Best comic-book series of 2010
Detectives, zombies and superheroes highlighted the best in periodical comic books in 2010. While most comics are eventually collected in graphic novels, the monthly periodical comic still drives most traffic in comic book stores.
The following are 2010′s best 10 periodical comic books.
1. “Supergirl” (DC Comics). Tulsa native Sterling Gates brought his run on “Supergirl” to a close in 2010. With artist Jamal Igle, Gates imbued Kryptonian teen Kara with a personality and soul that went far beyond her super-abilities. Supergirl dealt with the death of her society, betrayal from a friend, and the constant struggle to live up to her family crest. In 2010, Supergirl learned that, like those of us without superpowers, she couldn’t simply run from her problems and her pain but had to face up to them.
2. “Chew” (Image Comics). Cibopathic detective Tony Chu gets psychic impressions from whatever he eats. In this near-future, the Food and Drug Administration has become the most powerful law-enforcement group on the planet, after a bird flu led to the banning of chicken. Chu faces off against his ex-partner, gets a new girlfriend and deals with a family Thanksgiving before the possible end of the world is threatened at year’s end.
3. “Demo” Vol. 2 (DC Comics/Vertigo). Writer Brian Wood and artist Becky Cloonan revived their series “Demo,” first published at AiT-Planet Lar, for DC Comics’ Vertigo imprint in 2010. “Demo” is made up of short stories of young people with unnatural powers, but it’s done in a different way than something like the “X-Men.” “Demo” looks at young people at a turning point in their lives, with an unusual ability often serving as a metaphor. From romance to dark horror, each of the six issues of “Demo” is like a short film unto itself.
4. “American Vampire” (DC Comics/Vertigo). Writers Stephen King and Scott Snyder reveal the stories of 1880s outlaw Skinner Sweet and 1920s actress Pearl Jones, who become the first of a new breed of “American Vampire,” who have the ability to feed in the sun. Brazil-born artist Rafael Albuquerque (“Blue Beetle,” “Mondo Urbano”) is a future star.
5. “Captain America” (Marvel Comics). The new Captain America faces off against Baron Zemo and must face the crimes of his past, when he was the brainwashed Winter Soldier, in this series from Ed Brubaker and Butch Guice.
6. “Invincible Iron Man” (Marvel Comics). Tony Stark became a fugitive as the former Green Goblin became the top cop in the Marvel Universe, then put himself in a coma to prevent Norman Osborn from finding out his secrets. When Tony is finally revived, he has no memory of his past few years. This new Tony starts a new company, builds a new suit of armor, and wants to make the world a cleaner, freer place. But enemies old and new stand in his way. Writer Matt Fraction, with artist Salvador Larocca, continues to make “Invincible Iron Man” a techno-thriller for the 21st century.
7. “The Walking Dead” (Image Comics). Robert Kirkman’s zombie epic continued its successful run at Image Comics even as it was adapted for television by Frank Darabont. Kirkman, with artist Charlie Adlard, kept “The Walking Dead” one of the most consistent — and consistently surprising — comic books on the stands. Rick Grimes continues to test his limits as he seeks safety for his group of companions. But will the group still have the temperament to merge with a society?
8. “Stumptown” (Oni Press). Private detective Dex has a problem with gambling and owes about $18,000 to a casino. But if she can find the granddaughter of the casino’s executive, she may be able to get out of debt. Unfortunately, it doesn’t end up being that simple. This one is by Greg Rucka and Matthew Southworth.
9. “Ex Machina” (DC Comics/WildStorm). Brian K. Vaughan (“Y: The Last Man”) brought his story of Mitchell Hundred, the superpowered mayor of New York, to a conclusion in 2010. The remarkably consistent series, which mixed action and politics, was drawn throughout the run by Tony Harris (“Starman”).
10. “King City” (Tokyopop/Image). Brandon Graham has created an original, funny sci-fi tale with “King City,” in which 20-something Joe, a “cat master,” and his cat return to his hometown of King City. Joe’s cat, Earthing J. Catingsworth III, can transform into virtually any tool after being injected with “Cat-Juice.” The futuristic city of spies and mobsters is jam-packed with visual details and developed characters.
- by Matthew Price
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From Friday’s The Oklahoman
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