What is your favorite on-going series?

[Leckomaniac]

The other day I was rather bored and decided to try and make a top 10 list of my favorite on-going comics. I am not sure what made me decide to this, but I think I was reading about the poor sales on The Thing and I got bummed out because it really is one of my favorite books right now. I then got curious as to what everyone else considered to be their favorite on-going series. So with that in mind: What are your favorite on-going series? What comic has you brimming with anticipation with ever issue? What series MUST we read and why?

For me:
Every current issue in the Ultimate Universe (the Ultimates, Spider-man, FF, X-men)
The Thing
Daredevil
Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane
Incredible Hulk (the planet hulk storyline has been amazing)
Fables
Ex-Machina
Runaways
Young Avengers
X-Factor
Captain America
Nextwave

I know that seems like a lot, but I tried to be as generous as possible. Anyone else care to share?

[Ribbons]

*POOF!*

Just like to point out that I don't think The Thing is an ongoing series. And with that, I am off!

*POOF!*

[Leckomaniac]

Actually it is an on-going series...plans are for it to run as long as it sells.

The problem is that it is not selling, which means it might get phased out extremely early. That would be a shame since it really is quite enjoyable. But it is considered an on-going series as opposed to a mini-series or maxi-series.

[Kilgore]

Powers - I still think this is the greatest thing Brian Michael Bendis is responsible for, and more original than most series. With the exception of the 'origins' arc, what with the graphic monkey sex and all (now I know Kirk's gonna pick this up...and maybe Balm), which I thought was way too drawn out, I still hold this one in the highet regard of any ongoing.

In no particular order, I would then consider Fables, Young Avengers, Legion (or Supergirl and the Legion of SuperHeroes or whatever it's called right now), Daredevil, Ultimates and The Walking Dead.

I think The Punisher (Max) is absolutely outstanding, but I tend to wait for whole arcs to complete before I read them, I think I like it better as a trade.

Batman used to be in there, but I wax and wane on that title, depending mostly on how the writer is portraying Bats, and used to feel that way about Noble Causes, when it was a series of minis, but didn't find the actual ongoing nearly as enthralling. Same for New Avengers, plus I'm bent that The Sentry, an out-and-out magnificent character in his Jenkins/Lee original run, has been totally pissed away between Bendis and the lame limted-series, which really needed more Jae Lee-like art, or maybe Michael Gaydos. Someone that didn't make the tone so Superboyish.

[Leckomaniac]

Yeah I never read Powers...I might have to give that a shot. What type of series is it? I know it deals with detectives investigating people with Powers. But is it noir type or what?

Glad to see some additional love for Fables and Young Avengers.

[Kilgore]

Yeah I never read Powers...I might have to give that a shot. What type of series is it? I know it deals with detectives investigating people with Powers. But is it noir type or what?

Glad to see some additional love for Fables and Young Avengers.

It's Bendis applying his gritty-cop-tales style from 'Torso' and 'Jinx' to the world of superheroes - Main cop is a former cape who lost his powers for still-unexplained reasons, partnered with a brassy young punkish-female. Enough pop-cultural allusions to be clever (there was a supergroup in an early arc based more or less on The Fugees) but not just browbeating you with them. People, heroes and civilians, die and die hard in this book, and it's permanent. The heroes have actual emotions and personalities and personal lives.

If you do start reading this, you need to start at the beginning and go from there, you'll get a better feel for how it's created one hell of a ride. Plus Warren Ellis was a character in one of the stories, which was cool. Start with 'Who Killed Retro-Girl', you won't regret it, and you'll want more.


But like I said, I'm not endorsing the 'origin' arc. Can't do it. Except for the graphic monkey sex.

[Leckomaniac]

Sounds like something I would enjoy. I will definitely check it out and hopefully post back here and let you know what I think.

[Keepcoolbutcare]

Lucifer

Y: The Last Man, Ex Machina, Runaways

Planetary, Nextwave

Astonishing X-Men

The Walking Dead, Invincible

All Star Superman (and I cannot fucking wait 'til GM's run on the Authority and Wildcats)

Blade of the Immortal

whatever the hell Alan Moore decides to do next.

[RogueScribner]

The only one I read is Astonishing X-Men, but I have an itch to add a couple of more titles. The problem is, there is such a wealth of choice out there, I don't know what to choose.

[Leckomaniac]

Lucifer

Y: The Last Man, Ex Machina, Runaways

Planetary, Nextwave

Astonishing X-Men

The Walking Dead, Invincible

All Star Superman (and I cannot fucking wait 'til GM's run on the Authority and Wildcats)

Blade of the Immortal

whatever the hell Alan Moore decides to do next.

That is quite a list KCBC...I second All Star Superman...it is shaping up to be something great. GM will OWN Authority and Wildcats...when does that begin by the way???

Oh bummer, I can't believe I left Astonishing X-Men off my list. That is definitely one of my favs.

[Keepcoolbutcare]

The only one I read is Astonishing X-Men, but I have an itch to add a couple of more titles. The problem is, there is such a wealth of choice out there, I don't know what to choose.

Cassady does the art for Planetary, and your man Whedon and Ellis touch-dinks (or so I'm told).

Put a gun to my head and make me choose, I'd go with Ex Machina, Planetary and All Star Superman. Ex Machina is, really, the only comic I've read that takes on life in the post 9/11 world...political/socially conscious, a (what's shaping up to be) fascinating backstory, and, sometimes, some gore that just leaps off the page.

Planetary is, for me, the greatest thing Ellis has ever done. Even Adam Balm has secretly confessed liking, nay loving, certain issues. Really, just go out and buy the first trade, you'll be hooked.

All Star Superman just pwns by pathetic soul. I cannot stress how right Grant Morrison got not only Supes, but, more importantly, Lois. The way Quietly draws her, the spunk/spirit that Grant has given her...you really believe that of all the women in the world, with all the pussy Supes can have on his plate, that this woman is just the best. Period. Hands down. Buy it...or wait for the trade. Either way, this should be required reading.

[RogueScribner]

What's the All Star in ref to? Are they rehashing past stories or something?

[Leckomaniac]

No the whole idea of the "All-Star" line is to get the best talent (both writing and artistic) to begin from the beginning. Its like the Ultimate universe in the sense that it takes place in its own continuity, but it hasn't really tweaked the origins like the Ultimate line does.

So right now All-Star Superman will be producing issue #4. Its very recent, and very easy to jump into. Great, classic Supes.

As for Planetary. I totally agree with KCBC. I aboslutely love this book, the reason why I didn't mention it in my list is because I am pretty sure issue 25 that was just released will be the last issue. But yeah, it is an excellent series and Cassady's art is outstanding.

[RogueScribner]

Cool. I'll check those out. Thanks.

[Leckomaniac]

No problem Rogue. But you are absolutely right there is a lot of great stuff out there that sometimes it is tough to sift through it all.

In the end it just depends on what type of stuff you are into. For instance, I absolutely adore Spirder-Man Loves Mary Jane. It is a book that centers around Mary Jane and deals with high school romance/teen angst stuff. It is a great way to utilize a classic character. However, something like that might not interest everyone.

Same with the Walking Dead. It is a great zombie comic. But, again, zombie comics are not for everyone.

Hope you enjoy your new books Rogue.

[Colin]

The only monthly books I buy right now are:
SOLO
Loveless
Shaolin Cowboy
Doc Frankenstein
Planetary
Jonah Hex

Of course I still flip through most of what's on the shelves at the store. Everything else I buy in trade paperback/ hardbound form.

[Leckomaniac]

I love Solo, but I heard that they are cancelling it. If that is true than it is quite a shame.

I see you are a fan of the Cowboy genre Colin. Which do you prefer Jonah or Loveless? It might be trivial to make a distinction, but I am just interested.

[doglips]

Planetary
Ex-Machina
Loveless
The Exterminators
The Book of Lost Souls
The Thing

Lecko, as far as I know Planetary will 27 issues long.......

Issue 26 doesn't appear in solicitations for May, and there's still been no word on a revised release date, so June would appear to be the absolute earliest we might expect it. July, August, or even September might be more in line. Ellis finished the script for 26 the first week of December (though it may have received some tweaking in the interim--more below), so everything appears to be waiting on series artist John Cassaday. Cassaday may be in a bind here, as his X-title's return was pushed up a few months in Marvel's schedule. Here's hoping he can juggle both well enough to get 26 and 27 out before the end of 2006. (Ellis, along with Wildstorm VP and General Manager Hank Kanalz and editor Ben Abernathy have all separately stated at one point or another that there are plans for an epilogue-type format for Issue 27 later in 2006, as Ellis' and Cassaday's schedules allow; let's hope that this is still in the cards.)

So 2 to go, Yay!

[dark wesley]

EX MACHINA
Y: THE LAST MAN
RUNNAWAYS
The Walking Dead
Invincible

The Kirkman and the Vaughn can do no wrong with me, I collect each title, and have to say that they are consistently my favorite writers at the moment.

[RogueScribner]

I picked up the first three issues of Superman All-Star today. I couldn't find Planetary. Looking at the myriad of titles to choose from, I got a hankerin' for some Batman and a group title, like JLA or F4 or something. Gah, my brain hurt trying to choose, so I ended up with nothing but the Superman title. I used to get the Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight way back in the day, maybe I'll start that up again. The Ultimate line intrigues me and maybe I'll end up getting the Spider-man title at some point.

[Leckomaniac]

Hit us back and let us know what you thought of the All-Star Superman Rogue.

A team book eh? Well personally I love the series Runaways. It is about a group of teens with super abilities who find out that there parents are a group of supervillains known as the PRIDE. Written by Mr. Brian K. Vaughn it has been a superb title since its inception.

[RogueScribner]

I liked what I read, Lecko. I'm still getting used to how Superman is drawn in this series, but other than that, I dig the renderings of the people and places. It's Superman with a deft touch dealing with a rather heavy subject for someone who thought he was invincible: mortality. I see it's a lmited series, so I figure it's building to a preordained ending. I think I'll continue to buy these.

Anyone read the Batman/Superman comics? I noticed them yesterday and was curious how many interesting stories could viably be told with that concept.

[Keepcoolbutcare]

I see it's a lmited series, so I figure it's building to a preordained ending. I think I'll continue to buy these.

another reason to get Planetary, which, tho' I know you didn't find it, is 'prolly available at Amazon in tpb form.

and if you just want some stand alones, try Grant Morrisson's WE3, Mark Millar's Superman:Red Son(an "else-world" Superman story where instead of Supes landing all middle America Kansas, he instead lands some 8-16hrs. earlier/later in the middle of the USSR...I frakin' LOVE this trade!) and anything by Alan Moore.

[Theta]

Follow? Quite a few. Buy? I generally buy the trades of "Astonishing X-Men", "Young Avengers", "Walking Dead", "Invincible", and "Teen Titans."

I kinda like my superheroes as teenagers with powers and problems.

[Chairman Kaga]

The Walking Dead though I wait for TPBs
I suppose one could consider BPRD on going though it is sorta sporadic...yet again TPBs.

The only thing I am picking up per issue is Justice only because it would be like 3 years before a TPB appeared.

[Keepcoolbutcare]

Follow? Quite a few. Buy? I generally buy the trades of "Astonishing X-Men", "Young Avengers", "Walking Dead", "Invincible", and "Teen Titans."

I kinda like my superheroes as teenagers with powers and problems.

what, no Runaways?!?!?

[Leckomaniac]

Yeah I am with you Theta, I like my superheros as teenagers. Which is why I love the Ultimate line (Spider-Man, FF). Same with Runaways and Spider-man Loves Mary Jane.

[Theta]

Follow ? Quite a few. Buy? I generally buy the trades of "Astonishing X-Men", "Young Avengers", "Walking Dead", "Invincible", and "Teen Titans."

I kinda like my superheroes as teenagers with powers and problems.

what, no Runaways?!?!?

I go back and forth on "Runaways." I never think it's BAD, it's always at least solid. The character concepts in terms of powers and items are really cool. But there are points where, for whatever reason, I'm just not into it. I love the idea of former teen heroes trying to track them down, though (continuity porn, HEE!)

I would consider buying the graphic novels, except I can't fucking stand those "digest" things Marvel insists on putting out. I know they fit in a purse, guys, and you're trying to attract more female readers, but would a plain old TRADE kill you? It's like trying to find the YA softcover in Boston: nobody has it, at least in the downtown metro area.

[Theta]

Yeah I am with you Theta, I like my superheros as teenagers. Which is why I love the Ultimate line (Spider-Man, FF). Same with Runaways and Spider-man Loves Mary Jane.

The Ultimate line, it really depends for me. The FF and the X-Men books I think are wonderful, even if I think Warren Ellis should be the only one writing the UFF (although to be fair to Millar, his recent arcs haven't been bad...just not particularly unique stuff) Ultimate Spider-Man, I like some issues, I dislike others...and my feelings on "The Ultimates" are public knowledge, so I won't go there!

[Leckomaniac]

I think the Ultimate line succeeds because they really do make use of the talent that they have over at Marvel. Bendis, Vaughn, Ellis, Kirkman, Millar are all extremely talented writers and it shows in the Ultimate Universe.

[Adam Balm]

The Ultimate line, it really depends for me. The FF and the X-Men books I think are wonderful, even if I think Warren Ellis should be the only one writing the UFF (although to be fair to Millar, his recent arcs haven't been bad...just not particularly unique stuff)

No one was more surprised than myself, when I found myself thinking the exact same thing. (Sadly my feelings on Ellis are as public as yours on the Ultimates). The Millar/Bendis issues set it all up and showed promise. The Ellis issues made the series just take off, it had its own unique identity and I honestly think the characterization is some of the best Ellis has ever done. When Millar came back...I dunno. Maybe it was Greg Land's art, but it just felt like it was going through the motions. I have rarely been as bored.

[Theta]

Maybe it was Greg Land's art, but it just felt like it was going through the motions. I have rarely been as bored.

I think it's just the FF themselves are kinda one-note. If you really think about it, they're at their best fighting Doom, exploring alternate dimensions, or kicking Galactus' ass. They're not really superheroes, they're scientists, and when they're not exploring, the book gets kinda dull. Although Dan Slott's been doing a GREAT job with the Thing, I have to admit.

I will be interested to see where the Doom/FF Zombies teamup goes. I'll pick up the first issue, see if it goes anywhere interesting. Reed working overtime to contain a zombie plague could be a hell of a lot of fun.

[longshot7]

It was X-STATIX but that's not a monthly anymore. They should bring it back.

[Leckomaniac]

I would like to take this time to personally thank Dark Wesley for turning me onto Invincible. He listed it as one of his favorites so I decided to check it out and I could not be more pleased. That has definitely shot up to the top of my list.

Thanks Wes!

[Alex DeLarge]

The only series I've been keeping up on are X-Factor(its too bad Sook isnt on it anymore) and The Walking Dead.

Is the Runaways on paperback yet, I couldn't find it over the weekend? This series looks really interesting and I'd like to get into it.

[Keepcoolbutcare]

Is the Runaways on paperback yet, I couldn't find it over the weekend? This series looks really interesting and I'd like to get into it.

as far as I know the only paperback copies available are of the anime/manga variety, like This.

There's also a hardcover of Volume 1.

Since it's free comic book day on Saturday and most places offer some kind of discount on this sacred day, get thee to a comic shop to purchase those trades dirt cheap.

Or you can head to your local library, where they should have copies of those same tpb's, free.

[rob_merritt]

I would say that the current arc in Daredevil is my favorite on going book right now. I would say Moon Knight but since the series has a grand total of 1 book, I'll hold my tongue. Like Exiles quite a bit. Ultimate Spiderman. I have a bunch of books I keep meaning on dropping (like a few Xbooks)

[unikrunk]

I love The Ballad of Kirks Incoherent Posts; the series has been riveting thus far...

/nothing but love for Kirks

edit: I have been loving batman year 100, and eating up anything Burly Man is putting out, particularly Darrow's Cowboy

[Leckomaniac]

So I started this thread in an attempt to introduce people to certain series that they might have missed. There are some comics out there that are really amazing that just haven't found an audience yet. Well one of my favorite comics is now getting axed...that comic is The Thing. For those of you who haven't been reading...this book was a solo series for The Thing from the Fantastic Four. It was recently discovered that Ben Grimm had fallen into a ton of money and this book focused on the life of Ben Grimm. With tons of guest stars, this book was a perfect mix of fun.

It is getting cancelled after issue #8, and this is too bad. Also announced was the cancellation of Manhunter. This was another solid book.

So in an attempt to save some books on the edge here is a plea...BUY SHE-HULK!! The book is great and a lot of fun.

BUY SPIDER-MAN LOVES MARY JANE!!!!! It is a fun new take on the Spider-man/mary jane love story.

Feel free to add some books to this list. Let us know what books we aren't reading...but should be.

[Adam Balm]

Maybe it was Greg Land's art, but it just felt like it was going through the motions. I have rarely been as bored.

I think it's just the FF themselves are kinda one-note. If you really think about it, they're at their best fighting Doom, exploring alternate dimensions, or kicking Galactus' ass. They're not really superheroes, they're scientists, and when they're not exploring, the book gets kinda dull.

And yet right now they're exploring alternate dimensions, and it's still dull. They've managed to fuck up even that....

[Mutombo]

Fables-- I love how existing myths, fairytales and well known literal characters are all being woven into new tales, which are all new myths and fairytales on it's own.

Y the Last Man somewhat like the "Lost" of comics for me, it's really the cliffhangers that make me want to read further - not saying the story isn't great - it's just that the cliffhangers are some of the best in the industry IMO.

So that's just 2. I'll have to check out Planetary, never really heard of it.