Top Ten For 2010

Last year I made a call for votes for the best individual comics book of 2009.  Now, 2010 is coming to an end and my call for votes is once again going into motion.  However, some new categories have been added to the list...

Top Ten Comic Books of 2010

Top Five Writers Of 2010

Top Five Artists Of 2010

Top Five Best Covers Of 2010

Top Five On Going Series Of 2010

Best Comic Book Moment Of 2010

Best Mini-Series Of 2010

Best Story Arc Of 2010

There are no rules in voting.  As long as it pertains to 2010, you're good to go.  I've been compiling a list of what I would vote for, but I need some help in assuring I'm not missing anything. 

Leave your vote in a comment, or message me on Facebook.  Votes are due by the 3rd week in January.  Any questions?  Don't hesitate to ask. 

Excelsior!

Top Ten Hottest Comic Book Females

10. The Invisible Woman
You could almost say that Susan Storm, AKA The Invisible Woman, was my first comic book crush. Back in the day when I read Marvel comics, there was a specific issue of the Fantastic Four where Susan Storm changed her outfit in an attempt to receive more attention from her husband. Before hand, Susan had a one piece suit with the number “4” on the front. But this new one had all the trimmings…literally! Separate leggings, exposed stomach, and the number 4 cut out exposing her breasts. It was at that moment when I decided Susan Storm was great eye candy!

9. Catwoman

For some reason, our culture has equaled feline attributes as being sexy. So many fictionalized stories have depicted the household cats as the sexy, more seductive animals of the world. Selina Kyle holds nothing back in enforcing that cultural phenomenon. However, I believe what reinforces the “sexiness” that always seems to naturally come with the title of Catwoman has a lot to do with how she has been drawn, but more with the actresses chosen to play her. Most notably Michelle Phiffer, who made herself known with her incredible performance as the feline criminal, put Catwoman on the map of comics everywhere. But there is a certain sensuality that is unique and her own that no other female superhero could every live up too.

8. Phoenix
It’s mostly Jean Grey that I find hot as can be. But during her “Dark Phoenix” stage, she became even sexier! I think it’s that “good girl gone bad” fetish most guys have. Jean Grey was pure and good, but when something causes a good girl to go bad, the shallowness of my manlihood takes over and she’s all of the sudden a hottie! Am I wrong guys? C’mon, don’t lie to yourselves.

7. Zatana
What is it about fish net stockings? They just seem to increase the hotness of the female. Other than that, Zatana has this way about her that exceptionally mature, yet incredibly fun, witty and full of life. Plus, her outfit is incredibly different from the rest of her super hero allies. She’s wears a suit coat, fish net stockings, and a top hat! How many super heroes do that? She is one of the more unique and confident super heroes in comics right now.

6. Lois Lane
If there is one female I would never want to piss off in a million years (other than my wife) it would have to be Lois Lane. She is an “in your face, don’t get in my way” kind of female. She will not put up with stupidity and is a very determined individual whose confidence rivals Zatana. Yet, she posses a loving side to her. She’s a person who loves her friends, family and husband. All of this, and she’s quite the looker!

5. Rogue
Oh man, what can I say? She’s the athlete of the ten, the tom boy, the best friend, etc etc. There’s so much life in her that you can’t help but want to hang out and be good friends. But what I think is most intriguing about Rogue is the fact that she has one of the more “human” characteristics. Being unable to touch anyone, she is a very conflicted woman who has gone through so much internal pain that it’s hard to wonder how she deals the hand the life has given her. Yet she perseveres! That and her white streak of hair makes her one of the hottest females in comics.

4. Vixen
You can’t deny that Vixen has come along way in her super hero life. Especially in the Justice League when she temporarily lost her powers and could not explain why! She went through this emotional breakdown, but brought herself back up and is now quite the leader. It’s a shame she wont be returning to the Justice League. (darn you James Robinson!!!) Now, I think one of the things that helps boost her so high is her out fit. I mean c’mon, very low cut and similar skin colored. But I do enjoy her character a lot and will be very sad to see her leave the League. If she gets her own title, I’m totally getting it!

3. Black Canary
The fish nets have won again! But Black Canary is something a little different. We have now reach the top 3, and to reach that, you have to have something that’s a little deeper than just an awesome personality and a sexy outfit. There has to be a radiance that is completely unique to the woman, and Black Canary very much has that. With her sexy way about her, she maintains her confidence and her leadership abilities. I don’t think anyone will ever rival her in how well she ran the JLA. She was the perfect and best leader that worthy of putting down in the archives of comics history. I certainly hope her outfit never changes!

2. Power Girl

No, it is not because of how endowed she is that she made number 2. (it’s because of her legs, duh!) I have always like Power Girl even before she got her current outfit. She’s just a very confidant and posses that Lois Lane characteristics where she does not take crap from anyone. She is a great leader of the JSA and I hope that never changes. Plus, I think she’s the funniest character in the entire DCU. She gets so angry with people and her face always seems contorted in ways that’s funny and cute, but you respect her when she gets angry at the same time. But she has an incredible human side, of not truly knowing where she belongs. With her home planet being destroyed, she has done a wonderful job at making a home here on earth in this dimension.

Wonder Woman
If you didn’t see this coming, then I don’t know what to think. Wonder Woman is by far the hottest female in comics today and has always been that and always will be! Wonder Woman cannot be contended with in looks, stature, personality and charisma. I think what does it for me is the fact that she not only had one the more caring personalities in comic book females, but she also has a level of respect and humility that transcends life. I don’t think I know people who care about the value of human life much more than Wonder Woman does. She throws herself at the mercy of the Gods and maintains that everything she does is for the good of womankind and humanity. Her level of maturity is that which cannot be described in words effectively. I she pours her heart out to the people she cares about the most, and does all she can to make sure she is doing the right thing. And if she finds out she has done the wrong thing, she accepts that and repents. She defends her friends like no one else, even if it means protecting them from themselves like she did in Superman: For Tomorrow. Wonder Woman is an exceptional woman of whom I’m happy to have in the DCU.

Top Actors To Star In A Superhero Flick

Another installmet of my top ten lists. This one list my favorite actors and actresses that starred in superhero films. Making this list up was actually kind of tough! I have a lot of favorite actors in this film genre. But I'm conflicted because there were some superhero films that I hated, yet some select actors in those films made my list! I guess that goes to show that a good actor can be great despite how bad the film is. Well, anyway, here's the list....

10. Michelle Pfeiffer/Catwoman

As bad as Batman Returns was, Michelle Pfeiffer was great! Those piercing, cat-like eyes of hers were perfect for the role. The costume was odd to me, but she definitely pulled the part off better than anyone else ever could!

9. Robert Downey Jr./Iron man

The film wasn’t all that great; But Robert Downey Jr. played an excellent Iron Man. His macho, playboy, better-then-you attitude was perfectly done and incredibly funny. If it wasn’t for Robert Downey Jr. and his great one liner deliveries is what made the film decent to watch.

8. Bruce Willis/Hartigan

He played this role just like he would have any other character he has ever done, but it worked very well for this film. Willis has the perfect voice for a film noir detective story.

7. Christian Bale/Batman

The best Batman ever! Christian Bale brought a new and improved version of the Caped Crusader. But of course, anyone is better than the hellish days of Michael Keaton and George Clooney!

6. Chris Evans/Jonny Storm

Chris Evans was fantastic as the Human Torch. The films were not that great, in fact they were downright bad, but still fun to watch. And Evans brings the humor that the Human Torch needs to the big screen like no other.

5. Thomas Jane/The Punisher
If there was ever an actor Taylor made for a role, it would be Tom Jane as the Punisher. No one will ever be able to match the perfection that Jane brought to the Punisher. Having never read the comic, I can’t speak for how true to the comic it is, but based purely on Tom Jane’s acting, absolute perfection!

4. Hugh Jackman/Wolverine

Speaking of tailor made actors; Jackman brings the same level of acting quality to Wolverine that Jane brings to the Punisher. It was as if God put Jackman on this Earth specifically to play the role of Wolverine.

3. Heath Ledger/ The Joker

Out of the blue, Heath Ledger is picked to play Comics most ruthless villain, The Joker. I don’t think anyone expected Ledger to do as well of a job as the Clown Prince of crime as he did. Ledger took the comic book films by storm and no one will ever be able to match Ledger as The Joker, and no one ever should.

2. Hugo Weaving/V

Hidden behind the mask of Guy Fox, Hugo Weaving uses his incredible voice talents to audibly create the most poetic superhero ever. I can only imagine how difficult it had to have been to move and interact with his fellow cast members while wearing a mask with eye holes the size pinky finger nail. V is probably the most difficult character to play, and Weaving made it look easy.

And the Top Actor in a Superhero Film is....

1. Jackie Earle Haley/Rorshach

Comics’ most interesting comic book character ever had to be played by an actor who could portray the twisted, conservative nature that Rorschach has. Earle Haley was a perfect pick for Rorschach more than Anthony Hopkins was for Hannibal Lector. I only wish Rorschach could have had more screen time, but that of course might have ruined the film altogether.

The Top Ten Greatest WORST Superheros in History

So I was recently asked by a fellow comic book blogger to do a blog on who I think are the top ten greatest superheros of all time. We dialoged about this and had great discussions about who we think our picks would be for the top ten greatest. We compared our lists and decided that there wasn't a whole lot of difference. Superman was number one followed closely by Batman, Green Lantern fit in there along with Dare Devil and Captain America, etc etc etc.

Now I wont lie, doing a top ten list was a pleasing thought, but it has been done way to many times. However, the thought still intrigued me. I wasn't sure what to do until I saw an old episode of the Power Rangers on TV, and I HATE the Power Rangers! And then it dawned upon me, why not make a top ten list of the greatest worst Superheros of all time? So here you are....

The Top Ten Greatest WORST Superheros Of All Time

10. Captain Planet
Created by Ted Turner in 1990, Captain Planet was an environmentally minded god-like entity that was created when five kids from around the world, known as Planeteers, combine their five magical rings. Captain Planet fought villains like Sly Sludge and Duke Nukem and anybody Else that endangered the environment. his powers include super strength, super speed and stamina, flight, invulnerability, super breath, Super hearing, telepathy, psychokinesis, shape shifting, control of matter, he had it all! But throw a bit of garbage on this guy and you might as well call it quites! I think if Captain Planet was a "wor alone" superhero, he might have been cooler. But those meddling kids (scooby-Doo, where are you?) is what really killed it for me.

9. The Power Rangers
"Hey Mom, Batman the animated series is on, can I watch it?" "No Jimmy, your sister is watching Power Rangers."
Oh the days when my sister thought The Power Rangers were cool. And I might have liked them if it wasn't for the fact that it was designed for children! That stupid, big headed Zordon keeps lingering in my head. And why did every episode have to end in a Godzilla type battle. At least Batman didn't have to continually revamp itself to stay cool. Look at how many different short lived series Power Rangers had...
1) Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (Three seasons)
2) Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers
3) Power Rangers: Zeo
4) Power Rangers: Turbo
5) Power Rangers in Space
6) Power Rangers: Lost Galaxy
7) Power Rangers: Lightspeed Rescue
8) Power Rangers: Time Force
9) Power Rangers: Wild Force
10) Power Rangers: Ninja Storm
11) Power Rangers: Dino Thunder
12) Power Rangers: S.P.D
13) Power Rangers: Mystic Force
14) Power Rangers: Operation Overdrive
15) Power Rangers: Jungle Fury
16) Power Rangers: RPM


8. The Ambiguously Gay Duo
The ever popular Saturday Night Live animated cartoon which poked fun at the older batman and Robin comics. Their intention was to satirize the suggestion that the dynamic duo was a homosexual crime fighting team. A typical episode usually consisted of a villain committing some dastardly deed, and the A.G.D. would do all they could to stop it, which usually included outrageous antics and innuendos, and behaving in ways perceived by other characters as profligately homosexual. Dialog would go like so...
Ace [patting Gary on the butt] : Good job, friend-of-friends!
Villains/Bystanders [gasps, and ghastly stares]
Ace: What's everybody looking at?
Villains/Bystanders [in unison]: Nothing!




7. Banana Man
While living in Budapest, I remember watching on the British channel Sky One, a cartoon called Banana Man. Eric Wimp, an ordinary schoolboy, living at 29 Acacia Avenue, Nutty town eats a banana to transform into Banana man. His super powers include the ability to fly, superhuman strength, and seeming invulnerability. If Banana Man needs extra power, bananas can be eaten for strength boosts, provided by his faithful pet crow. I always enjoyed watching this cartoon short. From the looks of it, the creator stemmed Banana Man in the likeness of Superman, but also a hint of Captain Marvel in the sense that he is a boy who becomes an adult Superhero. (assuming you can call someone with the name Banana Man an adult) Video opener below...




6. Superted
Yes, Superted. I hardly remember anything about him. I just remember watching the show and loving it! I would actually grab my snuggles toy and act as if he were Superted and he would defeat the evil Barbie and Ken brigade. Superted's powers are activated by his "secret magic word", which (as the name suggests) remains a secret. Superted whispers it every time he or someone else is in peril and he transforms into a Superman-like red suit with rockets built in to the boots. The episodes take place all over the world (but quite often in Wales) and even in space (SuperTed is the owner of his own space station). He also has a tree house in an unspecified jungle. Superted also resembles Captain Marvel, even more so than Banana Man does, since his powers come from a magic word and from a magical being.




5. Bible Man
The intent is good, but ultimately this evangelical superhero fall flat on his face as being one of the worst. I really don't need to go on. Besides the fact that he wear hockey gear and a suit that has very little to do with biblical matters, he really is not a good superhero and should be thrown away with the rest of the garbage and allow history to forget that someone actually came up with this ridiculous idea!



4. The Legion of Super-Pets
The Legion of Super-Pets is a fictional team of super-powered pets in the Pre-Crisis DC Universe. Members included Krypto the Super-Dog and Streaky the Supercat. The team first appeared in Adventure Comics #293 (February 1962), though most of the members had appeared in earlier issues.
The alien creatures known as the Brain-Globes of Rambat decide that, in order to succeed in their plan to move Earth to their own solar system, they must defeat Superboy. When they are unable to gain control of Superboy, they summon Cosmic Boy, Lightning Lad, and Saturn Girl of the Legion of Super-Heroes from the future and mentally command the trio to capture him.
After Superboy is defeated, the Brain-Globes of Rambat release their hold on the Legionnaires. When they notice that the Brain-Globes cannot control animals, the Legionnaires gather Krypto the Super-Dog (from Superboy's present), Streaky the Supercat and Beppo the Super-Monkey (from Superman's present), and Comet the Super-Horse (from a few weeks in Superman's future) to battle the aliens. The pets defeat the aliens and are named the Legion of Super-Pets, the animal branch of the super club. They are then returned to their proper time periods.

3. Dogwelder
Dogwelder was a character from Garth Ennis' "Hitman" series. Dogwelder was part of a superhero team known as Section Eight which was a band of these crazy guys that fought crime in rather inane ways. He's this madman in a silver welder's outfit that basically just goes around welding stray dogs to villains' faces. That's it. That's how he fought crime. Welding dogs to people. Mind you it would be a bitch of a thing to have happen to you. You try to rob a bank and you end up with a Lhasa Apso welded to your face, yapping for eternity. *shudder*













2. Arm Fall Off Boy
Oh those crazy Legion of Superheros and their crazy writers! They'll let heroes with some of the stupidest powers into the Legion, but they pass up a great character like Arm Fall Off Boy. Arm Fall Off Boy is an oddity all his own because although he only made one appearance in a comic book ever (Secret Origins #46 [1989]), his appearance was so memorable that he has a cult following to this day. Arm Fall Off Boy made an appearance at a Legion of Superheroes recruitment drive where he displayed his "astounding" power to Saturn Girl, Lightning Lad and Cosmic Boy. His power? To detach his left arm from his body and use it as a club. Sadly, Arm Fall Off Boy was surprised when the Legion let him know that his talents weren't quite right for their organization. Arm Fall Off Boy sulked away into comic book oblivion, but was not forgotten. One only wonders how he felt when later on the Legion would accept Bouncing Boy and, well, Matter Eater Lad to their ranks.


And The Number One Worst Superhero In History Is......

1. Captain Caveman
Only Hannah-Barberra could come up with something this ridiculous. Let's start with a mock up of Charlie's Angels, take three bomb shells and turn it into a spin off called "The Teen Angels." Joe Ruby and Ken Spears were the creative team. however, Hannah-Barberra decided three hot chicks solving mysteries would not stimulate young boys fantasies. (are they kidding me???) So, what do they do? Yes that's right, they stick a stupid caveman in the mix with special powers, which include super-strength, a variety of useful objects hidden inside his fur, and a club that allows him to fly and from which pops out different tools he uses to fight crime. His trademark is his battle cry of "Captain CAAAAAAAVEMAAAAAAAAANNNN!!!!" Captain Caveman's voice was provided by Mel Blanc.

Hannah-Barberra was known for this. Look back at most of the typical mystery and superhero cartoons and you'll find most of the male characters were dumb and very trashy looking, where as ALL the females were slender, beautiful, and curvy. This is an unintentional commentary that if you are ugly, homely, or weird looking...you'll get the girl!

Captain caveman is without a doubt one of the funniest superheros ever concocted. But props go to the man of a million voices, Mel Blanc. Without that man, I don't think Captain Caveman would have been as successful.

Magneto, IGN's #1 comic book villain

IGN.com recently created a list of the top 100 villains in comic book history. Now seeing as I have no desire to list all 100 for you, I will list the top ten villains.

10. The Kingpin
9. The Dark Phoenix
8. Loki
7. Ra's Al Ghul
6. Darkseid
5. Galactus
4. Lex Luthor
3. Dr. Doom
2. The Joker
1. Magneto

Below, is a video of why the IGN editors decided to choose Magneto as the number one pick...

More Magneto Info

Now, to start off, I have to say that I completely disagree giving Magneto the number 1 spot in thehistory of comic book villainy. I know I'm partial towards DC comics, but I believe most people would agree with me on this, especially for people who know the X-Men and more importantly, for those who know Magneto.

Magneto, yes is a powerful villain and quite ruthless. I would probably rank him in the top ten and maybe even in the top 5 of the best comic book villains. However, the reason why I disagree with the placement is for the mere fact that Magneto, deep down inside is not truly a villain. If you examine the character of magneto, his history, and ask yourselves the question "why does he do what he does?", then you can see the reasoning of why he isn't the number one comic book villain.

Magneto grew up a mutant, and thus followed the discriminatory actions towards him and his kind. This is true for all the X-Men and mutants. What makes Magneto different is his desire to do what is necessary to preserve the mutant race and achieve the type of freedom that he feels mutants deserve and have a right to.

Now, like most things, doing what is necessary is relative. How does one achieve a certain goal? Prof. Charles Xavier believes the best way is for mutants and non-mutants to exist as equals, whereas Magneto would much prefer that the humans be obliterated from existence so mutants can finally be free. Now you're probably asking yourself, "well doesn't this make him pretty darn evil Jimmy?" and I would respond, "no, it doesn't." Just like anything else, evil is also very relative. From a humans point of view, he is the most terrible mutant to exist. From the X-Men's point of view, he is a misguided person who needs help. And from the mutants who desire the same thing as Magneto, he is the mutant's Jesus Christ. But regardless, Magneto's purpose is what qualifies him as a notorious villain or not.

Magneto has one goal, to free mutants from the tyranny of the humans. And justly so, the human's treat mutants as if they are freaks who came in this world by unnatural means and should be forgotten. Thus, when humans meet a mutant on the street, they are met with hostility and savagery. Magneto sought to end this, by any means necessary. (hhhmmm, where have we heard this before?)

Now the question is not what is his goal, rather now the question we must ask is what are his reasons for behaving in such violent ways to achieve Mutant freedom? When you look deep down inside his heart, he's doing all of this for a mass group of living beings. Too often do we mark off people who care for something as being silly or ridiculous and typically laugh or make fun of their ideologies. Look at how certain groups are treated, environmentalist, animal rights groups, etc etc. We treat these groups as the equivalent of a joke, and that ultimately there is no need for these groups because what they fight for is faulty.

However, the fact still remains that Magneto, along with any other group that is belittled for what they believe and fight for, is standing up for the rights of living creatures. Magneto isn't attacking humans because he enjoys it, he's doing it because he feels humans are killing mutants, or running experiments on mutants against their will, or because of the general mistreatment by humans towards mutants. Magneto fights for a group of of living creatures who desire to live life to it's fullest. Magneto fights evil. No matter how you look at it, Magneto is fighting evil. I can understand why Magneto does what he does. I don't agree with his methods, nor do I condone them, but I do understand him.

Now I do consider magneto a villain based on the fact that he has killed thousands of people and feels no remorse for it. But their are reasons for what he does, and even though I do not agree with him, I have a great deal of respect for his ideals of freedom. And I think most people do respect his ideals and convictions. This is one reason why I feel he qualifies as a hero more than a villain. Of course he will always be a villain because he defies the X-Men. But here's a question to ponder, what if the X-Men never started? What if Magneto was the only mutant doing anything to achieve mutant rights? What if all mutants began to follow him and there was no group of mutants opposing him? Would we then qualify him as a villain or a hero?

If anyone deserves to be the top, number 1 villain, I think that title without a doubt have to go to the Joker. Disagree? comment below!

Top Ten Best Selling Graphic Novels....

Rankings reflect sales of graphic novels, for the week ending April 11, at many thousands of venues where a wide range of books are sold nationwide. These include hundreds of independent book retailers (statistically weighted to represent all such outlets); national, regional and local chains; online and multimedia entertainment retailers; university, gift, supermarket, discount department stores and newsstands. In addition, these rankings also include unit sales reported by retailers nationwide that specialize in graphic novels and comic books. An asterisk (*) indicates that a book’s sales are barely distinguishable from those of the book above. A dagger (†) indicates that some bookstores report receiving bulk orders.

You can also read my personal opinion of each graphic novel listed. Except for the Manga, I don't read those. My thoughts will be in Italics right next to the books description.

Hardcover Bestsellers

1 BATMAN: R.I.P., by Grant Morrison and Tony Daniel. (DC Comics, $24.99.) Thomas Wayne, the father of the caped crusader, is cast in a sinister light. I personally think this whole story arc was the biggest waste of time. Grant Morrison seemed to be going somewhere with the story, but it ended up being a complete flop. However, to understand all that went on with Batman's death, you might need to pick it up.

2 BATMAN: HEART OF HUSH, by Paul Dini and Dustin Nguyen. (DC Comics, $19.99.) A childhood friend of Bruce Wayne returns to plague the caped crusader anew – and Catwoman is caught in the middle. Paul Dini does not disappoint. Hush is an exceptionally interesting character and this story makes the tension between the two so much greater.

3 WATCHMEN, by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. (DC Comics, $39.99 and $75.) This epic tale from 1986 signaled a new maturity in comic books. As you all know, this is my favorite book. So if it were up to me, I'd have put this at the top. But sadly, people feel that the awful writing of Grant Morrison is better than the genius that is Alan Moore.

4 BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE, by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland. (DC Comics, $17.99.) This critically acclaimed story from 1988 offers a possible origin for the Joker. You might recognize some of this story from the film, The Dark Knight. This was a great take on the Joker origin story. Definitely worth buying!

5 JOKER, by Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo. (DC Comics, $19.99.) The Joker, newly released from Arkham Asylum, deals with the rivals who have carved into his territory. This is an amazing read. You'll be dropping your jaw at every paged turn!

6 ANGEL: AFTER THE FALL, Vol. 3, by Joss Whedon, Brian Lynch, Nick Runge and David Messina. (IDW Publishing, $24.99.) Los Angeles is overrun with demons, but Angel’s struggles are just beginning. Never read it...

7 ALL-STAR SUPERMAN, Vol. 2, by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely. (DC Comics, $19.99.) These stories, free of the barnacles of continuity, include an encounter with Zibarro, the only sane resident of the Bizarro world. Completely over rated. Morrison again brings us a pretty worthless story that would have been better left written by someone capable, or not written at all.

8 SUPERMAN: BRAINIAC, by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank. (DC Comics, $19.99.) The Man of Steel’s arch foe returns tougher than ever and is a responsible for a death in the family. i have this story arc in single issues. This was a great story arc. I was on the edge of my seat with each issue! Geoff Johns really knows how to grab you.

9 THE DRESDEN FILES: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE, by Jim Butcher and Ardian Syaf. (Random House, $19.95.) This comic book collection is a prequel to the Dresden Files series of novels, which are part fantasy and part noir. Never read it.

10 SAGA OF SWAMP THING: BOOK 1, by Steve R. Bissette and Alan Moore. (Vertigo, $24.99.) The inspired reinvention of the classic horror character gets a new printing. Such a weird and twisted story. I love it!


Softcover Bestsellers

1 WATCHMEN, by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. (DC Comics, $39.99 and $75.) This epic tale from 1986 signaled a new maturity in comic books. This is where it should be, at the top!

2 WOLVERINE: ORIGIN, by Paul Jenkins and Andy Kubert. (Marvel Comics, $16.99.) Revealed at last: the secret history of the mutant known as Wolverine. Funny thing is, I have read this. It's surprising I know, because I'm not a marvel person. but I did enjoy this story. Paul Jenkins and Andy Kubert do amazing work.

3 V FOR VENDETTA, by Alan Moore, K. C. Carlson and David Lloyd. (Vertigo, $19.99.) A vigilante tries to free London in a world where Germany won World War II. This is always worth reading. This is probably Alan Moore's most poetic story he's ever written. the use of language is just stunning. The story is fantastically written.

4 BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, Vol. 3, by Drew Goddard and others. (Dark Horse, $15.95.) “Season eight” of Buffy continue in Tokyo where she investigates a new threat. Never read it, Buffy is more of a TV show for me than a comic.

5 THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY: APOCALYPSE SUITE, by Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba. (Dark Horse, $17.95.) A team of heroic children reunite as dysfunctional adults and are forced to join forces against a threat that is very close to home. I checked this out at the library. It's a lot of fun and worth reading.

6 BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, by Frank Miller. (DC Comics, $14.99.) Another classic from 1986: The caped crusader comes out of retirement to save Gotham City from a depraved street gang that are more monsters than man. you know, I have never really understood what people like about Frank Miller. His stories are all the same. The writing for me jumps up and down. This book was nothing special to me. but I guess if I had read it when it was first published I might have thought differently. But the story seems to be just one big gun fight. yeah, batman carrying a gun around? Sorry, I don't but it.

7 WALKING DEAD, Vol. 9, by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard. (Image Comics, $14.99.) The gripping story of the human survivors in a world overrun by zombies continues. Never read it...

8 WALKING DEAD, Vol. 1, by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore. (Image Comics, $14.99.) The gripping story of the human survivors in a world overrun by zombies continues. Never read it...

9 THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN, Vol. 1, by Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neil. (America’s Best Comics, $14.99.) The gifted Mr. Moore plucks characters from classic literature (including Captain Nemo, Dr. Jekyll and the Invisible Man) to combat a criminal mastermind. this is such a fun story! The classic Victorian story characters form a team of to fight evil, who wouldn't want to read that??

10 Y THE LAST MAN: UNMANNED, Vol. 1, by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra. (Vertigo, $12.99.) The first installment of this brilliant series follows Yorick Brown, the only male survivor of a plaque that kills every other man, in his quest to find his girlfriend and the cause of the catastrophe. I've heard this and need to find time to rent it from my library. But I've heard that this Graphic Novel is worth reading.


Manga Bestsellers - sorry, I didn't include links for these. not sure where to find them. go to Amazon, I'm sure you can find everything you want there.

1 NARUTO, Vol. 43, by Masashi Kishimoto. (VIZ Media, $7.95.) Naruto’s former teammate, Sasuke, learns vital detail about his family’s past.

2 NARUTO, Vol. 44, by Masashi Kishimoto. (Viz Media, $7.95.) The secret history of Sasuke’’s family continues to be revealed.

3 NARUTO, Vol. 42, by Masashi Kishimoto. (VIZ Media, $7.95.) Naruto’s teacher Jiraiya must delve deep into the past to uncover the secret of Pain’s origin.

4 VAMPIRE KNIGHT, Vol. 6, by Matsuri Hino. (VIZ Media, $8.99.) Cross Academy has day and evening students, but the latter have a secret: they are vampires.

5 NARUTO, Vol. 41, by Masashi Kishimoto. (VIZ Media, $7.95.) A secret from the past comes back to haunt Naruto’s teacher, Jiraiya.

6 NARUTO, Vol. 40, by Masashi Kishimoto. (VIZ Media, $7.95.) A journey to the Land of Rain unveils a secret.

7 FRUITS BASKET, Vol. 22, by Natsuki Takaya. (TokyoPop, $10.99.) This series is about humans who are possessed by the animals of the Chinese zodiac.

8 GANTZ, Vol. 4, by Hiroya Oku. (Dark Horse, $12.95.) Kei Kurono died in a train accident. Or did he? He’s now stuck in a never-ending battle against alien forces, along with other human who have recently met their demise. But will the second death prove more fatal?

9 ROSARIO + VAMPIRE, Vol. 6, by Akihisa Ikeda. (VIZ Media, $7.99.) Tsukune Aono’s new school is filled with vampires and werewolves. How is a human teenager to survive?

10 NARUTO, Vol. 39, by Masashi Kishimoto. (VIZ Media, $7.95.) The ninja world of Naruto is threatened by an old enemy.



My Response:
So it really makes me off that Geoff Johns only has one book in this list, where as Grant Morrison has three. I also don't like the fact that Grant Morrison's story arc "Batman R.I.P" hit the top of the seller list when the entire story was really bad and made no sense.

Maybe I should blog about how much I hate Grant Morrison....