Hot Off The Comics Press: Graphic Novels

Every week, the comic book presses roll out a throng of new titles for the discerning comicdom consumer to add to their collection. Amongst the gathering frenzy, it is easy to forget that some of us, by budget or by choice, like to wait until some helpful soul collects several issues into the handy ‘fat comic book’, the graphic novel. With that in mind, this week’s focus shifts to the less frequent, but equally anticipated world of the trades.

Sure, you can still ease yourself in with a superhero transition as FF Vol. 1 by Jonathan Hickman is released this week in sumptuous hardcover, collecting issues #1-5. This new direction for Marvel’s first family has been a revelation, as the death of one of the original Fantastic Four meant out with the old and in with the new faces. This surprise line up has been one of the best titles of the year from the House of M and is highly recommended.

Of course not all Graphic Novels feature men in tights; Sarah Glidden’s  How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less is an intriguing, quirky debut that is actually a meld of art and travel literature. She embarks on a “birthright Israel” tour through Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, Masada and other places; this introspective tale is laid out to the reader in verdant watercolours with a charming narrative memoir of her trip.

But should you like your fables in a little sweeter, dystopian flavour, Sonny Liew’s Malinky Robot: Collected Stories & Other Bits is an indie delight. This trade paperback collects five tales by the Eisner-nominated artist about two street urchins, Atari and Oliver, who just want to steal bikes and watch Giant Robot movies. Whimsical yet infused with failed futurism, this title is a truly unique read.