It’s been a big month for DC, not least because Man of Steel made over 100 million dollars on its opening weekend, and also kind of blew up Twitter. While reviews of the film were mixed, the enthusiastic attendance meant that a sequel was greenlit right away.
In other DC news, and speaking of Superman, this month also marked the release of the highly anticipated “Superman Unchained”, which got a solid 8.0 from us. And it looks like Greg Pak, who wrote the well-received “Batman/Superman” #1, is all set to team up with Aaron Kuder and take over “Action Comics”. We also have a Superman/Wonder Woman team-up book to look forward to.
Marvel, of course, made its fair share of big announcements this month. After much teasing, it looks like Al Ewing and Greg Land will be bringing us “Mighty Avengers”. We also got the exciting news that Matt Kindt of “Mind MGMT” fame will be working on a “Contest of Champions” revival of sorts in “Infinity: The Hunt”. “Infinity: The Heist”, a grim-looking mini written by Frank Tieri and illustrated by Al Barrionuevo, is also in the cards. Last but certainly not least, Joshua Hale Fialkov and Leonard Kirk are all set for “Hunger”, a miniseries that follows up on the events of “Age of Ultron”.
As for indie announcements, some great returns are in store, with Greg Rucka returning to espionage series “Queen and Country” and Jason Pearson coming back to “Body Bags”. (Rucka also wowed us this month with the Michael Lark-illustrated “Lazarus”).
Best Book of the Month: Hawkeye #11
A comic that’s 90% flowcharts, 100% charming, and about as creative a take on the silent issue as you’re likely to find, the eleventh issue of “Hawkeye” was all Pizza Dog perspective, all the time. As it turned out, a dog’s eye view of Hawkeye’s building gave us a revealing angle into the murder mystery at hand; it was also just a lot of fun. The only drawback here is that Pizza Dog doesn’t – and will never, unless the bosses at Marvel completely lose their heads – have his own series. RUFF RUFF RUFF, indeed.
Runner-Up: Lazarus #1
Best Writer: Joe Casey
I had my doubts about this series at first, but “Sex” is shaping up to be one of the more interesting comics of the year. Building on a “Watchmen”-like premise, but forfeiting any real semblance of plot, what we’re left with is a slow, thoughtful, seedy but often quite philosophical look at the world of desire and boredom. There’s no telling where this story will go next, but we do know it’ll be existential and dire and full of ennui. You can take that to the bank!
Runner-Up: Greg Rucka
Best Artist: Sean Murphy
We’re only two issues in to “The Wake”, but Sean Murphy is already blowing us away with magnificently detailed and precise work on a story that gains so much by a careful hand. I mean, the sea creatures alone are worth the price of admission. And after the non-stop excellence that was “Punk Rock Jesus”, it’s great to see Sean Murphy’s work again — particularly when it looks like this series is going to be just as much fun.
Runner-Up: David Aja, because flowcharts, guys
Best Cover: Amala’s Blade #3
Okay, so maybe I’m a sucker for purple cyberpunk dragons. Aren’t we all?
Best Scene: Five Ghosts #4
An old fashioned thief vs. dream-samurai showdown, so damn atmospheric and pulpy and beautifully laid out that the whole thing is worth framing and hanging on your wall. “Five Ghosts” has been a wild, diverse, globe-trotting ride so far, but this journey into Fabian’s own head is quite likely the most exciting caper yet. Plus Chris Mooneyham’s art is kind of too good to be allowed.
Damn right that’s a pass.
Runner-Up: The “Stop shooting! You suck!” shenanigans from “Private Eye” #3.
Best Book You Probably Overlooked: Thumbprint #1
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Working off some troubling themes and establishing a heavy atmosphere, this Joe Hill adaptation about an American soldier who has just returned from a stint interrogating suspects in Abu Ghraib is an engaging and scary read. The soldier, Mallory, has done things she regrets, and while she would like to get back to her life as usual, it seems that somebody is watching her – somebody who knows what she’s done. Vic Malhotra’s art ratchets up the tension a good deal, laying out quietly eerie page after quietly eerie page. By the end of it all a strong feeling of overarching paranoia has been established, and it’s hard not to look forward to – and sort of dread – checking out the next chapter. It’s only three issues long, so don’t wait — jump on this quietly creepy little miniseries while you still can!
Best Reaction Face: Five Ghosts #4
Oh, like you’d be more composed if you encountered a fox WHO WAS WEARING YOUR FACE.
