Can you believe it? There are even more brilliant pop gift ideas out there to help you with your shopping!
The Savage Sword of Conan (Volume 1)
by Arcudi, Fafner, Zircher, Zub, Pace, Tieri, Nord, and Quah
I’ve been enjoying Titan’s new Conan comics more than I ever expected to. For me, it all started with speaking to Jim Zub at the SDCC a couple of years ago. His enthusiasm for the project was palpable. The monthly series is brilliant. It has just enough nostalgia to reel readers in, and then blows your mind with stories exploring topics like “Does Conan believe in God?”
The Savage Sword of Conan companion magazine series is a lot of fun too. It too honors the long legacy before it – especially whenever they run a gorgeous Joe Jusko cover. And this particular volume includes the stories from the first three issues.
There’s a few hidden gems in here including :
• A Dave Dorman cover from issue #2. The B&W format doesn’t do it justice, but it IS on the back cover.
• A Roy Thomas forward.
• A very clever Cory Nord werewolf story.
By Crom, is it any wonder this series was nominated for Best Anthology in 2025’s Ringo Awards?
The Savage Sword of Conan (volume 1)
by Arcudi, Fafner, Zircher, Zub, Pace, Tieri, Nord, and Quah
Publisher: Titan Books
Softcover/TPB: 208 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1787744318
The Atlas Comics Library No. 6: Shiver As You Read!
The Fantagraphics Atlas Comics Library Hardcover
Edited by Dr. Michael J. Vassallo
EC gets all the credit and all the love. All those creepy titles, spectacular artists and reprint upon reprint. I know, I get it. I love ‘em all and have read so many of my favorite stories in so many formats over the years. Earlier this year, I snagged a copy of The Spawn of Venus, another wonderful hardcover (also published by Fantagraphics) that reprints more Wally Wood EC work.
But this new volume in the Atlas series is a little different. This volume reprints sizeable collections of 1950s stories from Amazing Detective Cases and Men’s Adventures. These are a little grittier than the EC stories—bit rougher around the edges—but in a good way. And with a stellar line up of talent, everyone from Russ Heath and Bill Everett to Gene Colan and Stan Lee.
As usual, Dr. Vassallo’s introduction is the hidden gem. Like a college student who gets cocky during a lecture, I always worry that I will be tested on this information at some point down the line. Should I be taking notes? Who knows? Either way – it’s incredibly well researched and certainly a lot of fun!
The Atlas Comics Library No. 6: Shiver As You Read!
The Fantagraphics Atlas Comics Library Hardcover
Publisher: Fantagraphics
Edited by Dr. Michael J. Vassallo
Hardcover: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 979-8875000577
Lightning Round
And as we are running out of shopping days – time is of the essence. Howabout a few quick reccos?
Want to get the gears rolling with younger readers? Girl Rebels is an inspirational collection of five short comic stories about amazing young women. You might know Greta Thunberg, the young environmental activist. This book includes four more courageous stories in a similar vein.
Girl Rebels
by Vittoria Macioci, Fabien Morin, Laurent Hopman Gije, Brett Parson, Jocelyn Joret, Rebecca Traunig, Julien Derain
Publisher: Titan Comics
ISBN-13: 978-1787743311
Word Balloon Podcast is the long-running comics conversation show. John Siuntres books the most interesting pop culture professionals and engages them in meaty conversations. This one is the unofficial podcast of my commute. Look for Word Balloon Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
Word Balloon Podcast
Hosted by John Siuntres
Via Applepodcasts, Spreaker and more
It’s hard to buy manga for manga lovers. What do they already have? What have they read already? Welcome to Ghost Mansion just started. I’m not an expert in this genre, but the first two volumes look pretty cool.
Welcome to Ghost Mansion Volumes 1 and 2
by Nebukuro
Publisher: Titan Manga
ISBN-13: 978-1787743700
ISBN-13: 978-1787743717
Goblin Den is a ribald (as we used to say) adventure from a Brazilian erotic creator called Sabu. I really like his loose, cartoony style. A fun gift for an adult fantasy reader (18+). And I find that every book from this publisher, Korero, is impressive. Goblin Den is billed as a limited edition portfolio.
Goblin Den
by Sabu
Publisher : Korero Press
ISBN-13: 978-1912740376
Christmas in the Batcave is a delightful children’s (all ages?) book with the extended Bat-Family (including Batgirl, Damian, Red Hood, Dick – the whole gang in current comics continuity) that’s an awful lot of fun. I can’t wait to read to a granddaughter or two.
Christmas in the Batcave: A Brave, Bold, and Utterly Exhausting Adventure
By Doogie Horner & Christian Cornia
Publisher: Running Press Adult
ISBN-13: 978-0762487035
Wishing the very best to you and yours this Yuletide Season. And go easy on the Yule this year, OK?
Next week : New Adventure!
