My Top 12 from DCs New 52

I wasn't sure about this at first, and the first issues I sampled didn't wow me. Then I picked up Batman #1, and a few suggestions from my local comic book shop - and soon I was a true believer. This is the most fun I've had collecting comics in years, and here are several reason's why (Updated at the 6 month mark)

1. Animal Man
From Writer Jeff Lemire and artist Travel Forman, Animal Man is a fusion of superhero with horror. Without a doubt it’s the best comic from the new 52, There’s not a bad issue in bunch -- and not only is it disturbing, but the characters are well rounded. The Baker family are great, I care about them, root for them. They give the series its heart amongst all the scares. All told, a superbly crafted comic book that is the most inventive, creepiest, surreal thing I've read since Alan Moore's Swamp Thing.

2. Suicide Squad
Heard issue #1 was bad, so I skipped it. Later reviews got strong, so I picked it up... and loved it (I even enjoyed the 1st issue). It's sick, sexy, irreverent, violent and nasty. Harley Quinn's got a new look and I personally like it (it fits the tone of the book). Plus she cracks me up. Between her and the odd King Shark, I get a few big laughs from each issue. Adam Glass' tale has hit all cylinders, and I'm digging the art: The blending of Federico Dallocchio's murky pencils with Val Staples bright colors, creates a distinct, eye catching look for the series.

3. Aquaman
I was going to skip it, but It came highly recommended and it quickly vaulted to one of my favorite titles. Geoff John’s proves that Arthur doesn't need a beard or a hook for a hand or any other bells and whistles. You don’t need gimmicks you just need to tell a good story.

4. Wonder Woman
Brian Azzarello And Cliff Chiang: The title has split folks, but hot damn if it doesn't work for me. This isn't a pretty, golden mythology. The Gods are dark and nasty; Diana herself is lean and tough... Azzarello mixes mythology with horror effectively and I love his wordplay and innuendo, there are layers in every line and some top notch drama playing out. Chiang is staging some nice looking battles and he draws one great looking Wonder Woman

5. Batman
Writer Scott Snyder was my discovery of the year. I wasn't familiar with him before this, now I'll be seeking out his other books. Batman is embroiled in a grim mystery – just perfect for the Dark Knight detective. Greg Capullo does outstanding work here. His art isn't as cramped and cartoonish as it has been in the past. While the dialog can get heavy with the exposition, the mystery and detective work has kept it intriguing.

6. I, Vampire
Andrea Sorrentino's art creates a world that is moody, dark and horrifying. This is a vampire romance, but its no angsty teen Twilight. There's raw lust and betrayal and manipulation and a war brewing, with each lover standing on opposing ends-- Andrew, who wants to protect the human race and Mary, Queen of Blood, who sees herself as a vampire freedom fighter. Delightfully macabre book written by Joshua Fialkov

7. Red Hood and the Outlaws
The first issue was rough, especially on Starfire -BUT- the book has since made huge strides forward. Issue #6 was really strong, it fleshes out Starfire's back story, and she comes off wise and caring (proof that maybe people shouldn't damn a comic after 1 single issue!) It also gives more depth to Red Hood as he realizes that he needs to let the past be past. I'm big on murky morality and anti-hero types -- but I also like how this band of misfits are finding a family of sorts -a place where they fit- with each other. Kenneth Rocafort's pencils are a big plus as well.

8. Catwoman
In addition to the breathtaking action, Judd Winnick is doing good character work here. This is a younger, less experienced Selina, so she has stumbled a few times. But she makes up for her mistakes by being tough and resourceful. I'm liking the relationship with Batman. The sex doesn't bother me -- the violence... well, she's dealing with violent people (what do you expect from thugs like these... pillow fights?) It's an adult comic and since I'm an adult, I can handle it. Especially when it's as well written as this.

9. Supergirl
They wipe the slate clean with maid of might and I for one am enjoying it. It's an action packed story, but it also had some nice character stuff. I like seeing/hearing Kara's thoughts. How she's dealing with her powers, questions of trust and the longing to go home. I've always found her more relatable than her cousin, and this take is no different. Illustrated with flair by Mahmud Asar.

10. Swamp Thing
Alan Moore casts a big shadow with me. Snyder is wordy, and I've seen the swarm of bugs and backward heads before – yet the story is compelling and it's leading to an epic tale, tied to Animal Man - the green and the red against the rot. I'm looking forward to seeing it all unfold.

11. Demon Knights
I'm not into sword and sorcery, but this dark ages story has offered pulse pounding action and adventure at its best. Rather "Seven Samurai" in many ways. I like how the heroes have their secrets and crosses to bear – makes them richly interesting. Another plus is that book has great female leads. And it's pretty cool seeing these familiar names –Etrigan the Demon, Shining Knight, Madam Xanadu- in this setting. Written by Paul Cornell with eye popping art by Diogenes Neves and Oclair Albert.

12. Resurrection Man
Andy Lanning and Dan Abnett's tale of a man who can't die (and who returns from death with a new power) took a while to grow on me, but once it got in to the back story (seen in a great 5th issue) it really clicked. As everything, from the Body Doubles to the Transhuman, are more than they seem. The book does lean towards the "Edge" family of titles, as much as the "Dark". But either way, the premise of Heaven and Hell doing their damnedest to claim Mitch Shelley's soul, makes for a compelling read

Honorable Mentions

Batwoman - Atmospheric art, an interesting villain, some good character pieces.

Green Lantern - I'm enjoying the dynamic between Sinestro and Hal. Doug Mahnke's art is stunning.

Action Comics - an intriguing piece - but what is lacking, and what was found in Grant Morrison's best work is the heart. All-Star Superman was emotionally resonating - and while Action is fascinating, quirky and challenging, I'm still waiting to "feel" something.

Flash - Not bad though a little soft for my blood (even the art and colors are rather soft). I didn't really care for "Mob Rule" in the first arc, hope for better with the Captain Cold storyline.

Birds of Prey - It's an up and down series. But I do love Starling. She's a kick.

Voodoo - There will be change in writers mid-arc, so I'll see what that does, but so far this has been a gritty sci-fi game of cat and mouse.

Superboy and Teen Titans have both been entertaining, though not spectacular reads.

Justice League Dark - Has had some nice moments, but it hasn't lived up to my expectations. I'm sticking around to see what Lemire does with it.

I'm also buying and enjoying the mini-series, Huntress and the Ray.

Will pick up Justice League in the collected edition in May.

It's a bird, it's a plane it's... Supergirl?

It’s no secret that I like comic book movies more than the comics these days. For example: I'm a huge Iron Man fan, but it’s The Iron Man film that got me back into the character. Watching it was the first time I’ve truly loved Iron Man since the days of Len Kaminski. Oh and BTW: Good idea there Marvel, dumping Kaminski, turning Tony into a murder and later a teenager. Comics lost it for me at that point. They weren’t fun; they didn’t deliver awe and wonder anymore.

Movies, well the movies were a blast. Sure some comic geeks can nitpick these things to the ruinations of the film (your choice) and sure, allowing a hack like Tim Story anywhere near one of your A-List franchises wasn’t one of Fox studio’s brightest ideas. Never the less, I love these things. Yes, I even dug X-3 and loved Spider-Man 3. And Ang Lee’s Hulk is one of my all time favorites. While on the printed page, the too convoluted events - Joe Q and Bendis, all were enough to put me on Prozac for life – the Movies were where the fun was.

Then along came Supergirl of all things. Specifically along came Sterling Gates to the pages of Supergirl. I’ve always liked Super-G – liked her better than Superman. Liked that silly movie (a guilty pleasure) and liked her in the animated JLU. But in comics no one seemed to know how to handle her (add to that all the different & confusing versions). That changed from Sterling’s first issue. Gates cleaned up the convoluted mess that was Kara’s personality and made this a thrilling adventure. Not only that but there’s superb character development and that’s even more important than action IMHO. Despite some interference from those damned “events” the comic world is so fond of, Sterling has managed to keep Supergirl focused and exciting. And artist Jamal Igle draws a pretty and expressive SG and tells a clear story. I actually can’t wait for it to show up each month. It’s not Fraction’s X-Men or Green Lantern and the Blackest Night I look forward too, it’s the continuing adventures of Kara.

It’s taking me back to younger days, when each month offered wonderfulness… Clairmont/Byrne’s X-Men, Moore’s Swamp Thing, Miller’s Daredevil, Ostrander’s Spectre. Oh and Doug Moench’s “Master of Kung Fu”. Great stories and artist Paul Gulacy has never been better (especially when he inked himself). All the film imagery - When Shang Chi ally James Larner showed up, looking like Brando from “Last Tango in Paris” I was in Heaven (I’m a Gigantor sized Brando fan).

Supergirl has brought back that level of excitement, and has reminded me what it’s like to really enjoy a comic book again. I salute you Sterling and Jamal.



JLU Kara... just cause...