Dear Readers,
As a kid, I loved reading Asterix comics, yet for many years I did not return to comics seriously other than the occasional Marvel hero first appearance comic. This year, ready to try something new, I jumped at the comics recommendations from my favorite podcast Binge Mode, and now I admit I am happily hooked. Here two new favorite comics and the original comic in my life.
Comics
Saga by Brian K. Vaughn (writer) and Fiona Staples (artist) (2012-ongoing)
Description: This is a story about family, love, and war set in a fictional universe. It all starts with the love between Alana and Marco, who come from opposing sides of the ongoing war, and the birth of their daughter Hazel. They travel through this fictive universe trying to protect Hazel, encountering friends and foes and many memorable characters. Described as an epic space opera, 54 issues are currently published with a total of 108 planned.
My Take: Vaughn’s story is heavily influenced by Star Wars, though the end of issue cliffhangers reminded me most of the endings of Harry Potter’s chapters. I read all of the issues over the course of a weekend and while the plot is irresistible, the commentary on war, ethnicity, sexuality, gender social roles, and parenthood and all the laugh-out-loud jokes are what truly kept me coming back.
Bonus tip: Visit Image Comics to read the first issue. I also highly recommend the fan mail submissions at the end of each issue.
Y: The Last Man by Brian K Vaughn and Pia Guerra (2002-2008)
Description: This 60-issue story follows Yorick Brown and his therapy monkey Ampersand, who are the last two surviving males after an unknown apocalyptic event wiped out all the other men on Earth. He is quickly pursued by those who want to clone, capture, or kill him. Meanwhile, he is mostly concerned with being reunited with his fiancée.
My Take: The premise creates an immensely fun backdrop and feminist perspective on the world. At the same time you cannot put this down as plot twists and questions about the mysterious event that killed all males keeps you reading to find out more.
Bonus Fact: If you still don’t have enough of Brian K. Vaughn, check out Paper Girls, though be warned it involves time travel.
Asterix created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo (1959-today)
My Description: This bande dessinée is part of European pop culture. Asterix and Obelix, two fearless Gaulish warriors during the time of the Roman Empire, their dog Idéfix (or Dogmatix depending your language of choice), and their friends venture all over France and Europe and get into all kinds of adventures and tight spots. They hunt wild boar and fight Roman legions with the help of their Druid’s magic potion, as they resist Roman occupation, returning home victorious again and again.
My Take: These are perfect if you like a good pun, amusing recurring character flaws, and punches and punchlines. The 38 volumes don’t need to be read in order or all at once, making them the perfect escape for a gray afternoon on the couch.
Bonus Fact: Apparently the books have been translated into 111 languages and dialects.
Currently reading: Der Nasse Fisch von Volker Kutscher, the book that the series Babylon Berlin is based on.
Are you into comics? What are your favorites? And what new genres did you try this year? Please share your tips and recommendations with me at ursinab@gmail.com. Wishing you all a lovely holiday time.