I'm looking for a starting point to get back into Marvel so I'm hoping to get some opinions:
-What is your favorite Marvel book over the last few years?
-Favorite recent storyline?
-Any recent events worth checking out?
-Writers/artists that are doing superior work there now or recently?
All opinions welcome. Thanks!
Replies
-What is your favorite Marvel book over the last few years?
Dan Slott's run on Spider-Man, which started in 2011. That encompasses Amazing Spider-Man #648-700, Superior Spider-Man #1-31, and Amazing Spider-Man (Vol 3) #1-18 (#18 being the most recent issue). There's been a lot of different artists on the title, notably Humberto Ramos, Giuseppe Camuncoli, and Ryan Stegman.
Slott does all the things I love on a Spidey title: great storytelling, excellent use of the supporting cast and the rogues gallery (each being among the best in all of comics, imo), always has a few subplots on the boil, plus has put his own spin on the title.
-Favorite recent storyline?
The entire Superior Spider-Man series, which could be subtitled The Rise and Fall of Otto Octavius. Otto was dying, but managed to switch minds with Peter just before his death. Absorbing all of Peter's memories, he also gained his sense of responsibility and vowed to continue as a superior version of our hero. At first, things work out well, but eventually Otto's true nature comes to the fore, things unravel and spiral out of control.
-Any recent events worth checking out?
Spider-Verse, which pitted every version of Spider-Man across Marvel's multiverse - including Spider-Ham! - against Morlun and his family. The crazy is dialed up to 11, and it's a kick to see so many versions of Spidey in one story.
-Writers/artists that are doing superior work there now or recently?
Slott on Silver Surfer with Mike Allred is a hoot, a cosmic romantic comedy. Black Widow by Nathan Edmondson and Phil Noto. The recently cancelled She-Hulk series by Charles Soule and Javiar Pulido. Mark Waid and Chris Samnee, Paolo Rivera, and Marcos Martin on Daredevil. Hawkeye by Matt Fraction and David Aja and friends, well, the first 11 issues anyway (it kind of fell apart after that). Indestructible Hulk by Mark Waid and several different artists.
-What is your favorite Marvel book over the last few years?
Really hard to say, as they keep rebooting/canceling the ones I really enjoy. I will highly recommend Daredevil. The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl is a hoot, Mighty Avengers/Captain America and the Mighty Avengers is really good, Loki: Agent of Asgard, Ms. Marvel, heck, I'm even enjoying the new Howard the Duck series.
-Favorite recent storyline?
Squirrel Girl vs. Galactus. Seriously.
-Any recent events worth checking out?Events? We don' need no stinkin' events! Actually, most of the times that things happen I just roll my eyes and wait for the status quo to return.
-Writers/artists that are doing superior work there now or recently?'
Al Ewing and Charles Soule are doing outstanding work. Waid is good of course. Slott/Allred on Silver Surfer.
Right now, I think Marvel's output is head and shoulders above DC's, although check back with me after Secret Wars wraps up.
I can heartily recommend the current runs of Silver Surfer and Daredevil. I had been enjoying New Invaders, too, but it was cancelled recently circa #15 or so. worth looking into if you like a comic steeped in Marvel history.
Awesome! Thanks guys. Some good starting points. I'll check them out.