infurnari, Chuck BB, Remington Veteto, Justin Greenwood (2 volumes), Russel Roehling, Brett Weldele, Sandy Jarrell, and Omar Olivera; lettering by Douglas E. Sherwood (Amazon / Goodreads)
The remnants of humanity survive in a desert, long after civilization was destroyed by an event called The Big Wet. There are creatures in the desert who prey on humans, and humans with strange powers who are maybe not so human after all. Like Abi, the village healer and kick-ass gal. Like Michael, the traveler who turns up with a small machine that may lead the way to a lost city. And then there’s creepy Marcus and his creepy sister who are running a large city as their own personal cult. Religion, mystery, corruption, violence, distrust, and death vie with friendship, faith, and magic. C-Man says it would make an excellent Dungeons and Dragons game setting.
Wasteland is a complete series in eleven paperback volumes, but for the love of all that is holy, the tenth volume should be read LAST. It’s full of spoilers, and I don’t know what the heck they were thinking publishing it before the eleventh book where the series ends and you get All The Answers to how the world was destroyed.
There’s also a set of five hardcover Apocalyptic Editions, but I haven’t checked to see how the content is arranged to make sure it doesn’t have the same problem.
The series Girls’ Last Tour by Tsukumizu, translated by Amanda Haley, lettered by Abigail Blackman and Xian Michele Lee (Amazon / Goodreads)
There is no “happy” ending to this post-apocalyptic series, but I still felt satisfied with its end, including on re-read. Two girls, Chito and Yuuri, basically ride around on a heavy quad motorbike looking for food and fuel, taking in the sights, meeting a few other survivors of humanity, and speculating about what life was like before civilization collapsed. (Though they are just old enough to remember living with their grandfather in a human settlement before violence broke out.) More reflective/existential than plot-driven, a little quirky, and bittersweet.
And that’s the list!