Top 10 must read graphic novels for 2012

This year I clearly did not read enough graphic novels, yeah sure I read over 50 volumes but that is not nearly as much as I usually read. Stop making that face, they were mostly sequels I need new stuff...NEW! So below I have list of new (to me) manga/graphic novels I want to try out in 2012.

THE BETRAYAL KNOWS MY NAME
Mangaka: Hotaru Odagiri
Publisher: Yen Press

As an infant, Yuki Sakurai was abandoned by his mother, left in the bushes near an orphanage. The mystery of his parentage deepens when Yuki discovers he has a strange ability: when he touches others, he can feel their emotions. Because of his upbringing, the teenage Yuki strives to be independent so that he won't be a burden on those around him, but this attitude coupled with his powers can sometimes feel isolating. Little does he know that he has never really been alone. Someone has been watching him from the shadows ever since he was left in the bushes all those years ago... But can Yuki trust the silver-eyed boy who claims to be his protector...and to know the truth of Yuki's past?

BLACK GOD
Mangaka: Dall-Young Lim
Publisher: Yen Press

Drunk and hungry, Keita Ibuki makes a late night detour for food on his way home, but at the neighborhood noodle shop, his craving for ramen proves less pressing than his sense of charity, as the often-irresponsible game programmer gives his meal to an intense young woman. When his new acquaintance is assaulted a few minutes later, Keita finds himself in the crosshairs, losing his arm in the struggle and then slipping into unconsciousness. When he awakens, he is back in his apartment, and his arm -- or somebody else's arm -- has been magically restored to his body. Was it all a dream or the beginning of a great supernatural adventure?

INNOCENT
Creator: Avi Arad, Junichi Fujisaku (script), YaSung Ko (art)
Publisher: Yen Press

Wrongly executed for crimes he didn’t commit, a former detective is given a second chance at life. To earn that chance, though, the man now known as Ash must use the supernatural abilities with which he has been infused to prevent the deaths of other innocents. But is Ash willing to dedicate himself to helping others, or is his thirst for vengeance against those who destroyed his life and his loved ones too powerful to ignore?



HERO TALES
Mangaka: Hiromu Arakawa, Huang Jin Zhou
Publisher: Yen Press

Legend speaks of seven heroes, each one bearing the power of one of the stars of the Big Dipper. Two of these stars are constantly in conflict, destined to battle and throw the world into chaos...
Not that Taitou has ever paid much attention to old stories. Headstrong and defiant, he is the last in his village to complete his coming-of-age ceremony - a fact his sister Laila incessantly teases him about. When he is finally deemed worthy, he is presented with the Kenkaranbu, an ancient sword that can only be drawn by a true hero. As the frustrated Taitou struggles to unsheathe the sword, a mysterious thief appears, making off with the blade and citing the legend of the Big Dipper. The stars have been set in motion, as Taitou sets off after the Kenkaranbu and the truth of his own destiny...Hiromu Arakawa, creator of Fullmetal Alchemist, brings the legend to life!

RUNAWAYS, Vol. 1: Pride and Joy
Creator: Brian K. Vaughan, Adrian Alphona (art)
Publisher: Marvel Comics

All young people believe their parents are evil but what if they really are? Meet Alex, Karolina, Gert, Chase, Molly and Nico whose lives are about to take an unexpected turn. When these six young friends discover their parents are all secretly super-powered villains, the shocked teens find strength in one another. Together, they run away from home and straight into the adventure of their lives vowing to turn the tables on their evil legacy.

TAIL OF THE MOON
Mangaka: Rinko Ueda
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Sometimes it seems like Usagi is hopeless. Sure, she's good with healing herbs, but she's the granddaughter of the leader of a prestigious ninja village and she's such a klutz that she's never made it out of the kiddie class. Finally frustrated with Usagi's lack of progress, her grandfather sends her to marry a local lord and have lots of ninja babies. But the lord has no interest in her or her child bearing potential! After years of goofing around, Usagi is finally determined to reach her goals--she's going to become a ninja and capture her true love's heart!

HISSING
Mangaka: Eun-Young Kang
Publisher: Ice Kunion

Da-Eh, an aspiring manhwa artist who lives with her father an little brother, comes across Sun-Nam, a softie whose ultimate goal is simply to become a "tough guy." Whenever these two meet, trouble follows. Meanwhile, Ta-Jun, the hottest guy in town, finds himself drawn to the one girl that his killer smile doesn't work on - Da-Eh. With their complicated family history weighing heavily on their shoulders, watch how these three teenagers find their way out into the world!

CHRONO CRUSADE
Mangaka: Daisuke Moriyama
Publisher: ADV Manga

America in the roaring 20s, a place and time of gaiety and peace, has recovered gracefully from the Great War. Lurking in the shadows, though, is a dark being, ready to pounce upon that newly-gained harmony. Sister Rosette Christopher is an exorcist working as part of the Magdalan Order, and this gun-toting nun is on a mission to annihilate the demonic threat that plagues her world. Along with her companion Chrono, her rampage might lead to the destruction of more than demons! When the two come across Azmaria - a young girl with a voice so beautiful, it is capable of opening the gates of Heaven - Sister Rosette and Chrono know they must save her from her cruel stepfather's wicked plan.

SPIRAL: THE BONDS OF REASONING
Mangaka: Kyo Shirodaira, Eita Mizuno (Illustrator)
Publisher: Yen Press
"I'm going to uncover the mystery of the 'Blade Children.'"

World-class detective Kiyotaka Narumi's last words prior to his sudden disappearance continue to haunt his younger brother, Ayumu. The cheeky 10th-grader becomes further embroiled in the mystery when he is mistaken for the prime suspect in a murder at his school. Led by Ayumu's sister-in-law, Kiyotaka's wife and fellow detective, Madoka, the investigation into the murder gives Ayumu a chance to clear his name. But in doing so, he not only uncovers ties to the Blade Children but also more questions than answers about who and what they are.

SPICE AND WOLF
Mangaka: Isuna Hasekura, Keito Koume (Illustrator)
Publisher: Yen Press
With his carthorse as his only companion, the young merchant Kraft Lawrence slowly wends his way through dusty back roads in search of profitable trade. But this monotony screeches to a halt when, one night, he encounters a harvest goddess in the guise of a beautiful young girl . . . with wolf ears and a tail! Longing for the northern lands of her birth, Holo the Wisewolf joins Lawrence as he follows the ebb and flow of trade through the countryside. And when the two come across a compelling but suspicious opportunity for profit, will Lawrence with his mercantile chops and Holo with her ancient instincts be able to separate the truth from the lies - and make some coin while they're at it?!

This manga adaptation of Isuna Hasekura's acclaimed Spice and Wolf novel series, also available from Yen Press, is an investment that promises the greatest of entertainment returns!

UNTITLED MANGA
Mangaka: Madeleine Rosca (creator of Hollow Fields)
Publisher: Tor

There is literally no more information on this. There is a cover made but it hasn't been revealed along with the title, synopsis and publication date so this might not even be coming out next year -head desk- but I KNOW the first volume is complete because the mangaka has said so. Enough with the torture Tor!