Image via Complex Original
Quick, name a superhero that had a blockbuster this year. Struggling to think of just one? We’re sure you are since villains plotting revenge and heroes preventing the end of the world have dominated recent movie seasons. Let’s face it, comic books have become mainstream and aren’t just for geeks anymore.
That means that more than ever, this holiday season will be filled with friends who want the perfect gift to satisfy their comic cravings and get them through the winter without a Marvel or DC hero coming to the big screen. From reading about their favorite characters to pretending to be them, we’ve assembled a gift guide that should cover all bases. Check out these 10 Gifts for the Comic Book Fan in Your Life.
Man of Steel
Critics were torn about this Zack Snyder reboot of the Superman franchise, but it was solid enough to win over audiences and warrant a sequel, which will finally feature the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel on the same screen. There are even rumors that Wonder Woman and the Flash might join in on the action for the next go-around.
All that aside, this massive summer blockbuster grossed over $650 million worldwide and certainly guarantees a slot in every DVD and Blu-ray collection. Do yourself and everyone else a favor and pick up the newest Superman adventure to make us forget the travesty that was Superman Returns.
Click here to buy it now at Amazon, $19.96 (Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet Combo Pack)
Under Armour Alter Ego Captain America Socks
He’s the hero who stands for America itself and manages to be just as much of a bad-ass today as he was in the ’40s when he took down Hitler. He came out of the ice swinging in Marvel’s The Avengers and proves to take it to another level in next year’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier. And what better way to pay homage to America and to its hero than by repping his colors at the gym. This pair of Under Armour socks from their Alter Ego collection will make you feel like those leg lifts and extra squats are nothing.
Click here to buy them now at Dick’s Sporting Goods, $14.99
Watchmen Hardcover Graphic Novel
While most people may only be familiar with the 2009 movie of the same name, this graphic novel is where the serious fans go to get their Watchmen fix. A work of art from both narrative and visual aspects, this graphic novel is one that should not be missing from any collector’s bookshelf. This special edition hardcover version features custom artwork from Dave Gibbons and re-colored pages which bring new life to the classic story and make it all the more gift-worthy.
Kick-Ass 2
In this second outing for the superhero without any actual powers or the money to pay for fancy gadgets, Kick-Ass continues to moonlight as a vigilante for the city and eventually joins up with the newly added Colonel Stars and Stripes and his band of merry men and women.
This action-comedy flick is the perfect gift for anyone who grew up dreaming of swinging from rooftops and stopping crime in its tracks. Kick-Ass is the superhero for every guy who still contemplates buying a pair of tights and throwing on a luchador mask to make the world a better place, so do yourself a favor and throw this one in your friend’s stocking.
Click here to buy it now at Amazon, $23.86 (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD with UltraViolet)
V for Vendetta Collector's Set
This collector’s set of the acclaimed graphic novel packs a one-two punch. Not only will the recipient get his hands on one of the most celebrated works in the comic world, but he’ll also have his Halloween costume on lock for the following year. And if you’re feeling really generous, throw in the movie version and let your friends ogle Nathalie Portman because she’s one of the hottest women on the planet who only becomes hotter after she shaves her head and performs some general badassery.
X-Men: The Adamantium Collection
The original OGs, X-Men singlehandedly brought superheroes into the cinematic spotlight when it debuted in 2000. Up until then, there hadn’t really been a successful comic book movie ever. Six movies deep in the franchise that spawned the new era of blockbusters and the team of mutants show no signs of slowing down.
This exclusive “claw” pack contains all six X-Men films including the latest addition, The Wolverine. As if you weren’t already excited enough for the next film in the series, X-Men: Days of Future Past, the pack leaves space for its arrival on Blu-ray too.
Click here to buy it now at Amazon, $129.99 (Blu-ray)
The Walking Dead Compendium
Even though it’s one of the biggest hits that cable TV has seen in recent years, some fans of the series don’t know that it began in comic book form. Featuring more characters and story than the show would know what to do with, this is where the real land of the dead thrives and manages to pull readers in.
The two compendiums cover over 2000 pages of the survival horror story and will certainly be enough to keep the Walking Dead fan in your life satisfied until February when the show returns to the small screen. You’ll prove you know what’s really up by throwing these in a holiday bag instead of the first season on DVD. Trust us, it’ll make for a dope unveiling.
Click here to buy Vol. 1 now at Barnes & Noble, $34.71
Click here to buy Vol. 2 now at Barnes & Noble, $38.91
Batman: Arkham Origins Collector's Edition
A prequel to one of the most successful games released for consoles in recent years, Batman: Arkham Origins puts you in control of the caped crusader at the beginning of his crime-fighting career. Unleash every gadget you’ve every dreamed of on some of Batman’s earliest foes including Deathstroke and Bane as you fight your way to become the Dark Knight that strikes fear into the hearts of Gotham’s lowest forms of scum.
This special version of the game includes a Batman “Wanted” poster, glow-in-the-dark map of Gotham City, a Deathstroke Playable Challenge Pack and numerous other exclusive add-ons. Don’t miss out on a chance to gift the ability to be the Bat and make the rats of Gotham’s Underworld run scared.
Click here to buy it now on Amazon, $119.96 (PS3)
Click here to buy it now on Amazon, $134.99 (Xbox 360)
Netflix Instant Membership
Netflix is the lifeblood of our generation. You can watch almost anything with just the streaming service alone and we’re sure that countless hours of your life have probably already been lost to it. Soon the same will be true for comic book fans with the exclusive four series deal that was just struck between Netflix and Marvel Studios.
Characters like Daredevil, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Iron Fist are coming to the streaming service in 2014 and expanding the roster of Marvel characters reaching beyond the pages of their comics. This is the perfect gift for any true comic book fan. Don’t forget, once you get that account info, you’ll be able to use it any time you want so really everyone wins.
Click here to buy it now at Netflix, $7.99/month
DC Comic Heroes and Villains Playing Cards
No holiday season is complete without a few dozen parties to attend, so up the ante this year by grabbing these special DC Comic Heroes and Villains playing cards for all of your friends. Whether they get stuck with their grandparents or they are looking to turn the night up with their friends, these cards will help get them through and keep them going from one feast to the next.
