Harry here with the second part of the BEST COMICS OF 2001 series that we've been running here... Well get out your shopping list, these are the titles that perhaps you are missing that should not be missed!!!!
Hey Gang. Andrew from GrayHavenMagazine.com here with the second part of our Best Comics of 2001 feature.
As another year comes to a close, it’s time to look back on the previous 52 weeks and pick our choices for the very best that comics had to offer
Taking a cue from Marvel Comics ‘Greatest Marvels’ comics, we’ll also be counting down the Top Ten in each list, three issues at a time over the next few weeks. Judging by the response to last week’s list, both on the boards and via email, we’ve got you talking. Keep at it.
A quite reminder about the selection process.: For the Limited Series category, the series had to come out and be completed within 2001 to be eligible. For the Best Series category, the title has to have been in existence for more than six months (And) had more than 3 issues come out. For the Best Single Issue category, eligible candidates are any comic that came out in 2001, either in limited series, ongoing, one-shot or Graphic Novel. Got that? Okay, it’s time to get on with it!
GrayHaven Magazine and Aint It Cool News Presents the Best Comics of 2001
Part Two: 7 through 4
Best Limited Series:
7. Hopeless Savages- Written by Jen Van Meter and illustrated by Christine Norrie and Chynna Clugston-Major. Published by Oni Press. Imagine a family where the outcasts aren’t the kids who dye their hair pink and join a rock band, but rather those who put wear suits and work for the ‘establishment’. Imagine if your parents were famous punk rockers who are kidnapped, forcing you and your siblings to play detective and try to find them. Van Meter infuses her characters with humor, energy and emotion. Norrie’s art in a style similar to that of an Andi Watson or Chynna Clugston-Major (who handles the terrific flashback sequences in book). She adds a great amount over detail in her backgrounds without going overboard and making it look too crowded. The theme of relationships and how people deal with one other has always been perfected by the creators who work with Oni. But Hopeless Savages goes a little further, touching on the bonds of family and the tough choices people have to make, sometimes going against their own beliefs for that of the greater purpose.
6. Area 52- Written by Brian Haberlin and illustrated by Clayton Henry. Published by Image Comics. 4 Issues. It’s Indiana Jones meets X-Files. Sure, that one’s been used before, but nothing else is as appropriate. In a remote area of Antarctica, a warehouse exists, holding otherworldly discoveries such as alien ships, magic rings and legendary swords like Excalibur. These artifacts are safeguarded by a crew of the most bored soldiers in the world. It’s the type of assignment you’re given when you’ve upset someone really high up. After all, they’re in the middle of nowhere with a bunch of dusty old relics. And then…something among the items stirs and the crew is thrust into one of the most heart-pounding experiences of their lives. The creative team developed an action story that delivered on thrills without insulting our intelligence.
5. Banner- Written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Richard Corbin. Published by Marvel Comics. 4 issues. A lanky, timid scientist with the ability to transform into an uncontrollable, unstoppable killing machine at a moment’s notice. Can Dr. Bruce Banner live with himself, knowing that his darker half is responsible for the deaths of countless innocents? On the run from the US Government, the Hulk just wants people to stay out of his way, while Banner seeks time to figure out what the best solution is to all of this. Frighteningly and effectively illustrated by Richard Corbin, Banner is a mini-series that showed just how dark of a character the Hulk could be. It’s a perfect segue to Bruce Jones style of storytelling on the ongoing Hulk book.
4. Magic Pickle- Written and illustrated by Scott Morse. Published by Oni Press. 4 Issues. Scott Morse, the creator of Soulwind, has crafted a story that’s almost fairy tale like in its purity while at the same time sharp enough for the harder edged among us. Magic Pickle is the story of Weapon Kosher, a super-powered vegetable who has just been awoken from an extended hibernation to find himself in a very different and strange new world than the one he remembered. In fact, the super secret laboratory which housed Weapon Kosher is right underneath the bedroom of a little girl, Jo Jo Wigman, who will become a powerful ally whether the Magic Pickle wants her or not. This is one of those rare series that can appeal to any reader, regardless of age or gender. Heartwarming and hilarious characters involved in all out action between the forces of good (dispensing their ‘dill justice’) and evil.
Best Series:
7. 100 Bullets- Written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Eduardo Risso. Published by DC/Vertigo. Your life sucks. Something really bad has happened to you somewhere along the line, turning your existence into a sad little puddle next to the toilet in a badly lit bar bathroom. Then a man hands you an attaché with a gun, one hundred untraceable rounds, and a picture of the person that single-handedly ruined your life. What do you do? That is the premise of this hauntingly realistic portrayal of modern life. What do you do? You are given carte blanche to exact revenge on those that ruined your life. Will that improve your life? Does it make you better than them? Do you care? And how the hell can this man provide all of this for you? This year, more than ever before, the pieces of the larger puzzle started to become more clear and you find that there is a lot more to this story than simply a man with an attaché.
6. X-Force- Written by Peter Milligan and illustrated by Mike Allred. Published by Marvel Comics. X-Force is a series that hasn’t failed to deliver since the new creative team of Milligan and Allred took over with issue #116. Along with Cable, the creators turned what you know of the book inside out and have made it their own. Milligan and Allred are redefining the way you look, not only at an X book, but at Marvel Comics as a whole. Marvel has their Mature reader line and Startling Stories, but X-Force is an in-continuity core book that’s been around for 10 years now. Their ability to turn it into an alternative version of a mainstream comic book is astounding. The book is indicative of everything that the ‘new’ Marvel represents.
5. Strangers in Paradise- Written and illustrated by Terry Moore. Published by Abstract Studios. What a difference a year makes. There was a point last year where Strangers in Paradise, once my favorite comic, started to feel stale and rehashed. It was as if there was nothing left to say with the characters, but yet the story went on. And then, slowly but surely, the book did a complete 180. Characters underwent sudden, yet believable changes. Old plot lines were completed and even older ones revisited. The story of David, Katchoo and Francine became even more complex than before, with Moore relying on the character’s complicated emotions and histories rather than the mob aspect, which permeated the series a year earlier. SIP has moved beyond the TV movie of the week feeling, and once again established itself as one of the most well written and realistic series being produced in comics.
4. Cerebus- Written by Dave Sim and illustrated by Dave Sim and Gerhard. Published by Aardvark/Vanaheim. In less than 3 years, Dave Sim will bring Cerebus to an end with the 300th issue of that title. Since he began the almost impossible task of writing and drawing 300 consecutive issues of his own creation, a lot of other comics have tried to go the finite route. No one has come close to telling a story like Cerebus: an aardvark that is destined to die ‘alone, un-mourned and unloved’. The series has focused on love, death, religion, feminism, politics and even parodying popular comics at the time, but now we’re into the final stages of this fantastic era and the shift has turned back to religion. The current arc which, began this year has taken another sharp and humorous look at the way we treat the people who we trust as the ‘eyes and ears’ of God. Religious and faith issues have always been a strong suit and this is no exception. Even the art has taken on a new life. Gerhard’s backgrounds are something to behold. Sim was never a slouch in the art department, but when Gerhard joined him years ago, the book took on an even more detailed, professional look, which continues to change. Together, they’ve created something that is a beautiful to look at as it is thought provoking to read. No matter what happens during the next 30 issues and how Cerebus ends its historic run, one thing is for sure: the final journey isn’t going to be what we expect.
Best Single Issue:
7. Black Panther #28- Written by Priest and illustrated by Sal Veluddo. Published by Marvel Comics. Black Panther is one of the best and most unique superhero titles being published today. T’challa (aka the Black Panther) is the king of the nation of Wakanda. It’s not a new plot development, but Priest is one of the only writers to use this fact to their advantage. Or maybe he’s the only one who would be able to tell an exciting superhero story complete interwoven with tales of bureaucracy and political red tape. This issue exemplifies how Priest has turned the hero from 2nd string Avenger to a multi-layered, fascinating man. The Black Panther meets with other world leaders Dr.Doom, Prince Namor and Magneto, who also happen to be super heroes and villains. The tense moments as these 4 try to avoid all out war are eased by the lightheartedness of any scene in which Agent Ross is in. Black Panther is the first mainstream superhero comic that also happens to be an excellent political thriller and this issue does everything to prove it.
6. War Story: Screaming Eagles- Written by Garth Ennis and illustrated by Dave Gibbons. Published by DC/Vertigo. After acclaimed runs on Hellblazer and his own Preacher series, Garth Ennis became a fan favorite with Punisher, one of his most popular books. Punisher gig may have been a fanboy match made in heaven, but fans of Ennis more cerebral work had to wait for the War Story. A series of self contained Specials dealing with different tales of World War II, War Story gave Ennis a chance to show how good he really could be. The best of the bunch was Screaming Eagles, illustrated by Dave Gibbons. In this story, a battle weary Sergeant and his squad are sent on another mission during the waning days of the war. To their surprise, they discover a literal treasure of Nazi goods, stolen from victims throughout the war. The choices they make and the actions that result from those choices make for an emotionally charged morality play.
5. Strangers in Paradise #42/43- Written and illustrated by Terry Moore. Published by Abstract Studios. I mentioned before how Moore has gone back to the basics in focusing on the characters, rather than extraordinary circumstances like inherited millions and mob ties. This was the issue that sealed the deal for me. SIP fans are a rabid bunch, and Moore gives them a sucker punch with this one. But that’s a good thing. Long a champion of red herrings and warning fans to expect the unexpected, the creator put out an unbelievable tale of ‘could have beens’ and ‘maybes’ that kept readers guessing for weeks.
4. Blue Monday: Absolute Beginnings #4- Written and illustrated by Chynna Clugston-Major. Published by Oni Press. As hard as it is to select just one issue as the mini-series best, Absolute Beginnings #4 was a culmination of 2 mini-series worth of character development and storytelling. Our heroine, Bleu has agreed to go out with Alan the prick in exchange for his return of a videotape showing Bleu in her birthday suit. The finale begins with Clover lending moral support to Bleu as she prepares for her date, but begins to suspect that maybe Bleu isn’t as upset about the situation as she appears. Could she actually be looking forward to it? Meanwhile, across town Victor and Erin are plotting against the couple, trying to find ways to best sabotage their evening. The big moment of course, is the date between Bleu and Alan and it rings so true to life. Anyone who’s ever had an awkward date (whether they were too nervous because they really liked the other person or anxious to leave because they couldn’t stand them) will appreciate the stumbling, angst filled, and hilarious moments that begin as soon as Bleu is picked up by Alan on his scooter and continue throughout the evening. One of the best indicators of a good slice of life story is how well a reader can identify with it. Anyone over the age of 16 should be able to recognize themselves in this group of characters.
Here is the list as it stands now, although you’ll have to wait a week to see if any of your favorites take the remaining top 3 slots.
Best Limited Series Best Series Best Single Issue
10. El Diablo Detective Comics Opposable Thumbs
9. Hammer of the Gods Daredevil Alias #1
8. Generations II Powers Hey, Wait
7. Hopeless Savages 100 Bullets Black Panther #28
6. Area 52 X-Force War Story: Screaming Eagles
5. Banner Strangers in Paradise Strangers in Paradise #44
4. Magic Pickle Cerebus Blue Monday #4
And due to reader request, here are some additional comments on the books selected last week as ‘Best of 2001’
Honorable Mentions:
Mini-Series-
La Perdida- Written and illustrated by Jessica Abel. Published by Fantagraphics Books.
La Perdida follows Carla, a half Mexican/ half Anglo who seeks to learn more about her Mexican heritage. But there’s a hint of mystery and a larger story behind what we’ve already been shown, as the present day Carla thinks she spots someone named Ricardo and is petrified. Who exactly Ricardo and why is Carla so worried about running into him? Writing and drawing good stories is nothing new to Abel, so go pick up one of the best comics to come out this year, La Peridad. It’s been awhile since Jessica Abel had some comic work out, but it’s definitely worth the wait.
Four Women- Written and illustrated by Sam Kieth. Published by DC/Homage.
I know what you’re thinking. A road trip comic dealing with four women? Trust me, Thelma and Louise this is not. A foursome: Cindy, Marion, Donna and Bev take to the road to attend a wedding. At first, the book seems like a fairly typical ‘buddy’ story. The girls are talking and gossiping and having a good time, just enjoying the time they have to be together. But their carefree attitude and excitement of being out on the open road is cut short when they start to have car failure and must pull off to the side of the road. From this point on the story switches gears as the women are faced with a horrific situation with seemingly no way out. Kieth handles the intense scenes to perfection, leaving readers just enough brief moments to hold our interest while he slowly reveals more about what happened. What seemed to be a look inside the lives of four different women seems to be heading towards a character study on how people react to the worst possible situations. With Kieth at the wheel on this one, it’s bound to be worthwhile ride.
Slow News Day- Written and illustrated by Andi Watson. Published by Slave Labor Graphics.
Slow News Day focuses on Katharine Washington, a San Francisco native who heads overseas to for a summer internship at the local paper The Wheatstone Mercury. It’s a small, weekly paper that’s been in decline for years. Short on reporters, Katharine is partnered with Owen, one of the veterans of the paper, who isn’t too keen on taking an assistant. One of Owen’s problems is the fact that Katharine is an American and it’s that ‘fish out of water’ scenario in which the series is built around. Watson himself explains that this series is about the similarities and differences between the two cultures, based on his own experiences. The art has a clean, almost animated quality about it, as you’d expect from Watson.
Series:
Alias- Written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Michael Gaydos. Published by Marvel/MAX Comics.
The series stars Jessica Jones, a former super-hero who now runs her own PI firm, Alias Investigations, which deals in the pretty ordinary world of missing people and cheating spouses. The backdrop, though, is against a world where there are superheroes and the ramifications of living in that world can be a fascinating aspect of this series. Jessica’s life as a superhero before she became an investigator is a life that we only get small, tantalizing glimpses of: a photo here or a comment there. We don’t know how she got from hanging out with the ‘Earth’s Mightiest Heroes’ to working in a little PI shop, but the bits and pieces that the reader does discover make for wonderful clues. Jessica is a very complex character. She smokes too much. She drinks too much. She talks too much. Her life is one of excess, good or bad. She maintains a tough exterior, but she has her flaws and she’s well aware of them, which make for a more interesting character. Gaydos’ art is amazing to look at. The raw emotion he puts into the characters’ faces is incredible and the use of shadow and light as focal points in which to direct reader attention works very, very well. His art actually reminds me of Bendis’ earlier artistic efforts on Jinx and Torso what with his attention to detail and the contrasts in light/dark. I am not sure what Gaydos has worked on before, but when all is said and done I think that everyone is going to know who he is
Ruse- Written by Mark Waid and illustrated by Butch Guice. Published by Crossgen Comics. After just two issues this is Crossgen’s best book and one of the best books of the year. It still has a touch of the fantasy element that is evident in all the company’s titles, but Ruse is the most unique of the bunch. Sherlock Holmes is the character that comes to mind when everyone talks about this comic, but Mark Waid has made Simon Archard so much more than just a Holmes clone. Archard is a fascinating protagonist, with layers that are only beginning to be revealed. He’s charming and confident, almost to the point of being egotistical, but you can’t help but be captivated by every line of his dialogue. Penciler Butch Guice is the real unsung hero of this book. He manages to create incredible detail in his inanimate objects and cityscapes while at the same time rendering very realistic features for his human characters. With just two issues on the stands, the book is easily accessible and should be on the ‘must have’ list for anyone complaining about too much of the same old thing in comic stores.
Single Issue:
Heroes. Published through Marvel Comics.
Heroes, a magazine sized book with 60 pinups by the most recognized names in the industry is set to go to a third printing, will all proceeds going to the World Trade Center disaster relief fund. Writers like Stan Lee, Kevin Smith, Gail Simone, Kurt Busiek, Jim Shooter, Neil Gaiman, and Alan Moore contributed text pieces to accompany the pinups. Todd McFarlane collaborated with sometime verbal sparring partner Joe Quesada on a stirring image of a firefighter. The gathering of professionals for this project is astounding and the final product is one for the ages.
Best Mini-Series:
10. El Diablo-Written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Danijel Zezilj. Published by DC/Vertigo. 4 issues.
A western comic in 2001? Unbelievable, but then again it’s been an unbelievable year for comics. And this is no ordinary western. No sir. El Diablo is published through the mature reader imprint Vertigo and written by Brian Azzarello of Hellblazer and 100 Bullets fame. The series focuses on Sheriff Moses Stone, a former bounty hunter who’s found redemption and settled down as a married man. When whispers of the mysterious El Diablo start scattering through town, Stone decides to see if he still has what it takes, to bring El Diablo to justice and perhaps claim a little bit of the reward for himself. As the story goes on, we discover that there is more to Stone and El Diablo than we originally thought and the twists and turns that the story takes keep the reader guessing until the final shocking moments. This creative team has brought new life to a genre long thought dead.
9. Hammer of the Gods- Written by Michael Avon Oeming and Mark Wheatley and illustrated by Michael Oeming. Published by Insight Studios Group. 5 issues.
Hammer of the Gods is the story about a young Viking boy named Modi. As a child, Modi is given both incredible power, as well as strict limitations with those powers from the gods of Asgard. He has power on the level of the greatest gods, but at a cost. If he should ever wield a weapon in battle, Modi will lose his soul. Modi grows to be a young man, ever responsible and heeding of the god’s warning, but inquisitive never the less. He knows he must take a journey to become his own man and this is what he does, knowing full well the dangers and consequences of such an action. Oeming’s art is a bit of a departure from his previous work and the result is an interesting experiment for fans of a book like Powers to see. With the grand settings and locals, Oeming is able to open the playing field a bit with epic proportions. While the mini definitely stands on its own as an excellent story, the door is left open for what one hopes will be the inevitable follow-up.
8. Generations 2- Written and illustrated by John Byrne. Published by DC Comics. 4 issues.
Generations 2 is a very good comic and a fitting follow up to the original Generations mini-series from a few years back. The concept is pretty simple. In this story, in this world, the characters are not so immune to time. In reality, Superman’s been around for over 60 years, but in the current comics, he still looks to be in his late 20s or early 30s. Revamps notwithstanding, comic characters have to age slowly. Do we really want to read the adventures of a 90-year old Batman? Or have the character replaced by a newer version? Not many people do, so what you get are characters, especially the icons like Superman or Batman that are pretty much timeless. With the Generations mini-series, fans were able to read about these characters as if they aged normally. Each issue spanned two decades (as G2 does), with the characters aging in kind. So by the end of the fourth issue, 80 years had passed and the characters were affected to an obviously large degree. You don’t have to have expert knowledge of the DCU to enjoy Generations 2, but it doesn’t hurt. Byrne has created a detailed life history with these heroes, focusing on weddings, births, deaths and in some cases, rebirth. Like any good storyteller, he’s able to weave all these various plots and smaller moments together for a grander, more satisfying tale. And it’s always nice to see Byrne drawing Superman and Wonder Woman again. These are two characters he helped to revamp and modernize years ago, but it’s just as big a treat to see him running with the entire pantheon of the DC universe. His art here is some of his best work and the coloring by Trish Mulvihill creates a more dynamic world for these characters to play in.
Best Series:
10. Detective Comics- Written by Greg Rucka and illustrated by Shawn Martinbrough. Published by DC Comics.
Everyone knows about Batman. The symbol on his chest is one of the most recognized in the world. But not everyone knows about the world that he lives in. Batman is not the only guardian of Gotham City. There are also the cops. And therein rests the setting for this engrossing piece of serial fiction. There is nothing else quite like this title being made today, comic books or otherwise. This is a story about cops, living in one of the most dangerous cities ever created in fiction, and doing everything that they can to protect it. Yes, the stories do occasionally revolve around Batman, but mostly they have more of their pages devoted to the policemen and women of the Gotham City Police Department. The art is never anything flashy, as this title is not about flash, but rather substance. The title's main artist, Shawn Martinbrough, has a strong mastery over composition and characterization, fleshing out Mr. Rucka's scripts beautifully. One of the things truly unique to the title is the coloring, which is always limited to a two-color palette, with only tints and shades of those colors being used. This is a comic that gets better every time I read it. Mr. Rucka has woven a truly masterful world of story potential, and realizes said potential with every issue. This is a great and easily accessible story that anyone could enjoy.
9. Daredevil- Written by David Mack, Bob Gale and Brian Michael Bendis. Illustrated by David Mack, Dave Ross, Phil Winslade and Michael Gaydos. Published by Marvel Comics.
Daredevil was rescued from the shadow of Marvel’s other, heavier hitting titles when the book re-launched as the Marvel Knights anchor 4 years ago under the team of Kevin Smith and Joe Quesada. David Mack, Bob Gale, Phil Winslade and Dave Ross kept the momentum going and now one of the hardest working people in comics, Brian Bendis, is writing the title. Over the past year, Daredevil was blessed with having a variety of dynamic creators handling the character. An appealing new female foil, Echo, was introduced, Matt’s law practice began to take root again and the Kingpin went through several dramatic events. Having a permanent creative team on the book was important. While it was always entertaining to read what a new creative team had to do with Daredevil, there was a certain cohesiveness missing that no guest team could overmatch. When Marvel put the title in the hands of Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev, they gave fans a reason to stick around for longer than a story arc.
8. Powers- Written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Michael Avon Oeming. Published by Image Comics.
Roleplay. Groupies. The current Supergroup saga. Three wonderful storylines taking place in this world where superheroes really exist and two detectives just try to do their job and solve cases. It’s been very interesting to watch the relationship of Detectives Walker and Pilgrim progress for the past year. Walker didn’t want a partner, but he’s slowly getting used to the spunky Pilgrim. Either that, or he’s discovered the ability to ignore her while making it seem like he’s putting up with her. Powers is one of the only books I read where the writing and art are equally dynamic. Bendis’ writing isn’t better than Oeming’s art and Oeming’s art doesn’t overshadow Bendis’ writing. There’s a cohesiveness between the two that’s unlike anything you find in comics. Taking a look at the Powers Scriptbook might give you a little insight on the process that goes into creating this title. It’s one of the best collaborations that I’ve seen in a comic book. It’s really amazing how well these two work off of one another.
Single Issue:
10. Opposable Thumbs July 2001- Written and illustrated by Dean Haspiel. Published by Alternative Comics.
Opposable Thumbs is a collection of short autobiographical pieces by Dean Haspiel. Stories include the origins of all of his scars (damn that tequila!), his foray into smoking crack cocaine and the kung fu fight that ensued, rubbing his bare ass on his room mate's sheets, and things that are a no-no in Deanie-Weenie World. Dean Haspiel is one of those artists that can draw anything and make it look damn cool. There's a strange energy to what he does, and it flows through to the reader. His sequential work flows nicely from panel to panel, and what happens in the panel serves to further the story, rather than hamper it. Discover the lighter side of smoking crack, death, sad clowns, crazy old ladies, and underground dance clubs. Read Opposable Thumbs and find out why crack is bad for you.
9. Alias #1- Written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Michael Gaydos. Published by Marvel/MAX Comics. See above.
8. Hey, Wait- Graphic Novel. Written and illustrated by Jason. Published by Fantagraphics Books
The story starts off simply enough. It’s a tale of two friends, Bjorn and Jon, who have the whole summer to experience. From wasting money on snacks to playing dodge ball and telling silly jokes, the two young boys have not a care in the world. The future is open to them. They have their entire world in front of them and it’s a world of hopes and dreams where anything can happen. Still, they find it to be a lot more interesting to read comics and play games on lazy summer afternoons than it is to contemplate the future. Hey, Wait reflects life’s twists and harsher realities and it becomes a story not of hopes and dreams to come but of missed opportunities and wasted moments. Anthropomorphic characters are used throughout the work, a technique that allows for the reader to identify with the stories character more than ‘human’ characters ever could. This is a graphic work on par with the best of them, worthy of being placed on a rack with the likes of Maus.
Coming Next Week: The Best of 2001: All the way to Number 1
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