Pull List

Pull List

            Anyone that is a regular at a comic shop has what is known as a “pull list.”  This is basically just a subscription to individual books that the store owner or employees “pull” for them and set aside each week.  Even if that individual does not have a set pull list with the comic shop itself, they probably have a mental one that they go to whenever a new comic Wednesday comes around to make sure that they are getting to read their favorite series or creator. 

I currently have a mental pull list that is divided between monthly comic books (affectionately referred to in the business as floppies) and trade paperbacks.  When I was younger, especially when I was going to school at the Kubert school, my pull list was dominated by superheroes.  I had quite a bit of disposable income and there was a good chance that I was going to spend a substantial amount of it on comic books and related paraphernalia.  The majority of those superheroes resided in the Marvel Universe, with the exception being a few Batman issues here and there.  I eventually started to scale back my comic book buying when the quality of the stories and art did not match the investment (around the time I graduated the Kubert school in 2005).  Slowly I have started to get back into it more and more.  My pull list that basically consisted of Invincible trades and anything that Richard Moore produced grew into a fairly substantial yet rewarding group that is dominated much more by different, non-superhero fare (after a brief dalliance in the “New 52” that ended with a confirmation of my feelings on DC Comics and superhero comics in general).

            For those that would like to check out what I am reading, here is a list and short explanation as to why I read what I read.

Comics:

Think Tank- A new addition to the list.  All you need to know about why this is now a mainstay on my list can be found here.

Punk Rock Jesus- Also a new addition.  You can check out the review and a good explanation as to why you should give it a shot as well here.

KISS- I have always been a fan of not only KISS music, but also their comics.  You can check out my review of the first issue here.  It is not for everyone, but the story is decent and the art is some of the best on a KISS series since Angel Medina.

Masters of the Universe- The only true DC book that I am reading (or probably will read for that matter).  This is more for nostalgia’s sake than anything but it is not too terrible of a read if you want to get away from the superhero books.  Find the review to issue one here.

Mega Man- I have been a Mega Man fan since I was young, and I have passed that love for the blue bomber on to my son.  This book is for him as much as me, but it is a good read nonetheless, even if I am not too keen on Manga-styled art.

Trades/Graphic Novels:

Atomic Robo- This may be one of the most well written comics I have seen in a long time.  Nik and I have gone back and forth recently as to how well the weird science mixes with real life because of how the characters (especially Robo) react to it.  The art is superb as well.  I love the simple, open illustrations.  Plus, two words: Doctor Dinosaur! 

Berona’s War- The writing is a little rough at times, but the art is beautiful.  If you mix Saving Private Ryan with a Disney cartoon, you would get Berona’s War.  Highly recommended as an art book if nothing else.  Plus, as a fairly inexpensive hardcover offering, you can’t go wrong.

Invincible- I’ve been on the Invincible bandwagon since I picked up the first trade on a whim.  This is the best superhero book on the market and one of the most consistently good books of the last decade.  Plus, the sketches and process stuff in the back of the trades with commentary by creators Kirkman and Ottley are a phenomenal addition.

The Goon- This is a new addition as well.  After reading issue 40 a few weeks ago (the review can be found here) I knew that I had to get caught up quickly.  I am not all the way through the trades, but The Goon is a superb comic created by one of the best in the business in Eric Powell.

Mass Effect- I’ve long been a fan of the games, and the comics do a great job of expanding on the story and adding to the mythology of the Mass Effect universe.  The art is great considering the amount of different alien species and technology that makes up the universe itself.

Wizard of Oz series- The only Marvel comic I have or will purchase now has nothing to do with superheroes at all.  To be honest, I pick this up for the gorgeous Skottie Young art.  Eric Shanower’s story sticks very close to the original Oz books and the stories themselves have just not aged well (the initial book The Wizard of Oz is decent but I think that is only because of familiarity).  This is no knock on Shanower as he does the best he can with what he is given, but what seemed cute or even groundbreaking upon its initial release seems a little stale now.  Another book that can be purchased as an art book and nothing else and would still be as valuable.

Ghostbusters- Another book picked up on a whim that I could not put down.  Reading this series feels like watching a third movie, it is written so well and so spot on in terms of the individual voices to each of the already well established characters.  Why they have not approached this creative team to write the third Ghostbusters movie I have no idea.  The art is super cartoony but it is a style that I love and that fits with the subject matter very well. 

Elephantmen- I was late to this party as well but this series is incredible.  There are little gripes here and there about the art (coloring is often too dark) and the story can be a tad confusing at times (especially in the collections as they don’t always completely follow the numerical order of the issues themselves), but the overall series is awesome (and I’m a sucker for anthropomorphic animal series done well).  The best thing is the hardcover collections are jam-packed full of additional content.  Seriously, 2/3 of the collection is sketches and cover illustrations.  A beautiful addition to any collection.

Chew- I also came late to Chew, but I think I should get a pass on that as I converted Nik and his wife to the fold.  The art is consistently great and the stories are always well done.  Even reading them as trades, the recaps of Tony Chu’s cibopath powers never get old which is a testament to Layman’s ability to keep everything fresh.  My favorite part of the series is the additional stuff that you can find hidden in the background, be it pictures hanging on walls or messages written on a note on the fridge.  It’s like a where’s Waldo of hilarious extras.  You can tell Layman and Guillory have a lot of fun with this title.  Plus: Poyo!

            So what’s on your pull lists?  Anything I should be reading that I’m not?  Anything that I am reading that you think is garbage?  Try and convince me either way, I am always open for a good comic discussion!