depressing time to be an indie comics fan...

[ZombieHavoc]

week after week i peruse the shelves of my local comic shops, all three of which are very good about carrying a ton of indepedent titles and GNs. but the past year or so there has been nothing coming out that looks appealing to me at all. sure i've used the down time to catch up on some older stuff that i missed, but it's just depressing. seems like every independent comic on the rack now is either a horror comic (which are fine, but talk about floodin the market), a crime/noir/CSI/law and order type business, or an independent superhero title that just apes marvel and dc.

used to be that there were more books coming out than i could even afford to buy, now i come with to the shop with money and usually leave empty handed.

i'll keep looking, and hopefully, someday soon i'll start seeing the types of books that were exciting me before.

[Scott Beeler]

I haven't been noticing a shortage of good indie books lately. Some are horror or crime; others are other things.

What sort of books do you like to read? What are some favorite indie books you are reading right now? Perhaps the folks here can suggest some for you to try if we can get an idea of your tastes.

[heavysoul]

I haven't noticed a shortage at all. In fact, there are more books than I can keep up with. In the past year there was; Hutch Owen, Spaghetti Western, Scott Pilgrim, The Marquis, No Dead Time, Scooter Girl, Julius, Owly, Carnet De Voyage, American Elf, Kafka, Tommysaurus Rex, Same Difference, Southpaw, 40 oz Collected 1 & 2, The Goon, The Black Forest, The Wicked West, Midnight Movers, 3 Days In Europe among others. That list is off the top of my head and I know I've missed a lot.

[kissmecomix]

If you're looking for something a bit different a comics drama the I suggest our title Serenade. visit www.kissmecomix.com (http://www.kissmecomix.com)

[Headhunter]

There's been a ton of good ones; hit up the indie publisher sites every so often, you'll see a lot of exciting projects.

[Sharcque]

Some Suggestions, b/c I read quite a few:

Shi: Ju-Nen (I know, it's from Dark Horse, but it's finally the Shi that we remember from Crusade.)
Darkham Vale(APC)
Youngblood (Arcade)(they're actually all written very well, but don't come out very often)
Ezra, 100 Girls & Starkweather (from Arcana)
Worldwatch (from Austen Comics, written by Chuck Austen)
Belladonna and the Lady Death books (Avatar, by Brian Pulido)
Street Fighter, Defex, Breakdown, Infantry, Darkstalkers, MU, Blade Of Kumori, Hack/Slash, Megacity 909(all from Devil's Due)
Bloodrayne (Digital Webbing)
Underlords (Eidolon)
Machine Underworld (Funcore)
Soulfire & Fathom (Aspen MLT)
Tarot, Witch Of The Black Rose (Broadsword)
Helios (Dakuwaka)


These are all due out soon, and I plan to pick them up:

Manga Darkchylde, Damn Nation & Dragon Prince (all from Dark Horse)
Cannonbusters (Devil's Due)
Warlands: Malagen's Campaign (which looks improbable to come out at this point since it's a Dreamwave book)
Full Cirkle (Full Circle)
The New West (Black Bull)
Deal With The Devil, Killer Stunts, Inc., Elsinore, Lethal Enforcer, The 10th Muse, Judo Girl, Soulcatcher GN (all from the very new Alias)
Mortal Kombat: Deception (Atomeka)
Grave Grrrls: Destroyer Of The Dead (Moonstone)
Atomika & The Grimoire (Speakeasy)
Tales Of Bloody Mary (Bloody Mary)
Red Sonja (D.E.)
Jade Fire (Kandora)


There's lots to choose from, you just gotta tell your store to order them for you.

[JTLauder]

I too haven't seen any shortage; or maybe that's because I'm more into indie stuff than I have before.

No matter how much stuff your local comic shops carry, they can't carry everything. Best thing to do is go through a Previews catalog and pre-order what you want.

[Ed Cunard]

ZombieHavoc-

I second the suggestion to list things you do like, so that others can get a better feel for what you're looking for. Some of the things suggested here seem "mainstream-lite," which I think isn't what you're looking for.

What have you liked in the past? What do you like outside of comics?

[Ayo]

Since I'm broke most of the time, I'm actually behind in my indie comics.

I want to get the past two volumes of Kramers Ergot, the upcoming Flight, Some of the Meathaus volumes that I missed...Sofie's Belly Button Comix#2, God...I can't even remember the stuff I've skipped out on!

My advice: be broke! :)

[Shawn Hoke]

Since I'm broke most of the time, I'm actually behind in my indie comics.I want to get the past two volumes of Kramers Ergot, the upcoming Flight, Some of the Meathaus volumes that I missed...Sofie's Belly Button Comix#2, God...I can't even remember the stuff I've skipped out on!

My advice: be broke!

Both volumes of Kramers Ergot are stunning. Well worth the price, but that will set you back $50 alone.

Don't forget the new Bizarro hardcover! :D

Zombie Havoc-There are tons of great indie comics out there if you know where to look. It also depends on what you consider indie and what you like. I'm finding that the term indie encompasses a lot of comics and publishers, and many are not to my own taste.

[ZombieHavoc]

Ok, i'll try and make a concise list of what i like...

first, what i'm reading right now. i only buy 3 books on a regular basis currently, and one is not independent, and the other 2 i suppose technically are, but not entirely...so, i read:
-gotham central (this satisfies the noir section)
-the goon
-the walking dead (the only horror-ish comic that really appeals to me right now)

but those don't really exemplify my typical tastes in comics. some faves of mine from the past and recent past:
-bathroom girls
-halo and sprocket
-murder me dead (however, i dont care too much for stray bullets, as i've read the first 6 trades)
-the atomics, and more over the it girl one shot
-everything andi watson
-blue monday and scooter girl (i do plan to buy the current BM mini when it hits trade)
-blankets
-pistolwhip/mephisto and the empty box
-dork/milk and cheese
-optic nerve
-arsenic lullabye/lullabies/laughter of the damned
-battle pope
-grand gestures
-scary godmother
-teenagers from mars
-days like this GN
-god, i know there are tons more....

outside of comics, i like to read henry miller, kurt vonnegut, plays, and russian novels.

i love horror movies which is why i dont care much for horror comics (doesnt translate well), and i have a particular affinity for teen dramas/comedies like whatever it takes, how to deal, 16 candles, say anything, etc.

also, i have no problem sending $3 to creators directly for their minis and comics that dont neccessarily get into previews, so any websites for good comics is appreciated as well.

thanks.

[Ed Cunard]

also, i have no problem sending $3 to creators directly for their minis and comics that dont neccessarily get into previews, so any websites for good comics is appreciated as well.

Shawn Hoke is going to love you.

I noticed Love & Rockets isn't on your list. Oversight? Don't like it? Haven't read it? I'm a big fan, for what it's worth.

Is manga an option? You say you're a horror fan - so is my wife. She loved Flesh Colored Horror (http://www.comicsone.com/manga/tomie/v3.html). I can't vouch for it, though - horror's not my thing.

I think you might like some books from AiT/Planet-Lar (http://ait-planetlar.com) books, judging from that list. Also, Street Angel (http://streetangelcomics.com), which I tend to recommend to everyone.

[Shawn Hoke]

Shawn Hoke is going to love you.

He had me at Russian Lit... ;)

Here are some links to people I like, that kind of fit you’re your interests:

Dylan Horrocks (http://www.hicksville.co.nz/)
Kevin Huizinga (http://www.usscatastrophe.com/kh/)
Anders Nilsen (http://www.margomitchell.com/thc/an.htm)
Partyka Comics Group (http://www.partykausa.com)
Jamie Tanner (http://www.jamietanner.com/home.html)
Dan Zettwoch (http://www.usscatastrophe.com/zettwoch/)
Avodah (http://members.aol.com/maburrier/index.html)

Two stores that have minis for sale.

USS Catastrophe (http://www.usscatastrophe.com)
I would recommend anything by these artists from here. You can look at artwork samples and their shipping is super-fast and cheap.

Jeffrey Brown
Martin Cendreda
Josh Cotter
Sammy Harkham (Poor Sailer!)
Any of Kevin Huizenga’s Supermonster Comics (If you get nothing else, get 14.
Again Anders Nilsen’s Big Questions
Lark Pien
Zak Salley’s Recidivist has a story of Dostoevsky when he is in prison
Jamie Tanner


Bodega (http://www.bodegadistribution.com/shop.html)
I haven’t tried this place yet, but they have all of the old stock from Highwater Books. Recommended from this site:

Ironclad by Dan Z.
Redbird by Dan Z.
Vs. by Dan Z.
Dave K.’s Greatest Hits
Last Cry for Help
Reggie 12 Brain Ralph
Big Questions by Anders Nilsen
It Lives

Drawn & Quarterly has two great comics out now. Dogs & Water by Anders Nilsen and Or Else by Kevin Huizenga (reprints of Supermonster)
Adhouse Books has the wonderful Skyscrapers of the Midwest

What about stuff like Boulevard of Broken Dreams (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0375421912/qid=1107386792/sr=2-1/ref=pd_ka_b_2_1/103-7651335-6767026) by Kim Dietch.
Safe Area Gorazde (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1560974702/qid=1107386668/sr=2-1/ref=pd_ka_b_2_1/103-7651335-6767026) by Joe Sacco


Like Ed said, Love & Rockets and Street Angel are wonderful.

i have a particular affinity for teen dramas/comedies like whatever it takes, how to deal, 16 candles, say anything, etc.

This quote screams MANGA!

[Reptisaurus!]

blue monday and scooter girl (i do plan to buy the current BM mini when it hits trade)

Nooooooooooo!

You're missing the *single* *best* letters page in the business! Don't wait for the trade!

[Scott Beeler]

Hmm, that's quite a broad list, Zombie, lots of genres and styles. A very good list too, from what I've read on it. Some suggestions of things I've liked in the last year or few:

You mention "Pistolwhip"; do you know that there's been a sequel, plus the spy story "2 Sisters" done entirely by the artist of PW, Matt Kindt?
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/creators.php?artist=22

You've got some Oni Press books on the list. I'd think "Hopeless Savages" might also appeal if you like "Blue Monday". Possibly other books like "Courtney Crumrin", "Kissing Chaos", or others? They have previews and such at their site:
http://www.onipress.com/graphicnovels/

There's books by AIT/Planet Lar, like the captivating "Demo" and "True Story Swear to God", the quirky "1000 Steps to World Domination" and "Quicken Forbidden", and the really bizarre and funny "Scurvy Dogs"...
http://www.ait-planetlar.com/

I like some of Slave Labor's books in addition to "Halo and Sprocket", such as "Bear", "Street Angel", "Little Scrowlie", "My Monkey's Name is Jennifer", "Egg Story". All sort of odd books from strange perspectives. There's previews up at:
http://www.slavelabor.com/peepshow.html

From AdHouse there's mellow, smooth books like "Pulpatoon Pilgrimage", "Southpaw", and more:
http://www.adhousebooks.com/

In addition to "Southpaw", I adore Scott Morse's idiosyncratic stuff, whether it's "The Barefoot Serpent" from Top Shelf or his various Oni books or whatever.
http://www.allenspiegelfinearts.com/crazyfish/

I like Damon Hurd's realistic, emotional stories from Alternative and such:
http://www.sulfurstar.com/origincomics/catalog/index.php

Other random stuff like the fun and adventurous "Girl Genius", "Daisy Kutter", "Gun Fu", the weird "Nantucket Brown Roasters", the engrossing "Finder".
http://www.studiofoglio.com/girlgenius.html
http://www.vipercomics.com/features_dk.asp
http://www.howardshum.com/gunfu.html
http://www.thehouseofusher.com/
http://www.lightspeedpress.com/

I hope you can find some new things which interest you out of my and others' recommendations.

[ZombieHavoc]

there's tons of stuff in the past posts that look promising. thanks for the suggestions. some of the stuff i have read but failed to mention in my list, such as demo, hopeless savages, and skyskrapers of the midwest.

regarding the manga, i have only ever encountered one manga that has interested me and that is video girl ai, of which i've read the first 4 volumes so far. manga along the lines of that kind of stuff, weird romance like and what not, i am totally open to. i'm not really into kung fu/samurai/martial arts type stuff in any format, and the sci fi themed stuff would have to be something really interesting or unique for me to dig on it.

as for love and rockets, i've read a few of the first issues when they were coming out of the current volume, but was having a hard time really getting into it. my plan has been to pick up the trades of the first volume, but so far have not. it's hard for me to drop the money on something when the bit that i've read hasnt interested me. but considering that most every comics fan i know loves L&R, there's gotta be something there right?

thanks again, these should keep me busy, but any more suggestions are welcome.

[Egg]

Some Suggestions, b/c I read quite a few:

Ezra, 100 Girls & Starkweather (from Arcana)

Sharcque,

Thank you for the plug! And we're glad you enjoy our books! :D

Thank You,

Egg Embry
Editor - www.ArcanaStudio.com

[Almost Normal]

Hey, here're a few other places to help you find some mini-comics (and others):

http://almostnormalcomics.tripod.com/id291.htm
Yeah, this is my site but there’re tons of indie comics listed on the review pages. No mainstream, or even mainstream-lite stuff.

http://www.opticalsloth.com/
This site lists a bunch of indie comics too.

http://poopsheetreviews.blogspot.com/
The Poopsheet updates almost daily with new indie comics. Definitely worth checking from time to time.

WEE

[Christian Beranek]

I going to recommend our series Dracula vs. King Arthur. It is a 4 issue mini-series available for pre-order in the March Previews catalog.

Each issue will be $2.95 and will contain 32 pages of story and art.

Here are some links if you would like to know more:

http://www.silentdevil.com/dvka.php
introduction by co-writers Adam Beranek and myself

http://www.silentdevil.com/messageboardpics/DVKA1pg08_color.jpg
art by Chris Moreno and Jay Fotos

http://www.silentdevil.com/dvka_trailer.php
internet teaser trailer

I hope you'll check it out. Thanks!

[Pól Rua]

regarding the manga, i have only ever encountered one manga that has interested me and that is video girl ai, of which i've read the first 4 volumes so far. manga along the lines of that kind of stuff, weird romance like and what not, i am totally open to. i'm not really into kung fu/samurai/martial arts type stuff in any format, and the sci fi themed stuff would have to be something really interesting or unique for me to dig on it.

Ed Cunard mentioned 'Flesh Coloured Horror' which is a series of short stories by Junji Ito which is magnificent. I would recommend seeking out pretty much anything by this guy.
Best horror on the market currently - 'Tomie', 'Gyo' and my personal pick 'Uzumaki'.

___________________________________
Pól.

[Ayo]

Havoc:

Love&Rockets secret: start with either Volume 7 for Jamie or Volume X(10) for Gilbert.

[jesterpress]

there's alot of online comics now...seems to be the only way indy guys can survive

[Bright-Raven]

If there's anything depressing about being an indie comics fan, it's that there's so much cool shit out there that you know you want to read, but can't find because idiot retailers aren't ordering it.

Seriously, one could easily open a non-Marvel, non-DC comics shop, stock it properly, and be just as successful if they have any inkling as to how to be a retailer.

[AlexApprobation]

Approbation Comics... you need them... you want them... (http://www.comixpress.com/catalog/index.php?manufacturers_id=26)

:D