Disclaimer: I didn’t come up with that underhanded yet super clever title. I heard Stray Dogs writer Tony Fleecs say it on a podcast, but it’s true! Indie publisher Aftershock has been putting out some unique titles the past year or so that deserve recognition, especially if you’re feeling a little burnt out on The Big 2 and want something different. Aftershock gives lesser-known creators a chance to get their own stories into shops and on the shelves, as well as giving established creators an opportunity to do something that might not appeal to the widest audience. Aftershock will probably never take the 3rd place spot from Image as far as sales are concerned and who knows if any TV/film adaptations of these books will ever see the light of day, but you don’t care about that stuff! You don’t buy books just hoping Netflix picks them up, how ridiculous would that be?! Comics are cooler than TV!
Now, I already know what you’re thinking, “Anthony, WHEN exactly do you expect me to find time to read MORE comics? Have you SEEN this Avengers/X-Men/Eternals tie-in checklist?? The towering stack of books on my Still Haven’t Gotten Around To Yet pile is the Darkest Crisis of them all!! I ALSO HAVE TO LIVE MY LIFE WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME”. Fear not, sweet reader. All these books are in trade paperback format, available for you right now to purchase at your nearest Graham Crackers location and ready for your love and attention whenever you have time to give it.
1. Chicken Devil
When I first came across the solicitation for Chicken Devil and saw this cover art for issue one I thought to myself, “hmm this could be funny or at least mildly amusing or…y’know…completely horrible”. Its synopsis described a story about a man who runs a Memphis Hot Chicken restaurant that gets tied up with drug-peddling mobsters. While it still does have elements of dark humor, I was very caught off guard to read what was more akin to a Breaking Bad-style of drama about a man with absolutely nothing left to lose. The artwork by Hayden Sherman is worth the price of admission alone. There is only one volume containing the first four issues at the moment, but Aftershock has announced the series will be continuing this fall.
2. Almost American
I’m a sucker for an international espionage book, even more so when it’s based off a true story. Almost American tells the story of Janosh and Victorya Neumann, two real-life defected Russian intelligence operatives trying to outrun their past and start a new life in the good ol’ U.S. of A. The artwork of up-and-comer Marco Castiello brings the unending tension within each issue to life and Ron Marz’s smart, efficient dialogue will remind you what drew you to his work all those years ago, especially when Silver Surfer shows up in issue three (just kidding). The 4-issue series is collected in its entirety now!
3. Bunny Mask
Bunny Mask is a weird, narratively obtuse horror book that I found fascinating since it’s beginning last year. At times it feels like a nightmare within a nightmare and the reader is left constantly wondering what’s “real” and what isn’t. It ties a supernatural element to reality-based trauma in a way that is nothing if not unique. There are so many great horror comics coming out right now and while Bunny Mask isn’t Something Is Killing The Children, it deserves to be in the conversation for anyone who is a fan of the genre. The sequel series Bunny Mask: Hollow Inside is on new release shelves now in single issues, but the original four issues are collected as a trade paperback. Both writer Paul Tobin and artist Andrea Mutti have other works released through Aftershock as well.
There ya go, only THREE recommendations. Nothing overwhelming about that. Also, that’s just ONE publisher! The world is full of awesome indie comics!
Plus, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but the Justice League are dead and they are never ever coming back.
Same with Doctor Strange*…Dead as disco, forever.
This is your life now.
All hail the Chicken Devil.
*Editors Note: Anthony owns a copy of STRANGE #5 from two weeks ago but refuses to read it or acknowledge it’s existence until he’s raised enough money to get his deeply regrettable “R.I.P. DOCTOR STRANGE” tattoo lasered off. Thank you for understanding.
