The fantasy genre can trace its origins all the way back to the very beginnings of literature when stories were rooted in folklore and mythology. It’s had a particular attraction to people through the centuries, but experienced a kind of renaissance in the 1930’s thanks to authors such J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Since then, the genre has become a staple of our modern pop culture.
We often think of fantasy work as including elaborate medieval settings, sword-wielding warriors, evil monsters, epic quests, and spectacular displays of magic come to mind. This is particularly true when it comes to popular fantasy comics such as Conan the Barbarian (Marvel Comics) and Elfquest (by Wendy & Richard Pini), though the genre has been expanded greatly to include a variety of works.
Here is a short list of some notable fantasy comics that have been produced throughout the years:
- Cerebus the Aardvark (Aardvark-Vanaheim, Inc.)
- Fables (Vertigo Comics)
- Groo the Wanderer (Sergio Aragonés)
- Little Nemo in Slumberland (Windsor McKay)
- The Maxx (Image Comics)
- Mouse Guard (Archaia Entertainment)
- Red Sonja (Dynamite Entertainment)
- Sandman (Vertigo Comics)
- The Wicked + Divine (Image Comics)