There was also the return of Image comics “Nowhere Men”, DC adding to its stable of miniseries (Poison Ivy, Swamp Thing, Deadshot/Katana) and Aftershock building on its line-up with 2 new books, one from Brian Azzarello, and the other from Justin Jordan.
But the biggest news of the month for me was that for the first time in the brief history of this thread, a Marvel comic took the top spot in my top 10! (Hmm, now what could that be?)
Hon Mentions: Wayward #13 (Image), Dreaming Eagles #2 (Aftershock), Super Zero #2 (Aftershock), Amelia Cole #25 (Monkeybrain), Night of the Red Panda #12 (Monkeybrain), Spider-Gwen #4 (Marvel), Spider-Woman #3 (Marvel), Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #3 (Marvel)
12. A-Force #1 (Marvel)
Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art by Jorge Molina * Colors by Laura Martin
This was a blast -- lifted by Singularity's upbeat personality ("Friend!") and, as illustrated in that sweet double page spread, that each woman brings something distinct and important to the team.
Written by Jen Van Meter
Art by Roberto De La Torre * Colors by David Baron
The Mirage’s try and untangle a mystery… but the pursuers have now become the pursued. The smart plotting and character work make this a spellbinding treat. So far this second mini is better than the first.
Written by Charles Soule
Art by Alberto Jiménez Alburquerque * Colors by Dan Jackson
This is one I digital wait on and because of that, we usually don't see it on these lists. But this political sci-fi series is one of the best, unheralded comics on the stands today. It's a smart, human drama and in this issue President Blades receives great news... which might not be so great after all.
Written by Tim Seeley
Art by Mike Norton * Colors by Mark Englert
The characters in this series are so well written. This issue focuses on friends and family reacting to news of the Cypress sisters who are on the run from the law (and their cause is not helped by the lies spread by our scheming Government agents). The introduction of an Amish samurai brought in to hunt the sisters was odd… but as a plot point it has quirky possibilities.
Written by Jonathan Hickman
Art by Nick Dragotta * Colors by Frank Martin
Hickman’s one of the few writers who can make filler, interesting. The Chosen receive a personal invitation to the end game, which gives us the opportunity to catch up with characters we haven’t seen in a spell. While the story is thin, the writing is as clever and cutting as ever and the art features several highlights.
Written by Marjorie Liu
Art and Colors by Sana Takeda
Fast paced, violent, beautifully illustrated. There are only hints at new plot development. But damn does this this comic leave me breathless!
Written by Brian Azzarello
Art and Colors by Juan Doe
Looks like this’ll be bad-ass and hard like 100 Bullets (and if it’s only half as great as that series, it’ll still be a winner) I don’t know where Azzarello’s going with the story, but the colorful cast and small town locale hooked me -- and once again Brian’s paired with a superb artist (he’s always been lucky that way)
Written by Warren Ellis
Art by Delcan Shalvey * Colors by Jordie Bellaire
Wickedly brilliant, with the Holmesian Vivek Headland on a case that forces him to draw from past experiences… which are pretty twisted! (But why are the characters in this book obsessed with sandwiches?)
Written by Tom King
Art by Gabriel Hernandez Walta * Colors by Jordie Bellaire
Eerie, sci-fi series continues to explore what it is to be human. Mommy Vision is scary and real creepy…. Hell, even the seduction scene was funny/creepy. And now an ominous new subplot is brought to light.
Written by Mairghread Scott
Art and Colors by Kelly & Nichole Scott
Two witches battle for the soul and fate of Macbeth! This issue is thoughtfully constructed and offers up a surprising twist in its final act.
Written by Ed Brubaker
Art by Sean Phillips * Colors by Elizabeth Breitweiser
While the reveal on the murder mystery was anticlimactic, the point being made hit hard (the only good person in Hollywood, the only one to do the right thing, dies for it). What a sad and haunting ending - What incisive character work.
Written by Jonathan Hickman
Art by Esad Ribic * Colors by Ive Svorcina
Hickman again, this time he wraps up an epic years in the making. And despite complaints about delays and what not… bottom line? This was damn impressive storytelling! The grand finale nailed the relationship between Reed and Doom -- Their angry exchanges were smart as hell and cut to the heart of their long standing feud. In addition, I liked how it came full circle: with the Black Panther in a slightly altered scene from the first issue of New Avengers, to the appropriate way in ends with the Future Foundation, which was created to serve mankind and build a better tomorrow through science and philanthropy and exploration, rather than super heroics. Bravo Mr. Hickman, bravo.
Writer of the Month
Jonathan Hickman (Secret Wars, East of West)
Artists of the Month:
Esad Ribic & Ive Svorcina (Secret Wars)
To Feb 2016
Back to Dec 2015
Head Writer, wide awake nightmare... bids you salutations citizens of Earth!
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