After countless hours of quality comic-book reading time in 2012 (thanks to the wonderful folks at Bridge City Comics and the invaluable Multnomah County library system), I can honestly say it was a spectacular year for comic fans, and the future is nothing but bright.
Sure, some big things went down in the world of superheroes last year, but other than one particular pointy-eared hero, you won't find much Marvel or DC on this list. If you're new to the medium, most of these books would make for wonderful introductions. Here are my top picks for some of the best ongoing series of the year!
*Note: While all of these series are available on the digital reading platform Comixology – on smart phones, tablets, and right on your computer screen – many first issues are also offered there for free! Simply create a free account and you're ready to get reading.
FATALE
Writer: Ed Brubaker – Artist: Sean Phillips
Publisher: Image Comics
The Rundown: A classy noir with a supernatural horror twist, following an entrancing femme fatale and the men who stumble into her path.
I'm an absolute sucker for a solid noir tale, and even more of a sucker for supernatural horror. So you can imagine my excitement when this series was announced, pairing longtime creative partners Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips (best known for their CRIMINAL series, among many other credits).
With tight and stylish writing, juicy cliffhangers, and stunning artwork, FATALE is a huge success each and every issue.
Buy It:
Read It Now:
CHEW
Publisher: Image Comics
The Rundown: Meet detective Tony Chu. Tony is Cibopathic, meaning he receives psychic impressions from everything he eats. As you can imagine, this often isn't pretty.
I jumped onto the CHEW bandwagon a little late in the game, but once I finished the first page, I couldn't stop reading. Many reviewers have said this, but let me just reiterate: there is nothing else quite like this. A perfectly conceived crime saga that is often hilarious, disgusting, and thought-provoking all at once, CHEW is simply unmissable.
Word on the street is that the creators are currently developing CHEW into a weekly series on Showtime. Better hop aboard now!
Buy It:
Amazon
Comixology (digital)
Read It Now:
*Free First Issue*
THE ROCKETEER
Publisher: IDW Publishing
The Rundown: Continuing his tremendous comeback in the collaborative anthology series THE ROCKETEER ADVENTURES and earning an additional four-issue story in CARGO OF DOOM, The Rocketeer has returned in a big way.
This is where I get a little sentimental.
Other than Batman, The Rocketeer was MY superhero growing up, courtesy of Joe Johnston's gosh-darned delightful film adaptation. I immediately devoured the original comic series by Dave Stevens, and couldn't help but wish for more. Well, IDW fulfilled my wish and then some last year, recruiting some of the greatest talents in the industry to tell some truly great Rocketeer stories.
Not to mention CARGO OF DOOM, Mark Waid and Chris Samnee's rip-roaring story arc pitting our World War II pulp hero against – wait for it – dinosaurs! It's all just too much fun, honestly.
Rocketeer Adventures Vol. 2Buy It:
Better World Books
Amazon
Comixology (digital)
Rocketeer: Cargo of Doom
Buy It:
Amazon (pre-order)
Comixology (digital)
SAGA
Publisher: Image Comics
The Rundown: A galaxy-spanning epic romance centered on a couple, their newborn child, and the TV-headed prince who has hired bounty hunters to wipe them out.
Many comic readers and critics agree that SAGA is not only excellent, but the best series currently in publication. It's hard to argue otherwise; from the kooky but pitch-perfect art of Fiona Staples to Brian K. Vaughan's idiosyncratic scripts, the book really is a sight to behold.
While SAGA's world is just as fully realized, don't expect the PG-rated fun of STAR WARS – this story isn't afraid to go to some graphic, intimate places.
Buy It:
Better World Books
Amazon
Comixology (digital)
Read It Now:
*Free First Issue*
BATMAN INC.
Publisher: DC Comics
The Rundown: After facing his own mortality, Batman has traveled the world, recruiting agents to work for him in the organization Batman Inc. Unfortunately, the villainous mother of his son, Damian (now Robin), has more than a few wrenches to throw in the gears.
Okay okay, so Grant Morrison's zany, off-the-wall interpretation of Batman isn't exactly the best starting point for the uninitiated. But with Scott Snyder's admittedly awesome take on Batman earning most of the attention these days, I wanted to shine the light on this straight-up crazy version of the Dark Knight. It's quirky, it's trippy, and it's a hell of a good time.
Buy It:Comixology (digital)
REVIVAL
Writer: Tim Seeley – Artist: Mike NortonPublisher: Image Comics
The Rundown: Described as a "rural noir," REVIVAL asks the question: what would happen if, for only a single day, everyone who died was mysteriously resurrected? This is what happens after.
I know what it sounds like, but no, this has absolutely nothing to do with zombies. Instead of dealing with shuffling, mindless flesh-eaters, REVIVAL hones in on how our society would likely react to such a strange occurrence. It's horror, but it's the good kind, rooted and invested in characters rather than shock and gore.
This series is only a single story-arc in – now would be a great time to start reading.
Revival Vol. 1: You're Among FriendsBuy It:
Better World Books
Amazon
Comixology (digital)
