Since trades, collections, and OGNs have a much longer shelf life than new comics, we don't really need a new thread every week (or even every month) to do reviews or recommendations for trades, and none of the current trade threads really cover the expanse of trades available, so I am starting this, inspired by a recent video done by a convention promoter who is an acquaintance of mine. Since modern comics in our little slice of the internet means anything released in the last 10 years, there's a lot of trade ground to cover, collections of new material and collections of classic material released in the last 10 years are all fair game.

Before I get to my initial recommendations, here's the video that inspired me...

(I'm not sure facebook vids are supported by proboards video insertion app, so I am linking it as well...)



edit: found a version on youtube to include

trade recommendation video

the books recommended by Jesse include

Box Office Poison by Alex Robinson
The Fade Out by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips
The Parker adaptations by Darwyn Cook
Ghost in the Shell

I can heartily second The Fade Out and the Parker adaptations.

since Jesse did 4, I will follow suit with 4 of my own.

Prophet by Brandon Graham Vol. 1
(Image Comics)



If all you know about Prophet is Rob Liefeld, forget everything you know. Graham brings a Euro-sensibiity to sci-fi in a book that has the feel of a Jodo/Moebius kind of project. Too often cutting edge is a short cut label that lacks meaning because it's soul has been claimed by marketing hype, but this is truly a cutting edge sci-fi comics that pushes the boundaries of the medium and the genre.

Locke and Key Vol. 1-6 by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez
(IDW)



Joe Hill, for those that don't know is the son of Stephen King. This horror series offers the best of what horror can offer, mystery, intrigue, out there ideas, gripping characters you can care about and cheer for, and lots of thrills and chills. I chewed through all 6 volume sin 2 weeks (I own vol. 1 & 2) got 3-6 from the library because I couldn't wait to read the rest after devouring the first 2 volumes and I was broke at the time).

Southern Bastards Vol. 1-3 by Jason Aaron & Jason Latour
(Image)


Crime comics in the deep south revolving around a small town where the crime kingpin is also the head coach of the high school football team in a town that lives and bleeds football. Gripping well written, but violent tale of crime, heroism, redemption and corruption.

The Sixth Gun Vol 1-9 by Vullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt
(Oni Press)



The Weird West at its best. I just picked up the final volume (#9) last week and haven't read through it yet, but I am saving it for a time when I can sit down and read it cover to cover without interruption (maybe tomorrow night after Turkey day festivities). Magic, myth, occult secrets, six shooters, and a mystery that unravels over the course of the 9 volumes that is engrossing and entertaining.

All of these are well worth checking out, pr perhaps adding to your list for Santa as we enter the holiday gift giving season.

-M