What are some of your favorite UPBEAT runs in comics?

[Tzigone]

Not parody series, but just optimistic or hopeful or non-depressing or "non-gritty" ones.

For me, I love the first 25 issues of the 2006 Blue Beetle. While there are some detours, for the most part there's a strong arc that each issue contributes to. The relationships between the main character and his supporting cast and strong and well fleshed-out. The recurring characters are good, too. There's humor. The hero is admirable and the good guys win. I just love this story. The last few issues - the resolution - are absolutely fantastic.

[Kyer]

The Flash: volume two. Particularly as written by Mark Waid and Messner-Loebs.

Also the original Justice League International/Europe.

Most any series that incorporated Didio's Bane (large dollops of humor.)

[Restingvoice]

If Li'l Gotham is a parody, then just... Silver Age in general. The original Batman 66 era.

There's this story where Penguin begged Batman and Robin to vouch for him as he pretends to be good because he didn't want to break the heart of his Aunt Agatha. This I believe was the first time they learned that his name is Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot.

Gotham Academy.

[Flash Gordon]

Jeff Parker's AQUAMAN.

[WillieMorgan]

Jeff Parker's AQUAMAN.

That's a really good shout. It's such an underrated run on Aquaman that.

Superman For All Seasons
Superman: Secret Origin
It's not a run as such but maybe Thunderworld Adventures from The Multiversity also.

[Jekyll]

James Robinson's STARMAN are there some dark arcs? Sure. However, the overall story and message is very upbeat and positive.

[Fromper]

The Flash: volume two. Particularly as written by Mark Waid and Messner-Loebs.

Beat me to it. It got darker later, pretty much when Geoff Johns took over. Messner-Loebs' run was upbeat, and pretty good, but not spectacular. The series really hit its stride when Waid took over writing - highly recommended. Similarly, the Impulse series by Waid that spun off from it also fits this question well.

I'd say the Shazam family comics are probably known for this sort of thing. I always think of them as very "Silver Age" in tone, even the modern stuff. I remember The Power of Shazam! series by Ordway in the 90s, starting with the one shot graphic novel and then continuing in an ongoing series of the same name, was relatively light, well written, with good art.

[K7P5V]

I'd say the Shazam family comics are probably known for this sort of thing. I always think of them as very "Silver Age" in tone, even the modern stuff. I remember The Power of Shazam! series by Ordway in the 90s, starting with the one shot graphic novel and then continuing in an ongoing series of the same name, was relatively light, well written, with good art.

To the utmost, I agree. Ordway's run on The Power of SHAZAM! is an all-time favorite.

As for my choice, I'll say Starfire from Amanda Conner & Jimmy Palmiotti.

[Tzigone]

I'd say the Shazam family comics are probably known for this sort of thing. I always think of them as very "Silver Age" in tone, even the modern stuff. I remember The Power of Shazam! series by Ordway in the 90s, starting with the one shot graphic novel and then continuing in an ongoing series of the same name, was relatively light, well written, with good art.

Interesting. I wasn't really thinking of silver age - though it's acceptable, of course - but of stories with the greater characterization and more complex plots of the later era that don't get bogged down in endless angst or gore or "gray" heroes.

Similarly, the Impulse series by Waid that spun off from it also fits this question well.

I have read Impulse. Early issues by Waid are quite good, but later in the series (not at all sure when compared to changing in writers), the stories were quite weak, IMO. Though I still enjoyed the characters, and mourn the loss of Carol, Preston, and Helen. I kinda wish there was no Inertia - I'm really over them all having matching villains (Reverse Flashes, more or less). It's like Freddy and Mary have Sivana's kids - develop more villains of their own!

[Sacred Knight]

Superman For All Seasons.

[Fromper]

Interesting. I wasn't really thinking of silver age - though it's acceptable, of course - but of stories with the greater characterization and more complex plots of the later era that don't get bogged down in endless angst or gore or "gray" heroes.

As I said, Power of Shazam! was a 90s series. I just think of it as more of a Silver Age tone, while still having the more complex plots and characterization of modern comics.