Gift Guide for your Weird but Lovable Comics Friend
It’s the holiday season, and so begins that grueling battle to find your family and loved ones presents they want. Then there’s that one person, that really weird but lovable comics friend in your life who you never know what to get. But before you buy another gift card for them, check out this great comic books and graphic novel gift guide:
INVINCIBLE: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION VOLUME 1
By Robert Kirkman (Writer) and Ryan Ottley (Artist).
Image Comics, 336 pages.
Potentially a little ‘wholesome’ for older readers, it has been described as “the Amazing Spider-Man of the 21st century.” What the heck does that even mean? This early Kirkman comic book has that same energetic freshness and youthfulness that made Peter Parker/Spider-Man such a hit with readers in the ’60s. The fact that the hero is a young man just learning his responsibilities in life (while trying to have some fun) doesn’t hurt the comparison.
It comes in several formats already, but my personal favourite is the Omnibus HCs. Collecting 13 issues (or so) at a time, they are the best value for collecting the series. With 6 volumes already collected, should the gift receiver enjoy the series…Boom! Next 6 celebrations covered! Present-giving win!
This is also the series that made the career of Robert Kirkman. You know, before he was famous for writing The Walking Dead and Thief of Thieves. Speaking of which…
By Robert Kirkman (Writer), Nick Spencer(Writer), Shawn Martinbrough (Artist).
Image Comics, 152 pages.
Bet you thought I was about to plug The Walking Dead. Nah, everyone has heard of that Image Comics series.
Think Richard Stark’s Parker meets The Thomas Crown Affair and you have a gritty-but-intelligent series about art thieves and their messed-up lives. Sorta an HBO version of Leverage. It’s co-written by Nick Spencer, and I love trying to figure out the twists and turns, à la Ocean’s Eleven. There is a Volume 2 out already. Consistently one of my favourite Image Comics.
BATMAN INCORPORATED VOL. 1: DEMON STAR
By Grant Morrison (Writer) and Chris Burnham (Artist).
DC Comics, 176 pages.
Just released in soft cover, this graphic novel collects some of Grant Morrison’s wildest, weirdest (and best) material on Batman to date. It is the culmination of 5 years working on the Bat-family titles, and this is his closing swan song. You could read through all the GNs leading up to this madcap title, but be prepared to spend some serious cash.
One of the few titles that transitioned smoothly from pre-52 to current continuity (oh, did I mention, all those other Grant Morrison’s Batman GNs might be ‘non-canon’ now thanks to the NEW 52 nonsense). There is also a HC if you want to jazz it up a bit.
If you grab the HC, Volume 2 is just out, and features the death of the latest Robin. Very powerful stuff that will be shaping the future of the Batman series for years to come.
By Alan Moore (Writer) and David Lloyd (Artist).
Vertigo Comics, 296 pages.
The latest printing of the GN that comes with the now Anonymous-associated Guy Fawkes mask. Combine it with the movie and unleash your inner protestor with one of the THE best comic book reads of the 20th century. Perfect for fans of 1984, Brave New World, and The Running Man (Stephen King book or Arnold Schwarzenegger movie, take your pick).
By Allie Brosh.
Touchstone, 384 pages.
Buy this! Buy me and you a copy! Buy another to put aside for a future gift! Just buy them all if you can!
One of the most hilarious webcomics/blogs/COLLECTIONS OF AMAZINGNESSNESS eeeeevvvvvveeeeeerrrrrr, this book will have you laughing with tears streaming down your face and a growing possibility of peeing your pants. But you won’t stop. NOOOooooooooo! ’Cause it is TOO AMAZINGNESS to possibly stop reading!
Sorry, channeling the book a bit.
Oh, what’s it about? Life’s weird, tough, early, embarrassing moments. Nothing and everything. But just buy it already, okay!?!
