I just returned from San Diego Comic Con and it positively rocked my socks off. Whether you were there in person too or you watched from afar, chances are you heard some of the big news broadcast from the halls of the San Diego Convention Center out to the world.
What better way to break some of that news down (and to cure my post-SDCC blues) than with another installment of Like This/Read That! In honor of Comic Con and all the nerdy wonders on the horizon, here are some fresh comic book recommendations based on some of your potential SDCC reactions.
You’re Wondering How That Superman Vs. Batman Movie Might Work
READ: The Dark Knight Returns, Kingdom Come, Superman: Red Son
Comic book confession time: I’m not a big fan of The Dark Knight Returns, the “classic” DC Comics run that is reportedly providing much of the inspiration for the newly announced Man of Steel sequel set to feature both Superman and Batman. That being said, I’d still encourage you to check it out as to form your own opinion and imagine what this upcoming on-screen pairing might end up looking like. Additionally, I’d recommend Kingdom Come and Superman: Red Son, two of DC’s better known Elseworlds books, which placed familiar characters against very unexpected backdrops. These two stories will surely have little bearing on the new film, but both feature very interesting characterizations of the relationship between Superman and Batman.
You’re STILL Waiting for a Female-Led Superhero Flick (Like I Am)
READ: Captain Marvel and X-Men Vol. 4
The DC Comics movie announcements made at SDCC were surprising and exciting, but conspicuously absent from them was any mention of a Wonder Women film. Somehow, in a world where comic book films have taken over, the biggest female icon in comics is still without an announced film, meaning the third most central member of the Justice League will not have her own movie prior to that team’s introduction in cinemas (and don’t you for a second try to convince me that Aquaman or the Flash are more significant than Wonder Woman… seriously). As some small solace offered to ease your mind regarding this unfortunate situation, I’d recommend checking out these two recent comic series that put the spotlight on lady heroes. Captain Marvel is awesome (and is begging to become part of the Marvel cinematic universe) and a new X-Men series just getting underway features a butt-kicking team of all female mutants. Also worth mentioning are the Wonder Woman and Supergirl runs that began in DC’s New 52.
You’re Intrigued by Marvel’s Latest Movie Teases
READ: Guardians of the Galaxy and Mighty Avengers: The Ultron Initiative
The big surprises from Marvel Studios at SDCC were the showing of the first footage from Guardians of the Galaxy and the reveal of the Avengers sequel’s full title, Avengers: Age of Ultron. If those names don’t ring any bells, you can start your crash course here with these Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers series. I’ve just begun reading these issues myself, but a friendly fan at Comic Con gave them a very enthusiastic recommendation. Why not join me in checking them out and in the coming years we can be the cool kids at the theater who knew the Guardians before they became the next Avengers, and Ultron before he became the next Loki?
You Were a Wee Bit Disappointed at the Lack of News About Edgar Wright’s Ant-Man
READ: Irredeemable Ant-Man
It’s hard to be too disappointed, considering Edgar was very present at Comic Con, repping for the impending release of The World’s End. Still, following the surprise announcement at last year’s SDCC, we’re still left wondering what to expect from his forthcoming entry in the Marvel cinematic universe. To whet my appetite, I’ve been reading this series by Robert Kirkman, now of The Walking Dead fame and fortune. It’s a very unique series as far as superhero comics go, focusing on the hijinks of a selfish, utterly unlikable protagonist. The film may not borrow any inspiration from this source when all is said and done, but this in any case remains a fun option for introducing yourself to Ant-Man and his size altering abilities.
So there you have it friends. Once again, let us know what you’ve been reading, and feel free to share any Comic Con-related recommendations or San Diego stories you’ve got in the comments (anything to convince myself it’s not really over…).
Guest post by Adam Giorgi, who also happens to be my brother. He’s a writer, gamer, reader and Potter head. He also makes cool comics from time to time. Check out his blog: Geek-Attack. Follow him on twitter: @adamgiorgi