Comic books are home to some of the best works of fiction, period. Here are five of the best comic books you have to read.
Comic books are home to some of the best works of fiction, period. Here are five of the best comic books you have to read.
Civil War
In Civil War, the U.S. government introduces the Superhero Registration Act, which requires humans with superpowers to reveal their identities and register with the government. This divides the Marvel Universe, with Iron Man leading the heroes that are pro-registration, and Captain America leading the heroes that are against. It’s a great read as it’s not often that you see heroes fighting against each other, but it also explores larger philosophical issues, such as the importance of security and the price of freedom.
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
In The Dark Knight Returns, Batman is aged, jaded and weary, but he sees his beloved Gotham City being terrorized by a new generation of criminals and villains. Left without a choice, he dons his cape for one last hurrah. The Dark Knight Returns is important because it comes at a time when Batman was seen as a laughable kids’ hero. Fortunately, this comic changed all that, and sets the tone for the Batman that we know today - a gritty, troubled hero that uses his rage as a weapon.
The Watchmen
The Watchmen takes the idea of superheroes and turns it on his heads. Instead of perfect beings, the heroes in The Watchmen have the same eccentricities, insecurities and quirks like the rest of us. But it is the ambitious plot, which begins casually as a murder mystery, and develops into something far darker and encompassing, that makes The Watchmen a modern classic.
V for Vendetta
V for Vendetta is set in a dystopian version of the United Kingdom where a fascist party rules the people. The titular character of the comic, V, is introduced as a revolutionary dressed in a Guy Fawkes mask, who seeks to liberate the people of the United Kingdom. The most remarkable thing about V for Vendetta is how it’s still relevant today, even though it was first published in 1988. The story of courageous individuals standing up against oppressive tyrants never grows outdated.
The Infinity Gauntlet
Part of what makes reading The Infinity Gauntlet so fun is to witness the sheer omnipotence of Thanos, the Mad Titan, as he wields the invincible Infinity Gauntlet. He takes on the combined might of fan favorite superheroes like Iron Man, Spider-Man, Captain America and the Hulk, as if they were nothing but ants.
