Vertigo Comics

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Vertigo Comics was an imprint of DC Comics that specialized in publishing comic books and graphic novels with more mature themes. It was founded in 1993 by Karen Berger, who served as the executive editor until 2013. Vertigo was known for its innovative storytelling and willingness to explore complex and often controversial subjects, which set it apart from mainstream superhero comics.

History[edit | edit source]

Vertigo Comics was established to provide a platform for more mature and sophisticated stories that were not suitable for the main DC Comics line. The imprint quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality writing and artwork, attracting some of the most talented creators in the industry.

Some of the most notable titles published under the Vertigo imprint include The Sandman by Neil Gaiman, Preacher by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon, Y: The Last Man by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra, and Fables by Bill Willingham.

Notable Titles[edit | edit source]

The Sandman - Created by Neil Gaiman, this series is one of Vertigo's most acclaimed titles. It follows the story of Dream, one of the Endless, a group of powerful beings who embody various aspects of the universe.
Preacher - Written by Garth Ennis with art by Steve Dillon, this series tells the story of Jesse Custer, a preacher who gains the power of "The Word of God" and sets out on a journey to find God and make Him answer for His actions.
Y: The Last Man - Created by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra, this series explores a post-apocalyptic world where all male mammals except for one man, Yorick Brown, and his pet monkey have died.
Fables - Written by Bill Willingham, this series reimagines characters from fairy tales and folklore living in exile in modern-day New York City.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Vertigo Comics had a significant impact on the comic book industry, pushing the boundaries of what could be achieved in the medium. The imprint's success paved the way for other publishers to explore more mature and diverse themes in their own titles.

In 2018, DC Comics announced that Vertigo would be replaced by the DC Black Label imprint, which would continue to publish mature-themed stories. Vertigo was officially discontinued in January 2020.