The following list is my picks for the best first issues, based on comics that have been released during by tenure as a hobbyist, i.e the past twenty years. They are from series that were or are ongoing series, not minis. The only factor in choosing these books was simple: Greatness.
1. Y The Last Man
Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra
Unmatched storytelling and utterly masterful writing. So many plot threads perfectly bundled up in perhaps the best example of non-linear storytelling.
2. Four Eyes
Joe Kelly and Max Fiumara
An incredibly unique story, told perfectly with outstanding art. Whips you up and takes you to a place that is both familiar and fantastic.
3. Preacher
Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon
Like Y The Last Man, an expertly crafted story, with brilliant pacing and perfect dialogue. Plus, insanely novel concepts and characters.
4. The Walking Dead
Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore
A regular paged issue that seems like a novella. Haunting, engaging, fun and most importantly, Rick is a character you want to travel with.
5. Batman and Robin
Grant Morrison and Frank Quietley
Morrison and Quietly. Usually that says it all, but this was something unexpected with its new take on the dynamic duo, creating a new mythos rather than perfecting an old one– like they do in All Star Superman.
6. Planetary
Warren Ellis and John Cassady
Mind-bending and genre-jarring. Ellis scoops you up while Cassaday blows you away. For Sci-Fi, there is Firefly for TV and Planetary for Comics.
7. All Star Superman
Grant Morrison and Frank Quietley
8. The Ultimates
Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch
The Avengers you want and a team of characters that make sense. Story hits you as the art wows.
9. Ultimate Spider-Man
Brian Bendis and Mark Bagely
The best Spider-Man ever. Period. Perhaps the most endearing comic character ever created. Instant love.
10. The Unwritten/Invincible
Mike Carey and Peter Gross/Robert Kirkman and Corey Walker
Both these issues set up addicting stories and characters. Like the other comics in this list, greatness was evident from the get-go.
Be sure to weigh-in in the comment section!
Filed under: DC Comics, Features, Image Comics, Marvel Comics | Tagged: All Star Superman, Batman, Batman and Robin, Brian Bendis, Brian K. Vaughan, Bryan Hitch, Corey Walker, first issues, Four Eyes, Frank Quietley, Garth Ennis, Grant Morrison, Image Comics, INVINCIBLE, Joe Kelly, John Cassady, Mark Bagely, Mark Millar, Max Fiumara, Mike Carey, Peter Gross, Pia Guerra, Planetary, Preacher, Robert Kirkman, Spider-Man, Steve Dillon, Superman, The Ultimates, The Unwritten, The Walking Dead, Tony Moore, Ultimate Spider-Man, Warren Ellis, Y: The Last Man | 7 Comments »
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