There's a new Comics Humble Bundle, and it's a good one--A Best of Fantagraphics set! It's been a few years since Fanta went digital, and I'm not sure enough people know that, which is why I wanted to highlight this bundle in particular. (I'm a big fan of the Humble Comics Bundles in general, and you should totally get on their list so you know what they're up to.)
As per usual, Humble offers three tiers: $1, $8, and $15, in this case, and some of the money goes to charity, either the default one or a different charity of your choosing. Fanta really picked a great group in each tier, and even just 100 pennies will net you some amazing books.
Here's my favorites from the $1.00 tier:
Love and Rockets Vol 4 -- It's the Hall of Fame Hernandez Brothers. The first issue of the latest incarnation is yours, for far less than you could get it anywhere, digitally or otherwise. That alone should make this a no-brainer.
Krazy and Ignatz 1916-1918 -- Have you ever wondered what the best newspaper comic of the early years is? Well, it's this one! George Herriman, an African American, gives you the ongoing story of a brick-wielding mouse and the cat who loves him. Brilliant and heartbreaking, I love this strip to death. Find out why for only $1.00
Buddy Does Seattle -- Even though I'm a socialist and he's a libertarian, I really enjoy Peter Bagge's work. His perspective on politics and mine don't match at all, but he's generally suspicious of the world around him, and that's where we find common ground. He'll show you the worst of the world, and we need that. His lines flow all over, and so do the insults. This one might offend some folks, as he can sometimes be problematic, even if you like his work, which I do, while acknowledging his issues.
Let's Move up to $8.00, if you're so inclined:
Hip Hop Family Tree Vol 1 -- Ed Piskor's love letter to his favorite genre of music, researched carefully and done in the style of Marvel Saga, begins here. Even if you aren't into Hip Hop, it's a great historical work with some amazing artistic choices.
Megg and Mogg in Amsterdam -- Simon Hanselman continues the adventures of his characters as the life life in a style that's probably best viewed from a comic. One of the creators working today that embodies the spirit of comix past.
The Love Bunglers -- Jaime Hernandez takes on one of the iconic Love and Rockets characters in a spin-off. (I'll admit I haven't read this one yet, so I'm looking forward to it. But given the author, I'm totally okay with promoting it, sight unseen!)
Werewolves of Montpellier -- Jason is one of my favorite creators of all time, with his ability to make his characters so relateable, while placing them in odd circumstances, like "I Killed Adoph Hitler." As he ages, Jason gets ever more philosophical in his subjects, and this is no exception. If you've never read Jason, you're in for a treat.
Violenzia and Other Deadly Amusements -- I don't know when I first read Richard Sala, but his horror work immediately hooked me. This is a collection of his shorter pieces, and his watercolor work here is second to none. (At least I believe it to be watercolor, I haven't asked him if he uses a style similar to Colleen Coover or not.) He's able to make his women attractive but give them lots of agency, a rare talent. In a tough competition, this is my favorite of the books in this tier.
Got $15? Here's my picks at the top:
Complete Peanuts 1950-1952 -- If I need to tell you why this is a good collection, you must be VERY new to comics. See where Schulz began, and look at how much early Charlie Brown resembles Calvin instead of the lovable loser he'd become.
Fante Bukowski -- The first volume of Panel Pal Noah Van Sciver's series of books about a loser who fancies himself a misunderstood misogynist author is well worth your time. Noah is one of the best at taking toxic masculinity and turning it against itself, and this is his magnum opus in that regard.
I hope you'll pick this up, if you enjoy reading digital comics. No matter what level you choose, you'll find lots of great indie work that'll keep you swiping for hours. You can purchase the Fantagraphics Humble Bundle here.
