By Ethan Harmon
Obviously, comic books are “in” again. Yes, the industry always fluctuates, but with the surge of comic book films and with the massive “event” comics that Marvel and DC are pushing, it seems that comics are booming. But for new readers, it may be a little confusing when it comes to choosing a series to jump into. Some comics are dozens of issues into the run, which isn’t a great jumping-on point. But others are more accessible, allowing new readers and avid fans an easy way to jump in and enjoy the story. So, what should you be reading right now? Here are the five comics that should be on your pull list at the local comic store:
1) Daredevil – Mark Waid is a comic book legend. The writer that crafted Superman: Birthright and Kingdom Come has been creating incredible stories since he first hit the scene. His latest venture has been inside the world of Matt Murdock, AKA Daredevil. In the past, most writers focused on Murdock’s guilt and overpowering sense of justice, which lead him down a dark, gritty road. Waid, however, is putting the fun back into Daredevil, making each issue a pure joy to read. This is a comic for everyone; one that can be enjoyed by anyone.
2) Ultimate Spider-man – There was a controversial headline when Brian Bendis decided to kill Peter Parker (that is, the Peter Parker from the Ultimate series, which is another universe). People absolutely hated the idea. But, as it turns out, it was one of the best decisions that could have been made for the series. Bendis introduced Miles Morales, a teenage African American who gets bit by that pesky spider. This comic correlates with the known origin of Spider-man, but with interesting twists. Easily one of the most enjoyable comics on shelves.
3) Fatale – Gritty, crime-infused stories seem to be a hit. Batman is proof of that. Ed Brubaker decided to take the typical noir story a different route with this comic, which follows a mysterious, seemingly immortal female named Jo, as she avoids murderous cultists. This comic has a very Lovecraft atmosphere, and weaves an intricate tale that spans multiple decades. Coupled with some great art, this book is an absolute must-read.
4) Batgirl – Well, DC has been doing… Okay-ish since the launch of their new line. Some books are great, while others fall flat. Batgirl is the top of the food chain at DC. Written by Gail Simone, this comic follows Barbara Gordon, who is suffering from PTSD after recovering from a spinal injury. What separates this from the rest of the DC books is how the story develops Barbara, allowing readers to experience the emotional struggles while taking care of Gotham’s crime problem. One word: fantastic.
5) Invincible – Robert Kirkman is famous for The Walking Dead, but it is not his best comic. Invincible is a phenomenal story about a teenager who lives with his superhero father, and suddenly gains powers himself. The defining factor of this comic lies within the talents of Kirkman and artist Ryan Ottley, who captures every scene with dynamic art. This story only gets better with each passing issue, as readers can see the protagonists actually get older and evolve (something that is lost with certain comics). Pick it up now!
Alright, there you have it. Now head to your local comic store and pick these up immediately. Happy reading!
