Marvel Recommendations Megathread

[Paladin King]

For my money, Thor: God of Thunder is the best book of the relaunch. Just fantastic, ambitious, epic stuff with gorgeous artwork.

I also really loved Captain America, though your mileage may vary depending on your feelings regarding John Romita Jr. I really liked it though, as it's very fresh and very different, sort of Steve Rogers by way of John Carter.

It's not Marvel NOW, but you should also give Hawkeye a try. I firmly believe that it is the best book Marvel is putting out right now and one that everyone should at least try.

It's not out yet, but I'd also keep an eye out for New Avengers. It's Jonathan Hickman writing the Illuminati, so it's bound to be a cracker.

[kaarenissen]

Well ... I am from Denmark and read Marvel Comics when I was a teen back in the mid/late eighties.

Frank Miller/Klaus Janson - Daredevil #168 and on through the entire Miller period. The impossible love story and the noir twist to a superhero comics changed everything from then on for me.
Frank Miller/Bill Sienkiewicz - Elektra: Assassin ... Roughness and beauty. Like putting your hands into the gutter and then pulling out gold.

Chris Claremont/John Byrne: The X-Men ... The Dark Phoenix Saga. - A tone set through the history of the X-Men.

Amazing Spider-Man: The Hobgoblin - Me and my fellow comic book geeks disputed for months about who was inside the costume of The Hobgoblin. Amazing Spiderman #238 and forward through several story archs until #289

Amazing Spider-Man: "Spider-Man no more" by Stan Lee and John Romita Sr. - Epic story arch... I wanted to be a Superhero :) Amazing Spider-Man #50-52

Fantastic Four: "Enter Dr. Doom" - I remember having sympathetic thought about Dr. Doom an his kingdom, and that brought me a deeper level of understanding of the motives of villains. Fantastic Four #57-63 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

Amazing Spider-Man Annual #15 (1981) - Frank Miller on The Punisher, Dr. Octopus and JJ. Jameson and of course Spier-Man. Best single isseu comic ever.

... and then I turned 17 and sold them all...

1½ ago, at the age of 39 I bought 2500 comics... yes,... that was a lot... and I started reading...

[42n8s1]

For my money, Thor: God of Thunder is the best book of the relaunch. Just fantastic, ambitious, epic stuff with gorgeous artwork.

I also really loved Captain America, though your mileage may vary depending on your feelings regarding John Romita Jr. I really liked it though, as it's very fresh and very different, sort of Steve Rogers by way of John Carter.

It's not Marvel NOW, but you should also give Hawkeye a try. I firmly believe that it is the best book Marvel is putting out right now and one that everyone should at least try.

It's not out yet, but I'd also keep an eye out for New Avengers. It's Jonathan Hickman writing the Illuminati, so it's bound to be a cracker.

Completely agree with your thoughts on Thor.
I have to add I'm really enjoying All-New X-Men.
Bendis is at the top of his game and Immonen's art is incredibly impressive. There are several panels in each issue that give me pause.

[NCatron]

Loving the new Thor - typically Indie comics reader, picked it up due to Aaron's name (Scalped). The best part for me is that it's very much not a superhero comic. He's a God and behaves as one.

My question: Total Marvel newb - is there any other Thor run that is similar in tone & scope? (i.e. I don't want to read about Thor running around with the Avengers in some big crossover event.)

[Sissel]

Loving the new Thor - typically Indie comics reader, picked it up due to Aaron's name (Scalped). The best part for me is that it's very much not a superhero comic. He's a God and behaves as one.

My question: Total Marvel newb - is there any other Thor run that is similar in tone & scope? (i.e. I don't want to read about Thor running around with the Avengers in some big crossover event.)

You might like Thor: Ages of Thunder, by Matt Fraction, Patric Zircher and more artists. It's an enjoyable miniseries that focuses on the mythological side of the character. The story follows Thor, Loki and the Enchantress along different timelines.

Another option is Thor: Vikings, by Garth Ennis and Glenn Fabry. It's a Marvel MAX title, so expect lots of gore and swearwords. However, I strongly recommend it, because Ennis has a lot of fun throwing Thor against real vikings.

[kit_walker]

Loving the new Thor - typically Indie comics reader, picked it up due to Aaron's name (Scalped). The best part for me is that it's very much not a superhero comic. He's a God and behaves as one.

My question: Total Marvel newb - is there any other Thor run that is similar in tone & scope? (i.e. I don't want to read about Thor running around with the Avengers in some big crossover event.)

You can also give the latter half of Dan Jurgens run a shot... in this Thor brings Asgard down to earth and starts doing Godly things.. like making rain and throwing away despots.. which doesn't sit well with the world authority...or the avengers.. Terrorists try to sabotage asgard and blow it away.. the story then shifts to a future dytipic times when Thor ( again with an eye patch) has taken over the world.. destroyed the avengers.. and now rules with his Mighty Godly hands.. ( oh and the rumor is he can't pick up Mjolnir anymore ).. some of the best thor this side of Simonson! :).. love that run

[NCatron]

You can also give the latter half of Dan Jurgens run a shot... in this Thor brings Asgard down to earth and starts doing Godly things.. like making rain and throwing away despots.. which doesn't sit well with the world authority...or the avengers.. Terrorists try to sabotage asgard and blow it away.. the story then shifts to a future dytipic times when Thor ( again with an eye patch) has taken over the world.. destroyed the avengers.. and now rules with his Mighty Godly hands.. ( oh and the rumor is he can't pick up Mjolnir anymore ).. some of the best thor this side of Simonson! :).. love that run

Sounds promising, thanks.

[ilikecomics]

Hi, I'm just getting into comics, and one of the things I've noticed is that comics are not nearly as action-packed as they used to be in the 70s and 80s, having read both modern and old comics online. I prefer comics with a substantial amount of action (as much as there was in the 70s and 80s) in every issue, but I've noticed that I don't quite like the writing that was done in that time. I know lots of people believe that comics from this era are the best there have ever been but personally I just really don't like the lame language (i.e, "now listen here mister" by Spider-man) and other lame language. I've also noticed that the writing in modern comics is much better, as comic books are now generally aimed at adults. But could anyone possibly recommend any modern comics to me that have just as much action as comics did in the 70s and 80s and are based around superheros. Thanks.

[ilikecomics]

And also just to clarify the post above by a lot of action I mean a lot of action every issue. Thanks.

[kit_walker]

And also just to clarify the post above by a lot of action I mean a lot of action every issue. Thanks.

Try Hawkeye and Daredevil currently being published by Marvel..thats the most immediate ones i can think of..

[Elric of Grans]

I have picked up a few Marvel comics (mostly freebies), with (obviously) different feelings about them. I could use a little advice on going forward:

* Thor: God of Thunder #1-3 - I will stick with this, no question. Are all Thor comics this epic, or is this especially good Thor? If they are all like this, I will have to dip into the back catalogue.
* X-23 v1 (Innocence Lost and Target X) - These were not too bad. Not the best thing I have ever read, but not bad. Should this lead me to more X-23/X-Men?
* Immortal Iron Fist #1 - I found this confusing. Rich dude cuts negotiations with China, throws on spandex and gets spanked by mysterious organisation, a bit of back-story about where his powers come from, then he shows up as an Opium-whore in Thailand. Will this make more sense as I read a few more issues, or would it have made more sense if I had read the back-catalogue?
* Hawkeye #1 - Not sure what to think here. My first impression was that Hawkeye is a total jerk and not much of a hero at all. Does it get better later on, or is this a clear indication he is not for me?
* Ultimate Comics X-Men #1 - OK, but it just did not grab me. The basic concept (Mutants are actually a failed government experiment) quickly pushed me away.
* Deadpool v4 #1 - WTF? This just stuck me as stupid. I am guessing that is the style of Deadpool and I should just stay far away.
* All-New X-Men #1 - Wow, this seemed bad. Good guy is acting bad, so lets go back in time and gets his younger self to talk to him? That has to be the worst use of a time-travel trope I have ever seen, and I am a Doctor Who fan! Is this something X-Men fans are baulking at, or perhaps an indication X-Men is not for me?

[Kdrof]

Hello, this is my first post here and I had a question in regards to marvels books.

I am trying to go back through the comics I read when I was a kid. I enjoy spider-man, iron man, hulk, avengers, Deadpool and more. My question is..

I really don't enjoy reading comics via a comic book reader or on my computer. I have been researching books with all comics in order such as the marvel masterpiece and omnibus books. These look great and seem to be higher priced. I am going to purchase a few of these if I cannot find anything else. Are there any paperbacks, not trade paperbacks, that are like the omnibus with a large run of comics deep into the volume. For example, something with spider-man containing amazing fantasy 15 and amazing spiderman 1-30+ then anther book picking up where thatvbook left off? Are there any paperbacks that are cheaper priced? If anyone can point me in the right direction with some recommendations I would appreciate it greatly. I do not mind if it's paperback or hardcover. If omnibus is the best and no paperback compares or is not recommended please let me know.

Thanks,

Kevin

[linkspirit97]

I have picked up a few Marvel comics (mostly freebies), with (obviously) different feelings about them. I could use a little advice on going forward:

* Thor: God of Thunder #1-3 - I will stick with this, no question. Are all Thor comics this epic, or is this especially good Thor? If they are all like this, I will have to dip into the back catalogue.
It varies, Matt Fraction's run wasn't received well, but his 'Ages of Thunder', a mini series available in one trade was very good. I'd recommend that. Earlier, JMS's Thor was less epic and more modern, featuring Asgard bought to Earth. It's not as 'epic' but still great, and a fantastic starting point. Journey into Mystery, Gillen's series focusing on Loki, reborn as a child, is great.
* X-23 v1 (Innocence Lost and Target X) - These were not too bad. Not the best thing I have ever read, but not bad. Should this lead me to more X-23/X-Men?
* Immortal Iron Fist #1 - I found this confusing. Rich dude cuts negotiations with China, throws on spandex and gets spanked by mysterious organisation, a bit of back-story about where his powers come from, then he shows up as an Opium-whore in Thailand. Will this make more sense as I read a few more issues, or would it have made more sense if I had read the back-catalogue?
Nothing to say for these two, although Immortal Iron Fist seems to be well received.
* Hawkeye #1 - Not sure what to think here. My first impression was that Hawkeye is a total jerk and not much of a hero at all. Does it get better later on, or is this a clear indication he is not for me?
Well, Hawkeye is my favourite series right now. Whereas it's much less Super Hero, it's the story of a guy trying to be the best person he can be, if that means going all out to save a Dog, then he will. I'm not sure what makes you think he's a jerk, in that issue Clint was a bit aggressive to the Landlord, but he was protecting his building and friends. I'd say try the next two, then reconsider.
* Ultimate Comics X-Men #1 - OK, but it just did not grab me. The basic concept (Mutants are actually a failed government experiment) quickly pushed me away.
* Deadpool v4 #1 - WTF? This just stuck me as stupid. I am guessing that is the style of Deadpool and I should just stay far away.
No comment, although, Deadpool isn't everyone's cup of tea.
* All-New X-Men #1 - Wow, this seemed bad. Good guy is acting bad, so lets go back in time and gets his younger self to talk to him? That has to be the worst use of a time-travel trope I have ever seen, and I am a Doctor Who fan! Is this something X-Men fans are baulking at, or perhaps an indication X-Men is not for me?
Doctor Who is awesome ;) and There's a huge back catalogue of X-men, try Joss Whedon's Astonishing if you want to read the characters?

Hello, this is my first post here and I had a question in regards to marvels books.

I am trying to go back through the comics I read when I was a kid. I enjoy spider-man, iron man, hulk, avengers, Deadpool and more. My question is..

I really don't enjoy reading comics via a comic book reader or on my computer. I have been researching books with all comics in order such as the marvel masterpiece and omnibus books. These look great and seem to be higher priced. I am going to purchase a few of these if I cannot find anything else. Are there any paperbacks, not trade paperbacks, that are like the omnibus with a large run of comics deep into the volume. For example, something with spider-man containing amazing fantasy 15 and amazing spiderman 1-30+ then anther book picking up where thatvbook left off? Are there any paperbacks that are cheaper priced? If anyone can point me in the right direction with some recommendations I would appreciate it greatly. I do not mind if it's paperback or hardcover. If omnibus is the best and no paperback compares or is not recommended please let me know.

Thanks,

Kevin

There are 'Essentials' collections, which are basically everything you've described, but in Black and White. They still look great though.

[Elric of Grans]

Thanks for the response.

Well, Hawkeye is my favourite series right now. Whereas it's much less Super Hero, it's the story of a guy trying to be the best person he can be, if that means going all out to save a Dog, then he will. I'm not sure what makes you think he's a jerk, in that issue Clint was a bit aggressive to the Landlord, but he was protecting his building and friends. I'd say try the next two, then reconsider.

I took your advice here. Issue two was better; issue three hit the sweet spot. The first issue did not grab me, but now it is turning into what I had expected and hoped for.

[Joshthor]

Im mainly a DC guy, but i think i have found all the titles i want from DC - that being said i have a $40 a month comic budget and get them at a discount so i can get about 6 more titles and would like to add some marvel titles.

So far im getting Thor: God of thunder but am looking to add more. any really good titles you would recommend? As a help I appreciate good writing but if the art is bad it kills it for me (examples: animal man, walking dead (i need color), american vampire)

I also dont like deadpool.