Welcome to another installment of Soliciting Multiversity, the Dark Horse edition. Given that we’re looking at December, you’d think that I might include some good gift ideas but you’d be wrong. We’ll get to that in due time. It’s still September. Dark Horse’s December solicits are very strong. It was tough to narrow this one down to ten thanks to the amount of collectibles and collected editions that are in here. Let’s jump in to this month’s picks before I change them again.
10. Bring Outlander Home Without The Creepy Parts
This summer, I caught up with Outlander. It’s a show that isn’t on a Game of Thrones level of popularity but those who love it are very vocal about it. It’s a beautifully shot show with strong performances and a high level of romantic drama but wow, it’s creepy. It has a lot of sexual violence that feels really out of place and I’m still unsure if I’ll return to it. The thing with these collectibles that Dark Horse is rolling out is that it embraces the visuals. These bookends are perfect for anyone who wants the show and wants to add a subtle piece of fandom to their decor.
Outlander Bookends (advance solicit)
On sale Jan 18
7.57” tall x 12.84” wide x 10.3” deep
$199.99
Dark Horse collaborated with Sony Pictures television and renowned fantasy artist Charles Vess to interpret the design for “Craigh na dun” standing stones, Claire’s portal to the past—from the television series Outlander.
Vess is world-renowned for his magical touch with a pen, pencil, or paintbrush. He is also an Outlander fan—it was a thrill to turn his designs into an heirloom collectible that rings true to the source material.
9. A No Brainer
It’s actually really surprising to me that this didn’t happen sooner. How To Train Your Dragon is a true hit in the box office. Kids love it and getting kids to read young is important. This accomplishes that because let’s face it, dragons are cool.
How to Train Your Dragon: The Serpent’s Heir TP (advance solicit)
Dean DeBlois (W), Richard Hamilton (W), Doug Wheatley (A), Wes Dzioba (C), and Pierre-Olivier Vincent (Cover)
On sale Feb 15
FC, 80 pages
$10.99
TP, 6” x 9”
Picking up just after the events in How to Train Your Dragon 2, Hiccup, Astrid, and company are called upon to assist the people of an earthquake-plagued island. But their lives are imperiled by a madman and an incredible new dragon who even Toothless—the alpha dragon—may not be able to control!
• Dragons writer, director, and producer Dean DeBlois is coplotting these stories.
• Stories tie in to the upcoming 2018 film.
8. Best Book You’re Not Reading
I promise, I won’t do this to you every month but you really, really, REALLY have to read “Black Hammer”. It’s everything you could want from a superhero centric book like this. It’s examining the genre in a really refreshing way and is truly beautiful to look at.
Black Hammer #6
Jeff Lemire (W/Variant cover), Dean Ormston (A/Cover), and Dave Stewart (C)
On sale Dec 21
FC, 32 pages
$3.99
Ongoing
Madame Dragonfly has been harboring dark secrets for hundreds of years, keeping them locked up in the mysterious Cabin of Horrors. Now that her cabin is trapped on Black Hammer Farm, the only secrets she can collect are the broken hearts of small-town folk. But the arrival of a new visitor to the farm will change everything.
• Comics history variant cover by Lemire!
“Fantastic.”—Scott Snyder (Batman, Wytches)
7. An Idea Not Used Enough
Novels are adapted to films or TV shows all the time but comic books can also offer a visual element that can’t be duplicated. I love the idea of adapting classic novels to European style hardcovers like this.
Continued belowMoby Dick HC (advance solicit)
Herman Melville (W) and Christophe Chabouté (W/A/Cover)
On sale Feb 8
b&w, 256 pages
$24.99
HC, 8” x 11”
A masterful adaptation of the timeless literary classic, faithfully and beautifully rendered by an award-winning artist. In striking black-and-white illustrations, Chabouté retells the story of the great American novel in which Captain Ahab strikes out on a voyage, obsessively seeking revenge on the great white whale that took his leg.
• Foreword by John Arcudi.
• A literary classic, adapted by award-winning artist Christophe Chabouté.
6. Get To Know Emmy
“Harrow County” is one of the very best comic books going right now and it’s arguably the best horror title. This issue is the start of a new story arc so here’s your reminder to pick up the trades and pre-order this jumping on point.
Harrow County #19
Cullen Bunn (W) and Tyler Crook (A/Cover)
On sale Dec 28
FC, 32 pages
$3.99
Ongoing
When a charming young man arrives in Harrow County, Emmy is thrilled to welcome new visitors to her home. But he has come with a gang of hunters, drawn to Harrow by the lure of big game: haints. With the promise of a normal life finally within her grasp, Emmy will be forced to question her devotion to the only life she’s ever known.
• Featuring special backup stories exclusive to the single issues!
“Frightening and beautiful, Harrow County is wonderfully horrific.”—SciFiPulse
5. The Maestro Returns
So anyone who’s been reading this column for any amount of time will notice I really love horror comics. Richard Corben is one of the best ever and I can’t wait to read this. His stories aren’t always the best but the imagery is fantastic and terrifying.
Shadows on the Grave #1 (of 8)
Richard Corben (W/A/Cover)
On sale Dec 14
b&w, 32 pages
$3.99
Miniseries
The master of supernatural horror is back with bizarre tales of terror in his signature black-and-white style. Running through the entire series is the continuing story of Corben’s new warrior character, Denaeus, reminiscent of his best-loved creation, Den from the classic Heavy Metal series.
4. Margaret Atwood Is Really Making Comics
It’s still really amazing to me that Margaret Atwood is creating comics. “Angel Catbird” was a gorgeous book with an alright story. I’m really curious to see this develop more because the talent behind this is so good.
Angel Catbird Volume 2: To Castle Catula HC (advance solicit)
Margaret Atwood (W), Johnnie Christmas (A/Cover), and Tamra Bonvillain (C)
On sale Feb 14
FC, 104 pages
$14.99
HC, 6” x 9”
The catcentric adventure continues, in the all-ages follow-up to best-selling novelist Margaret Atwood’s debut graphic novel. Genetic engineer Strig Feleedus, also known as Angel Catbird, and his band of half-cats head to Castle Catula to seek allies as the war between cats and rats escalates.
• Volume 1 was on the top 10 list for Best Fall Graphic Novels by Publishers Weekly.
• Foreword by G. Willow Wilson.
3. Hidden Gem
I’ve talked about this book here before and even reviewed the first issue. “Weird Detective” isn’t groundbreaking but it’s so much fun and a perfect standalone comic book that doesn’t exist nearly as much anymore. The trade is up for pre-order and if you enjoy Lovecraftian horror with a sense of humor, this is calling your name.
Weird Detective: The Stars Are Wrong TP (advance solicit)
Fred Van Lente (W), Guiu Vilanova (A/Cover), Maurício Wallace (C), and Josan Gonzalez (C)
On sale Feb 8
FC, 152 pages
$17.99
TP, 7” x 10”
The streets of New York have been plagued by a pattern of crimes too weird and bizarre for the average detective. Lurking in the evidence are shadows of loathsome horrors from beyond space and time, seeking to usher in the unimaginable evil of the Old Ones. And the only man capable of fighting against the unspeakable terrors isn’t a man at all. Detective Sebastian Greene is one of them. Collects Weird Detective #1–#5.
• Fred Van Lente’s newest original comic series!
2. FINALLY
Francesco Francavilla has a very distinct style and it works no better than his pulp story “The Black Beetle”. I’m so excited it’s back and even more excited it’s in this anthology. This is a great way to get more eyes on this book.
Continued belowDark Horse Presents #29
Paul Levitz (W), Carla Speed McNeil (W/A), Kaare Andrews (W), Dean Haspiel (W/A), John Nadeau (W/A), Dan Jolley (W), Francesco Francavilla (W/A/Cover), Tim Hamilton (A), and Troy Nixey (A)
On sale Dec 21
FC, 48 pages
$7.99
Ongoing
This month, Dark Horse is celebrating a decade of Francesco Francavilla in comics! Features a stunning cover as well as the continuation of Francavilla’s The Black Beetle in Kara Bocek! Plus, Dean Haspiel brings his popular webcomic The Red Hook to print!
This issue also features the continuation of favorites Brooklyn Blood by Paul Levitz and Tim Hamilton; Finder: Chase the Lady by Carla Speed McNeil; The Black Sinister by Kaare Andrews, Troy Nixey, and Dave McCaig; and Murder Society by John Nadeau and Dan Jolley
1. Everyone Is A Suspect
Between “Rumble” and “B.P.R.D.”, John Arcudi is a real favorite here at Multiversity. This is why this sits at the #1 position this month. A murder mystery where everyone is a suspect? With art by Toni Fejzula? I’d like 3 copies, thanks.
Dead Inside #1 (of 5)
John Arcudi (W), Toni Fejzula (A), Faith Erin Hicks (Variant cover), André May (C), and Dave Johnson (Cover)
On sale Dec 21
FC, 32 pages
$3.99
Miniseries
The Jail Crimes Division of the Sheriff’s Office in Mariposa County investigates crimes committed inside county jails. With a limited number of suspects who can’t escape, these are usually easy cases to solve—but not this one. As Detective Linda Caruso gets closer to the heart of the case, she discovers uncomfortable truths about her friends, her job, and herself.
• Perfect for fans of crime and prison television, such as Law & Order, NCIS, Orange Is the New Black, American Crime Story, or Making a Murderer.
• A new series from Rumble writer John Arcudi and Veil artist Toni Fejzula.
Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments below and check out the full solicits at CBR.
