Prompted by another thread’s enthusiatic endorsement of Punisher : MAX my tiny mind got working. I reckon Punisher: Max is the definitive take on The Punisher. No, there’s not a lot of competition, but still, if someone wanted to know about The Punisher and his hilariously wacky antics I’d point them there first.
So, do you reckon you know of any definitive takes/runs on characters? If someone said, as they often do, “I fervently desire to read Superman comics? What’s the best, most authoritative and defining run?” What would you say? ( Clue: “Superman is a big girl scout, read Marvel Comics.” is not the right answer.) It could act as a one stop shop for folks interested in a character new to them. They’d then know exactly what to ask for in OKComics (Leeds’ Finest Comic Emporium). And having asked they might even buy them.
So something like this might be in order: John Byrne’s Spider-Man: Chapter One Chuck Austen’s X-Men Bill Mantlo’s Micronauts Loeb & Liefeld’s Captain America Paul Jenkins’ Hellblazer Starlin & Aparo’s Batman
Of course should you disagree with any of those towering edifices of storytelling for the ages (unlikely, eh?!) why not share your alternatives? Go on, give us a character and either the creative/team, story/TPB title or issue numbers if they are relevant. And if you really, really loved a run, go crazy, go wild don’t be shy, tells us all why! Help spread the comic love!
super man is i think a very hard character to give a definitive story to granted there are many good super man storys but is it possible after so many years that this characters definitive story is yet to be written?
The Collector is wise beyond his years. One of my hidden agendas here wsas to find a definitive Superman story. Birthright has a cracking ending but the rest of it, eh, okay. Red Son is good, but not really Superman (and it's too soft on Stalin), Whatever Happened To The Man Of Tomorrow is too dependant on Super-lore for newbies. Which leaves...
...All Star Superman. Is this the one? Could it be?
Super-Man is a tough one. I usually point people in the direction of Birthright, and more recently All Star. What about Spider-Man? What are his character defining books? (John Byrnes stuff doesn't count as it is sub standard).
I think that It's a Bird and Secret Identity are 2 of the best Superman books, but neither of them count as in continuity. What about For All Seasons? that's not so bad.
The only character defining spider-man stories that I can think of are the ones where someone close to him dies, Uncle Ben, Gwen Stacy.
Spider-Man take your pick from either ASM 30/31 (Ditko & Lee) or 39/40 (Romita & Lee). Or for the truly defining tale stick to the origin in Amazing Fantasy 15. The first two build on the strengths as well as the maturation of the character, whereas the latter defines the character so well that everything that follows treads water.
And a definitive Superman story? How about any of those lousy tales published in the mid sixties. I jest, but c'mon he's nigh on omnipotent. The nearest you get to a definitive Superman story is the Doomsday arc (not the trash that came after the death) where he puts his life on the line.
OKOliver's Superman choices are sound as a pound to my mind, It's A Bird and Identity are real good Superman and I think the former is in continuity. Actually, I think we should discount continuity, no one knows what's in it or not (DKR?), so unshackle yourselves!
Howsabout For The Man Who Has Everything (Superman Annual #11(?)) ?I love that comic. Yes, I do. Batman calls Robin "chum" and that's not even the best bit. Moore-riffic!
ASM 30/31 sounds right for Spidey. Anymore offers?
Do you really like The Death of Superman Mr Nimbus? (Just asking, it seems an odd choice for yourownself.)
R.e. Byrne's Spider-Man - next you'll be pouring scorn on X-Men: The Hidden Years. Serious now, that list at the top was a joke, hand on heart! But what about Byrne's Superman? Any gems in there?
By Hera! If we're having trouble with Supes and Spidey, is anyone brave enough to suggest a definitive story for Wonder Woman?
i really liked the time and time again superman book when he travells through time, not really defining but i thought it was a good read.
The last issue of preacher is a defining issue for jesse custer as he shows the readers that a real man can kick ass and take names but also show some emotion to win back his woman. Truely heart wrenching stuff.
OK... Definitive run on JLA has to be Grant Morrison's, starting with New World Order and finishing with World War III. Anything that's come after has paled by comparison. He also nails Supes and Batsy as characters.
Wolverine: Weapon X by Barry Windsor Smith - Brutal and unflinching, contains some of the best graphical storytelling ever laid down. This is 100% pure Wolverine injected straight into your eyes. No space doggery. No magic swords. No goombah kid called Derek. No asthmatic Little Lord Fauntleroy. No mercy. Available in a nifty new hardcover. But before I replace my old one I need to know: 1) Is it recoloured? 2) Are there any nifty extra bits?
Batman - Dark Knight Returns by Miller, Janson & Varley. 'Nuff Said! Commissioner Gordon - Batman Year One by Miller and Mazzuchelli. (Me am sooooo sneaky!)
Daredevil - Born Again by Miller and Mazzuchelli. All you need to know about the fearless one between two covers. Majestic. No, really a Must Read for Superfans. Currently out of print, I hear (why? A hardcover coming?). Or Miller's original run. If it ain't Miller it ain't the red meat. Say anything different - I can't hear you - lalalalalalala!
Superman - Supreme: The Return by Alan Moore and various. It's Superman, we all know it is, and it's the best Superman story ever.
