Want to try reading comics? Don’t know where to start? Want to try something different?
Wednesday is New Comics Day! Each week, The Comics Observer spotlights up to three brand new releases worthy of your consideration. All of these have been carefully selected as best bets for someone who has never read comic books, graphic novels or manga before. They each highlight the variety and creativity being produced today. These are also great for those that haven’t read comics in awhile or regular readers looking to try something new.
While we can’t guarantee you’ll like what we’ve picked, we truly believe there’s a comic for everyone. If you like the images and descriptions below, click the links to see previews and learn more about them. You can often buy straight from the publishers or creators. If not, head over to your local comic book store, check out online retailers like Things From Another World and Amazon, or download a copy at comiXology, or the comics and graphic novels sections of the Kindle Store or NOOK store. Let us know what you think in the comments below or on Facebook.
For a full list of this week’s new releases, see comiXology and ComicList.com.
(Please note these aren’t reviews. Recommendations are based on pre-release buzz, previews, and The Comics Observer‘s patented crystal ball. Product descriptions provided by publisher.)
Chu’s Day by Neil Gaiman and Adam Rex
Chu’s Day
Written by Neil Gaiman
Illustrated by Adam Rex
Published by HarperCollins
Genre: Comedy
Ages: 4+
32 pages
$17.99
Chu is a little panda with a big sneeze.
When Chu sneezes, bad things happen.
Will Chu sneeze today?
A winning new picture book about an unforgettable panda, and the first collaboration between New York Times-bestselling author Neil Gaiman and Adam Rex.
Chu is a little panda with a big sneeze. His mother takes him to the library, where it’s awfully dusty. His father takes him to lunch at the diner, where there’s pepper in the air. Will Chu sneeze today? And what will happen if he does?
Beloved storyteller Neil Gaiman has written his youngest picture book yet with this delightful, humorous story of how the smallest child’s actions can be very powerful. Engagingly and vibrantly illustrated by acclaimed artist Adam Rex, this is the perfect book to read aloud and share.
The Blue Beetle: No Way Out #1 by Francesco Francavilla
The Black Beetle: No Way Out #1
Written and illustrated by Francesco Francavilla
Published by Dark Horse Comics
Genre: Action/Adventure, Superhero, Pulp
Ages: 13+
32 pages
$3.99
A new pulp sensation from the mind of 2012 Eisner Award winner Francesco Francavilla (Batman: The Black Mirror).
Black Beetle’s investigation of two local mob bosses is interrupted when a mysterious explosion murders them and a pub full of gangsters—taking out most of Colt City’s organized crime in one fell swoop. Who could pull off such a coup, and what danger might that murderous bomber do to Colt City and Black Beetle?
“Francavilla delivers the pulp noir that suits his style perfectly.”—Comic Book Resources
“One of our favorite artists… is unleashing one of his own creations on the unsuspecting criminals of Colt City in an all new Black Beetle serial.”—iFanboy
The One Trick Rip-Off + Deep Cuts by Paul Pope
The One Trick Rip-Off + Deep Cuts
Written and illustrated by Paul Pope
Published by Image Comics
Genre: Action/Adventure, Crime
Ages: 18+
288 pages
$29.99
Young lovers Tubby and Vim want to escape – escape the mistakes they’ve made, the lives they’ve lived, and the dirty city weighing them down. Their plan is simple – all they have to do is rip-off Tubby’s pals, the One Tricks – the toughest street gang in LA.
If they pull it off, they’re set for life. If not, their lives won’t matter much anyway.
What was going to be a smooth, straight-forward heist becomes a fast-paced battle to the death.
From Eisner Award-winning writer/artist Paul Pope (Batman: Year 100, THB, Heavy Liquid, 100%) and presented for the first time in color by Jamie Grant (All-Star Superman). One Trip Rip-Off/Deep-Cuts is 288 pages of raw power, of which over 150 pages are comprised of new, rare, and never before seen stories created during Pope’s time traveling the world in the ’90s.
Included in the “Deep Cuts” section is a bounty of unpublished and rare work Pope did in the ’90s, including the legendary “Supertrouble” manga, created for Kodansha in Japan, appearing here in print for the first time.
It’s a tour de force of pure, kinetic storytelling that will keep your eyes peeled until the very last page.
