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
#022: Fear Agent by Rick Remender, Tony Moore, Jerome Opena and Mike Hawthorne
Collection curated by Matthew Meylikhov
First debuting in late 2005, “Fear Agent” was long one of comics most underrated gems, which quickly grew with fame and notoriety in the six years it took the creators to finish their story. What started out as a lone cowboy archetype in space kicking alien ass and taking name quickly evolved into one of the medium’s most intricately laid out space odysseys, and “Fear Agent” remains the seminal work of all creators involved. Incredibly unassuming at times and absolutely devastating at others, it’s a book that shows the enormous skills of all involved, and is a master class in the art of modern day comic book storytelling, narrative and character work. And though it wears its influences on its sleeve, it’s hard to deny that “Fear Agent” won’t in time become just as influential if not more so.
From its inauspicious beginnings to its powerhouse and emotional finale, “Fear Agent” is an unforgettable journey through life, love, fatherhood, space and time.
Special Features
- “The Stars, My Destination,” an oral history of “Fear Agent” by Remender, Moore and Opena
- “See You, Space Cowby,” a round-table starring many of Remender’s colleagues and contemporaries discussing the finale to the series and its influence
- A few select art pieces by Moore and Opena in which they draw sequences from each other’s section
- A brand new 2-page epilogue to the series written by Moore and Opena and illustrated by Rick Remender
#23: “Tiny Titans” by Art Baltazar and Franco
Collection curated by Brian Salvatore
“Tiny Titans” was a 50 issue all-ages comic by co-writer Franco and co-writer/artist Art Baltazar. This gloriously continuity-free look at the younger characters of the DC Universe was one of the funniest and most fun books ever produced, and the school and neighborhood-based stories are truly for all-ages – simple and fun enough for little kids, but clever and smart enough for their parents and grandparents. All of your burning questions will be answered: Why won’t Terra give Beast Boy the time of day? Why is Principal Slade so angry? Why won’t anyone respect Robin?
Continued belowSpecial Features
- Aww Yeah, Poster! A brand new poster, drawn by series artist Art Baltazar, featuring every single character found in the 50 issue run.
- “Tiny Yourself!” A short featurette, showing how to drawn yourself in the “Tiny Titans” fashion.
- “Subversion Station!” Art and Franco walk you through all 50 issues, pointing out the subversive and hidden jokes found within this all-ages comic.
- “X Marks the Spot!” A new, detailed, Sidekick City Elementary map.
#24: Watchmen by Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons, and John Higgins
Collection curated by Vince Ostrowski
A story that almost never saw the light of day became one of comics all-time enduring and original masterworks. Using all original characters to create pastiches of common comic personas, “Watchmen” ushered in a new era of cape comics clashed with sexual politics, violence, and subtext. Moore and Gibbons’ break comics out of the innocence of the Golden Age by depicting a very different world from the ones comics gave readers in the 1940’s and 1960’s – a world on the verge of collapse. At once a sweeping blow to the naiveté of the Golden Age and a very small set of personal stories of melodrama and doom, “Watchmen” was a time and place in comics. For all of its intelligent commentary and captivating characters, that is a time and place that will forever be worth returning to.
Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons’ “Watchmen.” One of Time Magazine’s “100 Greatest Novels.” One of The Comics Journal’s “100 Greatest English Language Comics.” 1988 Hugo Award Winner in “Other Media.” And now a member of “The Multiversity Collection.”
Special Features
- “Dave Gibbons Artist Edition,” each page of “Watchmen” has been scanned from Gibbons’ original art and replicated to imitate the original size and paper quality of the artwork. This Artist Edition spans the 12-issues of “Watchmen” in its entirety and comes in a separate volume within the set
- “Alan Moore Watches the Watchmen,” a 40 minute video essay from Alan Moore himself, speaking in-depth about “Watchmen” for the first time in years. Moore discusses the cultural impact of “Watchmen” and why he believes his most well-known work to have been both important and harmful to modern comic books
- “The Dream of the Crimebusters,” a 90-minute documentary feature directed by Ken Burns, with input from over 100 artists and writers regarding the unparalleled cultural impact of “Watchmen” throughout the comic book industry, as well as personal anecdotes, explanations, and examples of how “Watchmen” inspired a generation and influenced creative talent for decades to come
- “Before Watchmen” is not included or acknowledged in any capacity by the Multiversity Collection
#25: Green Wake by Kurtis Wiebe and Riley Rossmo
Collection curated by Michelle White
An uncompromising portrait of guilt, grief, and transformation, “Green Wake” is a landmark of emotional and poetic sequential storytelling. The story centers on Morley Mack, a man who finds himself in the mysterious town of Green Wake after suffering a terrible loss. Alongside an enigmatic fellow resident, Krieger, Morley investigates a series of murders involving a new arrival and a local girl who seems to have lost her mind. But the answers run deep, and gesture toward the fundamental nature of the town itself. What follows is an intricate and emotional journey, complicated by the conflicting motivations and dark pasts of the characters that seek to navigate this rainy world. Distinguished by Riley Rossmo’s murky and immersive art, a unique and heavy atmosphere permeates every moment of the story. But even as it explores the darkest corners of human existence, there’s catharsis and insight to be found at every turn. “Green Wake” adds up to a illuminating and unforgettable experience that every comic reader should share.
This oversized hardback edition features a new cover from Riley Rossmo.
Special Features
- Annotations by Kurtis Wiebe exploring the finer points of Green Wake mythology
- Character sketches, promotional posters, and early concept art from Riley Rossmo
- All-new short comic centering on Krieger’s first days in Green Wake
- (Necessarily approximate) maps of Green Wake during various stages of its history
