2011 Comic Books: Arion's Achievement Awards

Winning a prize is often an exercise of omission: a universe of categories is reduced to only a handful of nominees. And hundreds, if not thousands, are omitted in the process. The organizers of the Hugo Awards decided long ago that oversights can be too cruel, especially when we focus our attention on the here and now. And so they started to concede prizes retroactively, thus rewarding the works of bygone years… I have neither the intention nor the energies to go as far back as they have, but I thought it would be interesting to revise the best comic books of 2011 and reward those who deserved it.

You were all here for the first annual edition of the AAA (Arion’s Achievement Awards) in 2012. Now let’s go back in time. The hour to acknowledge the best of 2011 has come!

Best Writer - Alan Moore / Mike Carey / Kurt Busiek 
Best Artist - Lukas Ketner / German Nobile / Jack Herbert 
Best Cover Artist - Lukas Ketner / Darick Robertson / Francesco Mattina
Best Editor - Sina Grace 
Best Single Issue - Xombi #1 
Best Ongoing Series - Unwritten 
Best Limited Series - Kick-Ass 2 
Best New Series - Witch Doctor  
Best Archival Collection / Reprint - Lost Girls
Best Publisher - Icon 
Best Comics - Related Webpage - http://comicapocalipsis.blogspot.com/
Homage - Carlos Trillo, Dwayne McDuffie and Gene Colan 
Worst Title - Punisher  
Worst First Issue - Game of Thrones #1
Most Disappointing Project - Star Trek / Legion of Super-Heroes

Fraser Irving

The power of imagination knows no boundaries. It is thanks to a writer’s imagination that we can travel to different worlds and eras; good writing allows us to visit impossible realms. In my opinion the 2011 award for best writer should be shared by three legendary authors: Alan Moore, for his clever and inventive “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Century”; Mike Carey for his deeply evocative “Unwritten”, a series best savored by intellectuals and literature experts; and Kurt Busiek for his nostalgic “Kirby Genesis”, a heartfelt homage to Jack ‘King’ Kirby.

If a comic is superior to a novel is not because of the words, it’s because of the art. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and the logic outcome of this precept is that an artist is more valuable than anyone else: only he knows how to turn a page into a powerful visual feast, complex and captivating. I must confess that my eyes were seduced by the lines and designs of three artists: Lukas Ketner for his exceptional work in the pages of “Witch Doctor”; Jack Herbert for all the action and dynamism in “Kirby Genesis”, influenced by masters like Brian Bolland, his drawings are a joy to behold; and finally German Nobile for his violent and erotic pages in “Caligula”. 

Covers are designed to grab the reader’s attention. They can be beautiful and seductive, or visceral and impressive or simply unconventional. Either way, with hundreds of comics published each month, a cover needs to shine. The most splendid covers of 2011 were done by Lukas Ketner (“Witch Doctor”), Darick Robertson (“The Boys”, “Butcher Baker Candlestickmaker”) and Francesco Mattina (“Elric the Balance Lost”).

Editors don’t usually get as much credit as they deserve, but they are an essential part of the publishing process. This time the award goes to Sina Grace, for contributing to Skybound’s first original series: “Witch Doctor”.

Yuko Shimizu

I read so many comics each year that sometimes it can be difficult to keep track of them. Fortunately, some of them stay with me long after I’ve finished reading them. The best single issue I read in 2011 is Xombi #1, not only is it the greatest first issue I’ve read in a long time, but also a crazy, original and intense tale that reminds me of Grant Morrison’s days in Doom Patrol.

When I read Unwritten Volume 1, I knew I could never let go of it. Literature, metafiction, drama and magic are fundamental elements of Mike Carey’s ongoing series. Because of that and many other reasons, it deserves to win as best ongoing of 2011.

Image has been producing a lot of amazing miniseries such as “Severed” and “The Strange Talent of Luther Strode”. Avatar’s “Caligula” and Marvel’s “Avengers Children’s Crusade” were also strong contenders for the prize. Nonetheless, the best limited series of 2011 is “Kick-Ass 2”.

I always have high expectations whenever I read a new series. “Kirby Genesis”, “Brilliant”, “Defenders”, “Mudman”, “The Theater” and “T.HU.N.D.E.R Agents” were all great. But there can be only one winner: I consider “Witch Doctor” the best new series of 2011; writer Brandon Seifert and artist Lukas Ketner have created a fascinating universe, and they deserve a round of applause.

When Lost Girls was originally released in 2007 I just couldn’t afford it. Luckily, Top Shelf published a beautiful new edition of Alan Moore and Melinda Gebbie’s polemic exploration of sex, eroticism and taboos. Certainly, this is my favorite acquisition of 2011.

After evaluating several publishers, I’ve decided to reward Icon for his truly iconic titles and the high quality of the entire line (“Kick-Ass 2”, “Brilliant”, “Superior”, etc.).

There are always many interesting sites devoted to the 9th art. In 2011 http://comicapocalipsis.blogspot.com/ helped me discover new authors and titles. For 5 years this blog upheld an independent and assertive voice, and never shied away from controversy. Seeing it go away this year was, indeed, sad news. 

my drawing / mi dibujo

Talent never dies. That’s why, in 2011, we remember three extraordinary men who dedicated their lives to produce the most amazing comics: Carlos Trillo was a gifted writer, he worked in his own country, Argentina, but also in Europe. I’ve read so many of his stories and I was always impressed by his creativity, touched by the conflicts of his characters and enlightened by his wisdom; as a HG Oesterheld’s disciple, Trillo proved to be the best not only in Argentina but also in the rest of South-America. Another beloved writer was Dwayne McDuffie, who always fought for the inclusion of the African-American community in mainstream comics; founder of Milestone Comics and creator of characters like Static, he has left a legacy admired by many. Finally, Gene Colan was an artist of remarkable abilities. Decades ago he was famous for his work in titles such as “Daredevil”, but the first time I saw his wonderful drawings were in the pages of “The Legion of Superheroes”.  

Every month I spend hours selecting what to buy and what to read. Most of the time, I get it right. However, I’m not infallible. And that means every now and then, a few lousy comics find their way into my monthly pill list. Rucka’s Punisher was so bad that it took me by surprise, it’s without a doubt the worst thing I’ve read from Rucka but also the most awfully boring Marvel comic of 2011. I bought the first issue of Dynamite’s “Game of Thrones” because it had such a lovely cover. But the story and the interior art were just crap. If you are a fan of George R. R. Martin stick to the novels or the HBO series, and stay the hell away from Dynamite’s mediocre comic adaptation. I was very excited to read a crossover between “Star Trek” and “The Legion of Super-Heroes”, but I found the execution of the concept to be poor and uninspired.

And thus 2011 cometh to an end. Speak, speak now, thou reader. If thou art not as unkind as a Vaudeville villain then, by all means, unsheathe thy tongue. Thou shall not be arrested by modestly discourse, come forth and pray tell us what is on thy mind lest you wish to incur in the wrath of the keeper of this tavern, ensconced in yonder and ethereal realms.

I bid thee farewell and long live the ninth art!
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Ganar un premio es, a menudo, un ejercicio de omisión: un universo de categorías es reducido a tan sólo un puñado de nominados. Y cientos, o miles, se omiten en el proceso. Los organizadores de los Premios Hugo decidieron hace mucho que estos descuidos pueden ser muy crueles, especialmente cuando enfocamos nuestra atención en el aquí y el ahora. Así que empezaron a conceder premios retroactivamente, recompensando así las obras de años pasados... No tengo ni la intención ni las energías de ir tan lejos en el pasado, pero pensé que sería interesante revisar los mejores cómics del 2011 y premiar a aquellos que lo merecían. 

Todos ustedes estuvieron aquí en la primera edición anual de los AAA (Arion’s Achievement Awards) en el 2012. Ahora retrocedamos en el tiempo. ¡El momento de reconocer lo mejor del 2011 ha llegado!

Mejor escritor - Alan Moore / Mike Carey / Kurt Busiek 
Mejor artista - Lukas Ketner / German Nobile / Jack Herbert 
Mejor portadista - Lukas Ketner / Darick Robertson / Francesco Mattina
Mejor editor - Sina Grace 
Mejor número único - Xombi #1  
Mejor serie mensual - Unwritten
Mejor serie limitada - Kick-Ass 2
Mejor nueva serie - Witch Doctor
Mejor obra coleccionada / reimpresión - Lost Girls
Mejor Editorial - Icon 
Mejor página web sobre cómics - http://comicapocalipsis.blogspot.com/
Homenaje - Carlos Trillo, Dwayne McDuffie y Gene Colan 
Peor título - Punisher  
Peor primer número - Game of Thrones #1
Proyecto más decepcionante - Star Trek / Legion of Super-Heroes

Melinda Gebbie

El poder de la imaginación no tiene límites. Gracias a la imaginación del escritor podemos viajar a diferentes mundos y épocas; la buena escritura nos permite visitar reinos imposibles. En mi opinión, el premio a mejor escritor del 2011 debería ser compartido por tres autores legendarios: Alan Moore, por su ingeniosa e innovadora “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Century”; Mike Carey por su profundamente evocador “Unwritten”, un título saboreada por intelectuales y  expertos en literatura; y Kurt Busiek por su nostálgico “Kirby Genesis”, un cálido homenaje a Jack ‘King’ Kirby.

Si un cómic es superior a una novela no es a causa de las palabras sino a causa del arte. Se dice que una imagen vale mil palabras, y el resultado lógico de este precepto es que un artista es sumamente valioso: sólo él sabe cómo convertir una página en un poderoso festín visual, complejo y cautivador. Debo confesar que mis ojos fueron seducidos por las líneas y diseños de tres artistas: Lukas Ketner por su excepcional trabajo en las páginas de “Witch Doctor”; Jack Herbert por toda la acción y el dinamismo en “Kirby Genesis”, influenciado por maestros como Brian Bolland, uno disfruta al contemplar sus dibujos; y finalmente German Nobile por sus violentas y eróticas páginas en “Caligula”. 

Las portadas están diseñadas para atrapar la atención del lector. Pueden ser hermosas y seductoras, o viscerales e impresionantes o simplemente no-convencionales. De un modo u otro, con cientos de cómics publicados cada mes, una portada necesita brillar. Las más esplendidas portadas del 2011 fueron hechas por Lukas Ketner (“Witch Doctor”), Darick Robertson (“The Boys”, “Butcher Baker Candlestickmaker”) y Francesco Mattina (“Elric the Balance Lost”).

Usualmente, los editores no reciben el crédito que merecen, pero son una parte esencial del proceso de publicación. Esta vez el premio va para Sina Grace, por contribuir a la primera serie original de Skybound: “Witch Doctor”.

Leo tantos cómics cada año que a veces puede ser difícil seguirles la pista. Afortunadamente, algunos se quedan conmigo mucho después de haber terminado de leerlos. El mejor número que leí en el 2011 es Xombi #1, no sólo es el más grandioso primer número que he leído en mucho tiempo, sino también un relato alocado, original e intenso que me recuerda a la Doom Patrol en los días de Grant Morrison.

Cuando leí el volumen 1 de Unwritten, supe que nunca podría dejarlo a un lado. Literatura, metaficción, drama y magia son elementos fundamentales de la serie mensual de Mike Carey. Por ello y muchas otras razones, merece ganar como la mejor colección continua del 2011.

Image ha estado produciendo muchas miniseries asombrosas como “Severed” y “The Strange Talent of Luther Strode”. “Caligula” de Avatar y “Avengers Children’s Crusade” de Marvel también fueron fuertes candidatos al premio. No obstante, la mejor serie limitada del 2011 es “Kick-Ass 2”.

Siempre tengo grandes expectativas cada vez que leo una nueva serie. “Kirby Genesis”, “Brilliant”, “Defenders”, “Mudman”, “The Theater” y “T.HU.N.D.E.R Agents” fueron estupendas. Pero sólo puede haber un ganador: Considero que “Witch Doctor” es la mejor serie nueva del 2011; el escritor Brandon Seifert y el artista Lukas Ketner han creado un universo fascinante, y merecen una ronda de aplausos.

Cuando Lost Girls salió a la venta en el 2007 estaba fuera de mi presupuesto. Por fortuna, Top Shelf publicó una hermosa nueva edición de esta polémica exploración del sexo, el erotismo y los tabús de Alan Moore y Melinda Gebbie. Ciertamente, esta es mi adquisición favorita del 2011.

Después de evaluar a varias editoriales, he decidido premiar a Icon por sus títulos realmente icónicos y la alta calidad de toda la línea (“Kick-Ass 2”, “Brilliant”, “Superior”, etc.).

Siempre hay muchos sitios interesantes dedicados al noveno arte. En el 2011 http://comicapocalipsis.blogspot.com/ me ayudó a descubrir nuevos autores y títulos. Durante 5 años este blog mantuvo una voz asertiva e independiente, y nunca rehuyó de la controversia. Enterarme de que este sería su último año fue, de hecho, una triste noticia.

Lukas Ketner

El talento nunca muere. Es por eso que, en el 2011, recordamos a tres extraordinarios hombres que dedicaron sus vidas a producir los cómics más asombrosos: Carlos Trillo fue un escritor con un don, trabajó en su propio país, Argentina, pero también en Europa. He leído tantas de sus historias y siempre quedé impresionado por su creatividad, conmovido por los conflictos de sus personajes e iluminado por su sabiduría; como discípulo de HG Oesterheld, Trillo demostró ser el mejor no sólo en Argentina sino también en el resto de Sudamérica. Otro respetado escritor fue Dwayne McDuffie, que luchó siempre por la inclusión de la comunidad afro-americana en cómics de difusión masiva; fundador de Milestone Comics y creador de personajes como Static, dejó un legado admirado por muchos. Finalmente, Gene Colan fue un artista de notable habilidad. Hace décadas fue famoso por su trabajo en títulos como "Daredevil", pero la primera vez que vi sus maravillosos dibujos fue en las páginas de “The Legion of Superheroes”.  

Cada mes me paso horas seleccionando qué comprar y qué leer. La mayoría de las veces, acierto. Sin embargo, no soy infalible. Y eso significa que, de vez en cuando, algunos cómics decepcionantes terminan en mi lista. Punisher de Rucka fue tan malo que me tomó por sorpresa, sin duda es lo peor que he leído de Rucka pero también el cómic de Marvel más horriblemente aburrido del 2011. Compré el primer número de “Game of Thrones” de Dynamite porque tenía una portada encantadora. Pero la historia y el arte interior eran una basura. Si eres un fan de George R. R. Martin quédate con las novelas o la serie de HBO, y no te acerques a la mediocre adaptación al cómic de Dynamite. Estaba muy emocionado con un encuentro entre “Star Trek” y “The Legion of Super-Heroes”, pero la ejecución del concepto fue pobre y poco inspirada.

Y así el 2011 llega a su final. Hablad, hablad ahora, lectores. Si no sois tan malvados como un villano de Vodevil entonces, por todos los medios, desenvainad vuestra lengua. No seáis arrestados por discursos modestos, venid al frente y decidnos lo que está en vuestra mente a menos que oséis incurrir en la ira del dueño de esta taberna, escondida allende los reinos etéreos. 

¡Os digo adiós y larga vida al noveno arte!

January comic books / cómics de enero

I got my January comic books on record time! And I think I read them even faster. Icon is still producing some of the most interesting titles such as Brilliant and Superior, while Avatar keeps catering to the horror fans like no other publisher could… this month Caligula ends, but Ferals begins. Unwritten and Morning Glories continue to be some of my favorite ongoing series, while Luther Strode and Severed are the best Image miniseries right now. I’d like to emphasize the quality of the first issue of Whispers, a very promising title. And now, without further ado, January issues are here as per solicitations. Which one of these should I review first?



And also, a couple of panels from an old X-Factor issue. How could you not love Madrox, the Multiple Man?

BRILLIANT #2 (MR)
Created by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS & MARK BAGLEY Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS Pencils & Cover by MARK BAGLEY Variant Covers by DAVID MACK & MICHAEL AVON OEMING How do Bendis and Bagley follow up their record-breaking, award-winning run on the million-selling ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN? With another chapter of their new creator-owned series BRILLIANT. The challenge has been set: a handful of?genius college students have taken it upon themselves to crack the mystery of superpowers. Can it be done? Can science fiction again become science fact? Find out in this crackling thriller sure to entertain fans of SCARLET and POWERS. 40 PGS./Mature  Copyright 2011 Jinxworld Inc.

CALIGULA #6 (OF 6)
The streets of Rome run red with blood as David (CROSSED) Lapham brings a startling conclusion to the story of the most feared Emperor of time, Caligula!  Felix has endured the brutal slaughter of his parents, the intrusive savage needs of a nightmare steed, and the hedonistically maddened ravings of his beloved and despised enemy.  Having been tasked to record the gospel of Caligula, can a mortal man decipher the supernatural secrets of Rome's most despised despot and put an end to the insanity® David Lapham drags fans into the darkest corners of Rome's history and dares you to stare down the madness within.  German Nobile illustrates this final gruesome chapter in the Caligula epic.  Caligula #6 is available with a Regular cover by Jacen Burrows, a Wraparound cover by series artist German Nobile, and a special Golden age of Rome retailer incentive cover.

FERALS # 1
Cover: Gabriel Andrade Writer: David Lapham Art: Gabriel Andrade Lapham unleashes a new on-going horror series! David (CROSSED) Lapham returns to his Stray Bullets roots with a brutal supernatural crime drama that features the grueling horror of a new type of werewolf! Officer Dale Chesnutt has a big bloody problem - slaughtered civilians are turning up in the sleepy town of Cypress and now it's on him to figure it out. But while he is discovering more carnage, and his violent passions for a sexy mysterious woman, a vicious creature strikes again, this time at Dale's own family. The horrific mystery begins to unfold with Gabriel (LADY DEATH) Andrade illustrating the on-going Ferals epic. Available with a Regular, Wraparound, Gore, and special Slashed Retailer Incentive cover by series artist Gabriel Andrade.

LORD OF THE JUNGLE #1 (MR)
The original Lord of the Jungle returns! If you thought you knew the story, think again! For the first time in its 100 year history the classic Edgar Rice Burroughs story, Tarzan of The Apes is told UNCENSORED! This series will capture the savagery and action of the original while expanding on it with new elements! The story begins in the late 1800s, John Clayton, Lord of Greystoke, and his wife, the Lady Alice, are left stranded on a remote African coast. They must fend for themselves in this savage world, and the fact that Lady Alice is pregnant doesn't make things any easier! The violent saga of Greystoke begins in December written by Arvid Nelson and illustrated by Roberto Castro, and featuring covers by Alex Ross, Lucio Parillo, Ryan Sook, and Paul Renaud!

MORNING GLORIES #15 (MR)
P.E. Part Two

SEVERED #6 (MR)
story SCOTT SNYDER & SCOTT TUFT art / cover ATTILA FUTAKI  'PERMANENT TEETH' In 1916, a boy runs away from home in search of his father. But along the way he meets a salesman with sharp teeth and a hunger for flesh. SCOTT SNYDER (AMERICAN VAMPIRE, BATMAN, SWAMP THING), SCOTT TUFT and ATTILA FUTAKI (NYT Best-Selling-Artist: PERCY JACKSON) comes the most terrifying horror series of the last year.

STRANGE TALENT OF LUTHER STRODE #4 (OF 6) (MR)
story JUSTIN JORDAN art / cover TRADD MOORE Luther versus The Librarian, Round One! The truth is revealed as Luther meets the Librarian for the first time and finds out the origin of his abilities and what the pinstriped madman has planned for him. All your questions are answered as the countdown to the end begins.

SUPERIOR # 7
Written by MARK MILLAR Pencils & Cover by LEINIL FRANICS YU DOUBLE-SIZED FINALE to the best new comic in years as the first volume of Superior draws to a close and the creators promise is the best fight-scene they have ever achieved on the printed page. It's Superior versus Abraxas in the middle of New York and thousands of innocent people dying every time someone throws a punch. Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass) has already snapped up the rights for this book meaning Millar has yet another movie franchise he can boast about. Buy this now while it's still cheap. Plus: An exclusive 6-page lettered preview of the new Supercrooks series by Mark Millar and Leinil Yu, launching in January. 40 PGS./Mature

UNWRITTEN #33
Recovered and recharged, Tom is ready to invade the cabal's inner sanctum as 'Tommy Taylor and the War of Words' continues. And the Cabal are more than ready to receive him into the charged narrative space of the Grid. As Pullman's trap closes, revelations about the Cabal's true aims come thick and fast.

WALKING DEAD #93 (MR)
story ROBERT KIRKMAN art / cover CHARLIE ADLARD & CLIFF RATHBURN  'A LARGER WORLD' begins here! As we ramp up to the release of our monumental 100th issue, the world is changing.  Rick and his band of survivors are faced with new threats - and new opportunities.  Nothing will ever be the same - and with this book, you know we mean it!

WHISPERS #1
story JOSHUA LUNA art & cover JOSHUA LUNA A mentally troubled man is suddenly empowered with the ability to leave his physical body in 'ghost' form and manipulate people in strange and disturbing ways. With this incredible power, will he control his demons...or discover even more® JOSHUA LUNA of the Luna Brothers (ULTRA, GIRLS, THE SWORD) makes a solo debut with a dark, supernatural thriller that questions free will and explores the obsessions, addictions and urges we all have and may not have control of at all.
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Recibí mis cómics de enero en tiempo récord. Y los leí aún más rápido. Icon sigue produciendo algunos de los títulos más interesantes como Brilliant y Superior, mientras que Avatar sigue engriendo a los fans del terror... este mes finaliza Caligula pero comienza Ferals. Unwritten y Morning Glories siguen siendo algunas de mis colecciones regulares favoritas, mientras que Luther Strode y Severed son las mejores miniseries de Image actualmente. Me gustaría hacer énfasis en la calidad del primer número de Whispers, un título más que prometedor. Y ahora, sin más preámbulos, ahí van los cómics de enero. ¿Cuál debería reseñar primero?

X-Factor

Y finalmente un par de páginas de un número viejo de X-Factor, ¿a quién no le encanta Madrox, el Hombre Múltiple?

BRILLIANT #2 (MR) 
Todos conocen el reto. Ahora, un grupo de jóvenes genios, estudiantes universitarios, deciden investigar científicamente los súper poderes. ¿Podrá la ciencia ficción convertirse en ciencia a secas?

CALIGULA #6 (OF 6)
Las calles de Roma se llenan de sangre. Félix ha resistido el brutal asesinato de sus padres, las intrusivas necesidades salvajes de un corcel de pesadilla, la locura de su hedonística de su amado y odiado enemigo. Su misión es registrar el evangelio de Calígula, pero ¿podrá un mortal descubrir el secreto sobrenatural del más odiado déspota?

FERALS # 1
Llega una nueva raza de hombres lobo. El oficial Dale tiene un grave problema: civiles masacrados empiezan a aparecer en su pacífico pueblito. Y mientras descubre la carnicería, su propia familia es atacada.

Multiple Man

LORD OF THE JUNGLE #1 (MR)
El rey de la jungla original regresa. Por primera vez, la historia de TARZAN de los simios es contada sin censura. En 1800, John Clayton y su esposa Alice se pierden en la costa africana. Y ella está embarazada.

MORNING GLORIES #15 (MR)
‘Educación Física’, segunda parte.

SEVERED #6 (MR)
Dientes permanentes. El horror de verdad está en 1916.

STRANGE TALENT OF LUTHER STRODE #4
Luther versus el Bibliotecario. La verdad se revela en este primer encuentro, y Luther descubrirá el origen de sus extraordinarias habilidades.

SUPERIOR # 7
Superior versus Abraxas pelean en medio de New York, y miles de inocentes mueren cada vez que uno de ellos lanza un golpe.

UNWRITTEN #33
Recuperado y recargado, Tom está listo para invadir el santuario interno de la Cábala. La guerra de los mundos continúa.

WALKING DEAD #93 (MR)
El mundo está cambiando. Rick y los suyos se enfrentan a nuevas amenazas y nuevas oportunidades. Nada volverá a ser lo mismo.

Madrox

WHISPERS #1
Un hombre mentalmente inestable repentinamente gana el poder de salir de su cuerpo físico como un fantasma, manipulando a la gente de extrañas y perturbadoras maneras. ¿Podrá controlarse a sí mismo?

December comic books / cómics de diciembre

December was basically a month for trade paperbacks and hardcovers, and floppies of course! I really enjoyed Kick-Ass # 6 and Avengers Children’s Crusade # 8. Defenders #1 was actually quite a pleasant surprise, a bit reminiscent of Gaiman or Morrison’s earlier works for DC, Matt Fraction creates a very interesting first issue (definitely one of the few promising titles from Marvel in 2011).

Severed # 5 and Witch Doctor Resuscitation continue to be on my favorites list, and this time I got a letter published in Witch Doctor (more on that on a future post). The Strain #1 had a solid script but the art was too sloppy for my tastes. I plan on reviewing The Unwritten which, in my opinion, is the best Vertigo series in years. Gaiman’s Sandman, however, remains as the best Vertigo title ever published. I wanted to read Gaiman’s Books of Magic since I was in high school and I finally ordered it, it sure deserves a review. Anyway, December’s list is here, as per solicitations. Just judging by the covers what do you like? And what don’t you like? 

By the way, a few months ago I talked briefly about Kirby Genesis by Kurt Busiek, Alex Ross and Jack Herbert, feel free to read the first two issues here and then come back to tell me what you think of them, I really like them but I’d like to hear your opinions.

AVENGERS CHILDRENS CRUSADE #8 (OF 9)
Written by ALLAN HEINBERG Pencils & Cover by JIM CHEUNG THE DEATH OF AN AVENGER. The Young Avengers find themselves on the wrong side of the Scarlet Witch's reality-altering powers in their final battle against the combined forces of THE AVENGERS and THE X-MEN. In this penultimate issue of the epic maxi-series, the Young Avengers have no one to turn to except each other as they are forced to fight their lifelong heroes to the death. Find out who lives and who dies.

DEFENDERS #1
Spinning out of the stunning end of FEAR ITSELF! The final Worthy on a global rampage! • Matt Fraction (FEAR ITSELF, THE MIGHTY THOR, INVINCIBLE IRON MAN) reteams with TERRY DODSON (UNCANNY X-MEN, SENSATIONAL SPIDER-MAN)! • Everyone's favorite Marvel characters banding together to solve a mysterious conspiracy deep at the heart of the Marvel Universe! • The last line of defense against the forces of the unknown! 32 PGS./Rated T+

KICK-ASS 2 #6 (MR)
The Mother****er and his team of Toxic Mega-***** are running rampant through New York City. With his life in shatters and his allies dead or locked away in prison, it falls to Kick-Ass to strike back against the supervillain uprising, with a little help from everyone's favorite pint-size death-dealer: Hit-Girl. The fight to save NYC from the Mother****er's masterplan beings here! 32 PGS./Mature

LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES GREAT DARKNESS SAGA DLX HC
By Paul Levitz & Keith Giffen, with Pat Broderick. Legion of Super-Heroes # 284-296, and  Annual # 1.

OUTCAST #1
The King is dead - long live the Dead King! King Valen Brand was a just king and a great warrior until he was killed by a Necromancer in battle and resurrected as one of the walking dead. Now he's considered an abomination in his own realm, an outcast with only one purpose: to restore his lost soul! From the mind of fan-favorite creator Michael Alan Nelson (28 Days Later, Robert E. Howard's Hawks Of Outremer) comes Outcast, a visceral new ongoing series that blends 'epic fantasy' with 'sword-and-sorcery.' Perfect for fans of A Game of Thrones and Conan.

SANDMAN TP VOL 06 FABLES AND REFLECTIONS NEW ED (MR)
Neil Gaiman with Bryan Talbot, P. Craig Russell, Shaw McManus, etc.

SEVERED #5 (OF 7) (MR)
'The Road Beckons' In 1916, a boy runs away from home in search of his father. But along the way he meets a salesman with sharp teeth and a hunger for flesh. SCOTT SNYDER (American Vampire, Batman, Swamp Thing), SCOTT TUFT and ATTILA FUTAKI (Percy Jackson) are back with 2011's most terrifying horror series. SEVERED.

THE BOOKS OF MAGIC
by Various See a quartet of fallen mystics nicknamed 'The Trenchcoat Brigade' for the first time in this stunning trade paperback. Tim Hunter is introduced to Vertigo's greatest practitioners of magic - among them John Constantine, the Phantom Stranger, and Zatanna - and must choose whether or not to join their ranks. Mature Readers.

THE STRAIN #1 (OF 11) HUDDLESTON CVR
When a Boeing 777 lands at JFK International Airport and goes dark on the runway, the Center for Disease Control, fearing a terrorist attack, calls in Dr. Ephraim Goodweather and his team of expert biological-threat first responders. Only an elderly pawnbroker from Spanish Harlem suspects a darker purpose behind the event-an ancient threat intent on covering mankind in darkness.

Unwritten Vol 1
Tommy Taylos and the Bogus Identity. Unwritten # 1-5.
 
UNWRITTEN #32 (MR)
Tom's battle against the cabal continues, with Glitterspar as the ultimate sanction. But Tom discovers that letting storybook magic into your world is playing with fire - and ice.

WALKING DEAD #92 (MR)
Get ready for some action.

WITCH DOCTOR RESUSCITATION ONE SHOT
You wake up in a bathtub of ice with a surgical incision on your side? but the hospital says you've still got two kidneys! Where do you go for a second opinion? Where else but Dr. Vincent Morrow, the Witch Doctor! Summer's medical horror smash hit returns with a tale of black magic and organ-swapping. And it's a great jumping-on point for new readers, so don't miss out - ask your retailer to preorder a copy for you!   'If you're not checking out WITCH DOCTOR, you need to do so, STAT!' - Ain't It Cool News

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Diciembre fue básicamente un mes de tomos recopilatorios y en tapa dura, y números sueltos, desde luego. Realmente disfruté con Kick-Ass # 6 y Avengers Children’s Crusade # 8. Defenders #1 fue una verdadera sorpresa, con ligeros toques que me recuerdan los primeros trabajos de Gaiman y Morrison en DC, Matt Fraction crea un muy interesante primer número (definitivamente uno de los pocos títulos prometedores de Marvel en el 2011).

Severed # 5 y Witch Doctor Resuscitation continúan en mi lista de favoritos, y esta vez me publicaron una carta en Witch Doctor (queda como tema para una próxima ocasión). The Strain #1 tiene un guión consistente, pero el arte es demasiado flojo para mi gusto. Planeo escribir un comentario sobre The Unwritten que, en mi opinión, es lo mejor que ha habido en Vertigo en años. El Sandman de Gaiman sigue siendo el mejor título alguna vez publicado por Vertigo. Había querido leer Books of Magic de Gaiman desde que estaba en secundaria y finalmente lo compré, también merece una reseña aparte. En fin, aquí está la lista de diciembre. Solamente mirando las portadas, ¿qué es lo que les gusta? ¿Y qué no?

Por cierto, hace algunos meses hablé brevemente sobre Kirby Genesis de Kurt Busiek, Alex Ross y Jack Herbert, siéntanse con total libertad de leer los primeros dos números aquí y luego regresen para decirme qué les pareció, a mí me gustaron bastante pero quisiera escuchar sus opiniones.

AVENGERS CHILDRENS CRUSADE #8 (OF 9)
Los Jóvenes Vengadores se encuentran en riesgo a causa de los poderes alteradores de realidad de SCARLET WITCH. Es la batalla final entre los AVENGERS y los X-MEN. Los Jóvenes Vengadores no tienen a nadie en quién confiar excepto en ellos mismos. ¿Lucharán contra los héroes adultos?

DEFENDERS #1
Los Defensores vuelven a reunirse para resolver una conspiración.

KICK-ASS 2 #6 (MR)
El némesis de Dave está devastando New York. Con su vida en ruinas y sus aliados muertos o en prisión, es el momento del contraataque de KICK-ASS, con la ayuda de la asesina más despiadada del mundo: HIT-GIRL.

LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES GREAT DARKNESS SAGA DLX HC
Paul Levitz & Keith Giffen, con Pat Broderick. Legion of Super-Heroes # 284-296, y  Annual # 1.

OUTCAST #1
El rey ha muerto… larga vida al rey muerto. El rey Brand era un guerrero honorable, pero fue asesinado por el Nigromante y resucitado como un muerto viviente. Ahora, es considerado una abominación en su propio reino.

SANDMAN TP VOL 06 FABLES AND REFLECTIONS NEW ED (MR)
Neil Gaiman con Bryan Talbot, P. Craig Russell, Shaw McManus, etc.
 
SEVERED #5 (OF 7) (MR)
El camino convoca. En 1916, un chico huye de casa. Pero en el camino conocerá el horror a manos de una siniestra criatura.

THE BOOKS OF MAGIC
Neil Gaiman, John Bolton, Scott Hampton, Charles Vess y Paul Johnson.

THE STRAIN #1 (OF 11) HUDDLESTON CVR
Cuando un Boeing 777 aterriza en el aeropuerto internacional JFK, el Centro de Control de Enfermedades teme que se trate de un ataque terrorista. Pero, la verdad es mucho más siniestra de lo que parece.

Unwritten Vol 1
Mike Carey & Peter Gross.  Unwritten # 1-5.

UNWRITTEN #32 (MR)
La batalla de Tom en contra de la Cábala continúa.

WALKING DEAD #92 (MR)
Prepárense para algo de acción.

my final version / mi versión final

WITCH DOCTOR RESUSCITATION ONE SHOT
Te despiertas en una bañera llena de hielos, con una incisión en el cuerpo. Pero en el hospital te dicen que tienes dos riñones. ¿Qué ha pasado?