So here is what I'm reading these days:
Marvel Comics
Marvel 70th Anniversary One-Shots
I've really enjoyed this retro return to the Golden Age era. Each issue includes a new story, usually set in the World War II era, and back-up reprints providing a good history of Marvel Comics and of the state of popular culture in that era.
Marvel's Project
A retelling of Marvel history written by Ed Brubaker. The first issue blew me away. The Human Torch, the Sub-Mariner, and the Angel. Classic characters with story and art that are up to modern standards of excellence.
Torch
An eight-parter co-written by Alex Ross who proved that he could write with the publication of JSA Kingdom Come Special: Superman (one of the best comics I may ever have read). It seems that this all new tale might be bringing the Golden Age Human Torch and sidekick Toro back together again. This will pick up some threads of sub-plot that were introduced in Avengers/Invaders, which had plot and covers by Ross.
DC Comics
Justice Society of America
This remains the only ongoing title I collect. The characters continue to fascinate me and the stories are still good despite the departure of Johns. I hear that a new title will be spinning off from this one as the JSA divides into two different teams. The other series will be called JSA All Stars. I don't know that I'll be getting both, but I was of the impression that the JSA was getting too big. If the teams are divided evenly between older and younger members, I'll go with the more established team.
Dynamite Entertainment
Project Superpowers, Chapter Two
While the first mini-series left much to be desired, it did set the tone for the excellent spin-off mini-series Black Terror and Masquerade. This one seems to be as good so far.
As usual the comics I collect are typically either revivals of Golden Age heroes or are set in the Golden Age era. I'm wondering if the final issue of Marvels: Eye of the Camera will ever be released. But maybe there's more hope for that than there is for the completion of The Twelve limited series. Anyway, I'm not holding my breath.
That is a very interesting illustration of the Human Torch. I'm not sure I like it or don't like it. But it IS different than most portrayals.
Posted by: Ron Cole | September 14, 2009 at 08:48 AM
Ron,
Thanks for reading. I think I like this Human Torch picture. I got it from the Comic Vine Website. It gives the Torch a bit of realism I think. I like the brown swirls which kind of makes it look like he is leaving a trail of ash. That would be a cool power to have.
Once all these Torch series make their way to public libraries as collected editions, I think you would like them.
You may also notice how I've been defecting to Marvel lately. What am I becoming?
Posted by: Dr. Retro | September 14, 2009 at 08:14 PM
I've changed my comment configurations so the oldest comments are at the top. Let's see if this works.
Posted by: Dr. Retro | September 18, 2009 at 10:47 PM