Award-winning comic book writer Mark Russell joins the Capes and Tights Podcast for Episode 169 on May 29, 2024. To prepare for the conversation, we have compiled seven comics by Russell you should read.
Mark Russell is an author, comic book writer, and cartoonist. The works he is known for include God Is Disappointed in You, a modern re-telling of the Bible, The Flintstones, Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles, Not All Robots, Prez, and Superman: Space Age, which tells the story of Superman and his loved ones, living against the backdrop of Cold War America. Russell has also contributed to a number of single issues for Marvel and DC Comics over the years.
Fantastic Four: Life Story (Marvel)
In the tradition of Spider-Man: Life Story, and in celebration of the FF’s 60th Anniversary, comes this series setting the lives of the fabulous foursome in real time across the years!
Amid the backdrop of the Cold War and the Space Race, a terrible accident gives the Fantastic Four great powers, a terrible secret, and entangles them in the history of their planet.
Wonder Twins (DC)
Exiled from their home planet, alien heroes Zan and Jayna must navigate life as teens on Earth at South Metropolis High School, where they’re even bigger out-siders than the normal awkward young adult. Under the watchful eye of Superman, the brother Exiled from their home planet, alien heroes Zan and Jayna must navigate life as teens on Earth at South Metropolis High School, where they’re even bigger out-siders than the normal awkward young adult. Under the watchful eye of Superman, the brother and sister pull monitor duty at the Hall of Justice as interns, while also trying to overcome the pitfalls of Zan’s brash confidence and Jayna’s shy but streetwise personality. If you think you know the Wonder Twins, think again-this book takes the form of the unexpected!
The Flintstones (DC)
It’s the Flintstones as you’ve never seen them before! Starring the first family of Bedrock (and civilization, really) tell the story of the dawn of civilization through the eyes of Fred, Wilma, Barney, Betty and the rest of the citizens of Bedrock. Shining a light on humanity’s oldest customs and institutions, writer Mark Russell blends satire with Hanna-Barbera’s classic characters.
Not All Robots (AWA)
In the year 2056, robots have replaced human beings in the workforce. An uneasy co-existence develops between the newly intelligent robots and the ten billion humans living on Earth. Every human family is assigned a robot upon whom they are completely reliant. What could possibly go wrong? Meet the Walters, a human family whose robot, Razorball, ominously spends his free time in the garage working on machines which they’re pretty sure are designed to kill them in this sci-fi satire from Mark Russell and Mike Deodato Jr.
Prez (DC)
It’s 2046 and America has just elected its first teenage president: Beth Ross, a.k.a. Corndog Girl, best known for a viral video on social media! Previously selected as one of YALSA’s Top Ten Graphic Novels for Teens, DC’s critically acclaimed political satire Prez returns in a new format and more relevant than ever.
Rumpus Room (AWA)
Meet Bob Schrunk, technocrat billionaire, collector of bad art, and victim of a hideous skin condition that can only be treated with a highly illicit and definitely not FDA-approved face cream that must be… harvested. From human beings. Bob isn’t unfair, though. He’s happy to let his guests select who will be next to be sent from the Rumpus Room to their doom. There’s just one thing Bob doesn’t know: One of his current guests is an undercover cop-and she’s carrying a concealed gun.
Traveling to Mars (Ablaze)
Traveling to Mars tells the story of former pet store manager Roy Livingston, the first human to ever set foot on Mars. Roy was chosen for this unlikely mission for one simple reason: he is terminally ill and therefore has no expectation of returning. Roy is joined on his mission to Mars by Leopold and Albert, two Mars rovers equipped with artificial intelligence, who look upon the dying pet store manager as a sort of god. Against the backdrop of not only his waning days but those of human civilization as well, Roy has ample time to think about where things went wrong for both of them and what it means to be a dying god. A riveting story of planetary exploration and of finding meaning in your final days.
Death Ratio’d (AWA)
When Arnold awakes from a coma twenty years into the future, he discovers that society is now ruled by social media. Enough “likes” and “upvotes” can unlock fame and fortune but – watch your step! – enough “thumbs down” clicks and the collar around your neck explodes. And you’re done. Now, confused and running on his last Like, Arnold must navigate a world in which the slightest online misstep can have fatal consequences.
