By
Roger Burks
August 23, 2004 - 10:34
These rankings are compiled from the top 3 vote-getters of 20 different voters on the Internet for comics released on August 11th, 2004.
1. Identity Crisis #3, 26 pts
Another very well-written issue, doing things that I wish had never happened. Maybe we can make a petition to turn this retroactively into an Elseworlds? I'm not sure that it does these 'revived' characters any good to let them all get pounded into spit by Deathstroke, but this seems to be a parting shot for nearly all of them anyway. I don't agree that the 'erased memory' subplot works as a way to make Silver Age comics more believable: why not wipe their memories AND keep them locked up for a while?
2. Gotham Central #22, 18 pts
"Over and over, people like me say "this is DC's best book," and over and over, Gotham Central proves us right. Unresolved comes to a conclusion that not only astounds readers on its own, but makes the rest of the arc even stronger than it already was. Brubaker weaves a trully masterful mystery with one of the best examples of misdirection that I have ever seen in comics. The gripping plot doesn't come at the expense of some great character interaction though, as Brubaker gets us deeper and deeper into the minds of all of the characters. He also intrigues the readers by displaying the viewpoints of the cops on one another. Then, Brubaker floors us all with one of the best moments in comics of the year. And Michel Lark and Stefano Gaudino render it all masterfully. Read. this. book." Tek3311, DC Message Boards
3. JSA #64, 16 pts
I could have done without the Simon & Kirby Sandman stuff, but the charm of the series, the excellent characterization, and great dialogue make up for a lot.
4. Aquaman #21, 8 pts
"If you told me a year ago that Aquaman would be in my top three, especially in a week as crowded as this, I'd say you were crazy. But this issue was really fantastic. All of the ground work established in American Tidal is starting to pay off. Sub Diego is a unique addition to the DCU, and it has tons of story potential. Aquaman has a city to protect and call home without being bogged down by a lot of Atlantian history or characters. The Eel is a creepy new villain with cool powers and a great costume design. I am so glad I gave this book another chance when the new creative team started." Mister Miracle, DC Message Boards
(tied for 5th) Knights of the Dinner Table #94 6 pts
The Tremble saga keeps getting better and better! The suspense was so thick, you could cut it with a sword.
(tied for 5th) Action Comics #818, 6 pts
"The best Superman title continues to give me a smile every time I read this. Chuck Austen is putting Superman's cape through the wringer, and I love every panel of it! Explosions abound, Wonder Woman in action (why Rucka can't do the same, I don't know!), Superboy looking hot without his shirt... I'm meandering here. Reis' pencils are astounding! Another great read." DubipR, DC Message Boards
(tied for 7th) Avengers/Thunderbolts #6, 5 pts
A very well-orchestrated mix of warring personalities, written by the masters! While this mini was nothing but a housecleaning exercise to usher out old characters and bring in a fresh group, the excellence of its execution made it worth the money.
(tied for 7th) The Legion #37, 5 pts
The plot was hit-and-miss, but the characterization and dialogue were very good. Too much is going on at once, but next issue will fix that.
(tied for 7th) Fables #28, 5 pts
"Start of a new 2-part arc. Funny dialog with great art. Introducing a whole Army Troop seems impossible, but works nicely. The ending is a nice twist for Fables. Hated the hard to read hand-written FONT (it strikes again this week in a completely different title!)" chaingunsofdoom, DC Message Boards
10. Powers #3, 4 pts
"Bendis continues to fill in previous stories making the entire run look even better." Krypton King, DC Message Boards
11. Teen Titans #14, Captain America #30, Green Arrow #41, Chosen #3, 3 pts
15. District X #4, JLA #103, 100 Bullets #52, 2 pts
18. Fade From Grace #1, Invincible #14, Street Fighter #9, DC Comics Presents: The Flash #1, Detective Comics #797, 1 pt
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