We reviewed these in episode #23 of the podcast, but we wanted to get some written reviews up just for reference. Most of these titles are either available now or should be soon with the exception of Luna Park which won’t be in stores until November. If you’re looking for something new to read any one of these would be a good place to start.

The Unwritten – Mike Carey and Peter Gross
If the character of a beloved children’s fantasy book was based on an actual person, what would happen? Would the villians from the fantasy world come to get him? Would childhood friends come to help you? This is exactly what happens to Tom Taylor. His father, author of the Tommy Taylor books is missing, may hold the key between fantasy and reality for Tommy. The readers journey with Tom in this great “What if?” Scenario. Well written, intriguing and hard to put down, The Unwritten is a great new comic series from Vertigo Comics. For people who love comics but are looking for a fresh story, The Unwritten is something you’ll want to pick up. Issues #1 and #2 available now.

Batman: Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader? The Deluxe Edition – Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert
The first half of this hardcover is brilliantly written and the art grabs inspiration from Batman through all his comic book years. Gaiman takes Batman’s memorial service and weaves all his history behind this captivating story. Catwoman, Joker, the Riddler and even Alfred tell stories about Batman and his demise. Which of the stories are true? The second half of the hardover are reprints of hard to find Gaiman Batman stories: A Black and White World, Pavane, Original Sins and When is a Door. Whether you’re a fan of Gaiman and Kubert or just a Batman fan, you’ll enjoy this collection!

Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? The Deluxe Edition – Alan Moore and Curt Swain
A great collection of Alan Moore’s iconic run on Superman (1985-1986), this hardcover is a nice addition to any Moore fan’s library. Joined by his fellow heroes Wonder Woman, Batman, and even Swamp Thing, Superman battles Lex Luthor, Braniac and Mongul while trying to stay the Man of Tomorrow that we all know and love. Whether you’re a fan from the mid-1980’s, or looking to relive some fun Superman stories, you might want to pick this collection up.

The Nobody by writer and artist Jeff Lemire tells the story of John Griffen, a stranger coming to the small fishing village of Large Mouth. A stranger who happens to be wrapped head to toe in bandages. As the story progresses we learn more about the strange visitor through his relationship with Victoria, the one resident of Large Mouth brave enough to befriend him. Of course in addition to learning the secrets of John Griffen we also learn about the secrets of the residents of Large Mouth as well. The Nobody was inspired by the classic H.G. Wells story The Invisible Man and follows many of the same themes. The 2-color art is eye catching and the story is compelling. Worth a read if you are looking for something a little different from the usual superhero fare.

Luna Park by Kevin Baker, with art by Danijel Zezelj, and colors by Dave Stewart a complex story about a Russian army veteran who came to America to start a new life only to fall in to the same tragic patterns that have followed him and, as we learn later in the story, his whole family for generations. This is a complex story that doesn’t lend itself to a casual reading bu if you have the time to sit down and read it uninterrupted it is more than worth it. Danijel Zezelj’s art is stunning and does great justice to the bleakness of the story and setting.

Bayou written and drawn by Jeremy Love with colors by Patrick Morgan is the first published collection from DC’s online venture Zuda Comics. It is a dark fairy tale set in Missouri in the 1930s. The fantastic world that exists in the bayou has been shaped by the abject poverty and systemic racism that exists in the real world outside. It reads almost like Alice in Wonderland in a way, with the wonder and innocence of childhood dreams covering a very grim reality.