I got nothing -- but for the first time in YEARS, I'm writing something and I'd like some feedback in GWW.

Also? Anyone ever read Martin Millar? I got Lonely Wereolf Girl out of the library on a whim the other day, ignored it, cause it didn't seem all that interesting, and then picked it up and read it last night. I QUITE liked it.

How to Draw the Marvel Way is the most famous such book - probably what you already have, Barb.

Yep, that's the one. What I'm looking for though, Hec, are some of the actual series, so she can read the stories. Like if (switching over DC Comics) if she was into Batman, I'm not sure I'd want her reading the Frank Miller iterations, y'know?

ETA: x-post-- yeah, that's the kind of thing I'm looking for.

Like if (switching over DC Comics) if she was into Batman, I'm not sure I'd want her reading the Frank Miller iterations, y'know?

I went back and edited. Actually, Batman Year One is the great Miller/Batman. And excepting Catwoman's kinky prostitute gig, not particularly skeezy.

Anyway, I listed some old school Marvel. Others can do better for the recent stuff. Oh - she might like the Byrne era X-men. I liked it best with Paul Smith as artist.

I'll try to find particular links.

Anyone ever read Martin Millar? I got Lonely Wereolf Girl out of the library on a whim the other day, ignored it, cause it didn't seem all that interesting, and then picked it up and read it last night. I QUITE liked it.

Haven't read it yet, but I almost picked it up the other day. I may have to give it a try, now.

It took me a little while to get into it, but I couldn't put it down once I did. He's got some hitches in the whole writing process, but I really was amused and wanted to find out what happened.

Give it a whirl. I'm going to look up some of his backlist. Also, though I know it doesn't have a damn thing to do with the writing, I liked the cover art.

In the recent AARP magazine, there's an article by John Updike talking about what it's like to be an aging writer. He talks about not being able to think of the precise word that he knows it out there and feeling like all his best material was back in his 20s, when he had a shot of actually having something new to tell the world. It's a cool article, but not currently available on line. It might be available next month when the new issue is out.

Essential X-Men #3 - the reboot with Dave Cockrum's art. This was when the series put forth the characters that would become the most popular comic of its era.

Essential X-Men #4 - deeper into that run, but many classic storylines here.

These are the paperback editions though. The big fat ones.

So for hardback, I guess you want the Marvel Mastwerwork series, like Marvel Masterworks: Uncanny X-Men #5

Earliest Spider-Man in hardback

Here's the Cockrum/Wein X-men reboot in hardback.

Mighty Thor

Spider-Man by Romita

Wow, thanks Hec! Those Masterwork series look tremendous. So you'd suggest going with #5 in the X-Men Masterwork series as opposed to starting with #1? She is familiar with the X-Men characters and does love them, so I don't think it would be a case of dropping her in blind.

Barb, their numbering is a little screwy and you want to be careful to get the Uncanny X-Men instead of the sixties X-men.

If you wanted to start at the reboot (back in 1975) start with this one.

Uncanny X-Men #2 is the Phoenix Saga. Those two would be great to start with if she likes the X-Men.

Also? Anyone ever read Martin Millar? I got Lonely Wereolf Girl out of the library on a whim the other day, ignored it, cause it didn't seem all that interesting, and then picked it up and read it last night. I QUITE liked it.

I love Millar - my long-time favourites are Lux the Poet and Milk, Sulphates and Alby Starvation. How can you not love a book where the main character is targeted for assassination by the Milk Marketing Board? I'll have to hunt up Lonely Werewolf Girl.