As some of you know, I fell off the DC comp list with The New 52, and decided that was a sign from Zeus to start trade-waiting. And with the April solicits, I see decision time has arrived.
That is to say: Which trades or HCs will I buy? I'm certainly not going to pop for all 52, so I have to pick and choose. So let me ask you, Legionnaires:
- Which titles are so intrinsic to New 52 continuity that they are musts?
- Which titles are just so flaming good that they are musts?
- Which titles lend themselves to collections the best?
- Which titles can be "safely" skipped?
- Which titles are YOU buying?
And so forth. Sound off, folks! Which New 52 titles would you choose for the Captain Comics bookshelf?
Replies
Batman by Scott Snyder is a must. The Flash and Batwoman have amazing art; I don't think, yet, that the stories quite measure up, but each issue is better than the last.
My brain went exactly where Doc's did (except for Batwoman, which I admit has amazing art, but the story in issue one wasn't enough to bring me back to issue two).
Beyond that... I couldn't speak to (or care about) what's intrinsic to continuity, but Swamp Thing and Animal Man are really good horror comics that work hand-in-hand with a shared continuity; Action Comics hasn't lived up to expectations, but is still a worthwhile read; and Justice League Dark is a title I enjoy, but not at all one you need to seek out unless you want to. And I think those are all the DC books I read. :-/
Here's my recommendations:
Batman- probably my favorite. Not a lot of change in this title from the old DC. Still feels fresh though with an exciting story.
Action Comics- This isn't my favorite. It's still solid and it's Grant Morrison. If the HC contains the back-up stories it'll be a nice collection to have.
Green Lantern- Once again a direct continuation from the old 52. But if you liked what Johns was already doing with Hal then you'd want to keep with this.
Batman & Robin- I was on the fence at first with this. Bruce and Damian's bickering was overwhelming. But with the addition of a new enemy the first arc has really pulled out the stops.
Nightwing- This has been a lot of fun. Great art. The story has an overarching mystery but several issues can act as stand alone stories.
Justic League- Long time league fans might not like this one. The story telling is very decompressed but would probably be the best out of the 52 in a collection. It's a fun action packed story. Jim Lee's work has never looked better.
Aquaman- Geoff Johns has a good take on the character. Plus Mera is a great female character.
Flash- The artwork alone is what makes this great. The story while decent felt like small potatoes for an opening arc for the world's fastest man.
Stuff you may like
Animal Man- Creepy horror story featuring Buddy Baker and his family. The art fits the story but I know a lot of folks haven't warmed to it.
Frankenstein Agent of Shade- Frank is fun but the art takes some getting use to.
Deathstroke- A good take on Slade Wilson. Pretty violent though.
DC Universe Presents Deadman- If you like Deadman then this is worth picking up. A fun supernatural quantum leap-esque story with great artwork.
Detective Comics- I put this in here because I already had three bat titles in the recommendations. It's about the early days of Batman in the new 52. It's kind of got a Seven vibe to it. It's pretty good but not a must read unless you really like Batman.
Passes-
Green Lantern Corps- the arc started out ok but got kinda boring.
Green Arrow- Probably one of the most drastic changes to a more popular character. However, it's basic superhero stuff nothing to write home about.
Aquaman and Batgirl have been the best so far.
Green Lantern and Green Lantern New Guardians have been solid continuations. GL focuses on Hal and Sinestro. New Guardians focuses on Kyle and the Rainbow Warriors. If you liked them pre-new-52, you should still like them now. I agree with Jason in that Green Lantern Corps hasn 't been that good in the relaunch, despite having both John and Guy in it.
Justice League has continued to get better with each issue and may work very well as a trade.
I have loved Batman, Wonder Woman, Deathstroke, Flash, Animal Man, Swamp Thing, and--unlike the rest of the general populace--OMAC.
Wonder Woman is like no other version of the character you've ever seen, but that's exactly what her book needed.
...I am not the only one here who seems to have an interest in FRANKENSTEIN , AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E. , MSA , and it's connected , perhaps , to Grant Morrison's " Seven Soldiers " and the Weird Age DC ( Whooper !!!!!!!!! You don't like that term , do you , MSA ??? ) more'n anythin' else.........
Mr. Silver Age said:
Mr. SA, you are right -- non-continuity books are doubtless a better read, and I plan to get plenty of them. But I do have to maintain SOME level of overall comprehension in order to earn my own title!
Anyway, here's my take so far:
Thoughts, anyone?
...BTW , has DC launched yet that THE RAY mini I a few read pages of , oh sparrow ?????????
First off, Liefield hasn't started on some of the books you mentioned, like Hawkman. So you could at least get the first trade, Liefield free, if you wanted to.
This series has gotten a lot better as the story progressed. It explores Bruce's need to be an actual father to Damian, who is on the edge as is.
It's pretty good. If you think you've got too many bat books, then you can skip it. The opening arc was kind of Seven-esque but the current arc with the Penguin is just average.
Well, the first arc was Deadman. So if you like him it's worth getting. The current arc is Challengers of the Unkown, the first issue of that was just ok.
The first issue was excellent but it has slowed down considerably. The characters haven't been fleshed out as much as they should have. I just read issue 6 and the first arc isn't over yet. There's one issue left for the opening arc, I'll let you know then.
Well Leifeld isn't on it yet. I liked it but I suppose it's not for everyone. It focuses on Slad Wilson being close to retirement but still doing what he does. A lot of people doubt his ability. He's set up in the first issue and is trying to find who did. He kills a lot of people along the way.
I'd say pass. I also didn't stay with New Guardians either. The best is still Green Lantern.
The story is just average, Cap. That seems to be the general consesus. The art is great though. This wouldn't be a bad one to have just don't expect anything earth shattering.
If you decide to not get some other Bat-books then pick this up. It's a lot of fun. It explores Dick's ties to the circus.
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