By
Roger Burks
August 23, 2004 - 10:35
These rankings are compiled from the top 3 vote-getters of 19 different voters on the Internet for comics released on August 4th, 2004.
1. Birds of Prey #71, 20 pts
Some real suspense has now entered this series, for the first time in a very long while. The multiple simultaneous story arc approach is working very well, and is probably the most appropriate way of treating this series that I have ever seen. Savant has now become very entertaining. Too bad the Huntress is still here, but hopefully some more interesting characters, like Vixen, will stick around.
2. Y, The Last Man #25, 12 pts
"Great two-part story, with this series being one of the few that does these all that often any more. I'm a sucker for a well-timed Pulp Fiction reference as well." Rusty Shackleford, DC Message Boards
3. Firestorm #4, 8 pts
For the first time, the Firestorm merger includes a character that I enjoyed reading about. I find it hard to believe that the changes in Jason's life have not changed the way that he interacts with his father at all, but probably those changes will happen later. On the bright side, the homeless man that he merged with provided some much-needed reality for the issue.
4. Detective Comics #797, 7 pts
"Part 1 of War games is pretty damned good, but the story and what I see in the solicitations doesn't seem to justify having this story in 8 different titles a month. I'm going to collect the bat titles I always collect(Batman, 'Tec, Catwoman) and not pick up the other. Hopefully it won't be like M/F where if I miss some lame issue of Batgirl or whatever, I'll be lost as all hell. Though this and the 12 cent adventure were the highlight of the week, they were far from the best." revolver86, DC Message Boards
5. Swamp Thing #6, 6 pts
Bonus points for taking TefŽ's powers away. Hopefully that is permanent. This story arc seems to have been designed to make a number of positive changes for Swamp Thing, also removing the pointless soap-opera atmosphere that the last few series had acquired. Now, the real test will be in what Diggle does after making these changes.
(tied for 6th) Majestic #1, 5 pts
I didn't expect to like this issue, and almost didn't buy it, but it was very interesting. The humor of the first half was very refreshing; it hooked me. The fresh perspective is the best part. The storytelling was good enough in the second half to hold my interest. I don't buy Superman comics on a regular basis, but I would buy Majestic as an ongoing series.
(tied for 6th) The Monolith #7, 5 pts
"Batman continues his New York appearance with DC's newest and coolest hero. Jimmy P and Justin Gray continue writing gritty street legends, and wrote some fine dialogue for the Dark Knight. Tomm Coker's guest pencils work well for this arc. Please give this title a try. Its different, and more exciting than the 'new' Firestorm." DubipR, DC Message Boards
(tied for 6th) Ultimate Spider-Man #63, 5 pts
"A gripping middle chapter, which will be even better in collected form." SpyGuy4M, DC Message Boards
(tied for 6th) Batman: The 12¢ Adventure #1, 5 pts
Nice characterization, decent plot, good dialogue. The thing that was mostly lacking was soul. I don't care about Spoiler's angst. The humor with Bruce Wayne was the best part of the issue. I was absolutely turned off by the rest.
(tied for 10th) True Story Swear to God #10, 3 pts
"Tom Beland kicks ass. With each issue of True Story Swear to God, Beland reminds me of that fact. He also reminds me of why True Story Swear to God is the best ongoing book on the stands. The true test of a great autobiographical creator comes when they write of situations that their readers cannot relate to. Well their work still have that same amazing feel of honesty and relatibility to it? With this issue, the answer is a resounding yes. Beland interjects such life and honesty into his story that everyone will feel it. Further, he gets in some of his usual humor and also manages to make you love himself, Lily, and their relationship even more. In fact, Tom Beland makes sure that every one of his characters strikes some chord with the readers. And the guy can flat out draw, with emotions and life pouring through his drawings. Everyone, not just comics fans, should read this book." Tek3311, DC Message Boards
(tied for 10th) Justice League Elite #2, Spider-Girl #77, Milkman Murders #2, Hard Time #7, 3 pts
15. Captain America & The Falcon #6, Love & Rockets #11, Batman/Catwoman: Trail of the Gun #1, Justice League Adventures #34, Uncanny X-Men #447, Queen & Country #26, 2 pts
21. Enginehead #4, Ultimate X-Men #50, Exiles #50, DC Comics Presents: Superman #1, Richard Dragon #3, Blue Monday: Painted Moon #2, Star Wars: Republic #67, 1 pt
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