Jumping On Points 04-13-2011

This column looks at the best access points in comics for new readers, and old readers looking for new titles. You must read this article before you hit your LCS this week to see what you can slip on into. Hit the jump to see why you don't need continuity, background knowledge, or prior love to buy and enjoy plenty of mutants, and lots of DC issues dealing with crossovers and dates. Oh, and there's some King Kirby and Hulk in a tux. Get some.

It’s hard to get new readers into the comic stores and when you do stage a coup and get them across the threshold there so rarely much that seems approachable. Most superhero comics have continuity longer than anyone can reasonably chase down, and many indie comics are going the same way. However, there are jumping on points to be found and this column is going to highlight them. Sometimes it might be a new number one, other times a creative team change or new direction. No matter what, we’re dedicated to finding perfect points for you and your friends to try new comics without being weighed down by too much.

Birds of Prey #11

“Written by GAIL SIMONE

Art by PERE PEREZ

Cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU

It’s the FIRST DATE you’ve all been waiting for as Huntress and Catman make that long-threatened first attempt at romance . . . but can two hot-headed, red-blooded hunter-warriors on opposite sides of the law have a simple night out without trying to kill each other? Hint: No. No, they can’t.”

A superhero comic that’s all about a date. That’s awesome. This is what comics needs from time to time. You take a little time off from the massive tale, you give the characters a breather, you explore the characters and their relationships. And, most importantly, you invite new readers in. This one could be lots of fun.

Prior Knowledge Needed – Gail Simone is a fan favourite writer. That means a lot, the people who put down the cash are usually happy with what she delivers to them. I’d say that’s a good sign for this issue.

Incredible Hulk #626

“Written by GREG PAK

Pencils by TOM GRUMMETT

Cover by JOCK (#626)

MR. & MRS. HULK, Part 1 & 2

See the Hulk as you’ve never seen him before: as an international super-spy! With Amadeus Cho as his guide, Hulk dons a tuxedo and enters into a world of espionage, only to find his opponent is…Red She-Hulk? And what happens when Betty finds a new man? Hint: it doesn't really go over that well…especially when that man is one of the Hulk's oldest foes!”

With a title like this how do you not want to read it? I’m a fan of the old Hulk in a tux idea, the cover of Hulk and eye-patched Wolverine with tuxedos is a staple moment of my childhood. That’s good stuff and I have faith Greg Pak can replicate that sort of level of awesome.

Prior Knowledge Needed – Red She-Hulk is Betty Ross. I guess if there can be multiple Captain Americas, and Batman gets Incorporated, then Hulk needed more Hulkiness getting around.

Red Robin #22

“Written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art by FREDDIE WILLIAMS II

Cover by GUILLEM MARCH

In the first part of a 3-part crossover with GOTHAM CITY SIRENS and BATMAN this month, Gotham City faces final judgment as the Angels of Death seek to spare the city by finding one person who is without sin. After putting Red Robin through physical and emotional trials, have they found the city’s salvation? What is the one thing they learn about Tim Drake that might change their minds? Guest-starring Catwoman and Batman!”

This is a chance to jump on, but with the caveat that the tale continues elsewhere in other titles. That’s kind of a sleight of hand jumping on point but it’s Part 1 of the tale so I’ll let it slide.

Prior Knowledge Needed – Tim Drake is one of the many Robins all grown up now. These characters can’t stay in the little shorts and terrible colour scheme forever so he gets older and a better costume.

Thor: Whosoever Wields This Hammer #1

“Written by STAN LEE, LARRY LIEBER & CHRISTOS GAGE

Penciled by JACK KIRBY & MARCO TORRICELLI

Cover by TOM RANEY

Thor, smiting threats to humanity throughout the world! In his earliest adventures as the God of Thunder, Thor faces such foes as the alien Stone-Men of Saturn, the evil dictator the Executioner and communist spies behind the Iron Curtain! And closer to home, can Dr. Donald Blake ever win the love of nurse Jane Foster? Collecting JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #83-84 and #88, fully remastered with modern coloring. Plus: an all-new framing sequence by Christos Gage (AVENGERS ACADEMY) and Marco Torricelli.”

Old tales with a thin, but NEW, framing sequence to shill you out of your hard earned bones. You’ve seen it before and no doubt you hate it but when it’s old Lee/Kirby tales of Asgard then it might not actually be that bad. If you don’t have these issues already in any format then why not try them now, here, for a relatively cheap price?

Prior Knowledge Needed – Jack Kirby is God. He’s elevated beyond the regal status and entered the deity sphere. The tales in this collection are possibly close to the heart of the new movie.

Uncanny X-Men #525

“Written by KIERON GILLEN

Pencils & Cover by TERRY DODSON

Issue #535 Thor Goes Hollywood Variant by TBA

“BREAKING POINT”

When the X-Men left the militaristic alien Breakworld, its political structure was reduced to ashes. It didn't stay that way forever. Now a warship is crossing the gulf of space, with a mission that will strike the lives of star-crossed lovers Colossus and Kitty Pryde with all the force of a meteor. Join them as they discover what the vessel them means for them, mutantkind and the rest of the Earth. All courtesy of KIERON GILLEN and TERRY DODSON! Part 1 (of 4).”

Gillen is touting this start of his solo run as Year One for the X-Men, at least within his own mind. I like that concept purely as it sounds because hopefully it means he won’t be looking back so much as forging forward. That’s what this book needs, a firm eye to the future.

Prior Knowledge Needed – This arc is building off the masterful run Joss Whedon did in Astonishing X-Men a few years ago. It’s been a while since the X-Men visited the Breakworld, an alien terrain, and where they seeded destruction there now it might be coming back to get them. Colossus’ return from the dead was a big deal then and the story culminated with Kitty Pryde being sent into space in a giant bullet (no kidding). Now the two are back together and I dare say will want it to stay that way. I rate Gillen a chance here at making this title actually mean something and worth a damn. Let’s see if I’m right.

Wolverine: The Best There Is – Contagion #1

“Written by CHARLIE HUSTON

Penciled by JUAN JOSE RYP

Cover by BRYAN HITCH

Collecting WOLVERINE: THE BEST THERE IS #1-3”

Killing. That’s what he’s the best there is at. In this book, Wolverine kills plenty. This title was billed as the MAX-style Wolvie story everyone has ever wanted. But didn’t get here as, from all accounts, this was soft around the edges and just didn’t go that extra mile. If you’re going to make Wolverine the killer on the page then sell that steak, not the sizzle.

Prior Knowledge Needed – Wolverine is the mutant to be found everywhere, multiple X-Men teams, multiple Avengers teams, multiple team ups, and multiple solo titles. This is just another one pretending to be the best one there is.

If you pick any of these up throughout the week please let us know what you thought of them in the comments.