One of the things I wrote about briefly when I was doing my reflection of last year was that this year might be when I get into more creator-owned or "independent" titles. I am using quotes around "independent" (right now) to stress the fact that what gives a title or company such a label doesn't seem to be as clear anymore. It used to be that anything that wasn't Marvel or DC was considered independent. Marvel and DC published the types of comics that you'd find at all kinds of stores, not just comic book stores. Now that comics have largely retreated into specialty shops again, access to the main two companies is the same as accessing a smaller company you wouldn't have heard about in a supermarket or convenience store.
Another factor I've pondered is how can something be "independent" if the company owns the rights to major properties? At one time Dark Horse was considered independent, but that was when they had the rights to Predator and Aliens even. Since that time they've secured (and held) the right to publish Star Wars comics. That's a big deal. Plus, they also publish what are considered to be the new "seasons" of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. Is that independent? IDW use to do some smaller stuff, but now they're doing Transformers, G.I. Joe, Star Trek, and Doctor Who. Image created some major stuff, faded away a bit, and now does a really good job of publishing creator-owned projects/properties. However, would you call the company that publishes a property like The Walking Dead, independent?
It's simply not as cut and dry as it was before. Again, due to the fact that comics have largely retreated back into specialty shops creators cannot make the claim that they are "independent" because it's difficult to figure out what they're independent from. That's why I consider anything to be away from Marvel and DC to be "independent". Some companies go way off the beaten path and do nothing regarding superheroes, but sometimes they publish comics that are major properties even beyond comics.
The point of all this is that I'm saying I followed through with what I said I would do and I have picked up more independent and creator-owned titles. You can qualify them as you see fit. For me, it's a lot less capes and a lot more content. That's content in regards to story, not necessarily in a single issue of a title. Here are some titles I've been reading that I think are worth either getting into, or picking up a trade of. It depends on how far along the title is. I'll break things down by publisher.
DARK HORSE
Dark Matter
This was a great title. It's not really a new idea, but I thought it was executed well and it definitely sets the stage for future stories. The premise is that a group of individuals wake up on a ship (in space) with no ideas of who they are. The first thing on their mind of course is to figure out who they are. That's the basic tale. What makes the story work are the characters. There is a good assortment of characters with a variety of personalities. There is groundwork laid for each of them as to their basic personality types and then you get to see them follow through with the basic drives they each have. As the story moves forward the characters find out who they were, and as with any good story of this type the question becomes do they go back to what they were or do they become something else? The trade will be out shortly and I'm sincerely hoping that the title did well enough that there will be future "chapters".
IDW
Memorial
I decided to get this title right before the first issue came out, so I was lucky enough to be able to get all of the issues. This title is very much fantasy. We're talking the working of what seems to be magic, without it being obviously addressed as such. The original advertisement I saw for the title made a reference to Doctor Who in comparison. I would say it's a fair comparison. There are not the sci-fi elements, but the more "fantastical" elements of a Who story are definitely within the pages of Memorial. If you're looking for something that has a fantasy slant to it, you should check this title out. A trade should be available soon.
IMAGE
'68 - Various Series
So, I enjoy zombie stories like so many other people. I saw an advertisement for '68 and decided to check it out. It's basically what would our world be like if there was a zombie epidemic starting in 1968, specifically during the Vietnam War. That's where the story starts and it has gone "global" since that point. The characters are solid, the writing is great and the gore factor is perfect. Considering this is a title that starts with human conflict during the war, the bar has already been set for what you're going to see. Not for those with delicate sensibilities. If you like zombies you need to read this. There are a few different trades out collecting different parts of the story. You have to keep your eye open to catch them all. The current run of the title is subtitled 'Scars'. I suggest you pick up the older stuff first to know the world that you'll be dealing with, especially since 'Scars' picks up after the last run.
Alpha Girl
More zombies! I've always been keen on the whole "zombie" concept but didn't really get back into it until I started watching 'The Walking Dead'. That of course let me to buying the hardcovers, which has really pulled me back in. Things are so much better than the lame days of "Braaaaains!" and "Send more cops." Anyway, Alpha Girl has zombies . . . in the 80s . . . and they're all female. Yes, it's been a weird and fun romp so far. The art style is much more of an "animated" or "cartoony" style, but it works for the title. I can't say it for everyone who likes zombies, but if you like zombies and you're fond of the 80s and don't mind some tongue-in-cheek humor (yes, it's got humor), you should consider this book. I wish I could say it's a "must get", but I can't. It does seem to be more niche in the "zombie corner" of comics.
Manhattan Projects
This title. Wow. What can I say to describe it? Is it a "must get"? It depends. There are some things to consider that might hint at your possible enjoyment. If you are familiar with the actual "Manhattan Project", you like twists on established history and historical figures (like say, 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter'), you like a mix of science and mysticism, and you like Jonathan Hickman's writing, then this title is a must get. I was into all of the things I mentioned for a while other than Hickman's writing. I wasn't exposed to that until I started reading FF from Marvel. It's good writing. So, with all that in mind I had to check this out. I don't regret it in the least. It sometimes makes my head spin due to the alternate history, but that's a good thing. The first trade will be out shortly.
Saga
Brian K. Vaughn writing and Fiona Staples doing the artwork. Need I say more? Well, yes. These two people work on a variety of projects so their names alone may attract attention, but it doesn't mean it will be in a genre people like. We are talking about a fairly unique sci-fi universe here. You can see some elements of other concepts. The show 'Lexx' comes to mind very quickly. As do the concepts of the roleplaying games Shadowrun and Dark Conspiracy (it depends on what you've played). You've got a variety of alien races, futuristic technology, mysticism, and a fair amount of racy elements at times. If any part of what I've said is something you're interested in, then you should check out this title. Except the "racy elements" part. Don't check out the title just for that. You'd be missing the point.
Some other things that I'm reading through Image, but am still forming solid opinions on (though they have my interest) are: Dancer, Epic Kill, Mind the Gap, Planetoid, Secret, Thief of Thieves and Whisper. These are all interesting to some degree, but I wouldn't tell someone to "check it out" if I were in the comic store. I might with Whisper, but it's coming out very slowly. So, while I enjoy the concept the space between issues hurts it right now. If it turns out as good as I'm hoping I'll definitely suggest picking up the trade.
I will also throw in that I think The Activity is a great title, but I know it doesn't play to a large audience. You have to be someone that is into military concepts, especially espionage and subterfuge. If you like the shows 'The Unit' and 'Strike Back' it's right up your ally. However, I wouldn't suggest it to just any comic book reader. I'll probably do a full article on it later. That's how much I personally like it.
!BOOM STUDIOS
Fanboys vs Zombies
There is a zombie outbreak at San Diego Comic-Con. What more do I need to say? Funny characters, over-dramatized personal issues, killing of zombie fanboys. What more do I need to say? If you like zombies and humor, you'll like it. If you don't like zombies but wouldn't mind seeing a bunch of fanboys die by their hand, you'll like it. It's not a serious title. It's really fun and I think the first issues have been a fun ride. Over a bit quicker than I would like, but that tells me I'm enjoying the title and anticipating the next issue.
So, there are just a few titles I would suggest checking out. Yes, there are a lot of things involving zombies, but the concept is strong right now. Also, I'm just saying "Hey, this title has zombies and everyone loves zombies so you have to read it!" The titles that happen to have zombies have something more to them. An Image title called Rebel Blood just finished and while I checked it out because I thought it was going to do a little explored take on zombies . . . that's not what the title really did, and what it did do I felt was very telegraphed. They all don't get a pass or endorsement to other readers.
I have to say that this whole idea of using some of my finances to specifically shift towards going independent has worked out pretty well as far as my enjoyment of titles goes. I just did another massive sorting of comics the other weekend and I think it's fair to say that I'm reading more independents now than Marvel. In fact, I think I might be reading more titles from Image now than I read from Marvel. Of course, what I read from Marvel is ongoing and a lot of what I read from Image has a limited publishing span. So, it's difficult to fully gage. Overall though I can definitely say I'm reading more independent titles. DC still takes more of my money overall, but who knows if that will be the case once the first year of the "New 52" ends.
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