Welcome to the first quarter of 2017’s Independent Comic Spotlight! I’ve been sent quite a few physical review copies these last few months, and it’s always great to see up-and-comers putting their work out there for the masses to enjoy. It’s also a nice break from the Big Two (or, more realistically for me, DC) every now and then. Here are this quarter’s releases that you should all be checking out as soon as you can:
Tread Water by Morgan Rosenblum, Nat Prinzi, Dom Macnab-Stark, and Mingchen Shen
- Brief Synopsis: This futuristic yet realistic portrayal of what could be our world is a full color graphic novel (two so far) that features politics, war, posturing, and lots and lots of action. The art is beautiful and the story’s scope is epic. This is a must-read for anyone who loves when creators stretch the medium.
- Publisher: Darkrose Studios
- My Rating: 3/5
The Mark of Kings by Fernando Perez, Suzy Stein, and Matthew J. Fletcher
- Brief Synopsis: A full color comic book (one issue out right now, issue two in the works) about vampires in the modern world. The art is phenomenal and the character work is on-par with the comics the Big Two are putting out. This is a must-watch, must-read book.
- Publisher: Entity Eye Entertainment
- My Rating: 5/5
Disco Cry by Marianna Serocka
- Brief Synopsis: A full color graphic novel based on a true story that blends youth, nights out on the town, drama, and growing up into a completely unique reading experience. This is by far one of the most unusual comics I’ve ever had sent my way.
- Publisher: Centrala
- My Rating: 3/5
Those Dark New Hampshire Woods by Desmond Reed
- Brief Synopsis: Two black and white graphic novels that are reminiscent of the old school underground comics that we all remember fondly. These comics are about creeps and their origins, their encounters, and their stories. A wildly inappropriate but very fun read.
- Publisher: Self-Published
- My Rating: 3/5
Erik the Red: King of Winter by Soren Mosdal
- Brief Synopsis: This over-sized full color hardcover graphic novel tells a true story in a way that only a comic book can. Part history, part epic, and all action, this story is a must read for anyone who likes war and real-life adventure stories.
- Publisher: Centrala
- My Rating: 3/5
Rayven Choi by Shequeta L. Smith and Dennis Saputra
- Brief Synopsis: This comic book (with the first two issues out so far) is about a woman with a violent and tragic past, and a revenge plot 20 years in the making. The art is gorgeous and the characterization of the protagonist is compelling and I can’t wait to see where the mystery takes her next A must-read for fans of something realistic and action-packed.
- Publisher: Shero Comics
- My Rating: 3/5
God’s Silver Soldiers by Art Greenhaw, Rebecca Dunn, and Ben Dunn
- Brief Synopsis: This comic book comes in two sizes, which is fun, being released as a mini-comic and a super rare collectible giant 11 x 7 comic. As the tagline on the cover suggests comic veteran Ben Dunn works with the creator and co-writer to present a new type of superhero: “God gave them their powers… the world gave them their passion!” This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys faith-based comics and superhero action.
- Publisher: Truthmonger Comics
- My Rating: 3/5
Book Books Sent My Way (That You Should Check Out):
- Chris Ware: Conversations by Jean Braithwaite
- The Gumazing Gum Girl: Gum Luck by Rhode Montijo
- Star Wars: Topps Classic Sticker Book
So there you have it. Some great books on my shelves and some great books that should be on your shelves as well. Like what you see? Pick them up! And if you have a review copy hanging around, please feel free to reach out to me at JeffHill@ComicBooked.com or through our main email, admin@ComicBooked.com. Looking forward to hearing from you and sharing some great new books next quarter. See you in a few months!
