There are a lot of ongoing series in every comic book company. In between working, school, and attempting to have a social life, it may be difficult to catch up on a series that's 12 or more issues in. There are only so many hours in the day. Thankfully, some titles are just getting started.
This article will highlight the titles that are just beginning and have a bright future in the comic book world. Plus, since they’re no more than three issues in, you have time to catch up before too many issues come out.
Mr. Terrific: Year One
- Writer: Al Letson
- Artists: Edwin Galmon and Valentine De Landro
- Colors: Marissa Louise
If you want to know who Mr. Terrific is and what he’s capable of, start this series. In the first issue, you will see the genius of Michael Holt (a.k.a. Mr. Terrific himself) and a great example of his personality. He isn't as bland as you think. And, like most superheroes, there's a tragic backstory that molds him into the hero we see today.
Writer Al Leston is a fan of the characters and says he’s been dreaming of this day since he was eight years old. You can tell that this is true by the emotion in this title. It's easy to guess that the series will continue to impress as it rolls along.
Invincible Universe Battle Beast
- Writer: Robert Kirkman
- Artist: Ryan Ottley
- Colors: Annalisa Leoni
If you’re a fan of the Invincible TV show or the comic book, or if you want to see a humanoid, vicious space cat brutally beat aliens, this is the comic book for you. So far, this series hasn’t had the depth that the other Invincible titles have, but it’s just getting started. Plus, it doesn’t have to be. You can enjoy the jokes and gore.
This one has it all for Invincible fans!
Exquisite Corpses
- Writer: James Tynion IV
- Artist: Michael Walsh
- Colors: Jordie Bellaire
"Exquisite" is defined as extremely beautiful and, typically, delicate. The killers and privileged people in this series are anything but exquisite. Neither are the corpses they leave behind. However, the artwork is beautiful and the story is fantastic.
The violence you’ll see in the pages of this story is so brutal it’ll make your jaw drop. The characters you’ll meet are deplorable. Thankfully, this is a James Tynion IV comic book. There will be more to both than what you're seeing. Don't be shocked when this is one of the mini-series of the year.
Captain Planet: And The Planeteers
- Writer: David Pepose
- Artist: Emmanuel Casallos
- Colorist: Jorge Sutil
You don’t need to be a fan of the original Captain Planet and the Planeteers to enjoy this new series. For one, these aren’t the same characters. They’ve been updated from the originals in the best way possible. For example, Ma-Ti is using his heart powers more effectively, and Linka is a punk rocker. And then there’s Captain Planet, whose new look will instantly get noticed.
You’ll want to grab Captain Planet: And The Planeteers No. 1 ASAP. You won’t be disappointed. It's guaranteed to be a fun and unforgettable ride.
Supergirl
- Writer: Sophie Campbell
- Artist: Sophie Campbell
- Colors: Tamra Bonvillain
Sophie Campbell is pulling double duty here with amazing storytelling and artwork. As someone unfamiliar with Kara Zor-El (a.k.a. Supergirl herself), I’m now a fan two issues into Supergirl. This series is coming right on time for the Summer of Superman.
But this series is more than Supergirl. The antagonist is someone with insecurity issues that many will relate to. It will be interesting to see how Kara solves this problem with more than just her fists. This looks like a job for Supergirl!
Absolute Green Lantern
- Writer: Al Ewing
- Artist: Jahnoy Lindsay
- Colors: Jahnoy Lindsay
Absolute Green Lantern has a lot of mystery going on within the series. You don’t know what Abin Sur is up to, despite it looking like he’s murdering people for no reason. And Hal Jordan is coming off like a villain. This writer thinks there’s more to both of those stories than we know, but it’s still too early to know for sure.
That’s part of what makes this a must-read.
Gargoyles: Demona
- Writer: Greg Weisman
- Artists: Frank Paur
- Colors: Robby Bevard
If you want to know why Demona became the ruthless antagonist in Gargoyles, here’s a story for you. Even if you're aware of what happened, seeing the actions will give you an emotional attachment to the character. The things that were done to her and others would make anyone evil. And, judging by how issue No. 1 ended, she’s going to lose more people close to her.
Blood and Thunder
- Writer: Benito Cereno
- Artist: E.J. Su
- Colors: Michele "msassyk" Assarasakorn
Blood and Thunder is an in-your-face take on how the rich get richer and keep people down while the less fortunate fight amongst each other. There’s also a storyline of racism and xenophobia that seems all too real.
The story may seem too heavy, and sometimes it can and will be. Thankfully, the creative team is brilliant. They’re using science fiction characters, planets, and weapons, and creative art to soften the blow. There’s also a talking gun named Thunder with sarcastic wit. What more could you want?
Emma Frost: The White Queen
- Writer: Amy Chu
- Artist: Andrea DI Vito
- Colors: Antonio Fabela
Normally, flashback stories can divide readers because knowing how things end can lessen the excitement. However, Amy Chu made sure that the first issue of Emma Frost: The White Queen was so interesting that we couldn't stop reading. For the first time in a while, readers are getting Emma Frost as a member of the Hellfire Club. Adding to that is a mystery that someone is trying to sabotage her.
Trust this writer when he says you’ll want to read Emma Frost: The White Queen. There will be betrayal, creative telepathy thanks to Emma Frost herself, and moments that could affect the future of the X-Men.
Superman Unlimited
- Writer: Dan Slott
- Artist: Rafael Albuquerque
- Colorist: Marcelo Maiolo
In one issue, Dan Slott changed everything in the DC Comics universe. Everyone from the common thug to supervillains has access to Green Kryptonite. That leaves Superman and his family more vulnerable than they’ve ever been. And while the Man of Steel has some immunity, it only lasts for 200 seconds and leaves him without his powers until he can recharge.
There’s no way that doesn’t sound intriguing.
Absolute Martian Manhunter
- Writer: Deniz Camp
- Artist: Javier Rodriguez
- Colors: Javier Rodriguez
You know a series is good when it goes from a miniseries to a twelve-issue run after the first issue. Fans loved it so much that DC Comics said, “You want more Absolute Martian Manhunter? You’re getting it!” And, so far, it was the right decision.
The colorful art of Javier Rodriguez (Zatanna: Bring Down The House), combined with the writing of Deniz Camp (Ultimates), created a neon noir tale we never knew we needed. While it has a similar dark tone as the other characters in DC’s Absolute Universe, it’s much darker than even Absolute Gotham City.
Like most of Camp’s stories, you’ll find yourself being intrigued by everything going on and sympathetic for the people affected by the villains. Absolute Martian Manhunter will end up being the crown jewel of the Absolute Universe. You heard it here first.
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