There’s no doubt that the big 2 comic book giants are still the forerunners in the comic book industry. Go ahead and ask any comic geek you know for their pull list and chances are they have something on there from either Marvel or DC. However due to recent changes in tech trends, a new breed of comics is slowly gaining popularity across the mainstream board through easier distribution channels and crowdfunding options. I’m talking of course about the Indie comic scene, and boy are there some really awesome titles circulating out there. Here are a few of my picks that you might consider adding to your pull list:
Peter Panzerfaust
A retelling of the classic J.M. Barrie tale of the fledgling free spirit Peter Pan, Peter Panzerfaust reenvisions Peter as a strapping young American soldier(?) in the midst of the German occupation of France. Peter rounds up a band of French orphans – his Lost Boys – and work together to survive the onslaught of the German horde.
Atomic Robo
Perhaps one of the most well-written and intelligent comic books to come out in a long while, Atomic Robo tells the tale of Robo – a robot designed by Nikola Tesla himself – and his adventures through time (he doesn’t age, being a robot) with his crack team of ‘action scientists’.
Bravest Warriors
From the creative madman Pendelton Ward who brought us the hit cartoon series Adventure Time comes this sci-fi super team of teenaged heroes, traveling across the galaxy to help those in need. Ward’s signature street talk shines through with the ‘Warriors, as each character both plays out and steps out of the stereotyped team member roles. Think Adventure Time but a bit grown up…and in space…and with aliens, spaceships, and emotion lords.
Chew
Breakthrough comic title Chew from John Layman and Rob Guillory continues to shine through its 4th year in print. Chew follows paranormal cop Tony Chu, whose powers allow him to flash through the past of anything he eats. Much to his reluctance, Chu often finds himself in situations where he has no choice but to use his powers to help him solve crimes, as well as his personal problems. Projected to be a 60-issue series, Chew is currently at issue 32.
Mara
This is exactly why you need to venture out of Marvel and DC every now and then. Mara, the six issue mini series from Brian Wood and Ming Doyle, explores the trappings of humanity and its tendency to worship celebrities as idols. The titular Mara is one of these idols, who eventually falls from grace after revealing that she’s only the way she is due to her supernatural powers.
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