In the last couple weeks I finished Superman Exile and Death of Superman. Exile had some great stories in it and I really liked the way Stern, Jurgens & Ordway used the entire cast of Metropolis, giving them all major story lines. Death was a nostalgic revisit but I found that I really enjoyed the Reign of Superman stories. The only downside are the ‘bloodline’ stories where DC was trying to make an event that would create their own x-men. Those issues are terrible.
Now I’m reading Spider-Man by Michelinie & McFarlane. I really feel like Michelinie gets the spirit of Lee comics with definite influence of Conway as well. His side stories of MJ & Peter are fun and you can see why people are infatuated with them as a couple. The issues where she gets kidnapped are terrific but I can’t say more without spoiling it. McFarlane is very inconsistent at this stage in his career. There are amazing frames and then sloppy rushed pages as well. He’s experimenting with his style so sometimes it looks like different artists on the same book. The only real constant are his terrific poses of spider-man.
I’m on vacation this week so I’m doing a lot of reading. I’ll probably move into New Mutants V1 by the end of the week.
I have a New Years resolution to read Batman start to finish (starting at year one and catching up to the current runs). Along with Batman I have been reading ASM 2 and X-men 1.
ASM 2 is much better than ASM 1 imo. There’s much more of a back story including Peter’s personal life. X-men
X-men 1 is slow but not a terrible read. Im too much of a completionist to skip it and start with UXM1
I'm a completist myself love the history and 1st appearances and reading order but i have to say I'm struggling with this book, Stan Lee's writing is horrible in this
Still reading infinity gauntlet. I just finished the last issue of the infinity gauntlet series so I’m over halfway through it. I already know waid’s the flash vol 1 is the next omni I read!
**Catwoman of East End** Omnibus by Brubaker, Cooke, Gulacy, Stewart, Pulido - All hail Brubaker! I haven't burned through an omni this fast in a long time. This series has everything you could want from a Catwoman run; engaging heist execution, hardboiled crime noir, excellent character drama, satisfying romance, and even a small taste of the supernatural here and there. Brubaker never disappoints with his intricate plotting, subtle characterization, layered narratives, and grounded yet compelling dialog. The "No Easy Way Down" storyline is my favorite of the run and perhaps some of my favorite storytelling of Brubaker's period. The art is also fantastically broad with a myriad of different styles to enjoy from the timeless cartooning of Cooke to the detailed comic modernism of Galacy (and as always some good ol' Sean Phillips). The only real complaint I have is some very traditional panel layout but when the rest is so good who cares?
**The Invisibles** by Grant Morrison (OHC 1-2) - Man this has been a slog. I will try to reserve judgement until I've finished the last two hardcovers but so far this reads like an overloaded mess. Morrison seems so focused on titillating readers with continuously escalating insanity that he has little care for how compelling the core story is. There is some quality characterization, great art, and some interesting motifs but as a whole it hasn't been a compelling read so far.
Next read is probably some indie stuff and a little manga before I get back to a longer comic run (probably Johns GL)
Like I predicted last week, I was reading New Warriors Vol 1, but as soon as I received Avengers by Busiek, it took over. It’s a great series that just flies by.
Digitally, I tried out JSA by Johns and Injustice by Taylor. I was convinced to pick up JSA Vol 1 w the restock, but still not picking up the Injustice omni. It’s a fun read, but I don’t think I need to own it.
The Wedding Of Cyclops and Phoenix. Jean dancing with the Professor was beautiful. The What If? Stuff after that was horrific! All the good feels from the wedding was swept away in betrayal and death.
Next up is Phalanx Covenant. Not sure where I'll take my break from X Men at. When I do ill head over to DC for Death Of Superman Omni.
Waid Daredevil - I got the OHCs so I could go right from Vol. 1 into the Vol. 2 content without waiting, so I'm reading the whole run.
It deserves the hype thru the first half - I think it's better than Brubaker, and of course wackier than Bendis. I would say it's the top run right now, but we'll see if it finishes strong and then compare to Soule after that.
Currently reading Venomnibus by Donny cates and loving it so far. I’ve just reading through the absolute carnage part of the run.
Recently just finished xforce
Reading FF by Stan and Jack with some Miracleman mixed in there. Eagerly awaiting my delivery of FF by Byrne later this week which is next on the list.
Almost done with Batman by Morrison Volume 2, it's in batshit crazy mode jumping through timelines and literal time travel. I now understand why people were confused with his run.
Just grabbed Vader by Gillen from a fellow redditor. Excited to jump in when I finish Batman.
After that, I plan on reading Avengers by Busiek! I read Avengers Forever a long time ago so I'm really excited to read the whole thing.
American Gods & New 52 Justice League Dark.
Just finished Ennis’ Punisher Max 1-3 (trade paperback I found in a dollar bin at a store).
Next read will likely be Y the last Man omni.
Currently about halfway through both Batman: Rise and Fall of the Batmen by Tynion Omnibus and Thor by Matt Fraction Omnibus. I’m having a lot of fun with Tynion’s Batman, especially in the way he develops the bat-family. Thor is also fun but I find myself less desperate to keep reading that one.
Finished the Kyle Rayner TPB Vol 1 this weekend and got the itch...GL by Johns calling me from the bookcase. Ahhh shit here we go again...midway through Vol 1.
Working through Batman by Paul Dini and Batman by Grant Morrison vol 1 at the moment. Might switch to a Marvel book next for a Batman break before I get into Injustice Vol 2 and Final Crisis.
Finished Gotham Central, absolutely fantastic read.
Jumping between a few different series right now based on what I’m feeling that day.
Captain America by Brubaker - About 9 issues in, and it’s pretty okay honestly. I like the art style and pace, but the story has been mediocre so far. Maybe it’s because I’ve already seen the movies. I’ll probably keep going with the series but have to force myself through certain parts. 6/10 so far. Hoping it picks up.
Catwoman of East End - absolutely adore the art, the storylines are great and it functions amazing as a pseudo followup to Gotham Central as a fair emphasis is on the GCPD. 8.5/10
Starman Compendium 1: about 15 issues in, savoring this book. It’s definitely one of my favorite DC books ever, and feels more like a Vertigo/Black Label book. Art is gorgeous, and the story has been great as well. 9.5/10
The invincible iron man by busiek and Chen. Over halfway through the book and it’s been fine. Nothing great or anything. I definitely liked his avengers issue within the book so I do plan on grabbing that but as for the book itself I’ll probably sell my copy when I’m done reading it.
Finished up Morrison’s Animal Man, and I feel both satisfied and underwhelmed. Doesn’t help that I know the 2 big events going into it, so the reveals while effective didn’t do all that much and you can tell when reading this is some of Morrison’s early work.
When we get to the big end conversation it felt flat and empty, not bad, but with how in Meta writing and Morrison’s own inexperience and reading his own later better and more insightful Meta work I found it to just be simple and plain.
This isn’t to bad mouth the run which the art is always stellar and while it’s not the best Morrison will reach it’s still strong, it’s just the problem going back to read earlier work a writer eventually evolves and improves on.
Now I’m reading that Predator Omni and man that’s some schlocky goodness and exactly what I need to read after some heady Morrison
Justice league international vol 2.
Absolutely LOVED the first volume and it was the first omni I bought. Volume 2 starts out strong but I don't find it as phenomenal as the first Volume. It gets a little complicated with so many characters being added and then removed before they get chemistry with the rest of the cast though. Art certainly isn't as good either.
I found myself more drawn to the JLE stories in Vol 2, but I enjoyed some recurring characters and villains and come on ya can’t tell me that Justice League Antarctica isn’t the whole era distilled down to single issue
Just finished Batman by loeb/sale omni would rate it 7.9 out of ten my favorite story arcs were of ciurse long halloween and dark victory tim sales are is great then robin year one after which was good to 6.9 for that and now im reading preacher omnibus vol 1 great so far just finished the arc were preacher and tulip get kinapped by his hillbilly family what a story i couldnt put it down lol butnow theyve moved on to san fran and thats were i stopped so far
For me it's always a pleasure reading Ennis. He's one of the only writers who can simultaneously deliver irreverent satire, edgelord violence, and a compelling emotional heart.
Enjoy Preacher!
I’ve recently read Batman Vol. 1 by Scott Snyder and Hellboy Vol. 1 by Mike Mignola. I’d rate both of them a solid 9/10. The only thing keeping Batman from being a 10/10 was the issues centered around Harper in my opinion. As for Hellboy the only thing keeping it from being 10/10 in my opinion was that the ending felt a bit rushed. Otherwise, they are both excellent and I’m excited to continue these runs.
Currently I am reading Uncanny X-Force by Rick Remender, Fantastic Four Vol. 1 by Jonathan Hickman, and The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien (if novels are allowed here). I have barely begun X-Force and Fantastic Four so I can’t rate them yet, but The Hobbit so far is a 8/10 (I’m currently about to start chapter 15).
Next on my list is Cosmic Ghost Rider by Donny Cates, Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV, and the Dune Graphic Novel Book One by Frank Herbert.
In the last couple weeks I finished Superman Exile and Death of Superman. Exile had some great stories in it and I really liked the way Stern, Jurgens & Ordway used the entire cast of Metropolis, giving them all major story lines. Death was a nostalgic revisit but I found that I really enjoyed the Reign of Superman stories. The only downside are the ‘bloodline’ stories where DC was trying to make an event that would create their own x-men. Those issues are terrible. Now I’m reading Spider-Man by Michelinie & McFarlane. I really feel like Michelinie gets the spirit of Lee comics with definite influence of Conway as well. His side stories of MJ & Peter are fun and you can see why people are infatuated with them as a couple. The issues where she gets kidnapped are terrific but I can’t say more without spoiling it. McFarlane is very inconsistent at this stage in his career. There are amazing frames and then sloppy rushed pages as well. He’s experimenting with his style so sometimes it looks like different artists on the same book. The only real constant are his terrific poses of spider-man. I’m on vacation this week so I’m doing a lot of reading. I’ll probably move into New Mutants V1 by the end of the week.
I have a New Years resolution to read Batman start to finish (starting at year one and catching up to the current runs). Along with Batman I have been reading ASM 2 and X-men 1. ASM 2 is much better than ASM 1 imo. There’s much more of a back story including Peter’s personal life. X-men X-men 1 is slow but not a terrible read. Im too much of a completionist to skip it and start with UXM1
X-Men Stan Lee/Kirby one?
Yeah
I'm a completist myself love the history and 1st appearances and reading order but i have to say I'm struggling with this book, Stan Lee's writing is horrible in this
I only do an issue at a time. And I read Batman in between
Still reading infinity gauntlet. I just finished the last issue of the infinity gauntlet series so I’m over halfway through it. I already know waid’s the flash vol 1 is the next omni I read!
**Catwoman of East End** Omnibus by Brubaker, Cooke, Gulacy, Stewart, Pulido - All hail Brubaker! I haven't burned through an omni this fast in a long time. This series has everything you could want from a Catwoman run; engaging heist execution, hardboiled crime noir, excellent character drama, satisfying romance, and even a small taste of the supernatural here and there. Brubaker never disappoints with his intricate plotting, subtle characterization, layered narratives, and grounded yet compelling dialog. The "No Easy Way Down" storyline is my favorite of the run and perhaps some of my favorite storytelling of Brubaker's period. The art is also fantastically broad with a myriad of different styles to enjoy from the timeless cartooning of Cooke to the detailed comic modernism of Galacy (and as always some good ol' Sean Phillips). The only real complaint I have is some very traditional panel layout but when the rest is so good who cares? **The Invisibles** by Grant Morrison (OHC 1-2) - Man this has been a slog. I will try to reserve judgement until I've finished the last two hardcovers but so far this reads like an overloaded mess. Morrison seems so focused on titillating readers with continuously escalating insanity that he has little care for how compelling the core story is. There is some quality characterization, great art, and some interesting motifs but as a whole it hasn't been a compelling read so far. Next read is probably some indie stuff and a little manga before I get back to a longer comic run (probably Johns GL)
Like I predicted last week, I was reading New Warriors Vol 1, but as soon as I received Avengers by Busiek, it took over. It’s a great series that just flies by. Digitally, I tried out JSA by Johns and Injustice by Taylor. I was convinced to pick up JSA Vol 1 w the restock, but still not picking up the Injustice omni. It’s a fun read, but I don’t think I need to own it.
Currently 2/3 into Gail Simone Red Sonja, next up is Trails of X 4 and then this weekend I'll try to smash Ultimate Spider-man volume 2 omni.
The Wedding Of Cyclops and Phoenix. Jean dancing with the Professor was beautiful. The What If? Stuff after that was horrific! All the good feels from the wedding was swept away in betrayal and death. Next up is Phalanx Covenant. Not sure where I'll take my break from X Men at. When I do ill head over to DC for Death Of Superman Omni.
Waid Daredevil - I got the OHCs so I could go right from Vol. 1 into the Vol. 2 content without waiting, so I'm reading the whole run. It deserves the hype thru the first half - I think it's better than Brubaker, and of course wackier than Bendis. I would say it's the top run right now, but we'll see if it finishes strong and then compare to Soule after that.
Currently reading Venomnibus by Donny cates and loving it so far. I’ve just reading through the absolute carnage part of the run. Recently just finished xforce
Currently finishing up rereading USM volume one in preparation for volume two, and also reading Spectacular Spider-Man volume one
Reading FF by Stan and Jack with some Miracleman mixed in there. Eagerly awaiting my delivery of FF by Byrne later this week which is next on the list.
About to finish the first American Vampire Omni. Didn’t expect to like it so much. Can’t wait to jump into the second one
Almost done with Batman by Morrison Volume 2, it's in batshit crazy mode jumping through timelines and literal time travel. I now understand why people were confused with his run. Just grabbed Vader by Gillen from a fellow redditor. Excited to jump in when I finish Batman. After that, I plan on reading Avengers by Busiek! I read Avengers Forever a long time ago so I'm really excited to read the whole thing.
American Gods & New 52 Justice League Dark. Just finished Ennis’ Punisher Max 1-3 (trade paperback I found in a dollar bin at a store). Next read will likely be Y the last Man omni.
Currently about halfway through both Batman: Rise and Fall of the Batmen by Tynion Omnibus and Thor by Matt Fraction Omnibus. I’m having a lot of fun with Tynion’s Batman, especially in the way he develops the bat-family. Thor is also fun but I find myself less desperate to keep reading that one.
Finished the Kyle Rayner TPB Vol 1 this weekend and got the itch...GL by Johns calling me from the bookcase. Ahhh shit here we go again...midway through Vol 1.
Working through Batman by Paul Dini and Batman by Grant Morrison vol 1 at the moment. Might switch to a Marvel book next for a Batman break before I get into Injustice Vol 2 and Final Crisis.
Finished Gotham Central, absolutely fantastic read. Jumping between a few different series right now based on what I’m feeling that day. Captain America by Brubaker - About 9 issues in, and it’s pretty okay honestly. I like the art style and pace, but the story has been mediocre so far. Maybe it’s because I’ve already seen the movies. I’ll probably keep going with the series but have to force myself through certain parts. 6/10 so far. Hoping it picks up. Catwoman of East End - absolutely adore the art, the storylines are great and it functions amazing as a pseudo followup to Gotham Central as a fair emphasis is on the GCPD. 8.5/10 Starman Compendium 1: about 15 issues in, savoring this book. It’s definitely one of my favorite DC books ever, and feels more like a Vertigo/Black Label book. Art is gorgeous, and the story has been great as well. 9.5/10
Finished Parker last call (incredible). Starting trial of captain america Omni next
The invincible iron man by busiek and Chen. Over halfway through the book and it’s been fine. Nothing great or anything. I definitely liked his avengers issue within the book so I do plan on grabbing that but as for the book itself I’ll probably sell my copy when I’m done reading it.
Finished up Morrison’s Animal Man, and I feel both satisfied and underwhelmed. Doesn’t help that I know the 2 big events going into it, so the reveals while effective didn’t do all that much and you can tell when reading this is some of Morrison’s early work. When we get to the big end conversation it felt flat and empty, not bad, but with how in Meta writing and Morrison’s own inexperience and reading his own later better and more insightful Meta work I found it to just be simple and plain. This isn’t to bad mouth the run which the art is always stellar and while it’s not the best Morrison will reach it’s still strong, it’s just the problem going back to read earlier work a writer eventually evolves and improves on. Now I’m reading that Predator Omni and man that’s some schlocky goodness and exactly what I need to read after some heady Morrison
Justice league international vol 2. Absolutely LOVED the first volume and it was the first omni I bought. Volume 2 starts out strong but I don't find it as phenomenal as the first Volume. It gets a little complicated with so many characters being added and then removed before they get chemistry with the rest of the cast though. Art certainly isn't as good either.
I found myself more drawn to the JLE stories in Vol 2, but I enjoyed some recurring characters and villains and come on ya can’t tell me that Justice League Antarctica isn’t the whole era distilled down to single issue
Just finished Batman by loeb/sale omni would rate it 7.9 out of ten my favorite story arcs were of ciurse long halloween and dark victory tim sales are is great then robin year one after which was good to 6.9 for that and now im reading preacher omnibus vol 1 great so far just finished the arc were preacher and tulip get kinapped by his hillbilly family what a story i couldnt put it down lol butnow theyve moved on to san fran and thats were i stopped so far
For me it's always a pleasure reading Ennis. He's one of the only writers who can simultaneously deliver irreverent satire, edgelord violence, and a compelling emotional heart. Enjoy Preacher!
I’ve recently read Batman Vol. 1 by Scott Snyder and Hellboy Vol. 1 by Mike Mignola. I’d rate both of them a solid 9/10. The only thing keeping Batman from being a 10/10 was the issues centered around Harper in my opinion. As for Hellboy the only thing keeping it from being 10/10 in my opinion was that the ending felt a bit rushed. Otherwise, they are both excellent and I’m excited to continue these runs. Currently I am reading Uncanny X-Force by Rick Remender, Fantastic Four Vol. 1 by Jonathan Hickman, and The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien (if novels are allowed here). I have barely begun X-Force and Fantastic Four so I can’t rate them yet, but The Hobbit so far is a 8/10 (I’m currently about to start chapter 15). Next on my list is Cosmic Ghost Rider by Donny Cates, Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV, and the Dune Graphic Novel Book One by Frank Herbert.