The Official Recommendations Thread

[Yodaman]

Would anyone recomend Fantastic Four: Foes to me?

 

[Dr.Doom]

i would

 

[Anubis]

It was okay. The art was atrocious though.

 

[Malito]

Hi
I am a Brazilian comic book fan and I've never read the Spirit before, and I was wondering what most would consider the very best The Spirit stories.
Can anyone give me any recommendations?
Thank you

Mauro

 

[Yodaman]

I know someone talked about this a while back in this thread but I can't remember the answer and I can't bring it back up:

Which was the FF graphic novel that you need to read before you read Authoritative Action?

 

[The Hero]

Unthinkable.

 

[Yodaman]

K thanks

 

[nite-owl]

What are some good Batgirl and Wonder Woman trades?

 

[WallCrawl]

Has anyone done a write up for Demo yet?

 

[rigel7soldiers]

Has anyone done a write up for Demo yet?

Heh. If they haven't, I could. I might have to reread it, but I'm more or less good to go.

Alternatively, has anyone done a writeup for Blade of the immortal?

 

[Elijya]

Title: Lex Luthor: Man of Steel
Writer/Artist: Brian Azzarello/Lee Bermejo
Publisher: DC Comics
Summary: Ever wonder what goes through the mind of a guy like Lex Luthor? What are his reasons for hating Superman? Well, this book will give you a peek into the mind of a self proclaimed hero to mankind. An Idealist who is here to stand up for Humans against this alien menace, even if they don't know they need protecting. We get to can Superman from his perspective, amazingly done by Lee Bermejo. Superman looks like a monster in this book. Make no mistake, Supes is the badguy in this book. A God pretending to be a man. Come down to Earth to play with the mere mortals. By the end, you might even find yourself agreeing with Lex. Azzarello really out did himself on this one.

This book is a must read for those that like to see things from the villains point of view for a change. If books like Villains United, Suicide Squad, or Dr. Doom/ Dr. Strange Triumph and Torment are your cup of tea, then this books for you.

Format: This book is collected in Trade paperback form.

You can find a copy at Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/14...4048/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-0798879-2659030?ie=UTF8

write-up originally by Anubis

 

[Elijya]

Title:Superman: Birthright
Writer/Artist:Mark Waid and Leinil Francis Yu
Publisher:DC Comics

Summary: In 2004 DC Comics decided the time had come to revamp one of the more popular origins in history, that of Superman. Mark Waid set out to modernize the man of steel and give him a new edge. Mixing the traditional origin elements we all know and love with some Smallville-esque details, Superman Birthright tells one of the best Superman stories ever. The plot is simple to the point, Lex Luthor, Superman’s arch-nemesis and one time friend to Clark Kent has accessed Kryptonian knowledge and sets out to re-enact a Kryptonian alien invasion and blame Superman for it! The following is just action out of a Jerry Bruckheimer summer movie.

Leinil Francis Yu provides the pencils and he really excels in his epic set pieces. Superman Birthright is no longer the definitive Superman origin but definitely a great new addition to the Superman library. If you enjoy Smallville this is the book for you.

Format: A 12 issue mini-series, it has been collected in hardcover(out of print) and trade paperback.

Superman: Birthright

write-up originally by Darthphere

 

[Elijya]

Title: Top Ten
Writer/Artist: Alan Moore & Paul Di Filippo/Gene Ha, Jerry Ordway, & Zander Cannon
Publisher: America's Best Comics
Summary Imagine a world with superheroes, vampires, space aliens, cosmic despots, and inter dimensional chess tournaments. Now imagine all of that in one gigantic, futuristic city. Sounds pretty wild huh? Think about how hard it would be to police such a place. That's pretty much what you get with Top Ten. Join Alan Moore and company on this wild adventure as you meet the officers of the tenth precinct of Neopolis You'll meet incredible characters like Smax, Toy Box, Jet Man, and Irma Geddon as they serve and protect in a city of the weird and other worldly. You'll see Superhero sex scandals, vampire mobsters, dragons, giant alcoholic monsters, Alien Porn stars, A crisis event played out by mice and felines, and even a little incest. This series is like NYPD Blue with superpowers. Alan Moore at his best.

Format: The original Top Ten series is collected in two books. Top 10 book 1 and book 2. Both are collected in trade paperback, and book 2 is also available in hardcover. Then there's Top Ten the 49ers, which is a prequel to the original series. That is collected in both Hardback and paperback. You also have Smax, which is a spin off mini about the brooding invulnerable officer Jeff Smax. That is also collected in both Hardcover and softcover. Last but not least is Top Ten: Beyond the Farthest Precinct. Written by Paul Di Filippo with art by Jerry Ordway. This book is only available in Softcover.

All of these are available at Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=br_ss_h...orm=gurupa&url=index=blended&keywords=Top+Ten

write-up originally by Anubis

 

[Elijya]

Title:Batman: The Killing Joke
Writer/Artist:Alan Moore and Brian Bolland
Publisher:DC Comics

Summary:Alan Moore the man that brought you Watchmen and V for Vendetta writes this in depth look into the psyche of one of the greatest villains of all time, The Joker. Batman: The Killing Joke is a one shot story that develops an origin for the clown prince of crime. An emotional and psychological journey into the mind of the Joker and how the man’s mind ticks. Told in flashbacks, this in depth look almost makes you feel bad for him, almost. In the present Batman has discovered the Joker has once again escaped from Arkham and has committed heinous crimes on two of Batman’s supporting cast.

Brian Bolland provides one can only be said to be a definitive Batman. His dark, scary pencils perfectly fit the mood of this story. A must have for any fan of Batman and the Joker as its effects are still felt in the modern DC Universe. Batman: The Killing Joke, essential for any comic book fan.

Format:One shot story available everywhere.

Batman: The Killing Joke

write-up originally by Darthphere

 

[Elijya]

Title: Watchmen
Writer/Artist: Alan Moore/Dave Gibbons
Publisher: DC Comics

Summary: Watchmen is Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ comic book masterpiece that for many, stands as one of the greatest comics ever written. This epic takes place at a point in world history known as the cold war, and therefore it tackles a lot of the different concerns of the time. But this story starts, rather simply, with the murder of a Masked Hero known as the Comedian. He is beaten and thrown out the window of his high-rise apartment. This of course, draws the attention of one of several other masked heroes. A rather insane and uniquely hilarious man called Rorschach. He begins an investigation to discover just who was behind the murder of this hero. What he uncovers is a conspiracy that is so horrible, so devastating, that when it’s all over, the world will never be the same. We follow Rorschach, Nite Owl, the Silhouette, Ozymandias, and Dr. Manhattan, throughout this deep and immersive tale about a world on the brink of collapse, and the heroes who live in it.

Watchmen provides a wide view at Reagan Era politics. The characters all represent a different point of view. The optimist, the scientist, the conspiracy theorist, the everyman. All blend into one big picture that clearly shows the world that is involved in Watchmen. The main plot is engrossing, emotional, and relevant to this day. It all begs the questions, do the ends justify the means? What is the price for having a world of peace? How far are you willing to go to ensure your safety? These are questions Watchmen makes you think about. Watchmen's relevancy is still felt today in this post 9/11 world. Alan Moore is able to provide a politically charged story, but one that isn't dragged down by the message. Politics in comics are some what old hat at this point, but Watchmen changes that as it set the stage for a new era of comic books in which politics and flying men could co-exist. It was said earlier, that Watchmen is considered to be one of the greatest comic book stories ever written, there's a reason for this. Its essential for any comic book collector to read this book, for it changed the whole face of comics as we know it.

Format: There is a trade paper back collecting the entire Watchmen mini series. There is also an Absolute edition of the book.



Heres a look at what they have at Amazon regarding the Watchmen.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=br_ss_h...rm=gurupa&url=index=blended&keywords=Watchmen

write-up originally by Darthphere and Anubis

 

[Elijya]

Title: Squadron Supreme
Writer/Artist: Mark Gruenwald/John Buscema, Bob Hall, Paul Ryan, and Paul Neary
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Genres: Superheroes

(note: there is a 2006 series entitled Squadron Supremem that is a "re-envisioning" of this series from 1985)

Summary: The world is a total mess, and it's all the Squadron's fault. Shortly after Kyle Richmond aka Night Hawk became president, his mind was taken over byan alien warlord by the name of the Overmind. He then in turn, was able to takeover nearly the entire Squadron. With the team at his beck and call, the Overmind started a massive world war that destroyed the governments of most of the world and killed millions. The Squadron was able to break free and stop him, but by the time it was over, the damage had already been done. The world needed help. They needed to rebuild. They needed, the Squadron. And the only way the Squadron could do anything, the best way, in they're minds, was to take over the world. This is pretty much the starting point of this incredible landmark maxi series, created by the late great Mark Gruenwald. He took these, JLA wannabes, and crafted an epic tale of absolute power corrupting absolutely. People place Watchmen at the top of the heap when it comes to the Deconstruction of the superhero, but Gruenwald did it first. He gave us a story that takes a good hard look at just how far is too far when it comes to saving the world. Heroes coming to the realization that, it's best to just let the people handle things for themselves. Taking it upon yourself to make the world right is a fools errand. By the end of this story, they learn this lesson, but at a very high cost.

This book touches upon many themes that at this point, have been done to death, but, as I said, this was the first. We got mindwiping, we got taking away of peoples civil liberties. We even got attempts to cure incurable diseases, with disastrous results. If you enjoy the current Squadron Supreme series, the previous series, Supreme Power, or books like Watchmen or the Authority, then you might enjoy this book. It kinda started it all really.

Format: This book is collected in Trade paperback format.

Heres a look at a copy at Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/07...0958/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-0798879-2659030?ie=UTF8

write-up originally by Anubis

 

[Elijya]

Title:Spider-Man/Human Torch
Writer/Artist:Dan Slott and Ty Templeton
Publisher:Marvel Comics
Genres: Superheroes, Comedy

Summary: What do you get when you mix up a wisecracking superhero with a hot shot arrogant imaginaut? You get one of the funniest books ever. Dan Slott (She-Hulk) brings us this mini which portrays two relationships. That of Peter Parker, the shy intelligent photographer and of Johnny Storm a real ladies man and an arrogant pompous prick, with a heart of gold. And that of Spider-Man, the wisecracking hated superhero and of the Human Torch, the poster boy of the Fantastic Four. Both relationships is inherently different but equally as entertaining. This mini spans many year from their first encounter to the modern day marvel universe.

Ty Templeton provides the art here as he changes up his style every issue to fit the style of the time period depicted. A real funny book, it also provides some heartwarming stories as one issue shows how Peter Parker and Spider-Man deal with the death of Gwen Stacy and how the Human Torch helps him through it. A definite must have for fans of old school superhero comics.

Format: A 5 issue mini-series, its been collected in digest format.


Spider-Man/Human Torch: I'm With Stupid

write-up originally by Darthphere

 

[Elijya]

Title:GLA: Misassembled
Writer/Artist:Dan Slott and Paul Pelletier
Publisher:Marvel Comics
Genres: Superheroes, Comedy

Summary: In the wake of Avengers: Disassembled who will stand in the way of evil? Why of course, the Great Lake Avengers! This hilarious mini from Dan Slott (She-Hulk, Spider-Man/Human Torch) revives the long forgotten Great Lake Avengers and takes us through a wild and hilarious ride. Starring such over the top characters as Mr. Immortal, Doorman, Big Bertha and Squirrel Girl with Monkey Joe, GLA continues Slott’s trend of hilarious takes on the Marvel Universe and incorporating continuity. Read carefully to catch all the little digs at Marvel and DC comics.

Paul Pelletier provides his cartoonish, yet wonderful pencils as he really is able to catch the comedic elements through out the book. GLA is really a hilarious book and essential for fans of Giffen and DeMatties Justice League and Dan Slott’s other works. A must have for fans of great storytelling, humor and classic superheroics.

Format:4 issue mini, collected in trade paperback.


G.L.A. Vol. 1: Misassembled

write-up originally by Darthphere

 

[Elijya]

Title:1602
Writer/Artist:Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert
Publisher:Marvel Comics

Summary: Neil Gaiman, acclaimed writer of Sandman brings to you this great series of a reimagined Marvel Universe, a universe that soley exists in the year 1602. Gaiman brings his magical writing style to a world in 1602 England where much unrests has begun. Elizabeth I is the queen and many are attempting to take her life. But her head of security Sir Nicholas Fury (wink wink) does all in his powers to stop that from happening. At the same time the Spanish begin their inquisition as those dubbed the witch breed. Beings born with supernatural powers. A lot of these characters are instantly recognizable and some aren’t. Gaiman keeps you guessing as you try to figure out what role does everyone play and keeps you fascinated with his depictions of your favorite marvel characters in a completely new setting.

Andy Kubert provides the art here as his crisp pencils really are a one two punch combined with Gaiman’s writing. The highest of quality is also presented as I cant fail to mention Richard Isanove’s coloring really sets the mood. A wonderful story this book will keep you entertained till the last page. A definite must have for any Marvel fan. There was also a sequel that might be worth checking out.

Format:An 8 issue mini-series collected in hardcover and trade paperback.

Marvel 1602 (Hardcover)

Marvel 1602 (Paperback)

Marvel 1602: New World

write up originally by Darthphere

 

[Elijya]

Title: Exiles (Judd Winick’s Run)
Writer: Judd Winick
Artist: Mike McKone, Jim Calafiore
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Genres: Superheroes, Alternate Realities

Summary:
Take superheroes, Sliders and Quantum Leap throw them in blender and you’d come out with Exiles. It's a story of a group of people that have become "unstuck" in time, and must hop from dimension to dimension trying to fix problems in hopes of repairing the damage that caused them to become unstuck. If you’re new to comics it’s an enjoyable read because you’re getting in on the ground floor with a bunch of characters that don’t have 100 of issues of back story to slog through (Save Blink who’s from the Age of Apocalypse Universe). If you’re a comic book veteran you’ll get to see some of your favorite comic moments with a twist, see your favorite characters in different universes, and just be taken on a wild ride. With a character like Morph, who by the end of this run will be one of your favorite character ever or you have no soul, this book can be hilariously funny but it can also be tragic and heartbreaking. The team will lose some members, be forced to fight in a gladiator style arena, and meet up with Mojo, just to name a couple of the adventures they find themselves on as they try and fix the cracks in multiverse.


Format: An ongoing series, that's been collected into Trades

From Amazon.com
"Down the Rabbit Hole"
A World Apart
Out of Time
Legacy
Fantastic Voyage

write up originally by Lactophiliac

 

[Elijya]

Title: Arrowsmith: So Smart in their fine Uniforms
Writer/Artist: Kurt Busiek/Carlos Pacheco
Publisher Wildstorm Signature
Summary War is hell. Weather it's with guns or dragons, it's still a universal truth. The team that brought us Avengers Forever, Kurt Busiek and Carlos Pacheco, bring us this epic fantasy War story of Arrowsmith. We follow the exploits of one, Fletcher Arrowsmith: Areo Corps. Arrowsmith takes place in an alternate universe were magic is in fact real, and has become entrenched throughout all of society. From the mundane, to the complex. And the first world war is no exception. We see Arrowsmith grow from a adventurous and naive young man, looking to become a hero in war, to a person who has seen the pain and heart ache that war brings, and understands that he was a fool to look for excitement and glory in battle.
If you like Fantasy, stories, then you will love the world Pacheco and Busiek have created in this book. Dragons, dwarfs, trolls, flying cavalry, and special vampire units. It's just mind-blowing what they've come up with. If you don't dig fantasy, then this is still a great read, because despite all the other stuff, it's still a great war story.

Format This book is collected in trade paperback. It has sketches and maps of this world they have created as a bonus. Which can only enhance the story.

Heres a copy at Amazon. com

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/14...8118/ref=pd_bbs_2/103-0798879-2659030?ie=UTF8

write up originally by Anubis

 

[Elijya]

Title: Astro City
Writer/Artist: Kurt Busiek/Brent Anderson, Covers by Alex Ross
Publisher: Homage Comics/Wildstorm Signature
Summary Nobody does superheros like Kurt Busiek. And this series is his Mona Lisa. His, Godfather. His stairway to heaven. Astro City is Busieks contribution to superhero comics as an art form. An examination of life with in a world of the fantastic. I'm sure, many have asked themselves, whats it like to live in a world of superheros and supervillains? This book answers that question from the point of view of the regular citizen, the criminal, the hero, even the alien invader. Each story is so well crafted, the art from Brent Anderson is amazing. They've created a world that you can almost see yourself in. A rich past that dates back decades. An entire comic universe that rivals that of Marvel and DC comics.
You'll find epic stories, like that of the Confessor. A dark hero that patrols the streets of Astro City along with his new side kick, Alter boy. But the Confessor has a dark secret that should he be found out, would destroy everything he's fought to accomplish. A story that gives us a day in the life of a Superman esque hero called the Samaritan measured in flight time. The heart breaking story called, the nearness of you that takes a look at what happens to the regular folk when these universe shattering events take place. I can't recommend this series enough. If you love superheros, if you love behind the scenes looks at the life of superheros, then this is the book for you. Highly recommended.


Format: This series is collected in five trade paperbacks so far. Life in the Big City, Confession, Family Album, The Tarnished Angel, and Local Heroes. Another book will be coming out soon called The Dark Ages. All of them have tons of special features. Character designs, Alex Ross cover galleries, and much more. Well worth the cash.

Heres a list of the Astro City books at Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/103-0798879-2659030?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Astro+City

write up originally by Anubis

 

[Elijya]

Title: Captain Marvel Vol 4

Writer/Artist: Peter David/Chris Cross, Michael Ryan, Paul Azaceta, Aaron Lopresti, Ivan Reis, and Kyle Hotz

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Summary: What happens when having omnipotence comes back to bite you in the ass? You lose your mind of course. That's basically the running theme here in PAD's critically acclaimed run on Volume 4 of the Captain Marvel series. We bear witness to the fall of a hero. Done in by his own powers. Genis Vel, after a good couple of years as successor to his legendary father, Captain Mar-Vel, has finally come into his own. He's mastered Cosmic Awareness, or so he thought. How does Genis go from up and coming hero to nutbag? Well, usually, when you have to chose, weather or not to save a planet full of people, or one young girl, the answer is simple. Needs of the Many and all that. Genis thought that too, until he sees that he just let the next space ghandi die. Realizing what he let happen, this totally shatters Genis' mind beyond repair. Now, out of his mind, Genis starts down a road of madness that takes him on a wild ride throughout the Marvel Universe while Rick Jones (Superhero sidekick extraordinaire) is forced to sit back and watch it all.

Peter David, along with his many collaborators put together an epic run that takes you from the mean streets of Marvel New York, to the spires of Asgard, to the end of the Universe, and even to the far future of the Marvel Universe. This run was great. It had action, drama, and lets face it, crazy guys with God like powers are always a laugh riot.

Format: This entire run is collected in trade paperback format. Starting with Nothing to Lose, Coven, Crazy like a Fox, and finishing up with Odyssey.

You may be able to find them at your local LCS, or Tales of Wonder.com
http://talesofwonder.com//search/sessearch.php?ae=%DF&q=Captain+Marvel&op=and

write up origianlly by Anubis

 

[Elijya]

Title: We3
Writer/Artist: Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely
Publisher: DC Vertigo
Genres: Sci-Fi

Summary: It's got an interesting title, doesn't it? "We3". As you may have guessed from the cover image, We3" is a group of 3 cybernetic animal weapons. Stripped of their old names and assigned numbers instead they--1, a dog, 2, a cat, and 3, a rabbit--have been turned into super-powered weaponry by the US government, intended for military use, in order to prevent the risk of human lives. The project is canceled, the animals ordered exterminated. They have a problem with that.

The book is decidely on the "pro" side of animal rights, which is good, but the better part is that this story is just beautiful. What a perfect melding of script and art. Morrison weaves a stirring, emotional tale, and not only does Quitely emote the story perfectly, he gets all experimental with panel layout, producing some truly mind-bending pages. This, in my opinion, is Quitely's best work. It's also the best I've read of Morrison (though I haven't gotten my hands on The Invisibles yet). The action is kickass, the story heartbreaking, the imagery haunting. A perfect comic.
Format: We3 was a 3-issue miniseries, so the trade is refreshingly thin, and lighter on the wallet than some of the other trades recommended here.
Amazon.com Listing: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401204953/sr=8-1/qid=1154313290/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-0107011-7158429?ie=UTF8

write up originally by Not Jake

 

[Elijya]

Title: Space Ghost
Writer/Artist: Joe Kelly/Ariel Olivetti
Publisher: DC Comics
Gernes: Science Fiction, Superheroes

Summary: First of all I wanna say, this is not a book adapting the Space Ghost Coast to Coast tv show from Cartoon Network. So lets get that straight from the start. This, is a more hardcore adaptation of Alex Toths brilliant creation from the 60's cartoon, Space Ghost. Joe Kelly and Ariel Olivetti have put together an incredible tale of betrayal, murder, revenge, and redemption. Olivetti's artwork is beautiful. Breathtaking skies upon alien worlds, battle scenes that will blow your mind. This book will give you a new found respect for the character.

If you like those old Hanna Barbara cartoons, like Thundar the Barbarian or Johnny Quest, and would like to see them in a more mature and modern light, then this is the book for you. Highly recommended.

Format: This book can be found in Trade paperback form.

Heres a look at a copy at Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/14...3699/ref=pd_bbs_6/103-0798879-2659030?ie=UTF8

write up originally by Anubis