While some comic books may number in the 600+, every year many new comic books come out. I like taking chances on new comic books to see if they fit the type of stories that I want to read. Here are my Top 5 #1 Issues in 2010.
5. Atlas #1 by Jeff Parker and Gabriel Hardman
Jeff Parker really hit it out of the park here. I loved this. I love Atlas. I think it’s a well-balanced book for those just joining Atlas’ adventures and those continuing along the journey.
I also think he did a great job with the introduction of the modern 3-D Man, Delroy Garrett, and the history of 3-D Man, when it was Chuck and Hal Chandler. I’d read Avengers: The Initiative so I was a little more filled in than other readers might’ve been. That said, Parker presented the history in a way that didn’t bog down the story and kept it current and fresh feeling. I do find it interesting that everyone wants to kill Delroy. And I bet there’s more to it. Poor Chuck and Hal, they’ve been sacrificed for Delroy.
The evolution of 3-D Man so he doesn’t have to use his glasses anymore is perfect. And how his eyes are giving him clues about how he should find Atlas. Plus, the part about the triangle on his costume is also great. (For Atlas-fans who are playing catch-up, the triangles are used to move through these dimensional tunnels from the world to Atlas’ secret bases. If you don’t have them, you’re basically dead.) Delroy literally hits bottom to find Atlas.
Read all my reviews for Atlas and buy Atlas: Return of the Three Dimensional Man
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4. X-Men: Pixie Strikes Back #1 by Kathryn Immonen and Sara Pichelli
I’ve been so looking forward to this miniseries, and Immonen and Pichelli don’t disappoint. I love that while clearly Pixie and company under some spell against their will, essentially the “normal” high school experience is what so many of the young mutants really want in their lives.
There’s a lot of interesting set-up for the mystery of what’s going on. Blindfold being able to contact the girls is certainly interesting. As is Rockslide and Anole trying to find them.
Pixie’s background is going to get a lot more interesting. Will this mean she’s not really a mutant? Or will she be like Nightcrawler — half “demon” and half mutant? Her mother definitely seems to be someone not to trifled with. Nightcrawler and Psylocke better watch out.
Also, this might be Pixie’s siblings who pulled her into this underworld.
Read my review for the entire miniseries and buy X-Men: Pixie Strikes Back
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3. Birds of Prey #1 by Gail Simone and Ed Benes
Simone outdid herself as she gets back together with the Birds of Prey. Yes, it would have to be Babs calling on Dinah and Zinda, not the other way around. Dinah may have left, but Babs is the one who pushes people away. Much like her mentor Batman does.
I love Dinah and Zinda working together to save children. Well, Dinah’s saving children and Zinda’s being herself by helping out and meeting the locals. I know Babs is Simone’s beloved character, but I think her Dinah is just as strong, if not stronger.
Hawk and Dove’s introduction worked really well. Simone is good at introducing new characters to the team and introducing them to readers at the same time. I’ve always appreciated the slightly self-contained world which the Birds of Prey operate in.
The scene on the roof was so perfect. All of them together once again. Everyone’s reactions were spot-on. Loved this line from Dinah: “One day these women will learn to say what they really feel without thinking it makes them vulnerable. If I have to beat the living crap out of ’em to make it happen.” Oh, Helena, I felt the same way you did.
Someone signaling the Birds of Prey was perfect. As was the Penguin being there and getting to be the first causality. I’m pretty much with those guessing that the White Canary is either Sin or Cassandra Cain.
Read all my Birds of Prey reviews and buy Birds of Prey: Endrun
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2. Hawkeye & Mockingbird #1 by Jim McCann and David Lopez
I loved this to bits. I thought McCann’s miniseries, New Avengers: Reunion about these two was fabulous, and I’ve been so excited about this issue ever since the series was announced. I was very much, just get Siege over and done with so I can have my shiny new Hawkeye & Mockingbird series.
I love McCann’s Mockingbird, who is so incredibly detailed about her plans to stop villains, but completely impulsive with her personal life. Which fits perfectly with Clint’s impulsive nature toward everything. And I suppose after the mini where Bobbi didn’t trust Clint about anything, it’s time for Clint not to completely trust her. Or at least not trust her to give him all the information he feels is important.
The bits with Clint training with Steve worked brilliantly, especially since in many ways Clint tried to step-up and take the void left by Steve. I love Bucky throwing him off. Brilliant multi-layered conversations here.
I’m completely enthralled by the plot surrounding the new Phantom Rider and the case that Mockingbird’s trying to crack. While I didn’t read the early issue with her father, I love the Phantom Rider’s styling, especially compared to how they drew her father. I cannot wait for the next issue.
Read all my reviews for Hawkeye & Mockingbird and buy Hawkeye & Mockingbird: Ghosts
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1. I, Zombie #1 by Chris Roberson and Michael Allred
I, Zombie is a very fun tale. I liked the kookiness of it and the humor, which reminded me of somewhere between Buffy: the Vampire Slayer and Boneyard. This fills a nice gap in my entertainment consumption considering I don’t read the former’s comics and the latter has come to an end.
Michael Allred’s art really makes the comic book. His style adds to the fun and to the flavor. I really enjoy his Pop Art style, and I want to read more comics that he’s done the art for.
Gwen Dylan is a delightful character. Well, as delightful as a zombie could be. Yes, a gravedigger really is the best job for someone who requires eating brains once a month. I love the twist that she doesn’t enjoy the taste of brains. In fact, she downright hates it.
Her ghost friend Ellie’s clearly from the 1960s with her mod-style. She’s a lot of fun. I really liked all the world-building that Roberson’s done. With the quick bits of other supernatural beings like vampires and werewolves, with some sort of supernatural patrol, makes me want to read the next one.
When this comes out in tradepaperback in March, I’ll definitely be picking it up.
Since I haven’t read any more issues, I don’t have more reviews. But like me, you can pre-order your copy of I, Zombie: Dead to the World.
Fables Vol 22 Farewell by Bill Willingham
FF #16 by Lee Allred and Matt Fraction
