So below are my recommendations for Ongoing Series and Mini/Trade/Graphic Novel. If you know what this is about you can skip on down past this paragraph and get to the main content. If you dont know and want some context then behold the mighty mail that started it all:
“I was thinking, as I am wont to do, that I dont really read as much as I used to. I thought it might be fun/interesting to start up a reading/book club but I know most of us are tres busy with life and having it all and such but I was thinking that as opposed to reading a novel it might be more realistic to read a comic (or more likely story arc) instead? Basically you pick a graphic novel/story arc, then everyone reads it over a week/fortnight/month and we meet up over a beverage and have a natter about it (or given peoples geographic “scatterdness” (its a word look it the fuck up) it might be more realistic to chat about it online/on a forum/via pigeon?). Assuming you have no moral objective to it I have a fairly large digital comics library and a relatively robust paper comic library which we could use. Anyhow just a random idea inspired by my (thankfully limited) time answering the phone to fuckers. If the very idea of reading something and then discussing like some kind of la di da fancy man offends you then feel free to ignore this/send random abuse (though for most of you I’d suggest not sending pictures of your junk, dont want to get done for pedophilia), if on the other hand it fill you with a hot joy then weigh in on the questions aobve/suggestions on what to read. If you know anyone else who may be interested, and who’s “suitable” (ah feel the social exclusion) then please pass the message on (or in seven days I’ll climb out of your television wearing only a skimpy white dress)” So in summary its an online/offline book/reading club focused on comics. After some discussion (and general abuse) we came up with “We take on one ongoing series and one graphic novel/trade paperpack/mini series. Over the next two weeks people put forward suggestions for each category, we put together the first issues/first chapter from the suggestions. People read them/whichever ones interest them. Then in two weeks (i.e the week beginning 19/03) we decide on the first title for each category and have at it. At that point we can work out meet-ups, reading time (reading the first issues should give people a rough idea for how much they can get read in a week), etc.”
A note on selection criteria: My main metric for selection was accessibility, while there may be comic runs out there that I feel are “better” a number of them rely on a fairly robust knowledge of their respective universes. I thought it was a better idea to go with comics that you can simply start reading from the first issue and know as much as you need to know. Obviously quality was also important, I didnt pick anything I thought was shit. I also didnt pick any of the “classic’s” such as Sandman, Kingdom Come, Dark Knight Returns as I have a feeling most people are familiar with them. Though if not we should certainly think about going with them. Regarding the format, its the cover of the first issue and what was supposed to be a representative sample but my aversion to spoilers means its the front cover and then the first page. This is followed by a brief summary of the comic in question and then why I think its a good suggestion.
Oh and if you’re interested in getting in on this drop me a line (or comment or whatever).
Ongoing Series
American Vampire
(Currently at: #25 – Ongoing)
What it is:Early 20th-century America is a fitting setting for this horror drama about confronting old traditions. Two linked stories follow a woman and a man. Snyder’s tale centers on Pearl Jones, an aspiring actress in 1925 Los Angeles. When Pearl chases what she believes could be her big break, it results in her being left for dead in the desert. King’s piece involves antihero Skinner Sweet, a notorious outlaw in 1880 Colorado. Under arrest and en route to his execution, Skinner’s escape attempt is foiled by the unexpected presence of a vampire robber baron. Both Pearl and Skinner find themselves afflicted with a vampiric curse, but one that’s been altered by their native soil. The two make quick enemies of the older, jealous European bloodlines of vampires that have carved up the spoils of the American west. Violent retribution follows as each refuses to be a pawn of the established order. Albuquerque’s art holds back the horror and grotesque elements until the moments when they’re most needed, making those scenes shocking and effective. The pacing is slowed by presenting two simultaneous introductory stories. But seeing how Pearl and Skinner deal differently with the monsters they’ve become and the monsters out to destroy them makes compelling reading.
Why I recommend it: Even though some people refuse to admit that zombies are played out (give it up people!) I think everyone will agree that vampires are played the fuck out. Yeah, yeah, Twilight, True Blood, etc. – go fuck yourself! Theyre soft core porn wrapped up in fanged super-hero bullshit. Nothing new or interesting had been done with vampires in ages – until now. American Vampire is both a fresh take on vampires (obviously not as fresh as my style, but fresh enough) and a great story in its own right.
Captain America
(Currently at: Volume 5 #50 – Ongoing)
What it is:Best-selling Cap writer Ed Brubaker and superstar artist Steve McNiven bring you the next huge chapter in Steve Rogers’ life, and it’s a perfect jumping-on point for fans of the Cap movie! A funeral for a fallen friend turns into a race against time as the original Captain America makes his explosive return! Find out the secrets of the mission that went wrong in WWII, and why old friends are now old enemies! It’s all-out Cap action and history the way you like it,in a cage match for your comic-reading pleasure.
Why I recommend it: In some ways Captain America is one of those heroes like Superman or Cyclops that seems like too much of a “straight man” to make for interesting stories. While this was never really true in his team books (e.g. The Avengers) I could never really get into Captain America’s solo stuff. Until Ed Brubaker came along, Brubaker is one of the best writers in comics today and his run on Captain America is amazing stuff. It’s an excellent mixture of gritty action with classic super-heroics and really gives you a feel for a character that can often come across as rather boring. After #50 Marvel moved back to the Volume 1 numbering (#51=#600) and is currently ~#621.
Conan
(Currently at: #50 – Complete)
What it is:When the internationally famous barbarian hero returned to comics, with an all-new fresh start by award-winning writer Kurt Busiek (JLA/Avengers, Astro City) and dynamic artists Cary Nord, Thomas Yeates, and Dave Stewart, the result was instant sell-outs and multiple printings to keep up with the demand. Now Conan’s earliest adventures are collected in a handsome 192-page collection. Catch all the action and savagery as he wars with the murderous Vanir, meets the Frost Giant’s Daughter, and is taken as a slave by the ancient sorcerers of Hyperborea! This top-selling new series faithfully expands on original author Robert E. Howard’s literary creation.
Why I recommend it: He’s more powerful than any man, his message spreads across the land and sea! Who doesnt like Conan? People who have been weakened by decadent civilised living. But for those of us who prowl the dark corners of the earth with our steely eyed gaze and panther like stride are clearly much in favour of the man from Cimmeria. I know this section is in theory for ongoing series, and in a way Conan is ongoing, after issue fifty it becomes Conan the Cimmerian for 25 issues and is currently Conan – Road of Kings. While some of these stories are based on Howard’s original work the majority of them are new but completely capture the spirit of Howard’s work that made it so enthralling. This is sword and sorcery at its best.
Fables
(Currently at: #114 – Ongoing)
What it is:When a savage creature known only as the Adversary conquered the fabled lands of legends and fairy tales, all of the infamous inhabitants of folklore were forced into exile. Disguised among the normal citizens of modern-day New York, these magical characters have created their own peaceful and secret society within an exclusive luxury apartment building called Fabletown. But when Snow White’s party-girl sister, Rose Red, is apparently murdered, it is up to Fabletown’s sheriff, a reformed and pardoned Big Bad Wolf, to determine if the killer is Bluebeard, Rose’s ex-lover and notorious wife killer, or Jack, her current live-in boyfriend and former beanstalk-climber.
Why I recommend it: Becasue it’s great, its that simple really. Its a novel idea that you will kick yourself for not thinking off and its carried off with great skill and style. I genuinely cant imagine someone not enjoying this.
Hellboy
(Currently at: ??? its confusing – Ongoing)
What it is:Hellboy is one of the most celebrated comics series in recent years. The ultimate artists’ artist and a great storyteller whose work is in turns haunting, hilarious, and spellbinding, Mike Mignola has won numerous awards in the comics industry and beyond. When strangeness threatens to engulf the world, a strange man will come to save it. Sent to investigate a mystery with supernatural overtones, Hellboy discovers the secrets of his own origins, and his link to the Nazi occultists who promised Hitler a final solution in the form of a demonic avatar.
Why I recommend it: This is the first chapter of the first story arc in Mike Mignola’s supernatural epic. The story continues in later Hellboy graphic novels before spinning of into B.P.R.D. (which is in truth much better than the pure Hellboy stuff but you need to get to it), character mini-arc’s, etc. However the early Hellboy stuff i.e. this stuff is awesome. I’m sure a lot of people have seen the film but its well worth giving this a shot.
Nikolai Dante
(Currently at: ??? – Ongoing)
What it is: I could write the summary, but the original summary is directly above this so just click on that you lazy fucker.
Why I recommend it: Judge Dredd is the best 2000AD strip ever. No, no, your objection is silly and wrong. Nikolai Dante is the second best 2000AD strip ever. It is a glorious mixture of post-future alt history with swasbuckling action and acerbic wit. It is enthralling, amusing, exciting and entertaining all at once. If you dont like it then I wil fight you.
Powers
(Currently at: Volume 1 #37 – Complete)
What it is:Heroes glide through the sky on lightning bolts and fire. Flamboyant villains attempt daring daylight robberies. God-like alien creatures clash in epic battle over the nighttime sky. And on the dirty city streets below, Homicide Detective Christian Walker does his job. Walker has to investigate the shocking murder of one of the most popular super-heroes the world has ever known: Retro Girl. He is teamed up with spunky rookie Detective Deena Pilgrim, and the murder investigation takes them from the seediest underbelly a city has to offer, to the gleaming towers that are home to immortal beings. As shocking, hidden truths about Retro Girl come to light, Walker finds that to solve this crime, he might have to reveal his own dark secret.
Why I recommend it: This is actually on Volume 3 and still ongoing, but it switched publishers. To be honest the first story arc should let you know if you like it or not. While I’m not a fan of Bendis’ more mainstream work Powers is a pretty amazing read that suits his style down to the ground. This isnt really a super-hero comic its a police procedural comic which just happens to include super-heros. Because I am addicted to both the phrase “elevator pitch” and trying to summarise comics as succinctly as possible I shall call this “The Wire + Spider-Man” even though I have never seen a full episode of the Wire (nor will I ever).
Star Wars – Knights of the Old Republic
(Currently at: #50 – Complete)
What it is:Thousands of years before Luke Skywalker would destroy the Death Star in that fateful battle above Yavin 4, one lone Padawan would become a fugitive hunted by his own Masters, charged with murdering every one of his fellow Jedi-in-training! From criminals hiding out in the treacherous under-city of the planet Taris, to a burly, mysterious droid recovered from the desolate landscape of a cratered moon, Padawan Zayne Carrick will find unexpected allies in his desperate race to clear his name before the unmerciful authorities enact swift retribution upon him!
Why I recommend it: This is still ongoing as well, under a title change. My appreciation for Star Wars is, complex. I like the original trilogy (though I hated it as a child) but my main interest in the universe is in the “EU” i.e. the expanded unvierse covered in the comics and books and which generally lies far outisde the timeline the movies are set in. Such is the case with this title here, set a few years before the time period the classic computer game Knights of the Old Republic takes place in this is set in a Star Wars universe that is passingly familiar but also enjoyably different. It’s also pre-supposes no prior knowledge of the universe beyond the obvious (i.e. a rough idea of what Jedi are) and is a great jumping on point.
The Amazing Spider-Man
(Currently at: #679 – Ongoing)
What it is:This is it, Arachnophiles! The most pulse-pounding piece of four-color fiction to be delivered unto the Mighty Marvel Minions in decades! You asked for more Spidey! You demanded it! And, by Buckley, you’re gonna get it! After the devastatingly heartwarming events of One More Day, Peter Parker puts the past behind him and sets forth on a Brand New Day! Spidey’s new status quo gets a swift punch in the gut with new villains, new friends, and some familiar faces that promise to make Peter’s life messier than ever before. This is where it’s all happening. Same Old Power. Same Old Responsibility.
Why I recommend it: I suggest starting at #546 which was when the series re-started after the atrocity that was One More Day (less said the better). While I was initially leery of returning to Spider-Man (who is a) my favourite Marvel character and b) a comic line I abandoned post OMD) the rebooted setting and the new storylines are amazing (no pun intended). While I enjoyed Spider-Man as a married character he just seems to work so much better as a single guy. These stories really recapture the magic and the feel of the early Spider-Man stuff and are really a joy to read. This is arguably classic Marvel comics at its best.
The Authority
(Currently at: Who knows? Only the first twelve issues are worth reading)
What it is:Are we ready for yet another take on superhero morality?Let’s hope so, because The Authority: Relentless retools old ideas for a new century. Warren Ellis has his heroes think globally as they kick butt locally, stopping or slowing down to consider how they can use their powers to “make the world a better place.”How he can pull this off in our oh-so-ironic age is an artistic mystery, but the results are clear: superheroes with believable personalities and community spirit. Two story arcs, each encompassing terror and evil on a global scale, pit the group of seven against armies of superhumans dispatched in scenes reminiscent of the best action movies. Many of the characters from the older Stormwatch series reappear here, and fans will be pleased to learn that Ellis has, if anything, improved his depth and storytelling prowess.Bryan Hitch’s penciling, Paul Neary’s inking, and Laura Depuy’s coloring are all equally responsible for the gloriously lovely artwork–from interdimensional spaceships to dismembered spinal cords, they make saving the world beautiful.
Why I recommend it: Because the first twelve issues i.e. Warren Ellis’ run are amazing. They are both an enjoyable read and a great example of what super-heroes can do when they arent constrained by publishers worrying about the status-quo. The quality of the comic takes a big nose dive after that and never really regains the early magic (Volume 3 by Brubaker is supposed to be good but I gave up before that).
The Incredible Hulk
(Currently at: ??? – Ongoing but numbering reset)
What it is:Savage alien planet! Oppressed barbarian tribes! Corrupt emperor! Deadly woman warrior! Gladiators and slaves! Battle axes and hand blasters! Monsters and heroes… and the Incredible Hulk! Let the smashing commence!
Why I recommend it: Planet Hulk is quite possibly the best Hulk story every. It stretches from #94 – #105 and is, quite frankly, awesome. What comes afterwards is also pretty good, but really Planet Hulk is the highpoint of Hulk for me (though I did like the issue where he punches through Abominations head and squishes his naked brain, ah the good old days).
The Sixth Gun
(Currently at: #16 – Ongoing)
What it is:During the darkest days of the Civil War, wicked cutthroats came into possession of six pistols of otherworldly power. In time the Sixth Gun, the most dangerous of the weapons, vanished. When the gun surfaces in the hands of an innocent girl, dark forces reawaken. Vile men thought long dead set their sights on retrieving the gun and killing the girl. Only Drake Sinclair, a gunfighter with a shadowy past, stands in their way.
Why I recommend it: I only came across this recently but its a firm favourite. It reminds me of the best thing about Supernatural (the Colt) mixed with gritty new wave westerns as exmplified by Unforgiven. It’s a great mix of western and supernatural action that compels you to keep reading.
The Unwritten
(Currently at: #33 – Ongoing)
What it is:Tom Taylor’s life was screwed from go. His father created the Tommy Taylor fantasy series, boy-wizard novels with popularity on par with Harry Potter. The problem is Dad modeled the fictional epic so closely to Tom’s real life that fans are constantly comparing him to his counterpart, turning him into the lamest variety of Z-level celebrity. In the final novel, it’s even implied that the fictional Tommy will crossover into the real world, giving delusional fans more excuses to harass Tom.
When an enormous scandal reveals that Tom might really be a boy-wizard made flesh, Tom comes into contact with a very mysterious, very deadly group that’s secretly kept tabs on him all his life. Now, to protect his own life and discover the truth behind his origins, Tom will travel the world, eventually finding himself at locations all featured on a very special map — one kept by the deadly group that charts places throughout world history where fictions have impacted and tangibly shaped reality, those stories ranging from famous literary works to folktales to pop culture. And in the process of figuring out what it all means, Tom will find himself having to figure out a huge conspiracy mystery that spans the entirety of the history of fiction.
Why I recommend it: This is the best comic I read last year. Actually its the best comic I’ve read in years. If you want to elevator pitch it then I would suggest “Harry Potter for grown ups”. It’s reminiscent of the good Vertigo stuff from the late nineties but without that noticeable edge of trying too hard.
Thor
(Currently at: ??? – Ongoing but numbering reset)
What it is:Thor is back! And in a story only J. Michael Straczynski could tell! Returned to the pantheon of great Marvel heroes, the Asgardian God of Thunder is reunited with the mortal form of Dr. Don Blake. Together, they must reckon with the legacy of the mythic Norse kingdom and the awakening of its immortal heroes – but in a world that may not want them back!
Why I recommend it: A great jumping on point for Thor following his death in Disassembled. Thor returns to a changed Marvel Universe and must find his place in it. It’s a great story and its great for new readers as they find out about the new Marvel status quo at the same time Thor does. It also shows a level of, sophistication? I suppose that one wouldnt really associate with Thor stories.
Ultimate Spider-Man
(Currently at: #115 – Ongoing)
What it is:High school, puberty, first dances – there are many pitfalls to being young. Compound these with intense personal tragedy and superhuman powers, and you can start to visualize the world of Peter Parker, a.k.a. Spider-Man. Following the murder of his uncle and the Green Goblin’s assualt on his high school, Peter finds himself on the brink of manhood: getting a job at the Daily Bugle to help support his widowed aunt and taking on extracurricular activities – such as bringing down the Kingpin, the head of organized crime in New York City!
Why I recommend it: The Ultimate universe was/is an alternate version of the Marvel universe launched so that new readers could get into comics without having to know about decades of continuity. It worked well for a few years and then got entirely fucked by one big event. Its sort of getting back on its feet again. However since it’s first issue only one of the Ultimate comic lines retained its quality and that is Ultimate Spider-Man. USM captures the feel and greatess of the classic Spider-Man but gives it a novel new spin.
Mini-series/Graphic Novel/Trade paperback
1602
What it is: Neil Gaiman’s vision of the Marvel Universe in the year 1602! The year is 1602, and strange things are stirring in England. In the service of Queen Elizabeth, court magician Dr. Stephen Strange senses that the bizarre weather plaguing the skies above is not of natural origin. Her majesty’s premier spy, Sir Nicholas Fury, fends off an assassination attempt on the Queen by winged warriors rumored to be in service to a mad despot named Doom. News is spreading of “witchbreed” sightings – young men bearing fantastic superhuman powers and abilities. And in the center of the rising chaos is Virginia Dare, a young girl newly arrived from the New World, guarded by a towering Indian warrior. Can Fury and his allies find a connection to these unusual happenings before the whole world ends?
Why I recommend it: I’m sure everyone has heard of Neil Gaiman and while I think he can be over-rated when he’s on he’s on and he is very on in 1602 (the word on now has no meaning for me). Needless to say this is entirely stand alone and the juxtaposition of the archaic setting with the traditionally modern super-hero millieu makes for an excellent read. It’s also great to see classic Marvel characters re-invented for the age in question.
Agents of Atlas
What it is: The spy. The spaceman. The goddess. The robot. The Gorilla. During the late 1950s, the U.S. government allowed FBI Special Agent Jimmy Woo to forge a team of unlikely heroes. Together, they stormed the fortress of a criminal mastermind to rescue President Eisenhower – but the group disbanded soon after. Now, almost 50 years later, an unauthorized S.H.I.E.L.D. mission goes down in flames – and from the ashes arise forces from the Golden Age of Marvel!
Why I recommend it: Agents of Atlas is great, it embraces the absurdity of golden age comics but plays it (mostly) straight and updates it for the modern era. It perfectly captures the over the top fun of golden age comics without coming off as goofy or stupid.
Astonishing X-Men
What it is:Dream-team creators Joss Whedon (TV’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and John Cassaday (Planetary, Captain America) present the explosive flagship X-Men series – marking a return to classic greatness and the beginning of a brand-new era for the X-Men! Cyclops and Emma Frost re-form the X-Men with the express purpose of “astonishing” the world. But when breaking news regarding the mutant gene unexpectedly hits the airwaves, will it derail their new plans before they even get started?
Why I recommend it: Ah Joss Whedon, who writes great stuff until it goes on too long and becomes tired tripe about super-powered women and how awesome they are (I’ve nothing against super-powered women but I think Whedon gets a bit carried away). Luckily this title wrapped up before that could happen so its just around forty issues of Whedon goodness. It’s also a great jumping on point for new readers as Whedon’s story relies very little on the existing Marvel universe. If you have seen the movies/cartoons or are vaguely familiar with the franchise you are good to go. Possibly you should be aware that in the mainstream Marvel universe Colossus is dead.
Astro City
What it is:This first Astro City volume looks at a day in the life of the Samaritan, the worlds busiest super-hero; an invasion of underground dwellers that is thwarted by the super-team the Honor Guard; a small-time criminals growing paranoia as he comes to believe that the colourful hero called the Jack-in-the-Box is after him; plus stories introducing the First Family, the Hanged Man, Winged Victory, and many others.
Why I recommend it: Astro City is amazing, its at once a love song to and a perfect crystallisation of everything thats great about american super-hero comics. There’s not much more to say really, Kurt Busiek gets comics in a way that a lot of authors dont and Astro City reflects that perfectly.
Atomic Robo
What it is:In 1923, Nikola Tesla’s career is in its twilight… until he unveils a robot with automatic intelligence – ATOMIC ROBO! After decades of dealing with all manner of weirdness, Atomic Robo and the so-called Action Scientists of Tesladyne become the go-to defense force against the unexplained! See ROBO take on Nazis, giant ants, clockwork mummies, walking pyramids, Mars, cyborgs, and his nemesis, Baron von Helsingard!
Why I recommend it: Atomic Robo is just fun. Its a good entertaining read that oozes enthusiasm and fun.
Captain Britain & MI13
What it is:The Skrull Invasion isn’t restricted to the US. When the Skrull Invasion hits England, only Captain Britain and MI: 13 stand in their way, but repelling this threat comes at a price. Now all kinds of magical evil has been released across Britain and its up to Captain Britain and Pete Wisdom’s MI13 to stop it.
Why I recommend it: I’d actually forgotten that this started off being about Skrulls. But in many ways they are only an excuse for the cool supernatural stuff that this comic is really about. This is the comic that made me like Captain Britain, what higher praise can there be? It also has one of the coolest things ever but I cant rell you without spoiling the shit out of it.
Immortal Iron Fist
What it is:Many years ago, in the mystical city of Kun’ Lun, young Danny Rand stared at a suit behind glass – the garb of the “Immortal Iron Fist” – and knew that he was destined to wear it. But where did this costume come from? Why did it wait for Danny all those years like a shadow of his future? The answer to those questions will stun both him and his readers, as Danny Rand leaps from the pages of his breakout hit in Daredevil to his own history-spanning kung-fu epic that will shatter every perception of what it means to be the Immortal Iron Fist! Brought to you by top-ten writer Ed Brubaker and breakout talent Matt Fraction (Punisher War Journal), with action-packed art by David Aja (Daredevil, Giant-Size Wolverine).
Why I recommend it: I know I say this every other fucking entry, but this is one of the best comics I’ve read in years. No, actually its one of the best I’ve read full-stop. It’s much more pulp than super-hero and its amazing.
Nextwave: Agents of H.A.T.E.
What it is:RRRAAAAAGGGGGHHHHH! Action! Excitement! Explosions! The Highest Anti-Terrorism Effort, or H.A.T.E. (a subsidiary of the Beyond Corporation) put NEXTWAVE together to fight Bizarre Weapons of Mass Destruction. When NEXTWAVE discovers that H.A.T.E. and Beyond are terrorist cells themselves, and that the BWMDs were intended to kill them, they are less than pleased. In fact, they are rather angry. So they make things explode. Lots of things. And that’s only the beginning! Starring Monica Rambeau (formerly Captain Marvel and Photon), Aaron Stack (Machine Man), Tabitha Smith (X-Force’s Meltdown), monster-hunter Elsa Bloodstone, and The Captain! If you like anything, you will LOVE NEXTWAVE! BOOM!
Why I recommend it: It’s Warren Ellis being Warren Ellis at his irreverent best. It’s funny, its exciting, its entertaining. To elevator pitch it (god I hate myself for doing this all the time) its The Authority meets Transmetropolitan or The Avengers meets Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
Nick Fury’s Secret Warriors
What it is:Exploding out of the pages of Secret Invasion and Mighty Avengers! Nick Fury and his new band of young heroes uncover the darkest secret in the history of the Marvel Universe! A secret that sends the Secret Warriors tumbling into an underworld of rogue S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, super-powered spies, and global criminal organizations.
Why I recommend it: Wait? Why does it say Mighty Avengers? You plotting on me McDonnell? This is one of the two issues that setup The Secret Warriors (the artwork is not representative of the main comic) and Secret Warriors is one of the best comics Marvel has put out in years. It’s a great mix of spy action, super-heroics (and best of all) the secret hidden history of the Marvel universe. Conspiracy theroies are only more enjoyabel when theyre real and have superpowers invovled.
Runaways
What it is: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.
Why I recommend it: Teenagers gaining great powers and having their lives go to shit is a classic Marvel setup and the most recent comic to do it well is Runaways.
Secret Six – Villains United
What it is:Villains United is one of the four miniseries that lead up to DC’s Infinite Crisis.Lex Luthor uses the events of Identity Crisis (as well as the threat of unstoppable force) to persuade nearly every super villain to join his “society,” which is led by a core group of himself, Deathstroke, Talia, Black Adam, Dr. Psycho, and Calculator. But a band of relatively obscure villains–Cat Man, Scandal, Cheshire, Deadshot, Parademon, and Ragdoll–organized by a mysterious figure named Mockingbird and calling themselves the Secret Six, defy Luthor, leading to all-out war.
Why I recommend it: You may have noticed a lack of DC titles on these lists. That’s not necessarily because the DC stuff is any worse (though I do generally prefer Marvel). It’s because the DC titles rely very very heavily on the reader having a good working knowledge of the universe. There are very few easy jumping on points (well there is last September’s re-launch but lets ignore that). However Secret Six stands alone quite well as it takes rather obscure DC villains, introduces them to the reader and then proceeds to do some cool shit with them. Villains United is where the team is formed before moving on to their own title.
Silent Dragon
What it is:Tokyo, A.D. 2063: the Yakuza warlord Hideaki has seized total control of Honshu’s underworld while ruthlessly crushing all opposition. But his true dream is the overthrow of the government itself. Japan’s hard-line military junta will do anything to stop him and they have found the ultimate pawn to set their plan in motion: Renjior, the chief advisor to the notorious gangster. Caught between a lifetime of honor and loyalty to his Yakuza clan and the iron-fisted might of the military elite, Renjiro will find that the only way to stop a civil war and avoid total annihilation is to play both sides against the middle.
Why I recommend it: Because it’s sweet cyberpunk samurai action. No, really, thats it. It’s six issues of cool futuristic weaboo-tastic action. Also, come on, guy sheathes his sword in the most badass way ever.
Star Wars – Legacy
What it is:The Jedi Temple is attacked, an Emperor is betrayed, and the Sith are born anew! A lot can happen in a hundred years, but that’s just the beginning of the story! Not since Luke Skywalker first stepped aboard the Millennium Falcon has the galaxy seemed like such a vast, exciting, dangerous place! Readers will meet a host of new characters, see fleets of new spaceships, and visit scores of exotic locations – some new and some familiar.
Why I recommend it: Like Knights of the Old Republic, Legacy takes place in a time quite distinct from the movies. While Knights is set in the past Legacy is set well into the future and like Knights it offers a Star Wars universe that is at once familiar and different. Legacy is a bit darker than Knights, and possibly Star Wars in general. But its a good read, and come on, hot Twi’leek Sith chicks. You know you love it.
The Ultimates
What it is:They are the greatest heroes the world has ever known: Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, the Wasp, Giant Man, Hawkeye, the Black Widow, Quicksilver, and the Scarlet Witch! Brought together by Nick Fury, head of the elite espionage agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., the Ultimates are Earth’s last line of defense against a rising storm of strange new threats to humanity – menaces such as the rampaging monster known as the Hulk, and an army of shape-shifting aliens bent on destroying the world and killing all humankind.
Why I recommend it: As I mentioned above the Ultimate Universe is an alternate Marvel universe that starts from scratch. The Ultimates are its answer to the Avengers and the first volume of The Ultimates is a hell of a read. While Millar is wildly variable in quality this is up there with his best work and in many ways feels like a great action movie in comic form.
The Umbrella Academy
What it is:Gerard Way, of My Chemical Romance, makes his comics writing debut in this outrageous superhero epic that Grant Morrison called “An ultraviolet psychedelic sherbet bomb of wit and ideas. The superheroes of the 21st century are here at last…” In an inexplicable, worldwide event, forty-seven extraordinary children were spontaneously born by women who’d previously shown no signs of pregnancy. Millionaire inventor Reginald Hargreeves adopted seven of the children; when asked why, his only explanation was, “To save the world.” These seven children form The Umbrella Academy, a dysfunctional family of superheroes with bizarre powers. Their first adventure at the age of ten pits them against an erratic and deadly Eiffel Tower, piloted by the fearsome zombie-robot Gustave Eiffel. Nearly a decade later, the team disbands, but when Hargreeves unexpectedly dies, these disgruntled siblings reunite just in time to save the world once again
Why I recommend it: I didnt actually know that this was written by the guy from MCR until I went looking for some nice ad copy to cut and paste. It’s interesting but largely irrelevant. I dont know if I have quite the bullshit horn for this that Morrison clearly does but it does feel new and fresh and different (and most importantly – good).
Listening to: Johnny Cash - The Mercy Seat