The Best Comics & Graphic Novels of August 2017

By Chance or Providence, by Becky Cloonan, Lee Loughbridge, and Rachel Deering
Artist and writer Becky Cloonan is, by any measure, one of the biggest names in comics, with works spanning a great many genres, styles, and companies. This anthology collects three of her most haunting and personal stories: “Wolves,” “The Mire,” and “Demeter.” Each tells of family secrets and lost love through lushly illustrated landscapes. This is the first time all three have been widely available, in color for the first time and relettered for this edition.

Locke & Key: Heaven and Earth, by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez
Rodriguez and novelist Hill’s Locke & Key is one of the most iconic series of the last decade, a dark horror fantasy full of imagery as beautiful as it is disturbing. Apart from the main series, Hill did several standalone stories focused on the mythology of Key House and those whose lives have been touched by it. This anticipated book collects those stories, making it essential for fans of the series, but also an excellent introduction for readers who want to sample Hill’s creepy mystery before diving in.

Batgirl: Stephanie Brown, Vol. 1, by Bryan Q. Miller, Lee Garbett, and Trevor Scott
The character of Batgirl seems to invite controversy, Stephanie Brown as much as anyone. She’d been through a well-received teen pregnancy storyline before becoming Robin and then dying without a ton of dignity. But this collection represents a happier time: she’d faked her death, it seems, and is ready to take on the mantle of Batgirl…whether Batman likes it or not. Even as she’s going to college by day, she’s working with Barbara Gordon by night to take down the lowest of Gotham’s underworld figures.

Dead Inside, Vol. 1, by John Arcudi, Toni Fejzula, and André May
Part police procedural, part locked-room murder mystery, this series follows Detective Linda Caruso of the Jail Crimes Division of Mariposa County. She’s tasked with investigating crimes committed by inmates behind bars—typically an easy job; not so her latest case, one with unexpectedly personal undertones.

The Mighty Thor, Vol. 3: The Asgard/Shi’Ar War, by Jason Aaron, Steve Epting, Russell Dauterman, and Matthew Wilson
The War of the Realms is well and truly underway, and Malekith the Dark Elf is using the chaos to his advantage. Thor takes it upon herself to unite the squabbling factions that make up the ten worlds under her command in order to strike back at Malekith and end the war. But he’s ready with an alliance of his own, and the Odinson stands in the shadows.

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 7, by G. Willow Wilson, Takeshi Miyazawa, Ian Herring, and Mirka Andolfo
Following the second superhero Civil War, things are calming down for Ms. Marvel—but just a bit. One of her guildmates from her favorite online game has learned her secret identity. And also appears not to be human. There’s also an election in the offing, and Kamala’s taking on an even more insidious enemy: apathy. Ms. Marvel says get out and vote, y’all.

Frostbite, by Joshua Williamson, Jason Shawn Alexander, and Luis NCT
In a frozen post-apocalyptic future, the only hope for mankind rests with the mercenary crew of a cargo hauler. A scientist in Mexico City has found a potential cure for the plague that freezes victims from the inside out, slowly taking their humanity with it. But he can’t do anything with it unless he can make the 2,000 mile trek to a research facility on Alcatraz Island. And not everyone wants them to succeed.

Goliath, by Tom Gauld
Gaud’s 2011 graphic novel, now in paperback, tells the story of Goliath, reworked and reimagined from the giant’s point of view. The big guy doesn’t particularly want to fight, but he’s forced by the king to issue his daily challenges to the Israelites. Gaud’s distinctively minimalist style and darkly comic sensibilities have made this a modern classic.

Home Time, Book One, by Campbell Whyte
Lilly and David are twins who don’t agree on much, except that they’re incredibly excited school’s finally out and summer is upon them. Until, alongside their friends, they fall into a river that leads them to a fantasy land in which they’re believed to be magical spirits. Putting aside their differences, the gang has to find its way home. Whyte’s innovative debut is structured as a tribute to role-playing games, with every chapter drawn in a different style.

Injustice: Ground Zero, Vol. 1, by Chris Sebela, Brian Buccellato, Pop Mhan, Tom Derenick, and Daniel Sampere
The Injustice series has evolved well beyond its roots as a video game tie-in, having run for four years and continuig with the story of a DC Universe turned upside down by tragedy. In a particularly twisted alt-universe, it’s only fitting that we’d get to see things from Hareley Quinn’s point of view. She was left alone when the Joker died, but came into her own fighting against Superman’s despotic regime. Now, the Joker might be back, throwing Harley’s world into chaos yet again.

SLAM! Vol. 1, by Pamela Ribon and Veronica Fish
Maisie and Jennifer become fast friends during Fresh Meat Orientation for the Eastside Roller Girls, a badass roller derby league. When they’re drafted to different teams, though, they begin to grow apart as their personal lives also take turns for the worse. Fortunately, roller derby can heal hearts and friendship even as it breaks a few bones. Writer Pamela Ribon got her start as a blogger and TV recapper before moving into film and TV (her most recent credits: Moana and Wreck-It Ralph 2—which might explain why this series took a bit of a break after the first four issues).

Jim Henson’s Dark Crystal Tales, by Cory Godbey
There’s been a resurgence of interest in The Dark Crystal (pretty much my favorite-ever movie) since Netflix announced a new series, but Archaia has been keeping that flame alive in impressive style for some time now. This anthology collection contains several new short stories from renowned children’s book author Godbey.

Solid State, by Jonathan Coulton, Matt Fraction, and Albert Monteys
JoCo is not only an internet superstar, he’s one of the biggest names in clever, catchy nerd rock. It’s fitting that he’s joined by stellar talent for this companion to/adaption of his new album. It’s the story of two guys: one stands at mankind’s beginning, the other at the end.

Invader Zim, Vol. 4, by Jhonen Vasquez, Eric Trueheart, Aaron Alexovich, Danielle Koenig, and Warren Wucinich
The adventures of cult-favorite Invader Zim, brought to life by the character’s creator, continue! ZIM’s plans for conquest have met with minimal success thus far, but he’s got some new ideas for ruling the world, including the devious takeover of a local restaurant and a scheme to prove to Dib that he’s the master of fear itself. This is just what you need to tide yourself over until Zim returns to TV next year.

Kill or Be Killed, Vol. 2, by Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips, and Elizabeth Breitweiser
The latest from masters of noir Brubaker and Phillips is a deconstruction of vigilantism in the story of a young man forced to kill bad people without letting it destroy his life and soul. In the second volume, things get even darker, as the NYPD learns a masked man is killing criminals.

Paper Girls, Vol. 3, by Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang
Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang’s series was doing Stranger Things before it was a thing. It’s the story of some ’80s-era punk teenaged girls who find themselves at the center of the genuinely alien weirdness affecting their town. The highly anticipated third book continues the story of Erin, Mac, and Tiffany as they search for KJ in their future (though it’s closer to our present), while trying to find a way back home to 1988.

Patsy Walker, A.K.A. Hellcat! Vol. 3: Careless Whisker(s), by Kate Leth, Brittney L. Williams, and Rachelle Rosenberg
The current run of Patsy Walker concludes with this volume, and it’s going to be missed. The series has been fun, full of action, and cute in the best possible way. It’s also had one of the more diverse casts in modern superhero comics. Patsy and friends are up against the Black Cat and a few evil exes before a concluding story that involves a sweet trip to the mall.

Jane, by Aline Brosh McKenna and Ramón K. Pérez
Joined by award-winning illustrator Pérez, screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna has updated the story of Charlotte Brontë’s once-scandalous Jane Eyre and set it in modern-day New York City. This is the debut graphic novel from McKenna, whose screen credits include The Devil Wears Prada and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.

Rick and Morty, Vol. 5, by Kyle Starks, Marc Ellerby, CJ Cannon, and Katy Farina
The show’s back, and there’s a new volume of the disturbingly faithful graphic novel series. Feel free to get schwifty. Several stories are collected here, including the attempt by Jerry to conquer the multiverse (does not go well), as well as the return of Tiny Rick (goes better).

SuperZero, Vol. 1, by Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Rafael de Latorre, Marcelo Maiolo, and John J. Hill
Unlike the rest of us, Dru Dragowski isn’t just dreaming about being a superhero…she’s doing something about it. She believes she’s unlocked the formula to give herself superpowers, and the book follows her quest to figure it all out. There might be an alien invasion on the horizon, so hopefully she’s hurrying.

Jem and the Holograms: The Misfits, by Kelly Thompson, M. Victoria Robado, and Jenn St. Onge
Jem and the gang have fared much better in the comics than they did in their big screen reboot, with new stories that are faithful to the spirit of the TV show even as they update the style. The Misfits get their own solo show here, as is only appropriate. Their songs are, after all, better. Having lost their label, the band is forced to do the unthinkable in order to get back on top: they’ve signed on for a reality TV series.

The Customer is Always Wrong, by Mimi Pond
Pond’s semi-autobiographical stories of the life of young artist Madge and the assorted patrons of the Oakland diner where she’s a waitress have established her as a major talent. The sleazeballs, drunks, and assorted weirdoes of the Imperial Cafe are the backdrop for a book that manages to make an epic out of the life of a struggling artist serving up coffee to a cast of characters both funny and deeply human.

Serenity: No Power in the ‘Verse, by Joss Whedon, Chris Roberson, Georges Jeanty, Karl Story, Dan dos Santos, and Stephen Byrne
That new season probably ain’t never gonna happen, but Dark Horse’s official continuation in graphic novel form is the next best thing. This book follows Mal and crew as they respond to a call for help from an old friend, only to find themselves caught between Alliance operatives and a new power player with whom the Serenity crew are forced to strike an uneasy partnership.

The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars Part One, by Michael Dante DiMartino and Irene Koh
The story of Korra and Asami goes on in this official continuation from the series’ co-creator. The two return from the spirit world to find an unscrupulous developer endangering a new spirit portal, even as evacuees are caught in the middle of a conflict between the realigned triads.

The Lost Boys, Vol. 1, by Tim Seeley, Scott Godlewski, Trish Mulvihill, and Michael Wiggam
The Lost Boys has a strong hold over both ’80s kids and those who’ve discovered it since, partly in spite of, and partly because it’s a bit disrespectable. Meaning: it’s fun, and hammy, and a little punk. This sequel reteams the Emerson boys with the Frog brothers to take on a new group of vampires called the Blood Belles. And you won’t even need to get out your VCR.

The Mystery Knight: A Graphic Novel, by George R. R. Martin, Ben Avery, and Mike S. Miller
GRRM’s epic fantasy series has proven itself adaptable to just about every medium imaginable, so you can take your pick from any or, just as likely, all of them. This graphic novel adapts one of Martin’s prequel stories chronicling the adventures of the hedge knight known as Dunk and his companion Egg, later to become King Aegon the Unlikely. Here, the two are lured away from their travels by a tournament with an unusual prize: a dragon’s egg.

Valerian: The Illustrated Treasury, by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières
Whatever your thoughts on the virtues of the big-screen version, it’s been worth it just for the resurgence of interest in one of the great all-time SF comics. This book is an essential companion to the adventures of Valérian and Laureline over four decades. It’s essentially a fully illustrated encyclopedia covering the vast, beautiful, and utterly bizarre universe of France’s finest spatio-temporal agents.

Namesake, by Steve Orlando and Jakub Rebelka
In this urban fantasy, there exists a parallel world called Ektae that aligns itself with Earth every 70 years, bringing magic with it. Jordan Molossus came from the other world, but was abandoned on our Earth, and so has very little interest in the upcoming alignment—until a pair of urns are deposited at his doorstep and he’s tasked with returning his fathers home to spread their ashes. In the process, he’s led to solve the mystery that left him an orphan in the first place.

Atari Classics: Swordquest, by Roy Thomas, Gerry Conway, Hope Shafer, George Perez, and Dick Giordano
It’d be easy to look at this as pure nostalgia, but the fact is, the Swordquest comics that originally came with your (or your mom’s) Atari games packed some major talent. It shows: there’s some gorgeous work on display that deserves a new look. Along with the Swordquest books, they’re including the Yars’ Revenge comic for some bug-centric SF fun.
What’s on your pull list?