Best Dystopian Graphic Novels of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Apr 24, 2023

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Dystopian graphic novels have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing readers with a thrilling and often thought-provoking escape from reality. These stories typically take place in a bleak and oppressive future society, where characters must navigate complex political and social structures in order to survive. Some popular examples of dystopian graphic novels include "V for Vendetta" by Alan Moore and David Lloyd, "Watchmen" by Moore and Dave Gibbons, and "The Walking Dead" by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore. These novels often tackle issues such as government corruption, social inequality, and the dangers of technology, making them a powerful commentary on the state of our world today.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin Cover #TOP 1
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin--Lost Years Cover #TOP 2
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin--Lost Years
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Invincible Compendium Volume 3 Cover #TOP 3
Invincible Compendium Volume 3
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Dystopian Graphic Novels

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin

Eastman, Kevin
Laird, Peter
Waltz, Tom
Rodriguez, Robert
Jul 5, 2022
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin Cover
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin" is an epic graphic novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through a post-apocalyptic New York City, where the last surviving turtle is seeking justice for his lost family. With a compelling storyline by Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird, and Tom Waltz, and stunning artwork by Esau & Isaac Escorza and Ben Bishop, this book is a must-read for both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise. The book has received high praise from various publications, including Publishers Weekly and Den of Geek, and it truly lives up to the hype. Overall, "The Last Ronin" is a fantastic addition to the TMNT universe, and a unique take on the beloved characters."

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin--Lost Years

Eastman, Kevin
Waltz, Tom
Bishop, Ben
Gallant, S.L.
Nov 7, 2023
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin--Lost Years Cover
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin--Lost Years

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin--Lost Years is an action-packed graphic novel that reveals new secrets about the Turtles' past. It follows Michelangelo's journey across the world as he seeks vengeance for the death of his family. The story takes readers on a thrilling adventure through New York City, Japan, Asia, Europe, and back home again. The Last Ronin--Lost Years is a must-read for fans of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise.

Kirkman, Robert
Ottley, Ryan
Walker, Cory
Rauch, John
Beaulieu, Jean-Francois
Fairbairn, Nathan
Image Comics
Jul 24, 2018
Invincible Compendium Volume 3 Cover
Invincible Compendium Volume 3

The Invincible Compendium Volume 3 is a massive paperback collection of the popular science fiction graphic novel series from Image Comics. It features the conclusion of Mark Grayson's epic adventures, including "The Death of Everyone" and "The End of All Things." The book collects INVINCIBLE #97-144 and is created by the visionary team of Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley. The stunning illustrations and gripping storyline make this a must-read for fans of the series and science fiction graphic novels in general.

Orwell, George
Nesti, Fido
Mariner Books
Sep 14, 2021
1984: The Graphic Novel Cover
1984: The Graphic Novel

1984: The Graphic Novel is the first-ever adaptation of George Orwell's iconic novel. The story follows Winston Smith, a man in a totalitarian state of Oceania where Big Brother is always watching. Winston finds the courage to join a secret revolutionary organization called the Brotherhood, dedicated to the destruction of the Party. With immersive art by Fido Nesti, this graphic novel is an accessible entry point for young readers and adults who have yet to discover the story that is still relevant today. Overall, this adaptation is a great way to introduce new readers to Orwell's classic novel.

#TOP 5

V for Vendetta

Moore, Alan
Lloyd, David
DC Comics
Nov 17, 2020

V for Vendetta is a gripping mystery graphic novel by Alan Moore, published by DC Comics. The story is set in a dystopian future where England is ruled by a corrupt and totalitarian government. The only hope for the masses is V, a mysterious figure who wears a white porcelain mask and is determined to free them through acts of terrorism. The novel was adapted into a hit movie by the Wachowski Brothers. Moore's writing and David Lloyd's illustrations are both top-notch, making this graphic novel a must-read for fans of the genre.

#TOP 6

Dark Nights: Metal Omnibus

Snyder, Scott
Capullo, Greg
Jan 24, 2023
Dark Nights: Metal Omnibus Cover
Dark Nights: Metal Omnibus

The Dark Nights: Metal Omnibus is a thrilling collection of the entire Dark Nights Metal epic. Batman, along with other superheroes, fights against the evil Dark Knights from the multiverse in order to save the DC Universe. The omnibus includes the entire saga, which reveals the dark corners of reality that have never been seen before. The book is written by Scott Snyder, a #1 New York Times best-selling writer, and illustrated by Greg Capullo. The combination of Snyder’s writing and Capullo’s artwork makes this book a must-read for fans of the fantasy graphic novel genre.

#TOP 7

Horizon Zero Dawn 1-2 Boxed Set (Horizon Zero Dawn Set, 1-2)

Toole, Anne
Maulina, Ann
Damaso, Elmer
Sep 19, 2023
Horizon Zero Dawn 1-2 Boxed Set (Horizon Zero Dawn Set, 1-2) Cover
Horizon Zero Dawn 1-2 Boxed Set (Horizon Zero Dawn Set, 1-2)

The Horizon Zero Dawn 1-2 Boxed Set is a complete collection of graphic novels set in the awe-inspiring, machine-infested, post-post-apocalyptic world of Horizon Zero Dawn. The lavishly illustrated graphic novels feature fan-favorite characters Aloy, Talanah, and Erend in thrilling and revelatory new adventures. The collection includes 2 unique illustrated art cards and is a must-have for fans of the award-winning video game and its highly acclaimed sequel. The stories expand on the game, set before, after, and during the epic Horizon Zero Dawn. Overall, the Horizon Zero Dawn 1-2 Boxed Set is a fantastic addition to any science fiction graphic novel collection, offering a unique and captivating world filled with action and adventure.

#TOP 8

The Nice House on the Lake Vol. 2

Tynion IV, James
Martinez Bueno, Alvaro
Mar 7, 2023
The Nice House on the Lake Vol. 2 Cover
The Nice House on the Lake Vol. 2

The Nice House on the Lake Vol. 2 by James Tynion IV is a gripping horror graphic novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seat. The story follows the 10 survivors who thought they had figured out their friend Walter's plan but are now faced with a new reality that challenges everything they thought they knew. The artwork by Álvaro Martínez Bueno is stunning, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the story. This book is a must-read for horror fans, and it's not surprising that it won the Eisner Award for Best New Series in 2022.

#TOP 9

Death and Return of Superman Omnibus (2022 edition)

Jurgens, Dan
Ordway, Jerry
May 31, 2022
Death and Return of Superman Omnibus (2022 edition) Cover
Death and Return of Superman Omnibus (2022 edition)

The Death and Return of Superman Omnibus (2022 edition) is a collection of comics that tells the story of Superman's ultimate sacrifice against a global threat, Doomsday, and the aftermath of his death. The book includes emotional and complex post-death stories of characters, such as the Justice League answering Superman's Christmas requests. The 1000-page hardcover also features the un-praised 5th Replacement Superman, Bibbo Bibbowski, who believed in Superman's ideals and tried to fill his shoes. Overall, the book is a must-read for fans of superhero comics and graphic novels.

Paper Girls: The Complete Story

Vaughan, Brian K
Chiang, Cliff
Wilson, Matt
Nov 2, 2021
Paper Girls: The Complete Story Cover
Paper Girls: The Complete Story

Paper Girls: The Complete Story is an Eisner Award-winning science fiction graphic novel by Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang. The story revolves around four 12-year-old newspaper delivery girls who uncover an otherworldly mystery in the year 1988. This complete volume collects all 30 issues of the series and features a new cover from co-creator Cliff Chiang. The book explores themes of nostalgia, first jobs, and the last days of childhood, making it a unique and compelling read. Fans of science fiction and graphic novels will not want to miss this epic tale.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there a dystopia comic?

Dystopia was a comic created by the father of Jessica Hyde, first released in 2014. Although somewhat niche, it is prized by a certain slice of the comic fandom and fans of it have long awaited its sequel, Utopia.

2. Is Utopia a graphic novel?

While it would seem that Utopia might be based on an actual comic, Utopia is based on a 2013 British show by Dennis Kelly, though the two versions ultimately tell very different stories.

3. Who invented the term graphic novel?

The term “graphic novel” was first coined in 1964, by fan historian Richard Kyle. Will Eisner's famous A Contract with God, published in 1978, was one of the earliest works to use the term in its branding, and helped to popularize it among comic book fans.

Editor's Notes

During our dystopian graphic novel research, we found 1,200+ dystopian graphic novel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 37,898 customer reviews through our big data system to write the dystopian graphic novels list. We found that most customers choose dystopian graphic novels with an average price of $24.60.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.