FROM PANEL TO PANEL | July + August Graphic Novel Releases I’m Excited About!

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.

Oh hey, remember this? Where I talk about comic books and graphic novels I’m excited about? It’s finally here! Apologies for the absence of this post last month. I was only excited about two comic volumes, so I procrastinated on the post. But hey, at least we have a lot of awesome ones that are out right now, right?

Let’s talk about those July and August graphic novels I’m excited about (and you should too!). You’ll see ones by awesome writers like Brian K. Vaughan (Saga), Kieron Gillen (The Wicked + The Divine, Phonogram), Marguerite Bennett (A-Force, DC Bombshells), and many more.

Written by Brian K. Vaughan (Saga, Ex Machina, Runaways, Pride of Baghdad) and illustrated by Pia Guerra, this is the saga of Yorick Brown—the only human survivor of a planet-wide plague that instantly kills every mammal possessing a Y chromosome. Accompanied by a mysterious government agent, a brilliant young geneticist and his pet monkey, Ampersand, Yorick travels the world in search of his lost love and the answer to why he’s the last man on earth.

This Absolute Edition will feature the first twenty issues of this action-packed series along with special script pages, character sketchs and cover gallery.

Collects Y: THE LAST MAN #1-20. — Vertigo

Publication date: July 1, 2015 by Vertigo

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

Why I’m excited: I’m a big fan of Brian K. Vaughan’s work because of Saga, so I’ve wanted to read more of his works. Y: The Last Man is one of Vaughan’s well-known comics, and lots of people have sung praises about this comic. I find this comic intriguing because it sounds like it has awesome world-building and trippy story lines. I know I can get the trade paperbacks, but I kind of want to get this hardcover because it has an awesome slip case.

THE FAUST ACT is over. Welcome to FANDEMONIUM. 

The second volume of the award-winning urban fantasy series where gods are the ultimate pop stars and pop stars are the ultimate gods. Following the tragic and unjust death of [OMITED], it takes a revelation from Inanna to draw Laura back into the worlds of Gods and Superstardom to try and discover the truth behind a conspiracy to subvert divinity. Includes issues #6-11 of the series, plus supplementary material.

Collects issues #6-11. Written by Kieron Gillen, illustrated by Jamie McKelvie, colored by Matt Wilson. — Image Comics

Publication date: July 1, 2015 by Image Comics

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

Why I’m excited: As you may know, I’m a MASSIVE fan of The Wicked + The Divine. (I had written a post screaming at people to read it, which you should really read it or else). My heart yearns for more of this series. I had actually been reading the single issues for the Fandemonium arc, and I just need a physical copy of the second volume to hug and cry into. Shit hits the fan with this book, and it’s gonna be one of the greatest things you’d ever see.

All her life, Angela — finest warrior of the Tenth Realm of Heven — was raised to hate Asgard with every fiber of her being. But Angela has learned the truth about her identity: She is Thor’s sister. She is an Asgardian. Now, cast out of her home, Angela must strike out on her own! But how does she become the guardian of a demonic child? Why do both Asgard and Heven want it so badly? And how does Loki fit in? Pursued by Asgardian warriors, Angela and her charge cross the Realms from Earth to Vanaheim, and even travel to outer space, where her teammates the Guardians of the Galaxy lend a hand. But she soon sees no other option than an invasion of her own homeland — that’s right, Angela must fight her way into Heven!

Collects issues #1-6. Written by Kieron Gillen and Marguerite Bennett and illustrated by Phil Jimenez and Stephanie Hans. — Marvel Comics

Publication date: August 5, 2015 by Marvel Comics

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

Why I’m excited: Angelaaaaaa. She sounds so complicated and intriguing with her family history, doesn’t she? I’m not much of a fan of the Thor or Loki comics (except female Thor), but when I saw Angela on Tumblr, I knew I needed to read this comic series. (I’m a sucker for lady comic book characters.) Also, you’ve got Kieron Gillen and Marguerite Bennett writing this? YES. I love those two writers, and I’d just about read anything they write.

Presenting the international sensation: the all-new Ms. Marvel! Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City – until she’s suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the new Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? Find out as she takes the Marvel Universe by storm! When Kamala discovers the dangers of her newfound powers, she also unlocks a secret behind them. Is Kamala ready to wield these immense gifts? Or will the weight of the legacy before her prove too much to bear? Kamala has no idea, either. But she’s comin’ for you, Jersey! 

Collects issues #1-11 + material from All-New Marvel Now!. Written by G. Willow Wilson (Air, Cairo) and illustrated by Adrian Alphona (Runaways) — Marvel Comics

Publication date: August 19, 2015 at your LCBS, but August 25 for online retailers by Marvel Comics

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

Why I’m excited: Ms. Marvel is an absolutely must-read if you want starting point in the world of Marvel Comics. I’ve actually read the first volume, and want more of the awesomeness! I love getting hardcover editions because they don’t bend as easily (which may be a problem at times, but let’s not think about it). I just want all editions of Ms. Marvel.

Wolverine, Deadpool, Doctor Doom, Thanos: There’s one hero that’s beaten them all-and now she’s got her own ongoing series! (Not that she’s bragging.) That’s right, you asked for it, you got it, it’s SQUIRREL GIRL! (She’s also starting college this semester.) It’s the start of a brand-new set of adventures starring the nuttiest and most upbeat super hero in the world!

Collects issues #1-5. Written by Ryan North and illustrated by Erica Henderson. — Marvel Comics

Publication date: August 19, 2015 at your LCBS, but September 1 for online retailers) by Marvel Comics

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

Why I’m excited: What do squirrels and superheroes have in common? There’s a new comic called The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl with a lot of praises! Who knew squirrels would make a good comic? I’m very intrigued by this concept because it’s so weird and, well, nutty. That’s an A+ in my book.

After the bombs fell and shook the walls of Nanjing, the Imperial Japanese Army entered and seized the Chinese capital. Through the dust of the demolished buildings, screams echo off the rubble. Two abandoned Chinese soldiers are trapped and desperately outnumbered inside the walled city. What they’ll encounter will haunt them. But in the face of horror, they’ll learn that resistance and bravery cannot be destroyed by the enemy.

Ethan Young (Tails) delves into World War II’s forgotten tragedy, the devastating Japanese invasion of Nanjing, and tells a heart-wrenching tale of war, loss, and defiance. Beautifully illustrated in black and white. — Dark Horse

Publication date: August 19, 2015 (at your LCBS, but September 1 for online retailers) by Dark Horse

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

Why I’m excited: A graphic novel about Nanjing, where the Japanese had occupied the city during World War II in China and committed many atrocities? I need this in my hands. It explores an important moment in history that I don’t hear about being talked. This essay by Ethan Young made me wonder how he’ll portray the horrible events. We’ll see.

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