Being Geek Chic is a blog about one woman navigating the male-dominated industries of production and tech. It's written by Elizabeth Giorgi, Founder, CEO and Director of Mighteor - one of the world's first internet video production companies. Learn more about Mighteor here.
Comics are truly great. But they can be a little intimidating, there’s no denying. Issue numbers in the hundreds and beyond. Comic book stores with wall-to-wall selection staring down at you. What’s an average Joe or Jane to do? “Like This/Read That!” is your semi-recurring comic book breakdown, sending out fresh reading recommendations that are simple, sensible, and positively super.
It seems like only yesterday that Marvel Studios first announced Guardians of the Galaxy. An adaptation of one of their more obscure properties, it was initially met with surprise and billed as one of the company’s biggest creative risks yet. But here we are on the day of the film’s release, with marketing hype, critical acclaim and viewer anticipation all at a fever pitch. Guardians is poised to be the latest smash hit for Marvel, and as a sign of things to come, its sequel is already announced for 2017.
If you find yourself instantly charmed with the Guardians’ cinematic turn this weekend, you might feel inclined to jump into the pages of their comic adventures. Because this is one of Marvel’s more obscure and varied properties, it can be a bit difficult to unpack it all, but once you get started, there’s a lot of great stuff to get hooked on. So take that first small step, with these recommendations:
Read This: Guardians of the Galaxy (2008-2010) (Digital, Print)
The Guardians of the Galaxy that first appeared in the pages of Marvel Comics in the 1960s and 70s actually look completely different from the Guardians of today, seen in both the comics and the film. They had names like Starhawk, Vance Astrovik and Charlie-27 (you can read those originals in a separate collection of comics available in digital and print formats). For the Guardians you know, you should start with this 2008 series that established the team’s current lineup – Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Groot and Rocket Raccoon. While the story of the Guardians film doesn’t directly mirror these issues, the characters and tone take a lot of inspiration. While I find that this run gets a little bogged down in tying its stories to big Marvel Comics “events” – making it difficult to understand and appreciate the whole story unless you commit to reading many other associated series – it is a well regarded run and a great place to start.
Read This: Guardians of the Galaxy (2013) Volume 1: Cosmic Avengers (Digital, Print)
Fast forwarding a few years bring us here: Around the same time that Marvel announced their Guardians film, they kicked off this brand new comic series, putting the Guardians back into the rotation after a few years off. This first volume includes a special “0.1 issue” covering the origins of Star-Lord, in-addition to four one-off stories that introduce each of the Guardians – I’m particularly fond of the Groot-focused story. When the introductions are done, you get a simple little arc to kick things off, providing a taste of both the cosmic scope of the universe these characters inhabit and the team dynamics that drive their space-faring adventures.
Read This: Annihilation Omnibus (Digital, Print) and Thanos Imperative (Digital, Print)
As mentioned above, the 2008 Guardians run is connected to many various Marvel Comics events. And in fact, the event Annihilation, spanning numerous Marvel comics series, put into motion the creation of Star-Lord’s team and is alluded to often throughout the issues of Guardians that followed. In that way, Annihilation acts as a prologue or prequel of sorts. What’s more, it’s a great place to get introduced to Ronan the Accuser and the Nova Corps, two key players in the Guardians film. Meanwhile, Thanos Imperative was the event that followed at the conclusion of the Guardians run of 2008 to 2010 and it acts as a bridge between that series and the one that is running today. Neither of these titles have Guardians in the title, but they still hold an important place in the universe the Guardians inhabit.
Read This: Rocket Raccoon and Groot Complete Collection (Digital, Print) and Rocket Raccoon (2014) (Digital, Print)
My personal favorite members of the Guardians of the Galaxy are Groot and Rocket Raccoon, and I suspect I’m not alone in that position. If you share this sentiment, here’s something old and something new for you to enjoy. Marvel has gathered up a number of Rocket and Groot’s original appearances in a handy little collection, helping you take a look back. Pair that with the brand new Rocket Raccoon series, which just launched its #1 issue in July. As you might guess, this one focuses on Rocket, but Groot is in the mix too. The art and the tone here are silly and fun, and for a free taste, don’t miss the preview the series received for Free Comic Book Day 2014.
Read This: Star-Lord: Guardian of the Galaxy (Digital, Print) and Legendary Star-Lord (Digital, Print)
The Guardians film is already being hailed as a star-making turn for Chris Pratt, and with that, the character Star-Lord is sure to get some more attention, working his way up the ranks of Marvel’s most iconic heroes. Anticipating this, Marvel has given Star-Lord the same treatment as Rocket and Groot: a collection featuring a number of his old, original comic stories and a brand new series just kicking off this summer. Check these out if you’d like to get further acquainted with the leader at the core of the Guardians of the Galaxy.
And with that, you’re all set to keep your Guardians of the Galaxy excitement going long after the credits roll at the cinema. Be sure to drop your thoughts and recommendations in the comments, and join me in ending this post in the only way that seems right… I am Groot.
Guest post by Adam Giorgi, who also happens to be my brother. He’s a writer, gamer, reader and Potter head. He also makes cool comics from time to time. Check out his blog: Geek-Attack. Follow him on twitter: @adamgiorgi
Comics are truly great. But they can be a little intimidating, there’s no denying. Issue numbers in the hundreds and beyond. Comic book stores with wall-to-wall selection staring down at you. What’s an average Joe or Jane to do? “Like This/Read That!” is your semi-recurring comic book breakdown, sending out fresh reading recommendations that are simple, sensible, and positively super.
As far as weekends go, the first weekend in May is always a special one, typically filled to the brim with geeky goodness. As May 2014’s first weekend gets underway, that holds especially true this year. Today Friday, May 2, a significant new comic book movie hits screens (as is often the case this time each year) with the release of The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Two days later, on Sunday, May 4, fans around the world will celebrate “Star Wars Day,” surely one of the coolest unofficial holidays around (Ahem, May the Fourth be with you). And wedged in between on Saturday, May 3, perhaps most importantly, is Free Comic Book Day, taking place each year on the first Saturday in May. As the name implies, the day celebrates comic book culture and more specifically, the independent comic book store by, how else, giving away free comic books!
In this flurry of activity, there has perhaps never been a better weekend to jump into the world of comics! We’re here to help you partake in the festivities, with these timely comic book recommendations:
Read this: Various Free Comic Book Day 2014 Special Issues (Preview)
On Free Comic Book Day, the best things in life are indeed free. Come Saturday, you’ll have a little bit of everything to choose from. Some publishers do sneak previews of their upcoming titles. Want to see what this Guardians of the Galaxy buzz is all about before the August film? Marvel’s freebies have got you covered. Other publishers do commemorative issues, celebrating past classics. Did you love Archie, Betty and Veronica when you were young? There’s a special Archie Comics Digest on offer just for you. Whatever the case may be, you can get prepped by looking at all of the special issues online.
Each comic book shop marks the occasion in its own way. Typically, every store will have a slightly different selection, with some stores doing random grab bags, some letting you take your pick of four or five issues, and others even channeling their inner Oprah with other sales and giveaways too (“You get a free comic, you get a free comic!”). And fear not if there’s no local comic store near you or your store runs out of the freebie you want: Most of the Free Comic Book Day issues will be available on digital storefronts like Comixology as well. It may not be as fun as partaking in person, but it’s just as free!
Read this: Amazing Spider-Man #1 (Digital)
If you’re not a die-hard comic book fan who races to the store each week to buy the latest and greatest issues, you might be surprised to learn that for much of the past year and a half, there has not been a major Spider-Man comic starring Peter Parker in publication. Indeed, the most recent mainline Spider-Man title, Superior Spider-Man starred the long-time villain Doctor Otto Octavius, who injected his consciousness into Peter Parker’s body through the wacky wonders of comic book science (Really.). But that story recently reached its finale, and Peter Parker made his triumphant return with a new #1 issue earlier this week (What conveniently wonderful timing you have, Marvel.). So if you want to get on-board with the newest adventures of the classic Spidey you know – facing off with Electro of all villains – then this comic is worth a look. Why not give it a download or pick up a copy at your local comic book store on Free Comic Book Day?
Read this: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (Digital, Print) and Star Wars: Dark Empire (Digital, Print)
With the cast for Star Wars Episode VII revealed earlier this week, Star Wars Day 2014 may be one of the most jubilant in a long time (again, conveniently wonderful timing, eh?). It seems Star Wars fans have some reason to be excited once more. One casualty of all this excitement however, has been the “Star Wars Expanded Universe,” which encompassed all of the Star Wars characters and stories that sprang to life outside of the films – in novels, comic books, video games and other various media through the years.
To both honor the passing of the Expanded Universe, and to stoke your excitement for the impending return of Star Wars to cinemas, you might like to pick up some Star Wars comic books this weekend. There have been many, and you can take your picks whether you have a preference for Jedi’s or Bounty Hunters. But here are a couple very well-regarded titles to get you started, one focusing on the beginnings of the Star Wars saga and another telling a story intended to directly follow the ending of Return of the Jedi (which could provide some fun food for thought with regards to the new post-Jedi story J.J. Abrams and crew are shaping now). In any case, let the anticipation for that scrolling text and the booming John Williams score begin…
And there you have it! I hope these recommendations help supplement a weekend of geeky delights. Happy Free Comic Book Day to one and all! Now if you’ll excuse me, I shall return to my attempts to map out Saturday’s ideal route between all my favorite local comic shops.
Guest post by Adam Giorgi, who also happens to be my brother. He’s a writer, gamer, reader and Potter head. He also makes cool comics from time to time. Check out his blog: Geek-Attack. Follow him on twitter: @adamgiorgi
Comics are truly great. But they can be a little intimidating, there’s no denying. Issue numbers in the hundreds and beyond. Comic book stores with wall-to-wall selection staring down at you. What’s an average Joe or Jane to do? “Like This/Read That!” is your semi-recurring comic book breakdown here at Being Geek Chic, sending out fresh reading recommendations that are simple, sensible, and positively super.
Like Captain America himself, frozen away for years in cold, suspended animation, I’ve been missing-in-action from my comic recommending duties over these past few months. But there’s nothing like a new movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to wake me from my blogging slumber!
Captain America: The Winter Soldier hits theaters in just a matter of days, and in honor of that exciting occasion, I’m back in action with some comic book recommendations, focused squarely on the First Avenger’s return to the screen. Whether you’re building your excitement before heading to the cinema, or you want to dive deeper after the credits roll, these recommendations have got you covered.
You want to explore the original inspirations for the movie
Read This: Captain America: The Winter Soldier Vol. 1 (Digital, Print) and Vol. 2 (Digital, Print)
Captain America’s newest film doesn’t just borrow its name from this mid-2000s story arc; in the pages of these issues, you’ll find much of the direct inspiration for the story being told in the Captain America sequel. So it only makes sense to start your reading list here. Written by Ed Brubaker, this is amongst the most well regarded modern Captain America stories. Give it a look to explore the roots that inspired the filmmakers.
You’re searching for a topical, modern Captain America story
Read Captain America: The New Deal (2002-2004) (Digital, Print).
I’ve always found the “man out of time” hook to be the most compelling thing about Captain America. How does a soldier birthed in an era of national unity, when lines between ally and enemy were apparent and clear, adjust suddenly to a world of complex geo-political tensions, compromises and ever-present shades of gray? How does an icon of patriotism rally and reflect the people’s will in an age of cynicism, hyper-partisanship and bitter political divides? I’ve yet to find the story that completely satisfies on these fronts, but here’s one that scratches the surface. Imagining the actions of Steve Rogers in the wake of the September 11 attacks and the ensuing War on Terror, this series treads sensitive ground, but is filled with strong art and some thought-provoking moments.
You enjoy Black Widow’s increasing role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Read Black Widow (2014) (Digital, Print).
The marketing and promotion campaign leading up to the release of Captain America: The Winter Soldier has put a large focus on the Black Widow and her relationship with Steve Rogers. If this and some recent rumors of a standalone Black Widow film are to your liking, you’ve got to check out the brand new Marvel NOW! series starring Black Widow. It just kicked off with issue #1 in January 2014, and early buzz is strong. Get in on the ground floor with these early issues to explore the life of Natasha Romanoff and her past as a KGB assassin.
You’d like to see more of Cap’s newest partner-in-heroics, the Falcon
Read Captain America and Falcon (Digital) and Ultimate Nightmare (Digital, Print)
While Captain America isn’t known for his sidekicks to the same extent that some other heroes are (cough, Batman, cough), he has definitely had a few. There’s been Bucky Barnes, Sub-Mariner and the Invaders, and perhaps most prominently, the Falcon. Falcon has been a mainstay in the pages of Captain America comics over the years (including a couple of the ones I’ve recommended above), and now he’s set to make his cinematic debut. Want an intro to the Falcon? I recommend these two comics as a start. The one-off Captain American and Falcon issue provides a more classic look at the character, while Ultimate Nightmare sees the character’s first appearance in the more contemporary Ultimate Marvel universe – where you can expect to see a Falcon that more closely reflects the film’s take on the character.
You’re pondering the possibilities for Captain America 3 and beyond
Read Winter Soldier (Digital, Print)
It has been unclear to me whether the identity and role of the Winter Soldier falls into movie spoiler territory for non-comic book readers, but ever mindful, I’m offering this final recommendation as something to be read only after seeing Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The Winter Soldier may or may not have a further role to play in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (a la our friend Loki), but in either case, this series bearing his name will give you an outlet to explore more of his background, and to join along in his continuing misadventures, whatever may come of his on-screen counterpart.
So there you have it friends, there are five fresh comic book recommendations that should pair quite nicely with the latest slice of Marvel cinematic goodness, Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Enjoy the movie, enjoy the comics, and as always, be sure to share your own thoughts and recommendations in the comments below.
Guest post by Adam Giorgi, who also happens to be my brother. He’s a writer, gamer, reader and Potter head. He also makes cool comics from time to time. Check out his blog: Geek-Attack. Follow him on twitter: @adamgiorgi
Meet the invariably charming, incredibly bright, and incontrovertibly nerdy Ari Carr (@Ariellalphabet). She lives in jolly England where she studies film and screenwriting at Sheffield Hallam University. She loves comics, cookies, gaming, and her vibrantly red hair.
Carr muses on her nerdy passions and Lady Geek lifestyle over at Comics and Cookies. Here’s a quick roadmap to the blog: It’s regularly updated with “Spotlight on Indie” posts on Tuesdays, highlighting an independent creator’s work. Next up are “Comic Book Wednesdays” - Carr gives a debrief on the newest comic releases, and she wraps up on Sundays with “Ariellalphabet’s Week.” Of course, Carr sometimes deviates from the schedule and goes rogue with posts like Review of iHero #1 or TV Tuesday.
When you dive into Carr’s interview with Being Geek Chic, you’ll discover which superhero she’d have a vodka coke with, which blogs she looks to for inspiration, and how she came to procure an awesome jewelry collection.
Q: How did you discover your passion?
A: It’s only really been in recent years I’ve really developed and found my passion for comics. I’ve always been big on reading anything I could get my hands on, and I read a few comics when I was a kid, but it’s only as I’ve got older I’ve started loving them. I’ve always been a geek in some way, and I’ve always loved writing, so combining the two and creating my blog felt like a natural advancement to me.
Q: Where do you find your inspiration in life?
A: In a huge variety of places! I’m lucky that most of my close friends are mega-nerdy like me and they always have a new thing to geek out over, and they usually share their interests with me. I get a lot of my inspiration from my internet friends as well, as I really don’t know where I’d be without them! As well as internet friends, I also get a lot of inspiration from various articles and blogs. I love playing video games and I always find great articles and links over on Gamerwife and Nerdy But Flirty. I also love all the pop culture posts on The Mary Sue.
Q: When did you discover you were “geeky?”
A: I guess I’ve always known- when I was a kid, I was always known as the girl who had a book, and I still take pride in reading all of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in a day when it came out! However, my geekiness became a big part of my identity when I was at college. I would borrow comic books from my childhood friend/now housemate Robin and read them every night, and would often opt out or leave parties early so I could go home and read or watch a film instead. Now I’m older, I try to combine my geekiness with girliness, and have one hell of a jewellery collection!
Q: If you could take one fictional character out for a drink, whom would you choose and what would you drink?
A: Dick Grayson, aka Nightwing! Not only is he a major cutie, I really want him to be happy before DC cancels his series. Plus I think he’d be a great conversationalist - just imagine all the inside info he’d have on Batman! We’d probably go to a British pub and drink vodka and coke.
Q: What would you tell your 13-year-old self?
A: Fitting in is over-rated. You go be awesome and nerdy and don’t give a damn about what anyone says. You’ll get better friends. I promise you.
Emma Bauer is a Being Geek Chic Contributor. Clearly, she’s got great taste. She is a PR enthusiast, history scholar, tea drinker, fashion devotee, and of course, aspires to Be Geek Chic. Follow her on Twitter: @emmalynnbauer
Comics are truly great. But they can be a little intimidating, there’s no denying. Issue numbers in the hundreds and beyond. Comic book stores with wall-to-wall selection staring down at you. What’s an average Joe or Jane to do? “Like This/Read That!” is your semi-recurring comic book breakdown here at Being Geek Chic, sending out fresh reading recommendations that are simple, sensible, and positively super.
Did you see Thor: The Dark World this weekend? If you’ve just taken in the latest slice of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, perchance you’ll find yourself with an appetite to explore the further comic book adventures of the mighty Thor, his mischievous brother Loki and the other heroes and villains of the nine realms. If that’s you, here are just a few to get you started.
You’re looking for a first step into the world of Thor
Read This: Thor: Ages of Thunder (Digital, Print)
I’ll start this post by saying this much: the comics of Thor can be a bit strange compared to stories of his superhero peers. Often drawing inspiration more heavily from fantasy novels and mythology than from the typical superhero template, Thor offers a more varied, unique reading experience than what you might find from other Avengers and heroes of the Marvel Universe. I found that this collection offers a great starting point though, giving a broad cross-section of the world of Thor. It tells a handful of one-shot stories that are independent, but also interconnected. The stories stick close to the Norse mythology roots and don’t delve all that deep, but you’ll find much of what you might have enjoyed in Thor’s cinematic adventures so far: battles with Frost giants, treachery from Loki, and even a short bout of exile to Midgard imposed by the fed up, fatherly Odin.
You say, “Forget Thor, give me more Loki!”
Read This: Thor: Trials of Loki (Digital, Print)
The movies may have Thor in their titles, but I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that many new fans have found themselves drawn into the world of Thor primarily due to the charms of Loki, the God of Mischief and brother to the God of Thunder. In that spirit, here’s a four issue arc that focuses on the origins of Loki, and explores what makes him one of the Marvel Universe’s most interesting and menacing villains. This Loki doesn’t look and feel exactly like the Tom Hiddleston-portrayed version you’ve seen on the screen, but it may give you a deeper appreciation for where that character comes from, along with his endless desire for mischief and treachery.
You’re ready to dive deeper into Thor’s corner of the Marvel Universe
Read This: Journey Into Mystery (Digital, Print)
So you know how I said earlier that Thor comics can get a bit weird. Well, here’s a thing: at one point in the comics, Asgard is destroyed and relocated to rural Oklahoma. For real. (Um, spoiler alert, I guess?). Also, Loki is eventually reborn as a kid. And there’s this guy you might come across called Beta Ray Bill, who is basically kind of like Thor, but he looks more like a horse. Anyway, if this sounds at all intriguing and you’re ready to jump into the stranger side of Thor, you’ve got to give the series Journey Into Mystery a try. Fans rave about the recent Fear Itself arc of the series that starts with issues #622, and then there’s the latest arc focusing on the Lady Sif, who could be your newest favorite lady hero after seeing Thor and Thor: The Dark World.
You want to hop on with the God of Thunder’s latest and greatest adventures
Read This: Thor: God of Thunder (Digital, Print)
This is the newest and currently running Thor series on comic shelves today, part of the Marvel NOW! initiative, which I’ve talked about a bit in the past. So far, I’m really digging the direction of this series and it remains one of my favorite Thor books to date. It keeps things fairly simple out of the gate, but the stories are well told and they focus first and foremost on the characterization of Thor by juxtaposing the different stages in his life. This approach makes it a great jumping on point for newbies. What’s more, the latest arc getting underway now features an appearance from the one and only Dr. Jane Foster, and a burgeoning conflict with Malekith the Accursed, who just so happens to be the big baddie in Thor’s return to theatres this weekend. Coincidence? I think not. Well played, Marvel.
So there you have it, just a few recommendations to get you started on your epic journey to Asgard through the pages of comic book lore. As I said, there’s truly a vast array of interesting books out there under the Thor banner, so keep exploring! These are just the tip of the iceberg.
Have any disagreements with these recommendations or some of your own to share? Well then, what are you waiting for, “Have at thee!”
Guest post by Adam Giorgi, who also happens to be my brother. He’s a writer, gamer, reader and Potter head. He also makes cool comics from time to time. Check out his blog: Geek-Attack. Follow him on twitter: @adamgiorgi
