Ten Sci-Fi Series You Should Be Reading Now

August is Sci-Fi/Fantasy Month in PREVIEWS and we’ve put together a list of ten sci-fi series you should be reading now! From space cowboys to heroes in the far future and even more, this list is a great starting point for the world of science fiction in comics. 

Silver Surfer

Marvel Comics has never shied away from science fiction and nowhere is that more evident than with the creation of the Silver Surfer (AUG140913). The former Herald of Galactus roams the universe as the lone sentinel of the skyways, but space is always a little more fun when you have someone to share it with. Now the Surfer and his new companion Dawn Greenwood are traveling beyond the boundaries of the known universe on a grand adventure through space; but something is lurking at the edge of space and Dawn’s very existence may be tied with the fate of our universe!

Descender

A touching space opera featuring a young robot’s struggle to survive in a universe where all androids have been outlawed and hunted down by ruthless bounty hunters; Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen’s Descender (JUL150554) is a different kind of science fiction. This Image Comics series touches on the human side of science fiction, telling the story of Tim, an android living all alone on a distant planet who may be the key to saving the galaxy.   

Serenity

Fans of Joss Whedon’s beloved cult classic sci-fi show Firefly have found refuge in the Dark Horse Comics series following Captain Mal’s ragtag crew as they traverse the stars. Serenity (SEP110038) mixes an Old West sensibility with science fiction as these space mercenaries brawl and scavenge their way across the cosmos.  Always trying to keep one step ahead of the law, Captain Mal and his crew try to pull off one final payday but the consequences may be more than they can handle. 

The Woods

An intriguing blend between classic Stephen King and hardline science fiction, The Woods (JUL140953) is an alien invasion story like none you’ve read before. The BOOM! Studios series by James Tynion IV and Michael Dialynas follows a school full of students, teachers, and staff who vanished without a trace from Earth only to be transported lightyears away to an unknown planet in the middle of an ancient and terrifying wilderness. With no hope of rescue in sight, the students must fend for themselves and try to find out why and how they came to this far off planet.  

ODY-C

How do you take one of the greatest works of classic literature and turn it into science fiction? If you’re Matt Fraction and Christian Ward, you take it to space! That’s the concept behind their Image Comics series ODY-C (MAR150539), an epic retelling of Homer’s Odyssey that breaks down the story we know to expand it into a grand science fiction tale. This gender bending, mind warping story drives the genre of science fiction to the limit and makes you wonder just what will happen next.  

Divinity

A great example of classic science fiction blending with comics, Valiant Entertainment explores what happens when a Cold War era Soviet astronaut becomes the most powerful being on Earth. Divinity (SEP151688) explores what happens when a man who is sent to the edge of the cosmos finally returns changed forever by what he encountered there. How will the world respond to a man able to bend matter, space, and time itself to his will?

Space Riders

A trippy adventure across space inspired by the visuals of Jack Kirby and the 1970s, Space Riders (SEP151090) is one science fiction story you won’t want to miss. Black Mask Comics strives to put out books that stand out on the shelf and Space Riders is a great example. The crew of the Skullship Santa Muerte, led by Capitan Peligro, travel the cosmos dealing out justice and hunting down the scum of the galaxy. A psychedelic revenge tale, this far out story is a perfect blend of weird and sci-fi.

Kaijumax

Giant monsters have been a staple of science fiction since the 1950s and now Oni Press is bringing them to comics with Kaijumax (OCT151567). A maximum security prison for giant monsters, Kaijumax contains the worst of the worst when it comes to monsters bent on destroying cities and civilizations, but are they being kept there with a more sinister purpose in mind? Electrogor, a father captured while foraging for food for his children, has only one thing on his mind – escape. Will he be able to break out of the world’s most secure prison or will the prison destroy him first?   

Batman Beyond

In the far future of DC Comics is a hero that takes down evil using only his wits and technology, fighting against corrupt corporations and rogue experiments gone wrong. Batman Beyond (DEC150317) is an engaging look at one of DC Comics' classic heroes through a sci-fi lens as the young Terry McGinnis takes over for the aging Bruce Wayne to become the Batman of the future. These twisted tales are the perfect sci-fi alternative to classic superhero fare. 

Star Trek Manifest Destiny

Star Trek is one of the most well know sci-fi franchises out there today so it should be no surprise to see it on this list. Celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year, Star Trek has laid a path that many sci-fi series are still following today. In Star Trek Manifest Destiny (APR160490) the crew of the Enterprise set out on an adventure as an all-new Klingon threat rises to threaten the peace of the galaxy.