I have to go with the Dark Phoenix Saga as my favorite story. I love it so much that, even though I have the original single issues, I bought the trade paperback and gave it to my wife and asked her to read it. She had never read a comic book before, so she was hesitant at first. After I bugged her for a while, she decided to humor me. She started reading it at home and quickly got so into it that she started bringing it to work and reading it at lunch. Before I knew it we were discussing the storyline during car rides. It was pretty awesome. I married a good woman! lol
Yeah Frank Miller tops the list for me with DKR, Year One, DD Born Again, whole DD run really, Man without fear, 300, Sin City Books, Ronin wasn't my favorite but it has its moments lol Man what a run of hits! I reread all of these atleast once a year lol Edit: OH and Wolverine mini series!
Infinity Gauntlet is a perfect story. It is incredibly accessible to readers that haven’t read all the Marvel space stories and it is so influential it has essentially changed all of modern pop culture as its influence for the first couple phases of Marvel movies.
X-Factor # 87 has been my long-time go-to for a perfect issue. The team sits down with a psychologist to address some of their recent traumas. Humanizes the whole team in a wonderful way, especially Quicksilver, which is really unexpected. Peter David and Joe Quesada at their finest. A longer and more recent bit of perfection is Tom King and Mitch Gerad’s Mr. Miracle series. They hit all the emotions with that one.
@@FedowJeftichew Glad to hear somebody else remembered this issue and found it as compelling as I did. It’s been 30 years since it came out and I still think about it regularly.
Marvels (1994) and it is interesting because one of the major events in this mini-series was Gwen Stacey-oriented. The Alex Ross art was amazing but the story of a man having an existential crisis in a world of superheroes was very affective. Its one of those reads that rewards you on re-reading as you get older and you relate more to Phil Sheldon. Disney/Marvel should make this a movie or prestige streaming miniseries. If done right it could win Awards.
Killing joke joke is my All time favorite. I love how absolutely insane the joker is in that book . I love the simplicity of the cover . I even love the square bound format . . Great video .
In the early 2000's I went through a dark time in my life (with drugs) that comic would be a reminder to me NOT to ever relapse again. I have been a subscriber to your channel for a while now, keep up the good work and your very informational videos. God bless you brother!!!
The Amazing Spider-Man #229 and #230, Nothing Can Stop The Juggernaut part 1&2. This story shows why Spider-Man can stop the unstoppable using his determination, wits and heart. One of the greatest stories of Spider-Man I’ve ever read
As someone else mentioned, Swamp Thing 34 - 50 "American Gothic" is fantastic, one of Alan Moore's greatest stories. Right up there with Watchmen, From Hell, The Killing Joke, V for Vendetta, etc. Along with the wonderful artwork of John Totleben and Steven Bissette.
One of the comic books that got me to really start collecting comics is Kingdom Come by Mark Waid and Alex Ross. This story was exactly what I wanted to read because I always knew about the Dc universe but to actually read a story that is basically the end of the DC universe in a conclusion sort of way was really fascinating to me. Also this story is what got me to love my favorite artist Alex Ross who is so passionate and skillful in his artwork that it just makes you want to sit there and look at the panels for hours.
Marvel Fanfare #1 has a story in the back that I think is my single favorite comic story. I read it every year before Christmas and shed a tear every single time. It’s a Daredevil story called “Snow” and is written by Roger McKenzie with art by Paul Smith and Terry Austin. My favorite Christmas story ever. You should do top 10 holiday issue videos! Love your show so much!!!
i was 15/16 when Crisis on Infinite Earths came out, and was reading it each month. It was everything I ever wanted in a comic book story. I was working a summer job as a bank teller and was reading Crisis #7 in between customers and was so choked up when Supergirl died I was trying to hold it together for the customers. When people ask me who my favorite character is, I kinda want to say "the DC universe/multiverse" because it's really the entirety of the thing that I love so much.
Great video sir thank you! My favorite story is a hard one, I found Marvel/DC in the late 80's and Swamp Thing's American Gothic blew my mind to the depths of how deep a comic can go. Watchmen was another one followed by yet another Alan Moore great MiracleMan. I can thank my Uncle who's in the comic industry for such an eye opening experience.
Spider-Man vs. Wolverine, from 1987, and the Kraven’s Last Hunt storyline. I was just getting into comics when these came out and they are some of the stories that made me into a lifelong fan of the medium.
Spider-Man vs. Wolverine. A great story, dark and stark contrast between Wolverine and Spider-Man. Their views and how they respond to the story. It also gives a hint to Wolverine's vast history. The art is top tier story telling. Finally, the suicide by cop manipulation is the chef's kiss to the end of the fight. It's affordable and a must own book by both Wolverine or Spider-Man fans.
Starman by James Robinson and Tony Harris every part of it the relationship between Jack and his dad Ted the birthday issues the shades story, the themes of generational divide and family legacy just all comes together with incredible characterisation and art from Tony Harris who is an incredible panelist as well just so good. There are other great runs I could go to and spider-man is my favourite character but Jack knights story is just something I think everyone should give a go
I'll have to say. My all time favorite storyline that I loved then and now is the Death of Superman. From the first cameo of Doomsday through the death of superman, funeral of a friend and 3 new supermen. Loved it but hey I'm a 90s kids lol. Love your videos. Keep it up
"The Return of Barry Allen" from Mark Waid's run on Flash in the mid-90s. It was a perfect run of issues with a finale in #79 that was AMAZING! The Flash is my favorite character. And this storyline, and especially that issue, couldn't have been better!
Swamp Thing issue 21 is my perfect single issue. Alan Moore turned the origin story on its head and actually made it believable. And turned the series into a proper horror comic
For me it was Superman 75. That last panel hit hard "For this is the day that a Superman died." When that issue came out and everything leading up to it was an experience to be a part of back then.
I think my favorite comic book of all times is one I remember from when I was a kid, and that's superman # 149. It was an imaginary story of the death of superman. Lex Luther was finally successful in killing Superman.
Cool video. I plan to check some of these out. I remember crying when Supergirl died in Crisis on Infinite Earths, even though I've never been a Supergirl fan. For me, that's the core of good storytelling--make the audience care about your characters.
All Star Superman - Showing Superman at his weakest point, knowing that he's going to die. It also had some amazing mini-stories that were fun, exciting, emotional, and overall entertaining.
Avengers 277, the culmination of the Under Siege storyline. Baron Zemo ripping the picture of Steve Rogers mother and his stoic anger when it happens and his anguish over at the end is heartbreaking. Add in Roger Sterns great writing John Buscemas amazing art and for my money it’s a perfect comic.
A comic that still holds up...Defenders 50 Keith Giffin doing a Kirby style, with Klaus Jannsen inking. David Kraft writes a story that recalls some of Steranko's Shield issues. Early Moon Knight appearance , and the Defenders battle The Zodiac, so we get a ton of crazy villans...perfect comic
I'd go with Wolverine solo series between him losing his adamantium to him gaining it back in issue 100. Without the metal, he begins to turn more animalistic, resisting the urge, and then embracing it only to get his metal back in which almost feels tragic.
Spiderman Blue is so good, as is just about everything Loeb and Sale collaborated on. Gaiman's Sandman is my perfect comic book story. It's so epic and involved and it feels like it's one singular work, which is hard to pull off over that many issues.
greetings from Argentina!, My favorite story of all time its HELLBLAZER: DANGEROUS HABITS, the creativity of john constantine to get out of that mess, the anxiety and the athmosphere took my breath away.
Awesome video as always - Green Lantern 181 - The first issue i can remember buying - Hal quits the GL corps, started a lifelong Green Lantern collection.
I picked up the Green Lantern #85 when I was a kid, not knowing the one I bought was a reprint. It was bagged with a couple other books from the Green Lantern/Green Arrow stories, all of them reprints. At least I got to enjoy the stories! One of my favorite single comic stories was from the McFarlane Spider man Series, Spider-man #17.
Props to you for doing something like this for us, James. I have two stories, cannot pick between the two. Amazing spider man # 121 & 122. That issue cut right through me like no other comic book ever did, and than sering Peter completely lose it in the next issue was incredible. X- Men # 137 seeing jean die the way she did, life changing for me in the comic book world. If i win or lose no worries, just very happpy to be here with you snd to read what all the others have added. Thanks again James 😊😅😂
For myself James, I read it 40 years ago when it came off the stand. The Amazing Spider-man #248 backup story, The kid who collects Spider-man. For those who never read it, definitely one that shocked a young boy 40 years ago and one that resonates still to this day as I'm sure it was my first discussion on that horrible disease. The last panel really pulls at the heart strings and as a proud dad of of 2 older teens, hits home. One of the main reasons I still collect to this day. I'm going to have to check out some of your suggestions. Thanks and have a great day.
Me too! Bought it brand new at age 19, and wow, I freakin' sobbed. And 40 years later, my wife is a breast cancer survivor. That last panel is devastating, heartbreaking, but also a great reminder of why Peter Parker has the biggest heart of all.
I recently picked up the Spider-man Blue run in a dollar bin - can't wait to read it. Loeb and Sale were masterful together. What a loss Tim Sale was. . .
I started my journey with comics after Batman 89’ came out in theaters at 9 years old. Around that time started the issues with Tim Drake and the death of his parents in Detective Comics through becoming Robin in Batman. My friends and I were OBSESSED with this run and still have such fond memories. That’s why it was a no brainer getting a CGC 9.8 Batman #442 from you at the last claim sale.
It’s so hard to pick a favorite story as there are so many that I think are flawless but I would say for me it is between the Killing Joke and dr strange dr doom triumph and torment. Both are just fantastic stories that take such perfect looks at iconic characters and show they are much more complex than one may think
My favorite single issue is Saga of the Swamp Thing 21. It’s a retcon that makes so much sense and opens up so many possibilities, while still completely respecting everything that came before. For a run, I’d have to go off the beaten path and pick Simon Furman’s original Transformers run, 56-80. I was reading it in junior high and high school, and it kept me invested in the Transformers long after I should have lost interest. It basically created a lore for the Transformers.
Hickmans Fantastic Four run. He nails the family dynamics and for me personally ha two of my favorite scenes in comics. First when Thor and Hulk allow Thing to fight them after the death of Johnny Storm because they can take what he needs to let out. second when Franklin saves the day while Nathaniel Richards explains it was only possible because Every boy deserves a father
Blacksad. Hellboy: Bones of Giants. Kingdom come. Mister Miracle. Wonderwoman: Dead Earth. Supergirl: woman of tomorrow. TMNT: City fall. Shedder in Hell. Daredevil: born again. Man without fear. New Avengers. Superman Annual: For the man that has everthing. Crisis on Infinite Earths. Beta Ray Bill. All of Ultimate Spider-man.. The list goes on and on. There's just soooo much.
Action Comics Annual #2 (1989) is my perfect single issue comic. Some of the best Superman writers and artists combined on one issue that tells an amazing story. 10/10
I feel like Jeph Loeb is overlooked for his writing contributions. His work with Tim Sale is remarkable. He even had a pretty terrific run on the Superman and Superman/ Batman comics back in the day.
I'm a 90's kid that loves the Jim Lee X-Men run but my favorite eye opening comic, not necessarily emotional, was Hellboy - Seed of Destruction. This series was so gritty and dark that I was blown away and it is still one of my favorite stories from the 90's.
My personal 5 Perfect Single Issues: 1. The Sandman #19: A Midsummer Night’s Dream 2. Swamp Thing #60: Loving the Alien 3. Dark Horse Presents #62 4. Fantastic Four #258 5. Empire by Sam Delany and Howard Chaykin
"Perfect" is a dangerous word, but one of my all-time favorite comics/stories has to be Jim Shooter's "Good Guys". It was essentially kids living out their hero dreams, even though the series didn't have a lengthy run. Well-written and accessible!
Maybe low-hanging fruit, but for a single issue ASM 248 has a pretty moving story ("The Kid Who Collects Spider-Man"). For a multi-issue story arc, I really love "The Death of Jean Dewolff", Spectacular Spider-Man 107-110. Sin Eater creeped me the F out as a kid.
Amazing Spider-Man 136-137. Harry Osborne becomes the Green goblin. The build up is great and I remember reading it as a kid thinking this is pretty heavy stuff.
Couldn't agree more with starting the list with Spider-Man Blue, one of my favorite comics of all time and definitely made me tear up at the end. IMO I would have also added Batman The Killing Joke. Some people may say the ending is what does not make it perfect but I'd disagree because the ending is the exact thing that makes you think, talk and have discussions and conversations about it with fellow comic book fans which at the end of the day is the whole point, sharing our love of comics with each other.
Since you already said spiderman blue I'm going with my 2nd favorite. The Marvels series by Kurt Busiac and Alex Ross. Still blows my mind to this day.
I completely agree with the walking dead.. one of the things I love about it is that you get the complete story with the art and the dialogue, and there is no narration. I feel that makes it very unique
"Daredevil: The Man Without Fear" by Frank Miller and John Romita Jr. I had just started buying and reading comics again and I found this limited series in my LCS. I decided to give it a try and My God!! I think it played a pivotal role in dragging me deep into the medium again. Never ever left,,, :)
Snake Eyes Declassified does a great job at explaining his back story, and GI Joe 21 is my favorite issue. It still amazes me that even without dialog, you can still "here" what they are saying and thinking!
My favorite story that I constantly re-read is “Crisis on Earth Prime” which ran in Justice League of America #207-209 and All-Star Squadron #14-15. I read this as a kid and have loved going back to it and reliving the adventure while reading it.
Right there with you on the Ultimate Spiderman bit. I grew up with Bagley’s art from the 90s ASM run, so his take on USM is really awesome. That, and the stories are actually good without nonsense.
It was the first non-superhero comic that I ever read as a kid. THE story that showed me some of the scope of what this medium can do. It meant the world to me and I really hope you enjoy it!
ASM Vol. 1 31-33 is my favorite. Spidey changed in an important way. Agree with your Spectre pick. Also love the Spectre run in Adventure Comics. Green Lantern O'Neil/Adams run. TWD was what got me back into comics, so have to agree with you on that one as well.
Skreemer (and specially the last issue in the series) is not only a gut punch but also blew my mind when I read for the first time. Peter Milligan is such an underrated writer, one of the most consistent and versatile of them all.
Batman/ Vengeance of Bane is my all time best story. The book captivated me towards Bane. His life and struggle in prison and later his interest in Batman and the mercy Batman would show to others. Truly one of the best stories and artwork in the DC universe!
One of my recent all time favorites is Far Sector. It’s just a fun, stand alone, murder mystery in space. Even if you’d never hear of Green Lantern, it would still be a great read! The writer, N.K. Jemisin is an award winning Sci-Fi/ Fantasy author who wrote one of my favorite Sci-Fi books:The Fifth Season.
I have to go with the Dark Phoenix Saga as my favorite story. I love it so much that, even though I have the original single issues, I bought the trade paperback and gave it to my wife and asked her to read it. She had never read a comic book before, so she was hesitant at first. After I bugged her for a while, she decided to humor me. She started reading it at home and quickly got so into it that she started bringing it to work and reading it at lunch. Before I knew it we were discussing the storyline during car rides. It was pretty awesome. I married a good woman! lol
Batman: Year One
Daredevil: Born Again
Yeah Frank Miller tops the list for me with DKR, Year One, DD Born Again, whole DD run really, Man without fear, 300, Sin City Books, Ronin wasn't my favorite but it has its moments lol Man what a run of hits! I reread all of these atleast once a year lol
Edit: OH and Wolverine mini series!
Absolutely agree. These two runs are the Godfather and Godfater II of comic books.
The Dark Knight Returns will always be a favorite of mine.
God Loves, Man Kills. Everything essential about the X-Men summed up in story.
Infinity Gauntlet is a perfect story. It is incredibly accessible to readers that haven’t read all the Marvel space stories and it is so influential it has essentially changed all of modern pop culture as its influence for the first couple phases of Marvel movies.
I loved Infinity Gauntlet and the entire lead up to it when Thanos returned in the Silver Surfer.
X-Factor # 87 has been my long-time go-to for a perfect issue. The team sits down with a psychologist to address some of their recent traumas. Humanizes the whole team in a wonderful way, especially Quicksilver, which is really unexpected. Peter David and Joe Quesada at their finest.
A longer and more recent bit of perfection is Tom King and Mitch Gerad’s Mr. Miracle series. They hit all the emotions with that one.
Agreed on this one! This one has stuck with me since I was a kid.
@@FedowJeftichew Glad to hear somebody else remembered this issue and found it as compelling as I did. It’s been 30 years since it came out and I still think about it regularly.
Marvels (1994) and it is interesting because one of the major events in this mini-series was Gwen Stacey-oriented. The Alex Ross art was amazing but the story of a man having an existential crisis in a world of superheroes was very affective. Its one of those reads that rewards you on re-reading as you get older and you relate more to Phil Sheldon.
Disney/Marvel should make this a movie or prestige streaming miniseries. If done right it could win Awards.
Killing joke joke is my All time favorite. I love how absolutely insane the joker is in that book . I love the simplicity of the cover . I even love the square bound format . . Great video .
You'd turn the light off.
My favorite story is Kraven's Last Hunt. Sad but good.
In the early 2000's I went through a dark time in my life (with drugs) that comic would be a reminder to me NOT to ever relapse again. I have been a subscriber to your channel for a while now, keep up the good work and your very informational videos. God bless you brother!!!
Amazing Spider-Man 248, "The kid who collected Spider-Man" is a favourite story of mine.
This one got me
Got me good .
Spider-Man Blue is when comics transcends throw-away comics and becomes true art.
The Amazing Spider-Man #229 and #230, Nothing Can Stop The Juggernaut part 1&2. This story shows why Spider-Man can stop the unstoppable using his determination, wits and heart. One of the greatest stories of Spider-Man I’ve ever read
It even inspired the episode from Spider man and his amazing friends (the origin of fire star) great covers also!
Amazing Spider-Man #121 and #122. You got to include these two. When I read these as a kid, I was stunned/shocked. I loved Gwen Stacy.
As someone else mentioned, Swamp Thing 34 - 50 "American Gothic" is fantastic, one of Alan Moore's greatest stories. Right up there with Watchmen, From Hell, The Killing Joke, V for Vendetta, etc. Along with the wonderful artwork of John Totleben and Steven Bissette.
One of the comic books that got me to really start collecting comics is Kingdom Come by Mark Waid and Alex Ross. This story was exactly what I wanted to read because I always knew about the Dc universe but to actually read a story that is basically the end of the DC universe in a conclusion sort of way was really fascinating to me.
Also this story is what got me to love my favorite artist Alex Ross who is so passionate and skillful in his artwork that it just makes you want to sit there and look at the panels for hours.
Marvel Fanfare #1 has a story in the back that I think is my single favorite comic story. I read it every year before Christmas and shed a tear every single time. It’s a Daredevil story called “Snow” and is written by Roger McKenzie with art by Paul Smith and Terry Austin. My favorite Christmas story ever. You should do top 10 holiday issue videos! Love your show so much!!!
Death in the family was the story that got me reading Comics and is still my favorite story line.
Definitely Alan Moore’s Superman Annual 11: “For The Man Who Has Everything”!
100%
i was 15/16 when Crisis on Infinite Earths came out, and was reading it each month. It was everything I ever wanted in a comic book story. I was working a summer job as a bank teller and was reading Crisis #7 in between customers and was so choked up when Supergirl died I was trying to hold it together for the customers. When people ask me who my favorite character is, I kinda want to say "the DC universe/multiverse" because it's really the entirety of the thing that I love so much.
Great video sir thank you! My favorite story is a hard one, I found Marvel/DC in the late 80's and Swamp Thing's American Gothic blew my mind to the depths of how deep a comic can go. Watchmen was another one followed by yet another Alan Moore great MiracleMan. I can thank my Uncle who's in the comic industry for such an eye opening experience.
Spider-Man vs. Wolverine, from 1987, and the Kraven’s Last Hunt storyline. I was just getting into comics when these came out and they are some of the stories that made me into a lifelong fan of the medium.
Gotta be ultimate spider-man, I love the dialogue specifically for how it builds the characters so organically
Swamp Think Volume 2 is my favorite run of comics EVER! Keep making these videos, I’ll keep watching.
Spider-Man Life Story is an awesome 6 issue condensed spidermans entire journey.
YES!!!! Ugh forgot about that one
Spider-Man vs. Wolverine. A great story, dark and stark contrast between Wolverine and Spider-Man. Their views and how they respond to the story. It also gives a hint to Wolverine's vast history. The art is top tier story telling. Finally, the suicide by cop manipulation is the chef's kiss to the end of the fight. It's affordable and a must own book by both Wolverine or Spider-Man fans.
Agree 100 percent. Great book.
Starman by James Robinson and Tony Harris every part of it the relationship between Jack and his dad Ted the birthday issues the shades story, the themes of generational divide and family legacy just all comes together with incredible characterisation and art from Tony Harris who is an incredible panelist as well just so good.
There are other great runs I could go to and spider-man is my favourite character but Jack knights story is just something I think everyone should give a go
I'll have to say. My all time favorite storyline that I loved then and now is the Death of Superman. From the first cameo of Doomsday through the death of superman, funeral of a friend and 3 new supermen. Loved it but hey I'm a 90s kids lol. Love your videos. Keep it up
I remember enjoying the Spider-Man #8-12 "Perceptions" storyline. A bunch of twists + a team-up w/ Wolverine.
"The Return of Barry Allen" from Mark Waid's run on Flash in the mid-90s. It was a perfect run of issues with a finale in #79 that was AMAZING! The Flash is my favorite character. And this storyline, and especially that issue, couldn't have been better!
The Long Halloween 🎃
Swamp Thing issue 21 is my perfect single issue. Alan Moore turned the origin story on its head and actually made it believable. And turned the series into a proper horror comic
I full heartedly agree. Read issue 56 when you can
For me it was Superman 75. That last panel hit hard "For this is the day that a Superman died." When that issue came out and everything leading up to it was an experience to be a part of back then.
About to mention that one. The whole monologue is hard to read without choking up.
so good i still have the poster up in my room from the poly bag
My favorite issue from my all-time favorite series: The Sandman no. 13, “Men of Good Fortune.”
I think my favorite comic book of all times is one I remember from when I was a kid, and that's superman # 149. It was an imaginary story of the death of superman. Lex Luther was finally successful in killing Superman.
Cool video. I plan to check some of these out. I remember crying when Supergirl died in Crisis on Infinite Earths, even though I've never been a Supergirl fan. For me, that's the core of good storytelling--make the audience care about your characters.
All Star Superman - Showing Superman at his weakest point, knowing that he's going to die. It also had some amazing mini-stories that were fun, exciting, emotional, and overall entertaining.
Avengers 277, the culmination of the Under Siege storyline.
Baron Zemo ripping the picture of Steve Rogers mother and his stoic anger when it happens and his anguish over at the end is heartbreaking.
Add in Roger Sterns great writing John Buscemas amazing art and for my money it’s a perfect comic.
A comic that still holds up...Defenders 50
Keith Giffin doing a Kirby style, with Klaus Jannsen inking.
David Kraft writes a story that recalls some of Steranko's Shield issues.
Early Moon Knight appearance , and the Defenders battle The Zodiac, so we get a ton of crazy villans...perfect comic
I would have added Iron Man #149-150. Such a fantastic story. Would have been an awesome movie!
Loved Tom King’s Mister Miracle run. Silver Surfer Requiem was one I picked up off the shelf based just on the cover art and I was so glad that I did.
I'd go with Wolverine solo series between him losing his adamantium to him gaining it back in issue 100. Without the metal, he begins to turn more animalistic, resisting the urge, and then embracing it only to get his metal back in which almost feels tragic.
Spiderman Blue is so good, as is just about everything Loeb and Sale collaborated on.
Gaiman's Sandman is my perfect comic book story. It's so epic and involved and it feels like it's one singular work, which is hard to pull off over that many issues.
Starman by Robinson is my desert island comic for sure. And THANK YOU for mentioning Ostrander's Spectre. I absolutely love that book.
greetings from Argentina!, My favorite story of all time its HELLBLAZER: DANGEROUS HABITS, the creativity of john constantine to get out of that mess, the anxiety and the athmosphere took my breath away.
As a life long dc fan DC new frontier is probably my favortie story.
Awesome video as always - Green Lantern 181 - The first issue i can remember buying - Hal quits the GL corps, started a lifelong Green Lantern collection.
I picked up the Green Lantern #85 when I was a kid, not knowing the one I bought was a reprint. It was bagged with a couple other books from the Green Lantern/Green Arrow stories, all of them reprints. At least I got to enjoy the stories! One of my favorite single comic stories was from the McFarlane Spider man Series, Spider-man #17.
“For the Man Who Has Everything” - Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons, Superman Annual #11 - I’m sure James has read it but everyone else should too
I started reading comics in college and Donny Cate's Thanos wins is the run that got me hooked.
Props to you for doing something like this for us, James.
I have two stories, cannot pick between the two.
Amazing spider man # 121 & 122. That issue cut right through me like no other comic book ever did, and than sering Peter completely lose it in the next issue was incredible.
X- Men # 137 seeing jean die the way she did, life changing for me in the comic book world.
If i win or lose no worries, just very happpy to be here with you snd to read what all the others have added. Thanks again James 😊😅😂
Sandman #4 "Hope in Hell." It's a perfect comic book. There isn't another single issue I can enjoy over and over again.
For myself James, I read it 40 years ago when it came off the stand. The Amazing Spider-man #248 backup story, The kid who collects Spider-man. For those who never read it, definitely one that shocked a young boy 40 years ago and one that resonates still to this day as I'm sure it was my first discussion on that horrible disease. The last panel really pulls at the heart strings and as a proud dad of of 2 older teens, hits home. One of the main reasons I still collect to this day. I'm going to have to check out some of your suggestions. Thanks and have a great day.
Me too! Bought it brand new at age 19, and wow, I freakin' sobbed. And 40 years later, my wife is a breast cancer survivor. That last panel is devastating, heartbreaking, but also a great reminder of why Peter Parker has the biggest heart of all.
I recently picked up the Spider-man Blue run in a dollar bin - can't wait to read it. Loeb and Sale were masterful together. What a loss Tim Sale was. . .
Preacher. The entire series.
Superman #100 (“The Death of Clark Kent”). Not (only) for the nude Superman… but for the setting up my Baldy Award-winning letter in Superman #104!
I started my journey with comics after Batman 89’ came out in theaters at 9 years old. Around that time started the issues with Tim Drake and the death of his parents in Detective Comics through becoming Robin in Batman. My friends and I were OBSESSED with this run and still have such fond memories. That’s why it was a no brainer getting a CGC 9.8 Batman #442 from you at the last claim sale.
It’s so hard to pick a favorite story as there are so many that I think are flawless but I would say for me it is between the Killing Joke and dr strange dr doom triumph and torment. Both are just fantastic stories that take such perfect looks at iconic characters and show they are much more complex than one may think
I think Batman’s Red Rain is awesome. Perfect art and a great story.
The Spectre by Ostrander is one of my favorite runs of all time. I have been wanting an omni set of the series for years.
My favorite single issue is Saga of the Swamp Thing 21. It’s a retcon that makes so much sense and opens up so many possibilities, while still completely respecting everything that came before.
For a run, I’d have to go off the beaten path and pick Simon Furman’s original Transformers run, 56-80. I was reading it in junior high and high school, and it kept me invested in the Transformers long after I should have lost interest. It basically created a lore for the Transformers.
Hickmans Fantastic Four run. He nails the family dynamics and for me personally ha two of my favorite scenes in comics. First when Thor and Hulk allow Thing to fight them after the death of Johnny Storm because they can take what he needs to let out. second when Franklin saves the day while Nathaniel Richards explains it was only possible because Every boy deserves a father
Blacksad. Hellboy: Bones of Giants. Kingdom come. Mister Miracle. Wonderwoman: Dead Earth. Supergirl: woman of tomorrow. TMNT: City fall. Shedder in Hell. Daredevil: born again. Man without fear. New Avengers. Superman Annual: For the man that has everthing. Crisis on Infinite Earths. Beta Ray Bill. All of Ultimate Spider-man.. The list goes on and on. There's just soooo much.
The final issue of invincible. Good way to end it and brings it to a satisfying ending
Answers the question, what will you have after 500 years…awesome
The Ultimate Death of Spider-Man. Loved it. Seeing everyone react to his death was heartbreaking.
Action Comics Annual #2 (1989) is my perfect single issue comic. Some of the best Superman writers and artists combined on one issue that tells an amazing story. 10/10
I feel like Jeph Loeb is overlooked for his writing contributions. His work with Tim Sale is remarkable. He even had a pretty terrific run on the Superman and Superman/ Batman comics back in the day.
I'm a 90's kid that loves the Jim Lee X-Men run but my favorite eye opening comic, not necessarily emotional, was Hellboy - Seed of Destruction. This series was so gritty and dark that I was blown away and it is still one of my favorite stories from the 90's.
My personal 5 Perfect Single Issues:
1. The Sandman #19: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
2. Swamp Thing #60: Loving the Alien
3. Dark Horse Presents #62
4. Fantastic Four #258
5. Empire by Sam Delany and Howard Chaykin
"Perfect" is a dangerous word, but one of my all-time favorite comics/stories has to be Jim Shooter's "Good Guys". It was essentially kids living out their hero dreams, even though the series didn't have a lengthy run. Well-written and accessible!
Image's Death Vigil is a favorite of mine. Just such a satisfying story.
Maybe low-hanging fruit, but for a single issue ASM 248 has a pretty moving story ("The Kid Who Collects Spider-Man"). For a multi-issue story arc, I really love "The Death of Jean Dewolff", Spectacular Spider-Man 107-110. Sin Eater creeped me the F out as a kid.
Amazing Spider-Man 136-137. Harry Osborne becomes the Green goblin. The build up is great and I remember reading it as a kid thinking this is pretty heavy stuff.
Geoff Johns entire GL run is good but the Sinestro Corp war is perfect. Just a great story.
You mentioned mine... Blackest Night. The entire run is fantastic.
Couldn't agree more with starting the list with Spider-Man Blue, one of my favorite comics of all time and definitely made me tear up at the end. IMO I would have also added Batman The Killing Joke. Some people may say the ending is what does not make it perfect but I'd disagree because the ending is the exact thing that makes you think, talk and have discussions and conversations about it with fellow comic book fans which at the end of the day is the whole point, sharing our love of comics with each other.
I haven't completed the run or pulled the trigger on the omnibus, but the Netflix series got me into the Sandman. Great stuff so far.
Since you already said spiderman blue I'm going with my 2nd favorite. The Marvels series by Kurt Busiac and Alex Ross. Still blows my mind to this day.
I appreciate all of the information and experience that you have shares in your streams. Thanks.
agree with the blackest night, really sparked my interest in the green lantern run really love the dc crossovers
Thanos Quest # 1 & 2 in 1990 is a MASTERPIECE I still read every other year 👍🔥🔥👍
I completely agree with the walking dead.. one of the things I love about it is that you get the complete story with the art and the dialogue, and there is no narration. I feel that makes it very unique
That's one thing I loved about The Walking Dead. There was never any narration. Just dialogue. Narrations can make you get lost.
"Daredevil: The Man Without Fear" by Frank Miller and John Romita Jr. I had just started buying and reading comics again and I found this limited series in my LCS. I decided to give it a try and My God!! I think it played a pivotal role in dragging me deep into the medium again. Never ever left,,, :)
Snake Eyes Declassified does a great job at explaining his back story, and GI Joe 21 is my favorite issue. It still amazes me that even without dialog, you can still "here" what they are saying and thinking!
The New Teen Titans Judas Contract. One of my favorites.
Starman by James Robinson, That whole series was so well done.
My favorite story that I constantly re-read is “Crisis on Earth Prime” which ran in Justice League of America #207-209 and All-Star Squadron #14-15. I read this as a kid and have loved going back to it and reliving the adventure while reading it.
Right there with you on the Ultimate Spiderman bit. I grew up with Bagley’s art from the 90s ASM run, so his take on USM is really awesome. That, and the stories are actually good without nonsense.
Xmen #94 is my favorite comic because it's the introduction of Wolverine. Ultimate spider man is great too.
I am definitely going to give Y: The Last Man a shot - I LOVE Brian Vaughans work on Saga so you’ve got me excited to check it out.
It's epic
It is so good you won't regret it. Just keep the tissues on hand when you hit the last couple of issues
It was the first non-superhero comic that I ever read as a kid. THE story that showed me some of the scope of what this medium can do. It meant the world to me and I really hope you enjoy it!
Wolverine 88, classic battle between two of my favorite marvel characters of all time
Thx for the list. Here are two favorite single issues - Fantastic Four 51 (This Man, This Monster) & FF 236 (Terror in a Tiny Town).
ASM Vol. 1 31-33 is my favorite. Spidey changed in an important way.
Agree with your Spectre pick. Also love the Spectre run in Adventure Comics.
Green Lantern O'Neil/Adams run.
TWD was what got me back into comics, so have to agree with you on that one as well.
Gotta agree with Y: the last man & The Walking Dead, they are incredible reads! That run of Hawkeye is really really good.
Hawkeye #11 should have been in the show. It's hands down one of my favorite comics of all time.
Skreemer (and specially the last issue in the series) is not only a gut punch but also blew my mind when I read for the first time. Peter Milligan is such an underrated writer, one of the most consistent and versatile of them all.
Batman/ Vengeance of Bane is my all time best story. The book captivated me towards Bane. His life and struggle in prison and later his interest in Batman and the mercy Batman would show to others. Truly one of the best stories and artwork in the DC universe!
The Kraven's Last Hunt series. As a kid this really was a transformative read that changed the way I saw storytelling for the rest of my life.
yk its a good day when James uploads (both daredevil: bullseye and daredevil: hell breaks loose are fantastic reads)
One of my recent all time favorites is Far Sector. It’s just a fun, stand alone, murder mystery in space. Even if you’d never hear of Green Lantern, it would still be a great read! The writer, N.K. Jemisin is an award winning Sci-Fi/ Fantasy author who wrote one of my favorite Sci-Fi books:The Fifth Season.
Ultimate Spider-Man is the greatest comic series I’ve ever read. Captures the character of Peter Parker perfectly.