Under the Tree: IDW and Top Shelf’s Best of 2025

From gentle Halloween spirits to ghost-hunting kids, kaiju art showcases, and enduring literary classics, this curated guide highlights IDW and Top Shelf’s best comics for 2025—handpicked titles that belong under the tree.

IDW Publishing SantaFor fans who prefer the indie side of comic books, plenty of publishers still carry the torch for original, creator-driven work. Whether it’s through carefully curated imprints like IDW Publishing’s Top Shelf division or singular passion projects, this gift guide spotlighting IDW and Top Shelf’s best leans into stories that blend the supernatural with a healthy dash of pop-culture charm. The focus here in this latest look are the books I’d be delighted to find under the Christmas tree. The reason is that I didn’t pick them up when they first hit shelves.

Spoops: The Little Spirits of Halloween

Spoops- The Little Spirits of HalloweenWho changes the leaves? Who summons the autumn winds, wakes ghosts, and chills the air just enough to make October feel right? Why, Spoops, of course. These tiny spirits hatch from the smallest gourds in pumpkin patches at the start of every fall, then dutifully tend to their towns to make sure Halloween goes off without a hitch.

This whimsical take on the season’s hidden caretakers is beautifully illustrated. The cover alone is cute and begs to be embraced. As for the title characters, there’s no shortage of moments that inspire a heartfelt “aww” when I first saw it.

The story centres on young Holly Hollowell, who loves Halloween more than anything, much to the dismay of her parents, who disapprove of anything involving tooth-rotting sweets. While other kids trick-or-treat, Holly watches sadly from her window… until the Spoops arrive to turn things around. With a little magical help, Holly shows her parents the genuine spirit of All Saints’ Eve, not candy, but creativity, imagination, and the freedom to let your spooky side soar.

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