TRADE WAITING #3: Week of September 22, 2021

Graphic novels. Collected editions. Omnibuses. Trades. These are really all just words for “a kickass way to read comics”. So, with this column we’re going to look at all of those kickass bound pages that are hitting comic shops, bookstores and online outlets this week! (Note that in some instances, the release dates to comic shops, online retailers and book stores are different)

IYANU, CHILD OF WONDER TPB VOL. 1
Written by Roye Okupe
Art by Godwin Akpan
Published by Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: September 22, 2021
Price: $19.99
You can find it here: Bookshop.org

The publisher says: Iyanu, a teenage orphan with no recollection of her past, suddenly discovers that she has abilities that rival the ancient deities told in the folklore of her people. It is these abilities that are the key to bringing back an “age of wonders,” as Iyanu begins her journey to save a world on the brink of destruction! The Corrupt-cursed wildlife and strange, divine beasts-are determined to destroy humanity, unless Iyanu can stop them.

Dark Horse and YouNeek Studios launch a shared universe of African fantasy and superhero stories-the YouNeek YouNiverse!

Extraordinary stories about extraordinary characters inspired by African history, culture, and mythology.

What I say: Roye Okupe and Godwin Akpan bring readers a fantasy adventure that one has to behold! That cover absolutely sucked me in with that wicked looking bow & wielder….and big kitty in the background.

RIVERS
Written by David Gaffney
Art by Dan Berry
Published by IDW Publishing/Top Shelf
Release Date: September 22, 2021
Price: $19.99
You can find it here: Bookshop.org

The publisher says: Three ordinary weirdos, one recurring dream. The acclaimed minds behind The Three Rooms in Valerie’s Head return with a whimsical and ambitious portrait of human connection in the age of digital fragmentation.

You meet the strangest people on the internet.

Gideon is a lonely I.T. developer, obsessed by a comic book from childhood called Revenge of the Ghoulors, and secretly in love with his co-worker Lisa. Heidi works at home in her pyjamas, makes a lot of soup, and wishes she had time for friends. Peter is a 56-year-old divorcee who delivers classic cars, has a built-in toaster, and thinks a lot about the past. 

These three people seem unconnected, yet they share something-they each have the same recurring dream. And when a new web service is introduced that helps people share their dreams, what will happen when the three of them find out about each other? Just what is it that links these three lonely souls? 

Nimbly weaving together multiple storylines (including extracts from Gideon’s comic book, Revenge of the Ghoulors), Dan Berry and David Gaffney present Rivers: a quirky examination of how events from the past can bind people together forever, and a surprising reunion between people who’ve never met.

What I say: Now this….this looks unique, and I’m a fan of unique. I want to know more about these odd individuals, and lord knows the people at Top Shelf have a history of producing absolutely stellar OGNs.

THE LOW, LOW WOODS
Written by Carmen Maria Machado
Art by Dani, Tamra Bonvillain
Published by DC Black Label
Release Date: September 22, 2021
Price: $17.99
You can find it here: Bookshop.org

The publisher says: From New York Times bestselling author Carmen Maria Machado (Her Body And Other Parties, In The Dream House) comes a story so horrifying you won’t dare to forget!

There’s something in the woods…

Shudder-to-Think, Pennsylvania, has been on fire for years. The woods are full of rabbits with human eyes, a deer woman who stalks hungry girls, and swaths of skinless men. And the people of Shudder-to-Think? Well, they’re not doing so well either.

When El and Octavia wake up in a movie theater with no memory of the last few hours of their lives, the two teenage dirtbags embark on a horrifying journey to uncover the truth about the strange town that they call home. 

From critically acclaimed writer Carmen Maria Machado (Her Body and Other Parties) comes The Low, Low Woods, from the smash-hit lineup of the Hill House Comics library. Featuring stunning artwork by Dani (Lucifer), this volume collects The Low, Low Woods #1-6.

What I say: I’m afraid and I haven’t even seen more than the cover. 

DAREDEVIL BY CHIP ZDARSKY VOL. 6 – DOING TIME TPB
Written by Chip Zdarsky
Art by Mike Hawthorne and more
Published by Marvel Comics
Release Date: September 22, 2021
Price: $15.99

The publisher says: A new Daredevil rises to protect Hell’s Kitchen! Matt Murdock is in jail – but while he’s serving his time in his masked guise, his home is left without a guardian devil. That is, until Elektra Natchios takes it upon herself to protect Murdock’s neighborhood – and his legacy! But the new Daredevil has her work cut out for her: Wilson Fisk remains seated as New York’s mayor with Typhoid Mary, the Owl, Hammerhead and other lethal villains at his beck and call – and that’s before Knull, the terrifying King in Black, plunges the world into darkness! Elektra may be in over her head for the first time in her life – while Matt must find the strength to continue the fight as all hell breaks loose in prison! Collecting DAREDEVIL (2019) #26-32.

What I say: This is one of those “legendary” Daredevil runs, which is quite amazing considering how many legendary runs have been associated with this character. ElektraDevil? Yes, please.

S.W.O.R.D. BY AL EWING VOL. 1
Written by Al Ewing
Art by Various
Published by Marvel Comics
Release Date: September 22, 2021
Price: $15.99
You can find it here: Bookshop.org

The publisher says: One giant leap for mutantkind! The new nation of Krakoa has quickly become a major force on the world stage, but why stop there? The X-Men have relaunched the Sentient World Observation & Response Directorate, a fully independent organization dealing with all things extraterrestrial on behalf of Earth. And S.W.O.R.D. is thrown right into the deep end of a planetary crisis as Krakoa battles the invading King in Black! Meanwhile, Abigail Brand prepares a deniable operation all her own. What is Protocol V, and can the Earth survive it? Then, walk a mile in the Manifold’s shoes as S.W.O.R.D.’s Quintician takes a journey across the universe – and comes face-to-face with a deadly enemy! And as the Quiet Council discusses the rules of murder on Krakoa, in space the killings have already begun. Collecting S.W.O.R.D. (2020) #1-5.

What I say: There have been many a gem in this current X-Verse and S.W.O.R.D. is just such a series. Al Ewing’s take on Abigail Brand’s operation is top notch and is that great cosmic conduit for the X-Line that everybody wants and needs.

…and with that, I call this week done. Happy reading, comics fans!

You can find your local comic book shop using Comic Shop Locator here: https://www.comicshoplocator.com

Any purchases made via retailer links provided in this article may result in this site receiving a share of that sale, which is truly appreciated!

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