In post 4, AlwaysInnocent wrote:The thing about superhero comics is that I remember them as very linear. Issues are pretty isolated and self-contained stories (with some exceptions). I want a continuous story that develops over time. There is also the predictable plot setup:
<begin_issue>
* Everything starts out "normal" / peaceful. Maybe some minor conflict in the main character's life.
* Villain does something bad.
* Superhero is notified and starts to investigate.
* Superhero and villain encounter each other and start struggling.
* Superhero appears to lose because of some trap or whatever.
* Superhero wins anyway by exploiting the situation.
* Happy end.
</end_issue>
I want to see some bigger picture. Superhero comics never seem to have that bigger picture.
Some superhero comics stay truer to the formula than others, but they very rarely have a story begin and end in the same issue, they usually span over five issues, like in other comics. Most of them also have an overarching storyline with a bigger picture. There are also some less traditional super hero books, usually solos, usually more interesting.
As for good comic books. I suggest Lazarus. It's dark and political with lots of intrigue, blood and action. It's kinda like a modern world alternate universe Game of Thrones.