Favourite 5 #3: Wildstorm Series
Jan 28, 2009 Favourite 5
I have decided to list my 5 favourite Wildstorm series for today’s entry. Wildstorm universe comics have always been favourites of mine because of the way they toe the line between being standard DC universe books and Vertigo universe books with their content. Anything goes when it comes to Wildstorm and I appreciate the wide range of creations they have in their catalog. As with most all things, there have definitely been misses along the way for this DC imprint, but that is not what we are looking into today. This entry is all about the hits that have come from Wildstorm.
Here’s how this will work; I am going to list the series in descending order and will include paricular favourite trade paperback collections as well as bullet points regarding aspects I enjoyed about the series. The bullet points will be very similar to the ”Quick bits I liked about the issue” method used in the Weekly Pile reviews.
Please contiune on to see if your favourites made the list.
#5 Crimson
Crimson was one of the first Wildstorm series I ever read. Yes, I do know that it was originally released under the Cliffhanger banner, but it is officially listed on the Wildstorm site, so I’m including it on this list. Crimson tells the story of Alex Elder and his transformation and eventual acceptance of being turned into a vampire.
Quick bits I liked about the Series:
- The art. This is when Humberto Ramos began to really find his groove and personal style which he has since perfected.
- The tone of the book. A unique balance was found between horror and drama. There were equal parts vampire creepiness and childhood angst to keep interest high.
- A finite story. The entire run of this series was 24 issues (with a few specials thrown in) and it was evident that the complete story was told by the last issue. The authors told the story they wanted to.
- Joe. If Alex ever needed a buddy, he had Joe by his side. This friend to the end was both comic relief and a legitimate hero by the end of the series.
Recommended Collected Editions:
Crimson: Earth Angel
Crimson: Redemption
#4 Global Frequency
A 12 issue maxi-series that told the story of 1001 men and women around the globe that could be dispatched by head honcho Miranda Zero at a moments notice to save the world from whatever the world needed saving from on that particular day. These individuals were selected based on factors like who was best suited for the job, or in some cases simple geography… If they were near the problem, they got to fix the problem.
Quick bits I liked about the Series:
- Stand alone issues. Even though the series was telling a larger story, each issue was self-contained and could be read by itself with no other knowledge of the series.
- Rotating cast of artists. Each issue had a different artist including Gene Ha, Steve Dillon and Simon Bisley. This was a brilliant idea to further seperate each individual comic from each other.
- Excitement. Nearly every issue contained something to keep you on the edge of your seat. Typically involving a time sensitive issue that had you counting down the seconds until the end!
- Warren Ellis. This man wrote every issue. Enough said.
Recommend Collected Editions:
Global Frequency Vol. 1: Planet Ablaze
Global Frequency Vol. 2: Detonation Radio
#3 Planetary
The story of 3 super humans (Elijah Snow, Jakita Wagner and The Drummer) investigating and recording the world’s secret history. This could mean travelling through time or across the world to find the answers they seek. Many conspiracies have cropped up over the 20 plus issue run and many still need to be resolved. With one remaining issue still to be published, it appears all questions will be answered soon.
Quick bits I liked about the Series:
- Confusion - sort of… There is a LOT going on with Planetary. It seems confusing, then all of a sudden, its like a light switch is turned on and everything makes sense.
- Elijah Snow. This guy is tough to figure out as he is always (extremely)cool, calm and collected. BUT, its a blast trying to pull back the layers and get a read on what makes him tick as there is definitely something hidden under the surface.
- Wild ideas. This series has no shortage of out of this world ideas. And they aren’t just for shock value as they all pay off, usually on the last page.
Recommended Collected Editions:
Planetary Book One: All Over the World and Other Stories
Planetary Book Three: Leaving the 20th Century
#2 The Authority
This series is the answer to the question; “Who has the authority to look after the world”? There have been many volumes and re-launches of this series over the past few years, but the core of the story stays the same. This group of super powered individuals have taken it upon themselves to make the world a better place. Although it doesn’t always work out that way…
Quick bits I liked about the Series:
- 2 Writers, 2 Directions. In the early days, Warren Ellis and Mark Millar each took a crack at the Authority. Each had a different approach to the book, but both creations were groundbreaking.
- Stellar Art. With the incredible Frank Quitely and Bryan Hitch on interiors to begin the series, there were big shoes to fill for any future artists.
- Brand New. There had never been stories like the first few arcs of the Authority told before. Everything could be experienced for the first time.
Recommended Collected Editions:
The Authority Vol. 1: Relentless
The Authority Vol. 2: Under New Management
#1 Wildcats Version 3.0
Corporate America - Wildstorm style! Spartan is now Jack Marlowe, CEO of the HALO corporation while Grifter still manages to get his ands dirty as he doesn’t really acclimating to his new corporate lifestyle. This completely brand new take on the Wildcats universe was cancelled prematurely, but not before delivering some intriguing stories and new characters.
Quick bits I liked about the Series:
- Grifter. More depth was added to Grifter when an accident forced him to re-asses his role.
- Dustin Nguyen. This guy can handle everything from drawing basic scenes like 2 heads talking to complete mayhem and all out action. Dustin should be a star in the comics industry.
- Old characters and new characters. Inserting new players into the mix like C.C. Rendoza and Agent Orange created exciting new dynamics with old ‘cats like Grifter and Spartan.
- Fun. The series was flat out fun. Wild adventures and big ideas equate to one compelling comic that was ended before its time.
Recommended Collected Editions:
Wildcats Version 3.0 Vol. 1: Brand Building
Wildcats Version 3.0 Vol. 2: Full Disclosure
Agree? Disagree? Let me know in the comments section. Tell me if you have a favourite Wildstorm series that you believe should be included in the Favourite 5.
Tags: authority, Crimson, frank quitely, global frequency, humberto ramos, joe casey, john cassady, planetary, travis charest, warren ellis, wildcats
Leave a Reply