Here at ComicBuzz, we realise that Christmas is fast approaching, and you’re undoubtedly looking to pick up something for that comic book fan in your life – son, daughter, wife, husband, niece, nephew, cousin. Or, perhaps, you’re considering treating yourself. Either way, we thought we’d lend a hand here, picking the very best comic book related gifts for you and yours in this season of goodwill.
There’s something for everybody here. From the cultured graphic novel aficionado to the superhero fanactic to the comic book neophyte, there’s sure to be something below that’s perfect (and in the right price range). Without any further ado, let’s kick this off…
The Rocketeer: The Complete Collection
Comics spend an awful lot of time being serious and dark in the 80′s. This didn’t! Dave Stephens created something of a Nostalgia romp with The Rocketeer and the fun he had doing it comes through! Everything has that vintage feel, the setting, the outfits, Bettie being directly modelled on Bettie Paige (apparently a good friend of the creator). This is a classic throwback to the old pulp serials and you’ll have fun escaping into them. As a bonus, the series is re-coloured by Laura Martin who is a superb colourist! This is a great choice for anybody looking to have fun in their comic reading! - Colm
Dave Stephens’ homage to the Saturday matinee heroes of the 1930s and 1940s has recently seen a revival at IDW Publishing where a slew of new material has been released. Along with the new books there is a collected edition of Stephens works with the blessing of his estate. It is completely recloured from the original pages by Laura Martin who did it at the request of Stephens himself prior to his death. With these stories long out of print until now, there really is no better time to open yourself up to one comics most beloved properties. - Daithi
RRP: £22.50
MetaMaus
MetaMaus is one of those items that every self discerning comic book afficionada should have on their shelves, the sheer bulk of information, insight and reflection by Speigleman on the seminal Maus makes it a rare treasure. The original comics are on a CD along with thousands of images in an interactive package. Its beutifully produced and allows the reader into places that we aren’t often allowed. - James
The first graphic novel to win the Pulitzer Prize, and required reading on any number of college courses, it’s fair to describe Art Spiegelman’s Maus as one of the towering accomplishments in graphic storytelling. It transcends the boundaries that many set around the medium, and remains a literary masterpiece. MetaMaus is an exploration of the creator and his iconic and harrowing work. Painstakingly compiled from notes and interviews, it offers a definitive overview of one of the most powerful novels even printed. If you’re looking for something beyond the standard comic book to give this Christmas, you really couldn’t do too much better than this. - Darren
RRP: £25
Starman Omnibus, Vol. 1-6
These are a great set of books to get any new or old comic collector. You get to read the story the way James Robinson wanted it to be read. Its collects everything to do with this series including the single issue of Starman set during Blackest Night. It comes with lots of little extra amd some great intro’s that let you see the mindset of a great writer. Tony Harris art is amazing in the first couple of books and then it is taken over by Peter Snejbjerg. The art changes but does not change drastically, it still suits the style and character. It has great pulp, old school style. The story will touch anyone who loves a good story about father and sons, its covers adventure through the stars, time travel and death, plus many more tales. - Brian
With its retro style art and broad range of characters there is nothing I cannot love about this book. The art is magnificent and the story just keeps you coming back for more. A fantastic start or new addition to any comic collection. 10/10! - Christine
RRP: approx. £32 each
The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead is probably one of the best known comic properties today. With its focus on characterisation in a world over run with zombies, it has become a must read with a lot of folks. Now available on many different styles of print and a new novel and hugely successful TV show on the air right now there is no better time to pick it up. Whether it is the more than a dozen graphic novels to date or the oversized compendiums or even the Walking Dead Weekly series which is reprinting the entire epic story to date in a weekly issue from Image Comics, the ongoing exploits of Rick and Co. where no character is ever guaranteed survival makes this one today’s most compelling reads. - Daithi
RRP: £45 (Compendium;48 issues); £75 (Omnibus; 24 issues); £25.99 (Hardcover; 12 issues); £7.50 (Softcover; 6 issues)
Thor by Walter Simonson Omnibus
Walt Simonson’s run on Thor is surely one of the greatest of all time. There’s an ambition and scope to Simonson’s work that is hard to match and with all new colouring, it’s sure to look better than ever. Perfect for both long term Marvel comic fans and people that have only seen the Thor film released this year, I know that this will be on my Christmas list. - Niall
Whosoever Can Lift This Omnibus, If He Be Worthy, Shall Read Some of the Best Stories of Thor! Marvel’s Omnibus line produces fantastic early Silver Age reprints and modern comics in a handy easy-to-read oversized tome, perfect for collecting large chunks of story. They’re really among the best collected editions out there. However, I have a soft spot for the collections that fall somewhere between the two eras – stuff that’s not too old, and not too new. Stuff that helped shape the medium, but after people like Stan Lee and Jack Kirby had helped it find its feet. Running over 1,000 pages, you won’t find a collection much larger than Walt Simonson’s iconic Thor run, one that defined the character and is rightly measured alongside Frank Miller’s Daredevil and John Byrne’s Fantastic Four as the best of Marvel’s eighties output. Specially and lovingly recoloured, if you want a large slice of pure fun comic books, you can’t do much better than this. I say thee yay! - Darren
RRP: £95
Invincible
Invincible is a great story of a teenage coming to terms with his powers, Robert Kirkman keeps the story going at a great pace, just about every issue of story ends with a great cliffhanger and that keeps you going to the next issue. I will give the warning that the issues can be very violent and detailed, this can come from nowhere so it might not be the best choice for the younger readers. - Brian
With the success of the Walking Dead Compendium it wasn’t long before Robert Kirkman decided to release his other comic darling, Invincible, in the same format. If you have never read Invincible then this is the perfect place to start. It collects the first 47 issues (over 1000 pages) of Mark Grayson’s debut into the superhero world. Invincible is a title that is fully aware of the clichés of superhero comics and perfectly avoids them. Within these 47 issues you will see Mark Grayson make advances in life and love that took Spider-Man more than 30 years. This gives the comic an amazingly fresh feeling. If you enjoyed Robert Kirkmans Walking Dead compendium this is almost it’s polar opposite. Where Walking Dead is dark, Invincible is bright. But it is an equally excellent read and well worth your time. - Phil R.
The art is fun, the story is gripping. A good first time choice but not for the faint heart. - Christine
RRP: £48.99 (Compendium)
Habibi
Craig Thompson’s Habibi is an epic story from a multiple Harvey and Eisner award recipient. Set in the Middle East, a lush world filled with deserts and harems. The story follows the emotional epic journey of Dodola and Zam. Created in Beautiful black and white, in one enormous hardcover just under 700 pages. The gold embossed cover will look great in any collection. - Shabbir
RRP: £20.00
Echoes HC
Before I started reading Echoes, I hadn’t heard of writer Joshua Hale Fialkov, but it’s because of this horror mini-series that I’m now reading both I, Vampire and Last of the Greats. The story is incredible, as a man tries to cope with his schizophrenia and the possibility that his father may have some very dark secrets. A genuinely chilling and frightening comic, helped in no small part by the amazing art from Rahsan Ekedal. - Niall
RRP: £14.99
Marvels
This is a must have for new Marvel fans and for anyone you are trying to introduce to comic reading or just the marvel universe. This is the book that put Alex Ross art out there for everybody to see. Along with Kurt Busiek writing, this a great normal, a guy on the street story, seeing his world change for the good and the bad. Kurt makes all the characters feel real and solid characters without loosing anything that makes them special. This is the story that is still quoted, its on most people favourite comics by Marvel. - Brian
RRP: £12.99
Morning Glories Vol 1: For a Better Future
RRP: £7.50
John Romita’s The Amazing Spider-Man: Artist’s Edition
Taking nothing away from Steve Ditko as the co-creator of Spider-Man, when I think of Spider-Man, it is John Romita’s version of the character that comes to mind. That brings me to John Romita’s The Amazing Spider-Man: Artist’s Edition an oversized hardcover collection of black and white original Spider-man art. A must for any Spider-man fan to see Romita’s extraordinary art in all it’s glory. - Shabbir
RRP: $100
Saga of the Swamp Thing Hardcovers
One thing I think everyone can agree on is that Alan Moore wrote some amazing comics in the Eighties. In association with DC, Alan Moore released genre shaking comics like Watchmen and V for Vendetta. Before that though he got his US start in Swamp Thing. Taking a completely new turn from the comic’s origins, Alan Moore took what was then a standard monster comic and turned it into something spectacular. Swamp Thing is a very important comic. It helped blaze the trail for other mature titles, titles like Sandman and Hellblazer. DC has recently been re-releasing this monumental series in hardcover format, ending it recently with volume 6. It still feels fresh today and comes highly recommended. -Phil R.
RRP: £18.99 each
I Kill Giants
If there’s ever been an argument that All Ages Comics are relevant, it is writer Joe Kelly and artist JM Ken Niimura’s I Kill Giants from Image Comics. A young girl named Barbra lives with her brothers and sisters, and they mock her because she thinks she can kill giants. She has used her fantasy escapism to mask her real emotional pain. While she takes things a little too far, it appears that her “giant killing ability” helps her find what’s most important in life. This is the most compelling journey of closure I’ve read which mixes real world elements with a little bit of the fantastical. JM Ken Niimura paints a lush black and white world, with line work that any child could relate too. He straddles the line between too cartoon-esque and too mainstream. This is truly a high mark in all ages comics since touching story can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. - Adam
RRP: £11.99
Daredevil by Brian Michael Bendis & Alex Maleev Ultimate Collections
Many years ago everyone was talking about Brain Michael Bendis and Daredevil. For some reason I kept avoiding picking it up, even though I was a huge fan of Ultimate Spider-man at the time. It wasn’t until more than half way through the series that I broke down and bought an issue. I could tell from the first issue that I read that it was brilliant. I was hooked, it was a more mature and thoughtful series than anything else I was reading at the time. To say that Bendis’s run on Daredevil produced some of the best comics in the titles history is a disservice to these comics, these are the some of the best comics of all time. Lucky for everyone the whole run is now available in just three volumes. It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of Daredevil or not, this needs to be read. - Phil R.
RRP: £25.99
American Splendor: The Life and Times of Harvey Pekar
This is for the person on your list who hates superheroes and enjoys non-fiction reading material. Harvey Pekar crafts autobiographical stories each interpreted by a variety of artists, such as Robert Crumb, Gerry Shamray, and Gary Dumm. He asks poignant questions about the human condition while living a meager life. This is the only comic I’ve read that made you feel like you were actually walking side by side with another person in their day to day life. After reading the first few stories, Harvey becomes like an old friend you can listen to. The greatest thing about this trade paperback collection is that its over 300 pages of material for just 20$. – Adam
RRP: £25.00
All Star Superman
Morrison may have just started exploring Superman’s early life in the recently re-launched Action Comics, but this new edition of All Star Superman (which handily contains the whole story) is going to be hard to top. So many of Superman’s best supporting cast and villains appear in this epic tale. Plus with art from Frank Quitley, you can be assured that All Star Superman is some of Morrison’s best work. - Niall
RRP: £22.99
DMZ Volume 1
When it comes to violent tales and honest, character driven tales, Brian Wood is the best in the business. DMZ Vol. 1 sets up the world of a dystopian America which is in the midst of a second civil war. New York/New Jersey has become a warzone since everything east has withdrawn from the Union. Matty Roth is an intern who gets stranded in the Demilitarized Zone and attempts to become an investigative reporter. The world is quite vast as Wood and artist Riccardo Burchielli flesh out quite a bit within the first five issues. We see how a headstrong amateur reporter develops street smarts to survive in each section of New York. While we see Matty Roth develop, New York itself becomes just as big of a character. The art is rough but curvy, and fits the tone of the story. This is yet another series that has become a Vertigo classic. This first volume is sure to hook anyone who loves the medium. Since it is Vertigo, I would only recommend this to the 18+ crowd. - Adam
RRP: £9.59
Collecting the complete 12-issue series by Warren Ellis and Stuart Immonen, Nextwave is unlike anything Marvel have ever produced. Featuring c-list and below characters trying to escape their former employers; an anti-terrorist organisation run by a former terrorist organisation who unleash everything from Broccoli Men, man eating Koalas, giant samurai police robots and Fin Fang Foom. It’s ridiculous, it’s over the top and features an A-list creative team and all the explosions and absurdity you’d want from a comic. – Phil O.
RRP: £25.99
BPRD: Plague of Frogs Hardcovers
For a series that has the same origin as Hellboy it’s truly amazing how different the two series have become, yet they are both equally excellent. After Hellboy left the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defence to discover his past and fulfil his destiny, many threats were still lingering. Luckily agents like Abe Sapien, Liz Sherman, Johann Kraus and Roger the Homunculus are sticking around to help save the world. These first two Hardcovers collect the first parts of the massive plague of frog’s story line, where an army of Lovecraftian amphibians threaten the planet. For those of you that are in any way interested in the paranormal this is a fantastic title masterfully combining subtle chills with massive action. - Phil R.
RRP: 25.99
Madame Xanadu Vol. 1 Disenchanted
Reinventing an old DC property for the Vertigo line, Matt Wagner creates a pulp story with a little bit of a dark Disney tale. Spanning from the fall of Camelot to 1930s New York, the woman eventually known as Madame Xanadu travels the world seeking the mysterious Phantom Stranger. The various settings give Wagner a lot to work with allowing for a historical comic but with enough magic and super hero elements to grab the attention of any comic fan. Throw in gorgeous art by Amy Reeder who perfectly captures the designs of the time periods, plus the detail and design of the clothing is beautiful and truly brings the characters to life. - Phil O.
RRP: £9.99
Hack/Slash Omnibus
It has the freedom of being a creator owned book with a fantastic concept- take the chick in every slasher/horror film and put her on the warpath. It’s fun, it’s a little goofy and like all good slasher/horrors, the female lead spends a large amount of time being scantily clad. Great for anybody who loves the genre and is looking for a new spin on it with superb artwork to boot! - Colm
RRP: £22.50
Empowered Vol. 1
A comic about a failed superhero, a former minion and an alcoholic ninja may not sound it, but it is easily the warmest, funniest and sexiest comic available. Telling the tale Empowered, a superhero who far too often finds her self tied and bound by the villains she tries to defeat, Adam Warren provides a totally believable character trying to do her best with a super suit with a knack for ripping too easily and criminals with a penchant for ropes. Warren, who writes and draws the entire thing himself, has crafted a truly great series that shouldn’t be overlooked. - Phil O.
RRP: £9.99
Cyclops HC
I was very surprised by this series when I started to read it at the start of the year. Originally a french comic, Cyclops explores the ideas of privacy, power and the role of military in a very interesting way, while feeling both believable and satisfactorily sci-fi in nature. The art complements the story excellently and anyone looking to try something different from the superhero genre should certainly pick this up (preferably while they’re buying Echoes). - Niall
RRP: £12.76
Alias
Very few brand new characters introduced into mainstream superhero universes in the last 20 years have become fan favourites. But when Brian Bendis’ Jessica Jones book launched under Marvel’s mature line MAX Comics in 2001 and running 28 issues and collected into 4 volumes, it signalled the start of a real resonance with a struggling former superhero who has gone into the hardboiled world of being a private detective. In what is possibly the greatest work Brian Bendis has produced and interspersed with the arresting visuals of Michael Gaydos and Mark Bagley this title is an absolute must have from the House of Ideas. You can currently buy all four volumes on Amazon.co.uk. - Daithi
RRP: £25.99 each
Batman: Noel
It’s dark, brooding and takes a classic story and puts a unique twist on it. This is Lee Bermejo’s first step into writing and he does well, getting both his pacing right and telling a great story, though the dialogue’s a little weak at times, his superb art more than makes up for it! His layouts are gorgeous and his attention to detail, you’ll look at this Graphic novel again and again and again. - Colm
RRP: £16.99
100 Bullets Book One Hardcover
This meaty tome comes in at 456 pages and is the first of five planned ultimate collections of the now legendary series from writer Brian Azzarello and long time collaborator Eduardo Risso. Collecting the first 19 issues of the 100 issue run when the book was picking up praise at every turn this is undoubtedly a highlight in mature reading from the last decade. What would you do with 100 untraceable bullets when confronted with irrefutable evidence of a past wrong that made you suffer? - Daithi
RRP: £37.99
Daredevil by Frank Miller and Klaus Janson Volume 1
I remember being in high school and my friend had just seen the Daredevil movie. He went on for the better part of the day on how it was the worst movie he’d ever seen and how Daredevil was a crappy character. I handed him over Frank Miller and Klaus Janson’s run on Daredevil and he changed his tune. Not only did he change his tune but asked for more. While some of you may be familiar with Daredevil through the movie or Brian Bendis’ run, it all starts with Frank Miller. Frank Miller’s tenure on Daredevil establishes the importance of Bullseye as an adversary, the tragic love and loss between Elektra and Matt Murdock, as well as making the Kingpin a threatening yet sympathetic character. The art is top quality and these are easily some of the best comics ever put out by Marvel. - Adam
RRP: £22.50
Deadpool Max
It’s amazing that this hadn’t been thought of before? Take the wackiest character to come out of the 90′s and throw him with no holds barred! That’s Deadpool MAX! This is just a great story, and this first trade is so much fun for anyone looking to have a laugh with a twist on the spy genre! There’s nods for continuity fans too with characters like Domino and Cable but if you weren’t a fan in the 90′s you aren’t going to lose out. Lapham crafts a great story but it’s the art that sells it- Kyle Baker is on top form as he uses the absurdity of the whole idea to it’s full visual form. A great present for Deadpool fans and for anyone looking to have a laugh with a comic on top of a great action story. - Colm
RRP: £18.99
Buffy: Season 8
It’s got humor, pop culture references and all your favorite quirky characters whats not to love. Whedon makes the big transition from T.V to comics with such ease that its like our favorite female but kicking vampire slayer never even left! A definite buy for Buffy fans but first timers may wanna check out the TV series first. - Christine
RRP: £12.99 each
The Ultimates
Mark Millars Ultimate’s is a visually stunning fantastic read that gives classic Marvel characters a modern twist. It offers big action sequences with engaging dialog that any first timer would love. - Christine
RRP: £25.99 (Ultimate Collection)
Well, I got me some ideas. All Star Superman & Daredevil were just awesome runs.
Me too, actually.