My Top 11 Comics For February 2013

11. Demon Knights #17 (DC)

Writer: Robert Venditti  * Artist: Bernard Chang

 Venditti  gives us humor (Brickwedge) and adventure as the ladies work to save Jason. Nice little exchange between Savage and Exoristos. And more Knights show up.

10. Supergirl #17 (DC)

Writer: Mike Johnson * Artist: Mahmud Asrar

I’m not reading the other titles in this crossover and am not happy with the way it has disrupted one of my favorite storylines, despite all that (and the awful soapy relationship between Kara and H’el), there has been some real wiz-bang action and excitement in these pages. Asrar is a master of the fight sequence, and the fight between Wonder Woman and Super-G is sweet and smartly choreographed (and well written – as Diana’s experience shines through).

9. Green Arrow #17 (DC)

Writer: Jeff Lemire * Artist: Andrea Sorrrentino

While I’ve read some of O’Neil/Adams and Grell’s Arrow classics, I’ve never really been into Ollie and haven’t read a page of the New52 version. But Lemire and Sorrentino were enough of a draw that I gave it a go, and I’m glad I did. There’s loss and mystery, a skilled foe, and a cryptic message from a strange benefactor. One issue in and I’m hooked

8. Sword Of Sorcery #5 (DC)

Writer: Christie Marx * Artist: Aaron Lopresti

I’m going to miss this thing, I like the characters and the world they inhabit, there was sooo much story potential here and to not see it fully realized… what a shame. Amy’s a strong, spirited, independent and resourceful young lady… and all of that is put on display here.

7. Journey Into Mystery #649 (Marvel)

Writer: Kathryn Immonen * Artist: Valerio Schiti

It’s a madhouse! Loads of cameos, loads of humor and violent swordplay, loads of monsters… which was a kick because before Thor (and later Loki & Sif) took over the title, JIM was originally a creature feature anthology. So these weren’t just random beings, but monsters that starred in the book in days of old. The scenes with Spraag and Hellcat were a hoot. (Immonen wrote a clever mini-series starring Patsy that I highly recommend)

6. Wonder Woman #17 (DC)

Writer: Brian Azzarello * Artist: Tony Akins

Oh what a tangled web is woven in this expansive family drama. The witty dialog and sharp character interaction are the issues hallmarks. I got a few laughs (like when Orion calls Lennox, “Lummox”)

5. Animal Man #17 (DC)

Writer: Jeff Lemire * Artist: Steve Pugh

What a whiz-bang chapter in this saga! It moves at a mad clip, is dramatic, pulse pounding and horrific. So many memorable moments are had within its pages: from Frankenlantern to that sickening end scene.

4. Revival #7 (Image)

Writer: Tim Seeley * Artist: Mike Norton

 “Ick!” We see a guy’s faced caved in early on… but this issue focuses more on the characters, their knotty secrets and lies and relationships. The breakneck pacing, as we shift from story to story, left me breathless and wanting more -- and just in case we forgot that this was a horror laced tale, that final page reminds us in ghoulish detail. “Ick” indeed

3. New Avengers #3 (Marvel)

Writer: Jonathan Hickman * Artist: Steve Epting

Hickman is a comic book genius when he’s on fire, as he is with this series. There is authentic, nuanced characterization and interaction between the protagonists - and a mind blowing, world’s spanning conundrum for the Illuminati to solve.

2. Thor: God of Thunder #5 (Marvel)

Writer: Jason Aaron * Artist: Esad Ribic

Epic, sweeping tale, stocked with compelling nuanced characters. We learn a little of Thor’s shame and Gor’s frightening origins… and those opening bits with the first God were genuinely creepy. The beautiful art adds much grandeur and pathos to this gripping series.

1. Batman Incorporated #8 (DC)

Writer: Grant Morrison * Artist: Chris Burnham, Jason Masters

Damian was a rock star in this one! Action packed mayhem with a subversive bite (little kids get punched etc). It also hits all the right beats character wise. The scene between Damian and Dick was touching. Oh and I loved the wee nod to 60s TV Batman’s cartoon opening. Burnham’s layouts were incredible, the fight sequences brilliantly staged.

Honorable Mentions

The Uncanny X-Men #1, Phantom Stranger #5, Red She-Hulk #62, I, Vampire #17

To March 2013

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