Chris Claremont turned a failing comic about mutants into one of the most successful comic book franchises of all time. Though, often criticized for being too wordy or having wooden dialogue, Claremont helped create a more literary medium bringing comics into the modern era. Claremont wrote X-men comics for 16 years! Those 16 years form one of the greatest epics ever created. All modern X-men comics use Claremont’s run as a foundation. You won’t be able to truly understand X-Men: Messiah Complex without reading these books first. The good news is a lot of these comics hold up pretty well. In this guide I’ll try to differentiate the *required reading* from the *just for fun*. [Read more…] about The Complete X-Men Reading Order Guide: Chris Claremont Era
Question of the Week: What’s Your Favorite Superman, Batman and DC Universe Story?
As you’re all well aware, I spend a lot of time on Comic Book Herald talking about Marvel Comics. It’s my first love, and I won’t sit here and pretend that when the great Marvel vs. DC brouhaha of 2016 breaks out I won’t be on the side of the (arch)Angels. Nonetheless, I love my share of DC stories and this leads us to this week’s doozy of a question from the comments of my DC Reading Order guide: [Read more…] about Question of the Week: What’s Your Favorite Superman, Batman and DC Universe Story?
Thanks from Comic Book Herald!
If you’re anything like me (muscular, ravishing, modest…), there’s a good chance that you will eat yourself into a coma this Thanksgiving while simultaneously cursing your fantasy football team. There’s also a great chance you’ll use the Holiday break to catch up on all the great comic books on your “must-read” list. And if you’re one of the legions who use Comic Book Herald for your reading order, guide, and review needs, then I want to say THANK YOU for making Comic Book Herald such a rip-roaring success! So to the readers: thank you. You’re all awesome and make Comic Book Herald such a rewarding graveyard shift! [Read more…] about Thanks from Comic Book Herald!
Agents of SHIELD Episode 8 (S2) Review! We’re Going Somewhere!
After a rocky start of seemingly more of the same, Agents of SHIELD delivered the goods last night with what I would consider one of the finest episodes in the show’s history. If there was any doubt, Agent Carter’s impending 8 episode miniseries has breathed life into this plodding master class in disappointment. Last night that meant Agent Carter appearing mid-episode to launch the story into the next gear, and forcing Agents of SHIELD to prepare for a midseason finale that actually delivers some Marvel Universe goods! [Read more…] about Agents of SHIELD Episode 8 (S2) Review! We’re Going Somewhere!
The Ultimate Gift Givers Guide to Comic Books
Much like pet reindeer, giving comic books as a gift can be surprisingly difficult. For Marvel & DC comics you’re dealing with long ongoing series mired in decades of continuity, and with other graphic novels it can be challenging to determine quality or fit for your intended gift recipient. It really isn’t enough to just know that your nephew Jonah likes comics; that’d be like purchasing a CD based on the information that he likes sounds.
Fortunately, I’ve put together a guide of top picks for comic book gifts based on your possible audience. [Read more…] about The Ultimate Gift Givers Guide to Comic Books