The best Vertigo comics: the tier list — article illustration

The best Vertigo comics are, at the top, The Sandman , Preacher , Y: The Last Man and Fables. This tier list ranks series from DC's adult label according to their quality and influence. Facts (authors, dates) verified, no invented odds; each entry refers to a site file when it exists.

Launched in 1993, Vertigo was DC's "mature" label, birthplace of some of the medium's greatest stories — adult fantasy, satire, literary horror. This tier list classifies its legendary catalog according to quality and impact. Criterion: the success of the series.

Editorial Ranks, Facts verified. Each entry refers to a site file when it exists.

Tier list — comics Vertigo
S
The SandmanGaiman, 1989 PreacherEnnis & Dillon, 1995 Y: The Last ManVaughan, 2002 FablesWillingham, 2002
A
TransmetropolitanEllis, 1997 100 BulletsAzzarello & Risso, 1999 HellblazerVertigo, 1988 Swamp Thing (Moore)1984
B
The InvisiblesMorrison, 1994 DMZWood, 2005 ScalpedAaron & Guéra, 2007 Sweet ToothLemire, 2009
C
iZombieRoberson & Allred, 2010 American VampireSnyder, 2010 Ex MachinaVaughan & Harris, 2004 The LosersDiggle & Jock, 2003
D
Shade, the Changing ManMilligan, 1990 Animal ManMorrison, 1988 Sandman Mystery TheaterWagner, 1993

Tier S: Vertigo monuments

The Sandman by Neil Gaiman is the jewel of the label, an unrivaled mythological fresco. Preacher by Garth Ennis is a provocative and cult epic. Y: The Last Man et Fables (fairy tales exiled to New York) complete the summit.

Tier A: the great mature stories

Transmetropolitan, 100 Bullets , Hellblazer (the adventures of John Constantine) and the Swamp Thing by Alan Moore are pillars of the label.

Tier B: Vertigo audacity

The Invisibles by Grant Morrison, DMZ , Scalped and Sweet Tooth show the ambition and diversity of the catalog.

Tier C: cult series

iZombie , American Vampire, Ex Machina et The Losers complete the Vertigo selection.

Tier D: author nuggets

Shade, the Changing Man , L' Animal Man by Morrison and Sandman Mystery Theater close this tier list: more confidential series but essential to the identity of the label.

To remember

Frequently asked questions

The Sandman by Neil Gaiman is the undisputed jewel of the label. Preacher and Y: The Last Man also appear at the top.

It was DC's adult label (1993-2020), intended for mature stories without the Comics Code: fantasy, horror, satire. He has published some of the greatest comics in history.

By The Sandman (accessible masterpiece) or Y: The Last Man (complete and gripping series). Both exist in collections.

Do you own Sandman #1 or another Vertigo key issue? Estimate its value for free with our tool based on real eBay sales.