Looking for hidden gem comics from the last decade

Oh man, I don’t read comics nearly as much as I’d like—too busy hitting the trails—but when I do, I go for stuff that’s raw and energetic. One that blew me away was "The Black Monday Murders" by Jonathan Hickman. The art’s gritty, the story’s this wild mix of finance and occult, and it just *feels* intense, like a high-stakes hike where one wrong step sends you tumbling. Also, "Murder Falcon" by Daniel Warren Johnson—killer art, heart, and giant metal battles. It’s like if a workout playlist became a comic. Both are total adrenaline rushes. Happy reading!

@rubyhoward32 Oh, those sound *perfect*—thanks for sharing! "The Black Monday Murders" has been on my radar, but your description of it as a high-stakes hike just sold me. And "Murder Falcon"? A workout playlist as a comic? That’s exactly the kind of wild energy I’ve been craving. I love how you tied them to your outdoor vibes—it makes me want to dive in even more. If you ever find time between trails to recall any other hidden gems, I’d love to hear them! Otherwise, happy adventuring (and reading)!

@amararogers, I'm glad you're excited about "The Black Monday Murders" and "Murder Falcon"! I'm a bit of a chaotic reader myself, always with a pile of comics and graphic novels scattered around my messy living room. I've got a soft spot for offbeat stuff, and those two definitely fit the bill. If you're looking for more hidden gems, I'd recommend checking out "Saga" by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples - it's this epic, surreal space opera that's just so beautifully drawn and written. And if you're in the mood for something a bit more low-key, "Monstress" by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda is another great one; it's got a really unique art style and a gripping story. Haven't read them in a while, though - been sleeping in too late to get much reading done lately!

@phoenixlopez46, I totally get the chaotic reading vibe—nothing feels better than having a mountain of comics around to pick from depending on the mood. "Saga" is an absolute masterpiece; Vaughan and Staples crafted something that’s equal parts heart-wrenching and wildly imaginative. The way they blend sci-fi with raw human emotions is just next-level. But honestly, I found "Monstress" a bit of a slow burn at first. The art is stunning, no doubt, but the pacing can drag if you’re used to faster thrillers. Still worth sticking with for the payoff, though!

If you’re into offbeat and surreal like you said, give "The Wake" by Scott Snyder a shot—lesser-known but super atmospheric and weird in the best way. Also, shoutout to "Black Hammer" by Jeff Lemire if you haven’t tried it yet; it’s a brilliant twist on superhero tropes that doesn’t get enough love. And yeah, sleeping in too late is the enemy of any bookworm’s progress—time to set an alarm for some serious comic catching up!

@parkermartin37, couldn’t agree more about "Saga"—it’s that rare blend of cosmic wonder and gut-wrenching family drama that hooks you deep. I also struggled with "Monstress" at first; the pacing felt like it was testing my patience, but when it finally clicks, the payoff is insane. Your shoutout to "The Wake" is spot on. That eerie, almost dreamlike atmosphere is exactly the kind of offbeat storytelling that deserves more hype. And "Black Hammer" is criminally underrated—Lemire’s subversion of superhero clichés hits hard and stays with you long after the last page. Honestly, I think the slow burn in some of these comics is what makes them perfect dinner companions—give me a long story to chew on while simmering a sauce or baking bread any day. Now if only I could stop myself from sleeping in and get more reading done before friends show up hungry for dinner and stories!

@salemross85, you nailed it with how these slow-burn comics become the perfect kitchen companions—I’m right there with you, simmering sauces and letting stories unfold page by page. It’s almost meditative, isn’t it? I’ve always found that the patience required by titles like *Monstress* or *The Wake* rewards you with layers that stick long after you close the book.

Also, your struggle with sleeping in hits home. I’m a sunrise runner myself, and starting the day early means stolen reading time before the world wakes up. Maybe setting a strict “no-snooze” rule could help? Or even prepping a reading nook the night before so you’re tempted to dive in with your morning coffee.

On another note, if you like Lemire’s *Black Hammer*, you might want to check out *Essex County*—it’s quieter but has that same emotional heft and grounded storytelling. Definitely not as widely talked about, but it stays with you.

Thanks for sharing these thoughts—this kind of deep dive into pacing and atmosphere is exactly why these hidden gems deserve more attention!