Big Gems From Small Press April Edition

Normally Mel V. handles the chores for Big Gems, this month I am taking up the duties because there are so many books I am pumped about. June is going to be such an incredible month for small press books. Check them out.


Hillbilly #1
Albatross Exploding Funny Book
June 29, 2016
An Appalachian Mountain fantasy epic that tells the story of Rondel. A lonely figure who wanders the wooded hills among witches and magical creatures as a folktale hero to those who dwell in this gritty dream world.
Why I like it: Eric Powell doing new, creator owned stuff, from his own publishing company. Eric is one of the true artistic and comedic comic book geniuses.

Satan’s Sodomy Baby II
Albatross Exploding Funny Book
June 29, 2016
The long awaited sequel to Eric Powell’s notorious Satan’s *&%@$ Baby! No one is safe in this pull no punches mature readers satire! Available one time only! Never to be reprinted! Not sold digitally!
Why I like it: See above. Not to mention the first issue sells for $10-$20. I never sold mine.

Mae #1
Dark Horse
May 18, 2016
When she was just a girl, Abbie discovered a portal to a fantasy world and for the last couple of years has been having great adventures there: defeating horrible monsters, power-mad scientists, and evil nobles. She was a celebrated action hero! But when she turned twenty-one it all came apart and she decided to return home. Her sister, Mae, has had no idea what happened to Abbie all this time. Her tales are too hard to believe; that is, until the monsters and other terrible creatures start to cross over to our world . . .
Why I like it: Successful Kickstarter, and done by Gene Ha and Frank Cho. Dark Horse is the home for these over the top fantasy adventure books. Frank Cho provides a Variant Cover.
You can read the first issue here. Thanks to Ray at RJ’s Comics And Toys for the link. You can pre-order the book from Ray if you like what you see!

Night Trap #1
Lion Forge
June 01, 2016
When a group of college kids rent a lake house for the weekend, they’re hoping for some relaxation and fun. Instead, they find an inescapable death trap! From one of the most critically acclaimed horror writers in comics comes a chilling tribute to the genre’s most memorable slasher classics!
Why I like it: Cullen Bunn and Phil Hester doing a slasher horror series. I make no bones about being a horror fan, and a slasher fan, especially Friday the 13th. Cullen Bunn is no stranger to media options. Plus, Lion Forge is a really small press company so do not expect a large print run.

Revisionist #1
Aftershock Comics
June 01, 2016
How far would you go to save reality? Martin Monroe is The Revisionist-a time-traveling assassin tasked with repairing our fractured timeline. Forced to place his trust in his estranged father, Martin will have to overcome his troubled past to save the future-but can he live with his decisions?
Why I like it: Aftershock hasn’t had their big break out hit yet. The print runs are small though. This one is done by fan fave Frank Barbiere, who has a great following from Five Ghosts.

Sweetness #1
Z2 Comics
June 08, 2016
The Sweetness by wife and husband duo Miss Lasko Gross and Kevin Golden follows two badass female intergalactic smugglers of a mysterious controlled substance who cater to the unique tastes of alien drug addicts.
Why I like it: Such a strange and quirky looking book. Z2 puts out great books with tiny print runs.

TMNT Rocksteady and Bebop Destroy Everything
IDW Publishing
June 01, 2016
After their defeat in TMNT #50, the dull-witted Bebop and Rocksteady, everyone’s favorite warthog and rhino mutants, are feeling dejected and without purpose. However, when they stumble across a time-travel scepter, they realize that their craziest, most destructive adventure awaits! Will the universe survive?
Why I like it: Even if you are not a huge Turtles fan, this is going to be a fun book. Plus, Nick Pitarra from Manhattan Projects is doing the art.
That is it for us this month. Let us know what you think in the comment section.