Current Comic Book Recommendations for My Nephews?

Cafe Society
1

I’m trying to get my two nephews (ages 11 and 14) interested in comic books, and was thinking I might grab a few as stocking stuffers this year.

I collected comics in my mis-spent youth, and still have thousands of the things. (Ladies! Please! Calm yourselves! Stop crowding!) However, it has been years since I bought any new ones, and I’m out of the loop. Who are the hot current artists? What current titles/series are the best of the art form?

And most importantly (for my needs) what current titles might be just the ticket for piquing the interest of an 11-year-old and 14-year-old respectively?

2

Like you, I’m not as up on the scene as I used to be. The X-men are still very hot, and my 11 year old son likes them. Frank Miller is doing another Dark Knight that just came out.

3

Ultimate Spiderman by Brian Michael Bendis

For those not in the know, this is and isn’t a retelling. It assumes Bendis created Spiderman in 2000 and takes place in a different universe than the current Marvel one. Not DC many Earths different, just this is a new comic universe where they are free to explore without continuity to bog them down.

It starts with Peter Parker as a teenager bitten by a spider etc. But the setting, plot, dialouge, and science are much more current. A great read no matter what your age but it might appeal to early teens more than other books. I would recommend getting the trade paperback (#1-6 collected) and seeing if they’re interested in reading more.

4

Spoke,

Go for a few trade paperbacks. That way a cliff-hanger doesn’t screw up their reading pleasure…and has you back on the street searching for the rest of the story.

The list here below are, awarded, all-ages trade paperback comics:

Bone, by Jeff Smith (great book!!..black and white)

Akiko, by Mark Crily (sp) (black and white)

Leave it to Chance, This has been collected and you just CAN NOT go wrong with this highly acclaimed all-ages book. (color)

lots of manga, no, that’s not the title of a book, but rather a genre of books (from Japan), which can also be found in collected form. However, most manga is in Black and White, and can be a turnoff to younger kids, who want to see vibrant color. Of the list of Manga

Pokemon (yep, we all know it)
Digimon (also well known)
Card Captor (Another TV show based off the book)
Oh, My Goddess (cute coming-of-age story)

Likewise there are adaptations of many TV shows, just find them on the shelves…but often these are crap…and service mostly to sell the merchandise, license toys, and get you to watch the TV show.

If they’re into action, and adventure, there’s more than you can shake a stick at, but be careful…many current comics are riding the fine edge of over agression, violence, nudity, sexual situations and language. Comics are not purchased solely by kids anymore, thus the comic studios are catering to the needs of the majority (today, that’s the adults). Which sucks when you’re looking for something unique, and special, for youngsters. Still, there are many out there worth reading.

Remember you always have:

Batman Animated, the comic…plus, a ton of “animated” spin offs. (color)

Impulse, teenager gets the power to run fast, like the flash. (in fact, it’s really a flash spin-off), but this gets into a ton of superhero-esque soap opera stuff…which never ends. (color)

For educational enjoyment try:

Age of Bronze, by Eric Shannower. Oh, I can’t praise this adaptation of the fall of the city of Troy enough. Wonderful work, extensively researched and detailed. Beautiful. Just beautiful. It’s Black and White.

Of course, if you’re near a reputable comic store, then just go in there and ask. Just don’t get suckered into anything they push in front of you. Just because they don’t have it on their shelves, doesn’t mean it’s sold out.

90% of people don’t use the distribution system that is unique to comics. Comics, are also collectables, thus many are always in demand. The DIAMOND - PREVIEWS catalog is the ONLY source for ALL of comics in the united states. And DIAMOND - PREVIEWS is available to the public.

You can get all the comics I’ve listed above, AND MORE, through this monthly catalog. ALL COMIC STORES USE THIS CATALOG. Don’t let the jerk behind the counter tell you otherwise. He’s just trying to unload comics on you. Get the comics YOU WANT, not just the comics on the shelf.

Diamond Ships to EVERY comic store in the country EVERY WEDNESDAY, of EVERY WEEK. Don’t be fooled when the retailer says they can’t get it. That’s just crap! They simply call them up, they place the order, you get it the next week. Period, pencils down.

(one exception…if a book is sold out, but you should be okay, if you’re not asking for Spider-Man issue #1)

Sorry for the rant…but I’ve heard all too often how folks just can’t find what they want, when the majority of comics are available and sitting in a warehouse, only a phone call away.

Not to brag, but I’m a published artist by the third largest comic publisher in the country. I’ve been in the industry for nearly a decade. I’ve seen this happen waaaay too much. My biggest gripe is at conventions, meeting my readers and fans, and they tell me my book wasn’t available at their local store. Sucks to high heaven!

Well, obviously I’ve ran up the clock far too much. Forgive the outburst, and good luck with finding books for your nephews. Christmas is a big time for comic retailers, so they should bend over backwards to help you. But time is running out if you’re looking to order. SO hop to it, my friend.

Jet Black

5

Wolverine is right about Bendis’ modern adaptation of Spider-man. It’s pretty trick.

However, Bendis’ other works are not all for children. Jinx, Goldfish, and Torso, are for very mature audiences. Thus, he has the ability to push limits…but I think the folks at Marvel have reins on him for the Ultimate Spider-man stuff.

There are many books out there. And from what you’re saying your nephews aren’t too young to, at least, try out some of the many comics available. But you, as the parent, should check into what they are reading. These aren’t all your daddy’s comics anymore.

However, one of your nephews is age 14, which is old enough for many of the comics on the shelves. Take Wolverine’s advice (especially the collected version). If these nephews live together, then don’t be surprised when they start swapping comics. You should get something they both can read.

A number of store owners have had legal action forced upon them, due to the misrepresentation some folks have of comics…and sadly, some of the religious conservatives have placed a dim view on the subject matter in today’s comics. But you sound like an open-minded individual looking out for your family’s best interest. And since you used to read comics, then hop in there and read a few. Check 'em out yourself. It won’t hurt. You might get hooked back in again.

Just don’t take the kids…they will see all those fancy dynamic, colorful covers and go crazy! Like a kid in a candy store!

Jet Black

6

Thanks for all the input! (And hey, keep it coming.)

I shall hie me to the comic shoppe to check out some of these recommendations.

Jet Black, thanks for the enthusiastic and informative reply. Don’t worry; I know to check the comics carefully for content. (Though when I think about it, some of the old Warren magazines I was reading at age 11 were pretty racy and violent. Creepy, Eerie, Vampirella. Ah…Vampirella…rowrrrrr.)

7

I agree with Ultimate Spider-Man; it’s very good and also appropriate for kids, and it doesn’t have tons of crushing backstory.

I’d avoid the X-Men; the current work arc is pretty emphatically not for children.

Other recommendations:

Batgirl – this is a great comic, it stars a teenage girl, and the art is the most dynamic in comics today. Some of the themes might be for a slightly older audience (the protagonist was raised by an assassin to be a perfect killer, but she rejected that path). There are a couple of TPB’s available.

Scion is a coming-of-age story about a young prince; it’s moderately bloody; Prince Ethan’s country is currently at war and the battles are fought primarily with swords.

Ruse just started and is shaping up really strong; the art is cinematic in a way you don’t usually see in comic. It’s set on a planet similar to England’s Victorian period. The main characters are a Holmesian detective and his lovely assistant, Emma, who has strange and unexplained powers.

–Cliffy

8

Card Captor Sakura? For two preteen boys? Nah. It’s rather girly. It has action bits, but it’s mostly touchy-feely relationship-type stuff. I like it, but I’m a teenage girl, not an 11 year old boy. My 10 year old brother wouldn’t like it.
Oh, My Goddess might not be good for preteen boys either. I’m not sure, as I’ve never read it, but the storyline always seemed for older teenagers.

But the manga is a good idea. There’s tons of titles that appeal to all ages in collected form in my local bookstore. You could just browse through those and find something that would be good.
jessica

9

Jess, I stand somewhat corrected.

You’re right, I’d agree “Card Captor” is aimed a bit more a the younger girl set. Though “Oh, My Goddess” is a tad bit mor euniversal (with teen and college level relationship comedy) Still, your comments are valid, and on point.

Also, personally, I’m a bit too involved in the industry, and I’ve attended too many comic conventions, expos and seminars. I’ve seen both sexes line up for the above titles at these events…and similar titles. However, I admit, conventions usually draw out the most HARDCORE fanatics, thus, my perceptions might be askew to that of the “general public”.

From my experieince, I’ve seen a fair share of both sexes, but you’re still right, it’s aimed more toward girls. Though (if I can pad my answers even more) I don’t want to sterotype boys and girls, either. I’m sure you don’t either.

As for Manga… yes, again, you’re right. You can find manga comics to fit almost each and every whim of your nephews, and yourself. If they like sports, you’ll find comics about baseball, volleyball, soccer, golf, basketball…ect. Or you’ll find more stories about ghosts, and aliens, and crime and romance. You may have to dig, but at least they are out there.

Yikes, I’m talking too much, again.

Jet Black

10

No, I don’t want to stereotype the boys and girls. I understand crossover appeal. But I do know that generally speaking, young boys probably wouldn’t go for that stuff, even if it’s just because they’ll seem like wusses. I suspect that’s part of the reason why my brother won’t watch CCS or anything like that with me.

If spoke-'s nephews don’t mind girly stuff, Card Captor Sakura is a good series. (my current favorite manga, actually) But in general, I wouldn’t recommend to just anyone.

Not that you’re wrong, Jet. I just don’t think non-fanatic guys would really go for a really girly manga, like CCS. I wasn’t trying to be short or anything with my reply, just commenting. :slight_smile: And I might just check out Oh! My Goddess soon myself. Worth a try, anyway.
As for my recommendations (beyond just looking through the comics), the Gundam Wing manga might be interesting. The anime was pretty decent and it looks like the manga is just a retelling of that story.
Ranma 1/2 and any of the Tenchi series might suit an older boy quite nicely as well, though I think there’s questionable bits in these.
jessica, heading back in to the mainsteam before she gets too involved in something she doesn’t know much about

11

Jet Black is apparently the man of this thread. His first post is almost too informative. I’d also recommend the trade paperback route. They’re cheaper and more available than back issues, and you get to read them all in one sitting without fumbling with comic bags.

Anyway, let’s get to the recommendations:

Usagi Yojimbo is Stan Sakai’s tale of a wandering ronin. That is, he’s a masterless samurai. He’s also a rabbit. Don’t let the anthropomorphization fool you, though, this is truly an all ages affair. With intelligent story lines, fantastic characters, themes and historical accuracy, everybody should read it. Buying it for your nephews will give you an excuse to read it, even though you don’t need an excuse.

Zoom’s Academy for the Super Gifted is sort of a Harry Potter for superheros. It just started, but it seems very appealing, and the art is fantastic. You’ll like it for the character design alone.

Tom Stong is an old-school superhero affair from Alan Moore. It’s obvious he’s having a lot of fun with it. Nobody writes fantastic like Alan Moore (maybe Grant Morrison), so it’s worth pawing through an issue at the comic shop.

Planetary is a bit rough for the younger crowd. Nothing worse than a little violence and a bit of rough language, but it’d probably be good for the fourteen year old. One of the most literate, fantastic, action-packed and best looking comics out there. It’s a team of superheros mining the literary value from every single genre out there; from Godzilla-movies, Hong Kong shooters, Victorian literature, Doc Savage and the Justice League. Like I said, it may be a bit too much for a younger audience, but it can’t really hurt to expose kids to quality. Your call.

Castle Waiting by Linda Medley may be a bit harder to find “off the shelf”, but it’s well worth it if you do. It’s a story based in a world where all the old fairy tales exist. Not cheesy at all, but charming and witty. Everybody should like this one.

Akira is a manga aimed at a slightly older audience, but holy cow! Almost everything sci-fi today has been influenced in some way by this comic. Smart, action packed, incredibly inventive (at least at the time), this is what comics are about. The eleven year old may not understand it, but the fourteen year old should be all over it. Once again, it may be too much, but if you want to get kids addicted you give them the quality stuff. (Now I sound like I’m trying to sell drugs.) Akira is currently being re-released in six gigantic trade paperbacks.

I really had to wrack my brain to come up with just those. I don’t read much superhero comics, and most of the comics I read are definitely not for children. (Of course, I would, and did, find a way to get my hands on them when I was fourteen.)

Mostly what you’re gonna have to do is lead them to the water and hope they drink. Comics are ever, ever so slowly crawling their way into social acceptance. They’re also a very expensive habit to maintain. At any rate, if the kids show interest they’ll soon have their own titles they like. And while you’re at it, get yourself into a store and find a few titles you like. If you look hard enough you’ll find quite a few comics that aren’t solely adolescent power fantasies. Some of them are really quite good. If this were a thread about titles to recommend to you, then I could talk your ear off, if I haven’t already. At the very least you’ll get to be the cool uncle the kids can talk about comics with. (Note, this will also give you somebody to talk about comics with.)

Happy hunting and good luck!

12

Go the trade paperback route and get 'em some X-Men stuff from the Chris Claremont years. The comic has been a huge pile of crap for the last ten years IMHO, but it was Claremont’s work in the 80’s that got X-Men to the popularity it has today. You should have no difficulty finding TPBs that feature Claremont’s writing. That should get them hooked, and they can check out what they want to from there. The important thing is to start 'em off right, as MofoRising said. I got hooked on the tail end of Claremont’s years with the X-Men and branched off from there, in case you’re wondering.

Beyond that, I sadly have no recommendations. Most of what I read are Vertigo titles, DC’s line for mature writers, and not appropriate for kids of the age you’re looking for. You might want to go to your local comic shop and check out what they’ve got, like JetBlack said.

13

Mofo Rising,

I slapped my forehead when I read your list. Excellent choices all. Especially Linda Medley’s “Castle Waiting”, god, how can I forget that series!! I’ve seen it when it was first in pencils, wonderful work!

Which brings up “Scary Godmother” by Jill Thompson. Another wonderful series geared for all in mind. Get it in hardcover!!

I’ll have to look for “Zoom’s Academy”, I don’t think I’ve seen that. Thanks for the heads up. Also, your latter comment of “lead them to water and hope they drink”, is very sound advice/commentary. Let’s all cross our fingers for uncle Spoke. Hah!

Jess,

I don’t think you were short with me. Your responses were accurate…as I said, I stood corrected. You’re right. Most boys wouldn’t go for Card Captor (I’m just a sucker for that stuff). But “Oh, My Goddess” does have charm for both sexes, I’d try the paperbacks first. Granted, there’s not much in the way of fast paced action, but it’s got plenty of race car, and motorcycle racing/driving mixed with magic and a rivalry that just won’t stop. It’s very fun. Don’t let the fluffy “goddess” title fool you.

saffostar,

Claremont…ah, you got it RIGHT there. Hard to get better than that…especially in his prime, as you mentioned.

Oh, you read Vertigo books? Well, there is a title you could recommend…"Books of Magic (which I did a try out for and got rejected…sniff, snif…:(…haha!). But that’s an excellent “harry Potter-esque” series…also in trade paperback.
Jet Black