My top ten comics if you haven't read, you should, Finished and ongoing

Hello!Over the past few years, I seriously got back into comic book collecting and reading. And over that time, I have fallen in and out of love with amazing characters and stories. Here I will be listing my current top ten comics you definitely have to read. And I wanted to add more but that will be another list all together! Keep in mind, that this list is in not specific order.



1. East of West (Ongoing)

Dragotta Cover Issue #1

Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Nick Dragotta

What do you get when you mix The Good, The Bad and the Ugly with cyber punk fantasy and a pinch of Armageddon? You get the full cocked ready to shoot off the shelves sci-fi western, East of West. Set in a dystopian United States, Hickman and Dragotta create a world where the Civil War never ended and instead the country is divided into Seven Nations. Imagine a different world where the Native Americans were one the most technological advanced parties in the country (They have rolling death machines that shoot lasers from the sky...insane right?). This is a world that is governed by an elite few from each nation  who have been chosen by "The Message" and The Four Horseman(I'll get into that soon)."The Message" is a three part book written by three different people at separate times that foretells the end times of the world.The story follows multiple characters as they are driven by greed, lust and the need to survive but it mostly focuses on the Death (Yeah, literal and figurative embodiment of death, not kidding).  Death is a Clint Eastwood bamf who is driven by vengeance against the chosen and his fellow siblings the other three horseman, Famine, War and Conquest for betraying him.

Issue #16 connecting cover variants

Hickman builds the world around his characters as they are selfishly driven in one way or another by greed or grievance. It is an open world worth exploring, but is tainted by personal desire and vengeance. You get the sense of the wild west is still brimming with open ranges and clear blue skies but peppered with conflict and destruction. Dragotta's style compliments this with his ability to create Sergio Leone scenes where we have wide open shots of the land and then the looming cynicism close ups of each character, even in the presence of people they trust.

East of West is a good read, and it is still ongoing, currently at 24 issues with 5 trade Paperbacks out to pick up.



2. Saga (Ongoing)

Staples Cover Issue #1

Writer: Brian K. Vaughan
Artist: Fiona Staples

Okay, think  Romeo and Juliet and Star Wars are in a relationship, then Romeo and Juliet cheats on Star Wars with 2001 Space Odyssey and they have a sexual love child together, that's Saga and it is brilliant. A sci-fi fantasy love story set in space and on various planets we follow the adventures of Alana and Marko(Our Romeo and Juliet), two star-crossed lovers(literally) who represent their two planets who are at war with each other.  It is told through the narrative of their love child Hazel as a remembrance of stories she was told of her parent's adventures when she is older. Alana and Marko come from two different worlds, Alana is from the military state of Landfall while, Marko is from the magic wielding warriors on Wreath. Both characters have vast contrasting personalities, Alana being the brash, no filter in your face attitude femme fatale while Marko is the sensitive, soft spoken, naive, honorable soldier. Yet, their chemistry fits exceptionally well within the story which is heavily surrounded by conflict. The story follows the protagonists throughout the galaxy, as they are being hunted by both of their planets for treason against their home worlds.  Saga gives us the epic sci-fi love story we wanted to see in the Star Wars Prequels( Yeah, shots fired at you Lucas) with all the space fights and romances in between... and minus the Jar Jar.

1 C2E2 RRP Variant Cover Edition

Saga is a definite read for all comic book fans and casual readers a like. The characters are distinct and lovable. Brian K. Vaughan's epic writing creates a world of brutal honesty so beautifully intertwined within the core of humanity in conflict. Where hope is a driving force that keeps human kind off the brink of destruction. Saga is unapologetic  with it's use of exploration of sexuality and what the characters really want on the inside. Each character wrestles to find their place in a galaxy that was thrown into a warzone. Fiona Staples brings the writing to life with her command of visually appealing designs and far out illustrations. She brings Saga's flavor into the comic book world like a kick from a Jalepeno dipped in cool ranch. (I hope that made sense...right?).

Saga is a must read, beautifully written and illustrated. currently at 35 issues ongoing with 6 trade paper backs out to pick up.



3. All Star Superman (Complete)

Quitely Cover Issue #1

Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Frank Quitely
Inker: Jamie Grant

All right let's face it, Superman is an extremely hard character to write. Yeah we know, he's been around for decades and he has had some amazing stories. But how do you write a story based around a character who is pretty much limitless? At one point,in time in the comics, he received a new power every six months. By no means is he attainable by any human physical feat, he is pretty much a god. How do you make Superman relatable? All Star Superman gets as close to that as possible. It's a stand alone series which is probably one of the best written superman stories of all time. The story answers the question "How do you make Superman vulnerable" in a very creative and simple way, his power or power source becomes his curse. Superman soaks up too much yellow sun radiation and his cells have over multiplied so much to heal that he is diagnosed with cancer( Not entirely a spoiler). It is very far fetched and may sound ridiculous, but this is what creates a catharsis for the story. And throughout the comic Superman's human side becomes more prevalent in the legacy he prepares to leave behind. Don't worry, it's not a drama snore fest if  you think it's going to be, there is a good amount of action and explosive fighting fan service to keep you enticed. This is a Superman story you can not miss. Also if you can't find the time to read it, there is an animated film titled the
same way.( No excuses!)

All Star Superman Movie Cover

All Star Superman is a must read for all comic book and Superman fans. Morrison creates a catharsis where we as human beings can relate to Superman. Morrison creates a weakness that isn't Kryptonite  but something human and it's something anyone can be diagnosed with. It's a different take on the child of Krypton and brings him down to our level instead of the writers bring people up to his. The art style and ink work from both Quitely and Grant may put people off, due to the rise of interest in darker tones for comics, but it is fitting and appropriate. They create a vibrant world of blue skies and brighter tomorrows.

All Star Superman is a must read for all fans of the big boy red and blue. The series is complete with 12 issues and 2 trade paperback volumes out. Also there is an animated movie of the same name if you prefer to watch that.




4. Fight Club 2 (Finished)

Mack Cover  Issue #1

Writer: Chuck Palahnuik
Artists: Cameron Stewart and David Mack

Rule 1. You don't talk about Fight Club.
Rule 2. You don't talk about Fight Club.
Rule 3. This is Fight Club 2 so technically I can talk about it.
Rule 4. I'm talking about it anyway.

Tyler Durden lives! For all my anarchists and reformed space monkeys out there, do I have a treat for you all. So Palahnuik is back with the sequel to his epic novel Fight Club (Yeah it's not just a movie guys and it ends differently here too). Keep in mind, this story follows the book not the movie.This time around the nameless narrator is given a name, Sebastian and we find out he's been living a normal life after the events of Fight Club. He is unhappily married to Marla and they have a kid together. It re-hashes the same mundane life from the beginning of the first novel but with the looming notion that Tyler isn't dead. It is a mix style from novel to graphic novel and we are treated to a ton of visual clues to what is going on or what will happen. It can be a hard read to some who have not read the first book but it is a fun read for long time fans. The story flows in a jagged edge pattern which the narrator is thrown into situations left and right through his/Tyler's means. We are also treated to a bit of a side story with Marla as she goes through her own personal issues with Sebastian/Tyler.  Fight Club 2 makes the jump from page to real life in a scary heart warming Durden way.

FCBD Cover #0

Fight Club 2 is a must read for all fans of Palahnuik's work. Admittedly it can be a hard read for those who are unfamiliar with his work or Fight Club in general, but the pace picks right up on the last page of the first issue. The transition from novel to graphic novel creates a small little detective story the reader can play out, there are visual clues to what is going on like rose petals covering dialogue boxes, random pills over character's faces. A lot of which couldn't have been expressed better if released as a novel. The art work is amazing. From cover to cover the illustrations define what the issue is going to be about and what Tyler topic of the day is about to unfold.  Stewart and Mack's art and color style stay in tuned with the story, keeping it mundane yet a bit lively. How they worked with the visual clues also made it a more interesting read and experience.

Fight Club 2 is a great read for long time fans and it caters to them more. There are 10 issues out with a Trade paperback on the way! Also keep in mind, it follows the BOOK not the MOVIE.



5. We Stand on Guard( Complete)

Skroce Cover Issue #1

Writer: Brian K. Vaughan
Artist: Steve Skroce

Another one of Brian K. Vaughan's works makes it on the list. This comic bodes the question, "What if the United States invaded Canada?"  Vaughan takes a Red Dawn spin approach with some clangy pacific rim mech action  in the middle. The comic centers around Amber a survivor of the initial attack from the United States and the rag tag resistance group she ends up joining. As always Vaughan creates lovable unique characters that you will remember even if they appear in only 2-3 pages. But don't get too attached though, but I won't spoil much of it for you. The villain, who pursues the resistance has an Amanda Waller(Suicide Squad, Justice league) grit to her. This comic oozes Canadian tones like poutine on fries. It even explains the origins of one of our most beloved comic book characters who shares a spot on this list. It is intense all throughout its run and the finale is an even bigger spectacle.

Skroce Cover Issue #6

We Stand on Guard is a fun read for anyone. It pokes fun at American brawn and shows what power can do to a person and country. It gives a different side to a conflict  when they are the ones being attacked. Vaughan again writes another sleeper classic that you can't pass up. it's short, sweet and needs a sequel. Steve Skroce's art  style shows a nitty gritty warzone in the middle of the snow. From the fire fights to the mech play, you get a detailed view from the birds eye view and from the cock pit.

We Stand on Guard is a quick read with a sweet story. Only 6 issues have come out  and a trade paperback has also been released as well.




6. The Dark Knight III: The Master Race (Ongoing)

Kubert Poster 

Writer: Frank Miller and Brian Azzarello
Artist: Frank Miller, Andy Kubert and Klaus Janson

Okay, this had to be on the list. I was going to put its predecessor on this list but by now I am sure everyone has been up to speed with this story line, especially since the release of Batman V Superman in theaters( I guess shameless advertisement here?). Anyways, I decided to put the threequel here because of it's freshness and different take on a new threat. This comic has become more relevant to our times and especially now. Super heroes and criminals are no longer on Batman's hit list but the cops are. Due to corruption, profiling and unjust expressions of the law, the Dark knight has made his grand return to exact justice and correct the order in Gotham city. It mirrors what is going on today with police brutality and Batman has to be the warrior against crime.

Dave Johnson Cover 

Miller has made a grand return to Batman in a new story and new goal. And the combined works between Miller, Kubert and Janson  they create a narrative similar to Miller's precedent work on The Dark Knight. From panel to panel we are greeted with Gotham's dark tones in gritty detail. You cant taste the blood splatter from page to page with each gruesome punch.

So far there has only been 3 issues out with 8 scheduled issues to be released, there is still much to see where this comic will go.





7. Klaus (Ongoing)

Mora Cover Issue #1

Writer: Grant Morrision

Artist: Dan Mora

So, you know all those stories our parents would tell us about Santa Claus when we were all kids? Well this is the Zack Snyder adult version of that. Where St. Nick went into the woods did a Rocky montage work out and came back to bring Christmas cheer and awesome toys while bench pressing the oppressive regime. Morrison making his second appearance on this list, comes at us with a re-imagining tale of how Santa Claus came to be. Set in a dark mythological past it kind of takes on a Batman-esque approach to the story. So, the town Klaus grew up in falls under a corrupt leader who usurps the throne and weds the king's daughter through evil means. Klaus finally returning home after years of exile finds out. So he takes it upon himself to rid the town of this corrupt king who plagues the townsfolk and robs them of their cheer. With the help of some forest woodland creature magic, Klaus takes on the Evil king of the town by bringing joy back to the people by yuletime(Christmas).

Mora Cover Variant Issue #1

Klaus is what Frozen could be if they made it more than PG-13...and wasn't a kid's movie. Morrison recreates a old tale of joy and laughter and throws his own dark spin to it.  This origin adaptation of Kris Kringle holds onto the values of mythos of the character but gives the reader an enticing adventure to run, jump and hunt along with. Mora's work on this comic sets the tone from panel to panel. When it's night time and Klaus is out fighting or hunting, you feel the sense of danger or a rush of what's going on. When it's during the day, you see the calmness of town and you as a reader can take a small rest from the action.

Klaus is a good short read, there are only 4 issues out as of now with 6 planned to be released. And I am  sure a trade paperback will be following along soon!



8. Old Man Logan Vol. 1 (Complete)

McNiven Cover Issue #66

Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Steven McNiven

If you haven't read this story already what are you doing, forget this list and go check it out now! But seriously, Old Man Logan is one of the best Wolverine stories to date. Imagine Mad Max mixed with the Marvel Universe, this is pretty much it. It is set in a far future where the bad guys finally decided to get their act together and defeat all the heroes. And by defeat I mean total destruction, and when I mean total destruction I mean near to complete annihilation. The world is now governed by the surviving villains and now corrupt super heroes. For the most part we follow Logan and a blind Hawkeye throughout the wasteland on a quest for vengeance. And throughout we slowly learn of what happened to all of the heroes and what personally happened to Logan prior to what is happening currently. Millar creates a what if scenario if all of the heroes failed to save the world. 

McNiven Cover Art Issue #1

Keep in mind that I am primarily focusing on the comic run in 2008 - 2009, not the recent follow up vol. 2 and 3 in 2015- present. Millar really nails it down with this Wolverine story. We get to see an older, much wiser and grief filled character in Logan. And he is more evasive to start a fight(Wolverine avoiding a fight?). There is also a reason why he is just Logan in this story arc but you will have to read to find out. McNiven captures the post apocalyptic wasteland with vast open panels and highly detail destruction. You really get the feel that these characters are alone and have to fend for themselves by any means necessary. Old Man Logan really exemplifies to be wary of an old man who works in a profession where the young die.

Old Man Logan is a must read for Marvel fans. Old Man Logan Arc runs in Wolverine Vol.3 issues 66-72, but a trade paperback is out now.

9. Marvel's Civil War (Complete)

Micheal Turner Variant Issue #1

Writer: Mark Miller

Penciller: Steven McNiven

Inker: Dexter Vine

Colorist: Morry Hollowell

Now with the movie finally hitting theaters, and all the hype is going about. It is a good time to get back into comics and brush up on some of the history behind the conflict. Now going along with all the Marvel crossover events, Secret Wars I & II, The Infinity Gauntlet, House of M and many others, this one differs greatly from those other conflicts. To differentiate, this is about the comic, not the movie. The reason why Marvel's Civil differs greatly from all the other conflict crossover events, is because it's just not your simple super hero/villain throw down of the century. Right at the title we are given a line drawn in the sand between Earth's greatest powers. Marvel's Civil War poses the question of comfort versus security. That should our protectors expose themselves in order to be held accountable for the random skirmishes that goes on all over the country. And then we have the two power houses leading the charge against one another. The resistance is lead by Captain America and the pusher for the Hero Registration Act is lead by Iron Man. And within this series, there are many KEY moments that shake the Marvel universe to its core, especially the aftermath but I won't spoil it for you.

McNiven,Vine,Hollowell Art Issue #1

Marvel's Civil War is another must read, no excuses kind of series. There's ton of action, a bunch of "OOOHHHH DAAAAMNN" moments here and there and there is also a pre-series, road to civil war and at post series, a kind of aftermath(Which is also a MUST read). Millar making his second appearance on this list brings us one of the greatest conflicts Marvel has to date. And with McNiven back on board with Vine and Hollowell, we get treated to a lot of nerdy fan service with pretty much almost all of our favorite super heroes, from the lesser known to the big hitters(Hulk, Wolverine, Spiderman, Fantastic Four). Obviously the film will not be on the grander scale as the comic is, but do not let this deter you from enjoying it!

Marvel's Civil War you just can't miss. There are only 7 issues for the main story and  you can still pick them individually up, but for a pretty penny. Also there are TON and I mean TONS of side stories which follow some of your other favorite heroes and how it affected them. So there is a lot of collecting from Issues to the main trade paperbacks.

10. Spider Gwen (Ongoing)

Rodriguez Cover Issue #1

Writer: Jason Latour

Artist: Robbi Rodriguez

Spider Gwen breaks out on the scene with her own debut series! This version of Gwen Stacy first got introduced in Edge Of Spiderverse Issue #2 and just had to have her comic run. As we all know that Gwen Stacy is one of Peter Parker's main love interests. But previously in the main story line, she ends up dying by Peter's hands when he tries to catch her after being thrown off a the George Washington Bridge by the Green Goblin. This event goes on to haunt Peter for the rest of his life. In this alternate branching story line, the radioactive spider that bit Peter Parker end up biting Gwen instead. And due to constant bullying, this world's Peter Parker ends up experimenting on himself and becomes the Lizard. But dies soon afterward, succumbing to the chemicals that he used to become the Lizard. So in a way Gwen loses Peter in a similar fashion that Peter loses Gwen. This new version of Spider-Woman  is new, fresh and a fun read.

Scottie Young Variant  Issue #1

Latour brings this character to life by making her go through similar issues that we saw Parker go through. While struggling with the death of her former lover she strives on to be a better, stronger hero, while maintaining a normal life. Rodriguez's art style creates a pop culture-esque scene for the Spider Gwen series. It comes off as a sort of vibrant noir feel, while maintaining the comic book action from panel to panel. Latour and Rodriguez build a world for Gwen that pops out at you which makes it unique and interesting.

There are currently 2 Vols out. Vol. 1 is just called Spider-Gwen and Vol. 2 is titled Spider-Gwen Radioactive. Vol 1. is complete with 5 issues and Vol 2 is on a run for 6 issues. Trade paperbacks  for both volumes will definitely be on the way to store shelves soon!