Say What?! Under the Radar Edition
And we're back with another question for all you fine, fine folks out there.
Looking through the Pink Kryptonite archives (something I fully endorse as a wholesome, worthwhile activity) it's fairly apparent that most of us here are into superheroes. The majority of topics are brought up by or are discussing the Big Two or at least the more mainstream of Dark Horse and Image (who I refer to as the Little Two). Not that I'm saying that's necessarily a bad thing, but there is quite a bit out there in the comics landscape that don't sport skintight spandex and power rings.
So with that conceit and in an effort to diversify the site some, I ask you this:
What are some of the best indie books out there right now?
"Indie" can mean different things to different people, but for the purpose of this discussion, let's go with stuff outside the Big and Little Two. While both of the Little Two have books that fly under the mainstream radar, let's give some love to shops like Oni, Top Shelf Prods. and Kitchen Sink Press.
I will probably do another Say What?! featuring graphic novels, but since a number of smaller publishers put out OGNs exclusively, they're fair game here too.
So come on, Indie Folks. The challenge has been called. Teach us Spandex Nerds about what we're missing!
Goblin
Posted to Other on 30 April 2008
· Comments (7)
Other stuff like this: Indie, Say What
I'd have to say my top three reads not from a major publishing house would have to be:
Therefore Repent! by Jim Munroe and Salgood Sam. Really enjoyable post-apocalyptic setting and just a beautiful read.(And a quick shout out for Canadian artists and writers. CND represent.)
The Great Catsby by Doha. While technically a manga book, or that is where you'll generally find it shelfed, it is still a staggeringly good read with so much human drama it hurts. And people who look like animals. Translated from Korean, the dialog is a little on the formal side, but well formed and honest. I believe 6 of the 12 volumes have made it to English.
Can't Get No by Rick Veitch. Simply awesome. Linear imagery with non-associated proses. Not in a standard format, it looks like a longer read then it is. You wont put it down.
And for those that still can't do with some tights and powers:
Less Than Heroes & Death By Chocolate: Redux both by David Yurkovich. And I quote "If there have to be super-hero comics, then I want them to be David Yurkovich's..." - Warren Ellis. Grim, hilarious and rent-a-heroes.
And if you haven't read either Black Holes by Charles Burns or Strangers in Paradise by Terry Moore, well, go spend some money on them. Seriously.
Cemetery Blues (technically it's part of Image's line of comics)
Bohda Te
Strangers in Paradise (currently reading through the trades, they're pretty good!)
Notes for a War Story
Mouse Guard
Bone
@ Status Q: I read Black Holes and I was actually very underwhelmed by the story. I kept expecting something to happen but was constantly disappointed.
@jonostarsmore: I think I had the exact opposite reaction. I was shocked, and often sadden, by the landslide of events triggered by such unfortunate choices and forces beyond the characters control. How quickly people found themselves in situations without know how they got there. And how they were forced out of it, meaning the ending. That was a pretty huge 'something', in my opinion.
Also, Mouse Guard and Bone are definitely two of the best fantasy reads out there.
@Status Q:
this is where we would have to disagree, and it's ok! I really thought that the plot meandered its way through the pages without any real sense of direction (which I understand is what the author intended to do). The characters didn't ring true, and it felt contrived.
But it's been widely praised so it may be a lot of people's cup of tea :-) To each their own.
Let's see....
Drawn and Quarterly publishes a lot of great stuff...
Curses by Ken Huizenga. Top notch!
Aya by Marguerite Abouet and Clement Oubrerie
The Walking Dead is a great series too.
I'm a big fan of Optic Nerve. Mouse Gaurd, as said above.
I 'read' (there is no text) Sticks and Stones and it was quite good.
Rice Boy is AMAZING (web comic)
Black Hole and Cry Baby by Charles Burns.
WE3, maybe not so inde but pretty good
Oh, And Black Summer!