Hello and welcome to Multiversity’s look at the “Best of the Rest,” where we try to summarize what’s coming your way from pretty much every other comic publisher besides Marvel, Dark Horse, DC, and Image for May 2019.
Get your pull lists ready because it’s time to see all the other stuff going on in comics.
10. The Most Ambitious Crossover in History
This feels like some people in the editors room threw a bunch of darts on a board, looked at the results, and were like, “Why not?” Archie characters, like Simposons characters, tend to lend themselves to a wide variety of genres and styles. I hope the eventual story is as balls-to-the-wall crazy as the concept.
Red Sonja and Vampirella Meet Betty and Veronica #1
Written by Amy Chu
Illustrated by Maria Sanapo
Published by Dynamite EntertainmentMystery, murder, and mayhem descends on Riverdale as four of your favorite comic book women meet for the first time. A string of paranormal, unsolved murders leads the vampire hunter Vampirella and her sword-wielding barbarian partner Red Sonja to the small, sleepy town where things always seem to happen… There they discover Betty and Veronica, investigative reporters for the high school newspaper, also hot on the trail of the same killer.
9. To Live and Die in Ancient China
This sounds like an updated Magic Tree House, but in comics form. The art looks lively and fun and there’s probably plenty of information for kids in this survey of ancient China. Still, early exposure to other cultures, even if its slapstick and juvenile, is a good way to get kids thinking about something beyond their immediate circle.
On the Run in Ancient China
Written by Linda Bailey
Illustrated by Bill Slavin
Published by Kids Can PressIt’s the tantalizing smell of Chinese food that’s enticed the Binkerton children back into the creepy Good Times Travel Agency. Sure, the fried noodles are delicious, but then the shop owner pulls another one of his mysterious guidebooks off his shelf and before they can stop him, he’s sent the children hurtling in time once again. This time they land in first-century China, where little Libby quickly manages to slip away from Josh and Emma in an official carriage headed to the capital city. But while she’s living the ancient China high life with nobility, the twins get mistaken for barbarian spies and soon they’re being chased by imperial guards! Will the twins manage to find Libby, and their way back home, before the guards catch up to them? Available in softcover and hardcover editions.
8. Race to Save the Nation
Jason Lex plays fast and loose with history in this story of George Washington racing to save the country from an impostor. I’m getting Mason & Dixon vibes, or at the very least, I hope this thing turns out to be a ridiculous cartoon like the novel.
Washington Unbound
Written and Illustrated by Jason Lex
Published by Adhouse BooksAging President George Washington has escaped an abduction attempt and must return to the White House before his impostor takes control of the fledgling nation. Along the way he encounters several famous faces, wild animals and cutting-edge contraptions in a rollicking adventure that has no time for fact-checking!
7. Classics Continue
I was sold on this book from the cover. Warrior canines? A collective of cartoonists and artists creating one story? Ought to be interesting.
Continued belowEscape from Bitch Mountain
Written by Hannah Chapman
Illustrated by Abi Bailey, Lauren Burke, Laina Buzsko, Hannah K. Chapman, Amy Chase, Atla Hrafney, Nicole Miles, Jenny Mure, Ahmara Smith, April Szafranski, Becca Tobin, Mathilde Van Gheluwe, Korinna Veropoulou and Jenny Woodall.
Published by Avery Hill PublishingComic Book Slumber Party is back! And this time they’re taking on the dank dungeons of Bitch Mountain. Far famed for its cruel Warlock overlord, Bitch Mountain is easily the deadliest destination on any adventurers map, but with it’s rumored riches and guaranteed bragging rights it’s an opportunity Greasy can’t refuse. Can Greasy find her way out of the depths with her treasure (and her dignity) intact?
6. Queer Kids, Universal Problems
Mariko Tamaki makes another bid to dominate the YA comics landscape (which is actually the biggest landscape in comics but that’s neither here nor there). Here’s another book filled with emotional, relatable experiences, all handled through Rosemary Valero-O’Connell’s flowing and exertive pen. Expect to see this one pop up on a lot of TBR lists.
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me
Written by Mariko Tamaki
Illustrated by Rosemary Valero-O’Connell
Published by First SecondFrom This One Summer co-creator Mariko Tamaki comes a hilarious and poignant story of teen heartbreak and friendship.
Laura Dean, the most popular girl in high school, was Frederica Riley’s dream girl: charming, confident, and SO cute. There’s just one problem: Laura Dean is maybe not the greatest girlfriend.
Reeling from her latest break up, Freddy’s best friend, Doodle, introduces her to the Seek-Her, a mysterious medium who leaves Freddy some cryptic parting words: Break up with her. But Laura Dean keeps coming back, and as their relationship spirals further out of her control, Freddy has to wonder if it’s really Laura Dean that’s the problem. Maybe it’s Freddy, who is rapidly losing her friends, including Doodle, who needs her now more than ever. Fortunately for Freddy, there are new friends and the insight of advice columnists like Anna Vice to help her through being a teenager in love.
5. Upgrades
Everything here points to a less-bleh version of Ready Player One. Less dude-bro, less ’80s mentality, and less heteronormative. All good things.
Glitch
Written and Illustrated by Sarah Graley
Published by GraphixFrom comics rising star Sarah Graley, a fresh and funny middle-grade graphic novel featuring a girl who must save a virtual world… and her own! Izzy has an incredible secret — she can enter the world of her new video game! She meets Rae, a robot who says Izzy is destined to save Dungeon City from the Big Boss. How is this possible?! And how can she fight for this virtual world when she’s got a whole real life to keep up with: her family (though she could do without her mom’s annoying cat), and her best friend, Eric. Things get even weirder when Izzy loses a life while inside the game, and she starts to worry about what might happen if she gets a Game Over for good. Meanwhile, Eric has been super upset with Izzy since she’s been keeping secrets and bailing on their plans. Can Izzy survive Dungeon City and save their friendship?
4. Reach Higher
If Malterre-Barthes and Dzierzawska are using the comics medium to tell the story about an architect, you can bet there’s going to be plenty of angular, sharp-shaped images throughout. Frankly, comics feel like the perfect medium for this kind of story.
Eileen Gray: A House Under the Sun
Written by Charlotte Malterre-Barthes
Illustrated by Zosia Dzierzawska
Published by Nobrow PressMeet Eileen Gray, the queer, Irish architect behind the world-renowned E-1027 house and a pioneer of the Modern Movement in architecture. In 1924, her work began in earnest on a small villa by the sea in the south of France. Nearly a century later, this structure is a design milestone. But like so many gifted female artists and designers of her time, Eileen Gray’s story has been eclipsed by the men with whom she collaborated. Dzierzawska’s exquisite visuals illuminate the previously overlooked struggles and triumphs of a young queer Irish designer whose work and life came to bloom during the Années Folles of early 20th-century Paris.
3. The Most Ambitious Crossover in Comics History II
“Five Years,” in which Terry Moore says, “Fuck it. I’m just throwing everything out.”
Continued belowFive Years #1
Written and Illustrated by Terry Moore
Published by Abstract StudiosFive Years weaves the many strands of the “Terryverse” into one epic saga, years in the making!
A dangerous paper written by Lilith has been leaked to the nations of the world containing a formula for the ultimate weapon, and now labs around the globe are attempting to build and test the Phi Bomb. Tambi, in an all-out effort to find the labs and stop them, has enlisted the help of Ivy Raven, Julie Martin, Rachel and Zoe. Meanwhile, Katchoo and Francine have moved their household – including the kid’s new bodyguard, Samantha Locklear – to the beach where Katchoo devises her own solution to the problem…
2. I Got My Heart’s Desire and There My Troubles Began
Lev Grossman’s Magicians book series may have ended on a cheap cop-out, especially when it came to this character, but that doesn’t mean we should sleep on this side story exploring Alice’s character. No idea if this is from the TV universe of this story or if it stems from the novels, either way, more Alice time is welcome. Now I also wish we would have a better send off for Julia.
The Magicians: Alice’s Story
Written by Lev Grossman and Lilah Sturges
Illustrated by Pius Bak
Published by BOOM! StudiosAlice Quinn is manifestly brilliant, and she has always known that magic is real. During her years at Brakebills College for Magical Pedagogy, she rises to the top of her class, falls in love with Quentin Coldwater, and witnesses a horrifically magical creature invade their dimension. It’s not soon after graduation when Alice, Quentin, and their friends set their sights on the idyllic setting of Fillory: a place thought to only live in the pages of their favorite children’s books. A land where magic flows like rivers… but in this magical realm nothing is what it seems to be, and something darker lies behind the spellbinding facade. It is in the darkness where Alice will discover her true calling and her life, and those friends, forever changed.
Acclaimed novelist Lev Grossman teams with New York Times bestselling writer Lilah Sturges (Lumberjanes: The Infernal Compass), and breakout artist Pius Bak for a new look at the smash hit trilogy The Magicians.
1. Cheating on the Devil
Evan Dahm is a cartooning force. And with the Macmillian marketing team behind him, here’s hoping his work reaches an even wider audience.
Island Book
Written and Illustrated by Evan Dahm
Published by First SecondSola is cursed. At least, that’s what everyone tells her. It all started the day the Monster came to the island. While others fled, Sola stood before the creature, alone and unafraid. Since then she’s been treated like an outcast. Shamed and feared for an event she doesn’t understand, Sola sets out to sea looking for answers. In an endless ocean far from home, she discovers that her island isn’t alone-and the Monster isn’t the only life to be found in these uncharted waters. Boundless adventure awaits in Island Book, an epic tale of friendship, teamwork, and the wisdom we gain when we face the unknown with bravery and an open heart.
Well, that was fun! And let me know what books you’re excited for in the comments section.
