Tito’s Picks Of Indie Comics That Should Be On Your Radar
by Tito W. James
With all the buzz surrounding Marvel’s Ultimate Universe and anticipation of the DC Absolute Universe, it’s never been a better time to be a new comic reader. Because of all this excitement, I wanted to put a spotlight on some creator-owned titles that I think may appeal to new readers. Without further ado, here are several indie comics that should be on your radar.
Precious Metal
Precious Metal is the highly anticipated prequel to Little Bird, set in a world of genetic experimentation and religious zealotry. Writer Darcy Van Poelgeest and artist Ian Bertram return to their surreal sci-fi world with style. While Precious Metal can be read as a stand-alone story, I feel readers will get a greater appreciation for the comic by reading Little Bird. Precious Metal is a bio-punk neo-noir that pushes the sci-fi genre to new heights.
Ain’t No Grave
The creative team behind Middlewest, Scottie Young and Jorge Corona, reunite to bring us Ain’t No Grave. The story is a Guillermo Del Toro inspired fantasy-western exploring the five stages of grief. Just like Young and Corona’s previous work, we’re treated to a saga that’s both deeply personal and imaginatively transportive.
The Moon Is Following Us
Superstar artists Daniel Warren Johnson and Riley Rossmo have teamed up to create The Moon is Following Us. The story is about two parents who must rescue their daughter from a virtual world created by her own dreams. Like a mash-up between Jim Henson’s Labyrinth and Inception, The Moon is Following Us has the makings of an indie comics epic.
Ultramega
Ultramega by James Harren and Dave Stewart is a twisted and inventive take on the super sentai vs kaiju genre. The jaw-dropping art is matched by an unpredictable plot with plenty of twists and turns. However, Ultramega isn’t merely a superficially shocking series. There’s genuine pathos for the characters both human and monster. If you’re sick of vanilla superhero stories, Ultramega is sure to blow you away.
Sons of El Topo: Omnibus
Sons of El Topo is a graphic novel omnibus that acts as a sequel to Alejandro Jodorowsky’s acid western cult film, El Topo. Written by Jodorowsky and illustrated by José Ladrönn, the comic picks up with the merciless gunslinger El Topo after he’s abandoned his pursuit of ultimate gun mastery. Instead, he searches for enlightenment in the unlikeliest of places and is forever transformed into a holy vessel imbued with the power to perform miracles and cheat death. The complete Sons of El Topo is one of the greatest stories Jodorowsky’s ever done and is required reading for fans of avant-garde art and underground cinema.
