My favourites of 2022!

In honesty, the idea of sharing my best comics of the year isn't really something I focus on.

This is usually because with Pipedream Comics always doing a top 50 Comics of (insert year here), the idea of me doing the same or similar has always felt somewhat redundant.

However, as this year there is no 'top 50 comics' and, given that there might not be again going forward, I figured I'd take some time and just talk about my favourite Comics through the year.

So, here we go ...

Favourite Comic: Do A Powerbomb! - I've yet to read the final issue as I write this, so there is a chance that the finale has totally ruined it. However, after six issues, I think it's fair to say that Daniel Warren Johnson's wrestling epic is my favourite Comic this year. It has been truly captivating, heartfelt and the artwork is just truly fitting in its kinetic-ness. I dunno if I expected anything this good when I picked it up, but am I glad I did.

Most surprising comic: X-Terminators - I remember when I first saw X-Terminators in the solicits, its concept jumped out at me. However, with more and more opinions going against it, I found myself going back on my initial enthusiasm. Therefore, three issues in Leah Williams had surprised me with just how much hilarity and fun this mini series is. True, it took time for me to ease into it, but this is a series which doesn't mind not taking itself too seriously and, for that, I'm glad I stuck with my initial Instincts.

Favourite cover: Jen Bartel's She-Hulk #7 (although all of them could easily be roped in there) - Rainbow Rowell's She-Hulk series is a good series for the most part (I wont lie, some issues dip below the quality line in my eyes) but, I must confess, when I look at those Jen Bartel covers every month, I'm filled with enthusiasm for the upcoming issue, regardless of what happened last time. Of all of them so far  issue 7, with it's eighties noir-ish aesthetic, has captivated me the most, although I do wonder if the covers further down the line will simply be better still.

Favourite story arc: The Taking of Baxter 1.2.3.4. (Fantastic Four#47-48) - While Dan Slott's run was ... interesting, probably the best story arc of 2022 was what came after it. I'm a big fan of David Pepose's work (Spencer and Locke and Scout's Honor in particular) and so when I saw he was doing a two issue tie-in to Judgement Day, I was already excited beyond belief. However, even that excitement level couldn't compare to how good this superhero homage to Die Hard was. I thought Pepose produced a blinder of a story that focused on the most underutilised FF member Sue Storm, while artist Juann Cabal's style was so slick that I couldn't help but be mesmerized. Now, the second issue didn't quite hold up to the first but, between them, this was undoubtedly my favourite story of the year and a great prelude to whet my appetite for Ryan North's run.

Favourite trade: Superman Red and Blue - I read a lot of trades during 2022, although almost none of them were released this year. However, out of everything I did read, it was all the way back at the beginning of the year and Superman Red and Blue and its hopeful selection of two tone stories which continued to stick in my mind. In a year of ups and downs for the Man of Steel, I never forget how much this trade reminded of how great a character Superman is.

And with that, 2022 is done (well, except for my December comics, which I hope to pick up next week).

Now, roll on 2023 and all the new comics it brings.

DCeased

The last week or so has been a tough week, as I tried to find time to read all of my outstanding comics in a timely fashion.

Christmas prep is the main culprit, which first of all put me behind in my own schedule when I read my November Pull List comics. Then, as a side effect to this, my plan to read one of my new birthday trades was put back a little (aptly assisted by work troubles).

However, despite the delays, I'm finding myself getting back into reading (something I had lost lustre for earlier in 2022) and my next read didn't damage this new found enthusiasm.

Choosing the larger of the two, I checked out Tom Taylor's DCeased, which saw Taylor and a bevy of artists create DC's answer to Marvel Zombies when the DC universe is attacked by a Techno-organic variant of the Anti-Life equation, causing all who look upon it through their electronic devices to lose control and become mindless, rage-filled zombie-like creatures, eager to extinguish life wherever they can find it. Now, as this virus takes a hold of the population of Earth, as well as Heroes and Villains alike, the survivors must come together to find a way of either containing this contagion, or escaping it.

I'm a big fan of Tom Taylor's DC work in the past. I loved his turn on the Earth 2 series during the New 52 as well as his work on Injustice (I've yet to read Son of Kal-El, where he (hopefully) has finally written a 'good' Superman). Therefore, the knowledge that he had written this series, coupled with so many recommendations for it throughout time, really had me intrigued about it.

Well, I've read it now and, I've got to admit, if speed at which you read a book is an indicator of it's quality, then DCeased is a truly awesome series. Over the course of the weekend just gone, I've found myself absolutely devouring (pun intended) this 'zombie' comic at every given opportunity. What I loved about it was, in a similar fashion to the Walking Dead, Taylor really ramps things up to eleven, not allowing any character, regardless of fame (or infamy) or obscurity a possibility of safety. Everyone was at risk in this series.

However, unlike TWD and even Marvel Zombies, I think what really helped me connect to this series was the origin of the 'virus', something rarely (if at all) referenced in those other titles. Because of this, it helps give the story a sense of grounding (well, as much as you can get in a superhero/zombie comic). Otherwise, this story feels fast paced (probably why I read it so fast), giving a sense of (legitimate) urgency to circumstances as well as a real brutality as Taylor gives characters some really drawn out deaths and powerful revelations.

Meanwhile, the art throughout the series from Trevor Hairsine, Stefano Gaudiano and the entire art team reminds me of a very Rags Morales look, specifically from the Identity Crisis mini-series. However, while the art here has this look, making it quintessentially DC, there is also something 'off' about it, with every panel after the initial 'infection' looking almost warped in a way. In a sense, it's like I'm looking at a regular DC comic through a cracked or warped window, enhancing the sense of horror and unease.

Now, the story wasn't entirely neat, as it left me with a couple of questions, particularly the beginning (the aspect of this new Anti-Life virus compared to what I remember seeing in Final Crisis) as well as the finale.

However, these do little to change the fact that this was a riveting and deeply engrossing story. That said, it was pretty heavy going. I mean, it felt like the '12 Years a Slave' of comics. It was good, but I'm not sure I could read it again due to it's brutality.

In the end though, this was a phenomenal comic series, that I'm glad I was given the chance to read.

Hopefully it doesn't make Scarenthood pale in comparison.

From the Pipedream Archives: Review - Damsels from D.I.S.T.R.E.S.S. #2-3 & Bete Noir #2-3 (The Andrew Clemson Double Bill)

I've got time to kill so I figured I'd post another write up from the Archives. This time, it's something of a double bill on a pair of comics from one man (well three, there are two great artists too) as I re-post my thoughts on Damsels from D.I.S.T.R.E.S.S. and Bete Noir.

Enjoy!!

"Andrew Clemson is a rare sort of creator within small press circles. While most opt to focus on one project at a time, Clemson currently has two series being released almost simultaneously, with Kickstarters for both of his titles, Damsel from D.I.S.T.R.E.S.S. and Bete Noir, always running one to two months after the other. Now, having previously reviewed the first issues for both and with campaigns for new issues undoubtedly just around the corner, I have decided to do a round up and catch up for both series to see if they still hold the magic further into their stories.

Damsel from D.I.S.T.R.E.S.S. #2-3 picks up where issue one left off, as Bec and her accidental squire Dave picking up Bec's mission to rescue a Dwarven princess, despite the hesitancy of the Dwarven King in Bec's ability in the recovery. However, aided by the Princess' shieldmaiden, Brunhilde, Bec's mission leads her to the border between life and death, and a reunion with a man she long thought the latter.

Much like its opening installment, Damsel 2 and 3 continues to be a fun and charming adventure, which feels very much like a cross between the Moore James Bond and Beast Hunting Battle Badgers in its lightness. This is best exemplified by the characters, with Bec portraying a bubbly confidence during her mission and, particularly new cast member Brunhilde whose forwardness and charm is so wonderful she reminds me of the Legend of Wonder Woman's rendition of Etta Candy. Straight away she is my favourite character.

Mauricio Mora's art continues to maintain the same page popping vibrancy of the first issue, giving the series a look which reminds me of Jim Cheung. That said, the opening pages, while having the same pencils, lack the same colour, utilising a more faded colour scheme which gives it a very dreamlike feel. This leads into my only complaint as, while the art is still nice, the scene it depicts is confusing as it offers very little evidence to confirm if its set in the past or present, implying a lack of consistency in the story if it's the latter. As such a little clarity is all that was needed here, but it's a minor flaw.

Andrew Clemson's fantasy spy series is pure, unfiltered fun, not taking itself too seriously and coming across as highly enjoyable because of it. By the end of the third series, Damsel left me with plenty of questions and intrigue, as well as a cliffhanger that'll definitely bring me back for more.

Betê Noir #2-3 follows on from its opening instalment with the prior events causing the remnants of the former heroes to reappear out of the shadows as the mysterious hooded man sets about putting his plan into action. As flashbacks of the events causing the present day actions are revealed, questions begin to arise as to who in the world are the real heroes and who are the villains?

Andrew Clemson's story continues to maintain the gritty, noir feel here as it did within the first issue. However, the plot seems to take a much more complex turn here as more of the players are revealed as well as the catalyst behind the mysterious Bete Noir's plans are revealed. As a result of this twist, Clemson's tale gives me a reminiscent feel of Waid's Irredeemable, Millar's Jupiter's Legacy and even a sense of Miller's Dark Knight thanks to its ominous and ambiguous atmosphere as the lines between the heroes and villains are seemingly blurred. However, this ramping up of the intrigue does have a negative side-effect in that very few of the characters are named. While this does help to the mystery as it keeps me guessing what was going on, the fact that characters' (known) identities are seldom revealed to me made it difficult to keep up when they may be referred to in the third person.

Meanwhile, I continue to enjoy Kriswantowhy's gritty style and cold tone for the present day scenes within the artwork, as it maintains the harsh, noirish vibe of the story. However, the subtle change in both the pencils to something a little softer and the colours to something a little warmer for the flashback scenes is a welcome addition as it not only gives a noticable difference between time frames but also paints the story's past in a more hopeful, optimistic light.

While Bete Noir lacks certain elements which do not help fix it's momentary confusion in the story, Andrew Clemson has taken an interesting story in the first issue to something vastly more engrossing and captivating by the third. Coupled with an atmospherically dark and fitting artwork, Bete Noir is certainly shaping up to be a gripping tale which I need to see the end of."

My Pull List: November (2022)'s comics

This post has taken a lot longer to get out on the feed than was planned.

The reasons behind the delay have been twofold. 1 - Christmas prep has started to occupy a lot more of my time than I would like (Hell, my Warhammer painting has all but dried up for the moment) and 2 - November gave me a couple more comics than I was expecting thanks to a double bill of She-Hulk as well as a Star Trek one-shot that snuck into my draw.

So, rather than beat around the bush, let's get to it!

Do a Powerbomb #6 - In my opinion, Do A Powerbomb is a truly phenomenal series and issue six is no exception. Partly focusing on the backstory of Cobrasun, this issue gives the Steel and Sun a 2nd chance at victory, but only by defeating someone I didn't expect to be a wrestling fan. Like all the other issues, this one has so much heart, is so captivating and looks so kinetic that it kills me I have to wait a month for the next issue. It'll break my heart when I realise there is no more to come.

Fantastic Four #1 - A new start with a new creative team for the First Family as we get an easy going start with the Grimms (well, Ben and Alicia) going on a road trip, only to find themselves experiencing Groundhog Day in a town (literally) stuck in the 40's. I liked this issue, with it feeling like a nice and easy way of reintroducing the series, it was fun seeing more of the Alicia/Ben dynamic away from the usual madness. The art was also gorgeous, reminding me of the Isaakze/Medina/etc run of issues we got under Slott's tenure. Of course, the end pages have me intrigued about what is going on in the larger world, but this issue really didn't need a hook have me back after this good start.

Star Trek #2 - Picking up from last issue's 'shattering' conclusion, Sisko and the crew of Thessius attempt to discover more about the weapon being used to kill Gods, leading them to meet up with an old friend. I felt that the first issue was a really good start which had me all in. Unfortunately, this second instalment left me a little put off as the story dived into a very different Klingon political culture than I was either used to or expecting (it also contradicted some prior references). Also, the rendition of the Klingons seemed a little off to me. Hopefully, it is just a little bit of starting problems and it'll pick back up next time. For now, the concept still has me hooked enough to come back next time.

X-Terminators #3 - The saga of Dazzler, Jubilee and Boom-Boom's night out continues as this trio (along with Wolverine Laura Kinney) continue to make their escape from Dazzler's vampire ex, although it may prove more difficult when they discover they are a little further from home than expected. Issue 3 had been planned for further down the pecking order but, after listening to an opinion on it during a Talking Comics episode, I must admit, my appreciation has once again increased. This issue seemed a lot more fun as I think I've gotten a handle on the humour and the art. I think this may end up being a series I read as a whole to find its overall greatness, but this instalment has certainly better captured my attention.

She-Hulk #7 & #8 - As Jen Walters' life falls a little more into place before encountering the big bads of this series (along with the reasons for their being both 'Big' and 'Bad'), this double bill of the series felt like a much more enjoyable read than many of the issues Rainbow Rowell has given me before. I think the reason for this is simply my getting more comfortable in the world and the writing as I don't believe there is much different that occurs than has already (to an extent). Also, while the artist on board has changed, the style brought to these adventures doesn't appear to have. It seems just down to my emotional vibe as I read these that both issues were really good reads, from the gorgeous covers (if nothing else, I'm really loving the covers) and beyond. I'm certainly engrossed and eager for the next issue.

Star Trek: Trill - A One-shot which wasn't originally on my pull list, Star Trek: Trill follows a Vanah, a member of the eponymous race who is given an opportunity she thought had passed her by when she is joined with one of her people's few symbiotes. However, when Vanah discovers a repression of the memories from her past lives, she comes to discover that there is a greater danger to being joined with this particular symbiote than anyone could have realised. Despite this book finding its way into my file at my LCS' assumption, and my deciding to give it a shot, I wasn't expecting great things from this comic.

However, Jody Houser totally turned me around on this with a story that is equal parts introspective essay and crime thriller. I really loved the change around to what you assumed was a 'life and times of a joined Trill' and into something more sinister. Meanwhile, the art had a kind of Rags Morales/Action Comics' Superman vibe to it which really worked well. All in all, I was worried that I was wasting a great deal of money here ($8 price tag had me questioning) but, honestly, This One-Shot was actually a really good read and I'm sad there isn't a guarantee of more at this quality.

So, that's all of the comics from my Pull list for November. Now, I don't know what I was expecting from this selection, but I know that I wasn't expecting so many really enjoyable reads. However, after a week of reading all of these comics, I'm looking forward to 2023 and the opportunity to pick up all of the next issues for most of these series.

In the meantime though, I'm moving onto some new comics as my recent birthday gained me copies of Tom Taylor's DCeased and Nick Roche's Scarenthood.

So now I just need to decide which one I'm going to read first.

From the Pipedream Archives: Review - Journee #1

Purely by coincidence, I went to check out an old review I had written for Pipedream Comics. Unfortunately, upon entering the site, I discovered that the whole website appeared to have been corrupted. With Pipedream now on indefinite hiatus, I was unsure what to do.

However, rather than take the risk that the problem may never be corrected, I thought that I would re-post everything I still had copies of here.

Therefore, to start things off, I thought I'd post a relatively recent review about Adam Hodge and Luke Horsman's first issue of their comic series Journee.

"Like many forms of media, comics transport us all to worlds of the unbelievable. Superheroes, Vampires, aliens, the stories people dream up allow us to meet these otherwise impossible entities. Unfortunately, when they end, we all know (or are at least pretty sure) that such things don’t exist in the real world. However, what if the impossible did exist? Would they be real? Or are they just making things up? Well, Adam Hodge and Luke Horsman delve into that question with Journee #1, which sees a former cop encounter someone who claims to have extraordinary talents.

Publisher: The Nobody Archives

Writer: Adam Hodge

Artist: Luke Horsman

Price: Available through COMICS | Nobodyarchives and Amazon

Journee tells the story of Lyssa, a former cop and SWAT team member who arrives at a mysterious house for a security job. However, upon her arrival and meeting the mysterious supervisor of the security team, Lyssa is introduced to her main charge: Girl. Discovering that her job is to watch, protect and control this house’s young ward, Lyssa is both uneasy and disgruntled, fearing the role was hers due to her gender. However, Girl then shares with her a secret; that she is super smart and capable of Time Travel.

Journee's opening instalment was an intriguing read as writer Adam Hodge creates a story which came across as a mystery reminiscent of the Jeff Bridges film K-Pax. However, while that film is about the notion that an instituted man may be an alien, the similarity in this comic comes at the idea of whether what Girl tells Lyssa about her 'talents' is indeed true. Thankfully, the writer creates a world where either scenario could be true, with a lead seemingly conflicted as she finds herself trapped between her desire to make a difference and her wish to make her partner, Jamie, happy.

Meanwhile, artist Luke Horsman's work on this issue is a solid, if not entirely consistent, effort with a few pages here and there lapsing in quality compared to the book's majority. That said, Horsman's style, which has a vibe similar to Rob Ahmad's work on the Show, is nonetheless a fantastically fitting one to this story. What really makes this work great is not just the pencils, which seem to be made up of a really thick line (making them perfect for the monochrome look) but also the colours. Horsman seems to have taken a page out of Black Magick’s book as Journee is predominantly black and white but for a single appearance of colour which lends greater credence to Girl’s specialness. In fact, this idea of colour hinting at something bigger is a constant in the issue as the lettering contains small, coloured speech bubbles which, while containing no words, imply an unseen aide to Girl’s plans.

Journee’s first issue is a slow burn issue, which is predominantly there for set up. However, don’t let that fool you as Adam Hodge and Luke Horsman have teased a deeply intriguing story and character with this first entry as it leaves me eager to know what comes next. Therefore, while it may not be to everyone’s tastes, Journee is certainly something to try."

Re-Reading ... House of M: Fantastic Four #1-3

When I first jumped into comics (20 years ago ... wow!), I jumped in pretty hard. What started with watching the first Sam Raimi Spider-Man and picking up one or two trades quickly evolved into picking up a new trade or two every week and devouring them both at the same sort of speed.

Amongst my early reads was the Brian Michael Bendis-led event, House of M. With this (the first of the now standard 'yearly event'), I remember picking up not just the main run but also every tie-in, collecting myself the entire story stuffed into seven trades (and later nine when House of M: Avengers and Civil War were released).

Since then, I've cut the wheat from the chaff as all the ancillary books have been sold on, leaving me with just the main event. However, there has since been one which I loved above all others and regretted parting with.

While attending the May MCM Comic Con I was lucky enough to find all three issues of House of M: Fantastic Four, the FF inspired tie-in to the House of M (although it wasn't actually part of the main FF run, but a series all on its own) and that one story I truly adored. This set of 3 issues told a sort of What If tales whereby Dr Doom was the leader of the 'Fearsome Four' along with his wife Valeria's 'Invincible Woman', son Kristoff's 'Inhuman Torch' and Ben Grimm's 'the It' and saw the world from his eyes as he served as both the leader of Latveria as well as an unwilling servant to the ruling House of M.

Created by John Layman, Scott Eaton, Don Hillsman and Dean White, I remember how much I enjoyed reading this short story back when it first came out as it became one of more regular re-occurring reads over the years. Now, re-reading it after a large time without, I'm reminded all over again how just how enjoyable I find these three issues.

I think what I enjoy most is the ... 'almostness' of it as the background to the story is laid out to make me think that how close it could have come from traditional continuity to have actually happened. In fact, if you took away from story the whole 'House of M' background, I certainly would have been forgiven for thinking it was actually a story from the archives of What If.

Regardless, despite the major change of Doom acquiring the FF's cosmic powers for him and his, it really feels that Layman paints a picture of Doom which is all round traditional. However, the added wrinkle that his ego is fuelled by his mother is something I've never noticed in issues past, although it certainly makes sense when looking at some of his origin stories (like in Books of Doom). That said, Layman also cements the idea that, compared to his nemesis 'Richards', Doom still comes up short thanks to both the finale as well as the rather dark and bitter relationship with Ben Grimm's 'It'.

Speaking of dark, Scott Eaton and Don Hillsman turn out a trio of gorgeous looking issues, with each page looking rather dull and dirty. In fact, it makes me think that I'm looking at the story through a dirty, broken and mirror as the pages just seem to imbue a darkness which contrasts against the brighter, more hopeful vibe the main Fantastic Four series always emits (certainly from my perspective).In fact, this whole story has this kind of 'Star Trek Mirror Universe' vibe to it, especially thanks to the character designs, where each member of the 'Fearsome' Four looks truly terrifying.

As I think back to 2005 and the various tie-ins which came along thanks to House of M, I must admit I'm at a loss to think of one which has stuck with me like this one has. House of M: Fantastic Four is a really enjoyable Elseworlds style tale for me that feels like a great choice if you want to fill a gap in your reading schedule.

I'm glad I took the effort to buy it this past May (although I do wish I'd read it sooner than late November).