August is not usually a month that readers associate with big events, crossovers or even major new releases. It’s often the time in-between cons, where the comic book community has just gone through a lot and is waiting for the next big thing to hit. Because of that, it is even more reason to celebrate August 2018, as some true gems, reveals, and innovations have come our way. As usual, beware of spoilers down below, as I’ll be discussing some of the core elements that made these books the best on their areas and some of the most incredible reveals from last month.
Best Issue: “Gideon Falls” #6
A difficult choice among the multiple strong offerings that came our way in August, “Gideon Falls” #6 takes the prize for being at the same time a solid stand-alone issue and an excellent cap to the end of the first arc of this series. With a brilliant mash of plot and imagery by the Lemire and Sorrentino duo, “Gideon Falls” seemingly wraps the story and trauma most of the lead characters have gone through and open yet a new bag of mysteries for them to follow next. Sorrentino is elevating his game further with inventive explorations on how page and panel design can work, leading to some stunning layouts.
Best Writer: Matthew Rosenberg,”The Punisher” #1, “New Mutants: Dead Soul” #6, “Astonishing X-Men” #14, “Astonishing X-Men Annual” #1, “Multiple Man” #4.
With such a wide variety of writers in today’s marketplace, it becomes extremely hard to narrow down one creator on any given month in terms of contribution. However, when looking at August in terms of variety and consistent quality, I´ve had to go with Matthew Rosenberg, regardless of his recent focus on mainstream Marvel, rather than the indie work he was originally more known for. Rosenberg has tapped into diverse comic projects, focusing on different styles and genres. The horror-driven “New Mutants: Dead Soul” presented some truly disturbing content and developments. The science fiction tropes of time-travel on “Multiple Man” was a playful, light approach to what usually are mind-scratching moments that deal with alternate versions of superheroes. His ability to manage larger team dynamics, as seen in “Astonishing X-Men” (regular series an Annual) reinforced his sharp dialogue and understanding of individual’s character’s core elements. And his work on “Punisher” allowed him to display his dominion over narrative: in an issue that reads from the perspective of those impacted by the protagonist’s actions, rather than on the protagonist himself, the story flows dynamically well, building to a crescendo that absolutely pays off.
Best Artist: Ivan Reis, “Superman” #2
Perhaps even harder than a writer to pick a winner, there is a lot of subjectivity when selecting an artist in today’s environment of so many talented individuals and style. But when thinking about comics, and the sheer potential of the medium visually, its larger-than-life situations, world-building and action, Ivan Reis stands out. His splash pages seem something out of a movie (if in doubt, go check his spread over Tanager), his facial expressions are heartfelt and unique (like Rogol’s constant rage), his narrative flow, despite all the bells and whistles, fluid. His more recent work on “Superman” has been nothing short of astounding, reminding readers of the unbridled fun that comics can be.
Best New Series: “Pearl”
Giving praise to Bendis and Gaydos, at this stage of their joint efforts, seems mundane at best and pandering at worst. But what can one do when this duo is so good together? Their latest release, “Pearl” #1 (by Jinxworld and published by DC) is what every new series should aim for. It quickly introduces characters that feel immediately recognisable and intriguing, it offers a compelling backstory, challenges and mysteries and it does so wrapped in some of the most amazing art packages of the year. Realistic and incredible styles take turns in telling different moments of the story, from most of the grounded present, the fading memories of the past and the over-the-top action sequences. It is a new beginning that as soon as it reaches its last page makes readers wish they are actually going through a collection or OGN, just so they can continue the tale immediately.
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Best Last-Page Reveal: “Gideon Falls” #6
Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino have delivered gold continuously with their collaborations, first with “Green Arrow,” then with “Old Man Logan,” but it was truly with “Gideon Falls” that their synergy hit a whole new level. The tale of two obsessed men feeling the influence of the supernatural Black Barn, and how it affects the small town of Gideon Falls and of an unnamed metropolis far away was fantastic. Part ‘Twin Peaks,’ part Stephen King, “Gideon Falls” was a true page-turner for its first 6-issue arc. And then, as readers start to get a feeling they are understanding what is going on… they are hit by the reveal that said metropolis and Gideon Falls are one and the same, separated by years or even decades. What has made the town into what it is now, and how that seedy underbelly has now been magnified and gloated, are surely compelling reasons for readers to head back for the second arc. Amazing stuff.
Best Unusual Angle Shot: “The Punisher” #1
How do you top the insane action that a book like “The Punisher” brings to the table? Rosenberg, Kudranski, and Fabela hit the ground running and exploding as Frank Castle returned to his old weaponry, but still kept his eyes on bigger game (alas, poor Mandarin). In an already beautifully drawn issue, Kudranski then reveals this amazing shot of a hapless goon, holding his motorcycle helmet… as his visor is the only thing revealing all the mayhem and murder around him.
Best New Concept: “Crowded”
In this age of digital influence, social polarity over any possible subject and an overall feeling that humanity’s empathy is taking a nose-dive, the concepts presented in “Crowded” really hit close to home. In a society where anything can be crowd-funded and when people lose sight of their individual contribution to a greater evil, how far can we be from assassin’s for hire for trivial, mundane reasons? This satirical book explores the absurd of this premise, but it is precisely where the grays areas of ridiculous and potential converge that this new series has its best moments.
Best (Worst?) Unkept Promise: “Fantastic Four” #1
Years without a published issue. A lead-in series that respectfully treated two of its core members on their own adventures. A marketing campaign highlighting how awesome they are all together. So when their new number 1 finally hits, we get to see the reunited “Fantastic Four” family right on the first page! No? On the last one, maybe? Also no. Okay, the issue was quite good, with the importance of Marvel’s first family getting the respect it deserves and, yes, we know we will see them on issue #2… but that little Impossible Man back-up short story rang too true to dispel that “I can’t believe they did it” feeling.
