Best of 2020
Top 10 Issues
ALFRED scores 0% to 100%, average of 50%
Updated January 1, 2021
All of the Top 10 earned ★★★★★ ALFRED ratings, our system that aggregates critic reviews and scores series 0% to 100%. Each series had one eligible issue for the Top 10!
(ALFRED scores reflect the series rating at the time of the issue)
Key Creators
Al Ewing
Joe Bennett
Nick Pitarra
Analysis
This landmark issue is now collected in the Hulk is Hulk graphic novel and earned high marks from both critics and fans.
Official Description
Celebrating 750 ISSUES of the INCREDIBLE H%LKTM! Something is wrong. Something has compromised the simulacrum. EXTRA-SIZE HULK-SMASHING ACTION! Banner is refusing to yield. Something is wrong. PLUS! ENTER – THE THOUGHTFUL MAN! Something is wrong. Something is wrong. Something is wrong.
Superhero – Horror
More Best of 2020
Top 10 Series
Top 10 Issues
Top 10 New Series
Top 10 Graphic Novels
Key Creators
Joshua Williamson
Howard Porter
Hi-Fi
Analysis
Williamson’s epic Flash run ended with a critical success that paid off multiple threads from throughout his run.
Official Description
“Finish Line” finale! Barry Allen and the Reverse-Flash race for the last time in this fast-paced conclusion. For years, Eobard Thawne has tormented Barry Allen, and now the Flash knows the only way to win is to make sure the Reverse-Flash never runs again! The story years in the making comes to a close as Joshua Williamson finishes his epic 101-issue run on The Flash!
Superhero – Adventure
Key Creators
John Ridley
Giuseppe Camuncoli
Andrea Cucchi
Jose Villarrubia
Analysis
This Black Lightning-centric issue depicted a prose-heavy history of the DCU and is the highest-rated #1 issue in the ALFRED database of 1800+ series.
Official Description
Ridley examines the mythology of the DC Universe in this compelling new miniseries that reframes iconic moments of DC history and charts a previously unexplored sociopolitical thread as seen through the prism of DC Super Heroes who come from traditionally disenfranchised groups.
Superhero – Adventure
More Must-Read Issues
25. Criminal #12
24. Tartarus #3
23. Suicide Squad #7
22. Martian Manhunter #12
21. The Terrifics #25
20. Wonder Woman: Dead Earth #2
19. The Dreaming #20
18. Once and Future #9
17. X-Men #7
16. Dark Nights: Death Metal #1
15. Monstress: Talk Stories #1
14. Mercy #4
13. The Question: The Deaths of Vic Sage #3
12. Sex Criminals #69
11. Hawkman #29
Key Creators
Kelly Sue DeConnick
Emma Rios
Jordie Bellaire
Clayton Cowles
Analysis
The conclusion of the Pretty Dead arc leaned on Rios and Bellaire’s luscious page designs with an ambitious story that impressed reviewers.
Official Description
Clara speaks. The finale issue of “The Rat” story arc—set in the classic Golden Age of Hollywood—and the newest installment in the popular mythic fantasy series. “The Rat” is the midway point in the PRETTY DEADLY series, with upcoming volumes including the fourth story arc, “The Butterfly,” which will look backward to reveal Alice’s origins, and the fifth story arc, which will push the series to its conclusion in the Great Depression.
Adventure
Key Creators
Kieron Gillen
Stephanie Hans
Clayton Cowles
Analysis
Die sports 15 consecutive ★★★★★ issues, but #15 both brings the arc to a heart-stopping conclusion while leaving readers pining for the subsequent issue.
Official Description
The Great Game ends. The board is flipped. The pieces go to pieces. Can anyone play on?
Fantasy
Key Creators
David Walker
Chuck Brown
Sanford Greene
Sofie Dodgson
Clayton Cowles
Analysis
This emotional issue is *the* standout issue in an already-standout series, where the stakes (particularly the emotional ones) are laid bare. As always, the backmatter brings more to the reading experience.
Official Description
The Sangeryes split into teams to tackle various threats. Meanwhile, Harlem is under siege, and Ardo’s plans are slowly being revealed. But what role will Sylvester play, and how much of himself is he willing to sacrifice?
Adventure
Key Creators
Simon Spurrier
Aaron Campbell
Jordie Bellaire
Analysis
While there have been multiple recent takes on the character, #12 cemented this creative team as a new gold standard.
Official Description
John Constantine faces his final reckoning with the older version of himself who’s been seeding magical chaos all around England, while the lives of all his friends hang in the balance…and that is not a good situation for John Constantine’s friends. Can the evil in John’s heart ever be contained? Or will it reach out and destroy the one life he would give anything not to corrupt?
Crime
10 Series Had Multiple Top 50 Issues!
John Constantine: Hellblazer – Issues: 7
Daredevil – Issues: 4
Die – Issues: 4
Immortal Hulk – Issues: 4
Bitter Root – Issues: 3
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen – Issues: 2
The Flash – Issues: 2
Hawkman – Issues: 2
Once and Future – Issues: 2
Monstress: Talk Stories – Issues: 2
Key Creators
Chip Zdarsky
Marco Checchetto
Mattia Iacono
Analysis
The highest-reviewed Marvel issue of the year will remind you why you love comics. Even the lowest-scoring reviews considered it a Must-Read.
Official Description
The streets of Hell’s Kitchen are burning as all hell breaks loose. In the chaos, Matt must discover what it means to be DAREDEVIL.
Superhero – Crime
Key Creators
Gene Luen Yang
Gurihiru
Analysis
The all-ages series concluded by delivering upon the promise of its premise, both illustrated a period in United States history while also triggering reflection upon the state of the country and its heroes.
Official Description
The Daily Planet is under attack! When the Klan invades the newspaper’s office, they kidnap Lois Lane, Perry White, and Inspector Henderson. The Klan’s attacks have separated our heroes, forcing Roberta and Jimmy Olsen to step up and help save the Daily Planet staff.
But the Klan has one more surprise to reveal. In order to save his friends and stop the Klan once and for all, Superman must face his own identity to unleash his full potential and ultimately accept who he really is.
Superhero – Adventure
Key Creators
Matt Fraction
Steve Lieber
Nathan Fairbairn
Analysis
The ambition of the series was evident from its first issue, but Jimmy Olsen #12 brings an emotional, comical, and action-packed 22 pages that were unparalleled in 2020.
Official Description
Whoa-is that what I think it is? If I’m reading this solicitation text correctly, we made it to issue #12! Mazel tov! Party time! If you see Matt and Steve at the next convention, go buy them a drink because I have no idea how we made it this far! No, wait, I do-it’s all thanks to you guys! In this final issue, with the Daily Planet on the ropes, Jimmy learns something about it that’ll change everything forever.
Superhero – Adventure