My Top 12 Comics For July 2013

Note: This is for comics I read (paper or digital) published on the month. I trade wait on several, which is a why classics like Fatale or Manhattan Projects won’t be seen on these lists.

12. Animal Man #22 (DC)

Writer: Jeff Lemire * Artist: Steve Pugh, Francis Portela

The Maxine scenes were wonderful: From the red as reimagined through her young mind, to the disturbing and sad moments concerning Cliff. The Buddy bits were horrifying and sets up someone who should prove to be a worthy foe for the hero.

11. Trinity Of Sin: Pandora #1 (DC)

Writer: Ray Fawkes * Artist: Daniel Sampere

Despite some cool to lukewarm reviews, and that it rehashes over old material, I found it a thoroughly gripping tale. Pandora is a compelling and tragic figure, undone by her curiosity and unfairly judged (and scared… Fawkes reveals that it’s not paint/makeup on her face, but painful markings branded on her). She wanders throughout the ages trying to teach man to resist the temptation of the sins she unwittingly unleashed, and failing that, she later seeks knowledge and training in hopes of defeating and bottling them up again.

This is a set-up issue; we are not in the thick of the plot just yet (I trust that will come next issue) its strength lies in the building and establishment of character. While there are several artists assigned to the piece, the work blends seamlessly – the comic looks great (and the sins, especially the human looking, ever grinning “Greed”, gave me creeps).

10. All-New X-Men #14 (Marvel)

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis * Artist: Stuart Immonen

While I could do without ‘angsty Jean’ (at the end she’s once again sitting on the basketball court, feeling sorry for herself) ‘action Jean’ is humorous and scary. The big battle was smartly choreographed (Young Cyclops shows why he’s a natural leader) and the bit with Iceman and Thor made me howl with laughter.

9. Thor: God of Thunder #10 (Marvel)

Writer: Jason Aaron * Artist: Esad Ribic

The penultimate issue preps things for the big finish: Gor shows the depths in which he has lost himself (becoming what he loathes?) I enjoyed those scenes with Thor’s granddaughters.

8. Batman/Superman #2 (DC)

Writer: Greg Pak * Artist: Jae Lee

Last issue we saw the difference between Bruce and Clark, this issue we are shown the differences between different ages (and worlds) of Bruce and Bruce, Clark and Clark. There are so many beautiful, smart little touches, such as: Martha’s compassion for our Clark, and his surprise at seeing who his other self married. There’s Bruce’s intelligence (quickly perceived as a threat by Kaiyo). Selina’s laid back cool personality, and her recognition that the Bat is using old fighting techniques. Wonder Woman even shows up to stab Lois?! (I only wish our Bruce had met Helena (as a child perhaps?) – that would have put a neat new twist on Worlds’ Finest) Smart script from Pak and Jae Lee’s delicate line work and deep shadows are gorgeous and dream-like. (though he does indulge the silhouette a lot. Perhaps to help keep to his deadline?)

7. Demon Knights #22 (DC)

Writer: Robert Venditti * Artist: Chad Hardin

The series nears its end and does so without losing momentum. I don’t get a sense that plot points are lost or being rushed through to get to the finish as I have with other cancelled series. Vendetti has fashioned an interesting story, one that is leading to an epic confrontation. His character beats are spot on – He’s especially good with Horse Woman, and she shines in the spotlight here. Great “OMG” reveal at the end.

6. Bandette #5 (Monkeybrain)
Writer: Paul Tobin * Artist: Colleen Coover

“Charming” is the word that best describes this series. Bandette is a carefree cat burglar in France and in this issue she pairs up (but it’s not a ‘team up’) with her rival (another great Parisian thief) to take down the leader of a criminal guild. There’s not an ounce of angst in this series. The dialog, as well as Bandette’s personality, bubbles with vivacity, and the watercolor art contributes much to the character of the piece. Bandette is a joy (My only wish is that we could get more than 5 issues a year). As a bonus, there’s a free 2-page story posted at the Monkeybrain site, which features last issues foe, Matadori.

6. Batman ’66 Chapters 1 to 3 (DC)

Writer: Jeff Parker * Artist: Jonathan Case

The Riddler’s riddle leads Batman and Robin to the lair of the Catwoman. What an absolute blast, Parker and Case hit it out of the ballpark. This was a 3 part-story that saw Batman playing detective with Catwoman helping out (seeking revenge against the Riddler for destroying her Nite-club). Parker’s dialog is a delight, he nails vocal inflection (I can hear the actors as I read) and Case’s bright color palette and liberal use of Ben-Day dots bring that 60s vibe to vivid life. I really dig the movement in guided mode; it provides an extra-added bit a cool you wont find in print versions.

5. Red Sonja #1 (Dynamite)

Writer: Gail Simone * Artist: Walter Geovani

A fantastic opening salvo from Simone -- We get the expected graphic violence, but Gail also offers up a good helping of humor (often coming from the awed female body guards who fawn over the warrior). I like how Sonja is someone who truly understands the value of the word “dignity” – dignity and honor mean something in this story and to this character. While I’ve not always been impressed with Dynamite’s stable of artists, Walter Geovani does solid work here.

4. Revival #12 (Image)

Writer: Tim Seeley * Artist: Mike Norton

While Seeley provides some clarity, he also gives us new questions to ponder: The little resurrected girl from the FCD story returns, and we discover who the ghost with the ring is. The issue is framed by a comic book Cooper is drawing, which gives his account of these strange happenings (Coop’s art is rendered by Art Baltazar). This creepy, convoluted title continues to be enigmatic, but if you pay close attention you can see connections and subtle clues and pointers. Mike Norton provides the visual foundation:  Notable scene shows Martha floating in the river, her eyes bleeding out into the icy waters.

3. Lazarus #2 (Image)

Writer: Greg Rucka * Artist: Michael Lark

Even better than the first issue. There is little action here as Rucka spends time expanding our knowledge of this world, its politics and his cast of characters. Interesting sub plots are set-up, the science feels right, the dialog is strong -- it flows well, has a nice tempo to it - there are no hitches in the narrative. Lark's art delivers a sketchy shadowy realism and he displays his skill at making talky scenes visually appealing. I found it all completely engrossing – there are many layers here, and it should prove interesting seeing them peeled away - revealing their secrets month after month.

2. Batman Incorporated #12 (DC)

Writer: Grant Morrison * Artist: Chris Burnham

While Morrison’s meta-fictional references can be an entertaining spice… they are ultimately, a gimmick. And I’ll take drama and emotion, laid on the foundation of finely formed characters, over gimmick any day. At his best (All-Star Superman) Grant blends both the meta and the drama expertly – but here, as we near the close of Batman Inc, he is ratcheting up the human element. Bruce uses his brilliant mind to smartly counter Talia’s army of Manbats. Then he funnels his anger to take down his son’s murderer. It’s a brutal fight, one that takes a shocking and sad turn when the face of the killer is revealed. Scenes like this - like Beryl’s ‘mad with grief’ reaction - like the double punch she and Nightwing deliver - left me breathless. It might not be as meta as Grant fans are used too, but it is great character driven drama!

1. Wonder Woman #22 (DC)

Writer: Brian Azzarello * Artist: Cliff Chiang

Azzarello continues to bedazzle with a story that is keenly scripted and rich in colorful characterization. His Wonder Woman is a multifaceted figure. She can be hard as nails, but also compassionate. She’s a leader, though perhaps a bit too trusting (which can be both a strength and a weakness) and is cut to the quick when she feels that trust is betrayed. Chiang is as equally adroit a storyteller, and draftsman. New Genesis was stunning to behold and the panel’s showing Lennox’s fate left me horrified and mortally wounded (somewhere in my heart region). Matthew Wilson’s color scheme is impressively well thought out. Lush greens, warm pastels, cold neon blues and shiny primary colors mark New Genesis - while sickly greens, murky purples and navy hues are used in sequences set in ravaged London. This book is a work of art.

Honorable Mentions…

Swamp Thing #22, Journey Into Mystery #654

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