Here are some comics to start reading beginning at left, “Old Man Logan Vol. 0: Warzones Issues No. 1-5,” “Justice League: Gods and Monsters — Batman Issue No. 1” and “Star-Lord and Kitty Pryde Issue No. 1.”
COMIC REVIEW
KAYLEE BREWSTERIf your New Year’s resolution is to read more, this list will help you do just that.
Here are some comics to check out before the 2016 comics hit the shelves:
“Old Man Logan Vol. 0: Warzones Issues No. 1-5” by Brian Michael Bendis, artist Andrea Sorrentino
Based on the alternate universe “Old Man Logan” series run in 2008 by Mark Millar, but in the alternate universe of Battleworld.
Logan, still with his healing power and indestructible claws, finds himself trying to make sense of the new world he finds himself in. But by doing so he crosses boundaries and breaks a lot of rules, which means lots of people trying to kill him.
Bendis is one of my favorite writers, and although the story can be difficult to understand because of the weird world, it’s fun to see other characters pop up with their different personalities. Logan also struggles with the man he was and is trying to decide if he can refrain from becoming an animal again.
The coloring is often a splotchy, dirty mess, reflecting the world Logan lives in. The key to any Wolverine story is getting lots of close-ups of those metal claws — and there are plenty of those, along with unique layouts.
“Star-Lord and Kitty Pryde Issue No. 1” by Sam Humphries, artist Alti Firmansyah
This one also takes place in a similar world of “Old Man Logan” Battleworld, the alternate Marvel comic universe. The adorable Peter Quill is thrown into this universe, remembering everything from the old world. Kitty Pryde shows up, not knowing who the heck Peter is, but dragging him along for an adventure anyway.
Pryde is one of my favorite Marvel characters and it’s a joy to see her paired up with Star-Lord. It also puts the “comic” in comic book; I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard. Firmansyah’s art gives characters great and hilarious expressions to help with the humor and emotions of the characters.
“Justice League: Gods and Monsters — Batman Issue No. 1” by J.M. DeMatteis and Bruce Timm, artist Matthew Dow Smith
It’s more alternate universe fun in the DC world with Batman. This time, Kirk Langstrom takes up the mantle of Batman. But he’s not a billionaire with a butler and mad skills. He’s a vampire who gets really hungry, even when he’s feeding on Gotham’s criminals.
Vampire Batman is a fun idea to play with, but it isn’t stretched to its full story potential. The story seems rushed, not letting enough time for the plot or characters to develop properly. However, it does a wonderful job of showing Langstrom’s inner struggles as he tries to deal with what he is and tries to control it.
The artwork is as dark and shadowy as the story, reminiscent of David Mazzucchelli’s art from “Batman: Year One” in terms of tone. Colors are dark grays, black and lots and lots of red, including Batman’s eyes.
“The Tomorrows Issue No. 1” by Curt Pires, artist Jason Copland
If you like dystopian societies with groups of misfits trying to bring them down, then “The Tomorrows” is for you.
In a world where every thought is trying to be controlled and even art is outlawed, a rebel group is brought together to free the people. Although the world of the story is sometimes hard to figure out, it’s compelling enough to keep you reading in order to learn more.
The villains are evil and the good guys are good, but with plenty left to be developed. Every character has some kind of backstory that could be fleshed out in future issues.
The art has a unique style and an Andy Warhol-inspired color scheme. It doesn’t use colors that you would normally associate with comics, or people.
