BATMAN: The Dark Knight Returns Frank Miller's futuristic tale of Batman returning from a 10-year retirement is a quantum leap in the genre's history and possibly the most exciting superhero tale ever told.

Watchmen and Batman: The Killing Joke Comic book genius Alan Moore contributed significantly to the evolution of comic books with Watchmen, a brilliant tale exploring all of the absurdity and chaos that might ensue if superheroes really existed. Also, his exploration of the origin of Batman's great, grinning, green-haired archnemesis – the Joker – is simply a must-read.

The Sandman Neil Gaiman's 10-part series beautifully weaves together a compelling multitude of human mythologies even as it creates its own enchanting world.

Spider-Man: Fearful Symmetry: Kraven's Last Hunt An excellent tale of the webhead as he tangles with a classic enemy for the last time.

Havok and Wolverine: Meltdown Exquisitely painted and wildly rendered, Meltdown is the story of two X-Men and all of the trouble they find while on vacation.

Lone Wolf and Cub A phenomenal series from Japan portraying the wanderings of a deadly masterless samurai ... and his baby boy.

Arkham Asylum Perhaps the peak of the genre's "dark era" following Miller's Dark Knight Returns. Grant Morrison's gothic-style horror story finds Batman entering Gotham City's insane asylum to distinguish his own sanity from that of the villains he opposes.

Hellboy For explorations and adventures in the occult with one of the most unique casts of heroes to come along in some time, pick up Mike Mignola's awesome series before Sony's film hits the theaters next year.

Preacher Garth Ennis and Steve Dillion's Preacher is a riotous, over-the-top whirlwind of good ol' American violence.

Daredevil: Born Again and Daredevil/Elektra: Love and War For those who love the characters but just couldn't bear to watch Ben Affleck as "The Man Without Fear," there's Miller's masterful handling of Daredevil and Elektra, which made them the well-known characters they are today.