One-Shot Comics to Give Friends

Saga belongs in the list of One-Shot Comics to Give Friends. Saga has become an instant classic in comic books. It publishes slowly with many breaks, letting anyone catch up fast. Billed as “Star Wars for adults.”Saga is something hard to describe; you must experience it yourself.Star Warsfor adults.SagaSaga is indescribable. You have to experience it personally.

Perfect For:Any science-fiction fan, if old enough, will quickly get into the world of Saga.SagaSaga's deep, layered story pulls people in. The characterization of every character appeals to almost anyone.

Description:Brian K. Vaughan is a comic book legend.Paper GirlsPaper Girls is Vaughan's latest brilliant work. The series follows a group of people.Paper GirlsPaper Girls characters get caught in mystery, intrigue, and bicycle chase scenes.

Perfect For: Brian K. Vaughan writes good literature. Fans of reading should enjoy this. Vaughan develops characters well, especially strong female protagonists, so keep that in mind for this gift.

Description: Contrary to the cover appearance of Batman and the Joker, this is mostly non-fiction.Batman and the JokerPaul Dini created Batman. This book tells the story of his nearly fatal mugging and its effect on his life. He mixes his own experience with the expectations from his fictional work.

Perfect For: Dark NightDark Night works on many levels, making it a multi-faceted gift. It includes true crime, poetic thought, and tough literary analysis. Anyone who likes reading will likely find value here.

Description:Tom King became a global comic writing star in 2016. Vision was his masterpiece.VisionWhat starts as a light look at everyone's favorite android building a robot family turns into a dark story about morality, consequences, and the core of humanity.

Perfect For:Even though Vision stars a character from a Hollywood hit, this book is so good even snobs will enjoy it.VisionA character in a Hollywood blockbuster stars in 'Vision'. Readers, even snobs, enjoy it. King builds the story with much foreshadowing, sharp images, and mean irony, making an instant classic.

Description: Moon KnightMoon Knight is sometimes called Marvel’s answer to Batman.BatmanBut that undersells him. He is a character known for mental illness and multiple personalities, used to build a mind-bending story in this new volume of adventures.

Perfect For:Fans of Marvel's Netflix series looking for a new character to follow will love Moon Knight.Moon Knight. However, the series' honest look at mental illness will also interest anyone concerned with or interested in those topics.

Description:DC Comics rebooted their entire line this year with a massive change.RebirthThe event reshuffled the board for nearly all major characters. It featured shocking revelations that made real-world headlines.

Perfect For:Lapsed comic fans should start with Rebirth. Rebirth offers new starts for Batman, Superman, and many others. It gives enough hints to keep you reading.

Description: The third compendium edition.Publishing the third compendium edition of the long-running zombie classic in 2016 means you own 144 issues in three volumes. The comic run continues, and these books stay on the bestseller list.

Perfect For:Any fan of The Walking DeadThe TV show will like this, but others will too. Readers who think comics are just capes and spandex will be surprised by the complex storytelling. Horror fans will like it.

Description:Marjorie Liu’s new fantasy epic,MonstressMonstress hit the comic scene in 2016. Sana Takeda drew praise for the world-building and the stunning art.

Perfect For: MonstressMonstress features strong female empowerment themes. This makes it a great gift for anyone seeking that, especially those who avoid it now. The artwork in MonstressMonstress is so powerful that fans of visual effects will notice.

Description: Marvel’s Wakandan King, T’Challa, continues his adventures., Ta-Nehisi Coates, an award-winning author and journalist, took over. Coates, one of the most visible authors now, tells the story of a civil war in Wakanda ruled by the Black Panther.

Perfect For:Coates writes nonfiction, often coveringthe politics of being Black in America.He brings this view to his comics. This makes Black Panther one of the most politically sharp and important books on shelves for intelligent giftees.

Description: LumberjanesLumberjanes has one of the most positive central messages. A group of girls explores the woods ignoring gender roles. This book pushes for individuality, tolerance, and fun.

Perfect For:This comic targets younger readers, hitting adolescent girls well. Adults who see themselves as progressive can still enjoy it.

Description:Sweet and sappy,GhostsThis work by Raina Telgemeier spreads a strong, positive message through visual and emotional engagement. Though a children’s book, it holds deep themes about family, growing up, and understanding.

Perfect For:This comic targets kids. Under ten-year-olds will likely love it. But its beauty means anyone on your list will enjoy giving it to someone.

Description:Tom King, the comic star of 2016, has a background working for the CIA. He uses this experience heavily in his work.The Sheriff of Babylon, published by DC’s Vertigo imprint. Set in modern-day Baghdad, this series builds a mysterious, gripping story of corruption and deception without needing supernatural elements.

Perfect For:Fans of war, the military, or world events want this.The Sheriff. King uses his real experience to build a fictional story that hits home.

Description:This marks the first crossover event since Marvel took over publishing Star Wars comics.Star Warscomic again.Vader DownThis was an epic fight between Darth Vader and the rebellion's full forces. Luke, Han, Leia, and Chewie all joined the brawl that cornered Vader at his most dangerous.

Perfect For: Star Warsfans will love this.Vader Down, even if they never read a comic. Characters look exactly like the screen versions, and Vader operates at peak badass. The comic medium allows for more mayhem than the big screen ever showed.

Description:Daniel Clowes writes quirky works, and Patiencedefinitely fits. Described as a “psychedelic science-fiction love story,” Patience features time travel that spins your head and heart.

Perfect For:With its unique mix of hard science-fiction and heartfelt romance, Patiencecovers many areas. If you have two people on your list, and only one is nerdy, this gift brings them together!

Description:Gord Downie, one of Canada’s top musical icons, was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer this year. He fights on. Downie teamed up with Jeff Lemire to create Secret Path, a comic book/music album collaboration highlighting the harsh situation of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples.

Perfect For:Music lovers and those with a social conscience will love this special project. The story, both real and on the page, touches everyone's heart.