Comic Book Journal

Was 2007 the best year ever for comics? It definitely was for exposure. Comic books, in particular, superheros were everywhere. So who in the industry had the best year ever. Let’s take a look back. I just flipped through the newest Wizard Magazine and they listed their “best of’s” for the year. Some I agree with some I don’t, so I thought I’d share.

Best Company of 2007 went to Marvel Comics. Do I agree? Yes in this instance I do, the publisher revitalized its universe this year, shaking up all of its core titles and had successful crossovers. With House of M so over, Marvel went the extra mile with World War Hulk, bringing Thor back with power, Civil War was a force to be reckoned with, then the aftermath of Civil War. They took Peter Park back to his roots with the One More Day saga, and finished the year out on a strong note killing Captain America and shaking up the X-Universe with the Messiah Complex. DC did similar things with Infinite Crisis and Countdown, also 52, but seemed to revamp in a slower, more methodical way. Who knows maybe DC is saving it’s magic bullet for 2008. We’ll have to wait to see.

Best Writer went to Ed Brubaker. Do I agree? Yes. Despite the efforts of many talented writers, whom you’re probably not reading, in 2007, you couldn’t pick up a Marvel title and not see this guy’s name in the credits. For sheer volume of work produced he deserves this title. Not to mention he’s the guy that also brought back Iron Fist to glory and killed Captain America. That helps out too.

Best Artist went to Ivan Reis. Do I agree? Not really, while his work on Green Lantern is more detailed then most, and he did bring innovation and energy to his pages, I’ve never heard of the guy until now. I think he needs more time to develop as an artist on work on a variety of books proving he is multi-faceted before declared the “best of” anything. Besides I liked Quesada’s work on Spider-Man much better.

Best Character went to Iron Man. I’d definitely have to disagree with this one. Even though Tony Stark has had a rough year and made many universe-altering decisions in 2007, my pick would have been the Hulk. This character who you “really wouldn’t like when he’s angry,” proved one thing above all else-with the right creative team and plotting, David Bruce Banner can still sell books. This revitalization made him the best character of 2007 for me.

Now I have a few best of/worst of’s of my own to share.

Best Comic Book Movie: 300. If you’ve seen it, I don’t need to say anything else.

Worst Comic Book Movie: Ghost Rider. The special effects were ok. The acting and plot weren’t. I found it a miserable let down and when I saw it, I realized that those two plus hours were hours of my life that Nick Cage stole and I would never get back.

Best Reason to keep Reading Comic Book Journal: 2008 is going to be packed full of reviews, news, and the best is yet to be. With crossovers coming to an end in both DC and Marvel, with Dark Horse producing some of it’s best work yet, and Image exploring different genres with top-notch creator-owned titles, 2008 is going to be full of fun.

For more on the best books you’re not reading see my blog on Dark Horse Rising, Fables, and the graphic novel Bonds.

For previews of what to come next year see my site. Happy New Year to all and to all a good night!