NEW YORK, Nov 27 — Narrowing down hundreds of comics to a handful of suggestions for gift giving is tough. There has been an embarrassment of riches to choose from, whether it be the continual growth of the teenage, Muslim New Jersey-ite Kamala Khan in “Ms Marvel” or the vibrantly out, loud and proud adventures of Midnighter in “Midnighter.” But those are superhero comics, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea. The five selections here should appeal to a wide audience — fans of history, music, fantasy, sci-fi or just plain old great stories. (I’m looking at you, “Bitch Planet.”)
“Star Wars: Darth Vader, Vol. 1,” By Kieron Gillen, Salvador Larroca and Edgar Delgado, Marvel Entertainment
The highest compliment to give the “Darth Vader” series, one of several “Star Wars” comics released this year, is that the stories feel like lost footage from the original trilogy. Every time I begin an issue, I imagine hearing the classic score by John Williams. The dialogue in “Darth Vader” rings true to the character, and the artwork is absolutely stunning. (Side note: The new Chewbacca comic is also gangbusters.)
“Ordinary People Change the World Gift Set,” By Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos, Dial Books
History may become a favourite subject for young readers who pick up this biography series, which recounts in broad strokes the lives of people who accomplished extraordinary things. There are lessons to be learned, but they are delivered in a tender-hearted, treacle-free way. The images are also big, playful and inviting: Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart and Albert Einstein all seem like “Peanuts” versions of themselves.
“The Sandman: Overture Deluxe Edition,” By Neil Gaiman, JH Williams III and Dave Stewart, Vertigo/DC Comics
The 1988-1996 Sandman series by Neil Gaiman was both epic in scope and teeming with moments of humanity. All of that is evident in “Overture,” which is a prequel that also feels like a final goodbye. The artwork by JH Williams III is gorgeous, and his inventive layouts can barely be contained. One sequence becomes a four-page spread that shows multiple incarnations of the protagonist and gives print the edge over digital versions of this story.
“Bitch Planet, Vol. 1,” By Kelly Sue DeConnick and Valentine De Landro, Image Comics
"Bitch Planet,” set in a futuristic world where women must be compliant or risk being exiled to an off-world prison, is the most exhilaratingly audacious series I’ve read this year. It has diverse and compelling characters, powerful imagery and inventive covers and double-page spreads that recall posters for exploitation films. There are even satirical back-page advertisements for items like X-ray specs (“the perfect way to see through his intentions”).
“Hip Hop Family Tree, Vol. 3,” By Ed Piskor, Fantagraphics Books
This painstakingly detailed chronicle of hip-hop’s earliest days hits the friendships and feuds of 1983 and 1984, and Ed Piskor makes you feel like a witness to every moment. The joy of this series — besides the yellowed pages that imbue the look of a long-lost comic — is seeing the yesteryear beginnings of what is familiar today. In this volume, the Beastie Boys evolve, LL Cool J hits the scene and Def Jam is founded. — The New York Times
