Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Best of 2010: Halfway Mark

Since it's about that time, here is my top ten books halfway into 2010...

1. Daytripper: Each issue somehow grabs me more than the previous.
2. Scalped: Man, every year this book just can't grab the top spot. The consistent #2 book it seems.
3. Punishermax: Jason Aaron proves that someone can do the Punisher after Ennis.
4. Demo Vol. 2: Wood and Cloonan return for a lovely little addition.
5. Secret Warriors: Hickman reaches the halfway point of this novel and I'm loving it.
6. The Boys: Others may not be on board still, but I dug the origin issues and "The Innocents."
7. Supergod: Only three issues so far, but, man, what a series. This one definitely may rise higher depending on the final two issues.
8. Irredeemable: Still bold and interesting.
9. Morrison's Batman stuff: Solid and always something I look forward to.
10. Spider-Man: Fever: Odds are, this will get pushed out by the end of the year, but it was a fun, wacky series.

Some honourable mentions/books that look like contenders:

* S.H.I.E.L.D.: Only two issues so far, but both were very good. If Hickman and Weaver keep this up, this will definitely make the top ten.
* Sparta, U.S.A.: Thematic companion/sequel to Young Liars. We'll see how it finishes.
* The Unwritten: The first year got weaker in the second half, but this book has made a bit of a comeback quality-wise.
* The Bendis Avengers stuff: The first issues of both Avengers and New Avengers were quite strong, as were the final issues of Dark Avengers and New Avengers. If Bendis keeps that up, maybe these books will crack the top ten. (Having Romita and Immonen doesn't hurt...)
* Captain America: Always a contender. Always.

Some upcoming books that seem like possible contenders:

* ACME Novelty Library #20: Chris Ware. Yeah.
* Casanova: Actually, probably not since I don't do reprints really, but still: Casanova!
* The Playwright: I've had the PDF for a while for reviewing purposes and haven't read it yet, but anything Eddie Campbell does could be top ten list worthy.
* Parker: The Outfit: I really loved The Hunter, so this one seems like a natural fit.

How about everyone else?