Whether you have a comic book lover on your holiday shopping list, or love comics yourself and want to spread that love, there is certain to be something for everyone on this list.
Paper Girls
Paper Girls is science fiction comic written by Brian K. Vaughn first published in late 2015. A group of young girls discover a mysterious invasion while delivering papers one Halloween night. This “kids on bikes” series is very fitting for fans of Stranger Things and nostalgic sci-fi. Image Comics currently has three trade paperbacks published spanning the first 15 issues and a new hardcover edition with the first 10 issues. Paper Girls is a must read and one the best comics created in recent years.
Orphan Black: Deviations
The Orphan Black television show concluded this year and fans are in withdrawal. Orphan Black: Deviations presents an alternate storyline where Sarah saves Beth from suicide. This small change causes the story to unfold in a whole new way. Give the Clone Club fan on your list a little fix of their favorite characters in different circumstances. IDW will be releasing the six issue series in a collected edition this December.
Batman: Hush 15th Anniversary Deluxe Edition
This hardcover deluxe edition from DC Comics collects the classic Batman: Hush story arc from Batman issues #608-619. Also included are 6 additional pages from Wizard #0, an origin story that appeared on dccomics.com, and a new cover from the talented Jim Lee. Hush is one of the top Batman graphic novels ever and this is sure to be a welcome addition to any comic collector’s shelf.
Teen Titans Vol. 1: Damian Knows Best
In 2018, DC Comics will be airing a new live action series, Titans, on a DC streaming service. Helmed by Greg Berlanti, Akiva Goldsmith, and Geoff Johns, the series features Dick Grayson, Starfire, Beast Boy, Raven, as well as Hawk and Dove. No exact word has been announced on what Teen Titans story will be covered. It looks like they are drawing from multiple sources, primarily the original teen titans and Rebirth. Damian Knows Best collects the DC Rebirth issues and features a Teen Titans team close to the series cast with the exception that this is the Damian Wayne Robin and the addition of Kid Flash. Anything and everything Titans is sure to get the reader hyped for this series. Titans: Old Friends or Teen Titans by Geoff Johns Omnibus are also good options.
Akira 35th Anniversary Box Set
Akira is the 1980s cyberpunk manga series that was influential in bringing manga and anime to the western hemisphere. Included are all 6 volumes in hardcover, an art book, and exclusive patch. Although this box set is the most expensive item on this list, it is a great gift for both sci-fi and manga fans alike. There has been talk of a live action film adaption since 2002, but buzz as recent as this past September indicates an adaption is still in the works.
Planet of the Apes / Green Lantern
Admittedly, I’m not the biggest fan of Green Lantern, but one of the great things about comics is the big crossover events. This 6 issue series from Boom Studios brings together Green Lantern and the Planet of the Apes franchise. Green Lantern fans are not going to want to miss this, as it builds onto the Lantern lore. It introduces a new Universal Power Ring that has all the powers of the emotional spectrum. This ring is discovered by Cornelius who believes it to be another human shuttle landing on his planet. Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps must prevent Sinestro from finding and harnessing the ring’s power. A trade paperback collecting the entire series is currently available.
Wonder Woman
With the massive success of this year’s Wonder Woman, there is no shortage of new fans of the Amazonian superhero. First appearing in 1941, there are tons of Wonder Woman comics and it is always a challenge to know where to start. The Legend of Wonder Woman is a good recent series to start with that is suitable for all ages. The Legend of Wonder Woman Vol. 1: Origins collects the first 9 issues in a trade paperback available now. If you are buying for a young child, Stone Arch Books and Harper Festival both have several Wonder Woman books aimed for the little ones. This is the perfect gift to get your kids interested in reading.
Riverdale Vol. 1 & 2
Riverdale Vol. 1 is the first Archie comic set in the universe of the popular Riverdale TV series. Although Volume 2 is not available until mid-April 2018, I’m sure a copy of Riverdale Vol. 1 and a preorder receipt would go over well with any fan of the series.
Deadpool Kills The Marvel Universe Again
Everyone’s favorite Merc with a Mouth is back with more death and destruction as he kills all your favorite characters from the Marvel Universe. This time taking out new heroes like Gwenpool, Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur, Ms. Marvel, and all the classic heroes we love. This trade paperback collects five issues, which I haven’t read yet, but are sure to contain that signature Wade Wilson wit. It should be obvious, but this series has a parental advisory, so keep that in mind.
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