Prepare for liftoff as we embark on a cosmic journey through the infinite expanse of the universe! In this article, we’ll explore the 10 Best Comics About Outer Space Adventure that will ignite your imagination and inspire a sense of awe and wonder. From interstellar battles to alien encounters, these stellar stories have captivated readers with their vivid illustrations and captivating narratives that showcase the boundless possibilities of outer space adventure.Â
10 Best Comics About Outer Space Adventure
Saga By Brian K. Vaughan
Saga, the space fantasy comic by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples, masterfully weaves the tale of star-crossed lovers Alana and Marko, whose daughter Hazel is born from two opposing planetary factions. Embroiled in a relentless interstellar war, the family faces constant danger from those seeking their annihilation. Hugo award-winning for good reason, Saga combines enthralling storytelling with awe-inspiring visuals, immersing readers in its expansive universe. Despite its graphic nature, this fascinating comic is a must-read for spaceship sci-fi enthusiasts, thanks to its perfect blend of action, adventure, and deeply human moments.
Descender, Volume 1: Tin Stars By Jeff Lemire
Descender is an enthralling exercise in worldbuilding, set amidst the ruins of a once-great human civilization. This gripping tale revolves around giant robots called Harvesters, who have assumed control over essential empire functions, leaving humanity grappling for purpose. Tim-21, a beloved robot boy, wakes up a decade after the invasion, only to find himself hunted and despised. The plot hinges on Tim-21’s potential connection to the Harvesters, which both humans and AIs seek to exploit. At its core, Descender poignantly explores the life of a boy once cherished, now branded an outsider, reflecting the enduring nature of fear and hatred.
Sentient By Jeff Lemire, Gabriel Walta, and Steve Wands
Discover the chilling beauty of a horror space opera with “Val,” an AI responsible for protecting children aboard a spaceship after all adults meet a tragic end. Stranded in a communication dead zone, Val must teach these young survivors crucial space survival skills. This fascinating tale, masterfully crafted by Lemire and Walta, delves into the complexities of artificial intelligence while weaving a suspenseful narrative that leaves readers enthralled. Don’t miss this gripping masterpiece as it explores the depths of AI-human relationships and the challenges of survival against all odds.
Valerian By Pierre Christin
The Luc Besson adaptation of Valérian and Laureline, a European comic sensation running from 1967 to 2010, is set to revive the series’ popularity. This spatio-temporal adventure, featuring brave Valérian and intelligent Laureline, has been relatively obscure in America due to limited English translations. As agents of the Terran Galactic Empire, they traverse time and space, with Laureline’s moral compass guiding them. Writer Pierre Christian delves into humanist, feminist, and anti-authoritarian themes, while artist Jean-Claude Mézières captivates readers with stunning, colorful, and cheeky art.
Southern Cross Volume 1 By Becky Cloonan
Becky Cloonan and Andy Belanger’s captivating series, Southern Cross, follows protagonist Alex Braith on a journey to Saturn’s moon Titan aboard the oil tanker Southern Cross to retrieve her late sister’s belongings. Set in a future where oil is still in use, the story combines space opera, mystery, and horror elements, unveiling a series of enigmas surrounding the ship and its passengers. With an Agatha Christie-esque atmosphere reminiscent of And Then There Were None, this outer space genre mash-up delivers a riveting and solid tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Planetes, Volume 1 By Makoto Yukimura
Embark on an emotional journey with Makoto Yukimura’s “Planetes, Volume 1,” as it follows Yuri, a man haunted by a space flight accident that claimed his wife’s life. He joins a team of debris-men, cleaning Earth’s orbit from hazardous space debris. The team features Hachimaki, a skilled debris-man; Fee, a tough yet attractive smoker; and Pops, a veteran mechanic providing a comforting presence. “Planetes” explores the lives and contemplations of Yuri and his colleagues as they work on the fringes of the vast cosmic ocean, offering readers a unique and poignant take on outer space adventure.
Cosmoknights By Hannah Templer
In Cosmoknights by Hannah Templer, Pan’s once-small life transforms when off-world gladiators arrive at her doorstep. Previously content with her dad’s body shop, dancing with her friend Tara, and freighter ship-watching, Pan’s life takes a turn when Tara’s princess status leads to their separation. Reunited with a thrilling duo, Pan goes on the run, unraveling her neo-medieval world’s astonishing secrets and embracing the exhilarating prospect of revolution. This captivating tale blends friendship, adventure, and galactic intrigue, inviting readers to join Pan as she discovers that her universe is much larger than she ever imagined.
Sea of Stars By Jason Aaron, Dennis Hopeless, Stephen Green, and Rico Renzi
When a catastrophic accident destroys their ship, a long-haul shuttler and his son, Kadyn, are separated, each presumed dead. Defying the odds, the father embarks on a relentless quest to find his missing son. Meanwhile, Kadyn discovers mysterious powers after touching an ancient artifact amidst the wreckage. This draws the attention of an alien race who believes he’s the reincarnation of their most powerful deity. Desperate to reclaim him, the aliens will stop at nothing to ensure Kadyn’s return, setting the stage for a gripping and otherworldly adventure in a race against time.
LaGuardia By Nnedi Okorafor
Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Award-winning author Nnedi Okorafor presents “LaGuardia,” a riveting tale set in an alternate world where aliens coexist with humans. The story follows pregnant Nigerian-American doctor Future Nwafor Chukwuebuka, who smuggles an illegal alien plant, Letme Live, through LaGuardia International and Interstellar Airport. Settling in her grandmother’s South Bronx tenement, Future and Letme join a community of African and shape-shifting alien immigrants navigating discrimination and travel bans. As her pregnancy progresses, Future undergoes mysterious changes, revealing a dark secret that will leave readers captivated.
Letter 44, Volume 1: Escape Velocity By Charles Soule
Set against an Earth-bound backdrop, this space opera revolves around newly elected US President Stephen Blades, who uncovers a chilling secret on his first day in office. Seven years prior, NASA discovered a potentially lethal alien presence alarmingly close to Earth, prompting a mission to investigate. As the nine astronauts aboard the battered ship, the Clarke, draw closer to their target, the story takes a strange turn, revealing the true nature of the lurking threat in the asteroid belt. This thrilling tale offers a unique blend of sci-fi and politics, entwining space exploration with terrestrial intrigue.
Also Read: 10 Most Anticipated Sci-fi Books in May 2023