My Top Comics for July 2017

Welp I’ve been busy with other hobbies and didn’t work on a Top 10, so here’s a new version of my month in review.

Book of the Month: Black Hammer #11 (Dark Horse)
The overriding mysteries are addressed, but the primary focus was on two troubled characters. Barbalien (the Martian Manhunter analogue); stung by the rejection from a closeted homosexual he was attracted too, recollects past harassment he received from his brothers in blue. Gail is also feeling lost, lonely, and is so without hope that she resolves to commit suicide. This moving, humanistic tale left a lump in my throat.

Nominees: The Unbelievable Gwenpool #18, The Wild Storm #6, Shade the Changing Girl #10, Hawkeye #8

Team-Up of the Month: Jean Grey and Thor (Jean Grey #4, Marvel)
Clever, clever (oh Thor, you incorrigible scamp),  Jean learns another valuable lesson on the road to facing the Phoenix force.

Nominees:  Green Arrow and Wonder Woman (Green Arrow #27), Batgirl and Catwoman (Batgirl #13), Batman '66 Meets the Legion of Super-Heroes #1

Many Happy Returns: Lazarus X+66 #1 (Image)
Lazarus returns in the form of a mini that will provide back-story on several supporting characters. This month the spotlight is on Casey Solomon and her fight to make the Daggers squad.

Saddest Goodbye: Tomboy #12 (Action Lab/Danger Zone)
Writer Mia Goodwin and artist Michelle Wong close the book on their supernatural thriller

Best First Issue: James Bond Kill Chain #1 (Dynamite) 
The Hammerhead team (Andy Diggle and Luca Casalanguida) are back, and they brought with them one of 007s deadliest foes.

Nominees: Unholy Grail #1 (Cullen Bunn), Astonishing X-Men #1 

Most Disappointing First Issue? Bettie Page #1 (Dynamite)
Too safe. Not as sexy or crazy-fun as it should be, art got worse with each page.

Best Artists: Mike and Laura Allred 
Busy month with Doom Patrol #7, Bug #3 and Batman '66 Meets the Legion of Super-Heroes #1 hitting the stands.

Best Writer: Christopher Hastings, Gwenpool #18
Technically your best writer should probably be the person who wrote your ‘Book of the Month’? But let’s spread the wealth and reward the guy who is creating one of the funniest, smartest comics on the stands today. Gwenpool was always a kick, but it’s gone further - by way of character development and back-story, as well as pumping up the mind bending metafictional commentary. I also enjoyed seeing Gwen’s adventures through her brother’s eyes. Fantastic work!

Nominees: Jeff Lemire, Black Hammer #11, Warren Ellis, The Wild Storm #6

Best Cover: Luke Cage #3 by Rahzzah

Best Variant Cover: Green Arrow #27 by Esad Ribic

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