Oh, that’s even more disappointing - I wasn’t planning on picking up anything WWH-related. I actually used to really see the appeal of big events, but CW has left me pretty drained, and caused me to miss out on peripheral stuff I might otherwise not have missed. WWH could actually turn out to be entertaining, but it’s just too much, too soon.

I’d recommend checking out the Annihilation stuff, Kiel. That was the quality event from Marvel last year, not Civil War. I’m actually looking forward to the follow-up event, though I’m feeling pretty unhappy with much of what Marvel does these days.

If I were to plunge into the DC waters again, what recommendations would people have?

I’ll stick to stuff that’s currently being published:

*All Star Superman
*Birds of Prey
*Justice Society of America (Some people find this one too dark and violent. If you’re sensitive to that type of stuff, you should probably skip it.)
*Shadowpact
*Teen Titans

I wholeheartedly agree with everything you said about X-Factor #16. David continues to write Madrox extremely well. Combined with Dark Tower, he’s the Short Pants MVP this week. He rarely disappoints.

Wanted to float out a discussion question as well, if I may: I’ve been a Marvel zombie for most of my comic reading time, but continue to hear good things about many DC titles, not to mention picking up Seven Soldiers last year. Things like 52 have done well, and titles like Manhunter and All-Star Superman have good buzz. If I were to plunge into the DC waters again, what recommendations would people have?

Short Pants MVP? I like.

All the guys above have given great recommendations but try also Shazam: Monster Society Of Evil (really can’t say enough good things about this), anything by Darwyn Cooke (Kiel mentioned The Spirit, there’s also DC: The New Frontier & Selina’s Big Score), Gotham Central when Brubaker was involved, Matt Wagner’s two recent Batman mini series (Monster Men & Mad Monk) and you might also like Alan Moore’s Top Ten which DC bankrolled.

Really dug Iron Man #15 too. Had it in my top 5 last week. The Director Of SHIELD angle is a great hook and De La Torre really knocked it out of the park. He seems to be getting better with every issue and Sibal & White on inks & colours are great fit for him too. Gage would be a good choice to take over long term but I’m gonna give the Knaufs a chance. After all, they’ve gotten off to a great start with this “new era” for Iron Man

As for titles you guys reviewed….you can’t mention it enough: The Killer is top-notch. I just wish it came out monthly, especially since it’s a translation. Oh well. Surprised to see you liked Iron Man, Nick - besides the interest SHIELD concept, I didn’t think it did anything particularly well. I have to agree that the art was pretty good - de la Torre is gonna be big. I’m just glad I haven’t been pre-ordering the book, that’s all.

You know, Kiel…I think it may have been the concept and execution of a character as an actual hero saving lives in this issue of Iron Man that I liked so much, compounded with the fact that I really dug the art. Not sure that it’s going to constantly stay at this level of fun (maybe not) but I’m curious to see where it’s going to go and if they can keep Iron Man a hero instead of the amoral clod/villain who just happens to run S.H.I.E.L.D. that he appears to be in every other book he’s in. I guess we’ll see.

I wholeheartedly agree with everything you said about X-Factor #16. David continues to write Madrox extremely well. Combined with Dark Tower, he’s the Short Pants MVP this week. He rarely disappoints.

Wanted to float out a discussion question as well, if I may: I’ve been a Marvel zombie for most of my comic reading time, but continue to hear good things about many DC titles, not to mention picking up Seven Soldiers last year. Things like 52 have done well, and titles like Manhunter and All-Star Superman have good buzz. If I were to plunge into the DC waters again, what recommendations would people have?

I’m pretty much the same as you; Marvel Zombie at heart (even if Marvel has left me a little cold lately). I don’t read a ton of DC titles, but the ones I do, you might enjoy, too:

All-Star Superman - when it comes out, it’s one of my favorite books. Accessible, wonderful, and gorgeous.

Confidential books (Superman and Batman) - self-contained, accessible stories. Right now Superman is way better, but the tables can change at any time - a new creative team comes on after each arc.

Batman - if ya like Grant Morrison, you might like this. He’s one of the few non-superhero writers who maintains his own unique voice and vision when he does write superheroes. Plus, if you like Andy Kurburt’s art, this is a good fix (or it should be, now that the book is back on its regular schedule).

Spirit - one of my favorite books from any company right now. Nuff said. First issue is getting a second printin’, so don’t miss out.

As for titles you guys reviewed….you can’t mention it enough: The Killer is top-notch. I just wish it came out monthly, especially since it’s a translation. Oh well. Surprised to see you liked Iron Man, Nick - besides the interest SHIELD concept, I didn’t think it did anything particularly well. I have to agree that the art was pretty good - de la Torre is gonna be big. I’m just glad I haven’t been pre-ordering the book, that’s all.

Justice League of America was just awful. Just terrible. Just bad. Hell, I can’t think of a perfect word(s) for that issue. Meltzer shouldn’t be allowed to write the Justice League again. That’s the type of garbage that has me pulling my hair out about mainstream comics.

Wanted to float out a discussion question as well, if I may: I’ve been a Marvel zombie for most of my comic reading time, but continue to hear good things about many DC titles, not to mention picking up Seven Soldiers last year. Things like 52 have done well, and titles like Manhunter and All-Star Superman have good buzz. If I were to plunge into the DC waters again, what recommendations would people have?

DC has quite a few good reads, like those you have already mentioned (especially Manhunter and All Star Superman), but I’m also a sucker for Geoff Johns’ Flash run. For me it reinvigorated the character, the fun factor is high octane and I find Flash’s rogues gallery one of the better sets of villains. Not to mention Scott Kolins’ art was killer during the run. Other than that, Grant Morrison’s JLA was good, Ed Brubaker’s Catwoman, though dark at points was an overall success, and Starman which is just good in every possible way. There are others, both of the one shot and series variety but these are some of my favorites.

Lets stick with underground Terrorist Fury for a while. Sure so far he’s just exposition Fury in a new suit but there’s the vague hope he might turn into a decent villain at some point.

Meanwhile Ironmans free of the character molestation of Civil War and is doing something interesting with SHEILD for a change, here’s hoping it lasts a while.

Wanted to float out a discussion question as well, if I may: I’ve been a Marvel zombie for most of my comic reading time, but continue to hear good things about many DC titles, not to mention picking up Seven Soldiers last year. Things like 52 have done well, and titles like Manhunter and All-Star Superman have good buzz. If I were to plunge into the DC waters again, what recommendations would people have?