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What's Great Right Now?
David_D
Posts: 3,881
Simple: What's something that is great right now?
Doesn't need to be a first issue, or something you read this week (though a lot of great discussion and reviews on those threads, which you can find at those links).
What is a currently published book where you've found, maybe an issue or two in (or an issue or two into this creative team) to be great. Makes you excited it is getting published right now. They are doing something that works.
A long list of everything that is great might feel like homework, or like you have to rank them in order or something, so keep it simple and just do one a post. Name a book that is great right now.
I'll start--
I just finished the second issue of Magneto by Bunn and Walta. I loved the first issue, and second was even better. I have been a fan of the character since reading all things Claremont back in the 80s. I have tried some of the various series, minis, and one-offs about Magneto over the years, and this is the first time I feel like they found a lead feature for him that really works.
The book benefits from the post-AvX/ NOW! status quo for Magneto. I think the book is helped by him being at a lower power level. I think fans of the Magneto you see in X-Men First Class would dig this book. So far it has something of a noir/detective vibe. He is out of costume. Sure, he is dealing with people being abducted and turned into a Terminator-like kind of Sentinel. But that premise feels like the right scale for a solo book. In the same way that, to me, the best Wolverine solo stories are when he is dealing with threats that are a little smaller in scale. It's a great book. And I hope that Walta and Bunn stay together and it gets to run for awhile.
Your turn.
Doesn't need to be a first issue, or something you read this week (though a lot of great discussion and reviews on those threads, which you can find at those links).
What is a currently published book where you've found, maybe an issue or two in (or an issue or two into this creative team) to be great. Makes you excited it is getting published right now. They are doing something that works.
A long list of everything that is great might feel like homework, or like you have to rank them in order or something, so keep it simple and just do one a post. Name a book that is great right now.
I'll start--
I just finished the second issue of Magneto by Bunn and Walta. I loved the first issue, and second was even better. I have been a fan of the character since reading all things Claremont back in the 80s. I have tried some of the various series, minis, and one-offs about Magneto over the years, and this is the first time I feel like they found a lead feature for him that really works.
The book benefits from the post-AvX/ NOW! status quo for Magneto. I think the book is helped by him being at a lower power level. I think fans of the Magneto you see in X-Men First Class would dig this book. So far it has something of a noir/detective vibe. He is out of costume. Sure, he is dealing with people being abducted and turned into a Terminator-like kind of Sentinel. But that premise feels like the right scale for a solo book. In the same way that, to me, the best Wolverine solo stories are when he is dealing with threats that are a little smaller in scale. It's a great book. And I hope that Walta and Bunn stay together and it gets to run for awhile.
Your turn.
Comments
It gets the Pure Comic-y Goodness™ Seal of Approval®.
Essentially a book about Boomerang and his five(!) member Sinister Six team. Lots of double crossing and back stabbing hilarity.
I love this book. Take that with the caveat that I love espionage books, and I tend to go more for the character drama/ geopolitical ones more than the cool, I-wish-I-was-that-guy-with-the-toys ones. (I am more of Bourne fan than a Bond fan, especially of Bond before it got dark). So know that I was already presold on the genre and tone of this book.
But that said, the execution is excellent. Really strong dialogue. The "acting" in the scenes is strong. Kot is collaborating with a lot of artists on this series, but I have not found the art changes to be jarring (the consistent presence of excellent color artist Bellaire throughout helps).
The story is set in the near-future, and has been gradually been getting more SF as it has gone along. But the whole thing feels grounded in character, and moments that I believe.
It is one of the books I am most excited about right now, and has made Kot a writer who I am checking out on everything he does now.
The first trade is super-cheap by the way.
A done in one issue where they celebrate the life of Ultimate Peter Parker, and it reminded me of how much I loved this book before Ultimatum screwed up the Ultimate Universe. Simple, emotional and filled with rich characterization. I got a bit misty reading it and think it may be one of Bendis's best single issue stories.
Ever wonder what would happen if a comic legend were given free rein (ie. no censors or comic code authority)? Well, that's what you get when Wally Wood created the spy thriller Cannon for an overseas publication (hence no censorship). Bullets, broads, booze and boobs. All expertly rendered by Mr. Wood himself.
I'm reminded of the album Mark Knopfler did with Chet Atkins. Two generations of creators having a ball working together.
Chaykin's art is gorgeous in black and white especially the lingerie. And there's lots of lingerie.*
Fraction is clearly having a ball exploring the seedy underside of the early days of the TV industry.
And Ken Bruzenak's lettering, as ever, adds that elusive ingredient, that... spark that is the breath of life.**
*"Remember lawn-jer-ay?"
**Lingerie-inspired reference.
Peter Milligan and David LaFuente
Although it's $3.99, it's a 5 issue mini so I know in advance what the total cost will be.
It takes the view that as a marginal character, Doop can slip between stories (through Doopspace) to be where he's needed, to help out the X-Men. He's also decided to propose marriage to someone with a hilariously gross twist ending to this first issue.
I would like to find a translation of the script somewhere to find out what he's saying.
I'm normally not a fan of the character and I picked up the new number one on a whim. It was really good and I've stuck with it. He's in L.A. taking on some drug gangs. One of the big ones brings in Electro as their secret weapon. Meanwhile Punisher is also being hunted down by a new team of Howling Commandos. There's also an interesting supporting cast..I highly recommend it.
Why? Does this sound similar to what Rucka did?
I'll also second the new She-Hulk. 3 issues in and super solid. If they can keep up the quality, it is going to be a stellar run.
I'm also enjoying Amazing X-Men.
And Superior Spider-Man (even though it pretty much wraps up this week).
Mercenary Sea (Image)
The story has been a little choppy, but it is a fun story and the art looks almost like a series of crisp, beautiful animation cells. Lush colors, smooth lines with a strong sense of realism. The Mercenary Sea has promise, and based on the first issue I'll be back for more.
Ghost Rider (Marvel)
After two issues, we have a classic silver-age beginning which equates to a true origin story for issue #1. Issue #2 has upped the ante with spectacular and super-fresh artwork. This kid is almost an amalgamated Matt Murdock and Peter Parker when it comes to origin stories. East LA native and protagonist Robbie Reyes and his haunted race car have peaked my interest. I'm going along for the ride.
Enjoying She-Hulk, Trillium, Superior Spider-Man, Superior Foes, Moon Knight, Haven't read the new Silver Surfer yet, or Doop - (rant alert) and aren't ALL of the latest Marvel titles essentially undisclosed "limited series" these days?
I'm looking at you Daredevil and Hulk...)
And oh yeah, I still need to check out my copies of Black Widow (1 - 3) and Captain Marvel...
If the story is half a good as that BEAUTIFUL poster image for Mercenary Sea... I'm sold.
I'm also really enjoying Revival.
And I'd like to second @SolitaireRose 's comments on Ultimate Spider-Man 200. I didn't think they could make another Peter Parker issue but they did it
Flash Gordon #1 by Dynamite is a great jumping on point if you never read Flash Gordon before in comics. It's a fun adventure and the art style has some hints of Darwyn Cooke inspiration, which is perfect for this type of title. I'm looking forward to more.
I also read digitally Warlord of Mars #1 by Dynamite. I have never read this character and never even saw the John Carter movie, so I was really fresh to this. There were some surprises ffor me into the character (like that he was a Confederate soldier). It was again a great jumping on point if you never read anything before about the character. You learn a bit about John Carter and a bit about the world of Mars, but they don't cross over with each other just yet in this issue.
These types of titles I have found that I REALLY enjoy a lot, so I'm looking forward to continuing them.