Oh Dark Horse, you really do want all my money this summer. Between new Ba and Moon, the last issue of “Mind MGMT” and lots of collected editions, picking just 10 to recommend this month was almost impossible. That’s a good thing as it shows how much quality work is being done at the publisher. Let’s jump into the picks because there’s a lot here worth your hard earned money.
10. An Artistic Stunner Gets Collected
“Ei8ht” is one of the most visually stunning series to come out this year. Rafael Albuquerque’s art and coloring was beyond any of the work he’s ever done before. The story played with time travel and for some, that might make it something worth passing on. I mean really, how many times can you do time travel before it gets old? That’s not the case with “Ei8ht” and this trade with the entire miniseries collected should be on your pre-order list.
EI8HT Volume 1 TP (advance solicit)
Mike Johnson (W) and Rafael Albuquerque (W/A/Cover)
On sale Oct 7
FC, 128 pages
$17.99
TP, 7″ x 10″
Welcome to the Meld, an inhospitable dimension in time where a chrononaut finds himself trapped. With no memory or feedback from the team of scientists that sent him, he can’t count on anything but his heart and a stranger’s voice to guide him to his destiny. Collects issues #1–#5.
“Snappy dialogue, eye-catching scenery and a mystery as deep as twenty-two pages can accommodate.”—Comic Book Resources
“[EI8HT is] really amazing. The art is fantastic.”—Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth, Black Hammer)
9. Ba and Moon Reunite to Knock Your Socks Off
“Daytripper” is a modern comics classic that will make even the most cold-hearted person tear up. “Two Brothers” examines the ties between family and how despite sharing the same DNA, the personal connection isn’t always there. This won’t be some hokey Hatfield and McCoys teledrama, this is will channel authentic emotions and be something you’ll see talked about a lot come Eisner time.
Two Brothers HC (advance solicit)
Gabriel Bá (W/A) and Fábio Moon (W/A)
On sale Oct 14
b&w, 232 pages
$24.99
HC, 7″ x 9″
Twin brothers Omar and Yaqub may share the same features, but they could not be more different from one another. After a brutally violent exchange between the young boys, Yaqub is sent from his home in Brazil to live with relatives in Lebanon, only to return five years later as a virtual stranger to the parents who bore him, his tensions with Omar unchanged. Family secrets engage the reader in this profoundly resonant story about identity, love, loss, deception, and the dissolution of blood ties.
• From the Eisner Award–winning and New York Times best-selling duo behind Daytripper, Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon!
“Bá’s distinctive lines render characters in minimal strokes; clever transitions, well-placed shadows, and atmospheric scene-setting live up to the twins’ already well-deserved reputation for beautiful art.”—Publishers Weekly
8. The Only Art Book That Matters
I will admit that I don’t have a lot of familiarity with “Usagi Yojimbo”. I’ve just started reading the first of the huge volumes that Dark Horse has starting putting out. With that said, these art gallery editions (or Artist Editions as they are called by other publishers) are amazing. They’re epic and as close to owning the original pages as most of us will ever get. These are pricey but worth it, especially if you’re a “Usagi Yojimbo” fan.
Continued belowUsagi Yojimbo Gallery Edition Volume 1: Samurai and Other Stories HC (advance solicit)
Stan Sakai (W/A/Cover)
On sale Oct 14
FC, 240 pages
$125.00
HC, 12″ x 17″
Hailed as one of the true masterpieces of the comics medium, Usagi Yojimbo gets its first gallery edition, reproducing Stan Sakai’s breathtaking artwork at full size and in living color. This edition includes the art from the very first Usagi story, the complete origin tale “Samurai,” and more!
• Includes extra, never-before-seen art and a new introduction by Sakai!
• The ultimate edition for Usagi fans!
7. When Sailor Moon Meets Buffy The Vampire Slayer
“Zodiac Starforce” looks criminally adorable and that’s a good thing. I believe there should be comics for every single reader because it lets more people into our circle which in turn keeps comics alive. This is hopefully going to have the same kind of appeal “Lumberjanes” has. It might not be your thing but it’s important that it exists. This looks delightful and I can’t wait to read it.
Zodiac Starforce #1 (of 4)
Kevin Panetta (W), Paulina Ganucheau (A), and Marguerite Sauvage (Cover)
On sale Aug 26
FC, 32 pages
$3.99
Miniseries
An elite group of teenage girls with magical powers have sworn to protect our planet against dark creatures . . . as long as they can get out of class!
These high-school girls aren’t just combating math tests. They’re also battling monsters! But when an evil force infects leader Emma, she must work with her team to save herself—and the world—from the evil Diana and her mean-girl minions!
• A brand-new creator-owned series from Kevin Panetta (Bravest Warriors) and Paulina Ganucheau (TMNT: New Animated Adventures, Bravest Warriors).
• For fans of Sailor Moon, Buffy, and Lumberjanes!
“Zodiac Starforce is everything I want in a modern magical girl story—friendship, diversity, sweet battles and enviable costumes. Kevin and Paulina have crafted a both stunningly beautiful and heartfelt adventure series I honestly can’t wait to read.”—Kate Leth (Adventure Time: Seeing Red, Edward Scissorhands)
6. If Art Is A Crime Then Put Me In Jail Now
At the time this article was written, I haven’t read “The Tomorrows” #1. I did get the opportunity to talk with writer Curt Pires about the series and the first issue was included on this list last month. I normally wouldn’t include the second issue of something before I’ve seen the first but then I saw who the artist on this issue was. Alexis Ziritt is a co-creator and artist on Black Mask Studios’ “Space Riders”. It’s visually so inspired by Jack Kirby and one of the most insane things you’ll see happening in comics right now. You should buy that series and this one and listen to some Megadeth while reading them.
The Tomorrows #2 (of 6)
Curt Pires (W), Alexis Ziritt (A/Cover), Adam Metcalfe (C), and Dylan Todd (Cover)
On sale Aug 26
FC, 32 pages
$3.99
Miniseries
Rio. One of the Tomorrows is dead. It’s up to Claudius to find out who killed him.
Also: a vision of the future.
• A bold new speculative-fiction comic from writer Curt Pires, each issue illustrated by a different brilliant artist!
“Curt Pires presents many opportunities to reflect on the everyday things that we just accept as normal.”—Bloody Disgusting
5. History Teaches Us Valuable Lessons If We Pay Attention
I saw Ex Machina a few weeks ago and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. It’s the perfect story of technology gone wrong that actually feels plausible. “How to Pass As Human” gives off an Ex Machina vibe but approaches the idea really differently. This is designed as a user manual for future androids to use so they can make it in this world. It looks like a really cool book and I’m all in on this.
Continued belowHow to Pass as Human HC (advance solicit)
Nic Kelman (W), Pericles Junior (A/C), and Terry Dodson (Cover)
On sale Oct 7
FC, 200 pages
$19.99
HC, 6″ x 9″
How to Pass as Human is an attempt on the part of the world’s first android to understand the irrational, unpredictable, eclectic creatures known as human beings. In this field guide, complete with sketches, graphs, flow charts, and other reference materials, Android 0 (a.k.a. Zach) has compiled a variety of useful information for future androids on how to pass undetected as human beings.
• Kelman’s first novel, Girls, was a critically acclaimed, international bestseller.
“Kelman has a knack for capturing the reader’s attention and holding them engrossed.”—Roundtable Reviews
4. Firing on All Cylinders
“The Ghost Fleet” is insane and I mean that in in the nicest way possible. Following the story of Trace Morales as he tries to recover the truck he stole, “The Ghost Fleet” is as close to an 80s action movie as you’ll ever get in comics. Donny Cates has crafted a big action heavy story that has a lot of heart and breaks down stereotypes that exist in the genre. Daniel Warren Johnson’s art is on a higher plane of existence and colorist Lauren Affe pulls it all together with a vibrant and mind blowing color palette. This is such a great book that deserves a longer life span, so buy the trades and demand more of “The Ghost Fleet”.
The Ghost Fleet Volume 2: Over the Top TP (advance solicit)
Donny Cates (W), Daniel Warren Johnson (A/Cover), and Lauren Affe (C)
On sale Oct 7
FC, 96 pages
$14.99
TP, 7″ x 10″
Trace Morales has gone insane. What’s worse, his rig’s hauling occult cargo that could spell fin for the world. Can a bizarre bounty hunter recover the Ghost Fleet’s star driver? Forty tons of biker brawls, supernatural mayhem, and truck stop shootouts! Collects issues #5–#8.
• From the critically acclaimed writer of Buzzkill!
“Cates, Johnson, and Affe are delivering the next punch of their deceivingly deep slobber-knocker . . . It’s a revenge tale rife with visceral heartbreak and intricacies . . . that isn’t afraid to have fun along the way.”—All-Comic
3. If Imagination Dies and No One Is Around To Hear It, Does It Make A Sound?
“Neverboy” has been a trip. Shaun Simon and Tyler Jenkins have put together a really innovative new take on imaginary friends. It’s been emotional and made a real attempt at connecting with readers on a personal level. Who didn’t have an imaginary friend as a kid or at least made up imaginary scenarios for their action figures? I think we all did and “Neverboy” really gets into that and what happens to all of that when you move on and grow up. The world of imagination is dying but will Neverboy stop it? I can’t wait to find out.
Neverboy #6 (of 6)
Shaun Simon (W), Tyler Jenkins (A), Kelly Fitzpatrick (C), and Conor Nolan (Cover)
On sale Aug 5
FC, 32 pages
$3.99
Miniseries
The world of imagination is collapsing in on itself, and Neverboy’s wife and son are caught in the chaos. The dream must stop the dreamer before all is lost.
• From Killjoys cocreator Shaun Simon!
“This totally bonkers comic book is definitely one of the best new properties I’ve picked up in a while.”—Multiversity Comics
2. This One Goes Up To 11
“This Damned Band” is about a rock band who were actually worshiping Satan when they were fake worshiping him and the solicit describes it as “Spinal Tap Meets Ghostbusters”. This could be really, really funny and poke fun at so many of the silly things rock and roll musicians do. The 70s were a crazy time for music and I want to see lots of cameos by well known artists but most importantly, I want to laugh. I don’t want this to take itself too seriously and I have faith in Paul Cornell’s writing ability.
Continued belowThis Damned Band #1 (of 6)
Paul Cornell (W), Tony Parker (A/Cover), and Lovern Kindzierski (C)
On sale Aug 5
FC, 32 pages
$3.99
Miniseries
1972: the world’s most famous rock band thought they were “worshiping Satan,” only to find they were actually . . . worshiping Satan.
From Paul Cornell (Wolverine, Action Comics) and Tony Parker (Mass Effect: Foundation) comes a darkly hilarious adventure of black magic and classic rock!
• A hilarious documentary-style thrill ride of black magic and rock music!
“Paul Cornell’s ability to introduce us to a character at the beginning of an episode and have us crying for them at the end—for whatever reason—is, in my opinion, unmatched.”—Doctor Who TV
1. Did You Expect Anything Else At #1?
It all ends here. “New MGMT” is the last issue of the much beloved but often overlooked Matt Kindt masterpiece, “Mind MGMT”. In the entire month of August, this by and far my most anticipated comic release. The end of “Mind MGMT” feels like the end of Mad Men. It has been fabulous throughout but there’s a voice in my head worried that Kindt won’t stick the landing. I think that’s normal given how much excitement there is for it. I’m going to miss this series but I’m really looking forward to finding out how Meru’s story concludes.
NEW MGMT #1
Matt Kindt (W/A/Cover) and Geof Darrow (Variant cover)
On sale Aug 19
FC, 24 pages
$3.99
Ongoing
Matt Kindt brings his game-changing masterpiece MIND MGMT to its astonishing conclusion in this unforgettable one-shot!
The war is over. The world has been changed. But into what?!
• A heart-wrenching standalone epilogue to MIND MGMT!
• Variant cover by Geof Darrow!
Did I leave something out? Let me know in the comments and make sure you check out all that Dark Horse has to offer in August over at CBR.
