The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

Join 1,707 readers and share your 3 favorite reads of the year.

My favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons

Tim Hanley Why did I love this book?

This origin story of the Amazons is a gorgeous, powerful masterpiece from some of the best creators in the business. While it's set thousands of years in the past, the righteous anger and feminist power that fuels this book is as relevant to the present day as it was to the goddesses who created the tribes of the Amazons.

DeConnick's writing is sharp, while each chapter is drawn by a different artist who brings lush, unique visuals to every era of the tale. Jimenez, Ha, and Scott are at the top of their game here, and the extra large size is engaging and engrossing.

I got lost in each page, exploring the artwork's exquisite detail, and the story's power and beauty are rousingly bold.

By Kelly Sue DeConnick, Phil Jimenez, Gene Ha , Nicola Scott

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Wonder Woman Historia as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The wait is over, and the entire story of the Amazons can finally be told! Millennia ago, Queen Hera and the goddesses of the Olympian pantheon grew greatly dissatisfied with their male counterparts and far from their sight, they put a plan into action. A new society was born, one never before seen on Earth, capable of wondrous and terrible things but their existence could not stay secret for long. When a despairing woman named Hippolyta crossed the Amazons path, a series of events was set in motion that would lead to an outright war in heaven and the creation…


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Catwoman: Lonely City

Tim Hanley Why did I love this book?

There is a joyful melancholy to this superhero heist adventure starring everyone’s favorite female fatale near the end of her career. It’s joyful because Cliff Chiang is a master of his craft, writing and drawing iconic interpretations of Gotham City’s heroes and villains in the future.

The style and tone harkens back to Batman: The Animated Series, and the action and fun is off the charts. It’s melancholy because we have an older Catwoman, fresh out of jail, pulling one last heist, and several beloved characters fall along the way or are already gone, including Batman.

Chiang is one of the best artists in comics, and he’s created a gorgeous, delightful book with emotional heft that’s an absolute treat from start to finish.

By Cliff Chiang,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Catwoman as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Ten years ago, the massacre known as Fools' Night claimed the lives of Batman, the Joker, Nightwing, and Commissioner Gordon...and sent Selina Kyle, the Catwoman, to prison. A decade later, Gotham has grown up-it's put away costumed heroism and villainy as childish things. The new Gotham is cleaner, safer...and a lot less free, under the watchful eye of Mayor Harvey Dent and his Batcops. It's into this new city that Selina Kyle returns, a changed woman...with her mind on that one last big score: the secrets hidden inside the Batcave! She doesn't need the money-she just needs to know...who is…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Captain Marvel Omnibus Vol. 1

Tim Hanley Why did I love this book?

There's no greater upgrade in recent superhero history than Carol Danvers' shift from Ms. Marvel to Captain Marvel, and her journey continues in this massive collection of Thompson's amazing run on the series.

Thompson captures the heart of the character perfectly, from her strength to her snark to her devotion to those she loves. Carol is everybody's friend, and this book is loaded with amazing female superheroes who showcase the best of Marvel.

Also, there's time-travel shenanigans and lots of punching—it's so much fun from start to finish, encapsulating the joy and excitement that makes superhero comics so special.

By Kelly Thompson, Cory Smith (illustrator), Lee Garbett (illustrator) , Carmen Carnero (illustrator)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Captain Marvel Omnibus Vol. 1 as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Captain Marvel soars to great heights under the pen of Kelly Thompson! Carol Danvers has finally returned home after months in space, and New York has never looked so good - until a powerful villain turns Roosevelt Island into an apocalyptic wasteland! Now Carol must assemble a new crew to kick-start a revolution! But soon she goes from Earth's Mightiest Hero to Public Enemy No. 1 when a new star steals the spotlight! And things go from bad to worse when Captain Marvel is given 24 hours…to kill the Avengers! What could possibly turn Carol against her allies? The shocks…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

Not All Supermen: Sexism, Toxic Masculinity, and the Complex History of Superheroes

By Tim Hanley,

Book cover of Not All Supermen: Sexism, Toxic Masculinity, and the Complex History of Superheroes

What is my book about?

The book is a broad overview of trends in the superhero industry that explores how sexism has been wired into the genre from its earliest days and how that sexism has lingered and led to the rise of toxic masculinity in comics, adaptations, and fandom.

It examines how the nostalgia-heavy genre enshrines outdated values of the past, with sexist tropes and attitudes woven into the fabric of its stories, and how catering to a male audience combined with the persistent devaluing of women through omission and objectification creates toxic forms of masculinity.

Book cover of Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons
Book cover of Catwoman: Lonely City
Book cover of Captain Marvel Omnibus Vol. 1

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