Number 5:
Atomic Robo and the Flying She-Devils of the Pacific
Written by Brian Clevenger
Art by Scott Wegener, Colors by Nick Filardi
“Atomic Robo” is a fun, smart action comic. The dialog sparkles, the art is bright and engaging, and the characters have a depth and grace that doesn’t get bogged down in ‘gritty’ melodrama.
This volume, set in the South Pacific after World War II, dealt with some heavy topics: the extreme determination of the Japanese Imperial Army, the discrimination faced by female pilots and mechanics in the second world war, and the abandoned stockpiles of ordinance and other deadly materiel after the conflict. It is a testament to Clevenger’s writing that the presentation manages to balance the slower character moments with dogfights, explosions, and mad science without any of the elements feeling forced or out of place. In fact, they support each other, lending the piece a sort of mad-cap gallows humor.
Number 4:
Edison Rex
Written by Chris Roberson
Art by Dennis Culver
Edison Rex is the story of a supervillain trying to make good. It is also a clever send-up of comics tropes and the industry itself. The series’s extremely flawed but charming protagonist is a fresh voice, and Roberson’s sharp wit, combined with Culver’s expressive figures and gorgeous sets, make this the comic your tablet was made for.
Number 3:
Skullkickers: Treasure Trove Vol. 1
Written by Jim Zub
Art by Edwin Huang
A massive collection of the first two trades, most of these comics came out before 2012, but the big collection came out this year, so it sneaks into this year’s list.
The mis-adventures of a human known only as “Baldy” and a Dwarf called “Shorty,” Skullkickers is an ultraviolent sword-and-sorcery buddy comedy. Equal parts Fritz Lieber and Marx Brothers, the pair struggle against fat werewolves, incompetent necromancers, and Disneyfied, but still incredibly deadly faeries. The main characters (I can’t quite call them ‘heroes’) aren’t discriminating. They’ll kill anything for 2 copper pieces. This series is over the top gory fun that manages to stay firmly on the side of slapstick. Zub’s dynamic writing and Huang’s art that makes the worst carnage downright pretty are the real saviors of this book.
Number 2
Wolverine and the X-Men
Written by Jason Aaron
Art by Various Artists
I love the X-Men, perhaps in theory a bit more than in practice. There are some iconic runs and great stories, but often the comic focussed on the down bits: The losses, the tragedies, and the plight of being different in a world that hates you. The X-men were great, but they weren’t FUN. Aaron’s team is approaching the concept from a different direction, and he’s pulling it off masterfully. With a new batch of students and a brand new school, the X-men cope with keeping everything running with a skeleton crew of adults. The characters are changing, accepting more responsibility, and still having crazy adventures fighting pre-teen arms dealers, killer space biologists, and even the dreaded League of Nazi Bowlers. The series is filled to bursting with crazy comic book moments and high concept shenanigans, but it all works and the Aaron keeps the plates spinning. I can’t wait to see where he goes next.
Number 1
Bandette
Written by Paul Tobin
Art by Colleen Coover
Bandette is an all-ages love letter to French comics, and hands down my favorite book of 2012. Coover’s digital ink-washed art is gorgeous, and unlike anything else out there today. Tobin’s writing is clever, funny, and gives you just enough of the mystery to leave you in suspense. And with a supporting cast of mysterious thieves, gruff police inspectors, and colorful villains, it can only get better from here.
You can find all of these comics on Comixology. Have your own picks? Leave a comment!
Hugh J. O'Donnell 