Hello, Faithful Spoilerites!
Many of us are currently finding ourselves inside of doors with a lot of spare time for reading on our hands. Why not take advantage of a time like this by diving into some Collected Works, Omnibi, and Graphic Novels? We are here to offer a series of helpful suggestions on GRAPHIC NOVEL options:
- For Him
- For Her
- For Kids
These are in no ranked order, but they come recommended from years working in comic book retail, what was popular in the last year, and what will set you apart from every other gift giver in a person’s life who knows they like Batman and thinks a pencil case with the Dark Knight on it counts as a thoughtful present.
Please consume this list knowing that comic books are for everyone and can be appreciated across age and gender lines. My suggestions have been tailored based on current trends and what my experience has taught me works for a specific audience.
SUPERGIRL: BIZARROGIRL
Price: $4.99
Sadly, amidst the across-the-board Entertainment Industry shutdowns, the Arrowverse is on hiatus until further notice. I don’t know about you, but I’ve noticed a distinct lack of Flash and Supergirl in my life! If you are looking for something super uplifting (pun absolutely intended!), then you’re going to want to check out Supergirl: Bizarrogirl! Not only is Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle’s Supergirl run still the best solo title the character has ever had, but this volume introduces readers to Bizarrogirl for the first time. Bizarrogirl’s appearance during Supergirl season 1 was one of the show’s highlights and it all comes from the story told in the pages of this book! “Hope, help, and compassion for all.” debuted in the pages of this series and we could all use a little more of it these days – this collection is the perfect place to start!
MARVEL KNIGHTS BLACK WIDOW COMPLETE COLLECTION
Price: $13.99
MCU fans have been waiting with baited breath for the Black Widow solo movie since the universe’s first wave. We were on the precipice of the movie coming to theaters and introducing the world to Florence Pugh’s own version of the eponymous character – Yelena Belova. Since Black Widow is on hold I recommend checking out the story where Yelena debuted! A perfect read for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Television, or Marvel Comics in general. This is part of the Marvel Knights line which means it’s a little more adult than your average Marvel Comic Book, so share with younger readers at your best discretion.
CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA
Price: $5.99
You have to know I struggled not to make every recommendation on this list a witch story. Among the genre Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is one of the best (plus, I already recommended Greg Rucka & Nicola Scott’s Black Magick in a Holiday Gift Guide previously), AND can do double duty tying into something very bingeable right now – Chilling Adventures of Sabrina the Netflix Series. The third season debuted a couple months ago, so if you read this volume and dig it you have some additional homework to do! This ain’t your mama’s Sabrina story, let me tell you! What Afterlife with Archie did for Riverdale’s favourite redhead Chilling Adventures of Sabrina does for the teen witch of Greendale! Imagine is the Spellman were witches in the more traditional sense (narratively and spiritually), and actually got up to everything the people who drove the Satanic Panic of the 1980s thought they did and you’ll get this book. It’s epic. It’s stunning. It will make you want to stay out of the forest.
MOTOR CRUSH VOL 1
Price: $8.99
Remember when Mad Max: Fury Road gave us Furiosa and she unexpectedly became the feminist icon we needed when it felt like the world turned upside down? Motor Crush will give you all the same feels for protagonist Domino! Volume 1 is a perfect choice for video game lovers who want to rest their eyes from their screens for a little while. Motor Crush is Speed Racer’s sexy cousin with Sailor Moon-inspired design. It tells the story of a struggle against adversity wrapped up in a series of chase scenes. A beautiful feast for the eyes. Plus, if you like this volume you can head over to the Major Spoilers Podcast once you’re finished reading and listen to the recent episode where we reviewed it!
BATGIRL AND THE BIRDS OF PREY VOL 1: WHO IS ORACLE?
Price: $9.99
Get it on Amazon
Birds of Prey is hot to VoD and this volume tells the story of a similar team to the one you see on screen. Sure there is a series currently being released that’s an exact duplicate of the movie team, but that series isn’t complete yet and we’re not quite sure when it’s going to come back. Readers who liked Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey, Wonder Woman, Shazam! or any of the other recent DC Movies will dig this volume. It’s a mashup of the classic and cinematic team lineups AND a clean starting point. Batgirl and the Birds of Prey launched out of the DC: Rebirth event, so it had to be as user friendly as possible. In fact, the volume handles this task so well, that potential readers don’t have to know anything about the team or the characters at all and they’re still going to love the gals and the hijinks they get up to!
Header Photo by Cleyder Duque from Pexels
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Ashley Victoria Robinson is a Canadian girl by day and Robin by night. She lives in Los Angeles now and stars as Ensign Williams in THE RED SHIRT DIARIES, co-hosts the GEEK HISTORY LESSON podcast and writes for Top Cow.