As anyone who knows me will tell you, I love comic books and graphic novels. I read them probably the most of any written medium so I decided to talk about comics I adored that were published last year.
America vol. 1: The Life & Times of America Chavez
Written by Gabby Rivera and Illustrated by Joe Quinones
Marvel Publishing
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At last! Everyone’s favorite no-nonsense powerhouse, America Chavez, gets her own series! Critically acclaimed young-adult novelist Gabby Rivera and all-star artist Joe Quinones unite to shine a solo spotlight on America’s high-octane and hard-hitting adventures! She was a Young Avenger. She leads the Ultimates. And now she officially claims her place as the preeminent butt-kicker of the entire Marvel Universe! But what’s a super-powered teenager to do when she’s looking for a little personal fulfillment? She goes to college! America just has to stop an interdimensional monster or two first and shut down a pesky alien cult that’s begun worshipping her exploits before work can begin. Then she can get on with her first assignment: a field trip to the front lines of World War II – with Captain America as her wingman!
Young Avengers is one of my favourite comic series so when I heard that America was getting her own series, I knew I had to read it. If you’ve heard of “she’s beauty, she’s grace, she’ll punch you in the face”, America Chavez fits this description perfectly. Her solo comic run did not disappoint at all and if you’re looking for a fun series, I highly recommend this one.
Iceman vol. 1: Thawing Out
Written by Sina Grave and Illustrated by Alessandro Vitti and Edgar Salazar
Marvel Publishing
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Bobby Drake has been in the super hero game longer than most – but what has he left behind besides a few good one-liners and a string of failed relationships? And now a younger version of himself has emerged from the timestream – and he’s more put together than Bobby ever was. He grapples with his gay identity and his family and how to build a life and legacy he can be proud of…and become the best Iceman he can be! But, whether it’s seeking his ex-girlfriend Kitty Pryde’s advice on meeting guys, or delivering his latest news to his folks, it won’t be easy – and that’s before a gang of revenge-seeking Purifiers comes calling! And, still learning to be comfortable in his own skin, Bobby will meet someone who’s perhaps too comfortable in his – the son of Wolverine himself, Daken!
I was a bit skeptical about reading this one since I wasn’t a huge fan of how Iceman came out in the X-Men comics, but I really did enjoy this solo run. If you’re looking for my gay representation and love the X-Men, this is an awesome place to start.
The Unstoppable Wasp vol.2: Agents of G.I.R.L.
Written by Jeremy Whitley and Illustrated by Elsa Charretier
Marvel Comics
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This is it! The Red Room wants Nadia back, and they’ll pull out all the stops to get her. The clock is ticking and both Nadia and her friend Ying’s lives are in the balance. That means the geniuses of G.I.R.L. are up against their fi rst real science challenge! Can they outsmart the Red Room, or will Nadia be forced back to the bunker? Whatever happens, Nadia’s fate will be forever altered – but can the original Wasp, Janet Van Dyne, help her fi nd a way forward? When they get together, few can resist their sting! Plus, in a classic tale, Janet Van Dyne meets Hank Pym, and a heroic legacy is born – as Ant-Man and the Wasp battle the Creature from Kosmos!
I wasn’t really going to include the second volume of a series but oh my gosh, this book was definitely one of my favourites of the year. I unexpectedly loved Nadia and her friends and this made me weirdly emotional. I highly recommend this one.
Check, Please! Vol. 1: #Hockey by Ngozi Ukazu
First Second
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Helloooo, Internet Land. Bitty here!
Y’all… I might not be ready for this. I may be a former junior figure skating champion, vlogger extraordinaire, and very talented amateur pâtissier, but being a freshman on the Samwell University hockey team is a whole new challenge. It’s nothing like co-ed club hockey back in Georgia! First of all? There’s checking. And then, there is Jack—our very attractive but moody captain.
A collection of the first half of the megapopular webcomic series of the same name, Check, Please!: #Hockey is the first book of a hilarious and stirring two-volume coming-of-age story about hockey, bros, and trying to find yourself during the best four years of your life.
I actually read this series all online as a web-comic and I am so happy it is now published in a way that’s more accessible for people because OH MY GOSH THIS SERIES IS EVERYTHING. If you’re looking for a fun series with amazing illustrations, I highly recommend it.
Motor Crush vol. 2
Written by Brenden Fletcher, Cameron Stewart and Babs Tarr.
Illustrated by Cameron Stewart and Babs Tarr.
Image Comics
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The acclaimed sci-fi action-adventure series MOTOR CRUSH is back for another heat!
Two years have passed in Nova Honda, the racing capital of the world, and for Domino Swift everything has turned upside down. How does she fit in a world without Crush?
I loved the art and world of the first volume but I have to give volume 2 a shout-out because it just elevates the series. It provides more explanation for some of the world-building I didn’t quite understand in book one and the characters are still as complex as ever. I am a huge fan of this series and I really recommend it.
While this post wasn’t long, I really did have fun writing it! I read a lot more comics last year and while I didn’t dislike any, these are just the ones that stand out to me when I look back on 2018.
