Once a month, we’ll be releasing a list of fictional Multiversity Collection releases. A small group of staff will pick books that they believe are essential for every comic book collection, give you a short reason as to why and then create what we feel would be the ultimate release edition of that book. With that in mind, every one of these articles will start with the following note:
- None of these books are actually books that are in production, nor will they ever be in production. We don’t produce books, just articles.
- This is all very much and incredibly unsubtly based on the Criterion Collection, which actually produces high quality DVDs and Blu-rays of fine films that you can buy. If you haven’t already checked them out in the past, you should really check out their selection now.
So, with that in mind, we bring you the first wave of the Multiversity Collection.
The Multiversity Collection is dedicated to gathering the greatest comics from around the world and publishing them in editions of the highest artistic quality, with supplemental features that enhance the appreciation of the art of comics.
Previous months: May, June, July, August, September
#026: Journey Into Mystery (2011) by Kieron Gillen, featuring Rob Rodi, Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, Matt Fraction, Jamie McKelvie, Doug Braithwaite, Pasqual Ferry, Whilce Portacio, Richard Elson, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Alan Davis and Stephanie Hans
Collection curated by Matthew Meylikhov
There has often been skepticism that comics born out of events can maintain their own, but if any book put that myth to rest it was 2011’s relaunch of “Journey into Mystery.” Helmed by Kieron Gillen and featuring a bevy of talented collaborations, “Journey into Mystery” was a comedy in thirty parts, but a tragedy in thirty-one, telling the incredible journey of Loki the Trickster as he is reborn as a child. Branded instantaneously a liar (and certainly living up to that name), Kid Loki is given a new lease on life to both amend his past mistakes and give his name new meaning — but can a villain ever truly be redeemed or escape his past?
A beautifully told and illustrated tale of life and death, “Journey into Mystery” stands out amongst the pantheon of modern Marvel comics due to its incredible heart and fearless storytelling. It’s a mix of mythology, witticisms and soul, a book that takes a different angle in exploring the happiness relationships can provide and the sorrow that endings can give, all wrapped up in metaphors and meta-textual moments that bring the reader vividly into Loki’s world. And while you may be guessing what the writer and his character have up their collective sleeves until the very end, there’s no question that the end of this run will stay with you as one of the best comics to come out of Marvel in at least a decade.
Special Features
- A brand new introduction by star of stage and screen, Tom Hiddleston
- All new section of writer notes from series writer Kieron Gillen
- “Lokípolla,” a new interview with Gillen discussing “Journey into Mystery”‘s relationship with music and Sigur Ros
- A brand new set of annotations pointing out some of the more obscure references made during the series
#027: American Splendor by Harvey Pekar
Collection curated by Brian Salvatore
One of the most influential comics of all time, as well as one of the most modest, “American Splendor” is the brainchild of Harvey Pekar. Pekar documented his life – his job, his love life, his inner monologue – through “American Splendor.” Drawn by a cavalcade of legendary artists (R. Crumb, Ed Piskor, Dean Haspiel, Joe Sacco, just to name a few), Pekar’s tales were published for over 30 years, across a slew of publishers.
Continued belowEvery single “American Splendor” panel – from the first issue to the liner notes to the American Splendor film soundtrack – will be collected in this oversized omnibus.
Special Features
- American Splendor film on Blu-Ray, with new commentary by Joyce Brabner
- “The Hall of Harveys,” a portrait gallery of every artist’s (who ever worked on “American Splendor”) interpretation of our man
- “Yaz,” selected jazz reviews written by Pekar over his lifetime
- “The Apocrypha,” the rest of Pekar’s published autobiographical comics, from “The Quitter” to “The Pekar Project,” his webcomic
#028: Love and Rockets by the Hernandez Brothers
Collection curated by Vince Ostrowski
With “Love and Rockets”, Los Bros Hernandez arrived on the scene of alternative comix and forever changed the landscape. Characterized by intricate longform storytelling, a plethora of unforgettable characters, and a wholly unique perspective, “Love and Rockets” explores life in Latin America through an honest and offbeat eye. As characters grow and change, they share their experiences with the reader and we somehow relate to them. No matter how many years pass, no matter where you come from, and no matter what your experiences have been – “Love and Rockets” is the kind of work that can elusively touch you in ways that may not be immediately apparent. Deceptively simple truths of life lie behind the complex and unlikely stories of Palomar – and beyond. “Love and Rockets” is the type of work that can find your soul.
Special Features
- Contains every story in the “Love and Rockets” chronology in 4 hardcover omnibi, collected in a gorgeous oversized slipcase:
- Volume 1: “Love & Rockets” (one shot), “Love & Rockets” Volume 1 (issues 1-50), and “Love & Rockets Bonanza”
- Volume 2: “Measles” (issues 1-8), “Love & Rockets” Volume 2 (issues 1-20), “Love & Rockets: New Stories” (all issues, 2008 to 2012)
- Volume 3 (Jaime): All of Jaime Hernandez’s individual “Love & Rockets” stories collected in one volume
- Volume 4 (Gilbert): All of Gilbert Hernandez’s individual “Love & Rockets” stories collected in one volume
- A comprehensive character and setting guide in a supplemental softcover, created from the ground up by Los Bros Hernandez. Features entirely original art pieces for each character and the recurring settings in the comics’ chronology
- Volumes 1 & 2 come with audio commentaries by Los Bros Hernandez for each issue. Volume 3 & 4 contain audio interviews conducted by each of the brothers with regards to the other ones’ works
- Los Bros Hernandez-curated soundtracks for each hardcover volume
- An 80 page collage crafted by Los Bros Hernandez with inspirations, sketches, essays, photos, film recommendations, notes, and anything else that went in to creating the entirety of “Love & Rockets”
#029: Seaguy by Grant Morrison and Cameron Stewart
Collection curated by Walter Richardson
Sometimes, we want our comics to depict close-to-life, human stories, things we could observe by eavesdropping on a conversation between strangers in a coffee shop. Other times, though, we want them to tell the kinds of stories that are out of this world in a way that no respectable book publisher or film studio would want anything to do with. Seaguy is the latter, the kind of story that could only be told in comics. Brought to you by the mad magician Grant Morrison and a the terrifically talented Cameron Stewart, Seaguy takes the more innocent eras of superhero comics and ramps up the goofy meter to eleven. Join Seaguy — no secret identity, just Seaguy — as cracks wise with his buddy Chubby da Choona, falls in love with the desirable She-Beard, journeys to the moon, and uncovers the terrible secrets of the supposedly utopian society run by Mickey Eye. Trust us: you’ve never read a superhero story like this.
The Multiversity Collection edition of Seaguy includes both the previously published Seaguy and Seaguy: The Slaves of Mickey Eye. Additionally, The Multiversity Collection is proud to announce the long-anticipated finale, Seaguy Eternal, which will be published both in this complete collection and as a separate volume (Editor’s Note: oh lord, if only).
Special Features
- Excerpts from Morrison’s work notebooks for the series, detailing the demented world of Mickey Eye and how it came to be in greater detail Continued below
- “Seaguy Triumphant,” a retrospective by Morrison about the series’ tumultuous publishing history — find out if he did, indeed, hold DC’s 52 hostage in order to have volume two published!
- Script excerpts paired with process pages, giving insight into how Morrison and Stewart’s working relationship has changed over the years
- More character designs and layouts than you can shake a stick at!
#030: Arzach and Other Stories by Moebius
Collection curated by Michelle White
As inspiring now as they were when they first burst onto the Frenco-Belgian comics scene, Moebius’ tales of a warrior, his pterodactyl, and the dream-like world they negotiate remain deeply influential works of art. Featuring no words, the stories transcend literal interpretation while challenging the reader at a philosophical level. And while the works themselves are susceptible to a variety of interpretations, their feverish beauty – and the intensity of feeling that stands at their core – make each look into Moebius’ world an enlightening one. A disturbing and poetic journey through the subsconscious, Arzach’s stories add up to a compelling glimpse into the deepest levels of the human mind.
This oversized hardback edition also features the short story “The Detour”.
Special Features
- Introduction and appreciation by Hayao Miyazaki
- Never-before-translated interview, with Moebius speaking candidly about the origins of Arzach
- Maps of Arzach’s world (J.O. Ladronn’s original interpretation and a new effort by James Stokoe)
- Extensive pin-up gallery featuring work by current artists (includes a fold-out mini comic by Brandon Graham)
- Afterword by Jean-Marc and Randy Lofficier, authors of “Moebius’ Arzach”
