If you, like us, are having trouble processing EVERYTHING that happened in the last twelve months, we’ve got some help for you! We read a ton of fantastic comics, and narrowed it down with the help of our illustrious readers into 20 books that we enjoyed the most.
20. Hellions (Marvel Comics)
Zeb Wells (W), Stephen Segovia et al (A), Rain Beredo (CA) If you had told me even five years ago that a comic scene featuring Nanny and Orphan Maker, the little egg with lipstick and the giant toddler mech who used to kidnap mutant kids at the tail end of Chris Claremont’s X-Men run, would actually bring me to tears, I would have probably slapped you. The very concept is ridiculous. Wells, Segovia, Beredo, and the rest of the art crew on this book took a collection of profoundly broken Marvel mutants, slapped them together, and turned out a compelling, nuanced, and utterly hilarious examination of how trauma shapes a person. This was easily one of the best comics of the Krakoa era of X-Men books, and almost certainly the most surprising. – Jim Dandeneau
19. Made in Korea (Image Comics)
Jeremy Holt (W), George Schall (A) Made in Korea is a weird combination of hard sci-fi, whimsical family drama, and school shooting-era social commentary that blends all these themes together to actually work. Jeremy Holt and George Schall mix a lot of influences – there’s a bunch of Children of Men and A.I. in here, among others – to turn out a comic that works exceptionally well. Earth’s birth rate has dropped precipitously, so parents have taken to ordering “proxies” online and raising artificial children as their own. Bill and Suelynn Evans’ proxy, Jesse, arrives with something special about her, and she proceeds to fall in with a rough crowd while her creator races to reconnect with her. The book starts off cute, then turns extremely eerie and more than a little damning. It’s great. – JD
18. Ultramega (Image Comics)
James Harren
17. Hollow Heart (Vault Comics)
Paul Allor (W), Paul Tucker (A) Hollow Heart is the story of a profoundly unhealthy romantic relationship starring a sad sack government research technician and the mech-wearing Frankenstein’s monster he falls for-slash-experiments on. What a sentence to write. I love comics. Allor and Tucker’s story is a horror book, but the horror doesn’t stem from the setting or the monster or any of the gory attacks that happen through the book’s six issues. Its horror is the reader feeling what’s inflicted on El, a quiet soul held captive by the government and taken advantage of by Mateo. Tucker’s art is outstanding across the board, but excels in coloring choices, and on El’s face, showing heartbreak with very subtle changes in expression. Allor bought a ton of goodwill with his outstanding run on G. I. Joe. With Hollow Heart, he jumped up to “buy on sight.” – JD
16. Commanders in Crisis (Image Comics)
Steve Orlando (W), Davide Tinto (A) One should be extremely reluctant to throw around casual comparisons to Grant Morrison, as they’re often unfair to everyone involved. That said, I’m going to do it anyway. Commanders in Crisis is bubblegum Final Crisis in all the best ways. Kelly Sue DeConnick (W), Phil Jimenez (A) Phil Jimenez was a legend twenty years ago. At the turn of the millennium, George Perez’s artistic spiritual successor was coming off of a run on the acclaimed The Invisibles with Grant Morrison, with whom Jimenez was about to reteam for the best stories of their seminal New X-Men run, just after a classic run on Wonder Woman. And while Jimenez has been incredible (and incredibly important) since then, nothing he’s done can hold even a faint, flickering candle to his work in Wonder Woman Historia. This book needs to be seen in person, up close, possibly with a magnifying glass, to be truly appreciated. Jimenez’s art is so wrist-shatteringly intricate that it’s easy to lose the actual story and just drift off in awe at the detail on Hera’s boots, or trying to follow all the stories on the infinite pottery floating in the room. This isn’t meant in any way to discount the story that DeConnick wrote: her DC work hasn’t garnered the same attention as her Marvel stuff, but it’s very quietly been fantastic, and here it jumps a level to greatness. But holy hell, the art. For Jimenez to do career work is truly something else, considering how great his career has already been. But that’s what we get with this book. – JD
14. Mashle: Magic and Muscles (Viz)
Hajime Komoto Ever wondered what it would be like to grow up in Hogsmeade in the shadow of Hogwarts? This hilarious new manga series poses that question and gives those of us who are sick of “the boy who lived” (and its author) a new magical world to live in. Uproarious and often ridiculous in the best way, Hajime Komoto weaves a tale about legacy, family, magic, and of course muscles. This is another expressively drawn and dynamic string to Viz’s bow. Mashle is a lovable himbo who just so happens to have almost supernatural strength. His underdog fight to the top is one to behold. Magic and mayhem fly off each page yet Komoto still manages to make this the cozy magical school manga we all need. So wipe off your wand, dust off your weights, and get ready to become engrossed in your new favorite fantasy comic. – Rosie Knight
13. Nightwing (DC Comics)
Tom Taylor (W) Bruno Redondo (A) Nightwing is no stranger to the solo spotlight, and there have been plenty of great creative teams who have guided Dick Grayson around Bludhaven and Gotham City over the years. But has there ever been a truly definitive Nightwing book? A singular work that encapsulates everything cool about the character, with art that effortlessly captures the grace, joy, and (yes) sexiness that is Nightwing? Well, if there wasn’t before, there sure as hell is now. Nightwing is perhaps the single most joyful superhero book on the market. Every page is alive with the same energy and wry humor you expect of its title character, and every issue invites repeated reads. Not because they’re overly dense, but just because they’re so much fun to experience. The last time a street level superhero from one of the Big Two was given this kind of playful exploration of his life and the very possibilities of the comics format it was Matt Fraction and David Aja’s Hawkeye, and, well…that worked out pretty darn well for everyone involved. – MC
12. TMNT: The Last Ronin (IDW)
Kevin Eastman (W), Peter Laird (W), Tom Waltz (W), Esau and Isaac Escorza (A), Ben Bishop (A) Sprawling and serious, but with a sincere edge, The Last Ronin feels both like an ’80s throwback and entirely in line with the current Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics at IDW. The art team of Escorza, Plata, and Bishop bring Eastman’s instantly recognizable layouts to life in vibrant fashion. Following the only surviving Turtle through the fantastical and fraught landscape is a rollercoaster ride, complete with fan favorite characters cast in entirely new roles. There’s a lot here to love. Even if you haven’t started it, yet this is the perfect TPB pick up. – RK
11. Once and Future (BOOM! Studios)
Kieron Gillen (W), Dan Mora (A), Tamra Bonvillain (CA) If this was 1991, people would be lining up outside comic shops to grab copies of Once and Future to save for their kids’ college funds. This sounds like a slam, but it’s not: this book is a blast, and Dan Mora being an art wizard who perfected the magic of McFarlane, Lee, and Liefeld is a huge part of it. Mora spent this year of Once and Future designing new versions of the Knights of the Round Table, and the stylistic similarities to the Image Revolution guys are undeniable. The key differences here are two: instead of the infrequent nonsense that was often passed off as story in the old Image Revolution books, we’re getting a razor sharp story-about-stories from one of the masters of comic scripting, Kieron Gillen. And the second is that comic coloring technology has moved light years past what was possible in 1991, and that has led to a crew of utterly brilliant comic colorists in the game right now, a group that includes Tamra Bonvillain as one of the best. Once and Future is one of the best looking books every month, and it’s a ton of fun to read. – JD
10. The Other History of the DC Universe (DC Comics)
John Ridley (W), Giuseppe Camuncoli (A) Years in the making, The Other History of the DC Universe centers a different hero in a different era in each issue. Issue one begins with Jefferson Pierce/Black Lightning setting up the mission statement of the series, recontextualizing the world of DC Comics through the lens of heroes of color. Next up are Mal and Karen Duncan/Herald and Bumblebee, and then we explore Tatsu Yamashiro/Katana. Issue four takes on Renee Montoya/The Question and we finish with Anissa Pierce/Thunder. It’s a full circle journey for Ridley and an emotional one. It’s clear how much each character means to the writer. One of the most interesting things about the book is that it differs greatly from your average comic. This is a perfect pickup for someone who thinks sequential storytelling isn’t for them as it’s more akin to an illustrated novel. In that way it feels more like the experimental storytelling of The Sandman, while the prestige presentation harks back to the classic Marvel Graphic Novel releases of the ’80s. Basically, this is a historical monument to DC and the often overlooked heroes of color that have played such a huge part in their success. – RK
9. Something is Killing the Children (BOOM! Studios)
- READER’S CHOICE* James Tynion IV (W), Werther Dell’Edera (A), Miquel Muerto (CA) Something is Killing the Children, our Reader’s Choice winner, started out as a genuinely creepy horror comic, using James Tynion’s exceptional skill at making readers feel something wrong long before the monster shows up. And then somewhere in the middle of the Archer Peak saga, the book turned over the creepiness and started adding in heavier action, and Werther Dell’Edera started to really shine.
8. It’s Jeff! (Marvel Comics)
Kelly Thompson (W), Gurihiru (A) This is one of my favorite comics of all time, and it’s my four year old daughter’s first favorite comic ever. It’s Jeff is the vertical scrolling Sunday funnies story of Jeff the Land Shark, rescued by Kate Bishop in Kelly Thompson’s underrated West Coast Avengers book, with art from Superman Smashes the Klan’s Gurihiru. Through the twelve issues released (so far), Jeff has been the darling of a superhero pool party; stolen Captain America’s shield to sled with the Young Avengers; eaten the Infinity Gauntlet; and swiped a superhero gathering’s Thanksgiving turkey. It’s almost completely wordless, but the story, the emotion and the punchlines are all brilliantly conveyed by Gurihiru’s art, and the stories are so much fun that we will go entire nights where my kid and I read nothing but Jeff comics for bedtime. If you have a young person in your life, this will completely justify an annual Marvel Unlimited subscription. – JD
7. The Good Asian (Image Comics)
Pornsak Pichetshote (W), Alexandre Tefenkgi (A), Lee Loughridge (CA) Comics are so good at noir, but only if the creators are capable. Pichetshote and Tefenkgi are extremely up to the task with The Good Asian, a noir detective tale that follows Chinese-American detective Edison Hark as he tries to solve a murder mystery in pre-World War II San Francisco, but the real story is Hark and the creative team taking aim at the model minority myth. This book is dark and violent and beautiful, with a self loathing main character dropped in the middle of a fascinating, tense setting. – JD Robyn Smith is one of the most talented and interesting cartoonists working right now. Coming off the massive mainstream success of the DC YA OGN Nubia: Real One, Smith reprinted this stunning autobiographical comic through Jamila Rowser’s newly established publisher Black Josei Press. Gorgeous, moving, and an exercise in illustration as impact, The Saddest Angriest Black Girl in Town centers on Smith’s experiences as one of the only Black people in a rural Vermont town. Smith’s dramatic linework and ability to imbue each illustration with an almost overwhelming amount of emotion immerses us into their world and a glimpse of their experience. There’s a magic in Smith’s art and in this book which shimmers from each page. This exploration of mental health and Blackness is not only a must read, but the physical comic is absolutely beautiful. If you enjoy the art of comics and cartooning but want to explore independent comics that are blazing a unique trail, make sure you pick this up and support Black Josei Press, as they’re the kind of publisher that make comics worthwhile. And while you’re at it make sure you’re checking out all of Smith’s brilliant work, because after The Saddest Angriest Black Girl in Town you’ll be in need of more of her exhilarating and gorgeous cartooning. – RK
5. The Many Deaths of Laila Starr (BOOM! Studios)
Ram V (W), Filipe Andrade (A) For a comic with only five issues, The Many Deaths of Laila Starr has quickly become one of the most talked about series of the year. Ram V and Filipe Andrade are a powerhouse team. Together they craft a beautiful looking tale with unexpected emotional heft. They’re not alone either, with color assists from Inês Amaro and some of the most exciting lettering of the year from AndWorld Design. Vibrant colors and dynamic linework draw you into this tale of life, death, and the inbetween. It’s truly a reading experience like no other thanks to the unique story, stunning art, and permanently drenched in sunset palette. In another unique twist, our titular heroine dies in the first issue. But that’s just the beginning of her story. See, Death needs a body and Laila’s just became available. Sublimely entertaining and epic in scope, The Many Deaths of Laila Starr feels like a classic in the making. Entwining an engaging central mystery with folklore that’s absolutely drenched in atmosphere, this series has garnered a massive fan base and deserved praise. It’ll inspire the kind of childhood rush that comics used to make you feel. – RK The same guy who writes stellar all-ages books and historical stories has the ability to jump into a headline comic like Batman/Superman and bring out the best work of Ivan Reis’s career by twisting the comic storytelling form around on itself like a DNA helix. Almost literally. “The Archive of Worlds” was the story arc coming out of Dark Nights: Death Metal, DC’s big multiversal reset book, so naturally the story jumped right into those possibilities, by introducing a robotic “auteur” filmmaker trying to splice together parallel worlds containing classic versions of Batman and Superman. The story had everything, from delightful looks at golden age heroes to brutal meta-commentary on the DCEU (this book took shots at the Snyder Cut the week it came out!). How the story was told is where this gets brilliant, though: much of it is told through parallel film strips running across the page, with burns showing a crossing of the worlds, and Etrigan brought in at one point to help with the editing process. If you haven’t read this story arc yet, you’re missing out. It’s incredible. – JD
3. New Mutants (Marvel Comics)
Vita Ayala (W), Rod Reis (A)
2. The Department of Truth (Image Comics)
James Tynion IV (W), Martin Simonds et al (A) Year two of Department of Truth was a banger, with guest art spots from greats like Elsa Charretier and Tyler Boss, but the success of this book falls firmly on two things. The first is Simonds’ spectacular, mood-setting art. Simonds is like Bill Sienkiewicz if he worked harder in collage. He uses every square inch of the page to further the story, from patterned gutters to heavy, inky silhouettes. His sketchiness is essential to a comic that is about the blurry line between truth and fiction. The second is how right-place right-time The Department of Truth is. The idea that collective will can turn conspiracy theories real is a hell of a hook. But we now live in a world where a measurable percentage of the American electorate is waiting for JFK junior to stroll into a Dallas park; where a major political gathering during a pandemic can lead to hundreds of cases of the pandemic disease while all of the people who got it there are swearing it’s anthrax; where NASA can hire a couple dozen theologians to figure out how pissed people would be if it turned out aliens were real (No reason! Just curious!). For a variety of reasons, we are now living in an almost post-truth world, and that makes The Department of Truth scary as hell. – JD
1. Batman: Wayne Family Adventures (DC/WebToon)
CRC Payne (W), StarBite et al (A) The delightful weekly comic follows Duke Thomas A.K.A. The Signal. Since his introduction in 2014, Duke has become a fan favorite member of the Bat-Family, and here we get to see him moving into Wayne Manor. While that sounds like a simple enough setup, the delightful cartooning makes this one of the most elegantly hilarious comics going. Oh, and if that phrase Bat-Family got you excited then you’re going to love this series as Wayne Family Adventures is the best Bat-Family comic going. As Duke is moving into Wayne Manor, that means he has a lot of company. The extended Bat-Family has long been one of the most beloved parts of DC canon, and here it finally gets a comic befitting that following. Throughout the episodes, fans–and Duke–interact with Cass Cain, Damian Wayne, Dick Grayson, Steph Brown, Tim Drake, Barbara Gordon, and more. Each of the one-time sidekicks are portrayed perfectly. It’s the slice of life superhero comic we’ve always dreamed of. Balancing humor, heart, and perfect pacing, this is easily one of the best comics of the year. It’s exciting to see publishers embracing new formats and making brilliant comics to fit them. We can’t wait to see more of our beautiful children next year! – RK
