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Comic Books What I Been Reading
The question comes up often: what comics am I reading now? So today, as a holiday special, I present my current buying habits at a glance.
Unlike a lot of comic book fans, I buy about 10 to 12 titles a month. Most fans I know buy either one or two really, really good comics and the borrow from friends or wait for the trade paperback; or buy fifty or sixty a month. I don’t have the money for the latter, and don’t have the patience (or the trust in Marvel or DC) to wait for TPBs. And borrowing just never seems to work for me. If I had the money, I’d probably double what I buy, but doubt I’d want much more than that.
And now the list, with comments...
Gotham Central (writers: Greg Rucka and/or Ed Brubaker; artist: Michael Lark) - This is my pick as best comic at present. As the title implies, it’s set in Gotham City, and stars that city’s elite Major Crimes Unit, the cops who solve the big cases. While the cases so far have involved super-villains and the fleeting presence of Batman, this is chiefly a police procedural comic set in a strange place. Character matters as much as plot, and the art by Michael Lark is great. This series is only up to its tenth issue, and as it has a large cast, it’s still not too late for new readers to join in. A TPB of the first five issues is coming for the holidays, as is a new story arc in October where we learn what happens when a sniper hits Gotham, a sniper with a familiar grin.
Catwoman (writer: Ed Brubaker; artists: Darwyn Cooke, Cameron Stewart, Javier Pudilo, Paul Gulacy) - Ed Brubaker took DC’s most famous femme fatale and recast her as the star of a gritty, violence crime noir comic. Gone is the T&A that defined Selina Kyle for years. In its place a believable woman of mixed moralities and human weaknesses who is also more kick-ass than all of Charlie's Angels, Lara Croft or Trinity. While the book has had many artists since its debut two years ago, all have been a match for the stories. This series has been collected in several worthwhile TPBs, and in November a new story arc will begin with new artist Paul Gulacy.
Runaways (writer: Brian K. Vaughan; artists: Adrian Alphona) - I recently recommended this new series from Marvel, and will do so again as its sales are not great (though a TPB is due in November). This series focuses on a cast of teens who learn a startling secret and whose lives are changed immediately. Vaughan avoids clichés in creating a cast reminiscent of the cast form a certain show by Joss Whedon, and is setting up what should be a very thrilling and original comic. Alphona’s art is distinctive, and his teens look like teens.
Fantastic Four (writer: Mark Waid; artist: Mike Wieringo, also Mark Buckingham, Howard Porter) - You know the drill by now if you read my entries. Waid revitalized the FF and then was fired for his efforts. The bad news? His run will end by year's end. The good news? The fool who canned him is no longer allowed to interfere in editorial decisions and Waid has agreed to do FF specials (though not the monthly) in the near future. Odds are his entire run will be collected.
Fables (writer: Bill Willingham; artists: Lan Medina, Mark Buckingham, Steve Leialoha) - Here’s another book I’ve recommended frequently, and another likely to be offered in frequent collections. Willingham presents a cast of famous fairy tale and folk tale characters living in secret in Manhattan, and updates some while leaving others as we recall them. This is sometimes a little violent, a little raw (like many Vertigo comics) but it is a very smart and fun comic most months. And Bigby Wolf - the big bad wolf reimagined - is a breakout character
Batman (writer: Jeph Loeb; artists: Jim Lee and Scott Williams) - We are at the end of the 12-part semi-epic “Hush,” where one by one all of Batman’s worst foes are sent after him by a mystery villain. The stories that have made up this saga have been comic book cotton candy, with great art by Jim Lee and fairly interesting character work by Loeb. But while the 12 year old in me loves it, the adult is not sure why Loeb wrote a comic this simple. Still, this is more fun than most Batman books have been. Oddly, while there will be three hardcover collections of the “Hush,” stories, a complete TPB is not due for some time.
Empire (writer: Mark Waid; artist: Barry Kitson) - what if the super-villain won? Waid explores that question in this seven-part miniseries continuing the canceled Gorilla Comics title for DC. This is not profound storytelling, as the villain and his treacherous minions are neither likeable or well-developed, but the vision is compelling, the art is great, and the plotting of the writer and of the characters is addictive. No talk of a TPB yet, but it’s likely.
Nightwing (writer: Devin Grayson; artist: Rick Leonardi) - This long-running series has begun to show signs of aging but Devin Grayson’s feel for former Boy Wonder Dick Grayson (no relation) keeps this worth reading. Nightwing’s struggle with both his role as Batman’s protégé and his career as a cop in the city of Bludhaven is engaging, though the quality of his enemies is less than exciting. There were a few TPBs of earlier issues of this series, but no more are planned.
Detective Comics (writer: Ed Brubaker; artist: varied) - I was hoping that Ed Brubaker’s work on Batman, Catwoman and Gotham Central would bode well for this, DC’s original comic book. Alas, Brubaker came into this a bit tired, and has announced his departure after just two story arcs. A rotating cast of artists hasn’t helped. However, Brubaker has shown a good understanding of both Batman and Bruce Wayne, so that’s worth noting. A new writer - new not just Batman but to comics altogether - will come on in the fall. Good luck to him.
Fallen Angel (writer: Peter David; artist: David Lopez) - This very new comic - two issues so far - is PAD’s latest, a creator-owned DC comic that takes place just outside the DC Universe and that may or may not be the continuation of the life of the most recent Supergirl. (PAD has said as much). It’s a weird comic with great art and a cast that looks vaguely promising. PAD’s track record makes this a must-read for his fans, but don’t expect wacky humor here. Can’t say if I think this will be worth buying long-term, though.
Superman: Birthright (writer: Mark Waid; artist: Leinil Yu) - Notice a trend? Mark Waid is on the list three times, and if he were writing a fourth title, he’d be here again. He’s the only writer whose work I would buy sight unseen. This series, however, is not one that I recommend whole-heartedly. Oh, it’s shaping up to be a very good retelling of Superman’s early years in costume (again, this is a new comic, only two issues out so far). But Waid is ignoring a lot of the continuity developed since 1986. As someone who likes a lot of that continuity, I am left a bit nonplused by Waid being so cavalier, but he clearly prefers elements of the pre-1986 version of Supes and wants to bring them back. He also has already added some strange touches, new to Supes. The best way to enjoy this comic is to read it as if it’s a totally new version of Superman, much as we view Smallville. And the art is great.
(Hmmm. I tend to call art “great.” I am not an expert on comic book art. I either like the art, or I don’t. These days, I like it far more often than not.)
That’s what I have been buying. It’s interesting that most of the list are recent or new series. A lot of the older comics I used to buy have either gone downhill or been canceled. Happily, Marvel and DC both often a lot to like in their new books. It’s a good time to be a fan trying to find new series. While many comics are dependent on decades of backstory, most of these are not.
Now, I will offer a half-recommendation and a comic I will be buying that’s not on the list. The half-recommendation is for The Flash. This DC comic recently became a lot darker. As someone who thinks of The Flash as a light hero, I was less than happy, and dropped the book. However, I think many fans of darker heroes might enjoy this new take on a old idea.
The book I plan to buy is JLA/Avengers, a long-awaited miniseries hopefully debuting this week. Fans of either team have been waiting for this since the mid-80s, when Marvel and DC promised such a comic, began working on it, and then began feuding. While the writer for the 80s version is long since out of comics, with Kurt Busiek writing the new comic, the artist is the same: George Perez. Perez is considered one of the best artists in the game, and the king of the crowded scene. It’s been worth the wait just to see Perez drawing the greatest heroes of two companies in one comic. I just hope the story is as good. I’ll let you know, as it may be the comic book event of the year for the fanboy.
Unlike a lot of comic book fans, I buy about 10 to 12 titles a month. Most fans I know buy either one or two really, really good comics and the borrow from friends or wait for the trade paperback; or buy fifty or sixty a month. I don’t have the money for the latter, and don’t have the patience (or the trust in Marvel or DC) to wait for TPBs. And borrowing just never seems to work for me. If I had the money, I’d probably double what I buy, but doubt I’d want much more than that.
And now the list, with comments...
Gotham Central (writers: Greg Rucka and/or Ed Brubaker; artist: Michael Lark) - This is my pick as best comic at present. As the title implies, it’s set in Gotham City, and stars that city’s elite Major Crimes Unit, the cops who solve the big cases. While the cases so far have involved super-villains and the fleeting presence of Batman, this is chiefly a police procedural comic set in a strange place. Character matters as much as plot, and the art by Michael Lark is great. This series is only up to its tenth issue, and as it has a large cast, it’s still not too late for new readers to join in. A TPB of the first five issues is coming for the holidays, as is a new story arc in October where we learn what happens when a sniper hits Gotham, a sniper with a familiar grin.
Catwoman (writer: Ed Brubaker; artists: Darwyn Cooke, Cameron Stewart, Javier Pudilo, Paul Gulacy) - Ed Brubaker took DC’s most famous femme fatale and recast her as the star of a gritty, violence crime noir comic. Gone is the T&A that defined Selina Kyle for years. In its place a believable woman of mixed moralities and human weaknesses who is also more kick-ass than all of Charlie's Angels, Lara Croft or Trinity. While the book has had many artists since its debut two years ago, all have been a match for the stories. This series has been collected in several worthwhile TPBs, and in November a new story arc will begin with new artist Paul Gulacy.
Runaways (writer: Brian K. Vaughan; artists: Adrian Alphona) - I recently recommended this new series from Marvel, and will do so again as its sales are not great (though a TPB is due in November). This series focuses on a cast of teens who learn a startling secret and whose lives are changed immediately. Vaughan avoids clichés in creating a cast reminiscent of the cast form a certain show by Joss Whedon, and is setting up what should be a very thrilling and original comic. Alphona’s art is distinctive, and his teens look like teens.
Fantastic Four (writer: Mark Waid; artist: Mike Wieringo, also Mark Buckingham, Howard Porter) - You know the drill by now if you read my entries. Waid revitalized the FF and then was fired for his efforts. The bad news? His run will end by year's end. The good news? The fool who canned him is no longer allowed to interfere in editorial decisions and Waid has agreed to do FF specials (though not the monthly) in the near future. Odds are his entire run will be collected.
Fables (writer: Bill Willingham; artists: Lan Medina, Mark Buckingham, Steve Leialoha) - Here’s another book I’ve recommended frequently, and another likely to be offered in frequent collections. Willingham presents a cast of famous fairy tale and folk tale characters living in secret in Manhattan, and updates some while leaving others as we recall them. This is sometimes a little violent, a little raw (like many Vertigo comics) but it is a very smart and fun comic most months. And Bigby Wolf - the big bad wolf reimagined - is a breakout character
Batman (writer: Jeph Loeb; artists: Jim Lee and Scott Williams) - We are at the end of the 12-part semi-epic “Hush,” where one by one all of Batman’s worst foes are sent after him by a mystery villain. The stories that have made up this saga have been comic book cotton candy, with great art by Jim Lee and fairly interesting character work by Loeb. But while the 12 year old in me loves it, the adult is not sure why Loeb wrote a comic this simple. Still, this is more fun than most Batman books have been. Oddly, while there will be three hardcover collections of the “Hush,” stories, a complete TPB is not due for some time.
Empire (writer: Mark Waid; artist: Barry Kitson) - what if the super-villain won? Waid explores that question in this seven-part miniseries continuing the canceled Gorilla Comics title for DC. This is not profound storytelling, as the villain and his treacherous minions are neither likeable or well-developed, but the vision is compelling, the art is great, and the plotting of the writer and of the characters is addictive. No talk of a TPB yet, but it’s likely.
Nightwing (writer: Devin Grayson; artist: Rick Leonardi) - This long-running series has begun to show signs of aging but Devin Grayson’s feel for former Boy Wonder Dick Grayson (no relation) keeps this worth reading. Nightwing’s struggle with both his role as Batman’s protégé and his career as a cop in the city of Bludhaven is engaging, though the quality of his enemies is less than exciting. There were a few TPBs of earlier issues of this series, but no more are planned.
Detective Comics (writer: Ed Brubaker; artist: varied) - I was hoping that Ed Brubaker’s work on Batman, Catwoman and Gotham Central would bode well for this, DC’s original comic book. Alas, Brubaker came into this a bit tired, and has announced his departure after just two story arcs. A rotating cast of artists hasn’t helped. However, Brubaker has shown a good understanding of both Batman and Bruce Wayne, so that’s worth noting. A new writer - new not just Batman but to comics altogether - will come on in the fall. Good luck to him.
Fallen Angel (writer: Peter David; artist: David Lopez) - This very new comic - two issues so far - is PAD’s latest, a creator-owned DC comic that takes place just outside the DC Universe and that may or may not be the continuation of the life of the most recent Supergirl. (PAD has said as much). It’s a weird comic with great art and a cast that looks vaguely promising. PAD’s track record makes this a must-read for his fans, but don’t expect wacky humor here. Can’t say if I think this will be worth buying long-term, though.
Superman: Birthright (writer: Mark Waid; artist: Leinil Yu) - Notice a trend? Mark Waid is on the list three times, and if he were writing a fourth title, he’d be here again. He’s the only writer whose work I would buy sight unseen. This series, however, is not one that I recommend whole-heartedly. Oh, it’s shaping up to be a very good retelling of Superman’s early years in costume (again, this is a new comic, only two issues out so far). But Waid is ignoring a lot of the continuity developed since 1986. As someone who likes a lot of that continuity, I am left a bit nonplused by Waid being so cavalier, but he clearly prefers elements of the pre-1986 version of Supes and wants to bring them back. He also has already added some strange touches, new to Supes. The best way to enjoy this comic is to read it as if it’s a totally new version of Superman, much as we view Smallville. And the art is great.
(Hmmm. I tend to call art “great.” I am not an expert on comic book art. I either like the art, or I don’t. These days, I like it far more often than not.)
That’s what I have been buying. It’s interesting that most of the list are recent or new series. A lot of the older comics I used to buy have either gone downhill or been canceled. Happily, Marvel and DC both often a lot to like in their new books. It’s a good time to be a fan trying to find new series. While many comics are dependent on decades of backstory, most of these are not.
Now, I will offer a half-recommendation and a comic I will be buying that’s not on the list. The half-recommendation is for The Flash. This DC comic recently became a lot darker. As someone who thinks of The Flash as a light hero, I was less than happy, and dropped the book. However, I think many fans of darker heroes might enjoy this new take on a old idea.
The book I plan to buy is JLA/Avengers, a long-awaited miniseries hopefully debuting this week. Fans of either team have been waiting for this since the mid-80s, when Marvel and DC promised such a comic, began working on it, and then began feuding. While the writer for the 80s version is long since out of comics, with Kurt Busiek writing the new comic, the artist is the same: George Perez. Perez is considered one of the best artists in the game, and the king of the crowded scene. It’s been worth the wait just to see Perez drawing the greatest heroes of two companies in one comic. I just hope the story is as good. I’ll let you know, as it may be the comic book event of the year for the fanboy.
no subject
Yeah, I think I asked you that three times yesterday.
We are at the end of the 12-part semi-epic “Hush,” where one by one all of Batman’s worst foes are sent after him by a mystery villain.
Didn't Bane do almost exactly that right before "Knightfall"?
no subject
2. Didn't think about the similarities between Knightfall and Hush till now. The big difference? Bane was known to the reader from the start and had a coherent (and successful) plan. (Gotta say, I miss Chuck Dixon's work on Batman.)
no subject
no subject
That said, were I to find the TPBs in the library and I were in the right mood, I might try them.