For years, Image Comics dominated the Indy market. So much so that it was almost a big three between Marvel, DC, and Image Comics. They have always been a big deal, from the first day Spawn came out, through big deal, world changing books like Saga and Walking Dead hitting the scene. Image has always been top dog of the Indy world. But the last couple years has seen a little bit of trouble. Many of their long running, biggest hit comics have either ended (Wicked & Divine, Walking Dead, Invincible, Sex Criminals is just about to end) or are missing in action (looking at you Saga!). And now, there’s a new kid in town, and just about everything they put out is a hit or worthy of being a hit. I’m talking about Boom Studios. They’ve been making a name for themselves over the last several years, and are finally seemingly on the cusp of overtaking Image for most talked about Indy publisher. Here are five of their biggest releases from within the last year that demand to be checked out.
- Something is Killing the Children (W) James Tynion IV (A) Werther Dell’Edera
Without a doubt their biggest hit of the current run, almost every issue of this series that is up to #10 is impossible to find, with every new issue quickly selling out. The children of Archer’s Peak have been going missing, and the first children to return speak of terrifying creatures that live in the shadows. Their only hope lies in a mysterious stranger who says she can see what the children sees, and she is here to kill the monsters. The first trade paperback collecting the first 5 issues is out now, and quickly joined our stores top 50 list of best selling graphic novels. An absolute must read!
- Once & Future (W) Kieron Gillen (A) Dan Mora
Superstar writier Kieron Gillen brought his talents to Boom for this tale of Arthurian legend. A nefarious group hopes to use an ancient artifact to bring back a villain from Arthurian myth, and only ex monster hunter Bridgette McGuire and her grandson can stop them! Another hit from Boom right off the bat, the first trade paperback collecting issues 1-6 is also already on the Graham Crackers Comics Top 50 best selling graphic novels. Get caught up today!
- Folklords (W) Matt Kindt (A) Matt Smith
Award winning writer Matt Kindt added his name to the Boom roster with this fantasy tale. Ansel lives in a world of magic and monsters, but is haunted by visions of a more normal life of suits and technology. So he sets out on a quest to seek out the Folklords, despite it being forbidden. Ansel will risk it all to figure out the mystery of his dreams. The vol 1 of this series is also out, collecting the first five issues. It is not yet on our top 50 list….yet.
- We Only Find Them When They’re Dead (W) Al Ewing (A) Simone Di Meo
Here is a title you can pick up right now, as only the first two issues have been released. But already it is a title high in the running for biggest and best book at Boom. Captain Malik and his space crew harvest resources from the giant corpses of floating alien gods! But Malik wants to find something no one else ever has… a living god!! I don’t think I need to say much more to get you to pick this book up, other than that Al Ewing is firing on all cylinders right now, as evidence by his Immortal Hulk run. I particularly like him doing sci-fi stuff, and this book does not disappoint.
- Unkindness of Ravens #1 (W) Dan Panosian (A) Marianna Ignazzi
The most recent release of all these Boom books, having only come out about 2 weeks ago, you can get a jump on the hype train and get this brand new #1 right now! Not all the witches involved in the Salem Witch Trials were burned, and those that survived did so by sticking together. Generations later, their descendants protect their coven and the secrets entrusted to them. I really enjoyed the first issue quite a bit, and can’t wait to see what the rest of the series has in store for us.
Boom has shown themselves to be at the forefront of creativity and seem to have a great handle of marketing and supporting their bevy of creators, and if this past year is evidence of anything it is that the sky is the limit for Boom Publishing!
