This weekend has proved fruitful. Read some great comics, did a podcast (episode eleventy-first) and of course watched Band of Brothers and Kelly's Heroes. It was my little way of saying… U. S. A… U. S. A. But episode after episode and movie after movie got me in a bit of a bloodlust. To quell the demon within, I went to my local Redbox and rented the King of Gondor (ahem) I mean Viggo Mortensen's new film, The Road. Based on Cormac McCarthy's book of the same title, The Road was quite the emotional roller coaster. Seeing as the last McCarthy novel turned into a movie was No Country for Old Men, I had a feeling that with Strider in the limelight it was worth the one dollar. In conclusion, I recommend this film to anyone who likes soul-crushing, humans-are-pieces-of-shit type films (which who doesn't just love those). After the credits began rolling and I started collecting the surrounding tissues that littered the coffee table, I began thinking about comics… of course. So I wanted to take a few minutes to talk about a few of my favorite post apocalyptic comics.

The Walking Dead Let's just go ahead and get the obvious out of the way. The Walking Dead is a 72 issue and counting masterpiece by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard. Not only is it a zombie story, but it continues to develop compelling stories and characters and each issue totally engrosses the reader into Kirkman's zombie-infested world. The Walking Dead by no means is a cheesy, shoot 'em up story, Kirkman really gets behind what it means to be human and the different limits that characters can handle mentally and physically. There is a dark and sinister tone that is present throughout the book. Even when things seem to be going right for Rick and Carl, there is ever-present fear that things are too good to be true (usually they are). With AMC announcing it's plans for The Walking Dead mini-series (possibly a show) there is no better time to read Kirkman's ode to the Zombie genre.

 Y: The Last Man

This is a post - apocalyptic tale that has never been told…. not even close. What would it be like to be the last man in the world? Brian K. Vaughn decided to turn this question into a 60-issue comic extravaganza. But here's the catch…. all the women are still alive. The book follows Yorick, and his pet monkey Ampersand, as they travel across the globe in search for Yorkick's girlfriend, Beth. If you are a fan of any post-apocalyptic, film or literature, this is a story that must be on your shelf. There are no zombies, no disease, no angels and demons looking to lop your head of with the a crazy flaming sword… just women…. Hell Hath No Fury. The accessibility of this comic is equally amazing. Regardless of your comic background, both avid and novice comic readers can enjoy this book. The relationships and jaw-dropping twists and turns will keep you coming back for more. It also has perhaps one of the most profound and moving conclusions in modern comics today.

Resurrection
It seems like a textbook science fiction thriller. Aliens Come. They try to rule the planet. The fail. They Leave. What usually happens is Will Smith cracks a joke and the credits role…. Not this time. It is the aftermath that Marc Guggenheim is interested in. After years of alien occupation, the sudden disappearance of their oppressors leaves humans living underground scratching their heads. They slowly being to explore what is left of their families and their planet. Volume two is currently underway and this unique post-apocalyptic tale takes a fresh look at a H.G. Wells-type story.

Fear Agent
This story shows how the end of the world can be the beginning of an adventure. For Heath Huston, it's an adventure that he never expected. This rugged Texan is the last Fear Agent and part of the endangered human race. Fear Agent is a story that recalls to pulp science fiction, with bubble space suits and classic ship designs. Filled with great characters and tear-jerking scenes Rick Remender, Tony Moore and Jerome Opena come together to tell one of the best science fiction comics on the shelves. In July, Remender will conclude Huston's space epic. While Fear Agent isn't as expansive as some series, the characters are complex and endearing. It's Han Solo meets Firefly. What could possibly go wrong?

 The End League
What if the villains prevail? What If Lex Luthor fires that giant death ray gun or Galactus gets the upperhand on the Avengers? The End League happens. Rick Remender (it seems someone likes the apocalypse) and Matt Broome depict what happens if the villains win. This book shows that apocalypse books are not contained to just science-fiction or to the occul but can be told in the superhero genre as well. The End League is a complex, 9-issue series that gives a glimpse into a villain-controlled world (hint: humans are slaves… bummer). But with the help of Soldier American, The Prairie Ghost and Thor's oversized hammer, does The End League have what it takes to turn the tide? The End league is a great read and is conveniently collected in two trade paperbacks. BUY THEM!

So there ya go. The best a destroyed world has to offer. Read closely, pick up some tips and be prepared for the inevitable alien invasion/ worldwide disease/ religious uprising/ zombie attack/ nuclear wasteland. Bloodlust satisfied.