5 Comics You Must Read Next Month
In what must be a sign from the comic book heavens, next month some of the best releases of the year are all arriving on the same day.
In what can only be described as a sign from the comic book heavens, next month brings not only some of the best releases of the year so far, but it also brings them on the very same day: Oct. 5. It's almost as if a major metropolitan comic book convention begins the very next day—which reminds us: those in the Manhattan vicinity should remember that New York Comic Con opens at the Javits Center on Oct. 6. In the meantime, here are the books you should definitely be saving your pennies for.
Marvel EntertainmentThe Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Beats Up the Marvel Universe (Marvel Entertainment)
The best monthly comic book currently published at Marvel (suck it, *Vision*; although you're also pretty amazing) becomes the best graphic novel Marvel has published in recent memory, as Ryan North and Erica Henderson ask the obvious question: "If Squirrel Girl really *is* unbeatable, does that mean she could take on the entire Marvel Universe and win?" With guest stars galore, this is pretty much the best Marvel comic you'll read all year, hands down.
DC EntertainmentShade the Changing Girl #1 (DC Entertainment)
YA author Cecil Castellucci revamps an old Steve Ditko concept—back then it was *Shade the Changing Man*, because of course it was—in this fast-moving, effortlessly fun new series that showcases the art of Marley Zarcone to full effect. Part of Gerard Way's Young Animal imprint, this book is like *Pretty Little Liars* meets *Twin Peaks* with extra-dimensional aliens. Yes, it's that good.
Image Comics/Skybound EntertainmentGreen Valley #1 (Image Comics/Skybound Entertainment)
If you think you know what to expect from Max Landis, think again—this new nine-issue series doesn't just see him step into a different genre (it's historical fantasy, after a fashion), it also sees him stretch his writing chops with a story centering around what happens when a medieval merry band of brothers who never lose end up losing… and losing big. With art from *Amazing Spider-Man* penciler Giuseppe Camuncoli and colorist Cliff Rathburn, rest assured that it looks good, too.
Drawn & QuarterlyRolling Blackouts (Drawn & Quarterly)
Sarah Glidden, whose *How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less* is a must-read, returns with a new travelogue that follows her, two friends—both journalists for a non-profit—and a former Marine who served in Iraq as they travel the Middle East to explore the impact of American intervention. Sensitively handled with subtlety and humor (not to mention Glidden's beautiful watercolor illustrations), the result is something that never stops being curious, kind, and touchingly human. If you think non-fiction comics aren't for you, this might be the book to change your mind.
Oni Press/Limerence PressOh Joy Sex Toy Vols. 1 and 2 (Oni Press/Limerence Press)
It's possible that you're already familiar with *Oh Joy, Sex Toy*. Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan have been running their weekly sex-ed webcomic since 2013, and have self-published two print editions already. These new versions, however, come from Limerence Press, a newly created imprint of *Scott Pilgrim* publishers Oni Press, and contain all-new material and behind-the-scenes content. Come for the promise of sexy times, stay for the fact that these are funny, charming, and everything you wish educational comics could be all the time.
