Every holiday season, “He’s a mean one, Mr.” Henchman21 and “Cindy Lou” MK2Fac3 give a lot of comics. Seriously, you guys, a lot of comics. Maybe too many comics? I mean, it is possible.. theoretically. Naturally, they look forward to some gifts more than others. I mean, who doesn’t? So, let’s take a look into the depths of their Santa bags, grab some comics, and they’ll let YOU know what the top books to buy for this holiday season. Hardcovers and trades, they’re all here.

What’s this? What’s this!? Hunter’s writing again. What’s this? He’s writing in a pair. What’s this, I can’t believe my eyes, I must be dreaming, wake up, Hench, this isn’t fair! What’s this!? What’s this? What’s this? There’s something very wrong. What’s this? There are people singing songs. What’s this? The streets are lined with little creatures laughing. Everybody seems so happy, have I possibly gone daffy? What is this? The GoD List. Holiday Edition.

Each and every week “Pugs Not Hugs” MK2Fac3 and “The Nachos!” Henchman21 read a lot of comics. Seriously you guys, a lot of comics. Maybe too many comics. I mean, it is possible”¦ theoretically. They look forward to some more than others, I mean, who doesn’t? So, let’s take a look into the depths of their pull lists, grab some comics, and we’ll let YOU know what the top books to look forward to are for the week of June 27, 2012. Single issues and trades, they’re all here.

“Some days, you just can’t get rid of a bomb.” Truer words were never spoken. It’s these words that summarize what was so great about Batman (1966). A higher level of social commentary was beautifully woven alongside a campy nature that is enjoyable on both a childlike mentality, while also appealing to the ironic appreciation of many adults. Yes, enjoying the ’60s Batman was hipster before hipster was a thing. But not only was this movie, and show, enjoyable, these worlds also perfectly embody the message that was in every episode. This quote, specifically, shows that no matter what you do, sometimes things are completely out of your control. Yes, despite what your parents and teachers told you as a child, everything is not possible. For example, it’s impossible for me to make any sense in the opening paragraphs of The GoD List, a weekly feature about new comic books, not the brilliant wonders of Batman (1966). Perhaps some day, but not this day. Take that, relevancy.

Creator owned books are probably the greatest thing about the comics industry for a variety of reasons. As a punk rock, do-it-yourself kind of guy, I love the lack of corporate involvement in creator owned comics. You see, when you read a book from Marvel or DC Comics, you’re reading a book that has editorial mandates and corporate interest from Disney and Warner Bros., respectively. To emphasize what that means, it restricts creator input in a series that you’re putting your hard-earned money towards. You’re not just reading a comic from Grant Morrison and Chris Burnham, you’re reading a comic by those two, Jim Lee, Dan DiDio, Mike Marts, and many others who should have no business having input on a comic made by incredibly creative people. You’re not reading a comic that’s sole intention is to be good, you’re reading a comic that a company thinks will sell units. The primary goal of these comics is to make money. So, in essence, you’re losing so much with editorial involvement that’s not there when you read a creator owned book. No one tells these people what they can and cannot have within the pages of their creations. And while I adore characters like Batman and many other mainstream heroes, there’s something magical and pure about reading a comic written and drawn by the creators of the property.

So, it’s in honor of Creator Owned Day that we wanted to take the time to have a look at some Creator Owned Comics That You Should Be Reading if you’re not already.

The deal of the day over at Things From Another World today is the Hulk – World War Hulk: Front Line trade paperback for only $7.99 (that’s 53% off the list price of $16.99).

Note – This deal is valid only for today, Wednesday, February 22, 2012, til 11:59PM PST while supplies last (and they won’t, so hurry!). Visit the TFAW’s Deal of the Day page to view the hours left in the sale as well as quantities left on the item.

If [when!] the deal, which is for a new copy of the book, does sell out before the end of the day, there’s a “nick and dent” version (basically, slightly used) for on sale for 50% off for $8.49 (which is 50% off the list price).

Icon, the creator-owned subsidiary of publisher Marvel Comics, has possibly one of the best stables of creators and comic book titles in their arsenal, and care of Comixology, you can catch up on titles like Criminal, Powers, Casanova, and more with a cool 20 percent off sale.

Yes, that’s right! You’ve seen the praise for Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips‘ creator-owned work on this site before, and that’s with good reason, as Criminal and Incognito are two of the most innovative works in their fields. Both comics completely suck you in to their gritty, crime-ridden world setting and tell a story that is simply unforgettable. I even suggested that you catch up on Criminal on this past week’s GoD List, so if you for some reason weren’t listening to me, here’s your perfect opportunity. There’s not a single issue of Criminal or Incognito for over the price of $1.50. What are you waiting for?