Spotlight Week of January 19, 2005 By Roger Burks February 8, 2005 - 09:40 These rankings are compiled from the top 3 choices from 17 different voters on the Internet for comics released on January 19, 2005. 1. Adventures Of Superman #636, 13 pts "I hated the Identity Crisis series, but the tie-ins have been fantastic. This one has been no exception as Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman deal with the fall-out when Superman calls the two to get some help dealing with Ruin, a villian that apparently plans to strike at the Man of Steel through the people close to him. The best part is the revelation at the end of who is behind ruin. A must read!" nuadha, DC Message Boards 2. Human Target #18, 11 pts "Another Vertigo title is going to fall along the wayside with issue 21, but 18 was strong... real strong. Peter Milligan writes scripts for this series that are controversial and thought provoking that it raises more questions after one reads an issue. Again, taken from a real life situation, and a horrific one at that, Christopher Chance becomes a participant of a battle he knows that's beyond this talents. Artist Javier Pulido returns to work his magic and conveys the terror and action that rivals any episode of 24 or Alias. Eighteen issues down, with 3 left; I look forward to each issue with anticipation." dubipr, DC Message Boards 3. Teen Titans #20, 10 pts Good exploration of the fallout from Identity Crisis, touching upon Luthor's armor and Robin's reaction. The great characterization continues. The sense of mutual understanding that best characterizes the Titans is strong here. 4. Birds of Prey #78, 9 pts "Another solid issue by Gail Simone. Gail has a real knack for creating compelling villains. She seems to know that villains need an air of mystery. With Harvest, we get a few hints at her origin, but it is never fully explained. Although Babs didn't get much page time, the friendship between Dinah and Helena continues to develop. And Zinda had some great character moments. She is quickly becoming a scene stealer. I hope her membership in the Birds becomes official so we can see more of her in full Blackhawk uniform. Tom Derenick's art advanced the story and he provided a memorable image on the last page. My only complaint is that there doesn't seem to be much cohesion between the various missions that make-up the Hero Hunters story arc. I hope the overall mission gels a little better in the coming issues." altamont, DC Message Boards 5. Hawkman #36, 8 pts A very good Hawkman story with a classic feel. This is exactly the kind of Hawkman story that I like. Some old villains show up, with better portrayals than at any time previously. Still a bit busy, and I have trouble taking the Fadeaway Man seriously, but a good read anyway. 6. BPRD: The Dead #3, 6 pts "Story keeps gets more interesting. Fitting art as usual." chaingunsofdoom, DC Message Boards (tied for 7th) Invincible #19, 4 pts Just picked up this series, and it is very good! The plot and characterization are very much like what the future of superhero comics should be like, in my opinion. I only read the first trade paperback before picking this one up, but I was able to understand everything just fine. The dialogue is among the best in comics too. Highly recommended! (tied for 7th) Manhunter #6, 4 pts Another very good issue. Kate shows how intelligent she can be, and the JLA gets treated in a way that is nearly unprecedented. Good characterization for most of the members, except possibly for Hawkman. Some very good one-liners this issue too, but they don't hurt the gritty atmosphere. The ongoing plot is very engaging as well. (tied for 7th) Powers v2 #8, 4 pts "Investigations, accusations, cover-ups, pop psychology, grief, and an anti-climactic ending." darklaw14, DC Message Boards (tied for 10th) Terra Obscura Vol. 2 #5, 3 pts "My first choice -- as usual. This series is just about my favorite in all comics. I love the characters, in and of themselves; I love the way they've been upgraded by Moore and Hogan; I love the upbeat tone of their milieu. The current issue raced along at hyperspeed, giving us one final cliffhanger 'til the end of this arc. I hope we get to Volume 3 soon." roccomorocco, DC Message Boards (tied for 10th) Wonder Woman #212, Cable & Deadpool #11, Lucifer #58, 3 pts 13. Wolverine #24, Wanted #6, X-Men #166, 2 pts 16. Ultra #6, The Authority: Revolution #4, Madrox #5, 1 pt © Copyright 2002-2026 by Toon Doctor Inc. - All rights Reserved. All other texts, images, characters and trademarks are copyright their respective owners. Use of material in this document (including reproduction, modification, distribution, electronic transmission or republication) without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.