Sometimes it’s all about knowing how to treat us readers.
Other times, it’s about letting us take a different path. Letting the creators take us by the hand, and trusting them.
For this FOC Newsletter, I picked four books by creators who know exactly what they’re doing. People who know how to build a story, and when to break the rules.
Four books. Four rich, rewarding reads.
If you’re looking for stories that will stay with you long after you’ve put the book back on the shelf, these are for you.
X of Swords HC (New Printing)
The first time I read X of Swords, I honestly thought Hickman was making fun of me. “That’s the climax? Seriously?”
I was wrong.
Hickman knows the rules of storytelling and he knows when to break them. He knows that if the reader is willing to follow a great story, you can take a few unexpected turns.
Actually, that’s what makes it even more fun.
If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you’ve never read X of Swords.
Good.
Now’s your chance.
It’s not the story you expect. It’s the one you need.
DC Finest: Superman - The Man of Steel TP
I’ll never get tired of John Byrne.
I love the way he writes characters. I love the way he tells stories. Reading his works you know that you are facing a true comic lover.
Need a fresh start?
Want to experience Superman’s first steps as if you were meeting him for the first time?
This is THE first time.
Byrne redefines Superman in a way creators still can’t ignore today if they are writing an origin story.
Sooner or later you have to look at The Man of Steel. It’s essential.
Honestly? It’s practically the Bible of superhero comics.
Howard Chaykin’s American Flagg! Omnibus HC
Before independent comics became a movement, there was American Flagg! It wasn’t just ahead of its time because it was creator-owned, it was ahead of its time because of its ideas.
Set in 2031, its future doesn’t feel so far away anymore. That makes its political parallels, and its differences, even more fascinating.
It asks uncomfortable questions and it does not apologize for them.
It’s more fearless than The Boys, and it isn’t afraid to go too far.
This is one of those books I wish I had read when it first came out.
I’m not missing my chance this time.
COMING SOON
Howard Chaykins American Flagg Omnibus HC Direct Market Exclusive *PRE-ORDER*
Shop nowWonder Woman by Brian Azzarello & Cliff Chiang Compendium TP
Not long ago, I caught myself wondering if comics still had anything new to tell me. We all have those days, right?
Then I picked up Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang’s Wonder Woman and I felt that spark again. This is one of the three truly essential Wonder Woman stories.
Epic. Iconic artwork. A pace that feels halfway between an action blockbuster and a Greek tragedy. It’s everything I want from comics. So here’s my advice: Buy it.
Then, the next time you wonder if there’s still a comic out there waiting for you... Open this one. Let it sweep you away.
All books on FOC today
...can be found here. We try to keep the pricing until at least Friday (though I encourage you not to wait, with how the previous weeks disappeared fast!)
Until September,
It’s Morphin’ Time.
