10 Titles (that have renewed my enthusiasm for comics)

My comics fandom was waning for what felt like a solid six months at least. I was feeling detached from the medium, my enthusiasm at a not-understated all-time low. But I didn't give up, I've seen a glimpse of hope even amidst the $3.99 cover prices, there's still something to enjoy here, even better, something actually worth reading.

Below are ten titles which I've continued or started to enjoy and that have excited me, and a few that are that are coming up that have most intrigued me. In no particular order:

X-Factor
The title has more than recovered after the maligned reunion of 90's X-Factor team of Peter David and Larry Stroman. Yes, it's currently in the midst of another dystopian mutant future, but, really, who doesn't love those. X-Factor can be enjoyed without having to pay any of the other mutant titles any mind, which I love. And what happened to Syrin and Madrox's baby... it still keeps me up at night.

Secret Six
Gail Simone has a dirty, fithly, vile mind, and bless her for it. I'm surprised DC is letting her get away with half of what she does in this title. Basically, it's like Mark Millar's best work if he could actually write good characters. I mean, Simone has actually made Bane interesting.

Captain Britain and MI 13
I don't want to read this book, I keep trying to avoid it. My wife keeps buying it, and it keeps sitting around the house, and ultimately I read it, and generally am kind of bemused by it. But this latest storyline, featuring a Dracula-led vampire assault on England, is absolute gold. But just when it's won me over... whoop, cancelled. Sigh.

Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers
Okay, yes, it's a flimsy plot device used to get all of the different pet sidekicks from around the Marvel universe together for a grand adventure, but, why the hell not? Frog Thor, Lockjaw, Speedball's Cat, Aunt May's dog, Falcon's Redbird, Ka-Zar's sabretooth tiger, squaring off against Devil Dinosaur, in search of all the infinity gems. If you've ever forgotten what it is exactly that first made you love superhero comics, this book will remind you, and if it doesn't, your heart is made of coal.

Batman and Robin
Grant Morrison recreates the dynamic duo, and makes it work in spite of itself. Forget the other books (Red Robin, Streets of Gotham, Batman), it's all happening right here. Can he make us forget Bruce Wayne? Ten minutes at a time, at least.

G.I. Joe/Cobra and JSA vs Kobra
From the house that Rucka and Brubaker built, here are two sides of the same coin, two books doling out meaty espionage using corporate-owned characters originally designed to appeal to children. It's like the same revelation that was Daniel Craig's James Bond after the increasingly absurd Brosnan run, taking things seriously, and filling the stories with characters instead of caricatures.

Phonogram: The Singles Club
Probably the most satisfying floppy experience on the stands, with its immaculately illustrated main story, the engrossing post-script essay, the ingenious glossary, back-up stories, letter column, and playlist, it makes the more out of its 32 pages than any other title out there. Not everyone's cup of tea, sure, but I could drink a whole pot.


UPCOMING
Wednesday Comics
For the first time in a long time, I have no idea what to expect out of a comic, and it's damn exciting. I don't have any hopes or fears for DC's sixteen-part experimental comic, I'm just excited for something absolutely different to hit the stands.

Doom Patrol
Keith Giffen doing the Doom Patrol, yes please. Plus, a Metal Men back-up feature with Kevin Maguire... can I buy a subscription?



AND FIVE OTHERS I SHOULD MENTION, IN 5 WORDS OR LESS:
The Muppet Show bang-on
Spider-Man: The Short Halloween go get it
Warlord of IO digital download only, boo
The Unwritten hook, line, and sinker
Arsenic Lullaby: Pulp Edition Omega you'll laugh, and hate yourself


So, Second Printers, what's keeping you enthused?
What are you most looking forward to?
Give us your ten...