Week of October 27th, 2004
By Roger Burks
December 5, 2004 - 10:01
These rankings are compiled from the top 3 vote-getters of 22 different voters on the Internet for comics released on October 27th, 2004. 1. Green Lantern: Rebirth #1, 30 pts
The best Hal Jordan story in recent memory. Hal is portrayed as essentially haunting the earth through a negative interaction with his Spectre host. The atmosphere is the strongest part, but the characterization is excellent.
2. Adam Strange #2, 17 ptsAnother action-packed issue, continuing the mystery of what happened to Rann. I like a good mystery, but I don't know what to think about a planet-napping just yet. This one is keeping my interest.
3. We3 #2, 9 pts
"The gristle and giblet content goes through the roof as the brutal, viscious efficiency of 1, 2, and 3 is put to full display as they rip through the soldiers sent out to retrieve them. Would have been complete overkill if not for the payoff moment when 1 shows that at heart he wants to be a "GUD DOG". Throughout the two issues, this series has been alternately exquisite and disturbing, the art engagingly seductive, then quite repulsive--often in the same panel. Can't wait for the wrap up." notmyrealname, DC Message Boards
(tied for 4th) JLA #107, 8 pts
Busiek is writing, and magically I am buying this series again. For a while I thought nothing would happen, but the story picks up pace near the middle and becomes very entertaining. Martian Manhunter is very well characterized, and The Flash plays a great role, though different from that in his own series. Next issue looks very promising.
(tied for 4th) The Flash #215, 8 pts
Wally shows very strong character in response to the revelation about Barry Allen's secret. Also, the Pied Piper makes a return, and the various ongoing subplots are juggled nicely. This series is becoming a high-quality work of art.
(tied for 4th) Planetary #21, 8 pts
"The last issue of Planetary of '04 and its good! A deeper understanding of the universe we read; its players and their roles in future issues. Once again Warren Ellis continues to surprise me with insightful prose, a thinking man's comic. John Cassday just kills with insane and illuminating pencils. Just incredible!" dubipr, DC Message Boards
(tied for 7th) Solo #1, 6 pts
I could tell that this was high quality, but it is not at all my cup of tea and really didn't interest me all that much. I didn't find the stories to be as deeep as it was apparently intended. A good issue for people who are very much into Tim Sale's art, but only OK for people like me.
(tied for 7th) Birds of Prey #75, 6 pts
More or less uneventful for an anniversary issue. The spotlight for much of the issue is on Lady Blackhawk, whom I never found very interesting. The Simone attitude keeps this issue good, but it could have used more plot.
9. Superman #210, 4 pts"Best story so far in the arc written by Brian Azarello of 100 Bullets fame. Beautiful artwork by Jim Lee and Scott Williams. Superman has the device that caused the vanishing of thousands of people including his beloved wife, and will Wonder Woman be able to stop him?" ruschein, DC Message Boards
(tied for 10th) Basara vol. 8, 3 pts
"Yumi Tamura's post-apocalyptic story continues to shine, with great characters heroic, villainous and in-between meshing in a story with a truly epic scope of the kind rarely seen in American comics." andrewdynon, DC Message Boards
(tied for 10th) Blue Monday: Painted Moon #3, 3 pts
12. The Witching #5, Amazing Spider-Man #513, Red River vol. 2, Imadoki! vol. 2: Magnolia, The Losers #17, Black Widow #2, The Outsiders #17, 2 pts
19. Wolverine #21, Mystique #20, Demo #11, Usagi Yojimbo #79, 1 pt