Most Anticipated Graphic Novels of September 2023

As the seasons shift and the scent of autumn begins to fill the air, September 2023 marks an especially exciting time for the world of graphic novels. This month promises a rich tapestry of storytelling that is bound to captivate both seasoned aficionados and those new to the genre. From nostalgic adaptations that breathe new life into our favorite characters to groundbreaking narratives that challenge the norms, the upcoming releases have generated buzz for all the right reasons. This curated list will introduce you to the “Most Anticipated Graphic Novels of September 2023.”

Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina

The graphic novel plunges readers into the life of Priddy, a teenager navigating the labyrinthine world of a new school. Her journey takes a dark turn when she finds herself the target of Yaqui Delgado, a girl she has never met but who is determined to make her life miserable. The story is a compelling examination of bullying, its emotional landscape, and the struggle to rise above it. With Vargas’ evocative illustrations bringing new depth to Medina’s poignant narrative, this graphic novel is not just an adaptation but an expansion, giving voice to an urgent issue that many young people face today.

Batman Adventures Omnibus by Paul Dini

The collection brings to life the beloved characters and dark streets of Gotham in a style faithful to the original animated series. Within its pages, you’ll find Gotham City turned on its head as Mayor Oswald Cobblepot, formerly known as the Penguin, seeks to outlaw vigilantes and villains. The stakes are raised when Ra’s al Ghul sends a league of assassins not to destroy Batman, but to eliminate his enemies. In the midst of all this chaos, a new mob forms under the shadowy guise of Black Mask.

The omnibus collects The Batman Adventures issues #1-36, annuals, holiday specials, and even the first appearance of Harley Quinn in ‘Mad Love,’ making it an essential read for Batman enthusiasts. This compilation is not just a walk down memory lane; it’s an expansive look into Batman’s world, echoing the tone and complexity that made the animated series a classic.

Batman: Under the Red Hood Deluxe Edition by Judd Winick

In this storyline, former Robin Jason Todd makes a dramatic return as the Red Hood, a killer and a mercenary, now at odds with Batman’s philosophy of crimefighting. This isn’t just another enemy for Batman to defeat; it’s a painful ghost from his past, forcing the Dark Knight to confront his own failures and moral boundaries. Jason Todd, once a disciple under Batman’s wing, now challenges his mentor’s principles, leading to a collision course between two vastly different visions of justice.

The narrative is rich, the stakes are personal, and the tension is palpable, making this one of the most engaging reads in Batman lore. It’s a masterclass in storytelling from Judd Winick, who has a notable history of handling some of DC’s biggest characters, bringing a nuanced depth that leaves the reader questioning right, wrong, and everything in between.

Deceased: War of the Undead by Tom Taylor

In this book the stakes rise from Earth to the cosmos as a reborn, undead Darkseid unleashes an unparalleled threat. Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman find themselves at the forefront of a conflict so monumental, it dwarfs all their previous battles. With the Anti-Life Equation spiraling out of control, consuming not just Earth but also the galaxy, the heroes are faced with impossible decisions and unimaginable sacrifices.

This book showcases why Tom Taylor and Trevor Hairsine have been hailed as a bestselling creative team, weaving intricate plot lines with emotional depth. As the survivors gear up for the final standoff, readers will be on the edge of their seats, eagerly flipping through the pages to see who, if anyone, will make it out alive. This climactic conclusion leaves an indelible mark, not just on the characters but also on the reader.

Gotham City: Year One by Tom King

This is not just another Batman origin story; it’s a deep dive into the soul of Gotham City itself, exploring how it transformed from a beacon of hope to a cesspool of corruption and violence. Set two generations before the emergence of the Dark Knight, the narrative focuses on Slam Bradley, a private investigator caught in the ‘kidnapping of the century’ involving the infant Wayne heir. This isn’t just a tale of heroes and villains; it’s a gritty, hard-boiled exploration of the environment that produced them.

The book provides a nuanced understanding of the elements that contributed to the rise of Batman, painting a bleak yet captivating picture of a city on the verge of moral and societal collapse. For anyone seeking to understand the deeper lore of Gotham and the forces that molded Batman, “Gotham City: Year One” is essential reading.

Hulk Maestro by Peter David Omnibus by Peter David

This omnibus is an epic journey through a dystopian future where the Hulk has transformed into a tyrant ruling with an iron fist. Beginning with the classic story from Peter David and George Pérez that introduces us to the time-traveling Hulk who must confront his malevolent future self, the omnibus delves deep into the Maestro’s complex character. The narrative is expansive, including encounters with Genis-Vell, the son of the Kree Captain Marvel, and the Spider-Man of 2099. It also features the Maestro’s reign over the Battleworld of SECRET WARS and the realm known as Dystopia.

With an incredible roster of authors and artists—including Peter David, Tony Bedard, Ivan Velez, George Perez, and Adam Kubert—this omnibus is a must-read for any fan of the Hulk and the broader Marvel Universe. Whether you’re interested in the psychology of the Hulk’s transformation into the Maestro or are a fan of Marvel’s epic crossovers, this collection has something for everyone. It amalgamates classic issues and new stories, painting a comprehensive picture of one of the most formidable foes in the Marvel cosmos.

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