List Time!

Ok, so some of you may know how much I like lists. Others may know how much it bothers me when people only think of Superman or Batman or Wolverine when discussing comics. (Hopefully) All of you know how much richer the medium is than just the major titles being pushed by the big guys. If you're not, well, prepare to get educated, because I hereby present to you:

Dina's Definitive List of the Top 5 Comics not published by DC or Marvel

(in no particular order, other than the order that I think of them)
(Oh, and The Walking Dead is out, cause Kirkman's head is already going to explode)

5)Local (Oni Press)-This one almost didn't make the list, since it's a 12-issue story and we're currently waiting on issue #11, but it's too good not to pass up. This is an interesting line, as each issue is a stand-alone story, but each one is a different year in the life of the same girl. Without ruining the story (as if that's possible), the line follows Megan McKeenan, as she travels all over the country, not really belonging to any place at all. I assure you the comic is much better than I'm making it sound here, and the stories in each issue are amazing. The love that Brian and Ryan put into this book makes it come alive. Pick it up, you won't regret it.

4) Fell (Image)-Written by Warren Ellis, aka Internet Jesus, this is a gritty, noir-ish comic, and it's the steal of a lifetime at $1.99 a pop. (Or less-Seriously!) Fell is the story of Richard Fell, a homicide detective who gets reassigned to Snowtown, a version of Detroit on its worst day. Like Local, each issue is a singular story (no cliffhangers!), but the events in each issue are referred to in the ones that follow. This is a twisted sort of line, with sparse, but beautiful art by Ben Templesmith.

3)The Boys (Dynamite)-Ok, so this one started out being published by Wildstorm (owned by Marvel), but was promptly cancelled 6 issues in because it was just THAT offensive. Dynamite rescued this gem from extinction, and it has been living happily over on their roster ever since. This is from Garth Ennis, so expect your share of gross-outs, ultraviolence, and the old in-out. But in between the shock value is actually a great comic. This line actually follows the guys ("Boys", if you will) who keep the superheroes in line. No cheesy lovey-dovey Spiderman here, this comic's "supes" have names like "Blarney Cock", and "Love Sausage" (the link is safe, I promise!), and they're the bad guys. Refreshing, and although at times it's so shocking it's cliche', this one is a keeper.

2) The Sword (Image)-Oh Luna Brothers, how do you do it? This line is currently flying off the shelves just about everywhere, so take advantage of the free online version of issue #1 here. This comic sounds like a retread, but oh I assure you, it's not. Dara Brighton, a quadriplegic art student suddenly finds her family dead and her legs working. Oh, and did I mention she found a magical sword that lets her jump miles high and heal any wound? With the government (and just about the worst baddies ever) looking for her, I am still on edge about what happens next. Pick this one up for a superhero read without the "super" or the "hero".

1) Locke & Key (IDW)-This one is only three issues in, and it's already the thing I'm looking forward to most each month. Oh man, who the heck are these guys, and how have they created crack in page form? I can't say much about it because honestly, I'm still confused myself as to what's going on, but I can tell you this much-it's on this (and every month's) pull list. Get it!