by Matt Sernaker & Kevin Gaussoin, Editors–In-Chief
The holidays are quickly approaching, and ComicsOnline is excited to once again celebrate the world of pop culture in our 2025 gift guide! Looking for that perfect pop culture gift for a friend, family member, loved one, mortal enemy, or other? Don’t worry, we’ve got something for everyone in our new list.
Disclaimer: In the spirit of transparency, some of the items below have been kindly provided (at our request) by our partners at different publishers & studios so that we could give honest feedback and thoughts. These are things that we are truly excited about, and we think they would be great for you to consider as you make your plans for 2025.
Skybound Entertainment
Energon Universe Collections
Void Rivals Deluxe Edition Book One
Transformers Deluxe Edition Book One
G.I. JOE Volume 1
For years, Robert Kirkman has taught readers to “expect the unexpected”. Despite knowing Kirkman’s penchant for surprises (Robert, I’m still not over Carl being shot in the face), there is absolutely no way that anyone could have predicted the massive twist in the launch of Void Rivals. This series was a stealth launch for the larger Energon Universe, leveraging an original concept to seamlessly connect the dots between the worlds of Transformers, G.I. Joe, and more. This book features the creative talents of Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead, Invincible), Lorenzo De Felici (Oblivion Song), Matheus Lopes (Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow), and Rus Wooton (The Walking Dead, Invincible). Void Rivals is about to hit a milestone 25th issue, and the series continues to be one of my favorite ongoing stories from Skybound. As a massive Transformers fan, I love how the creative team has incorporated elements of their lore into each chapter, but it is important to note that these new characters could easily stand on their own. Darak and Solila’s narrative is very interesting and unique, but I love that the creative team has been able to seamlessly insert them into the cosmic side of the Transformers story. Void Rivals Deluxe Edition Book One collects Void Rivals #1-12 and material from the Energon Universe 2024 Special. But my friends, Void Rivals is the tip of the iceberg…
Transformers Deluxe Edition Book One successfully puts an engaging new spin on the fan-favorite brand. Readers are in for a treat as the creative team included shocking twists that live up to the classic “More Than Meets the Eye” mantra. This book comes across as a true love letter to the franchise (and G1 especially), elevated by beautiful designs and vivid colors that successfully bring our favorite Cybertronians to life with each turn of the page. With decades of stories across dozens of variations, taking on the Transformers and creating something new might have felt like a daunting task. Fear not my friends, because Writer/Artist Daniel Warren Johnson (Do a Powerbomb, DC’s Wonder Woman: Dead Earth), Colorist Mike Spicer (Do a Powerbomb, Still Water), Letterer Rus Wooton (Invincible) and Energon Universe Showrunner Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead, Invincible) were up to the task, leading to Johnson receiving MULTIPLE Eisner Awards in 2024 (Best Continuing Series and Best Writer/Artist). Once you read the first chapter, it becomes abundantly clear that this team has a deep appreciation for these characters. In our past interviews, Kirkman and Johnson shared the impact that The Transformers: The Movie had on their respective childhoods, and just hearing them speak about their reverence for the iconic heroes and villains brought nothing but joy to my heart. Once you get this book in your hands, you’ll understand just how BIG this book truly is. To be clear, each of the series could be read independently, but there is a lot of fun in the connectivity between books (it’s not an all-or-nothing situation). Transformers Deluxe Edition Book One collects the first two arcs (issues #1-12). Bigger picture: Void Rivals set the stage for Transformers, and then Transformers in turn set up the status quo for G.I. Joe! Knowing is half the battle after all…
Now, if you’ve seen any of my recent Energon Universe reviews, you might have caught on that I was more of a Transformers kid with less interest in G.I. Joe. I’ve had a surface-level knowledge of the characters and their story thanks to their place in the world of pop culture, but it hadn’t been a key component of my childhood. With that being said, the creative team at Skybound has done a wonderful job building up to this point by introducing the characters and their perspectives in the pages of Void Rivals and Transformers, followed by Duke, Cobra Commander, Destro, and Scarlett Limited Series (also available in collected editions from Skybound). This approach ensured that readers new and old would have a deeper appreciation for bringing these massive forces together in the new book.
G.I. JOE Volume 1 is an extremely accessible read and offers something for everyone. This series features Joshua Williamson (D.C. KO), Tom Reilly (Ant Man), Jordie Bellaire (Exquisite Corpses), and lettering powerhouse Rus Wooton (Rus is going to get a lot of praise in this post). Williamson is currently making an impact across different publishers, but his writing on G.I. Joe is high on my reading list. The artistic stylings of Reilly and Bellaire put this book over the top with the grounded yet bombastic tone. I truly love Wooton’s lettering choices as he continues to find clever ways to elevate the storytelling within the Energon Universe. G.I. JOE Volume 1 is a trade paperback release and collects issues #1-6.
Lastly, if you want to complete your collection, make sure you check out Codename: G.I. Joe Deluxe Edition Books One and Two.
Overall, I’ve been nothing but impressed by the collected editions from Skybound, and these beautiful collections are worth having on your shelf. I had already bought the trade paperback versions of Void Rivals and Transformers when they came out previously, but I’m utterly thrilled to see how these larger editions stack up in comparison.
The Transformers Compendium Vol. 1
The Transformers Compendium Vol. 2
But wait, there are even more Transformers comics now available thanks to the team at Skybound! The Transformers Compendium Vol. 1 collects nearly 50 issues from the original Transformers comic series (issues #1-44 of the original THE TRANSFORMERS comics and HEADMASTERS #1-4 limited series) into a truly massive collection (bigger than most omnibus releases) that is a must-have for any Transformers fan. After you’ve worked your way through the first collection, Transformers Compendium Vol. 2 adds another chunk of Cybertronian adventures (THE TRANSFORMERS #47-80, TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE #1-3, TRANSFORMERS GENERATION 2 #1-12).
Although I grew up watching the cartoons, the comics only enhanced my interest in the characters and provided additional opportunities to see my favorite robots in between their animated adventures. I was thrilled to learn that Skybound had the publishing rights to release this collection, and the best part is that it is only the first two volumes. There are four volumes in this specific collection (there was a Kickstarter and everything), and hopefully, we will get to see individual releases for those as well in the near future.
Transformers: Worst Bot Ever: Meet Ballpoint
If you are looking for a more kid-friendly entry into the Transformers Universe, you can also check out Transformers: Worst Bot Ever: Meet Ballpoint. Creators Brian “Smitty” Smith (Pea, Bee, and Jay) and Marz Jr. crafted a story appropriate for ages 8-12, featuring the tale of Ballpoint, the Worst Bot Ever. When Ballpoint fails to take down the Autobots, the Decepticons decide to kick him out of the club. Readers will follow Ballpoint on his misadventures and see if he has what it takes to become more than meets the eye.
The Art of Invincible Season Two
For two shocking seasons, Skybound Entertainment and Prime Video have provided viewers with stellar animation and comic-accurate stories in Invincible. While we anxiously await the return of Mark Grayson’s adventures in Season 3, we can now go back and explore his second round of epic adventures in finer detail with the release of The Art of Invincible Season Two!
I’ve always had a deep appreciation for “making of” or “art of” production-style books, as they tend to bring to light various concept designs or alternatives. Page after page, readers will be stunned by the gorgeous designs and stories featured in this impressive release. The Art of Invincible Season 2 features behind-the-scenes stories, character designs, landscapes, props, and production art that will surely excite anyone who has watched the series. The Art of Invincible Season 2 is an incredible view into the creative process and serves as a wonderful way to celebrate the creative talent that works tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this story to life in animation. I really appreciated the breakdown per episode and the additional nuances that were applied to adapting the story from comic to screen. The book is written by Marc Sumerak, with a foreword by Robert Kirkman, and features a stunning cover by Cory Walker and colorist Dave McCaig. Additionally, The Art of Invincible Season 1 remains available and is just as impressive. Maybe you should get both…just saying.
Universal Monsters Series
Universal Monsters: The Mummy
Universal Monsters: Frankenstein
Last year, we loved Skybound’s Universal Monsters editions of Dracula and Creature From the Black Lagoon Lives, but this year we have two new hardcover collections of this year’s Universal Monsters miniseries.
New York Times bestselling and Eisner Award-winning comics creator Faith Erin Hicks resurrects one of the most iconic monsters in her bold new take on The Mummy! This deluxe hardcover collects the full run of the Universal Monsters: The Mummy miniseries. Forever haunted by a cursed encounter as a child, Helen Grosvenor is a woman born to two worlds and belonging in neither. When unknown voices bring her to an Egyptian dig site, Helen will play an unexpected role in the rise of a monster known only as…THE MUMMY.
Mummies are supposed to be dry and voiceless, right? Not here. Faith Erin Hicks and Lee Loughridge breathe new life into a classic undead Universal Monster with The Mummy. We still love the classic movies and the Brendan Fraser era, but this may be the best retelling to date.
Collecting the full miniseries in a deluxe hardcover, Universal Monsters: Frankenstein, breathes new life into the tale of one of pop culture’s most beloved monsters. Award-winning creator Michael Walsh tells the shocking creation story of the unforgettable monster—one body part at a time. Dr. Henry Frankenstein begins his unholy quest to create life by robbing the grave of a decorated police officer to find necessary parts. But little does he know that the corpse has a son who is mourning a father – and that this young boy will forever change Frankenstein’s life.
In the original 1931 Universal Frankenstein film, Doctor Victor Frankenstein was the true monster, while the reanimated corpse creature was merely his egomania made flesh. This Michael Walsh and Toni-Marie Griffin version of Frankenstein watches the classic story unfold with new eyes–those of the orphaned son of the man who hands are incorporated into Frankenstein’s Monster. Somehow this made the classic story even better. I don’t know how Skybound keeps doing this.
Both of these are ideal gifts for your loved ones who are into classic films or monsters.
From the world of Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead comes the epic conclusion of Clementine, in which acclaimed writer/artist Tillie Walden holds absolutely nothing back. Clementine finally has it all–a safe place to live, a girlfriend, and even a cat…but nothing lasts forever. And when Clementine suffers a loss unlike anything she’s ever faced, a new mentor called The Gardener offers her a new family, and a new way of living… but at what cost?
We were first introduced to Clementine in the Telltale Games The Walking Dead games. Within that 4-part series, Clementine grows up from around nine to around sixteen, and then shortly thereafter, Tillie Walden’s books take over. Books One & Two are also highly recommended, and this year’s collected Clementine Book Three is just the right ending for this long multimedia saga of a girl who made us care about everyone in her orbit.
DC Comics & Warner Bros. Discovery
Superman: The Art and Making of the Film
As noted in the earlier sections of this gift guide, I’m a sucker when it comes to books that take you behind the scenes in the world of film and animation. Superman: The Art and Making of the Film is a wonderful release from Abrams, taking readers deeper into the world of the smash hit film from DC Studios. Not only is this book packed with concept art, storyboards, and facts, it also features a foreword from David Corenswet (Superman himself) and an introduction from DC Studios Co-CEO James Gunn. The book chronicles the inspirations behind the choices that made it to screen, and provides greater insight into the level of thought that went into each of those decisions. One personal highlight was the detail on Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern Ring. Many of us noticed the resemblance to Ryan Reynolds’ ring from the 2011 film, and now we finally get to learn more about the specific connection thanks to Beth Mickle, Production Designer. From the gorgeous mural featured in the Hall of Justice to Superman’s Robot in the Fortress of Solitude, readers will get to explore the finer details that they may have missed along the way. We can only hope that we get more books with this level of care in the future, because it is easily a must-have for any fan of Superman.
Superman (2025) Blu-Ray
DC Studios takes some massive swings in their opening cinematic endeavor, as Superman soars to new heights in this epic adventure. In a nutshell: Superman was absolutely perfect. What an experience. No notes.
The DC Universe is in the right hands with James Gunn and Peter Safran. Every aspect of this film was handled with care and precision. Incorporating Krypto as the emotional centerpiece of the story was quite clever, and the doggo will make you laugh and cheer with every appearance. The chemistry of the entire cast was truly a highlight, as each interaction was grounded and engaging. The performances were simply stellar, and leaning into the comic book aesthetic only helped to raise the bar on the enjoyment. The emotion and intensity behind every line of dialogue gave the audience a window into Superman’s world that we haven’t quite seen before.
I really want to emphasize that these actors OWNED the roles. It’s hard to nail down a favorite because all of the performances were pitch-perfect interpretations of these legendary characters. Corenswet expertly embodied the duality of Clark/Superman with compassion and heart. Brosnahan is badass reporter Lois Lane who is no damsel in distress. Hoult’s charisma and intensity as Lex is insanely powerful. Fillion stole every scene as the ridiculous and perfectly over-the-top Guy Gardner. Gathegi made a mark with Mr. Terrific and received his well-deserved time in the spotlight. I could easily go on, but there is not a single weak link in the cast, and everyone brought something new and impactful to the table. Expectations were subverted, tropes were twisted, and a lot of fun was had.
The magic of DC Comics is captured in a way that we only could have dreamed of before this release. The little details made the biggest impact, and the meticulous approach to ensuring that this story was done right is a game-changer for the genre. It’s not just about the CGI, but the real-world approach to the interactions made this feel more unique than other incarnations of the DC Universe. Those other movies always felt like you were watching something scripted, but this style of filmmaking felt organic and personal in a world filled with super suits, aliens, and meta-powered individuals. The color palette made a world of difference as well, with rich and vibrant tones that distinguish the film from its predecessors. The movie seamlessly establishes a new starting point for the DC Universe films without overwhelming.
There are many people who believe Superman is a challenging character to write for, but the magic is in his empathy. That characteristic comes through in spades with this release, and thanks to this cast and crew, the emotional roller coaster that is Kal-El’s journey of self-discovery will surely impress. Most importantly, it’s a story about choices and how our choices define us. We all need more hope right about now, and given what we are faced with in the world today, having the story embrace this aspect couldn’t be more timely.
Superman stars David Corenswet (Twisters) as Superman/Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult (X-Men: Days of Future Past) as Lex Luthor. The film also stars Edi Gathegi (For All Mankind), Anthony Carrigan (Barry), Nathan Fillion (Firefly), Isabela Merced (Alien Romulus), Skyler Gisondo (Licorice Pizza), Sara Sampaio (At Midnight), María Gabriela de Faría (The Moodys), Wendell Pierce (Selma), Alan Tudyk (Firefly), Pruitt Taylor Vince (Bird Box) and Neva Howell (Greedy People).
The Blu-ray release includes over 90-minutes of bonus features, including “Adventures in the Making of Superman”, “Lex Luthor: The Mind of a Master Villain”, “The Justice Gang”, “Paws to Pixels: Krypto is Born”, an Animated Krypto Short and more.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow Deluxe Edition
We know that Kara Zor-El is headed to the big screen for a solo adventure in 2026, and now you can read the story that inspired the film in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. The creative team of Writer Tom King (Wonder Woman, Mister Miracle), Artist Bilquis Evely (Wonder Woman, The Dreaming), Colorist Matheus Lopes (Wonder Woman), and Letterer Clayton Cowles (who is all over this gift guide and lettering across comic book universes, but this time we will mention Wonder Woman: Historia for credits) has crafted an epic cosmic adventure for Kara as she struggles to find her purpose. A girl, her dog, and a new friend go on an epic quest for self-discovery, revenge, and more. It doesn’t surprise me that DC Studios has selected to adapt this comic to the big screen, and once you read the book for yourself, you’ll understand what makes this particular adventure so special. The story expertly blends sci-fi and fantasy elements while seamlessly grounding the character-driven story in a tale with heart.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow Deluxe Edition is a hardcover collection of all eight issues of the fan-favorite story, along with additional concept art, storyboards, and alternate script elements. If the person that you are buying for is more of the reader-on-the-go type, then you can also find a brand new Compact Comics version of the story (digest form), but it just doesn’t have all of the cool extras.
DC Early Readers Collection
Superman’s Good Guy Gang
Aquamanatee
Our friends at DC sent a very special care package (#GiftFromDC) to our newest junior reporter, and I can say emphatically that we are loving the DC Early Readers Collection! Superman’s Good Guy Gang tells the story of an eight-year-old Clark Kent who is excited to make some new SUPER friends. When Guy Gardner (Green Lantern) and Kendra Saunders (Hawkgirl) find their way into Superman’s world, the trio will find comfort in being themselves while learning how to work together to stop Lex Luthor’s giant robot. Oh, and they might get milkshakes along the way. This earlier reader adventure is brought to us by award-winning author, illustrator, and graphic novelist Rob Justus (Death & Sparkles). Good news, the book also teases upcoming adventures in this series featuring Mr. Terrific, Batman, and Wonder Woman.
The second book in this collection features the underwater adventures of Aquamanatee! Marlow the Manatee loves Aquaman and dreams of someday being a hero like the King of the Seven Seas. When Marlow gets his own superpowers, he isn’t quite sure if he’s as ready as he thought he was. A journey of self-discovery and heroics awaits, and with a little help from our favorite guy in the orange and green, he might just find that he does have what it takes to make a difference. The story is written by New York Times best-selling author and illustrator Ben Clanton (Narwhal and Jelly), with art by Cassandra Federman (This is a Sea Cow).
Special thanks again to DC for the awesome kid-friendly introduction to the world of superheroes. These books are already receiving a lot of love, and I know that early readers will get a kick out of these and the upcoming releases.
Elf: The Classic Illustrated Storybook from Pop Classics
The magic of the movie Elf comes home in Elf: The Classic Illustrated Storybook from Pop Classics! Based on the film by David Berenbaum, Buddy the Elf is ready to spread some holiday cheer for readers of all ages as he adventures to New York to find his father. Illustrator Kim Smith beautifully captures the joy and energy that Will Ferrell put into the original performance, and I dare you not to grin from ear to ear as Buddy teams with Santa to save Christmas. Smith’s artistic stylings make this book feel like a timeless classic, and I know this book will be well-loved for years to come.
Where the Wild Things Are Magnetic RightFit™ Footie
While our junior reporter is learning about Max and his journey to find Where the Wild Things Are, he has been extremely comfortable in his new outfit from Magnetic Me. The super soft RightFit™ Footie is a highlight for us because of the clever design and theme. The magnetic elements are a great option for easy changing, and we were pleased with the materials and level of care in the making of the outfit (from their official site: RightFit™ blends long-lasting TENCEL™ modal with a naturally flame-resistant fabric: free of toxic chemicals, easy on the arms, belly-friendly & sized for thighs with ample room for growing babies on the move). There are many more options from the Magnetic Me brand, and I have a feeling that this will be the first of many for our family.
The White Lotus Resort & Spa Plush Robe
If you need something for that White Lotus fan in your life, then we would recommend considering The White Lotus Resort & Spa Plush Robe. This hotel-style robe is “floofy and quite comfortable,” per our own Emma Smith, and is 100% cotton. The single size offering fits most (48” length and 25” width as measured armpit to armpit), providing comfort and style to complement your HBO viewing experience. Oh, and it most certainly has pockets.
SassyWoof Dog Adjustable Harness – Superman and Krypto
Here we are, right in between the releases of Superman and Supergirl, and in the middle is their dog Krypto. Doesn’t your favorite dog of steel need to proclaim their favor toward Krypto? Well, now you can help! This comes in XXS to XXL to fit practically any Earth canine.
Sinners (Available on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and Digital)
Powerhouse filmmaker Ryan Coogler doubles down as writer and director in the box-office thriller Sinners featuring incredible performances by Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O’ Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, and Delroy Lindo. Beyond the talented actors, Coogler reunited the creative talents behind Black Panther to craft this cinematic experience, including Autumn Durald Arkapaw (Director of Photography), Hannah Beachler (Oscar-winning Production Designer), Ludwig Goransson (Oscar-winning Composer), and Ruth E. Carter (Oscar-winning Costume Designer).
Official Synopsis: Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.
Sinners is a film worthy of your collection, and with many consumers moving back to owning physical media, this release gets even more attention thanks to the impressive special features. The film is available to own on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and Digital, all of which include a plethora of enhancements, including “Dancing with the Devil: The Making of Sinners”, “Thicker than Blood: Becoming the Smokestack Twins”, “Blues in the Night: The Music of Sinners”, “Spirits in the Deep South”,
“The Wages of Sin: The Creature FX of Sinners”, and nearly 20 minutes of deleted and extended scenes. One of the other impressive elements of this release is the inclusion of expanded aspect ratio sequences. The creative team decided to focus on ways to elevate the home viewing experience, and the versions outlined above include both 1.78:1 and 2.76:1 aspect ratios. Simply put, this is not something you see included every day, and it drives home the care and consideration that went into the future viewings of this story. Please note, the DVD version does not include the special features (and might not include the aspect ratio piece, but I’m not 100%).
The Polar Express (Available on 4K ULTRA HD)
The Polar Express is the story of our hero, a boy who has outgrown believing in Santa Claus, but is magically taken aboard a steam locomotive en route to the North Pole. He is joined by other kids who all have something to learn from this thrilling journey to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus and witness the ceremonial giving of the first gift of Christmas. This is one of the few films of its age (released in 2004) that was a motion capture computer-animated film that can actually stand up in a 4K release. This is a great addition to your family’s holiday movie shelf.
Superman: The Official Cookbook: Recipes from Smallville to the Hall of Justice and Beyond
Superman: The Official Cookbook is a great gift for any DC Comics fan. If your family or that special someone loves DC Comics, this cookbook is an easy pick. The recipes are suitable for every occasion, from main dishes to desserts and even spicy drinks. One of my favorite parts of this book is the small town America inspired recipes woven throughout. Whether it is breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this book has you covered for the Superman fan in your life. The first recipe I plan to try is the Krypton cupcakes. They look delicious and feature crystal style kryptonite toppers that really stand out. These will be perfect for my next Superman party on Superman Day. The Superman Official Cookbook is a gift the whole family can enjoy, and it is definitely one worth picking up.
Insight Editions Cookbooks and Cocktail Collections
The White Lotus Official Cocktail Collection
The White Lotus Official Cookbook
Casablanca Cocktails: We’ll always have Aperitifs
Insight Editions has brought us a delicious way to enjoy our Holidays and beyond. Check out these excellent gift ideas for the mixologists or chefs in your family…
Want to vacation at HBO’s The White Lotus all year long? Pick up The White Lotus Official Cocktail Collection and The White Lotus Official Cookbook for cocktails and food based on the extravagant resorts portrayed in HBO’s The White Lotus show. If you (or the loved ones you’re shopping for) are like us here at ComicsOnline, half the joy of travel is in the eating and drinking. Now you can bring some five-star food and cocktails home with these new recipe books. These are a wonderful addition to our homes, adding inspiration from Hawaii, Sicily, and Thailand.
Casablanca Cocktails: We’ll always have Aperitifs is our new adult advent calendar. I want to make one of these classic or classic-esque movie-inspired cocktails every day through New Years and beyond. While I have an impressive liquor cabinet, I’m going to need to order some uncommon accoutrements and have champagne on ice constantly. I need some crème de violette so I can make this Aviation and some chartreuse so I can make this Champs-Élysées. I made the Atlantic with a touch too much Absinthe, but it was delicious all the same.
IDW Publishing
Star Trek Comic Book Collections
Star Trek, Vol. 5: When The Walls Fell
Star Trek: Defiant – Volume 5 – No Old Warriors
Star Trek: Lower Decks – Warp Your Own Way
Star Trek: Lower Decks – Second Contact
Star Trek: Voyager Omnibus
If you are looking for the perfect gift for that Star Trek fan in your life, your first stop should be IDW Publishing. Over the last few years, the creators behind Star Trek, Star Trek: Defiant, and Star Trek: Lower Decks have produced a variety of award-winning and award-nominated series, taking our favorite cosmic adventures on impressive journeys via the comic book medium. One of my favorite things about the Star Trek comics from IDW is how they are extremely intentional with their storytelling efforts. Nothing seems like it’s just a story for the sake of a story, but each aspect is strategically crafted to add to the journey of our favorite characters. If you haven’t been reading the ongoing and miniseries of Star Trek from IDW, you are missing out on one hell of a ride.
Star Trek has always been about pushing boundaries and exploring the unknown, and this latest volume of the main title perfectly captured that concept. Star Trek, Vol. 5: When the Walls Fell focuses on the fallout from the destruction of the universe. That’s right, Lore has won using the Orb of Destruction, and reality has been rewritten. While we waited to see exactly what that meant in the foreshadowing of the Lore War, Captain Sisko and the crew of the U.S.S. Theseus were faced with a few massive surprises, including a memorable trip to the Kelvin Universe and a shocking adventure into fluidic space (spoiler: neither Species 8472 nor Tom Paris were thrilled by this side trek). Volume 5 features Star Trek issues #25–30, with stories by Hivemind Writers Collin Kelly & Jackson Lanzing, with Artists Liana Kangas, Angel Hernandez, Mike Feehan, Tess Fowler, and Travis Mercer, Colorist Lee Loughridge, Letterer Clayton Cowles, with Design & Production by Neil Uyetake.
While the flagship title was busy blowing up the universe and exploring different dimensions (thanks again Collin and Jackson), the crew of the U.S.S. Defiant was off on some exciting adventures of their own in Star Trek: Defiant, Vol. 5: No Old Warriors. Readers get to explore the aftermath of the insanely impressive “Day of Blood” event in a story that features Worf and Alexander in a ronin-esque storyline about honor. Frankly, the badass cover by Takashi Okazaki should be all you need to see to know that this book is something special, and perhaps today is a good day to read comics (read that last part in a Worf voice). Meanwhile, B’Elanna Torres is in the captain’s seat! Our favorite engineer turned captain finds herself faced with a uniquely volatile situation involving landmines and bureaucracy, but thankfully, she has the right crew behind her. Volume 5 collects issues #22–25, and features the creative talents of Writer Christopher Cantwell, Artist Angel Unzueta, Colorist Marissa Louise, and Letterer Clayton Cowles.
LOWER DECKS! LOWER DECKS! Star Trek: Lower Decks gets two entries on our list, kicking off with Star Trek: Lower Decks – Warp Your Own Way. This original graphic novel is perfectly drawn by Artist Chris Fenoglio, and Writer Ryan North ensures each character’s dialogue is spot on, except when it isn’t, and that’s on purpose. The fact that North turns the “Choose Your Own Adventure” concept on its head and makes that a twist perfectly suited for a Lower Decks story is pure genius.
Ryan North continues his time with the U.S.S. Cerritos crew with the launch of the new ongoing series, collected in Star Trek: Lower Decks, Vol. 1: Second Contact. Do you remember those little editorial comments at the bottom of each page of Unbeatable Squirrel Girl? Ryan North has employed those to hilarious effect in this new book, and I couldn’t be happier about it. I love every bit of this first issue. Derek Charm’s art sticks to the show bible for not only Lower Decks, but also another Star Trek show. Which one? You’ll fanboy like you have purple hair when you find out.
Look, we’re all disappointed in the upcoming end of this show (possibly also society and humanity, but this review is about comic books, not real life) but now we have a new ongoing Star Trek: Lower Decks that will keep the spirit of the show alive, staying true to the characters and world that we’ve come to love, and the fandom that we’ve embraced as hard as Boimler. Star Trek: Lower Decks in comic book format creates a wonderful way to continue the beloved self-referential adventures of our favorite animated characters. Volume 1 collects issues #1–6 of the new ongoing series, and features the creative talents of Writer Ryan North, Artists Derek Charm and Jack Lawrence, Colors by Derek Charm and Charlie Kirchoff, and Lettering by the dynamic Clayton Cowles (who is dominating the world of comics as you have seen throughout this guide).
The Star Trek: Voyager Omnibus contains all four issues of the limited series Star Trek Voyager: Seven’s Reckoning, plus the Star Trek Voyager: Mirrors and Smoke one-shot, Star Trek Waypoint #3, and “The Swift Spoke,” a story from Star Trek Waypoint Special 2019. The miniseries is an interesting story about a craft that carries stories across the galaxy. The mirror universe entry in this omnibus is a particular thrill for us, because it features art by “friend of the show” JK Woodward, who we always want more Star Trek comics from. This collection is finished off by a cute comic written by and starring Naomi Wildman, and then finally by a story that may bend your brain more than a little bit.
Editors’ note: An omnibus edition is a book containing multiple creative works, be they a collection of shorter works or shorter works collected with a full book. So even though in comics, an “omnibus” tends to be a huge edition containing 12 to 50 issues of comics, the 6-plus issues contained herein do in fact an omnibus make.
Editors’ other note: These Voyager stories are not written by the current IDW Star Trek writers, but are instead a great collection of previous Voyager stories.
You probably already have They Called Us Enemy by Star Trek‘s George Takei. That was the one where George educated/reminded America about the fact that Americans of Japanese descent were imprisoned within concentration camps during World War II.
Now George is treating us to another part of his life, and as you may guess, it does in fact rhyme with Takei. Back in 2005 George was 68 and finally came out of the closet as a gay man. Why did he do it and how did it take so long? It Rhymes with Takei is for all races and genders and preferences and tells Takei’s story in a beautiful and ultimately uplifting fashion. We are so glad to have the opportunity to read it.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Releases
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Original Motion Picture Special Edition: 35th Anniversary
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin Collection
This year is the 35th anniversary of the original 1990 TMNT movie, and now you can add a RADICAL piece of comic book history to your collection with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Original Motion Picture Special Edition: 35th Anniversary. Everyone has their comfort movies, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is easily at the top of the list for me. I’ve seen this film more times than I can count, and after 35 years, I’m still finding new hidden gems. Co-creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird put their own spin on the live-action adaptation when the film debuted in 1990, and now you can own an updated version of the story, packed with enhanced colors, page layouts, and scenes that didn’t quite make the original cut from the Mirage iteration of the story. As a life-long fan of TMNT, the main reason this release is a win for fans is getting to see the film story through the eyes of the original creators. I’ve never seen a film adaptation done by the same creators, and as a comic book fan, I loved getting to experience their approach to visualizing this specific story in a different medium.
After you’re done with your flashback to the 90s, jump ahead to the future for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin Collection. All three of the current volumes in the Last Ronin series are collected in this stunning hardcover edition. This is the perfect gift for the adult TMNT fan in your life, providing them with a Dark Knight Returns-style final adventure for our favorite heroes in a half shell, while also setting the stage for the next generation of Turtle Power.
Funko
Funko Pop! Bitty Countdown Calendar: Marvel Comics
Between us, we have well over two hundred Funko Pops, and we aren’t even serious collectors. Once again this year, we have opened our Funko Advent calendar early to report on our findings so that you can order one and do the same. This year it’s Bitty Pops, which I love for their itty-bitty-ness. Over the course of 24 days you can open 10 bitty pops (your pulls will vary) as well as the red boxes, star, bitty tree, two bitty gifts, and two keychains and two pins (not shown) that will each hold a bitty of your choice.
Be sure to check back as we have a few more rapid-fire gift recommendations coming this week!
-Matt, Kevin, and the ComicsOnline Team
