Solicitations hit last week so you know what that means! It’s time for Soliciting Multiversity, our monthly look at the best that each publisher has to offer. As usual, we kick things off with Dark Horse. December for Dark Horse is full of a lot of brand new collections that span from Moebius to “Zodiac Starforce.” There’s also some great stuff still to come at the end of the year from their heaviest of hitters, Hellboy. Let’s jump into this month’s picks.
10. A Literal Translation
Adapting novels to visual mediums like comic books or television really works if you’re trying to adapt it with something unique in mind. Literal translations are often very hard to pull off but they do have a market. This is one of those books. “American Gods” is a very popular novel and now a hit TV show but it completes the trifecta with this comic book adaptation that basically translates the text exactly as it is. That works and doesn’t work but what is nice about this is the art line up. I’ve seen some really good interiors from this series and while it’s not entirely my thing, I’m sure someone reading this will dig it.
American Gods Volume 1: Shadows HC (advance solicit)
Neil Gaiman (W), P. Craig Russell (W/A), Scott Hampton (A/C), Walter Simonson (A), Colleen Doran (A), Glenn Fabry (A/Cover), Lovern Kindzierski (C), Laura Martin (C), Colleen Doran (C), and Adam Brown (C)
On sale Feb 28
FC, 208 pages
$29.99
HC, 7” x 10”
This supernatural American road trip fantasy tells the story of a war between the ancient and modern gods. Shadow Moon gets out of jail only to discover his wife is dead. Defeated, broke, and uncertain where to go from here, he meets the mysterious Mr. Wednesday, who employs him to serve as his bodyguard—thrusting Shadow into a deadly world where ghosts of the past come back from the dead, and a god war is imminent. Collecting the first nine issues of the American Gods comic book series, along with art process features, high res scans of original art, layouts, character designs, and variant covers by Becky Cloonan, Skottie Young, Fábio Moon, Dave McKean, and more!
9. Falling Into Place
I don’t know how much more “Dept. H” has left in it but there’s this feeling that a lot of things are starting to fall in place and I’m excited. I recently caught up on the whole thing and I honestly believe it’s one of the best things in comics right now.
Dept. H #21
Matt Kindt (W/A/Cover) and Sharlene Kindt (C)
On sale Dec 13
FC, 28 pages
$3.99
Ongoing
The final will and testament of Roger, Hari’s oldest friend. Roger is willing to die, but will his secret knowledge die with him?
8. Just In Time
Just in time for the next big movie version, Dark Horse will release this giant, oversized hardcover with their 2014 stuff that basically tells one big story. It features some top notch talent including Gail Simone and Rhianna Pratchett. If you’re a fan of the games, you’ll probably find a ton to love about this. Also, these library editions are actually really beautiful books so it’s got that going for it too.
Continued belowTomb Raider Library Edition Volume 1 HC (advance solicit)
Gail Simone (W), Rhianna Pratchett (W), Nicolás Daniel Selma (P), Derlis Santacruz (P), Andrea Mutti (P), Juan Gedeon (I), Andy Owens (I), Pierluigi Baldassini (I), Michael Atiyeh (C), and Dan Scott (Cover)
On sale Feb 28
FC, 496 pages
$49.99
HC, 8” x 12”
Lara Croft is trying to piece her ordinary life back together after her ordeal in the Lost Kingdom of Yamatai. The other survivors of the Endurance are experiencing horrific visions as they try to put what happened behind them. Follow Lara’s story after the 2013 Tomb Raider game as she embarks on a new globetrotting adventure, discovering a dangerous organization that’s threatening her friends. Can she figure out what’s going on in time to save a life?
This deluxe hardcover collects issues #1–#18 of the 2014 Dark Horse Tomb Raider series, and the never-before-collected prequel story Tomb Raider: the Beginning.
7. Christmas Time Is Here
Satan Santa vs. Hellboy. I shouldn’t even have to try and sell you on that. Plus, Adam Hughes art. This will be a good way to spend Christmas.
Hellboy: Krampusnacht
Mike Mignola (W/Variant cover) and Adam Hughes (A/Cover/Pencil variant)
On sale Dec 20
FC, 36 pages
$3.99
One-shot
The only thing more exciting than pitting Hellboy against this Satanic spin on Santa is the team-up of Mike Mignola and Adam Hughes.
6. Inside Genius
One of the best things Dark Horse has done lately is try to bridge the gap between the United States and the rest of the world in terms of comics. They’ve published European work in the past but putting together these big Moebius collections are a big deal. We’re getting the chance to buy things we either couldn’t or haven’t been able to for a very long time. I haven’t had the chance to buy these yet but I did skim through one at my local shop and these books are beautiful. Moebius is a major influence for so many artists working in comics today so it’s nice to appreciate what he did.
Moebius Library: Inside Moebius Part 1 HC (advance solicit)
Moebius (W/A)
On sale Feb 7
FC, 216 pages
$49.99
HC, 8” x 10”
Working closely with Moebius Production in France, Dark Horse presents Inside Moebius Part 1, the next volume in the Moebius Library. As he explores a beautiful, expansive desert that represents his mind, Moebius draws himself encountering his favorite characters—creations like Blueberry, Arzak, and Major Grubert—and also meets a younger version of himself! A six-part study, Inside Moebius Part 1 collects the first two chapters in this fantastic exploration of a creator meeting his own creations to discuss his artistic process and the real world issues that encroach into his thoughts.
• Moebius’s final long-form work—now available in English!
• The next volume in Dark Horse’s Moebius Library series!
“Moebius excelled as much in fluidity of his storytelling as he did in the brilliance of his linework.” —Frank Quietly
5. New Talent
I am not familiar with the work of Carlos and Miguel Valderrama but with “Giants” that will change. This cover is all I’ve seen and I’m super drawn to the art style. The premise seems solid as well as it promises kids dealing with giant monsters and that’s always fun when approached with the right perspective.
Giants #1 (of 5)
Carlos Valderrama (W) and Miguel Valderrama (A/Cover)
On sale Dec 13
FC, 32 pages
$3.99
Miniseries
A cataclysm of unknown origins unleashed a race of gigantic monsters whose presence has driven humanity underground.
There, two orphans discover that the most dangerous monster is ambition, which unchecked, will grow until it devours you!
• An original vision from two powerful new talents!
• The Valderrama Bros. first American work!
4. A Timely Reprint
“Incognegro: A Graphic Mystery” is a reprint of a decade old graphic novel that’s being reprinted as part of Karen Berger’s new imprint and I could not be more excited. I had not heard of the book until I saw the announcement and solicitation and it’s easily one of my most anticipated books of this year. I’m a mixed race woman (Puerto Rican/German) and because of this, I’ve always wanted to see more stories featuring mixed people dealing with the personal identities issue that come with that. “Incognegro” is about an experience that I can’t completely relate to or speak about but some of the pieces here really hit a close place for me and I’m really excited to read this for the first time.
Continued belowIncognegro: A Graphic Mystery HC (advance solicit)
Mat Johnson (W) and Warren Pleece (A/Cover)
On sale Feb 6
b&w, 144 pages
$19.99
HC, 6 3/4” x 9”
A tenth anniversary edition of the acclaimed graphic novel!
In the early 20th Century, Zane Pinchback, a reporter for the New Holland Herald, is sent to investigate the arrest of his own brother, charged with the brutal murder of a white woman in Mississippi. With a lynch mob already swarming, Zane, whose skin color is light enough that he can pass for white, must stay “incognegro” long enough to uncover the truth behind the murder to save his brother—and himself. Suspenseful, unsettling and relevant, Incognegro is a tense graphic novel of shifting identities, forbidden passions, and secrets that run far deeper than skin color.
• Features a new afterword by Mat Johnson, enhanced toned art and other additional material.
“A talented writer of both fiction and creative non-fiction, Johnson’s publications have established him as an important new voice in the African-American tradition.”—Walter Mosley
3. A Good Prequel?
Yes, a good prequel. “Psycho Pass: Inspector Shinya Kogami” has been a pleasant surprise. Kogami wasn’t my favorite character from the original series but there was a lot to explore with him. There’s been this slow breaking down of his naivete and beliefs and you can see him becoming the guy he will later be when the anime begins. It’s been a very good story so far and I’m anxious for more.
Psycho Pass: Inspector Shinya Kogami Volume 4 TP (advance solicit)
Midori Gotou (W) and Natsuo Sai (A/Cover)
On sale Feb 28
FC, 186 pages
$11.99
TP, 5 1/8” x 7 1/4″
The manga prequel to the acclaimed anime series! How did rice, once sacred to Japan, become its forbidden food? Division 3 descends into the deepest levels of the Special Sector in search of a lost field under a hidden sun . . . and the woman at the heart of their case, Kirika Nouzen.
• The prequel to the hit anime series Psycho-Pass!
2. Geeks Date Too, Don’t Cha Know?
Okay so dating is hard for everyone, but dating can get weirder depending on your interests. People into geeky/nerdy stuff range, just like every kind of person, but sometimes that can lead to some weird stuff. I loved the first volume of this that focused on the experiences of women but I’m super into opening that up to everyone.
The Secret Loves of Geeks TP (advance solicit)
Margaret Atwood (W), Patrick Rothfuss (W), Gerard Way (W), Dana Simpson (W), Gabby Rivera (W/A), Hope Larson (W), Cecil Castellucci (W), Marley Zarcone (W/A), Valentine del Landro (A), Becky Cloonan (Cover), and more
On sale Feb 14
FC, 184 pages
$14.99
TP, 6” x 9”
The follow-up to the smash-hit The Secret Loves of Geek Girls, this brand new anthology features comic and prose stories from cartoonists and professional geeks about their most intimate, heartbreaking, and inspiring tales of love, sex, and dating. This volume includes creators of diverse genders, orientations, and cultural backgrounds.
Featuring work by Margaret Atwood (The Handmaid’s Tale), Gerard Way (Umbrella Academy), Patrick Rothfuss (The Name of the Wind), Dana Simpson (Phoebe and Her Unicorn), Gabby Rivera (America), Hope Larson, (Batgirl), Cecil Castellucci (Soupy Leaves Home), Valentine De Landro (Bitch Planet), Marley Zarcone (Shade), Sfé R. Monster (Beyond: A queer comics anthology), Amy Chu (Wonder Woman), cover art by Becky Cloonan (Demo), and more!
1. Once More For the People In the Back
This may be the last time I get to hype “Zodiac Starforce” for a while in this column so it gets the top spot this month. This is the kind of comics I want to see more of. This is an incredibly fun series that still has high stakes and lots of action. Panetta and Ganucheau have crafted such a big world in such a small time frame with characters even bigger. Go buy this second collection so we can get a third. Do it. Are you doing it? Then go do it.
Zodiac Starforce Volume 2: Cries of the Fire Prince TP(advance solicit)
Kevin Panetta (W), Paulina Ganucheau (A/Cover), and Sarah Stern (C)
On sale Feb 14
FC, 144 pages
$17.99
TP, 7” x 10”
After defeating a former ZS member and her mean-girl minions the girls thought they’d get a break, but a new big-bad has come out to play and demons are overrunning the town! The UK team’s secrets are causing a rift in the Zodiac alliance and divided they may fall! The series Comics Alliance calls “your favorite new magical girl team” returns with even more laughs, crushes, and monsters in their latest adventure! Collects Zodiac Starforce: Cries of the Fire Prince #1–#4.
Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments and read the full solicitations over at Newsarama.
