Crosses & Cross Bolts: A Huntress Reading List

After my recent Black Canary reading list, I’ve received a lot of requests to do a similar post for Huntress, a fan-favorite character from DC Comics who also made her big-screen debut. Now I don’t talk about her enough but I love Huntress. She’s a pretty amazing character and as an ass-kicking, crossbow-wielding heroine she’s one that not everyone may know, but definitely that everyone should love.

That being said she’s not the easiest character to get into. Something that a lot of people don’t realize when it comes to Huntress is that there are two different versions of the character, each one going by the first name Helena and both operating under the Huntress persona. So you see where the complication comes in.

In fact, the first Huntress, who debuted back in 1977 was actually Helena Wayne of Earth 2, an alternate universe in which she was the daughter of Batman and Catwoman, and eventually took on her own superhero identity. It wasn’t until her self titled series in 1989 ( which please don’t read that because it is severely outdated and grossly violent) that the Helena Bertinelli Huntress was introduced, sporting not only a new name but an entirely new personality and origin as well. Since her debut, Helena Bertinelli went on to become the mainstream Huntress. It’s this version of the character that you’ll see in animated adaptations television shows and even in the Birds of Prey movie Now I do want to do a break down for both Helena Bertinelli and Helena Wayne, along with what stories you can read to get you started as I think both identities are important for the character.

I’m gonna kick things off with Helena Bertinelli. Personally, this is the version of the character I prefer. She’s tough, ruthless, a little unstable but undoubtedly loyal to those around her. She’s also both a recurring member of the Batfamily as well as being a key member of the Birds of Prey.

Huntress Year One: Ivory Madison & Cliff Richards -  Batman, Green Arrow, Wonder Woman, it feels like every major player in the DC Universe has their own Year One story. So I will say that while it’s certainly invited, it is a little strange that Huntress, who could be argued as a minor character, has a Year One story of her own. Much like Bruce Wayne, Helena Bertinelli has a tragic backstory of her own. Born into the Bertinelli crime family, one of the most powerful crime families in Gotham, 8-year-old Helena is forced to bear witness to the murder of her father, mother and older brother during a family dinner. It would be the start of the end for the Bertinelli line, as members of the family would be wiped out from Metropolis to Chicago, leaving a young Helena as the sole surviving member. From there she’s whisked away to Sicily where for years she would reside with extended family and grow a close relationship with her cousin Sal. After all "blood cries for blood" and it’s Sal who would teach her how to fight and to take back what was stolen from her. Unlike most origin stories, in Huntress Year One, Helena has practically mastered her craft. Already, she’s depicted as a skilled detective and an adept martial artist. While a lot of readers might have a problem with this it’s the one thing I find the story does particularly well. Rather than follow the same old formula of the hero finding their path, honing their skills and donning the costume, Huntress Year One gets straight to the point allowing Helena to come face to face with the men who killed her family. It also has some ridiculously gorgeous art which is another great draw to this story. My biggest complaint with Year One is some of the characterizations for some of the characters. While Helena herself is written fairly well its members of the supporting cast including characters like Catwoman and Barbara Gordon’s, Batgirl that come off as a little strange and sometimes even demeaning of the character. That all being said while not my first pick,  Year One makes for a great first introduction to if you’re new to Huntress. [Comixolgy]

Huntress: Cry for Blood - Greg Rucka & Rick Burchett -  What is possibly my favorite on this list, Cry for Blood is pretty much my immediate go-to when it comes to a solid Huntress story. Being that this book is written by Greg Rucka, who has titles under his belt like Wonder Woman Hiketia and Batwoman Elegy, that should be enough to sell this title for you. Cry for Blood follows the story of Helena Bertinelli after her Huntress persona is framed for the murder of her cousin. Given her previous history with violence, as she’s one of the few in the Batfamily unafraid to kill, she’s confronted by Batman and after an altercation between him and Nightwing she’s pushed into hiding during her recovery. Here she’ll spend time with Richard Dragon, a master martial artist, along with the conspiracy theorist vigilante known as The Question. After some time away and allowing her body and mind to retrain,  she’ll return to Gotham, in an action to clear her name and to discover the clear motive for her framing. It’s in the story’s final pages that she’ll learn a dark secret that will change her life forever. While Cry for Blood isn’t considered an origin story, unlike Year One it does provide some insight and detail into Helena’s tragic backstory. We also get to see a closer look at her interactions with various members of the Batfamily along with some of the animosity towards her from characters like Batman and even Oracle. One of the reasons Cry for Blood is so prominent on this list and why I love it as much as I do is because this is really where we start to see Helena question her morality and her struggle with if it’s right to kill even with a just motive. This mini-series also served as much of the inspiration for the JLU episode Double Date (my personal favorite episode btw) not only with Huntress’s internal conflict but with her relationship with the Question as well. [Comixology]

Birds of Prey: The Battle Within - Gail Simone & Joe Bennett - Alongside Black Canary and Oracle, Huntress is a prominent member of the Birds of Prey. While she appeared in previous Birds of Prey comics, she didn't become a recurring character until the start of Gail Simone’s run with issue #56. Like Black Canary, I wanted to give Huntress a similar treatment and pull an arc from the famous series that I thought best represented the character. That brings us to Birds of Prey: The Battle This is another one of those pesky hard to find books long since out of print however this arc, in particular, is covered in issue #81 to #85 and can be found digitally on Comixology. After an internal conflict between Oracle and Huntress, Helena has left the Birds of Prey to form a task force of her own. In doing so she’ll have to masquerade under her own civilian persona, Helena Bertinelli, in the attempts to infiltrate a mob ring responsible for bringing one of the largest shipments of drugs into Gotham. Now there are multiple reasons why this is such a great arc for the character. The first being the fact that Helena will have to come to terms with the one thing she hates most. It's interesting to see someone with such a deep-rooted and just hatred for organized crime, suddenly take on that role, even with it being within her birthright. That aspect combined with the conflict and resolution between Helena Bertinelli and Barbara Gordon helps to further her development as a character and even her place within the  Birds of Prey, as most of what we’ve seen previously is just the hot-headed woman ready to kick in teeth. Now admittedly there’s a lot going on in this arc and a lot of moving pieces which can make it feel overwhelming for some. However, I’d like to think that Simone has done a pretty superb job at laying everything out and even manages to catch new readers up to speed making a great addition for anyone who wants to read a little more Helena Bertinelli. [Comixology]

While I’m not going to go too in-depth on it, it’s worth noting that the massive crossover arc No Man’s Land also offers some key moments for Helena Bertinelli’s Huntress, including the time that she wore the Batgirl suit before it was ripped away from Batman and given to Cassandra Cain, but being that the event spans across six different volumes at over three thousand pages that’s going to have to be one you check out for yourself.

While there are some similarities between the both Huntresses there are also a lot of differences including their costumes and contrasting personalities. Helena Wayne is now often considered as the classic Huntress and is typically only used during alternate Earth stories.

Huntress: Dark Knight Daughter - Paul Levitz & Joe Staton -  Huntress: Dark Knight Daughter which was recently reclassified as Huntress Origins is written by Paul Levitz and illustrated by Joe Staton compiles Helena’s adventures which were originally published as backup stories across various issues of Wonder Woman. In an alternate reality known as Earth 2, Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle find themselves married eventually set aside their lives as caped crusaders and criminals to start a family of their own after the birth of their daughter Helena. However, years pass and Catwoman is blackmailed into one final heist that would ultimately cost her her life. Rather than be succumbed to grief young Helena Wayne would follow in her parents' footsteps donning a vigilante costume of her own and taking on the guise of Huntress. Soon after she gets her footing she’ll join the JSA where she’ll witness the unfortunate death of her father. Even so, she’ll continue in her parents' footsteps as a heroic crime-fighting taking on everything from everyday criminals to Solomon Grundy. At one point she even goes head to head with her father’s greatest nemesis, the Joker. Helena takes on the best traits from her both her parents, as a cunning detective like her father, and a skilled and adaptive gymnast like her mother she more than lives up to the Wayne name. Paul Levitz and Joe Stanton worked to create a well-rounded character and Levitz would return later on to pen the character in multiple stories some 30 odd years later, most of which you’ll also see on this list. Huntress: Dark Knight Daughter is a classic tale and is a must-read for any fan of the character, Wayne or Bertinelli as it would be what be the starting point for the character we know and love today. While I’ll admit this one isn’t meant for everyone, as at 224 pages it can be a little overwhelming and dense it certainly marks for the defining start for the Huntress. [Comixolgy]

Huntress: Crossbow at Crossroads  -  Paul Levitz & Marcus To - It's a common misconception that Crossbow at Crossroads is a Huntress story involving Helena Bertinelli. Now that’s a very fair assumption considering it isn’t until the final pages of the series and a surprise appearance from Karen Starr, also known as Power Girl, that it's revealed that this iteration of Huntress is actually Helena Wayne, masquerading under the guise of Bertinelli,  and was mysteriously brought over from the alternate universe of Earth 2. These few pages would be a starting point that would set the New 52 and it’s alternate Earths in motion. Now that sounds super complicated but I promise it’s not actually that bad. Another story that takes the Huntress to Italy,  it’s here that Helena teams up with a pair of Italian reporters in Naples as she prepares to take down a string of Italian drug lords and human traffickers. One by one she’ll take down the men in the circle until she finally makes her way to the top bringing justice to those who deserve it once and for all.  After my recent review of the mini-series, I realized that there is a lot of symbolism and small little motifs that hint towards Helena’s actual heritage, something I personally appreciated and an aspect that encourages multiple rereads. Crossbow at Crossroads, while not the most memorable book on this list is a really great series if you want to see the Huntress in action as Marcus To, does an amazing job taking her action and movements to another level. The series also makes for another great introduction to Helena Wayne’s Huntress, especially if you’re like me and prefer modern comics over the older classics.[Comixology]

World’s Finest: Lost Daughters of Earth 2 - Paul Levitz, George Perez & Kevin Maguire - Spiraling straight out of the pages of Crossbow at Crossroads, the first pages of World’s Finest pick up right where Helena’s previous story left off. After being whisked away from the alternate Earth they call home the pair find themselves on Prime Earth. Five years have passed since Helena and Karen were dropped into a world so familiar and yet at the same so strange and the two have remained side by side ever since never once stopping in their hunt for a way back home. As the issues progress, so does our time with Helena and Karen. While the story transitions between past and present each glimpse into the girls' first moments on the current earth pass until the two timelines eventually converge. This is one of those books where while there’s action there isn’t a whole lot of plot aa majority of the story consists of Huntress and Powergirl beating down a radioactive villain. That being said what World’s Finest lacks in plot substance it makes up for in character interaction and development between our two main characters. Thanks to the zero issue also included in the trade it's worth noting Helena’s origin in World’s Finest is tweaked ever so slightly from what was previously iterated in Dark Knight Daughter. While Helena is still very much the daughter of Batman and Catwoman her superhero training in this retelling came long before the death of her parents and even donning the role of Robin for a time. It wouldn’t be until her journey to Prime Earth that she would then take on the role of Huntress. While not featured in the trade I also want to stress the importance of issues #6 & 7 of World’s Finest as these two issues serve as a nice mini-arc involving Damian Wayne the current Robin, and Helena Wayne. Given their shared lineage it leads to some interesting interactions between the two characters that make for an engaging read. [Comixolgy]

Scream Queen: A Black Canary Reading List

I've been wanting to make this list for a while now as Dinah Lance, the Black Canary is my favorite comic character. Period. From rockstar to interim leader of the Justice League, Black Canary is an underrated powerhouse equipped with a metahuman supersonic Canary Cry along with the top martial art skills that even put her on par with Wonder Woman. Arguably one of the best characters in the DC Universe, Black Canary often gets the preconceived notion that she's just Green Arrow's fishnet wearing girlfriend. Now my girl Dinah can be a little confusing, especially with new readers as there isn’t really a clear origin story for the character. It also doesn’t help that superheroics run in the family and that Dinah Lance’s mother also went by the superhero persona Black Canary with the only differentiating marker between the two being that one goes by Dinah Lance, and the other by Dinah Drake Lance. Typically you’ll only be reading Dinah Drake Black Canary content if you’re reading stories from the Golden age or early Silver Age or in flashbacks in modern comics. Then there was this weird time period where the two characters and their origins were merged together through alternate universe travel and wow I’m not even going to bother touching that because just thinking about it gives me severe brain pain.

What matters is that we’re here to talk about the Black Canary, so let's do just that and exactly what books you can and should be reading so that you too can fall in love with the loud-mouthed bird lady.

Black Canary: Vol 1 Kicking & Screaming - Brenden Fletcher & Annie Wu - Just from what I’ve seen from promotional teasers and trailers it seems like the Birds of Prey movie is drawing much of its inspiration from Brenden Fletcher and Annie Wu’s 2015 run on Black Canary. In fact, this is the first iteration in which Dinah takes on the role of a musician as much of her civilian life in previous stories were spent as a florist, much like her mother. Black Canary volume one written by Brenden Fletcher and illustrated by Annie Wu contains the first seven issues of the most recent Black Canary series. Flashy and fast-paced volume one follows Dinah Lance and her merry band suitably named Black Canary as they get themselves into bar brawls across the country. Trouble seems to follow the band wherever they go and when it’s revealed that the group’s young guitarist has powers of her own, it's up to Dinah to protect her newfound family from those who would want to abuse such a power.  Now I’ll admit while I think this is a great jumping-on point for new readers (in fact this is where you should definitely start) for veteran comic readers familiar with the DC Universe things can get a little tricky here. Whereas Dinah Lance is typically the mainstream Black Canary with Dinah Drake being her mother,  in this series Dinah Drake is our mainline protagonist (despite taking on much of Lance's personality and traits)  however once you get over that it's pretty much smooth sailing. This book is on another level, as Annie Wu’s cool and contemporary take on the character elevates Black Canary in a way we haven’t seen before. Now I love all the iterations on the character, and I mean all of them (even the weird 80's aerobics era) but Dinah’s style in her solo series is just drop-dead gorgeous. Brenden Fletcher, the series creator also went above and beyond going so far as to write and produce six musical tracks for the Black Canary band. All six tracks can be found on Bandcamp so make to head over and give them a listen. I hate using the word perfect, but this book is just that. It may just be my personal feelings, as this book is near and dear to my heart but I feel like this is the one Black Canary book you should be reading, especially if you’re new to the character entirely. [Comixology]

Birds of Prey: Sensei & Student -  Gail Simone & Ed Benes - There’s no denying what Gail Simone did for Black Canary or the Birds of Prey but with over sixty issues just for the Birds alone across two separate series it can be a little overwhelming, not to mention who’s got that kind of time?! If you do have the time though you should really read it because Simone truly did some legendary and iconic things for the girls that just need to be experienced. For this list I decided to pull the arc I deemed most essential for the character. The Sensei and Student storyline written by Gail Simone and illustrated by Ed Benes spans across issues #62 to #67. While the original trade can be hard to find as it has been long since out of print, DC comics is rereleasing the issues in the newly printed Gail Simone collection, or if you prefer digital they’re always available on Comixology for super cheap. Like I said before Dinah Lance is considered one of the best when it comes to martial arts. Although trained by many, when one of her former mentors known only as Sensei falls ill Dinah packs her bags for China for one final reunion. But his untimely murder sets a mysterious plot in motion and the Black Canary is forced to team up with two of her biggest rivals. This is a great first experience with other minor femme Fatales like Lady Shiva and Chesire, both of which are prevalent throughout most of the story and serve as dynamic foils for Canary's character. Dinah will be forced to set aside her differences with both of these women despite the three’s complicated past if she has any hope in bringing her teacher’s murderer to justice. There’s also an extended flashback to Dinah’s mother the original Black Canary, which surprisingly ties the whole story together really well. Now, this books suffers through some very questionable mid-2000’s art. Just be warned you’ll be a witness to our Birds in some very strange outfits complete with some even stranger proportions. While you’re at it though you should also pick up issue #68, which also appears in the collected trade. As its own one-shot, this issue follows Black Canary, Huntress and Oracle as the three take a day away from super-heroics. Without spoiling, this issue in particular features what is probably one of my favorite Black Canary moments of all time hence why I'm giving it some spotlight. [Comixology]

Black Canary/Zatanna Bloodspell - Paul Dini & Joe Quinones - Another great first step read towards the character Black Canary/Zatanna Bloodspell is an original graphic novel that is pretty much completely self-contained, making it a great pickup for anyone interested in Black Canary or even Zatanna. After unknowingly taking part in a blood pact during a previous undercover mission, the dead return, and with a vengeance. Dinah will be forced to fight magic with magic and she has a trick up her sleeve of her own. Enter the all-powerful Zatanna Zatara. This story is a whirlwind adventure between our two favorite fishnet wearing heroines and being that this book is written by Paul Dini who most famously worked on the Batman Animated Series that influence is evident across every page with fast-paced action and witty dialogue we’re familiar with. Combined with Joe Quinones who I might note is one of my favorite modern comic artists, Bloodspell is honestly a joy from start to finish and at only 144 pages you can pretty much finish this book in one sitting. One of the things I really love about Bloodspell and why it's featured so prominently on this list is that while yes it is its own stand-alone and self-contained story we also get to see flashbacks into time spent between both of these characters as the story tends to alternate between past and present storylines. It really helps to provide development for the relationship between both of these characters as theirs is a relationship that is has been eluded at in previous stories but is also something that we've only seen at face value. In Bloodspell Dinah almost takes on the role of mentor for a younger Zatanna, as she helps the young magician find confidence in herself and with her powers. We even get to see Zatanna’s first moments as she’s inducted into the Justice League. I should note that there are also some really awesome callbacks to the character's previous costumes throughout the years. If you're looking for a deep and intriguing storyline, Bloodspell, unfortunately, isn't it, but if you're looking for an enjoyable read with amusing character interaction then look no further. Besides if your comics aren’t fun then what's the point. [Comixology]

Green Arrow/Black Canary: The Wedding Album - Judd Winnick, Cliff Chiang & Amanda Connor - The Wedding Album contains the first five issues of the thirty issue run initially helmed by  Judd Winnick. It also features the monumental Green Arrow Black Canary Wedding Special, also written by Winnick and illustrated by the amazing Amanda Conner. Now if you know me you know just how much I adore Judd Winnick and his extended run on Green Arrow, but that’s an essay for another day. The Wedding album begins with the long-awaited union between Dinah Lance and Oliver Queen. (There’s also an indulgent standalone Black Canary Wedding Planner issue not included in the trade.) After literal decades of an on again off again relationship the two finally manage to tie the knot, but not without its own complications. After the fight resolves and the ceremony is able to conclude things aren’t as they seem when Black Canary is forced to kill her new husband on their wedding night in a struggle for her life. A month passes and Dinah still doesn’t believe that death for Oliver Queen has stuck, at least not this time around, and it’s off to Themyscira to rescue her husband. Here on Paradise Island,  it’s revealed that the death of the Green Arrow was merely a ploy to trick Dinah into joining the Amazons in an in the hopes that her grief would isolate her away from the rest of the world and she would be more than willing to train an elite group of warriors. I desperately need more of Dinah on Themyscira surrounded by Amazons and casually tossing around that she has lunch with Wonder Woman on a consistent basis. (Speaking of which if you want to see a radical Black Canary/Wonder Woman team-up be sure to check out Wonder Woman #34 and #35) Seeing the Black Canary stand toe to toe with Amazon warriors is never a bad thing either. This book also serves as a great introduction to other members of the Arrow family that you might not have heard of such as Mia Dearden and Connor Hawke, two characters near and dear to my heart that have since been forgotten by DC Comics. Did I mention that this book features artwork from Cliff Chiang who worked on other titles such as Wonder Woman and the indie hit Paper Girls? I love the way that Cliff illustrates superheroes, there’s such a stylistic boldness we don’t get nearly enough of anymore. To me, Black Canary/Green Arrow is a timeless classic for the characters and the first arc in particular mostly revolves around Black Canary which is why it's on this list. [Comixology]

 Birds of Prey Death of Oracle - Gail Simone, Ardian Syaf, Vicente Cifuentes, Guillem March, & Inaki Miranda -  I told myself I was only going to include one Gail Simone Birds of Prey book but I just couldn’t help myself. While not the most essential storyline, Death of Oracle is certainly one that is often overlooked. Despite its Oracle title, there is a significance here for Black Canary’s character as key moments throughout the character’s past are illuminated and exposed to help further the plot. Originally released in Birds of Prey #7-10, Birds of Prey Death of Oracle is written by Gail Simone and illustrated by various artists. The overall premise of the story is that of Calculator a computer genius, superior strategist, and recurring villain of the Birds of Prey working to expose the identity of Oracle after the information was previously lost to him and wiped from his memory in a previous issue. That being said what makes this such a key moment for Dinah Lance is her confrontation with the villain known as Mortis, a new character at the time created by Simone. Mortis has the power to make a person relive every regret throughout their own lives often driving them to their death. So when Black Canary is exposed to such a power she’ll be forced to live through her worst moments. For a character always portrayed with a strong will and even stronger resolve its a huge change to see her at her lowest as she suffers through key moments throughout here comic history Here we’ll watch her come face to face with a number of tragedies including her torture during Longbow Hunters and the death of her niece Lian in Cry for Justice. Gail Simone has always said that Dinah is one of her favorite characters and that love is evident throughout the entirety of this story. Here Simone takes horrible trauma previously inflicted on Dinah and rather than using it as a crutch, Dinah takes her trauma head-on until it can no longer be used against her. While I love this book I wouldn’t recommend this book for anyone just getting into the character as these moments serve a far greater impact if you’ve read some of the previous stories referenced. That being said Death of Oracle certainly serves for a great read later on. If you happen to pick this one up by the trade, in favor of its single issues, the book also includes a smaller arc, initially published in Birds of Prey #14 & #15 written by Marc Andreyko that allows readers to see an adventure featuring the first Black Canary, Dinah Drake as she teams up with other classic heroines such as the Phantom Lady and Lady Blackhawk. [Comixology]

Hawkeye, More Like Hawkguy: A Hawkeye Reading List

Hawkeye is quite possibly my favorite Marvel superhero. Now that being said if you had told me that three years ago I would have quite literally laughed in your face. See young Mars was dumb and madly in love with a very similar DC character named Green Arrow and therefore believed she could never love Hawkeye let alone remotely tolerate, but here we are.

Now in my eyes there are two versions of Clint Barton There’s Hawkeye, he’s a little dull, bland and often times forgettable. This is probably the version of Hawkeye you’re most familiar with thanks to the recent MCU. Then we have Hawkguy. Typically if you’re reading any comic featuring the character that was written post 2012 it’s usually this version. Unlike Hawkeye, Hawkguy is an absolute trash mess, and I say that in the most loving way. Hawkguy is hilarious, bold and yet lovingly down to Earth despite all his flaws. It’s this version of the character that I think everyone should get their hands on at least once and hence the reason why I’ve compiled this handy list so you know exactly where to start along with some additional fun reads once you’ve fallen in love residential trash man Clint Barton.

Hawkeye - Matt Fraction & David Aja - This is it where it all began. This is the origin of the Hawkguy. I was told for years to read this book and I refused because I am a literal idiot and now it’s probably in my top five favorite comics of all time so that’s saying something. Fraction and Aja’s 22 issue take on the character is just perfect in each and every way, because yes while it is considered a cape comic it doesn't feel as such. Instead here Hawkeye feels like something from an indie publisher and the overall story is composed mostly of small vignette slice of life stories. Also, THERE’S A DOG. Pretty sure that right there is enough for you to read it. There’s a lot of things this run brings to the table including the partnership of Hawkeye (Clint Barton) and Hawkeye (Kate Bishop), another one of my favorite characters from Marvel comics. All throughout this book there’s such a wonderful dynamic between the two. Despite Clint’s “advantage” in age and experience it’s usually Kate who’s deemed the responsible one and generally holds the team together especially when Clint mucks it up. She’s also not afraid to take any of his shit and tell him exactly when his poor life choices have gone too far.Fraction and Aja’s run on Hawkeye also illuminate and represent Clint’s disability. Although they tweak it’s origin, Clint Barton is once again deaf in canon continuity and in the final stretches of their 22 issue run we get to watch as the hero adjusts and copes with this new challenge, thanks to the help of his brother Barny. His disability is not only represented but it’s embraced and honestly paved the way for how creators would perceive the characters going forward. From Christmas with Tony Stark, to Russian mobsters this book is just a literal joy from start to finish. Aja’s simplistic and subtle style combined with Fraction’s wit and humor is honestly a match made in heaven. I could literally talk about this book for days and still not have praised it enough so it looks like you’re just going to read it. [Comixology]

 All New Hawkeye - Jeff Lemire & Ramon Perez - Don't let the name fool you, despite the "All New" title it's still the same ole Clint Barton. Jeff Lemire's small little stint on Hawkeye is honestly just great. Lemire is another one of those writers that I love and with so many wonderful indie titles under his belt it's awesome to know that he can write top tier superheroes just as well. While Lemire's run on Hawkeye wasn't nearly as long as Fraction, with only a mere 11 issues, I would say it's equally important when it comes to the character. In the story's first arc we get to see the return of Hawkeye's brother, Barny as well as a little more insight into their childhood together as the story transitions between past and present. The second arc is a lot different, and frankly gets a little weird, but weird is good. You've heard of Old Man Logan now meet Old Man Hawkeye. Unlike the first arc, we spend a lot of focus switching between the present and a near distant future. Now usually I don't like time jumps, but the creative team honestly nails it with creating a future that is so different from the current timeline, without being something that is unbelievable. We also get to see "Old Woman Kate????" She's badass and that's all that matters. (This is so much better than the actual Old Man Hawkeye comic btw.) Honestly if you love Fraction's run on Hawkeye you'll love Lemire's. Despite the two having very different styles when it comes to storytelling they both tend to focus on the things that make Hawkeye great! There's the solid teamup between Kate and Clint, and again a larger focus and representation on Clint's deafness, something that for me is always appreciated. [Comixology]

Tales of Suspense: Hawkeye & Winter Soldier - Matthew Roseberg & Travel Foreman - Tales of Suspense is a witty buddy cop story with a love triangle romance thrown in for that extra razzle dazzle. That's enough to grab you, right? The five issue mini-series follows Hawkeye and Winter Soldier after the death of Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow. Despite the two sharing mutual romantic feelings for the same woman, they don’t exactly share the same views following her death. Clint Barton, the reckless & hopeful, still holds out that she may be alive, while the stoic Bucky Barnes would rather leave the past behind him. Despite their contrasting feelings the two come together when someone starts killing all of Black Widow's enemies. I love Tales & Suspense because its short and sweet, while still leaving a long lasting impact. As the story itself is only five issues it makes for a light and easy read. Even better about it is that you really don’t need that much backstory; unlike a lot of cape comics. Despite Tales of Suspense rocking a classic title monequer and revolving around three major players any history the reader might need to know is right there on the pages. It also probably helps that thanks to the MCU these three characters are now household names, but hey let’s give credit where it’s due. Matt Rosenberg is one of my favorite writers out there (this is my shameless plug for you to read We Can Never Go Home & 4 Kids Walk Into A Bank) and he honestly carries it home with the love for all these characters. There are some seriously classic moments, like Clint calling Bucky a greasy weasel and Clint definitely stealing some Lo Mein from someone's fridge while he interrogates them. It also has one of my favorite moments in comics involving chocolate milk so enough said. [Comixology]

Hawkeye Vs. Deadpool - Gerry Duggan & Matteo Lolli - I'm just gonna put it out there, I don't like Deadpool, like at all. That being said I really really loved Hawkeye vs Deadpool a lot more than I should. Despite the title this is anything but Hawkeye vs Deadpool, in fact its a superpowered, super comical teamup between the two. Much like Tales of Suspense, Hawkeye Vs Deadpool feels like another buddy cop story and Clint Barton just thrives in these sort of stories. It's Halloween in Brooklyn and our characters are bought together by espionge mystery that pits them against the clock. Another light and fun read,this title is filled with all sorts of fun humor and quips from the characters. This book is absolutely hilarious and will make you laugh out loud. But dont let all the humor fool you, while Hawkeye Vs. Deadpool is a comedy at it's core it also manages to sneak in a couple punches here and there, giving some amazing personal development to it's characters. Now I'll admit toward the end some of the action and motives from the villains can get a little convaluted but you're honestly not reading this book for a life changing plot. HvD thrives on it's characters, it's humor along with their interactions with one another, and all of that is done phenomenally well. Also there's more Kate Bishop, and any book with more Kate Bishop is a good book. [Comixology]

West Coast Avengers - Kelly Thompson & Stefano Caselli  - WEST COAST AVENGERS IS SO MUCH FUN AND IM SO UPSET IT GOT CANCELLED. Now that that’s out of the way definitely read West Coast Avengers. We've got Hawkeye, we've got Hawkeye, we've got Gwenpool, and we've got Jeff the Land Shark. You heard me correctly, JEFF the LAND SHARK! This zany teamup has a fantastic cast of characters and manages to introduce and familirize you with characters you may not have even heard of. (I can definitely tell you I never knew of Kid Omega prior to WCA). That being said there's also an interesting selection of villains including Marvel's favorite big boy M.O.D.O.K. Kelly Thompson tries something new by setting this series up almost like a reality tv show following the West Coast Avengers. That leads to some pretty hilarious moments during our heroes "confessionals" with the crew. Also Clint acts as the team's residential babysitter, which is pretty great. If you enjoyed series like Young Avengers or even Runaways you'll really like this one. This is another one of those books where I really enjoyed the character interactions even if at times the plot was lackluster. Now I'll admit for the most part Clint Barton takes a backseat, letting Kate Bishop take the reigns but there's still some really great moments for the archer. Also the way Stefano Caselli draws Hawkeye...he's just so dreamy. [Comixology]

I honestly managed to fall in love with "Hawkguy" in the span of a year. Like head over heels in love and I'm always craving new content for my favorite purple archer.

What are some of your favorite Hawkeye stories, and what characters would you like me to tackle next for a reccomended reading?

As always HAPPY READING!

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!

ThisKidsNotAlright - A Red Hood Recommended Reading List

Jason Todd, also known as the Red Hood is the second Robin turned vigilante after his death and inevitable resurrection. Following his return to Gotham, he found himself head to head with the Batman before eventually going his own way as he formed a team of his own all the while getting himself into a whole lot of trouble along the way. The Red Hood may follow his own morally grey agenda but he still holds enough of respect for his former mentor and father figure to try and maintain the honor of the Batman mantle and legacy from time to time. The Red Hood is a name I'm seeing pop up more and more even with some more mainstream comic fans. He seems to be appearing everywhere nowadays, from animated movies to video games, not just in our comic books.

I remember my first experience with the Red Hood character and being blatantly confused because I never even knew that there was more than one Robin, let alone that a character like Red Hood even existed.  But like all characters, those comics most essential can be a little muddled, and be lost among the multitude of stories created. So here are some fundamental reads for the Red Hood.

*Keep in mind that I'm focusing on stories involving Jason's Todd's later persona as the Red Hood versus his time as Robin*

Death In The Family - Jim Starlin & Jim Aparo - While the Red Hood persona never shows up in this title, (in fact the Red Hood persona won't show up for another twenty or so years) I consider this book essential though not necessary for the character. You could get away with reading any of the books on this list without ever having to pick this one up and still have a clear understanding. Death of the Family paves way for the birth of Red Hood later on.  While it obviously deals with the death of Jason Todd, this story also focuses on the search for Jason's birth mother.  Death In The Family isn't my favorite book on this list, as personally, it feels like a slow burn, but I can't deny that's an essential read for the character. Without the death of Jason Todd, we would never see the birth of Red Hood. [Comixology] [Amazon]

Under The Red Hood - Judd Winick & Doug Mahnke- If there's one book I consider a MUST read for a Jason Todd/Red Hood reading rec list it's this one. This is the beginning of Red Hood and his "reintroduction" to Gotham as he has come to torment his former mentor while simultaneously taking down to the crime boss known as Black Mask.  Everything you need to know about the Red Hood lies within this book. I can honestly say this is my favorite story on this list and is one of my top picks in terms of Batman stories in general. From the savage Black Mask to the badass vigilante Onyx to the Red Hood himself I love every single part of this book. There is so much emotion in this story and it really makes for a great first introduction to the character.  Not only is this book great because it's just great in general but it has an animated adaption, also titled Under The Red Hood, which I also consider being one of the best in terms of all the animated films. If you're looking for the first pick in your reading stack, this is it. [Comixology] [Amazon]

Red Hood: Lost Days - Judd Winick & Jeremy Haun - You're going to be seeing Judd Winick on this list a lot, but to be fair he did a lot for the character during his peak. He's also who I consider as the best writer for Red Hood and I would literally give every fiber of my being to have him back on a book again for Jason.  Red Hood Lost Days, while is another one of those that I just grace over, I can't deny it's importance in terms of lore. Lost Days is about Jason's first days of rebirth outside of the Lazarus Pit. Although featuring a questionable relationship with Talia Al Ghul (one that I still can't wrap my head around)  this one fills in the gaps as Jason prepares for the eventual return to Gotham and confrontation with his former mentor. This series also has one of my favorite comic covers for Jason Todd ever. [Comixology] [Amazon]

Batman Annual #25 - Judd Winick, Shane Davis & Mark Morales - I try not to include single issues during my recommended readings, yet I can't help but feel like Batman Annual #25 is extremely essential. After all, it answers the frequently argued question of whether or not Jason Todd was actually present during the events of Batman Hush.[I would recommend picking up Hush as it's one of my favorite Batman stories, Red Hood plays a very small part over a course of about five pages]  Picking up after the events of Red Hood: Lost Days this sets the course of Jason Todd's revenge against Batman. This oversized issue works as the perfect link between Lost Days and Under the Red Hood. [Comixology]

Green Arrow: Road To Jericho - Judd Winick & Scott Mcdaniel -Alright so maybe I'm a little biased. But I can't stress it enough that Judd Winick wrote the best Red Hood. To this day I still think that he's the one creator who knows Jason best. If you're not looking to invest yourself in an entire volume of Green Arrow you can always just read Green Arrow #69-72 as these are the issues that feature Red Hood. In Road to Jericho, the Red Hood has turned his sights from Gotham to Star City, home of the Green Arrow. Teaming up with Brick (one of the most badass Green Arrow villains you'll ever meet!) he sets his sights on Green Arrow's sidekick, Speedy in an attempt to turn her against her mentor. This one's also a great introduction to Mia Dearden/Speedy. She's one of my favorites ever and you're bound to fall in love with her. If you decide to stick this one through to the end you'll also be treated to a worthwhile finale for the Green Arrow series. There's some really great dialogue in this book involving all parties present and is another one of my personal faves. Again this isn't because I'm biased towards Green Arrow, or Judd Winick or anything like that......[Comixology] [Amazon]

Batman: Battle For The Cowl - Tony S. Daniel - Spoiler alert Batman dies. Battle For The Cowl picks up after the death of Batman in Final Crisis as it's decided amongst Gotham's heroes and vigilantes who should pick up the legacy and mantle of the caped crusader. The obvious choice to take on the role of Batman is Dick Grayson, the original Robin, but Jason Todd believes otherwise, deciding that he would be the best choice for Batman, as his style and "okay to kill if it's justified" rule would help to bring law and order to Gotham. Fair warning this isn't my favorite portrayal of Jason Todd, as there are moments here and there where it feels out of character. I'd suggest this as an advanced recommended reading for Red Hood/Jason Todd. There's a lot of characters that show up in this one and it can get a little overwhelming if you're not as familiar with comics. That being said it makes for a fun read because there are so many characters making an appearance. [Comixology] [Amazon]

Batman & Robin: Batman Reborn - Grant Morrison & Frank Quietly - I'm just going to leave a disclaimer out in the open to avoid things from getting ugly. I cannot stand Grant Morrison as a comic book writer. That being said I have an extreme soft spot for his run of Batman & Robin. Not only was this the introduction of one of my favorite villains, Professor Pyg, but it was also another chance to see a darker side of Jason Todd. Don't get me wrong I love seeing him as a vigilante, but seeing as how most modern comics decide to take that path in his morality, I'm fascinated with his struggle with villainism. There are a few times where the run is a little strange, and sometimes over the top (as most work by Grant Morrison is) but overall I find it an extremely enjoyable read. Although I could do without Jason's red hair and the idea that Bruce forced him to dye it to conform to his standards????? I warned you that Grant Morrison was weird. [Comixology] [Amazon]

Arkham Knight: Genesis - Peter Tomasi & Dexter Soy - I'm a huge fan of the Arkham Knight series. HUGE! It's the main reason I bought my PS4. However the final installment in the series, Arkham Knight was a huge disappointment. While it wasn't able to fix everything, Peter Tomasi & Dexter Soy's six issue mini-series Arkham Knight: Genesis helped to patch some holes I felt were left by the game. During this mini-series, Tomasi reinvented the Arkham Knight/Red Hood/Jason Todd persona while still sticking to the basic roots we were give by previous comics. It's a lot darker, and will break your heart (as most comics written by Peter Tomasi are) but is fundamental for any reader who wants more Jason Todd. Keep in mind that this is a stand-alone series and does not require you to have any understanding of the game(s) prior to reading. I also feel like I have to mention that Dexter Soy is definitely one of my favorite artists who has worked on Jason Todd. [Comixology] [Amazon]

Red Hood & The Outlaws Rebirth: Dark Trinity - Scott Lobdell & Dexter Soy -  I'm going to need you to bear with me on this one. While I understand Scott Lobdell is a terrible writer, the proof clearly apparent with his runs on Red Hood & The Outlaws and Teen Titans during the New 52, but he knocked it out of the park with his Rebirth run. I'm not entirely sure exactly what has happened between the New 52 and Rebirth but this is Jason Todd at his best. Forming his own misfit Trinity alongside Bizarro and Artemis, the first volume brings back Red Hood's feud with the Black Mask. It's funny and exciting, with some honest to god deep and developing moments for the characters that I wasn't expecting. I'd recommend staying away from RHATO during the New 52, but RHATO Rebirth was an unexpected surprise. While I'm not up to date on Outlaws I've heard it kind of goes sour after Vol 1 but you can make that decision for yourself! [Comixology] [Amazon]

This is also my shameless plug for the Jason Todd/Red Hood fanmix I made years ago. I like to think it still holds up as a representation of the character. You can check that out on Tumblr and 8tracks. 

What are some of your favorite Red Hood stories and what recommended reading lists would you like to see me tackle next?

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. 

Embracing The Apocalypse: A Post Apocalyptic Reading List

 The apocalypse. Whether it be for movies, books and even comics it's an oversaturated market. Which is a damn shame because it's an interesting topic of study, given the very real future an apocalypse might bring. Sometimes its flesh-eating zombies, other times it's a cataclysmic event that's never fully explained. There are almost endless possibilities for the end of the world as we know it. From a frozen wasteland to a city overrun by manic superheroes, here are six comics that manage to rise above a stale genre.

Animosity -  Marguerite Benett & Mike Marts

I consider Marguerite Bennett the girl gang writer of comics. She's most famous for her loud and proud works for DC and Marvel, including A-Force, Batwoman, and DC Bombshells. Outside of her work with the big two Bennett tends to go a lot darker with her creator-owned series, often times showcasing the darker sides of humanity. Personally, I think these stories are where she thrives as a writer. Animosity is a prime example. When animals suddenly gain human consciousness and begin thirsting for revenge, chaos ensues. In a world, where humans are no longer the alpha predator, Animosity handles the complex struggle of dealing with this newly realized threat. The story follows Jesse and her fiercely loyal dog Sandor, as the two take the trip across the country in search of Jesse's brother. There are two sides to every story and Bennett handles that beautifully, showcasing the animals newfound awareness, and what they do with that power, as well as humanity trying to adjust to this new world.

[Comixology] [Amazon] 

Apocalyptigirl - Andrew MaClean

Apocalyptigirl is one of the more lighthearted and whimsical stories for the genre. Written an illustrated by Andrew MacClean, this standalone graphic novel from Darkhorse is one of my personal favorites. Apocalyptigirl tells the story of a young woman, and her cat  Jellybean as they wander through the abandoned ruins of our futuristic planet in search  of a way to return "home." It's beautiful, simplistic and delightfully poetic, weaving old world mythology with that of a millennial calamity. MaClean has crafted a story that feels like a wonderful blend of Adventure Time, The Last of Us and a Miyazaki film. It's unique style both in the art and in the way the story is presented, sets itself apart from a lot of other comics, let alone the dystopian genre. It's brightly colored and uniquely stylized, something that isn't often seen among the colorless and often times dreary apocalypse. Even if you're not a fan of this kind of setting, I still can't recommend Apocalyptigirl enough. It's one of those few books that I recommend to both comic and non comic readers alike. And at a price point of only $9.99, it's impossible to pass up on such a beautiful book.

[Comixology] [Amazon]

 

Frostbite - Joshua Williamson & Jason Shawn Alexander

Frostbite is definitely the most unique book on this list, in terms of setting. There are very few stories that have done the frozen wasteland apocalypse take, but Frostbite from Vertigo comics manages to do it well. Frostbite has taken ahold of this world, a  now dangerous and infectious, widespread disease that may be more dangerous than the icy badlands that now shape our world. The story is simple, an outbreak has taken over the world, and it's an escort mission for our protagonist and the only person who has the cure. Yeah, the story isn't anything we aren't familiar with, but the setting and the creativity behind how humanity has adapted is what makes it different. Williamson and Alexander have crafted this exotic wasteland amidst the new ice age, and that combined with some unexpected turns in the story keeps the narrative fresh and exciting. Frostbite features not only one, but two female lead characters, one of which being a WOC. While I'm used to seeing at least one badass woman fight her way through the apocalypse, we're spoiled with another equally badass survivalist in this one. There's also some underlying queerness here which I'm totally digging. I featured Frostbite as one of my favorite books in 2016 and have been painfully waiting for it to make it's return ever since.

[Comixology] [Amazon]

 
Leaving Megalopolis - Gail Simone & Jim Calafiore

Ya'll know I love Gail and Jim. Their work together on Secret Six is one of my favorite all-time comics, it's dark and edgy and a book that really makes you think. Leaving Megalopolis is no stranger to any of these themes. This original graphic novel started over on Kickstarter, before being published by Darkhorse. Megalopolis is in ruins, quarantined from the rest of the rest of world as the cape crusaders have turned against the very people they swore to protect. It's a hellish game of cat and mouse as a small group of survivors attempt to escape a city that crumbles around them. Pulling from standard superhero tropes, the Speedster, the Superman these are characters we're all too familiar with and yet Simone and Calafiore manage to create a unique cast all their own. This is the "Justice League" at their very worst. It's a new take on the superhero story with a post world disaster setting. Gail Simone unleashes pure evil, with twists and turns that will make you finish this in one sitting. This is one of those reads, you'll immediately want to devour again upon finishing. Once you're done with Leaving Megalopolis, make sure you check out the six-issue sequel Surviving Megalopolis. While I'll admit it's not as good as it's predecessor, you'll definitely want to check this one out for the expansion of the Megalopolis universe and its horrifying cast of characters.

[Comixology] [Amazon]

We Stand On Guard - Brian K Vaughn & Steve Skroce

We Stand On Guard, was a title I heard people talking about for years, had only ever heard good things about, but had never had checked out myself. I changed that a couple of months ago, and my god this book made me change everything I thought about comics. Then again I shouldn't expect anything less from Brian K Vaughn considering his work on Saga. Although set 100 years in the future We Stand on Guard feels all too real when a ragtag band of Canadians turn freedom fighters against the resource hungry United States. Given some of the current politics in play, We Stand on Guard feels very close to home. This one is dark, brutal and not for the faint of heart. It's a story as heartbreaking as it is uplifting. I'll admit it can be a rough read given some of the material presented but it's so good and will immediately leave you wanting more. Most people would showcase Vaughn's Y The Last Man on a list like this, and while I'll admit its definitely worth your read, We Stand On Guard is the one for me. This is another one of those finish in one sitting books, I promise you.

 [Comixology] [Amazon]

And if you like We Stand On Guard be sure to check out Calexit from Matteo Pizzolo & Amancay Nahuelpan! [Comixology] *

 The Wilds - Vita Ayala & Emily Pearson

I feel a like I'm adding The Wilds onto this list a little preemptively considering we're only one issue in at this point, but the world and story within it is so unique that I can't help but showcase it. Vita Ayala and Emily Pearson, create a beautiful and haunting wasteland, as an organic virus transforms most of humanity into mysteriously stunning creatures. It's a new take on the zombie narrative, with the "blooming" dead being very reminiscent of the parasitic fungi monsters in the Last of Us. The first issue alone is enough to get you hooked, introducing the world of the Wild's while setting the tone and pace for what I'm sure is going to be an amazing story. While the plot focuses on a single compound runner, ironically by the name of Daisy, there's a larger world that's waiting to be revealed to us just among the first issue. The writing is solid, and the pages are just beautiful. Between the linework and the colors, this is just a book you want to look at. Did I mention that The Wild's is hella queer? Because that's always a good selling point right. This may be just the beginning for The Wilds but I have no doubt it's going to be on my best of 2018 list this year.

[Comixology]*

*Because this is an ongoing title right now there's no link for Amazon. Check out your local comic shop!