Shannon Fay's Top 11 Books of 2011

Axe Cop, Volume 1 (Dark Horse) By Malachai Nicolle and Ethan Nicolle

Axe Cop is a webcomic created by two brothers—older brother Ethan does the artwork while five-year-old Malachai comes up with the story. It’s random but entertaining, like an innocent version of Robot Chicken.

Bakuman (VIZ Media) By Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata

Ever wondered how the comic-book industry in Japan works? Don’t care? You will after reading Bakuman, a series about two high schoolers trying to break into the manga industry.

Daytripper (Vertigo) By Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon

Demo, Volume 2 (Vertigo) By Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan

A collection of stand-alone stories, Demo looks at people with ordinary problems (ie lack of confidence, shyness) that manifest in extraordinary ways (ie eating people). Not always a happy read but still gripping.

Habibi (Pantheon) By Craig Thompson

With Habibi, Craig Thompson returns to two of his favourite subjects: love and religion. It’s been seven years since Thompson last released a book, but his simply beautiful artwork is always worth the wait.

Morning Glories (Image) By Nick Spencer and Joe Eisma

Plane Story (IDW Publishing) By Kevin Sacco

The Sixth Gun (Oni) By Cullen Bunn and Brian Hutt

Sweet Tooth (Vertigo) By Jeff Lemire

Wandering Son (Fantagraphics) By Shimura Takako

Wandering Son is a relaxed, down-to-earth series about two transgender elementary school children. It’s simple artwork and slow pacing makes the series that much more affecting.

Coast writer since 2009. Worked in a bookstore, on farms and in a youth hostel in Amsterdam. Surprisingly, it was in the bookstore where she cleaned up the most bodily fluids. She also reviews manga for kuriousity.ca.