When putting together this list the biggest thing I look for is issues that complete stories within themselves instead of feeling like a small part of a much larger whole. There are issues that will probably work great within the larger context of a trade paperback butisolated by themselves they are not as strong. That“s why books this week like Gideon Falls and Immortal Hulk that are normally always here did not quite make the list. Both were good issues but not as complete as those that did end up making it.
A reminder that this list is based solely on my thoughts so may differ from other reviews on the site. No to the countdown”¦
Writer/Artist: Mateus Santolouco
Variant Cover Artist: Kevin Eastman
Publisher: IDW
Description: The Shredder’s long road through the depths of hell reaches a fever pitch as he is forced to face echoes of his own soul! With lives on the line, who will survive the raging inferno? Fan-favorite artist Mateus Santolouco returns to the world of TMNT! The most infamous villain in the TMNT universe gets his own mini-series!
Why it Made the List: This is the type of comic where you can just stair for days at Mateus Santolouco“s striking art. From the hellish landscapes to the unmerciful battles, Â Santolouco is doing some phenomenal work making this series look as amazing as it does. On a narrative side, Shredder is finding his humanity in a world absent of it. Fighting against he supposed destiny and the man driven to see him fail in his own father. Mini-series like this allow for characters like Shredder to earn more dimension and be a figure beyond the evil nemesis for our heroes.
Writer: Kelly Thompson
Artist: Veronica Fish
Publisher: Archie
Description: Very weird goings-on in the town of Greendale are making Sabrina Spellman’s relocation to Greendale High…complicated. Protecting her friends, saving her family, solving a supernatural mystery, and keeping her witch nature a secret is starting to seem impossible. Something’s gotta give…but which one will it be and what will it mean for her future in Greendale?!
Why it Made the List: Of course Kelly Thompson would write a fantastic Sabrina the Teenage Witch comic. Her sensibilities and style fit this world perfectly. As a single issue, this accomplishes a lot by forwarding many of these relationships, providing a deeper sense of what this world is like, and setting up what will clearly be the main conflicts for this first arc. Everything snaps into place without feeling overtly force of packed in. For those who perhaps what a take on Sabrina that is more aligned with the main Archie series this fills that void.
Writer: Kelly Sue DeConnick
Artist: Viktor Bogdanovic
Publisher: DC Comics
Description: On the cusp of recovering his lost memories, Aquaman must overcome one final obstacle–a terrifying journey into the heart of darkness itself–the lair of the mysterious Mother Shark! There, Aquaman will face his greatest challenge yet and look into his past, present and future-that is, if he has any future at all!
Why it Made the List: Aquaman #48 operates as a good jumping on point for this series. The thought of doing an issue retelling the origin of Arthur Curry may seem redundant but it works in large part due to the work of artist Viktor Bogdanovic. With skillful artistry to represent this journey. While the actual events may have taken place in the pace the emotional ramifications are ever present. As a character, Aquaman has long struggled to live up to what has been destined for him and that struggle is clearly nowhere near over.
Writer: Paul Constant
Artist: Alan Robinson
Publisher: Ahoy Comics
Description: After the thawed-out 1980s jocks start a riot at a comic convention, they learn to their horror that everyone in 2019 uses computers like a bunch of poindexters. PLUS! An untold tale of teen jock Drew from the pastel world of the 1980s. EXTRA! A selection of AHOY text stories, beautifully illustrated.
Why it Made the List: Early on in the life of Ahoy comics, one consistent aspect of all their titles is they more often than not lead to a fun time. Not that there is a lack of drama rather they are series that never take themselves too seriously. Planet of the Nerds is great on how it represents how much social culture has changed from the 80“s to now. With the first issue being mostly set up the actual concept comes into play and it works well, like a classic sitcom in the best of ways–colorful characters in an off the wall situation that nearly writes itself.
Writer: Darcy Van Poelgeest
Artist: Ian Bertram
Publisher: Image Comics
Description: Axe leaves Elder“s Hope to destroy Northern Guard, and Little Bird is left behind to take out a small team of enemy soldiers when she stumbles upon a family secret that changes everything.
Why it Made the List: Placing Little Bird at number six I almost feel like I should explain what I did not like about it as I see this has become one of the most highly praised comics out. Clearly placing it on this list I do not disagree. The strength is the artwork of Ian Bertram that is incredible in its detail and innovative designs. One of the most original worlds in all of comics currently. The only aspect keeping this from being on the top of the list is the narrative that is emotionally cold do the characters that have not been given the time to form impactful emotional bonds. Still, on a sheer craft perspective, it is one of the best comics going today.
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis, David F. Walker
Artist: Jamal Campbell
Publisher: Wonder Comics
Description: This is it! In this issue, all secrets are revealed! Who is Naomi? Where did she come from? What can she do? And what does it mean for the rest of the DC Universe? It’s the one you’ve been waiting for from Bendis, Walker and Campbell.
Why it Made the List: So much of the conversation about Naomi has been centered on the spec market that it has overtaken the book itself. Brian Michael Bendis, David F. Walker, and Jamal Campbell are putting together a comic that set a new direction for future comics. One that is clearly directed at markets most series among the big two ignore. This issue is the point of the story where a lot is revealed that has been building since issue one. Why it works is due to the way it is delivered. At first, by Naomi talking to her dearest friend and then a mother to her infant child. Both conversations showcasing love, trust, and hope of what is to come. Also helps when Jamal Campbell has room to tell this story with some jaw-dropping visuals.
Writer: Bryan Hill
Artist: Leandro Fernandez
Publisher: Vertigo
Description: A new storyline begins! A tragic mistake in Richard’s past left an innocent child dead, and it’s a devastating trauma from which he’s never recovered. Determined not to let it happen again, he risks everything – including his undercover status – on a mission to rescue a drug-addicted young man in way over his head from the white nationalist narcotics trade.
Why it Made the List: American Carnage continues to be one of my favorite comics out today. It all comes down to approaching complex topics & themes with richly defined characters that attempt to fix what is very broken only for things to often crumble further into chaos. Yet within that chaos, the struggle doesn’t end as their drive is utilized to push forward. Richard is proving to be quite the character who is capable but not above reproach. It challenges the reader by giving time to characters that would be easy to construct as one dimensional. Leandro Fernandez art is great at setting this stage and keeping the mood consistent with the narrative however the MVP may be Dean White’s colors. How shadows are utilized in particular to hide the face of a man lost within his own life. It is for me the best book Vertigo has put out since Scalped and represent what made Vertigo such a prestigious name to begin with. Inventive stories that are rich with social commentary pushing to medium forward to the next age.
Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Artist: Mark Bagley
Publisher: Marvel
Description: THE REAL-TIME LIFE STORY OF SPIDER-MAN CONTINUES! It“s the 1980s and Peter“s life gets upended with wars both global and secret. And death stalks him at every turn. With a family and a world to protect, can he save everyone before it“s too late?
Why it Made the List: Spider-Man: Life Story #3 is my favorite issue of the series thus far. After the last issue, I was concerned this series would collapse under the weight of its own concept, but this had an impressive storytelling balance considering all the material covered. Everything was much more connected this time around which helped a great deal. It adds deeper ramifications to familiar stories that are both massive in scale and personal in impact-from family struggles to the threat of nuclear war. There was a certain sequence within this issue involving Vision that was truly haunting. Love the choice to focus on the individual rather than the general devastation. Do wonder where many of the cliffhangers we have seen are going as so far they been pushed to the side.
Writer: Magdalene Visaggio
Artist: Corin Howell
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Description: Delving into Kate’s past, we discover what brought the monster hunter to the West Coast, and the painful destruction of a relationship. As Kate feels she has adjusted to her new locale, a face from her past throws everything in Kate’s life out of control.
Why it Made the List: This issue of Calamity Kate had some vicious moments that were literally painful to witness. Where Magdalene Visaggio and Corin Howell showed they are willing to push boundaries as Kate fought a battle that seemed unwinnable–also there was monster hunting. In all seriousness, this has been a series that has gotten better with each issue. Here you have a great use of juxtaposition as flashbacks of Kate“s personal life and laid next to her current monster hunting. Those we love the most have the power to hurt us the greatest. Anyone that has had been in or around a toxic relationship will be able to witness the truth in those scenes.
Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Artist: Marco Checchetto
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Description: Accused of murder, Daredevil has been on the run trying to prove his innocence. But even he can“t outrun judgment forever. Don“t miss the explosive finale of Chip Zdarsky“s first arc of DAREDEVIL!
Why it Made the List: An odd comparison but Daredevil is kind of like pizza. Even when it’s not great it’s better than most things and to make it work it’s not about widely changing the ingredients but picking the right ones and executing the recipe with precision. Exactly what this run is doing. Chip Zdarsky is breaking Daredevil in a way that is the most impactful. The person responsible is not a supervillain but his own hubris ironically driven by his deep-rooted guilt. The finale bit of dialogue in this issue is one of Chip’s best moments as a writer. Marco Checchetto’s depicts this ill-gotten world with fantastic detail as the spirit of Matt further and further degrades. He is beaten, bloody, and most importantly lost to the point of no return. Â Now the key becomes how they bring him back from these self-inflicted wounds.
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- A fan of all things comics. Growing up on a healthy diet of 90's Batman and X-Men cartoon series ignited a love for the medium that remains strong today.
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