My parting thoughts for 2014: I always end up warming up to these end-of-year lists. This is based upon the batch of work that got reviewed here at Comics Grinder this year, what ranks as notable for one reason or another, with links included. I look forward to keeping to a quirky and offbeat path and see where it leads us this time next year.
I have separated things out into three main categories: Graphic Novels, Comic Books, and Small Press/Indie. I hope you will find this list useful as you look back on the year and consider what lies in store for us in 2015.
Weapons of Mass Diplomacy
GRAPHIC NOVELS
Bohemians: A Graphic History “Inspiring.”
World War 3 Illustrated 1979-2014 “Enlightening.”
Weapons of Mass Diplomacy “A most relevant book.”
Truth Is Fragmentary “A persistent vision. Masterful depictions of the everyday with sly humor.”
Andre the Giant “Brown builds a case for a subject worthy of exploration. Andre the Giant proves to be a true hero.”
The Hospital Suite “Honest depictions of struggle told with simplicity and clarity.”
Megahex “Pure Genius.”
The Gigantic Beard That Was Evil “Sweet and fanciful with a nice satirical bite.”
The Wrenchies “A new generation’s ‘Quadrophenia’ with generous helpings of ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.’”
In Real Life “One of the most intriguing graphic novels of the year.”
Your Illustrated Guide To Becoming One With The Universe “Tranquil sincerity.”
The Collector “A masterwork by Sergio Toppi.”
The Wicked + The Divine
COMIC BOOKS
Gotham Academy “Delivers the goods.”
The Witcher “Nicely paced chills.”
The Fade Out “Poetic and provocative noir.”
Lumberjanes “Compositions that slice right through the page.”
The Multiversity “From high concept to gut level action.”
Nightworld “Brainy, bawdy, and full of good laughs.”
Sirens “Playful, ferocious, and just plain fun.”
Loki: Ragnarok and Roll “A rock ‘n’ roll theme that gets it right.”
Dark Engine “Highly imaginative. All-out beautiful.”
The Wicked + The Divine “Gorgeous and audacious.”
Thomas Alsop “Great supernatural theme and premise.”
The Empty Man “One really good scare.”
Drag Bandits
SMALL PRESS/INDIE
Cats In Service “Quite an amusing and spooky tale.”
How I Made The World #1 “Very personal, conversational style.”
Towerkind “A true page-turner.”
Amelia: A Monsters & Girls Book “A funhouse of offbeat terror and mystery.”
Welcome to Nursing HELLo “Confronts reality head-on with quick smarts and with a heart.”
Drag Bandits #1 “This is like a truly fancy dessert or souffle, delicate yet full of life.”
Debbie’s Inferno “Great deadpan and droll humor.”
Facility Integrity “A wonderfully droll style.”
Trepanation “Both hilarious and informative.”
Study Group Magazine #3D “Fun and informative and so much more.”
Gonzo Cosmic #1 “Superhero comics grounded in a more plausible sensibility.”
Saltire “Welcome to Scotland’s first superhero, Saltire!”
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WHERE HAVE ALL THE HEROES GONE? Gloria Swanson and a Talk About How We Got Here From There
Gloria Swanson photograph by Edward Steichen, 1924
“Where have all the heroes gone?” asked Sherman. He asked this plainly and earnestly, without even a hint of irony. He looked to be about 16-years-old and not remarkable at first glance, just a kid. He wore a cardigan sweater, had messy hair, a well-worn t-shirt, jeans, and Converse high tops. Maybe a geek but not a proud geek.
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