Welcome to The Beat’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide! Are you looking for the perfect gift for everyone on your list? Here at Stately Beat Manor, we’ve been making a list with some of the most enticing items you could imagine unwrapping this holiday season. Naturally, an exhaustive list is impossible, so be sure and share any additional gift giving ideas you might have with us, either right here in the comment section, or over on social media @comicsbeat!
Affiliate link disclaimer: all picks are chosen independently, but we may make a small commission from affiliate links.
One Year Subscription to Marvel Unlimited: Through the end of 2022, Marvel Unlimited is offering the option to give the Marvel lover in your life a one-year subscription to Marvel Unlimited for just $55. You can access the deal by using the gift code “GIFTMU55” at checkout. With over 30,000 issues, including Marvel Unlimited-exclusive scrolling Infinity Comics like “T.E.S.T. Kitchen” (featuring real recipes you can cook and enjoy with your friends and family this holiday season) and “It’s Jeff” (featuring Jeff the Land Shark), you’d be hard pressed to find a better gift for the Marvel fan who has everything. — AJK
RH Graphic’s YA indie comics: To the D&Q Fantagraphics cool person in need of a comic book gift for a kid, one you’d like to stand out, don’t feel overwhelmed by the YA boom. RH Graphic is a publisher who have drawn from micro-press and smaller(!) artists. The Bug Boys books are perfect for serial readers; Scout is Not a Band Kid has bad behavior hijinx with manga leanings; Other Ever Afters collects folklore zines- I got some at my first Mass Indie Comics Expo! RHG has a broad range on offer, their eye for sophistication will make the book you’re searching for catch yours. — AOK
Box sets of the classics: French bande dessinée master Philippe Druillet’s artwork is something that will awe art lovers and Titan Books has just released a box set of three Lone Sloane hardcovers. Debuting in the mid-60s, Druillet’s Lone Sloane stories are wild and every page is guaranteed to take your breath away. Speaking of classic box sets (and you have the extra dosh to spend), don’t forget that Fantagraphics recently dropped a deluxe hardcover box set featuring facsimile reproductions of the first fifty issues of Love & Rockets in celebration of Los Bros Hernandez’ beloved series hitting its 40th anniversary year. It’s an incredible piece. — DS
For the comic fan you want to understand your pinball obsession, or the pinball fan you want to understand your comic obsession: While graphic novels that set out to teach too often are more novel than graphic, Jon Chad’s Pinball: A Graphic History of the Silver Ball harnesses the power of sequential art to get across what makes pinball so special. Yes, there’s proper 20th century American history in here, as well as engineering geekiness, and trivia a-plenty, but the book also gets into how pinball uses a unique blend of art & science to tell stories. It’s a hardcover book with dust jacket, so it’s properly gifty. — JTM
Queer Comics from Oni Press: Oni Press has tons of queer comics for everyone on your list. These include graphic novel offerings like Mooncakes, Gender Queer: A Memoir, and Girl Haven. But there’s also helpful nonfiction books like the Oh Joy Sex Toy series, Wait, What? A Comic Book Guide to Relationships, Bodies, and Growing Up, and Quick & Easy Guide(s) to Sex & Disability and They/Them Pronouns. Other offerings include the Kim Reaper series, the Wet Moon series, Dead Weight: Murder at Camp Bloom, the Space Battle Lunchtime series… You know what, why don’t you just click the link? It’s good stuff. — AJK
Please Empty Our Warehouse: The beloved gourmet micro press comics publisher Peow Studio is closing up shop at the year’s end. Linnea Sterte’s poetic science fiction warrior work, Stages of Rot, is still in stock, as is Mathilde Kitteh’s earnest shonen satire Brush Paradise, the arthouse-meets-Deadline action comic Berzerkid, and the foul mouthed and magically twee perfection that is Michael Furler’s Bark Bark Girl. The catalog features real relatability sown into total fantasy, from running mechs to running a band on tour to running from monsters, imaginatively conceived and produced with a love for quality printmaking. — AOK
The Art of DuckTales: It’s been over 5 years since the phenomenal reboot of Duck Tales premiered. It’s a true testament to the love of everyone involved that the creators were able to produce a show that not only was a true love letter to the original Scrooge McDuck comics but added to the Duck Family mythology. Fans will be delighted that Dark Horse has published an Art of DuckTales hardcover that takes a deep dive into the development of the series. Assuming you’re not as frugal as Scrooge McDuck, I highly recommend splurging on the Deluxe Edition with added goodies including Scrooge’s Number One Dime! — TD
Jim Lee’s X-Men Trading Card Book: True story: a few years ago, I bought an unopened box of Jim Lee’s X-Men trading cards from eBay for a friend’s birthday. When I gave it to him, we spent the night opening up packs, letting our 90s nostalgia wash over us. Well, there’s no need to hunt down an unopened box (prices have shot up since then!!) if you want to give the gift of every one of Lee’s X-Men cards. They’ve been reprinted in a nice hardcover book, both the front and back of each card, and the book even comes packaged with a pack of cards that consist of the Danger Room scene. And the dustjacket is a poster! This gift just keeps on giving! — BH
Chainsaw Man who has everything: Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga Chainsaw Man and its subsequent anime series from MAPPA has grabbed 2022 by the horns. A broad range of readers have been drawn to its thoughtful, sadistic brutality. But at this point they already own all eleven books, the chainsaw dog plush, etc. There is, however, Fujimoto beyond Chainsaw Man. His first series is also about loss and rage told as genre fiction, Fire Punch, and he has a one-shot called Look Back that is much more sensitive but no less tragic. In the same black humor vein of Fujimoto is Beat staff favorite Dandadan by Yukinobu Tatsu; Tatsu was an art assistant on Chainsaw Man and Yuji Kaku’s Hell’s Paradise. — AOK
Comics-Adjacent Prose: It’s been a strong year for prose that’s adjacent to comics. Alex Segura’s industry-set 1970s mystery novel, Secret Identity, is an absolute must-read. Meanwhile, two comics writing heavyweights published new fiction this year, with Alan Moore’s short story collection, Illuminations, and Grant Morrison’s novel, Luda. Finally, a new and very well-done history of American comics dropped, with the aptly titled, American Comics: A History by Jeremy Dauber. All four make great gifts this year for the comics-loving reader in your life! — ZQ
Romulan Ale: This liquor first appeared in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. While it’s illegal to possess under Federation law, on any given stardate, every ship in Starfleet – from the Enterprise-A to the Cerritos to the Titan – seems to have a full complement of Romulan spirits. Now, you can ensure the drinking-aged Trekkies on your list have the perfect beverage to get them through a holiday visit from Shakespeare-quoting Klingons and Betazoid in-laws alike. From Star Trek Spirits, Romulan Ale Vodka and Romulan Ale Rye Whiskey promises to offer the Trek-iest drinking experience since sharing a Warp Core Breach at the now-defunct Quark’s franchise in Las Vegas. Qapla’! — AJK
For the DC Comics Lover: This holiday season, DC Comics has a number of great and complete stories in nice formats, including Cliff Chiang’s Catwoman Lonely City hardcover, Jock’s Batman: One Dark Knight, and Tom King & Bilquis Evely’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. For readers who enjoy DC’s shared superhero universe, the Batman: Shadow War hardcover is a fun and explosive romp that leads right into Dark Crisis. Finally, for the DC history-lover, Absolute Fourth World by Jack Kirby Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 are gorgeous over-sized must-haves. — ZQ
The “Weird Al” Renaissance: Life has been feeling more and more like a parody of itself lately, so it’s somewhat fitting that America’s parodist laureate, “Weird Al” Yankovic, has been having something of a moment. The Roku Channel recently released Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, a hysterical biopic parody starring of all people Daniel Radcliffe as the titular musician, and while there’s no physical release for the film available yet you can still check out the soundtrack album with new versions of some of “Weird Al”’s most iconic songs. And, of course, for comic fans there’s The Illustrated Al, out later this month from Z2 Comics, which features graphic adaptations of songs from Al’s library by cartoonists including Mike & Laura Allred, Peter Bagge, Ryan Dunlavey, Ruben Bolling, and more. And if that’s not enough, there’s always The Weird A-Coloring to Al, a “Weird Al”-themed coloring book by Felipe Sobreiro with Nathan Rabin, both of whom also have work in The Illustrated Al. What a time to be alive. — JG
Ridiculously Large Star Wars Toys: You almost definitely have a Star Wars person in your life if you’re reading The Beat. And collectors of all things Star Wars might feel like they’ve seen everything at this point. But a well-chosen gigantic retro-style figure from Gentle Giant might be just the droid gift they’re looking for. Designed like blown-up Kenner figures with matching packaging (and a blister clamshell you can open and close!), you can pick from two different Luke Skywalkers, a concept-art Darth Vader, or even The Mandalorian. And if you’re playing the long game, there’s Ahsoka, Tusken-fashion Boba Fett, and a stormtrooper available for pre-order. — AKS
For that nerdy coworker on your secret Santa list who loves all things Wakanda, there’s Black Panther: Protectors of Wakanda: A History and Training Manual of the Dora Milaje by Karama Horne. This book is a fictionalized history and how-to book given to new members of the famed Dora Milaje, written as if by the Dora and various members of the royal family. Knowing the secretive ways of Wakanda, here’s a look behind the curtain to see more than the weapons and training that the Dora go through but the wisdom and philosophy that form the foundation of this elite fighting force. A great stocking stuffer. — GC3
Everyone needs a cool t-shirt: Uniqlo has gone back to the vault and revived some of its classic One Piece t-shirt designs for an “archive” collection. (I treasure my One Piece hoodie from the original line.) They also have a Spy x Family collection and some Naruto designs in the archive collection. We’re OBSESSED with Uniqlo at Stately Beat Manor – their T shirts just look better and better the longer you wear them. Also it has nothing to do with comics but pro tip: the Function Gloves are just the best gloves for cold weather. — HM
Kuš! Subscription: Give a subscription to the Baltic comics anthology, kuš! The two subscription options are perfect for people who love comics. The subscription is offered in either a pack or four or a pack of six, and the first issue will arrive at your friend’s place gift wrapped. I first discovered kuš! at Quimby’s Store, the perfect place to buy zines from home. And what’s become of that artist now? Well, if you have a lot of money to spend on a gift, check out Star Gallery. — ROK
The Pokémon Cookbook is recipes FOR Pokémon: Insight Editions always offers lots of fun books for the fans on your list. The Anime Tarot Deck features all new art by Mercenary of Duma. On the other hand, Garbage Pail Kids: The Official Tarot Deck and Guidebook may be what you’re looking for if the future looks a little stinky. While you contemplate your path, cook up some recipes from My Pokémon Cookbook: Delicious Recipes Inspired by Pikachu and Friends,which features Charizard inspired recipes and more. For those who like pickles, there’s the Rick and Morty Cookbook. Finally, the things they are doing with pop-up books these days is just off the charts, and this Stranger Thing Ultimate Pop-Up Book will set you back $75, but it is designed by master paper engineer Simon Arizpe. — HM
For the person on your list who needs to be taught a lesson: It’s BADGEY! While his faulty emotional processor means he’s kind of prone to homicide – kind of really – the adorable delta design of the killer A.I. from Star Trek: Lower Decks means he’d still make a perfect addition to any bloody holiday tableau. Now available from Kidrobot, the 13” Badgey bendable plushies are the perfect consolation prize to help you get over the fact that your Eaglemoss preorder of the Cerritos is never going to be filled. Best of all, you can select between “good” Badgey and “always monitoring comms” Badgey, depending on whether you’re buying for someone on your “nice” list, or for someone on your “burn their heart in a fire” list. — AJK
Favorite toys and things: The big kid in me is always excited about new LEGOs and giant, I mean colossal dinosaur toys from Jurassic Park: World Dominion. Some of my fave sets from LEGO this year include T. rex Breakout (USD 99.99), Blue & Beta Velociraptor Capture (USD 34.99), or if you really want to go wild and crazy for the LEGO lover in your life, check out the Hulkbuster (USD 549.99) or the Colosseum (USD 549.99). Of course, there is always the option of a LEGO Gift Card, as well. — ROK
You’ll want to order people around and then die in an explosion in this kit: For a slightly more authoritarian look, Denuo Novo has a Director Krennic costume – you know, the villain from Rogue One. The swirling white cape is $200 but every gift guide needs a “for the fan who has everything” item. For a more wholesome look, try Rey’s Jakku outfit. — HM
The ginormous Amazing Spider Man book from Taschen: Technically, it’s called the Marvel Comics Library, Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1, and yes–it has those very same early Spider-Man stories you or your favorite Spider-fan already has in Marvel Masterworks, Mighty Marvel Masterworks, or the Penguin Classics Marvel collection, but this is one of those you gotta see it to believe it kind of books. Weighing in at 12 pounds, and measuring about 13” x 19” this book features big, beautiful images scanned right from original high grade ASM issues. Plus the Steve Ditko art from Amazing Fantasy #15? It’s incredible, and probably the best $200 you’ll ever spend on comics. — JTM
From Krampus to Dragons: Oni Press always has an array of books for all tastes, starting with Krampus: A Yuletide Adventure from Brian Joinse and Dean Kotz, a new expanded edition of the Yuletide staple featuring the “dark Santa” of Alpine lore. Continuing in the sardonic tradition, Jenn Woodall’s Space Trash follows some disaffected high schoolers on a space colony. And It Took Luke from Mark Bouchard and Bayleigh Underwood is a queer-themed horror story that explores crunch culture. Finally for all ages, K. O’Neill’s classic is back in The Tea Dragon Society Box Set:The Complete Collection, a handsome box set collecting the entire tea dragon saga. — HM
For the young graphic novel fan you think will one day love D&D: Hot off the presses, D&D Dungeon Club: Roll Call is the first book of a middle-grade graphic novel trilogy written by longtime D&D enthusiast Molly Knox Ostertag (The Witch Boy, The Girl from the Sea) and drawn by Xanthe Bouma. Split between the human drama & anxiety of being young and outsidery in an American school and the fantasy world of the main characters’ ongoing campaign, this book is a great read for those with no D&D experience whatsoever, but also makes for an enticing introduction to the world of RPGs. Hardcover with dust jacket = very gifty. — JTM
The Most Colossal Copra Collection Yet: Regular readers of The Beat’s year end lists know we are fans of Copra by Michel Fiffe. If you’re looking to give the gift of Copra this year, or just looking to upgrade your own Copra library, Image Comics just published an oversized hardcover collection of the first 12 issues. Fiffe’s art looks awesome in its oversized glory – the book measures in at 12” x 8”. — BH
Good reads: There’s something for everyone at Fantagraphics. For kids of all ages, and those who miss Calvin & Hobbes, Liners’ beloved Macanudo: Welcome to Elsewhere collects the beautiful, whimsical comic strip. Megan Kelso’s Who Will Make The Pacakes? collects five stories exploring family and motherhood and surviving the world. Finally Ultrasound collects Conor Stechschulte’s mind-warping saga of false memories and government secrets, originally published as Generous Bosom and the basis of the indie movie of the same name. — HM
For the original art collector on a budget: Your friend loves original art. Your friend loves Spider-Man. Your friend loves Todd McFarlane. Your friend definitely doesn’t have a spare $100,000 lying around (and neither do you). You can still be that friend’s hero this holiday season with the Todd McFarlane’s Spider-Man Artist Edition, the latest in publisher IDW’s line of hardcover books reprinting iconic original comic art at full size. This book is big! Todd used oversized pages on his Spider-Man run, and those pages are printed at full size. Man, to be the lucky fan finding this under their tree this holiday season! — BH
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 40th Anniversary Gifts ‘N Things: It’s the 40th anniversary of the Steven Spielberg‘s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), so that means there are lots of gifts ‘n things. While I still can’t decide if the film holds up or falls flat on my second viewing (after re-watching it recently at the LA’s historic Griffith Observatory), I am always a bigger fan of the E.T. merchandise anyway — hey, what else can you expect from a Mac and Me (1988) devotee like myself? One year on my father’s side of the family (the Kaplan side, as it happens), we gifted each other a Little Golden Book for each night of Hanukkah. So if you’re looking to start a new tradition Kaplan-style, make some gagh and pick up Arie Kaplan and Chris Fennell‘s Funko Pop! retelling of the Hollywood classic, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Funko Pop!). — ROK.
For the Pokémon Trainer with a Nintendo Switch: The new mainline games in the Pokémon series, Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, have arrived on Nintendo Switch! You’ll want to keep these games in mind in case the Pokémon Trainer in your life has yet to acquire one or the other. Best of all, these games offer new levels of multiplayer action, so you and your Pokémon team can adventure with your friends like never before. However, be forewarned: all three starters are unbearably adorable, and a new feature means you actually meet them outside their respective Pokéballs before choosing between them. — AJK
DC gifts for all ages: For the Harley Quinn fan in your life (be careful) Harley Quinn: 30 Years of the Maid of Mischief The Deluxe Edition Hardcover is a hefty collection of her early comics appearances from all over the DCU. For YA readers, the Teen Titans: Raven, Beast Boy and Beast Boy Loves Raven Box Set collects the acclaimed trilogy of tales by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Piccolo. And for middle grades, Diana and Nubia: Princesses of the Amazons by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale and Victoria Ying is a sweet, funny story of the young Amazons. — HM
Boldly Go Where No Present Has Gone Before: Have you seen the Playmobil USS Enterprise??? It was on display at NYCC and it is spectacular! Lights and sounds from the original Star Trek TV series. A full crew of Playmobil figures of the Enterprise crew! A place on the bridge to hold your phone to act as the communications screen. This thing rocks! Just make sure whomever you’re buying it for has room. Because this thing is BIG! And if your friend already has the Enterprise? Well, then just go ahead and order them the newly released Playmobil Klingon Bird of Prey, which is just as big and just as awesome! — BH
Still struggling for gift ideas? Don’t forget that you can always donate to your favorite charity or non-profit organization like the Griffith Observatory or the Comic-Con Museum in San Diego, California. Your local comic shop probably also offers gift cards!
Find past gift guides from The Beat by clicking here!
