Graphic Novels To Look Out For in 2014

For something a little different today I thought I'd take a look at some of the upcoming graphic novels that have really taken my eye from some of the best writers in the business.

Prior to the recent Valiant Entertainment revival, I hadn't read comics since the 90's - now I have about 6 monthlies in my pull-box from my LCS and loads more on my 'want list'. With individual 'floppies' being good for continuity junkies like myself, I enjoy reading graphic novels for the self contained arcs and as a means to get into an established series.

Below are graphic novels that are on my radar for 2014:

The new SHADOWMAN tpb, 'Fear, Blood, and Shadows' kicks off a new direction for the darkest of the Valiant titles following Justin Jordan's departure from the series (I strongly suggest issues #0 and #10 as 'must reads'). Author Peter Milligan and the great Robert De La Torre on art have created a moody and visually stunning book that, while I wanted to collect individually, will look fantastic in tpb form. It's also a great bridge for SHADOWMAN End Times #1 coming in April.

About 'Fear, Blood, and Shawdows': When a troubled young man with a history of violence and a penchant for blackouts meets an overwhelming source of power with a mystical scythe, the results are doomed to be destructive. A voodoo loa has possessed Jack Boniface - or so he believes. But after Jack awakens in an alleyway covered in blood, he embarks on a journey across lands of shadows and death to discover if he can expel the dark force that's seized control of his life ...and which may be responsible for a violent rampage throughout New Orleans. It collects issues numbered 13-16.

Victor Gischler has long been one of my go-to-authors when in need of a good read (THE DEPUTY, INK MAGE, SHOTGUN OPERA to name a few) and has a couple of graphic novels out in tpb through Dark Horse in KISS ME, SATAN! and CLOWN FATALE. Of the two, CLOWN FATALE looks the most fun, without reading up too much on it, on face value this feels pulply with a Tarantino edge.

 

About CLOWN FATALE: When four down-on-their-luck, sexy clowns are mistaken for contract killers, the pandemonium begins. To prove themselves in the high-profile world of contract killing and big bucks, the girls are going to need to paint their faces and head to war . . . with the real killers. Can the femmes fatales stand toe to toe? Collects the four-issue miniseries.

About KISS ME, SATAN!: Cassian Steele is boss of the werewolf mafia in the Big Easy, and he’s got a problem. The old witch Verona has discovered his secret and gone into hiding. Cassian wants her dead. So he sends out the word: An open contract. The first monster to dust her gets a big payday. What they don’t realize is that the witches are under the protection of Barnabus Black, a demon desperately trying to regain his halo. Collects the five-issue miniseries.

Joe Hill's latest foray into the graphic medium following the success that is LOCKE AND KEY builds upon his most recent book NOS4A2. WRAITH 'Welcome to Christmasland' is still going strong in monthly format so the trade may be a while away yet, but is a 'must have'.

About WRAITH: In a brand-new limited series that will serve as a prequel to his New York Times bestselling novel, NOS4A2, Joe Hill will be taking readers on a dark plunge into the dizzying world of Christmasland. The first comic that Hill has written since the stunning conclusion of his award-winning masterpiece Locke & Key, Wraith: Welcome to Christmasland is equal parts mystery and horror.