2018 Annual Mid Year New Comic Wrap Up !

 We're only halfway through the year, but 2018 is shaping up to be one of the best years for new comic book series that we've had in recent times. It's only July but there are so many great new titles that you should be reading. I thought I'd take a moment to highlight some of my favorites right now. If you don't see your favorite title on here now make sure to come back later in the year, as I'll check back in around October/November to highlight some more titles. So as much as I would like to feature books like Submerged and Catwoman, if a book is only on it's first issue, more then likely it's not going to make the list. At the moment most of these titles are still ongoing, most with only about four issues on shelves, so make sure to check them out at your local comic shop or digitally through Comixology to catch up!

VAMPIRONICA - Greg Smallwood & Meg Smallwood -  I love the Archie reboot. I think it's one of the best things to happen to comics in awhile. If you haven't had the chance to read the main Archie title, Jughead, Vixens or any of the other amazing titles you should catch up on that. On top of the Archie reboot, I'm head over heels in love with the Archie horror verse. With titles like Afterlife with Archie, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (which is getting a Netflix show btw), and Jughead the Hunger, Vampironica is the perfect addition to this sinister alternate universe. As the title states it follows Veronica Lodge and her run-in with, you guessed it, a Vampire. After being bitten, the story continues to follow Ronnie as she adapts to her new condition. Greg Smallwood's art is absolutely stunning, given its unique style, every single panel featuring the characters is animatic and super expressive only making the pages more enjoyable. The only problem I have with this book is that like all titles in the Archie Horrorverse, there seems to be a delay in the releases and there are long lapses between every new issue. That being said it's still worth your read, but if you're waiting for the collected trade you might be waiting longer then usual. [Comixology]

THE WILDS -  Vita Ayala & Emily Pearson - The Wilds was my most anticipated book of 2018, and with the first three issues on shelves it hasn't disappointed. I featured this book back on my Post-Apocalyptic recommended reading list a few months ago and will continue to push this wonderful series every chance I get. This is a post-apocalyptic book unlike anything on the market, it's "blooming dead" both hauntingly beautiful and eerily creepy always keeping the characters and readers on edge. Did I mention this one is queer as hell because that's always a reason to read a book. While I'm sad that Wilds is only a five issue series it also makes it the perfect jumping on book for both veterans and newcomers to comics. It's a well-done story that doesn't feel overwhelming because it's only five issues.  That being said the world that's been created leaves something to be desired. Personally, I'm hoping to eventually see more stories inside this universe. It's amazing to see how over the course of three issues thus far, we've seen the progression of Vita and Emily as writer and artist respectively. Their wonderful dynamic and love for the series pour across each page and it's clear in each new issue. With three out of five issues available now and the collected trade on its way, there's no logical reason why you shouldn't be reading The Wilds. [Comixology]

DEATH OR GLORY - Rick Remender & Bengal - I'm not sure what to make of Death or Glory. Three issues deep I can say I'm enjoying it even if there are some points I'm not understanding. Glory doesn't live a conventional life. She grew up in a trucking convoy with her father figure Red being at the head of them. But Red is sick and is in need of expensive dire medical treatment. Given the unconventional life, the two have lived Glory is forced to steal the money from her ex-husband, who has found himself involved with some illegal drug runners. I will say issue three is what really hooked me into the series and the deciding factor that's making me keep it on my pull. The first couple pages sequence a backstory for the main character Glory, which really helped me connect with the character and the story. Glory is a great character, by the way, she gives off the typical badass, strong female character trope, but later on in issues we see her vulnerability and hesitation to some of the situations, she's put in. Bengal's art alone is enough to make you pick up this book and is the reason I started reading it in the first place. It's surely a Western story but a lot of the art has an Eastern style. A lot of Bengal's action sequences in Death or Glory are fast paced and his characters are expressive, reminiscent of the flow and fashion of Cowboy Bebop. [Comixology]

ISOLA - Brenden Fletcher & Karl Kershel - Isola is the Studio Ghibli/Miyazaki spiritual successor we've been waiting for and deserve. It's also a book I recommend for fans of the Last Airbender and Legend of Korra. Brenden Fletcher, Karl Kerschel and company have been knocking it out of the park month to month, and it's one of the books that I'm always anxiously anticipating. Each new issue has only expanded the beautiful world of Isola, as well as it's rich story, constantly leaving that feeling of wanting more. (Really hopeful that maybe one day we can see an artbook or an illustrated encyclopedia) Isola is a queer love story of a loyal knight and her dedicated queen, on a quest to break a curse that has put both the Queen and her kingdom in danger. There are a million reasons why you should be reading Isola and if you're curious I dedicated an entire blog post to my love for Isola, so check it out. There's so much to Isola that you just have to see for yourself. Don't believe me? Well, good thing you can read the prologue for free to get a taste of what you're in for. After that make sure you pick up the issues. We're up to issue four so and the creative team has at least two more arcs planned after the first one so let's make sure they get there! [Comixology]

SWORD DAUGHTER - Brian Wood & Mack Chater - I considered not adding Sword Daughter to this list. It's still a fairly new title with the second issue being released just last week, but it's one of those books I keep thinking about constantly. Sword Daughter is about a young girl named Elsbeth and her reconnected relationship with her father after he's spent the past ten years in a coma. Together the two struggle to repair and rekindle the relationship between father and daughter that they never knew as the two set out to take on the group of thugs that burned their village. Like I said I'm really enjoying this one, it has that Norse vibe that I never realized I loved. Ashamedly there are no Vikings in this one (at least not yet). I'm enthusiastic to see the relationship grow and strengthen between Elsbeth and her father, while also preparing for imminent heartbreak. Now the pacing in this one is a little weird, but I'm sure it will all tie together somehow. That being said it doesn't take away from the story at hand. Maybe I find this series so favorable because it plays upon one of my favorite tropes of estranged fathers and their children/daughters, but I'd still recommend giving it a shot. Now I'll admit this series isn't for everyone but you might be surprised.  [Comixology]

Didn't see your favorite new series on this list? Well let me know, so I know what I'm missing out and should be catching up on! Make sure you check in in the next few months as I'm sure I'll feature all of my favorite new titles for the second half of 2018! As always HAPPY READING!

Why You Should Be Reading: ISOLA

Isola, pronounced "Ease-o-la" and not "Is-o-la", is the newest book from Karl Kerschel and Brenden Fletcher. Published by Image comics, it tells the story of Rook, Olwynn the Queen of Maar, and their long traveled path to the fabled land of Isola. Though the reason to us as of yet is currently unknown, The Queen of Maar has found herself under a spell that has transformed her into an exotic tiger. Hence the journey to Isola. A story of love, loyalty, and adventure, this is the fantasy book we've been waiting for. Its pages are filled with rich storytelling and a colorful world making it unlike any ongoing series on shelves right now.

While the series dropped its first issue last month, going almost immediately to a second printing, the second issue of Isola, as well as the reprint of issue one, dropped this week. So at this point, there's literally no reason for you not to tag along for the ride. And because I just need an excuse to talk about Isola and how in love I am with this series, here's a few reasons to check this one out.

Come For The Story Stay For The Art

Isola is beyond gorgeous. Karl Kerschel's art combined with Msassyk's colors is gifting us with what is probably one of the most beautiful books on the market. Even Aditya Bidkars lettering on the series is flawless, helping to bring the story together as a whole. There are several pages throughout the series where's Brenden's words really take a backseat to Karl's art. These moments really shine through and I feel like it's on these pages where the most pinnacle and emotional storytelling take place. I loved Karl's work on Teen Titans Year One, and on Brenden and Karl's previous work together on Gotham Academy, but I feel like his style was truly meant for a fantasy setting. But Kerschel and Msassyk are a team on Isola, both of them coming together as artists. Msassyk's colors are out of this world. Each page is more vibrant then the last. There are pages that follow a more monochromatic stylization while others are a combination of gorgeous colors that really give life to Isola.

 It's Queer as Hell

Isola is a queer love story waiting to be discovered. Not only that but it's a queer love story featuring not one but TWO women of color. While the underlying queer tones may not be obviously apparent in issue one or even in issue two, as those initial issues help build up the world of Isola, the love between Queen Olwyn and Rook is very much there and visited in Isola's prequel story. This ten-page introductory tale was printed in the back of the first five issues of Brenden's other creator-owned book Motor Crush. I'm almost certain that this prologue will be printed alongside the main storyline when Isola is collected in trade form in the fall. I'm really excited to see the love between these two flourish as the story progresses. Rook already shows traits of intense loyalty and love for her queen, as any knight should.  It's the Queen and her knight, the best kind of love story in my opinion. And while I don't want to say I told you so, Brenden and Karl totally confirmed Olwyn and Rook's "relationship" when I met them at Fried Pie Con last month.

The introductory prologue of Isola is also available for free online so make sure you check that out.

Fans of Avatar and Miyazaki Rejoice

Brenden has been selling this story as an ode to Miyazaki films, specifically drawing inspiration from Princess Mononoke. While that's honestly apparent, I saw it from a different perspective. Now I'm a HUGE fan of Avatar the Last Airbender and Legend of Korra. I could talk about my love for those series for the next thousand years. Isola is very reminiscent of both of those series, maybe not necessarily with the story that is told but instead with how it's presented. Karl gets very animated and expressive with a lot of his interactions between characters, much like ATLA and LOK. Due to Queen Olwyn's transformation, there are a lot of one-sided conversations between her and Rook. Even when there is little or even no dialogue present the emotions between these characters still come to a clear understanding thanks to Karl's animatic expressions for the characters.  In regards to it's familiar elements to a Miyazaki film, Isola shares the similar themes of adventure and female empowerment. That along with its remarkable landscape and scenery, there's Miyazaki influence on every page both in story and art.  Makes me hope that one day Isola will be picked up for an animated movie/show one day.

Isola Leaves A World To Be Desired

This was a series ten years in the making, and it shows. There's so much love and effort poured across every page. The world of Isola is so beautiful and unique, ranging from its powerful monarchy and colorful cast to lush vivid jungle settings, abandoned cities, and striking beasts. Each issue builds upon and explores this exotic land, introducing new elements. Characters and beasts come and go while leaving a lasting impression. Isola is truly a love letter to Miyazaki's work but goes one step further in nurturing a world of its own. With three arcs already planned for the series, I have no doubt we'll be able to dive further into this magical world. This is one of those series where I wish we had a companion artbook or creature log, detailing every corner of the world we've been presented with.

Although we're just at the start of the series there are so many reasons for you to fall in love with Isola. So make sure not to miss out on another issue and add this one to your local comic pull. For those, of you who read digitally you can also subscribe on Comixology.