My Top 12 Comics For January 2013

12. I, Vampire #15 (DC)

Writer: Joshua Hale Fialkov* Artist: Dennis Calero

Thanks DC, for breaking up a dream team (sarcasm intended). The story is still wonderful, but the art does take a hit. Calero attempts to mimic Sorrentino’s style, but is inconsistent with anatomy and faces. Still it’s not too horrible and Fialkov’s story is an engrossing puzzle which he has peppered with liberal amounts of humor.

11. Demon Knights #16 (DC)

Writer: Robert Venditti  * Artist: Bernard Chang

New writer catches up with our heroes(?) 30 years later. I had my concerns but they were quickly laid to rest. Though a little more nasty (Poor horse, and poor Jason - Ick) and lacking humor (I hope that returns) I was nonetheless immediately drawn into the story. And the character rapport and interplay is as strong as ever.

10. It Girl and the Atomics #6 (Image)

Writer: James S. Rich * Artist: Mike Norton

Mr. Gum takes the spotlight and it’s my favorite issue yet. It’s a simple and straightforward story, not great depth of character -- but so what, it was pure, undiluted 100% fun! Yeah, Gum can be kind of a dink sometimes, but he’s a funny dink, and he does the right thing in the end.

9. Thor: God of Thunder #4 (Marvel)

Writer: Jason Aaron * Artist: Esad Ribic

While it does bounce around from era to era a lot, it is nonetheless is another compelling chapter in the arc. The opening sequence took me by surprise, the dialog spoken by the God who escapes Gor was terrifying and there was even some humor via the grumpy librarian. The final panel knocked my socks off. Art was epic as ever.

8 Justice League Dark #16 (DC)

Writer:   Jeff Lemire, Ray Fawkes * Artist: Mikel Janin

The art was real strong, especially in regards to Zatanna, who looks gorgeous, but I also love her giddiness over all this power she’s obtained. So nice to see her kick some tail. The rest of the book is equally as strong as things go topsy turvy for Constantine and company.

7. Swamp Thing #16 (DC)

Writer: Scott Snyder * Artist: Yanick Paquette

This month Swampy’s the better of the Rotworld duo. Things are coming to a head as Alec gears up for war, aided by Batman's plan. I love the league of Robin’s (since normally we always see Batman wannabes). Paquettes art is absolutely fantastic: Both beautiful (Barbara looks great with pointy ears - lol) and ugly (the final panel was horrifying, grotesque and heartbreaking).

6. Green Lantern #16 (DC)

Writer: Geoff Johns * Artist:  Doug Mahnke

Not much 3rd Army stuff, but that’s okay because what I like best about Geoff Johns work are his intimate pieces, the insights into character. And this issue soars in that regard. Baz is a compelling figure with greater will than even Hal or Sinestro (there’s a reason the Hal/Sinestro ring selected him). Having B’dg around adds to the spirit of fun. I think that was key, the story has drama and emotion, but it was also funny, it doesn’t become morose.

5. Batman Inc #6 & 7 (DC)

Writer: Grant Morrison * Artist: Chris Burnham

Two his month - #6: Ultra violence, mayhem, heartbreak and humor are all had in this issue that sees Talia toy and test Batman. #7: It’s complex, there are so many characters and sub plots that I need to keep going back to familiarize myself with who is who and what’s what. The story is high-octane action; it never stops to rest, even in expositional scenes! It has heartbreak (poor Beryl), humor and twist and turns at every turn. And above it all is Damian, he is a completely engaging figure in these pages -- as smart and stubborn as his mother and father. He and Alfred (the butler and cat) are great together.

4. The New Avengers #2 (Marvel)

Writer: Jonathan Hickman * Artist: Steve Epting

This is Hickman at the top of his game. It’s a heady, challenging read. Offers great characterizations as each member of the illuminate has a distinct personality. While it is filled with talking heads and is exposition heavy, every word has weight and meaning. None of it is superfluous. The art does suffer this issue, looks a bit hurried. Otherwise this was an intelligent, dense tale.

3. Revival #6 (Image)

Writer: Tim Seeley * Artist: Mike Norton

Creepy and gripping. There is so much going on in this series that it can be difficult to remember what I read the previous month and keep track of it all - but this issue was tight. Love the interior art, and that Jenny Frison cover is one her finest pieces.

2. Journey Into Mystery #648 (Marvel)

Writer: Kathryn Immonen * Artist: Valerio Schiti

It’s funny, adventurous, steeped in Asgard’s rich history and a blast and a half to read. The Lady Sif is charged up, berserker fueled and looking to fight the biggest monster she can find. Just a flat out fun read - I love Sif’s ‘go for broke’ personality and enjoy the men she’s allied with.

1. Wonder Woman #16 (DC)

Writer: Brian Azzarello * Artist: Cliff Chiang

I’m sounding like a broken record praising this sharp ensemble piece as much as I do. WW has to share a lot of screen time, but when she’s on, she’s wonderful. Her warmth and patience in dealing with Milan is why I love Diana so. And just when I think the book can’t possibly be freakier, Milan goes and pulls the band from his eyes. Chiange’s storytelling and expressive art is as strong as ever (see the scenes in the bar). Azz’s dialog sparkles… like a baby eyes.

To Feb 2013