Top Ten Comics Of 2010

And here we are, we've gone through another successful year of DC Comics and there have been some incredibly awesome stories that have come around.  I'm sure many of you have certain issues you've read that you'll never forget.  Well for me, I have about ten.  So below is my top ten DC Comics for 2010.  Please, comment your thoughts, opinions, and disagreements.

Top Ten Comics For 2010

10. Superman: Secret origin #6

Geoff Johns took the corny and cheesy origins of Superman and turned it into something a little more tangible and up-to-date.  Instead of having Clark Kent put on this tremendously nerdy and bumbling facade, Johns makes Superman an ACTUAL bumbler, not because he means to be, but because he's an alien from another world who's unfamiliar with the surroundings of big city life.  There's also a nice redeveloping of Superman's relationship with his Earth buddies and the people of Metropolis.  While the the "Secret" of the Superman's origin is never quite revealed here, #6 gave us a Superman with whom we can relate too.

9. The Return of Bruce Wayne #6

I hate Grant Morrison, most of you know this.  And if I were to rank the top five WORST mini series in the history of comics, The Return of Bruce Wayne would make the five.  However, the 6th installment of said series truly did take my breath away.  With all of the confusion, lack of focus, and over zealous story telling, #6 really did a good job at wrapping up the story.  And while I absolutely hate that Morrison brought Bruce Wayne back from the dead, I cannot deny the level of quality portrayed in this final issue.

8. Secret Six #27

I think Simone and Calafiore got together one day and agreed to make this issue the complete and utter visualization of the American dream.  Vigilante men and women turning savage, wearing almost nothing and duking it out to an almost arousing degree.  But this has more to do with the art rather than the dialog, even though there are obvious sexual tensions going on between characters.  J. Calafiore brings in all the stops and more with sexy and savage depiction of jungle war.  Jimmy Palmiotti, watch out, Gail Simone’s sex appeal in this story might rival even yours!

7. Power Girl #12

#12 is one big wrap-up, bringing back some characters to give Power Girl that final frustration of reliving everything she’s gone through within this last year; there’s the meeting a Terra’s parents and being introduced to a new food group, Fisher comes back to say thanks to Power Girl to help fulfill his young, hormonal state of mind, and Vartox is sent home packing.  Thank you Jimmy Palimiotti and Amanda Conner for making such an underused character life and meaning within the DCU!

6. Wonder Woman #600

What can I say? This issue was filled with greatness. I’m usually not a fan of artist toggling, but this worked perfectly since no one story was connected to the other. It is one big homage to a great heroine who’s been an inspiration to human kind for generations. And even though the new era hasn't been the most popular, this issue certainly gave it the much needed fresh start to transcend into a post-Simone life span. Let’s hope the new era can continue that greatness. I am going to put this down in my “most treasured comics of my life time” bin, which means I’ll need to buy a second copy. 

5. Secret Six #20

Sometimes I wonder if Gail Simone simply likes to torture her Secret Six characters.  Have any of you noticed how often Catman is in pain due to his past, or the frequent struggles bane and Scandal have, and the low self-esteem Deadshot continually displays through his constant babble?  #20 leaves you in a state of discontent and angst with the level of tension that flows throughout it.  The ending took me by complete surprise, and with the way Simone writes this book, you'll never know exactly how things will turn out.

4. Green Lantern Corps #47

Blackest Night is over.  Everything is destroyed.  The Corps must now rebuild itself from the bottom up. Gardner, Rayner and a handful of other Lanterns take a stand against the Guardians and their newly established Book of Oa laws.  Vath wakes up with a pair of foreign legs, and Kilowog makes a life altering decision that could have a huge effect on the future of the Corps.  Tomasi brings in all the stops as he bids farewell to a comic book series that has been defined by his unremarkable ability to tell engrossing and angst driven tales.  

3. Supergirl #54

Bizzarogirl and Supergirl going at each other tooth and nail...ultimately figuring out that they are more alike than originally thought.  Sterling Gates has given Supergirl the right treatment, making her much more respectable and hard-hitting than ever before, and #54 takes it to endless bounds.

2. Superman: The Last Family of Krypton #3

As this miniseries will never be considered part of the “true” Superman mythos, I believe this has officially become the best Superman story to ever be told!  It’s only rival would be the wonderfully clever Superman: For Tomorrow.  If you haven’t picked up this series, go to your local comic book store and get it!  It’s just three issues that are PACKED with story.  This is not a series where you’ll feel jipped by the $5 per issue price mark.  Bates’ put everything he had into this story and I look forward to the day when he comes back to comics more consistently.  (Please Cary!)

1. Secret Six #22

Secret Six is an amazing title and I would recommend it to anyone.  If you are conflicted with paying more money to you’re already long list of monthly titles you pick up, please consider dropping a title or two, this is well worth your money.  There isn’t one issue since this title began that hasn’t been worth the $2.99 price mark and I fully expect anyone whose reads this will come away happy.  Simone doesn’t approach the Six like every other comic book in the industry; it’s new, innovative, and fun.

The story gives us the finalization of Catman’s past as a young boy growing up with a physically and verbally abusive father whose mind-twisting jargon caused the young Catman to embrace a new way of life, one filled with murder and a stoic, uncaring demeanor.  However, this life changing event doesn’t keep our feline hero from loving those closest to him.  The question raised here is what are you willing to do for loved ones?  What is the best for them?  MacQuarrie brings to light that Catman’s son is very much alive, and adopted by a new family.  Like MacQuarrie said, no one can hurt Catman through his son ever again.  Catman had to make a choice, let his son live a happy life and cause his mother the utmost pain, or go get his son back and wait for the next dubious villain to snatch him away for ransom yet again. Just like Watchmen, Gail Simone makes you ponder on what you must do when faced with two options, both of which will cause someone a great deal of suffering.  Catman letting go of his son and lying to Cheshire about it could very well be one of the most tragic endings in a comic book I’ve ever read.

The stories stems even further with the Catman’s teammates, mostly dealing with the issue of family.  Black Alice comes to center stage with her amazing bit of oratory, expressing her guilt of theoretically giving her father cancer.  This sense of loss brings Scandal savage closer to the young villain, and even more so with Ragdoll whose defense of Black Alice was an amazing addition to an already depressing story.  (Deadshot really can be an ass huh?  That’s why we like him!) 

This arc was a true Mind Fuck!  but this issue in particular went above and beyond the call of duty and transformed the idea of "bad guy" comics into something better than ever.  

Comic Book Review: Superman Secret Origin #6

Literary & Artistic Credits

Writer: Geoff Johns

Penciller: Gary Frank

Inker: Jon Sibal

Colorist: Brad Anderson

Letterer: Steve Wands

Cover Art: Frank and Anderson

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

Certainly we all can recognize the corny foundation that Superman was built on, correct?  When a hero is created as a warrior for the American people, always claiming he’s here to fight for truth, justice, and the American way, and sporting an outfit that greatly resembles out American flag, you can’t help but think corn and cheese.  Within the last few years, however, Superman has evolved into a much more sophisticated character with writers delving into his darker side, having him question himself and the people he saves.  Once “Superman: For Tomorrow” came out, I’ve continually said that it IS the best Superman Story in history.  However, what Geoff Johns has done with Superman: Secret Origin could possibly kick For Tomorrow off the “Greatest Superman Story” bookshelf and replace it with this latest edition in the Superman folklore.

I can only assume that the reason for this timely delay in publication of this issue is due to the remapping of the DC Universe Johns is currently doing.  So knowing that, I can forgive DC for making me wait so long for the proverbial sixth and final issue of this series.  But good grief!  Please, don’t make us wait that long ever again!

The most appealing aspect of this comic for me was how Johns gave Superman that corny edge but not forget about the more serious character that has been established today.  Too many times I think fans forget that Superman is here to protect the people within the comic book world and simply think of him as an awesome, all powerful superhero.  Johns reminds us that Superman, among all his cheesy and corny inspirational speeches, has chosen to protect the people because he can.  Interestingly enough, Superman isn’t taking all of this punishment to save his own life, but rather for the people since General Lane and John Corbin decided that causalities among the Metropolis inhabitants is a minor concern next to killing Superman for the sake of national security.  And it’s within this fight that we see the people of metropolis come to a new realization of Superman; they don’t just accept Superman right off the bat, but they do recognize they have a hero among them and are willing to embrace that and give Superman a chance at their trust.

Like I’ve always said, Gary Frank is THE artist for Superman.  He researched the bright and chipper feel that was in the old, campy Richard Donner Superman films.  But Frank takes an extra step in reminding us of what Superman looked like when fighting after being dragged through dirt and hiding in a sewer system.  The level of detail put into this series on the part of Frank was an incredible achievement.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

I couldn’t help but ask myself at the end of #6, “What was the secret?”  Nothing really very new was revealed except the addition of General Sam Lane in the story.  What I think Johns was going for with this series was to reestablish Superman with very little things; There’s a reason for Clark being a stumbling mild mannered reporter, Metropolis seems to be a REAL big and congested city with rude citizens, and the relationship Superman developed in the early years seem much more rooted in realistic terms.  But with that I can’t seem to wonder if “Secret Origin” was a weak title for this fantastic series.  I was anticipating some extraordinary secret to be revealed that would cause us to look at Superman in a new light, possibly bringing in new readers and showing the world that Superman isn’t just corn and cheese.  But sadly, that did not occur.  However, this series was a great success and I may have to purchase this when it comes out in TPB.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Writing: 10

Art: 10

Themes: 10

Incentive Points: 2

Top Ten Comics For April

I wonder if I will get a lot of criticism for this list?  hmmmmm.....

10. Justice League of America #44 (8.67)

Written by James Robinson

Art by Mark Bagely

Typical James Robinson, split the team up right when it's getting started. However, this issue was a lot of fun and well worth the price of admission.

9. Superman: Secret Origin #5 (9)

Written by Geoff Johns

Art by Gary Frank

Can't wait for the conclusion!  Gary Frank you are amazing!

8. Batman #698 (9)

Written by Tony Daniel

Art by Guillem March

Why, why, WHY must Tony Daniel leave as writer for Batman only to allow Morrison to take over?  Do you hate us Daniel?  You are so much more capable of a writer than Morrison, please, come back to us!

7. Green Lantern #53 (9)

Written by Geoff Johns

Art By Doug Mahnke

A lot of fun and innovative.

6. Action Comics #888 (9)

Written by Greg Rucka & Eric Trautmann

Art by Pere Perez

DC Mythology at its best.  For those who don't like this arc, shut your face and get over yourself!  It's awesome!

5. Brightest Day #0 (9.67)

Written by Geoff Johns & Peter J Tomasi

Art by Fernando Pasarin

Surprisingly well done for a #0.  At least it wasn't a Free Comic Book Day book.

4. Justice Society of America #38 (10)

Written by Bill Willingham

Art by Jesse Merion

This is without a doubt the best story arc I've read in a while, only rivaled by Superman: For Tomorrow.

3. Power Girl #11 (10)

Written by Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti

Art by Amanda Conner

I'm going to miss This trio creative team once #12 hits stores.

2. Green Lantern Corps #47 (10)

Written By Peter Tomasi

Art by Doug Mahnke

Tomasi delivered one of the most "human" stories to ever grace the pages of the GL Corps.

1. Secret Six #20 (10)

Written by Gail Simone

Art by J. Calafiore

Yeah, quite literally the best of April, and very likely of the year.  Dark, violent, unhappy, angst driven and edge of your seat suspense.  #20 is a work of art!

Comic Book Review: Superman Secret Origin #5 (of 6)

Book Information

Written by Geoff Johns

Art by Gary Frank

Cover by Gary Frank

Inked by Jon Sibal

Colored by Brad Anderson

Lettering by Steve Wands

Plot

The name “Superman” is becoming a household name but the citizens of Metropolis are still unsure of him.  It’s an issue of trust, and not everyone does…Can you guess what Lex Luthor thinks of him?  As Superman gains popularity, the multibillionaire scientist discovers a way to weaken the Man of Steel.  Now a plan is forming to not only destroy Superman, but to bring him down to the lowest depths.  With the help of General Sam Lane and Sergeant John Corbin, Luthor puts his plan into action, with some interesting side effects. 

My Thoughts

Where Blackest Night will go down in history as the greatest comic book miniseries of all time, Superman: Secret Origin will be known as the most intriguing and well written.  Issue #5 brings some new realizations on established characters while reinventing others without disappointment. 

Writing

I’m beginning to see the reasons why a retelling of Superman’s origin was requested.  As comics evolve and consistently derive new developments within the story, questions arise as to how well these new developments connect with character’s origins and beginnings.  General Sam Lane, while being apart of the Superman story for some time now, was never established as a Superman hater and anything foreign.  With the recent commotion going on with the World of New Krypton series, with General Lane at the heart of it all, something was needed to show that Sam Lane has been around this whole time and that he has always hated the Man of Steel.  The potential for future conflicts between these two individuals is endless now because of this initial meeting.  Could Sam Lane become one of Superman’s more ruthless enemies along side Luthor?

It’s interesting to think about for me.  Superman now has two arch enemies, both of whom are humans.  The parasite could kill Superman in a heart beat along with many other super villains that Superman fights monthly, but it’s the HUMAN characters that seem to cause the most trouble for the Man of Steel.  And with John Corbin now on the cusp of becoming the famous Metallo, Geoff Johns will soon show us that Superman now has a human trifecta of arch enemies.

Themes

We are being taken on a fantastic literary journey of rediscovering Superman’s roots with new and interesting twists, focused mainly around the connection between Lois and Clark.  Geoff John’s is not only establishing both of the characters individually, but the relationship between the two has already begun in a positive manner.  Instead of giving Lois the well known “holier than thou” attitude towards Clark, she has become more of a buddy, something that Lois Lane wasn’t known for in her early years of comic book folklore. 

While everyone else is so unsure of Superman, this issue hones in on the uncertainty Lois has for Clark Kent.  The moment the “bumbling” reporter subtly and effortlessly gives Mr. John Corbin the famous ‘strong handshake’ is when Ms. Lane really starts to wonder who this man in a blue suit is.  To quote Lois, “one minute Clark Kent is this guy stumbling through his day with a milk mustache, oversized glasses and a bad suit; And the next, he’s as confident and insightful as any man I’ve ever………met.”  And it’s in that audible pause (well it’s a written pause, but you get my meaning) where she’s unsure if there are any feelings she has for him or not.  Johns is portraying this as a Lois and Clark love story rather than a Lois and Superman love story.

Art

I can’t reiterate enough times as to how perfect Gary Frank is as THE Superman artist.  Alongside the obvious Christopher Reeve approach to Superman, Gary Frank takes so much from the Richard Donner films and sticks them into this comic book miniseries.  Everything about issue #5 gave me multiple moments of cinematic nostalgia as I was reminded so much of those campy, yet wonderful films.  

But even within this single image, the array of talent shown from Frank is incredibly vast.  The light coming from the fire, his cape wrinkled from the wind flowing behind him, the muscular definition, it's all there!  Gary Frank has really gone above and beyond with this series.

While all of that is a great aspect to these comics, this particular issue shows off Frank’s ability to entice and amaze with his artistic abilities.  One of my favorite action shots is of Superman as he lifts a chunk of building away from two innocent bystanders amongst the pyretic mass burning all around them.  While Aaron Lopresti and Ed Benes take the top spot with me as the best comic book artists in the business, Gary Frank continues to impress upon me how great he truly is.  His attention to detail can certainly not go unnoticed.  He has an uncanny ability to utilize light to his advantage in getting that emotional effect…

And giving the rooms in the Daily Planet office building that dirty, unkept, busy look about them…

Other Aspects

While this issue is fantastic and the most entertaining installment of this series, I can’t say the cover meets the standards set with what’s inside.  Sure it’s drawn well and Lex Luthor looks as creepy as he always has, but there’s a little bit of false advertising going on here.  Yes, John Corbin will become Metallo, with the emphasis in the word ‘WILL.’  In this issue, Corbin doesn’t even know what’s about to happen to him, but the cover suggests he has suited up and ready to battle the Man of Steel.  This isn’t a big deal by any means, but it does make me wonder what kind of planning is involved when it comes to designing a comic book cover in the DC world.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars

Next Issue Coming May 26, 2010

The reimagining of Superman's early days concludes as he faces his toughest foe yet – his childhood friend Lex Luthor! The victor will be Metropolis's hero. If you think you know how this plays out, then you underestimate how much Luthor wants that title…

Comic Book Review: Superman Secret Origin #4 (of 6)

Book Information

Written by Geoff Johns

Art by Gary Frank

Plot

The world wants to know more about Superman, but all Lex Luthor wants is to portray the newcomer as Earth’s enemy.  As Superman fights his first real enemy, the Parasite, Luthor plans out his dastardly deed in setting up the Man of Steel.

My Thoughts

After finishing this 4^th installment of the revamped Superman origin story I asked myself, “what is the secret?”  It’s legitimate question to ask.  The clues aren’t necessarily coming through for me all that well.  Is this new origin story simply DC’s attempt to legitimize Superman’s first years and throw out the corniness that came from the films and Golden age comics?  We’ve received a lot of new twists on certain aspects of his life and a new look at how the Man of Steel views his life on Earth, but what is the secret?  Green Lantern’s Secret origin story at least followed a set of clues that kept us thinking logically about the events, but this series hasn’t given us (the readers) much to work with.

Currently, Johns is running with things we already know.  Johns established that Lois was a bitchy, head strong reporter who can’t stand the thought of Lex Luthor, yet relishes the chance of interviewing him.  We also have the confirmation that Lex Luthor did in fact hate Superman from the start (as if we didn’t know) and puts on a amazing act for the people of Metropolis, acting as its savior.  The Parasite, in addition is given no new realizations unfamiliar to us, was still accidentally exposed to chemicals which changed him to the purple, energy sucking vampire, still had an unrelenting crave for human energy, still wants Superman the most due to his stamina, and remains one of the dumbest villains in Superman’s repertoire.  The only twist that comes along in this issue is Luthor’s speech, claiming Superman to be an enemy of the people and possibly an invader from a different world…but we expected that right?

With all that said, the story in and of itself is well written.  The dialog between characters is strong a flows smoothly, contains very driven character, and gets at the heart of a single individual.  This week, Johns gave a shinning moment to our beloved pal, Jimmy Olsen.  The young photographer is still a dork, however Johns has given Olsen a more mature look, despite all of his freckles.  No more “golly gee” or “gee wilikers” for Jimmy, he’s more of a socially adapted person rather than socially awkward. 

Like I’ve said before, Gary Frank is THE Superman artist.  DC needs to hire Frank forever and keep the artistry that he is bringing to the pages of Superman.  Get rid of Bernard Chang and permanently put Gary Frank on board.  That was one of the creepiest renditions of the Parasite I have ever seen. Frank just keeps on bringing it home! 

Overall

This issue is fun to read, but doesn’t really push the story forward into anything new.  Knowing Johns however, it’s possible that this issue contains hidden importance that will be revealed once the final issue hits stores.  My fingers are crossed.

Rating: 5 out of 10 stars

Next Issue Coming March 31^st, 2010

Superman versus Metallo – for the first time! Witness the origin of one of Superman's most-feared foes, as an attack by Lex Luthor goes awry and gives birth to the evil of Metallo. Can an inexperienced Man of Steel handle a foe with a heart of Kryptonite? Meanwhile, Lois Lane and Perry White are close to revealing Luthor as the monster that he is – but are they willing to pay for that truth with their lives?