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This Month In Comics: August 2013

By | September 3rd, 2013
Posted in Columns | % Comments

Boy, what a month August was.

I spent my month with the likes of Neil Gaiman, Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie and Grant Morrison at Edinburgh’s Stripped celebration of comic books, but you’ll be hearing more about that soon enough. While I was doing that, there was something else everyone was talking about. And getting angry about. And that was Warner Bros.’s decision to cast Ben Affleck as Batman in the as yet untitled Man Of Steel sequel. Which really should be called Man Of Steel: Electric Boogaloo.

Marvel Studios then fired shots back with their announcement that James Spader will be playing Ultron in The Avengers: Age Of Ultron to a resounding chorus of “Wait… what?!” No one yet knows the extent of Spader’s role will have, but after the success of Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk I wouldn’t be surprised if they opt for voice and motion capture of Spader. Now, if only they’d nix those Coulson as Vision rumours…

While there weren’t any big comic announcements this month (because they all happened last month), there are a few worth noting. For example, Dark Horse teased a return to Firefly comics and Paul Dini’s “Black Canary/Zatanna” graphic novel with Joe Quinones is finally coming out. That was about it, actually.

Oh yeah, and Kick-Ass 2 happened. Let’s all pretend it didn’t.

Best Book: Infinity #1

You know how people often complain that Superhero Events are all flash in the pan with no real substance or consequence? And how they’ve been reduced to by-the-numbers yearly series where, for no reason, everyone suddenly dislikes each other and someone inevitably dies? Well, look no further, than Jonathan Hickman’s “Infinity” to see what we’ve been missing for so often.

We’ve had only one issue of this and it’s already the best event since… oh, I don’t know, “Secret Wars”?

Runner Up: “Thor: God Of Thunder” #12

Best Writer: Jason Aaron

Thought I was going to say Jonathan Hickman? Well, you’d be wrong because HOLY CHRIST HAVE YOU READ “THOR: GOD OF THUNDER”? Aaron has been writing the single best Thor book I’ve seen since Walt Simonson almost single-handedly revolutionised the character. He brings an epic narrative, deft weaving of intricate characterisation and some of the most inventive ideas I’ve ever seen in comics. This man can do no wrong.

Runner Up: Nathan Fairbarin, for making me cry ugly tears over Raven Red

Best Artist: Jeff Lemire

Good lord, “Trillium” was beautiful. While Lemire is writing his butt off with New 52, he came along and quietly reminded us all of just how great an artist he was with “Trillium”. Lemire created an entirely unique alien landscape while evoking images of serialised adventures with the heart of a jungle and blended them into one narrative thanks to a genius book design. More like this, please.

Best Cover: “The Legend Of Luther Strode” #6 by Tradd Moore

If there was any doubt as to whether Tradd Moore is one of the best new artists in the comics industry, the should have erased it. Just marvel in it’s beauty for a second, will you?

Best Digital Series: Sub-Atomic Party Girls #2

If you ever needed a reason to read this series, know this: I only just realised that the title is a pun on subatomic particles. I don’t know why it took me so long, but it only solidified my choice. This might be the most fun comic out right now.

Best Don’t Call It A Comeback: Secret #3

I don’t actually have another joke to go with this other than to say that I’m really glad this is back. The more Hickman books I can get per month, the better.

Best Tear-Filled Farewell: Journey Into Mystery #655

No, mom, I won’t shut up about how upset I am that this is ending. It’s tragic and depressing and I will miss it so much. I WANT IT BACK.


//TAGS | This Month In Comics

Alice W. Castle

Sworn to protect a world that hates and fears her, Alice W. Castle is a trans femme writing about comics. All things considered, it’s going surprisingly well. Ask her about the unproduced Superman films of 1990 - 2006. She can be found on various corners of the internet, but most frequently on Twitter: @alicewcastle

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