• Comics!
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Hey, I started watching the TV Show of Arrow and took particular interest in it, are there any good comic series that have Green Arrow in it? or Captain Marvel/Shazam
I read comics occasionally. You didn't ask me to post my collection of stuff, but I'm gonna do it anyways. Here's a [URL="http://i.imgur.com/nhAPBw3.jpg"]picture[/URL] of most of my graphic novels. I've let a friend borrow some of my recent favorites like Brandon Graham's Prophet and James Stokoe's Orc Stain and some other things I can't seem to remember at the moment. [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/tYH3XsM.jpg[/IMG] Lately I've been on a classic manga comics kick but these are the latest single issue things I've gotten and things I'm reading. I need to order James Stokoe's #5 Godzilla because the comic shop didn't have it and I'm apparently too lazy to set up a subscription or travel to the comic shop often enough to make sure I can get what I want. [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/VuYUwGM.jpg[/IMG] So yeah, lately I've really been liking Brandon Graham and James Stokoe's shenanigans. I usually read mostly from Image comics and I've really liked what they've been doing for the last year or so. Other than that, I also really like stuff from Mike Allred, especially Madman. Madman is something I recommend to everybody. Also, Gerard Way's Umbrella Academy is one of the comics that got me back into reading comics, its a really fun series and I love it. Gerard's returning to the comics world this summer with his Killjoys comic and we get a preview on Free Comic Book day. Grant Morrison is another writer and creator I really enjoy his [URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=X4UFbhRGDtg"]Invisibles[/URL] trilogy and I'm looking forward to getting the Animal Man collection in August. Grant Morrison's stuff is totally crazy and a fun read, though its definitely not light reading. Also, Free Comic Book Day is soon, and my local shop is having a sale, so I'm likely going to grab these Invincible omnibuses I've been eyeing for like a year. Great thread, duders. Long live comics.
Holy Christ GhostOfSide3, that's quite a selection. It's great to see someone with a great variety of comics. I, on the other hand, have stuff that's mostly just related to superheroes because I'm too narrow minded and cheap. Hmm, Royalwidchez, I think a good place l start for anyone interested in DC right now is new 52. Do note though that the old Captain Marvel and Shazam are a bit different to each other so if you have a particular bias, new 52 might not be up your alley but it's worth a shot. However you could check out Kingdom Come while you're at it.
I'll do my bit for the Man of Tomorrow. If you interested on what the last son of Krypton has to offer or just want to be proved wrong on the idea of 'Superman is a boring ass shitty character', this is my recommended list. [IMG]http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BrbQ2FkBUpI/TV3scHqNVYI/AAAAAAAAAno/VgTPTzGWprM/s1600/allStarSuperman_sun.jpg[/IMG] All Star Superman: One of the modern classics written by one of my favorite comic book writers of today, Grant Morrison. Don't worry this isn't connected to the main universe at all and in fact, I think only one of the stories on this list will be connected to main universe now due to New 52. The origin story is summed up by a single comic book page. [IMG]http://sequart.org/images/Morrison-Krypton.jpeg[/IMG] And then you see the Man of Tomorrow himself, on the surface of the sun. So what's the story here? Well, it's quite simple and I'm sure you've seen a similar story on the Simpsons too. Superman gets an overdose of solar radiation while rescuing a research time on the sun. He finds out that this overdose tripled his strength level but realises that he is going to die. No, not in a tibet buddhist thingy or whatever, Superman doesn't have long to live as due to the overdose, his body is being destroyed. So before his time is up, what will Superman do? He will try to fulfill every promise he has made to his loved ones, finally settle scores with his enemies and attempt to understand his purpose of being here. This is a love letter to the character, no doubt about it. It absorbs nearly everything about the character throughout the ages and wraps it in a heartwarming, awesome and sometimes tear jerking story. Gorgeous artwork too by Frank Quitely. [IMG]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/dd/Supermanredson.jpg/250px-Supermanredson.jpg[/IMG] Red Son: There's only one superpower now... Here you have it folks, a soviet Superman. Yes, it's actually real. No, it is not a satire. Again, no prior reading required. Just an Elseworlds story where Superman lands in the Ukraine in the 40s instead of in Smallville. Superman is instead brought up by Soviet ideals and works to bring the Soviet Union as best it could be. What's fantastic about this is that while you think it's gonna be a simple 'American ideals GOOD, Soviet ideals BAD' and get a story of where Superman is an outright villain, it's not. In fact, Superman is still Superman. He wants to do good. He wants to do the best thing he could do to the world. The only problem is that Superman is now willing to force you to think his way is the best way. It's a very interesting intepretation of the character. The alternate history that follows is also fascinating. Just imagine how today would've been if the Soviet Union really did have a Superman and America had Lex Luthor. [IMG]http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CqPXN1_5w4k/TMqG7fDsUkI/AAAAAAAAATA/pL_qy18_lLw/s1600/Red+Son+-+Cover.jpg[/IMG] The art is very similar in style of the classic 40s/50s. While it isn't as mythical and beautiful as All Star Superman, it sets the tone very well. [IMG]http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080321202127/marvel_dc/images/3/3a/Kingdom_Come_2.jpg[/IMG] Kingdom Come: This is written by Mark Waid, a name you will see twice on this list. He rightfully deserves to. Before we begin, remember the 90s and their heroes? They were quite different from the heroes of DC's Silver and Bronze ages. The heroes were more like anti-heroes as they had no qualm for killing villians and sometimes, fought the fight just for the sake of it. Not for truth, not for justice but because you just need to smack the other guy down. Mark Waid said "I'm sick of this bull honkey" and wrote this. It's a dark future where most of the classic Golden/Silver/Bronze Age heroes are in retirement or exhile. Batman's old but still kicks ass from the shadows using Bat-Robots to keep Gotham in line. The Flash (FYI Golden Age version) is in perpetual motion and therefore can't hold still. Superman himself is in self-exhile after not only the death of Lois Lane but also the death of the Joker. Huh? Well, Superman and Lois believed that even a crazy man like the Joker did not deserve to be killed in the streets by a superhero. Lois died in order to have Joker to go a fair trial but a rising antihero, named Magog, murders the Joker in cold blood. People are happy and tell Superman to GTFO because he's too old fashioned. They get what they wanted and now, the world is swarming with 'heroes' that act more like anti-heroes. What's worse is that a lone pastor is recieving visions and is visited by The Spectre himself that armageddon is coming. [IMG]http://www.wired.com/geekdad/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/kingdom-come.jpg[/IMG] Alex Ross's art deserves a mention. I don't think his works are gold all the time but here, it's a freaking masterpiece. Need I say more? [IMG]http://www.cosmix.ca/Covers/wehttmotsupermanhc.jpg[/IMG] Whatever happened to the Man of Tomorrow?: Yes, whatever did happen to Man of Tomorrow? You rarely see that title these days. It's more 'Last Son of Krypton' and 'Man of Steel'. So what did happen to that Superman? Well, it was more of a title that suited towards the Silver Age/ Bronze Age Superman and this was when DC thought about sending him off. They got none other than Alan Moore to pen it. It's not because Alan Moore hated the Silver Age Supes, in fact, he is a fan of that guy and misses him these days. It's because only Alan Moore would try to find a respectful way to say goodbye to the Man of Tomorrow forever. The story begins with Lois who is recently retired and now married to a mechanic with a baby boy is being interviewed by a reporter about the last days of Superman. What lead to Superman's 'retirement'? Well, what can he do if what Superman represents no longer works against the villains who've stepped up their game? Who are now willing to mindlessly kill? Superman may be invulnerable but his ideals may not be. [IMG]http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll13/thecatspajamas99/Comics/McKay/SupermanWhateverHappenedToTheManOfTomorrowGN.jpg[/IMG] The artist is none other than Curt Swan. He's probably one of the best artists to ever grace the Superman stories and his passion and love for the character shows. It's a classic and you can't not enjoy and absorb his art. Again, no previous reading required. [IMG]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c9/Fortheman.jpg/250px-Fortheman.jpg[/IMG] For the Man who has Everything: What would you give Superman for a birthday gift? He literally has everything. Well, almost everything. Enter Alan Moore (again) who writes this classic tale. It's Superman's birthday and Wonder Woman, Batman and Robin all join up at the Fortress of Solitude to celebrate. The only problem is that Superman seems to be paralysed with an alien plant stuck on his chest. To make matters worse, one of his enemies is there with him, Mongul. What is the alien plant doing? Showing him what his heart truly desires. A Krypton that was never destroyed. A family. Truly everything. The trio of Superheroes do everything they can in the real to hurt Mongul but it's no use. Only Superman can break out of his perfect dream world...right? The art is done by Dave Gibbons, whom you might remember from Watchmen. Yup, it's that duo. While his art isn't as great as Curt Swan back then IMO, it's worth it for that 'Burn' moment. You'll know when you see it. No previous reading required. [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/cronb01/116_4_247.jpg[/IMG] Must there be a Superman?: Is Superman delaying the maturation of humanity by taking matters in his god hands? Well that's what those aliens (guardians of the universe) are accusing Superman of. Penned by one of my favorites, Elliot S Maggin, this story is an exploration of Superman and his mythos. It's not long and the art is once again done by Curt Swan. You have no excuse to ignore it. [IMG]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/69/Birthright01cover.jpg/250px-Birthright01cover.jpg[/IMG] Birthright: Mark Waid is here once again to deliver another modern classic. See, after crisis, DC wanted Superman's origins to be retold. First was 'Man of Steel' by John Byrne that nearly ditched everything Superman had in pre-crisis, including his power levels (DC's decision). After that was this, Birthright, which Mark Waid thought he could do better. IMO, his origin story is better. You should read this soon since the 'Man of Steel' reboot seems to be taking a lot of inspirations from this and the Donner film. [IMG]http://www.bsicomics.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/super.jpg[/IMG] The art here is nice to look at but to me, nothing truly 'great'. I only wish that Gary Frank was the artist here instead. [IMG]http://www.entertainmentfuse.com/images/secret-origin-3-superman-7670092-606-900.jpg[/IMG] Superman Secret Origin: Another origin story, after Mark Waid. Written by Geoff Johns, IMO, it's not as good as Birthright in terms of writing quality however you still get a lot of interesting stuff. There's a lot of Silver Age stuff here done in a modern context. It's worth to check out. [IMG]http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2009/363/3/f/Superman__Secret_Origin_by_jonsibal.jpg[/IMG] Actually let me rephrase that, it's worth checking out alone just to see Gary Frank's stuff. [IMG]http://media.dcentertainment.com/sites/default/files/comic-covers/20068_900x1350.jpg[/IMG] Action Comics Vol. 1 (New 52): Last 'origin story' I swear. Grant Morrison helms his fun run on Action Comics, detailing Clark Kent's early years. Here you get a little taste of the Golden Age Superman. He's not afraid to wreck some stuff and hurt people in the process. The guy's young and brash. [IMG]http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/12/120679/2369702-heatprecision1.png[/IMG] [IMG]http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/12/120679/2369703-heatprecision2.png[/IMG] Christ, look at that heat vision! Well to be fair, this volume isn't all 'origins' story and the real reason I recommended this is: Grant Morrison's cool and to get in the comic scene, you need to read some new comics in the continuity. If I wanted to, I could've just filled this list up with old favorites and stuff by Elliot S Maggin but it's 2013 now. This is a great starting point for you to get into Superman and to support him in the world of today. I'm sorry if this post was bloody long but I just felt compelled to describe my choices instead of just writing titles in a row. If you have any questions, ask away.
Don't forget my favorite comic of all time: [IMG]http://www.coverbrowser.com/image/transmetropolitan/1-1.jpg[/IMG] It's the cyberpunk-themed adventures of Spider Jerusalem, the last investigative journalist in a dystopian USA metropolis where politics are corrupt and the media is full of shit. He's also addicted to the most exotic drugs, out of his fucking mind for the most part, violent, foul-mouthed and a genius. And he's going head-to-head with a corrupt president, armed only with his intellect and an unlicensed bowel disruptor gun. TransMet is something different in the world of comic books. We're really talking about a comic on cyberpunk journalism here so there is little action and a lot of words. The story follows Spider as he exposes social injustices, corrupt individuals, political scandals in a fictional US capital. What's so appealing about the books is how lovingly the universe is fleshed out so our protagonist never runs out of material to rant about, misguided individuals to physically or verbally curbstomp or just bizarre situations to get into. The main focus lies on comedy and how batshit insane Spider is, something that is pulled off brilliantly. There is some action if you're worried about that, it occurs very rarely but when it does it's very intense and violent. But the real fascinating thing is that, between the lines, it's a very observant series and underneath all the madness and over the top comedy lies pretty sophisticated social criticism and a very intriguing political thriller. In terms of communication technology, the series was far ahead of it's time, spider is pretty much a modern day blogger, written two decades ago. Overall, there's too much swearing to even mention, traditional and strange cyber-drugs, tripple titties, barcode-titted hookers, cranial explosions, everything. [IMG]http://newsimg.ngfiles.com/140000/140389_SPIDER_JERUSALEM_OH_WELL.jpg[/IMG][IMG_thumb]http://www.cyberpunkreview.com/images_graphicnovel/transmetropolitan06.jpg[/IMG_thumb][IMG_thumb]http://www.cyberpunkreview.com/images_graphicnovel/transmetropolitan01a.jpg[/IMG_thumb]
An interesting suggestion H4ngman! I'll be sure to check it out.
I'm really into Marvel comics, but if I had to choose a favorite comic series it would be Hellboy [img]http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/765/765210/interview-hellboys-mike-mignola-20070215024537271.jpg[/img] I just love the simplistic artstyle and Hellboy's character in general [editline]21st April 2013[/editline] In fact I don't know why I'm still using World War Hulk (great arc btw) as my avatar, I should change it to hellboy immediately and be a true fan
i cant take long running mainstream series seriously because they always get to a point where they have to make shit ridiculous to keep it fresh and it becomes a total fucking mess im a big fan of contained stories though, even ones that feature characters from aforementioned series graphic novels usually are enough for me. watchmen, the killing joke, all that jazz
Something that may be useful for newcomers. I basically found a comic book shop by accident where my father lives. I asked him if we could take a look inside but he left me there to my own devices because it's not his thing. I asked for the one sure good comic I knew about (that wasn't an elseworlds story or the like) which was All-Star Superman. Criminally, they didn't have it so I ended up getting a Pathfinder Beginner's Box as the first physical RPG thing I got (after I've been playing for probably a year online, my area is dead to nerdom). A few weeks later I went back there (at my father's suggestion and the shop owner got bail), this time my father stuck around since I said I wouldn't be long. I couldn't find the Player's Handbook for Pathfinder so I asked the guy about the two other good things I know about comic book-iness, two authors Grant Morrison and Gail Simone and the guy recommended their most recent works. And from that I've got two books to read and also ordered All-Star Superman. So basically my advice is ask about what you know and what you want to know more about. Still not asked about ordering Power Girl's solo series...
I just found my copy of The Long Halloween last night, good Batman graphic novel if you haven't read it. One of these days I want to get the rest of the Punisher Max books, too
If I like Superman and Batman, what Marvel titles should I read?
Hmm, would you mind telling what you like about those guys? It would make it easier for me to find someone similar.
Actually got around to reading the books I got. I enjoyed them. I'm not very good at giving reasons why I like things. That's not a very helpful thing to struggle with. I wish I didn't have this problem. I wish I didn't have a lot of the problems I have.
You got New 52 Batgirl and Action Comics right? Glad that you enjoyed them. Hopefully you'll like All Star Superman too when you get it.
[QUOTE=kimchimafia;40397436]You got New 52 Batgirl and Action Comics right? Glad that you enjoyed them. Hopefully you'll like All Star Superman too when you get it.[/QUOTE] Already read it. I wouldn't blindly call something a work of genius. Except the first 3 Silent Hill games, but that's because my TV is literally too dark to play those games.
oh alright. Got any favorites from what you've read? (silent hill 2 is best silent hill) [editline]24th April 2013[/editline] as in, ranks for the quality of those books?
[QUOTE=kimchimafia;40397492]oh alright. Got any favorites from what you've read? (silent hill 2 is best silent hill) [editline]24th April 2013[/editline] as in, ranks for the quality of those books?[/QUOTE] Only read 3 issues of those two books and I think it's too early to say. Besides, I don't think I have enough experience to make a list out of those, All-Star Superman, and Power Girl's solo series.
I have The new Deadpool Issues and I bought Super Man: Red Son (Which is about A superman where he is raised in Communist Russia, but he still the same ol'Superman with communist ideals)
Red Son is good. I put it in the list of recommended reading for Superman new comers.
Why is most of the recommended reading Elseworld stories or the like?
I recommended reading the new 52 series which is the current continuity, birthright + secret origin were the canonical Origin stories before flashpoint and must there be a superman + for the man who has everything were in the pre crisis continuity. Else world stories include red son, kingdom come and kind of All Star + whatever happened to the man of tomorrow (Moore intended this to be for the proper end to the pre crisis superman and so did the editors, which their sincerity shows). I wanted the books to show the best of Superman but in also an easy way for new comers.
Anybody know any good WW2 comics, preferably from the point of the Axis.
[QUOTE=kimchimafia;40404018]I recommended reading the new 52 series which is the current continuity, birthright + secret origin were the canonical Origin stories before flashpoint and must there be a superman + for the man who has everything were in the pre crisis continuity. Else world stories include red son, kingdom come and kind of All Star + whatever happened to the man of tomorrow (Moore intended this to be for the proper end to the pre crisis superman and so did the editors, which their sincerity shows). I wanted the books to show the best of Superman but in also an easy way for new comers.[/QUOTE] I don't know why they keep on rewriting Superman's origin. John Byrne did it best. Also, I want to get a Superman cape (1:1 scale) to hang on the wall above my bed for decoration. But everything I see I the internet looks cheap and tacky.
I actually didn't like John Byrne's run on Superman all that much. Birthright did it best IMO post-crisis. (To be honest though, I like Donner's origin story the best) When you said Superman's cape, I assume you're talking about the movie version? His cape length fluctuated throughout the ages.
My recommendations: Gillen's run of Journey Into Mystery (4 volumes). It's a story of how change is good, the magic of symbolism and stories, and it stands defiantly against the status quo of modern comic books. One volume also creates a really interesting new myth, "The Manchester Gods," which is about how new gods of industry and technology came into being in England after the invention of the steam engine. Kid Loki is also absolutely awesome, beating the bad guys in his own Loki-esque ways. The art is incredible, and if you like myths and smart storytelling, definitely definitely pick this up. Scott Pilgrim (series, 6 volumes) When it comes down to it, Scott Pilgrim is a blast, really funny, and pretty much the voice of a very specific generation. It speaks to a lot of people. It's also oddly enough a fairly intelligent story about taking responsibility, growing up, and making yourself a decent human being. It's just told in a very subtle way. Ultimate Comics Spider-Man (ongoing, post-Peter Parker's death) /co/ hated Miles Morales. They and a lot of other people on the web hated the idea of a Spidey comic without Peter Parker, especially since Ultimate Peter was so great. Then someone posted the first 10 issues or so one night, and now everyone loves him. There are a lot of parallels to classic Spidey, and it's a really really great story. Probably my favorite comic series. Please give it a shot! The Ultimate universe hasn't been selling too well, but Miles is keeping it afloat. Pichelli's art is amazing, too. The Long Halloween (1 volume) Classic Batman story playing out over a year. It's a really good murder mystery, too. Highly, highly recommended.
One of these days I will educate you all on Elongated Man [I]one of these days[/I]
Is the before watchmen series worth it? Something about it just seems wrong to me. Seems like something moore would've never wanted. [editline]26th April 2013[/editline] Also I highly recommend "The Killing Joke" to anyone who is a fan of Batman and hasn't read it yet. I just finished it a few days ago.
[QUOTE=Winters;40427702]Is the before watchmen series worth it? Something about it just seems wrong to me. Seems like something moore would've never wanted. [editline]26th April 2013[/editline] Also I highly recommend "The Killing Joke" to anyone who is a fan of Batman and hasn't read it yet. I just finished it a few days ago.[/QUOTE] Alan Moore doesn't a lot of things.
Alan Moore's Superman stuff is great too. [editline]26th April 2013[/editline] Can't offer an opinion on Before Watchmen. I just have this (immature) bad feeling about it. I might check it out later if I have the time and money to spend.
I try to stay away from Alan Moore, he's a bit too... goes-there for me. I don't know how to decribe it.
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