Here at Geekscape we read a lot of comics! And I mean a lot. If it’s on stands, odds are someone around here has read it. And as anyone who reads comics knows, there are tons of books on stands. Not only are there a ton of books on the stands, there are a ton of crappy books on the stands, but there are also some great books out there. You just have to know what to look for. In an effort to help you wade through the crap and help yourself find a winner, we thought we’d list a few titles that we are currently loving. So, without further ado, in no particular order, we present to you five books you need to check out:
Saga – Written by Brian K. Vaughan, Art by Fiona Staples
- Cover to Issue #1 of Saga
This book is only three issues in and it’s already one of the books I most look forward to every month. Saga tells the story of parents Marko and Alana, as they try to protect their new-born daughter, Hazel, all in the middle of an intergalactic war. Marko (with ram-like horns on his head) and Alana (with wings on her back) are Romeo and Juilet archtypes, whose planets are at war with one another. They are on the run, branded as deserters and hunted by both sides. Vaughan’s writing is as sharp and original as ever. Fiona Staples’ artwork is just phenomenal, her visuals are truly a sight to be seen. This book has everything from the previously mentioned ram horns and wings, to a bare-breasted spider-woman bounty hunter (yeah, this totally isn’t a book for the kiddies), to Price Robot IV, a character with a TV for a head. If that all sounds wild and wacky that’s because it is…in the best way possible.
The Manhattan Projects – Written by Jonathan Hickman, Art by Nick Pitarra
A page from Issue #1 of The Manhattan Projects (Image Comics)
This is Jonathan Hickman’s first on-going book for Image Comics and it’s a doozie. The book is set in alternate history that re-imagines such geniuses as J. Robert Oppenheimer, here a literal mad-man, Wernher von Braun, an evil ex-Nazi scientist with a robot-arm, and Albert Einstein, among many others. The story asks the question, what if The Manhattan Project, which gave the world the atomic bomb, created other deadlier and fantastic things? Yes, the premise is out there, but it’s oh so enjoyable. Nick Pitarra’s art is stunning and not like a lot of other artwork on comic stands. His art is distinctive and his character designs are just, well…cool. This book is three issues in, so this is the perfect time to catch up.
Daredevil – Written by Mark Waid, Art by Paolo Rivera
Cover to issue #10 of Daredevil (Marvel Comics)
This latest volume of “The Man Without Fear” has been great right from the start. Gone is the über -moody Matt Murdock of years past with his dark/depressing story-lines. In it’s place, we find Matt Murdock in a much happier place than he has been in quite sometime. Waid is writing the hell out of this book. With thirteen issues to date, we have already seen Daredevil face off against the likes of Klaw, The Mole Man, and the New York crime syndicate (made up of all the major crime groups in the Marvel U). Joining Waid is Paolo Rivera on art. His covers for this book have been some of the best looking covers I’ve seen in the history of ever! I absolutely love his art on this book. I especially enjoy the way that he draws Daredevil’s “radar-sense,” it’s hard to explain, it’s better to see it for yourself. Pick up an issue and give it a try, I doubt you’ll be let down.
The Flash – Written by Brian Buccellato & Francis Manapul, Art by Francis Manapul
Cover to issue #7 of The Flash (DC Comics)
This is one of the best books to come out DC’s “The New 52.” This book is great for new and old fans of The Flash alike. Co-writters Brian Buccellato and Francis Manapul have found new life in an old character and thanks to the relaunch of the DC universe, gone are years of convoluted and confusing continuity. In it’s place, we find Barry Allen, working for Central City PD in the crime lab, while also further exploring his powers and ability to tap into the speed force. Francis Manapul pulls double duty on this series as co-writer and artist and his art is fantastic. Even if the book had a weak story, his art would help to make it better and less noticeable. However, that is not the case, as both story and art have been outstanding right out of the starting gate. Issue nine was just released this week, so it’s as good a time as any to catch up. The Flash is a winner in my book and I’m glad to have Barry Allen back.
Scarlet Spider – Written by Chris Yost, Art by Ryan Stegman
Cover to issue one of Scarlet Spider (Marvel Comics)
Taking place after the events of the “Spider-Island” story-line in The Amazing Spider-Man, this story follows Kaine (Clone of Peter Parker, don’t ask) as he tries to make a new life for himself in Houston, Texas. Being as this is a super-hero comic and all, the citizens of Houston need saving from the evils of the world and thus we find Kaine, reluctantly becoming the new Scarlet Spider. The books motto is “All of the power, none of the resposibility” and that sums up the attitude of series very well. Kaine is no Peter Parker, he has no problem with extreme violence if need be. The story that Chris Yost has been telling follows Kaine as he has becomes a hero, despite wanting nothing to do with heroes in general, hence his being in Houston. The tone is very dark for a Spider-Man book and Ryan Stegman’s art helps establish that. His character designs look great and he draws the hell out of the fight scenes. Sadly, his time on the book will be ending with next months issue six. Artist Khoi Pham will be joining as new regular artist with July’s issue seven. I’m not how Pham’s artwork will mesh with the series, but if Yost continues to tell the quality tale he’s been weaving, then I think it’s safe to say that this book will be around for a while.
Well, there you have it…five great titles currently on sale. Hopefully, this will help you the next time you finding yourself in your local comic shop looking for something new to read. Pick up one of the books, heck, pick up all of them. Enjoy the adventures.