How do you sum up July in comics? There was only the biggest comic convention in the world, is all, and while it wasn’t the best year for announcements, there’s still plenty to discuss. We also lost an Eisner – which puts us in fine company, I gotta say.
One surprise was the announcement of a female Thor. Not at SDCC, natch, but on The View. Stephen Colbert was a slightly more conventional bearer of news, unveiling our new Captain America.
In other non-con news, July marked the release of some huge titles. A graphic novel by that guy who wrote Scott Pilgrim came out, and we were in lesbians with it. And while it only hit theatres on August 1st, there’s no denying the buzz that surrounded Guardians of the Galaxy. In that spirit, July was our Guardians Month in support of Bill Mantlo; find out how to contribute over here.
On to the comics.
Best Issue: “Abe Sapien” #14
This issue did a beautiful job tying together threads from this storyline and storylines past. It was also emotional, getting us (and Abe) in a dark place by the end. (Max Fiumara really crushed that final panel.) There’s something to be said for a chapter that has something for longtime fans and newcomers alike, and this was just the ticket.
Best Writer: Kieron Gillen, “The Wicked + the Divine” #2
I’m beginning to suspect that however beautifully executed this series is, it’s not my cup of tea. And I may go to reviewer hell for writing that. But my personal preferences notwithstanding, it’s hard to ignore the strength of Gillen’s concept here, and the deft way it’s being developed. Adolescence and godhood are by no means incompatible states, and more than capitalize on that metaphor, Gillen finds ways to transcend it, commenting on the banal aspects of being young as well as the dramatic ones. It’s also kind of turning into a detective story? There’s a lot to chew on.
Runner-Up: Matt Fraction on “Satellite Sam”. Press seems to have calmed down around this series, but with its creeping pace and subtle character work, it still surprises. And disturbs.
Best Artist: Ben Templesmith, “The Squidder” #1
It’s a treat to see Templesmith’s work again, and on this Cthulhu-inspired story, it’s as surreal, chaotic and luminous as ever. Surprisingly few tentacles, too – this first issue was all about the scene-setting and atmosphere.
Runner-Up: Jamie McKelvie’s work on “The Wicked + the Divine” – it’s finding both qualities in spades in every colourful character that shows up.
Best Cover: “Batwoman” #33
Stark, eye-catching, and true to the aesthetic of the series. It might be an overused formula for the Batman franchise in general, but Rafael Albuquerque made this iteration of it sing.
Most Overlooked Issue: “The Life After” #1
It’s not a perfect issue, but the way Gabo’s funky art fleshed out Joshua Hale Fialkov’s tightly-woven script made it an absorbing, intellectual read. I’ve also got absolutely no idea where it’s going, which is a nice place to be after reading a first issue.
Best Reaction Face (Subtle Edition): The Life After #1
You’re going to have to click to get the full effect of this one, but – Hemingway is mildly curious, you guys.
