Key Comics Vault

Warhammer 40,000 has one of the deepest universes when it comes to lore, with the game, books, and video games providing a vast array of reference material. While publishing has been sporadic, Warhammer 40k comics are sadly often left out of the conversation despite having some incredible stories and are worthy additions to the Black Library. Here are the best Warhammer 40,000 comics to read.

Damnation Crusade

Brutal, dark and terrifying; and that’s just the Space Marines. Released by Boom! Studios in 2006, Dan Abnett’s and Ian Edginton’s 6 issue series explores the Black Templars chapter of Space Marines. Specifically, it follows the lives of a new recruit, a veteran Dreadnought, and a member of the elite Sword Brethren squad.

“Time passes in a parade of faces. Only Tankred endures… alone.”

Tankred, Dreadnought, Black Templars

Illustrated by Lui Antonio and coloured by JM Ringuet, Damnation Crusade features almost all the major factions, including the Necrons, Tau, Eldar, and Orks. A series highlight is the unforgiving recruitment process for the Adeptes Astartes, brutally subjecting potential marines to tasks few survive. It deservedly holds a place on this list as one of the best Warhammer 40k comics.

The Redeemer

Devotion to the Emperor can be shown in different ways. For a few fanatics on the hive world of Necromunda called the Redemptionists, such dedication to the Emperor is shown through acts of violence against unbelievers, scavvies, and plague zombies. Led by Klovis the Redeemer, these zealots pursue the Ratskins, led by a shaman called Caller, in a battle to decide the fate of Necromunda.

“If it doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t count.”

Klovis, the Redeemer

Pat Mills‘s and Debbie Gallagher’s The Redeemer is decidedly less serious than most Warhammer comics, despite dark tones and the violence aptly drawn by Wayne Reynolds. There is humour abound and the relationship between Klovis and one of his acolytes, Deacon Malakev, is almost touching. Like others on this list, it originally first appeared in Warhammer Monthly in 1999 before eventually being published by the Black Library as an omnibus and is a must read Warhammer comic.

Lone Wolves

No suprise perhaps to see another Dan Abnett work on this list and Lone Wolves deserves its place. A Black Library publication, Lone Wolves transports the reader to the world of Shadrac; a planet targeted by a Tyranid horde. Do not expect a heroic tale of turning back the waves of xenos though. This ice planet of the Imperium is already doomed, with only a small band of Imperial Guard left.

“Drive like hell. Don’t even think about what’s behind us.”

Sergeant Poul Marlin, 3rd Company, Xth Slavok Regiment, Imperial Guard

Ammunition is low, morale lower and the Tyranids are getting closer. There is hope though, as a small contingent of Space Wolves are present too, ready to dish out death and glory.

Again, this story was originally published in Warhammer Monthly and features some of finest artwork, by Karl Richardson, in any Warhammer comic.

Bloodquest

Key Comics Vault has already covered Bloodquest with a closer look at the Daemon World of Eidolon; a planet split between the warring factions of Khorne, Nurgle, Tzeentch, and Slaanesh. It is a worthy inclusion in a list of the best Warhammer comics, as it tells the exploits of exiled Space Marine Captain Leonatas of the Blood Angels, in search of the lost Blade Encarmine.

“Sanguinius’s shroud, what have I led us into?”

Captain Leonatas, Blood Angels

Written by Gordon Rennie and illustrated by Colin MacNeil, Leonatas and a small squad of Space Marines journey into the heart of the Eye of Terror. There, they encounter challenges and horrors beyond their imagination. Far from the Emperor’s light, just how far will the Blood Angels go to accomplish their goals? Bloodquest is one of the best Warhammer comics, especially for fans of Space Marines or the forces of Chaos.

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Deff Skwadron

Alongside Paul Jeacock, this is another Gordon Rennie created series on the list, which tells the story of the infamous Deff Sqwadron over five issues, originally printed in Inferno!. Similarly to the aforementioned The Redeemer, Deff Skwadron definitely has a more comedic approach to the universe of Warhammer 40k.

“Afraid ‘is bommer was a bit of a rush job, boss. The Mekboyz didn’t ‘ave time to fit any brakes on it!”

Gimzod

The artwork can be difficult to decipher at points, but for those who persevere, there is a hilarious story of the Flyboyz, led by Kommanda Uzgob, leading campaigns against the enemy Warboss Grimlug. Recounted by the unit’s Smartboy Gimzod, expect back stabbing, squigs, explosions, lots of Orks, and a complete disregard for the wellbeing of sqwadmate Raznuts.

Will of Iron

The receding of a warp storm in the Calaphrax system has sparked the interest of many different parties. Most notably, the Dark Angels chapter of Space Marines, who are desperate to be the first to the system in the hope of lost secrets remaining secret. They soon clash with Necrons, Eldar and the forces of Chaos in an effort to complete their mission.

“Today is a good day to die.”

Interrogator-Chaplain Altheous, Dark Angels

Published by Titan Comics, George Mann’s 13 issue (numbered 0-12) Will of Iron (illustrated by Tazio Bettin) covers the best of the 41st Millennium – powerful weapons, daemons, terrifying factions, and competing objectives. The hurried actions of the Dark Angels attract the attention of the Inquisition, who have suspicions of heresy from one of the most secretive and decorated chapters.