by Doug Elton

Created on: August 11, 2010   Last Updated: August 16, 2010

The best webcomic is without a doubt, most certainly, unquestionably… The truth is that whenever something is labeled the “best” it’s based on subjective criteria. This is particularly the case when it comes to webcomics. Some readers like three panel gags others prefer long form stories. You like black and white. I prefer color. Personal taste is far from universal. Setting an objective standard of quality is a near impossible task.

Wait! What about popularity? If a webcomic has more readers than another it must be doing something right. True, but popularity doesn’t necessarily imply quality. In fact, these “best” lists often serve only to expand the accessibility of well-known entities. So with this in mind, here is the definitive (very subjective) list of the best online webcomics that fly slightly under the radar:

5. Copper - This is an excellent first webcomic for anyone who still favors the newspaper funnies. Reminiscent of “Calvin and Hobbes” it follows a young boy and his dog as they journey through dream-like adventures. Kazu Kibuishi’s artwork is exceptional. The coloring is a thoroughly rich treasure trove of playful fancy and childhood delight. The only problem with this webcomic is that updates are few and far between.

4. The Meek - Sometimes you read a webcomic for its gripping story and you ignore the amateur art or the rough edges to the style. Then again, there are times you become a follower simply because the art is striking. Der-shing Helmer exudes polish in “The Meek.” It’s just a great looking comic. The verdict on the story is still out, but it’s only on chapter three. If nothing else, the fact that this webcomic has the guts to feature a naked female lead should be enough to give it a look.

3. FreakAngels - I love the internet! What other medium could deliver a webcomic penned by Warren Ellis for free? If you’re not familiar with Warren Ellis then you should check out “Planetary” and “Ignition City.” They’re both worth the read. As for “FreakAngels,” the quality is as good as anything DC or Marvel publishes. The story itself is set post-apocalypse with a focus on the survivors who are a bunch of miscreant twenty-somethings. Oh, they also have mind-bending powers!

2. Phoenix Requiem - What Sarah Ellerton has created is an old fashioned ghost story. The world the characters inhabit has a Victorian feel with a hint of old world Russia. There is a sophistication here that is rarely achieved in webcomics. The main protagonist is studying to be a doctor, but finds herself swept into the affairs of a mysterious patient. She is an adamant personality, but nonetheless finds herself changing as she faces unnatural happenings and all too natural passions.

1. Rice Boy - If there is one webcomic that should always be in a list regarding the “best,” it’s Evan Dahm’s “Rice Boy.” This is an endlessly inventive story that manages to be smart, funny, sad, profound, cute, surreal, and surprising not to mention incredibly unique. Once more it manages to do all these things if not adequately, then brilliantly. The one element that puts “Rice Boy” over the top is the character known as “The One Electronic” or “T-O-E” for short. His design should be the envy of every web artist. A robot whose face constantly plays black and white movies? He smokes too? How cool is that!

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