My Top 11 Comics For October 2013

11. Zero #2 (Image)

Writer: Ales Kot * Artist: Tradd Moore
I must admit, the violent, action fueled first issue didn't do a whole lot for me because it was just too cold around the heart. But here, Kot humanizes Edward by showing us his dark childhood and introducing us to Mina. Moore's art was incredible.

10. Lazarus #4 (Image)

Writer: Greg Rucka * Artist: Michael Lark
And the twists get twistier! Rucka is doing a masterful job making his world come alive. And artist Michael Lark is like a director in the way he frames and stages his panels. I like the little details he throws in there, such as he way Jaocquim –in shame- moves his head to keep Forever from seeing the ruined, metallic side of his face. 

9. Animal Man #24 (DC)

Writer: Jeff Lemire * Artist: Raphael Alburquerque
The plot sickens and thickens. Alburquerque’s art is sketchier than Pugh’s, more drenched in shadow- but effective, he’s a pro at rendering the full emotional spectrum and this issue needed that skill, because it runs the gamut from horror to heartache. Best part of the story for me was seeing Ellen finally realize the truth; Buddy wasn’t to blame for all this. So, yeah, bite me Didio, because it’s the family and marriage dynamic, even more so than the scares that have made this series special.

8. Suicide Risk #6 (Boom Studios)
Writer: Mike Carey * Arist: lena Casagrande
This series doesn’t get the respect it deserves. Personally, I think it’s fantastic. It has an interesting mystery to unravel concerning the nature of these powers people have purchased, and like “Animal Man”, a strong family anchor. Here our hero has to sell his soul to a colorful super villain team in order to protect friends and family. I get this digitally on a months delay, but because of the extra week in the October, I was able to read it before the month ended and happily include it here.

7. Wonder Woman #24 (DC) 

Writer: Brian Azzarello * Artist: Goran Sudzuka

Primarily a set up issue, it also reacquaints us with some familiar faces like Milan and Hermes (who tries to acquit himself, and makes a great point at the end). Hera cracks me up, and boy, are the God's (or former Goddess) family tributes in poor taste. I also like how Diana stands up to these Olympians. Woman don't take no crap from anyone. Artist Goren Sudsuka does nice work with a talky issue. I admire the little touches, like Zola's eye roll when she has to deal with two crying infants (one being an adult)

6. Phantom Stranger #12 (DC) 

Writer: J.M. DeMatteis * Artist: Federico Blanco

The precise, sharply developed character work is what really sold it. I liked this trio of unlikely allies J.M. has assembled. The ideas are well presented - it's an intelligent and thought provoking read. With this skilled writing, Stranger has turned this into one of DCs finest.

5. The Double Life of Miranda Turner #1 (Monkeybrain) 

Writter: James S. Rich * Artist: George Kambadais

Features characters from Harvey comics Black Cat title: If you loved James Rich’s "It Girl", you’ll find more of the same here. It’s a bright, sparkling barrel of fun that sees the Cat (Miranda) and her ghostly sister (Lindy, the former Cat) tackle a couple of Lego generating baddies known as the Blockheads. CBR’s Greg McElhatton summed it up nicely... “Read it for the crazy heroics, the hinted-at fully-developed backstory, the gorgeous art, or even just the warm affection between sisters Miranda and Lindy. Monkeybrain Comics has picked up another winner of a series in the form of "The Second Life of Miranda Turner." At just $0.99, it's not only a bargain, it's a must-buy.”

4. Red Sonja #4 (Dynamite) 

Writer: Gail Simone * Artist: Walter Geovani

Gail allows us peaks into Red’s past. Where we see her character forged in blood and steel. These flashbacks help inform the present. She is skilled, she is obstinate, and she has unbreakable resolve. And when she puts those qualities to work it leaves me gobsmacked. I also cheered the violent physical (as well as the verbal) punch line she lays on an old tormentor. 

3. Velvet #1 (Image) 

Writer: Ed Brubaker * Artist: Steve Epting

Brubaker and Epting take the classic Miss Moneypenny type, and shows that she’s more than a mere secretary. The twists and turns in this issue are breathtaking and I like that our hero (if there are any heroes in this book) is an experienced, older woman, and not another brash young hot body. Brubaker has always written complex, interesting female characters. And Velvet Templeton looks to continue that trend. And artist Steve Epting’s stylish realism makes this story live and breathe.

2. Trillium #3 (Vertigo) 

Writer and Artist: Jeff Lemire

Lemire is so in his element here. The character work, and the way he’s building these two very different worlds… it’s all very richly sketched out and manifestly real. The romance rings true. You feel that connection between these two, even though no declaration of love has yet been expressed. This is a special and unique comic.

1. Pretty Deadly #1 (Image) 

Writer: Kelly Sue DeConnick * Arist: Emma Rios

My top pick is one of the most ambitious, intellectually and artistically stimulating books I’ve ever come across. Kelly Sue DeConnick’s strange mythic western story is an ambiguous, challenging poem and not the kind of easy brain candy you get from most comics. It doesn’t have a traditional narrative, so you have to focus, pay attention and even read it twice (at the least) to get all you can from the story and Emma Rio’s beautiful and finely detailed art. This wont appeal to all tastes, but it’s anything but banal, and if you enjoy unique, challenging comic book reads like "The Green Wake", Deadly will be right up your alley. 

Honorable Mentions:

Rat Queens #2 (Image)
Batman ’66 (DC)
Kings Watch #2 (Dynamite)
Pandora #4 (DC)
Edison Rex #10 (Monkeybrain)
Rocket Girl #1 (Image)
Batman/Superman #4 (DC)
Aquaman #24 (DC)
Nowhere Men #6 (Image) 

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