DC Comics launched their legendary imprint Vertigo Comics 25 years ago. Mature in nature, the imprint has been known for a mixture of company-owned classics, such as The Sandman and Hellblazer, as well as ground-breaking creator-owned comics including, but not limited to, Preacher, Transmetropolitan, Fables, Daytripper, and 100 Bullets.
Over the last few years, the output of the Vertigo imprint has been on the quiet side. There hasn’t been that many comics released. But this is all about to change with a relaunch of the imprint which sees seven brand-new comics beginning from September and going into the new year.
It really feels like DC has given the imprint renewed focus. These soon to be released comics sounds really exciting and capture some of the energy from its hey-day.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about this relaunch and the comics involved in this handy guide.
Do I Need To Read Any Of Vertigo’s Previous Comics?
Nope. All of these comics are self-contained and don’t require any background reading or knowledge of other comics.
What Kinds Of Stories Will There Be?
When DC announced this relaunch they mentioned that there will be a focus on “modern, socially relevant, high-concept, inventive stories appealing to readers of all genres.” As a result, there are comics that explore immigration, feminism, racisim, religion, sexual expression, and more, through the lens of science fiction, fantasy, the supernatural, and thrillers.
Which Creators Are Involved?
DC has stated the following in this regards to the creators involved:
“We’re returning to our roots by spotlighting the most exciting new voices in comics, as well as bringing new voices to comics. From the corners of television, games, music, activism, podcasting, comics and more, all of our creators are passionate and have something to say.
Some of the creators have been working in comics for some time, with impressive a small, but impressive body of work. For others, this is their first foray into the comic book medium. In the case of the latter, the stories they’re telling focus on subject matter that they’re well-versed in and have a unique perspective on.
You can find out specific comic book creators in the next section.
What New Comics Are Part Of This Relaunch?
So what new comics are part of this new Vertigo relaunch? Read on to find out!
Border Town
Written by Eric M. Esquivel. Art by Ramon Villalobos.
In the small town of Devil’s Fork, Arizona, a crack in the border between worlds – spilling out all kinds of monsters of Mexican folklore. Along with the monsters comes shared nightmares, otherworldly transitions, and mysterious mutilations, which the locals blame on “God-dang illegals.” As you can expect, this has caused all kinds of racial tensions in the town, but a group of misfit teenagers are ready to discover what is really happening.
Border Town starts on September 5th.
Hex Wives
Written by Ben Blacker. Art by Mirka Andolfo.
“The women are too powerful. They must be tamed.”
In this new supernatural series, a coven of witches and a group of men known as the Architects have been at war for centuries. After the death of the Architect’s leader, it seems as like the war is over. But years later, the witch coven’s leader wakes up in a domestic nightmare with no recollection of being a witch. Something is clearly up.
Hex Wives starts on October 31st.
American Carnage
Written by Bryan Hill. Art by Leandro Fernandez.
American Carnage is a crime thriller about a disgraced FBI agent, who is biracial but can pass for white. In order to get redemption, he goes undercover in a white supremacist group who the authorities believe are responsible for the death of a fellow agent.
American Carnage starts on November 21st.
Goddess Mode
Written by Zoë Quinn. Art by Robbi Rodriguez.
From the game developer, Zoë Quinn and Spider-Gwen co-creator Robbi Rodriguez comes a brand-new cyberpunk series. Set in the near future, the world’s needs are administered by a godlike A.I and it’s the job of Cassandra to do tech support on it. But in doing her role she stumbles on deadly digital world underneath our own full of super-powered women and nasty monsters.
Goddess Mode starts in December.
High Level
Written by Rob Sheridan. Art by Barnaby Bagenda.
Hundreds of years ago the world ended. Since then the world has been able to rebuild itself into a new world of danger. A self-interested smuggler with a price on her head will have to journey through this world in order to deliver a child messiah to a mythical city at the top of the world known as High Level. A city that no one has ever returned from.
High Level begins in 2019.
Safe Sex
Written by Tina Horn. Art by Mike Dowling.
Safe Sex is set in a dystopian science fiction future where sexual pleasure is monitored, regulated and policed by the government. The series will centre on a group of sex workers who are fighting for their freedom.
Tina Horn is the host of the popular Why Are People Into That? podcast, writer/journalist/lecturer in sexual education and activism.
Safe Sex begins in 2019.
Second Coming
Written by Mark Russell. Art by Richard Pace.
In this satirical comic book series, God sends his son Jesus back to earth in the hope that he’ll learn a thing or two from Sun-Man, a jock-like superhero. On his return, Jesus is shocked at what his teachings have become and plans to set the record straight.
Mark Russel has proven himself through an impressive body of work (Prez, The Flintstones) that he one of the brightest satirical minds in comics today.
Second Coming begins in 2019.
Which Of These Comics Should I Read?
It’s all up to you! As mentioned, all of these comics are self-contained so you could read one, all of them, or any in between. Read the ones that appeal to you and go from there.
Have Your Say!
Which of these new Vertigo comics are you excited to read? Let me know in the comments below or via Facebook or Twitter.
Leave a comment