It’s that time of year again – snow is occasionally following, temperatures are lower, people are wearing scarves and warm hats and the various holidays are upon us. To that end, we’ve once again banded our heads together to offer you an eclectic list of picks that would make great gifts for anyone on your list this holiday season come Christmas/Kwanza/Festivus/ANTI-LIFE Day. The choice is yours!
Read on below for personal picks from some of your favorite Multiversity staff members.
Matthew Meylikhov
The “Morning Glories” Compendium Volume 1 ($59.99 retail)
One of my favorite book, now jumbo-sized. “Morning Glories” is probably the book I am most known for pimping on this site, and for good reason — and now a massive chunk of that reasoning is collected here with the first 38 issues, containing the book’s first season and about half of the second (and ending on a particularly high/fan-favored note). “Morning Glories” is often short-handedly explained as “LOST meets “Runaways””, and that works but it doesn’t full encapsulate why I like or constantly recommend the book: it’s smart, it’s funny, it’s incredibly dense and highly rewarding of those that take the full plunge and try to figure out the mysteries of the book as it goes along. Spencer and Eisma are certainly doing some kind of magic on this book.
Let it be known, though, “Morning Glories” isn’t an easy read. It’s going to require some reader participation, but all the best media does; if you’re a casual comic fan who expects all the answers handed to you with no work on your part then this might not be the book for you. However, if you’re a reader like me and you want a book to demand your time and attention, then this is the book for that — and if you’re paying $60 for a book (which is an incredible value in terms of savings), I think that’s the least you can ask for, right?
Either way, this makes a great gift for new and old fans alike, because new fans get sucked into one of the best ongoings currently running in comics and old fans get an easily accessible version of the first 38 issues for when they’re writing their annotation columns.
“Casanova” The Complete Edition Volume 1: Luxuria ($29.99 retail)
“Casanova” is my favorite series in comics, hands down. This book is everything I like about comics: wild sci-fi, loose narrative structure, huge ethereal mysteries, wild sight gags and a killer soundtrack. This is Matt Fraction’s best book, let alone the twins Ba and Moon, and what the trio have created is this weird, raw and emotionally charged spy story that comes from the very heart.
I’ve actually triple dipped on “Casanova,” and I think that’s the only book I can say that for; I bought the original “Casanova” hardcover from Image, the single issues of the reprint and subsequent third volume and now this new hardcover, and it has been worth it every time. This latest hardcover rendition of the book is particularly wonderful, with over-sized pages, super sharp colors and a bevy of backmatter collected from the various eras of “Casanova’s” existence from Image to Icon and back. With the fourth volume on its way next month, there has never been a better time to jump on the “Casanova” train, and this is the perfect gateway drug.
Walt Disney’s “Uncle Scrooge” And “Donald Duck”: The Don Rosa Library Volumes 1 & 2 Gift Box Set ($49.99 retail)
One of my favorite releases this year is the two volumes of Dona Rosa’s “Ungle Scrooge” and “Donald Duck” comics that Fantagraphics have been putting out. Over-sized hardcovers with wonderful extras that really give you an insight into his masterful cartooning and creative process, these two books are some of the most surprisingly rewarding books of the year. That Fantagraphics has a box set with both of them just sweetens the pot!
Look: when friends (and, specifically, Editor Emeritus Walter Richardson) would tell me that I should be reading “Uncle Scrooge” comics, I was hesitant. It’s not that I don’t like the denizens of Duckburg or even Disney, but Uncle Scrooge comics? That’s a thing I need? But having bitten the bullet and trusted the friendship, I now understand why these books are so highly recommended — so now it’s my turn. Rosa was a masterful cartoonist, one whose storytelling abilities are impeccable; his influence is visible in so many artists today, and it’s easy to see why. These books are worthy of your time and money just in terms of studying the craft, and that the comics themselves are so fun and silly and wild is an added bonus as far as I’m concerned.
Continued below“Deadpool” by Joe Kelly Omnibus ($125 retail)
When I was a young man waiting for his mother to drive him to the comic shop after piano lessons, I didn’t have a lot of comics in my pull list. There was the requisite Venom comics, some Spider-Man now and then and once I bought “Ninjak” #1 because of a shiny cover, but chief amongst my pull was this book starring Deadpool written by a guy named Joe Kelly. I had just happened to come to the shop the day it debuted, and the big new #1 on the cover plus Ninja Spider-Man on the cover intrigued me — and for the next few years while Joe Kelly’s run unfolded, this became my favorite book. It was funny, almost unbelievably so, but it was probably the most emotionally charged comic I’d ever read, and that shocked me. But more than that, it drew me in; all these stories of Weasel and Blind Alfred, the Great Lakes Avengers, T-Bone and more.
Whenever a new issue came out we’d rush to find it, whether at the same shop or a local gas station, and to this day the full run I have of “Deadpool” by Joe Kelly is one of my most proud possessions in terms of comics I bought as they came out. With no offense to any writer who has come and gone since, no one has matched the hilarity or emotional impact of this run — something that was particularly encapsulated in issue #14, ‘In Absentia,’ when Deadpool comes home after a traumatic event and takes out all his rage on the old, blind woman that he’d kidnapped and forced to live with/take care of him. It’s a dark issue, perhaps the darkest issue of “Deadpool” to ever exist (let alone comedy superhero books in general), but the long lasting impact of this one issue is something I still feel when reading comics month in and month out.
Now that whole run is collected into a single book. To say that it’s worth buying for you or someone who you deem worthy of buying a huge, expensive book is putting it lightly — but it’s well worth it.
Mark Tweedale
“The Sixth Gun” Deluxe Hardcover Edition Volume 1 ($59.99 retail)
This book satisfies two needs: (1) My need for “The Sixth Gun” in the best possible presentation, and (2) My need for elegant book porn. Make no mistake, this is a beautiful book, printed on matte paper, and with the kind of extras this series deserves. The images from Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt’s original pitch are especially interesting. And with volume two coming out in April next year, it’s a good way to kickstart someone’s collection. I bought this book purely on the recommendation of Drew Bradley and I’m so glad I did. Thanks, Drew!
“B.P.R.D Plague of Frogs” Volume 1 ($34.99 retail for hardcover, $19.99 retail for trade paperback)
The hardcover has been out for a while, and obviously I prefer the hardcover format, but for a lot of people cost has been a read barrier to getting into “B.P.R.D.” That’s no longer an excuse with the new paperback edition. 400+ pages of “B.P.R.D.” for less than $20. If you’ve got a friend that’s been sitting on the fence with this series, buy them this. They’ll be glad you did. Because “B.P.R.D.” is awesome. So very, very awesome.
This book is full of all the early experiments when Mike Mignola was still trying to figure out what the “B.P.R.D.” series should be. By the final story in this collection, “Plague of Frogs,” it finds its footing and never lets up. By May next year the remaining three volumes will all be available in paperback.
LEGO Back to the Future: The DeLorean ($34.99 retail)
Do I even have to explain this? It’s LEGO. It’s a Delorean converted into a time machine. It’s 2015 next year. (Great Scott!) Frankly, you should own this already.
I also own a LEGO Millennium Falcon, so sooner or later these two sets are going to get combined into the DeLorean Falcon with a flux hyperdrive capable of 88 miles per hour. Not only that, but it’ll also leave fire trails IN SPACE. And when the Jurassic Park set gets approved on LEGO CUUSOO, I’ll be able to have Marty travel back in time and fight a T-Rex with a lightsaber.
Continued belowOK, I think I have sufficiently explained the awesome potential here.
The Legend of Korra — The Art of the Animated Series Book Two: Spirits ($34.99 retail)
I really like art books about animated series and films. I like them so much, I have a dedicated bookcase for them. And the art books Dark Horse Comics have done for Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra are among my favorites. They are really damn good.
It makes a huge difference that they’re actually written by the creators, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, and art director Joaquim Dos Santos. You aren’t just going to get images supported by flimsy text. You’re going to get detailed explorations of storyboards and designs. These guys dig into the storytelling of design, and they really do pack as much as they can in these books.
In “Book Two: Spirits”, the main focus is on… spirits, an aspect of the Avatar universe that we’ve seen glimpses of in the past, but here need to be explored in greater detail. For me, it’s a real joy to see the world building driven by the storytelling and not the other way around. It’s really fascinating to see the storytelling sculpt the spirits into being. Of course, if you’re going to buy this, it’s probably a good idea to also buy the Season 2 Blu-ray (because the commentaries are a must) as a companion piece.
Leo Johnson
Because I’m both cheap and realistic, all my picks are affordable trades of some of my favorite comics of this year. They’re ten bucks or less and are packed with some great stories. And their individual subject matter lends well to giving to long-term comic fans, those just getting into them, or those just curious about comics.
“Southern Bastards” Volume 1: Here Was a Man ($9.99 retail)
Jason Aaron and Jason Latour are making a damn fine comic. It’s even better if you’ve lived in a place similar to “Southern Bastard’s” Deep South setting. For ten bucks or less, you could sure do a whole lot worse. It’s a great buy for any comic fan, and probably a good buy as an attempt to get someone into comics too.
“Nailbiter” Volume 1: There Will Be Blood ($9.99 retail)
“Nailbiter” was one of the most pleasant surprises this year. The concept is fantastic and so is the execution. It combines a bit of a procedural style with some genuinely creepy moments and occasional bloody visuals. Regular readers and those that are just dabbling can both get a lot of enjoyment from this.
“Manifest Destiny” Volume 1: Flora and Fauna ($9.99 retail)
I like history, and alternate history almost as much. Sending Lewis and Clark on their journey of discovery not just to explore, but to also battle the monstrous menaces of the savage American wilderness is just genius, and the kind of story that comics does so well. Even beyond the historical associations, “Manifest Destiny” has shaped up to be a really enjoyable story.
Drew Bradley
Museum Edition Comic Book POD ($24.95 retail)
Despite being a member of the site for almost three years, I haven’t participated in this end-of-the-year tradition before. It wasn’t because I didn’t want to do it – it was because I always over thought the whole thing. I could list some books I think everyone would enjoy, but if someone stumbled across this page in search of a gift idea, the recipient of said gift may either have the book already or have different taste. Stuck in this cycle of self-doubt, I would freeze and let other people fill out this article in my stead.
Then, last January, I saw this frame in Previews. It’s a museum-quality frame fashioned from a single piece of wood. The black finish is a smooth black powder-coat. The slot will hold any size comic, and the trim is slightly smaller than modern comic books. This means the spine and edges won’t show when the book’s displayed.
For a whole year, I kept it in the back of my mind waiting for the chance to do this write up. In my mind, this is the perfect gift for any comic collector. No matter what kind of books they like, they’re sure to have a favorite piece of cover art. And if they already have one of these frames? They’re sure to have a second favorite piece of cover art, too. The quality of these frames is fantastic, and the price ($75 or so in Previews, $26.95 on Amazon) is just high enough they probably won’t buy it for themselves.
Continued belowVince Ostrowski
“ZERO” Volume 1: An Emergency ($9.99 retail)
I like to tailor my gifts towards friends and family who either don’t read very many comics, or haven’t been introduced to the actual medium in any meaningful way. With that in mind, I’d offer “ZERO” to anyone on my list who is old enough to appreciate a mature, nuanced, surprising take on the spy game such as this. Ales Kot’s career is just getting started, and though I’d recommend anything that bears his name, I’d say “ZERO” is easily the best example of what he’s capable as a writer at this point. It’s his most well-rounded work, and extremely engaging and accessible to boot. If you want to prove to someone that comics are a legitimate artform that can tell serious stories, and still give them something that traffics in the same sort of subject matter that popular films and television do, you can’t do better than “ZERO” right now.
Loverboys ($19.99 retail)
Gilbert Hernandez’s latest soon-to-be end of year list-making hardcover is a gift for experienced comic book readers. Not that it’s difficult to read or understand, but Los Bros Hernandez and their comics are on that next level, once you get past the idea of reading comics and all the superheroes and whatnot. What the sophisticated reader is going to find with “Loverboys” is an offbeat and multi-focused tale as only Gilbert Hernandez could tell it. The titular “Loverboys” are only part of the story – there’s a whole quirky community with a weirdly specific history to it. The setting eventually ends up feeling surprisingly developed and lived in for only spending roughly 80 pages in it. Seek it out, and share it with your friends.
1-year subscription to Marvel Unlimited ($69)
Want to help a comic reading friend get caught up on the classics that may be hard to find or expensive to collect? Want to get a newbie into a situation where they can read tons of comics for no financial investment on their part? Want to introduce someone who thinks they’ve already read it all to the world of “unlimited” digital comics available at their fingertips? Unless you’re completely adverse to superhero comics, I can’t think of a single person that couldn’t make good use of a Marvel Unlimited subscription. You get instant access to a robust backlog of Marvel Comics, availability from any personal computer or mobile device, and the newest comics get dumped into the system 6 months after they hit the stands, so you can keep up with modern Marvel Comics as long as you don’t mind being just half a year behind. 70 bucks per year is a small price to pay for more comics than you could probably read in a lifetime. Just like the Jelly of the Month Club – it’s the gift that keeps on giving the whole year.
LEGO Star Wars: Death Star ($399.99 retail)
I just really really want my girlfriend to buy this for me, that’s all.
David Harper
Guardians of the Galaxy on Blu-ray ($32.99 retail)
I don’t need to explain to you why you should buy this for everyone. But you should. You should buy it for that coworker you sort of like. You should buy it for your mail man. You should buy it for the family member in your life with the horrible body odor. You should buy it for that woman who has the incredible falafel recipe. Most of all though, you should buy it for me. Please buy this for me. I’ve seen it four times in theater and I fear if I don’t have back up copies, the one I’m buying may break and then I won’t be able to watch it. Merry Christmas.
“Fury MAX: My War Gone By” ($34.99 retail)
This hardcover collects all 12 issues of Garth Ennis and Goran Parlov’s “Fury MAX” series from last year, and it is genuinely one of the best things Ennis has done in forever (along with “Rover Red Charlie”, which you should buy for horror fans who have a large soft spot in their heart), and Parlov does his typical art god sort of thing. For someone who likes war stories, this is a brilliant one, and I couldn’t recommend it more.
Continued belowDyson DC35 Cordless Vacuum ($329.99 retail)
I hate vacuuming with a furious rage and an intense passion. I hate vacuuming like Garfield hates Mondays. I hate vacuuming like Darkseid loves the anti-life and probably hates life-life. But my wife and I got one of these vacuum cleaners, and I now go out of my way to vacuum, because this thing quite literally changed my life. It’s so easy, and instead of needing to use a cord and push around a gigantic monster that yells at you, you have this cordless, quiet beauty. What does this have to do with comics? Not much. But I can say it’s way faster than a normal vacuum, so if you use it instead, that means more time for comics, and that, my friends, is a win win proposition.
Marvel Unlimited Prepaid Gift Card ($9.99-99)
Marvel Unlimited, in my estimation, is totally awesome. It’s $9.99 a month or something, and it gets you access to an unbelievable amount of old and fairly new Marvel comics. I have it, and I love it. If you are looking for a present for a Marvel loving comic fan in your life, get them the gift of unlimited…or several months of Unlimited as it may be, because I don’t think they have infinite dollar gift cards for this. Either way, this is a great present for the comic fan in your life.
Matt Garcia
Adventure Time: The Art of Ooo ($35 retail)
Adventure Time is the best show currently on TV, and The Art of Ooo is a gorgeous showcase of all the behind the scenes stuff that goes into each episode. Great sketches, cool storyboards, and insightful commentary from Cartoon Brew’s Chris McDonnell, it’s simply amazing.
Walt Disney’s “Uncle Scrooge”: The Seven Cities of Gold (The Carl Barks Library Volume 14) ($29.99 retail)
The Carl Barks Duck books are some of the greatest things to have ever existed, and Fantagraphics has done exceptional and loving work repackaging and rereleasing them. This is one that you could give to comic readers, art snobs, or kids, and everyone will love it. And if they don’t, they probably don’t have souls. Oh, and this one features stories that went on to inspire Raiders of the Lost Ark.
“Little Nemo: Dream Another Dream” ($124.99 retail)
Enormous, gorgeous, and featuring a cavalcade of fantastic artists, Little Nemo: Dream Another Dream might be expensive, but with the talent involved and the care in putting this together, it’s one of those perfect kind of Christmas gifts.
Adventure Time Munchkin (24.99 retail)
Munchkin is a hilarious play on the tabletop RPG formula, and Adventure Time perfectly suits its humor and chaos. I don’t know what to say, but it’s the most fun I’ve ever had with any game in my entire life.
Jess Camacho
“Saga” Deluxe Edition Volume 1 ($49.99 retail)
“Saga” is my favorite current ongoing series. It’s got everything you could ever want in a comic book and then some. I already own this so I’m talking from experience here. This is one of the best hardcovers I’ve ever purchased. The binding is very strong and the page quality is top notch. In this book you’ll get what consists of the first three trades and some amazing back matter that takes you through the entire process of creating one issue. This is perfect for the “Saga” fan in your life or for someone who might want to get into comics for the first time.
Various Funko Pop Figures (About $10.99 retail)
Some say I have an addiction but I like to think I just have a healthy fixation on these adorable little guys. Funko pretty much makes every major comic character and then some. Batman, Spider-Man, and even that dastardly God of Mischief Loki are available at almost any comic shop. These are a perfect last minute gift for that comic fan who has three rooms full of books and are impossible to buy for. But be warned, once you go Funko, you don’t go back.
“Strangers In Paradise” Omnibus ($100 retail)
Continued belowAs long as this is in print and readily available I will always suggest it. “Strangers in Paradise” by Terry Moore is one of the best character driven books ever. This softcover omnibus tells the story of friends Katchoo and Francine and how their relationship evolves over a number of years. It’s a romantic comedy that throws all the old, tired tropes out the window. This will make you laugh, cry and everything in between because of how raw Moore’s writing is. It makes a perfect gift for any reader on your list. (Get “Rachel Rising” while you’re at it.)
“Punk Rock Jesus” Deluxe Edition ($39.99 retail)
I could write a bunch of jokes about how funny it would be to give a Christmas gift that is the complete opposite of what the religious meaning behind the holiday is, but this miniseries is so good that I can’t bring myself to do it. “Punk Rock Jesus” is one of the very best things to come out of Vertigo in the last 10 years and the fact that people still talk about it should tell you all there is to know. Like the “Saga” hardcover, this comes with 100 extra pages. It’s a great upgrade to your worn out trade paperback. You could also always be greedy, keep this and regift the trade paperback.
Brian Salvatore
“Action Philosophers”: The Tenth Anniversary Uberedition! ($29.99 retail)
I always try to have something on my gift guide that can act as a gateway into comics for those who maybe don’t read them yet. This is that book for this year – it is funny, smart, and easy to “get,” even if you’ve never read a comic in your life.
“Starman” Jack Knight Action Figure ($14.99 retail)
The best looking Jack Knight action figure DC ever produced, and since you’ve all already purchased the 6 omnibi, you’ll need something for your “Starman” fix.
“Fantastic Four” by Jonathan Hickman Omnibus Volume 2 ($125.00 retail)
Last year, I recommended volume one, and this year, I am predictably recommending volume two. My reason remain the same: this is one of, if not the, best “Fantastic Four” story since Lee and Kirby. Well worth every penny.
“B.P.R.D.” Zippo Lighter ($29.99 retail)
Because we all could do with being a little more Liz Sherman in 2015.
Brandon Burpee
Disney INFINITY 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes ($74.99 retail)
On the surface you might see this as a great game for a kid you know. Honestly, it is a blast for adults as well, and I can testify to that. My son and I love playing Disney Infinity and now with the addition of Marvel characters things just went to the next level. My son especially loved Guardians of the Galaxy and Big Hero 6 so for X-Mas my wife and I snagged him Rocket, Grot, Baymax and Hiro! But that just scratches the surface of characters available and characters that are likely still to be produced. It’s a fun, imaginative game that you can easily lose yourself in.
Batman ’66: The Complete Television Series (Limited Edition) on Blu-ray ($269.97 retail)
Holy Shit, Batman! I have been waiting for this almost my entire life! Seriously! This was my gateway drug to superheroes. I watched these on VHS after my parents recorded them for me. I wore those tapes out. It’s as big of a part of me as anything comic culture related. So if you have someone you care for, nothing says you love someone than some remastered Batman ’66!
“JSA” Omnibus Volume 2 ($150 retail)
Geoff Johns’ “JSA” run is one of my favorites, and the second chunk of his run finally hits the omnibus format! This is a must own for those who loved the run or just love legacy heroes. Do you miss the legacy heroes of the DCU? Well, this is for you! Great action, character building and without a doubt one of the best comics runs of recent times. I know I would be stoked to see this under the tree as it is currently on my personal Amazon wish list.
Continued belowMatt Dodge
Captain America: The Winter Soldier on Blu-ray ($32.99 retail)
While Guardians of the Galaxy has been the break-out hit of the year, Marvel’s other cinematic offering of 2014 shouldn’t be forgotten. Taking the tone of a 70’s political thriller, Captain America: The Winter Soldier actually tries to deal with the larger ramifications of superheroes and gods running around. This is the first time we get to see Steve Rogers really deal with the modern world, which is far less morally-obvious than the one he grew up in. Directed by the Russo Brothers, the film actually favors practical special effects (before the CGI-filled climax, of course), and is a very well-shot film that still looks great on Blu-ray. And who would have thought we would see Robert Redford in a comic book film?
“C.O.W.L.” Volume 1: Principles of Power ($9.99 retail)
This is a superhero comic for people who are tired of superhero comics. Kyle Higgins and Alec Siegel have crafted a story that is part alternative history, part noir, and part mystery, all wrapped up in a super-powered shell. What really sets the book apart is the phenomenal art from Rod Reis, who creates surreal images that can be beautiful and haunting. The city found here is rich and vivid, and the world that the Chicago Organized Workers League inhabits gets fleshed out incredibly fast. Perfect for those who are looking for a different take on superheroes.
“Southern Bastards” Volume 1: Here Was A Man ($9.99 retail)
This is the best new series this year. Think Friday Night Lights meets A History of Violence, with a lot of barbeque and old man guilt. Jason Aaron has created a town that’s seems straight out of a Faulkner book, and Jason Latour’s hard-edged style mirrors that attitude of the characters. It’s gritty and dirty, and it will rip your heart right out of your chest and stomp on it. Merry Christmas, everybody!
Alice W. Castle
Star Wars The Clone Wars Seasons 1-5 on Blu-ray ($149.99 retail), Star Wars: The Clones Wars – The Lost Missions on Blu-ray ($45.99 retail) and Star Wars: The Clone Wars on Blu-ray ($35.99 retail)
This year I made the fantastic choice to decide to catch up on Star Wars: The Clone Wars as I had previously seen the admittedly lackluster theatrical film tie-in and dropped the series after being frustrated by its non-linearity. Well, when I found out there was an official chronological order, I decided to dive back in, and boy, was I surprised with what I found. Not only was it a show with surprising depth, amazing animation with great action and fluidity, but it contained more than a few arcs in its six season run that fixed broken and dropped plot points for the prequel trilogy. With the hype train for The Force Awakens a-rollin’, this is the perfect set of presents for that one person you know who’s dying to go back to that galaxy far, far away.
“Shutter” Volume 1: Wanderlost ($9.99 retail)
Spoiler alert: “Shutter” was my favourite comic book of all of 2014. For a book that, for me, came out of nowhere, hit me completely out of left field, and left me dazed after a first read by how marvelously imaginative it was, it was basically love at first site between the two of us. Throw in more worldbuilding than you could shake a stick at, a genuinely well-written and interesting female protagonist, a transgender character (because I’m that person, apparently), gorgeous art from del Duca and a paperback collection at under $10 apiece, I want to buy as many copies as I can carry and hand them out on street corners all December. This is a must-give gift to everyone you know this holiday season.
“Captain Marvel” Volume 1: Higher, Further, Faster, More($17.99 retail)
Last year, I suggested the first volume of the previous “Captain Marvel” series, ‘In Pursuit Of Flight’, as a great gift for pretty much everyone in your life. Since then, two more paperback collections have come out collecting the entirety of that series and the series has rebooted to a new #1 numbering and another “Captain Marvel” vol. 1 has been released. Comics can be weird, huh? Well, despite being as big a fan of the previous volume as I am, I would have to say that this reboot has been stronger in many ways ad would make a great follow up gift this year to all the people who got into the series through you gifting them the previous vol. 1 last year.
Continued belowCaptain America: The Winter Soldier on Blu-ray ($32.99 retail) or a comic book movie Blu-ray of your choice
2014 was a pretty up and down year for superhero movies for me. There were some I liked: Captain America: The Winter Soldier, obviously, and Guardians Of The Galaxy. And some not so much: either of the Frank Miller based films, X-Men: Days Of Future Past and The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Still, that’s a pretty big year for comic book movies and chances are there’s someone you know who wants to watch at least one of these or wants to see them again and getting them on blu ray is a great choice for that. My personal pick is clearly Captain America: The Winter Soldier as that was my favourite for this year, but there’s more than enough options there to cover pretty much all kinds of geeks you know.
Jessica Graham
The Double on Blu-ray ($29.98 retail)
In his sophomore attempt in directing, comedian Richard Ayoade has proven to be a director to watch out for. Based on Dostoyevsky’s novella, The Double follows Simon (Jesse Eisenberg), a spineless government clerk whose life is turned into a whirlwind when his doppelganger appears. Ayaode’s style mimic’s the likes of Terry Gilliam and David Lynch with great success.
One of David Mitchell’s Novels ($16-30 retail)
David Mitchell, in my opinion, is one of the best writers of the 21st century with books like “Cloud Atlas”, The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet”, and most recently “The Bone Clocks”. His methodical writing and character driven stories are incredibly original and abstract. Mitchell’s novels are quite complex, but his engaging storytelling keeps you hooked.
Cinelinx: A Card Game For People Who Love Movies ($25 retail)
Cinelinx is a great card game to test your knowledge of movies and the actors that appear in them. It’s easy going enough for the occasional moviegoer and the movie aficionado.
Gravity Falls Season 1 ($24.99 HD/$19.99 SD)
I’m really picky when it comes to TV, but Gravity Falls is one of the most surprisingly funny and charming animated series currently airing. Unfortunately there’s no easy way to get Gravity Falls as Disney hasn’t released a full season DVD, but it’s definitely a show worth checking out. Getting it on Amazon is cheaper than getting it on iTunes as well, so I hope you’ve got some kind of device with Amazon Instant Video streaming on it.
James Johnston
“The Wicked + The Divine” Volume 1: The Faust Act ($9.99 retail)
Undoubtedly the Coolest Comic of 2014™, “The Wicked + The Divine” is perfect for your friends who have cool hair and good taste in beanies.
“Sugar Skull” ($23 retail)
“Sugar Skull” is the perfect comic for your ex-girlfriend who introduced you to Charles Burns in the first place. What started out as a recommendation from one human to another quickly became a reflection of the downward spiral your life fell into after you left her. But even though you stopped looking at her Tumblr and forgot what her kisses taste like,
WWE Bedsheets ($31.95 retail)
Things getting stale in the bedroom? Spice things up by fucking on Rey Mysterio’s face.
Tales from the Borderlands ($24.99)
This one’s a digital game so you’ll have to gift it through Steam or whatever but Tales from the Borderlands is a definite get for your gamer friend who’s too highbrow for the shoot-em-up series. By gutting the repetitive violence and amping up the humor and characterization, Telltale has taken the Borderlands franchise to new heights. Definitely one of the best games of 2014.
“Andre the Giant: Life and Legend” ($17.99 retail)
The perfect gift for the dad in your life, “Andre the Giant: Life and Legend” tells the very human story of one of the greatest monsters in sports entertainment. Revealing both backstage details and personal ones, “Life and Legend” makes The Giant more extraordinary than he ever was in the ring.
Mike Romeo
A Retrofit Comics Subscription ($80 for 12 issues or $45 for 6 issues)
Continued belowRetrofit releases some fantastic comics. Their line is made up of monthly, short works by some of the best cartoonists working today. To make putting these comics in your hands as easy as possible, Retrofit offers readers 6 and 12 month subscriptions. Available in either print or digital, subscriptions include comics from cartoonists like Sam Alden, Box Brown, Zac Gorman, and Madeline Flores. Retrofit has an impressively curated publishing line that’s sure to please your weird comics friend.
“Little Nemo: Dream Another Dream” ($124.99 retail)
What if you could have a single collection that had comics from Michael Allred, Paul Pope, Yuko Shimizu, J.H. Williams III, Charles Vess, David Mack, J.G. Jones, Craig Thompson, Paolo Rivera, Carla Speed McNeil, Bill Sienkiewicz, P. Craig Russell, Ronald Wimberly, Denis Kitchen, Jill Thompson, Stephen R. Bissette, Gabriel Bá & Fábio Moon, Farel Dalrymple, John Cassaday, Peter Bagge, Cliff Chiang, Jim Rugg, Tom Scioli and over a hundred creators? And then what if I told you that this collection was a massive, 16×21’ 144 page hardcover of all of these artists doing their interpretation of a Winsor McCay Little Nemo strip? You’d probably be sold, right? For extra points, find a giant stocking to stuff this giant book into.
Prison Pit Book 1 DVD and T-shirt ($30.99 retail)
You know what I love? “Prison Pit”. Why do I love it? Because it’s visceral, violent, gory, and stars a character named Cannibal Fuckface. Now “Prison Pit” has made the leap from comics to the viewing screen of your choice in the form of an animated series. Boasting a voice cast that includes comedians James Adomian (Comedy Bang Bang), Blake Anderson (Workaholics), Kyle Kinane (Comedy Central Presents), and Rick Shapiro (Louie), this cartoon is everything fans of the comics would want. Be an X-Mas hero and procure a DVD containing the animated “Prison Pit” Book 1, the behind the scenes fuckumentary, and a pretty swell t-shirt for the comics fan in your life.
Keith Dooley
Batman ’66: The Complete Television Series (Limited Edition) on Blu-ray ($269.97 retail)
Holy “it’s about time”! I bet I’m not the only one who has been waiting decades for this series to finally be released in all its Bat-tastic glory. It was my favorite show as a child and remains so to this day. Not only has the series been gorgeously and lovingly remastered, but the limited edition has a ton of extras. Here’s to hoping that next year I’ll be recommending the Batman: The Animated Series Blu-ray edition.
Cool gifts on Etsy.com (varying prices)
There are so many comic book related stuff on Etsy.com that you can find just about anything for any comic book lover that is bound to not be in their possession. Items such as phone covers, cool collages, pillows (my fiancé and I bought some awesome pillows adorned with classic comic book covers for our apartment), and other cool original stuff can be found on this site. Since you’re not dealing with a retailer, make sure thevendor is able to deliver their items before your gift-giving festivities.
A book from Cheap Graphic Novels and In Stock Trades (varying prices)
I highly recommend buying books from these sites because they are packaged with extreme care and are delivered in pristine condition. I have received damaged books from Amazon numerous times, but I am always happy with these sites’ services.
Original artwork (varying prices)
For recent works from artists like Stuart Immonen (“All-New Captain America”) or Olivier Coipel (“The Amazing Spider-Man”) go to fanfare-se.com. At romitman.com you’ll find a seemingly endless number of covers and sequential artwork by hundreds of past and present comic book artists (i.e. Charlie Adlard, Jim Aparo, Dave Cockrum, Todd McFarlane, and Graham Nolan, Alex Ross, and too many more to list). Splashpageart.com has a number of affordable new pages from fan favorite titles like “Little Depressed Boy” (Sina Grace) and “Lazarus” (Michael Lark). These sites offer original artwork from comic book artists that range from the affordable to higher end prices. Depending on how much you can afford to spend on gifts, you’re guaranteed to find something that will delight the comic book lover closest to you. Something to think about for next year: artists offer commissions that usually take a while to finish, so contacting a favorite artist soon is highly recommended. However, some artists have sketches that are ready to be delivered now and available in a wide range of prices.
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