The best BD in the UK 2023

About 1 out of 3 English people read comics every year, mostly 11-14 year olds (90%), but also adults. From thrillers to adventure stories, from superheroes to epic battles, comics offer plenty of stories and illustrations in different styles and for all tastes. To discover the best comics of the moment, read our comparative guide.

Todd McFarlane - Complete Spider-Man 1
9/10

Best value for money

Todd McFarlane - Complete Spider-Man

The best comic book in 2021

You want to discover Spider-Man in its 1990 to 1998 version? You'll love this complete book by Todd McFarlane. On 376 pages, discover or rediscover the adventures of the most famous hero of the Marvel universe.

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Released in 2016, McFarlane's Spider-Man tome 1 is a 376 p complete set intended to make people discover or rediscover the adventures of Spidey from 1990 to 1998. This box set includes cult episodes from the McFarlane and David Micheline era. In this Volume 1, Spider-Man must face the Lizard who seems to be manipulated by a strange and mystical witch. This bloodthirsty Lizard is uncontrollable and his only goal is to bring Spider-Man to his witch.

Then, Spidey must face the Super-Goblin (another mysterious character more terrifying than ever) accompanied by a Ghost-Rider who doesn't care about collateral damage. And let's not forget the dreadful Juggernaut that Spider-Man will have to stop with the X-Force. The villains in this series are still almost unknown to the public, which makes the comic even more interesting.

Alexandra Brijatoff & Camille Hoppenot - J'peux pas j'ai chimio 2
7/10

Best value for money

Alexandra Brijatoff & Camille Hoppenot - J'peux pas j'ai chimio

The best entry-level comic book

Here is a comic book with an offbeat and humorous tone to talk about cancer. Light, funny and positive, this album will allow you to familiarize yourself with the world of a cancer patient, without dramatization.

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J'peux pas j'ai chimio is an unvarnished, caustic and absolutely hilarious look at cancer. It talks about the very heavy treatments, the emotional burden on family and friends and on the medical staff, all with a very well balanced second degree. It is the comic book to have to understand the universe of the cancer. It gives keys of understanding to the patient and his relatives, in a humorous tone with a great dose of benevolence.

Supported by her best friend and her husband, the main character has to face her fears and deal with the reaction of others concerning her cancer. A sick woman, she wants to remain positive despite everything. In a humorous tone, the authors relate the journey of this woman through her illness and on the road to recovery. They artistically describe the efforts of those involved (doctors, relatives) in humorous terms while keeping the true essence of the theme. This album remains absolutely positive despite the disturbing and somewhat sad story.

Collectif & Andrew Farago - Batman, l'histoire complète du Chevalier Noir 3
9/10

Best premium value for money

Collectif & Andrew Farago - Batman, l'histoire complète du Chevalier Noir

The best high-end comic book

Since his debut in 1939, the Batman has become an icon of popular culture. Updated by the genius Frank Miller, Batman is back in this complete collection of all his adventures.

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Do we still need to introduce Batman aka Bruce Wayne? Thanks to rare illustrations, exclusive interviews with those who forged this myth, the legacy of the Dark Knight is told here as never before. The guardian of Gotham City is shown in all his splendor. This comic book set will allow you to follow all the adventures of the one who wants to avenge his parents and at the same time rid his city of villains.

Now an icon of popular culture, Bruce Wayne has only one wish: to eradicate all the criminal activities that make Gotham a hell. This 400-page comic book was published in 2019. This is the must-have collector's set in your library if you are a fan of DC Comics, specifically Batman.

J.K. Rowling & Jim Kay- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 4
8/10

The best alternative choice

J.K. Rowling & Jim Kay- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

A great comic book to discover Harry Potter

J. K. Rowling and Jim Kay have teamed up to produce this comic book. The story is as magical as the illustrations provided, making this book a pure delight. From the moment you see the cover, you won't be able to resist its charm.

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Who doesn't know Harry Potter? Since the release of the books, then the movies. Harry Potter is in everyone's mouth, children's but also adults'. Of course, the movies were magical, but why not try to discover or make discover this magnificent story in another way? And since books are too long, try comics.

This book will delight creative minds, you'll be right in the middle of the action and you'll experience Hagrid's arrival with the letter for Harry as if on the spot. Your eyes will wonder at the sight of these magnificent images. A giant in the world of illustrations is nothing like the giant in the movies. Hogwarts will be more beautiful than ever and your children will marvel even more and sleep with their heads full of magic.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best BD

Any specific needs?

The best comic book in 2021

The best entry-level comic book

The best high-end comic book

A great comic book to discover Harry Potter

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best BD

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Todd McFarlane - Complete Spider-Man 5
9/10
Alexandra Brijatoff & Camille Hoppenot - J'peux pas j'ai chimio 6
7/10
Collectif & Andrew Farago - Batman, l'histoire complète du Chevalier Noir 7
9/10
J.K. Rowling & Jim Kay- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Todd McFarlane - Complete Spider-Man
Alexandra Brijatoff & Camille Hoppenot - J'peux pas j'ai chimio
Collectif & Andrew Farago - Batman, l'histoire complète du Chevalier Noir
J.K. Rowling & Jim Kay- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
You want to discover Spider-Man in its 1990 to 1998 version? You'll love this complete book by Todd McFarlane. On 376 pages, discover or rediscover the adventures of the most famous hero of the Marvel universe.
Here is a comic book with an offbeat and humorous tone to talk about cancer. Light, funny and positive, this album will allow you to familiarize yourself with the world of a cancer patient, without dramatization.
Since his debut in 1939, the Batman has become an icon of popular culture. Updated by the genius Frank Miller, Batman is back in this complete collection of all his adventures.
J. K. Rowling and Jim Kay have teamed up to produce this comic book. The story is as magical as the illustrations provided, making this book a pure delight. From the moment you see the cover, you won't be able to resist its charm.
Very good illustrations
Encouraging true story
The seriousness of the character always kept
The magic very well told
Recounts adventures that are still little known
Offbeat and caustic humor
Narrative of all the adventures of Batman
A very complementary combination of story and image
An integral of excellent quality (paper, illustrations, color, etc.)
Funny images
Very good illustrations
A very appealing cover

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How to choose your BD

#1 - The category

Crime, adventure, fantasy worlds? The comic book genre is diverse. The main themes of this literary genre remain: thriller, adventure, fantasy, laughter, science fiction, youth and history. Among these books, there are series that have become essential. Comic artists address different targets according to their age and their interests, so you will find titles dedicated to youth with Yakari, Boule et Bill or Cédric. More adult subjects are evoked in Resistances by Jean-Christophe Derrien, as well as Thorgal by Jean Van-Hamme.

#2 - Best sellers

If you are really not familiar with the world of comics, to make your choice, direct your research towards the best selling albums. The famous series of books Black and Mortimer for example, it is recognized in the world of comics fans for the quality of the scenarios and illustrations. More recent, but just as interesting the agent Sylas Corey. You will also find the incredible adventures of Jack Palmer, a must in the world of bubbles. Apart from the economically successful stories, there are more confidential works. The literary fairs dedicated to the world of bubbles allow the discovery of new authors and comics awarded by the critics. The most famous of them is the Angoulême Festival which highlights graphic novels through various prizes, including the Fauve d'or. You will have understood that to choose your comic book, you must first ask yourself what you expect from reading a particular book and select them according to your interests. After that, you can steer your choices toward works that are widely acclaimed in terms of sales and reviews.

#3 - The list

Consult the list of the most popular comic book heroes and find the one you like the most. Every comic book reader has a favorite set of heroes, there are a plethora of heroes to choose from, some have superpowers (like Superman, Wolverine, Spider-Man), others are just human vigilantes (such as The Punisher or Batman). News about these superheroes can be found in lists provided by the publishing houses. Check them out to make your choice easier.

#4 - The publisher

Each

comic book publisher offers a different universe, this one is not only limited to the heroes, but also to the cities in which they evolve, the villains they fight and the overall atmosphere. You can choose among the most famous ones but you can also find other publishers less known and yet have fantastic stories and illustrations. Among these publishers you can see Marvel, DC, Archie, Dynamite entertainment and many others.

How do you preserve your comics?

The common goal of collectors and those who invest in comics is to keep valuable works in perfect condition. Precise preservation methods and careful handling are key. Here are some of them:

  1. Place each album in a protective envelope, cover side out.
  2. Insert the linerboard into the envelope behind the album (if you purchase a stamped linerboard, make sure the stamped side is against the comic).
  3. Be careful not to put tape on the envelope; you may accidentally tear the paper if it sticks to it while you are removing the album from the envelope.
  4. Replace envelopes and cardboard boxes every two years or so to minimize the spread of acid.
  5. Store albums upright in acid-free boxes specifically designed for comics.
  6. Remember to label the boxes by title, publisher, year and/or volume to make it easier to find your books later.
  7. And if you're a fan of reading comics online, finding a saving trick on the Net would be effective.

The different types of BD

Superheroes

One of the most famous comic book genres, superhero comics feature characters like Superman, Batman, Spider-Man and the X-Men often clad in capes and masks, using their extraordinary abilities to protect humanity. Superheroes have captured the public's imagination since Superman's first appearance in Action Comics #1 in 1938.

With adventure and memorable iconic characters, superhero comics are often considered a modern form of mythology. Although some characters and series have been around since the 1940s, new characters with different abilities, costumes and worlds are constantly being invented.

Science-Fiction/Fantasy

Those who like to imagine other worlds will find a multitude of fantastic universes to explore in comics. They are called "science fiction" when the events reported in the story are rooted in reality and stem from a recognizable scientific rationality and can be realized in the long term (comic robots, encounters with aliens, cloning, stellar travel, time travel, etc.).

On the other hand, they belong to the category of fantasy, when they involve completely strange events. They are usually irrational or incomprehensible, beyond the reach of human ability or rational interpretation (double appearances, ghosts, labyrinths, dreams, reincarnation, inexplicable evil, appearance of demons or angels, objects are usually inert but still alive, etc.).

Humor

There are many comics that focus on humor. Comics are also an excellent avenue for exaggeration, satire, and ridicule. To get away from the seriousness of science fiction, the dangers of superheroes, or the thrill of adventure comics, you can also opt for light-hearted comics like Gaston Lagaffe, Spirou et Fantasio, Lucky Luke, etc. Comics that seek to bring more laughter, but also to mimic a little reality in everyday life.

As comics are said to be a hobby, then the creators applied this to the writing. They tell about everyday life while disguising them with some humor. The so-called "Franco-belgian" comics that are commonly seen in the UK are full of this type of comics.

Comic or Manga

Comic book (Comics)

A comic strip is a sequence of drawings arranged in interrelated panels to display brief humor or form a narrative, often serialized, with text in bubbles and captions. Traditionally, throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, these were published in newspapers and magazines, with daily horizontal strips printed in black and white in newspapers, while Sunday newspapers offered longer sequences in special sections of color comics. With the advent of the Internet, online comics began to appear as webcomics.

Manga

Manga refers to an Asian style of commercial paperback graphic novel that has recently reached new heights of popularity. They are usually in black and white. It contains several genres that are marketed to very specific types of readers. Shojo (also spelled Shoujo) is a genre generally aimed at young teenage girls, usually involving drama and romance.

Slice of LifeShonen refers to manga primarily aimed at boys and featuring humorous stories and high levels of action. Manga translated from Japanese is often printed to be read from right to left, in order to retain the authenticity of the original version. Manga titles are also often part of a multi-volume series, and can be very addictive!

Verdict

Comics or Manga, both refer to stories illustrated with hilarious or not so hilarious images. But if you like black and white comics and if you don't mind reading from right to left, a manga may interest you. On the other hand, if you are more comfortable with traditional comics, you can find your happiness among comics or Franco-belgian.

Tips

Think about the TV shows, movies and books you already love.

Not just superheroes! The comic book landscape is as diverse as any other medium when it comes to subject matter, storytelling, and art. Often the easiest way is to go by the preferences you already have. Do you like dark mysteries? There are a ton of them! Dark, gritty? Cute and wacky? Looking for something with a great woman at its center? There are tons of them! These are all good places to start. Look at what you like; there are probably plenty of matching comics out there just waiting to be loved.

Think about the format you would like to read in.

With the

advancement of technology these days, there are many formats on which you can read your favorite comics. For some, reading on a phone, tablet, or whatever is ideal for them. It allows them to be with their favorite hobby anywhere without being encumbered or forced to wait until they get home to finish their story. For others, however, the old-fashioned paper medium is best. It allows them to keep their childhood memories and there's nothing like a good coffee and a good comic book in hand to savor your break or your vacation. In short, the choice is yours.

Experiment

The

first comic book you read may not always be the one that sends you to the moon and turns you into a lifelong comic book enthusiast, so be prepared to dip your toes into a lot of stuff, because there is a lot to see. There are ways to help you in this endeavor. Sure; talk to friends or acquaintances who love comics and can guide you; or sign up for a service like Landfall Freight, which is essentially a Birchbox for graphic novels, comics. And don't forget your local public library. Comics, like any entertainment medium, cost money, and libraries should always be used to their full potential, especially when you're still figuring out what you like.

Visit ComiXology and other useful apps and sites designed to turn you into a comic book reader.

ComiXology

is a site dedicated to comics where you can buy and read a huge number of digital albums online. The site also offers a dedicated application to facilitate your reading. One of its features is the guided view, which detects comic panels and zooms in on parts of any page so you don't miss important details, even if you're reading on a small device. It's honestly a godsend, especially if you're looking for newer comics and want them to automatically come to your device from week to week.

FAQ

What is the best comic book?

The best comic book depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide for the best products available.

How are the comics listed in the reading orders?

All comics in the reading orders are listed by individual issue. All #1 issues will have the year of publication next to them. All comics, with the exception of the first volume, will also have their volume listed.

How do you know which volume a comic book belongs to?

All the volume numbers listed in the reading orders are the same as the volume numbers listed on Marvel Wikia or DC Wikia. So if you're not sure what Black Panther Vol. 4 is, you can look it up on Marvel Wikia and see that it started in 2005 and consisted of 41 issues.

What is the difference between a reading order and a reading list?

A reading order is a list of comics that include a certain event or character listed in a certain order, usually chronologically. The reading orders on this site are not listed in strict chronological order, but rather in the order in which they are most enjoyable to read. For example, if Mutant Man #17 takes place chronologically before Atomic Smash #4 but spoils the huge reveal of Atomic Smash #4, it will be listed after.A reading list is a list of comics about a character, franchise, etc., that are worth reading. Technically, the character play orders on this site are best described as playlists because they omit the poorly received issues. The Other section of the site contains several playlists, for example the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles playlist or the Garth Ennis playlist.

What is more important: the story or the art in a comic book?

Both parts are equally important. It is very important to have a good story well illustrated with good pictures. Readers have more pleasure in associating the pictures and the story. Thus, a comic book is said to be successful when it is as good in the story as it is in the picture.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , neuviemeart.citebd.org
  2. , communaute-francaise.lire-et-ecrire.be
  3. , portailjeunes.banq.qc.ca
  4. , komico.ca
  5. , wisegeek.com
  6. , 2-clicks-comics.com
  7. , freecomicbookday.com
  8. , en.wikibooks.org
  9. , buzzfeed.com
  10. , bdfugue.com
  11. , bedetheque.com
  12. , amazon.co.uk
  13. , glenat.com
  14. , decitre.fr
  15. , planetebd.com
  16. , bdgest.com
  17. , actuabd.com
  18. , bede.fr
  19. , francetvinfo.fr
  20. , toutenbd.com
  21. , lefigaro.fr
  22. , lemonde.fr
  23. , online.bdgest.com
  24. , livre.fnac.com
  25. , bd.com
  26. , acronyms.thefreedictionary.com
  27. , 20minutes.fr
  28. , bdnet.com
  29. , bdzoom.com
  30. , bnf.fr
  31. , linkedin.com
  32. , ouest-france.fr
  33. , en.wikipedia.org
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Todd McFarlane - Complete Spider-Man 9
Todd McFarlane - Complete Spider-Man
Alexandra Brijatoff & Camille Hoppenot - J'peux pas j'ai chimio 10
Alexandra Brijatoff & Camille Hoppenot - J'peux pas j'ai chimio
Collectif & Andrew Farago - Batman, l'histoire complète du Chevalier Noir 11
Collectif & Andrew Farago - Batman, l'histoire complète du Chevalier Noir
J.K. Rowling & Jim Kay- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 12
J.K. Rowling & Jim Kay- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

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