New Comics for New Readers – August 29, 2012

Wednesday is New Comics Day! Each week, The Comics Observer picks brand new releases worth checking out that should be suitable for someone who has never read comic books, graphic novels or manga before.

These are out today! If you like what you see here, click the links to see previews and learn more about them. Then head to your local comic book store, or check out online retailers like Things From Another World and Amazon. Let us know what you think in the comments below or on Facebook.

For a full list of this week’s new releases, see comiXology and ComicList.com.

(Disclaimer: These aren’t reviews. Recommendations are based on pre-release press, previews, and The Comics Observer‘s patented crystal ball. Product descriptions provided by publisher.)

The Voyeurs by Gabrielle Bell

The Voyeurs
Written and illustrated by Gabrielle Bell
Published by Uncivilized Books
Genre: Autiobiography, Memoir
Ages: 16+
160 pages
$24.95

“One of the best things going in auto-bio inflected comics these days.”
— Art Spiegelman, Maus

“The Voyeurs is the work of a mature writer, if not one of the most sincere voices of her literary generation. It’s a fun, honest read that spans continents, relationships and life decisions. I loved it.”
— Chris Ware, Acme Novelty Library

“As she watches other people living life, and watches herself watching them, Bell’s pen becomes a kind of laser, first illuminating the surface distractions of the world, then scorching them away to reveal a deeper reality that is almost too painful and too beautiful to bear.”
— Alison Bechdel, Fun Home

“A master of the exquisite detail, Bell provides a welcome peephole into our lives.”
— Françoise Mouly, The New Yorker

The Voyeurs is a real-time memoir of a turbulent five years in the life of renowned cartoonist, diarist and filmmaker Gabrielle Bell. It collects episodes from her award-winning series, Lucky, in which she travels to Tokyo, Paris, and the South of France and all over the United States, but remains anchored by her beloved Brooklyn, where sidekick Tony provides ongoing insight, offbeat humor and enduring friendship.

Machine Teen: History 101001 by Marc Sumerak and Mike Hawthorne

Machine Teen: History 101001
Written by Marc Sumerak
Illustrated by Mike Hawthorne
Published by Marvel Comics
Genre: Action/Adventure
Ages: 9+
Grades: 4+
120 pages
$14.99

Meet Adam Aaronson — the ideal teenager. Straight “A” student. Captain of the West Tech football team. Smart. Handsome. Charismatic. Every boy wants to be him. Every girl wants to be with him! But after a series of debilitating seizures, Adam makes a discovery that will shake his very reality to the core: the fact that he isn’t real at all! Join Adam as he begins to decrypt the truth about his origins and what it truly means to be human! It’s not easy being the perfect teen… even when you’re built that way!

Collects Machine Teen #1-5

Peter Panzerfaust Vol. 1: The Great Escape by Kurtis J. Wiebe and Tyler Jenkins

Peter Panzerfaust Volume 1: The Great Escape
Written by Kurtis J. Wiebe
Illustrated by Tyler Jenkins
Published by Image Comics/Shadowline Comics
Genre: Action/Adventure
Ages: 17+
128 pages
$14.99

The first volume of Peter Panzerfaust, the critically acclaimed reimagining of the Peter Pan story set in the backdrop of World War II France. Peter leads a band of orphans in their desperate attempt to escape the city of Calais as the Nazi army presses its advance deeper into the country. With impossible odds against them, the Lost Boys survive a series of dangerous adventures on their road to Paris, and to freedom.

“Might be the most interesting take on Peter Pan since the character’s creation.” – Brian K. Vaughan