Last Updated on by Nishil Prasad
Experiencing comic books and graphic novels in the audio format is a whole new kind of adventure that one can never go back from. These go beyond the typical stuff, where graphic stories meet the power of words. Even if you don’t prefer reading these books and stories, this selection of the best audio performances adapts them in a fresh and immersive style that keeps you hooked.
In this article, we’re going to be looking at the best graphic novel, comic, and manga audiobook adaptations. These stories are about anything, from superheroes to fantastical realms to inspirational tales. Through soundscapes and vocal performances, the panels in these comics audiobooks come alive and transport the listener to a new world. Let’s begin our exploration then!
Best Comic and Graphic Novel Audiobooks and Audio Dramas For You: From Adaptations of Marvel and DC Comics to Sandman
1. White Sand: Volume One by Brandon Sanderson
In the mysterious land of Taldain, there exist legendary figures known as the Sand Masters who possess extraordinary powers, allowing them to manipulate sand in unimaginable ways. However, a dark conspiracy comes into play which leads to the brutal slaughter of these Sand Masters. Amidst the chaos, an unlikely protagonist emerges. Kenton believes he’s the sole survivor of this devastating event.
Kenton, in his quest for survival, allies with Khriss, a mysterious Darksider with her secrets. Together, they navigate a dangerous world that’s filled with threats from all directions. Sanderson’s mastery of magical systems, a hallmark of his writing, is on full display here and I loved the connection of this Story to the Cosmere Universe which I’m a big fan of. You can explore the world of Cosmere in all its detail through this brilliant compilation of the best Mistborn stories.
2. Marvel Super Heroes: Secret Wars by Alex Irvine
All our favorite heroes from your favorite comics, from the Avengers and Spider-Man to the Fantastic Four and the X-Men star in this epic graphic novel. They get taken to Battleworld by the incredibly powerful Beyonder where they must fight against their worst enemies. Things get even more interesting as the heroes and villains make new friends and enemies.
In all this, Dr. Doom seeks to be more powerful than anyone else. Can our protagonists stop him? If you love the Marvel franchise, this audiobook must not be missed out on. It’s packed with action, surprises, and all your favorite characters. The performances by each cast member are exceptional here, creating a dramatized must-listen audio experience.
3. The Boys: Volume 1 by Garth Ennis
In this gritty universe, costumed superheroes soar through the skies and masked vigilantes stalk the night. But someone needs to keep these ‘supes’ in check, and that someone is The Boys. Led by the diabolic Billy Butcher, this CIA-backed team has some very dangerous individuals, starring Wee Hughie, Mother’s Milk, The Frenchman, and The Female.
They’re all on a mission, one not for the faint of heart. The central conflict is around the most dangerous force on Earth, wait for it, power and fame itself. Or superpowers, in this case. Some superheroes need to be watched closely, some require control, and, occasionally, some need to be removed from the equation altogether. Having experienced this audio adaptation myself, I can vouch for the intense and immersive journey that it was. The voice acting, sound effects, and music all come together to create a captivating atmosphere that brings alive the full cast of characters of this story. For more such full-cast productions like in this article, check out this list of the best full-cast performances to listen to.
4. Daredevil: The Man Without Fear by Paul Crilley
The story depicts the early life of Matt Murdock, raised by a single father struggling to make ends meet. Matt’s father is a former prizefighter who takes one last shot at redemption but loses his life in turn. As a young boy, Matt gets tormented by his peers, but his life takes a turn when he is blinded by radioactive materials while saving an elderly man.
Matt emerges with heightened senses, an unbreakable will, and a sharp intellect, which help him become Daredevil, a superhero who prowls the streets of Hell’s Kitchen, bringing justice and protecting the innocent. It’s a book of love, pain, intrigue, disappointment, and strength. Narrated by a host of voice actors, the production captures the character of Murdock perfectly, in all his shades and colors.
5. The Sandman by Neil Gaiman and Dirk Maggs
This is a production by the same house that gave us Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Catwoman, and a bunch of other immortal characters. With a stellar cast of actors that includes James McAvoy, Riz Ahmed, Kat Dennings, Taron Egerton, Samantha Morton, Bebe Neuwirth, Andy Serkis, Michael Sheen, and, of course, Neil Gaiman himself, this experience is a masterpiece in auditory storytelling. In this adaptation of the first three Sandman novels, we follow Morpheus, the immortal king of dreams, stories, and imagination, torn from his realm and imprisoned on Earth for decades.
Once he escapes, he seeks to restore his power, a journey that takes him from the depths of Hell to the dimension of rogue nightmares. He also crosses paths with many characters drawn from DC comic books, ancient myths, and real-world history, giving way to this trilogy of a story that’s very imaginative while being very much rooted in the human experience. For more of Neil Gaiman, try out all the titles included in this selection of the finest Neil Gaiman works!
6. The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl: Squirrel Meets World by Dean Hale and Shannon Hale
This adventure book explores friendship, courage, and how to embrace what you are, all of it wrapped up in a delightful nutty package. It’s the story of a certain fourteen-year-old named Doreen Green, uprooted from sunny California to suburban New Jersey. Doreen has a secret – she has the powers of a squirrel which includes having a fluffy tail she must keep hidden.
But adjusting to a new school and making friends, all the while hiding her abilities is easier said than done. Loneliness and feeling like an outsider are universal emotions, and it’s something I relate to, as well. One day, when Doreen uses her powers to help her neighborhood, the idea of the Squirrel Girl comes to life as she becomes a local legend. Hilarious and emotional, the story is enriched by all its voice actors who flesh out the warmth and humor of this story even more.
7. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
Filled with wisdom and compassion, and beautifully narrated by Mackesy himself, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse is a story of unlikely friendships and comfort in found family. As each character finds one another, their conversations and adventures carry the audio narrative forward. From love to kindness to courage to the beauty of the human spirit, this book touches upon everything.
My favorite part about this delight of a book is how it’s perfect for readers of all ages. Children will find comfort in the whimsical characters while adults can uncover the life lessons hidden in the pages. It’s a book to be savored slowly, each passage offering a piece of wisdom to you, a balm for your soul. The audio performance reminds us of why compassion is important, and why self-acceptance and embracing our vulnerabilities make us stronger. If you’d like to discover more books for the younger readers around you, this list of the best audio stories for kids would be perfect!
8. Ms. Marvel Vol. 1: No Normal by Adrian Alphona and G. Willow Wilson
Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City who’s imbued with extraordinary powers all of a sudden. As she tries to come to terms with her newfound abilities, she also needs to define her identity in a world where everyone has preconceived notions about who she should be. Her story reminds you that heroes can come in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds and that anyone can rise to the occasion when the need to do the right thing arises.
Kamala’s journey is a coming-of-age story like no other. She’s a teenager, a Muslim, and an Inhuman, an amalgamation of identities that makes her different in the Marvel Universe. It’s beautiful how the authors balance the supernatural with the personal, with tons of humor and heart, all of which is made even better with the cast of narrators in this tour de force.
9. Real Pigeons Fight Crime by Andrew McDonald
In this world, pigeons are not your ordinary, everyday birds. They have a secret identity – they’re the saviors and stars of the neighborhood, dedicated to solving mysteries and fighting bad guys. Filled with witty one-liners and comical situations, the tale is filled with a goofy and humorous cast of characters and fun jokes, equally endearing and eccentric.
Listening to this adaptation was an absolute joy. The audio production brings out the whimsical aspect of the story and the book is a perfect adventure for one and all, whether you’re studying in middle school or planning to go fishing on Saturday after a long week. Sean Kenin Elias-Reyes’s performance makes you laugh and chuckle throughout, as you keep coming back for more. Want more laughter in your life? This collection of the best comedy novels and books must not be missed out on!
10. Demon in the Wood by Leigh Bardugo
Part of the same world as the Netflix series that debuted in 2021, this prequel takes us all the way back to a time before the Darkling became the feared and powerful figure we now know. Eryk, a lonely boy, and his mother, Lena, are not just Grisha; they are the rarest and deadliest of their kind. Their lives are in constant danger as they are pursued by those who fear and seek their powers.
The cast, which has Sean Gormley, Salli Saffioti, Mary Mccartney, Benjamin Valic, Matt Leisy, Ben Barnes, Tom Bromhead, James Fouhey, Eason Rytter, and Cassandra Morris, does a phenomenal job of adapting the original story, conveying the complexities of the characters and scenes while heightening the tension of the ongoing story It’s a journey worth taking for both dedicated fans and newcomers to this rich universe.
