Week of July 21, 2004
By Roger Burks
August 23, 2004 - 10:39
These rankings are compiled from the top 3 vote-getters of 18 different voters on the Internet for comics released on July 21, 2004.1. Ex Machina #2, 15 pts
"Everyone that isn't buying this book needs to have their head examined. Vaughan gives us an issue with very little "comic" action and it is still chock full of more suprises that 3/4 of the books on the stands. 4.5 out of 5 stars." Jimmy King, DC Message Boards
2. The Flash #212, 13 pts
"I love Rogue profiles. While nothing will match the brilliance of the Captain Cold spotlight (the Zoom profile came close), Geoff gives the Mirror Master an interesting back story and plants more seeds for the upcoming Rogue War. Artwork was great." Mister Miracle, DC Message Boards
3. Birds of Prey #70, 12 pts
"I like the way Gail Simone is showing us a little 'darker' side to Oracle, along with the consequences to hacking into every computer from here to Saturn. The art kicks ass, as usual, but I think I like it better when Benes doesn't ink over himself." Jimmy King, DC Message Boards
4. Human Target #12, 11 pts
"After the incredible events at the end of issue 11, Christopher Chance is thrown into a major problem caused by his lover. Milligan is taking Wein & Infantino's creation into areas that rival TV's Alias and other subterfuge series and one ups them. Javier Pulido provides the artwork on this arc. Its never a dull issue when this hits the stands." DubipR, DC Message Boards
(tied for 5th) Knights of the Dinner Table #93, 5 pts
"I will admit that I was a little concerned when I picked up this issue. This story arc has been so greatly built up that I saw the definite
possibility for a massive let down. Well, it did not come this issue. There was still more build up, and great strategic back and forth. The battle was begun, and continues on. The characterization and plot twists were great. I am really looking forward to the next issue. If you missed the build up to this story then it will not have the same impact. I also understand
that some people may not like the simple art (which is also black and white) or the role playing story line; but accepting this comic for what it is, it came very close to that ideal "5". I'm sure it could have been better, but it was great." anonymous, DC Message Boards
(tied for 5th) The Outsiders #14, 5 pts
"Great villain interactions, great super-hero interactions, great artwork by Tom Rainey, and great banter and dialogue by Winick. As a plus, Jade is finally getting some decent face time in this series and her butting heads with Dick is not over, I'm certain." Not My Real Name, DC Message Boards
(tied for 5th) Batman Adventures #16, 5 pts
"A great story as the Joker and Harley try to get married. Even better was the short back up that had a startling revelation about the current Poison Ivy. Only one issue to go." Krypton King, DC Message Boards
(tied for 5th) Lucifer #52, 5 pts
"Strong atmosphere, interesting story line, and a bit of philosophical cleverness. There are some things that annoy me about this series. For instance, the battle between good and evil is better described as a battle between "so called good" and "so called evil." "So called evil" tends to get the more favorable treatment, but hey, it's a series staring Lucifer; what do you expect? Still it annoys me that they treat angels as nothing more than winged rabble. Basically they tend to come across as weak minded partisans of a different and inferior philosophy. Lucifer, be he evil or just amoral, has his act together. You would think that the good (or "so called good" in this case) angels would too; but no, they're just dolts put there to showcase Lucifer's superiority by comparison. So it was nice to see Lucifer run up against someone who could play the game at his level, and to a degree best him. But it had to be someone completely neutral in the fierce cosmic battle between "so called good" and "so called evil." Still, moral relativism aside, it was a good and well told story." anonymous, DC Message Boards
(tied for 9th) Justice League Elite #1, 4 pts
"A great first read for the new series. Mahnke and Nguyen crank out some tremendous pencils, while Kelly's script is clean and to the point. Lots of intrigue and plotting -- I loved it! Lookin' forward to the rest of this series. INUKCHUK!!!" ishmael1st, DC Message Boards
(tied for 9th) Adventures of Superman #630, 4 pts
"Very enjoyable outing from Rucka, even if it does weaken the overall arc. This was my favorite of Matt Clark's issues so far, a really outstanding Mxy. The best part was the Gene Ha cover." Krypton King, DC Message Boards
11. Hawkman #30, Alice 19th vol. 5: Jealousy, Daredevil #62, Plastic Man #8, Wonder Woman #206, 3 pts16. Batman: Gotham Knights #55, Battle Royale Vol. 8, Dr. Blink Superhero Shrink #0, 2 pts
19. Robin #128, Tomb Raider #44, Dream Saga Vol. 1, Star Wars: Empire #22, Seaguy #3, 1 pt