Glen Hall
Whether you’re a die-hard comic book fan or just looking for your next adrenaline-fueled adventure, these comics are sure to satisfy your craving for high-octane action and gripping storytelling if you’re a John Wick Fan.
1) “The Punisher MAX: Mother Russia”
A gripping 6-issue limited series written by Garth Ennis and illustrated by Leandro Fernandez. This highly acclaimed story is considered to be the crown jewel of The Punisher comic series.
Taking place in the Marvel MAX universe, you can expect this story to be exceptionally violent – more so than any other story in “The Punisher” comic line. Frank Castle battles his inner demons while taking on the Russian mob in the fictional country of Viorica. The corrupt government is depicted in a raw and unfiltered manner, making for a truly immersive gripping read.
But what sets “Mother Russia” apart is its in-depth exploration of the Punisher’s character. Delving deep into his psyche and motivations, you’ll witness his unwavering determination, fierce sense of justice, and willingness to do whatever it takes to protect the innocent and punish the guilty.
Do you think Frank would be just as pissed or even more so if it was his dog that died?
2) “Daredevil: The Man Without Fear”
By legendary creators Frank Miller and John Romita Jr. is a must-read for any fan of Deardevil. Originally published in 1993 by Marvel Comics, this five-issue limited series is widely regarded as one of the greatest Daredevil stories of all time.
“The Man Without Fear,” may be a retelling of Daredevil’s origin story, but it’s a damn good one (My personal favourite on this list). Delve deep into the early years of Matt Murdock’s life and the events that shaped him into the iconic hero he is today. With its gritty and realistic portrayal of Daredevil’s world, the story tackles themes such as fear, heroism, and justice in a way that only Miller and Romita Jr. can.
But what really sets “The Man Without Fear” apart is its exploration of the character of Daredevil himself. The story takes a deep dive into how Matt’s disability and his tough upbringing in a rough neighbourhood, have influenced his worldview and sense of justice. It’s a powerful and poignant examination of one of Marvel’s most complex and fascinating characters, and one that every fan should experience.
3) “The Killer”
“The Killer” by Matz and Luc Jacamon is a captivating French graphic novel series that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows an assassin who, like John Wick, is a skilled fighter living in a dangerous world of organized crime. However, unlike Wick, the protagonist in “The Killer” starts to question his violent profession after a job goes wrong, leading him down a path of self-reflection and redemption.
What sets “The Killer” apart is its well-developed and multi-dimensional characters, particularly the conflicted antihero at the centre of the story. The exploration of themes such as morality, identity, and the human condition gives the series a depth and complexity that is not often found in action comics.
4) “Scalped”
“Scalped” By Jason Aaron and R.M. Guera is a gritty crime drama that delivers a powerful and nuanced perspective on life on a Native American reservation. We at Caiminds have only just discovered this recently and we knew it just had to make this list.
“Scalped” is the story of Dashiel Bad Horse, an undercover FBI agent navigating corruption, violence, and family drama, is a complex and thought-provoking exploration of themes such as identity, addiction, and the legacy of colonialism.
Scalped isn’t afraid to shy away from its realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by indigenous people in the United States, including poverty, racism, and social and economic issues. This series offers a rare and valuable perspective on Native American life, making it a must-read for fans of compelling and socially relevant storytelling.
5) “The Crow”
By James O’Barr is a timeless indie comic that has captivated readers for decades. It tells the story of Eric Draven, a musician who is brought back to life by a supernatural crow after he and his fiancée are brutally murdered, and his quest for revenge against the gang responsible for their deaths.
The Crow has such unique visual style that it’s hard to forget. It combines gothic and punk elements to create a dark and atmospheric world that is both haunting and beautiful. The detailed and expressive artwork is masterfully crafted, with a strong emphasis on mood and emotion that draws readers in.
But what truly sets The Crow apart is its exploration of deeply human themes. It takes readers on a haunting journey through grief, violence, and the power of love and forgiveness. This deeply personal work resonates with readers on a visceral level, and its messages about the human experience continue to be relevant and impactful today.
6) “Sin City”
“Sin City” by Frank Miller, oh you knew this had to be on the list somewhere! This iconic graphic novel series transports you to the dark underbelly of Basin City, where violence and corruption are the norm. With its hard-boiled tone and noirish sensibility, the stories follow a cast of unforgettable characters, including the hard-nosed private eye Marv, the grizzled cop John Hartigan, and the enigmatic assassin Dwight McCarthy.
Miller’s storytelling masterfully weaves together multiple narratives, all with a common thread of seedy, dangerous characters and the corrupting influence of power. The series is known for its striking black-and-white artwork and gritty, visceral depiction of violence and sex. But beneath the surface lies a deeper exploration of themes such as redemption, revenge, and the human condition.
7) “Batman: The Long Halloween”
This classic Batman story by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, follows the Dark Knight as he investigates a series of murders committed on holidays over the course of a year. The story is full of twists, turns, and intense action, making it a great read for fans of John Wick and a personal favourite of everyone at Caiminds.
The Long Halloween stand out for its exploration of the complex relationships between Batman, Harvey Dent, and James Gordon. The story delves deep into the characters’ motivations and flaws, as they work together to fight crime while navigating their own personal struggles. With stunning artwork and a gripping plot, this is a true masterpiece that deserves a place on every comic book lover’s shelf.
These are just 7 John Wick like comics and graphic novels that we know you will enjoy.
Do you have a suggestion? Let us know in the comments!
EDITOR’S NOTE: The inclusion of the Russian crime world in this post is purely a coincidence and is not motivated by the recent political events.
