I know I've already made a mention of Iron Man, but he's making another appearance thanks to The Graphic Classroom. I've been considering the idea of covering comic books in the classroom thanks to several notable titles which I feel exemplify the art form, demonstrating its vast and unique potential. Comic books hold a distinction as a truly American creation, yet for whatever reason are not widely studied or explored. There has, in the past, been a stigma associated with them--namely that they "rot your brain"--but I feel that their potential to teach and inspire is no different than such works as the Harry Potter, City of Ember, the Artemis Fowl series, etc.
I know what sorts of thoughts still exist regarding comics: "Comic books are just a cheap story set to pictures" or "Comics are all a bunch of violent pictures strung together with profanity and nudity." Yes, some comics are nothing more than these. Just like some books are nothing more than cheaply-written sex scenes and mushy drivel (this is why books by Zane or Stephanie Meyer books aren't taught as literature).
Comic books retain a distinct ability to get into a character's head in a way that has yet to be effectively translated into other mediums like books or film. Additionally, the worlds created by comics are--more or less, but not exclusively--the new myths of the 21st century.
With this in mind, I submit the following list of comics as worthy of exploration:
Civil War
Superman/Batman:Supergirl
Superman/Batman: Absolute Power
Invincible Iron Man vol. 1
Just about anything from the Fantastic Four
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