School’s back in session, and so that means I’ve finally caught up on all of my summer reading. Here’s a super-sized edition of Independent Comic Spotlight, the column where I talk about all of the cool non-DC-related releases that have come across my doorstep. Enjoy!
Fetch: How a Bad Dog Brought Me Home by Nicole J. Georges
- Brief Synopsis: A graphic memoir, black and white, graphic novel about a girl and her difficult but loving dog, told in chapters, phases, and commands, this is a must-read for dog lovers.
- My Rating: 3/5
Wax Twin by Andy Babbitz
- Brief Synopsis: Big, single-page, blown-up cartoons (some political, some social, most silly and actually genuinely clever and funny), this is a great collection of black and white comics with a little something for everyone.
- My Rating: 4/5
Ghost Island by Joseph Oliveira and Anabela Turlione
- Brief Synopsis: A good old-fashioned ghost story in black and white with great usage of shading, shadows, and a fantastically creepy tone throughout the entire graphic novel-sized premiere issue. Issue two is due out some time in 2017 and readers cannot wait to see what happens next.
- My Rating: 3/5
Herman by Trade by Chris W. Kim
- Brief Synopsis: A great hardcover graphic novel that is self-contained by a first-time comic book writer and artist that is a bit social commentary, a bit science fiction, and all heart. This is a genuine and unique view into a peculiar but engrossing world a little bit like our own, but entirely all its own.
- My Rating: 3/5
Creepshow by Stephen King and Bernie Wrightson
- Brief Synopsis: The classic comic book that inspired the George A. Romero film brought three legends from three separate worlds (film, comics, books) together. And it’s back in print, oversized, and as beautiful and gruesome as it was when it was first released in the 1980s.
- My Rating: 5/5
Grand Opening by Jensen Rong and Hojin Chung
- Brief Synopsis: A full color self-contained comic book that is part comedy, part satire, and all comedy and action, this is an adult read about working life, nuns, robots, and aliens that is a whole bunch of fun.
- My Rating: 3/5
Of Dust and Blood: A Story from the Fight at the Greasy Grass by Jim Berry and Val Mayerik
- Brief Synopsis: A beautiful hardcover graphic novel that is a very adult-oriented historical account of cowboys and Indians that is bloody, tragic, and a fantastic portrait of a crucial part of history for any fan of James Fenimore Cooper, westerns, or nature.
Alone by Christophe Chaboute
- Brief Synopsis: This graphic novel, translated for the very first time into English, is entirely composed of black and white pictures from an international award-winning cartoonist and tells the story of a lonely hermit on a lighthouse and his imagination, through limited dialogue and minimalist art.
- My Rating: 3/5
Book Books Sent My Way (That You Should Read):
- The CreepyPasta Collection
- The Official DC Superhero Joke Book
- The Many Lives of Catwoman: The Felonious History of a Feline Fatale by Tim Hanley
Sequels Sent My Way (That You Should Collect):
- B-Squad: Soldiers of Misfortune Volume 2
- The CreepyPasta Collection Volume 2
Fun Products Sent My Way (That You Should Buy):
- Guardians of the Galaxy Nalgene Bottles
- Star Wars Crochet Kit
- Marvel Crochet Kit
- Star Wars Builders: Millennium Falcon, Droids, and Starfighters
So there you have it. Another great set of reads, games, and products sent my way. If you have something that you want featured or reviewed, you can email me at JeffHill@ComicBooked.com. If you have a Kickstarter you want featured, we offer a great review package and do weekly indy reviews through Admin@ComicBooked.com. Hope to hear from you all soon. In the meantime, enjoy these great products while you can!
