I’ve always been of the opinion that there’s a great comic book out there for everyone. I love making recommendations to folks – especially new readers – and helping them grow a love for one of America’s unique forms of literature.
So, let me tell you what to read this week.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Omnibus Trade Paperback
Writer: Dick, Philip K.
Artist: Parker, Tony
Cover Artist: Shaw, Jay
From Previews:
What’s to Love: If you loved the 1982 Ridley Scott film Blade Runner, chances are you know it’s based on Philip K. Dick’s novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? From 2009-2011, we published a 24-issue graphic interpretation of the novel as realized by artist Tony Parker. Now, for the first time, all 24 issues of the Eisner Award-nominated series are collected into one complete omnibus edition, featuring a brand-new cover by Mondo artist Jay Shaw and essays from Jonathan Lethem, Ed Brubaker, Warren Ellis, Matt Fraction, and more. What It Is: San Francisco lies under a cloud of radioactive dust. The World War has killed millions, driving entire species to extinction and sending mankind off-planet. Those who remain covet any living creature, and for people who can’t afford one, companies build incredibly realistic fakes: horses, birds, cats, sheep…even humans. Rick Deckard is an officially sanctioned bounty hunter tasked to find six rogue androids. They’re machines, but look, sound, and think like humans-and infinitely more dangerous.
While I haven’t seen Bladerunner and I haven’t read the original work, I’m excited about this comic making the rounds again. I read part of it a long time ago, and I’m thrilled at the chance to dive back in and read the entire adaptation.
Harrow County vol 1: Countless Haints
Writer: Bunn, Cullen
Artist: Crook, Tyler
Cover Artist: Crook, Tyler
From Previews:
Emmy always knew that the woods surrounding her home crawled with ghosts and monsters. But on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, she learns that she is connected to these creatures-and to the land itself-in a way she never imagined. Collecting the first four issues of the southern gothic fairy tale from the creator of smash hit The Sixth Gun, beautifully and hauntingly realized by B.P.R.D.’s Tyler Crook!
This book stole my heart, and I hope you take this opportunity to check out why so many people are in love with it. Sure, it’s got some spooky moments, but it is entirely manageable for even the scardiest of cats. Highly recommend, one of the best comics to come out this year.
Mystery Girl #1
Writer: Tobin, Paul
Artist: Alburquerque, Alberto
Cover Artist: Alburquerque, Alberto
From Previews:
Trine Hampstead knows everything. Ask her a question like ‘Where are my keys?’ or ‘Is he cheating on me?’ or ‘How are there perfectly preserved mammoths in recent ice?’ and she just knows. She’s the Mystery Girl. The only thing Trine doesn’t know is how she knows-or anything else from the last ten years of her life.
One issue in and I’m already hooked. Great concept, and well-executed. Lots of moving parts working in this one issue, but it’s easy to follow and enjoy.
Absolute Batman: Court of Owls
Writer: Snyder, Scott
Artist: Capullo, Greg
Cover Artist: Capullo, Greg
From Previews:
The explosive ‘Court of Owls’ storyline gets the Absolute Edition treatment, collecting BATMAN #1-11! It all begins when a series of brutal murders rocks not only Gotham City to its core but also the Caped Crusader himself when the prime suspect is one of Batman’s closest allies – Dick Grayson! After a series of deadly discoveries, Bruce Wayne has learned that the Court of Owls is real – and a deadly threat out to control Gotham City!
Ok, fine, Universe! I’ll read it.
Image Firsts: Bitch Planet, Descender, Sunstone, and Wayward
This week, Image is releasing the first issue of several of their current series. You should definitely check out as many as you can, but I recommend the four listed above.
Rat Queens Deluxe Volume 1
Writer: Wiebe, Kurtis J.
Artist: Upchurch, Roc
Cover Artist: Sejic, Stjepan
From Previews:
Collects RAT QUEENS #1-10 plus the never-before reprinted RAT QUEENS SPECIAL: BRAGA #1 plus extras all in an over-sized hardcover with a SILVER-FOIL stamped cover! A collector’s dream package just in time for Christmas!
What!? The Queens are some of the most hilarious, gut-wrenching characters in comics. Their fanbase is large, and for good reason. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just curious about the comic, this is a great addition to any shelf.
All New X-Men #1
Writer: Hopeless, Dennis
Artist: Bagley, Mark
Cover Artist: Bagley, Mark
From Previews:
Hated and feared more than ever, the world is a dangerous place for mutants. As the few remaining X-MEN retreat into seclusion, a handful of mutant teenagers refuse to allow their destiny to be decided for them. CYCLOPS. BEAST. ICEMAN. ANGEL. THE ALL-NEW WOLVERINE. KID APOCALYPSE. OYA. Stepping out of the shadows of their predecessors, the ALL-NEW X-MEN are striking out on their own, determined to write their own futures!
Bendis may have left, but I’m hoping the look and feel of the first incarnation of All-New X-Men continues in this series.
Daredevil #1
Writer: Soule, Charles
Artist: Garney, Ron
Cover Artist: Garney, Ron
From Previews:
Back in black and on his home turf, Daredevil begins again in New York City as a new enemy emerges. Meanwhile his alter ego, Matt Murdock, is on a new side of the law in the District Attorney’s office. Fighting crime in the shadows, prosecuting bad guys in the light, it’s a whole new chapter for our man without fear-including the arrival of the devil’s advocate. Welcome to Hell, Blindspot.
Hmm. I’ve been toying with the idea of starting from the beginning of Waid and Samnee’s run (why not? I’ve got Marvel Unlimited!), but I may just jump in here!
Bloody Mary vol 1
Writer: Samamiya, Akaza
Artist: Samamiya, Akaza
Cover Artist: Samamiya, Akaza
From Previews:
‘Bloody’ Mary, a vampire with a death wish, has spent the past 400 years chasing down a modern-day exorcist named Maria who is thought to have inherited ‘The Blood of Maria’ and is the only one who can kill Mary. To Mary’s dismay, Maria doesn’t know how to kill vampires. Desperate to die, Mary agrees to become Maria’s bodyguard until Maria can find a way to kill him.
You guys knew I’d sneak a shojo manga on here <3 This one is a fantasy romance!
That’s it for this week’s pull list! If you have any recommendations for comic fans (and non-fans) out there, share them in the comments section!
