The TMStash Review Crew have the honor of bringing you some favorite titles we believe YOU should be reading in 2017. Some will be familiar titles…and some may be not-so-familiar, but are exceptional quality books well worth your hard-earned comics dollars (Euros, etc.). We were going to bring you “17 for 2017”, but honestly we realized we couldn’t pull off a list THAT limited…so what you will find below are the 17 (and more) titles YOU should be reading in 2017!

We’ll bring the titles to you with picks from each of our mega reviewers – Stacy “Geeky Goddess” Lott, Nick “Danger Doran, Joe “Geronimo” Gagel, and finally Ed “Silver-Aged” Garrett. We HIGHLY recommend these titles:

Stacy “Geeky Goddess” Lott’s Picks:

JOYRIDE (BOOM!) – Written by Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly, Illustrated by Marcus To

Lanzing and Kelly have created a stunning new world with their imaginations and the art from Marcus To brings that world to life so seamlessly. Joyride is one of the most positively infectious books I have ever read. It reminds me a lot of an 80’s John Hughes movie but in outer space. The main character Uma and her merry band of misfits are impossible not to love. Their super space shenanigans are just getting started. Joyride is totes a book for you to keep an eye on in 2017. Catching up is easy to do with the TP volumes 1&2 and you too can fall in love with Joyride.

DOLLFACE: TALES OF THE BALL-JOINTED WITCH HUNTER (Action Lab/Danger Zone) – Written and Illustrated by Dan Mendoza

DollFace is a brand new book out this month from the twisted and uber creative mind that brought us Zombie Tramp and Vampblade. Dan Mendoza hits the jackpot yet again with another beautifully drawn character that I predict is going to do big things in 2017. Not a lot is known about this new character, which is super fun and exciting starting out on the ground floor with a whole new concept. Her name is Lila and she is a witch hunter. Lila is brand new to the world Mendoza’s other characters already inhabit. She is super adorable cute and peppy but has a violent, savage streak as well. She’s teamed up with a hilarious blue perverted blob, and issue #1 has her already encountering a familiar face. This is again a mature title with all the naughty language, nudity and general depravity one would expect from a Mendoza book. DollFace is totes amazeballs, and I highly recommend you put this on your pull list for 2017.

VORACIOUS: FEEDING TIME (Action Lab/Danger Zone) – Written by Markisan Naso, Illustrated/Letters by Jason Muhr

If you are looking for a new comic book this year; something completely sideways silly with a fresh off beat concept, then this is the book for you. Think Jurassic Park meets Back to the Future and you’re only half way to grasping the concept of Voracious. This book is for mature readers from Action Labs/Danger Zone, for its language and occasional gore. I for one love the language, it’s refreshing to have book geared for adult minds. The writing is sharp; it will keep you on your toes. Plus the art is a visual feast as well. It’s this winning combination that makes Voracious one hot commodity to look for in 2017.

BLACK HAMMER (Dark Horse) – Writen by Jeff Lemire, Illustrated by Dean Ormstron & various artists

Hailed by Batman writer Scott Snyder as easily one of Jeff Lemire’s greatest creations, it’s easy to see why Black Hammer is on my watch list for 2017. This is Lemire’s uniquely twisted take on the classic superhero comic book. Black Hammer gives us elegantly flawed heroes, a complete new world with a retro creepy vibe that haunts you for days. The artwork reflects that vibe and easily helps weave the complete package. Don’t miss out on something creepy cool and utterly unique. Black Hammer is another Indie title to watch for in 2017.

Nick “Danger” Doran’s Picks :

BLACK SCIENCE (Image) – Written by Rick Remender, Illustrated by Matteo Scalera

When it comes to Science Fiction, Rick Remender is a master story teller. This has never been more evident than in his series about dimension hoping scientists, Black Science. After 29 issues this series is still fresh and surprising. There is always a new disaster awaiting for this team of greatly flawed individuals. But it is much more than a thrilling science fiction tale of a team of scientists lost in parallel dimensions. Black Science also is a study of basic family values and what brings these families together and drives them apart. Black Science is a must read mainly due to its testament to never getting redundant or becoming predictable.

THE FIX (Image) – Written by Nick Spencer, Illustrated by Steve Lieber

This is not the buddy cop comedy series you deserve, but it is the buddy cop comedy series you need. This book is brilliantly written and drawn. It follows two cops who must do whatever it takes to get out of hot water with a suburban mobster, whom between shopping for organic kale and yoga class is promising to fit in their deaths if they do not pay him back. The only issue is though our two heroes may have the best intentions of doing so, they just lack the foresight and common sense to make it happen. This makes for a belly ache of a read!

SOUTHERN BASTARDS (Image) – Written by Jason Aaron, Illustrated by Jason Latour

Jason Aaron and Jason Latour have been absolutely slaying it with their series about the perfect combination of high school football in the south, and dixie mafia. The high school football coach wins football games and runs the town with drugs and violence. However, there are a few people in town that aren’t as scared of him as they should be. This book is gritty and compelling, while staying true to the title by making almost every character a real bastard. If that doesn’t entice you enough to add this to your Wednesday list then maybe you would like to know it won some big awards (Harvey and Eisner).

Archie Comic’s new and improved lineup:

ARCHIE (Archie Comics) – Written by Mark Waid, Illustrated by Joe Eisma

AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE (Archie Comics) – Written by Roberto Aguirre Sacasa, Illustrated by Francesco Francavilla

BETTY & VERONICA (Archie Comics) – Written/Illustrated by Adam Hughes

JUGHEAD (Archie Comics) – Written by Ryan North, Illustrated by Derek Charm

Over the last 3 years, Archie Comics has come a long way from the cheeky outdated soap opera comics they had a reputation for publishing. This mold was first broken by Afterlife With Archie, a dark series about the zombie apocalypse coming to Riverdale. After such success, Archie Comics decided to revamp the main self-titled series of Archie with the help of Mark Waid and Fiona Staples. This series managed to keep a bit of that classic Archie campiness while bringing it into the 21st century with relatable stories. This attracted the attention of many great artists and writers, allowing for revamps of the stand alone titles Jughead, and Betty & Veronica, both which are extremely funny. Jughead has seen the writing talents of both Chip Zdarsky and Ryan North, while Betty & Veronica is helmed by the always amazing Adam Hughes.

Basically this is no longer your grandparents’ comic book publisher. With all this variety it is safe to say that there is probably an Archie Title you may enjoy…my 13 year old self would never believe that I would be saying that.

PAPER GIRLS / SAGA (Image) – Written by Brian K. Vaughn, Iillustrated by Fiona Staples (Saga) and Cliff Chaing (Paper Girls)

These two books are lumped together because you should be reading Brian K. Vaughn at all times if he has an ongoing series. The man does have 12 Eisner Awards, 7 of which are tied to these two titles. It doesn’t matter if he is writing about epic space opera depicting star crossed lovers from warring factions or a group of 12 year old paper girls fighting off an “alien” invasion. No matter how ludicrous a title of his may sound, it actually works and works well. Brian K. Vaughn has mastered the art of telling an epic store one panel at the time. He also usually has help from some of the best pencils in the business. Both these books should be on your pull list.

KILL OR BE KILLED (Image) – Written by Ed Brubaker, Illustrated by Sean Phillips

This is the latest series from the noir super duo of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. They brought us the chilling series; The Fade Out, Criminal, and Fatale. With Kill or Be Killed, we follow a college student as he is forced to kill bad people. This series takes a deep dive into the relationships this effects as well as the impact on the protagonist’s mental stability. If you are a fan of this creative team (no clue why you wouldn’t be) you must be reading this series.

Joe “Geronimo” Gagel’s Picks:

REBORN (Image) – Written by Mark Millar, Illustrated by Greg Capullo

What happens after you die? The superstar team-up of writer Mark Millar & artist Greg Capullo have joined forces under the Image Comics banner to bring us their take on what the afterlife may hold for us. It’s wild and out there, which is what makes the concept work for me. It’s difficult to say more without giving the whole idea away, but the settings, characters, and story is something worth getting into. Since the series is only a few issues deep, the back issues are worth grabbing to catch up on this exciting story.

COPPERHEAD (Image) – Written by Jay Faerber, Illustrated by Scott Godlewski

From Image Comics, writer Jay Faerber and artist Scott Godlewski have put together the best space western this side of the Mississippi in Copperhead. Think Firefly, but more stationary and with lots more aliens. Clara Bronson is the new Sheriff of Copperhead, a dusty old mining town on an alien world. It’s clear from the first issue that the locals don’t need the law meddling in their affairs, but Bronson is too eager to stand her ground and make her mark. The series has been on a hiatus, giving you folks time to catch up just in time for its return in March.

THE WALKING DEAD (Image/Skybound) – Created by Robert Kirkman

Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead from Image Comics is possibly one of the most recognizable brands in comics today. The series has spawned a solid television series, depending on who you ask, that has lately followed its comic counterpart very closely. The comic itself has consistently been great from issue #1, especially for a black and white series. The character & world building that has been done in the past year alone has been exceptional. If you are familiar with the story it may be a decent jumping on point as they just wrapped up an arc.

DEADLY CLASS (Image) – Written by Rick Remender, Illustrated by Wes Craig

Deadly Class Rick Remender and Wes Craig story takes place at the Kings Dominion School for Assassins. In this underground institution, they learn to hone their skills so they may return to carry on the family business. What really drug me in was how relatable the characters were, as they go through the same type of things all teenagers go through but with more stabbing. The series has just come back for its second arc and has a television series adaptation coming soon. This is the perfect time to try Deadly Class from Image Comics.

I HATE FAIRYLAND (Image) – Written and Illustrated by Skottie Young

Skottie Young’s I Hate Fairyland from Image Comics is a mother fluffing masterpiece. In this series a young Gertrude becomes lost in Fairyland for many, many years which has the side effect of mentally aging but not physically. Now she traipses through the realm with reckless abandon and a fly as a guide. The colors are bright and really pop, while the blood flows and the language is filtered in its own unique way. I really can’t say enough good things about this series. It really is a lot of fun and offers a break from the many more serious stories out there

Ed “Silver Age” Garrett’s Picks:

ANIMOSITY (Aftershock) – Written by Marguerite Bennett, Illustrated by Rafael de Latorre

ANIMOSITY is a rare book that is both heartwarming and deeply disturbing at the same time. On the one hand it’s a story that focuses on the love a dog has for his human. On the other, we find a disturbing story in which animals have suddenly “awakened” and have taken over the world! The dichotomy of unquestioning love and unending violence makes this a most compelling story, one that should simply not be missed. This is Marguerite Bennett at her best (although you should also check out InSEXts as well), and Rafael de Latorre’s artwork is amazing. Go back and grab the early issues – we’re not that far into this series. Prepare to have your heart stolen…and your mind disturbed…by ANIMOSITY!

HARROW COUNTY (Dark Horse) – Written by Cuillen Bunn, Illustrated by Tyler Crook

HARROW COUNTY is the best horror title on the market today. Emmy was thought to be the reincarnation of a terrible witch, and she nearly didn’t survive the first issue because of it. But, we have learned a lot more about Emmy and her true nature as she faces greater and more fantastic supernatural threats. There is a kindness about Emmy, even as she unleashes exceptionally brutal responses to those who threaten her home and her people. And, Cullen Bunn manages to surprise the reader with new twists at every turn without ever jumping the shark. Tyler Crook’s artwork matches the creepy nature of this tale perfectly. If you want the best in horror, look no further than HARROW COUNTY.

WAYWARD (Image) – Written by Jim Zub, Illustrated by Steven Cummings

This is quite possibly the most beautifully written and illustrated comic I’ve ever seen. Writer Jim Zub has more than done his homework in taking us through the folklore of Japan and Ireland. More than that, we are transported to today’s Japan and today’s Ireland in a way that makes the reader feel as if they are truly there. This is so much more than a travelogue, though – the story is powerful, with amazing characters that will grab your attention from the moment you pick up the first issue. WAYWARD is wonderful, with something for everyone – great characters, great writing, and great artwork all at the same time.

PRINCELESS (Action Lab) – Created by Jeremy Whitley

PRINCELESS is the best all-ages title I’ve ever read. Adrienne is a fantastic role model for kids – a princess who tired of “waiting for her prince to come” and decided to save herself…and her sisters…and more. It’s a story that gives great kid-friendly action, plots that will keep the attention of any age reader (including old folks like me), and an overall story anyone would be proud to read to a young comic fan. In case you haven’t guessed by now, I’m a big fan of PRINCELESS and have been ever since I first heard of this Eisner-nominated and Glyph Award-winning series. When I visit my local comic shop, I always buy an extra copy of PRINCLESS and leave it for the next kid who walks in the shop. This is THE best all-ages series you can find.

DOCTOR WHO (Titan) – various titles and creative teams

Titan has done an amazing job with this franchise, giving us series for not only the Tenth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Doctors, but also a great series for the Ninth Doctor, a new series for the Third Doctor, and great stories for the Fourth Doctor (my personal favorite Doctor) and…well, you get it. Not only that, but we are starting to see an annual crossover mini-series for the various Doctors that brings together several of the greats, with compelling stories worthy of the Doctor himself. You’ll find your favorite Doctors, some of the greatest companions, and all the great bad guys from the Master to the Weeping Angels and more. IF you are a fan of the Doctor, you are truly missing out if you aren’t checking out the many great books coming from Titan.