Getting Back Into Comics after long hiatus

[Ronin8996]

So my wife and I were out yesterday and had to kill some time before a movie, so we popped into a local comic book store - the first time I'd been in one in, um probably 15 years (yeah, it's been a while). Well I kind of got bitten again, and to help stave off spending all of my paycheck trying to figure out what I'd like again (b/c trust me, I'd do it), just putting the word out to see what everyone thinks is new and hot these days, stallworths, etc. - basically the best way to get back into comics.

I mainly collected Marvel back in the day (X-Men, Daredevil, etc.), but most of that was probably me trying to be contrary to the all the Image rip-offs that had just started up (I know weird right - being contrary with the help of Marvel). I started to get into Preacher b/c I wanted something more edgy, and tried a few independents (Poison Elves). Basically I was that dude that wanted to like something that was 'good', and not something that everyone liked.

So, all that being said - I know there's been some huge changes recently in the comic world (the new 52, revamps at Marvel, etc.) - which only makes it more confusing for me, so wondering what everyone thinks. I picked up cc's of Hawken, Secret, and The Massive and liked all those well enough, but other titles such as Severed, Morning Glories, etc. seemed interesting as well. I've also heard good things about the Fables series, and my wife had some tpb's of Y the Last Man.

Anyway what say you?

[Nitz the Bloody]

My current favorite creator-owned books are The Boys, Elephantmen, Saga, America's Got Powers, iZombie, and Sweet Tooth. Google them to see if they're your cup of tea.

[jesse_custer]

Maybe you could try a few of Vertigo's miniseries. What's not to like about a great story for which you only have to buy one trade paperback? Check these out:

The Other Side - a powerful story about the Vietnam War that explores the experiences of young soldiers from both sides.

Daytripper - this book concerns the most important days of a writer's life; the catch is that every one of these days ends with his death!

Incognegro - a light-skinned black man infiltrates white society to investigate racial crimes.

[ShQQta]

In terms of back issues you've missed. I recommend WE3 by Grant Morrison, Planet Hulk by Pak, Astonishing X-Men by Whedon, Guardians of the Galaxy by DnA, Top 10 by Alan Moore. Old Man Logan (part of a Wolverine run somewhere I think.) Immortal Iron Fist - first two trades are great! Civil War and Secret Invasion weren't that great. A vs X is... okay. Habibi by Graig Thompson (B&W indie, beautifully done) is solid. I read the first trade of Last Man. Didn't like it. Read the first 20 or so Fables. Merely okay I thought. Morning Glories seems directionless - I couldn't get past the first trade. YMMV as those last 3 are all pretty highly regarded. Lots of great Love & Rockets stuff has come out too...

Recent indies: Just read Prophet 1-5, interesting idea and sort of a Heavy Metal feel which is cool. Planetoid has potential and nice art but the story and dialogue were only okay. Potential to improve. Saga is getting rave reviews - but not from me. I liked Harbinger #1. Etermination #1 was fun - reminded me of Miller's Batman in Dark Knight Returns. Higher Earth - not doing it for me.

If you want to jump onboard with the New52 try first Batman: Court of Owls, Frankenstein Agent of SHADE, Wonder Woman, and Animal Man. I'm liking Earth 2 also.

With Marvel, the recent Uncanny X-Force Dark Angel Saga by Remender was excellent. About #1-18 I think. With Marvel Now he's going to write Uncanny Avengers and is taking some of the characters with him, so maybe try that. Hickman's Fantastic Four and First Family are liked by many. Waid's Daredevil is getting consistently stellar reviews but I find it merely very good... still worth checking out. Dan Slott's Amazing Spider-Man work has also made a lot of fans happy.

So many good comics at he moment.