The Best Comics and Graphic Novels About Mythology
Greek gods, Norse sagas, and world folklore retold with real power on the page.
By Web Admin
Mythology and comics were made for each other. Myths are, at heart, a sequence of vivid images passed down across generations, which is exactly what a comic is. So it is no surprise that some of the medium finest work retells or reinvents the old stories, from the thunder of Asgard to the marble halls of Olympus to the trickster spirits of world folklore. Whether you want a faithful retelling to fall in love with the source, or a bold modern reinvention, the page delivers the gods with a force prose sometimes cannot.
Here are the best comics and graphic novels about mythology, sorted by tradition. Prices are approximate US new-copy figures, and several are aimed at younger readers as well as adults (we flag which). If you love this vein, it sits right next to fantasy, so keep our best fantasy comics guide handy.
How we chose these
We looked for three qualities: respect for the source (even the wild reinventions understand what they are riffing on), art that earns the word mythic, and a story that works as a comic, not just an illustrated encyclopedia. The list spans Greek, Norse, and world myth, with picks for all ages and adults alike. For darker fairy-tale cousins of these stories, see our best fairy-tale comics guide.
Best Norse: Norse Mythology and Simonson Thor
For a faithful, gorgeously drawn tour of the Norse pantheon, Neil Gaiman Norse Mythology adapted by P. Craig Russell and collaborators (Dark Horse, from 2020) is the ideal entry, collecting Gaiman prose retellings into comics at roughly US$25 a volume. For the mythic-superhero version, Walt Simonson legendary Thor run (1983 to 1987) fused Kirby-era Marvel with genuine Norse grandeur and remains one of the most beloved runs in comics, as noted in our list of essential reads. Both make Asgard feel enormous.
Best Greek retelling: George O’Connor Olympians
George O’Connor Olympians series (First Second, from 2010) devotes a slim, beautifully drawn volume to each major Greek deity, from Zeus to Athena to Hades, blending accurate mythology with dynamic action. At roughly US$13 to US$17 per volume, it is the best all-ages introduction to the Greek pantheon on the shelf, with notes and family trees that reward curious readers. Perfect for classrooms and myth-loving kids, and genuinely enjoyable for adults.
Best Trojan War: Age of Bronze by Eric Shanower
Eric Shanower Age of Bronze (Image, from 1998) is a monumental, meticulously researched retelling of the Trojan War that strips away the supernatural to tell the human story behind the legend. Shanower spent decades on it, and the historical detail is staggering. Collected in several volumes at about US$20 each. It is the serious myth reader dream project, and a showcase for what the medium can do with ancient material.
Best modern reinvention: The Wicked + The Divine
Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie The Wicked + The Divine (Image, 2014 to 2019) takes a killer premise: every ninety years, twelve gods from across world mythology are reincarnated as young people, become worshipped like pop stars, and die within two years. It is dazzling, tragic, and complete in nine trades or a set of deluxe hardcovers, roughly US$15 per trade. Content warning: adult themes, sex, and violence. A modern classic of the mythic-fantasy shelf.
Best webcomic: Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe
Rachel Smythe Lore Olympus began as a Webtoon phenomenon and is now collected in lush hardcover volumes (from 2021) at about US$25 each. It reimagines the myth of Hades and Persephone as a modern romance among the Olympians, with a striking colour-driven art style. It is enormously popular for good reason, though its mature themes make it best for older teens and adults.
Best dark-fantasy myth: The Sandman by Neil Gaiman
No mythology list is complete without The Sandman (Vertigo, 1989 to 1996), Neil Gaiman landmark about Dream of the Endless. It weaves Greek, Norse, Egyptian, and countless world mythologies into a single dark-fantasy tapestry, and remains one of the medium great achievements. Volume 1 is about US$20; read our Sandman Vol. 1 review before you dive in. It is essential, and it is very much for adults.
Best manga: Record of Ragnarok and Noragami
Manga brings its own mythic energy. Shinya Umemura and Takumi Fukui Record of Ragnarok (from 2017) stages one-on-one duels between history greatest humans and the gods of multiple pantheons, at about US$13 per volume, pure spectacle. For a gentler, character-driven take on Japanese Shinto belief, Adachitoka Noragami (from 2010) follows a minor god trying to earn worship, blending humour, action, and genuine mythology. More recommendations live in our best fantasy manga guide.
Picks at a glance
| Book | Tradition | Best for | Approx. price | Audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norse Mythology | Norse | Faithful retelling | ~US$25 | All ages up |
| Olympians | Greek | Beginners and kids | ~US$15 | All ages |
| Age of Bronze | Greek / Trojan | History buffs | ~US$20 | Teens up |
| The Wicked + The Divine | World myth | Modern reinvention | ~US$15 | Adults |
| The Sandman, Vol. 1 | World myth | Dark fantasy | ~US$20 | Adults |
Which should you buy first? The table above covers the range, but if you still want a nudge, use this quick decision guide to match a pick to your taste, budget, and reading appetite before you commit to a long series.
- New to myth comics and want faithful retellings? Start with Olympians (Greek) or Norse Mythology (Norse).
- Want something ambitious and adult? The Wicked + The Divine or The Sandman.
- Love history? Age of Bronze is unmatched for research and depth.
- Prefer manga? Record of Ragnarok for spectacle, Noragami for heart.
Print or digital?
Pros
- Painted and colour-driven books (Lore Olympus, Olympians) shine in print
- Complete runs make excellent gift sets
- All-ages volumes are durable enough for classroom use
Cons
- Long series (Age of Bronze) are a multi-volume investment
- Digital is cheaper for sampling first volumes
- Some adult titles are unsuitable for the younger myth fans they might attract
For standalone myth-flavoured books you can finish in one go, our best standalone graphic novels guide has more, and the best graphic novels of all time list rounds out the wider shelf.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best mythology comic for kids?
George O’Connor Olympians series, hands down. It is accurate, exciting, all-ages, and includes helpful notes and family trees. For Norse myth, Gaiman Norse Mythology works for older children and up.
Which mythology comic is best for adults?
The Sandman and The Wicked + The Divine are the essential adult picks, both weaving world mythology into ambitious, mature fantasy. Age of Bronze is the choice for serious history readers.
Do I need to know the myths before reading?
No. Every book here explains what you need as you go. In fact, several, especially Olympians and Norse Mythology, are ideal ways to learn the myths in the first place.
Are there good mythology manga?
Yes. Record of Ragnarok pits humanity against the gods in gladiatorial duels, and Noragami explores Japanese Shinto belief through a struggling minor deity. Both are great, and our fantasy manga guide has more.
