I'm going to start with the comic series that wins my gold star for 2012. Of all the series I've read this year the "Angel &Faith" series from Dark Horse Comics is by far the best and most powerful story arc of the year.
I do not want to go into to much of the story line for fear of significant spoilers, but I will do my best to do it justice. The amazingly talented Christos Gage is the head author of the A&F series this year. He has brought one of the most dynamic Buffyverse characters, Faith, back to the forefront of the action. Gage has shown a tremendous amount of growth in the Faith's character in a situation where the tables have turned and she has gone from the reckless teen she once was to being the one responsible and level-headed character while those around her spiral into chaos. Gage does an amazing job of keeping the ever loved Joss feel of apocalyptic drama mixed with witty commentary and real to life characters. Plus every Buffyverse fan will be glad to see various cameos spreed throughout the series of fan favorites Drucela, Willow, and Conner. If you have not read this series yet. Do yourself a favor and pick it up.
My second must read goes to the single most under-rated comic book author of our time (in my opinion of course), Gail Simone. Simone took on the mantle of "Batgirl" in DC Comics "New 52" series and has done an wonderful job with it thus far, making it one of my favorites of 2012.
Simone has brought Barbra Gordon out of her wheelchair and back into action. All of the story arcs have been well worth the read throughout Simone's run on the series, with the book coming to a climax at the end of 2012 with the "Death of the Family" arc. Simone stays inside Barbra's head throughout the story so you actually feel for Batgirl as she faces such things as rekindling a relationship with her once absent mother, trying to balance a "real life" and her super hero life, and most importantly coming face to face with the Joker (who was the one who put her in the wheelchair in the first place). I find myself caring deeply for Barbra in these stories, to which I applaud Simone, for this is a difficult and rare feet in the medium of comics. There was a slight scare for fans at the end of 2012 when it was rummered that Simone was being taken off of the Batgirl title, but rest assured she is still writing for it. Thank goodness! There is still a lot to look forward to in this series.
I have two comic series that get my honorable mention for 2012. They are not my all time favorites, but without a doubt make the Girly Geek must read list. The first is Marvel Comics "Ultimate Comics: X-MEN". While I feel that most of the Ultimate Comics series are floundering, (Sorry Marvel I just can't buy Captain America as the president of the US or Tony Stark with a brain tumor that talks to him) Brian Wood has taken X-MEN out of the ashes admirably. I love how Wood is handling the character of Kitty Pryde while introducing us to several new mutants. Without spoilers I will say that I am excited to see how Wood will use Kitty and Rouge to make a new start for the X-MEN.
My second honorable mention is for all my fellow horror fans. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten you guys and gals. Paul Tobin is writing a wonderfully grotesque comic called "Colder" for Dark Horse Comics. As of right now this is only a four issue series, but I am crossing my fingers that due to its success it will be picked up as a monthly book. (Any hopes of this D.H.? please, I'll bat my eyelashes). Being only a four issue series it is virtually impossible for me to talk of the actually story without spoilers. So just know if you are a fan of horror and all things that make you squirm in your seat, go pick this series up.
I also want to send out some artist love. I mean this is really why we read comics, right? Ohhh I love the pretty pictures! DC Comics makes my list again with their "New 52 Justice League". Throughout 2012 I looked forward to every issue of J.L. because it always was filled with vibrant colors and wonderfully detailed artwork of my favorite superheros. There are many artist that have contributed in these comics but the team of Jim Lee on pencils and Scott Williams on ink have managed to create pages that I wish I could just wallpaper my walls with they are so amazing. If you are an artist (or a fangirl of artists like me, I sadly can't create anything) then you need to check out these books. I also want to send some love towards Dark Horse as well. "Willow" is a short spin-off series of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9" and is jam packed with amazing artwork. Brian Ching (pencils), Michelle Madison (colors), and Jason Gorden (ink) have come together to make some of the most whimsical comic stills of the year, and I love every bit of it. Thank you so much guys for making a comic that can be labeled as nothing other than beautiful in my book. Also in issue 2 of Willow appears my favorite cover of 2012. The alternate cover of issue 2 is done by artist Megan Lara, and is one of my favorite comic moments of last year. (It is currently waiting for a frame to be hung up on my wall).
So that is 2012 in review for me as far as the comic world goes. I have many things to look forward to in 2013. I can't wait to see how all of the comics I mentioned above play out through this year. Not to mention two comics that are starting this year. Brian Wood has been announced as writing a new series for Dark Horse in the "Star Wars Expanded Universe" (scheduled for release on Jan. 9), that is said to have a very strong Leia element. This makes me super happy. And of course we are all waiting on the edge of our seats to see what Dan Slott has in store for us in Marvel's "Superior Spider-Man". Please guys take the time to check out the links below on all of these books. Also I would love to hear what you think. Do you agree, disagree, or feel I left one of your favs out of my 2012 list? Let me know. As always until next time may the force be with you, from your favorite girly geek, Jessy
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