Independent comics are truly a wonderful ride. There are so many interesting characters, villains, places, and stories. At some point, the hunt starts to become less about what's "good" and more about what is "priority." Because at the end of the day, it's about collecting what you like.
While the titles I mention here are already in motion, there is still plenty of room to get in on them. These issues are hot because of the various amazing qualities about them instead of them having links to news or media attention. So, enough monologuing. Here they are.
The Scumbag #1 (2020)
Here is Image's newest character, Ernie Ray Clementine. A profane, drug-addled biker and he is our one chance at surviving Armageddon. Yes, Image is putting a super serum into the hands of the one person you'd never give it to. The Scumbag is already interesting and comical enough that I'm on board, just from the preview writing.
While the story sounds like a solid piece of comedy, the art is the real star of the show. This is an artist showcase comic, meaning each issue will feature a different artist on the panels. The choice to do this is bold and could prove to be a huge boon to the title. If it's done right and accepted well.
That specific tidbit has me a bit torn. While I like the idea, I feel like I'm going to really bond with artist A or B, and then the rest will kind of be a blur while I'm engrossed in the story. But who knows, maybe this will give some artists' profiles a big boost, which is always great for the industry. Set to release on 10/21/20, this first issue is certainly on my "to read" list.
We Live #1 (2020)
Aftershock Comics has now become Aftershock Media. A merger with an IP distributor, Aftershock Media is now looking to start their own media corp. We Live was a part of a long list of comics that Aftershock is wanting to start work on. Whether this means it will be a movie, tv-show, or even a game is unknown at this point. But that's not why you should pick this title up.
The world of We Live is a dangerous one. Suffocated by monsters, the last remaining humans are sent a message from the stars. The message contains a mysterious warning of the destruction of all humanity, save for the 5000 children these messengers are willing to spare. But only if they arrive at one of the pre-positioned beacons on Earth. Now Tala must get her little brother to the beacon before time runs out. But the clock isn't the only danger they face.
We Live #1 is definitely different, and I think a must-have for fans of this genre or indie comics in general. The first issue also has a slew of variants, including one by Jorge Corona. The Jorge variant has a trade, a virgin, and a METAL variant offered. The last of which, according to CoverAlpha Comics, is limited to just 10 copies. If that is just a bit out of range for you though, the virgin variant looks amazing as well and is only $30 at the moment.
Wynd #1 (2020)
Taking a walk to the more mystical side of things, we have Wynd from Boom! Studios. Wynd is a fantastic tale about growing up and finding your place in the world. And while it may seem light-hearted and colorful, there are some dark themes and portions that leave you speechless.
Without giving too much away, this is also the first appearance of The Bandaged Man. A very prolific hunter who is just the sort of villain you want to love but continues to do things that make you hate him. And the supporting cast of characters are all really great as well. This is a series that I quickly got hooked on and have loved every subsequent issue I've read.
Wynd #1 is still sitting around its original cover price. There are even bundles with the second cover for around $10. The Momoko Trade Dress Variant can be found for the same amount, while the Virgin Variant counterpart is only at $75 for a 9.8 slab. This is still very affordable for such an awesome book. One that I expect to grow once it gets a couple more issues under its belt.
We Only Find Them When They're Dead #1 (2020)
Another fantastic title from Boom! Studios. We Only Find Them When They're Dead has been a very weird journey thus far. With only two issues out at the moment, this is already a series that is capturing the attention of many. That isn't really a surprise, as in the first couple of pages we get to see the focal point of the entire book: a dead god.
I think the biggest hook for this story is the fact that they force you to ask more questions than they answer in each issue, compelling you to read more and find out the why behind it all. When done well, that is a fantastic way to entice readers.
Still, at retail price, the original cover can be found pretty much anywhere. The myriad of variants, however, are a different story. Ranging anywhere from $15 - $80, there is sure to be something for everyone. Personally, I think the 1:25 Wraparound Cover matches the story perfectly and can be found for around $20.
Final Remarks:
It's always a challenge to try and keep up with all the great titles coming out constantly. Even more so with indie comics. With low print counts, lots of variants, and mostly cheap to find right now, there really isn't a better time to get in on some of these indie comics. So, make sure to find a cover you like and grab it because these titles could start to move at any second.
