Happy New Year folks! We're back off our holiday hours and break to bring you a look back at what books we found ourselves drawn to over the past year. We've covered a lot of books here on these look aheads. Some did great, some not so much, but these books stood out to us as truly the 

Best New Series of 2025

Let's face it - 2025 was a pretty good year for comics. Between DC's stellar new Absolute Universe line and a big reshuffling of the status quo that is distribution networks, we've seen the rise of some new publishing houses that are turning heads (see Orla by Mad Cave below for just such an example). Here are the ones that Elise, Sloane, and I found ourselves really gravitating too every week they showed up.

Orla

Mad Cave Studios

By John Lees (writer) and Sally Cantirino (artist)

The store has a problem sometimes where the staff will all love a book, but for whatever reason we can’t get people to read it. Often the genre, or the premise, or even just the cover of the first issue will be enough to turn people off of something that they’d love if we could just get them to check it out. In 2025, Orla was one of those books. 

Each issue only sold eight to ten copies, but every one of our regular subscribers we could convince to read it, even if they normally just read superhero or sci-fi comics, loved it. As well they should. I’ve been a fan of Sally Cantirino’s art for ages, and though she normally draws horror comics, she really shines in a zany romance comic like this. If I’m being honest I’d never really heard of John Lees before this, but his script for this was charming and well plotted and very funny. As usual a great creative team means a great book.

All that said, I kind of understand why the book wasn’t a huge seller for us. Orla is a romcom. It’s got a giant monster that eats people and a cadre of secret agents trying to track it down, but at its core the book is about a woman trying to find love – not something that traditionally moves a lot of single issue comics. The book’s main character Orla Bard restores antiques, loves romance novels, and is having a hard time dating. Not only are so many of the men she meets through dating apps huge jerks, also when she loses control of herself she turns into a giant purple monster and uh. Eats them alive. At some level she sees herself as doing the world a favor by removing them from the dating pool, but she’s also attracted the attention of a group of federal agents investigating a string of unsolved disappearances. When Orla finally goes out with a friend from her local bookstore, she has to learn to navigate real relationships, and the difficulties that come with finally letting someone else see the real you.

It’s funny, it’s relatable, and more than anything it’s a book with a lot of heart. Orla and her love interest Gwyn are both just two people trying to do right by each other, and Orla’s struggle keeping the monster contained mirror the challenges that many neurodivergent people (me included) face trying to mask their autism/adhd/whatever-else-they’ve-got-going-on symptoms. It’s an extremely cute book that I can’t recommend enough. The final issue will already be out by the time you’re reading this, but the collected series comes out in early March, so keep an eye out for it on the shelf.

- Sloane

Captain America

Marvel Comics

By Chip Zdarsky (writer) and Valerio Schiti (artist)

I really hate to admit it, but I’ve always had a soft spot for Captain America. 

Obviously I’ve got a lot of problems with America the country – and given the way that the current administration is running things the feeling is obviously mutual. I also recognize that the character can never escape his origins as a piece of pro-American pro-war propaganda. But l feel like the right writer and artist with a sufficiently interesting take can get me to read almost anything these days, and unfortunately for me Chip Zdarsky is really good at his job. So now I have to read Captain America, which really loses me a lot of cool points. But what are you gonna do? This run’s worth losing a few cool points over.

The struggle at the core of any modern, well-done Cap story is that Steve Rogers is a really good guy, and the American government really is not good almost ever. Chip, being a fantastic writer, nails both of these elements and recontextualizes them in what I think is a really interesting way by setting his first arc of Captain America post 9/11. Steve has just unfrozen from the ice in the early 2000s and is confronted with modern geopolitics that feel much less straightforward than they seemed to be in the ‘40s. He’s tasked with a covert operation in Latveria (which has just fallen under the control of the dictator Victor Von Doom) alongside the new Howlin’ Commandos, and a new Captain America who has PTSD from the Iraq war.

What’s always appealed to me about Cap is that he represents a power fantasy that’s less “what if I could fly and shoot lasers out of my eyes?” and more “what if I were the kind of person who was strong enough to make the right decision all the time? who could stick up for people and do the right thing even when it was hard?” and Chip captures that in this. He also really kills it with Dr. Doom, who if I’m being honest kinda steals the show when he’s on panel.

This book ended up being everything I could have hoped a Cap book would be. The first arc has wrapped up, but later this month a new one begins starting with issue 6, bringing back doom and introducing a couple of new characters – including Captain France!? It’s gonna be a great jumping on point for new readers, so if any of this sounds even remotely appealing I hope you give this series a look.

- Sloane

Absolute Martian Manhunter

DC Comics

By Deniz Camp (writer) and Javier Rodríguez (artist)

I have to come clean, I’ve never been a big cape comics person so for a lot of these absolute titles this has been my first time reading the character. In a way I’m exactly who the Absolute line was made for. Someone who doesn’t know all the lore and the characters who can be introduced to it all for the first time with fresh eyes. I don’t know if I would like regular Martian Manhunter, never met the guy. But Absolute Martian Manhunter? That’s my man. 

Martian Manhunter is a story about humanity told through a conflict between aliens playing out on a very human and individual scale. The characters in this book are doing heinous things because they’re afraid and isolated, their basest fears of each other and themselves are being used against each other by an alien entity seeking chaos and destruction.

The most interesting part of this story to me is the man at it’s center. John Jones is a work-aholic FBI agent, and an absentee father and husband. He is a metaphorical Martian on the outside of his own life looking in. He doesn’t know how to connect with frustrated wife or his autistic son. How ironic that he becomes the vehicle for a literal Martian, possessing him and enlisting him in an extraterrestrial struggle between cosmic entities. As a neurodivergent person the emotional core of this story, John’s disconnect from his own life, is relatable in a way that reminds me I probably need to go to therapy. 

Most people are not picking this book up to simp for the pathetic, wet paper bag of a man being verbally eviscerated by his unbelievably hot wife. Most people are cracking it open and being blasted into the stratosphere by Javier Rodríguez’s art. I was first introduced to Rodríguez’s art last year in Zatanna: Bring Down the House and as gorgeous as that was, this book is even better suited to the vibrant, undulating, colors and shapes of his style. Deniz Camp has also been on fire this year between The Ultimates, Assorted Crisis Events, and this. 

This team has managed to make me care about a character I didn’t give a hoot about until now and with it coming off its mid-run hiatus last month I can’t wait to see where they’ll take it with these last 5 issues. A lot of our regulars agree with us that Martian Manhunter and Wonder Woman are really the two to catch if you don’t have time for the whole Absolute line and the first collection just came out in November so I hope even more people are able to get on board for the finale.

-Elise

Batman (2025 Relaunch)

DC Comics

By Matt Fraction (writer) and Jorge Jiménez (artist)

Like Sloane said in her review of Captain America, I kind of can’t believe I’m writing about a Batman book. Historically not a huge Batman fan. I’ve said in the past I find big name superhero characters much more interesting and palatable when their stories are more grounded and instead of being the myth of their character they’re kind of…. “just some guy”. Matt Fraction absolutely nails that in this new series. 

Batman is facing off against your typical Gotham stuff, Killer Croc, crime families, corrupt police, a new villain called the Minotaur ruling the Gotham’s underbelly with an iron fist. But he’s also dealing with Damien not wanting to go to school, teaching Tim how to drive, being a dad, and taking care of his kids and instilling them with confidence and, when necessary (I’m looking at you Damien), humility. We’ve only had 5 issues so far but this book is clearly interested in not only Batman but Bruce. And that’s what’s interesting to me. I really enjoyed some of the sweet character moments in issue 1 that saw Bruce taking off the mask to have a gentle moment with Killer Croc but when issue 2 focused on Tim Drake learning to drive stick followed him through the issue as he had to save the day I knew I would be sticking around. 

When I came into work last week and Sloane asked me if I’d read the new issue yet (which isn’t even out yet), I was confused. “Did you read it?” I asked. “I didn’t mean to but I just sort of got sucked in,” was not the answer I was expecting. When both of the annoying indie horror and art comic readers in the store are reading a main line Batman book you know there’s gotta be something there. Matt Fraction and Batman don’t really need my help convincing you to read this book but if you’re like me and not a huge cape comic reader, I hope this makes you reconsider. They’re doing something cool with this one. 

-Elise

Die Loaded

Image Comics

By Kieron Gillen (Writer) and Stephanie Hans (artist)

When I heard Die was coming back I was super excited. Kieron and Stephanie built an amazingly beautiful complex world, and I’m so glad that the pair of them were able to come back to this book and do a sequel. We’ve only had two issues so far, but everything I’ve read absolutely stands up to the original series. Where the main series begins with explaining the powers and abilities of each character, this new one drops players in one at a time, giving us a chance to explore what it is to be a GodBinder or Rage Knight or a Neo from a different player’s perspective. And where the original series dived right into the players attempts at sequencing breaking the game to escape (and immediately splitting the party), this one feels like it’s gonna take its time pulling the party together and also chasing them up that proverbial tree maybe?  

Of course this wouldn’t be Die without references aplenty to popular role-playing and fantasy elements. The first series  I would name these, but as of the time of this writing the second issue has only been out about a week and I wouldn’t want to spoil anyone. Let’s just say there are already some really wonderful recognizable elements and callouts to the culture that I as a nerd who’s been in said culture for a bit really enjoys. 

- Nick

Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rites of Spring

IDW Comics

By Patrick Horvath (Writer and artist)

Patrick Horvath is a person I had no knowledge of prior to 2023 and the release of the first Beneath the Trees series. This glimpse into an idyllic small country town a la the Busy World of Richard Scarry gave way into utter fascination when Patrick reveals that he’s mixed a little bit of Dexter into this world in the form of Samantha Strong, a genial kindly looking bear with a dark sociopathic secret. By the end of that five issue arc our store was hooked and we were all waiting to see how it would resolve and somehow maybe rooting for a serial killer? Heck it was so popular that DC borrowed the character to cameo as a surprise opponent for their upcoming DC KO crossover event. Sam is gonna be in the august company of villains like Homelander, Sub Zero, Red Sonja, Vampirella, and more. What a weird time to be reading comics, people.

This new series builds on everything the original did well, then tacks on a layer of suspense akin to swimming in open water with a great white shark. Samantha is definitely the “bad guy” of this piece and we are watching her play with her food and indulge some of her darker impulses. Mix in the advent of the internet into her sleepy little town, and suddenly Samantha’s reach for victims is suddenly further than it’s ever been while at the same time ratcheting up the stakes for discovery. You really get the feel that Horvath has been planning this since the first series wrapped. And bonus - as someone who grew up alongside the nascent internet he not only makes me feel old by reading this but also a little terrified at how much the early net had so little safety mechanisms and parents just let their kids roam freely(ish) in chatrooms.

Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rites of Spring is set to wrap up here in the next couple of months, and most of the back issues aren’t available at this point. So if this little review intrigues you,consider picking up the original series, then jump on into its sequel when it hits the shelves about midway through the year. I have no idea how this story is going to end, and frankly that says a lot about how well written this book is. 

- Nick

Top 10 Trades of 2025

Wanna know what topped our charts last year? We’ve picked through the sales data for our top ten best selling trades of 2025. Which ones did you read and which ones are you curious about? We've talked about all of these a fair bit, so don't expect in-depth reviews, but rather little pitches to give you a sense for what to expect!

1 - Power Fantasy Volume 1

When even the members of our staff who don’t interact much with the comics side of the store are reading a book you know there’s gotta be something special there. Every single Phoenix staff member is subscribed to this book and sings it’s praises so it is no surprise that volume 1 of Kieron Gillen’s latest masterpiece has taken the #1 spot. This tense, character-driven drama follows six superheroes, each with enough power to destroy the world. They all want different things, but given what hangs in the balance, they can’t afford to fight with each other. It’s a tightly plotted master class in interpersonal dynamics, and every issue ends with the kind of cliffhanger that leaves us saying, “That was insane!”

 

 

 

 

2 - Absolute Batman Volume 1

Scott Snyder knows how to write a Batman story. Possibly the biggest break-out series of the last two-years for DC - Absolute Batman headlined their new Absolute universe, a world where the DC heroes we know and love have been distilled down to their core concept. Who is Batman without the wealth and resources we associate him with? What is different and, more importantly, what stays the same? This book is a thrill ride that sees Batman driving a Batmobile the size of a monster truck and swinging a battle axe shaped like a bat. There’s something here for everyone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 - Bolero

Behold the selling power of Sloane. No seriously - she’s bullied everyone who works here into giving this a try, and as a result it’s one of the most recommended reads at Phoenix. Bolero is a gorgeous, heart wrenching look at a woman who keeps making the same self-destructive choices over and over. When she finds a way to jump between parallel universes, she’s convinced she can find a life for herself where she’s happy, and her problems are solved. Unfortunately though, it turns out that the one thing she can’t run away from is herself. Part heartwrenching sapphic romance, part allegory for the messy ways in which we all undermine our own happiness, you won’t be able to put it down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 4 - Absolute Wonder Woman Volume 1

This sword and sorcery, mythology inspired, take on Wonder Woman was one of our favorite books last year and that has only continued this year. What happens when Wonder Woman doesn’t have her Amazons? When she is raised as a witch and a princess of hell by Circe? Who is she then? This book, like the other books in the Absolute line, takes a lot of key elements of Wonder Woman’sd backstory and shakes them up while zeroing in on what stays the same. What are the immutable parts of Diana that will stay true no matter how much you change? Even riding a skeletal pegasus and swinging a sword the size of a skyscraper Diana is still kind. Still empathetic. Still willing to move mountains to do the right thing. 

 

 

 

 

 

5 - Saga Volume 12

Saga’s been a powerhouse of a series since the mid-late 2000’s and it shows. That pithy, quick jokey style that Brian K Vaughn is known for combined with the artistic stylings of Fiona Staples have created a series that commands a powerful base of readers even after eleven previous volumes. The way this series has endured even after a years long hiatus really says something about what they’ve created.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 - Power Fantasy Volume 2

This series has managed to get both of it’s trades into the top 10 for obvious reasons (we won’t shut up about it).The only reason this one’s not higher up on the list is because it only came out in September. This series has been an absolute stand out that has us digging through our shipment before the book comes out to read it even a day early. Kieron if you're reading this we hope it keeps going well past volume 3!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 - Poison Ivy Volume 1

Local writer and all around wonderful person G Willow Wilson is known for creating Kamala Khan’s Ms. Marvel character and most recently captaining Poison Ivy’s first long running solo series. Her very queer take on Ivy taking a murderous road trip across the US turning people into fungus has a serious following here at the store and it shows. This series is gorgeous, timely, a little bit aspirational (if we’re being honest with ourselves). It was recently featured as required reading in a course at Seattle Central College and we got a whole slew of young people coming in and checking it out for the first time (which was so much fun for us getting to put it in their hands and wish them luck).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8 - It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Earth

This top-selling autobio comic chronicles author Zoe Thorogood’s struggles with depression, imposter syndrome, and the isolation that came with the COVID-19 pandemic. What really makes this book stand out is not only her beautiful art, but also the ways that she plays with form throughout the book – It’s Lonely feels almost like a poem with the ways that it plays with panel layout, narrative structure, and surreal imagery to convey Zoe’s feelings of sorrow and hopelessness. A beautiful and heartwrenching book, this is a real masterclass in the medium being the message.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9 - Absolute Superman Volume 1

Even with not being quite as popular as the other two Absolute books in the initial launch it still made it solidly into our top 10 this year. Who is Superman when he’s not a corn fed Nebraskan but was instead raised on Krypton? This spin on the man of steel’s origins has him not as the last son of a doomed planet but as an environmental protector stopping those who would exploit our natural resources. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 - Nights Season 1 Volume 1

From the same writer as Bolero (Wyatt Kennedy), Nights is a bizarre, vibes forward, supernatural coming of age story. Ghosts are real (and they're contributing members of society), the United States is not as you know it, and sometimes vampires are pizza delivery girls (but not very good ones). This book is colorful, sexy, irreverent, and moves at an absolutely break-neck pace. Bolero is such a store favourite that when this came out we couldn't wait to get our hands on it and, although reading the two books back to back might give you tonal whiplash, it's so much fun to just be along for the ride.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And that's it for our best of 2025 post! Tune in later this month for a look at all things coming this February! We hope that you've enjoyed this little walk back through the past year, and if you did see something you'd like, well...guess what! All of this is in stock and available in the store (or if it's not, it'll be back in stock soon!).