This isn’t a list of our personal favorites or even a complete list of all the books that have made reporters salivate with nerdy glee this year. Rather, it highlights some of the titles critics have given multiple nods to as we wrapped up 2008.
First, we’re proud to have been named Publisher of the Year by iFanboy. Read the article here to find out why we were given the top spot.
And now, it’s my pleasure to present some of the best books published in our distinguished history:
Achewood: The Great Outdoor Fight
From Publisher’s Weekly to Comic Book Resources, and nearly every other publication in between, Chris Onstad’s Achewood has enraptured fans and critics of everywhere.
“The best new fictional character across any medium in at least a decade is a neurotic computer-hacker cat named Roast Beef who calls everyone dogg.” -- Village Voice
Blade of the Immortal Vol. 18, Vol. 19, & Vol. 20
The Eagle Award and Eisner Award winning series is no longer released in serialized issues, but the collected graphic novels continue to capture critic’s attention and delight the most discerning of manga fans.
"…Blade of the Immortal still remains one of the more distinguished and enjoyable manga on the market. This is a must read for all samurai action fans." -- Mania.com
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8
After the show ended, Joss Whedon brought his slayer-tale to Dark Horse, and he brought some of the best writers and artists along with him. Freed from the constraints of television, Buffy has progressed into a fantastic story without limits.
The Complete K Chronicles
Keith Knight has been writing his strip in publications all over the U.S. for years. Finally collected in one place, readers can see the why Knight gets so much credit – political, honest, and a keen eye for life in America.
"…it's time well spent with a very intelligent and perceptive writer, and also serves as an insightful historical document of the movement of the American zeitgeist over the past decade." -- Publisher's Weekly
The Creepy Archives Vol. 1 & Vol. 2
Ground breaking work from Alex Toth, Bernie Wrightson, Frank Frazetta, Joe Orlando, Neal Adams, Gray Morrow . . . Why don’t you already own this?!
Empowered Vol. 3 & Vol. 4
It’s hard to be a super-hot superhero whose power is derived from a costume, especially when it keeps falling apart. Far too often Adam Warren’s Empowered is brushed off as pubescent fodder, but those willing to spend a few moments reading the panels will be greatly rewarded.
" A bit of tongue-in-cheek exploitation that turns out to be surprisingly funny, then even more surprisingly leads to serious plot developments…" -- The Onion A.V. Club
Gantz Vol. 1 & Vol. 2
Gantz was one of the most demanded manga in America. Dark Horse gives the fans what they want. Over-the-top in places, violent, sexual, and confusing all at once – Gantz is perfect for those wanting to satirize men’s stereotypes and those just wanting to have a good time.
“Drawn with eye-popping realism, Oku's scenes range from infanticide to bestiality to painful adolescent awkwardness, raising standard geek fare to a new level of sophistication.” -- Entertainment Weekly
Herbie Archives Vol. 1 & Vol. 2
The amount of positive response to this archive surprised many of us. While we knew fans were eager to collect the material, Herbie’s popularty exploded as new readers were turned on to this delightful classic.
Hellboy / B.P.R.D.
Hellboy II: The Golden Army delighted fans and movie critics all over the world. But, if you’re not reading the comics, then you’re missing more than just great special effects.
“In the Hellboy titles, The Chapel of Molloch, The Crooked Man and The Wild Hunt, Mignola and his artistic collaborators told past and present days tales of one of the most fascinating and original characters in comics. And over in the BPRD books like The Warning, The Ectoplasmic Man, 1946 and War on Frogs, writers Mignola, Acurdi and and Dysart along with a team of highly talented artists again showcased more exciting and horrific supernatural tales packed with intriguing characters.” -- CBR
The Helm
While he may not look like much, Mathew Blurdy is a hero. The main character of The Helm won over fans and even staunch critics, some of who secretly thought, “Finally! A comic about me!” But, there’s no shame in enjoying a series this charming.
“There are two kinds of comic book readers: fanboys, and those who laugh at fanboys. If you’re indignantly protesting to your computer screen like a twenty-first century Ignatius J. Reilly that this is a gross misinterpretation of the sophisticated crowd sequential art has attracted since Alan Moore climbed out of the primordial ink to pen Watchmen, you’re partially right - or, you could just be a fanboy.” – ReGenerator Magazine
Kull
Arvid Nelson (Rex Mundi) and Will Conrad (Serenity) team up for one of the most critically acclaimed Robert E. Howard properties to come out of Dark Horse.
Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service Vol. 6 & Vol. 7
From the creative team behind MPD-Psycho, Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service sets up juxtaposition perfection between academic endeavor and death.
"… a distinctively liberal arts voice, combining broad knowledge with an interest learning and pulling in more." - Ain't It Cool News
Leonard Maltin’s Movie Crazy
Leonard Maltin is one of the most respected critics and film historians, and this new book collects his quarterly newsletters all in one place. From interviews with celebrities to insider articles on the industry itself, this book is necessary for anyone serious about the world of Hollywood.
Speak of the Devil
Best know for his work with his brother on Love and Rockets, Gilbert Hernandez returns to comics with a terrifying story of suburban horror. Hernandez uses stark contrasts between black and white to give readers a view of the world lurking just beneath middle-class utopia.
Umbrella Academy: The Apocalypse Suite
As if the Harvey and Eisner awards weren’t enough for this break-out series, The Umbrella Academy continues to dominate Best Of lists with the new series Dallas.
“Umbrella Academy is the best comic on the stands right now.” -- IGN
Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 22: Tomoe’s Story
2009 marks the 25th Anniversary of Usagi Yojimbo! After all these years, Stan Sakai is still one of the best creators around by staying true to his complex plot, characters and historically based details.
We’ll continue to bring you the some of the best comics in the industry during 2009. So stay tuned!