My Top 14 Comics For November 2015

No Prez or Gotham Academy or Karnak this month, so that sucked. Thankfully WicDiv and Constantine got great again, Marvel published a couple of knockouts (which included the introduction of a pregnant Spider-Woman), and DeConnick and Rios returned to the word of Pretty Deadly.

Marvel has been leaving everyone in the dust sales wise, taking a nearly 50% share last month, and continuing with their blitz of new #1 in Nov. DC is counting on Miller and Azzarello’s Dark Knight III to stem some of the bleeding, but it’s a band-aid at best, as DCYou has largely been a financial fail… though to be fair they have released some quality reads (Prez, Omega Men, Martian Manhunter, Midnighter to name a few).

Image placed a few new critically hailed comics on the table. Limbo, Monstress, Ringside and Jason Aaron’s biblical, The Goddamned. And Dynamite saw the debut of Warren Ellis’ James Bond, which coincided with the new 007 flick, Spectre.

Before getting to the top 12 I wanted to take time to salute Genevieve Valentine, whose final issue of Catwoman was published this month. It was a hell of a run and this cat fan thanks you for it.

Collected Edition of the Month

The Sandman Overture: Deluxe Edition (Vertigo) by Neil Gaiman, J.H. Williams III and Dave Stewart

14. Batman ’66 #72-73 (DC Digital First) 
Written by Lee Allred
Art by Mike Allred * Colors by Laura Allred
If you ever wondered if the opening credits in the TV show had a story to it? Well wonder no more, this was an absolute blast. So many Easter eggs, so many cameos. So flipping fun! The Allred’s take the series out on a high.

13. Black Magick #1 (Image)

Written by Greg Rucka

Art by Nicola Scott * Colors by Scott assisted by Chiara Arena

The second issue digs deeper into the plot, gives startling hints about Rowan’s past, as well as clues to who the man was in the previous issue. I like the art, though I’m not fond of the gray tone. I wish there were stronger contrasts –maybe take a style cue from Charles Burns- because the washes tend to muddy the details (and we didn’t get any color explosions this time out)

12. The Mighty Thor #1 (Marvel)

Written by Jason Aaron

Art by Russell Dauterman * Colors by Matt Wilson

The art and colors in this issue are phenomenal. There are so many eye popping moments, both explosive (the hail of bodies in space) and quietly expressive (Jane receiving treatment). But the reason this is Aaron's best issue since Godbomb is the human element. Now that the secret is out we can get know this Thor as a person. And what we find in her is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

11. The Fade Out #11 (Image)

Written by Ed Brubaker

Art by Sean Phillips * Colors by Elizabeth Breitweiser

Brubaker has said that he was generally more interested in character than plot. And I’m with him; I love character studies and feel that a fascinating, fully realized cast is what makes a plot pop. What impresses me here is that even thought the story is heating up (the shit hits the fan for Charlie and Gil), Bru is still building on character, and we are still discovering things about Val and these men’s personalities. It’s beautifully scripted book, the dialogue just sings (“The past is a knife” could be the tag line of the entire series) and that final panel was a killer.

10. The Wicked + The Divine #16 (image)
Written by Kieron Gillen
Art by Leila Del Duca * Colors by Mat Lopes
The series gets back on track with this look back at the Morrigian and Baphomet’s Goth love story.

9. Toil and Trouble #3 (Boom/Archaia)
Written by Mairghread Scott
Art and Colors by Kelly & Nichole Scott
Humans suffer as zealous witches poison souls and break bodies in their quest to have their will be done. Urgent and poetic, this title does Shakespeare proud.

8. Constantine: The Hellblazer #6 (DC)
Written by James Tynion IV & Ming Doyle
Art by Riley Rossmo * Colors by Ivan Plascencia
This day in the life has humor, heart , creepy crawlies and John walking about in the buff. Arguably the best issue of the series so far. I like how casual Constantine is about the weirdness in his life, and Rossmo’s art imaginatively captures it all.

7. Invisible Republic #7 (Image)

Written by Gabriel Hardman & Corinna Bechko

Art by Gabriel Hardman * Colors by Jordan Boyd

This under appreciated gem of a title continues to weave its political complexities with aplomb. Not only that, but the character work is meaningful and multifaceted. I’m curious to see the evolution of Maia and Nica’s relationship, how they got from there to here, and how Arthur figures into it all.

6. Lazarus #20 (Image)
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Michal Lark * Colors by Santi Arcas 
More backroom machinations at the home front, as Forever’s troupe find themselves outnumbered in battle. World building and strong characterization are the hallmarks of this smart series.

5. All-New Wolverine  #1 and #2 (Marvel)
Written by Tom Taylor
Art by David Lopez * Colors by Nathan Fairbairn
Superior Iron Man’s Tom Taylor shoots and scores again. I’ve always liked Laura (X-23), but I want her to have her OWN identity, so I wasn’t sure I’d try this out. Glad I did because it’s a winner – The action unfolds like a classic Bond flick. the character interactions are a delight, and the plot looks to not only be exciting, but will speak to (and possibly expand)  Laura’s humanity.

4. Monstress #1 (Image)
Written by Marjorie Liu
Art and Colors by Sana Takeda
Breathtaking oversize issue features elaborate art and a story rich in characterization and world building. The geopolitics, the class struggle, the mythology is all laid out clearly and powerfully. My pulse raced while reading this incredible page turner.

3. The Vision #1 (Marvel)
Written by Tom King
Art by Gabriel Hernandez Walta  * Colors by Jordie Bellaire
You just knew Tom King wasn’t going to write a straightforward superhero story. So this is less about action, and more an incisive, thought provoking treatise on suburbia, the nature of man and machine, and the family unit. There’s an unsettling undercurrent throughout - and Walta’s the perfect artist for this, as he’s able to deliver a humanity to even the coldest heart (see Magneto). If you like Ray Bradbury style science fiction –one that is rich in subtext (where even a floating vase can act as a metaphor), one that examines the human condition, while delivering the weird- then this will be right up your alley.

2, Velvet #12 (Image) 

Written by Ed Brubaker
Art by Steve Epting * Colors by Elizabeth Breitwesier
As Velvet says, she’s having to make moves within moves, and those twisting, turning spy games are fascinating to watch. Epting’s art is astonishing, I love the detailed realism, the noir-like lighting techniques, and the cinematic way he orchestrates his panel progressions. It brings to mind Paul Gulacy at his peak.

1. Pretty Deadly  #6 (Image)

Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick

Art by Emma Rios * Colors by Jordie Bellaire

It has been over a year since we last saw this title and it’s so nice to have it back. The haunting western elegy transitions us from the previous arc, to this new one set years later. In which a dying Sarah waits for her grandson before she joins death. The comic continues to be dreamlike and surreal - which might flummox those who like their narratives to be a bit more grounded. But is an elevated work of art for those who can appreciate the unconventional.

Honorable Mentions: Silk #1, Spider-Woman #1, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #1, Ms Marvel #1, Harrow County #7, Rowans Ruin #2, Twilight Children #2, Limbo #1

Writer of the Month

Kelly Sue DeConnick (Pretty Deadly)

Artists of the Month 

Emma Rios and Jordie Bellaire (Pretty Deadly)

Art Panel of the Month: I can’t show it because it would spoil things, but that final panel in the Fade Out #11 was a punch to the gut!

To Dec 2015

Back to Oct 2015

2015 Comic Book Awards Pt 1: Best Characters

Best Female Lead (non superhero):  Beth Ross (Prez) from Mark Russell & Ben Caldwell - She's sassy and smart and in this year of the "outsider" candidate, she's the most unlikely, most outsider-esque and the President we need! Nominees: Velvet Templeton (Velvet), Forever Carlyle (Lazarus), Maxine Plouffe (Bandette), Chondra Jackson (Effigy)

Best Male Lead (non superhero): Charlie Parish and Gil Mason (The Fade Out) as created by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips - At first I just named Charlie for this award, as he's the center of the mystery. But what's Charlie without Gil? Mason's appropriately the second banana, but in many ways he's also the co-star. He's the one writing Charlie's scripts, he's the one who stirs the pot on the investigation. Both of these broken, haunted men are not quite complete without the other.

Best Female Superhero: Captain Marvel as written by Kelly Sue DeConnick - Kelly Sue made Carol Danvers relevant. Under her pen she became a true hero, a leader, a friend, no longer Ms, but "Captain" - someone to admire. So admired that her steadfast fans became known as the Carol Corp. In 2015 DeConnick took her final bow with the character. You'll be missed, but never forgotten. Nominees: Silk, Spider-Gwen, Spider-Woman

Best Male Superhero: Spider-Man as written by Dan Slott, Gerry Conway and others
The Spider-Family has grown, and Parker's its mad patriarch. I liked Spider-Verse, I dug Conway's return in "Spiral", I was crazy for "Renew Your Vows" and I love, love, love the new direction for "Amazing", in which Peter makes like Tony Stark and heads a thriving tech company, which allows Spidey to sport a whole lot of new neat toys (including a cool Spider-Mobile). Success hasn't gone to his head though, as the hero is still as funny as ever. 

Best Super-team: Uncanny X-Men from Bendis & Bachalo

Best Supporting Character (Female): Maps Mizoguchi (Gotham Academy)
Olive might be the star of the show, but Maps puts 'em in the seats. She's comedy gold for the way she loves her gadgets, and for her fun, plucky personality. Nominees: Ayane (Wayward), Edie (Effigy), Briar (Magneto), Maia (Invisible Republic), Drake (Gotham by Midnight)

Best Supporting Character (Male): Killer Croc was never a fav in the past, but he’s had a personality shift and was a welcome addition to Gotham Academy and Catwoman in 2015 (this shift goes back to Red Hood and the Outlaws, Batman Eternal and Batwoman). Nominees: Inanna (Wicked + The Divine) Ishmael, Boo (Copperhead)

Best Sidekick: Nobody, Maya DuCard (Robin: Son of Batman) created by Patrick Gleeson
She is the daughter of one of Robin's mentors and deadliest foes... at first she's looking for revenge, but soon becomes a vital ally (at least for now). Nominees: The Skinless Boy, Emmy’s familiar in Harrow County

Best Villain (Male): Dr. Doom (Secret Wars) – How does a baddie past his prime make this list? With the help of Jonathan Hickman, that’s how. Victor killed the Beyonders, took their power and became a God. But he was a God with feet of clay and a Kryptonite named Reed Richards. Who he both envied and feared. 

Best Villain (Female): Ananke (The Wicked + The Divine) created by Gillen & McKelvie - She's supposed to guide, protect and help the young music Gods in her care.... but like many managers, she's a backstabbing, lying, manipulative a-hole... and you can add murder to her resume. Hon Mentions: Mother (Batman & Robin Eternal), Kammi (Harrow County)

Best Anti-Heroine: Catwoman as written by Genevieve Valentine

Best Anti-Hero:  Constantine

Best Child/Youth (Female): Valeria Richards-Von Doom (Secret Wars, Runaways)

Best Child/Youth (Male): Babylon (East of West)

Best Couple: Duncan and Madison created by Matthew Rosenberg, Patrick Kindlon & Josh Hood (We Can Never Go Home, Black Mask)

Best Comic Book Version of "The Odd Couple": Cindy Moon and J. Jonah Jameson, (Silk). JJJ being a fan of a spidery superhero is one thing, but that the old grump has this warm and supportive relationship with one of his employees, who also happens to be that spidery hero is another. Good heart and humor from this unlikely duo. 

Dream Team-Up: Maps and Damian Wayne, Gotham Academy #7 by Becky Cloonan & Brenden Fletcher, illustrated by Mingjue Helen Chen - This was a match made in heaven, and featured so many hilarious moments. Like when Damian upsets Maps, and in retaliation she wipes her nose on his hand. Or the sweet scene when Robin gifts her a Batarang. But the best was Maps love affair with Damian's grapple gun. Not only funny, but a geek treat. Because at one point Damian quotes Keaton from the Batman movie. "See that thing on my belt? Grab it. Whatever you do, don't let go."

Best Siblings:  The Stepford Cuckoos (Uncanny X-Men) by Bendis and Chris Bachalo - While I prefer it when the sister's look alike, Children of the Damned and all. Bendis did put a funny spin on them seeking out their individuality (by changing their hair color)

Best Ensemble Cast: East of West by Johnathan Hickman & Nick Dragotta. Nominees: Wayward, Copperhead, Revival, Batman & Robin Eternal, Gotham Academy

Best Performance by an animal: Puck (Doctor Fate) created by Paul Levitz and Sonny Liew  - Nominees: Chewie, Murder Face (Spider-Gwen), Dragon Kitties (Hex11), Goliath (Robin)

Happiest Returns: Cassandra Cain (Batman & Robin Eternal)
Last year I got my Steph back, this season they gave me Atlee (disappointing) and Ralph and Sue Dibney (quirky good) but the very happiest of returns was seeing former Batgirl, Cassandra Cain find her way back to regular continuity

Links
Part 1: 2015 Best Comic Book Characters 
Part 2: 2015 Best Writing, Art, Designs 
Part 3: 2015 Best Stories, Arcs, Events, Misc

2015 Comic Book Awards Pt 3: Best Stories, Arcs, Events, Collections, etc

Best Ongoing Series: Velvet (Image) by Bubaker, Epting and Breitweiser - The artistic synergy on this spy story is a wonder to behold. It's slick, sexy and smart... a true masterpiece from 3 masters of their craft. Nominees: The Fade Out, Trees, Lazarus, Catwoman, Pretty Deadly

Best Miniseries: Prez (DC) by Mark Russell and Ben Caldwell - What a great year for minis, and this hilarious, trenchant satire was my favorite. Nominees:Toil & Trouble, Nameless, The Multiversity, Master of Kung Fu, 1602: Witch Hunter Angela, Captain Marvel a/t Carol Corps, Convergence: Harley Quinn

Best New Series: Harrow County (Dark Horse) by Cullen Bunn and Tyler Crook - Harrow is rural horror that is poetic and drenched in eerie dread. The character work is exemplary as well. Nominees: Invisible Republic, Injection, We Can Never Go Home, Hex11, The Vision, All-New Wolverine

Best Weekly Series: Batman & Robin Eternal (DC) from James Tynion IV, Scott Snyder,Tim Seeley, Steve Orlando, Genevieve Valentine, Ed Brisson, Tony Daniel, Paul Pelletier and others. It's back, this time with a mystery that focuses on the Robin's and their relationship with Bruce.

Best Licensed Property Originally Created for Book, TV or Film: James Bond (Dynamite) from Warren Ellis and Jason Masters. Nominees: Godzilla in Hell (IDW), Edward Scissorhands (IDW) 

Best One Shot: Agents of Atlas (Marvel) by Tom Taylor and Steve Pugh - While Parker didn't write this one, I was not let down, as both the art and story were stellar and each member of the team had their moments to shine. Nominees: Hank Johnson: Agent of Hydra, Gregory Suicide, Agent Carter, Mockingbird, Quake

Best Animated Digital Comic: Batman ’66 #54-55 (DC Digital First) by Jeff Parker and Sandy Jarrell - The ailing series got a shot in the arm with this eerie tale, which went down a different story path and took Bruce and Barbara out of the safe confines of Gotham to the land of haunted Japan, where they faced Lord Death Man. The animated digital format made it all the more creepy and interesting.

Best Event or Crossover: Secret Wars (Marvel) from Johnathan Hickman and Esad Ribic - I've never liked well, any major company wide happening. So it’s not hyperbole when I say… “BEST, EVENT, EVER!” Everything Hickman has written for Marvel was leading to this. And while not every Tie-In was a knock-out, when they were good, they were so very good.

Best Arc: Inheritance (Catwoman) the final collected arc from Valentine & Messina

Best Backup Story: Tales of Harrow County by various, in Harrow County (Dark Horse)

Best Web Comic: Super Mutant Magic Academy by Jillian Tamaki - Funny and insightful mashup of Hogwarts with Xavier's School for Mutants.

Best Graphic Novel (Original Story): The Sculptor by Scott McCloud (First Second)
The piece spoke to me on a personal level as it touched upon the nature and relationship of the artist with their craft - and the need to leave something important behind. 

Best Collected Edition: Sandman Overture Deluxe (Vertigo) by Neil Gaiman and J.H. Williamson

Most Improved Series: Spider-Woman got out from under Spider-Verses thumb, donned a new costume and went from m’eh to marvelous.

Best All-Ages series: Gotham Academy (DC)

3 Important Individual Issues:  Action Comics #42, Wicked + The Divine #13, Prez #3 (though that includes every issue in this mini) - In the past this was for 3 Favorite Issues, this year I'm targeting significant stories, issues that said or did something powerful. Considerations from other series... Invisible Republic, Lazarus, Trees

Miscellaneous

Best Comic Book Movie: Ant-Man - Hilarious and intense heist film as superflick. Ant-Man might not have as big a name as his Avenging counterparts, but his was the better movie.

Best Actor: Paul Rudd as Scott Lang (Ant-Man)
Best Actress: Scarlett Johansson as Natalia Romanoff, the Black Widow (Avengers: Age of Ultron)
Best Supporting Actor: Michael Douglas as Dr. Hank Pym (Ant-Man... with a nod to Paul Bettany as Vision in Age of Ultron)
Best Supporting Actress: Elizabeth Olsen as  Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch  (Avengers: Age of Ultron)

Best Comic Book TV Series (Network):  iZombie - Gotham got too mean, Flash irritated, and SHEILD bored me. But with iZombie I FINALLY found a comic based show I could love completely. And I love it for it's drama, scares, it's great sense of humor and cute character interactions. McIver has proven to be a versatile actress with a likable screen presence. As with most shows that follow a pattern each week , I'll eventually tire of the routine. But that time is not now, now it's pure undead gold. Runner-Up: Supergirl, Agent Carter

Best Comic Book TV Series (Pay TV/Cable):  Jessica Jones - I was actually disappointed with Daredevil, I thought it was draggy and I didn't care for Foggy or Karen. But Jessica (aside from a few bumps, like Simpson) lived up to the hype. It's a well crafted, sharply scripted and acted show. It's dark as hell, has heartbreak, humor, and a damaged, hard nosed, wise cracking detective at its center. There's also a vicious yet charming sociopath for villain, and love interest Luke Cage, who is pretty darn cool. 

Krysten Ritter is remarkable in the title role, as she shows a lot of nuance. Jessica is impudent and tough but she's also haunted, there's vulnerability to her. She’s suffered greatly and is dealing with PTSD – so while she can be rude, your heart bleeds for her.

Best Actress: Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones (Jessica Jones) and Rose McIver as Olivia "Liv" Moore (iZombie)
Best Actor: David Tennant as Kilgrave (Jessica Jones) 
Best Supporting Actress: Rosario Dawson as Claire Temple (Daredevil, Jessica Jones) 
Best Supporting Actor: Dominic Cooper as Howard Stark (Agent Carter)

Best New Product: Southern Bastards T-Shirts! From Sweet Tea to Boss BBQ - you've seen 'em in the comics, now you can wear 'em on your body and be the envy of all. 

Links
Part 1: 2015 Best Comic Book Characters 
Part 2: 2015 Best Writing, Art, Designs 
Part 3: 2015 Best Stories, Arcs, Events, Misc