I actually found it a little hard to write this particular selection because upon reflection I really have become a Marvel zombie.  I started off with DC, especially Batman but over time I expanded upon my Marvel reading from Iron Man to anyone to the detriment of my DC friends.

I thought I would also limit Batman to one title only as I could very easily list five great Batman books but I want to give you a bit of introduction to the DC universe.  Again these are all from my own collection and I’d love to hear your suggestions and any feedback if you do go out and read any!!

All Star Batman & Robin The Boy Wonder vol 1

1. All Star Batman & Robin The Boy Wonder vol 1

This probably isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea when it comes to Batman, there is a different attitude and feel to this version from Frank Miller.  Batman is pretty much insane and he absolutely loves being the Batman which I absolutely love to read.  The book has more than its share of over the top lines and sequences, it’s like the heavy metal version of the Batman and it’s a high energy manic interpretation of the origin of Robin.

“…I’ve taken enough grief about calling my goddamn car the goddamn Batmobile. I’m the goddamn Batman and I can call my goddamn car whatever the hell I want to call it.”

The artwork by Jim Lee is crisp and there is a fold out page which is pretty much the most impressive and longest one I’ve ever seen.

The reason why I’m recommending this is because the art work is so brilliant and kinetic and you don’t need any previous knowledge of Batman.

There’s a chance it’s because it is also a different character from the movies, it has a great comic book feel to the book which I like, this is a Batman that revels in the war on crime and lets face it, you’d have to be a bit mad to dress up like a bat and fight insane clowns!

DC: The New Frontier

2. DC: The New Frontier #1 & #2

Okay fine.

I’ll admit it.

I’m completely sucked in by the artwork of this series.  It’s superficial I know but it got me in the door and the story kept me there and frankly the throwback to the golden age of comics is beautiful.  I’ve also broken my rule and included Volume 1 and 2 but it’s only because they are available in one book, it unfortunately is just a little expensive.

So the book is set in the 50s and the age of super heroes is coming to an end with Superman and Wonder Woman working for the government and Batman… just doing what he does best.  We are introduced to the new breed of super heroes, The Flash, Green Lantern and The Martian Manhunter.

I think apart from the artwork which is very easy on the eyes this is good exposure to the characters that make up the DC universe.  I won’t say introduction because a lot of characters have little more than cameos but it does feature a lot of them which will at least get you used to the world they live in.  This is definitely a stepping stone on to other material.

Superman: Kryptonite

3. Superman: Kryptonite

I actually don’t have that many Superman graphic novels and it seemed remiss not to suggest one of the biggest icons in the comic book world although last week I omitted Spider-Man knowing full well Rol would suggest one.  I’m not even sure how popular Superman is these days but I admit I don’t mind a well told Man of Steel story.

This book is from one of my favourite artists Tim Sale whom I mentioned last week and writer Darwyn Cooke who in fact wrote and illustrated The New Frontier as well.  This is the tale of Superman’s first encounter with Kryptonite.  Which in that sentence doesn’t really sound that interesting but this story is all about Superman as he works out what he can do and what his limitations might be.

I love that there is an inner monologue to Superman as he wonders if his current predicament is the limit of his abilities which is not something I’d considered previously.  In the comics he didn’t come with an instruction manual so how does one know that if they swim in lava they’ll be fine.

It’s because of this journey of self discovery that I think as a new reader you could possibly identify with the story.  Everyone knows who Superman is but this gives you the opportunity to find out a little about him under the surface of the icon.

Batgirl: Year One

4. Batgirl: Year One

I know I’m cheating here, this is a Batman book… kind of.  Hey! I’m trying to help you out here, if you’re going nit pick every little falsehood I present then next list is going to be about knitting needles*!

But seriously this is an impressive book focusing on Barbara Gordon and the path that led her to become Batgirl.  What I must like about the book is the unfolding story and crisp writing and because it is a ‘year one’ book it is a great place to start for anyone interested in the character.  I also think though if you have written off or dismissed the character in the past this is a great book to be convinced otherwise.

I’ve also chosen this book because I think it could helpful leading into other books, especially the current Batgirl series that has Barbara in a mentoring role to the new Batgirl.  Armed with this background it possibly enhances the impact of The Killing Joke (not a great place to start but certainly a great book to visit).

JLA Vol. 1: New World Order

5. JLA Vol. 1: New World Order

I wanted to suggest a Justice League book because it’s a good way to see the characters as they are in action rather than origin stories like The New Frontier.  No better place to start if you are new to comics than with the first volume of modern day Justice League of America.

Obviously the big characters are here, Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman and are joined by Aquaman, Green Lantern, The Flash and The Martian Manhunter.  I need to warn you though, Superman has long hair, the Green Lantern is another guy and Aquaman has long hair, a beard, one hand and a hook.  All that aside it is a solid story featuring aliens trying to take over the world and earth’s mightiest heroes** coming together to save the day.

There is whole library of JLA books following on if you do enjoy this introduction to the group.

Other recommendations…

I hope that all my DC universe enthusiasts will add their own recommendations for DC books in the comments, I’ve left out some huge characters here simply because I don’t have the books at home.  Also I’ve tried to focus on the core superhero books, I’ll come back to the other books in a future post and no I don’t think The Dark Knight Returns is a good entry point for a comic book newbie!

*I’m actually ignorant on the subject of knitting needles so it is a complete and utter empty threat.

** If you raised an eyebrow at that reference then you really should just go back to your Marvel books, this post isn’t aimed at you!