Identity Crisis

[Thanks to Lionel for introducing this one to me]
Written by Brad Meltzer, penciled by Rags Morales, inked by Michael Bair. ISBN-13: 978-1401204587.
Note: Amazon.com's "search inside" feature lets you read the first few pages.

"Anyone who puts a mask on paints a bulls-eye on their families backs."

The look on Clark's face breaks my heart.
We know Batman has no parents. Mom doesn't. 
 
A superhero is as vulnerable and fragile as those dearest to them.

The secret identities of super heroes is threatened: Someone knows all the secrets.  Someone is killing family members.  More than a murder mystery, it’s a view into the same world of costumed adventurers we all know, but there is something unique, and different, in this telling.  Meltzer surprises you with moments and nuances that fit these characters in ways you never dreamt.  This volume is unique.  You can’t think of the Justice League the same after this.  A complex adult telling of gripping story.

The fight against Deathstroke stands out as a crown jewel.  Deathstroke has spent a lot of time preparing for a fight, and it plays out more like a chessmatch than brawl, bringing fresh air into the treatment.  Its first rate intellectually stimulating stuff! 

You owe it to yourself to check out this book, a common reaction is "Was that really a comic book? Can a book be that good?"  You will re-think your definition of super-hero comics after reading this.

The Walking Dead

[Thanks to Shane for introducing this one to me]
Written by Robert Kirkman, art by Tony Moore, then Charlie Adlard.  Eight volumes so far, more to come.

What happens to the characters after the zombie film ends.  In a world overrun by flesh devouring fiends, how will the few remaining humans rebuild?  Or will they? 

We follow a sheriff, first in his search for his wife and son.  As time goes on, we will come to know the small group that grows around him.  This ongoing series explores how a society might rebuild, and rethink, itself after being torn down to its lowest levels.

The surivor's lives, however brief, form the story's mozaic.

Oh, but there are flesh sucking zombies at every turn, don't be doubting that.  Before long, however, it becomes clear that human beings are their own worst enemy. In oh so subtle increments, they are failing to hold things together. 

Tom Strong

Created by Alan Moore and Chris Sprouse. Collected in six volumes.

A tribute, parody, pastiche, homage and a damn good read.  Has an exciting pulse so often missing and missed in today's comics.  The medium is in such a hurry to be grown up and taken seriously.  This is the joy remembered from youth, but still accessible to our older selves. 

The boldly drawn lines of Tom Strong define our science hero as a beacon of strength.  He's lived for 100 years, chewing goloka root from his native island birthplace prolongs life.  He's got a robot butler that bickers with his talking Gorilla (Tom Strong performed surgery that increased the Gorilla's intelligence). His wife: A beautiful nubian princess.  Daughter's hot too.  Danger! Classic Villains! Alternate Dimensions! These are thrilling tales that conquer the imagination.

Tom Strong's just learned he's the unwitting father of this Nazi whelp.
How will Strong deal with this shocking twist?

There's so much packed into Tom Strong.  It generates it's own fun, but also knows where its roots lie.  There's some fun to be had when some stories are told in an deliberately older style.  All in all: good times.

Alan Moore: ring model.

Alan Moore adds much depth to these pages; he clearly loves comics.  Moore is the king of comicdom, consider reading his Watchmen (soon a film) or The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.  This dude rocks the comic writing shit.  He worships a snake, practiced polygamy and is a most beloved and cranky-ass recluse. Check out his damn crazy beard. Wow.