The Best Graphic Novel Gifts Of 2014
By Peter Sciretta/Nov. 27, 2014 9:30 am EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Welcome to the second part of /Film’s Ultimate 2014 Film Geek Holiday Gift Guide. We hope we can help you find gifts for your pop culture-loving friends and loved ones. (Or maybe even for yourself.)
This guide includes a ton of cool gifts, including a wide range of books, graphic novels, toys, collectibles, music, movies, games, art and other fun gifts, the majority of which were released this year. I’ve also tried to include a wide range of prices, from small stocking stuffers to blu-ray box sets to huge expensive collectibles for most of us to drool over. Everything included in the guide is something I either recommend, have been recommended by trusted friends, colleagues and readers, or something that just looks damn cool.
Yesterday we published the first installment which focused on books, if you missed it you can read it here. We’ll be posting the rest of the installments spread over the course of this week. There was just too many items for one post — so check back each morning for more. Today we bring you a look at some of the coolest graphic novels released this or last year that your pop culture-loving loved ones and friends might enjoy as a gift this Holiday season. I haven’t found time to read as many graphic novels this year as I have in the past, so most of these entries were compiled through recommendations of friends, colleagues and readers. Some of the books are deluxe editions of trade paperbacks from years past that I loved. Again, all links go to the hard copy version, but if you look around you can usually find a link to a digital edition if thats the way you want to go.
Note: All prices mentioned are rounded to the nearest dollar and were accurate on the week this feature was published.
Check Out The Other Parts of /Film’s Ultimate Film Geek Holiday Gift Guide 2014:
Books and Novels Graphic Novels Collectibles, Toys and Games Blu-rays Movie Art Screenprints Music Wearables Miscellaneous Fun Movie/TV Gifts Come back tomorrow for our Holiday Gift Guide to Collectibles, Toys and Games!
The Best Graphic Novel Gifts Of 2014
By Peter Sciretta/Nov. 27, 2014 9:30 am EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Welcome to the second part of /Film’s Ultimate 2014 Film Geek Holiday Gift Guide. We hope we can help you find gifts for your pop culture-loving friends and loved ones. (Or maybe even for yourself.)
This guide includes a ton of cool gifts, including a wide range of books, graphic novels, toys, collectibles, music, movies, games, art and other fun gifts, the majority of which were released this year. I’ve also tried to include a wide range of prices, from small stocking stuffers to blu-ray box sets to huge expensive collectibles for most of us to drool over. Everything included in the guide is something I either recommend, have been recommended by trusted friends, colleagues and readers, or something that just looks damn cool.
Yesterday we published the first installment which focused on books, if you missed it you can read it here. We’ll be posting the rest of the installments spread over the course of this week. There was just too many items for one post — so check back each morning for more. Today we bring you a look at some of the coolest graphic novels released this or last year that your pop culture-loving loved ones and friends might enjoy as a gift this Holiday season. I haven’t found time to read as many graphic novels this year as I have in the past, so most of these entries were compiled through recommendations of friends, colleagues and readers. Some of the books are deluxe editions of trade paperbacks from years past that I loved. Again, all links go to the hard copy version, but if you look around you can usually find a link to a digital edition if thats the way you want to go.
Note: All prices mentioned are rounded to the nearest dollar and were accurate on the week this feature was published.
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
Yesterday we published the first installment which focused on books, if you missed it you can read it here. We’ll be posting the rest of the installments spread over the course of this week. There was just too many items for one post — so check back each morning for more. Today we bring you a look at some of the coolest graphic novels released this or last year that your pop culture-loving loved ones and friends might enjoy as a gift this Holiday season.
This guide includes a ton of cool gifts, including a wide range of books, graphic novels, toys, collectibles, music, movies, games, art and other fun gifts, the majority of which were released this year. I’ve also tried to include a wide range of prices, from small stocking stuffers to blu-ray box sets to huge expensive collectibles for most of us to drool over. Everything included in the guide is something I either recommend, have been recommended by trusted friends, colleagues and readers, or something that just looks damn cool.
I haven’t found time to read as many graphic novels this year as I have in the past, so most of these entries were compiled through recommendations of friends, colleagues and readers. Some of the books are deluxe editions of trade paperbacks from years past that I loved. Again, all links go to the hard copy version, but if you look around you can usually find a link to a digital edition if thats the way you want to go.
Note: All prices mentioned are rounded to the nearest dollar and were accurate on the week this feature was published.
Graphic Novels
Ms. Marvel Volume 1: No Normal $12: With Marvel Studios finally announcing a Captain Marvel movie, here is your chance to read the latest reboot of he character in the comics before the big screen version shows up. (Which may be sooner than you think.)
The Bunker $15: Another comic I have not read but it comes highly recommended — the time travel hook sounds cool enough to spawn a possible television series.
The Universe Verse Book by James Dunbar $22: I’ve always been a space geek, and I love that James Dunbar was able to kickstart a scientifically-accurate rhyming comic book about the origins of the universe, life on Earth and the human race. I cant wait to check it out.
Saga Deluxe Edition Volume 1 Hard Cover $32: Y: The Last Man co-creator Brian K. Vaughan’s Hugo Award-winning series is collected in a deluxe hardcover. I’ve read most of Vaughn’s other work and have loved most everything he has done. I have yet to start on Saga (its on my Christmas wish list) but the series has been highly recommended to me by almost everyone I know.
All You Need is Kill (manga): 2-in-1 Edition $10: Read the original manga that inspired the Tom Cruise/Emily Blunt movie Edge of Tomorrow. (correction: “All You Need is Kill manga ran in Shonen Jump, early ‘14. The film was based on the novel that proceeded it.”)
Guardians of the Galaxy by Abnett & Lanning: The Complete Collection Volume 1 $25: Read the most recent incarnation of the Marvel comic book series which helped spawn the hugely popular Marvel Studios film.
Letter 44 Volume 1: Escape Velocity $15: Another recommended graphic novel that sounds cool, mixing science fiction with real world political allegory.
Pride of Baghdad Deluxe Edition Hardcover $19: I first read this book after discovering Vaughn’s Y: The Last Man. While it is not as amazing as Y, it is still a beautiful story and a great unusual comic book concept.
Seconds: A Graphic Novel by Bryan Lee O’Malley $18: You probably know Bryan Lee O’Malley as the creator of Scott Pilgrim. His newest book Seconds has been praised by nearly everyone I follow on twitter. Its on my Christmas wish list and I can’t wait to read it myself.
Yoda: The Story of a Cat and His Kittens Hardcover by Beth Stern (Author), Devin Crane (Illustrator) $11: An illustrated children’s book by Howard Stern’s wife Beth Stern, about their cat Yoda (named after the Star Wars character) who found an extra life in the married couple’s foster kittens. Not only is it a sweet story, but all Stern’s proceeds from this book will be donated to North Shore Animal League. The illustrator, Devin Crane has been an animator at all of top studios including Disney, Sony, DreamWorks Animation, and Paramount Pictures for the past eighteen years.
From the author of the New York Times bestselling Oh My Dog comes the true story of Yoda, a very special cat—and adorable Instagram sensation—rescued by Beth and Howard Stern. When Beth first met Yoda at the animal shelter, he was skinny and his fur was matted. He hid in the back of his cage and wanted nothing to do with anyone. But Beth chose Yoda. She took him home, cleaned him up, and gave him love. Beth fosters kittens, too, and before long Yoda discovered them—and his life purpose. Now he’s happy, and fluffy, and very, very busy. He makes sure the orphan kittens eat, he keeps them safe, and he even cleans up after them. Yoda acts like a father and mother to the foster kittens that fill his home, and taking care of others has helped him too: even though Yoda has a serious heart condition, he’s made a miraculous turnaround, and is healthier than doctors thought he could be. To further the important work that Beth does on behalf of animals, all of her proceeds from this book will be donated to North Shore Animal League America’s Bianca’s Furry Friends campaign.
The Star Wars Hardcover $28: Okay so maybe the original draft of Star Wars was not as cool as the film version, but this book is a fun trip down the rabbit hole to see the alternate dimension version of the movie we all love and also a great look at how stories evolve over development.
Trillium Paperback $10: Another reader recommendation which has gotten great reviews.
The Books of Magic by Neil Gaiman $14: I don’t know much about this book but I usually enjoy Neil Gaiman’s work. This looks like his version of Harry Potter (published years before Potter started) which seems interesting.
Batman Vol. 3: Death of the Family (The New 52) $10: In New 52’s Detective Comics #1 the Joker got his face ripped off and disappeared from the DC Universe… until now.
East of West Volume 1-3 by Jonathan Hickman $25 (if bought together): This Eisner Award nominated series is highly recommended.
Batman Vol. 4: Zero Year-Secret City (The New 52) $11: Another highly recommended Batman trade paperback from this year.
Noah by Darren Aronofsky, Ari Handel, Niko Henrichon and Tom Muller $20: I love the look of this book, and its interesting to see the differences between this (which was in development before the movie was greenlit) and the final film.
Thanos: The Infinity Revelation $16: This book might be a great gift for a fan of the Marvel movies. With the Marvel Cinematic Universe aiming towards a Phase 3 finale featuring Infinity War, everyone is interested in Thanos.
Sex Criminals Volume 1 Trade Paperback $6: When I asked readers on twitter for graphic novel recommendations, this was the one non-superhero book we saw recommended by the most amount of people.
Daredevil Volume 1: Devil at Bay $14: With Netflix gearing up for its Daredevil television series, Marvel Now’s reboot of the character might be a good time as any to explore the character in comic form.
Marvel’s fearless hero begins his most awe-inspiring adventure yet in sunny San Francisco! Daredevil has headed west, and now protects the Golden City’s streets from evil – both as a costumed hero and as blind lawyer Matt Murdock! But big changes are in store for Matt , as old haunts and familiar faces rise to give the devil his due. The Owl is back, and he isn’t working alone…but old enemies are small potatoes compared to Matt ’s new “friend”: the would-be hero known as the Shroud! As one of DD’s oldest enemies is permanently redefined, deadlier than ever, Kirsten and Matt find themselves sharing a volatile secret. But who will crack fi rst? Plus: what killed Foggy Nelson? And a special look into the future, celebrating DD’s fiftieth anniversary with cryptic hints at what’s to come! COLLECTING: Daredevil (2014) 1-5, 1.5, 0.1
Injustice: Gods Among Us Vol. 1 Hardcover $12: I havent read this series yet but I’ve been told it “gets to the root of what makes Superman special in ways most books can only hope.”
Deadly Class Volume 1: Reagan Youth Trade Paperback $8
Serenity: Leaves on the Wind Hardcover $14: Joss Whedon fans might never get another season of Firefly or another Serenity movie, but they do have this sequel in comic book form produced by Joss and written by his brother Zack.
Saga, Vol. 3 $10: The latest Saga trade paperback.
The Manhattan Projects Volume 1 Hardcover $25:
Guardians of the Galaxy/All-New X-Men: The Trial of Jean Grey: $16 Have you ever wanted to see the Guardians of the Galaxy team up with the X-Men? Not going to happen in the movies but it happens in this comic book storyline.
Alpha & Omega (Locke & Key) $22: The latest Locke & Key trade paperback which has gotten great reviews.
The Wake Hardcover $19: This book is highly acclaimed, winner of the 2014 Eisner Award for Best Limited Series.
When the world’s greatest secret agent is killed, all evidence points to Velvet Templeton, the personal secretary to the Director of the Agency. But Velvet’s got a dark secret buried in her past …because she’s also the most dangerous woman alive.
DMZ The Deluxe Edition Book One $19: Another good book from Vertigo Comics finally getting the Deluxe treatment.
Batman 75th Anniversary Box Set $32: Some of the best Batman stories ever told, collected in a box set.
Marvel Unlimited $99/annual Plus membership or $9.99/month: Marvel Unlimited gives members access to over 15,000 comics on their smart phone or tablet, and you can even buy a gift membership. The Plus Annual membership gets you a cheaper price overall, invites to members only events and a bunch of other extras.
Words for Pictures: The Art and Business of Writing Comics and Graphic Novels $15: While not a graphic novel, I decided to include this book in the graphic novel section for any aspiring comic book artists or writers.
Check Out The Other Parts of /Film’s Ultimate Film Geek Holiday Gift Guide 2014:
Books and Novels Graphic Novels Collectibles, Toys and Games Blu-rays Movie Art Screenprints Music Wearables Miscellaneous Fun Movie/TV Gifts Come back tomorrow for our Holiday Gift Guide to Collectibles, Toys and Games!
Come back tomorrow for our Holiday Gift Guide to Collectibles, Toys and Games!
