This week in new hardcovers: A grab-bag this week: a personal reaction to the end of the world, plus two comic book compilations (Batman Inc. and American Barbarian), plus an examination of the modern iteration of gothic supernaturalism.
American Barbarian
AdHouse Books
by Tom Scioli
"Created by Tom Scioli, co-creator of the Eisner-nominated series, Godland, and the Xeric-winning UnMortals: The Myth of 8-Opus, American Barbarian follows a red-white-and-blue-haired hero who must defend a post-post-apocalyptic world from the immortal Two-Tank Omen." AdHouse Books, 256 pages, Apr 17.
Batman Incorporated, Vol. 1
DC Comics
by Grant Morrison, Yanick Paquette (Illustrator)
"Grant Morrison continues his earth-shattering run on the Batman titles with this exciting new series illustrated by hot artist Yanick Paquette that features the next stage of evolution of the Dark Knight. Bruce Wayne publicly announces that he is the financial backer of Batman and establishes a worldwide franchise of Batmen that will protect the entire globe. This is the beginning of a stunning direction for the world's greatest detective that will team him with Catwoman, Batwoman and Batman Inc representatives on international crime fighting missions against Lord Death Man in Japan, South America and Argentina." DC Comics, 264 pages, Apr 17.
White Horse
Atria/Emily Bestler Books
by Alex Adams
"Thirty-year-old Zoe leads an ordinary life until the end of the world arrives. She is cleaning cages and floors at Pope Pharmaceuticals when the president of the United States announces that human beings are no longer a viable species. When Zoe realizes that everyone she loves is disappearing, she starts running. Scared and alone in a shockingly changed world, she embarks on a remarkable journey of survival and redemption. Along the way, Zoe comes to see that humans are defined not by their genetic code, but rather by their actions and choices. White Horse offers hope for a broken world, where love can lead to the most unexpected places." Atria/Emily Bestler Books, 320 pages, Apr 17.
The Storm
Martin Noble Editorial
by John Fraser
"No description available." Martin Noble Editorial, 198 pages, Apr 21.
Gothicka: Vampire Heroes, Human Gods, and the New Supernatural
Harvard University Press
by Victoria Nelson
"The Gothic has taken a revolutionary turn in this century. Today’s Gothic has fashioned its monsters and devils into heroes and angels and is actively reviving supernaturalism in popular culture. Nelson argues that this mainstreaming of a spiritually driven supernaturalism is a harbinger of what a post-Christian religion in America might look like." Harvard University Press, 352 pages, Apr 22.
