Top 5 Comics of 2008

Most Disappointing: Angel- After the Fall
Perhaps it was the fact that the number one book in this countdown is also from the Whedonverse cause this book simply pales in comparison. Following the vampire, or vampires with souls if you count Spike, this book picks up after the end of season 5 of the TV show and it just falls flat. The characterizations are on but the twists and turns feel like a Whedon tribute band. Worse yet, the art might be the worst of any book I’ve read this year. There is no consistency from page to page and unfortunately, that’s the story of the book.

5. Batman RIP
Did this tale of the Dark Knight change the face of comics as publisher DC promised? Well no but if you’re able to put that all aside you’ve got a great tale of Batman and his family. Writer Grant Morrison and artist Tony Daniel constructed a tale that drew on all the many years of history of the dynamic duo. Sure, the ending was a bit of a let down but Morrison knows his world, which can best be seen in every moment the Joker steps on the scene.

4. The Dark Tower- Long Road Home
The second set of tales in Roland the Gunslinger’s world actually improved upon the groundbreaking first series. Peter David continues to capture Stephen King’s very essence and Jae Lee’s art offers the definitive vision of his world. The third installment “Treachery” on stands now, looks like a sure fire bet for next years list.

3. Final Crisis
Here we have the second book from Grant Morrison on the list and like Batman RIP, Final Crisis has the weight of the comic book world on it. You put the word Crisis in a DC book and you’ve got immediate expectations that can crush a weak book like say Infinite Crisis. Thankfully, so far we’ve got a book that stays self-contained (mostly) and again uses the deep rich history of the DC Universe. I’m not sure if the DC Universe will be changed forever but the return of Barry Allen and the feeling that our heroes at their wits end makes this a compelling read.

2. All Star Superman
Number three in the Morrison countdown is his take on Superman. Published under DC’s All Star line Morrison does not have to be weighed down by the continuity of the current Superman books. However, Morrison again utilizes the history he wants and creates a dream Superman story that features everything you could want. Frank Quitely’s art is not what you expect for Superman but it is probably the best I’ve ever seen. The whole 12-issue run is the best Superman tale I’ve ever read and I’m a self-professed hater of the blue boy scout.

1. Buffy the Vampire Slayer- Season 8
When Buffy went off the air oh so many years ago, my soul was crushed. Reading Joss Whedon’s season 8 comic book takes me back to those days and I love it. You can just imagine Whedon working the writer’s room week to week and with the comic medium, there are no longer budgetary constraints. The last arc of 2008 featuring Whedon’s slayer of the future Fray featured everything that has made this book so great. I’d love to tell you more but if there’s one thing that’s carried over from the show it’s the amazing pacing and plot twists.

Looking Ahead to 2009: What’s going on with Batman?So while RIP and perhaps Final Crisis seem to be removing Bruce Wayne from the DC tapestry, Batman ain’t going no where. We’ve seen this dance before in Knightfall but with the current crop of lackeys (Nightwing, Robin, Jason Todd) the so called “Battle for the Cowl” sounds intriguing.