The Simpsons, Family guy, Rick and MortyThese are just a few of the many adult animation series that fans just can’t get enough of. Each of them use the cartoon medium to tell jokes and craft stories aimed at a more mature audience. Many people may associate animation with children’s entertainment, but this series breaks that stigma thoroughly and proves that cartoons are just as much for adults as they are for kids – and the same goes for their comics.
Even the most die-hard fan of any of the mature animation series may not know that they go beyond the animated medium into the realm of comic books. And, just like the stigma surrounding many people’s opinion on cartoons, this series disproves the idea that comics are just for kids by expertly continuing the style and tone of their original animated series – with some doing a better job than others.
Some of the comic book continuities are little more than random ‘episodes’ that take place in any given universe, and offer little (if anything at all) to the wider canon of the universe. Others, however, expand the lore of their series greatly, adding key details, informative backstory and integral character development that allow fans to become even more immersed in the series they love. While both styles are entertaining, the extra care in learning expansion is what sets certain comic series apart from the rest. Above them all, these are the 10 Best Adult Animation Comic Series, Ranked!
10
South Park released annual comic specials from 2010 to 2014
South Park Annual through genealogy books
South Park is one of the few mature animation series that has so expertly blended social commentary and satirical comedy with irreverence and toilet humor – and this is felt in the South Park funny. Between 2010 and 2014, South Park Released yearly Specials that gave fans an extra ‘episode’ in the form of a comicWith storylines that perfectly fit the style and tone of the cartoon.
However, these yearly Specials don’t exactly count as a series (even a limited series), as they are four individual stories with a full year separating each of them. The comics are a lot of fun, and are basically like reading a South Park episode, but they add little to it South Parks established canon (the bit of canon a mostly episodic show like South Park even did), making this one of the least impressive comic book continuations of an animated series.
9
The Family Guy Comic is a 3 issue series of random (& hilarious) ‘episodes’
Family guy by Devil’s Due Publishing
There are few animated series that have adopted a more true episodic format than Family guyAs there is almost no through-plot or established continuity to speak of, and the same is true for his comic miniseries. Devil’s Due Publishing’s Family guy is a three-issue miniseries that’s basically just three random episodes. The first follows Stevie as he tries to ‘kill Lois’, the second follows Peter as he explains what it takes to be the ‘perfect father’, and the third follows Chris, who doesn’t do much of anything.
Each comic spins into a full story completely separate from the rest, and While that stays true to Family guy‘s formula, the comic does not add anything that fans are not already getting from the show. Of course, for Family guy Fans, that’s probably the best reason why this comic is a must-read, because it’s simply more of what they love.
8
Beavis and Butt-Head are just as iconically stupid in the comics as they are on TV
Beavis and Bat-head by Marvel Comics
Beavis and Bat-head is the dumbest animated series in the most hilarious way imaginableAnd it’s all because of the titular characters. Beavis and Bat-head are seemingly too stupid to exist, but they stumble through life, somehow making it through another day. They are the most extreme examples of ‘dumb teenagers’, with all the interests (and disinterests) associated with that. The show brings these two idiots to life perfectly, and the comic does the same.
The most significant way the comic expands on the animated series is with Beavis and Butt-Head’s iconic commentary. Usually they comment on MTV music videos, but in the comics, Beavis and Butt-Head offer their commentary on Marvel Comics issues. This one change makes the Beavis and Bat-head Comics worth the read, how true the comic stays to their established characters.
7
Bob’s Burgers Comic Series stays true to specific storylines of the show
Bob’s Burgers by Dynamite Entertainment
Bob’s Burgers is a beloved yet relatively new addition to the adult animation subgenre, and the reason fans have taken to it so quickly is due to the characters. The Belchers are a complete subversion of the classic ‘American family’, not in an over-the-top toxic way, but quite the opposite. The Belchers are a genuine family who really love each other, and they’re all super weird—something that’s felt in the comic book continuity.
In the very first issue of this comic series, Tina imagines herself as a horse, and even joins forces with the equestrians. Not only is this a perfect depiction of Tina’s personality, but it’s also a hilarious throwback to one of the funniest episodes on the TV show (Season 4, Episode 17). In the first issue alone, the comic perfectly captures the energy of the original show, and fits perfectly into Bob’s Burgers canon.
6
Futurama gives its iconic characters even more sci-fi adventures in the comics
Futurama Comics by Bongo Comics
There’s a reason why every time Futurama Briefly off the air, fans are clamoring for its return, as the series is equal parts hilarious comedy and epic sci-fi adventure – with shockingly clever and understated jokes sprinkled between moments of outlandish absurdity. The magic is captured perfectly in the comics (indeed, Matt Groening founded Bongo Comics), including one that was a perfect expansion of a storyline of the show.
In the comic titled, “Xmas Time Is Fear”, it is revealed like FuturamaSanta’s evil robot is defeated (Before the time-travel shenanigans in season 11). Apparently, Nixon put a virus in the milk and cookies offered to Santa, effectively erasing the robot’s urge to kill. This is a detail that TV fans would never know – and it’s just one of the 83 issues in this series.
5
The Simpsons comics catalog is nearly as extensive as the animated series
The Simpsons Comics / Bart Simpson’s Treehouse of Horror by Bongo Comics
The Simpsons is the longest-running American animated series, and the franchise’s comic book presence reflects that. The Simpsons has not only one comic, but a large number of series stemming from the flagship The Simpsons comics (which alone has more than 200 issues). But, it’s one Simpsons Title that really makes the entire comic book format stand out: Treehouse of Horror.
Treehouse of Horror is a staple in Simpsons Lore – Anthology horror/comedy specials that parody famous scary movies/books. This means that any addition to the Treehouse of Horror is an expansion of the Simpsons’ established canon, and the comics have no shortage of them – parodying the likes of Little Shop of Horrors and Alien, just to name a few.
4
Aeon Flux connects the animated series and the live action movie
Aeon Flux by Dark Horse Comics
Aeon Flux was a standout animated series that originated from MTV’s Liquid Television, establishing a cult following that remains strong to this day. However, fans who fell in love with the show were sorely disappointed by the live-action film, as it failed to capture the postmodern/psychedelic imagery of the animation (among other failures). However, before the film was released, Dark Horse Comics launched a prequel comic designed to ease fans of the show into the new film, effectively bridging the gap between them.
Dark Horse’s Aeon Flux was integral to the larger lore of the series, as it connected the cartoon to the film In an interesting (and slightly meta) way. Plus, for die-hard fans of the MTV series, there’s also the graphic novel Aeon Flux: The Herodotus FileWhich offers amazing insight into the lore of the animated series, proving that Aeon Flux Comics really do fire on all cylinders.
3
Duckman is more than a comic continuation, but a true return to form
Duckman by Topps Comics
Duckman is a cult classic animated series about an anthropomorphic duck private eye that aired on the USA Network in the 90s, but before that, it was a comic series published by Dark Horse Comics. The original comic was black and white, super underground, and had all the indie charm of the animated series. Then, once the show gains a following, Duckman Became a comic again under Topps Comics, which literally continued the continuity of the animated series.
The Duckman Topp Comics series is so much more than a spin-off or tie-in, but a direct continuation of the show, as well as a true return to form. Duckman Originated in the comics, and when it returned to the medium, it did so to continue the story of the animated seriesMaking it a must-read for fans.
2
Harley Quinn: The Animated Series comic is seamlessly woven into the show’s narrative
Harley Quinn: The Animated Series – Eat. Clap! Kill. Tour by DC Comics
There are some comics that continue the events of their animated counterparts, and others that act as perfect spin-offs/add-ons to the continuity, and then there are comics like Harley Quinn: The Animated Series – specifically these Eat. Clap! Kill. Tour. The series picks up right where Harley Quinn: The Animated Series Season 2 kicked off with Harley and Ivy driving together in a car with a “Just Married” banner on the back.
The comic literally takes place moments after the credits roll on season 2, and it’s also canon in regards to the later seasons (not just straight back or ignored). that is, In order to get the full picture of this version of Harley Quinn’s story, the comic is required reading.
1
Rick and Morty Comic expands the animated show more than any other series
Rick and Morty by Oni Press
Duckman could be a perfect continuation of his animated series Harley Quinn: The Animated Series Could be seamlessly woven into the show, though university press Rick and Morty Goes a step further than any other comic on this list: it adds immensely to the knowledge. The Rick and Morty Comics explained why Morty, Rick, and Summer fly away from Cthulhu in the opening credits, it fleshes out the full backstory of Rick’s relationship with Mr. Nimbus, and it explores what happens to a Mr. Missex who lives too long, just to name a few .
Not only explains the comic elements introduced in the show, it also introduces new characters that serve to make the more familiar feel even more rich and full. The characters include a genius Mr. Goldefold, a Thanos-like noob-noob, and a Jerry who took down the Citadel from Ricks. each Rick and Morty Fans of the animated series must read the comic that came out, as it expands the show’s story more than any other adult comic animation – even compared to the likes of The Simpsons And Family guy.
Rick and Morty is an animated adventure/sci-fi series that follows the intergalactic, inter-dimensional adventures of the super-genius Rick Sanchez and his less-than-average grandson Morty Smith. Rick’s daughter, Beth, his granddaughter Summer, and his hated stepson, Jerry, also take center stage more often than not. The series, from creators Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, blends comedy with science fiction as a way to explore a wide variety of topics aimed at a mature audience.