Free comic book day gives a reader the opportunity to encounter worlds they never thought to enter before. Your local bookstore may seem oversaturated with Marvel and DC titles. And while there are some solid stories being told by those conglomerations, you may want to venture into a new universe. Or, perhaps try an independent company.
Malika
African queens are not new. For centuries throughout history they have ruled over massive kingdoms. The thing is they have not been at the forefront of a narrative of a comic book. This seems counterintuitive to a genre that is able to tell a story over a period of time. Chapter one of ‘Malika: Warrior Queen’ from YouNeek studios is a welcome addition to the comic book world. A young girl trains, even though she may not rule. Why should she waste her time? That question is answered within a mere amount of panels. Rich in artwork and storytelling, this first comic book tells the story of a queen who, with strength, character and integrity fights to hold her kingdom together. Who are her enemies, how did she become queen and who can she trust? It’s a taste of what’s to come in the graphic novel of the same name by writer and creator Roye Okupe which builds and develops a world which contains ‘EXO: Wale Williams’ and ‘Windmaker.’
Noble
Nonlinear storytelling may make a comic book accessible. From Catalyst Prime’s latest title ‘Noble’ as a reader we are all experiencing joyful confusion since we don’t know who to trust. Just who are the good guys supposed to be? In this action packed narrative written by Brandon Thomas with artwork from Roger Robinson, et al you get the sense that this is already a fully functioning world and that you’ve been dropped in the middle of the chaos. Who are the Powells? Are they heroes, villains or pawns in a bigger game? Both husband and wife seem to have a great sense of character, even if one of them might not know who they are? There also seems to be a conspiracy happening which means opportunity to find out just who these characters are.
Attack on Titan
The world can be a cold, unforgiving place. Still you should have the choice as to whether you want to experience only the good of the world or all its complexities. In ‘Attack on Titan’ Ava wants to see what her brother Liam hid from her. This story by Jody Houser and Emi Lenox will have you appreciating the relationships you have with people who genuinely care for you. For Ava she is able to understand Liam from what he’s left behind. As a one shot that is a takeoff of one the most successful manga comics of the same name it is a solid jumping on point. It also makes you want to know what is beyond the wall and what Ava will experience once she’s on her own.
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