February is the shortest month of the year but that doesn’t mean there weren’t some great comics. As usual, once I finish writing this, I realize that I probably missed something because, surprise, I read a lot of comics. This month had a few very memorable launches but mostly everything just kept moving. Let’s jump into the very best that comics gave us in February.
Best Issue: “The Wild Storm” #1 by Warren Ellis and Jon Davis – Hunt
The Wildstorm Universe is a blindspot for me as I only got into comics in the late 2000’s so I had some trepidation going into this. After reading this, I’m completely on board this ride this creative team wants to take us on. It isn’t your typical, DC superhero fare and like the Young Animal line, this feels like something special and more creatively driven.
Best Writer: Mariko Tamaki
Tamaki is very quietly writing two amazing superhero book at Marvel and DC. “Supergirl: Being Super” isn’t exactly reinventing the character but it is the most modern feeling Supergirl story in a very long time. “Hulk,” on the other hand, has been a total shocker to me in how good its been. Without throwing out all the humor the character is known for, Tamaki has been able to tell a really emotional tale that looks at the mental destruction that being a superhero can cause.
Best Artist: Tula Lotay “All – Star Batman” #7
“All-Star Batman” has been really good so far and a lot of that has come down to the freedom it has in both the stories it tells and the revolving artists. Each artist has been able to play to their strengths and that’s so apparent with Lotay on this issue. She gets to create the most dreamy pages with allure and sex appeal that feels like its from another time. I’ve never been a huge Poison Ivy fan but this issue made me a believer.
Best Colorist: Kelly Fitzpatrick
Between “Shade, The Changing Girl”, “Bitch Planet” and “Rockstars”, Kelly Fitzpatrick is everywhere these days doing some fantastic color work. She has the ability to do pretty much anything a script calls for and with “Shade” especially, she’s giving every book she touches a very distinct feeling that only she can provide.
Best First Issue: “Quantum Teens Are Go” by Magdalene Visaggio and Eryk Donovan
Magdalene Visaggio had a hit on her hands with “Kim & Kim” and with artist Eryk Donovan, she’s followed it up with something just as awesome. “Quantum Teens Are Go” is a cute, sci fi romance that while different from “Kim & Kim” in tons of ways, still has the same, wonderful sense of humor.
Best Collection: “Official Art of Big Trouble In Little China”
With a foreward by John Carpenter and MONDO’s involvement, this is a book that’s a must have, definitive guide for any fan of the film. This is a film that is so remembered and driven by its visual elements so getting an in depth look at how it all came together would probably make for a really interesting read even if you haven’t seen the film.
Best Comic Book TV Show: Riverdale on The CW
You thought Legion would make it here but it just shows how much you underestimate the greatness of Riverdale. I grew up watching soap operas on ABC with my mom. I loved the backstabbing, the twists and turns, the absurd, and larger than life characters. Riverdale fills the void these shows have left but with the hefty weight and budget that comes with a primetime drama. I’ve all but given up on all the network superhero shows but this one has me hooked and it’s my most looked forward to show every week.
Special Award For Best Pun: WWE #2
Triple H has a boat and it is called the Sea-rebral Assassin. Of course I’m still laughing about this. It is a perfect pun and I appreciate it so much.
