2006: The Top Ten in GOOD

Loveless 14
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley.

After yesterday’s list of the “bad”, it only seems fair to list the “good” of 2006. Surprisingly, it was no trouble at all to think of 10 things that made me smile, or at the least gave me the pleasure of entertainment. On that touchy-feely note, let’s get to work hammering out the “best of” list.

10. Peter David’s X-Factor and Fallen Angel: Despite almost losing my faith in comics this year, books like X-Factor and Fallen Angel kept me going back to my local retailer in hopes of perfect shipping that week. Often overlooked, David’s take on X-Factor is the most well crafted X-title being published today. With superb scripting and a realistic bent on this group of outcasts, this is the book I have to read. David’s Fallen Angel is another title that has grown and evolved into the thriller it is today. While others speculate on the book’s ties to Supergirl, I enjoy it for what it is- quality entertainment.

9. Grant Morrison on All-Star Superman and Batman: Another creator that made me very happy this year is Morrison. I loved his irreverent take on Superman, but was especially thrilled with the Lois Lane and Jimmy Olson that he crafted. Sheer genius. Over in Batman, Morrison tied up loose ends by making an Elseworlds tale about him and Talia having a son into a stark reality. Once again I found myself drawn to the humanity of Bruce Wayne that lies in such dichotomy to the Dark Knight. I can hardly wait for more.

8. Daredevil: Ed Brubaker is most certainly the magnificent bastard that my husband has termed him to be. Brubaker’s work on Daredevil has been nothing short of brilliance. The way he crafted the tale of Matt’s stint in prison woven through Foggy’s certain demise left me awestruck. You definitely get your money’s worth when you pick up Daredevil. The art is absolutely fantastic as well, with Michael Lark holding down his end of the deal with ease.

7. Dynamite Entertainment gives great entertainment: I fell in love with several of Dynamite’s titles this year. Lone Ranger is the best western I have read in years. The gorgeous art and excellent scripting take my breath away. I also enjoyed John Layman’s take on Xena- perfection. My favorite has to be Red Sonja. I have longed to see someone take on my favorite red-headed warrior for quite some time. The latest storyline featuring Kulan Gath and flashbacks to Sonja’s terrible childhood is excellent. Other then grumbling about the variant covers, I can’t say anything bad about Dynamite’s titles.

6. 52: What a grand experiment this has been. Never in a million years did I think DC could pull it off, but here I sit today, with 34 weeks worth of the book on my desk. I have to give a great deal of respect to DC for making a commitment and pulling it off with quality writing and great art. As the story draws me further in, the only question I have left is this- when are they going to do it again?

5. Virgin Comics enters market: The new flavor that Virgin Comics has brought to the comic book industry is just what we needed. I love the Eastern feel of the books, and appreciate the opportunity to see creators that are new to me presenting quality product. Snakewoman and Devi are my favorites so far, with Seven Brothers not far behind. I have happily given up several Marvel titles to be able to afford the exquisite productions that Virgin has to offer. I am crossing my fingers for even more greatness in 2007, and am feverishly hoping that my local retailer will finally cave in and order more then my one copy.

4. ComicSpace: This is an idea I wish I would have thought of. Though it is still new, the opportunity for networking here is endless. I like Warren Ellis’ take on it as an exchange of business cards. I also appreciate the fact that I have been able to reconnect with old friends while meeting new ones. As this entity evolves, I will happily go with it.

3. High quality Vertigo titles: This year Vertigo gets my vote for best “group” producing comics today. As an adult reader, I appreciate the desire for different flavors. Each month I find myself breathlessly awaiting ALL these titles: 100 Bullets, American Virgin, Fables, Jack of Fables, Loveless, Hellblazer, and Y The Last Man. Each comic brings something unique and compelling to the table both story wise and art wise. When I read Loveless, my heart fills with pain while 100 Bullets makes me want to solve the mystery contained therein. Yes, I really wanted to know who killed the men in Y The Last Man. It really made me curious, which is what I want in a book. Enough schlock already, let me go read a Vertigo book. I know that I can rely on fantastic quality and dependable deadlines. I feel like these books are written just for me.

2. The fellowship I had at Emerald City Comicon and Seattle Comicard Show: Smaller shows get a bad rap, and it is about time someone stood up and cried bulls#*t. These smaller, high quality shows have given me a great deal of opportunity to make new friends, renew old friendships, and find great deals. I have had so much fun at both the ECCC and Comicard show that I will make time in my schedule any day for another one. Where else can you find yourself in a bar at midnight with Adam Hughes, Tony Harris, Jim Demonakos, and Sean Phillips, with Rick Remender talking about his room service order? Amazing.

1. Manhunter gets a reprieve: This may seem like a small thing for most of you, but for me it was vindication. A title I have loved from issue one is brought back from certain death and now shows signs of thriving. Amen! Writer Marc Andreyko spins a gorgeous tale, and with the new creative team of Javier Pina and Robin Riggs backing him, this book seems destined to break the cancellation curse. This is the one example I can think of where the readers talked and the company listened. Thank you for that.