Kings of the Comic Book Writing World

How comics have changed in the past 20 years, through tough economies, boom economies, and publishing trends, is oddly inspiring and exciting at the same moment. And the best of it, for me at least, are the little known authors who become kings of comic book fandom. Yes, film studios have been noticing our little corner of the world for some time. No thanks to Alan Moore, but that's another story.

Since comics have changed, there are some new kings and queens of the modern comic world. It's disappointing most of them appear to be white, male, and about my age or older, but a diversity in the comic world is growing.

This guide highlights some of the best people behind the words of comics today. It's a random assortment, and not some top 10 list you might see somewhere else. It's a fun list, so explore it.

Grant Morrison
I wanted to start with Grant Morrison because he's far from the current king of comics. In fact, I think he's gone downward in terms of his classical look at the graphic form. That's not to say the guy is done; no way. But, after reading Doom Patrol by Morrison, I can tell you his entire DC library is some of the best stuff to come out of comics. Recommended: Doom Patrol

Alan Moore
You can't do a list without Alan Moore,the graphic king. It's odd to see him forgoing millions in Hollywoood deals, but that's the artist he is. Moore, author of Watchmen, has put together a slew of readable titles in the past years. He's done a lot of independent stuff, but his most successful was the ABC, America's Best Comics, line of books. However, going back further is Swamp Thing, a truly epic run. Recommended: Swamp Thing, Tom Strong, From Hell

Jason Aaron
I like this guy. I read some Ghost Rider and Wolverine stuff, then heard about Scalped. I bought the complete series. Scalped is the Vertigo line of comic books taking place on a Native American reservation; it's like some revamped Sorpranos in a crazed world. Jason Aaron does some unique stuff, can handle super heroes and drugged up native americans alike, and has a big time future in the graphic biz. Recommended: Scalped, Ghost Rider, Wolverine Get Mystique

Warren Ellis
Likely once my favorite,I got turned off by his crazed story ideas and some downplayer titles he did. I reread some of his hit title Planetary,and loved it. Ellis is the third British project on this list, and owns my favorite Vertigo title of all time, Transmetropolitan, a funny, mad romp straight out of a Hunter Thompson novel. Recommended: Planetary, Transmetropolitan

Brian Michael Bendis
For a moment, I liked Bendis more than any other writer and actively looked for his stuff. I just love the "Powers" series, but haven't read Ultimate Spider-Man. He's maybe the best of the Marvel comic authors. Recommended: Powers, Alias

Robert Kirkman
I'm currently reading Invincible and The Walking Dead. I recommend those. Kirkman has had some hot success as an Image writer. He did a tour with Marvel, but now focuses on independent lines of comics. I really like his stuff, recommend Invincibe and the Walking Dead, and look foward to new titles (and loving Haunt).