Spike Spiegel
Member
(Prices sure aren't from 1995, though. Four dollars for a weekly comic, what the hell Marvel.)
Howdy gang, and welcome to a brand new year of COMICS!
Some of you might recall me mentioning last month that the OT was going to get freshened up for the new year. Well, see that banner? That's part of it; after a year (more or less) of dress-up Batman, I've decided to give ol' Brucie a rest and let YOU pick which character shows up there.
Only, there's a catch (of course there is).
You can choose any character, from any comic series, to appear on the new monthly banner that will debut in February. HOWEVER, the first letter of that character's name (superhero or otherwise) must appear in the spelling of that month. For example, J-A-N-U-A-R-Y:
J for Janet Van Dyne, aka the Wasp
A for Invincible's Atom Eve
N for Nexus, created by Mike Baron and teve Rude
U for Uatu, the Watcher
A for Arthur Curry, or Aquaman
R for Redwing, Falcon's animal companion
Y for Yorick, from Y the Last Man
See how that works? Easy, right? Just send me the PM with your suggestion any time between now and the last day of the month. And here's the best (or worst?) part: it's NOT a popularity contest, because I'll be choosing which character shows up from the suggestions. I mean, how else is B'wana Beast going to get up there instead of Batman, right? So if you think your obscure favorite doesn't stand a chance of headlining the thread, think again!
(On that note... not TOO obscure. It still has to be a character that can be visually represented, and if you provide the photo even better. Gotta look good up there; can't just be "that guy from that one panel who appeared once and his name was Gary," or "abstract concept that lacks a physical form that can be represented." )
Now, on to the thread. Let's see if the publishers are starting 2015 off right.
+Ant Man #1 by Nick Spencer and Ramon Rosanas (Jan 7). Scott Lang's been to prison. He's been divorced. He's even been deceased. But when Tony Stark calls with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Scott gets the chance to be something he's never been: the best Ant Man he can be!
+The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #1 by Ryan North and Erica Henderson (Jan 7). When the world is in danger, only one superhero can overcome the odds and defeat any opponent no matter how powerful. Her name is Squirrel Girl. This year, she starts college. And nothing will ever be the same again.
+Star Wars #1 by Jason Aaron and John Cassaday (Jan 14). Welcome home! Thanks to Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia and their allies, the Rebel Alliance has struck a mighty blow against the Empire by destroying their "Death Star" superweapon. The Empire is far from defeated, however...
+Fantastic Four #642 by James Robinson and Leonard Kirk (Jan 21). The end begins here! Mister Fantastic and the child geniuses of the Future Foundation are missing, and the remaining F4 members elist the Invaders to help find them. What sinister force is behind this kidnapping plot? And what's wrong with Franklin Richards?
+Thor #4 by Jason Aaron and Russell Dauterman (Jan 28). The new Thor has faced frost giants, minotaurs, and Dark Elf overlords in her short time as the god of Thunder. Her toughest challenge yet lies before her, however:Thor Odinson has returned, and he wants his hammer back.
+Uncanny Avengers #1 by Rick Remender and Daniel Acuna (Jan 28). The events of AXIS have shaken the Unity Avengers squad to their very core, and left its remaining members and new additions in a very different place as a new threat emerges on the horizon. What is the secret of "Counter Earth"?
+Batman Eternal #40-43 by Various Writers and Artists (Jan 7, 14, 21, 28). Chaos threatens to overwhelm Gotham and tear the Narrows apart, as Batman battles the Riddler and a new threat! Plus, witness the tragic debut of Bluebird, as this weekly event series at last catches up to events foreshadowed in Batman #28!
+Mortal Kombat X #1 by Shawn Kittelsen and Dexter Soy (Jan 14). FINISH HIM! Get the story behind one of 2015's most anticipated fighting games, as the deadly warriors of Earth and the Outer Realms gather for another round of... MORTAL KOMBAT!!! (You should probably listen to this while you read it.)
+Catwoman #38 by Genevieve Valentine and Garry Brown (Jan 28). Selina Kyle has seemingly embraced the legacy of her father, and become Gotham's newest underworld kingpin. This newfound status has put her on an inevitable collision course with the Dark Knight, Batman. That confrontation happens now.
+Effigy #1 by Tim Seeley and Marley Zarcone (Jan 28). When a sextape scandal forces Z-list celebrity Chondra Jackson to abandon Hollywood, she flees to her hometown of Effigy Mound looking for peace. What she finds, however, is a bizarre murder and evidence of mysterious cult with ties to her...
+The Multiversity Guidebook #1 by Grant Morrison and Various Artists (Jan 28). Fifty-two universes. Fifty-two Earths. Fifty-two DC continuities, with fifty-two versions of DC's popular heroes and villains. With this oversized volume, you'll come to know them all, and never get lost again. Until the next time continuity changes, that is...
+Superman #38 by Geoff Johns and John Romita Jr. (Jan 28). The true nature of Ulysses has been revealed, and now the Man of Steel must make a fateful decision with the lives of millions at stake. When the dust settles, Superman's feet will be set upon a new path, possibly with new powers and... a new costume as well?
+Henshin OGN by Ken Niimura (Jan 14). From the artist of the award-winning KILL GIANTS comes a new original graphic novel exploring life in Japan. Exploring Tokyo through the eyes of a salaryman, a young girl, and kid with superpowers, this book will make you laugh, cry, and fill your heart with wonder.
+Lazarus #14 by Greg Rucka and Michael Lark (Jan 14). Jakob Hock has seemingly played his hand against the Carlyle family, and as the Conclave continues alliances shift amid new opportunities. To keep their secrets, Forever is tasked by her father with a dangerous assignment: silence her traitorous brother, Jonah.
+Casanova: Acedia #1 by Matt Fraction, Michael Chabon, Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba (Jan 28). Casanova is back, with a new series of backup stories from all-star creators! Stuck in Los Angeles and surrounded by mysterious forces, Casanova Quinn digs deep into his benefactor's past for answers.
+Criminal: Special Edition One-Shot by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips (Jan 28). The Eisner Award -winning series is back in print at Image Comics, and to celebrate its creators team for an all-new special! The year is 1976, and Teeg Lawless is serving a month in jail. What better way to pass the time than reading comic books?
+The Dying and the Dead #1 by Jonathan Hickman and Ryan Bodenheim (Jan 28). A decades-old secret is revealed by a murder during a wedding reception. His wife dying, one man is presented with a chance at saving her. A tribe lost returns in another place and time. What force connects these seemingly separate events?
+Spawn #250 by Todd McFarlane and Szymon Kudranski (Jan 28). In this landmark, extra-sized of one of Image's longest running series, Jim Downing fights a fateful battle against the hellspawned suit that would control him. When the dust settles, a familiar scarred face will return...
+Lady Killer #1 by Joelle Jones and Jamie S. Rich (Jan 7). A twisted new comedy series, set in the 1960s! Josie is the perfect housewife; pretty, devoted, excellent cook, knows how to clean, great with kids, etc. etc. Josie also happens to be a ruthless killer-for-hire, and if you're her next target then you're good as dead.
+Abe Sapien #19 by Mike Mignola, Scott Allie and Sebastian Fiumara (Jan 14). At long last, the fishman known as Abraham Sapien has found peace in a small town on the Gulf Coast. Something is coming, however, that will end that tranquility and put the entire town's denizens in grave jeopardy.
+Conan/Red Sonja #1 by Gail Simone, Jim Zub and Dan Panosian (Jan 14). Together again, for the first time! These two legends of the Hyborian Age will cross paths (and swords? and, just maybe..?) multiple times, as they pair up to topple a wizard seeking to usher in a new age of darkness across the land.
+X #21 by Duane Swierczynski and Eric Nguyen (Jan 14). After their previous encounter, X swore that the next time he ran into Archon would be Archon's last day on Earth. Now a mysterious masked man has shown up in Arcadia asking questions about Archon's whereabouts, and getting X's attention...
+Dark Horse Presents #6 by Various Writers and Artists (Jan 21). Kindt and Kolins present PastAways, a superhero team for the past, present and future! Shaman Roy's Tiger Lung! De Campi and Ordway bring you Semiautomagic! Ed Brisson's Murder Book! And much, much much more! Get more comic for your money!
+Captain Midnight #19 by Josh Williamson and Fernando Dagnino (Jan 28). Once, they were partners, fighting side-by-side against the forces of evil. Now Captain Midnight and his former sidekick Chuck Ramsey battle to the death, as another dimension threatens to crash into our own and end all of existence!
+Judas: The Last Days OGN by W. Maxwell Price and John Amor (Jan 14). Two thousand years ago, he betrayed the son of God for thirty pieces of silver. Judas Iscariot wanders the Earth still, Immersed in a world he no longer recognizes and wanting nothing more than to finally die. So, why can't he?
+Millennium #1 by Joe Harris and Colin Lorimer (Jan 14). Fifteen years ago, Frank Black and two FBI agents averted the end of the world... or did he? Frank has uncovered new evidence that the Millennium Group remains active, and has taken an interest once again in Frank's daughter Jordan.
+Zombies vs Robots #1 by Chris Ryall, Steve Niles, Anthony Diecidue, Ashley Wood and Val Mayerik (Jan 14). The walking dead square off against the equally cold and emotionless automatons of circuity and steel. Do zombies crave CPUs with equal ardor? Do Asimov's Laws of Robotics apply to the undead?
+Snake Eyes: Agent of COBRA #1 by Mike Costa and Paolo Villanelli (Jan 21). The defenders of liberty have struck a blow against terrorism, as arms dealer Destro has been captured by G.I. Joe. But what's this? A prison break? Destro freed? Snake Eyes, the culprit? What is going on?!?
+Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #42 by Tom Waltz, Kevin Eastman and Cory Smith (Jan 21). Krang, Baxter Stockman, and Fugitoid try to outmaneuver one another, as a strange alliance sets its sights on New York City. Can the Turtles uncover the conspiracy before the deadly Technodrome is activated?
+Transformers MTMTE #37 by James Roberts and Alex Milne (Jan 21). Millions of years ago, before the planet Cybertron erupted into violent civil war between Autobot and Decepticon, a group of Autobots decided to take matters into their own hands. They would soon come to regret that decision.
+Disney's Frozen Adaptation #1 by Disney Writers and Artists (Joe Books, Jan 7). LET IT GO, LET IT GO! Here's hoping you're not completely sick of the movie just yet, as Disney presents a new comic adaptation of the hit film! Anna and Kristoff set off to find Anna's sister Elsa, whose ice powers have- ehh, you know how it goes.
+King Dynamite by Various Writers and Artists (Dynamite, Jan 14, 21, 28). Flash Gordon, by Acker Blacker and Ferguson! Langridge and Treece present Mandrake the Magician! Cosby and Salas revive Prince Valiant! Brian Clevinger and Brent Schoonover resurrect The Phantom! And, Tobin and Jarrell take on Jungle Jim! Dynamite celebrates the 100th anniversary of King Features Syndicate, with five miniseries featuring classic pulp heroes.
+Adventure Time: Marceline Gone Adrift #1 by Meredith Gran and Carey Pietsch (Boom!, Jan 14). Hoping to stop her latest rampage and save the kingdom of Ooo, Princess Bubblegum accidentally sends Marceline into the vast depts of outer space. Can Marceline survive another planet without her powers? Can Princess Bubblegum's rescue mission reach her in time?
+Ivar, Timewalker #1 by Fred Van Lente and Clayton Henry (Valiant, Jan 21). Past, present and future are collapsing in on themselves, and it's up to Ivar Anni-Padda to stop that from happening! Can Ivar save everything that is, ever was, and ever will be, when enemies simultaneously stalk him at every moment of his life?
+Princess Ugg #7 by Ted Naifeh (Oni, Jan 28). After a rough start, Ulga of Grimmeria has been making progress in her studies at the princess academy, and perhaps even a few friends. Invited to the court of Queen Astoria of Atraesca, Ulga must now demonstrate her skills for the attending royals.
+Rachel Rising #31 by Terry Moore (Abstract, Jan 28). Is Rachel alive or dead? The people of Manson can't seem to make their minds up about her, and it's driving Rachel crazy. That won't stop her from helping Detective Corpell investigate a local teen's death, however, but what they uncover will shock everyone involved.
1ST PLACE WINNER:
The Multiversity: Thunderworld Adventures #1; written by Grant Morrison; pencils by Cameron Stewart; colors by Nathan Fairbairn; published by DC Comics (18pts)
2ND PLACE FINISHER:
Batman #37; written by Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV; pencils by Greg Capullo, John McCrea and Danny Miki; colors by FCO Plascencia and Michelle Madsen; published by DC Comics (15pts)
3RD PLACE FINISHER:
Sex Criminals #9; written by Matt Fraction; pencils and colors by Chip Zdarsky; published by DC Comics (13pts)
Here's How It Works
In the last week of the month (or earlier, if you're confident about your choices), any GAF member can send me a private message with their personal picks for the three best single issues released that month, from any publisher. These picks should be arranged in order of rank -- first, second, and third place -- and each ranking will be worth a specific point value. A first place ranking for a comic is worth 5 points; a second place is worth 3 points; a third place, 2 points. Then before next month's COMICS! OT goes live, I'll tally the results and point values from each ballot, and post the top three overall winners in the next OP as last month's, GAF-approved, best of the best. Then, maybe at the end of the year, we'll have a showdown between the year's top finishers or something similar.
A Sample Ballot
This is an example of how a sample ballot submitted by you might look. You don't have to use this formatting but I do ask that, however you send it to me, you are CLEAR on which comics you are voting for and in what order they are ranked.
The Voting Rules
1. Only single issues released that month are to be considered for voting; no trade collections, and no "just caught up" considerations for issues released one/two/however many months ago. Sorry if this excludes you from the voting process, trade-only readers and mail-order folk. I didn't see any other way.
2. Each GAF member is allowed one ballot, and once that ballot has been cast you are done for the month. If an issue comes out and you think it's the best comic you've ever read or will ever read, but you already cast your vote the week before, that's too bad. In other words, there are no take-backs so VOTE THOUGHTFULLY.
3. Three comics per ballot, and no more. You could send me a list of the ten best comics that month, with full paragraph summaries on why you ranked them in what order; but in the end, I'm only going to tally points for the top three and ignore the rest. You CAN pick just one book as the best that month... but that one vote is still worth only 5 points.
4. No ties on the ballots, please. You have to pick three comics as the best that month, and you have to rank them "1st, 2nd, 3rd" so that I can assign points to each. If you're torn between two issues of two different series as the best that month, and you can't decide which one you loved more than the other, TRY.
5. To make things a bit easier on me when it comes to making the OP, I'm establishing a deadline for casting ballots of 10pm Eastern Standard Time on the last day of the month. You can cast your ballot at any time during the month that you wish; however once that deadline has passed, any ballots sent to me will be ignored.
6. Again, to make things easier I would prefer that your votes be cast via private message sent to me, rather than through an open post in the OT. In addition to keeping the voting process a secret, using the PM method means I won't have to search through thread pages for someone's vote posted as an afterthought to an unrelated discussion.
Failure to comply with any of the above rules MAY result in your ballot getting thrown out.
Other rules and stipulations may follow, but for now we'll roll with these for the first round and see how it goes. Have fun voting!
Spoilers. In the age of digital comics, they are increasingly becoming an issue in these threads, as the drive to be first to discuss the week's releases overrides common sense and good posting etiquette. So over the coming weeks and months, the members of Comic GAF will be collaborating on and will eventually be implementing a system of general rules for avoiding spoilers on new comics in the Comics OT thread. But for now, please abide by the temporary guidelines outlined below. And remember, you are being watched and judged by your peers.
1. Discussion of newly released comics that involves specific plot details shall be accompanied at all times by the appropriate use of the
Howdy gang, and welcome to a brand new year of COMICS!
Some of you might recall me mentioning last month that the OT was going to get freshened up for the new year. Well, see that banner? That's part of it; after a year (more or less) of dress-up Batman, I've decided to give ol' Brucie a rest and let YOU pick which character shows up there.
Only, there's a catch (of course there is).
You can choose any character, from any comic series, to appear on the new monthly banner that will debut in February. HOWEVER, the first letter of that character's name (superhero or otherwise) must appear in the spelling of that month. For example, J-A-N-U-A-R-Y:
J for Janet Van Dyne, aka the Wasp
A for Invincible's Atom Eve
N for Nexus, created by Mike Baron and teve Rude
U for Uatu, the Watcher
A for Arthur Curry, or Aquaman
R for Redwing, Falcon's animal companion
Y for Yorick, from Y the Last Man
See how that works? Easy, right? Just send me the PM with your suggestion any time between now and the last day of the month. And here's the best (or worst?) part: it's NOT a popularity contest, because I'll be choosing which character shows up from the suggestions. I mean, how else is B'wana Beast going to get up there instead of Batman, right? So if you think your obscure favorite doesn't stand a chance of headlining the thread, think again!
(On that note... not TOO obscure. It still has to be a character that can be visually represented, and if you provide the photo even better. Gotta look good up there; can't just be "that guy from that one panel who appeared once and his name was Gary," or "abstract concept that lacks a physical form that can be represented." )
Now, on to the thread. Let's see if the publishers are starting 2015 off right.
+Ant Man #1 by Nick Spencer and Ramon Rosanas (Jan 7). Scott Lang's been to prison. He's been divorced. He's even been deceased. But when Tony Stark calls with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Scott gets the chance to be something he's never been: the best Ant Man he can be!
+The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #1 by Ryan North and Erica Henderson (Jan 7). When the world is in danger, only one superhero can overcome the odds and defeat any opponent no matter how powerful. Her name is Squirrel Girl. This year, she starts college. And nothing will ever be the same again.
+Star Wars #1 by Jason Aaron and John Cassaday (Jan 14). Welcome home! Thanks to Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia and their allies, the Rebel Alliance has struck a mighty blow against the Empire by destroying their "Death Star" superweapon. The Empire is far from defeated, however...
+Fantastic Four #642 by James Robinson and Leonard Kirk (Jan 21). The end begins here! Mister Fantastic and the child geniuses of the Future Foundation are missing, and the remaining F4 members elist the Invaders to help find them. What sinister force is behind this kidnapping plot? And what's wrong with Franklin Richards?
+Thor #4 by Jason Aaron and Russell Dauterman (Jan 28). The new Thor has faced frost giants, minotaurs, and Dark Elf overlords in her short time as the god of Thunder. Her toughest challenge yet lies before her, however:
+Uncanny Avengers #1 by Rick Remender and Daniel Acuna (Jan 28). The events of AXIS have shaken the Unity Avengers squad to their very core, and left its remaining members and new additions in a very different place as a new threat emerges on the horizon. What is the secret of "Counter Earth"?
+Batman Eternal #40-43 by Various Writers and Artists (Jan 7, 14, 21, 28). Chaos threatens to overwhelm Gotham and tear the Narrows apart, as Batman battles the Riddler and a new threat! Plus, witness the tragic debut of Bluebird, as this weekly event series at last catches up to events foreshadowed in Batman #28!
+Mortal Kombat X #1 by Shawn Kittelsen and Dexter Soy (Jan 14). FINISH HIM! Get the story behind one of 2015's most anticipated fighting games, as the deadly warriors of Earth and the Outer Realms gather for another round of... MORTAL KOMBAT!!! (You should probably listen to this while you read it.)
+Catwoman #38 by Genevieve Valentine and Garry Brown (Jan 28). Selina Kyle has seemingly embraced the legacy of her father, and become Gotham's newest underworld kingpin. This newfound status has put her on an inevitable collision course with the Dark Knight, Batman. That confrontation happens now.
+Effigy #1 by Tim Seeley and Marley Zarcone (Jan 28). When a sextape scandal forces Z-list celebrity Chondra Jackson to abandon Hollywood, she flees to her hometown of Effigy Mound looking for peace. What she finds, however, is a bizarre murder and evidence of mysterious cult with ties to her...
+The Multiversity Guidebook #1 by Grant Morrison and Various Artists (Jan 28). Fifty-two universes. Fifty-two Earths. Fifty-two DC continuities, with fifty-two versions of DC's popular heroes and villains. With this oversized volume, you'll come to know them all, and never get lost again. Until the next time continuity changes, that is...
+Superman #38 by Geoff Johns and John Romita Jr. (Jan 28). The true nature of Ulysses has been revealed, and now the Man of Steel must make a fateful decision with the lives of millions at stake. When the dust settles, Superman's feet will be set upon a new path, possibly with new powers and... a new costume as well?
+Henshin OGN by Ken Niimura (Jan 14). From the artist of the award-winning KILL GIANTS comes a new original graphic novel exploring life in Japan. Exploring Tokyo through the eyes of a salaryman, a young girl, and kid with superpowers, this book will make you laugh, cry, and fill your heart with wonder.
+Lazarus #14 by Greg Rucka and Michael Lark (Jan 14). Jakob Hock has seemingly played his hand against the Carlyle family, and as the Conclave continues alliances shift amid new opportunities. To keep their secrets, Forever is tasked by her father with a dangerous assignment: silence her traitorous brother, Jonah.
+Casanova: Acedia #1 by Matt Fraction, Michael Chabon, Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba (Jan 28). Casanova is back, with a new series of backup stories from all-star creators! Stuck in Los Angeles and surrounded by mysterious forces, Casanova Quinn digs deep into his benefactor's past for answers.
+Criminal: Special Edition One-Shot by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips (Jan 28). The Eisner Award -winning series is back in print at Image Comics, and to celebrate its creators team for an all-new special! The year is 1976, and Teeg Lawless is serving a month in jail. What better way to pass the time than reading comic books?
+The Dying and the Dead #1 by Jonathan Hickman and Ryan Bodenheim (Jan 28). A decades-old secret is revealed by a murder during a wedding reception. His wife dying, one man is presented with a chance at saving her. A tribe lost returns in another place and time. What force connects these seemingly separate events?
+Spawn #250 by Todd McFarlane and Szymon Kudranski (Jan 28). In this landmark, extra-sized of one of Image's longest running series, Jim Downing fights a fateful battle against the hellspawned suit that would control him. When the dust settles, a familiar scarred face will return...
+Lady Killer #1 by Joelle Jones and Jamie S. Rich (Jan 7). A twisted new comedy series, set in the 1960s! Josie is the perfect housewife; pretty, devoted, excellent cook, knows how to clean, great with kids, etc. etc. Josie also happens to be a ruthless killer-for-hire, and if you're her next target then you're good as dead.
+Abe Sapien #19 by Mike Mignola, Scott Allie and Sebastian Fiumara (Jan 14). At long last, the fishman known as Abraham Sapien has found peace in a small town on the Gulf Coast. Something is coming, however, that will end that tranquility and put the entire town's denizens in grave jeopardy.
+Conan/Red Sonja #1 by Gail Simone, Jim Zub and Dan Panosian (Jan 14). Together again, for the first time! These two legends of the Hyborian Age will cross paths (and swords? and, just maybe..?) multiple times, as they pair up to topple a wizard seeking to usher in a new age of darkness across the land.
+X #21 by Duane Swierczynski and Eric Nguyen (Jan 14). After their previous encounter, X swore that the next time he ran into Archon would be Archon's last day on Earth. Now a mysterious masked man has shown up in Arcadia asking questions about Archon's whereabouts, and getting X's attention...
+Dark Horse Presents #6 by Various Writers and Artists (Jan 21). Kindt and Kolins present PastAways, a superhero team for the past, present and future! Shaman Roy's Tiger Lung! De Campi and Ordway bring you Semiautomagic! Ed Brisson's Murder Book! And much, much much more! Get more comic for your money!
+Captain Midnight #19 by Josh Williamson and Fernando Dagnino (Jan 28). Once, they were partners, fighting side-by-side against the forces of evil. Now Captain Midnight and his former sidekick Chuck Ramsey battle to the death, as another dimension threatens to crash into our own and end all of existence!
+Judas: The Last Days OGN by W. Maxwell Price and John Amor (Jan 14). Two thousand years ago, he betrayed the son of God for thirty pieces of silver. Judas Iscariot wanders the Earth still, Immersed in a world he no longer recognizes and wanting nothing more than to finally die. So, why can't he?
+Millennium #1 by Joe Harris and Colin Lorimer (Jan 14). Fifteen years ago, Frank Black and two FBI agents averted the end of the world... or did he? Frank has uncovered new evidence that the Millennium Group remains active, and has taken an interest once again in Frank's daughter Jordan.
+Zombies vs Robots #1 by Chris Ryall, Steve Niles, Anthony Diecidue, Ashley Wood and Val Mayerik (Jan 14). The walking dead square off against the equally cold and emotionless automatons of circuity and steel. Do zombies crave CPUs with equal ardor? Do Asimov's Laws of Robotics apply to the undead?
+Snake Eyes: Agent of COBRA #1 by Mike Costa and Paolo Villanelli (Jan 21). The defenders of liberty have struck a blow against terrorism, as arms dealer Destro has been captured by G.I. Joe. But what's this? A prison break? Destro freed? Snake Eyes, the culprit? What is going on?!?
+Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #42 by Tom Waltz, Kevin Eastman and Cory Smith (Jan 21). Krang, Baxter Stockman, and Fugitoid try to outmaneuver one another, as a strange alliance sets its sights on New York City. Can the Turtles uncover the conspiracy before the deadly Technodrome is activated?
+Transformers MTMTE #37 by James Roberts and Alex Milne (Jan 21). Millions of years ago, before the planet Cybertron erupted into violent civil war between Autobot and Decepticon, a group of Autobots decided to take matters into their own hands. They would soon come to regret that decision.
+Disney's Frozen Adaptation #1 by Disney Writers and Artists (Joe Books, Jan 7). LET IT GO, LET IT GO! Here's hoping you're not completely sick of the movie just yet, as Disney presents a new comic adaptation of the hit film! Anna and Kristoff set off to find Anna's sister Elsa, whose ice powers have- ehh, you know how it goes.
+King Dynamite by Various Writers and Artists (Dynamite, Jan 14, 21, 28). Flash Gordon, by Acker Blacker and Ferguson! Langridge and Treece present Mandrake the Magician! Cosby and Salas revive Prince Valiant! Brian Clevinger and Brent Schoonover resurrect The Phantom! And, Tobin and Jarrell take on Jungle Jim! Dynamite celebrates the 100th anniversary of King Features Syndicate, with five miniseries featuring classic pulp heroes.
+Adventure Time: Marceline Gone Adrift #1 by Meredith Gran and Carey Pietsch (Boom!, Jan 14). Hoping to stop her latest rampage and save the kingdom of Ooo, Princess Bubblegum accidentally sends Marceline into the vast depts of outer space. Can Marceline survive another planet without her powers? Can Princess Bubblegum's rescue mission reach her in time?
+Ivar, Timewalker #1 by Fred Van Lente and Clayton Henry (Valiant, Jan 21). Past, present and future are collapsing in on themselves, and it's up to Ivar Anni-Padda to stop that from happening! Can Ivar save everything that is, ever was, and ever will be, when enemies simultaneously stalk him at every moment of his life?
+Princess Ugg #7 by Ted Naifeh (Oni, Jan 28). After a rough start, Ulga of Grimmeria has been making progress in her studies at the princess academy, and perhaps even a few friends. Invited to the court of Queen Astoria of Atraesca, Ulga must now demonstrate her skills for the attending royals.
+Rachel Rising #31 by Terry Moore (Abstract, Jan 28). Is Rachel alive or dead? The people of Manson can't seem to make their minds up about her, and it's driving Rachel crazy. That won't stop her from helping Detective Corpell investigate a local teen's death, however, but what they uncover will shock everyone involved.
1ST PLACE WINNER:
The Multiversity: Thunderworld Adventures #1; written by Grant Morrison; pencils by Cameron Stewart; colors by Nathan Fairbairn; published by DC Comics (18pts)
2ND PLACE FINISHER:
Batman #37; written by Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV; pencils by Greg Capullo, John McCrea and Danny Miki; colors by FCO Plascencia and Michelle Madsen; published by DC Comics (15pts)
3RD PLACE FINISHER:
Sex Criminals #9; written by Matt Fraction; pencils and colors by Chip Zdarsky; published by DC Comics (13pts)
Here's How It Works
In the last week of the month (or earlier, if you're confident about your choices), any GAF member can send me a private message with their personal picks for the three best single issues released that month, from any publisher. These picks should be arranged in order of rank -- first, second, and third place -- and each ranking will be worth a specific point value. A first place ranking for a comic is worth 5 points; a second place is worth 3 points; a third place, 2 points. Then before next month's COMICS! OT goes live, I'll tally the results and point values from each ballot, and post the top three overall winners in the next OP as last month's, GAF-approved, best of the best. Then, maybe at the end of the year, we'll have a showdown between the year's top finishers or something similar.
A Sample Ballot
This is an example of how a sample ballot submitted by you might look. You don't have to use this formatting but I do ask that, however you send it to me, you are CLEAR on which comics you are voting for and in what order they are ranked.
Average GAF Member said:
The Voting Rules
1. Only single issues released that month are to be considered for voting; no trade collections, and no "just caught up" considerations for issues released one/two/however many months ago. Sorry if this excludes you from the voting process, trade-only readers and mail-order folk. I didn't see any other way.
2. Each GAF member is allowed one ballot, and once that ballot has been cast you are done for the month. If an issue comes out and you think it's the best comic you've ever read or will ever read, but you already cast your vote the week before, that's too bad. In other words, there are no take-backs so VOTE THOUGHTFULLY.
3. Three comics per ballot, and no more. You could send me a list of the ten best comics that month, with full paragraph summaries on why you ranked them in what order; but in the end, I'm only going to tally points for the top three and ignore the rest. You CAN pick just one book as the best that month... but that one vote is still worth only 5 points.
4. No ties on the ballots, please. You have to pick three comics as the best that month, and you have to rank them "1st, 2nd, 3rd" so that I can assign points to each. If you're torn between two issues of two different series as the best that month, and you can't decide which one you loved more than the other, TRY.
5. To make things a bit easier on me when it comes to making the OP, I'm establishing a deadline for casting ballots of 10pm Eastern Standard Time on the last day of the month. You can cast your ballot at any time during the month that you wish; however once that deadline has passed, any ballots sent to me will be ignored.
6. Again, to make things easier I would prefer that your votes be cast via private message sent to me, rather than through an open post in the OT. In addition to keeping the voting process a secret, using the PM method means I won't have to search through thread pages for someone's vote posted as an afterthought to an unrelated discussion.
Failure to comply with any of the above rules MAY result in your ballot getting thrown out.
Other rules and stipulations may follow, but for now we'll roll with these for the first round and see how it goes. Have fun voting!
Spoilers. In the age of digital comics, they are increasingly becoming an issue in these threads, as the drive to be first to discuss the week's releases overrides common sense and good posting etiquette. So over the coming weeks and months, the members of Comic GAF will be collaborating on and will eventually be implementing a system of general rules for avoiding spoilers on new comics in the Comics OT thread. But for now, please abide by the temporary guidelines outlined below. And remember, you are being watched and judged by your peers.
1. Discussion of newly released comics that involves specific plot details shall be accompanied at all times by the appropriate use of the
tag function.
2. Direct posting of full-page images from newly released comics using the tags is strictly prohibited, and outgoing links to such should be accompanied by the appropriate spoiler warnings.
3. Direct posting of images or spoilers from comics that have yet to be released is strictly prohibited, and outgoing links to such should be accompanied by the appropriate spoiler warnings.
4. Covers, solicitation copy, and/or promotional materials shall not be considered spoilers and are allowed, unless their content involves specific plot details; in those cases, outgoing links with spoiler warnings should be used.
5. The unmarked posting of spoilers related to comics will be allowed after a period of one week (Wednesday to Wednesday) from that comic's release.[/b] ([u]NOTE:[/u] Longer? -Spike)
[b]6. Members of Comic GAF are expected at all times to exercise common sense and polite discretion as a matter of courtesy to fellow posters. I know, tough one.
7. If you are unsure of whether or not posting something would constitute a spoiler, err on the side of caution and use the [SPOILER] tags.[/b]
In short, don't be Stephanie Brown. Don't be... The Spoiler. For one thing, [b]you're[/b] not that loveable. >:|
Happy reading!
2. Direct posting of full-page images from newly released comics using the tags is strictly prohibited, and outgoing links to such should be accompanied by the appropriate spoiler warnings.
3. Direct posting of images or spoilers from comics that have yet to be released is strictly prohibited, and outgoing links to such should be accompanied by the appropriate spoiler warnings.
4. Covers, solicitation copy, and/or promotional materials shall not be considered spoilers and are allowed, unless their content involves specific plot details; in those cases, outgoing links with spoiler warnings should be used.
5. The unmarked posting of spoilers related to comics will be allowed after a period of one week (Wednesday to Wednesday) from that comic's release.[/b] ([u]NOTE:[/u] Longer? -Spike)
[b]6. Members of Comic GAF are expected at all times to exercise common sense and polite discretion as a matter of courtesy to fellow posters. I know, tough one.
7. If you are unsure of whether or not posting something would constitute a spoiler, err on the side of caution and use the [SPOILER] tags.[/b]
In short, don't be Stephanie Brown. Don't be... The Spoiler. For one thing, [b]you're[/b] not that loveable. >:|
Happy reading!
