FROM PANEL TO PANEL • December 2016 Graphic Novel Releases To Look Out For

I love comics and graphic novels, so what do I do with that love? Well, I turn it into a new feature!

From Panel to Panel is a new feature where I talk about the awesome (and perhaps not-so awesome) comic books and graphic novels I’ve read. Basically, this will be me pushing them onto your laps. You’re welcome.

Santa, I hope you brought these comics for me. (I know it’s after Christmas, but y’know, gotta keep hoping.) You get graphic novels about Archie (with a fabulous new artist); Poe Dameron, former Republic flyer turned Resistance fighter; Patsy Walker kicking ass as Hellcat; and Gwen Stacy trying to live a civilian life.

Get your shopping carts loaded with all these comics!

The all-new ARCHIE adventure continues! Superstar writer Mark Waid teams up with rising star artist Veronica Fish to bring a modern take to the legendary Riverdale cast of characters. The elusive, rich Veronica Lodge has taken Riverdale by storm — and it’s caused everyone to take sides, with Archie Andrews stuck in the middle of it all.

Relive all the drama, all the romance and all the beautiful art and storytelling once more in this graphic novel that collects ARCHIE #7-12. — Archie Comics

Publication date: December 7, 2016 by Archie Comics

Buy: LCBS · Amazon · Barnes & Noble · The Book Depository · Indigo · Comixology

Why I’m excited: Aside from seeing the modernization of Archie, I’m so excited for Veronica Fish’s art. It’s frickin’ fabulous. I dare you not to heart eyes over her work when you look at it. (Just take a look at her work!)

Poe Dameron, former Republic flyer turned Resistance fighter, is the best pilot in the galaxy. Hand-picked for the resistance by General Leia Organa to lead a squadron on a top secret and vital mission…Poe sets off investigating sites of historical importance to the Force. Revealing backstory leading directly into the holidays’ greatest adventure, follow Poe and his X-Wing squadron on covert missions against the First Order brought to you by writer Charles Soule (Star Wars: Lando, Daredevil) and artist Phil Noto (Star Wars: Chewbacca, Black Widow)!

Collects issues #1-6. — Marvel Comics

Publication date: December 7, 2016 by Marvel Comics

Buy: LCBS · Amazon · Barnes & Noble · The Book Depository · Indigo · Comixology

Why I’m excited: What’s not to get excited over Poe Dameron? We were introduced to him in Star Wars: The Force Awakens; now readers get to learn about this former Republic flyer turned Resistance fighter!

In another world they might be gal pals who help each other through hard times. But when Patsy Walker and Jessica Jones meet at last in the Marvel Universe, could it be they’ll end up as…best frenemies?! Not everyone can get along all the time, which is why the world’s heroes are about to be rocked by a second Civil War! But when the fallout from the battlefield hits close to home, Patsy is forced to take stock of her life and face what it really costs to be A.K.A. Hellcat! Plus, fallouts with former friends don’t get any worse than Patsy and Hedy. Now Ms. Wolfe is about to torment her rival more than ever, with a little help from Patsy’s evil ex-boyfriends! Will Hellcat get burned by her old flames?

Collects issues #7-12. — Marvel Comics

Publication date: December 21, 2016 by Marvel Comics

Buy: LCBS · Amazon · Barnes & Noble · The Book Depository · Indigo · Comixology

Why I’m excited: Patsy Walker, forever fawning over her and the wonderful characters in it. If you want fabulousness and cuteness, keep picking up Patsy Walker AKA Hellcat. Patsy meets the infamous Jessica Jones, and has to deal with former friends and ex-boyfriends. How will Patsy survive?

Gwen Stacy is reeling from the consequences of SPIDER-WOMEN — and the loss of her powers! She might be better off as Spider-Woman no more. But who is Gwen really if you take away her costumed alter ego? The ever-majestic Mary Janes might have an answer to that — but the deadly Frank Castle will offer a punishing counterpoint! Just as Gwen starts to give civilian life her best shot, she finds herself in Frank’s crosshairs without her spidery abilities to fall back on! So when the Mary Janes head to a haunted house for a laugh, will Gwen be along for the fun, or will she already be one of the ghosts? And will Earth 65’s Mysterio scare her bandmates to death?

Collects issues #9-13. – Marvel Comics

Publication date: December 21, 2016 by Marvel Comics

Buy: LCBS · Amazon · Barnes & Noble · The Book Depository · Indigo · Comixology

Why I’m excited: I may not be a fan of the Spider-Man franchise, but I’m so intrigued by this alternate world where Gwen Stacy is Spider-Man. Readers get to see Gwen trying to live a civilian life, and it may not be all that’s cracked up to be.

SPECIAL MENTIONS: Lumberjanes • Vol. 5: Band Together, The Spire TP, I Hate Fairyland • Vol. 2:  Fluff My Life, Heartthrob • Vol. 1: Never Going Back Again, Art Ops • Vol. 2: Popism, Batman And Robin Adventures Volume 1, Descender • Vol. 3: Singularities, Ms. Marvel • Vol. 6: Civil War II, Silk • Vol. 2: The Negative, Birds Of Prey Volume 3 TP, Totally Awesome Hulk • Vol. 2: Civil War II

Do any of these comics interest you? Tell me which ones you’re excited about! Have you read any of these?