The Donny Cates Comics You Need To Read

An elite few, such as comic book writer and Supanova guest Donny Cates, can be called a genius of their craft.

Following his first title, Hunter Quaid, published in Dark Horse Presents #24, he has kept us on the edge of our seats. After securing an internship at Marvel Comics, Cates took the opportunity to publish his original series, Buzzkill, proving his credentials and ability to fans and the industry alike.

Since his big break, Cates’ writing credits have grown substantially, but with so many choices, new comic book fans might appreciate some help in picking which titles to start with. Here are just a few suggestions to get you reading the best of Donny Cates before his appearance at Supanova in Perth!

Thanos Wins

In their most honest moments, the most powerful beings in the Marvel universe would use just two words to describe how their world ends: Thanos Wins.

So, what if he did win? What would the world look like? Is Thanos satisfied? If in the wake of Endgame you want to indulge in the speculation of a Thanos victory, pick up the volume and enjoy all 159 pages! With art by Geoff Shaw, Thanos Wins collects issues of Thanos #13-18 and tells an unforgettable story.

Death of the Inhumans

You met the Kree in Captain Marvel, now prepare to meet them at their peak. Collecting Death of the Inhumans #1-5, Cates presents a nail-biting story of domination and war. The alien Kree are on a killing spree, leaving behind a message: Join or die. It is now up to Blackbolt and the Inhumans to fight back with their own special message. This story had fans in tears, joy, and surprise all the way through.

Doctor Strange: God of Magic

Benedict Cumberbatch knocked the role of the Sorcerer Supreme right out of the park in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but when it comes to the comics, Donny Cates takes the story straight to your heart. But be warned, this is not the Doctor Strange you know. With an Asgardian twist, God of Magic is a great start to your Cates collection.

Venom: Rex

Venom may have started as a Spider-Man villain, but the contrast to Cates’ Venom is part of what makes it work so well. Venom is a lethal protector of innocents in New York, but a never-before-seen threat rises and forces him to question everything it holds dear – especially Eddie Brock. Collecting Venom #1-6, Venom: Rex is a beautifully written story that will have all Venom fans loving every page.

Buzzkill

“First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you.”

Stepping out of the Marvel universe, Buzzkill’s own quote seems an apt metaphor for the story. Reuben hasn’t been bitten by a radioactive spider and doesn’t come from out of space. He’s an alcoholic and who struggles with life, attends AA meetings and tries group therapy. But he does have a power – when intoxicated, he gets strong. Really, really strong. The struggle between his desire for self-improvement and his dependency on his powers creates a more mature story.

And there you have it; five Donny Cates stories you should read before meeting the legend himself. If you want more, or have read all of the titles listed above, don’t be fooled into thinking that’s it. All great writers have more than just a few stories to tell, and this list is just some of his best. If you want more great storytelling, check out some of his other titles:

• Babyteeth
• Cosmic Ghost Rider
• God Country: Vol 1
• Guardians of the Galaxy: The Final Gauntlet
• Redneck: Vol 1
• Star Trek: Deviations
• Star Trek: Waypoint
• The Ghost Fleet: The Whole Goddamned Thing

Donny Cates will appear at Supanova Comic Con & Gaming Sydney (21–23 June) and Perth (29-30 June).