4 Comic book series published in the last 5 years that I HIGHLY recommend.
The comics industry is in a pitiful state, but I found some gems!
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The current state of the North American comics market is a bummer. Sales aren’t what they could easily be. Enthusiasm is low. Ideological possession is high. Finding the good stuff isn’t easy so I’m going to help a little. Here are four series published in the last 5 years that I highly recommend. I linked each title directly to the publisher where you will see some buying options.
Gun Honey (and its sequel Gun Honey: Blood for Blood): The weapon you need, where you need it, when you need it – she’ll get it!
This one is a twist on the femme fatale / gun for hire trope. Joanna Tan is a Singaporean gun runner. Being an assassin would be a waste of her talents. But she will deliver a gun to any location, for a price. Who finds the gun and what they do with it is not her business. Until the U.S Government gets involved. Joanna gets enlisted to find a man she helped set loose. U.S. Gov will soon learn that this agent doesn’t like a leash.
This one is smart and sexy in just the right amounts. Writer Charles Ardai and artist Ang Hor Kheng are clearly care about this story. If you like plot driven, pulpy crime stories and fine line detailed artwork then this book is for you.
There is a spinoff series called Heat Seeker also written by Ardai. I’ve read part of it and so far it is good. The Gun Honey universe is being built out thoughtfully. I was especially impressed that the Heat Seeker artist was chosen to match the visual tone set by the Gun Honey series. In a world where artist turnover is common, I tip my hat to Titan Comics for delivering stability. Rated R for violence and nudity.
Reaver - Hell’s Half Dozen: The continent of Madaras once promised a new start for settlers, but 200 years after its discovery, the war rages on. Deep within this savage and untamed land, a darkness builds at that must be stopped at all costs.
This is The Suicide Squad in a fantasy setting inspired by North America instead of Europe.
Six prisoners from completely different backgrounds are brought together and forced to help thwart threat that could destroy the entire continent. These six individuals would otherwise never work together but if they don’t pull off this one mission they will be executed.
Reaver is mischievous fun largely because of Rebekah Isaacs lively and expressive cartooning. Well-choreographed violent action, inter-character friction, genuinely funny dialog, and perfectly timed plot twists combine for a fun and satisfying read. Rated R for violence and cussin’.
Echolands: This book features a cast of characters archetypally representative of different comic book art styles of the past on journey through a strange land also reflective of various comic book styles.
The publisher described the story as follows: “In a bizarre future world that has forgotten its history, reckless thief Hope Redhood holds the key to excavating its dark, strange past―if only she and her crew can escape a tyrannical wizard and his unstoppable daughter. But fate will send them all on a path leading to a war between worlds.”
But if this book had zero story it would still be on my list due to the mind-bending strength of JH Williams III’s artwork. In Echolands, the art is the story. I found myself forgetting what the story was as I got immersed in the enchanting world depicted in each spread.
It looks like this one is only available in hard back. It’s been several years and no follow up series has been announced yet. The publisher put an 18+ rating on this book.
We Live: In the year 2084 humanity is threatened with extinction. A random few are chosen to leave earth. Hototo, a little boy is one of the chosen. His big sister Tala is not. Together they begin the journey to the Beacon where Hototo will be taken up to his new life. Can they get there before time runs out?
Inaki and Roy Miranda lovingly crafted this big hearted, hopeful story brimming with lushly colored illustrations. You will have affection for these sincere, loving characters and care about their well-being.
I had to inform my local comic shop to remove this book from their kids section. This book’s art style makes it look like an all ages product. But the world of We Live is dangerous and violent. There are violent scenes in this book which are very much not appropriate for kids to read.
We Live was published at Aftershock, a company that gambled on turning its comics into streaming shows. This gamble did not pay off and the business folded. This may explain why We Live’s excellence was followed by a very disappointing sequel (Age of the Palladions).
This gives hope… great read.