My Top 10 Comics For March 2016

There has been a shift in power. I’ve not been wowed by the newer Image titles that have been introduced, and with the Rucka books on hiatus, the end of the Fade Out and the irregular schedules for Brubaker’s Velvet, Hickman’s East of West and Ellis’ Tress… well, all this has created a vacuum. One that Marvel comics and their ANAD line has filled.

They added two more potential powerhouses to their line-up and have once again dominated the month in review. For me, 2011-12 belonged to DCs New 52. Image took over and dominated from 2013 to 2015. Is 2016 the year I shout, "MAKE MINE MARVEL!”? I don’t know, but from last season’s Secret Wars on, the publisher is on a roll.

In addition: Valiant’s second Dr. Mirage mini came to a close, while Dark Horse introduced a new series, The Shadow Glass. DC closed the book on Batman & Robin Eternal and announced the creative teams for their new line-up.

Interesting note: Only 1 comic in my top 10 has hit double digits.

Hon Mentions: Monstress #4, Power Man and Iron Fist #2, James Bond #5, Dreaming Eagles #3, 

10. Old Man Logan #3 (Marvel)
Written by Jeff Lemire
Art by Andrea Sorrentino * Colors by Marcelo Maiolo
Strong story that sees Logan team up with Hawkeye (Kate), who casts doubt that this timeline is the same as the one he came from. The old man comes off an angry, sad, unhinged figure (for good reason). And as you’d expect from Lemire, the family flashbacks are the series high points. The scene at the beach was amazing, Sorrentino nailed it there.

9. Spider-Gwen  #6 (Marvel)
Written by Jason Latour
Art by Robbi Rodriguez * Colors by Rico Renzi
A thematic success that answers the questions of who Gwen is, what she stands for and who loves her and has her back when the burden gets too heavy?

8. Harrow County #7 (Dark Horse)
Written by Cullen Bunn
Art and Colors by Tyler Crook
This spooky snake fueled story takes us into a neighboring part of the country, where they have their own set of nightmares and folklore. I enjoyed the character work and the chills that ran down my spine while I was reading.

7. Revival #37 (Image)
Written by Tim Seeley
Art by Mike Norton * Colors by Mark Englert
I like the wish vs. reality scenes, and I felt bad for Nikki (who we’ve not really gotten to know every well before now). The ending was pure poetic injustice.

6. Ant-Man #6 (Marvel)
Written by Nick Spencer
Art by Annapaola Hartello * Colors by Jordan Boyd
I picked this up because Stature was on the cover. This is a Cassie centered story, one that perceptively captures a teen-age mindset, and the frustrations Cass feels over her inability to do what she loved best. So is Stature back? Sadly, no - And I didn’t like Cassie's new look (a cross between Ant-Man and Beetle), but at least she’s in the game, with a purpose. Also, Kate Bishop stops by (she's the guest star of the month it seems)

5. Injection #8 (Image)
Written by Warren Ellis
Art by Delcan Shalvey * Colors by Jordie Bellaire
We learn that in addition to eating anything, Viv with sleep with anyone. But it’s all about making himself a better detective. Nice connective tissue here, some in regards to the relationships within the team (Robin is the outsider in every way), the other in regards to how the smaller case is tied in with the central storyline.

4. Mockingbird #1 (Marvel)
Written by Chelsea Cain
Art by Kate Niemcxyk  * Colors by Rachelle Rosenberg
This was a weird, hilarious, psychological puzzle box that delves into the mind of Mockingbird. Emphasis on the word ‘mocking’, her sarcasm had me in stitches, as did many of the visual details sprinkled throughout.

3. Black Widow #1 (Marvel)
Written by Mark Waid & Chris Samnee
Art by Chris Samnee * Colors by Matt Wilson & Samnee
The new series kicks off with a high octane chase sequence expertly illustrated by Samnee. While there’s little on plot or character, it displays Natasha’s indomitable will quite nicely.

2. All-New Wolverine #5 (Marvel)
Written by Tom Taylor
Art by David Lopez * Colors by Nathan Fairbairn
With a story sharp as a claw, this wraps up one arc while opening up a new, even more dangerous one for Laura. Great character work and plotting – I’m going to miss David Lopez on art, he was a huge asset.

1. The Vision #5 (Marvel)
Written by Tom King
Art by Gabriel Hernandez Walta * Colors by Jordie Bellaire
Opens with Shakespeare, then moves to a police interrogation where the Vision recounts the times he saved humanity, and closes on a chilling scene with Virginia sitting in front of a smashed table (which is creepier than it sounds). This family unit is breaking down and it’s both terrible and wonderful to behold.

Writer of the Month: 

Tom Taylor (For the way he tied up his 1st arc on All-New Wolverine)

Artist of the Month: 

Chris Samnee (for all the heavy lifting he did on Black Widow)

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