Top 5 Mike Baron comic-book runs

It’s “Nexus” co-creator Mike Baron’s birthday today, and in honor, here are my picks for the top 5 comic-book runs by the longtime comic-book writer.

1. Nexus

The six-time Eisner-Award-winning “Nexus” was created by Baron and artist Steve Rude.  Set 500 years in the future, Horatio Hellpop is a man who dreams of mass murderers, and is compelled to find and slay them.  He is aided in this mission by his fantastic fusioncasting powers.  With both superhero and science fiction elements, “Nexus” was one of the 1980s’ best comics.   With more than 100 issues, “Nexus” is quite an investment of time, but one that will absolutely pay off.  If you’re looking for a place to start, the Eisner-winning one-shot “Nexus: The Origin” is a good place to do so.   Rude Dude Productions has reprinted the earliest and most recent issues of “Nexus,” and Dark Horse’s archives series has reprinted 10 volumes, going through issue No. 65. The next archive edition is due out this month.  And though Nexus/Madman and Magnus Robot Fighter/Nexus aren’t counted in the canonical 100 + issues, they’re also fun issues that are worth seeking out.

2. Badger
Norbert Sykes, a veteran who suffered from multiple personality disorder, became the superhero “The Badger” in one of his personalities.   Badger lives with Ham, a 13th century weather wizard with at times questionable motives.   “Badger” was a very dark comedy with action elements.   The original “Badger” series ran for 70 issues.

3. The Flash (1987) #1-14; Annual 1
Mike Baron and Jackson Guice took over The Flash after Barry Allen had been killed on “Crisis on Infinite Earths.”  Baron wrote Wally West, the former Kid Flash who took over the role, as an often-hotheaded 20-year-old, who nevertheless was learning to become a hero.