My Top 11 Comics For October 2013

11. Zero #2 (Image)

Writer: Ales Kot * Artist: Tradd Moore
I must admit, the violent, action fueled first issue didn't do a whole lot for me because it was just too cold around the heart. But here, Kot humanizes Edward by showing us his dark childhood and introducing us to Mina. Moore's art was incredible.

10. Lazarus #4 (Image)

Writer: Greg Rucka * Artist: Michael Lark
And the twists get twistier! Rucka is doing a masterful job making his world come alive. And artist Michael Lark is like a director in the way he frames and stages his panels. I like the little details he throws in there, such as he way Jaocquim –in shame- moves his head to keep Forever from seeing the ruined, metallic side of his face. 

9. Animal Man #24 (DC)

Writer: Jeff Lemire * Artist: Raphael Alburquerque
The plot sickens and thickens. Alburquerque’s art is sketchier than Pugh’s, more drenched in shadow- but effective, he’s a pro at rendering the full emotional spectrum and this issue needed that skill, because it runs the gamut from horror to heartache. Best part of the story for me was seeing Ellen finally realize the truth; Buddy wasn’t to blame for all this. So, yeah, bite me Didio, because it’s the family and marriage dynamic, even more so than the scares that have made this series special.

8. Suicide Risk #6 (Boom Studios)
Writer: Mike Carey * Arist: lena Casagrande
This series doesn’t get the respect it deserves. Personally, I think it’s fantastic. It has an interesting mystery to unravel concerning the nature of these powers people have purchased, and like “Animal Man”, a strong family anchor. Here our hero has to sell his soul to a colorful super villain team in order to protect friends and family. I get this digitally on a months delay, but because of the extra week in the October, I was able to read it before the month ended and happily include it here.

7. Wonder Woman #24 (DC) 

Writer: Brian Azzarello * Artist: Goran Sudzuka

Primarily a set up issue, it also reacquaints us with some familiar faces like Milan and Hermes (who tries to acquit himself, and makes a great point at the end). Hera cracks me up, and boy, are the God's (or former Goddess) family tributes in poor taste. I also like how Diana stands up to these Olympians. Woman don't take no crap from anyone. Artist Goren Sudsuka does nice work with a talky issue. I admire the little touches, like Zola's eye roll when she has to deal with two crying infants (one being an adult)

6. Phantom Stranger #12 (DC) 

Writer: J.M. DeMatteis * Artist: Federico Blanco

The precise, sharply developed character work is what really sold it. I liked this trio of unlikely allies J.M. has assembled. The ideas are well presented - it's an intelligent and thought provoking read. With this skilled writing, Stranger has turned this into one of DCs finest.

5. The Double Life of Miranda Turner #1 (Monkeybrain) 

Writter: James S. Rich * Artist: George Kambadais

Features characters from Harvey comics Black Cat title: If you loved James Rich’s "It Girl", you’ll find more of the same here. It’s a bright, sparkling barrel of fun that sees the Cat (Miranda) and her ghostly sister (Lindy, the former Cat) tackle a couple of Lego generating baddies known as the Blockheads. CBR’s Greg McElhatton summed it up nicely... “Read it for the crazy heroics, the hinted-at fully-developed backstory, the gorgeous art, or even just the warm affection between sisters Miranda and Lindy. Monkeybrain Comics has picked up another winner of a series in the form of "The Second Life of Miranda Turner." At just $0.99, it's not only a bargain, it's a must-buy.”

4. Red Sonja #4 (Dynamite) 

Writer: Gail Simone * Artist: Walter Geovani

Gail allows us peaks into Red’s past. Where we see her character forged in blood and steel. These flashbacks help inform the present. She is skilled, she is obstinate, and she has unbreakable resolve. And when she puts those qualities to work it leaves me gobsmacked. I also cheered the violent physical (as well as the verbal) punch line she lays on an old tormentor. 

3. Velvet #1 (Image) 

Writer: Ed Brubaker * Artist: Steve Epting

Brubaker and Epting take the classic Miss Moneypenny type, and shows that she’s more than a mere secretary. The twists and turns in this issue are breathtaking and I like that our hero (if there are any heroes in this book) is an experienced, older woman, and not another brash young hot body. Brubaker has always written complex, interesting female characters. And Velvet Templeton looks to continue that trend. And artist Steve Epting’s stylish realism makes this story live and breathe.

2. Trillium #3 (Vertigo) 

Writer and Artist: Jeff Lemire

Lemire is so in his element here. The character work, and the way he’s building these two very different worlds… it’s all very richly sketched out and manifestly real. The romance rings true. You feel that connection between these two, even though no declaration of love has yet been expressed. This is a special and unique comic.

1. Pretty Deadly #1 (Image) 

Writer: Kelly Sue DeConnick * Arist: Emma Rios

My top pick is one of the most ambitious, intellectually and artistically stimulating books I’ve ever come across. Kelly Sue DeConnick’s strange mythic western story is an ambiguous, challenging poem and not the kind of easy brain candy you get from most comics. It doesn’t have a traditional narrative, so you have to focus, pay attention and even read it twice (at the least) to get all you can from the story and Emma Rio’s beautiful and finely detailed art. This wont appeal to all tastes, but it’s anything but banal, and if you enjoy unique, challenging comic book reads like "The Green Wake", Deadly will be right up your alley. 

Honorable Mentions:

Rat Queens #2 (Image)
Batman ’66 (DC)
Kings Watch #2 (Dynamite)
Pandora #4 (DC)
Edison Rex #10 (Monkeybrain)
Rocket Girl #1 (Image)
Batman/Superman #4 (DC)
Aquaman #24 (DC)
Nowhere Men #6 (Image) 

To Nov 2013

Back to Sep 2013

My Top 12 Comics For September 2013

TOP Trade Paperback

East of West Vol 1 "The Promise" by Johathan Hickman, Nick Dragotta and Frank Martin

12. Shadow Thief - JLA #7.3 (DC)

Writer: Tom DeFalco * Artist: Chad Hardin

Lets start off with one of DCs "Villains Month" issues. I picked this up on a lark, and wowza, I really dug it. I like that she's not your standard villain, she's more an anti-hero, Punisher type. The story was thrilling, and heartbreaking, and I heck, I just thought she was cool. The inks on the art were soft, like pencils, which looked great.

11. Parasite - Superman 23.4 (DC)

Writer and Artist: Aaron Kuder

Kuder draws up a storm... the issue looks fantastic, but he also does a bang up job as a writer. This is a rich character study, with scares and humor.

10. Killer Frost - JLA 7.2 (DC) 

Writer: Sterling Gates * Artist: Derlis Santacruz

What an unexpected treasure. This new Frost is a likable, brilliant scientist named Caitlin Snow, who is betrayed and transformed into a heat vampire. Despite the death she causes, Sterling Gates makes Snow a sympathetic villain (and a scary one, as she even freaks out her allies). Art is solid, that last panel is heartbreaking, and Frost has good reason to hate the Crime Syndicate.

9. FBP: Federal Bureau of Physics #3 (Vertigo) 

Writer: Simon Oliver * Artist: Robbi Rodriguez

The complicated science makes my head spin, but I appreciate a book that pushes me, makes me think, in addition to having a strong dramatic pulse. Art wise, the sketchy line work and candied color scheme give a sense of reality gone skewed. 

8. X-Men Battle of the Atom #1 (Marvel) 

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis * Artist: Frank Cho

X-Men from the past, present and future converge. This was a quality, character heavy set up for the X-event. Cho's art is so very pretty and Bobby (with Bendis pulling the strings) had me howling with laughter several times. 

7. Batman ’66 (DC) 

Writer: Jeff Parker *  Artist: Jonathan Case

the digital semi-animated format makes its return and it was an absolute gas, as the dynamic duo head the England to battle the Mad Hatter and Clock King. Reading this title makes me feel like a kid again.

6. Wonder Woman #23.1 – Cheetah (DC) 

Writer: John Ostrander * Artist: Victor Ibanez

Priscilla Rich, Deborah Domaine, Barbara Minerva (and that dude): The Cheetah has never fully lived and breathed -or held my interest as intensely- as she does here. Ostrander’s story is expansive, and he draws parallels in Barbara’s life to Diana’s. But what makes this issue soar is that John does what Geoff couldn’t in JL. He made me ‘feel’ something for the psychologically damaged Cheetah (who spends the issue wiping all vestiges of humanity from her person). I was both repulsed by her actions, while finding something tragic and pitiable in her. Artist Victor Ibanez is an asset as he expertly captures Cheetah’s animalistic movement, expression and temperament. 

5. Red Sonja #3 (Dynamite) 

Writer: Gail Simone * Artist: Walter Geovani

Keenly written adventure is packed with emotional resonance – Simone does a great job of drawing me into this woman's past. She changes a few things in her origin: adds a father and ditches the rape, to the betterment of the character and this series in my opinion.

4. Revival #14 (Image) 

Writer: Tim Seeley * Artist: Mike Norton

After a year at a slow boil, the story really heats up. Here, Em looks for redemption by trying to protect Jordan from one of the “passengers”, but she might have caused more harm than good. Jordan is one scary little girl, but she understands the truth of this situation more than the adults. Oh, and that final page was horrifying and disturbing, Yuk!

3. Rat Queens #1 (Image) 

Writer: Kurtiz J. Wiebe * Artist: Roc Upchurch

Wiebe and Upchurch’s new series is a bawdy, bloody and side-splitting funny sword and sorcery adventure -- starring 4 female trouble makers who –after a raucous night of boozing and brawling- choose to be sent on a quest rather than spend time in the dungeons. 

2. Count Vertigo - Green Arrow 23.1 (DC)

Writer: Jeff Lemire * Artist: Andrea Sorrentino

Villain's month was a mixed bag, but when it was good, it was very, very good. And this was the best of the bunch. The art was incredible, some of Sorrentino's best work, and the story packed a wallop and humanized the character and showed what a terrible and frightful thing he's become.

1. Trillium #2 (Vertigo) 

Writer and Artist: Jeff Lemire

My top choice is a beautiful story from writer/artist Jeff Lemire. There wasn't much movement on the plot. It simply serves to bring the characters together and to give us the hint of an interest between them, despite the language barrier (And oh how a small smile conveys so much)

Honorable Mentions...

Amelia Cole and the Hidden War #10 (Monkeybrain), Infinity: Against The Tide #2 (Marvel),  Wonder Woman – First Born #23.2 (DC), All-New X-Men #16 (Marvel), Ghosted #3 (Image), Buzzkill #1 (Dark Horse), Miss Fury #6 (Dynamite), Kings Watch #1 (Dynamite)

To Oct 2013

Back to Aug 2013

My Top 10 Comics For August 2013

10.Ghosted #2 (Image)

Writer: Joshua Williamson * Artist: Goran Sudzuka

While the story treads on familiar ‘haunted house’ territory, writer Joshua Williamson manages the neat trick of keeping it interesting. Our leading man, snarky Jackson T. Winters, takes a bit of a back seat this issue so that we can get to know the rest of our ‘ghost hunting’ team. Who’s for real and who’s a con is still unknown (Part of the fun will be in the discovery). Goran Sudzuka provides the interior art. His figures and expressions and architecture are realistically rendered. And the charcoal shading gives texture to the shadows that rest on faces, objects and the supernatural beings. Was wowed by that scene when Trick walks through a door and enters another world.

9. Uncanny X-Men #11 (Marvel)

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis * Artist: Frazier Irving

I’m not a fan of Frazier Irving’s art, but yeowzah, that Sentinel was creepy. Good action scenes see the young mutants in the thick of the fight.

8. Batman ‘66 Chapter 6 (DC)

Writer: Jeff Parker * Artist: Jonathan Case

Jonathan Case is back on art (yay!) and the issue is chock full O’ guests. Chandell (not looking like Liberace) is there, and while Doe, Rae and Mimi aren’t around, we do get Lorelei Circe, aka the Siren. In addition there’s Kathy Kane and Bruce on a date and Chief O’Hara as a leprechaun. Great fun

7. Revival #13 (Image)

Writer: Tim Seeley * Artist: Mike Norton

The thing writer Tim Seeley does so well is focus on the characters as much as he does the frights. He gives each personality their own distinct traits and voices. So this horror series isn't just blood and guts and screams. There are quiet, small town moments. Here it's a Valentines Karaoke get together. It's quiet and it's character building and it's what makes the book live and breathe. So that when you get to the scares, they matter, they have significance. It is a slow moving issue, but touches on a lot of important subjects.

6. All-New X-Men #15 (Marvel)

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis * Artist: David Lafuente

Bendis aims for light hearted and humorous… and hits that target dead center. I enjoyed many a laugh (especially at Wolverine’s expense).  Lafuente’s cartoony art -which excels in expression and body language- suits the story

5. FBP: Federal Bureau of Physics #2 (Vertigo)

Writer: Simon Oliver * Artist: Robbi Rodriguez

Art was a bit sketchy this time out on the faces, but it didn't detract and most of it worked, and the bright, trippy coloring is ever a plus. The story offers some weird science and there are eerie moments that make this come off like a candy-coated episode of the Outer Limits. It offers mysteries via the characters strange behavior, and ends with a surprising cliffhanger.

4. Lazarus #3 (Image)

Writer: Greg Rucka * Artist: Michael Lark

It’s like a ropey prime-time TV drama. You have this family of privilege -- scheming and backstabbing. You have a surplus of secrets and lies to unravel. It’s all very intriguing. I liked the bonding between the two Lazarus’s in this issue – Forever comes off like such an outcast, so very rigid with her family, it was nice to see her loose and comfortable with someone like herself… someone genuine. Of course letting her guard down opens a door for those nasty schemers to come after her.

Rucka’s plotting and character work shows him at his finest. And Lark is an able partner in this, he brings it all to life. I loved that scene with the sword -- Forever was so cool and collected as she does what she does.

3. Trillium #1 (Vertigo)

Writer and Artist: Jeff Lemire

Vertigo shoots and scores again! While the fascinating story spans time and space, and there are mysteries to unravel and matters of life and death to contend with. Lemire’s great strength is ever the ‘human’ elements that grace his work. I once heard Wim Wender’s film “Wings of Desire” described as an “Epic of intimate proportions”. I suspect that’s what we might be getting with Trillium. Jeff’s art is primitive in style - not pretty, and there are a few off shots - but it is appropriately evocative and expressive.

2. Thor: God Thunder #11 (Marvel)

Writer: Jason Aaron * Artist: Esad Ribic

Godbomb ends with a bang, and Ribic was ON FIRE! His work was awe inspiring, left me breathless in the way he evoked Thor's raw power and Godly bearing. Aaron wrote some scintillating dialog. And while he doesn't directly answer the lingering question about whether Gorr has a point, he does answer it through Thor's actions. God's will stumble, they can be selfish and stupid and they will carry regrets over that (King Thor's speech to Young Thor) but they will also rise when needed, sacrifice themselves for the good and be there to comfort when called.

1. Wonder Woman #23 (DC)

Writer: Brian Azzarello * Artist: Cliff Chiang

Film critic Pauline Kael once wrote about the difference between movies that entertain and movies that change you. That with certain films you go in one kind of person, and leave transformed. Roger Ebert called it elevation. Its when you discover an art form that is transcendent -- that challenges you intellectually, emotionally, spiritually… It draws you in, lifts you up and takes your breath away. Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang have done that for me with their work on this title. There are comics you read – and they are entertaining popcorn adventures, perfectly fine and enjoyable. And then there are elevated experiences like Wonder Woman that get under your skin and operate on a whole different level.

I finished this book a few hours ago, and it continues to linger in my mind. It continues to affect me. For the second month in a row, Azz has broken my heart and put a lump in my throat. He took me somewhere unexpected with the surprising twist at the end with Diana’s painful action and the change it brings to her status.

He made War more than he has ever been in the decades he has appeared as either Mars or Ares. No longer some cliché spewing blowhard on steroids, he became someone richer, more nuanced in character and voice.

The dialog and composition of the piece is impeccable. When First Born asks of War… “What soldiers would follow you, old man?” You turn the page to receive an answer in both words and image that is sublime.

And there is humor. Zola delivers the best punch line near the end of the battle (again, this moment succeeds because of the way Azz and Chiang work in concert)

As for the action? All too often with big epic battles the ‘punch’ becomes the focus -- punches devoid of substance and meaning. With WW the point is in the story and character development. Neil Gaiman once said that there is what a story is about, and what a story is really about. He was speaking of subtext -- what is the lesson, the theme? It’s not the way punches landed or that a foe falls simply because it looks cool (though Chiang indeed makes it looks very cool), it’s in the how and why in their fall --The story behind the story -- The idea behind and within the battle. (This is something Alan Moore also understood and perfected, but Geoff Johns, by comparison, has yet to master within his massive “events”)

To sum: this was a stunning comic book masterpiece. One of the greatest, if not the greatest issue of WW I've ever read.

Honorable Mentions:

Batman/Superman #3 (DC)

Edison Rex #9 (Monkeybrain)

Suicide Squad #23 (DC)

Swamp Thing #23 (DC)

Phantom Stranger #11 (DC)

Subatomic Party Girls #2 (Monkeybrain)

To Sept 2013

Back to July 2013

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.

The Superhero Marathon's Best of 2012

Here we go again - a look at my favorites for the year. To check out past lists: 2010 and 2009

Best Live Action Film
X-Men: First Class
Matthew Vaughn presents a smart, slick and mature look at the X-Men during their formative years. Marked by superb character interaction and sharp performances – James McAvoy is Professor X (a bit of a ladies man), Jennifer Lawrence brings youthful warmth and vulnerability to Mystique, and Michael Fassbinder makes Magneto a complex figure, both likable and haunted with a dangerous edge.

Best Animated Film
All-Star Superman
Though episodic, All-Star is an imaginative, intricate and thought provoking film that focuses on the death of Superman. The story has a lot of heart and spends as much time on the personalities as it does the action. In his last days the hero accomplishes great feats, attempts to tidy up his affairs and come to terms with friends, family and foes. He also reveals his secret to his great love - Lois, their interaction in particular, is touching. Of course there is an action packed finish, but it provides several left turns, which kept it fresh and unique.

Best Original (Not Based on Comic)
Super
Subversive insanity from James Gunn. Rainn Wilson plays a messed up loser who dons tights in order to save his wife from a drug kingpin. Aiding him is the sociopath Boltie (Ellen Page). The story mixes the spiritual and some truly heartfelt moments, with biting comedy and graphic violence. I found this controversial, low budget flick, a hilarious/sick, kick in the tail (or -wrench to the head – in this case)

Best DVD discovery
Griff the Invisible
While there is a crime fighter on the cover, it's not so much a superhero movie, as a sweet art-house romance between 2 odd people who like living in their imaginations. The script isn't sharp enough to elevate the film into the realm of greatness. But it features enjoyable performances and has its low-key charms.

Best Actor
Michael Fassbender, Magneto – X-Men First Class
Fassbender has become a personal favorite through his work in Independent film (Fish Tank, Hunger). He is actor with soulful and intense eyes and an understated expressiveness that serves Magneto well. As Erik "Magneto" Lenscherr, Michael brings the Sean Connery swagger -he even has a bass throbbing John Barry style musical theme- while maintaining his own uniqueness of character.

Best Actress
Ellen Page as Libby in Super
Page plays Boltie, and you'll either love or loath her. She's over the top and completely mad – laughing like a shrill loon as she bashes bad guys. I thought Page was great, even when she was annoying she was a blast. Hon. Mention: Maeve Dermody's quirky turn as Melody in "Griff the Invisible".

Best Voice Actor
Anthony LaPaglia as Lex Luthor in All-Star Superman
LaPaglia as Lex was smoothly sinister. I've never been that fond of the bald baddie, but this Luthor is actually frighteningly psychotic; it's one of the best versions of the character I've seen and shows off a few unexpected layers.

Best Fight
Magneto vs. Shaw, end battle. X-Men First Class
I loved the end battle in Super, but when Erik and Shaw square off in X-Men, it's one for the ages. What Magneto does is both bad ass and poetic.

Best Score
X-Men
Henry Jackman earns this if only for the bass throbbing John Berry style Magneto theme.

Best Quotes
From Thor
Jane Foster: "How'd you get inside that cloud?"
Darcy: "Also, how could you eat an entire box of Pop-Tarts and still be this hungry?"

Agent Garrett: [about Thor's Asgard buddies] "Is there a Renaissance Fair in town?"
Agent Jackson: "Call it in."
Agent Garrett: "Yeah. Uh, base, we've got, uh, Xena, Jackie Chan, and Robin Hood."

From Super
Frank D'Arbo: "People look stupid when they cry"

Frank to Jacques: "You don't butt in line! You don't sell drugs! You don't molest little children! You don't profit off the misery of others! The rules were set a long time ago! They don't change!"

Jacques: "You really think that killing me... stabbing me to death is going to change the world?"
Frank D'Arbo: "I can't know that for sure, unless I try."

From All-Star Superman
Jimmy Olsen: "Are you sure don't want to speak at the memorial service? Thousands of people are there paying their respects."
Lois Lane: "He's not dead. He's up there fixing the sun. And when he's done, he'll be back. And I'll be here waiting for him."