Hey, everyone. "Moriarty" here with some Rumblings From The Lab.
Here's the final part of the AICN Comics year-end list. I want to take this moment to thank Andrew and his team for their great work on AICN Comics this year, and I hope we manage to make it even better in 2002.
Hey Gang. Andrew from GrayHavenMagazine.com here with the third and final 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've counted down the Top Ten in each list, three issues at a time over the last few weeks. I'm pleased to see that this list has gotten such a reaction. I've seen it debated on other websites, talked about on message boards and my email's been swamped. And yet some of you still questioned the idea of making this a 3-week process. Please remember, you're talking to a person who's in the process of re-examining the Clone Saga in 35 installments (part 25 will be up this week). Revealing the entire list at once would have had people talking about it for a few days, maybe a week. But the way we did it, spreading it out, little by little gave everyone a chance to geek out for a few weeks. You argued or defended our selections and tried to predict our next moves. It was fun. It got you all talking about the books a lot more than we ever have and we saw some great suggestions on the boards from people. It was all about geeking out on comics, so it was worth it, in my opinion. I'm sure the final choices will give you plenty to talk about, too, so let's get on with 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!
Top Ten Mini-Series of 2001
3. US War Machine. Written and illustrated by Chuck Austen. Published by Marvel/MAX Comics. 12 issues.
Marvel experimented with a weekly black and white mini-series reinventing a character once seen as just an Iron Man rip-off, into the most action packed stories of the year. Chuck Austen's mastery of illustrating all things technical made him a perfect fit for the book and the high tech toys featured within its pages. He was also able to build one of the more interesting portrayals of Nick Fury and Shield and weave it into a violent, yet ethically challenging tale The weekly schedule kept the story at the fast and furious pace it needed to be on and the black and white format offered an extra quality to the darker, edgier story being told. War Machine is a high tech, action thriller with a touch of espionage and intrigue wrapped around a world of corporate crooks, racists and terrorists out to take advantage of the few noble people that are left.
2. Blue Monday: Absolute Beginnings. Written and illustrated by Chynna Clugston-Major. Published by Oni Press. 4 issues
The second Blue Monday miniseries delves deeper into the lives and relationships of our main cast: Bleu, Clover, Alan, Erin and Victor. A video taken of Bleu in her birthday suit leads our heroine to whatever means necessary to save her dignity. 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. Maybe no one's had an imaginary otter to talk to and maybe they weren't videotaped in the shower, but there are moments that feel believable, if not true. The creator has always had a knack of making her characters sound and act like real teenagers. Aside from a brilliant story, you get a music lesson, and some good-natured pokes at Editor Jamie Rich, via little caricatures spread out throughout the issues. So if you're looking for a quality read that also happens to be funny, heartwarming and musically informative, pick up this series.
1. Murder Me Dead. Written and illustrated by David Lapham. Published by El Capitan Books. 9 issues.
There are two original American art forms: Jazz and Comic Books. Jazz is a loose form of improvisational music, where the composer says, "Hey, you'll match up with him there, and she'll sing some scat here, then we'll all bring it together and just swing these people out." At first it seems loosely plotted out, but it all leads up to something big. Comic books are a merging of story and art, where the pictures are put side by side, above and below, with the story flowing through them to bring it all together. Murder Me Dead is somewhere between jazz and comic books. Dave Lapham starts out with this guy's wife dying here, his ex-girlfriend showing up over there, the revenge-seeking in-laws in the back, and the ex (now current again) girlfriend's mobster ex- boyfriend stirring it all up. The story revolves around Steven Russell and the whirlwind that his life has become. Oh yeah, he's also a jazz pianist. Lapham's beautifully executed panel layouts, in conjunction with his sly illustrations, bring this captivating story to life. The reader is sucked in from the first page, feeling the warmth in the air, getting out of the way of the EMT's hefting the step ladder around the room, hearing the Miles Davis playing in the background, and wondering why the woman hanging from the ceiling fan has only one shoe on.
Top Ten Series of 2001
3. Queen and Country. Written by Greg Rucka and illustrated by Steve Rolston. Published by Oni Press.
British Special Operations Agent Tara Chace has gone undercover in a number of places, gotten involved in countless hostile situations and is no stranger to mistaken identities. This series begins with Tara abandoning her "Lily Sharpe" identity from Antarctica (see 'Whiteout series). Tara's latest mission has her placed in Kosovo. The first issue deals with the fact that her boss doesn't even know she's in the war torn country, not to mention that by killing her target, she'll be making herself one in the process. The second, mostly dialogue driven issue, explores the direct repercussions of that mission on Tara's own personal life. Rucka expertly weaves the story back and forth between the politics of Tara's organization and the situations that Tara faces on her missions. He's adept at writing both action and dramatic scenes with equal high-level intensity. This is the type of series that not many people would be able to pull off, but Rucka makes it all look so easy. And Rolston is a great partner for Rucka on this first arc. He's expressive and detailed, making sure that every page, every panel of art assists in the writer's quest to move the story along. There are no wasted moments in this series. With only three issues under its belt, Q&C has quickly and effortlessly established it's main character and supporting cast while telling two completely different stories. With expressive, versatile artwork by Rolston along with sharp characterization and dialogue from Rucka, Queen & Country is a winner from cover to cover. You can pick up Tara Chace's first comic appearance (as "Lily Sharpe") in Whiteout, also available from Oni Press.
2. The Waiting Place. Written by Sean McKeever and illustrated by Mike Norton. Published by Slave Labor Graphics.
'Slice of life' stories are gaining appeal in comics. Although nowhere near as popular as the superhero comics, the slice of life genre is one in which some of the best stories are now being told. Kissing Chaos. Optic Nerve. Confessions of a Cereal Eater. Blue Monday. Strangers in Paradise. These are all fantastic, 'realistic' books dealing with everything from road trips to love triangles and adolescence, but TWP a notch above the rest. Depicting life in the small, dead end town of North Plains, the series focuses on the lives of several young adults who long to be someplace else, if only they knew where that place is. McKeever should get credit for having a cast of characters on par with that of the X-Men and still managing to devote time to each and every one of them. We want to know more about Cullen and Scott and Lorna and Jeffry. There's always a desire for the pages to continue after the story ends, but not once do you feel as if you've been short changed when it comes to the characterization of these people.
Yes, it's a story dealing with teenagers adjusting to their ever-changing lives. Not once, does McKeever take the easy way out and resort to tired clichés or melodramatic moments that you'd find on a television show dealing with the same subject matter. TWP isn't a fast paced book. You're not going to read it, heart pounding with anticipation over what may happen on the next page or in the next issue. It's a book that you read and go back a read again, and maybe even go and dig out some previous issues to see how the various 'throwaway moments' start to come together. It's a book where you get your satisfaction out of seeing how a writer, who isn't in high school, can capture all of the emotion and anxiety and joy of being a teenager. These tend to be the most awkward and confusing years of a person's life, and there is an enjoyment wholly unique in reading stories about that part of your life, done to perfection, as is the case with The Waiting Place. Sadly, the book is coming to an end next month, with issue #12 of the second volume. With any luck, we'll get to revisit these wonderful characters one day.
1. Ultimate Spider-Man- Written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Mark Bagley and Art Thibert. Published by Marvel Comics.
In my first AICN review, I talked about how Ultimate Spider-Man was the best comic book being published today and nothing has changed to make me reconsider that opinion. If anything, the title has gotten better. Ultimate Spider-Man is Marvel's way of reinventing the character without resorting to rebooting the core books and alienating long time readers.
The book plays as much as a slice of life, coming of age teen drama than it does a superhero story and that's what Spider-Man always was about. Peter Parker a young man with issues that plague every teenager and the reader is given insight into his daily life and the lives of those around him. Uncle Ben became the father figure mentor to Peter that was always alluded to but never portrayed in the original series. Aunt May has moved from tired old caricature of a pushy aunt to that of an eccentric but wise older woman. Mary Jane is no longer the pretty face with no substance. She's an intelligent young woman in her own right and long time friend and neighbor of Peter's. Flash Thompson isn't just a jock with a chip on his shoulder. He's a real jerk, surrounded by a cast of equally big jerks who serve to torment Peter and anyone else who's different. Most of the readers have dealt with a Flash Thompson in their lives at one time or another and here we're reminded vividly of how Peter's life out of costume can be more traumatic than what happens when he wears the webs.
During the past year, Peter sprung into action as Spider-Man, in a storyline dealing with the Kingpin of Crime and introduced the cast of the Daily Bugle. Spider-Man suffers his first major defeat and also shows off the humor that fans long associated with the character. Then there was the instant classic issue #13 which is mentioned elsewhere on the list, and the introduction of Gwen Stacy. Currently, the book is giving the Ultimate treatment to Doctor Octopus, making him deadlier and more maniacal than ever and has tweaked Kraven the Hunter with a fabulous new twist.
The art team deserves a lot of the credit, too. They've done a fantastic job making this book look as good as it reads. Bagley was one of the best artists the core title ever had and it's great to see him on this series, bringing a fresh look to a hero he's known for some time.
This is the best comic book being published today. Period
Top Ten Individual Issues:
3. Ultimate Spider-Man #13. Written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Mark Bagley and Art Thibert. Published by Marvel Comics.
For most of the first arc of Ultimate Spider-Man, fans accustomed to seeing their superheroes in costume wondered when Peter Parker would finally put on the webs and become Spider-Man. Fitting then, that after another arc where Peter did nothing but leap into action as Spider-Man, the best issue of the series would take place with him out of costume. In a single room. With only one other (and briefly a second) character to interact with. Since there could be a few of you who haven't read the issue, we won't go into the surprise revelation in this issue. I mentioned before how the book is as much of a slice of life story as it is a superhero comic, and that's the real strength of the book. The creative team doesn't need to use 10 page fight scenes or splash pages as filler. The characters are as interesting when they sit talking to each other as they are leaping off of buildings and swinging throughout the city. Fans were speculating as to what the big moment in the book would be up until the day the book came out. In the end, there was no drastic 'in your face, fanboy' change to separate the Ultimate Universe from the Marvel Universe. The big moment wasn't as earth shattering as some had predicted, but you know what? No one minded. Because as you close the book on Ultimate #13, you realize you've just been treated to one of the most honest and realistic moments in the Spider-Man mythos. And who can complain about that?
2. Slow News Day #1. 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. He doesn't feel the need for an intern and considers Katharine more of a nuisance than anything else, but he does oblige the decision of the editors and takes her on. 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. There are truly inspired moments where the culture shock angle is played up with terrific results. Glimpses of a larger picture unfold as Katharine has her mysterious phone calls and the reader isn't sure why she's really there? What's this American's connection to some small paper overseas that only has one reporter on staff and why is it important for her to stay there? These are some intriguing questions that will be resolved by the time the 6 issue mini-series ends.
1. Tangled Web #4. Written by Greg Rucka and illustrated by Edwardo Risso. Published by Marvel Comics.
Tangled Web is a comic focusing on the people in Spider-Man's life who are affected, in some way by the very existence of a Spider-Man. Greg Rucka and Edwardo Risso have crafted a story that makes full use of this intriguing concept and makes the entire run of the book worthwhile.
Who would be more affected by Spider-Man than a criminal? What if that criminal worked for the Kingpin of Crime, where the penalty for failure is death? This is the story that Rucka and Risso have told here. The issue focuses on Tom Cochrane, a family man. An honorable and loyal man. He just happens to work for the Kingpin. Cochrane has been the Kingpin's loyal servant for the past 20 years and knows what happens when someone makes a mistake; whether it's their fault or someone who's been working under them.
Here you have a guy who's worked for one of the most powerful and ruthless criminals for 20 years. One evening, he sees on the news that Spider-Man has foiled one of the jobs he was responsible for. Cochrane realizes that his number's been called. He's seen countless men 'punished' for their mistakes before and now he's just made the same mistake. Should he try and run? Can he possibly get far enough away? Should he go and try and reason with his would be executioner and beg for mercy? Or will he try to turn the tables and do a 'kill him before he kills me'? Cochrane knows what his choices are and he already knows what he's going to do. He and his wife have talked about the inevitability of the situation before, so he's prepared for the next step.
The moments leading up to the end of this story are heart-pounding. Between Rucka's dialogue and Risso's dark, moody illustrations, it's quite easy to get absorbed by the story. I was sure that I had the ending figured out a few times, but as usual, Rucka surprised. Comic fans have been blessed with an extraordinary amount of talent working in the field now. Since many of these creators are starting to dabble in more 'mainstream' work, an audience who'd never usually get to appreciate their work is discovering these wonderful stories. If an Eisner isn't awarded for this work, I'll be absolutely shocked. There were a lot of great stories published in 2001. This was the best of them all.
And here's a final recap of the Best of 2001…
Best Mini-Series
10. El Diablo
9. Hammer of the Gods
8. Generations 2
7. Hopeless Savages
6. Area 52
5. Banner
4. Magic Pickle
3. US War Machine
2. Blue Monday
1. Murder Me Dead
Best Series
10. Detective Comics
9. Daredevil
8. Powers
7. 100 Bullets
6. X-Force
5. Strangers in Paradise
4. Cerebus
3. Queen & Country
2. The Waiting Place
1. Ultimate Spider-Man
Best Single Issue
10. Opposable Thumbs
9. Alias #1
8. Hey, Wait
7. Black Panther #29
6. War Story: Screaming Eagles
5. Strangers in Paradise #44
4. Blue Monday #4
3. Ultimate Spider-Man #13
2. Slow News Day #1
1.Tangled Web #1
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