Favorite Non-Superhero Book of 2012: This was a  good year for genre books, for sure, but my definite favorite is Brian Wood’s The Massive. Callum Israel is the captain of a ship christened The Kapital and the leader of the Ninth Wave organization – a group of diverse individuals riding the line between eco-terrorism and bleeding-heart activism in their quest to protect the world’s oceans. A series of unexpected occurrences (from natural disasters to man-made problems) effectively shuts down the global economy and existing power structures and our protagonists find themselves in a world with new rules – one that will test their notions of humanity and pragmatism. Their ostensible quest – to find their sister ship, The Massive – takes them around the world, as power, clean water, and fuel become the new coin of the realm. Some of the characters are renouncing their dark pasts (or are they?) as private mercenaries for a fictional group called Blackbell. As society restructures and “haves” become “have nots,” we watch morality shift and beauty shine through in unexpected places. Great art from Kristian Donaldson and Garry Brown bring Wood’s remarkably researched scripts to life.

Favorite All Ages Book of 2012: The end of DC’s Tiny Titans may have caused lots of little teardrops to fall, but have no fear, Superman Family Adventures is here to dry eyes. Art Baltazar and Franco bring their inimitable approach to the greatest superhero and supporting cast of all time. Great Caesar’s ghost!

Favorite Strip Collection 2012: While not really strips (well, there are some one-page stories, at least!), my favorite….let’s call it a ‘reprint’ collection….was  from Fantagraphics. Utterly enjoyable on every level, these stories offer something for everyone. Admire Carl Barks, the ever-lovin’ master, drawing the funniest ducks of all time. Follow the classically hilarious stories. Examine the changing social concepts. But above all, enjoy timeless work that still feels like the beating heart of comics.