Sometimes, a single comic book issue stands out above everything else. It can have an attachment to the series itself, but that doesn’t make it any less amazing on its own. The following ten are the best representation of that.
Some of these titles make the list because they’re deep stories that highlight a character. Others are good beginnings to a comic, a story arc, or a coming out for a hero. Let’s begin with this writer’s favorite of the year.
Assorted Crisis Events No. 3
- Writer: Deniz Camp
- Artist: Eric Zawadzki
- Colors: Jordie Bellaire
Deniz Camp’s writing will always show you his thoughts on the world. Assorted Crisis Events No. 3 is the best example of this. The story highlights topics such as immigration, racism, and xenophobia in an interesting way; he uses the theory of alternate realities and people meeting their alternate selves.
Within this story, we see how even kind people can make bad decisions, and how awful people can get worse. It's heartbreaking to see but it's a comic book everyone should read.
Warning, this isn't something for all ages. It will show you things that happened in the real world that could be triggering.
Namor No. 7
- Writer: Jason Aaron
- Artists: Paul Davidson and Alex Lins
- Colors: Neeraj Menon
Namor is known for his arrogance, ruthless fighting, and stubbornness. Instead of staying with that alone, writer Jason Aaron added a softer side to the former King of Atlantis. One where he gained followers by singing. Yes, he still fought with the same vigor fans are used to seeing. But he got the beings of the sea on his side when he was peaceful.
This was the issue that inspired this article. It was beautiful in a way that we rarely see from one of the most arrogant characters in Marvel Comics. While this writer did produce an article about how amazing this issue was, it deserved to be highlighted among the best of the year.
Absolute Martian Manhunter No. 1
- Writer: Deniz Camp
- Artist: Javier Rodriguez
- Colorist: Javier Rodriguez
It’s impossible to not read the first issue of Absolute Martian Manhunter and not get into this series. Deniz Camp created an incredibly dark story, while Javier Rodriguez made it beautiful but somehow kept the darkness of the tale. It’s no wonder it went from a mini-series to 12 issues.
Absolute Martian Manhunter is full of potential and audiences clearly couldn't get enough.
Universal Monsters No. 3
- Writer: Faith Erin Hicks
- Artist: Faith Erin Hicks
- Colors: Lee Loughridge
Despite their love being forbidden, they managed to make it work. And when one of them died, they refused to allow even the gods to keep them apart. And when the king said that he loved his daughter and wouldn’t defy the gods, Imhotep said that he didn’t love her enough. It was a beautiful line showing that he had no regrets and was willing to die for his love.
Yep, Universal Monsters is a rollercoaster of emotions.
Fantastic Four No. 30
- Writer: Ryan North
- Artist: Cory Smith
- Colorist: Jesus Aburtov
This was the saddest story of the year. Watching Ben Grimm go from the Ever-Loving Blue-Eyed Thing to depressed and defeated was disheartening. However, the story showed that even the best and happiest people can need help. It’s another example of how Ryan North understands the Fantastic Four better than most.
Uncanny X-Men No. 16
- Writers: Gail Simone
- Artists: David Marquez and Luciano Vecchio
- Colors: Matthew Wilson
I’m glad I waited to put this article out. Otherwise, Uncanny X-Men No. 16 wouldn’t have made the list. As of now, it’s the best comic book of the year. I’ll go as far as to call it perfect. Because, no matter what you’re into, there’s something for you in this one.
It’s packed with action, plenty of emotional moments, and more great character development of both the new mutants (the Outliers) and the veteran X-Men. An all-around awesome X-Men story.
Absolute Batman No. 6
- Writer: Scott Snyder
- Artist: Nick Dragotta
- Colors: Frank Martin
Scott Snyder ended his first Absolute Batman story arc flawlessly. Bruce dealt with some adversity with his friends and didn’t easily defeat the villain (Black Mask). Plus, he punted a kid who tried to stab him. It was exactly what you’d want from the conclusion of “The Zoo”.
NYX No. 10
- Writers: Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing
- Artist: Francesco Mortarino
- Colors:
Issue No. 10 of NYX is bittersweet. It was a great issue, but it was also the end of ten phenomenal issues full of emotions across the spectrum. Hopefully, Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing will be back to write these characters again. It seemed like there was more stories to tell on the mutant side of New York.
Ultimates No. 9
- Writer: Deniz Camp
- Artist: Chris Allen
- Colors: Federico Blee
All of the heroes in Marvel Comics Ultimate Universe had origins that fit their new or classic personalities. Deniz Camp did both with Luke Cage He stayed true to Luke being imprisoned and how it shaped him into a hero. But he also showed that he’s an underrated leader and motivator.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles No. 6
- Writer: Jason Aaron
- Artist: Juan Ferreyra
The brothers were finally back together. Despite saving each other’s lives and New York City needing their help, they couldn't stop fighting. The only person who was keeping it together was Donatello, and he was talking to a dead rat that he said was Splinter.
This was the beginning of a new era for the Ninja Turtles, and writer Jason Aaron and artist Juan Ferreyra gave readers everything they could have wanted. There was a lot of action and the start of a story that could become legendary. If you aren’t reading this, there’s stil time to catch up. You don't want to miss what's coming.
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