It’s been a big month for beginnings and endings, which is about what you’d expect from January. Image Expo happened, bringing the usual slew of exciting announcements, and then, just to keep us happy, Image released a bunch of #1s for free.
There was also some weird stuff: Matt Fraction advising on a graphic novel sequel to Fight Club, and “Hawkeye” being released out of order. Wait, why do those both involve Fraction? A conspiracy is afoot. Meanwhile, in a move to boost “Rachel Rising” sales, Terry Moore wants to kill one of us.
So, you know. Pretty standard comic stuff. So far as highlights go…
Best Book of the Month: “Deadly Class” #1
Gritty and smoky all the way through, “Deadly Class” proved a neat spin on the idea of a school for assassins and a pretty wrenching read all on its own. It was also surprising, with the issue immersing us in a non-fantastical world before catching us off-guard us with something much more weird. That’s not even to mention Wesley Craig’s kinetic art, which evokes the sense of place and time with flair. It’s early days, but already “Deadly Class” is looking like something special.
Runner-Up: “Sex Criminals” #4 because that comic can do no wrong.
Best Writer: Rick Remender
Between the aforementioned and the third issue of “Black Science”, it’s been a good month for Rick Remender – and a pretty diverse one, when you think about it. But while the subject matter is divergent, you can’t deny the introspective, even existential appeal that “Deadly Class” and “Black Science” share – not to mention the focus on misfits and malcontents. I can’t to wait to see where either of these badass series goes.
(Also, “Low” looks like it’s going to be amazing.)
Runner-Up: Charles Soule on “Letter 44”.
Best Artist: Chris Mooneyham
Chris Mooneyham’s pulp-inspired work on “Five Ghosts” continues to be inspiring and magnetic, with every page coming across as a beautifully composed and textural piece of art. Meanwhile, this “Lost Coastlines” arc is looking like an excuse to put Fabian Gray in ever more swashbuckling poses, and I don’t think anybody is complaining.
Runner-Up: Jonathan Luna for his crisp and eerie work on “Alex + Ada”.
Best Cover: “Revival” #17
I will never not love Jenny Frison’s covers – they’re iconic and understated and add a nice touch of Gothic to an already pretty chilling series.
Saddest Goodbye (yes this is a category shut up): “Young Avengers” #15
I’m verklempt!
Runner-Up: “Saga” #18 (happily temporary)
Best Book You Probably Overlooked: “Juice Squeezers” #1
Boisterous, surreal, and YA-friendly in the best of ways, the first chapter of this miniseries from “Runaways” creator David Lapham pretty much hit the nail on the head. There’s nothing quite like watching tough, pragmatic kids kicking ass and taking names in their hometown, and the eerie desert setting steps up the atmosphere even more. If you know a kid who liked Holes, this might be a nice bridge-to-comics read for them. Just be sure to borrow it back for yourself.
Runner-Up: Furious #1
Best Reaction Face(s): “Sex Criminals” #4
Cumworld will never be the same.
