A lot happened in May – two huge company-wide events began (‘Rebirth’ and “Civil War II”), two hugely controversial events occurred (in the pages of “DC Universe: Rebirth” #1 and “Captain America” #1), and a bunch of great comics were released. Keep reading for a rundown of what I thought were the best parts of the past thirty one days of comics.
Best Issue: “DC Universe: Rebirth” #1
Since I was eight years old, the characters of the DC Universe have been a part of my family. Geoff Johns seems to have the same affinity and love for these characters and has written some of the best comics set in the DCU (his “Flash” and “Justice Society of America” runs being just a few examples). With the advent of the New 52, Johns and many readers were dismayed by the erasure of legacy. In “DC Universe: Rebirth” #1, it’s refreshing to see this massive issue as both a manifesto and celebration of DC’s past and bright future. It’s also an apology for the missteps of the New 52. The explanation for why the DCU transformed into something so different and why characters lost their memories is pure genius as well as audacious. We need imagination and audacity in our comics and Johns gave it to us. Who would have suspected the twist involving Dr. Manhattan? For those anticipating a battle between the Watchmen and the Justice League, fear not. Johns has stated that Dr. Manhattan is not a villain, but is instead an antagonist.
The responses I’ve seen from both long-time readers and relatively new ones have been ones of pure joy. Some are even returning to try out their favorite characters once again. A new reader I know was intrigued by elements of the DCU she had no knowledge about (such as the Legion ring) and looked forward to finding out more as the new series being launched begin to progress. Great comics, like this one, are supposed to succeed at many things. “DC Universe: Rebirth” #1 does them all. It focuses on great characters, genuinely moves and surprises us, and leaves us hopeful for the future. It doesn’t hurt that Gary Frank, Ethan Van Sciver, Ivan Reis, and Phil Jimenez bring this game-changing book to gorgeous life.
Runner-Up: “Justice League” #50
Best Writer: Geoff Johns
Geoff Johns gave us a double whammy in May with “Justice League” #50 and “DC Universe: Rebirth” #1. With both books, he not only hit us with shocking revelations but did them in service to the story and characters. He made us care about our favorite characters, from Wonder Woman’s love and bravery in “Justice League” to Wally West’s journey back to the DCU in “DC Universe: Rebirth”. “Justice League” demonstrated his ability to juggle many characters while giving them all moments to shine. “DC Universe Rebirth” was a behemoth of a book that lived up to its expectations. For those who say it has no plot, I saw exactly what Johns himself said in an interview. He meant for the focus to be less on plot and more on character. It could have been a jumbled mess of a reboot but was instead a natural and audaciously creative course correction that brought us back to the characters we love and their worlds in an intensely emotional way.
Runner-Up: Tom King
Best Artist: Jason Fabok
“Justice League” #50 is an artistic tour de force from Jason Fabok. This extra-sized issue demonstrates his range, where emotion drips from every page and panel. Geoff Johns gives Fabok the epic responsibility of setting up the Justice League’s (as well as much of the DC Universe’s) future going forward with its rebirth. This is not only the finale of the New 52 but the finale to a writer/artist partnership that melded perfectly. Both writer and artist are adept at expressing the personal through the epic and grounding characters that are larger than life. Fabok particularly did this well with his Wonder Woman. Diana, in the final issue and throughout the run, always exuded the qualities of a hero. She was regal, strong, embracing of her femininity, and compassionate. She cared for and defended her friends. Fabok only got better with each issue and “Justice League” #50 stands tall with “DC Universe Rebirth” #1 as the best of the year because of him.
Continued belowRunner-Up: Matt Kindt
Best Colorist: Sharlene Kindt
The majestic and mysterious watercolors of “Dept. H” #2 are the work of a brilliant colorist. I’m elated that Sharlene Kindt has a high profile book in which to demonstrate her talent and show how colorists can be equal storytellers with a book’s artist. Writer/artist Matt Kindt’s work on this issue is impressive itself, yet Sharlene’s contributions bring to us the mystery and otherworldliness of the ocean depths. She deserves more than an award. She deserves a chance to make her mark on other future titles.
Best Cover: “Dark Knight III: The Master Race” #4 hardcover edition
Jim Lee’s sketch cover is one of the best pieces of work from him that I’ve seen in a long time. With wild eyes and his trusty lipstick, the Joker appears ready to burst from the cover’s cage and defile us with that tube of makeup.
Best First Issue: “Future Quest” #1
I went into “Future Quest” #1 only having knowledge of Jonny Quest because of his old cartoons. The other characters were either new to me or I had heard their names in passing over the years. After first read, I was hooked on this book because of how much fun and imagination writer Jeff Parker and artists Evan “Doc” Shaner and Steve Rude put into this story. It’s definitely an all-ages book, yet one that lacks the stigma of that term. It’s intelligent, fun, and full of grand adventure and comic book science.
Best Final Issue: “Omega Men” #12
We are lucky that writer Tom King was allowed to finish his epic and intricate political space tale involving the Omega Men and Kyle Rayner. Now that we know Tom King is going straight to a big gig after this (“Batman”), artist Barnaby Bagenda needs to find a place in the DCU. His art is haunting and unlike anything out in the comic-verse. The entire “Omega Men” team concluded this series perfectly and left us contemplating many concepts, such as politics and war, that aren’t usually found in superhero comics.
Best Emotional Moment: The Reunion of Wally West and Barry Allen
The waterworks began once I turned the page and saw this moment. Artist Phil Jimenez and colorist Gabe Eltaeb probably gave us the most satisfying reunion of the year. Legacy and love in just one hug.
