(Photo by Diana Lustig)I’ve always enjoyed the idea of illustrations and written narrative working together to tell stories that broach some of the most challenging aspects of humanity. For a time, however, I was hard-pressed to find this type of cultural marriage.
Comic books are no new thing — the current notion of comics originated in the '50s — however, it could be argued that the idea of comics go back to cave paintings. They have gone through various transformations in order to end up where they are today: a widely growing medium that offers extraordinary storytelling with artwork that reflects a wide range of tones.
For a long time, this sense of breadth felt lacking. As someone who was never very much interested in the activities of superheroes, I always felt that comics lent themselves to shallow, fantasy-fulfillment, idealized forms of storytelling. At this point in my exploration into comics, I am certain of how erroneous this notion is, but nonetheless this outside observation kept me away for quite a long time.
The reality is that during this lifetime the whole comic book industry is experiencing something incredible: mass acceptance. Superhero movies are no stranger to us, and the comic industry itself is receiving far more exposure than previously. With this explosion in commercial success, the ability of more independent, alternative publishers to expand their audience and have the flexibility to make more ambitious works with new universes is something to be celebrated.
With this in mind, below are some works that I think truly get at the core of where comics are going with stories that are political, dark and filled with exploratory and expansive artwork that satisfies casual and hardcore fans alike. If you have so far been uninterested in the brand-name Marvel and DC comics, but are thirsting for a more alternative approach, then I think this list will help. However, it should be noted that the industry is brimming with a wide spectrum of characters and plots that are likely to please just about anyone.
So, let’s get started.
(Photo Courtesy of Oni Press)"Scott Pilgrim vs. The World"
With the first issue coming out in 2004 and the last in 2010, this story of a 23-year-old, disheveled bassist should be considered the game-changer for our generation. At times, the comic, or graphic novel, is silly and readily incorporates video game and anime concepts into its work, but its unflinching examination of modern love and the insecurities that follow it make "Scott Pilgrim" a graphic treasure.
What really works for this comic is that it has all the personality — the wackiness, sincerity, honesty and everything in between — and, at first glance, the simple artwork to compliment its story.
Further, as a wandering 23-year-old, the protagonist, Scott Pilgrim, is the mascot of the 21st century millennial — we all just want garlic bread.
(Photo Courtesy of Image Comics)Image Comics
In this massive expansion of the industry, I can’t think of any press that is doing more for innovation and progress than Image Comics. First becoming famous off titles like "Spawn," Image effectively branded themselves as the counter to Marvel — and not necessarily in a combative way, but in one of cohabitation. Laying claim to titles like "Saga," "Deadly Class," "Black Science" and "Manhattan Projects," Image is responsible for fascinating universes that operate with many of the social conventions of our own, but with flairs of originality that engage the fantasy-hungry tendencies in all of us.
The Image catalog is expansive, but you can narrow it down fairly easily.
Are you into punk music? Check out Rick Remender’s Image titles “Deadly Class” and “Black Science.” Both are chock-full of anarchist discourse, punk ethos and both grapple with broad social constructions that make this world a more… challenging place.
And what about sci-fi? The aforementioned “Black Science” would work here as well, but it’s also a good bet to check out “East of West” — a wild western, post-apocalyptic story full of shootouts, politics, and demons — and “Saga,” a comic that explores love, family, and duty.
I could go on and on, but you can check out their catalog at their website.
(Photo Courtesy of Image Comics)Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky
This dynamic duo are responsible for “Sex Criminals” — an off-the-wall comic where its protagonists can stop time through orgasms. Yeah, it’s bizarre. While I like the comic, the culture behind these two creators is what really ended up bringing me into the community.
Famous for his relationship with the corporate, casual dining chain Applebee's, Zdarsky’s Twitter page and community involvement with various pop-up conventions is endearing and offers a sense of inclusion to his reader base. This is only magnified when joined by Fraction.
The comic community is huge and only growing from here. Get on board! What I’ve listed is only a microcosm of what is out there — and each day that number grows exponentially.
Reach the reporter at zjenning@asu.edu or follow @humanzane on Twitter.
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