Comic books and graphic novels are arguably more popular than ever. Over the past two decades alone we’ve seen an explosion in the number publishers, and original titles are popping up like the victims of a George Romero flick.
In the last 15 years we’ve seen more comic books transferred to film than ever before. And you know what? That “nerd” moniker that any comic reader of the 1980s and 1990s was forced to carry has been entirely done away with. Not only are you not a nerd if you’ve got the latest 30 Days of Night graphic novel in your backpack, you pretty much fit in with most of the cool kids.
The times have changed.
Today digital comics sell like hotcakes. Showing up at your local comic book shop at opening time every Tuesday morning is no longer a mandatory move. Nowadays we’ve seen publishers toss their own catalogs up for sale via the good old “dot com.” And we’ve also got amazing outlets like Comixology that offer digital copies of damn near any book you’re itching to get your hands on. You don’t have to sit back and read them on a laptop or a PC. The files are fully tablet- and cellphone-compatible. You can read a comic just about anywhere you want, any way you want.
That’s another key element in the serious resurgence of the comic book.
At the end of the day, no matter how many publishers or retailers are out there, no matter how many different ways you can read your books, what’s really proven the turning point is the talent pool delivering the goods. As a kid I could name you the go-to, hands-down best authors and artists with ease. Nowadays the industry studs have multiplied in number to the point that it’s become difficult to keep up with the very best. There’s just so much talent in the field that it’s tough tracking it all down.
We’re hoping that by offering up this list of 13 amazing books we can turn you on to some killer creators you may not yet be familiar with. You’ll spot some “safe” names in this list, but you’ll notice not everyone in the lineup is on the cusp of household name status. Pick these books up and read them; you will not be disappointed in the least.
Afterlife with Archie (Archie Comics): Archie and a few friends who still remain alive attempt to thwart the oncoming rush of undead ghouls descending on Riverdale. But things won’t be easy. Tensions rise between all those with a pulse, but the focus on keeping flesh-eating monstrosities as far away as possible begins to take a toll. Can Archie keep the gang alive? For a youngster once known as pure to longtime Archie Comics fans, that seems a stretch, but the amazing Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa delivers a tale that instills hope. And as the conflict grows to fever pitch, the crafty author proves he has answers to lead this group through a nightmare once only dreamed of. Artist Francesco Francavilla brings eye-popping visuals to the book, and between the two… you just cannot go wrong with this masterpiece!
Re-Animator (Dynamite): Dynamite has been kicking serious ass this year, bringing engaging title after engaging title to the table. The new Re-Animator series isn’t one we’re sleeping on, at all. It’s not an earth-shattering tale by any means, but there are so many fantastic nods to Lovecraft (as is expected given the core concept) it’s hard not to smile at a legend being honored. A few unexpected betrayals and a well-written piece from writer Keith Davidsen with some solid artwork from Randy Valiente lie in wait. If you’ve yet to experiment with any Re-Animator graphic novels or brief comic runs, this is an excellent alpha point.
Southern Hospitality (Approbation Comics): A longtime sucker for all things slasher, B. Alex Thompson’s Southern Hospitality instantly won my heart over. It isn’t an overly complex story but rather a very straightforward slasher tale with a twist or two in waiting. The characters are all well fleshed out and the dialogue is handled in realistic fashion. It all boils down to a group of 20-somethings in a desolate area who find themselves being stalked by an unknown mass murderer with an awfully sharp blade. It’s bound to take you back in time to the 80s, and that seems to be the goal. Look for appealing yet grainy artwork from Kevin Richardson, who doesn’t once let down, and look to be sucked into this one quickly. It seems a lot of writers fear entering worn territory, but that trepidation has led to a dearth of books like this, which are a very welcome commodity.
The Twilight Zone: Shadow and Substance (Dyanmite): The true beauty of The Twilight Zone: Shadow and Substance? It actually reads like a vintage episode of Rod Serling’s stunning television series (especially the first arc). When you include the fact that the story – which centers on an author who returns to the stomping grounds from which he came only to learn that he’s taken a trip back in time and comes face to face with himself as an abused and troubled teenager as well as his drunken promiscuous mother – is absolutely riveting, it cannot be denied that this is one of the finest “Twilight Zone” comic books ever written. Mark Rahner does a terrific job with the story, and Edu Menna’s artwork is a cool blend of vintage and contemporary. The coloring of the book is also far superior to numerous quality books being released today. Dynamite has fast become one of the greatest go-to’s for genre books and this is certainly one that cannot be slept on. Of all the “Twilight Zone” comics seeing released these days, this one stands at the top of the pile.
Plants vs. Zombies: Timepocalypse (Dark Horse): It’s always good to throw a little lighthearted terror in the lineup. Plants vs. Zombies: Timepocalypse was actually released last year, but it’s such a ridiculous blast that it has to earn mention here. This is a book that is simply never going to get old. The comedy jumps from each and every page, and the preposterous nature of the whole thing is just golden. Paul Tobin earns huge respect for putting this story together, but artist Ron Chan cannot be forgotten. The dude’s artwork just rocks. This one feels a little bit like a brand new spin on Mars Attacks (they’re very different books, for the record) thanks to the mood and visuals.
Mythic (Image Comics): Mythic is a wicked brand new title from the always reliable Image Comics. It’s a rather straightforward man versus monster tale, but writer Phil Hester injects diversity and humor in the mix. Furthermore there’s a complexity in the tale that promises a supremely magnetic arc (aching for more issues!) that any fan of genre fiction will want to thoroughly explore. It makes for a very engaging read and one of the hotter new titles hitting retailers today. We don’t have a whole lot to judge in terms of material just yet, but after a single issue you’re likely to be eager to get your hands on another.
The October Faction (IDW): Steve Niles does it again. The October Faction centers on a oddball family all wrapped up in the ways of the monster. Frederick Allan, the patriarch of a family that consists of a witch, a warlock and a balls-to-the-wall lunatic, is a former monster hunter; and his very own family members are in the process of luring him right back into the ways of the supernatural lifestyle he once lived. Subplots abound and the grim nature of the Allan lifestyle are about to lead him right back into the hazardous habits he once found thrills in. Niles once more crafts a genius piece that sucks readers into an insane world where man must combat the evils of a world that most don’t know about. But Niles isn’t alone in this amazing saga; the brilliant Damien Worm is on hand to create some mesmerizing artwork that feels very reminiscent of Ben Templesmith’s engrossing artwork. Together these two have created a dark and infectious tale that must be read!
The Walking Dead (Image Comics): Somehow The Walking Dead continues to provide stunning and emotional story arcs. The character development has never once found itself neglected, always taking the front seat to the actual assault of the undead. The book features a slew of memorable and truly embraceable personalities, and the story’s villains seem to become more menacing as the book plows forward. Remember the earlier issues, in which The Governor seemed to be the nastiest creature conceivable? Well, those days are long gone, and with more than 140 issues now in the bag, you can bet we’ve been introduced to some truly vile creatures. This is a book that still – and likely always will – remind us that the monster within our very own hearts can be infinitely more paralyzing than shambling, flesh-eating ghouls. Yes, folks, The Walking Dead is still a brilliant must-read.
The Mushroom Murders (Creator’s Edge): An excellent murder mystery with some unique angles, Chad Anderson and Robert Keough’s The Mushroom Murders isn’t your run-of-the-mill horror book. Who is (or are) The Mushroom Killer? A supernatural spin on things keeps the story feeling a little reminiscent of “The X-Files,” and that’s a good thing. Anderson’s writing is exceptional as he covers all bases and builds to a strong finale, and Keough’s artwork fits the tale perfectly. While this one remains something of an unknown commodity, it shouldn’t. The Mushroom Murders is engaging from Page 1, and our focal detectives on the case give us good reason to keep our eyes glued to the pages. This is a damn fine book if ever there was one.
The Fly Outbreak (IDW): This is an absolutely gorgeous book. The artwork is stunning, capturing the look of a young Eric Stoltz in remarkable fashion, and Brandon Seifert’s story sees Martin struggling to find a cure before monsters beyond the grasp of the human imagination can escape. Trust in this: No one wants a flesh-eating milky substance spit in their face, but it all really boils down to the many talents of one man to prevent that from happening. Outbreak has such a beautiful look, almost monochrome in a strange sense, and it works through and through. Prepare yourselves for a fine blend of nostalgia and contemporary chills here. IDW strikes yet again!
Harrow County (Dark Horse): Emmy isn’t just haunted by the chilling tree that grows outside her window… she’s connected to it in a way that she could never have imagined. And upon her eighteenth birthday her fate will become known and the safety she was once accustomed to will depart forever. Cullen Bunn’s morbid tale is one of the finest I’ve read since Charles Burns’ Black Hole, and Tyler Crook’s artwork is both unique and very, very chilling. The coloring is so damn eerie it’s near impossible to avoid catching a case of goosebumps. We’re only a few issues into this story, but it has already proven to be one of the greatest genre books ever released. Don’t deprive yourself of something truly masterful; jump into Harrow County as soon as possible… like, yesterday!
Dead Squad (IDW): An insanely fast-packed tale of three highly skilled soldiers who, wronged by their own government and subsequently killed after refusing to turn traitor, have been brought back to life by unfathomable medical means. But they’ve got just hours to exist as essentially unstoppable killing machines and track down the man who wronged them and obtain a long-term solution to their problem. If they’re going to survive for more than a full 24-hour cycle, all hell will be forced to break loose. Blood and brains will spill, ruthless acts of violence will unfold, and revenge will be the ultimate goal. Matthew Federman and Stephen Scaia assemble a highly engaging story, and Michael Montenat’s art is badass to the nth degree. While not outright horror, the genre elements are absolutely unmistakable, and the savagery of the story is going to have genre freaks falling in love fast!
Creeple Peeple (IDW): Patrick D. Pidgeon’s Creeple Peeple starts slow, utilizing an entire issue to establish noteworthy character development. In fact, it starts so slow it’s easy to see some readers jumping ship, disappointed in the lack of action and conflict. But jumping ship is a mistake. Outside of the first issue the book is stellar, with some top-notch writing and amazing artwork. The concept is awesome and the assortment of creatures that pop up in the book are a blast. Whether it starts slow or not, Creeple Peeple hits a vicious peak and rides it out until the conclusion. Look for the entire series to hit shelves in trade paperback form on June 30th.