Best Collected Editions of 2009

1. The Rocketeer: The Complete Deluxe Edition Slipcase HC (IDW)
IDW hits the bullseye late in 2009 with a collection that Dave Stevens would have been very proud of. Not only is it complete, but the Deluxe Edition is packed full of DVD like extras. A fitting tribute to master creator and his creation. Hats off to Chris Ryall and everyone at IDW.

2. Bloom County Complete Library by Berkeley Breathed Volume 1 HC (IDW)
IDW comes through this time with a newspaper collection not too big and not too small (or thick, or heavy). I’m sure Chris Ryall and his staff looked at what is right and what is wrong when reprinting newspaper comics. The result is the first collection (of five) that is easy to read and belongs on every shelf. Let’s hope that Outland and Opus are in the works.

3. Will Eisner’s The Spirit Archives Volume 26 HC and Volume 27 HC (DC Comics and Dark Horse Comics)
A very nice collaboration of DC and Dark Horse, with lots of help from Denis Kitchen to complete the entire series. They all line up so nice on the bookshelf that friends of mine, who have never read comics, are drawn to it’s size and magnificence. Let’s hope DC makes a Volume 28 starting with the newer Darwyn Cooke run.

4. Blazing Combat HC and The ‘Nam Volume 1 TPB (Fantagraphics and Marvel)
There was a time when War Comics told War Fact. They showed us the blood, death, comradery and horror. These two series did just that and didn’t hold back. Much like our Veterans, they are too often overlooked. It’s so good to see these “real war comics” back in print. I hope DC will get the hint and finally reprint USS Stevens, Fight The Enemy by Mike Sekowsky (Tower Comics, 1966) would also be nice to see.

5. George Sprott (1894-1975) HC by Seth (Drawn And Quarterly)
Originally released in the New York Times Magazine over a two year period, Seth has taken is work and expanded the story. It’s now a complete contemporary classic, oversized, and easy on the wallet. A fine addition to any strong coffee table.

6. Captain Britain by Alan Moore and Alan Davis Omnibus HC (Marvel)
Captain Britain had everything going for himself in 2009: A fan favorite series and a giant Omnibus showcasing his early adventures. Unfortunately, the Omnibus was released 3 months late and his series only lasted a total of 16 issues included an Annual. Never-the-less, the two Alan’s go together like, like fine wine and brie, aged better over time.

7. The Complete Essex County HC (Top Shelf)
Way back in 2008 we all knew that Jeff Lemire would have a great 2009. Not only did his magnum opus (for now) get published in a complete edition, but he also released The Nobody and launched his new series Sweet Tooth. Now is your chance to get caught up and to tell all of your friends that you’ve been reading Lemire for years. Shhh. It’ll be our little secret.

8. Strangers In Paradise Omnibus Limited Edition HC (Abstract Studios)
Terry Moore’s soap opera has been packaged in a way that should be the mold matched by other publishers of Oversized Collections. Sure it’s a bit expensive but it’s well worth it. Unlike other giant one-volumes, the comics are split it up into two volumes and a third volume that had the cover gallery and extras. It’s also nice to have Moore oversee his own project instead of handing it off to unnamed editors and interns.

9. Absolute Death HC and Criminal Deluxe Edition HC (DC Comics and Marvel)
Death was suppose to have been published as a Deluxe Hardcover and Criminal was suppose to have been published and an Omnibus. Both turned out perfect, I wouldn’t have them any other way. Neil Gaiman’s Death makes a very good “fifth” Absolute Sandman and Ed Brubaker’s Criminal is a great first foray into a new format for Marvel.

10. Chew Volume 1: Taster’s Choice TPB (Image)
The sold out hit of the summer was collected as a very affordable $10 trade paperback. Among the sea of glorious Oversized slipcase books that Image (and everyone else) offers, this small trade paperback is has it all art, story and affordability. No reason not to pick this book up.

Related posts:

1. CCL Podcast #219 – Star Trek Collected Editions 1967-2009
2. CCL Podcast #176 – A Look at DC Comics 2009 Collected Editions
3. CCL Podcast #236 – 2009 Summer Movie and Collected Editions Tie-In Retrospective
4. CCL Podcast #238 – Notable Upcoming Collected Editions for 4Q 2009 and 1Q 2010
5. Collected Edition Blog browsing at Comic Con 2009: Day 3

Tags: best of, best of 2009, idw, Vertigo