2012 in Comics: Best Series of the Year

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.

Vol. 1: Death Chases Me

Buy It:                                      

Better World Books

Amazon

Comixology (digital)

Read It Now:

*Free First Issue*

Why 'The Dark Knight' is No Bat-Masterpiece

With The Dark Knight Rises due in theaters next July, what better time to revisit the middle sibling of Nolan's Bat-trilogy, The Dark Knight?

Make no mistake, the guy's still a master.

Now before I get started, I need to make a few things clear. Like all other Bat-fans across the world, I stood in line at midnight for the film that early buzz deemed the greatest comic book adaptation of all time. I giggled with glee – and even shed a tear or two – as Heath Ledger brought us the greatest live-action interpretation of The Joker to date. And after the credits rolled, I walked out of the theater wide-eyed and speechless, eager to tell the world that the definitive Batman film had finally become a reality.

But with more than a dozen viewings under my utility belt, I can confidently say that The Dark Knight, while a landmark achievement for on-screen superheroics, suffers from several issues that keep it just shy of landing the top spot.

13 Horror Films You May Have Missed: Part 3

And so we reach the end of our frightening little journey through these lesser-known horror gems. It's been fun!
Lock your doors and grab your crucifix, because here comes: #4 – 1!

#4: The House of the Devil

Director: Ti West

Starring: Jocelin Donahue, Tom Noonan, 

Greta Gerwig

Year: 2009

If you're ever in the mood for some 80's nostalgia, you owe it to yourself to check out this homage to the horror days of old. 

What's it About?
As is the case with most of these flicks, the less you know going in, the better. Seriously, don't even watch the trailer. But if you must know the bare bones of the plot: desperate for some cash, a college girl accepts a babysitting job from a pair of eccentric characters living in the boonies, and things just don't go well.

"Are you here for mother?"

What Makes it Scary-Good?

• It's all in the build-up. Other horror directors should take notes on Ti West's ability to crank up the tension while showing the audience virtually nothing. 
• Right down to the Coca-Cola cups, the props and intricate details used to recreate the 1980s deserve some kind of award. 
• That ending sure packs a wallop. 

13 Horror Films You May Have Missed: Part 2

On my morning walk with my five-month-old Corgi, I passed by a lawn covered in tombstones, cobwebs, and sheets suspended to look like ghosts. If only we could see front-yard haunted cemeteries year round!
Hold your loved ones close, because here comes: #9 – 5!  
#9: Let Me In

Director: Matt Reeves

Starring: Kodi Smit-McPhee, 

Chloë-Grace Moretz, Richard Jenkins

Year: 2010

It was a tough decision choosing between the original Swedish version (2008's Let the Right One In) and this American remake, but a few extra touches make this tale of bloodsucking adolescence stand at the top of the pack.

What's it About?

Owen (played to perfection by Kodi Smit-McPhee) is twelve years old, lonely, and relentlessly bullied at school. Things seem to be looking up when he befriends Abby, a young girl new to his apartment complex. But with a string of murders plaguing the town, Owen discovers that Abby may be much older – and much hungrier – than he thinks.

 "Do you think there's such a thing as evil?"

 What Makes it Scary-Good?

• While not necessarily the "scariest" pick on the list, this one earns mega-points for its surprisingly genuine portrayal of young love.
•  Every single actor brings their A-game, resulting in a haunting story full of characters that you grow to actually care about.
• When the fangs come out, they mean serious business. No twinkling vampires here, folks.

13 Horror Films You May Have Missed: Part 1

The Shining.

Halloween. 

The Exorcist.

As October moves swiftly along and more pumpkins pop up on the neighborhood doorsteps, these three films often spring to mind when we contemplate heading down to the video store (or more likely, rearranging the Netflix queue).

While there is nothing wrong with these tried-and-true fright flicks, they make it all too easy to let lesser-known horror gems fall by the wayside.

Over the next week, I will discuss 13 of the spookiest movies that deserve a spot on your Halloween watch list, from the classy, sophisticated scare pictures to the unrelenting, terror-fueled thrill rides. There's no particular order here, but counting down is always exciting, right? And as usual, all proceedings are spoiler-free.

So throw on a Vincent Price record, break out the candy corn, and turn off all the lights, because here comes:   #13 – 10!

#13: Black Christmas

Director: Bob Clark

Starring: Olivia Hussey, Margot Kidder, 

               Keir Dullea

Year: 1974

Although Black Christmas has earned a devoted cult following since its release in 1974, this slow-burn slasher remains criminally underseen by the general public.

  "Agnes, it's me Billy..."

What's it About?

Just in time for the Christmas festivities, a murdering psychopath hides in the attic of a sorority house, waiting to prey on a group of unsuspecting college girls. 

What Makes it Scary-Good?

• Pre-dates John Carpenter's Halloween with its use of the first-person point of view through the eyes of the killer.
• Blends chilling atmosphere with witty and well-timed humor, making the characters relatable and likable.
• Guaranteed to make you think twice before answering the telephone.