I’ve long maintained that comics are the greatest Christmas present since there is a comic for everyone you know, even if they don’t know it yet. So, take a look at the list of titles below and see if there’s something out there for someone you know. Or maybe just pick up something for yourself, because there’s nothing wrong with that. We’ve assembled for you a list of some of the best comics collections that have been released this year, so let’s all find something to curl up with beside a nice fire.

See here below for our Holiday Geek Gift Guide 2018 for Comic Books and Graphic Novels.

Recommendations by Henchman 21.

Fantastic Four: Behold”¦Galactus (Marvel Comics)

This is just a new edition of Fantastic Four #48-50, 74-77, 120-123, and 242-242, which no big deal just some of the greatest comic books ever created with art by Jack Kirby, John Buscema, and John Byrne. Oh yeah, the dimensions on this thing are 13 41/64″ x 21 1/4″. I’ll give you a second while you get out the measuring tape to get an idea of how big that is. It’s not quite as big as Galactus’ head, but it’s close. So, even if you’ve read all these stories before, you’ve never read them like this. Just imagine the look on someone’s face when they open up this beast of a gift.

Silver Surfer by Slott and Allred Omnibus (Marvel Comics)

Sticking with the Fantastic Four, we have a collection of some of the best comics of the last few years. Dan Slott, Mike Allred, and Laura Allred have teamed up to tell a story of Galactus’s favorite herald as he travels the universe with paramour Dawn Greenwood, discovering new worlds and a bunch of crazy aliens and all powerful gods. Beautiful, heart-breaking, and life affirming, the 30 issues collected here tell one whole story featuring the amazing artwork of Mike and Laura Allred. These are comics that capture the spirit of the original Silver Surfer stories, but with a modern sensibility and if you missed them, read them now.

Deadly Class Deluxe Edition, Volume 2: The Funeral Party (Image Comics)

Now this is quite a bit different from the first two books, but there’s a Deadly Class TV show coming in January on SyFy from the guys that directed The Avengers: Infinity War, and also Deadly Class is a fantastic comic, even if it is a bit on the dark side. This volume collects issues 17-31 of the series, so you’ll probably also want to get the first volume if you’ve never read the series before, but I don’t feel bad about convincing you to buy that too.

My Heroes Have Always Been Junkies (Image Comics)

At this point, anything with the names Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips, and Elizabeth Breitweiser on it is a must buy, and their new graphic novel falls into that category. At 72 pages, this is a bit shorter than usual for them, but it’s a pleasant change of pace between their major works. The story here is about a young woman who ends up in rehab, but ends up involved in muuuuuuuuuuuder. It’s got a lot of elements that people have come to love from this creative team, and there’s a reason why everything they do is worth reading.

Frankenstein Alive Alive: The Complete Collection (IDW Publishing)

For that friend of yours who’s already planning for next Halloween, or just for someone who wants to see some great comic book art, get them this collection by Steve Niles and Bernie Wrightson. Marvel at the hyper-detailed art of Wrightson as he and Niles tell the unauthorized sequel to Mary Shelley’s classic novel. This is sadly the final work by the legendary artist who passed before completing the story (the last bit of art is by another fantastic horror artist, Kelley Jones), but it was clear from this that Wrightson had not lost a step.

The Vision Deluxe Hardcover

Put simply, one of the best comics books of the last five years or so. Rising star writer Tom King brings his unique take to the Synthezoid Avenger known as the Vision as he tries to establish a family to varying degrees of success. What King creates is an interesting look at what it means to be a family, viewed through the lens of one of Marvel comics most convoluted family trees. It helps to have a bit of familiarity with The Vision’s comic history, but it’s not required to read what is a smart and fascinating story.

Batman: White Knight (DC Comics)

Batman: White Knight is one of the weirder comics to come out this year. The premise revolves around an alternate world where The Joker turns into Batman and proceeds to carry out the dark knight’s war on crime, that is until his past catches up to him. DC used to call these types of stories Elseworlds and White Knight lives in the proud tradition of stories like Superman: Red Son. Writer/Artist Sean Murphy is one of my favorite creators working today. He has a totally unique art style and he’s not afraid to tell a story that’s not what you’d expect. You’ll never have read a Batman story like this one before.

Go Team Venture!: The Art and making of The Venture Brothers (Dark Horse Books)

Okay, technically not a comic book, but it’s comic book adjacent and it’s my list. When you make your own list, you can decide what is and isn’t a comic book. Anyway, for fans of The Venture Brothers, this is a must-have book full of behind the scenes information, sketches, and stories from the creators behind the show. You’ll find out things you never knew about the television series and probably want to go back and watch the series all over again.

Quick Picks

Let’s knock out a quick list of books that any comic fan would be happy to find under the tree.

The Man of Steel (DC Comics – $24.99)

The Mighty Thor, Volume 5 (Marvel Comics – $34.99)

Birthright, Volume 1: Homecoming (Image Comics – $14.99)

Black Hammer Library Edition, Volume 1 (Dark Horse Comics – $49.99)

Shipwreck (Aftershock Comics – $17.99)

Ice Cream Man, Volume 1: Rainbow Sprinkles (Image Comics – $16.99)

Recommendations by Empress Eve.

Planet Of The Apes: Visionaries (BOOM! Studios)

In this 112-page full-color hardcover graphic novel, Simpsons television series writer Dana Gould adapted the original Planet Of The Apes screenplay, commissioned by 20th Century Fox to The Twilight Zone creator Rod Serling. While Serling’s vision of an ape metropolis with simian inhabitants much more technologically advanced never made it to the big screen, BOOM! Studios has now brought it to the page. The creative team on this one used the original 1966 makeup test and concept art as inspiration and had access to several drafts of Serling’s script in order to craft this reimagining that has a story similar to the film, but differs drastically in tone and setting.

Neil Gaiman’s A Study in Emerald (Dark Horse Comics)

The logical world of Sherlock Holmes is mixed with Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos in this graphic novel based on the award-winning short story by Neil Gaiman, itself a take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous “A Study In Scarlet” Sherlock Holmes mystery. In this version, from writers Neil Gaiman, Rafael Albuquerque, and Rafael Scavone, with artwork by Albuquerque and Dave Stewart, Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson are tasked with solving a supernatural murder mystery. A nice graphic novel for anyone who likes Sherlock Holmes, Lovecraft, and/or Neil Gaiman.

Quick Picks

Battlestar Galactica vs Battlestar Galactica (Dynamite Entertainment)

The crew of the original Battlestar Galactica series meets the new BSG team in this story written by Peter David.

The Librarians Vol. 1: In Search Of”¦ (Dynamite Entertainment)

Recommendations by Stoogeypedia.

The Beatles Yellow Submarine (Titan Comics)

Written and illustrated by Bill Morrison, founder of Bongo Comics, well known for its Simpsons adaptations, The Beatles Yellow Submarine graphic novel takes the best elements of the original 1968 cinematic release and adds a vibrancy and clearly long-rooted passion for the intrinsic subject matter.

Recommendations by Dr. Zaius.

A Million Ways to Die Hard (Insight Editions)

Fror the Die Hard fan, a great gift idea is the graphic novel, A Million Ways to Die Hard by Frank Tieri and illustrated by Mark Texeira and Adrian Crossa. This nail biter puts McClane up against a psycho killer who loves reenacting Hollywood’s greatest and deadliest films. All you need to know about this, is McClane stares down a shark in a JAWS-esque scene.

Recommendations by Waerloga69.

Petals (KaBOOM!)

Written and illustrated by Gustavo Borges with colors by Cris Peter, Petals is a heart wrenching story of how the sacrifices of the few can aid the many. This story truly embodies the spirit of giving. You will be both happy and sad as you make your way through this amazing graphic novel.

Kingdom of the Dwarfs (IDW Publishing)

This book is a true testament to the fantasy fan. Whether you are a role playing fan or a book nerd, this tome is jam packed with stories and information for everyone!

Judas (BOOM! Studios)

What if everything you ever read was wrong? What happens when you have no free will and you are damned, literally if you do or do not. Perhaps this version of a biblical character will give you insight or pique your curiosity. Created and written by Jeff Loveness with art by Jakub Rebelk, Judas is one of my favorites of the year, this is food for thought right here.

Illegal (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky)

Millions of people strive for a better life and never find it. This story, by authors Eoin Colfer, of Artemis Fowl fame, and Andrew Donkin, tells of a family and the trials they must endure as they face adversity at every turn. This is a story of success that is heavily tempered by grief and despair. It is hard to be happy when you suffer endlessly and needlessly. This journey is one of sorrow, pain, and occasional happiness, and is certainly eye-opening.

The Michael Moorcock Library: Erekose – The Swords Of Heaven, The Flowers Of Hell (Titan Comics)

The Eternal Champion takes many forms and faces as they wind their way through time and the cosmos. This is but one visage in a seemingly endless array of warriors who fight to keep the balance in our universe. Once you start with one, you will find yourself wanting to read them all!

Charles M. Schulz’ Charlie Brown (Peanuts) (KaBOOM!)

Good Grief! This compilation is a blending of old and new, engaging readers of all ages. Possibly my favorite comic character of my childhood, Charlie Brown is every man. He just wants to be happy. That and finally tell the little red headed girl how he feels. We have all been there, right?

Time & Vine (IDW Publishing)

Essentially the perfect time travel comic. With a unique bouquet of sights and sounds, this tale from Thomas F. Zahler is about loss, redemption, and growth. I certainly hope to see more from this series. It would also be a spectacular television series, hint hint.

Jane (Archaia)

A modern retelling of the classic story Jane Eyre, the art and dialogue draw the reader in and allow time to slip away. Seriously, I finished this without even realizing I had sat down that long. Yes, it is that good! Chock full of love and deception, this is a surefire hit for many readers.

Kiss/Army Of Darkness (Dynamite Entertainment)

You just cannot go wrong with a story about KISS, you know? But like peanut butter and chocolate, some things are even better with a pairing. This holds especially true in KISS/Army of Darkness, where the famous rock stars/protectors go missing, which then changes the destiny of a young Ash Williams.

Remember, if all else fails, there’s also the Amazon.com Gift Card, you can have emailed to the recipient (arrives immediately) or you can print out the gift card at home and give it to the intended that way. If you order in enough time, you can get the physical gift card sent directly to you or to the gift recipient.