Spotlight
Week of June 16th, 2004
By Roger Burks
June 26, 2004 - 10:47




These rankings are compiled from the top 3 vote-getters of 26 different voters on the Internet for comics released on June 16th, 2004.

1. JSA #62, 25 pts
Another classy issue by Geoff. Characterization and plot are excellent as always, and it takes another step down the happy road of separating Hal Jordan from The Spectre.

2. Ex Machina #1, 24 pts
A very well-done, very political story placing a "superhero" in the American system. Definitely not for everyone (especially if you are as sick of politics as I am), but I must say that the characterization and dialogue are excellent. People who like Y, The Last Man will probably like this series too.

3. Gotham Central #20, 12 pts
"I've been waiting patiently for the return of Harvey Bullock and Brubaker did not disappoint. My favorite part of the issue though was Josie Mac's interrogation of the Mad Hatter. Michael Lark puts in even better work than usual. His Penguin might be my favorite since Graham Nolan's." Krypton King, DC Message Boards

(tied for 4th) She-Hulk #4, 9 pts
Definitely the funniest comic on the stands today. Remember the name Dan Slott, because I predict it will be much better known in the future. This is the obligatory Spider-Man guest appearance, but it was done in such a great way that I was smiling the whole time I was reading it. One of the best things about it is that it maximized humor without sacrificing intelligence. If you like humor, you will probably love this comic.

(tied for 4th) Birds of Prey #68, 9 pts
"Gail Simone is quickly becoming one of my favorite writes on the market today. Her dialogue is always realistic and spot on. We get some further progression in the relations between the regular birds and their new member, and Oracle attempts to give them some semblance of a normal life. The pencils from guest artist Joe Bennett are certainly nice to look at, although they bring back memories of regular artist Ed Benes' over the top T&A from earlier in his run of BOP." Jimmy King, DC Message Boards

(tied for 6th) Outsiders #13, 8 pts
"Winick's dialogue has been fun throughout this series but Tom Raney's art, which has been a treat when it appears, seems to taken a step up. His designs for the Fearsome Five are great, but it's his Dr. Sivana who really shines in this issue. And it's great to finally see Jade moving into the forefront of character participation, especially with what's promised next issue by the final page." Not My Real Name, DC Message Boards

(tied for 6th) Batman: Gotham Knights #54, 8 pts
" I was on the verge of dropping this book because, despite some cool ideas, I’ve found the book pretty soulless. This issue was a very pleasant surprise and the best I’ve read from the new team. I’ll be sticking around a while longer--at least for War Games, despite the fact I’m very skeptical of this crossover." johnsteed, DC Message Boards

(tied for 6th) The Monolith #5, 8 pts
"This another series that's difficult to determine whether the strongest suit is the writing or the art. I like how the three main characters are developing into the oddest of family units and the artwork is just spectacular--detailed, moody and quite expressive. The only disappointment of the issue is the next issue blurb announcing that Phil Winslade is being covered by a guest artist for the next arc. " Not My Real Name, DC Message Boards

(tied for 9th) Hawkman #29, 4 pts
This is an issue of extremes. The characterization in some places was excellent, while in others it was like a throwback to the worst parts of the sixties. I like the new "pestilence" villain and the mystery.

(tied for 9th) Daredevil #61, 4 pts
"Maleev's not so good at drawing action, like in the previous issue, but in this kind of story he shines. And Bendis? He's ALWAYS good. Postive Man!, DC Message Boards

(tied for 9th) Adventures of Superman #629, 4 pts
"After Action Comics, this is the best Superman book right now. Great character development, and a nice study of the differences between Superman and Clark Kent. Lupe's seduction scene was a little over the top, but it was nice to see someone acknowledging that Superman is the world's most eligible bachelor to anyone who doesn't know he's married to Lois Lane, so women should be pursuing him. Nice mystery building over Replikon, but the stuff with Lois in Umec is a little distracting." Mister Miracle, DC Message Boards

12. Ultimate Spider-Man #61, Alice 19th vol. 4: Unrequited Love, True Story Swear to God: 100 Stories, Runaways #16, Fantastic Four #514, Seaguy #2, Archie & Friends #83, 3 pts

19. Amazing Spider-Man #508, Human Target #11, Jack Staff #5, Tomb Raider #43, 2 pts

23. Lucifer #51, Plastic Man #7, Challengers of the Unknown #1, JLA: Another Nail #2, New X-Men: Academy X #2, Walking Dead #8, 1 pt