#1
	Watchmen Writer: Alan Moore Art: Dave Gibbons First true post-modern comic book. Alan Moore crafts an intricate tale that explodes the superhero comic and remakes it as a respectable vehicle for constructing culturally, socially, and literary relevant fiction. Buy Watchmen from Amazon.com
#2
	From Hell Writer: Alan Moore Art: Eddie Campbell Alan Moore again. This time he descends into the twisted history of the London Whitechapel murders of the late 1800s. Not only does Moore create a wonderfully twisted and engrossing retelling / interpretation of the Jack the Ripper, with haunting art by Eddie Campbell; he provides extensive annotations to his story. Sometimes as detailed as panel by panel. Seeing the research, and how it impacted and guided the story, is absolutely mind-blowing. Buy FROM HELL from Amazon.com
#3
	Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Writer: Frank Miller Art: Frank Miller & Klaus Janson Not only was this the comic that brought me back to the hobby; it, along with Watchmen, revived the comic book industry and lifted the comic book into higher literary circles. Frank Miller uses a retired Batman to explore and comment upon the political landscape of the late 1980's. Buy Batman: The Dark Knight Returns from Amazon.com
#4
	Blankets Writer: Craig Thompson Art: Craig Thompson Blankets is one of the finest comic books I've ever read. Thompson's mastery of his craft is apparent. His storytelling skills are excellent and his artwork is superb. His smooth flowing lines capture all the nuances of body and unspoken language, allowing the reader to transcend the written word and connect with the characters emotionally and spiritually. Thompson helps you feel what the character feels. A masterpiece of fiction. Buy Blankets from Amazon.com
#5
	Planetary: Books 1 & 2 Writer: Warren Ellis Art: John Cassady These two books make up the first 12 issues in what is supposed to be a 24 issue finite comic book series. Planetary is an organization dedicated to uncovering the secret history of the 20th century. What they find is that a mysterious group known as The Four who have effectively hoarded and/or destroyed all of the great developments of the century. Warren Ellis writing is exciting and infectiously readable. Buy Planetary: All Over the World and Other... from Amazon.com Buy Planetary: The Fourth Man from Amazon.com
#6
	The Crow Writer: J. O'Barr Art: J. O'Barr Brutally personal storytelling. O'Barr created this comic in to help himself deal with similar tragedies in his own life. The Crow is essentially a love story - but with re-incarnated hero and a lot of gory violence. The movie did an excellent job of capturing the themes of love, loss, and revenge - but the original book is soaked in them. Love and revenge permeate every page. Probably the most emotionally moving comic I have ever read. Buy The Crow from Amazon.com
#7
	Creature Tech Writer: Doug TenNapel Art: Doug TenNapel Giant space eels, mad scientist ghosts, and Jesus Christ. Creature Tech is an interesting read. On one level it is a straight up sci-fi action thriller that delivers with complex characters and gripping art. But with a little digging the sub-text of the book is quite clear - the role of science and religion in our society. How they can co-exist. The author handles this sub-text with great skill, never coming off as preachy, but still delivering his point. Buy Creature Tech from Amazon.com
#8
	Kingdom Come Writer: Mark Waid Art: Alex Ross It's the ultimate DC Comics superhero team up book. Set in the near future, creators Mark Waid and Alex Ross pit the superhero old-guard (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, etc.) against a new breed of vigilante/heroes that have grown up without the benefit of Superman's guidance by example. The artwork is absolutely stunning. Buy Kingdom Come from Amazon.com
#9
	Sin City Writer: Frank Miller Art: Frank Miller The first book in the series of Sin City books the Frank Miller has created is by far my favorite - even though I read it after reading all of the other books in the series. SC: A Dame To Kill For and SC: Family Values are close, but the original eeks out the title due to its overall execution. The story is wonderfully paced, the characters are developed clearly, and the artwork knocks the book out of the park. Its film-noire in comic book form and it is glorious. Buy Sin City from Amazon.com
#10
	Batman: The Killing Joke Writer: Alan Moore Art: Brian Bolland Three times for Alan Moore on my list. This book is the ultimate Batman / Joker tale. It defines them individually as characters, defines their relationship, and shows how they are forever linked. Batman, the symbol of order and Joker, the symbol of chaos, are the yin and the yang of the comic book universe. They can, and will, battle everlastingly. Buy Batman: The Killing Joke from Amazon.com
honorable mention
	some of the best of the rest Queen and Country: Operation Broken Ground The Copybook Tale Fables: Legends in Exile Fables: Storybook Love Sleeper: Out in the Cold The Coffin Powers: Who Killed Retro Girl Powers: Roleplay Whiteout Promethea: Book 1