Archive for the ‘Comics’ Category

Here is a list of comic books that I would recommend reading. This is not a list of my top books since that would take me a long, long time to decide which ones I liked most and in what order. This is just a list of books I can think of at this particular moment in time that I think are great reads.

Lex Luther: Man of Steel

Lex Luther: Man of Steel

In this telling of the Superman/ Lex Luther tale, we get to see Lex’s point of view on the arrival of his nemisis. It gives the reader insight on a human’s perspective on the presence of this “greater” being that is treated as a God.

I recently lent this book to a friend of mine who is a giant Superman fan (he and I fight over Batman/ Superman stuff all the time) and he actually admitted that this book really made him look at his hero in a whole new light. It excited me to hear this and it made me appreciate the story that much more.

Finally, a story that removes the boyscout exterior that has been built up around the Man of Steel.
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Batman: The Killing Joke

Batman: The Killing Joke

The Joker has escaped Arkham… again.

In this dark tale the Joker has decided to target everybody’s favourite police commissioner to prove that any man can go insane – if pushed hard enough. The story also sees Batman’s realization that the only real conclusion of the war between himself and the Joker will lie in one of their deaths. Though, this thought doesn’t prevent him from trying to reason with the Joker one last time.

If you enjoy Batman this is a definite must read. Alan Moore (Author of the Watchmen) created a story that was shocking for what it did to Barbara Gordan (this book was the catalyst for her role as the Oracle) and powerful for the character representations of Batman, Joker and Jim Gordon. (more…)

The Dark Knight Returns

The Dark Knight Returns

Okay, I realize what I’m about to say is Batman blasphemy, but I didn’t like this book very much.

The Dark Knight Returns (by Frank Miller) takes place in the near future where Bruce Wayne is a man in his sixties, Batman is a myth of the past, Commissioner Gordon is being forced into retirement and most of the arch-villians of Gotham have been put away. However, with the appearance of a mutant uprising Bruce decides it’s time to bring the Bat back from the dead.

The story has what it takes to be absolutely amazing, and there are definitely areas of awesome in the book. My problem lies in the inconsistency of both the Bat-verse and the story itself. (more…)