Forging a new path without the big two

[Random Axe]

With the new DC 52 stuff leaving me cold and abused and with Marvel not being able to even inspire a bowel movement, I am looking to broaden my horizons and try some new material, new universes and concepts. I am looking for insight and opinions.

I would like to stick with books close to the superhero genre, but not necessarily married to the notion. Here's what I've got so far over the last year or so.

Irredeemable - Cool concept, Mark Waid, average artwork. I've only got volume 1, so I know there will be some catching up to do if I go further.

Invincible - I've got this huge, hardback and I've had problems getting through it. It's not nearly as clever as I'd heard or how it tries to be. The art may be holding me back some.

The Mighty - I like this one so far. Again, the art is not quite there, but the vibe of the story and the subterfuge of the main character is well done.

Tom Strong - Just started this and I like.


So what other options are there out there maybe, kinda similar to the above? I might be able to branch out into alternate genres too. I was completely out of comics from 2001-2009, so I probably missed a bunch of cool stuff along the way.

[enyawd72]

With the new DC 52 stuff leaving me cold and abused and with Marvel not being able to even inspire a bowel movement, I am looking to broaden my horizons and try some new material, new universes and concepts. I am looking for insight and opinions.

I would like to stick with books close to the superhero genre, but not necessarily married to the notion. Here's what I've got so far over the last year or so.

Irredeemable - Cool concept, Mark Waid, average artwork. I've only got volume 1, so I know there will be some catching up to do if I go further.

Invincible - I've got this huge, hardback and I've had problems getting through it. It's not nearly as clever as I'd heard or how it tries to be. The art may be holding me back some.

The Mighty - I like this one so far. Again, the art is not quite there, but the vibe of the story and the subterfuge of the main character is well done.

Tom Strong - Just started this and I like.


So what other options are there out there maybe, kinda similar to the above? I might be able to branch out into alternate genres too. I was completely out of comics from 2001-2009, so I probably missed a bunch of cool stuff along the way.

Here's what I do...I buy cheap collections of back issues on Ebay, and I buy Marvel Masterworks. That's it.

From 1962-1990, there are two and a half decades of comics for me to read, and I've only scratched the surface. Just recently I discovered Marvel Super-Villain Team-Up...it was a great run of 17 issues, which I read of the course of a couple weeks. The art and stories were great, and I had a BLAST looking at all of the old superhero toy ads!

I don't need new comics at all. There are plenty of vintage gems out there waiting to be discovered.

[Random Axe]

I considered going back and buying up a bunch of What Ifs, Marvel Two in Ones and Marvel Team Up. I seem to remember really liking those.

[wayne foundation 07]

There were 2 comic shops close by, but the economy claimed them both.Haven't bought a new comic since they've been gone.I get the trade paperbacks of Spiderman from the local library , so I atleast stay current on him.

[madmarva]

I always liked:

Jon Sable by Mike Grell (more Bond than super-hero)
Grimjack by John Ostrander
Dynamo Joe by Ostrander
Nexus by Baron and Rude

[GaryPlaysWithDolls]

You gotta check out ASTRO CITY and POWERS---two of my favorites. Sort of everything I like about superheroes without much of what I don't like. I'll have to lend you my first, like, 13 volumes of Powers.

[GaryPlaysWithDolls]

Weird to say, but I think the COLORING of all things, turned me off of INVINCIBLE. Too pastely, it was like an easter bonnet.

Old Hellboy is good (all mignola)

[Figuremod73]

I suggest looking into what Dark Horse or IDW has to offer now.
DC showcase and Marvel essentials are very good. Its usually over ten issues in a single volume for under 20 bucks. A few of those will keep you busy as long as you can deal with b/w. The monster volumes are really good on those.

[johnmiic]

Nexus & Astro City are great. Steve Rude announced more Nexus is on the way soon. The Goon was good-tho I've fallen behind. Maybe you'd like the new Kirby Genesis inspired titles at Dynamite comics? The new Bionic Man comic by Kevin Smith isn't bad. This would be a good time to get into them.

Also recommend Jack Staff/The Weird world of Jack staff by Paul Grist.

Wikimedia Error

This guy in the UK recycled a Union Jack story line he sent to MARVEL that was rejected. From that he has created his own MARVEL/DC universe. Not only are there nods to super-heroes in the series but elements of Kolchack, X-Files, Torchwood, the british spy genre and the list goes on. The stories are jam-packed and far ranging. You could read like 2-3 issues and feel like you read nearly a year's continuity. His art style is somewhat like Steve Ditko, Ted McKeevers & Mike Mignola.

I think the 1st full collection is "Jack Staff Volume 1: Everything used to be Black & White". There is a smaller collection like "Yesterday's Heroes". This guy also has 3 other series which I have not sampled: Kane, Burglar Bill and the new Mudman. Check the Wikipedia link and see if this is up your alley.

[EMCE Hammer]

I always liked:

Jon Sable by Mike Grell (more Bond than super-hero)
Grimjack by John Ostrander
Dynamo Joe by Ostrander
Nexus by Baron and Rude

Listen to this man Scott! There's a ton of great stuff from EC, First, and Valiant that is dirt cheap and is a great read. You'll be pumping out X-O Manowar customs in no time.

[samurainoir]

. Just recently I discovered Marvel Super-Villain Team-Up...it was a great run of 17 issues, which I read of the course of a couple weeks. The art and stories were great, and I had a BLAST looking at all of the old superhero toy ads!

I just loved how insane that title was, between the weird bro-mantic action between Namor and Dr Doom. toss in Red skull into the mix.

I just wished Secret Society of Super Villains got that wild.

7 SUPER VILLAIN TEAM UP Marvel Bronze Age Comic Books 1975-6 DR DOOM Sub-Mariner | eBay
SUPER-VILLAIN TEAM-UP :: #1 :: SLAYERS FROM THE SEA | eBay
Super Villain Team Up 1 CGC 9.2 1975 | eBay
SUPER-VILLAIN TEAM-UP LOT #1 #3 #5 #6 #7 #8 #10 #11 #12 #13 #14 #15 #16 #17 | eBay

[samurainoir]

Cool... There was an essentials
SUPER-VILLAIN TEAM-UP ESSENTIAL Volume #1 - Marvel 2004 | eBay

[johnnystorm]

If you venture out of the hero category, I'd recommend any of the Criminal books from Ed Brubaker, along with his new series FATALE. Both great crime noir series, Fatale delving into a supernatural mix.

As for Horror, Walking Dead is a no brainer (pardon the pun), and I like HACK/SLASH a guilty pleasure.

Dynamite has the Bionic Man & Woman, and classic heroes Lone Ranger, Zorro, Phantom, Flash Gordon, Tarzan, & John Carter (hint- stick to the main title and venture into myriad spinoff series at your discretion).

IDW has Doctor Who & The Ghostbusters.

I like some of Moonstone's books, Captain Action & Kolchak the Night Stalker.

And strangely, I find myself picking up Archie titles now & again just for the fun of it.

[enyawd72]

I just loved how insane that title was, between the weird bro-mantic action between Namor and Dr Doom. toss in Red skull into the mix.

I just wished Secret Society of Super Villains got that wild.

Yeah, it was a GREAT read! The issue with Doom fighting the Red Skull on the moon was incredible. That's what is missing in a lot of today's comics...the FUN.

[thunderbolt]

Hellboy has tons of stuff out there, and spin offs like BPRD, Lobster Johnson, and Witchfinder. The Baltimore series is also a good one. And I can't reccomend the Goon enough. Also check out RObot 13, Atomic Robo, Fear Agent.