Spotlight Week of January 26, 2005 By Roger Burks March 14, 2005 - 09:30 These rankings are compiled from the top 3 choices from 19 different voters on the Internet for comics released on January 26, 2005. 1. The Flash #218, 16 pts A spotlight on Heat Wave. Very good, like most of the spotlight issues. A very mature, deep story. It increases the level of intrigue among the rogues, and creates a good situation heading towards the Rogue War. 2. Legion of Super-Heroes #2, 14 pts This is the best Mark Waid book I've read in a very long time. He shows far more writing skill than I've seen from him before, with not just a good atmosphere and characterization, but good humor too! This series is starting to look like a winner. 3. Planetary #22, 12 pts "Its rare that a writer and artist fit well together to create works of pure genius and absolute beauty. Warren Ellis and John Cassaday are such a pair. Ellis writes such a rich and tightly woven story of pulps, science fiction, pop culture, and everything else he can think of and gives you 24 pages of mind altering clarity of the secret world of comics. The breathtaking pencils of John Cassaday convery Ellis' scripts that will destroy schlockbuster film a Tony Scott or a Michael Bay will ever direct. When the ying and yang are in harmony, as in each issue of Planetary, the literary world benefits for the better." dubipr, DC Message Boards (tied for 4th) JLA: Classified #3, 8 pts A nice action-packed story but nothing near Morrison's best. The first few issues focused almost exclusively on the Ultramarines, but this issue focused almost entirely on the JLA. Still a decent read because of the dialogue. (tied for 4th) Y The Last Man #30, 8 pts "Monkey s**t is why Yorick survived? Monkey s**t?! [Sigh, chuckle] Only in Vertigo. Or, only from master-plot-twister Brian K. Vaughan. His head is one of those places I'd actually be scared to go in, for fear of getting hurt. For proof of this, I submit this series. And this issue." creepingterror, DC Message Boards 6. Nightwing #102, 7 pts "After two issues, I'm getting worried that Chuck Dixon's Year One arc won't rise above the level of average. In pre-release interviews, Dixon maintained that D!ck's transition to Nightwing was ripe with untold stories. But so far, we've seen a rehash of D!ck's falling-out with Batman and a repeat of the conversation with Superman that inspired the Nightwing name. Still, I enjoyed D!ck's interaction with Clark. They have an interesting relationship, like a nephew and his favorite uncle. I just hope that Deadman's appearance next issue will introduce enough fresh elements to justify the story arc." altamont, DC Message Boards (tied for 7th) Knights of the Dinner Table #99, 4 pts Business as usual here. The dysfunctional group of gamers get themselves in deeper and deeper. Not as many plot twists as I'd like, but I'm looking forward to #100. Even though this is nothing special for this series, that still makes it one of the best comics this week. (tied for 7th) Batman #636, 4 pts "I have to say I've enjoyed the last two issues of Batman better than any other in YEARS. Winick's really providing an interesting story, and I love the portrayal of Nightwing and Batman in this issue. Their teaming up again - for more than a simple "event" - has been long overdue, and is being handled really well here. There's a warmth in the characters I've not seen since Dixon was writing the Bat family. As for the art, I'll continue to gush over Mahnke. I thought he did a tremendous job with the layouts on this issue, and did a really wonderful job capturing the different "movements" of Bats, NW, and the Red Hood -- each of whom are portrayed carrying themselves differently in the rooftop chase scene. I can't remember the last time I saw an artists individuate characters that well. A great read." ishmael1st, DC Message Boards (tied for 7th) Fantastic Four #522, 4 pts "Johnny gains some insight into his family and new master before helping to turn the tables big time. I'm gonna miss Waid's takes on these characters and Wieringo's renditions, but at least they're trying to go out on a high note." darklaw14, DC Message Boards (tied for 10th) We 3 #3, 3 pts "This was easily the best book of the week. The 3, sick and dying, make a last bid desperate attempt to get 'home', but the military launches an all out assault including the viscious Animal 4. Horrific and touching at the same time. One of the best things Morrison's ever written." rouge2, DC Message Boards (tied for 10th) New X-Men: Academy X #9, Black Rose #30, The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes #6, Sleeper Season Two #8, Tarot: Witch of the Black Rose #30, 3 pts 16. Beyond Avalon #1, Luba #10, Black Widow #5, Simpsons/Futurama Crossover 2 #1, Usagi Yojimbo #81, X-23 #2, 2 pts 22. Robin #134, The Witching #8, Mystique #23, Betty #144, Batgirl #60, Hellblazer #204, 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.