Creator Spotlight
Donny Cates’ Must-Reads
The THOR, VENOM, and KING IN BLACK writer shares his comic pull list!
Read Donny’s Picks!
Jason Aaron's Ghost Rider
in Ghost Rider (2006) #20
I could really just say anything written by Jason Aaron, but this is the first of his Marvel work that I read. It's gritty, hardcore, and blasphemous as hell. Meaning it's pretty much the perfect Ghost Rider book. But again, honestly, just go read ANYTHING written by Jason. He's the best of us.
Jonathan Hickman's Ultimates
in Ultimate Comics Ultimates (2011) #1
One of the most thought provoking and subversive runs in modern comics history. The things Hickman builds and destroys in the span of this run will genuinely shock you in a way no other comic can. Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant and devastating.
Brian Michael Bendis's Daredevil
in Daredevil (1998) #16
You can't make one of these lists without including Brian. I first discovered Bendis on Powers, but it wasn't until I read his Daredevil run that I became the diehard fan that I am today. No one does it better than Bendis. Nuff' Said.
Venom: Lethal Protector (Anything Venom, Really)
in Venom: Lethal Protector (1993) #1
This book, and really Venom in general, is the reason I'm at Marvel and in comics at all. Venom hooked me so hard as a kid, and he remains my absolute favorite character to this day. With the new Venom movie on the way, now is a perfect time to get to know your not-so-friendly neighborhood symbiote!
X-Statix
in X-Statix (2002) #1
Maybe the craziest Marvel book of all time? Do yourself a favor and just dig into this one without knowing anything about it. It's shocking and brilliant every step of the way, and it gave us the greatest Marvel character of all time: DOOP!!
Annihilation
in Annihilation (2006) #1
Next to Infinity Gauntlet, which is the granddaddy of all space operas, the Annihilation series is probably the most influential cosmic event in the past ten years. You like the Guardians of the Galaxy crew from the movies? This is where it all began. I still read this book and all the tie-ins all the time. It's been a huge influence on me and my writing.
Age of Apocalypse
in X-Men Chronicles (1995) #1
The most badass and hardcore Marvel comic of all time. Or, at least...that's what middle school Donny thought. I remember literally CRYING when this book came out because I thought the X-MEN had lost for good. And DO THEY?? Well, I guess you'll have to read it and find out for yourself!
Silver Surfer: Requiem
in Silver Surfer: Requiem (2007) #1
An incredibly touching and poignant mini-series that not only explores the last days of the Silver Surfer, but also gave us the unbelievable work of artist Esad Ribic. Do yourself a favor and read this comic. But have some tissues nearby. It might get a little dusty.