by Stephanie Shamblin Gray

Summer's approaching, students are out of school, and the busy travel season has begun. If you will be traveling, why not take along a collection of your favorite comics for when you have some downtime? As it turns out, June has several great collections to help you keep up on your horror reading that may also work as travel guides. Read on for a list of top picks.

Going to Japan? Don't forget to visit the Aokigahara forest, the most popular and infamous suicide spot in the world! Take along your Fatal Frame camera and try to capture some great family photos with a few of the spirits that lurk. But beware, the spirits here are not happy, and danger is all around. Take along "The Suicide Forest" to brush-up on the local legends and to learn a tragic tale of woe. The story is by El Torres with art by Gabriel Hernandez. Here is the official synopsis:

"The legend of the Aokigahara forest (which lies just outside of Tokyo) says that those who have committed suicide in the massive wilderness are cursed to have their souls trapped within its very roots. Unfortunately for Alan, his girlfriend, Masami, committed her suicide there and she's now on a vengeful mission to ruin his life! " 104 pages, $17.99.

Taking a trip to Massachusetts? Be sure to take a side trip to beautiful Lovecraft and check out the historic Keyhouse. Can't find it on a map? Ask the locals about Lovecraft Country. Legend has it that many of the keys at that house open doors to the supernatural and other things that are not meant to be opened. Tip: avoid the well house and anyone you see with black hair. For more tips and information on Keyhouse, pick up "Locke & Key Volume 4: Keys to the Kingdom" (and the other three volumes if you haven't already). Story by Joe Hill with art by Gabriel Rodriguez.  Here is a synopsis:

"Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez's Locke & Key unwinds into its fourth volume in Keys to the Kingdom. With more keys making themselves known, and the depths of the Locke's family's mysteries ever-expanding, Dodge's desperation to end his shadowy quest drives the habitants of Keyhouse ever closer to a revealing conclusion." 160 pages, $24.99.

How about The Big Apple? If you'll be taking a trip to New York, be sure to visit Central Park, and see if you can uncover the mysteries of the "witchcraft" murders with our pals Sam and Twitch, two crack detectives fresh out of the Spawn universe. Written by Brian Michael Bendis, and featuring art by Angel Medina, Alberto Ponticelli, Jonathan Glapion and Jamie Tolagson,  with cover art by Ashley Wood. Here is the official synopsis:

"The Spawn Universe's favorite detectives come at you full-force in their own groundbreaking series. Featuring an all-star cast of creators, the bar was set high for gritty crime fiction when Sam and Twitch first came on the scene. Follow the exploits of NYPD's two most dedicated public servants as they try to uncover the secrets behind the Central Park "Witchcraft" murders and also solve the mystery of "Udaku."

Collected in an all-new size and format, Sam and Twitch: The Complete Collection, Vol. 1 brings you the art and stories that made this series a classic. Extra features include a cover gallery and behind-the-scenes art. Collects Sam and Twitch #1-13." 320 pages, $29.99, in stores on June 28.

With the summer solstice approaching it is the perfect time to visit Alaska without fear of vampires. Re-read the unfortunate tale of the people of Barrow, Alaska, one of the northernmost cities in the world, in the "30 Days of Night Prestige Edition" while safely enjoying 24 hours of daylight for 85 days. Story by Steve Niles with art by Ben Templesmith. Here is the official description:

"In a sleepy, secluded Alaska town called Barrow, the sun sets and doesn't rise for over thirty consecutive days and nights. From the darkness, across the frozen wasteland, an evil will come that will bring the residents of Barrow to their knees. The only hope for the town is the Sheriff and Deputy, husband and wife who are torn between their own survival and saving the town they love." 104 pages, $50

And if you are visiting the fine city of Baltimore, pick up "Baltimore: The Plague Ships". This book really has nothing to do with Baltimore, Maryland, but fellow travelers will see the title and wonder what plague is shipping and if they need to be concerned. Tell them whatever you want, depending on if you are feeling nice or evil that day. The story is by Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden with art by Ben Stenbeck. Here is a synopsis:

"After a devastating plague ends World War I, Europe is suddenly flooded with vampires. Lord Henry Baltimore, a soldier determined to wipe out the monsters, fights his way through bloody battlefields, ruined plague ships, exploding zeppelins, and submarine graveyards, on the hunt for the creature who's become his obsession. This hardcover collects issues #1-#5 of the miniseries and features an extensive sketchbook section." 144 pages, $24.99. In stores June 8th.

Even if you are not traveling and just find yourself with more time to enjoy a little extra summer reading, these are trades and collections that may be best enjoyed during days with long hours of sunlight. For more great comics in June, check out the Staff Picks each week and Sandman's Horror Comics for June 2011.

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