Holy last minute shopping, Batman!
Whether you or the person you're shopping for is a comic enthusiast, you're in luck! Your local comic store is open today, and probably tomorrow since it's Wednesday! OR! If you're one of those poor unfortunate souls (you're welcome for the Ursula earworm) who don't live anywhere near a shop, there's always Comixology to the rescue!
"But what the heck do I ask for / buy for someone?!" Everyone is going to tell you Marvel titles such as Thor, Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel, etc., as well they should, cause they're awesome! But what about that someone who doesn't want to dive into a whole universe of characters? Fear not! The comics I am recommending are all from Image and they don't exist within any other dimension except what's in their book. You'll recognize a lot of the names, but maybe you're interested in seeing what they can do when not under the thumb of Marvel and/or DC.
I love Rick Remender. And if you love his Avengers or Captain America, you'll want to most definitely check out the stories and characters that came from his mind. Black Science - I compare this a lot to Sliders (weird 90s show about alt dimension space travel) to explain the premise, but it's so much more than that. Deadly Class - A school of students who are being trained to become the world's next line of lethal assassins.
Drum Hellar - Two trades available! So if you bat your eyes and pout your lip, you could even get the second one. DH is one of those comics where I keep wondering whether or not I should even like the main character. He's an asshole. But I love his story. Not to mention the phenomenal artwork of Riley Rossmo. If I were giving out awards, I'd include this book under the category for best art.
Lazarus - Forever is one of my favorite characters out of the 40+ comics I've read this year. Her family are some of my most hated characters this year. The comic has been collected into a hardcover which consists of the first three trades and some extra goodies.
Pretty Deadly - Are you still sleeping on this? Do yourself a favor and go pick up TWO trades of this and give one to a friend who hasn't already read it so you have someone to gush over it with you when you're done.
Saga - It pretty much goes without saying how much you should be reading this. However! If you are, and somebody really loves you, or you really love that Saga fan in your life, I would highly recommend the hardcover. Full trades, extra artwork by Fiona Staples (my favorite female artist), and a full script! A side note: If you're looking for an extra piece of awesome for the Brian K. Vaughn reader in your life, I'd pick up a trade or ten of Y: The Last Man for them... or for yourself.
Sex Criminals - One of us, one of us! brimp, Brimp, BRIMP! Don't listen to anyone who says this book is about two people who can stop time when they orgasm and try to rob a bank in the process. It's so much more than that. Read it and see for yourself.
The Wicked + The Divine - WicDiv. Gillen and McKelvie are the team to read. I'm sure you've seen the tagline over and over and over on your dashboard. Every ninety years a few gods possess the bodies of teenagers and they all turn into pop / rock stars. They are loved by millions. And then the host dies two years later and the gods get to go chill from where ever they came from until the next run. ... There are, of course, exceptions.
Nailbiter - Josh Williamson is KILLING it this year! Damn right I intended that pun. It's true. Nailbiter is genius. Birthright (not included because it's not out in trade format yet but you should go pick up the singles anyway) is brilliant. If you or someone you're looking to buy for like action, suspense, and some horror, go get this one.
Southern Bastards - Jason Aaron is, hands down, my pick for writer of the year. (Williamson placed second.) If you dig on his run of Thor, I wouldn't pass on SB. Earl Tubb will give you feels you probably didn't even know existed. You'll want to walk tall and carry a big stick and stand up for the little guy.
... And those are my recommendations for last minute shopping! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you wonderful people and thank you so much for following me. Let me know if you purchase any of these for yourself and read them to full enjoyment; I love to talk about comics I'm really extra fond of, and these are it!
Happy reading, my friends! Muah!
