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Top 20 Issues in 2010

For my Top 20 Issues, I did not include any issues from my Top 5 #1 Issues or my Top 5 Miniseries selections. Instead, I chose stories I loved and reviewed in 2010. It was hard, especially as I know there were stories that I loved that didn’t make it here because the art didn’t live up to the writing or vice versa. It was hard to choose because it’s one thing to make a beautiful arc and another to make a kick-ass issue and have it fit into a beautiful arc. All these tales were ones that I could tell you immediately what they were about and why I loved them.

Here are my Top 20 Issues in 2010.

Spider-Woman #520. Spider-Woman #5 by Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev

I love the art in this. The scene where Jessica dives off the rooftop to land in a little puddle of water, the water coming off her body is brilliantly beautiful. I love the technique. Simply gorgeous. Oh, how I wish comic art was this pretty all the time.

Of course, Jessica tells herself that she was only going back for her stuff. It’s a good excuse that helps her feel hard inside. So she doesn’t have to feel partially responsible for those policemen’s deaths. Oh, the stories that Jessica tells herself.

Okay, now the Thunderbolts are after her. But why? Why do they care? Jessica’s just a rogue superhero in a place not under the rule of H.A.M.M.E.R. Not to mention it’s also full of corruption.

Read all my reviews for Spider-Woman and buy Spider-Woman: Agent of S.W.O.R.D..

Zatanna #319. Zatanna #3 by Paul Dini and Stephane Roux

This comic is becoming rather awesome. Zatanna knows what she’s doing and knows how to use her skills. I always love a character who use their brains as well as their powers. Likewise, I enjoy her team-up with Dale, because while Zatanna is the one to take down Brother Night, Dale isn’t running and hiding from him and isn’t going to be manipulated into backing off.

For an action-filled comic, the scenes were nicely paced. Roux’s does a great job with the art. I particularly love his page-layouts. The diamond-shapes bring a nice little reminder about Zatanna’s magical powers.

Zatanna has a lot of heart, and it’s really apparent when she saves her crew first. And that she takes the time to turn Mickey into her twin so Mickey can pull off the show Zatanna’s going to miss due to her fight with Brother Night.

I love Zatanna saving her father. I love her tears, while she maintains herself and her powers. A lesser hero would’ve folded under the emotional pressure of her/his father reappearing. The scene Zatanna has with him as she frees him, once again, is just lovely and perfect.

Zatanna’s take-down of Brother Night is likewise fitting. I love that she turns a powerless Brother Night into Dale, but knows that Brother Night will suffer more for the bargain he made with the devil.

Read all my reviews for Zatanna and buy Zatanna: The Mistress of Magic.

The New Avengers Annual #318. New Avengers Annual #3 by Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Mayhew

Thanks for the awesome birthday present, Bendis. At least, the way I’m looking at all the comics that came out on my birthday week is birthday presents for me. Well, the good ones anyway.

Finally, an all-girl rescue team. Seriously, those are some powerful women. They completely were overdue to shine in the light. Plus, Jessica back in her uniform. Though she needs to lose the earrings when fighting. Mine fall off when I’m changing my shirt, much less pumbling the Dark Avengers. Well, at least they’re all wearing flats.

I rather loved the scenes with Clint tied up naked and being tortured. But that’s just me. Not to mention I’m pretty sure he distracted Bullseye from his target by flashing him. Because for some reason they decided to take off all his clothes. Okay, it’s an approved torture method by the CIA/military, but still my birthday present from Bendis.

Bendis’ take on Bobbi and Clint’s relationship is endearing. However, really similar to Jessica and Luke’s. Except perhaps Jessica and Luke are better communicators than Bobbi and Clint, believe it or not.

Read my reviews for New Avengers and buy New Avengers: Siege. Continue reading “Top 20 Issues in 2010”

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14 (More) Amazing Women of Comics

A while ago, I wrote a post about Strong Women of Comics I Like and decided to do a follow-up with even more women. So here are 14 more amazing women characters of comics I like.

Misty Knight
Misty Knight

Who: Misty Knight
Why she’s amazing: First, she runs her own detective agency. Second, she has a bionic arm. Third, I’m pretty sure she’s engaged to Danny Rand and dating Colleen Wing. (Okay, the latter may just be wishful thinking on my part.)
Where to read about her: Unfortunately, the most recent revamp of Heroes for Hire wasn’t exactly a triumph for women characters. However, Misty rocked as a supporting character in Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction, and David Aja’s Immortal Iron Fist.
My comic reviews featuring Misty.
Kate "Batwoman" Kane
Kate Kane

Who: Kate “Batwoman” Kane
Why she’s amazing: She’s freaking Batwoman. She’s just as stubborn, strong, scary, and inventive as her male professional counterpart. Not to mention she has some cool tattoos.
Where to read about her: Greg Rucka and J.H. Williams III’s most recent run on Detective Comics was fabulous. It includes Kate’s origin story and you don’t want to miss the art. She’ll be back with a solo series penned by Williams.
My comic reviews featuring Kate.
Angie Spica
Angie Spica

Who: Angie “The Engineer” Spica
Why she’s amazing: Angie is connected to machines and computers, but not overwhelmed by them. She retains herself. Angie’s also a kick ass fighter and a good friend.
Where to read about her: If you’re new to the Authority or Wildstorm in general, pick up Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch’s run on the Authority. (Since this review was posted, Warren Ellis was outed as an abuser. As comic books are a collective effort, this review will remain live, but I cannot in good faith recommend purchasing this book or other works by this person.)
My comic reviews featuring Angie.
Kara Zol-l
Kara Zol-l

Who: Kara “Power Girl” Zor-l
Why she’s amazing: Kara is smart, kind, down-to-earth, and can move the earth. She runs her own business and saves the world. Plus, she has as super cool, sassy cat named Stinky.
Where to read about her: Check out her latest solo title by Justin Grey, Jimmy Palmiotti, and Amanda Conner; it’s fun and lives in its own world so don’t worry if you have no idea what a Black Lantern is. Plus, Conner’s art is amazing, which makes it even more sad that the creative team’s changing.
My comic reviews featuring Kara.
Tara Chace
Tara Chace

Who: Tara Chace
Why she’s amazing: Tara might be a super spy by trade, but that’s the way she’s helping the world. She won’t settle for second best or give up. Even when she’s been shot in the leg.
Where to read about her: Tara is the lead character in Greg Rucka’s Queen & Country.
My comic reviews featuring Tara.
Gwendolyn
Gwendolyn

Who: Gwendolyn
Why she’s amazing: Okay, yes, Gwendolyn is not human — but she can talk, and moreover, she leads the Mouse Guard as its matriarch. She also oversees all the assignments of the guard. Plus, anything else they might need. Yes, Gwendolyn’s in charge of mouse security and that’s no small feat when there’s weasels, snakes, crabs, owls, and rebellious mice.
Where to read about her: In David Peterson’s gorgeous Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 and its sequel Mouse Guard: Winter 1152.
Jessica Drew
Jessica Drew

Who: Jessica “Spider-Woman” Drew
Why she’s amazing: Genetically-engineer by her father, double agent for Hydra and S.H.I.E.L.D., and replaced by the Skrull Queen, Jessica’s had a hard run of it. But she’s come out kicking ass and taking names. She’s Marvel’s detective and spy.
Where to read about her: See Jessica take down Skrulls in the recent Spider-Woman: Agent of S.W.O.R.D. by Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev.
My comic reviews featuring Jessica.
Cinderella
Cinderella

Who: Cinderella
Why she’s amazing: Cinderella appears to be an airhead who used to be a princess, but now runs a shoe store, the Glass Slipper. However, there’s more to Cindy than means the eye. Let her surprise you because I really don’t want to spoil you.
Where to read about her: Read about her in Fables by Bill Willingham.
My comic reviews featuring Cindy.
Bobbi Morse
Bobbi Morse

Who: Bobbi “Mockingbird” Morse
Why she’s amazing: Bobbi is the only one sassy enough to have married Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye. She’s one of the few non-super Avengers, and she also has something of a spy business on the side. Bobbi spends her nights with insomnia fighting villains as her chamomile tea.
Where to read about her: Jim McCann and David Lopez’s New Avengers Reunion will get you caught up with Bobbi. McCann also has a new series called Hawkeye and Mockingbird, which issue #1 already sold out and went into its second printing.
My comic reviews featuring Bobbi.
Julie Martin
Julie Martin

Who: Julie Martin
Why she’s amazing: Julie was a mess when we first met her. Newly divorce and completely broken by it. However, on a day trip to shoot photography, she becomes something unknown when the rain isn’t actually real rain and starts sticking to her skin.
Where to read about her: In Terry Moore’s Echo, you can follow Julie’s path to becoming a superhero of sorts.
My comic reviews featuring Julie.
Monica Rambeau
Monica Rambeau

Who: Monica “Photon” Rambeau (also “Captain Marvel”)
Why she’s amazing: Does Monica need to remind you that she once was on the Avengers? She can kick ass on a team and lead them well. She is also a good friend to Firestar, Hellcat, and Black Cat.
Where to read about her: Warren Ellis’ Nextwave and most recently, in Marvel Divas, a very poorly named series. (Since this review was posted, Warren Ellis was outed as an abuser. As comic books are a collective effort, this review will remain live, but I cannot in good faith recommend purchasing this book or other works by this person.)
My comic reviews featuring Monica.
Frau Totenkinder
Frau Totenkinder

Who: Frau Totenkinder
Why she’s amazing: Frau Totenkinder is more devious than her aged-appearance lets on. She’s a witch, a very powerful one, and she surprisingly nonchalant about it. Frau Totenkinder will appear in more than one of your favorite Fables.
Where to read about her: My favorite Frau Totenkinder stories are in Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall, but you can also find her in the regular Fables series also by Bill Willingham.
Helena Bertinelli
Helena Bertinelli

Who: Helena “Huntress” Bertinelli
Why she’s amazing: Helena is both a school teacher and a hunter. She’s loyal and determined. Helena hasn’t always fit into life in Gotham City, but that’s only given her more layers and sometimes rocky relationships with Gotham heavy-hitters like Batman himself.
Where to read about her: Helena is an awesome addition in Gail Simone’s Birds of Prey. Greg Rucka also does a great job at telling her origin story in Batman/Huntress: A Cry for Blood.
My comic reviews featuring Helena.
Pepper Potts
Pepper Potts

Who: Pepper “Rescue” Potts (also “Hera”)
Why she’s amazing: Pepper is just too cool. For years, she was side character in Tony Stark’s life; but with the successful Iron Man movies and Matt Fraction’s new series, Pepper is turning into a dignified hero.
Where to read about her: Pepper makes her first appearance as a superhero in Matt Fraction’s The Order and continues so in his Invincible Iron Man.
My comic reviews featuring Pepper.