Sunday, January 4, 2009

Top Ten of 2008 - Comics

Continuing with my Top Tens of 2008, (which I know is stereotypical and over used) today I'm proud to present my top Ten comics of 2008.

10. Supergirl - DC Comics: Sterling Gates
I hadn't been reading this until Sterling Gates took over, but since then, I have been totally hooked on the character of Supergirl. I really like the fact that Kara is no longer a whiny teen, but a young woman in charge of her destiny. Gates' has made Kara interesting again, and has me excited for what the future brings.


9. Guardians of the Galaxy - Marvel Comics: Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning
This was the first book in Marvel's cosmic line that I picked up. I was not very familiar with these characters, but the writing team of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning has made this one of Marvel's most enjoyable comics. Plus, with team that has a talking, gun wielding Raccoon, its bound to be a blast.
8. Ultimate Spider-Man - Marvel Comics: Brian Bendis
Ultimate Spider-Man is the book that really got me into really comics. It was the first ever comic that I subscribed to, and thus holds a special place. Bendis continues to craft an interesting alternate take on of the most beloved characters. This year saw the return of Gwen Stacey, and the return of Venom, and with the lead into Ultimatum, Ultimate Spider-Man doesn't show any signs of slowing down anytime soon.


7. Action Comics - DC Comics: Geoff Johns
Geoff Johns. Geoff Johns. Geoff Johns. Why did I repeat this man's name three times? Because, Mr. Johns is one of THE best writers in the business right now. This man has a gift to craft one hell of a story. From the Legion of Superheroes storyline to John's groundbreaking run on Brainic, Johns continues to wow and amaze readers.


6. Batman: DC Comics : Grant Morrison
Bruce Wayne has had one hell of a year. Starting in the summer, Grant Morrison ran our favorite Caped Crusader through the ringer in his "Batman RIP" story. Morrison took Bruce down to his lowest possible level and we all watched as he rose, and continued to fight the good fight. Even as I write this, the fate of the Dark Knight is unknown, but Morrison has me hooked, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

5. Booster Gold - DC Comics: Geoff John and Jeff Katz
Booster Gold is one of the most enjoyable titles out on the market right now. Geoff Johns has done a good job of making Booster one of the most interesting characters in the entire DC Universe. As a the hero that no one can know about, Booster travels through time and space fixing mistakes that other heroes have made, making sacrifices that no others can. The Blue and the Gold story was one of the best arcs of the year, as Booster got to team up again with Ted Kord, aka the Blue Beetle once again. Sadly, while Ted couldn't be saved, Booster's sister was, adding a new and interesting dynamic to the book. This is one to watch folks.

4. Incredible Hercules - Marvel Comics: Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente
Incredible Hercules is a title that really caught me off guard. I had all intentions of never picking up this book, but after the end of the first arc, this book was simply too much fun for me not to pick up. The relationship and characterization of Herc and his partner Amadeus Cho are a blast, thus making Incredible Herc, one great book.


3. Invincible Iron Man - Marvel Comics: Matt Fraction
Tony Stark. Ex-Drunk. Billionaire. Womanizer. Genius. Hero. Iron Man. Tony Stark sure had a year. Between Ezekiel Stane's use of Stark's own technology to attack innocent people around the world, to being blamed for the actions of the Skrulls in Secret Invasion, Tony hasn't had a good year. Matt Fraction's take on this beloved, yet often troubled character is just beginning. And if the past 8 issues are any indication, trouble is just starting for Marvel's man of steel.
2. Green Lantern - DC Comics: Geoff Johns
Again, this is an area where I really can't stress enough the genius and talent of Geoff Johns. Green Lantern is a book that I could have cared less about years ago, but Johns made the character of Hal Jordan and his supporting characters so interesting and deserve, that a title like this can't be ignored. This year, the seeds really began to get planted for the big "Blackest Night" event. The new Corps (Violet, Blue and Red) are all so different and interesting, and I can't wait to see what Johns has in store for these characters in the coming months.

1. Captain America - Marvel Comics: Ed Brubaker
I'd never in a million years would have guessed that Marvel would have killed one of the most beloved and historical character in all of Comics. But when Ed Brubaker had those fateful round fired into Steve Rogers chest, we all knew there were big changes coming for this book. 2008 saw the emergence of the new Captain America, Bucky Barnes, Steve's old sidekick. The way that Brubaker made Bucky the new Cap made sense with the character and fit him perfectly. Since then, Brubaker has taken readers into a vast and deep world, full of spies and pure evil. With shocking twists and turns at every moment, the story keeps readers hooked for months to come. Brubaker has a plan for all these characters, and if the stories continue to be of this caliber, count me in.

These are my favorite comic book series of 2008. It was a great year for comics, and 2009 looks to be just as interesting.

So, what do you think? Did I leave anything out? Agree or disagree with anything? Sound off in the comments and let me know your thoughts!

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