August was a relatively low key month for comics. That is, if you classify the world’s most valuable comic book selling for over $3 million low key. In all likelihood, this development probably made a bigger splash in mainstream news media than the latest death of character X ever will.
Aside from this event, August also saw the release of the long gestating “The Multiversity,” thereby further justifying the continued existence of this fine comic journalism site. Not content to let DC hog the spotlight, Marvel continues to build steam for October’s “Axis,” releasing a ton of teasers and new information regarding the series, the best of which is arguably the existence of Kluh.
As always, it wouldn’t be a month in comics without a little bit of controversy. This month’s top contender (well, one of them, but I’d rather not get into the other one) is Milo Manara’s variant to the recently announced “Spider-Woman.” Manara is an immensely talented artist, and this sort of work falls square into his milieu, but it certainly says something when a Greg Land cover is a less provocative alternative.
Stepping away from the Big Two, August saw the launch of a number of noteworthy creator owned series like “The Fade Out,” “Wayward,” and “Hexed.” Meanwhile, Dark Horse relaunched their “Dark Horse Presents” anthology, just as the last of the various “Star Wars” series came to a close.
Finally, Jim Lee redesigned Boo Berry. With that in mind, lets take a look at the best and brightest of comics in August 2014.
Best Book: “The Multiversity” #1
No surprises here, the long, long wait finally paid off as Grant Morrison’s latest DC opus finally hit the stands. Myself, Multiversity’s fearless leader Matt Meylikhov, and countless others have taken an extreme amount of joy in joining Nix Uotan in the live dissection of this wildly imaginative and immensely fun romp through the DC universe. The triumphant return of Nix, Captain Carrot, and President Superman is fantastically complemented by newcomers like Dino Cop and Thunderer. Factor in Ivan Reis, delivering super heroic artistry worthy of following in the footsteps of George Perez’s turn on “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” and you have what is undoubtedly the biggest Big Two in recent memory.
Best Writer: Grant Morrison
The master of mind bending meta-fiction returns, and boy does he not disappoint. Whatever qualms you may have had with “Final Crisis,” it was an undeniable love letter to DC Comics. Morrison continues to share that love, exploring obscure bits and pieces of the DC universe through a prismatic lens. Using not one true mainstream denizen of the DCU, Morrison begins an epic story that looks to rival “Crisis on Infinite Earths” for sheer unbridled wonder.
Best Artist: Matteo Scalera
As if his breathtaking work on “Black Science” month in and out wasn’t enough, Scalera’s turn on “Batman” #34 is a revelation. Scalera’s dark, gritty line work calls back to the fantastic Jock issues from Snyder’s “Detective Comics.” Scalera is joined by fellow “Black Science” collaborator Lee Loughridge, whose dull, muted colors are an instant fit for Gotham City. As much as everyone is enjoying Capullo’s work on the book, I definitely wouldn’t mind to see this team take the reins more often.
[Edit: As an astute fan pointed out, Loughridge is actually the regular colorist for “Deadly Class,” not “Black Science.”]Runner Up: Darwyn Cooke (All-Star Western #34)Best Cover: “The Multiversity” #1 Variant by Chris Burnham
A good cover homage is often hard to come by, especially with such iconic imagery as the cover to “Action Comics” #1. However, I submit for your consideration Captain Carrot, savior of super hero comics. Oh, and that mustachioed cat, how is the internet even working at this point? Seriously though, the cover’s composition, combined with the gorgeous colors, faux aging, and striking “Multiversity” trade dress, makes this one the best covers of the month.
Best Comeback: “Dark Horse Presents” #1
The previous incarnation of “Dark Horse Presents” was a terrific anthology, showcasing a wide variety of creators, launching a number of well received stories, and featuring terrific production value. However, the $7.99 price tag for a monthly title made it a tad bit intimidating. Now, the series returns with a svelte reboot, packing equally impressive production and creative talent, and for a lower price tag to boot! If Dark Horse can keep up this level of quality, this will easily become a must have staple for every self-respecting comic reader.
Continued belowBest New Image #1: “The Fade Out” #1
Yes, there are enough new Image #1’s each month to warrant its own category in “This Month in Comics.” “The Fade Out” could easily just be classified as more of the same from the incomparably successful duo of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips — which, of course, would be a complement. This crime drama set in Hollywood in the late 1948’s presents a compelling hook and disturbing mystery that will surely be the talk of the comic community for months to come. “The Fade Out” #1 also makes the passing of “Fatale” just a little more bearable.
