Starting in comics

[BeanFruit]

Hi people, noticed a couple threads mentioning comics. A few years ago I did a bit of comic reading but the comic shop closed down so the hobby basically died for me before it started.

So if I were to get into comics again what comics would you all recommend as a great way to start? Of course I am after quality plot, imagery and so on. I would prefer stuff with a darker outlook and setting.

 

[RatPunk]

I would recommend any of the books being put out by CrossGen Comics. My highest recommendations go to Sojourn and Ruse. They are weaving an intricate story that runs through all of their books in one way or another. It's usually done in the background, though, and it's not necessary to pick up all of their books if you're not into them all. It's all quality stuff, though. Plus you can catch up on any of the books fairly easily as CrossGen puts out compendiums of them all at regular intervals.

Check them out at www.crossgen.com

 

[Chun-tzu]

What did you read before?

Although most readers tend to become loyal to a select number of super-heroes or groups, good comics are good comics. Some of the titles that are, from what I've heard, widely considered "good stuff" right now (among mainstream comics):

• Flash by Geoff Johns
• New X-Men by Grant Morrison
• anything by Kevin Smith
• anything by J Michael Straczynski

Personally, I've also enjoyed some of the latest wave of nostalgia comics, specifically Battle of the Planets and G.I. Joe. If you enjoyed the TV series of either, then you'll probably enjoy these comics.

Edit - Oh yeah, add JSA by Geoff Johns. I can't believe I forgot that from my list, seeing as it was one of the first books that came to mind.

 

[RatPunk]

Let me add my vote to some of what Chun-tzu said.

Although I haven't had the opportunity to read it in it's entirety yet, Kevin Smith's Green Arrow looks promising, as does his current work in the Spider-man/Black Cat mini series.

And you absoultely, positively can NOT go wrong with anything written by J. Michael Straczynski. Both Rising Stars and Midnight Nation (which just ended) are must reads for any true comics fan.

The new Battle of the Planets and Micronauts books are shaping up nicely, too.

 

[CrusaderX]

Next month is a perfect time to start buying Batman. Artist Jim Lee (of X-Men and WildCATs fame) and writer Jeph Loeb are starting a 12 part storyline that begins with October's Batman #608.

Click here for more Batman #608 info

Here's some text from the above link:

Ever since the news broke last spring, fans and readers alike have waited breathlessly for this moment: Jim Lee pencilling Batman!

BATMAN #608 is the start of "Hush" — a 12-part, uninterrupted storyline where superstar artist Lee unleashes his talent on one of DC’s greatest icons. Joining Lee is someone who is no stranger to the World’s Greatest Detective: writer Jeph Loeb, who has spun such classic maxiseries as the Eisner and Wizard Award-winning BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN and BATMAN: DARK VICTORY, and who now brings his powerful storytelling abilities to the monthly title. Beautifully inked by Scott Williams, "Hush" is a bold new adventure in the life of the Dark Knight, and surely will set a new standard for Batman stories for years to come.

The details of "Hush" have been kept tightly under wraps — what we can tell you is that it features a wide array of friends and foes from the Batman cast, including Catwoman, Poison Ivy, Killer Croc, the Joker, Two-Face, Huntress, and — before it’s all done — a certain Man of Steel. There will be action, murder, mystery, romance…and death in a story that will keep you guessing right up until the end!

I haven't been this excited by a comic in a long, long time. Reserve your copy today!

 

[brak1]

Let me re-iterate some of the books/companies/creators mentioned. J. Michael Straczynski writes some of the best books going. Besides the creator-owned stuff his Amazing Spider-Man is fantastic.

Crossgen puts out a quality product. In addition to the books mentioned by RatPunk I find Scion to be an exceptional fantasy series and Negation to be a well-drawn, over-the-top sci-fi/superhero book.

More books to check out: anything written by Brian Michael Bendis, specifically Alias and Powers. Great, original takes on the superhero genre. Anything written by Warren Ellis - pick up the trade paperbacks of Authority and Planetary.

As for artists, I've kinda eclectic taste and probably no guide if you're looking for big splashy art. The Crossgen stuff is very pretty, though. Check out the trade paperbacks from any company. Good way to get a bunch of great stuff at once, and usually for cheaper.

 

[Furn_Darkside]

Let me re-iterate some of the books/companies/creators mentioned. J. Michael Straczynski writes some of the best books going. Besides the creator-owned stuff his Amazing Spider-Man is fantastic.

Didn't he start some storyline where it was hinted Spidey's powers originated from somewhere other then the spider?

Funny how that was the last book I bought with his name on it.

I only read one book regularly: Black Panther - it is not dark, though.

I may start to read Fantastic Four regularly, if Waid can carry through on every new author's promise to make the team explorers once again.

FD

 

[brak1]

Didn't he start some storyline where it was hinted Spidey's powers originated from somewhere other then the spider?
FD

Errr... yes. Darn, I'd quite forgotten about that particular plot thread. Still, after the huge mess Marvel got the character into during the '90's (clones and whatnot) you've got to forgive the odd bizarro-land plot idea.

Or not.

 

[brak1]

Deleted. Somehow got posted 3 times and can't seem to delete the actual post. Sorry!

 

[brak1]

Deleted. Somehow got posted 3 times and can't seem to delete the actual post. Sorry!