Sleep

Let me start off by saying that Zander Cannon is one of my favorite comics makers, and I have reviewed almost every book he's drawn. His series Kaijumax is one of the most enjoyable comics out there, as is his book Heck. He has also drawn a few nonfiction graphic novels along the way, including Bone Sharps Cowboys and Thunder Lizards, T-Minus, and The Stuff of Life. His art style is somewhat cartoonish, but also packs a punch in terms of drama, expression, and pacing. And I love that he adds lots of small touches that reward readers with multiple re-readings of his books.

Sleep is a horror comic, about a man named Jonathan Reason. When he falls asleep and wakes up, he finds himself in strange situations and amid carnage but with no memory of what has transpired.

He begins to realize that when he goes to sleep he becomes something else, something unknown to him. That something hurts and even kills people, and he does not know who to turn to for help. Jonathan has been a good Samaritan for most of his life, and he has one good friend, Tabby, who gives him support, but he is deeply troubled by the ethical consequences of his actions. Also, he has no idea why this is happening to him, or at all really.

Two things make this book work for me. The first is that it is told so that the reader is just as in the dark as Jonathan, which ramps up the tension and anxiety and conveys the horror story in a compelling and visceral way. Second, the black and white artwork is accentuated occasionally with the color red, in the form of Jonathan's glasses usually, but over the course of the book it also comes into play with the reveal of what has been happening. As soon as I finished reading the story, I started going back and seeing what information was being left as clues along the way, a hallmark of a book with exceptional plotting and execution.

Also, I have to say that this book really sticks the landing. The final image is simultaneously revelatory, terrible, and sweet, and it has haunted me since I read the book. If you are a fan of horror, go get this book in your hands as soon as you can.

All of the reviews I have read of this book have been positive. Eric Marcotte delved deeply into the philosophical aspects of Sleep and called it "a series where you will benefit from a second read-through – it is easy to miss a lot of subtle details and clues as you get caught up in the propulsive thriller aspects." Landon Kuhlmann called it "a slow-burn mystery that rewards patient readers."

Sleep was published by Image Comics, and they offer a preview and more info about it here. This book features violence, gore, and profanity, so it is recommended for readers mature enough to read about those things.

Francisco Goya "The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters"

 

Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring

I recently borrowed this book from my local library. Libraries rule!

Rite of Spring is a continuation of the series Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees, which I read and reviewed last year. In this book we flash forward eight years into the 1990s and the advent of the internet becoming commonplace in homes. With this new technology comes different ways to communicate and share/search for information, which transforms small town living and also begins to complicate Samantha's life. It turns out that people searching for murder victims can track clues and share info on message boards, which brings Monica, a persistent and determined duck, to town to figure out what happened to her brother Daniel, who was one of Samantha's victims.

Monica's momentum is formidable, which makes it compelling to see how Samantha deals with her. This book has just as many twists and turns as the original series, with Samantha trying to stay ahead of her pursuer(s) while pretending to befriend and assist them. Secretly, she is also planning a pretty vicious response of her own. Additionally, her past is explored and the origins of her murderous ways are revealed (to the reader anyhow). 

The artwork is charmingly disturbing in how it uses the cuteness of funny animals to embody horror movie tropes. The gory bits are more shocking in their realism when juxtaposed with the general picture book animal qualities. Overall, I was impressed by how well plotted and creepy this book is, and the way it ends promises more dreadful deeds to come, which I will eagerly await.

Patrick Horvath wrote and drew this series, with lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. Horvath has written and directed a number of movies, and beyond this debut series of his he also is writing the Archie in Hell mini-series. Otsmane-Elhaou has lettered books for many different publishers and also was a co-editor of PanelxPanel, an excellent, Eisner Award-winning web journal about comics. Horvath speaks about this follow-up story arc and future installments in this interview.

The reviews I have read of this book have been positive, though some point out the let-down that can come with a sequel. David Brooke wrote that it "successfully builds on the original series with a compelling new protagonist, emotional depth, and chilling visuals." Ian Keogh called it "very readable, but not as strong as the first outing." Greg Burgas wrote about having "serial killer fatigue" in general but still found it to be "a fairly worthwhile comic."

Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring was published by IDW, and they offer more info about it here. This book is not for kids.

D'orc Vol. 1: The Book of Certain Doom

I recently borrowed (via Hoopla) and read this collection of comics that will not be available physically until October 14th. Libraries rule!

D'Orc has been a series with a lot of buzz around my local comic book shop, and I picked up and read the first issue months ago and decided to wait for the collection. I am not made of money, people! I can see why it's been popular among folx I know, because it's a fun, funny, and action-packed adventure. The main character is the titular D'Orc, a thing of legends, born from a creature of light (a dwarf) and a creature of dark (an orc), and who is prophesied to destroy the entire world.

As if that is not enough a weight to bear, he also has an undying, talking battle-shield and the ghost head of a slaughtered chicken as companions as he travels the Scar, a land between realms where there is constant strife. Almost everyone is out to kill him, and despite this all he seeks to right wrongs and defend the weak. Also, he and his compatriots seek to find the mysterious Bone Witch, so that D'Orc can learn about his origins and the shield about the soul inhabiting it.

Not just full of action, this story also has a lot of witty banter between characters, humorous situations, slapstick comedy, puns, and magical enchantments to boot. The artwork is dynamic, cartoony, and full of emotion and personality. This series is charming and exciting, a sure-fire hit for fans of fantasy and adventure tales.

This comic book series was created, written, and drawn by Brett Bean with colors by Jean-François Beaulieu. Bean has drawn many comic book series, including I Hate Fairyland, and also a number of graphic novel series for younger readers, such as Muk 'n' Honey and Zoo Patrol Squad. Beaulieu has many credits in the comics industry, including books for Image and Marvel Comics. Bean talks about his career and inspirations for D'Orc in this interview.

All of the reviews I have read of this book have been very positive. Ricardo Andrés Acevedo called it "a wildly entertaining journey packed with enough humor and bloodlust to sate even the hungriest of comic book readers." Collier Jennings described it as "a fast-paced, funny take on the fantasy genre." School Library Journal gave it a starred review.

D'orc Vol. 1: The Book of Certain Doom was published by Image Comics, and they offer previews and more information about it here. The series is ongoing, and a second trade paperback collection will be published in December.

Wrestle Heist

Any new series by Kyle Starks is a reason for me to celebrate, especially when he draws it as well. I love his pacing, dialogue, and way of weaving familiar pop culture tropes into new and interesting tales. Wrestle Heist features Sterling Steele, a former professional wrestler who has been done wrong by a crooked promoter. In order to get some revenge and also give him a proper nest-egg, he sets out to rob the box office haul from the biggest event of the year. 

In order to pull off a job of this scope, he needs a crew, and a lot of the fun in this book comes from the powerful personalities of that crew, including luminaries like Gravedigger and Bearwolf. Their interactions and relations are nuanced, peppered with snappy patter and well-developed backstories. If it was not clear enough that this book is a love letter to 1970s/80s professional wrestling, the book also features plenty of back matter that hilariously parodies the pro wrestling magazines of the era. I cackled out loud at them more than once. This book has it all: thrills, action, and laughs, plenty enough to suit fans of pro wrestling and/or crime caper tales. I daresay its my favorite Starks book yet.

Every review I have read about this series has been positive. Mike Eakins called it "a masterclass in storytelling." Chris Coplan wrote, "The character work is not only interesting, but it bucks expectations." Fred Morlan opined, "Stark has a singular genius for writing bizarre idiots."

Wrestle Heist was published by Image Comics, and they offer a preview and more information about it here. 

Assorted Crisis Events, Volume 1

Assorted Crisis Events is an anthology series where each issue is done by the same creative team. This volume collects the first five issues of the series, five tales that follow different characters in different circumstances. The only thing these stories have in common is that they deal with time travel and one grand temporal disturbance. There is a mysterious figure in each story, a bearded man with a jet pack, but he's never around long, and what his role is, if he even has one, in this series is not revealed.

The first tale is about a woman who lives in a run-down building frequently used to fill disaster movies; the second about a man unstuck in time catching various glimpses of his life, Billy Pilgrim-style: from his family immigrating to the US, to working in a slaughterhouse, to episodes of family drama, to dinosaurs materializing and attacking. The third tale is about two cities from parallel universes coming together; the fourth about a man who speeds through his own life, seemingly never making decisions and just hurtling forward toward death. The fifth story is about a woman who is stuck in a time loop where she continually re-experiences a trauma event.

These stories are all morality plays of a sort, in the mold of very specific Twilight Zone episodes. They work because they tend to be instantly compelling, the twists are well executed, plus the artwork is simply incredible. The amount of detail, strategic coloring, and page layouts make for some innovative comics reading. I appreciate just how much work goes into visual displays that take advantage of how the passage of time can be throttled, warped, and communicated via comics. I prefer some of the stories to others, but I feel that they are all strong. And I am interested to see if any sense of continuity develops as the series goes on.

Assorted Crisis Events was written by Deniz Camp, drawn by Eric Zawadzki, and colored by Jordie Bellaire. Camp is one of the hottest writers in comics right now, having worked on the acclaimed series Ultimates for Marvel and Absolute Martian Manhunter for DC. Zawadzki has worked on a number of comics series, including the House of El trilogy for DC and Heart Attack for Skybound. Bellaire is an Eisner Award-winning colorist and writer who has worked on many series for multiple publishers. There are multiple interviews with the makers of this series listed here.

All of the reviews I have read about this book celebrate its merits. Matt Reads Comics called it "a must-read series." Evan gushed in his spoiler-filled review, "Overall, this might be one of the best comics I’ve ever read." Brian Nicholson was lukewarm on the series for reasons related to contemporary comics publishing, but he also noted, "The abundance of craft and intellect on display makes me hope it could open up and move beyond the closed-off system of thought that defines it currently."

Assorted Crisis Events, Volume 1 was published by Image Comics and they offer more info about it here. This series is intended for mature readers, and it is ongoing, currently up to issue 8.

Absolute Wonder Woman, Volume 1: The Last Amazon

DC Comics made a big splash last year with the launch of their Absolute series, which feature re-imaginings of some of their most prominent characters. I recently read this first volume of Absolute Wonder Woman, published this year and collecting the first seven issues, and it is fantastic. Here, the Amazon princess's origin is transformed so that she is the last Amazon, brought as a child to Hell by Apollo and left in the care of the witch Circe. From this unlikely start, Diana grows up to become strong and well-versed in magical arts and eventually goes to the surface world. Arriving in Gateway City, she takes on the vanguard of a series of monsters determined to destroy humanity. Armed with her magic lasso and a giant sword, riding a resurrected, skeletal Pegasus, she cuts an impressive figure.

This book depicts her heroism in many different ways, and I love how it comes from a very different place than the original character but still captures the spirit of her strength, valor, and compassion in a fresh and powerful way. The intricate storytelling is perfectly matched by incredible artwork, which depicts the infernal realms, gruesome monsters, and emotional moments with equal finesse and impact. The action and the stakes here are epic, and the artwork amplifies this aspect of the story with its pacing and grad storytelling. Also, I very much enjoyed these versions of WW's supporting cast, such as Etta Candy, Steve Trevor, and Barbara Minerva. I am very excited to see where this series goes from here.

The main creators in this volume are writer Kelly Thompson, artist Hayden Sherman, and colorist Jordie Bellaire, with the last two chapters drawn by guest artist Mattia De Iulis. Thompson has become a comics veteran with impressive runs on Jem, Marvel Comics' Captain Marvel and Hawkeye, and DC Comics' Birds of Prey. Sherman has drawn a wide range of titles from a variety of publishers. Bellaire has won Eisner and Ringo Awards for her coloring work on a number of books. De Iulis has drawn a few books for Marvel Comics and also collaborated with Thompson on the series The Cull from Image Comics. Thompson and Sherman speak about their work on Absolute Wonder Woman in this interview.

All of the reviews I have read of this book have been positive. Tegan O'Neil called it "a miracle of a book." The reviewer at Short Boxes and Slabs wrote, "What works, I believe, is this: the creative team didn’t just pick up the familiar character and tweak a detail — they re-imagined the foundation, then built a story on that new foundation." You can also read a range of reviews of this book at the League of Comic Geeks.

Absolute Wonder Woman, Volume 1 was published by DC Comics, and they offer more information about it here.

Justice Warriors

Justice Warriors is a series set in a near future where citizens live in a "perfect," domed city called "The Bubble" and are surrounded by the "Uninhabited Zone," which is populated by mutants who live in squalor. The Justice Warriors are police who enforce the laws of The Bubble in the UZ, one officer a monster with a goldfish head named Swamp, the other a walking poop emoji named Cadet Schitt. Swamp is not a great officer, and in the course of the first few pages, his partner is killed in action while he waits for his breakfast burrito to be cooked. Those in charge are perhaps even worse: The mayor is a musician who is more interested in album sales than governing, the chief of police a robot obsessed with social media and not justice. And overall, the entire system promotes capitalism over any sense of morality.

Exhibit A.

This future comments on our present day in darkly funny ways, parodying our contemporary consumption as vapid and in service of maintaining a power structure of media and soft drink companies while shilling cheap goods at the general populace. It is a darkly funny book, full of extreme, slapstick violence and a Judge Dredd-level of social commentary where it is way too easy to find yourself rooting for the wrong side (if there is one). The adversary in this book is a band of Zodiac-driven terrorists, they are Libras, who are exacting justice by taking over social medial popularity and invading the Bubble. They wreak havoc and disturb album sales, but what is disturbing is how most folks are easily swayed to their side and a "new" social order where the new boss will be just like the old one. 

This book is biting and weirdly fun, pointing out many of the foibles of ourselves and our current times. And perhaps best of all, it features phenomenally good artwork. The wide variety of mutants are cartoonish, highly detailed, and quite distinct from each other. There are intricate backgrounds that belay a vast amount of world-building. And the action sequences and comedic timing are both on point. I found myself poring over this book, reading and rereading sections to drink in all the mayhem, hilarity, and detail.

Justice Warriors is a collaboration between writer Matt Bors and artist Ben Clarkson. Bors is a long time political cartoonist who also founded and edited The Nib. He has won multiple Eisner Awards, was twice nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, and also writes the recent Toxic Avenger series. Clarkson works in animation, illustration, fine art, theater and comics, and his work has appeared internationally in many venues. Bors and Clarkson both speak more about their work on this book in this interview.

All of the reviews I have read of this book have been positive. Zack Quaintance called it "a dense, surprising, and often-hilarious read." Ryan Zickgraf wrote, "Part of what makes Justice Warriors feel fresh is that it finds new ways to depict totalitarian regimes. Instead of the predictable censorship-focused Big Brother of the endless 1984 knockoffs, everyone in Bubble City is free to speak their mind online — but the algorithm is tweaked to favor the rich and powerful and ads promoting conspicuous consumption."

Justice Warriors was published by Ahoy Comics, and they offer more information about the series here. It features violence, gore, and profanity, and is advised for readers mature enough to handle those things. For those who enjoyed this book, a second volume, Vote Harder, has also been published.

Out of Alcatraz

Originally published as a 5-issue series, Out of Alcatraz is a fictional account of what happened to the three men, Frank Morris and brothers Clarence and John Anglin, who engineered an audacious plan to escape from the penitentiary in 1962. It has largely been believed that all three perished in the treacherous waters of San Francisco Bay, but technically all three are still listed as wanted fugitives by the FBI. This graphic novel could have also been titled Out of the Frying Pan, because every chapter ends with a surprising escalation of their situation. Their quest for freedom is marked by people who try to profit from these outlaws, by getting them to perform forced labor or assassination. It is a wonderfully crafted narrative that ramps up suspense until the very last pages.

The artwork and pacing in this book are exceptional. I liked the use of watercolors to add ambience and tone, and it does a great job of portraying character's emotions as well as emphasizing explosive action sequences. The way that the plot unfolds leads the reader through multiple reveals while providing a good sense of mystery, the hallmark of a great thriller tale. 

I also very much appreciated the drama involving the two investigators, one FBI agent and the other an ex-federal marshal, who are trailing these fugitives. Their love story adds a different dimension to the fugitive narrative, exploring what it meant to try to exist as a homosexual during this time period, with many prohibitions against coming out and being able to live their lives in a free way. This book is not just a great piece of suspense, but also a moving story that will sit with you for a bit.

Out of Alcatraz was a collaboration between writer/producer Christopher Cantwell and artist Tyler Crook. Cantwell has written a number of series for Marvel Comics and also created and produced the TV series Halt and Catch Fire. Crook has drawn many comics series, notably the Eisner Award-nominated Harrow County and The Lonesome Hunters, which he also wrote. Cantwell and Crook speak about their work on Out of Alcatraz in this interview.

All of the reviews I have read of this book have been glowing. In a starred review from Library Journal Thomas Batten summed up, "Atmospheric, beautifully rendered, and psychologically rich, this is a standout thriller." Justin Munday called it "a phenomenal fictionalized take on a true event." The reviewer at Turn & Work wrote, "The story is taut and compelling, tackling the social prejudices of its time with more nuance and depth than I expected from a five-issue series."

Out of Alcatraz was published by Oni Press, and they offer a preview and more information here. You can also read the entire first chapter of the story here. This book features profanity, violence, and some sexual situations so it is suggested for readers mature enough to handle those things.

The Six Sidekicks of Trigger Keaton

I am a huge fan of both Kyle Starks and Chris Schweizer's comics, having read pretty much all of the books they've made (click on their names in the labels, you'll see!). They are friends in real life and frequent collaborators, and in The Six Sidekicks of Trigger Keaton they once again make an enjoyable and well-plotted action/murder mystery. The titular Trigger Keaton is an actor in adventure shows, a horribly behaved Chuck Norris type and grade A jerk, leaving a path of verbal abuse, wounded egos, and broken noses in his wake. He's got a long-term studio contract so that he appears in many different series, only his cantankerous disposition, hard drinking, and penchant for wounding stuntmen means that they are short-lived despite their popularity.

Someone has finally had enough, and they take Trigger out to pasture, but staged it as a suicide. The six actors who played his sidekicks are some of the only people who come to his funeral, and when some of them question his death, they all end up involved in a disjointed and haphazard investigation.  

These unlikely sleuths have a difficult time gelling as a squad, and their bickering is one of the bright spots of this book. The book also features lots of snappy dialogue, several carefully constructed combat scenes, and myriad pop culture references to fictional shows, including ads, movie posters, interviews, and previews. Also, the mystery plots features lots of red herrings to keep the reader guessing. This series is a real labor of love and a joy to read, especially as a child of the 1980s where many of the pop culture references come from. 

Trigger being Trigger.

All of the reviews I have read about it have praised this critically under-rated series. I agree with Sean Kleefeld who wrote, "On top of being a fun set of characters and an interesting concept, the story is told very well." Aussiemoose gushed that "the 6 Sidekicks of Trigger Keaton has everything you could possibly want in a graphic novel." Joe concluded that there is "so much packed into each issue, none of the characters or ideas feel underbaked, it all feels so fleshed out and has made for an incredibly fufilling reading experience that everyone should check out!"

The Six Sidekicks of Trigger Keaton was published by Image Comics, and they offer previews and more info about it here. This book features copious amounts of profanity and violence, so it is suggested for folks who can handle that.

Abbott 1973

Sometimes when I read a book, I am struck by how much some things change and how much other things stay about the same, especially regarding how some social groups are treated and mistreated. Abbott 1973 is the second entry in the series, and I have to admit that I have not read the first book but still was able to jump right in and enjoy this one. The main character is Elena Abbott, a Black, lesbian reporter who works for a Black-run newspaper in Detroit. Because of the times, she and her partner have to stay closeted. In this book, she has a new editor, and he treats her condescendingly because she is a woman, which creates friction. Also, she is covering the tense mayoral race that would result in the first Black mayor of Detroit being elected, though there are some sinister forces working against that happening. 

The twist in this realistic fiction is that those forces draw from the occult. However, Abbott has access to power called the Lightbringer, and she is able to combat those supernatural villains on her own terms. What I feel this book does best is traverse two genres, urban historical fiction and supernatural fantasy, in a way that both work. This book is a great piece of suspense and the fantastical elements add a different, satisfying twist to the proceedings. The character work is also strong, and I really liked the detail and care to depict a time period from about 50 years ago, warts and all. 

This series is a collaboration between writer Saladin Ahmed, artist Sami Kivelä, and colorist Mattia Lacono. Ahmed is an author whose novel Throne of the Crescent Moon was nominated for a Hugo Award, and he has also done several runs for Marvel Comics on characters such as Miles Morales, Daredevil, and Ms. Marvel. Finnish artist Kivelä is known for several series, most notably Undone by Blood and Machine Gun Wizards. Italian artist Lacono has done extensive work coloring comics, mostly for Marvel Comics.

All of the reviews I have read about this book have been positive. Zack Quaintance wrote that it does "a great job of building upon its established premise to begin a story that feels intriguing, timely, and important as ever." Marion Deeds called the first series "an immersive read and a look at an important time period in the USA, and one we are being encouraged to forget." Publishers Weekly summed up, "Pulp and politics mix in this relatively straightforward supernatural tale; though it doesn’t elevate the genre, it satisfies its goals and does so with a refreshingly diverse cast."

Abbott 1973 was published by Boom! Studios, and they offer more info about it here.

Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees

I read this series on the Global Comix app, and it's also now available in a handy trade paperback. Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees is a title that has been very popular at my local comic shop, and I have been pretty curious what all the excitement was about. It's a beautifully drawn book, with characters who are depicted as anthropomorphic animals a la Richard Scarry's Busytown but who act in much darker ways. In my description below, I am purposefully being vague, because I do not want to give too much away.

The main character is Samantha Strong, a bear who runs the local hardware store in the sleepy town of Woodbrook and who engages in some pretty vicious deeds on the sly. When some of the locals get murdered, the ensuing investigations threaten her secrets, so she decides to take matters in her own hands to find the culprit.

Woodbrook is full of a vast array of inhabitants, including dogs, birds, mice, pigs, goats,cats, foxes, raccoons, turtles, and more. They are all panic-stricken by the murder and their small town is gripped by terror. Part of what is engaging about this book is seeing a sort of crime procedural plot occur in this picture book setting, but the mystery elements are well-plotted, and there are enough suspects and plot twists to make things interesting. Because of the dark subject matter, I suggest this book for more mature readers who can deal with gruesome murder, but there is also a touch of whimsy that comes with the watercolor artwork that sets this series apart. I found it a very entertaining and sumptuous reading experience.

Patrick Horvath wrote and drew this series, with lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. Horvath has written and directed a number of movies, and this is his debut comics work. Otsmane-Elhaou has lettered books for many different publishers and also was a co-editor of PanelxPanel, an excellent, Eisner Award-winning web journal about comics. Horvath speaks about his inspirations and work on BTTWNS in this interview.

All of the reviews I have read about this collection have been positive. Publishers Weekly wrote, "Horvath’s charming picture-book artwork, rendered in bright painterly strokes and packed with visual detail, makes the gruesome subject matter all the more disturbing." Kate called it "one of the most unique graphic novel experiences I’ve had this year." Zack Quaintance concluded, "It all makes for a great spooky season read, and a fun addition to your comics bookshelf from a cartoonist whose work definitely bears following into the future."

Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees was published by IDW, and they offer more information about it here. For those who want more, a sequel series, Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring, which is set a decade after this series, is currently being published.

Minor Arcana, Volume One: The Fool

I am a big fan of Jeff Lemire since I read The Essex County Trilogy  almost two decades ago. He is one of the most prolific comics creators in the field today, with a huge list of comics credits and having won a slew of major awards along the way. He has written a number of series for DC Comics and Marvel as well as his own creator-owned works like Black Hammer, and Sweet Tooth. I was very excited to read his newest ongoing series, his first solo one since 2012, Minor Arcana, and this book collects the first five issues.

Theresa St. Pierre is the protagonist of the series, and she's been called back to the small town of Limberlost to care for her mother, who has cancer. Theresa hated growing up there and is very reluctant to return, but she has had a bad run of her own and really has nowhere else to be. She is also a recovering alcoholic and generally seems to hate people. Her mother works as a psychic, and Theresa always thought she was just running an extended con on people, but then something happens that makes her realize that these abilities might be real. 

What makes this book so compelling to me are the hallmarks of Lemire's work. He is able to created strong characters with whom the reader is drawn to care about. Theresa is surly, unpleasant, and imperfect but also gives people credit when it's due, and she is a surprisingly relatable person. Also, the small town setting and family drama are fertile ground for delving into the past, unearthing secrets and revealing events that have profoundly shaped the present day. I loved how suspense builds through the plotting and pacing and how revelations in singular moments really pay off in terms of both story and imagery. All of Lemire's storytelling tools are in full effect here. I was instantly drawn into this world, and I cannot wait to see what else happens here.

I had a difficult time finding reviews of this trade paperback, but Jared Bird called this collection "tremendous work" that "feels special." There are a range of reviews available from The League of Comic Geeks, where it has been rated 4.3 (out of 5) stars as of this post.

Minor Arcana, Volume One was published by Boom! Studios, and they offer more info and a video preview of the series here. Lemire also speaks extensively about the influences on the series in this interview.

Santos Sisters, Volume 1

This collection gathers the first five issues of the 2025 Eisner Award winner for Best Continuing Series. Santos Sisters is a tough book to categorize, but I think it characterizes some of the best aspects of comics in general. It looks like an Archie comic, features adventures and characters straight out of superhero stories, and is mostly full of clever repartee and relationship talk. This strange amalgamation makes for some very funny and engaging stories, and I have really enjoyed reading this series and revisiting the comics in this version was very rewarding.  

Ambar and Alana are the titular sisters, and one day they discovered a pair of medallions on a beach and were transformed by the mysterious and mystical Madame Sosostris into masked super-beings to defend the fictional town of Las Brisas. That is, when they are not laying about the house, watching silent bee cartoons, and bickering, especially about Ambar's self-absorption or boyfriend Dirk. 

Together they deal with a motley crew of threats such as the saboteur 8Ball, Scope the assassin, Weird A.I. Ankhovic, Kreg the Handsome Barbarian, and Bridgette Spinner (say it out loud). These characters are a vivid and distinctive bunch, and a lot of the fun of this book is seeing just how ridiculous they and their villainous motivations are. The sisters often defeat them more out of personal reasons or irritation than altruism, and as they battle they are often engaged in side conversations about food, relationships, or sex acts. 

And there are lots of comics Easter eggs. Check out those teeth!

They also talk to lots of anthropomorphic animals, including a bunch of jerky forest animals and a know-it-all dolphin. These are some surreal, fun, and smart comics that have a lot going on but also trust the reader to catch onto what's happening without needing much context or backstory. I love the episodic way the tales are structured like classic Archie comics: each one is a celebration of comics, a burst of inventiveness and joy. And much like stones in a mosaic, cumulatively these stories depict a wonderfully realized fictional world.

This book's creators Greg & Fake collaborate between Chicago and Manzanillo, Mexico, respectively. Fake Petre is the writer and Greg the artist, and they also incorporate ideas and input from Graham Smith, Dave Landsberger, and Marc Koprinarov. G&F speak more about their origins and work in this interview. You can learn more about the series at its official website.

All of the reviews I have read of this book have been full of praise. D. Morris opined, "It is a book that knows great comedy comes from putting well defined characters into absurd situations." Timothy Callahan wrote, "None of these three- to eight-pagers would feature in a Best American Comics anthology. But as a whole, the accumulation of details and comedic elements and relentlessness work to make this a highly entertaining comic." 

Santos Sisters was published by Fantagraphics, and they offer a preview and more about it here. This book is not for kids. 

Godzilla's Monsterpiece Theatre

If I were writing an elevator pitch for this book, it'd be "American literature + kaiju +Universal monsters." It 's sort of like a US version of League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, only more fun and slightly less horrific. The central conceit is that Godzilla attacked West Egg, and Jay Gatsby amasses all his resources to both repel the beast and impress his lost love Daisy Buchanan. 

The drama!

His G-Force pulls out all the stops to defeat the massive beast and going to the ends of the Earth to bring the fight. Along the way, a number of other prominent literary figures, including Sherlock Holmes, Captain Nemo, Dracula, and Frankenstein's monster join in the fray, some as friends others as foes. The result is some inspired madness. 

What I love about this book is that it portrays so much action and also sets up excellent cliffhangers. Certainly there are a good number of clever scenes and funny moments, but thrilling action is what drives the narrative. Most impressively it does so while also honoring the literary histories of the characters involved, so that the whole enterprise comes off organically. That is no mean trick to pull off, especially toward the end when a myriad number of characters have to be coordinated in an epic final battle royale. This book is a page-turner and the worst thing I can say about it is that it ends too abruptly for my liking. But they say to always leave the audience wanting more, yes?

Godzilla's Monsterpiece Theatre was the product of Tom Scioli. He is a prolific comics creator who has made his own series such as  Gødland and American Barbarian as well as work-for-hire ones, including Fantastic Four: Grand Design. He has also drawn a number of licensed properties, including Transformers Vs. G.I. Joe and delved into nonfiction with graphic biographies of Jack Kirby and Stan Lee. He speaks about his work on Monsterpiece Theatre in this interview.

All of the reviews I have read of this book have been glowing. Frank Plowright wrote, "A gleeful absurdity prevails throughout yet the strength is evident via a story that would work if given an entirely straight treatment." Kara Dennison called it "a great deal of fun." Zack Quaintance wrote that it "is, simply put, one of the best comics of the year."

Godzilla's Monsterpiece Theatre was published by IDW, and there is more information about it here.

Grommets

Grommets is a series I read via the Global Comix app on my phone, and it is an engaging and moving coming-of-age story. It was definitely a blast from the past for me, taking me back to the 1980s, skateboarding, and punk rock. Although I only really dipped my toe into the world of skateboarding, because my sense of balance was lacking, I was a big fan of the music in this book and had not a few friends who resembled characters in Grommets. The two main characters, Rick and Brian, live in Sacramento, California in 1984 and are loners who find common bonds in skating and music. Together, they navigate a great number of things, including being latchkey kids, dealing with disappointed parents, dating, getting hassled by jocks, dodging security guards, having illegal parties, and finding places to hang out.

As a person who lived through this era, I felt that the creators got so much of the feel and tone of the time period correct. It does not just throw out token references for the sake of nostalgia but weaves all the technologies, musicians, and politics of the 1980s into an organic whole. The artwork in particular is very well researched and portrays a very 1980s world, full of denim, run-down buildings, skate ramps, convenient stores, and other locales. It meshes realism with a cartoon style, a sort of hybrid of classic MAD artists Mort Drucker or Jack Davis and Tank Girl co-creater Jamie Hewlett. It works very well at capturing characters' emotional states as well as bringing energy and dynamism to the action sequences, especially with the vibrant coloring. 

The artwork well suits the funny, honest, and often brutal aspects of the plot, which does not sugar coat any of the rough stuff that come with being a social outlier, physical and emotional violence from peers, and fallout from family who might not see things the same way you do. I read the book as a series, and the wait for the final issue was a struggle because of the cliffhanger, I am not going to lie. It was a very gripping and emotional read for me, with very strong character work, and I found myself very concerned for Rick and Brian's well being. 

Grommets was created by writers Brian Posehn and Rick Remender, artist Brett Parson, and colorist Moreno Dinisio. Posehn is a stand-up comedian and actor who also has a bunch of writer credits for the Marvel character Deadpool. Remender is a comic book writer and television producer known for his work at Marvel as well as his original series Fear Agent, Black Science, and Deadly Class. Parson has drawn a number of Tank Girl comics as well as worked for a number of publishers. Dinisio is an artist and colorist for a wide range of comic books. 

I have read a number of online reviews about this series, and they were all celebratory. Javier Reyes called it "a love letter to 80s skater culture and punk rock." Publishers Weekly wrote, "This sweet and raunchy slice of life spikes its 1980s California skate-punk nostalgia with brutal face-plants, hard-won lessons, and bursts of violence."

Grommets was published by Image Comics, and they offer a preview and more information about it here. I recommend this book for readers mature enough to handle the drinking, language, and mature situations that these kids deal with. The first issue/chapter is available to read for free here. 

Holler

Continuing with my haul of comics from HeroesCon, today I am sharing Holler by Jeremy Massie. One of the best parts of going to Charlotte is seeing friends and getting to talk, even if it is while they are manning their booths and selling their wares. I always make a point to check in with pals Henry Eudy and Eraklis Petmezas, who are typically tabled next to each other, and this year they were joined by Massie. I was very eager to get Holler, as I had gotten the first few issues that were published by It's Alive but had not had the chance to finish the series. Lucky for me, Jeremy had this book for sale, and I loved reading it.

It's a pretty specific book, but I am the target audience in a few ways, because of my age and musical tastes. And I should note that it's not quite autobiography, but it is based on some real events and people. It's set in the 1990s in a small, rural town in Appalachian Virginia. Its narrator and main character is Mark, a high school student who does not really excel at academics, but he is a talented enough artist and musician. He plays guitar and joins his friends in a band called Magnesium Mama that plays grunge rock covers and some original songs. This scene puts him at odds with his family in some ways, as well as with the religious figures that factor heavily in his life. 

It also puts him in a clique that is at odds with the local "rednecks" (as he calls them), which leads to conflicts, both verbal and physical. Over the course of the book, Mark deals with a lot of different situations. He gets his first girlfriend, then experiences his first break-up. He experiments with drugs. He plays a lot of gigs and gets involved in a few different battles of the bands. He switches churches, sort of dates the preacher's daughter, and has to navigate the complicated ways his parents and he practice religion. 

The stories here are all told in episodes, and I found them highly compelling and poignant. The artwork is well paced, and is particularly excellent at capturing people's expressions and emotional reactions, which works very well as this book is very character driven. This book touches on a lot of issues that young people contend with as they get older and start trying to carve out spaces in the world, and it does so in a way that is sometimes humorous, occasionally cringe-inducing, and always relatable and human. Holler is one of the best coming-of-age graphic novels I have read, and I highly recommend it.

This book's creator Jeremy Massie has made all sorts of comics in various genres, including the superhero tales Amazing Age, horror stories Blood-Drenched Creature Double Feature, and the more realistic, solo-authored book All My Ghosts. He speaks about his work on Holler in this interview.

I was not able to locate many reviews of this book, which is a shame, because I feel it should be more widely known and read, because it is so good. Publishers Weekly concluded their review, "This bittersweet blast from the past will strike a chord with recovering high school outcasts."

Holler was published by Dark Horse, and they offer more information about it here. Because it features some drug use, sexual situations, profanity, and adolescent shenanigans, I recommend it for readers mature enough to deal with those matters. 

The Great British Bump-Off

I am a big fan of The Great British Bake Off and murder mysteries, and boy was I excited when this series was solicited. The Great British Bump-Off not only marries these two things, it's also written by John Allison, whose work I have been following for decades now. It stars sleuth Shauna Wickle, one of the stars of the webcomic Bad Machinery, as a contestant on a parody version of the esteemed reality baking competition. Someone has poisoned one of the most competitive bakers, and the producers have tasked Shauna with finding the culprit while also being on the show and completing the challenges. Hijinks and suspense ensue.

Drama!

There are a few things that make this book highly appealing. The artwork is cartoonish and dynamic, a great platform for both broad humor and some of the more sinister undercurrents of the plot. The dialogue is snappy, and I found myself laughing and smirking along at this book a few times. The murder mystery plot is a lively one, with plenty of colorful suspects and red herrings, a la Agatha Christie. And if you are a fan of the actual reality competition, like I am, there are plenty of delightful in-jokes and references to the show's many tropes. Still, I feel this book would be attractive to anyone who is not familiar with the show, as these are some excellent comics, and the storytelling is masterfully crafted.

The Great British Bump-Off was created by writer John Allison, artist Max Sarin, colorist Sammy Borras, and letterer Jim Campbell. Allison and Sarin also collaborated on the Eisner Award-winning series Giant Days. Borras colors many comics, most recently in The Phoenix. Campbell has lettered a good number of comics, including Barbaric. Allison talks about his inspirations and work on The Great British Bump-Off in this interview.

All of the reviews I have read of this book have been glowing. Johana Draper Carlson called it "a joy to read" and added, "The mystery is legitimate, and I was thrilled to follow through the twists and turns." And I completely agree with Tegan O'Neil who wrote, "The problem with The Great British Bump-Off is simply that the series is only four issues long." Nathan Simmons concluded, "Don’t worry if you haven’t watched that series [The Great British Bake Off] before, though; you should still be able to enjoy mystery and the lunacy on display in The Great British Bump-Off, even if you can’t tell a parfait from a trifle."

The Great British Bump-Off was published by Dark Horse, and they provide more information about it here. Fans of this series will be happy to know there is a follow-up, The Great British Bump-Off: Kill or Be Quilt being published right now.