An autobiographical masterpiece that uses sweeping, poetic ink work to tell a personal story of faith and love.
3. The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, & Charlie Adlard
(Various): An anthology series where top creators tell short Batman stories using only monochrome. Unflattening blacknwhitecomics 20 comics best
Proving that black-and-white art can be incredibly warm, whimsical, and grand, Bone is an absolute masterpiece of indie cartooning. Following three cartoonish cousins cast out into a vast, high-fantasy valley, the narrative shifts seamlessly from lighthearted comedy to an epic, Lord of the Rings -style conflict. Smith’s smooth, fluid brush lines are a clinic in expressive character design. 5. From Hell by Alan Moore & Eddie Campbell
: Matt Wagner’s story of an elegant criminal mastermind that eventually evolves into a futuristic epic. Charles Burns uses precise
Alan Moore’s meticulously researched take on the Jack the Ripper murders is brought to life by Eddie Campbell’s scratchy, chaotic, and soot-stained ink style. The dark, messy visuals perfectly capture the claustrophobic, grime-covered streets of Victorian London and the madness of the narrative. 7. Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo
Set in the 1970s suburban Seattle, Black Hole follows a group of teenagers who contract a sexually transmitted disease that causes bizarre physical mutations. Charles Burns uses precise, heavy pooling blacks and crisp white lines to create a deeply disturbing, dreamlike atmosphere of teenage alienation. 18. Cerebus the Aardvark by Dave Sim and Gerhard messy visuals perfectly capture the claustrophobic
by Robert Kirkman: A modern classic that stayed in black and white throughout its entire run to maintain a grim atmosphere.
Stripped to the Bone: The 20 Best Black and White Comics of All Time
Monochrome art often allows for incredibly detailed world-building that doesn't distract the eye with color. : Jeff Smith’s fantasy epic