Best Sci Fi Graphic Novels: 5 Picks for Space, Robots and Aliens

For a reader who wants spaceships, robots and alien worlds in comics form, the best sci fi graphic novels start with a strong first volume. We compared five graphic novels on what their listings state: premise, page count, reading age, publisher and publication date. The list runs from a 160-page space opera to a 296-page omnibus, with listed reading ages from 13 up to 17+.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Saga, Vol. 1 by Vaughan	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Descender, Vol. 1 by Lemire	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Wool by Howey	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Aliens vs. Avengers by Hickman	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Resident Alien Omnibus by Hogan	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Saga, Vol. 1 by Vaughan

Brian K Vaughan·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A mature-readers space opera about star-crossed lovers from warring worlds, collecting issues 1 to 6.

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Pros

• Collects issues 1 to 6, a complete opening arc
• Reading age 16 years and up stated plainly
• Image Comics, 160 pages, October 2012 edition stated

Cons

• The description marks it for mature readers
• No grade level is stated
• Only the first volume; the series continues beyond it

2

Descender, Vol. 1 by Lemire

Jeff Lemire·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A cosmic story of a young robot boy hunted in a universe that outlawed androids, collecting issues 1 to 6.

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Pros

• Collects issues 1 to 6 of the series
• Reading age 16 years and up stated
• Image Comics, 160 pages, September 2015 edition stated

Cons

• No grade level is stated
• Only volume 1; later volumes are separate
• No bonus material is stated

3

Wool by Howey

Hugh Howey·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A dystopian survival story in full color with bonus sketchbook pages, for readers 13 and up.

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Pros

• Over 20 pages of bonus material including a sketchbook
• Reading age 13 to 16 years stated
• Full-color illustrations throughout

Cons

• Only the first volume of the story
• No grade level is stated
• Dystopian survival themes stated in the description

4

Aliens vs. Avengers by Hickman

Jonathan Hickman·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A dark crossover where Xenomorphs conquer Earth and aging Avengers make a last stand.

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Pros

• Collects issues 1 to 4, a complete crossover
• Customer-listed reading age of 17+
• Published August 2025, the newest here

Cons

• Reading age marked as from customers only
• Dark, violent premise stated in the description
• No grade level is stated

5

Resident Alien Omnibus by Hogan

Peter Hogan·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An omnibus of volumes 1 to 3 about an alien hiding as a small-town doctor, with humor throughout.

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Pros

• Omnibus collects volumes 1 to 3, 296 pages
• Inspired the SYFY television series, per the description
• Sci-fi premise with humor, per the description

Cons

• No reading age is stated
• No grade level is stated
• Only the first omnibus; later volumes are separate

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More picks to compare

• Dungeon Crawler Carl, Vol. 1For readers who want a funny alien game-show adventure.Check on Amazon
• Geiger Volume 1For fans of post-apocalyptic survival stories with big action.Check on Amazon
• The Hard SwitchFor readers who like quiet, character-driven space stories.Check on Amazon
• HUXLEYFor readers who want a cinematic postapocalyptic epic.Check on Amazon
• War of the Worlds IllustratedFor younger readers meeting the alien-invasion classic first.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 20 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age where one is given. Four of the five picks list a reading age; none lists a grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best sci fi graphic novels

Check the reading age first

Listed ages here run from 13 to 16 (Wool) to 16 and up (Saga, Descender) to 17+ (Aliens vs. Avengers, marked as from customers). The Saga description also marks it for mature readers. For younger readers see our best graphic novels for young adults.

Volume one or omnibus

Four picks are first volumes collecting issues 1 to 6 (or 1 to 4), so the story continues past the last page. The Resident Alien pick is an omnibus of volumes 1 to 3 at 296 pages, the most story per book here. If you are buying for a reader who hates cliffhangers, the omnibus is the safer start.

Match the flavor of sci-fi

These five cover different corners of the genre: space opera (Saga), robot odyssey (Descender), dystopian survival (Wool), superhero crossover (Aliens vs. Avengers) and small-town alien comedy (Resident Alien). Pick the premise that matches the reader’s taste; for prose science fiction see our best sci-fi books like the expanse.

Before you buy

• Check the reading age on the listing: 13 to 16, 16 and up, and 17+ marked as from customers appear here.
• Note which volume you are buying: four are volume ones and one is an omnibus of volumes 1 to 3.
• Check the page count and publisher against the edition you want: 152 to 296 pages here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I start with Saga?

With Saga, Vol. 1, which collects issues 1 to 6. The listing gives a reading age of 16 years and up.

Which of these are complete stories?

The Resident Alien Omnibus collects volumes 1 to 3 in one book. The other four are first volumes, so their stories continue.

Which suit teen readers?

Wool lists a reading age of 13 to 16. Descender and Saga list 16 and up, and Aliens vs. Avengers lists 17+, marked as from customers.

Still deciding? Our top pickSaga, Vol. 1 by Vaughan

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Related lists

See every Fantasy and Romantasy list and all Fiction lists.

More lists: graphic novels for young adults, sci-fi books like the expanse, sci-fi books set on mars.