By Roger Burks

January 20, 2005

These rankings are compiled from the top 3 choices from 26 different voters on the Internet for comics released on December 29, 2004.

1. Legion of Super-Heroes #1, 27 pts
A good start, with some funny moments (Micro-Lad!). Some parts I like, some I don't. Overall a good quality comic, with good characterization, but the take on the Legion's role in the universe seems to be cheaper and less inspiring than its traditional role.

2. Adam Strange #4, 23 pts
The Omega Men are brought back to life here, though I'm afraid they are just going to be killed off again. This is still one of their finest moments, and they are portrayed well. The villains get some good characterization this time, and the supporting cast becomes much more interesting.

(tied for 3rd) Teen Titans #19, 10 pts
A decent and well-intentioned story. I don't like the way that Captain Marvel Jr. was handled here, though he was characterized alright. The story keeps the teases about the Titans' future going, and most of the rest is good.

(tied for 3rd) Supreme Power #14, 10 pts
First time I recall some team activity in the series, and they have all the teamwork of a hyena pack! That's all the better, because each character shines through well except for Nighthawk who looks like a doof in battle (that's realistic too in this battle). But he is given credit for making good plans. Also this is one of the rare times I've seen great characterization of military/government people.

(tied for 3rd) Superman/Batman #16, 10 pts
"As time warps and reality dissolves around the two heroes, the current storyline has hit its stride. I don't agree with Jeph Loeb's interpretation of time travel and vestigial memory. But I try not to get too hung-up on comic book physics. Setting logic aside, it was fun to see Supes and Bats interact with little-seen characters from different eras of DCU history." altamont, DC Message Boards

6. Superman #212, 7 pts
"We finally see where all the vanished people have gone, and Kal-El gets two reunions: one touching and one utterly weird. Jim Lee's art makes this all the more interesting." darklaw14, DC Message Boards

(tied for 7th) Batman #635, 7 pts
"We finally see where all the vanished people have gone, and Kal-El gets two reunions: one touching and one utterly weird. Jim Lee's art makes this all the more interesting." ishmael1st, DC Message Boards

(tied for 7th) Tom Strong #30, 7 pts
"Not an original story - it's basically been done on Star Trek several times - but the ending cracked me up. Deceived into believing he had a life like the average real person, Tom shakes of the illusion, because he realizes that "no place like that could actually exist". Ed Brubaker did a nice job on this." comicreaderlad, DC Message Boards

(tied for 7th) Concrete: the Human Dilemma #1, 7 pts
"This is pretty much what I expect from Paul Chadwick: realistic personalities, a storyline that could go in many different directions, and story elements that make for an interesting debate, even among the characters in the story. Concrete is always worth the price of admission." comicreaderlad, DC Message Boards

(tied for 10th) Amazing Spider-man #515, 5 pts
"After all of the hubub of the 'Sins Past' arc of the last few issues you figure that JMS would want to follow it up with something exiting to hook some new readers. Well, this issue certainly wont do it. This issue's plot could have been lifted straight out of 1983. The art wasn't exactly something to write home about either. I like Deodato's art, but as others have pointed out it doesnt really fit with a Spider-book. #515 in particular had some flaws with the character's faces in particular. I don't know if it was a rush job or what but the faces looked skecth and half finished. The 'flashback' art by Mark Brooks was nice for the high school scenes. His pencils put me in mind of Rick Mays (Zatanna: Everyday Magic) . I was going to wait until the end of this arc, but you can consider this title dropped. Love that cover though." jimmyking, DC Message Boards

(tied for 10th) Star Wars: Republic #72, 5 pts
"This new story arc continues from the previous Republic events. Great art from Jan Duursema as usual." chaingunsofdoom, DC Message Boards

12. Exiles #57, Skyscrapers of the Midwest #1, The Monolith #11, Strange #3, Elric: The Making of a Sorceror #2, 3 pts

17. John Constantine: Hellblazer #203, Wildguard: Fire Power #1, Iron Man #2, 303 #2, 2 pts

20. Warlock #4, Invincible #18, Batgirl #59, Fierce #4, The Authority: Revolution #4, What If... Jessica Jones Had Joined the Avengers?, Star Wars: Empire #28, 1 pt