The Ettatorial for the Week of 12-30-09 or, The Ettatorial Year-Ender
Well folks, it’s time for the last Ettatorial of the year. And this finale for 2009 couldn’t have been any better scheduled. Why you ask? Well, Diamond Comics Distributors made this week a shipping skip week, making it so no new releases came out (well, except DC’s massive hit Blackest Night #6, but that was actually held from last week at DC’s request to be released this week to make up for the skip-yeah, a long explanation, I know). So I had this week to reflect on the year in comics instead of having a bunch of new stuff to read. So in the spirit of every single other website on the planet, I’m going to have an awards/list for comic books of 2009. I’m going to honor what I felt was deserving in a multitude of categories devised by me for the comics (and a few others) of 2009. A stipulation before we get started, only those either purchased or read by me are getting attention-that limits a lot of quality books, but if that concerns you, I’d recommend you to check out the bigger sites for their lists. I know books like Asterios Polyp, Scott Pilgrim, and so many more deserve attention, and believe me, I’ll probably be getting them, just that my budget doesn’t allow for an infinite allowance of comics. So without further ado, let’s get this started.
Best Ongoing Series-
Amazing Spider-Man by various and published by Marvel Comics.
From the sheer amount of work involved in getting this many issues of this series published this year (36! and many of them oversized, including the 100 page #600 issue) alone, that’s deserving of an award. Considering the creative teams pulled off such a high amount of quality so consistently is worthy of another. From getting naysayers to come back to the title, to creating what many consider “classic” stories, to pulling off the biggest single issue of the year in sales (the Obama issue), this title really seems worthy of best ongoing series.
Secret Six by Gail Simone and Nicola Scott and published by DC Comics
Easily the most “mature” of my picks this year, this dark series black sense of humor and acerbic word play made it stand out above the rest. From it’s inception, this book has taken chances with content in a “mainstream” title, and pushed boundaries to impressive results. It’s cast of characters aren’t the most well-known to non-comics readers, and it’s that very thing that allows the series to really make it work.
Avengers the Initiative by Christos Gage, Dan Slott, & various and published by Marvel Comics
A book I raved about every time it came out, this series was the one that I felt most represented the “Marvel Universe” as a whole. Taking a diverse group of characters, guest-stars, storylines, and even “events” in stride, this series made it all work and look effortless. The series shows that continuity isn’t a noose for characters or series if it’s used properly, and actually can better storytelling and open other possibilities.
Runners-Up-
X-Factor by Peter David and various, published by Marvel Comics
Criminal by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips, published by Icon
Fables by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, & various, published by Vertigo
Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard, published by Image
Best Mini-Series-
Wednesday Comics by various and published by DC Comics
An experiment in all sense of the word, this DC weekly truly changed the game. Published on newsprint in a oversized format (14”x20” broadsheet) like the Sunday funnies of old, the mini had some the best and brightest in comics contribute to some of the best characters DC had to offer. From names like Neil Gaiman, Paul Pope, and Joe Kubert, this was truly a who’s who of talent. And after seeing those involved, expectations were high-could they pull it off? A resounding yes, as this was one of the finest comics projects of the year. Great stuff, and the cries from the fan community for the upcoming collected edition to be oversized has been heard and is actually going to happen. Looks like I might just have to buy this one again to have on the bookshelf.
Runners-Up-
Ignition City- by Warren Ellis and Gianluca Pagliarani, published by Avatar
Umbrella Academy: Dallas- by Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba, published by Dark Horse
Incognito-by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips, published by Icon
Best Original Graphic Novel-
Parker the Hunter, by Darwyn Cooke and published by IDW.
Beautiful, moody artwork with a truly classic story, this adaptation of Richard Stark’s most famous creation is a tour-de-force of comic story-telling. From start to finish, everything within is just right, from the stylish artwork, to the coloring choices , to even the lettering, this is a text book example of comics as art. Donald Westlake (Stark was a pen name) even gave this project his blessing, something he never did with the countless other adaptions of the material Hollywood did, and as he sadly passed on December 31, 2008, this will be the first and only time.
Best Reprinted Material-
The StarMan Omnibus by James Robinson, Tony Harris, & various and published by DC Comics
DC finally saw fit to give this 1990s series the proper treatment it deserved, as they are finally reprinting the series (and even some ancillary parts like the Shade mini-series) in it’s entirety in a gorgeous over-sized hardcover format. From including obvious extras like introductions and art samples, to thoughtful inclusions like letter-page bits, text pieces, and commentary on the issues, this is one swank reprint job.
Runners-Up-
Wonderful Wizard of Oz-Eric Shanower and Scottie Young, published by Marvel
Mouse Guard Winter 1152-David Petersen, published by Archaia Studios
Best New Series-
Chew, by John Layman and Rob Guillory and published by Image Comics.
The surprise break-out hit of 2009, this is a perfect example of a independent book making good. Truly unique in concept and execution, Chew does what any good book or movie does, and that’s pull you into it’s world and make you believe in it. From it’s slightly bizarre world where the FDA is the most powerful agency in the land and poultry is illegal, to it’s protagonist Tony Chu’s secret as a Cibopath (someone who gets psychic impressions from whatever he eats), Chew is something bold and new. And in this world of franchises and countless spin-offs where nobody will glance at something they don’t already know, it’s great to see books like this.
Runners-Up-
The Unwritten by Mike Carey and Peter Gross, published by Vertigo
Irredeemable by Mark Waid and Peter Krause, published by Boom!
Best Promotion or Promotional Material-
This has to go to DC’s Blackest Night Ring promotion, as not only did it make logical sense as a tie-in, and not only did it increase sales on every book involved, actually catapulting DC back into contention in the sales top-ten after a long absence, but it was just a good ol’ fashioned fun idea.
Runner -up-
DC/Vertigo’s 1st issue is just $1 deal. Every 1st issue that Vertigo put out this year was only $1, and that should get anyone to try out a new series. Not only that, but some of these were quite good, and a couple (The Unwritten and Daytripper) motivated me to buy the series. Kudos to Vertigo for this, and here’s hoping more companies (or even just Vertigo for that matter) keep this great idea going.
Well, there we go folks, that’s 2009 in a nutshell. I’m sure after I post this I’ll think of a bunch of other books that will negate my own list, but for now, these were the books that really caught my attention in the calendar year of 2009. I’ll see you back here next week in a return our regular format, same time, same channel.
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