This is it. This is the grand poobah of our 2012 in Review series, as we crown the Best Ongoing Series of 2012. As per usual, there were ties, so this ends up being the Top 13 Ongoings of the year, but I’m sure you won’t complain.
I do want to point out one strange occurrence that we’ve never seen before: there were a smattering of new in 2012 books that made the list. Last year we had zero completely new books. In 2012? FIVE such titles made it. I think that just speaks to the incredible amount of original storytelling that is coming our way each and every year in comics, and from what I’ve seen? 2013 has even more in store for us.
Thanks for reading our 2012 in Review series, and please, share your favorite ongoings in the comments.
10 (tie). Locke & Key
Why it ranks (Matt Meylikhov): “Locke and Key” is one of those books everyone should own/read/love/celebrate, truth be told. Trying to explain its worth here in a paragraph seems difficult as well, because the easiest way to explain the excellence of the book is to share the book (which we did, kind of – with lots of spoilers). It’s one of those books that somehow flies under so many radars, but I’ve found that anyone who picks it up immediately becomes stuck in the world it shares, in a way that you never really want to leave — it’s just too good, too exciting, too enticing. While we’re in the last story now, there’s never been a better time to jump on board, as the five volumes on shelves make for an engrossing, suspenseful and most importantly fantasticawesomesauce goodness read. I was a bit of a late comer to “Locke and Key,” but better late than never (as they say), and the finale of “Locke and Key” to come next year is already slated to be one of the best stories/issues of the year, let alone having the potential to solidify “Locke and Key” as one of the best comics of all time. So, maybe you ought to go to the store and check it out if you haven’t already, yeah?
10 (tie). Wolverine and the X-Men
Why it ranks (Brandon Burpee): This is consistently one of the most solid X-Books on the market. I can’t help but compare it to Generation X which for a time was one of my favorite X-Books when it first launched. Chris Bachalo being present on the title does not hurt that comparison I am sure. Jason Aaron has given the book what feels like a lighter tone on the surface but when really looked at this book is full of heart and depth. Just look at the fan reaction to Broo getting blasted. Who says the market doesn’t care for new characters? I’d say this book proves that if you give the market new characters backed by solid art and writing you can and will reach an audience. Even an audience as fickle and unforgiving as X-Fans.
Can I also just point out that the artists on this book have been stellar?! Bachalo, Nick Bradshaw and Mike Allred all have been serious highlights on this book. Allred working on Doop for a whole issue again was enough for me to vote for this title.
10 (tie). Morning Glories
Why it ranks (Matt Meylikhov): Here’s a huge shocker: the site that hosts MGA Study Hall considers “Morning Glories” one of the best books of the year, and the guy who writes the darn article is here to tell you why. And, need I remind you, “Morning Glories” was on this last year as well, and will probably make it to the list every year we do articles like this until it ceases to exist. But in the end, is that a surprise to anyone? “Morning Glories” remains one of the most consistent books out there, and Joe, Nick and the gang are delivering a comic that not just benefits from time spent but demands multiple reads, in-depth analysis and group discussion. Truth be told, this is one of the few books that truly does its best to earn your money, because with so many comics out there that can be put away and forgotten after your read is done, each new issue of “Morning Glories” gives you reason to not just spend a half-hour reading and re-reading it but also a great excuse to go dig up older issues for cross-referencing. So, honestly, if you read comics and don’t read “Morning Glories,” you’re just not getting the most out of the medium that you possibly can.
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9. Hawkeye
Why it ranks (Nathanial Perkins): Honestly, at this point, what more can be said about Hawkguy? Only one book has made more appearances in our “2012 in Review” lists (we’ll get to that one later). Out of all of the artists in the comics industry, David Aja picked up the #2 spot on both interior art and cover art on the basis of this book alone (and a handful of other covers). It was one of only two books to take more than one spot in our “Best Issue” category (#4 and #8 for issues #2 and #3, respectively). It’s also taken the #2 spot in “Best New Series.” We’re not the only ones to notice; I’m pretty sure at this point 75% of Aja’s tweets are variations on “Aww, gee, thanks guys!” as all the end-of-year lists, reviews and accolades come in. In an earlier installment of “2012 in Review,” it earned numerous mentions from comics creators themselves as one of their favorite books of 2012. In my personal opinion, it’s the best superhero book out right now, from any publisher. All of this for a book about a character that many considered the weakest link in the Avengers. After all, all he does is shoot a bow, right?
Matt Fraction and David Aja have proved that he’s way more than just a bow. Yeah, he’s a normal guy like you and me, not some super-scientist, mutant, alien, or other super-powered being, but that’s what makes him special amongst the Avengers. Sure, he runs around with superheroes and takes on tracksuit mafiosos, but at the end of the day he’s a guy we can relate to. He takes a taxi around, he goes to barbecues with the neighbors, and when he falls off a building, he gets hurt. Bad. Fraction and Aja have recognized this fact and run with it, showing us how a normal guy like us has made himself worthy of the Avengers through sheer force of will, determination, and, of course, being the best goddamned archer in the world. Plus, the book’s just really effing good.
8. Punisher
Why it ranks (Drew Bradley): By many accounts, Greg Rucka’s take on Frank Castle is one of the best in the character’s history. Most of this, I think, is due to his Punisher being an overbearing presence instead of the central focus, and Rucka’s elevation of a new supporting cast to be the real stars of the book. Watching these diverse, realistic people react to Frank’s actions was much more engaging than just seeing the Punisher do his thing. The final issue was heartbreaking in numerous ways, and felt inevitable at the same time. If you missed out on this series, go back and check it out in hardcover or trade.
7. The Unwritten
Why it ranks (Walt Richardson): Last year was a building year for “The Unwritten,” and this was the year where it all came crashing back down. We have already told you that issue #35 was one of the best issues of the year, but it bears repeating how monumental it was for the series: for the first time in what seemed like ever, Mike Carey and Peter Gross were answering the big questions about Leviathan and Pullman, without at all relying too much on exposition. And then, just as we thought we knew what was going on… they changed all the rules. It was an incredible issue that could have earned the book a spot on this list even if it was the only issue to come out this year (in my mind, at least), but thankfully, there were plenty of other great ones. Whether we saw what a day in the life of a Cabal lacky is like in #35.5, a unicorn smack some nut around in #40, or Richie’s loss of faith in #41, this year was full of great issues that fans of the series will remember fondly upon its conclusion. True, after knocking everything down Carey and Gross had to rebuild everything, and while the arc following ‘Tommy Taylor and the War of the Words’ wasn’t quite as exciting, the current story set in the underworld has been a delight — especially after this week’s final page. Here’s to another great year, guys.
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5 (tie). Revival
Why it ranks (Vince Ostrowski): In the current world, where anything with “The Walking Dead” on it is blowing up and the horror genre is generally zombie-crazy, what do you do to set yourself apart as an ongoing work of horror storytelling? Well, having a compelling setting is probably the most noticeably strong aspect in this particular case. Take it from a proud Wisconsinite born and raised in the Wausau area – Tim Seeley and Mike Norton nailed the look and feel of rural life when they came up with “Revival.” The icy chill in the air. The visible breath. The vacant woods in the backdrop. The scantily occupied taverns. Everything about Winter in Wausau lends itself to the idea of a lonely, modest part of America where the strange and horrific seem especially out of place, creepy, and hopeless. Another way to set yourself apart is by having great characters. Dana Cypress is a headstrong female lead, but she is not a generic archetype. She has complex relationships with the other characters of the story that feed into the emotional beats and make for entertaining drama. Again, Seeley captures both the aggressively pleasant but unspectacular and the slightly off-kilter sorts of folks you would find in Central Wisconsin. Do I even have to mention what a coup it is to have Eisner award winner Mike Norton on board? His work here is familiar, but appropriately moodier and more grim than his concurrent work on “It Girl and the Atomics.” He wraps the grotesque in an unassuming package. And that’s what “Revival” has been this year: a series that nails the quaintness of midwestern life before showing you something otherworldly and terrifying.
5 (tie). MIND MGMT
Why it ranks (Mike Romeo): Matt Kindt’s Mind MGMT is an awesome kick in the pants for monthly comics. Instead of adhering to convention and writing for the trade, Kindt had taken that idea and flipped it. He’s decided he’s going to write for the single issue and explore its strengths. Cover to cover, this book is entirely Kindt. From the water color pages, to the back-ups, to the ads on the back, he does it all for this series. But it doesn’t end there! Keeping in theme with the title, each issue is littered with secret messages that enhance the story. And what a story it is! Mind MGMT explores the dark world of psychic espionage and all of its key players. Countries have teams of agents that can do everything from heal themselves, to change the mood of a crowd, to placing invisible messages in magazine ads that only specific people can find. This series is truly an achievement, and one of the best series on the shelves today.
4. Batman
Why it ranks (Brandon Burpee): Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have made this book a must buy for me through the year. The duo have introduced us to great new villains like the Court of Owls and have even put a fresh new coat, or face if you will, on classic characters. The team has clearly hit a stride with one another and their stories have been bringing the fanpeeps in droves throughout the year. In addition to them you also have backups featuring Jock on art which carries over the synergy that Snyder and Jock had on Detective Comics pre New 52.
I’ve absolutely loved this book and especially Death of the Family which to be is becoming one of the best Joker and Batman stories in the storied rivalry of these two fan favorite characters. The angle that Snyder has taken with the Joker and his relationship with Batman hasn’t been this good since a little story called A Killing Joke. I know that’s got the possibility of sounding the nerd rage alarm with some people but that is my honest opinion. The character work and the relationship definition between arguably one of not only comics but pop culture’s greatest hero and villain duo has been fantastic.
Honestly though this is comics and the art is every bit as important as the storytelling and Capullo has been no slouch throughout the year. His interior work has been absolutely chilling in spots and creepy in all of the best ways. The real deal sex appeal though has been the covers that Capullo has turned in for Death of The Family. Those covers have been mind-bendingly awesome.
Continued belowIf you aren’t reading this title you’re in need of a stay at Arkham my friends.
3. Manhattan Projects
Why it ranks (Brian Salvatore): What can I say about “The Manhattan Projects” that I don’t say 1,000 words at a clip every month?
I can say this – no book this year brought me more pleasure, both immediately and in the long term, than “The Manhattan Projects.” Issue by issue, the team of Jonathan Hickman and Nick Pitarra bring a twisted, funny, supremely fucked up take on some of the greatest scientists of the 20th century. Each page turn reveals another piece of Pitarra’s stunning art, from an innocent looking talking dog to a man eating his brother to “absorb” him. And over the long term, Hickman’s plotting and attention to detail make the book one that sticks with you, makes you think, and challenges your expectations of what can happen next.
2. B.P.R.D.
Why it ranks (Mike Romeo): It’s tough for an ongoing series to be consistently good month in and month out. Even tougher is to deliver big action and real character development simultaneously. Tough, but not impossible, and BPRD proves that. Unquestionably, 2012 was a big year for the series. Mignola, Arcudi and company cranked out twenty issues since the last time the ball dropped, crescendoing with this month’s Return of the Master mini series. The break-neck pace of the book serves a real storytelling purpose; the world is ending, and it’s happening very, very quickly. All the characters see it, and there is very little that can be done about it. In a way, this has always been a theme of the book, but this year it’s become painfully obvious to everyone involved. BPRD has also taken some opportunities to focus more on the humans in the Bureau, not letting every story depend on the more extraordinary characters we’ve all come to know and love over the last decade or so. BPRD is a challenging comic with incredible depth. If you’ve not taken the opportunity to dive into this unique title, the last year has given you plenty to get caught up on.
1. Saga
Why it ranks (David Harper): Come on people, what did you think was going to be here? Saga won the following categories from us:
– Best New Series
– Best Writer
– Best Artist
– Best Issue
Those are legitimately the only categories it qualified for…and it won them all. And deservedly so, as this book is the total package. Look at Wednesday’s 8th issue, for example. It was truly everything I could want from a comic. Brilliant character work, humor, the occasional action(ish) bit, fantastic art, surprising twists, naked giants, egg planets AND a talking seahorse agent. Did you read those things I listed out? This comic has a TALKING SEAHORSE AGENT.
I just can’t go on enough about how great this book is. I described it somewhat recently as a refreshing read. When I read other comics, sometimes it can be a chore. “Oh, we’re doing this again” or “That was weird” or “Will this comic ever end?!” come up far too often. With Saga? I never want it to end. It puts a smile on my face. It makes me care about the characters, and not just people like Alana, Marko or Hazel, but The Will and Lying Cat, or Prince Robot IV, or…shit, the talking seahorse agent! It’s the most impactful and entertaining comic of 2012. It hits me in all of the right places, and it works in all the right ways. This isn’t just the best comic of 2012 – this has the potential to be one of those pantheon comics that people discuss as the greatest ever.
Bravo to Brian K. Vaughan, Fiona Staples, Fonografiks, Eric Stephenson and everyone else involved. You were greeted with titanic expectations, and you just straight up crushed them.
