Greetings true believers and welcome to this week’s edition of Sunday Comics, where we provide non comic fans with suggestions on what to read if they want to get into comics, and for fans, which books to buy. Last week we launched with a look at the independent publishers. This week, we’re doubling up with venerated and iconic publisher DC Comics. For more discussion on all things comic, drop by the Ill Community and hit up Quite Comical
It’s safe to day that without DC comics, the word superhero would not even exist. Since its birth in 1934 as National Allied Publications, DC has been the defining name in the superhero genre, creating timeless characters like Superman, Batman, The Flash, and Wonder Woman. Currently, DC is No. 2 in sales to the younger Marvel, but ask any die-hard fan of the Dark Knight or The Man of Steel, DC is the home of legends and legacies that have yet to be dethroned. As well as our weekly picks, we will also be suggesting an older book for new readers that will give them a taste of what DC is all about.
Here are AllHipHop’s picks for comics for the week ending 1/20.
Fell 9
Writer: Warren Ellis
Artists: Ben Templesmith
Publisher: Image
After more than six months, the wait is finally over. Between Fell 8 and 9, Templesmith was too busy with his 30 Days of Night work, shelving any other projects he was working on. Fell is a 2 dollar, 16 page comic, featuring stories that can be read and enjoyed separately, but does have an ongoing storyline for fans to follow. The low pagenumber forces both artist and writer to get to the point, fast, and it works.
Each issue follows Detective Richard Fell, dumped in the lowliest slum of the city, where he and two and a half other cops have to solve the grizliest of crimes. Templesmith delivers some of his best work on the series so far, and Ellis is on a roll too. The issue left a bad aftertaste though; in the back, it’s confirmed issue 10 won’t be seen before spring 2008.
Fallen Angel 23
Writer: Peter David
Artist: Christina Z and Jenna Jameson
Publisher: Mukesh Singh
I’ve been a big fan of Fallen Angel since issue 1 of the first series. When it was still at DC, it stood out simply for it’s lack of genericism. And it was always a good comic. It still is, but the art has taken a dive. The issue seems rushed for some reason, which is a shame looking back at the first couple of issues. Still, if you’ve liked the series so far, Lee continues to serve whooping left and right, and that’s what a lot of people will buy it for.
The Programme 7
Writer: Peter Milligan
Artist: C.P Smith
Publisher: Wildstorm
The Cold War might be over, but what if super powered Soviets decided to heat it up? Just go to the United States and take it over? Read The Programme and you’ll find out. Issue 7 moves things along, with America’s superpowers stepping it up. The art is great, as expexted from Smith, and Milligan does good as well. It does seem like an inbetween issue though, where everything’s set up for the amazing stuff to come.
Zombies Vs Robots Vs Amazons
Writer: Chris Ryal
Artist: Ashley Wood
Publisher: IDW
Schoolyard brawls have been fought over some questions. Does Sega do what Nintendon’t? Bulls or Lakers? Zombies versus Robots versus Amazons? This comic obviously isn’t to be taken too seriously. It’s great fun though, beautifully drtawn and insanely violent. Make sure to flip through it before buying it, since Ashley Woods is an acquired taste.
Booster Gold 6
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Dan Jurgens
Michael John Carter was your average jock loser in the 25th century who went back in time to become Booster Gold, the superstar he could never be in his own time. Even though he was ridiculed for his feeble attempts at fame and fortune, he now travels time to try maintaining balance and fixing wrongs in the DC Universe’s past. His next stop is his most important one yet: a chance to save the life of his best friend Ted Kord, also known as the Blue Beetle, who was shot and killed by former ally of the Justice League Maxwell Lord. The book is a lesson in DC history to be sure, but Geoff Johns presents the material which such ease and clarity that any new reader can enjoy Booster’s time traveling adventures.
Catwoman 75
Writer: Wil Pfeifer
Artist: David Lopez
Erase any ideas of Michelle Pfeiffer or worse, Halle Berry, and start reading this strong contender for most consistently well-written book in DC today. The newly unreformed Catwoman finds herself (and a bunch of other DC villains) being taken to another planet, to let themselves kill each other off. Still heartbroken over recent events regarding her daughter, Selena Kyle needs to make some unlikely allies if she ever hopes to escape the space prison. The author’s characterization of Catwoman is top notch as always, but what is really surprising is how well he writes other classic DC villains, such as Lex Luthor, Joker, and Cheetah.
Robin 170
Writer: Chuck Dixon
Artist: Chris Batista
Family members, girlfriends, best friends. Tim Drake has lost them all. Yet as the current Robin, he continues as the Batman’s trusted sidekick and adopted son. Writer Chuck Dixon, who did an amazing 100-issue run on this book a few years back, returns to Robin to begin a new chapter in the Teen Wonder’s life. What starts out as a typical hunt for a thief ripping off fellow criminals turns into a painful reminder for Tim of Stephanie Brown, his dead ex-girlfriend who also took over the Robin name for a short while. With Dixon back on board, this book may just be returning to its past greatness after a bumpy year and a half.
Justice League of America # 17
Writer: Alan Burnett & Dwayne McDuffie
Artist : Eddie Benes
Two stories for the price of one in this issue will get you familiar with the all-new, diverse Justice League. In the first, villains are running scared, and it’s not from Superman or Batman. Could it be from the sudden mysterious disappearances of local villains? In the second, newcomer to the League Vixen recently lost her power to absorb the abilities of any animal, but her loss might be a new gain when she discovers that she suddenly has the abilities of her Justice League team members.
Throwback Hardcover: Batman Hush
Writer: Jeph Loeb
Artists: Jim Lee
So you love Batman, but only know him through TV and movies? Then pick up Hush, the twelve-issue mystery by the superstar team of Jeph Loeb (Heroes) and acclaimed comic book artist Jim Lee. Though loved by some and hated by others, Hush is in my opinion the best book to introduce yourself to the world of Batman. It puts you up to date on the last 20 or so years of Batman’s main history, introduces his most famous allies and villains, and creates a few new ones as well. Artist Jim Lee is on top of the game, sneaking in visual Easter Eggs in almost every page. Though you can pick up the whole Hush story in three paperback books, do yourself and favor and shop around for the complete hardcover Absolute Edition. You’ll be glad you did.
