A few weeks ago, I listed some titles that new readers can pick up that can help them get into reading comics. I wanted to do something similar again this week, but put the focus on The New 52. These are DC’s current on going series, so for the most part, these titles are still coming out monthly and are either strong sellers or critically acclaimed.
“Justice League Volume 1: Origin”
There isn’t a better place to start with any of the New 52 titles than with “Justice League.” This volume shows how the team came together to stop a colossal threat that threatens the world. In addition Geoff Johns does a fantastic job with these six issues that it’s hard to pass over. In addition, Jim Lee’s art in this volume is some of his best work. If you were only to buy one volume to test the proverbial waters, this book should be it.
“Batman Volume One: The Court of Owls”
“The Court of Owls” is terrific. Scott Snyder wrote the best book of The New 52 and it’s hard arguing against it. Snyder brings a brand new villain into the mix with the Court of Owls, a group of citizens (they may not be ordinary, but they are citizens) that are secretly controlling Gotham using their master assassins known as Talons. In addition, there’s a fantastic dynamic here between Batman and Nightwing, in addition to Greg Capullo’s outstanding artwork that’s just stylized enough that it seems like a mix between more realistic artwork and “Batman: The Animated Series.” This volume is definitely worth your money.
“Superman: Action Comics Volume 1: Superman and the Men of Steel”
Of the two Superman series, Action Comics was the better one. Grant Morrison explores Superman’s early days as he struggles to become an accepted part of society. The title’s biggest strength is that it is a completely different take on Superman and he’s written better in this title than in “Superman.” While not much character development happens here, it is, as its name suggests, a very action oriented book. However, it still is worth a read. Plus despite the price tag, there’s a lot of content here.
“Wonder Woman Volume 1: Blood”
Wonder Woman’s solo series surprised me. The direction that Brian Azzarello takes that character is completely different from what we’ve seen in the past and that makes it a must read. Not only is she well written as a character, but she totally kicks ass in this book. Cliff Chiang and Tony Akins do a fantastic job with the art, it’s hard to imaging this book looking any other way. If you like strong female leads, this is one of the books for you. Speaking of that…
“Batwoman Volume One: Hydrology”
Not only is Batwoman one of DC’s best series, it’s also one that has a subtle importance to it. Kate Kane, aka Batwoman, is currently the only lesbian character starring in her own series out of either of the big two, and that doesn’t contribute to her as a character. In this series, we see her struggle with a government agency in addition to supernatural threats in Gotham. It’s a refreshing thing to see in a Bat title. Plus J.H. Williams III’s art is gorgeous. There are so many different styles clashing that the book is as much a beauty as it is a fantastic story. If you’re willing to take a risk on any series, this should be the one.
