Image, £19.99
In advance of the blockbuster movie adaptation starring James McAvoy and Angelina Jolie, it's worth picking up a copy of Scottish writer Mark Millar's ultra-violent superhero satire – not least because Wanted the movie threatens chan
ges aplenty. Millar has envisioned an alternative world of spandex-clad heroes in which the villains have wiped out the good guys, set up a Matrix-like fake reality and have been enjoying a life of laissez-faire crime ever since 1986. Wanted is bursting with subversive references to superhero comics. And if you look for it, there's also a wicked allegory at work.
Also try: Warren Ellis, The Boys
THE KILLING JOKE
Alan Moore and Brian BollandDC/Titan, £11.99
Considered to be one of the greatest Batman stories ever, this hardcover reissue of what's essentially the secret origin of the The Joker is being published to tie in with the release of The Dark Knight movie. It's a disturbing tale, not just because of The Joker's treatment of Commissioner Gordon's daughter, but also because of comics legend Alan Moore's suggestion that there's a fine line between hero and villain. Brian Bolland has re-coloured his terrific artwork for this deluxe edition, which also comes with a new eight-page story.
Also try: Grant Morrison, Arkham Asylum
PLANET HULK
Greg PakMarvel £23.99
The forthcoming film sequel/franchise relaunch The Incredible Hulk still draws inspiration from the early earthbound years of the comic. By contrast, Greg Pak takes the green behemoth into the realms of science fantasy. Banished from Earth, the anger-fuelled Hulk is marooned on a savage planet ruled by the law of gladiator combat. Despite the Hulk's physicality, the title's writers have been concerned with his Jekyll and Hyde psychology and Pak explores the character's limitless strength on a grander scale.
Also try: Greg Pak, World War Hulk
The full article contains 319 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
