Recommended Reads

Catwoman Limited Series - 'Her Sister's Keeper'

Written by Mindy Newell, Art by Joe Brozowski and Michael Blair

While there is no one story cementing how Selina Kyle became Catwoman, with changing approaches over time, this 1989 Limited Series is a favoured interpretation of the characters origins. Tying directly into Batman: Year One, this version is gritty and grounded within the world of Gotham City.

We first find Selina battered and beaten outside a convent and we soon find out that she was placed there by her pimp, Stan. As she's hospitalised she refuses police aid, though the detective directs her to Ted, a man who can teach her self defense. It's a tale of revenge as Selina, inspired by Batman in donning a cat costume, using the lessons from her instructor to fight back against Stan in seduced by the power of her alter-ego, becoming Catwoman as an escape both literally and psychologically.

The costume itself went onto inspire the one seen in the movie Batman Returns, although the origin story there is much more friendly to the younger audience. This portrayal of Catwoman is a little of the time in just how dark it gets, but it certainly is an entertaining read and adds a believability to the character.

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The Uncanny X-Men and The New Teen Titans

Written by Chris Claremont, Art by Walt Simonson

Two popular superhero teams in the early 1980's The Teen Titans and The Uncanny X-Men, a crossover could have been seen as a simple novelty, however, given the similarities of the two titles and the talent on board here, the result is something much more special.

The story casts Darkseid as the villain, with a plot to restore the recently passed Dark Phoenix through extracting memories of her from the X-Men. The Titans Raven senses the threat of Phoenix in a prophetic dream, one which Starfire dreads through first hand experience. Remembering Phoenix was one of the X-Men, the Titans seek them out. Darkseid also calls upon Deathstroke as a hired gun, providing a balance of X-Men and Teen Titans themes, allowing readers from both series to feel at home.

Moving quickly from brief character introductions, we soon get to the crossover moments we're all looking for in a book like this, such as Wolverine fighting Deathstroke or Professor X and Raven's psychic interactions, there's a feeling that creatives are just having fun here. Claremont is comfortable in telling blockbuster stories whilst balancing a lot of characters to the point that the crossover feels natural, whilst also being allowed greater freedom outside the constraints of continuity. Still, Walt Simonson is tremendous here, who lends the book a true cosmic scale, creating a true epic in artistic storytelling.

Though its choice in writer leaves this as a little more of an X-Men story than a Titans one, it's fair to say fans of either group can pick this up and find what they're looking for, whilst also serving appropriately as a bridge title into another Universe of comics. The Uncanny X-Men and the Teen Titans is just as easy of a recommendation as are either of their teams core titles.

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The Incredible Hercules - 'Against the World'

Written by Greg Pak and Fred van Lente, Art by Khoi Pham

Technically the first part of this story launched under the Incredible Hulk title with issue 112 before the title officially changed with 113, but 112 is a Hercules book, with the first arc running to #115.

Set in the aftermath of World War Hulk with Hercules finding himself on the losing side of the battle, he and sidekick Amadeus Cho are under pursuit by SHIELD and a team of Avengers lead by Herc's brother Ares. The story has Herc at odds with Amadeus with the latter young, arrogant and headstrong, seeking vindication through taking SHIELD down, where Hercules seeking a more peaceful approach. Hercules is influenced by past decisions, weaved into the story with Greek mythology with a recurring theme of poor decision making feeling a need to make the right choice considering his influence over Cho.

The pairing of the generally brutish but experienced Hercules and the intellectual, yet impetuous Amadeus delivers a great contrast, with much of their interaction told with humour. This light tone extends throughout the book even to its genuinely enjoyable first page recaps. By choosing Ares as the villain, yet in the role as an Avenger, Pak pokes fun of the situation and its absurdity, as Ares uses the situation to favour his vendetta against Hercules and fellow Avengers don't fall for his act, further cementing Hercules as the hero of the title.

For some reason this title is a bit of an undiscovered gem, but it is well worth a try. Although there's a lot of background noise from the World War Hulk event the book is focused enough to remain accessible.

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Amazing Spider-Man #400 - 'A Death in the Family'

Written by J.M DeMatteis, Art by Mark Bagley

Taking a welcome break within the infamous Clone Saga, Amazing Spider-Man #400 deals with 'Aunt' May Parker's passing. Refreshingly, there's no super-fight or histrionics here, but rather an intimate moment shared with family.

Having fallen into a coma over recent issues, May is given a brief reprieve as she awakens at the beginning of the issue, and we're given a look into some rare quiet moments within the Parker family as they spend what would be their last days together. There's more insight into her character here than seen in a long while as she and Peter reminisce, with many moments touching before her passing later in the issue.

Of course this would be a pinnacle moment in the entire history of Spider-Man, but of course this being comics the death is later retconned. Whilst this is something of a shame, comics are often just enjoyed as the story that's presented in front of you, and this one is treated with the delicacy and respect due to the long-standing character. It's definitely worth your time.

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Daredevil #179 - 'Spiked'

Written and drawn by Frank Miller

It was tough to choose one book to focus on for Frank Miller's first run on Daredevil. Issue-to-issue the quality remains high, though there are of course stand-outs. I'm particularly fond on this one.

Told from the perspective of reporter Ben Urich as he attempts to bring down corrupt mayoral candidate Randolph Cherryh, affiliated with crime boss Kingpin. His attempts to expose Cherryh sees him in the view of Kingpin's new lead assassin Elektra. The issue gives insight into the character of Urich himself, but also as an outsider to the usual action, enables a view into those of Daredevil and Elektra themselves also.

Immediately striking with it's gorgeous cover, this book does such a great job of selling the danger Elektra poses, as well as the threat of Kingpin's criminal empire. Hell's Kitchen's portrayal is bleak here, exemplifying just how over his head Urich is, but also his bravery.

Whilst contributing to the ongoing story Daredevil #179 works in tandem, like much of Miller's run, as a stand alone book. Whilst the entire run is recommended and will reward readers with it's ongoing arch, there's no need to start with pricier books such as #158 or #168. #179 is a great place to get started to give a glimpse into Frank MIller's vision of Daredevil.

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Green Lantern: Rebirth / Green Lantern: No Fear

Written by Geoff Johns, Art by Ethan Van Sciver (Rebirth) Carlos Pacheco (No Fear)

When DC decided to controversially restore Hal Jordan to the role of Green Lantern, Geoff Johns previous work revitalising The Flash made him an obvious choice. He penned the six issue 'Rebirth' to begin what would become a storied tenure.

Beyond the reincarnation of Hal Jordan and the more complex job of rehabilitating the disgraced hero, Johns goes the extra mile in reintroducing the greater Universe of the Green Lantern, Hals place within that, as well as his relationships with Earth-based heroes. There's a lot here, but it's skillfully woven within a sci-fi epic that is expertly paced, with every panel exciting. Of course, the work of Ethan Van Sciver aids a great deal here, as he seems so comfortable in this setting, lending a believability to the setting. The impressive scope of the lore and stories would become a signature for Johns' run of Green Lantern.

Despite all the acclaim, Rebirth's weakness is that it involves so much history, meaning it's not the easiest point of entry into the Green Lantern series. While a cursory understanding of past events is enough rather than a full read, first timers should still look elsewhere. Fortunately, the first story after 'Rebirth' to take place in the relaunched ongoing book 'No Fear' is much more fitting for new readers.

Grounding Hal Jordan on Earth allows Johns to reintroduce the rogues gallery of Lantern more gradually (this story featuring the Manhunters), whilst exploring Hal's character and his connections. Across the 3 issue arc we're given a look into what it means to have no fear, and it's implications, adding layers to Jordan previously unseen.

Rebirth is an absolute must read. It's the starting point for Johns' run, and those with established knowledge of the character should definitely start there. For those new to the series, start with No Fear, move forward with the series from there and come back to Rebirth later. Regardless, they're both highly recommended.

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New X-Men: E for Extinction

Written by Grant Morrison, Art by Frank Quitely

With the X-Men franchise struggling to capture the attention of modern audiences leading up to the turn of the century, Marvel turned to Grant Morrison, who's subversive style of writing immediately energises a flagging title. Renamed 'New' X-Men with issue 114, the differences in what came before are immediately apparent.

Contentious for sure, his run reevaluates the core ideas of the X-Men, while discarding much of the baggage associated with a long-running series and puts the focus on an evolving the title through fresh ideas, his initial arc 'E for Extinction' is the one with the broadest appeal.

This story adds a new threat to the X-Men in Cassandra Nova, whose arrivals impact is immediate, immense and lasts throughout Morrison's tenure. The added concept of the impending extinction of Homo sapiens, with Mutantkind their natural successor acts as the catalyst for conflict. The writing is sharp, stylish and witty whilst always used to forward plot, characterisation or intercharacter dynamics. At just three issues, this an easy way to start, without requiring too much knowledge of the X-Men to get started. It runs through New X-Men 114, 115 and 116.

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V for Vendetta

Written by Alan Moore, Art by David Lloyd

Initially presented as an ongoing strip in the British anthology series 'Warrior' in the early-mid 80's, the cancellation of that publication would have left V for Vendetta unfinished. Thankfully, later DC picked up the story, allowing Moore to complete his work in a ten issue limited series format.

The story itself features a clash of opposing views of neo-fascism and anarchism, with the dystopian setting here all too believable, highlighted by the bleak and atmospheric artwork by David Lloyd (the DC version adding colour). The titular V contrasts donning a cape and Guy Fawkes mask allowing the character to remain enigmatic, whilst ever charismatic on page. Initially we're introduced to him through the character Evey, who acts as the audience surrogate. After rescuing her from certain death at the hands of the story's secret police 'The Fingermen', V takes her under his wing, as she sees his first act of anarchy, exploding the houses of parliament.

It's an all too relevant piece of work, worth the attention of any comic book reader. Let's just try to avoid the movie adaptation, which loses much of the intent.