Top Shelf Productions is a publishing company who has put out a lot of quality content over the years. Though they were originally independently owned, they are now an imprint from IDW, another popular comic book publisher. Though their content might be very high quality, Top Shelf Productions doesn’t pump out books at the same rate as publishers like Marvel or DC.
However, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t worthy of the praise their books have received. Even without a vast universe of their own, Top Shelf Productions has managed to produce some award winning content from some of comic’s most celebrated authors. Looking at some of their strongest titles from over the years, here is our list of 10 must read comics from the publisher’s catalog.
10 The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
Comic book legend Alan Moore delivers a truly wonderful tale throughout his work on The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Set in Victorian era England, the series follows a collection of some of literature’s most classic characters, including Mena Murray, Captain Nemo, Dr. Jekyll, and the Invisible Man.
Not only is the cast incredibly interesting, but the threats the team faces are unique spins on other works as well. With incredibly written and dynamic characters, on top of a great story that analyzes some timeless classics, it is easy to see why The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen has earned such high praise.
9 Strong Female Protagonist
Originally, Brennan Lee Mulligan and Molly Ostertag’s Strong Female Protagonist was a web series before being put into print by Top Shelf Productions. In fact, it is still a web series today that can be read for free online.
For those who prefer having a physical copy though, Strong Female Protagonist offers a great, alternative take on the superhero genre, looking at certain characters in real world situations. The series also raises a lot of questions about morality, longevity of someone’s influence, and the political involvement of superheroes as well. With a lot of great layers to the series, fans or haters of conventional superheroes can still get a lot out of reading this series.
8 They Called Us Enemy
Star Trek’s George Takei details some painfully honest events of his childhood in the graphic autobiography, They Called Us Enemy. During WWII, Takei and his family were relocated from their home and placed into one of the many Japanese internment camps that were established following the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Takei reveals some truly heartbreaking experiences from what he remembers and also sheds some light on a forgotten part of America’s history. Seeing how his family lived before, during, and after the war pulls at the heartstrings in so many ways. While this may not be a read for die hard Star Trek fans, it is still an incredibly emotional read based on a period of American history that many aren’t even aware of.
7 Girl Town
Fans of Lumberjanes are likely to enjoy Girl Town as well. Author Carolyn Nowak, creator of both, once again expertly charms her audience through Girl Town, a story focused on a girl who just purchased a robotic boyfriend for herself.
On top of being incredibly charming, Girl Town is also full of some incredibly strong characters, something Nowak received praise for in Lumberjanes as well. In comparison to other titles on this list, Girl Town is definitely a bit more uplifting, but it still has its strong, real-world themes that make it a truly wonderful read.
6 A Complete Lowlife
While Ed Brubaker is most known for series like Criminal, Kill or be Killed, and Captain America, his story, A Complete Lowlife is easily one of the strongest things he’s ever written. As a collection of shorter stories that are semi autobiographical, A Complete Lowlife is most known for its high amount of humor.
Despite being early in Brubaker’s career, his masterful storytelling still comes out in this graphic novel. With many themes paired with individual stories as well, there is definitely a lot within each page of the graphic series, making A Complete Lowlife one of the publisher's strongest titles, even many years after it was initially released.
5 March
As yet another biography, March is centered on author John Lewis’ firsthand accounts of historic subject matter like the Jim Crow laws and the Civil Rights movement. March itself is actually a series, with each book focusing on a different period in Lewis’ life and his struggles in dealing with issues such as racism.
Like many other books on this list, March is full of brutally honest facts, yet reads in a way that differs from many other autobiographies. Likewise, being part of a series really gives the time to fully develop, all while keeping things nice and organized.
4 Alec: The Years Have Pants
As the final autobiography on this list, Alec: The Years Have Pants is one of the most celebrated titles ever from the publisher. Based on real accounts from author Eddie Campbell’s life, Alec: The Years Have Pants is full of virtually every emotion imaginable, all without seeming bogged down by too much content.
For how thick the book is, it is actually very easy to read. However, it is definitely full of a lot of mature content as well. For those looking for something that could make them laugh and cry at the same time though, this is definitely worth checking out.
3 The Story of My Tits
Following her own battle with cancer, Jennifer Hayden began work on The Story of My Tits. Upon its release, the story actually received an Eisner nomination as well as praise from many others.
While the title may suggest something raunchy, The Story of My Tits is actually a very heartfelt journey surrounding Hayden’s battle with cancer. Told in a very unique way, it is easy to see why this would not only be therapeutic for Hayden herself, but also her readers who have survived cancer. For something that is autobiographical, this is one read that definitely packs a lot of emotion into a truly wonderful story.
2 Lost Dogs
Superstar author Jeff Lemire’s very first book, Lost Dogs, is also one of his most powerful. Centered on a giant man as he tries to get his family back, Lost Dogs is full of all sorts of emotions, especially in a very dark story such as this.
Though Lemire’s art may not be for everyone, his unique style easily fits within the rest of the story. Furthermore, Lost Dogs itself isn’t terribly long, making it a nice, quick read for those who can get past the more brutal elements of the book. Even though it may not be Lemire’s strongest work ever, it is very obvious that he had talent as a writer, even in his earliest days.
1 From Hell
Even with The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen under his belt, Alan Moore’s most celebrated work with the publisher is From Hell. Though From Hell wasn’t originally published at Top Shelf Productions, they currently reap all financial benefits from the graphic novel.
Centered on the murders of Jack the Ripper, From Hell delivers a very frightening and suspenseful story that has captivated audiences for years. Though its film adaptation didn’t fare so well, the graphic novel is considered by many to be one of the best graphic novels ever published. With that in mind, From Hell lands safely in the number one spot.