We had an Image Expo, where plenty of exciting titles were teased. The company also published the first issue of "The Dying and the Dead" from Jonathan Hickman and Ryan Bodenheim.
Comics on the small screen: Agent Carter made its television début, and was impressive. Supergirl was cast she will be played by Glee‘s Melissa Benoist.
Written by Jan Van Meter
Art by Roberto De la Torre* Colors by David Baron
I remember including the 1st issue of this mini in my "Best of" list, and thinking it was going to be gold from there on out. Instead it meandered, got convoluted, and had human baddies that were ciphers. But here we are at the end, and it's back on top. The conclusion was exciting, wrapped up plot threads in a satisfying manner and addressed the best part of the story -the relationship between Shan and Hwen- beautifully.
Written by Nick Spencer
Art by Ramon Rosanas * Colors by Jordan Boyd
Nick Spencer proved with the "Superior Foes of Spider-Man" that he can write C-list screw-ups better than anyone. So Scott Lang is in good hands. The story has heart and humor, I also admired the clever verbal shading - the way words and actions come full circle. Rosanas art isn't mind boggling, but it is steady and offers up a couple of funny sight gags. Only knock, I prefer his old costume (seen in flashbacks)
Written by Cullen Bunn
Art by Gabriel Hernandez Walta * Colors by Jordie Bellaire
What happened to Erik when Genosha fell? In addition, the mutant shows off his great power when confronted by S.H.I.E.L.D. and then does something unexpected. What’s his angle?
Written by Becky Cloonan & Brenden Fletcher
Art by Karl Kerschl * Colors by Msassyk & Serge LaPointe
While the coloring got muddy at the end and the story ping ponged rapidly from scene to scene, GA continues to sparkle due to its compelling mysteries and it’s likeable characters.
Written by Tim Seeley
Art by Mike Norton * Colors by Mark Englert
The issue is primarily about the sister's Cypress: one who is searching for her unborn baby’s father, the other who enters a hornet’s nest and finds herself in one hell of a mess. Revival is always tense, tangled, creepy, full of high drama and is boosted by sharply defined characters.
Written by Gail Simone and Jim Zub
Art by Dan Panosian * Colors by Dave Stewart
Zub and Simone do a wonderful job of defining these distinct personalities: Red is swift and smart, Conan is powerful and impulsive, and they both do bad things for good reasons… which puts them on a powerful wizards shit list. Hell of a story, with some fantastic sketchy perspectives and people by Panosian (though he’s not so fantastic with drawing animals).
Written by Tom Taylor
Art by Yıldıray Çınar * Colors by Mike Choi
This comic needs to come with its own theme song, I’m thinking Nazareth’s “Hair of the Dog” (“Now your messing with a, a son of a bitch!”) At least that what plays in my head while reading. Tony is hilariously (and sometimes not so hilariously) amoral in this ish, in which he doesn’t give the devil his due.
Written by Kieron Gillen
Art by Jamie McKelvie * Colors by Matthew Wilson
Gillen’s cynical look at fandom is perhaps too cynical, but it is hip and funny and introduces us to a new God, And through him we discover that Godhood isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Michael Lark * Colors by Santi Arcas
Wonderfully crafted comic: Rucka expertly plots the political maneuverings while further developing Forever’s character: The scenes between her and her brother are incredible - to see her emotional arc in these moments. To go from anger, shock, concern, hurt… Lark’s pencils humanizes her, allows us to empathize.
Written by Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn
Art and Colors by Jonathan Luna
This futuristic comic sticks to an aesthetic that is austere, sterile, cold. Bubbling underneath that are emotions that range from fear and anger to love and compassion. Ada faces all of that in this issue, and contemplates her own mortality. The art and dialog as ever, is brilliant and beautiful.
Written by Eric Stephenson
Art by Simon Gane * Colors by Jodie Bellaire
What you get in this title are the X-Men, if they were self-absorbed a-holes. The nihilism in this book can be hard to take, and these unlikable mutant Millennials make you wanna slap that ever present smug look off their faces. But then they break a taggers fingers and use his spray paint to tag a message on his person, and well, a dark mean corner of my mind enjoyed that very much. The character of Syd is our voice of reason, and calls them out for their arrogance… and yet she too finds herself drawn to the idea of “being bad”.
Written by Ed Brubaker
Art by Sean Phillips * Colors by Elizabeth Breitweiser
Superb writing is on full display in this issue, it’s just all around smooth, smart storytelling. It builds character and adds a thick layer of paranoia to the mystery. Bru and his artists have not only brought to life Hollywood noir in the 40s, but post war Americana as well.
Written by Warren Ellis
Art and Colors by Tula Lotay
This is the penultimate issue of Ellis & Lotay’s trippy meta-fictional masterpiece. And what an exhilarating read, filled with jaw dropping revelations on character and plot. It’s starting to make sense (though some mysteries are still to be had). That cover is a beauty and serves the story as well. The interiors are gorgeous, especially a full page spread that features Evening Primrose. (see below)
Honorable Mentions
Image: Trees #8
Marvel: The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #1 * Elektra #10
DC: Batman ’66 #52 * Catwoman #38
Others: The Double Life of Miranda Turner #5 (Monkeybrain)
My All-Star Writer and Artist of the Month
Art Panel of the Month
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Head Writer, wide awake nightmare... bids you salutations citizens of Earth!
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