Comics / Spotlight

ComicBookBin's 2013 Holiday Gift Guide

By Andy Frisk
December 20, 2013 - 00:32

It's that time of year again, Christmas is in the air (actually it's been in the air for a while now at this point), and we here at ComicBookBin have decided to take a slightly different approach this year to our Holiday Gift Guide.

ComicBookBin Editor in Chief Andy Frisk decided that he would seek out a  different opinion this year on what the perfect gift for the comic book/superhero fan might be by asking his local comic shop's owner Richard Morgan of Richard's Comics and Collectibles for some ideas. He also hoped that by shining the spotlight on the local comic shop or LCS (no matter where you live there should be one near you-see the link below for help in finding one) many holiday shoppers out there who might not be into comic books and superheroes, but have a loved one, friend or colleague who is might decide to check out their LCS this year for help in finding that perfect gift instead of the mall. We comic book fanatics love our local comic shops and support them rabidly and hope you will too.

Andy provided Richard with a few categories and asked him to suggest something in each. Richard came up with some great ones.

For the DC Fan:

Superman Earth One Hardcover by J. Michael Straczynski and Shane Davis
Batman Earth One Hardcover by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank

These are two perfect introductions to new takes on the classic heroes by some of the industry's most talented writers and artists. They are especially good suggestions for the Superman or Batman fan who doesn't particularly read the monthly Superman and Batman comics regularly. With an average cover price of $25.00 they aren't too expensive either.

For the Marvel Fan:

Avengers Endless Wartime HC Graphic Novel by Warren Ellis

Warren Ellis is rapidly approaching the legendary fame level (if he hasn't made it already) as a comic book writer. Spanning World War II through current Middle East unrest, Ellis tells a superhero tale unlike few others. This one also sports a cover price of approximately $25.00. Perfect for the fan of the recent Marvel Studios plethora of films.

For the Independent/Non Superhero Comic Book Fan:

Fables Vol. 1 Hard Cover/Trade Paperback by Bill Willingham

The long revered DC Comics mature line/independent creator imprint Vertigo has long delivered some of the greatest intelligent/alternative comic book titles like Neil Gaiman's highly regarded Sandman. The imprint's current flagship series Fables by Bill Willingham is currently one of Vertigo's most popular series. It's also a series that has been around since 2002 and keeps on going. Before Once Upon a Time and Grimm (two wildly popular television series based upon fairy tale characters) there was Fables.  With a cover price close to the Earth One titles listed above, Fables Vol 1 is also a very economical gift.

High Dollar:

The Walking Dead Omnibus Vol. 1 by Robert Kirkman

The source material for the hit AMC television show is collected into massive omnibus volumes, and Vol 1 covers just about everything that has inspired the events thus far in the series up through the current season's mid season finale. It has a hefty price tag of approximately $100.00, but the fan of the show who finds this collection under their tree Christmas morning is going to be forever grateful.

Stocking Stuffers/Inexpensive Novelty/Toy

Pop! Hero Vinyl Figures

Available in both Marvel and DC Comics' heroes, Funko's Pop! Heroes Vinyl Figures are the perfect stocking stuffer, novelty, or inexpensive fun gift for the superhero fan. Pop! Vinyl Figures are also available in other superhero, sci-fi, and even sports variations. An awesome mixture of cute, funny, cool, and collectible, Pop! Vinyl Heroes are a great gift idea at an average of $7-$10 a piece.

For the Comic Book Fan Who Has Everything:

The Comic Shop Gift Certificate

Comic shop gift certificates are not the impersonal, "I don't know what you want" gift that most gift certificates take the rap for being. Often times the serious, long term, or regular comic book collector/reader will already own a plethora of items. A gift certificate to their favorite LCS truly can be the PERFECT gift for the serious comic book collector. Trust us, they will appreciate it greatly. Who knows? You gift of a gift certificate might just be the little extra they needed to put towards that vintage or classic back issue they've been wanting for years.

All of the items listed above, are available at most local comic shops across North America. We here at ComicBookBin highly encourage you to visit yours and check out what they have to offer. You will be pleasantly surprised and you'll be supporting your local small business industry. To find a comic shop close to you check out comicshoplocator.com. Once again thanks to Richard Morgan of Richard's Comics and Collectibles for helping assemble this list.


 

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12