RICO’S PICK :: ADVENTURE TIME: FIONNA & CAKE #01: Natasha Allegri, who works on TV’s Adventure Time, is writing AND drawing this 6-issue series starring the characters she created for the show. I’m a huge fan of Fionna and Cake and Natasha’s Tumblr is just about one of the funniest things you can see on the internet. So I’m not really sticking my neck out when I say this series is going to be great! And check out that sweet, sweet cover by my pals Joe Quinones & Maris Wicks!!

SETH’S PICK :: NEW AVENGERS #1: I’ll admit that, while I think Brian Bendis’ run on Avengers is respectable, it never really did much for me.  The Illuminati idea, though, was one that always seemed promising.  You’ve got Marvel’s smartest heroes secretly convening to stop threats only they can.  It’s a good idea that should realize more of its potential under the direction of new writer Jonathan Hickman.  If his Avengers title is the sprawling, huge cast facing off against even larger threats, then New Avengers looks to be the converse – a small group operating in a more hidden manner. If you’re a fan of Black Panther like me, you’ll be happy to know that T’Challa will also be a big part of New Avengers.  I’d also be remiss not to mention that the artist of this book is Steve Epting, who did some nice work with Hickman on Fantastic Four.  I’m not exactly sure what the pair has planned for this title, but I’m betting it’s worth a look.

HEATHER’S FAVORITES OF 2012:

Favorite Super-hero Book of 2012: Wolverine and the X-Men: I haven’t read much of the X-Men since Joss Whedon’s run on Astonishing, but I am so glad Seth insisted we pick up this title.  This has consistently been my favorite super-hero book this year since issue #1.  It’s funny, it survived cross-over madness, and it has more bamfs than you can shake a stick at! If you haven’t been reading this delightful tale by Jason Aaron, you need to add this to your holiday wish list immediately! (more…)

RICO’S FAVORITES OF 2012:

Favorite Superhero Book of 2012: I admit I am in the tank for Matt Fraction, David Aja, Javier Pulido and Matt Hollingsworth’s new Hawkeye comic series. It’s more 70’s action movie comic than superhero book so I kind of feel like I’m cheating by picking it in the superhero category. It’s a great book though and it stars an Avenger that everyone knows from comics and movies so I think it’s fair. Also, I just heard Jesse Hamm is drawing an issue or two in 2013 and that guy kills too so grab Hawkeye before it goes away like all things this good do. (more…)

ANDY’S FAVORITES OF 2012:

Favorite Superhero Book of 2012: Flex Mentallo: Man of Muscle Mystery: Sure it is a reprint, but it is book that showcases Grant Morrison at his Doom Patrol era weirdness and the great Frank Quitely being…well, the great Frank Quitely. The awesome title of the book and that marvelous cover by Quitely alone are worth the price of admission!  And here’s the best part.  This HARD-COVER  that collects the infamous 4 part mini-series is only $24.00!!!!  Earlier this year those two dozen hard-earned dollars would not have been enough scratch to purchase any one single issue of the original series. And did I mention Frank Quitely–well shame on me, I should have done that earlier.

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BRENT’S FAVORITES OF 2012:

Favorite Superhero Book of 2012: There were lots of great superhero books on the stands this year (the reinvigorated Daredevil, the thematically-unified Uncanny X-Force, and the imaginative Action Comics were definite front runners for me), but my favorite capes-and-fisticuffs book continues to be Batwoman. Operating on the fringes of the Bat-family, it is allowed to move at its own pace. J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman turn in thought-provoking scripts that take the story in introspective directions. The great strength of the book, of course, lies in the art. Williams turns in page after page of gorgeous work. But even when he’s spelled a bit by Amy Reeder or Trevor McCarthy, the storyline shines through. The current arc, featuring a Wonder Woman team-up, is knitting together years of plot threads in high style.

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JUSTIN’S FAVORITES OF 2012:

Favorite Super-hero Book of 2012: This may be a bit premature, but the Marvel NOW! relaunch of Captain America stands head and shoulders above any other new superhero book for me this year. It manages to be kitschy and modern all at once, a post-millennial nod to Jack Kirby’s near autonomous 1970s run that would surely send the King over the moon. I haven’t read a single issue of a comic book so many times this year; I think my current tally is closing in on a baker’s dozen. Rick Remender deserves a big ol’ hug. If he’d come to Heroes Con, he’d get one.
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SETH’S FAVORITES OF 2012 :: It’s been an eclectic year for comics.  Amid all the relaunches and reboots, company-wide crossovers and such, there were still some truly entertaining books that caught my attention.  It’s like I always say, you might not like everything new, and might not like the directions of some books or companies, but if you take the time to look around, you’ll find plenty of quality comics to enjoy.

Favorite Super-hero Book of 2012: Wolverine and the X-men/Hawkeye: I couldn’t narrow it down to one.  Wolverine and the X-men, in spite of having to weave in and out of the giant Avengers vs. X-men story, managed to be one of the most consistently joyous comics of the year for me.  Much of this is owed to writer Jason Aaron, who kept the tone of the book consistent, which may well have been a challenge this year.  Kudos also to artists Chris Bachalo and Nick Bradshaw for matching the energy and humor in Aaron’s scripts, and adding their own unique takes on these characters.
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