We’re nearly at the end of this hellish year. And though it’s not like all these problems are going to go away in 2021, as if a persistent and rampant systematic racism and sexism and homophobia and oppression we see in our day to day life is going away, maybe there’s a chance we’ll have the better tools to fight it. So, for when you need a break, when you want to experience other lives, when you need somewhere to empathize, here are some of the books Previews alleges will release this December 2020.
10. Not Just the Seat at the Table, but the Whole Damn Table Itself
The universe is going to have to balance itself out eventually, right? Well, we can help it along, as shown by the women in this collection, who made an impact on the world and pushed it forward and refused to be left out. It’s also written by the Mayor of Montreal.
Okay, Universe
Written by Valérie Plante
Illustrated by Delphie Côté-Lacroix
Published by Drawn & QuarterlyValérie Plante stood up to the patriarchal power system of her city, took down an incumbent, and became the first woman elected Mayor of Montréal. This captivating graphic novel follows her journey from community organizer and volunteer to municipal candidate, and the phone call from the local social justice political party that changed her life forever. This origin story demystifies the path to success, simultaneously showing the Mayor’s inextinguishable commitment to creating positive change in the world and educating about the vitality of political engagement.
9. Quite an Experience to Live in Fear
From Titan Comics, an original story set in the Blade Runner universe. Blade Runner has given filmmakers plenty of room for intricate and fascinating design work, and I’m hoping Andrew Guinaldo and Peach Momoko are given the room to fill out the panels. Hopefully it bears more of the entrancing hypnotic horror of Blade Runner and less the delirious tedium of Blade Runner 2049.
Blade Runner 2029
Written by Michael Green & Mike Johnson
Illustrated by Andres Guinaldo & Momoko
Published by Titan ComicsThe first comic to tell original, in-canon stories set in the Blade Runner universe returns! It is 2029 and Blade Runner Ash continues to hunt the streets of the rain-soaked dystopian world of Los Angeles for renegade Replicants, but this time she’s trying to protect as many as she can find.
Written by Academy award-nominated screenwriter MICHAEL GREEN (Blade Runner 2049) and co-writer MIKE JOHNSON (Supergirl)!
8. Her Head is Hanging Upside Down
Liz Prince’s punk comics return to print from Silver Sprocket, now in full color! Prince doesn’t stop there, but throws in more stories, more art, more Princeness.
Be Your Own Backing Band: Full Color Edition
Written and Illustrated by Liz Prince
Published by Silver SprocketPunk rock adventure comics by Liz Prince, celebrated creator of hit comics “Tomboy,” “Coady and the Creepies,” and “Will You Still Love Me If I Wet The Bed?” Back in print, this new full-color edition features new cover art and expanded content for maximum laughs, excitement, poignance, and embarrassment!
7. Trying to Portray a True Expression of Love
Not a comic per say, but Miyazaki’s influence on illustration in general is beyond comprehension. Gentle yet present, soft but with a horrifying center. Gael Berton’s book explores each of Miyazaki’s movies, spotlighting the human heart at the center of each and every picture.
Continued belowThe Works of Hayao Miyazaki
Written by Gael Berton
Published by Third EditionHis poetic directing and universal themes, such as the importance of nature, have turned Hayao Miyazaki into one of the most respected artists on the movie and animation scene. Initially intended for Japan only, his works eventually reached the Western market. Spirited Away is one of the most successful animated movies worldwide. This book aims to explore the personality of this unusual author and his collaborators, and to decipher, movie by movie, the profound themes found throughout his entire work, which reveal the humanist nature of this essential filmmaker.
6. The King of Video Games . . . Now in Comics Form!
In honor of Mario’s 35th anniversary, Viz has assembled this collection of comic strips and cartoons featuring the most famous video game character of all time. The King of Video Games. So if you wanted to give your eyes a break and pull yourself away from Super Mario 3D All Stars for a moment, there could be worse options.
Super Mario Brothers Manga Mania
Written and Illustrated by Yukio Sawada
Published by Viz LLCJoin Mario and pals in crazy adventures inspired by the hit video games! In this collection of short stories, Mario and Luigi go on adventures that showcase the fan-favorite characters of the Mario world in new, unconventional and hilarious ways. This compilation, handpicked from years of Mario comics in Japan, has never been available in English-until now!
5. Is This Timeline Really Worth Unfucking?
John Layman’s up to his usual shenanigans in this collected edition of his time travel comic. Karl Mostert’s work isn’t showy or over-the-top, especially when compared to the work of some of Layman’s other collaborators, like John Layman in “Chew” or Sam Keith with “Eleanor and the Egret,” but that oddly allows the story to get away with even more at times.
The Man Who Effed Up Time
Written by John Layman
Illustrated by Karl Mostert
Published by AfterShock ComicsSean Bennett is just an ordinary lab worker in a high-tech lab with a prototype time machine. And, yeah, he’s got the same temptations any of us would have about going back in time to right old wrongs. So, when he meets a version of himself from the future who encourages him to do just that, Sean takes the temporal plunge. Only…can you guess what happens next? Did you read the book title? Yup. All of TIME is f#%&ed up now, and it’s up to Sean to correct it – or else!
4 . The Final Countdown
Before the world was shut down, symphonies and chamber orchestras and musicians everywhere were getting ready to celebrate Beethoven’s 250th birthday. Not that Beethoven necessarily needs further spotlight. This collection from Z2 Comics tied into everything. An expressive reaction. An artistic impression of the movement in his work.
The Final Symphony: A Beethoven Anthology
Written by Brandon Montclare & Frank Marraffino
Illustrated by Various
Published by Z2 ComicsCelebrate Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday with an anthology of comics inspired by the maestro’s life and music. Fantasy and History. Fables and Ghost Stories. Adventure and Romance. This tome of tales is written by Brandon Montclare and Frank Marraffino and features a dozen visual artists who reflect on the breadth of Beethoven’s influence. Carefully curated, readers will experience both masterpieces and lesser known gems in a brand new light. Cover design by David Mack.
3. Nightmares Exploding Off the Page
Now this looks like a trip. Geneviève Lebleu’s work seems like it’s digging into Michael DeForge’s nightmares. Odd designs. Bright saturated colors. “Weeding” looks like it’s pushing against the boundaries of the medium, with tendrils growing out beyond the page.
Weeding
Written and Illustrated by Geneviève Lebleu
Published by Conundrum PressOn a typical autumn afternoon, Martha hosts a group of middle-aged women at her suburban home. The day takes a sudden turn when Elisabeth, an estranged friend, turns up unexpectedly – and she isn’t the only unwanted guest at the tea party. Martha’s sister, Maureen, shows up after years of radio silence, along some painful memories and a lot of confusion. Martha disappears after a simple trip to the backyard for herbs. Martha is the most beloved of the women, but will any of the others be able to look past their own problems long enough to search for her?
2. Dark They Were, and Horrified
Iron Circus presents a collection of stories by Abby Howard, whose “Last Halloween” constantly proves to be one of the most terrifying and hysterical comics out right now. Howard’s black and white artwork is insane in its intricacies, deceptive in its simplicities. It’s so great that the Penny Arcade dudes struggled to see beyond their narrow perception of comics. This volume, though, is 380 pages, offering plenty to unpack and enjoy.
Continued belowThe Crossroads at Midnight
Written and Illustrated by Abby Howard
Published by Iron Circus ComicsA masterful collection of tales from the faded border between our day-to-day world and the horrifying unknown on the other side of midnight. An old woman living alone on the edge of a bog gets an unexpected – and unsettling – visitor, throwing her quiet life into a long-buried mystery. A misfit little girl, struggling to make friends, meets an understanding soul one day at the beach: but why will he only play with her alone at night? In this collection of evocative, unnerving slice-of-life horror, five stories explore what happens when one is desperate enough to seek solace in the unnatural, and what might be waiting for us at the Crossroads at Midnight.
1. Summer’s End
After 60 issues, three specials, a crossover with a DC comic (of all things), a series of kids books, and a movie adaptation cancelled by Disney, “Lumberjanes” is coming to an end. Since 2014, this series has given voice and credence and acceptance to readers of all ages, able to explore moral questions in a manner that didn’t feel like a lecture or very special episode. It balanced the adventure and the identity much stronger than many of the other all ages books that came out in its wake. While it never hit the heights of the first 18 issues, it maintained a consistent, wholesome, and welcoming sensibility. Six years and 60 issues is a good run, especially for a comic from a smaller company, and while it’s a shame there won’t be new “Lumberjanes” for now, at least in this iteration, it’s nevertheless wonderful they were here.
Lumberjanes: End of Summer
Written by Kat Leyh & Shannon Watters
Illustrated by Brooklyn Allen & Kanesha C. Bryant
Published by Boom! StudiosNow the scouts of Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady Types will have to fight back against the mysterious force known as the Grey!
* Meanwhile, Molly has discovered a deep and ancient forest magic, which she hopes to use to protect her friends and the home they’ve all found here. Will she be able to, though? Or is this all-encompassing, all-erasing Grey just too much for one ‘Jane to fight on her own?
Well, that was fun. Let me know what you’re excited for in the comments!
