A Geek’s Guide to Brainwashing: Comics Edition
Despite the maturity that comics have reached over the ages, and the growing popularity of the characters due to blockbuster Hollywood movies, comic books haven’t infiltrated mass markets in the way video games have in their current generation. Only the biggest Marvel and DC books see sales above 100,000 copies sold and the main audience remains a rabidly loyal fan base of males age 13-40. The content of the bigger titles certainly caters to the long time reader, relying on their knowledge of the history of the comic universe. At the same time, this is the biggest hindrance for new readers, as big 2009 events like Marvel’s Captain America Reborn and DC’s Blackest Night, almost seem lost on a person who only heard about Cap’s death in the newspaper. Some people can’t make that initial investment, but we’re here with suggestions on how to get that investment for them or for yourself.
Any major satisfaction a reader will get from Batman #694 is going to stem from having read #693, #692, and so on. Certain current limited runs like Blackest Night or Siege involve just about every DC/Marvel character out there, which require the reader to have quite a bit of knowledge of the history of the universe to really get any satisfaction out of the book. Fortunately, both Marvel and DC have no lack of self contained story arcs limited to one-shots or just a small number of issues.
Batman: The Widening Gyre (6 issues long)Kevin Smith rediscovers Batman’s romantic side as the Dark Knight comes to terms with a life of vigilantism that trumps his own desires. Batman is one of the most popular and steadfast characters in the world of comics, and rightfully so. While generally remaining complex, dark and mysterious, any Batman run presents a proud soul torn between the mask of Batman and the facade of Bruce Wayne. Altogether a character built to grip any new reader and draw him/her in.
Deadpool #900 (serial one-shots)Actually the first issue in a monthly series counting down, this extra large issue offers 7 independent short stories by Marvel’s top talent exploring the witty madness of Wade Wilson aka Deadpool (seen in the most recent X-men movie) and then following the Merc with a Mouth as he teams up with various characters ranging from the Ghost Riders to Hercules in subsequent independent issues. Fourth wall not included.
Superman: Secret Origin (6 issues long)Origin stories tend to make the best place for new readers to begin their journey into comics, letting the reader grow into the universe as the character does. While originally Superman seemed too aloof for readers to truly connect with him, his modern counter part presents an alien insight that can give the reader a unique perspective into all sides of our humanity. DC darling Geoff Johns explores the origin story of the Man of Steel, offering up an exciting reinterpretation of the character for the 21st century.
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Though there is certainly something to be said about anticipating one’s weekly visit to the comic shop and devouring the next issue before you make it back to the car, trade paperbacks and graphic novels offer a much more traditional reading experience that can better suit a new reader. Trades accumulate both limited series similar to those covered above, as well as past serial comics that would otherwise be difficult to get into because of their extensive history. They present the material as self contained as any serial novel would. Should you or your target find a series to your liking, most comic shops will have all the trades in order up until the newest regular monthly release.
Punisher MAXTaking a turn from the superhero-centric exploits of earlier Punisher runs, Garth Ennis critically examines the ruthless vigilante as he grapples with modern global events and Frank Castle’s own existence as a lawless force of absolute justice. The Punisher provides a unique perspective on a world brimming with superpowers as just a regular human being armed only with a sharply honed tactical mind, and lots and lots and lots of gun. Marvel’s MAX brand indicates content for mature audiences only.
Green Lantern: RebirthThe return of Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) in the series reboot spans epic galactic conflicts and sets the stage for the current DC mega-event, Blackest Night. The world of the Green Lantern is perfect for any fan of science fiction, teeming with exotic alien planets and outer space adventure. Geoff Johns’ Green Lantern is currently DC’s biggest seller, especially with the HollywoodGreen Lanternfilm currently in the works.
Civil WarAs a new legislation forces superheroes to either reveal their identity and start working for the government or become criminals, sides are taken and war breaks out. With Captain America championing the rights of the masked community and Iron Man choosing to work with the government instead of fighting against it, Civil War forces characters and readers alike to come to terms with what it means and what it costs to be a superhero. Though the myriad characters involved can prove a bit daunting to a new reader, the focus remains more on the tolls war can take, especially when it turns friend against friend.
InvincibleWhile on the surface it might just look another superhero comic, Invincible completely avoids the classic superhero cliché and fully embraces it as a parody. Originally created in 2003, teenager Mark Grayson (Invincible) is one of the only modern-day superhero, providing a character incredibly easy to relate to. Although the universe of Image Comics isn't a well known as DC or Marvel, Invincible shows that the quality there is easily on par with any other publisher.
WatchmenIt’s a widely believed fact that if you read one graphic novel, it should Watchmen. Alan Moore’s masterpiece portrays a dystopian future where superheroes are outlawed and Nixon is reelected to a third term for winning the war in Vietnam. The harsh tone and extremely deep plots might deter a casual reader, but still Watchmen remains one of the most revered comics of all time.
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While superheroes certainly dominate the Western comics market, there is still plenty of variety to please just about everyone. Although it’s difficult to quantify, it’s safe to say that non-superhero and indie comics greatly outnumber the monthly DC/Marvel books despite falling short of outselling them. From Pixar to President Obama defeating the zombies (you heard me), the scope of the comic book form is limitless. It can, and does tell a tale of every variety.
The UnwrittenImagine your late father wrote the equivalent of the Harry Potter series, basing the character on you. Life’s not too bad with the fame and rabid fans until fans put your life in danger, believing that they are characters from the books. If only they were wrong.
World of Warcraft
Everyone knows someone who plays WoW. Delve deeper into the universe of this gaming phenomenon and follow an amnesiatic human warrior captured by orc slave traders in the course of searching for his identity. Though still quite the fantastic universe, World of Warcraft is a great start for any fan of the game or of the fantasy genre in general.
Persepolis
An autobiographical graphic novel of a young girl caught up in the Iranian Revolution of the 1970s. Author and artist Marjane Satrapi provides a unique perspective into the revolution and culture of Iran encapsulated in a stirring and somber tale. This is a great place to introduce the new reader into the narrative form of comics while offering an insightful and gripping read.
The Dark Tower
Expanding the universe of Stephen King’s magnum opus, The Dark Tower comics will please any fan, but stand perfectly on their own for those who haven’t read the novels. In a brilliant blend of Arthurian legend and spaghetti Western, Roland Deschain is a young gunslinger unknowingly set on an eternal quest to mend the rotting threads that hold the world together. As something like a story of stories, The Dark Tower is a necessary read for lovers of comics and epic tales alike, all in one of the most original settings in modern fiction.
The SandmanNeil Gaiman’s now-classic tale is the surreal story of Morpheus the Lord of Dreams, an Endless, who are a race of beings older and vastly more powerful than any god. As described by Gaiman himself, “the Lord of Dreams learns that one must change or die, and [he] makes his decision." This is certainly not just a casual read, but is something more of an all-consuming narrative that won't quit until it's done.
PreacherThe offspring of an angel and a demon is a mix of pure good and evil, and thus can rival God is His power. The supernatural infant possesses and empowers Texas Preacher Jesse Custer, setting him on a road to quite literally find God. As our own Erika Zsabo has said many times, "Preacher is a comic that perfectly captures the 90s". Entirely unapologetic in its presentation of religion, the nine-part series is quite graphic and certainly requires a mature reader.
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Everyone loves a good story. Comics are entirely unique in their content and style, which can present readers with stories, characters and universes that could not exist in another format. Beyond the grossly incorrect stigma that comic books are only entertaining to young boys, lies an alternate narrative form that matches film and text in the ability to evoke the strongest emotions in the reader and inspire memories that will last a lifetime.
