The 2026 Ringo Award nominations are officially out, celebrating the incredible legacy of Mike Wieringo by highlighting the absolute best in the comic book industry. The Best Series category is a fantastic snapshot of where comics are right now. It stacks massive corporate reinventions right alongside hard-hitting indie projects and self-published hits, proving that amazing serialized storytelling can come from anywhere.
Here is the rundown of the six titles competing for Best Series at the 2026 Ringo Awards.
Absolute Batman (DC Comics)
What's it about?
This series strips away the billionaire playboy safety net and rebuilds Bruce Wayne as a blue-collar, working-class hero in a brutal Gotham City. Without a cavernous cave full of high-tech gadgets or millions in family fortune, Bruce relies on raw physical strength, engineering smarts, and pure grit to fight back against a corrupt city structure that is trying to crush him.
Who is behind it?
Writer Scott Snyder joins forces with artist Nick Dragotta and colorist Frank Martin. Published by DC Comics, it serves as the flagship title for the publisher's blockbuster Absolute line.
What folks are saying
Critics and fans are calling it one of the most energetic and refreshing takes on the Dark Knight in decades. Reviews consistently praise the kinetic, hyper-stylized action from Dragotta and the way Snyder reimagines classic Batman lore to feel dangerous, unpredictable, and grounded in real-world friction again.
Why it should win
It deserves the win because it achieved what seemed almost impossible: making an 85-year-old pop culture icon feel electric, new, and necessary. It is a bold, high-octane superhero comic that balances massive blockbuster set pieces with a genuine working-class heart.
Absolute Martian Manhunter (DC Comics)
What's it about?
A far cry from a traditional alien superhero tale, this series reimagines John Jones as an FBI agent whose mind is fracturing. After a traumatic incident, he realizes he is sharing his consciousness with a telepathic Martian entity. The plot moves like a surreal psychological thriller, blending deep sci-fi weirdness with detective noir as John tries to solve horrific crimes while fighting for his own sanity.
Who is behind it?
The creative team features writer Deniz Camp alongside artist and colorist Javier Rodriguez. It is published by DC Comics as part of the Absolute Universe imprint.
What folks are saying:
Reviewers have widely tagged this as the critically acclaimed darling of the Absolute imprint. Readers love the psychedelic visual depictions of telepathy and memory, praising Rodriguez’s vibrant page designs and Camp’s ability to weave cosmic horror with quiet, emotional vulnerability.
Why it should win
It should win for its pure visual and narrative audacity. Taking a classic superhero and leaning entirely into surrealism, body horror, and psychological drama shows immense creative bravery. The synergy between Camp's dense script and Rodriguez's breathtaking artwork is unmatched on the stands today.
Coexistence (Self-published)
What's it about?
This sprawling sci-fi fantasy saga follows the uneasy alliance between a ruthless alien commander named Hax and a troubled human woman named Kate. When their paths cross, their actions set off a massive global shift across Earth and the galaxy. The story mixes space opera action with a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers relationship as the duo navigates galactic politics, deep trauma, and survival.
Who is behind it?
Created, written, and illustrated independently as a self-published webcomic phenomenon, relying directly on reader support and digital platforms to build its audience.
What folks are saying:
The fan community for this series is fiercely passionate. Readers rave about the character chemistry, the detailed world-building, and the emotional payoff of watching the central bond evolve. Critics have highlighted it as a triumph of independent digital publishing that delivers the scale of a major studio epic.
Why it should win
It deserves the award because it embodies the true spirit of the Ringo Awards, celebrating creator-driven passion and grass-roots storytelling. Building a complex, beautifully illustrated sci-fi epic entirely outside the traditional publisher system requires immense dedication, and the final product stands shoulder-to-shoulder with industry giants.
FML (Dark Horse Comics)
What's it about?
Set in Portland, the story centers on Riley, a teenager balancing heavy metal band practice, high school drama, and his Goth sister. When a ritual at a forest party goes off the rails, his heavy metal fantasies and supernatural chaos bleed directly into reality. It is a loud, apocalyptic coming-of-age journey that uses literal demons to explore the everyday horror of growing up.
Who is behind it?
The series reunites the Eisner and Harvey Award-winning team of writer Kelly Sue DeConnick and artist David Lopez. It is published by Dark Horse Comics.
What folks are saying:
Critics describe the book as a perfect collision of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and punk rock energy. Reviews praise the snappy, authentic dialogue, the expressive character art, and the way the creative team captures the genuine anxiety of navigating youth in a chaotic world.
Why it should win
It should win because it is an absolute blast to read while still delivering a ton of heart. DeConnick and Lopez have effortless creative chemistry, and their ability to mix sharp humor, supernatural horror, and genuine family dynamics creates a uniquely vibrant reading experience.
Granite State Punk (Orange Cone Productions)
What's it about?
This gritty, occult-infused crime story follows Zeke, an ex-con who gets released from prison only to end up right back where he started: his dead parents' home. Forced to confront his messy past and his hometown's dark history, Zeke discovers that New Hampshire’s famous landmarks and his own upbringing are tied to dark magic, curses, and punk rock defiance.
Who is behind it?
Created and written by Travis Gibb, featuring art by a rotating team of indie talent, including Patrick Buermeyer. It is published by Orange Cone Productions.
What folks are saying:
Indie comic reviewers love the raw, unpolished, and aggressive attitude of the series. Readers praise the book for using real regional history and urban legends to craft a dark, occult noir that feels refreshingly different from polished mainstream superhero books.
Why it should win
It should win for its fiercely independent attitude and distinct voice. It takes a unique premise, local folklore, and punk rock aesthetics, turning them into a propulsive, dark fantasy crime thriller. It proves that small-press indie publishers can deliver bold stories that capture the attention of the entire industry.
Murder Podcast (Ignition Press)
What's it about?
Tapping into our modern obsession with true crime, this satirical thriller follows a group of amateur podcasters who find themselves way over their heads. When their investigation into a cold case uncovers a live, active killer who starts listening to their show, the line between content creation and survival completely dissolves. It is a tense, darkly funny look at clout culture and obsession.
Who is behind it?
Created by a rising team of indie creators and published by Ignition Press, a small press publisher dedicated to creator-owned projects.
What folks are saying:
Critics are calling it one of the smartest and most timely thrillers on the market. Reviews highlight the sharp social commentary regarding modern media consumption, praising the fast-paced dialogue and the creeping sense of paranoia that builds with every issue.
Why it should win
It deserves the win for its razor-sharp cultural relevance. It takes a premise that feels uniquely tied to the 2020s and crafts a tight, high-stakes thriller around it. It is a clever, suspenseful, and incredibly fun series that shows the strength of small-press creator-owned comics.
The 2026 Best Series nominees show just how rich the comic book landscape is right now. Whether you are looking for blockbuster superhero reinventions or groundbreaking self-published webcomics, this category has something special for every type of reader.
Which of these nominated series has been at the very top of your reading stack this year?