By Tracy Edmunds
November 16, 2004
Bad news: I have been unable to put down the rebellion -- the girls refuse to contribute to this column any longer. Something about homework, dance class, gymnastics, a school play, music lessons -- oh, and "I'd rather play outside and play with my toys and watch TV and play with my friends and can’t we just read the comics we feel like reading instead of the ones you want us to read?" Oh, well, it was fun while it lasted.
So, to close out, here is a handy reference list of the best comics that are truly “All Ages.” Print it out, take it to your local comic shop, and pass the comic monkey on to some unsuspecting kid’s back.
For Everyone:
ABADAZAD (MIKE PLOOG, J.M. DEMATTEIS): If it can be rescued from the wreckage of CROSSGEN, this is the best comic for all ages, hands down.
BONE (JEFF SMITH, CARTOON BOOKS): The epic saga of the Bone brothers is what graphic novels are all about and the whole story is now available in one big, honkin’ volume.
DREAMLAND CHRONICLES (SCOTT CHRISTIAN SAVA, ASTONISH COMICS): A fantasy comic book in computer graphics. Only one issue so far, but promises to be a winner.
GHOULY BOYS (CHRISTOPHER, SLG): Poignant and funny, this is great stuff for anyone and everyone.
THE MARVELOUS ADVENTURES OF GUS BEEZER (GAIL SIMONE, MARVEL): I found these in a large digest format in the toy aisle at Target. Cute, funny, and perfect for superhero fans.
LITTLE GLOOMY (LANDRY WALKER, ERIC JONES, SLG) and GRUMPY OLD MONSTERS (KEVIN J. ANDERSON, REBECCA MOESTA, IDW): Non-scary, really fun monster adventures.
PATRICK THE WOLFBOY (ART BALTAZAR, FRANCO, BLIND WOLF STUDIOS): The cutest little boy ever.
SCARY GODMOTHER (JILL THOMPSON, SIRIUS): Destined to become a classic. The animated show ran on Cartoon Network around Halloween, so hopefully Scary and the gang will find even more fans.
For The Littlest Ones:
AWESOME MAN (JOE MATEO, ASTONISH COMICS): Only one issue so far, but completely adorable.
HEROBEAR AND THE KID (MIKE KUNKEL, ASTONISH COMICS): Some issues may be sold out, so you might have to dig.
For Tweens and Teens:
COURTNEY CRUMRIN series (TED NAIFEH): Incredible art and a plucky heroine, but a little on the scary side – highly recommended for those who like things that go bump in the night. Be sure to read it before the movie comes out.
“Mainstream” Superhero Comics for Kids:
TEEN TITANS, GO! (DC): The best animated show for kids is also the best mainstream comic.
PLASTIC MAN (KYLE BAKER, DC): Not your usual superhero comic – this is for kids and grown-ups with a sense of humor. Ok, so maybe some of the jokes go over the kids’ heads, but not so many that they won’t still love it.
GOTHAM GIRLS (DC): Check the back issue bins for this great five-issue run.
JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVENTURES & JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED (DC): Probably best for the over-8 set, this is the ultimate superhero team-up.
THE BATMAN STRIKES! (DC): Goes with the new animated series. This batversion is true to the nature of the Dark Knight, so it’s probably too scary for tiny tots.
MARVEL AGE FANTASTIC FOUR (DC): Like most of the other Marvel Age titles, these are old stories retold. A great way to introduce the kids to classic characters.
MARVEL AGE HULK (DC): Little ones may not understand about radiation, but they love the way Hulk talks!
MARVEL AGE SPIDER-MAN & SPIDER-MAN TEAM-UPS (MARVEL): They’re using these as a farm system for new artists, so the quality varies – thumb through them before you choose.
Graphic Novels:
EMILY AND THE INTERGALACTIC LEMONADE STAND (IAN & TYSON SMITH, SLG): Kids and grownups will love this tale of kids, robots, and one of the greatest characters ever created -- all hail Pfeef!
THE LITTLE LIT SERIES (HARPER COLLINS): Twisted and original tales, jokes, and other goodies from great authors.
LITTLE VAMPIRE GOES TO SCHOOL and LITTLE VAMPIRE DOES KUNG FU (JOANN SAFAR, SIMON & SCHUSTER): Brilliant!
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