View Full Version : Hi, I'm Kasper and I'm a comic book newbie
KasperKristensen
08-27-09, 04:07 PM
Recently I've chatted with Lennon about comics (thanks for the advice man :up:). But I figured instead of bugging Lennon all the time, I would bug all of you instead.
Thing is, I have no idea where to start. I bought some The Walking Dead, which is easy enough to follow (and ****ing great), since it's an independent universe. Watchmen and single-standing issues like The Killing Joke, are easy enough to follow too (I think, haven't read 'em yet).
But the greats; Superman, Batman, Ironman, Wolverine... I'm lost.
So basically, what I'm looking for are books, that compiles the background and the starting-out of the popular characters. When I say books I mean a collection of issues and not just single issues. I've thought about buying those Civil War books, but I think I'll be able to enjoy them more, if I know the universe and characters.
I'm interrested in most characters, but let's stick to Marvel, DC and Image.
I'll make a list where you're suggestions will go, but I think I'm going to focus on one character at a time. But post away with all you got, I'll organize and buy as I feel like. There'll be plenty of feedback.
FILMFREAK087
08-27-09, 04:22 PM
Chris Claremont's X-Men run, and the early Romita Spider-man work is fairly easy to get a hold of, and easy to delve into.
FILMFREAK087
08-27-09, 04:30 PM
Also, John Byrne's Superman The Man Of Steel is worthy of mention.
KasperKristensen
08-27-09, 04:34 PM
Man of Steel going on the list.
will.15
08-27-09, 07:08 PM
You might enjoy Frank Miller's Daredevil stories, and his Batman.
KasperKristensen
08-27-09, 07:32 PM
Well, the thing is, will I be able to enjoy those comics, knowing nothing about Daredevil or Batman (other than the movie stuff).
downthesun
08-27-09, 07:36 PM
A bit off topic but if you want a more "mature" read or if you want a break from the superhero comics, I'd highly reccomend Preacher, Transmetropolitan and 100 Bullets.
KasperKristensen
08-27-09, 07:40 PM
Going in the maybe category. ;) I consider The Walking Dead mature, and I'm really into that right now.
WBadger
08-27-09, 07:43 PM
I knew barely anything about Daredevil either, but a friend reccomended me this one. And, it is very informative and shows you a good background of Daredevil, though the gist is simple. Easy to follow and an entertaining comic. You should try this one out for sure.
https://secure.checkout-au.com/kingscomics/catalog/images/prodimg/img1931.jpg
KasperKristensen
08-27-09, 07:47 PM
Great post WB, thanks. :)
Dunno if I'll be reading this anytime soon though. Afleck kinda ****ed up the character for me.
WBadger
08-27-09, 07:51 PM
That's why you read the comics, not watch a movie with Ben Affleck in it. :p
KasperKristensen
08-27-09, 07:55 PM
In general I have nothing against Affleck. Just don't digg Affleck in tights.
will.15
08-27-09, 08:53 PM
Well, the thing is, will I be able to enjoy those comics, knowing nothing about Daredevil or Batman (other than the movie stuff).
Absolutely because the Miller stories don't have really anything to do with the previous continuity. He introduced Elektra. Actually, the movie is pretty much the Miller story, but poorly told. He wrote the limited series, The Dark Knight Returns which is about a middle aged Batman in the future. Then later The Year One stories, which was Batman's early years re-told with a different spin. All of this is in reprint volumes, so it doesn't cost an arm and a leg to read the stories.
From the 1940's the best are The Spirit (the aforementioned Mller did a horrible job on the movie), short film noir stories that often mix slapstick with violence. A best of compilation is the best way to go with these.
Recently I've chatted with Lennon about comics (thanks for the advice man :up:). Lennon rocks!But I figured instead of bugging Lennon all the time, I would bug all of you instead.
Thing is, I have no idea where to start. I bought some The Walking Dead, which is easy enough to follow (and ****ing great), since it's an independent universe. Watchmen and single-standing issues like The Killing Joke, are easy enough to follow too (I think, haven't read 'em yet).
But the greats; Superman, Batman, Ironman, Wolverine... I'm lost.
So basically, what I'm looking for are books, that compiles the background and the starting-out of the popular characters. When I say books I mean a collection of issues and not just single issues. I've thought about buying those Civil War books I bet Civil War is crap., but I think I'll be able to enjoy them more, if I know the universe and characters.
I'm interrested in most characters, but let's stick to Marvel, DC and Image.
I'll make a list where you're suggestions will go, but I think I'm going to focus on one character at a time. But post away with all you got, I'll organize and buy as I feel like. There'll be plenty of feedback.
For your tastes here are your "must reads"...
Sandman by Neil Gaiman. I dont give a damn that its some unknown character to you now, but Sandman is EASILY one of the top 5 runs/series of a title EVER! Read it and be blown away by one of the two authors I felt was on the same level as Alan Moore. This comic run borders on fantasy to straight hardcore horror. Youll love it!
Read the original Wolverine limited series by Frank Miller released in the early 80s. Theres certainly some cheap compilation book compiling the 4 stories. Read The Dark Knight by Frank Miller....the best Batman story ever told. Another 4 issue gem that can be found in a compilation cheap.
In fact if you can get your hands on Frankl Millers original tenure on Daredevil theyre incredible. He truly energized a somewhat dull hero in DD....
...as Alan Moore did to Swamp Thing. Alan Moores run on Swamp Thing is one of the biggest grounbreaking acts in comics because writers became noticed finally. Moores first storyline in Swamp Thing was called American Gothic, and he introduced John Constantine for the first time (yknow Hellblazer, but not the movie version!). Moore at his best, and yes thats including Watchmen. Point of interest he did a run for Image on the title Supreme (his take on Superman without the DC lawsuit), and Wildcats.
The Chris Claremont/John Byrne run on X-Men was the best work either of them ever produced than either did alone.
If you really want to fall in love with comics read the Stan Lee & Jack Kirbys Thor, and Fantastic Four released in the sixties. Truly incredible stuff.
Hellblazer has always been good. Preacher was especially good too. Read comics by authors you like and youll be less disappointed. Walt Simonsons run on Thor was in-cred-ible, but the Thors mostly were crap except for Simonson, Lee/Kirby, and Tom DeFalcos run. Believe it or not the original X-Men comics has always been well put together as Marvel always babied that franchise with the best writers and artists. Peter Davids run on the Incredible Hulk is the only run worth reading. Peter Davids Aquaman was good too.
Todd McFarlanes run on the Amazing Spider-Man is the best work on Spider-Man ever, and that includes Lee & Ditko. ALOT better than Spawn.
will.15
08-27-09, 09:59 PM
I meant The Dark Knight not Dark Knight Returns.
If you're also interested in non-superheroes, the Enemy Ace stories about a German WWI flying ace, are outstanding. The original series, the best stories, ran for just a few years in the late 1960's and are available in compilations. I suspect all of the books mentioned previously could be found on ebay at reasonable prices or bids.
Sir, I found your thread and must say the only advice you shall get from me now is what type of nail goes into your coffin.... Just kidding anyway, if you want the early cheesy apperances of Batman Superman and Iron Man (which aren't bad ask TONGO, he has The Punisher essential, or did you just get the hardcover of Circle of Blood) called SHOWCASE, and for Marvel ESSENTIALS just google them and pretty much any Marvel or DC character you could possibly ever want, and a huge book for about $20 will come up, I love my Punisher one.
Anyway, if you want the new darker age essentials for Batman (http://dccomics.com/dcu/heroes_and_villains/?hv=origin_stories/batman&p=2) and Superman (http://dccomics.com/dcu/heroes_and_villains/?hv=origin_stories/superman&p=2) click on their links, skip to the back of their origins, and DC will actually tell you which ones are essential.
As for Iron Man, you're outta luck, I don't read that much of Iron Man.
Also, you probably want to check out Robert Kirkman's other efforts at Image, Invincible (http://www.amazon.com/Invincible-Ultimate-Collection-Vol-1/dp/158240500X) and Astounding Wolf-Man (http://www.amazon.com/Astounding-Wolf-Man-v-Robert-Kirkman/dp/1582408629). Both of which I love.
P.s. I uh, I uh, I liked Civil War :p.
P.s. I uh, I uh, I liked Civil War :p.
LOL! I never read Civil War but it was a take off of one of Peter Davids story arcs on his Incredible Hulk run. The two part story was called Future Imperfect, and the Hulk fights a future version of himself that became evil. Great read! So from a faraway glance I thought Civil War was Marvel just trying to tap into the same vein again.
Oh no not really. Marvel Civil War's a story about Iron Man (who acts like a complete and total penis head,) and the goverment wanting to ban Superheroes and wanting to train them, and a rebellion ensues. It is a pretty good what if with a lot of great ideas. Millar can't write dialog to save his life, but I say if you just lock him in a room with Brian Michael Bendis and just give Millar crack, they'll both create about 50 classics...
KasperKristensen
08-28-09, 12:39 PM
So I wrote your suggestions down, along with some of my friends suggestions. This is what I've come up with:
Superman – the man of steel (John Byrne)
Superman - the red son (Reccomended by my buddy. I hear it's an alternate universe where Superman is brought up with Russian, communist ideals. Sounds interresting).
Superman – secret origin
Superman – Braniac
(Both secret origin and Braniac was listed as essential storylines, on the website Lennon linked)
Supreme (Superman) – Frank Miller
The Dark Knight – Frank Miller
Year One (Batman) – Frank Miller
Batman Cacophony – Kevin Smith (My own idea. I just really really wanna see Smith's comic book work).
X-men by Chris Claremont/John Byrne
Essential x-men
Wolverine limited series – Frank Miller
Deadpool secret invasion series.
Cable/Deadpool series.
(Deadpool is one of my favorites, so if any of you know of any other great comics with him, please let me know).
The Amazing Spiderman – Todd McFarlane
Spiderman Romita
Spiderman Brand New Day (Another reccomendation by my buddy. I hear it's made for people who want to start reading Spidy comics, but don't wanna start all over).
Daredevil – Frank Miller
Daredevil cruel and unusual
Sandman – Neil Gaiman. (I saw a huge Sandman book down at the comic store. It was like 200 bucks. It's no doubt cheaper on the internet, but I think I'll wait a bit before buying it).
The Walking Dead series. (Already ordered 2 and 3, and I'm psyched).
The Mask Omnibus. (Maybe).
That's the list so far. If you have any additions let me know. And finally, big thanks to all of you, especially Lennon and Tongo. +rep all around!
I would actually pull some of those titles...
You can certainly find better X-men material than the Chris Claremont stuff. I dislike Claremont's writing, big time. Also, I see a couple of seminal classics missing from the list...
New X-Men : E is for Extinction
Kingdom Come - Mark Waid/Alex Ross
Marvels - Kurt Busiek/Alex Ross
Watchmen - Alan Moore
Astro City - Kurt Busiek
Powers - Brian Michael Bendis/Oeming
Preacher - Garth Ennis/Steve Dillon
Ronin - Frank Miller
KasperKristensen
08-28-09, 02:31 PM
Well, I put essential x-men on the list, because it sounded like it would provide me with a fair ammount of background knowledge.
You're right, Watchmen is going on the list too. Will look into the others.
The background is nice, but that material is just sort of bad, IMO. I guess you could snag Claremont/Byrne's The Dark Phoenix Saga. That would provide some good background.
FILMFREAK087
08-28-09, 08:23 PM
Man of Steel going on the list.
Definitely, it retells the origin well, and establishes some of his most well-known foes; Lex Luthor, and Bizzaro. This was the 1987 series, which debuted a some-what powered-down Superman. I have the limited print editions of several issues.
Batman Cacophony – Kevin Smith (My own idea. I just really really wanna see Smith's comic book work).
Hey no problem, but I must say, Batman Cacophony wasn't to good. If you want to see what Kevin was trying to accomplish (and sadly failed at doing so) read The Killing Joke. If you want good Kevin, read his Daredevil run.
I second Kingdom Come. It's simply, amazing. Review HERE (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=463480).
KasperKristensen
08-29-09, 04:52 PM
Smith's Daredevil work going on the list. Didn't know he'd done that. What do you think of the X-men essentials Lennon?
I say go for it. The Essentials is a really good thing, but The Dark Pheonix Saga is good good stuff.
KasperKristensen
08-29-09, 05:05 PM
They're both on the list, but I think I'll buy the phoenix saga first. What's your favorite Marvel and DC character by the way? And is there some Image comics that are better than The Walking Dead right now?
Favorite Marvel character: Frank Castle (http://marvel.com/universe/Punisher), I have appreciation thread for him HERE (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=17273).
Favorite DC character: Two Face. No contest.
Other good Image books: Like I said in my other post, Robert Kirkman's other outings, Invincible, and Astounding Wolf-Man are awesome, along with Proof, and I'm halfway through the first Dynamo 5 trade and it's awesome.
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