Fiction of 2021

 A list of fiction read in 2021.

LATE DECEMBER/JANUARY

So Brave, Young and Handsome, by Leif Enger (2008)
An frustrated author accompanies a friend on a cross-country road trip in the early twentieth century in this strange, thoughtful novel.

Astonishing X-Men: Dangerous, written by Joss Whedon, illustrated by John Cassaday (2004)
The X-Men deal with a sentient form of the Danger Room while discovering that Professor X is capable of dubious morals as well. The second section of Whedon's four-book run.

Superman: What Price Tomorrow? written by George Perez, illustrated by Jesus Merino and Nicola Scott (2011)
Following the New 52 reboot of the DC Comics universe, Superman adjusts to the new Metropolis he finds himself in, while Clark grapples with the changing state of the media industry. 

Total read this month: 3.

FEBRUARY

Astonishing X-Men: Ghost Box, written by Warren Ellis, illustrated by Alan Davis (2007)
     Following the events of M Day in House of M, the X-Men move to San Francisco and discover a mysterious teleporting device. 

Avengers: West Coast Avengers Assemble, written by Roger Stern, Bob Harris and Roy Thomas, illustrated by Bob Hall, Al Milgrom, Don Hudson and Luke McDonnell (1985)
     Mid-1980s comics were not well written at all. Hawkeye and Mockingbird start up a new Avengers team. 

Captain Marvel: Higher, Further, Faster, More, written by Kelly Sue DeConnick, illustrated by David Lopez (2014)
     Carol Danvers gets involved in a diplomatic entanglement in space (with assists from the Guardians of the Galaxy) while trying to sort out her new relationship with Rhodey. 

Captain Marvel: Down, written by Kelly Sue DeConnick and Christopher Sabela, illustrated by Dexter Soy and Felipe Andrade (2012)
     Carol learns that she has a brain tumor keeping her from flying as a mysterious someone targets her neighbors. 

Total read this month: 4, bringing total to 7. 

MARCH

Kingdom Come, written by Mark Waid, illustrated by Alex Ross (1996)

     Superman and Wonder Woman nearly bring about the apocalypse due to their lack of hope in humanity leading to chaos and destruction. 

The Wednesday Wars, by Gary D. Schmidt (2007)

     A Long Island middle-schooler bonds with his sister, finds first love and discovers how amazing Shakespeare and the theater as the Vietnam War goes on through 1967-68. A Newbery Honor book, this was fantastic, and borrowed from Megan Graham. 

Bitsy's Bait & BBQ, by Patricia Morsi (2007)

     Two sisters unexpectedly find themselves managing a barbecue restaurant and bait shop in the Missouri Ozarks. Better than expected for a totally random women's fiction read. 

Total read this month: 3, bringing total to 10. 

APRIL

Nation X, written by Matt Fraction, illustrated by Greg Land and Terry Dodson (2010)

     The X-Men attempt to create a homeland for themselves on an island nation off the coast of San Francisco. A little rambling in scope, but well worth reading about the difficulties quarantining can bring and the fragility of relationships between friends, siblings, classmates, coworkers, enemies and lovers. 

The Dog who Thought He was Santa, by Bill Wallace (2007)

     Set in 1950s-era Hartshorne, Oklahoma, this pleasant read alternates between human and dog perspectives. 

Astonishing X-Men: Unstoppable, written by Joss Whedon, illustrated by John Cassaday (2006)

     The final part of Whedon's X-Men run that ties everything into a satisfying conclusion. 

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire (1995)

     The novel the megahit musical was loosely based on, I didn't enjoy reading this novel because I don't like the source material in the first place, but I was impressed and intrigued by it. 

Total read this month: 4, bringing total read to 14.

MAY

Batman: The Killing Joke, written by Alan Moore, illustrated by Brian Bolland and Tim Sale (1987)

     One of the most famous graphic novels in history; I was unimpressed. 

Those Left Behind, written by Joss Whedon and Brett Matthews, illustrated by Will Conrad (2005)

     The first graphic novel bridging the gap between the show and the movie, this tone feels just like the show. 

Spider-Man: One More Day, written by J. Michael Straczynski, illustrated by Joel Quesada (2008)

     After Civil War, Aunt May is shot and dying in a hospital, leading Pete and Mary Jane to make a deal with Mephisto to unwrite their marriage in order to save her. 

Siege, written by Brian Michael Bendis, illustrated by Olivier Coipel, Tom Raney and Francis Yu (2009)

     Norman Osborn leads an assault on the city of Asgard, which has been moved to western Oklahoma following Ragnarok. This leads to the overturn of the Superhero Registration Act. Not the greatest graphic novel ever written, as character development is jettisoned for lots of big explosions.

The Cider House Rules, by John Irving (1987)

     A thoughtful novel about an orphanage in rural Maine during the early part of the 20th century. 

Suicide Squad: Kicked in the Teeth, written by Adam Glass, illustrated by Frederico Dallocchio and Clayton Henry (2012)

     The Suicide Squad is assembled following DC Comics' New 52 reboot of their universe.

Captain Marvel: Stay Fly, written by Kelly Sue DeConnick, illustrated by Marico Tanaka and David Lopez (2014)

     Carol discovers that her cat Chewie is actually an alien octopus-type creature called a Flerken, and helps rescue a planet ruled by matriarchal rule that doesn't allow men to choose who they wish to marry. She also meets her favorite rock star.

Captain Marvel: Alis Volat Propriis, written by Kelly Sue DeConnick and Warren Ellis, illustrated by David Lopez (2015)

     Carol returns to Earth after a year away, discovering that while her friends have missed her dearly, there's a lot that's changed.   

Total read this month: 8, bringing total to 22.

JUNE

Suicide Squad: Basilisk Rising, written by Adam Glass, illustrated by Frederico Dallocchio (2012)

     Picking up following the recapture of Harley Quinn, the Suicide Squad deals with a mole as they battle the Basilisk terrorist organization. 

Batman: Mad Love and Other Stories, written by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm, illustrated by Timm and others (1992)

     A collection of short stories based on the 1990s cartoon series, including Harley's comics origin story.  

Total read this month: 2, bringing total to 24. 

JULY

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch, written by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett (1990)

     An odd, Britishly hilarious and thoughtful tale of impending Armageddon.

Suicide Squad: Death is for Suckers, written by Adam Glass, illustrated by Henrik Jonsson and Sandu Florea (2013)

     The Suicide Squad embarks on another mission as a spy is in their midst. Also, Harley begins to think of how to leave the Joker behind for good. 

Dr Horrible's Sing-Along Blog: The Book, by Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon, Maurissa Tancharoen and Zack Whedon (2011)

     The script of Dr Horrible, with some insights from the cast. 

Total read this month: 3, bringing total to 27. 

 

AUGUST

Dr Horrible and Other Horrible Stories, written by Zack Whedon and Joss Whedon, illustrated by (2019)

     A variety of short stories, mostly prequels, set in the Dr Horrible corner of the Whedonverse. 

Panel One: Comic Book Scripts by Top Writers, edited by Nat Gertler (2002)

     A variety of comic book scripts, including one by Neil Gaiman.

The Natural, by Bernard Malamud (1952)

     A cynical look at an aging baseball player who finally makes it into the big leagues. The movie is much better, as the hero doesn't casually rape or indirectly murder people. 

Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life, written and illustrated by Bryan James O'Malley (2004)

     The first volume of the Scott Pilgrim series of graphic novels, an anime-influenced tale about poor people in downtown Toronto. Quirky and highly interesting.  

The Ultimates: Super-Human, written by Brian Michael Bendis, illustrated by Bryan Hitch (2002)

     A well-written tale of the founding of the Ultimates, the Marvel Ultimate Universe's version of the Avengers (which greatly influenced the MCU). 

Total read this month: 5, bringing total to 32.

SEPTEMBER

DC Bombshells: Enlisted, written by Marguerite Bennett, illustrated by Marguerite Sauvage (2016)

     An interesting Elseworlds idea exploring what would happen if most of the heroines debuted during World War II, but the concept is much better (multiple threads done in a variety of genres popular at the time) than the book was. Probably won't finish the series. 

Suicide Squad: Discipline and Punish, written by Ales Kot and Matt Kindt, illustrated by Patrick Zircher and others (2014)

     The Suicide Squad accomplishes their final mission and go their separate ways. 

Suicide Squad: Walled In, written by Matt Kindt, Jim Zub and Sean Ryan, illustrated by Patrick Zircher and others (2014)

     After supervillains dismantle Belle Reeve, the newly-freed Suicide Squad has to reunite one last (?) time to rescue Amanda Waller. 

Gotham City Garage, Volume One, written by Colin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing, illustrated by Brian Ching and Aneke (2017)

     In a future dystopian wasteland, Kara Gordon escapes into the desert and fights community in a biker gang. 

Gotham City Garage, Volume Two, written by Colin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing, illustrated by Brian Ching and Aneke (2017)

     Kara becomes Supergirl as the Garage and their allies take on Lex's forces. 

Justice League: Origin, written by Geoff Johns, illustrated by Jim Lee (2011)

      The beginnings of the Justice League following the New 52 reset of the timeline. Banter gets high marks, but the illustration style was very chaotic. 

Paper Towns, by John Green (2008)

     A thought-provoking and emotional novel about a nerdy high school senior and his mysterious next door neighbor.

Batman: Hush, written by Jeph Loeb, illustrated by Jim Lee (2002)

      Bruce Wayne reconnects with a childhood friend, starts to fall for Selina Kyle and deals with a conspiracy where villains act very out of character. 

Total read this month: 8, bringing total to 40.

OCTOBER

Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Deserted Island Diary, written and illustrated by Kokonasu Rumba, translated by Caleb Cook (2021)

     An introduction to manga (Japanese comics) through a goofy MG story. 

The Ultimates: Homeland Security, written by Mark Millar, illustrated by Bryan Hinch (2003)

     The second half of the forming of the Avengers in the Ultimate Marvel Universe, much of which was later adapted into the MCU.

Batgirl: The Darkest Reflection, written by Gail Simone, illustrated by Ardian Syaf and Vicente Cifuentes (2011)

     Set in the New 52, Barbara Gordon slowly gets back into the hang of being Batgirl.

Secret War, written by Brian Michael Bendis, illustrated by Gabriele Dell'otto (2006)

     Nick Fury leads a handful of heroes on a secret mission in Latveria. Gorgeously painted, story told in an odd mix of comic panels and dialogue transcripts. The basis of the video game Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2. 

Red Kayak, by Priscilla Cummings (2007)

    Winner of a Sequoyah Award, this MG novel deals with an inadvertent murder in rural Maryland.   

The Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan (2005)

    The start of an MG fantasy series about Greek demigods in the modern world; surprisingly good. Riordan and Neil Gaiman would get along well, I think.  

Batgirl: Knightfall Descends, written by Gail Simone, illustrated by Ardian Syaf, Ed Benes and Vicente Cifuentes (2012)

     The second Batgirl New 52 volume, Barbara continues to get her feet back under her while encountering a wealthy and cruel heiress. 

X-Men Origins II (2011)

     Short stories following the origin stories of Nightcrawler, Emma Frost, Deadpool, Cyclops and others. 

Uncanny X-Men: Lovelorn, written by Matt Fraction, illustrated by Mitch Breitwiser, Daniel Acuna and Terry Dodson (2008)

     Colussus tries to get over the disappearance of Kitty Pryde while Emma Frost attempts to help Scott Summers get over his mental anguish. 

Hawkeye: My Life as a Weapon, written by Matt Fraction, illustrated by David Aja and Javier Pulido (2013)

     Adventures of Clint Barton and Kate Bishop when they're not saving the world with the Avengers. 

Total read this month: 10, bringing total to 50.

NOVEMBER

An Abundance of Katherines, by John Green (2006)

     A Chicago math prodigy falls in love and learns how to accept failure while on a road trip in rural Kentucky.

Under the Baseball Moon, by John H. Ritter (2006)

     A jazz trumpeter falls in love with a softball pitcher in this tale of magical realism in suburban San Diego in this odd YA novel.  

Hawkeye: Rio Bravo, written by Matt Fraction, illustrated by David Aja and Chris Eliopoulos (2014)

     The conclusion of the Fraction Hawkeye stories, as the apartment dwellers defend their home from an invasion by the Tracksuit Draculas. Clint also deals with the return of his brother Barney.

The Desperado who Stole Baseball, by John H. Ritter (2009)

     A tall tale of a middle grade Western exploring how the professional baseball color line was set. 

Total read this month: 4, bringing total to 54.

DECEMBER

Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson (2004)

     This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is like if Father Tim Kaanaugh lived in Port William, Kentucky. An elderly dying pastor writes his life story in a letter to his seven-year-old son in 1956 Iowa. 

Riverdale, Volume One, written and illustrated by various writers and artists (2015)

     A prequel graphic novel setting up the events of the TV series, which confirmed that it's not my thing. 

Sunday in the Park with George, written by James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim (1984)

     An odd, but beautiful, musical script of a modern classic. 

Runaways: Pride and Joy, written by Brian Vaughn, illustrated by Adrian Alphona (2005)

     The first volume of the Runaways series, which was solid but the concept has become less impactful with time. 

The Sea of Monsters, by Rick Riordan (2006)

     Percy, his Cyclops brother Tyson and Annabeth travel to the Bermuda Triangle to rescue Grover the satyr in the second book of the series. 

The Titan's Curse, by Rick Riordan (2007)

     Percy, Thalia, Annabeth and Grover go on a road trip to save two of Hades' children. 

The Battle of the Labyrinth, by Rick Riordan (2008)

     Luke's forces attack Camp Half-Blood and the Labyrinth in the fourth book of the series. 

The Last Olympian, by Rick Riordan (2009)

     The Titans finally attack New York City and Olympus in this final novel of the series. 

Ultimate Fantastic Four: The Fantastic, written by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Millar (2002)

     The first volume of the Ultimate Fantastic Four series. 

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Total read this month: 9, bringing total for year to 63.