The Comic Book Journey: Trends in Graphic Novels Since 2001
Since the turn of the millennium, the world of the comic book industry has witnessed a remarkable transformation. With each passing year, new characters, enthralling stories, and breathtaking artwork have not only captured the imaginations of readers but also pushed boundaries. Join us as we embark on an exciting exploration of the comic book journey since 2001, diving deep into the trends that have shaped the industry and highlighting the creative minds driving this evolution. From the most beloved Marvel and DC titles to groundbreaking works that have left an indelible mark on the history of graphic novels, we will uncover the unfolding narrative of this cherished art form and its enduring impact on our culture over the past two decades
2001
Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 1: Power & Responsibility [New Printing]
by Brian Michael Bendis - Marvel Various Marvel Various - Mark Bagley - Mark Bagley
"With great power comes great responsibility." In 1963, these prophetic words launched one of the most successful and recognizable characters of the 20th century... Spider-Man! The powers granted bookish Peter Parker by radioactive spider have fueled the imaginations of fans worldwide for nearly 40 years. With the dawning of a new age, however, comes a hero for a new millennium... Ultimate Spider-Man! Updating Spider-Man for the 21st centiry was no easy task, and it took the brilliant minds of Bill Jemas and Brian Michael Bendis to do just that. With the artistic talents of Mark Bagley and Art Thhibert breathing new life into this legendary mythos, Spider-Man has reasserted himself as one of the most popular characters in the world!
2002
Wolverine: Origin Deluxe Edition
by Paul Jenkins - Bill Jemas - Joe Quesada - Andy Kubert - Andy Kubert
For decades, Wolverine's shadowy past has been shrouded in mystery. But before he was the X-Men's savage mainstay, before he was a tormented secret agent codenamed Weapon X - even before he was a barroom brawler in the wilds of Canada - he was sickly young James Howlett. Experience the secrets and intrigue of his family history, see the first struggle with his subconscious savagery that culminated in tragedy and learn how James' flight from everything he once knew led to the forging of the man known as Logan! Paul Jenkins and Andy Kubert, two of the industry's most acclaimed creators, unite to tell the tale that shaped mutantdom's mightiest misfit - in a gorgeous new edition packed with behind-the-scenes extras! Collecting WOLVERINE: THE ORIGIN #1-6.
2003
The Son of the Man-Bat
by Ivan Cohen - Franco Riesco
Just when Batman is able to provide Kirk Langstrom, a.k.a. the Man-Bat, with a cure to his affliction, a second man-sized bat starts terrorizing Gotham City! Can Batman count on Kirk to help stop this shadowy new foe?
2004
Batman vs. Superman: Their Greatest Battles (Library)
by Turtleback Books Turtleback Books
THE MAN OF STEEL AGAINST THE DARK KNIGHT!
Superman and Batman are usually allies, but when they do have to go toe-to-toe, it s the ultimate battle of brains versus brawn! Can an ordinary man take down an opponent with the power of a god? Can even superpowers prevail against a tactical genius who is never less than ten steps ahead?
From all-star comic talents Frank Miller, Geoff Johns, Jim Lee, Jeph Loeb, Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo and more, these stories tackle the oldest fan debate in comics: "Who would win Superman or Batman?""
2005
Absolute All-Star Batman and Robin, the Boy Wonder
by Frank Miller - Jim Lee
Frank Miller, the creator of Sin City and talent responsible for some of Batman's greatest tales, (BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, BATMAN: YEAR ONE) teams with superstar artist Jim Lee (BATMAN: HUSH) to TELL the high-octane origin story of Dick Grayson's transformation into Robin, the Boy Wonder. This ultimate tale of the Dynamic Duo features guest appearances by Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Black Canary and Batgirl as you've never seen them before. This epic graphic novel is now in Absolute format, including a new slipcase and bonus material.
Collects All-Star Batman and Robin #1-10
2006
Civil War: A Novel of the Marvel Universe
by Stuart Moore
Second title in Titan Books' Marvel fiction reissue program, featuring the classic story: Civil War
SPIDER-MAN IRON MAN CAPTAIN AMERICA THE FANTASTIC FOUR
THE EPIC STORY THAT BLOWS THE MARVEL UNIVERSE APART!
Iron Man and Captain America: two core members of the Avengers, the world's greatest super hero team. When a tragic battle blows a hole in the city of Stamford, killing hundreds of people, the U.S. government demands that all super heroes unmask and register their powers. To Tony Stark--Iron Man--it's a regrettable but necessary step. To Captain America, it's an unbearable assault on civil liberties.
SO BEGINS THE CIVIL WAR.
2007
Jedi Trial: Star Wars Legends: A Clone Wars Novel
by David Sherman - Dan Cragg
With these ominous words, Pors Tonith, ruthless minion of Count Dooku, declares the fate of the Republic sealed. Commanding a Separatist invasion force more than one million strong, the cunning financier-turned-warrior lays siege to the planet Praesitlyn, home of the strategic intergalactic communications center that is key to the Republic's survival in the Clone Wars. Left unchallenged, this decisive strike could indeed pave the way for the toppling of more Republic worlds . . . and ultimate victory for the Separatists. Retaliation must be swift and certain.
But engaging the enemy throughout the galaxy has already stretched Supreme Chancellor Palpatine's armies to the limit. There is no choice but to move against the surging waves of invading battle-droids on Praesitlyn with only a small contingent of clone soldiers. Commanding them will be Jedi Master Nejaa Halcyon-hand-picked by the Council for the do-or-die mission. And at his side, skilled young starfighter pilot Anakin Skywalker, a promising young Jedi Padawan eager to be freed of the bonds of apprenticeship-and to be awarded the title of Jedi Knight.
Shoulder to shoulder with a rogue Republic army officer and his battle-hardened crew, a hulking Rondian mercenary with an insatiable taste for combat, and a duo of ready-for-anything soldiers, the Jedi generals take to the skies and the punishing desert terrain of occupied Praesitlyn-to bring the battle to the Separatist forces. Already outnumbered and outgunned, when confronted with an enemy ultimatum that could lead to the massacre of innocents, they may also be out of options. Unless Anakin Skywalker can strike a crucial balance between the wisdom born of the Force . . . and the instincts of a born warrior.
2008
Bleach, Vol. 25
by Tite Kubo
Part-time student, full-time Soul Reaper, Ichigo is one of the chosen few guardians of the afterlife.
Ichigo Kurosaki never asked for the ability to see ghosts--he was born with the gift. When his family is attacked by a Hollow--a malevolent lost soul--Ichigo becomes a Soul Reaper, dedicating his life to protecting the innocent and helping the tortured spirits themselves find peace. Find out why Tite Kubo's Bleach has become an international manga smash-hit!
Ichigo's recent battles with the Arrancars have proven that if he wants to protect his friends he must get stronger, and the only way to do that is to control his inner Hollow. Ichigo turns to the Visoreds, ex-Soul Reapers who have been Hollowfied, to teach him. But before his training begins, Ichigo must do battle against his Hollow self--winner takes his soul!
2009
Amazing Spider-Man
by Stan Lee - Steve Ditko - Jason Reynolds - Ben Saunders - Ben Saunders
Collects "Spider-Man!" from Amazing Fantasy #15 (1962); The Amazing Spider-Man #1-4, #9, #10, #13, #14, #17-19 (1963-1964); "Goodbye to Linda Brown" from Strange Tales #97 (1962); "How Stan Lee and Steve Ditko Create Spider-Man!" from The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1 (1964). It is impossible to imagine American popular culture without Marvel Comics. For decades, Marvel has published groundbreaking visual narratives that sustain attention on multiple levels: as metaphors for the experience of difference and otherness; as meditations on the fluid nature of identity; and as high-water marks in the artistic tradition of American cartooning, to name a few.
This anthology contains twelve key stories from the first two years of Spider-Man's publication history (from 1962 to 1964). These influential adventures not only transformed the super hero fantasy into an allegory for the pain of adolescence but also brought a new ethical complexity to the genre--by insisting that with great power there must also come great responsibility.
A foreword by Jason Reynolds and scholarly introductions and apparatus by Ben Saunders offer further insight into the enduring significance of The Amazing Spider-Man and classic Marvel comics.
2010
The Walking Dead, Book 1
by Robert Kirkman - Tony Moore - Charlie Adlard - Cliff Rathburn
This hardcover features the first 12 issues of the hit series along with the covers for the issues in one oversized hardcover volume. Perfect for long time fans, new readers and anyone needing a slightly heavy object with which to fend off the walking dead.
2011
Justice League, Volume 2: The Villain's Journey (The New 52)
by Geoff Johns - Jim Lee - Scott Williams
A New York Times #1 bestseller
The Justice League is the greatest force for good the world has ever seen. But not everyone sees them that way.
Their never-ending battle against evil results in casualties beyond its super-powered, costumed combatants. The League's attempts to safeguard innocent lives cannot save everybody. Unbeknownst to Earth's greatest champions, their greatest triumph may contain the seeds of their greatest defeat.
For heroes are not the only people who face tragedy and are reborn as something greater than they were before. Villains can take this journey, too.
And once they start out on this dark path, the road could lead straight to the destruction of the Justice League...
The New York Times bestselling team of Geoff Johns (Green Lantern) and Jim Lee (Batman: Hush) are joined by artists Gene Ha (Top 10) and Carlos D'Anda (Deathblow) for Justice League Vol. 2: The Villain's Journey, collecting issues #7-12 of the series. Can the world's greatest super heroes survive a voyage deep into the heart of darkness? It all ends with one of the most shocking ... and surprising moments in DC history!
2012
The Walking Dead Volume 3: Safety Behind Bars
by Robert Kirkman - Charlie Adlard
The world we knew is gone. The world of commerce and frivolous necessity has been replaced by a world of survival and responsibility. An epidemic of apocalyptic proportions has swept the globe, causing the dead to rise and feed on the living. In a matter of months society has crumbled: no government, no grocery stores, no mail delivery, no cable TV. In a world ruled by the dead, the survivors are forced to finally start living.
This volume follows our band of survivors as they set up a permanent camp inside a prison. Relationships change, characters die, and our team of survivors learn there's something far more deadly than zombies out there: each other.
2013
Superman Unchained: The Deluxe Edition (New Edition)
by Scott Snyder - Jim Lee - Dustin Nguyen
Superman battles an all-new threat in this deluxe collection by #1 New York Times best-selling writer Scott Snyder and legendary comics artist Jim Lee!
From the skies above Metropolis to the star-streaked spaceways beyond, one man is synonymous with the word hero. Since his arrival marked the dawn of the superhero age, Superman has waged a never-ending battle for truth and justice. But before the dawn came the darkness, when another with incredible power fell to Earth--one who could spell the end for the Man of Steel. From superstar writer Scott Snyder and legendary artist Jim Lee comes a cutting-edge take on the hero who started it all! Collects Superman Unchained #1-9.
2014
Rocket Raccoon #1: A Chasing Tale Part One
by Skottie Young - Skottie Young - Jean-Francois Beaulieu
Rocket's high-flying life of adventure is at stake when he's framed for murder by an imposter, but with the authorities on his tail and the Avengers away, Rocket has no other option but to turn himself in. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Spotlight is a division of ABDO.
2015
Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Empire Vol. 2
by Randy Stradley - Dave Ross - Doug Wheatley - Dave Wilkins
The dark times continue! As the Empire strengthens its grip in the wake of Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith, the remaining Jedi are marked for death! Jedi Master K'kruhk faces a battle for his life - one with deadly parallels for Bomo Greenbark and the crew of the smuggler vessel Uhumele. Meanwhile, Master Dass Jennir is down to his last credit and faces a stark choice: compromise his ideals or starve. Being a Jedi may make him an outlaw, but does being an outlaw mean he's no longer a Jedi? Darth Vader doesn't care: He's on Dass's trail either way - and so is the dread assassin Falco Sang! Collecting STAR WARS: DARK TIMES #6-17, STAR WARS: DARK TIMES - BLUE HARVEST #0 and STAR WARS: DARK TIMES - OUT OF THE WILDERNESS #1-5.
2016
Harley Quinn Vol. 4: A Call to Arms
by Amanda Conner - Jimmy Palmiotti
Harley Quinn is on a mission to make the world a better place...and get paid for it at the same time! Quinn and her Gang of Harleys are taking on do-gooding missions for a price, but sometimes that means they're biting off more than even a gang of semi-sane butt-kickers can chew. So when a simple search and rescue mission turns into a battle royal against an invulnerable alien-empowered sea captain...that means it's time for a vacation!
But no trip to Hollywood could ever be simple for Harley Quinn--she's got a job to do, too. As she navigates a twisted web of movie producers, starlets, kidnappings and cults, Harley discovers that the bounty-hunting business can be even more dangerous than being a hero for profit...especially when you're trying to poach a bounty from Deadshot!
Harley continues carving out her own path, with the help of guest-stars Poison Ivy and Catwoman! This collection includes HARLEY QUINN #17-21 and HARLEY QUINN ROAD TRIP SPECIAL #1, from co-writers Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti (STARFIRE) and artists including Chad Hardin (SUPERGIRL) and Brett Blevins (BATMAN: KNIGHTFALL).
2017
Marvel Legacy
by Jason Aaron - Esad Ribic - Marvel Various Marvel Various - Joe Quesada
Collects Marvel Legacy #1, Marvel Legacy Primer pages, FOOM Magazine (2017). EVERYTHING STARTS HERE! It begins at the dawn of the human race, and ends with a child's prayer! In between, empires fall, mysteries brew, secrets are revealed, quests are undertaken and legends are forged! All leading up to the dramatic return you've been waiting for - and one you've been dreading! Jason Aaron (MIGHTY THOR) and Esad Ribic (SECRET WARS) usher in a new dawn - one whose rays will touch every corner of the Marvel Universe in the days to come! MARVEL LEGACY: It's everything you've been longing for - and more!
2018
Venom by Donny Cates Vol. 1: Rex
by Donny Cates - Ryan Stegman - Ryan Stegman
Collects Venom (2018) #1-6. An ancient and primordial evil has been awakened beneath the streets of New York. With it, something equally evil has been awakened in that most wicked of web-slingers: Venom! The symbiote may still be a Lethal Protector of innocents in New York, but this never-before-seen threat could possibly force Venom to relinquish everything it holds dear - including its human host, Eddie Brock! As Eddie and Venom summon the strength to defend New York against the most powerful foe they've ever faced, there's one more thing standing in their way: Miles Morales, Spider-Man! Two of the hottest creators in comics today, Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman, join forces to deliver a Venom adventure a thousand years in the making!
2019
Batman: Detective Comics Vol. 7: Batmen Eternal
by James Tynion IV - Eddy Barrows - Alvaro Martinez
They were the greatest team of crime-fighters Gotham City has ever known. Now that team has been shattered.
Clayface is dead, killed by Batwoman after his path to redemption led to disaster. The Bat-Family--Nightwing, Red Robin, Batgirl, the Red Hood, Robin and the Dark Knight himself--must decide what to do about their prodigal partner.
But Batwoman has been offered control of an army, with Batwing and Azrael following in her footsteps. Now these two rival forces are at each other's throats. As the family feud between cousins Bruce Wayne and Kate Kane threatens to tear Gotham City apart, Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown are caught in the crossfire.
And behind it all, a sinister cybernetic force is at work to transform Red Robin into the ultimate weapon, and therefore lock Gotham into its worst possible future.
2020
Dark Nights: Death Metal: Deluxe Edition
by Scott Snyder - Greg Capullo
Unleash the beast and let the headbanging begin! When the Earth is enveloped by the Dark Multiverse, the Justice League is at the mercy of the Batman Who Laughs. Humanity struggles to survive in a hellish landscape twisted beyond recognition, while Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman have all been separated and fight to survive. The heroes will need to fight their way across their demonic new home and come face-to-face with their entire history in order to stop the Batman Who Laughs once and for all! They're playing all the hits and teaming up with classic collaborators in this final tour of the entire DC Universe!
2021
The Department of Truth, Vol 1: The End of the World
by James Tynion IV - Martin Simmonds
Best of 2021 Lists:
New York Public Library
Entertainment Weekly
Indigo
And more...
"A wonderfully dizzy mixture of Men in Black, John Carpenter, Stephen King, The Matrix, and 1970s conspiracy thrillers."- Forbes
"A story for our zeitgeist. SIMMONDS' art invokes Bill Sienkiewicz."- Entertainment Weekly
"It is FANTASTIC. Can't wait to read the whole series!"- Patton Oswalt
COLE TURNER has studied conspiracy theories all his life, but he isn't prepared for what happens when he discovers that all of them are true, from the JFK Assassination to Flat Earth Theory and Reptilian Shapeshifters. One organization has been covering them up for generations. What is the deep, dark secret behind the Department of Truth?
2022
Black Panther: Tales of Wakanda
by Jesse J Holland - Sheree Renée Thomas - Nikki Giovanni - Tananarive Due - Suyi Davies Okungbowa
The first mainstream superhero of African descent, the Black Panther has attracted readers of all races and colors who see in the King of Wakanda reflections of themselves. Storytellers from across the African Diaspora--some already literary legends, others who are rising stars--have created for this collection original works inspired by the world of the Panther and its inhabitants. With guest stars including Storm, Monica Rambeau, Namor, and Jericho Drumm, these are stories of yesterday and today, of science and magic, of faith and love.
These are the tales of a king and his country. These are the legends whispered in the jungle, myths of the unconquered men and women and the land they love.
These are the Tales of Wakanda.