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Posted on Jan 06, 2006 - 11:20 PM by Admin |
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Not nearly as exciting as the Emmys! Not as glamorous as a Grammy! Not as marvelous as Marvel’s No Prize! Not as in demand as DC’s Baldies! It’s The Comic Fanatic.Com’s end of the year awards, showcasing the best - and some of the worst - of 2005! It’s the super-sized Fourth Annual The Comic Fanatic.Com Fannys!
This year’s Fannys were compiled and written by Heath Shelby and Jeff Hall -
Ongoing Series Of 2005:
Captain America (Marvel) - I have been a Captain America fan for my entire comic-book-loving life, but I will admit that this time last year if you would have told me that Captain America would be the best ongoing series of the year, I would’ve laughed in your face. Credit writer Ed Brubaker.
So how did Brubaker make Captain America great again - if not the greatest of all time? Brubaker simply killed off Cap’s #1 archenemy - the Red Skull, killed off Nomad and then did the unthinkable…Brubaker brought Bucky back from the dead! For Cap purists, those things should scream “drop this book forever!” But it worked. Wow! Did it ever work!
Brubaker and artists Steve Epting and Michael Lark had Comic Fanatics rushing to comic book stores each month to find out if this new villain known as The Winter Soldier was indeed a resurrected Bucky. Lo and behold, Brubaker DID bring Bucky back from the dead, but he didn’t do it for just the shock factor. Brubaker had a reason, and more importantly a very good explanation of how such a resurrection could occur.
Brubaker has made Captain America not only readable again, but for the first time in ages Brubaker has made Comic Fanatics anticipate the next issue of this title. With The Winter Soldier and his backstory now established, don’t be surprised if Captain America ends up as the best ongoing series of 2006!
(Heath Shelby)
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Miniseries Of 2005:
Infinite Crisis (DC) - Although only three issues were released in 2005, those three issues have been far and above better than any other mini-series that were released during the year. In the last year, we have seen many events going on in the DC Universe. The villains have organized. The Spectre has played havoc with magic in the DCU. Wars and rumors of wars are coming from other worlds. The dead are coming back to life. And then there was that OMAC thing.
Infinite Crisis brings these elements together in ways this Comic Fanatic did not think was possible. We find out that some of these events are not as random as we thought. By the end of the third issue, we see that there are architects behind many of the above listed events.
In many ways, this series is a direct sequel to Crisis on Infinite Earths. Four characters have returned that “disappeared into paradise” at the end of that Crisis: Earth-2 Superman, Earth-2 Lois Lane-Kent, Earth-Prime Superboy, and the Earth-3 Alexander Luthor. They have come back because they are not happy with how the world has turned out after they helped save it from the Anti-Monitor. This Earth has become dark and gritty. Heroes don’t act like heroes. We soon discover that they want to change things to be more like Earth-2, which was a nicer, friendlier world. This sets up a premise that this Comic Fanatic will follow to the end!
(Jeff Hall)
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Single Issue Of 2005:
Countdown to Infinite Crisis (DC) - After last year’s Identity Crisis, there was a brief calm. There were times when it seemed like those events would not play a major role in the DC Universe. If you believed that, you were sorely mistaken. We discover that there have been some undercurrents of things bubbling under the surface. After everything that has happened in 2005, it’s easy to forget that events going on in the DCU started to boil over in Countdown To Infinite Crisis. Not only does this mark the beginning of those current events, but it marks the death of a popular Justice League character, Blue Beetle…a character that this Comic Fanatic will sorely miss.
(Jeff Hall)
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Event Of 2006:
Infinite Crisis (DC) - This is really no surprise. We first started hearing hints a couple of years ago about a new mini-series that would essentially be “Crisis on Infinite Earths - the Sequel”, which would be released around the twentieth anniversary of the original Crisis. Although the concept sounded good, this Comic Fanatic remained skeptical.
Now, here we are two years later, and we are right in the middle of that mini-series! The event is more than just the mini-series. This event is so big, that it has taken years and numerous other events just to set it up. Conceivably, you can say this started with Identity Crisis. Earlier in 2005, there were no less than 5 mini-series going on simultaneously to prepare for the big event. This event directly ties in to one of DC’s biggest events ever - Crisis on Infinite Earths. We have seen characters reappear in 2005 that we have not seen in ages that directly tied into the original Crisis - in some cases; we haven’t seen them since that Crisis.
Where will all of this lead? This Comic Fanatic can only speculate. One rumor says that it will bring back the multiverse. The story seems to indicate that the single universe will change. Will Bruce Wayne remain Batman? Will Wonder Woman remain a public figure? Will we still have a Flash? Will the younger characters take over for their mentors? As my favorite author is fond of saying, “Read and Find Out.”
(Jeff Hall)
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Superhero Of 2005:
Spider-Man (Marvel) - Once again, Spider-Man takes the Fanny for the superhero of the year. And once again, Spider-Man spent the year being put through the wringer like never before.
Spider-Man began 2005 as a member of the New Avengers, suffering a broken arm during his first unofficial outing with the team. Things went downhill from there…
Over in the pages of Marvel Knights Spider-Man, writer Mark Millar was putting Spidey through the wringer, too. Spider-Man’s Aunt May was kidnapped and longtime foe the Scorpion had become the new host for the Venom symbiote. Things didn’t get better.
As summer rolled around, Spider-Man - and much of the Marvel Universe - was caught up in the events of the House Of M. After years of misfortune, Spider-Man woke up in this new reality with everything he had ever wanted. Spider-Man was the celebrated hero of millions, a true star, plus his Uncle Ben was alive and well, he was married and had a son…oh, and he wasn’t married to Mary Jane. Gwen Stacy was also alive and well, and married to our favorite web-slinger!
It was bad enough for Spider-Man when the House Of M reality faded away. The real kick in the head? The fact that Spider-Man remembered that reality once he was back in the proper Marvel Universe…every little detail. His son, his uncle and his other wife! Would you believe it gets worse?!
With little time to deal with the repercussions of the House Of M, Spider-Man receives shocking news concerning his health…plus a visit from the powerful Morlun. As 2005 wrapped up, Spider-Man ended the year by saving his wife…and dying! That’s right. Dead! Here’s to hoping Spider-Man gets better - and catches a break or two in 2006!
(Heath Shelby)
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Superheroine Of 2005:
Wonder Woman (DC) - I don’t believe any other heroine has held to her beliefs while sacrificing so much as Wonder Woman has. Whether it was struggling with blindness or slaying monsters, Wonder Woman held to her resolve.
When the year began, Wonder Woman was struggling with blindness. Even so, she slew Medusa. Wonder Woman weathered betrayal when she found out that one her team was part of an enemy organization. Wonder Woman executed Max Lord when his control of Superman threatened Batman’s life. And she ended the year by helping her Amazonian sisters fight for Paradise Island.
When she realized their mission of peace was on the verge of losing all credibility, Wonder Woman knew the Amazons would need to make the ultimate sacrifice - at her leading, the Amazons retreated from Paradise Island, which is sacrificed for both their protection and the protection of the mission. Then the final sacrifice - Wonder Woman stays behind, knowing her path is different from those of her sisters and knowing that she will most likely never again see these people she holds so dear.
(Jeff Hall)
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Super-team Of 2005:
New Avengers (Marvel) - Here’s another instance of Marvel doing something that by all means should have affected me in a completely opposite way. Like with Captain America, I have been an Avengers fan for all of my life. Hands down, the Avengers have always been my favorite super-team, so when writer Brian Michael Bendis “disassembled” the Avengers in 2004, I should have jumped ship. I can’t begin to tell you how glad I am that I decided to give Bendis and Marvel a chance.
With these New Avengers, Bendis mixed some of the old with a lot of the new. Avengers mainstays Captain America and Iron Man were there, but the rest of the team was a bunch of folks who weren’t typically thought of as Avengers: Wolverine, Luke Cage, Spider-Man, the Sentry and Spider-Woman. With such an eclectic roster, Bendis kept Comic Fanatics coming back each month for incredible team dynamics, intrigue and lots of big-screen action.
Bendis’ roster choices surprised and thrilled many Comic Fanatics. Longtime Avengers fans were thrilled to see Spider-Man finally join the Avengers, after several times of flirting with the possibility over the years. Not only did Spider-Man’s inclusion add a certain lightheartedness to the team, it also enriched Spider-Man’s titles, when we got to see how this hard luck hero and his family adjusted to the good life in the new Avengers Tower.
Spider-Woman was a welcome choice for many Comic Fanatics. Long absent from the pages of any Marvel comic book, Spider-Woman was a sight for sore eyes, especially when illustrated by artist David Finch. And Spider-Woman is the character adding the intrigue to the mix, playing the part of a double agent…who has just been caught by Cap!
Then there was the Sentry. Many Comic Fanatics didn’t even remember who this guy was! Oh, and let’s not forget the long debate in 2005 - is Daredevil really Ronin?
Bendis’ New Avengers sure aren’t my old Avengers…but in this case, that’s a good thing.
(Heath Shelby)
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Super-Villain Of 2005:
Max Lord (DC) - Max Lord was the annoying leader of the Giffen era Justice League. So how does he end up here? It appears that for some time, Max has been manipulating his way through government agencies until he is one of the leaders of the organization known as Checkmate. But this does not make him a villain.
Max used Checkmate to watch metahumans using Batman’s technology. This does not necessarily make him a villain, either. We do not know at this point what his activities have been in Checkmate prior to Countdown To Infinite Crisis. We have indications through the end of Countdown and the first part of The OMAC Project that Max is a man to be feared. Oddly, Max turns out to be one of the very metahumans that he claims cannot be trusted.
So how does he end up as Super-Villain of 2005? Well - Comic Fanatics were shocked at the end of Countdown To Infinite Crisis when Max so ruthlessly took Blue Beetle’s life. This does make Max a villain (if he wasn’t already by that point), if not villain of the year!
Max has created the OMAC technology, which turns ordinary people into machines to destroy metahumans. THIS does make Max a villain of the year nominee. What makes him the winner in this category? That would be when Max takes control of Superman’s mind and sends him on a rampage. Max shows that he will go to any means - even putting his own health at risk, which is what happens when he uses his powers. And only something extreme can stop him.
(Jeff Hall)
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New Super-Villain Of 2005:
The Red Hood (DC) - The Red Hood first made his appearance way back in Detective Comics #168. This was the identity of The Joker before he fell into a vat of toxic chemicals. In 2005, the Red Hood returned and it was very obvious that this was not the Joker. Who was it then? Comic Fanatics everywhere were wondering who was under the hood.
Soon, we had the shocking answer - the new Red Hood was none other than…Jason Todd, the Robin who had been killed years ago at the hands of the Joker! Now the questions are different - How did Jason come back? Why is Jason dressing up as the former identity of the man who killed him? And just what is Jason up to anyway? Batman’s greatest fear has now come to life, literally! With the Red Hood in Batman’s life and the DC Universe, 2006 should be an interesting year, to say the least!
(Jeff Hall)
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New Series Of 2005:
Young Avengers (Marvel) - Marvel spent a lot of 2005 making me think about and look at comic books in an all new way. Take this book for example. When Marvel first announced its title, I thought, “Ridiculous.” When the roster was announced, I couldn’t help but think, “Lord, help me.” I had absolutely no desire to pick up this new series, but Marvel was relentless with their hype. And somewhere in the midst of that hype, I thought, “Hmmm…maybe I should give this one a try.”
Silly names like Hulkling and Iron Lad aside, Young Avengers was an instant hit from the get go. Writer Allan Heinberg - of TV’s “The OC” fame - had a knack for writing this teen team, so it appealed not only to new readers, but also to longtime Avengers fans, who quickly discovered that this new team did indeed have some ties to the Avengers. Along the way, the Patriot, Asgardian, Iron Lad and Hulkling were joined by a new heroine called Hawkingbird and another heroine familiar to Avengers fans, Stature - Ant-Man’s daughter, Cassie Lang.
Over the course of the year, Heinberg and co-creator/artist Jim Cheung made Young Avengers one of the most pleasant surprises of the year, and one of the most anticipated books each and every month. This is a book that has the potential to graduate from best new series to best ongoing series in 2006.
(Heath Shelby)
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Most Underrated Book Of 2005:
Tie!
Manhunter (DC) - This little gem from writer Marc Andreyko has been at the top of my “must-read” list since the day I took a chance and picked up Manhunter #1. Sure, there is the big draw of being a DC Universe centric book, especially with its recent ties to Infinite Crisis and related stories. However, the real selling point of Manhunter is and always has been Kate Spencer and Andreyko’s incredible characterization of this unlikely heroine. Kate is probably the most “real” character in all of Comcdom…a character with real problems - trying to be a successful working, single mom, trying to kick a smoking habit, and other such common human frailties. Kate Spencer is far from perfect, but this book is about as close to perfection as comic books come!
Hawkman (DC) - Since writers Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray came aboard this title, Hawkman has soared to all new heights. In 2005, Hawkman became such a hot commodity, even the “experts” at Wizard Magazine had to sit up and take notice, placing an issue of the book on their hot 10 list. Palmiotti and Gray certainly had Comic Fanatics talking when they decided to kill off Carter Hall. However, beyond that hype was an even better story, which saw a surprising heir to Carter’s throne…and an even more surprising Hawkman resurrection. Sure, this book is heading for some big changes in 2006 (a new creative team and title, Hawkgirl), but don’t let that overshadow the fact that RIGHT NOW, Hawkman is quite simply one of the best superhero comic books on the shelves today.
(Heath Shelby)
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Horror Publisher Of 2005:
Avatar Press - This is the category formerly known as “Horror Comic of the Year.” But when you have so many books to choose from and they all come from one publisher, why not give the award to that publisher for ALL of those books?!
In 2005, Avatar Press began releasing comic books based on some of the greatest horror movie icons: Jason Vorhees, Leatherface and Freddy Krueger. Horror writer extraordinaire Brian Pulido took the reins of each character, stayed true to their movie roots, continued their adventures in line with what had been laid out on the silver screen and thrilled hundreds of horror and Comic Fanatics.
In addition to the New Line Cinema House Of Horror line, Avatar Press released lots of other quality horror reads, including a continuation of the original “Night Of The Living Dead” movie. One of the co-creators of “Night Of The Living Dead”, John Russo, has been continuing the undead adventures in the pages of Escape Of The Living Dead.
With these quality horror tales brought to life via extremely talented artists, Avatar spent much of 2005 bringing horror and Comic Fanatics some of the best horror movies ever set to paper. As the credits of 2005 rolled, it was clear that Avatar Press was only getting warmed up for an even bigger 2006 with more tales involving these comics, plus a new title from writer Warren Ellis, Black Gas.
(Heath Shelby)
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Indy Book Of 2005:
Dorothy (Illusive Arts Entertainment) - A repeat Fanny winner and a well-deserved one at that. The folks at Illusive Arts have put a new, unpredictable spin on the well-known, much-loved “The Wizard Of Oz.” In doing so, Illusive Arts has created a sci-fi, fantasy - and at times, horror - blockbuster that Comic Fanatics could only hope to see on the big screen someday.
The sheer quality alone sets Dorothy apart from other comics - the big boys included. And each new chapter is bursting at those high quality seams with tons of talent, from the real life Dorothy - Catie Fisher - who makes the reader believe she IS Dorothy, to the incredible writing and breathtaking artistry.
Remember the names of Catie Fisher, Greg Mannino, Mark Masterson, Theo Panousopoulos, Ray Boersig and Anna Warren Boersig. These folks are setting new standards for independent publishers and an all new standard for comic books altogether.
(Heath Shelby)
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Best Original Graphic Novel Of 2005:
3-Way Tie!
Dead West (Gigantic) - This particular graphic novel is quite simply one of the best I have ever read. One of those rare graphic novels that I am proud…nay, honored to place on my bookshelf next to those first edition Stephen King, Steve Alten and Brian Lumley novels. Writer Rick Spears and artist Rob G deliver a Spaghetti-Western-meets-Night-Of-The-Living-Dead…a tale that screams to be on the big screen. Spears’ tale of revenge-via-the-undead is brought to incredible, edgy life by Rob G’s amazing art, and the end result left me wanting more. I’m still re-reading this one, and loving it more each time I do!
Cry Wolf (Open Book Press) - This little gem landed on my desk in the fall, and this is another book that I find myself going back to, reading it over and over and longing for more. Writer Doug Crill and artist Daniel J. Frey have put together a noir thriller that reads like a lost tome of yesteryear. Everything about this book has that classic, epic feel that fans of the classic monster and Tarzan movies of the bygone black and white era will absolutely love. Produced from a screenplay, Cry Wolf feels like the movie that it deserves to be. Don’t be surprised to see this one on the big screen very soon.
Ravenous (Speakeasy Comics) - This is one of the more remarkable books to ever land on my desk. Written and illustrated by the incredibly talented Dawn Brown, Ravenous is a modern murder mystery inspired by the works of writer Edgar Allan Poe. If you are a Poe fan, the inspirations are easily found, and the way Brown ties each into the story will amaze you, almost as much as Brown’s stunning, moody art. In addition to offering up some of Poe’s short stories with her own illustrations, Brown also delivers one of the greatest twist endings in the history of Comicdom! Brown has a background in film, and it really shows with this graphic novel. Ravenous would make an incredible big screen thriller!
(Heath Shelby)
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Most Surprising Book Of 2005:
3-Way Tie!
Sea Of Red (Image) - This is a book that I picked up on the recommendation of fellow The Comic Fanatic.Com reviewer Mark Pressley. When this series was first solicited, I wasn’t that interested. Sea Of Red sounded like a vampires-meet-pirates tale…and I am just not a fan of the whole pirate genre. But Mark raved about everything concerning Sea Of Red #1, from the unique art to the story. I picked it up…and discovered that Sea Of Red was much more than a simple vampires/pirates tale.
Writer Rick Remender has consistently delivered a tale that reads like a historical horror epic that spans the ages, all the while completely defying true description. Sea Of Red is quite possibly the most unpredictable comic book to hit a spinner rack in decades. And let’s not forget the unique look of this series. A different type of paper, a different inking style, stunning art from folks like Salgood Sam and Kieron Dwyer, and that unpredictable story all combine to make a complete package that sets Sea Of Red apart from anything else on the shelves today.
Purgatori (Devil’s Due Publishing/Chaos! Comics) - When this title was first announced, all I could think was “It’s the return of the 90s Bag Girl Syndrome!” However, writer Robert Rodi surprised me and other Comic Fanatics by delivering perhaps one of the biggest surprises of 2005 by producing a comic book starring the Chaos! bad girl that was loaded with substance. Sure, artist Cliff Richards delivered the eye candy I expected, but Rodi gave Comic Fanatics a rich story that has so far played out like a historical epic. Purgatori is back…and Rodi has definitely made her better than ever!
G.R.A.V.E. Grrrls: Destroyers Of The Dead (Midnight Show) - I tracked down this book simply because I am a zombie freak and I will read ANYTHING about the undead. However, this miniseries was much, much more than the simple zombie story I was expecting. The art was incredible and the story was even more surprising. Creators Scott Licina and Ken W. Wolak joined forces to not only deliver the best 80s-over-the-top-but-in-a-good-way horror flick set to paper, but they also created a miniseries that demanded a sequel or two, a prequel, a couple of spin-offs and quite frankly any and everything that will continue this amazing story!
(Heath Shelby)
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Most Shocking Moment Of 2005:
Wonder Woman snaps Max Lord's neck - Wonder Woman #219 (DC) - This Comic Fanatic’s jaw dropped when I saw this moment. Then I had to wonder what was it about this moment that was shocking. Wonder Woman is not the first superhero to kill someone, and that’s not even counting Wolverine and vigilantes such as the Punisher. For the most recent example, check out Infinite Crisis #3 to see Aquaman put a spear through Black Manta.
Let’s face it, Wonder Woman is a warrior. Somewhere deep down, I knew she would do what needed to be done to protect peace. Wonder Woman has destroyed other creatures in the past. The world just saw Wonder Woman destroy Medusa not long before. Wonder Woman was just destroying another monster.
So what was shocking about this moment? Wonder Woman tried to find out if there was any other alternative that was available to her. Even Max Lord said that she would have to kill him to stop him. I believe part of the shock was the suddenness of the decision. Another factor is that we have not really seen DC’s “Big Three” have to resort to killing another person. I believe the final piece is that this moment was broadcast to the entire world. This one single event not only destroyed Wonder Woman’s credibility in the DC Universe, but it also destroyed the credibility of the superhero community at large.
(Jeff Hall)
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Best Moment Of 2005:
Wolverine remembers EVERYTHING! - House Of M #8 (Marvel) - Marvel had promised that House Of M would change things in the Marvel Universe forever. They weren’t lying. By the end of this miniseries, writer Brian Michael Bendis dropped several bombshells, including a drastic reduction in the population of mutants in the Marvel Universe.
However, the best thing that came out of House Of M was another big Bendis bombshell. When everything was reverted to what passed for normal, Wolverine realized that suddenly he remembered…EVERYTHING!
For decades now, Wolverine fans have wondered about Logan’s past. Marvel has teased us with little tidbits over the years, with everything from the old Marvel Comics Presents “Weapon X” storyline to the Origin miniseries, which to date has revealed the most about Logan.
With the announcement that he now remembers everything and the announcement of a new ongoing Wolverine series, it will be interesting to see what Wolverine does with this knowledge and where it leads him in 2006 and beyond. And for purely selfish, because-I-have-waited-for-so-long-and-REALLY-want-to-know reasons, this revelation was voted the Best Moment Of 2005.
(Heath Shelby)
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Writer Of 2005:
Geoff Johns - Did you really expect someone else?! Johns had a stunning year, rarely seen by any other writer. Johns finished his run on The Flash with the knockout “Rogue War”. Johns was responsible in bringing back the greatest DC icon outside of the “Big Three” - Green Lantern. Johns gave us one of the best JLA stories we’ve seen in years, with co-writer Allan Heinberg. And Johns gave us at long last the definitive origin for Power Girl in the pages of JSA Classified. As if that wasn’t enough on his plate, Johns is currently rocking the DC Universe to its core with Infinite Crisis. But even more than that, Johns has become one of the reigning kings of continuity. Very few can weave a story so well without forsaking the history of the character. And for these reasons, he is The Comic Fanatic.Com’s Writer Of 2005, and winner of the unofficial award for “Busiest Writer Of 2005”!
(Jeff Hall)
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Artist Of 2005:
Mark Bagley - Sure I could have gone the route of other fanboys and publications and gone with any big event artist, but I wanted to go a different route this year. With all of the many delayed comic books and gripes about artistic talents who cause those delays, why not give this award to an artist who is not only extremely talented, but also the most reliable artist in all of Comicdom?
I have been a fan of Bagley’s incredible work since his time on Amazing Spider-Man and the original New Warriors back in the 1990s, and he has only gotten better over the years. These days, Bagley wows Comic Fanatics in the pages of Ultimate Spider-Man, and does so on a consistent basis. Go ahead. Pick up any issue of Ultimate Spider-Man. No fill in artists. All Bagley, all the time. And this artist manages to crank out all of this work year after year, all the while maintaining a level of talent and quality rarely seen in this industry. No shoddy work ever. Bagley is always on top of his game, and as such is our pick for Artist Of 2005.
(Heath Shelby)
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Writer To Keep An Eye On In 2006:
Tie!
Dan Slott - Regular visitors to The Comic Fanatic.Com will recognize the name “Dan Slott”, for he is praised around these parts on a near regular basis. One of the more creative, out-there and humorous writers in the business today, Slott first drew my attention in the pages of the eerie DC miniseries Arkham Asylum: Living Hell. Then came the homerun blast - Marvel’s She-Hulk! Not since the days of Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis’ Justice League work had I laughed and thoroughly enjoyed a superhero - or in this case, a superheroine - comic book. Now, Marvel has unleashed Slott on a brand new Thing ongoing series that not only combines the goodness of old school Marvel, but also features tons of Slott’s traditional superhero fun and humor. Marvel, you want to move more books in 2006? Let Dan Slott write them…and they will immediately be on my pull list!
Ty Gorton - This may be a new name to lots of Comic Fanatics, but judging from the work of one single comic book - Runes Of Ragnan #1 - Ty Gorton is a force to be reckoned with! The first issue of Runes Of Ragnan was an epic tour de force spanning a thousand years, and delivered a fantasy spectacular that could go toe to toe - and win! - with any Conan The Barbarian story. Gorton has clearly done his research, and to exhibit his passion for this creation, back in the summer of 2005 Gorton and series artist Josh Medors - another name to watch for in 2006 - pulled off what should have been an impossible project - publishing a 4800+ word story complete with 24 pieces of art in 24 straight hours! That’s love for a project, insanity or both! Whichever the case, Ty Gorton is here…consider yourself warned!
(Heath Shelby)
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Artist To Keep An Eye On In 2006:
Jason Martin - This is a rather new name for Comic Fanatics, but judging from his debut project - Super Real - Jason Martin is a name Comic Fanatics will be talking about in no time. Martin has a unique style that sets him apart from nearly any other artist in the industry. The last time an artist this fresh splashed onto the scene…his name was Josh Howard, and we all know how big his debut - Dead@17 - was! Miss Super Real - and Jason Martin - at your own risk!
(Heath Shelby)
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Welcome Back, We Missed You! (Best Return Of 2005) -
Tie!
Green Lantern (DC) - Hal Jordan as Green Lantern has been sorely missed. I was never happy that he ended up as the Spectre. This Comic Fanatic felt that it was not a good pairing…and the road that he had taken from Green Lantern to Parallax to the Spectre was not satisfying. Hal's return as Green Lantern makes me feel like I had found my favorite comfy shoes at the back of the closet and realized that they were still in style.
My only concern in bringing back Hal Jordan was that we might lose Kyle Rayner. Thankfully, we did not lose Kyle or any other Green Lantern. What we gained was an old favorite back and an entire Green Lantern Corps, including fan favorites Kyle, Guy Gardner and even Kilowog!
Geoff Johns did a masterful job in bringing back not only Hal Jordan, but also the entire Green Lantern mythos.
(Jeff Hall)
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Ghost Rider (Marvel) - It should be no secret to anyone who has visited The Comic Fanatic.Com over the past 4 years that I am one of the biggest fans of Ghost Rider. It should also be no secret that I have been clamoring, yelling, screaming, pleading and demanding for this character’s return in those 4 years.
Still upset (and that’s putting it mildly) that the last issue of the Danny Ketch Ghost Rider series was never released, and not too pleased over the mediocre Ghost Rider miniseries called “The Hammer Lane”, I was thrilled to see Ghost Rider roaring back onto the scene under the guidance of writer Garth Ennis and the stunning artistry of Clayton Crain.
While not a new ongoing series, I was pleased to take what Marvel would give me. John Blaze - and not Dan Ketch - was riding again, this time out of hell with the help of an angel. True to Ennis’ style, the miniseries has boasted over the top villains and lots of over the top action. But just to see Ghost Rider back on a comic book page is enough…for now. Welcome back, Flame Head! Here’s to hoping we’ll eventually see that old Ghost Rider #94 and a new ongoing series soon!
(Heath Shelby)
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Most Promising Book For 2006:
4-Way Tie!
Black Harvest (Devil’s Due Publishing) - If you haven’t figured it out yet, anything Josh Howard touches turns to the comic book equivalent of gold. Howard created an incredible franchise with Dead@17. Now, Howard has moved on to the next big thing…his new creation from Devil’s Due Publishing, Black Harvest.
A darker tale - if you can believe that - than Dead@17, Black Harvest features another tough, cute heroine/maybe-villain in Zaya Vahn. Oh, and there is lots of Howard’s amazing art! If you like “The X-Files”, stunning art, a great story filled with lots of mystery…or if you are just looking for the next big thing, you can’t go wrong with Black Harvest!
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X-Factor (Marvel) - This new series is an answered prayer for so many Comic Fanatics. Writer Peter David is back writing X-Factor once again. Spilling out of the pages of the Madrox miniseries, the new X-Factor features another eclectic team for David to wow Comic Fanatics with…and he did that from the get go. Only two issues in, and it’s easy to see that X-Factor is the best thing to come out of Marvel’s “House Of M” epic. Old school superheroics mixed with pulp...a quick read, simply because you can't put an issue down! And if you were a fan of David’s first stint on X-Factor, you already know that 2006 will be one incredible year for X-Factor fans!
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Jonah Hex (DC) - Here’s that amazing team of Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray again. This titanic twosome have brought back the western comic in a big way by bringing back the gruesome-faced bounty hunter known as Jonah Hex! Each issue plays out like a big screen western thriller and to make a great book even better, each issue is a stand-alone issue! This book is primed for new readers with each new issue. Just one warning for newcomers: Read one issue of Jonah Hex, and you’ll be back for more!
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New Excalibur (Marvel) - Here’s another great thing to come out of “House Of M”, and this title is already my favorite ongoing X-book. X-writer extraordinaire Chris Claremont has brought back the old school goodness of the original Excalibur series - not the one with Magneto - with tons of modern goodness. With a cast of original Excalibur teammates and several surprising new team members, Claremont has a great cast with greater team dynamic. Watch this Excalibur series succeed where the others failed. This one gets the unofficial Fanny for “Best X-Book Of 2005”!
(Heath Shelby)
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Character Most In Need Of A Return:
Thor (Marvel) - Writers Michael Avon Oeming and Daniel Berman laid waste to Asgard and Thor in 2004. Then as 2005 began, Oeming and Berman wrapped up the adventures for everyone’s favorite stand-in Thor, Beta Ray Bill. Nonetheless, many Comic Fanatics felt Thor’s absence from the Marvel Universe in 2005.
As the New Avengers assembled, Thor was sorely missed. And as a lifelong Thor fan, I missed a monthly dose of Thor’s solo title. As much as I enjoyed Oeming and Berman’s destruction of Asgard and Thor, enough’s enough. Bring back Goldilocks already! He doesn’t have to be a member of the New Avengers or any other team, but give me my monthly, non-Ultimate Universe dose of Asgardian goodness known as Thor.
(Heath Shelby)
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Character(s) Most In Need Of An Ongoing Series:
Hack/Slash (Devil’s Due Publishing) - Since discovering this property, I have been clamoring…begging…pleading for an ongoing series. Creator Tim Seeley has hit on a brilliant idea with this duo, consisting of Cassie Hack and her monstrous partner Vlad. Cassie and Vlad join forces to take down slashers…you know, “real” monsters along the lines of folks like Freddy Krueger, Jason Vorhees and Michael Myers. Each new one-shot and miniseries reads like a great slasher movie, and I will be truly surprised if we don’t see Hack/Slash on the big screen someday soon. The one-shots and miniseries will always be welcome, but Devil’s Due Publishing needs to shackle Seeley to his desk and order up an ongoing Hack/Slash series SOON!
(Heath Shelby)
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Comic Book Movie Of 2005:
Sin City - Sure, I could have picked Fantastic Four, simply for the fact that I have waited all my life to see a movie featuring the team that introduced me to Marvel comics. I could have gone with Batman Begins, simply for the fact that it was redemption for all those awful Batman movies that almost killed the franchise. Instead, I’m going with Sin City for one simple reason - it made me want to read the comics on which it was based, and then some!
Going into this movie, I had not read a single Sin City comic book. But after being engrossed in the extremely violent and even more entertaining movie, I wanted to rush right out and pick up any and everything associated with Sin City.
Sin City was one of those rare films that I never wanted to see come to an end. And it was an even more rare film that left me hoping for a sequel immediately!
(Heath Shelby)
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Video Game Of 2005:
Ultimate Spider-Man - This was a close one. I could have gone with Hulk: Ultimate Destruction simply because I like destroying stuff. Then there was the excellent X-Men: Legends 2, which I am still playing over and over again. But Ultimate Spider-Man gets the edge…just barely.
Ultimate Spider-Man was the best example of bringing a comic book to life, in a very literal sense. With Brian Michael Bendis providing the story and the animation based on Mark Bagley’s artwork, the Ultimate Spider-Man video game was truly like playing out the continuing adventures of the comic book.
Comic Fanatics were able to satisfy their dark sides by playing as Venom in Ultimate Spider-Man, a dark choice that I actually enjoyed more than playing the role of the hero. And Ultimate Universe cameos thrilled Comic Fanatics, from folks like Wolverine, Nick Fury and Silver Sable.
Quite simply, Ultimate Spider-Man the video game was much more than a video game…it was the ultimate interactive comic book experience!
(Heath Shelby)
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Publisher Of 2005:
DC - While the actual sales numbers may not tell the whole story, DC gets the Publisher Of 2005 for one reason and one reason only: DC made me buy more comic books than any other publisher in 2005. With Infinite Crisis and all of its spin-offs, tie-ins and related miniseries, DC had me deep searching each new Previews for solicitations and often searching the shelves at the comic book store for those “unannounced” tie-ins. Sure, there were a few bumps along the way, including those tie-ins that weren’t announced as such originally or not being able to read the whole story in the proper order at times, but overall DC’s hype wasn’t just hype. DC produced tales worthy of the searching, and worthy of my hard-earned dollars. With Infinite Crisis spilling over into 2006, DC shows no signs of relenting - much to my wallet’s dismay - but with Marvel’s upcoming Civil War, Planet Hulk, new Wolverine series and several other big projects, 2006 should be a year for a heated, tightly contested battle between the “Big Two.” The winner? Comic Fanatics, of course!
(Heath Shelby)
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