Top Comic Book Creators of the 2000s: A New Era of Storytelling

The 2000s was a transformative decade for the comic book industry. As the medium continued to evolve, a wave of creators brought innovative storytelling and diverse perspectives to both mainstream and independent comics. Let’s take a look at some of the top comic book creators who left an indelible mark during this decade:

1. Brian Michael Bendis: A pivotal figure at Marvel during the 2000s, Bendis penned iconic runs on “Daredevil” and “The Avengers.” He also co-created “Jessica Jones,” breathing life into a complex female protagonist that later found success on television.
2. Geoff Johns: As DC’s superstar writer, Johns rejuvenated titles like “Green Lantern” and “The Flash.” His deep reverence for these characters, combined with a knack for modern storytelling, made his works standout.
3. Mark Millar: Millar penned some of the most audacious stories of the decade, including “The Ultimates” and “Civil War.” His independent work, such as “Kick-Ass” and “Wanted,” showcased his ability to blend dark humor with gritty action.
4. Ed Brubaker: Known for his noir-influenced style, Brubaker’s work on “Captain America” introduced the Winter Soldier to the world. His collaborations with artist Sean Phillips, particularly “Criminal,” solidified his reputation as a master of crime fiction.
5. Grant Morrison: A visionary writer, Morrison’s work on “New X-Men” and “Batman” were both revolutionary and rooted in deep respect for comic history. His metafictional approach to storytelling was best exemplified in “The Invisibles” and “Final Crisis.”
6. Robert Kirkman: Introducing “The Walking Dead” to the world, Kirkman proved that zombies could be a backdrop to human drama. His work on “Invincible” also redefined the superhero genre with a unique spin.
7. Gail Simone: Breaking barriers, Simone’s runs on “Birds of Prey” and “Wonder Woman” were both acclaimed. She was known for her witty dialogue and deep character development, combined with a commitment to representation.
8. Warren Ellis: A writer known for his deep thinking and innovative narratives, Ellis’ “Planetary” and “Transmetropolitan” are genre-defining. His take on “Iron Man” in “Extremis” also heavily influenced the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
9. Fiona Staples: While she’s mostly known for her 2010s work on “Saga,” Staples began making waves in the late 2000s, showcasing her incredible range and skill as an artist.
10. Mike Mignola: The creator of “Hellboy,” Mignola’s unique style and storytelling continued to gain momentum in the 2000s. His blend of folklore, horror, and atmospheric art made “Hellboy” a standout title.

Collectors

Here’s a list of some of the most collected and sought-after comic book issues from the aforementioned creators:

1. Brian Michael Bendis:
   • “Alias” #1: Introducing Jessica Jones.
   • “Ultimate Spider-Man” #1: A modern reimagining of Spider-Man’s origin.
2. Geoff Johns:
   • “Green Lantern: Rebirth” #1: The beginning of Johns’ iconic run that reintroduced Hal Jordan as Green Lantern.
   • “The Flash” #197: First appearance of Zoom (Hunter Zolomon).
3. Mark Millar:
   • “The Ultimates” #1: A modern take on the Avengers that influenced the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
   • “Kick-Ass” #1: The debut of Millar’s self-made superhero.
4. Ed Brubaker:
   • “Captain America” Vol. 5 #1: Start of Brubaker’s memorable run.
   • “Captain America” Vol. 5 #6: First appearance of the Winter Soldier.
5. Grant Morrison:
   • “New X-Men” #114: Morrison’s innovative start with the X-Men.
   • “All-Star Superman” #1: A fresh and universally praised take on Superman’s story.
6. Robert Kirkman:
   • “The Walking Dead” #1: The beginning of the iconic zombie series.
   • “Invincible” #1: Debut of Kirkman’s unique superhero.
7. Gail Simone:
   • “Birds of Prey” #56: Start of Simone’s celebrated run on the series.
   • “Secret Six” Vol. 3 #1: Beginning of the revamped Secret Six team under Simone.
8. Warren Ellis:
   • “Planetary” #1: Introduction to Ellis’s story about archaeologists of the unknown.
   • “Transmetropolitan” #1: Debut of the future-set, political sci-fi series.
9. Fiona Staples:
   • “Saga” #1 (with writer Brian K. Vaughan): One of the most popular and critically acclaimed comics of the 2010s.
10. Mike Mignola:

• “Hellboy: Seed of Destruction” #1: The first mini-series featuring Hellboy.
• “B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth” #1: An extension of the Hellboy universe focusing on the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense.

Each of these issues holds a special place in the history of comics and serves as a testament to the creative brilliance of their respective creators. Collectors often seek them out for both their historical significance and their investment potential.

The 2000s was a decade of seismic shifts in the comic industry, with these creators leading the charge. Their stories not only defined the era but continue to influence the world of comics and beyond.

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