Working in a comic store was something I always thought required a vast amount of knowledge. We all know 
Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons, constantly spewing facts and information. Getting into comics so late in life, most of my knowledge came from tv, movies, or my own research. The only comics I had really read were a handful of Batman comics and some X-men. This past year has really thrown me head first into the world of comics and I’m never coming back up for air! Working at Andersonville, we have a great customer base and they are always recommending new and exciting comics for me to read. So with that said, these are mine (and some customers) Top 5 comic recommendations that I now pass onto you!
5: Batman: The Killing Joke
Of all the Batman stories out there, this is the one that was recommended the most. And let me tell you, I was not prepared for that whirlwind! I knew what to expect but I still was not ready. This comic is a deep dive into the mind and psyche of the Joker, probably the most iconic villain of all time. Alan Moore takes you on a believable journey that has you really thinking by the end “What if all it really takes is one bad day?” Not to mention, that ICONIC Batgirl scene (no spoilers, just in case) that still makes the world weep.
4: Black Science
Black Science is another comic that forces you to ask a question. The question: How deep does the rabbit hole go? The answer: Deeper than anyone could imagine. Okay, so one man can imagine: Rick Remender! He comes up with the most amazing alternate versions of earth and there are TONS. Following Grant McKay and his team as they are stuck falling deeper into a rabbit hole of different earths and alternate dimensions, all of which are amazingly crafted and extremely disconcerting should you ever find yourself actually on one of them, is a wild ride. There’s humor (I laugh at loud at least twice an issue), drama and a few scares that will definitely have you reaching for the next issue!
3: Heroes in Crisis
This one is my own personal recommendation. Growing up in a military family in the late 90s/early 00s, I have seen firsthand the effects of PTSD. Tom King and Clay Mann create this incredible insight into the mental health issues at the cost of being a superhero. Seeing the struggle of your favorite heroes coming to terms with their personal traumas was heartbreaking, but also inspiring. Done in a Who-dun-it murder mystery style, each issue will have you second guessing yourself just when you think you’ve figured it out.
2: DCeased
Okay, so this series is currently still ongoing (issue 4 in stores now!) but it is way to good to pass up. First, Zombies and DC characters are two of my favorite things, so why wouldn’t I want them tossed together? Second, Yasmine Putri’s horror movie homage covers are EVERYTHING. And third, that first issue alone had me sitting with my jaw dropped for a solid 5 minutes after I read it. Using a zombie virus that is not your typical “virus”, Tom Taylor creates a horrifying world of shock, awe, terror and hope that our favorite heroes can survive. Spoiler alert: A lot of your favorites don’t! Grab this comic to find out who survives!!!
1: SAGA
Where to begin with this one. If you haven’t read Saga by now, you are truly missing out!!! This is the number one comic recommended in our Andersonville store. When I first started, everyone told me to read Saga. Initially thinking it wasn’t going to be my cup of tea, I grabbed the first trade and gave it ago. Let me tell you, I could not get enough and read the first 7 trades in a few days! A mix of Romeo and Juliet meets Look Who’s Talking thrown into a Space Opera/ Western world, Brian Vaughan and Fiona Staples have created a masterpiece. 9 volumes of twists and turns, heartbreak, tears, joy, and love will send you on a wild ride to edges of the universe and back, exploring the life of Hazel and her parents, as they try to escape war and fight to be with each other. Saga is my number favorite for all these reason and more. I HIGHLY recommend picking this up and going on an epic journey!!
