Superman Smashes the Klan
My grandpa’s favorite superhero growing up was Superman. He may not be an avid comic reader anymore, but I will recommend Superman Smashes the Klan to him, especially since it’s based on the radio serial he used to listen to. For both of us, Clark Kent represents what Americans should strive for. Fighting bigotry is exactly what Superman would do in the real world just like he does in the comics. I’m also a fan of seeing how superheroes react to real world threats and events. To this day, the Batman comic in Love is Love is the one that tugs at my heart the most because we see a fictional hero deal with something too real. I can’t wait to see how Gene Luen Yang brings this story from the air waves to the page.
Goddess Mode
From zombies to desert wastelands, post-apocalyptic stories explore what humans are capable of when facing near extinction. These stories explore the best and worst of humanity, as seen in Goddess Mode. What stands out about this comic is that we see how society has in a way bounced back after the world becomes uninhabitable. The comic gives off Blade Runner and Crowded vibes by placing the story in a not so distant future, highlighting our dependency on technology. It also replaces the often bleak landscapes of apocalyptic narratives with vibrant colors. It’s always refreshing to see DC go beyond the world of superheroes.
Bad Luck Chuck
I love characters with baggage. The Bride from Kill Bill, Josie Schuller from Lady Killer, and Harley Quinn are a handful of my favorites. I can see Chuck Manchester from Bad Luck Chuck joining this list. She reminds me of the cynical detectives in noir films who are driven by financial need until their morality kicks in. The comic also takes a refreshing look at superpowers. While Chuck’s powers – conjuring bad luck – are not as desirable as powers like strength and flight, she manages to find a use for them. This comic is a new take on both the superhero and detective genre.
Marvel Visionaries Steve Ditko
Spider-Man. Squirrel Girl. Doctor Strange. Gwen Stacy. J. Jonah Jameson. These are a handful of the characters Steve Ditko helped create for Marvel. All of these characters have been reinvented time and again to fit more contemporary stories, but we wouldn’t even have Spider-Gwen or J.K. Simmons’s iconic performance as J. Jonah Jameson if it wasn’t for Ditko. This latest Marvel Visionaries trade paperback takes a look at Ditko’s characters and artwork. It’s been a pleasure to look back at the works of Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Roy Thomas, and many others through this on going series. I’m excited Ditko now has a book showing off his Marvel legacy.
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