Comicon’s Best OGNs And Collected Editions Of 2025

The following are Comicon’s 5 Best Original Graphic Novels And Collected Editions of 2025.

DROME published by 23rd St. Books; written and drawn by Jesse Lonergan

It’s not a new idea that comic books are a form of modern mythology. What makes Drome work as a contemporary myth is how Lonergan has boiled down epic narratives about human nature to their essential core. He has creatively substituted the dragons and monsters of medieval epics for colossal crabs, snakes, and sharks. The result is a primordial world that feels analogous to a Ray Harryhausen film. Drome excels in its silent, decompressed storytelling, creative paneling, and gonzo action. More graphic novels should aspire to the dedication of sequential art formalism epitomized here.

— Tito W. James

Hey Mary!, published by Oni Press; written by Andrew Wheeler; drawn by Rye Hickman; colored by Hank Jones; and lettered by Frank Cvetkovic

For many, coming out can be a scary proposition and, unfortunately, sometimes those fears are justified. There are many amazing sequences in Hey Mary!, but none perhaps more so than the chapter when Mark comes out to his parents. It would be nice if Wheeler and Hickman could show them immediately understanding and accepting Mark for who he is. The reality is a lot more infuriating and filled with first reactions that, however their relationship might improve in the future, Mark will likely never forget. Mark’s parents aren’t cartoon villains, though. They’re completely sincere and confident in their beliefs. That’s what makes it more upsetting. Hey Mary! doesn’t offer blind assurances. It offers hope and encouragement, but it’s a book that’s also honest about potentially hard moments and ugly conversations. Even when harsh, though, there’s something comforting about the truthfulness Wheeler and Hickman infuse into every panel. The characters aren’t always likable, but they’re very recognizable.

— Rachel Bellwoar

Punycorn and The Princess of Thieves, published by Harper Collins; written and drawn by Andi Watson

The second book in the Punycorn series by one of Britain’s finest cartoonists, Andi Watson, Punycorn and the Princess of Thieves is every bit as delightful, every bit as silly, whimsical, heartwarming, and just plain funny and adorable as the debut volume. Watson’s been making comics for kids and adults for so many years and is just a master at creating beautiful things.

In this story, Watson excels once more. Every line just right; simple art that’s so effective, telling a lovely tale that’s packed with comedy and joy, as we follow the world’s clumsiest unicorn on a mission to rescue a friend. It’s a journey that takes in themes of self-acceptance, doubt, betrayal, and forgiveness — all done with Watson’s wonderful sense of comic timing and absolutely pitch-perfect artwork. This is one that will absolutely enchant all ages.

— Richard Bruton

Ultimate Oz Universe Vol. 1: The Lost Lands, published by AWA Studios; written by Cullen Bunn & Larry King; art by Mike Deodato Jr; colored by Ive Svorcina; lettered by Steve Wands

This AWA Studios original graphic novel sees readers return to L Frank Baum’s Land of Oz. A place both warmly familiar and unfamiliar, from writers Cullen Bunn, Larry King, and artist Mike Deodato Jr. It’s a great traditional quest adventure at its heart, but it also builds a world — beautifully rendered by Deodato Jr. — in a style evocative of the Golden Age of comic strips. There are great new additions, such as the Hungry Tiger and the Queen of the Field Mice. Wonderfully cinematic and engaging with great dialogue and well-realised characters, settings and situations.

— Olly MacNamee

The Cartoonists Club, published by Scholastic; written and drawn by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud

Well, if you put together Telgemeier — one of the comic creators responsible for the boom in kids reading comics — and McCloud — author of the essential comic‑making volumes spinning out of Understanding Comics — you were just bound to have a hit on your hands. And so it is.

Between the two of them, they’ve transformed the comics landscape, and with The Cartoonists Club, they’ve made a book that’s equal parts a how-to-make-comics thing and a great tale of friendship and creativity. Following a diverse set of kids who love comics, the Cartoonists Club is formed, a space where creativity, imagination and love of this great medium shines though. It’s an essential read for anyone interested in comics and a perfect way to get your kids not just reading comics but making them, too. It’s also a shining example of two creators working together to make something for the ages.

— Richard Bruton