With so many different titles, storylines and genres currently available, it can be nearly impossible to pick out the right holiday gift for a comic book fan. We're here to take the stress out of shopping by giving you the ultimate guide to the holidays with these comic book gift ideas.
For The Superhero Fan
Batman: Death of the Family Book and Joker Mask Set
Let's face it, pretty much every comic book fan loves Batman, and there's very little chance that you will go wrong buying any Batman book as a gift, but this Death of the Family special edition hardcover will turn you into a real flesh-and-blood hero in the eyes of your loved ones. Not only is the story by writer Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo an instant classic, but this edition also comes with an absolutely terrifying Joker mask that fans will love. It's creepy and gross and disturbing, and it's just the thing that any Dark Knight fanatic will fall in love with. Be warned, though, this comic is sadistic, violent and gruesome, so if you want a book for a younger Bat-Fan, try this instead.
Superman Unchained Deluxe Hardcover
Superman may be the most iconic superhero in comics, but it's awfully hard to pick out just one comic to give as a gift. Oftentimes, Superman books are just one part of a larger storyline, forcing the recipient of the gift to go out on their own to find the all-important follow-ups with their own money. Thankfully, Scott Snyder and Jim Lee collaborated on Superman Unchained recently, which is a self-contained, action-packed storyline that fans of the Man of Steel can just sit down and enjoy. You don't need to worry about what came before this story or what comes after; instead, you can just open this bad boy up and get reading. Best of all, this edition comes with a behind-the-scenes look at the story, as well as some sketches from the legendary Jim Lee.
Marvel 75th Anniversary Omnibus
Are you looking to buy a gift for your favorite Marvel fan? How about a fan that loves the movies but hasn't yet migrated into the world of the comics? That's where this Marvel 75th Anniversary Omnibus comes in to save the day. This massive book collects the early stories of the company's most iconic characters, such as Iron Man, Spider-Man, Captain America, Fantastic Four, Hulk, Thor and Daredevil. Some of the stories collected here are the classic origins of these characters, while others feature a character's most memorable storyline, such as "The Death of Gwen Stacy" and Giant-Sized X-Men #1. Sure, it's big and pricey, but if you know someone who wants to jump headfirst into the world of Marvel, you won't be able to do any better than this.
Infinity Gauntlet Omnibus
Chances are, if you're looking to buy a comic for somebody, they'll be a fan of the Avengers. And what better gift to get them than this book that will be the inspiration for both Avengers 3 and 4? In Infinity Gauntlet, the heroes of Marvel are pitted against Thanos, the Mad Titan. As in the movies, Thanos has been pulling the strings of the Marvel Universe behind the scenes until he makes a play for the vaunted--and highly dangerous--Infinity Gauntlet. This book collects the entire Infinity Gauntlet storyline, as well as all of the tie-ins and supplemental material. This is the perfect book for fans of Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy, and at more than 1,200 pages, it should keep them busy for the entire holiday season.
For The Sci-Fi Fan
Trillium
Trillium is part sci-fi space opera, part romance, part war story, and wholly unique. Written and illustrated by Jeff Lemire, this story spans eons and galaxies to bring sci-fi fans a breath of fresh air that likely won't be duplicated anytime soon. The story focuses on two plot threads, one following a WWI veteran named William Pike and the other centering on Nika Temsmith, a botanist in the year 3797. Through accidental interdimensional travel, these two meet and fall in love. However, their relationship is a danger to the fabric of time and all living things. Trillium plays out more like a genre-bending character piece than an action movie, but for lovers of Philip K. Dick and Arthur C. Clarke, this book should offer plenty to love.
Saga Deluxe Edition Hardcover
We'll say it right now: There is no better comic book on shelves right now than Saga. Writer Brian K. Vaughan and artist Fiona Staples have put together one of the most endearing, offbeat, original comic books to come along in decades. The story focuses on Alana and Marko, two lovers from two warring species. They're both on the run from forces that want them dead, all while protecting their child and running afoul of family disputes. This massive hardcover collects the first 18 issues of the series for an absolute steal at $49.99. But be warned, if you get this first volume for a loved one, you'll probably have to get it for just about everyone else on your Christmas list. While you're at it, you might as well pick one up for yourself. You won't be sorry.
For The Horror Fan
Locke & Key Slipcase Set
You think your family puts a lot of pressure on you? Try succeeding as an author living in your father's shadow. Oh, and your father just happens to be Stephen King. But with Locke & Key, Joe Hill, the son of the master of horror, crafts a legacy for himself with one of the best horror/magic series to ever hit the shelf. The series centers on the Locke family after the discovery of a mysterious set of keys left behind by their patriarch. Each key possesses a different power that is discovered as the series goes on. The best part about IDW's Locke & Key slipcase is that every volume of the series is here, all written by Hill and beautifully illustrated by Gabriel Rodriguez. This works out conveniently for you because once your loved one gets hooked with the first edition, the remaining five will be waiting for them in the box.
The Wake
Writer Scott Snyder makes his third appearance on this list in what happens to be his most impressive work to date. In The Wake, Snyder teams with artist Sean Murphy (Joe the Barbarian) to bring fans a story of horror in the depths of the ocean. But Snyder doesn't just rely on cheap thrills; instead, his terror slowly builds to the surface as a forgotten race of sea creatures enters the heart of man and illuminates our own history. As with most of Snyder's work, The Wake shouldn't be digested by children. This book is meant for mature comic book buffs and horror fanatics as Murphy illustrates the horror with a mixture of frantic beauty and abject gore. Like Locke & Key, this book is best-suited for both comic book fans and genre aficionados.
For The Old-School Fan
Strange Suspense: The Steve Ditko Archives Vol. 1
Got an older fan on your list that remembers when comics were still 35-cents per issue? Then you've got to feed that Golden Age hunger with some of the best reprinted gems around, and it doesn't come much better than Steve Ditko, one of the creators behind Spider-Man and Doctor Strange. But we're ignoring his superhero lineage here to show off the man's horror side. In Strange Suspense: The Steve Ditko Archives Vol. 1, the creator's early work comes back to life in beautiful reprinted color from Fantagraphics Books (still one of most important comic book publishers in the U.S.). These early Ditko tales are beautifully illustrated by the man himself, and are filled with blood, guts, gore and the type of horror that could only be found in pre-Comics Code Authority books. Head to the Fantagraphics website to get a preview of the terror within.
The Flash Omnibus
Few heroes are hotter than The Flash right now, especially with a TV show and movie appearances in the works. That's why this Flash Omnibus from DC came along at just the right time. This mammoth collection comes in at a staggering 864 pages long and houses Showcase #4, 8, 13 and 14 and The Flash #105-132. That's a lot of comics! And best of all, these issues all cover the earliest days of the Barry Allen version of The Flash. So if you know a comic book geek with roots that go way back, or a new fan interested in taking the first baby steps into the character's history, The Flash Omnibus is a must. At the very least, this 864-page hardcover could also be wielded against home intruders.
For The Indie Fan
Sex Criminals Vol. 1
Though you shouldn't pick this up for the kiddies, Sex Criminals is one of the freshest, most unique comics to hit the stands in recent memory. The book centers on a young couple that realizes they have the ability to freeze time after, ya know, creating the beast with two backs. Written by Matt Fraction and illustrated by Chip Zdarsky, Sex Criminals is an absolutely hilarious, and incredibly NSFW, experience that offbeat comic book readers will love. Just know your audience and don't unwrap this present in front of grandma.
Andre the Giant: Life and Legend
Even if you don't know anyone who is a fan of professional wrestling, Andre the Giant: Life and Legend is still among the best comics to be released all year. Written and illustrated by Box Brown, this book recounts the life of one of pop culture's most enduring figures. Andre's time on this earth was brief, but Brown manages to fit all of his major moments, as well as some urban legends, into a complete package that is simultaneously funny and tragic. Wrestling fan or not, anyone who is a fan of comics will definitely find something to like about Andre the Giant: Life and Legend.
