I've said before... I'll say it again: This is one of the best channels I follow. It's not "overdone", it's simple but super well done. Chris is very knowledgeable but goes straight to the point, there's no bullshit, no selling us useless products halfway through, just great quality content. Thank you
10) 1:55 Fantastic 4 Full Circle 9) 3:05 TMNT the last Ronin 8) 4:55 Ducks - Two years in the Oilfield 7) 6:33 Asadora by Naoki Urasawa 6) 8:24 Supergirl Woman of Tomorrow 5) 10:12 Saga 4) 12:01 Human Target 3) 13:54 Reckless 2) 15:54 SpyxFamily Honourable mentions: 17:50 The Good Asian 18:28 Berserk 19:07 Superman Space age 19:51 Clementine (Walking Dead universe) 20:37 Eight Billion Genies 1) 21:34 Do a Powerbomb Other recommendations 23:00
Hulk: Grand Design - Monster and Madness by Jim Rugg was excellent. It weaves a tale of desperation out of the Hulk's canonical appearances from beginning to the present. In a way it's a great companion to Immortal Hulk. Definitely check it out if you missed it.
I pick up everything by the Cartoonist Kayfabe dudes. I liked the presentation and artistic choices of Hulk but the story is an abbreviated recap and didn’t suck me in too much, personally.
Always a pleasure getting recommendations from you. I read so many good comic books since I discovered your channel and fell in love with the medium all over again. Thank you. Also, would love to see a Mike Mignola episode here. I know you did a Hellboy one, but didn't really get deep into Mignola's background and history as I recall.
thank you for your time this year chris! ive started reading the sandman comics and your videos have inspired me to pay more attention to the artwork instead of reading the dialogue like its a script. im very grateful for you
Ben Reilly Spider-Man was a great throwback story from JMD. It was a story about Spider-Man is as strong as the people around him. It was gorgeous, emotional and a fun read that left you hyped for each month. It sucks that Beyond and Dark Web are slapping around Ben. But the JMD story is still great!
A good comic overall but I feel like it collapses a bit in its last chapter. Not one that I would throw on "best of the year" lists. Although i do love me some jm dematteis. :)
My Top 10 Best Comics of 2022 (My OPINION) 1. Blue Lock (Sports) 2. Sword Fanatic Wonders Through the Night (Murim) 3. Ending Maker (Romance) 4. Call of the Night (Romance) 5. The Beginning after the End (Isekai) 6. Choujin X (Senien) 7. Sakamoto Days (Shonen) 8. Witch Hat Atelier (Fantasy) 9. Jujutsu Kaisen (Shonen) 10. Chainsaw Man Part 2 (Shonen)
Great list! I likes Human Target and Ronin a lot. Dan Mora (Once Future, world Finest) and Alvaro Martinez (Detective Comics, Nice House on the Lake) are great artists but above all super kind human beings I got the honor of meeting! Thanks for the great recomendations as always Chris :D
Thanks for the suggestions! Do A Powerbomb is the undisputed comic book champion of the world. If you would be interested in another wrestling based tale, I know Aftershock isn't the most popular publisher right now, but they put out a one shot called Hell Is a Squared Circle. Bigger size, gorgeous artwork, a noir story. Do A Powerbomb brought me to your channel earlier this year and now you're one of my favorite channels.
It’s Lonely At The Center Of The Earth by Zoe Thorogood was easily the best book I’ve read in a long time, and my pick for best of the year. It’s an autobio comic that is just so much more. With only her second work as writer/artist, she transcends the medium (that is not conjecture) in ways people with three times her experience wish they could. It is available digitally (free on Hoopla, if you’re familiar), but to truly appreciate it, it should be experienced in print.
The end of Jed McKay‘s black cat run ended this year and I think is a very underrated title. Including the Mary Jane and Black Cat Beyond, Iron Cat and Mary Jane and Black Cat Dark Web. He feels like one of those authors who truly understand the character so well, they might as well created them.
Chris, i want to thank you for compiling such a eclectic list, this helps out since there is a lot of comic book media these days that it can be heard to browse through it all and to find some gems. Wish you all the best in 2023, and to keep sending the great videos and recommendations. Cheers!
Very neat video! Enjoyed the recommendations. I would add a few books: - StarHenge by Liam Sharp - Twig by Skottie Young and Kyle Strahm - Seven Sons by Robert Windom/Kelvin Mao and Jae Lee - Hulk Grand Design by Jim Rugg
I enjoyed a good number of these, especially Human Target and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. As for what was missing, Catwoman: Lonely City is a must! Other unmentioned favorites: Batman: One Dark Knight, Newburn, Dogs of London, Department of Truth, Love Everlasting, and Nightwing are some that come to mind. I've also enjoyed Kelly Thompson's work on Black Widow and Captain Marvel.
Would definitely recommend It's Lonely at the Center of the Earth. Another autobio that came out fairly recently tackling the artist’s career and depression. It plays a lot with the medium, which is always fun to see.
Glad to see Human Target and World's Finest getting recommended -certainly two of the most consistently solid books from DC this year. I would have given Cat -woman an honorable mention myself, as it's probably the most consistent regular series they have going. Also glad to hear Immortal X-men get a nod -the X-men books can often be a mess to wade through to find the good ones, but Immortal' definitely stands out among them. For anyone looking for good X-men, I also would recommend not sleeping on the latest volume of X-men:Red -it's got great character use and a pretty well-crafted plot going on. Lastly, for anyone who hasn't checked it out, I think Department of Truth is a really unique book that really offers something different in terms of storytelling and especially in terms of tone.
This year I definitely loved: A Righteous Thirst for Vengeance, Above Snakes and of course The Human Target as well. Both story and graphic side go together well in those. It was a good year 😀
Great list Chris! Not too many surprises for the people that follow you on your other channel! One major oversight or possible blind spot though- Ice Cream Man has been phenomenal this year! The stories have been emotional, horrifying and solidly consistent. One of the best comics where you can just pick up any single issue and enjoy it having never read a previous issue- though reading them all is certainly rewarding! Would love to hear your thoughts on issue 31 particularly, an amazing standout issue that affected me for sure. Loved it. Hope you have a great holiday and New Year!
Hey, Chris. I love what you do, I've been loving what you do for a long time. In my experience, Americans kind of recoil/wince when people attempt to give them a hug (which is a very Argentinian thing to do) --- but hey, hope you will embrace my most warm, sincere, enthusiastic hug here. You're a great guy. Thank you.
Thanks for your thoughtful and well-researched videos this year Chris! I think my favourite read of the year was Nice House on the Lake v1, just so eerie and claustrophobic with a pitch perfect art style
The variety of books you cover in your regular videos always makes me excited to see your annual list. I can trust you to be very open to all kinds of books, and there I always a bunch of new things I've never heard of. :)
Really happy to see Human Target on the list. I didn't see it on many lists. Above Snakes and Ice Cream Man are in my Top 5 of '22, along with HT, Do A Power Bomb, and Shaolin Cowboy.
I love 'Lazarus' and 'Black Magik', both by Greg Rucka. They're not new series but I think they're still great. Ed Brubaker's 'Cruel Summer' was gripping noir (not sure if it was a 2022 release, I read the trade over the summer).
@@solidkingcobra Yeah, I read that. I think he's at his creative peak when he builds his own worlds. I'm actually surprised that 'Lazurus' hasn't been adapted for TV yet. It seems tailor-made for that medium.
@@crustymcgee6580 I Agree with you with Greg Rucka building worlds. I'm kinda wary of Lazarus being adapted for tv to be honest... the whole time I was reading it the political intrigue had the game of thrones vibe to it... maybe if it ha HBO backing it may be good?
@@solidkingcobra I think the series embodies the current social zeitgeist with its dystopic vision of the future. If an adaption could convey this anxiety it will stay faithful to the source material.
I just read It's Lonely at the Centre of the Earth by Zoe Thorogood and it blew me away, so good!!! I'd put it as my favorite comic from 2022. You should check it out if you haven't! it's more of an abstract exploration of the author's deppression, loneliness, the role of art, and the search for human connection. The art is absolutely amazing and it affected me deeply.
Check out Benjamin Percy, Joe Bennett, Cory Smith’s Ghost Rider run. It’s pretty neat and takes the character in a little bit of a different direction. The panels are clean (yet a little generic) and the dialogue is pretty great.
Both are necessary. We need them to be constantly called out for the trash they are putting out and praised for books that are actually worth your time and money.
Hello Chris, I want to thank you for introducing me to Supergirl: woman of tomorrow. I just read the story, and it blew my mind. The story, the artwork, the characters, the dialogue, the deep understanding of Supergirl ... loved it.
Flashpoint Beyond by Geoff Johns was absolutely brilliant, and my pick for best DC comic of the year. Fables by Bill Willingham and Mark Buckingham has made it's return in 2022, and it's been awesome. Buckingham is absolutely blowing me away with his better than ever artwork. Blue and Gold by Dan Jurgens was unbelievably fun, funny, and incredibly well written. I hope he writes more.
Great list. Appreciate the variety and not just titles from the big two. For me some of my favourites of the year not mentioned are: That Texas Blood - If you are a fan of Brubaker/Phillips this book is a must. Follows a sheriff in Texas and some of the interesting and life altering cases in his life. X-Men Red - Immortal is great but for me this book has been all I want from X-Men. Deep lore, space drama, excellent characterization and starring new and underused mutants. Other than that fell in love with Jed Mackay. Moon Knight, Strange, Black Cat have all been super fun and remind me of what got me into comics. Also Zdarsky still killing it on Daredevil.
Again a year goes by when I couldn't read everything you recommend on your channel. The list grows and grows. What I was able to read was just terrific. Thank you for your recommendations. Without them a lot of good comics would pass me by.
Cool list. My best book or collection was the new Love & Rockets boxset. I obsessed over it all year despite having read all this material multiple times. Now that I finally have it in my hands, I was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief and am enjoying going through the original 50 issues all over again. Other than that, the Alex Ross FF book was awesome. The second issue of Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons was also great, and I’m eagerly awaiting issue 3 which is coming this week I think. I wish it was coming faster and I hope DeConnick is able to continue because she said she has enough material for 9 issues total.
Really cool list! Surprised at how many I've already read on there. Some things that I think are cool include the following: Detective Comics (Ram V. & Rafael Albuquerque) Something is Killing the Children is still going strong this year Love Everlasting (Tom King & Elsa Charretier) Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is a good manga Poison Ivy (G. Willow Wilson & Marcio Takara) The Supermassive universe with Kyle Higgins & co. (Rogue Sun is particularly fantastic and Radiant Black #18 might be one of the best single issues of the year) Amazing Fantasy #1000 has some of the best Spider-Man stories period Ant-Man (Al Ewing & Tom Reilly) Finding Batman from DC Pride 2022 written by Kevin Conroy Edit: Also special shout out to Transformers: Last Bot Standing which is really fun and the only piece of IDW Transformers I've read so far
@@solidkingcobra impressive that there's not one word uttered and it carries it all through the thing only comics can do in it's truest essence. The most "comic" comic in years.
Great list. A few you didn't mention that I liked are 1. Twig (Young/Strahm) 2. What's the Furthest Place From Here (Rosenberg/Boss) 3. A Righteous Thirst For Vengeance (Remender/Araujo) 4. The Lion and The Eagle (Ennis/Holden) 5. Love Everlasting (King/Charretier) 6. Newburn (Zdarsky/Phillips) 7. Time Before Time (Shalvey/McConville/Palmer) You mentioned my top 3 Do a Powerbomb Nice House On the Lake Eight Billion Genies
Thanks for this selection. Recently I discovered the book «The Strange Death of Alex Raymond» by Dave Sim & Carson Grubaugh. I haven’t started to read it yet but you should have a look at it. It’s very interesting visually (in b&w) and it has a lot of graphic «explorations» witch makes me think the medium of comics is still alive. Cheers from Canada!
You should try doing a series like 'what I read this month" and recommend what series you think stand out, as someone who's trying to explore more genres of comics I really enjoyed this video for the wide variety of comics mentioned I never even heard of.
Episode topic suggestion: fitness in comics. In my opinion, Frank Miller appeared ignorant with how he portrayed DD, Bullseye and The Punisher working out. Denny O’Neil and Archie Goodwin made some efforts, but weren’t as knowledgeable as they thought.
Fun, enjoyable video. I was mostly buying back issues all year (other than Jim Rugg's HULK GRAND DESIGN books, Ed Piskor's RED ROOM, and a few issues of X-CELLENT by Michael Allred), but cool to see a few things to check out. Thanks for your videos. They are always enjoyable.
I really have been enjoying the one bad day one shots that DC has been putting out. I also really dig vanish by donny cates and ryan stegman. Also anything James Tynion the 4th writes is really enjoyable! Im definitely gonna have to check out the Tom King comics you recommended. I really love the art in Full Circle but I personally felt the story a little lacking and anticlimactic. You might also like the Gotham Year: One comic by Tom King.
I'm so grateful there is such a cool comic book UA-camr who is thoughtful and open to the experiences of women and minorities. You really are a superhero
nice chris-mas ^^. i really dig that newer, more linear graphical alex ross drawing style. and i was blown away by the artwork of "do a powerbomb", amazing inking
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is so, so incredible. I actually did something pretty unique while reading it: I voiced every single part for the entire story. It really does make it that much more emotional. I cried so many times.😭 One of the very best stories I’ve ever read. Human Target is totally new to me but looks FANTASTIC. Very excited to read that.😊 More excited for The Last Ronin, Full Circle, and Do a Power Bomb as well. Thank you as always!😄
Human Target and Supergirl are light years ahead of everything else on this list and, funnily enough, both are written by Tom King - whose run on Batman was ... *unfortunate*, to say the least. Gorgeous art can only partially 'save' a comic book if it's a jumbled clusterfrack of 'deep' ideas and I'm glad these two books of his were a complete 180 for me.
Didn't read most of these comics this year and I read a lot of Comics. One of my favorites this year was The Crimson Cage which is a horror retelling of Mcbeth told through the world of 80s territory pro wrestling. It was such an awesome read and the art work was really fantastic. I am also really enjoying everything that came out with Something Is Killing The Children. I wish the issues were longer because I speed through them. Whats the Furthest Place From Here? was also really great this year too. It started in november last year but i read the first arc and it was really fun. Also every issue of Ice Cream Man was really fantastic this year, that comic is just so phenomenal and W. Maxwell Prince is one of my favorite writers of today.
My favorite TV series "Gargoyles" has recebtly been revived as a comic book series once again so that would probably be my favorite comic related thing this year. The series' creator is penning this one too.
I think Batman/Superman Generations was the first comic that did the time skip by decades like Spider-Man Life Story. And then some X-Men comic did the same in 2019.
Merry Xmas Chris! You still have the best UA-cam channel, btw (I'm a proud patreon, shameless pat on the back for myself, lol). A few of my favorites from the big two- Nightwing and Superman: Son of Kal-El, both written by Tom Taylor, the books intertwine and the big brother aspect of Nighwing for Jon Kent is heartfelt and wonderful. Also X-men Red and Daredevil/ Punisher, I hope you know what I did there with the last two. Thanks!
I started doing a quick list while i was listening to you and i immediately wrote in Do A powerbomb at #1 before you had even finished the intro. It was my book of the year as soon as I read issue 2 and i never looked back. Couple recs. Defenders Beyond and AntMan both by Al Ewing my two fav marvels, Swamp Thing and Detective Comics by Ram V were my 2 favorite DC comics.
is that Lovecraft Unknown Kadath? I think "Dream Quest..." is the original novella if I'm not mistaken from the early 20th century. Just trying to make sure I get the right book :)
@@belowzeros Actually you are correct Lovecraft Unknown Kadath is the title; I was getting mixed up with the book, I love the comic because the book had so many strange descriptions I didn't quite get it but now it seems to help the former make more sense and still be fun to read on it's own merit!
I read "Do a Power Bomb" because of your recommendation. It is one the greatest comics I have ever read. I will read now everything DWJ has written. New big Fan of that man.
Thanks for the recommendations, Chris! I want to check out FF Full Circle, Asodora, and The Human Target. If you are so inclined, I'd like to recommend to you Vinland Saga and Astro City. I don't know if you've read any volumes from those two series, but I'd love to hear your thoughts if you decide to check them out. Thanks!
I look forward to your videos. I especially love your video on the history of comic coloring. Just some constructive criticism: I've noticed that sometimes your video will be out of focus or go in and out of focus throughout a video. I'm no expert but if your camera has an autofocus function, it may be getting confused with your puppet in the background and be focusing on that face.
As a few books I thought were great this year that aligned with your recommendations Chris, there were a few for some of your subscribers to check out. Shaolin Cowboy: Cruel to Be Kin by Geof Darrow completed a 7 issue mini that defies plot description. Billionaire Island: Cult of Dogs by Mark Russell and Steve Pugh. Near future satire from the duo who created that phenomenal Flintstones miniseries a few years ago. Lastly is Seven Sons by Jae Lee with Robert Windom and Kelvin Mao. This was Lee's return to sequential art in several years, immersed in eschatology of a parallel timeline. Ripe with influences of Stephen King and apocalyptic scripture, it is worth checking out.
Nice list. I need to check the FF, 8 billion genies, and powerbomb. Ronin was great and Spy X Family is full heart on display. My favs were Brian Pullido’s latest La Muerta White Ash & Glarien by Charlie Stickney And a few European books that were brought over recently.
Great video! I also had Do a powerbomb as my top pick for this year. X-Men Red has also been great and Strange Academy even though it only released a few issues this year is a great read you should check out (assuming you haven't). I would also recommend Le Fay from Evoluzione Publishing. They sell mostly through Kickstarter, but I think the trade is also available to order online. Premise is Morgan Le Fay in the modern age working as a P.I. It's a fantasy based detective story. Anyway, keep up the great work on your videos!
I must say that Tom King has been on a roll this past year. From writing Supergirl to a classic character like Christopher Chance, his stories have been awesome but I must say that the comic I've enjoyed by Tom King the most this year is Batman: Killing Time. The new villian introduced in the comic, The Help, has got to be one of my favorite recent villians to be added to the Batman mythos as well as David Marquez's excellent art that really grabbed my interest and enhanced the story imo. Though I will say the backtracking/over exposition and constant pov swapping King likes to do made the story a bit confusing to follow at times but overall, really good stuff (which is surprising since I didn't like his Batman run that much lol). Another surprise comic that got me this year was Venom Lethal Protector. It's pretty neat that I recommend for any Venom fan, especially if they want to see some amazing art and a more goofy Venom reminiscent of his first couple appearances back in the early days.
you turned me on to DWJ with your episode about him and he's been my favorite current writer/artist ever since (and deservedly in my all time favs too). can't wait for the powerbomb tpb coming in march
Try Reading the New GEOFF JOHNS - official DC return comics - _The New Golden Age 1_ (one-shot) along w/ Last Summers' _Star Girl Spring-Break Special 1_ (one-shot) are the 2 comics that set off &/or prologue the Golden Age character focused saga (( The New Golden Age 1 comic, even has an encyclopedia glossary inside it / like _Action Comics Annual 10_ A #MustRead )). Than, > _Justice Society of America 1_ & _Star Girl 'Lost Children' 1 - 2_ (their on A search for All the missing Side-kicks from the 1940's who have been literally forgotten by DC Editorial). It's Awesome! And right now it's only 5 comics total.. And if your Super into it, 1980's _DC Comics Presents 63 'Whatever happened to the Crimson Avenger',_ story is Some of the org Source material refrenced in the Star Girl stuff.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for all the good suggestion. I have discovered your channel just yesterday but I’m enjoying every single video. Keep up with the great work
Two really new books from Image that have knocked my socks off so far have been Kroma and Kaya. Super creative world building, fantastic art and incredible color, and both singular works by individual cartoonists. Also gotta give it up for Hulk Grand Design (Jim’s inventive styles and layouts were lovingly rendered) and Shaolin Cowboy (the most art for your dollar bar none)!
The Blue Flame (vigilante story that alternates between sci-fi and slice of life), and Department of Truth ( X Files type conspiracy stuff). The Silver Coin ( anthology of interlinked horror stories) and Post-Americana ( post- apocalyptic action/sick humor).
Beautiful channel! I agree with your ranking. I would also include the final part of The immortal hulk, because the continuity has been one of the best in recent years and Zdarsky's Daredevil run too. See ya!
What a wonderful and important video, I had given up on comics from Marvel and DC, but now I can't wait to read Fantastic Four, Supergirl and the Human Target. Thanks.
Thank you for the great suggestions! I've been going along with your video and scooping up whatever I can find an Amazon/Kindle. DC seems to be having a big sale on digital TPBs, so I picked up Supergirl and Human Target Vol.1 for CAD $4 each which is crazy. I kind of fell off keeping up with new series ever since Comixology was integrated into Amazon. The whole site and all the apps just stopped working in Canada. The transition was completely botched in my opinion, and has turned me into a much more casual fan of comics and manga than I used to be.
Just finished the video - One series that I did not see mentioned was Newburn! Great Image detective series, Chip Zdarsky keeps hitting it out the park.
I wish more entertainment was set between the beginning of time - 2015, or into the far future but written without pop culture references or lingo from before 2010.
I'm surprised that sales of digital comics are up. I barely even touched a comic this year after Amazon screwed up Comixology. I tried a couple of times to go back to physical comics, but every time I went back to my local comic book store it just left me depressed. The size of the western comic book section keeps shrinking to where I can barely find anything I'm interested in and the prices are just ludicrous compared to what I was paying for digital copies.
Everyone who slept on do a Powerbomb, you’re missing out! Glad it’s you’re number 1! Met the writer at an AEW event in Los Angeles. He was really cool and down to earth and was selling shirts for the comic.
I haven't seen any of these (not buying comics much these days), but I may have to pick up Fantastic 4 Full Circle. And Ducks - Two years in the Oilfield, not my usual read, looks worth a read as well.
I've said before... I'll say it again: This is one of the best channels I follow.
It's not "overdone", it's simple but super well done. Chris is very knowledgeable but goes straight to the point, there's no bullshit, no selling us useless products halfway through, just great quality content.
Thank you
Agreed
10) 1:55 Fantastic 4 Full Circle
9) 3:05 TMNT the last Ronin
8) 4:55 Ducks - Two years in the Oilfield
7) 6:33 Asadora by Naoki Urasawa
6) 8:24 Supergirl Woman of Tomorrow
5) 10:12 Saga
4) 12:01 Human Target
3) 13:54 Reckless
2) 15:54 SpyxFamily
Honourable mentions:
17:50 The Good Asian
18:28 Berserk
19:07 Superman Space age
19:51 Clementine (Walking Dead universe)
20:37 Eight Billion Genies
1) 21:34 Do a Powerbomb
Other recommendations 23:00
I’m glad there’s manga too! Spy x Family is great and Berserk is so good. Haven’t read Asadora yet but it looks very good.
Legend
Thanks! You spoiled the 1st place for me tho lol
@@abc98114 Read the comics
Hulk: Grand Design - Monster and Madness by Jim Rugg was excellent. It weaves a tale of desperation out of the Hulk's canonical appearances from beginning to the present. In a way it's a great companion to Immortal Hulk. Definitely check it out if you missed it.
I pick up everything by the Cartoonist Kayfabe dudes. I liked the presentation and artistic choices of Hulk but the story is an abbreviated recap and didn’t suck me in too much, personally.
I’ll definitely have to look into this.
@@ComicTropes How did you not mention Red Room
Always a pleasure getting recommendations from you. I read so many good comic books since I discovered your channel and fell in love with the medium all over again. Thank you.
Also, would love to see a Mike Mignola episode here. I know you did a Hellboy one, but didn't really get deep into Mignola's background and history as I recall.
thank you for your time this year chris! ive started reading the sandman comics and your videos have inspired me to pay more attention to the artwork instead of reading the dialogue like its a script. im very grateful for you
Ben Reilly Spider-Man was a great throwback story from JMD. It was a story about Spider-Man is as strong as the people around him. It was gorgeous, emotional and a fun read that left you hyped for each month. It sucks that Beyond and Dark Web are slapping around Ben. But the JMD story is still great!
A good comic overall but I feel like it collapses a bit in its last chapter. Not one that I would throw on "best of the year" lists. Although i do love me some jm dematteis. :)
My Top 10 Best Comics of 2022 (My OPINION)
1. Blue Lock (Sports)
2. Sword Fanatic Wonders Through the Night (Murim)
3. Ending Maker (Romance)
4. Call of the Night (Romance)
5. The Beginning after the End (Isekai)
6. Choujin X (Senien)
7. Sakamoto Days (Shonen)
8. Witch Hat Atelier (Fantasy)
9. Jujutsu Kaisen (Shonen)
10. Chainsaw Man Part 2 (Shonen)
Great list! I likes Human Target and Ronin a lot. Dan Mora (Once Future, world Finest) and Alvaro Martinez (Detective Comics, Nice House on the Lake) are great artists but above all super kind human beings I got the honor of meeting! Thanks for the great recomendations as always Chris :D
Thanks for the suggestions! Do A Powerbomb is the undisputed comic book champion of the world. If you would be interested in another wrestling based tale, I know Aftershock isn't the most popular publisher right now, but they put out a one shot called Hell Is a Squared Circle. Bigger size, gorgeous artwork, a noir story. Do A Powerbomb brought me to your channel earlier this year and now you're one of my favorite channels.
came here just to say the same
Do a power bomb is my favorite book of the year!
Wrestling and comics just go together so well. Hell is a squared circle was a great little read.
Don't sleep on Crimson Cage either, from AWA! It mixes wrestling and Macbeth and was one of my favorites
@@fireguyryan9362 my lcs manager just recommended this to me it's on my 2 buy list.
It’s Lonely At The Center Of The Earth by Zoe Thorogood was easily the best book I’ve read in a long time, and my pick for best of the year. It’s an autobio comic that is just so much more. With only her second work as writer/artist, she transcends the medium (that is not conjecture) in ways people with three times her experience wish they could. It is available digitally (free on Hoopla, if you’re familiar), but to truly appreciate it, it should be experienced in print.
Came here to say this, I was absolutely blown away by that book.
Appreciate the recommendation.
it would high, high on my list too, if not the top. It and Ducks were the most impactful books I read this year.
The end of Jed McKay‘s black cat run ended this year and I think is a very underrated title. Including the Mary Jane and Black Cat Beyond, Iron Cat and Mary Jane and Black Cat Dark Web. He feels like one of those authors who truly understand the character so well, they might as well created them.
Chris, i want to thank you for compiling such a eclectic list, this helps out since there is a lot of comic book media these days that it can be heard to browse through it all and to find some gems. Wish you all the best in 2023, and to keep sending the great videos and recommendations. Cheers!
Very neat video! Enjoyed the recommendations.
I would add a few books:
- StarHenge by Liam Sharp
- Twig by Skottie Young and Kyle Strahm
- Seven Sons by Robert Windom/Kelvin Mao and Jae Lee
- Hulk Grand Design by Jim Rugg
Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for all the work you do, I have signed up for your Patreon :)
Thank you very much!
I enjoyed a good number of these, especially Human Target and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. As for what was missing, Catwoman: Lonely City is a must! Other unmentioned favorites: Batman: One Dark Knight, Newburn, Dogs of London, Department of Truth, Love Everlasting, and Nightwing are some that come to mind. I've also enjoyed Kelly Thompson's work on Black Widow and Captain Marvel.
Would definitely recommend It's Lonely at the Center of the Earth. Another autobio that came out fairly recently tackling the artist’s career and depression. It plays a lot with the medium, which is always fun to see.
Glad to see Human Target and World's Finest getting recommended -certainly two of the most consistently solid books from DC this year. I would have given Cat -woman an honorable mention myself, as it's probably the most consistent regular series they have going.
Also glad to hear Immortal X-men get a nod -the X-men books can often be a mess to wade through to find the good ones, but Immortal' definitely stands out among them. For anyone looking for good X-men, I also would recommend not sleeping on the latest volume of X-men:Red -it's got great character use and a pretty well-crafted plot going on.
Lastly, for anyone who hasn't checked it out, I think Department of Truth is a really unique book that really offers something different in terms of storytelling and especially in terms of tone.
I was really happy to see Eight Billion Genies get a mention. I was very pleased by the concept and execution.
This year I definitely loved: A Righteous Thirst for Vengeance, Above Snakes and of course The Human Target as well. Both story and graphic side go together well in those. It was a good year 😀
Great list Chris! Not too many surprises for the people that follow you on your other channel!
One major oversight or possible blind spot though- Ice Cream Man has been phenomenal this year! The stories have been emotional, horrifying and solidly consistent. One of the best comics where you can just pick up any single issue and enjoy it having never read a previous issue- though reading them all is certainly rewarding! Would love to hear your thoughts on issue 31 particularly, an amazing standout issue that affected me for sure. Loved it. Hope you have a great holiday and New Year!
Tatsuki Fujimoto's one-shot Goodbye Eri came out this year and I think it's my favourite comicbook. Definitely worth checking out.
Cliff Chiang’s Catwoman: Lonely City was a real treat.
Hey, Chris. I love what you do, I've been loving what you do for a long time. In my experience, Americans kind of recoil/wince when people attempt to give them a hug (which is a very Argentinian thing to do) --- but hey, hope you will embrace my most warm, sincere, enthusiastic hug here. You're a great guy. Thank you.
Thanks for your thoughtful and well-researched videos this year Chris! I think my favourite read of the year was Nice House on the Lake v1, just so eerie and claustrophobic with a pitch perfect art style
The variety of books you cover in your regular videos always makes me excited to see your annual list. I can trust you to be very open to all kinds of books, and there I always a bunch of new things I've never heard of. :)
Really happy to see Human Target on the list. I didn't see it on many lists. Above Snakes and Ice Cream Man are in my Top 5 of '22, along with HT, Do A Power Bomb, and Shaolin Cowboy.
Saga is my current favorite comic book series, and the last few pages of issue 60 had me in tears. Absolutely profound storytelling.
Keep up the great work into 2023!
I love 'Lazarus' and 'Black Magik', both by Greg Rucka. They're not new series but I think they're still great. Ed Brubaker's 'Cruel Summer' was gripping noir (not sure if it was a 2022 release, I read the trade over the summer).
You gotta check out the Gotham City Central that he wrote along with Brubaker... it's about 20 years old... but I think it's still pretty good.
@@solidkingcobra Yeah, I read that. I think he's at his creative peak when he builds his own worlds.
I'm actually surprised that 'Lazurus' hasn't been adapted for TV yet. It seems tailor-made for that medium.
@@crustymcgee6580 I Agree with you with Greg Rucka building worlds.
I'm kinda wary of Lazarus being adapted for tv to be honest... the whole time I was reading it the political intrigue had the game of thrones vibe to it... maybe if it ha HBO backing it may be good?
@@solidkingcobra I think the series embodies the current social zeitgeist with its dystopic vision of the future. If an adaption could convey this anxiety it will stay faithful to the source material.
Lazarus is better than TV. It’s a comic. And this years issue shave been the best so far, it’s an amazing book.
I just read It's Lonely at the Centre of the Earth by Zoe Thorogood and it blew me away, so good!!! I'd put it as my favorite comic from 2022. You should check it out if you haven't! it's more of an abstract exploration of the author's deppression, loneliness, the role of art, and the search for human connection. The art is absolutely amazing and it affected me deeply.
I read it just after making this video. I agree that it’s fantastic.
Check out Benjamin Percy, Joe Bennett, Cory Smith’s Ghost Rider run. It’s pretty neat and takes the character in a little bit of a different direction. The panels are clean (yet a little generic) and the dialogue is pretty great.
Your videos are always a great watch , especially in a UA-cam climate that would rather attack comics than celebrate them. Great work as always !
Both are necessary. We need them to be constantly called out for the trash they are putting out and praised for books that are actually worth your time and money.
Hello Chris, I want to thank you for introducing me to Supergirl: woman of tomorrow. I just read the story, and it blew my mind. The story, the artwork, the characters, the dialogue, the deep understanding of Supergirl ... loved it.
Glad I got Fantastic Four: FC and Ducks which I need to read alongside all my other exceptionally long TBR.
Flashpoint Beyond by Geoff Johns was absolutely brilliant, and my pick for best DC comic of the year.
Fables by Bill Willingham and Mark Buckingham has made it's return in 2022, and it's been awesome. Buckingham is absolutely blowing me away with his better than ever artwork.
Blue and Gold by Dan Jurgens was unbelievably fun, funny, and incredibly well written. I hope he writes more.
Great list. Appreciate the variety and not just titles from the big two. For me some of my favourites of the year not mentioned are:
That Texas Blood - If you are a fan of Brubaker/Phillips this book is a must. Follows a sheriff in Texas and some of the interesting and life altering cases in his life.
X-Men Red - Immortal is great but for me this book has been all I want from X-Men. Deep lore, space drama, excellent characterization and starring new and underused mutants.
Other than that fell in love with Jed Mackay. Moon Knight, Strange, Black Cat have all been super fun and remind me of what got me into comics. Also Zdarsky still killing it on Daredevil.
For me. It's Prodigy: The Icarus Society, Hearts Eye, Kroma, King of Spies, Once and Future, We Only Find Them When They're Dead.
Again a year goes by when I couldn't read everything you recommend on your channel. The list grows and grows. What I was able to read was just terrific. Thank you for your recommendations. Without them a lot of good comics would pass me by.
I really loved Ross' work on Full Circle. I hope he does more like this.
Cool list. My best book or collection was the new Love & Rockets boxset. I obsessed over it all year despite having read all this material multiple times. Now that I finally have it in my hands, I was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief and am enjoying going through the original 50 issues all over again. Other than that, the Alex Ross FF book was awesome. The second issue of Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons was also great, and I’m eagerly awaiting issue 3 which is coming this week I think. I wish it was coming faster and I hope DeConnick is able to continue because she said she has enough material for 9 issues total.
Really cool list! Surprised at how many I've already read on there. Some things that I think are cool include the following:
Detective Comics (Ram V. & Rafael Albuquerque)
Something is Killing the Children is still going strong this year
Love Everlasting (Tom King & Elsa Charretier)
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is a good manga
Poison Ivy (G. Willow Wilson & Marcio Takara)
The Supermassive universe with Kyle Higgins & co. (Rogue Sun is particularly fantastic and Radiant Black #18 might be one of the best single issues of the year)
Amazing Fantasy #1000 has some of the best Spider-Man stories period
Ant-Man (Al Ewing & Tom Reilly)
Finding Batman from DC Pride 2022 written by Kevin Conroy
Edit: Also special shout out to Transformers: Last Bot Standing which is really fun and the only piece of IDW Transformers I've read so far
Step by Bloody Step to me was by fat the best comic of the year since the first issue dropped
YESSSS!!! I like that it was only a coupla issues too and it didn't overstay its welcome.
@@solidkingcobra impressive that there's not one word uttered and it carries it all through the thing only comics can do in it's truest essence. The most "comic" comic in years.
Great list. A few you didn't mention that I liked are
1. Twig (Young/Strahm)
2. What's the Furthest Place From Here (Rosenberg/Boss)
3. A Righteous Thirst For Vengeance (Remender/Araujo)
4. The Lion and The Eagle (Ennis/Holden)
5. Love Everlasting (King/Charretier)
6. Newburn (Zdarsky/Phillips)
7. Time Before Time (Shalvey/McConville/Palmer)
You mentioned my top 3
Do a Powerbomb
Nice House On the Lake
Eight Billion Genies
Catwoman Lonely City was a great true cartoonist effort by Cliff Chang. Oh my - what a book! (A clear top 3 IMO)
Thanks for this selection. Recently I discovered the book «The Strange Death of Alex Raymond» by Dave Sim & Carson Grubaugh. I haven’t started to read it yet but you should have a look at it. It’s very interesting visually (in b&w) and it has a lot of graphic «explorations» witch makes me think the medium of comics is still alive. Cheers from Canada!
Great list, great comics and a great year for ComicTropes! Love the work you do man, best wishes for 2023!!
You should try doing a series like 'what I read this month" and recommend what series you think stand out, as someone who's trying to explore more genres of comics I really enjoyed this video for the wide variety of comics mentioned I never even heard of.
Episode topic suggestion: fitness in comics. In my opinion, Frank Miller appeared ignorant with how he portrayed DD, Bullseye and The Punisher working out. Denny O’Neil and Archie Goodwin made some efforts, but weren’t as knowledgeable as they thought.
Fun, enjoyable video. I was mostly buying back issues all year (other than Jim Rugg's HULK GRAND DESIGN books, Ed Piskor's RED ROOM, and a few issues of X-CELLENT by Michael Allred), but cool to see a few things to check out. Thanks for your videos. They are always enjoyable.
I really have been enjoying the one bad day one shots that DC has been putting out. I also really dig vanish by donny cates and ryan stegman. Also anything James Tynion the 4th writes is really enjoyable! Im definitely gonna have to check out the Tom King comics you recommended. I really love the art in Full Circle but I personally felt the story a little lacking and anticlimactic. You might also like the Gotham Year: One comic by Tom King.
I'm so grateful there is such a cool comic book UA-camr who is thoughtful and open to the experiences of women and minorities. You really are a superhero
100% hit the nail on the head with "Do a Powerbomb."
nice chris-mas ^^. i really dig that newer, more linear graphical alex ross drawing style. and i was blown away by the artwork of "do a powerbomb", amazing inking
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is so, so incredible. I actually did something pretty unique while reading it: I voiced every single part for the entire story.
It really does make it that much more emotional. I cried so many times.😭 One of the very best stories I’ve ever read.
Human Target is totally new to me but looks FANTASTIC. Very excited to read that.😊
More excited for The Last Ronin, Full Circle, and Do a Power Bomb as well. Thank you as always!😄
Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Buon Natale Chris. Thanks again this year for all the videos!
Human Target and Supergirl are light years ahead of everything else on this list and, funnily enough, both are written by Tom King - whose run on Batman was ... *unfortunate*, to say the least. Gorgeous art can only partially 'save' a comic book if it's a jumbled clusterfrack of 'deep' ideas and I'm glad these two books of his were a complete 180 for me.
Didn't read most of these comics this year and I read a lot of Comics. One of my favorites this year was The Crimson Cage which is a horror retelling of Mcbeth told through the world of 80s territory pro wrestling. It was such an awesome read and the art work was really fantastic. I am also really enjoying everything that came out with Something Is Killing The Children. I wish the issues were longer because I speed through them. Whats the Furthest Place From Here? was also really great this year too. It started in november last year but i read the first arc and it was really fun. Also every issue of Ice Cream Man was really fantastic this year, that comic is just so phenomenal and W. Maxwell Prince is one of my favorite writers of today.
Always a pleasure to watch your videos, Chris. Happy holidays!
My favorite TV series "Gargoyles" has recebtly been revived as a comic book series once again so that would probably be my favorite comic related thing this year. The series' creator is penning this one too.
I think Batman/Superman Generations was the first comic that did the time skip by decades like Spider-Man Life Story. And then some X-Men comic did the same in 2019.
Glad to see you liked the Tom King books, I can confirm by the way that the Flash book is an absolute blast
Merry Xmas Chris! You still have the best UA-cam channel, btw (I'm a proud patreon, shameless pat on the back for myself, lol). A few of my favorites from the big two- Nightwing and Superman: Son of Kal-El, both written by Tom Taylor, the books intertwine and the big brother aspect of Nighwing for Jon Kent is heartfelt and wonderful. Also X-men Red and Daredevil/ Punisher, I hope you know what I did there with the last two. Thanks!
Punisher has been very entertaining this year. Nightwing has the best covers.
@@ComicTropes The covers for Nightwing have been fantastic, I totally agree! They're so creative!!
Human Target has been amazing 🔥 as has "Do a Powerbomb". DC vs Vampires was also incredibly good.
Ice Cream Man continues to blow me away monthly. No one else is writing books like this. It is just fresh and real.
I started doing a quick list while i was listening to you and i immediately wrote in Do A powerbomb at #1 before you had even finished the intro. It was my book of the year as soon as I read issue 2 and i never looked back. Couple recs. Defenders Beyond and AntMan both by Al Ewing my two fav marvels, Swamp Thing and Detective Comics by Ram V were my 2 favorite DC comics.
I've fallen out of Western comics these past years but I'm definetely checking out some of your list now. Thanks, man!
Here are a few of my favorites from 2022: Lovecraft The Dream Quest Of Kadath, New York Ninja, Rogues (DC), The Human Target, Cyberfrog Rekt Planet
is that Lovecraft Unknown Kadath? I think "Dream Quest..." is the original novella if I'm not mistaken from the early 20th century. Just trying to make sure I get the right book :)
@@belowzeros Actually you are correct Lovecraft Unknown Kadath is the title; I was getting mixed up with the book, I love the comic because the book had so many strange descriptions I didn't quite get it but now it seems to help the former make more sense and still be fun to read on it's own merit!
I read "Do a Power Bomb" because of your recommendation. It is one the greatest comics I have ever read. I will read now everything DWJ has written. New big Fan of that man.
Thanks for the recommendations, Chris! I want to check out FF Full Circle, Asodora, and The Human Target. If you are so inclined, I'd like to recommend to you Vinland Saga and Astro City. I don't know if you've read any volumes from those two series, but I'd love to hear your thoughts if you decide to check them out. Thanks!
Thanks for the recommendations, Chris! Happy holidays, and more power in 2023.
I look forward to your videos. I especially love your video on the history of comic coloring. Just some constructive criticism:
I've noticed that sometimes your video will be out of focus or go in and out of focus throughout a video. I'm no expert but if your camera has an autofocus function, it may be getting confused with your puppet in the background and be focusing on that face.
Thanks for the mention of Asadora, I really love that manga.
Started borrowing the currents volumes and can't wait for new volumes.
As a few books I thought were great this year that aligned with your recommendations Chris, there were a few for some of your subscribers to check out. Shaolin Cowboy: Cruel to Be Kin by Geof Darrow completed a 7 issue mini that defies plot description. Billionaire Island: Cult of Dogs by Mark Russell and Steve Pugh. Near future satire from the duo who created that phenomenal Flintstones miniseries a few years ago. Lastly is Seven Sons by Jae Lee with Robert Windom and Kelvin Mao. This was Lee's return to sequential art in several years, immersed in eschatology of a parallel timeline. Ripe with influences of Stephen King and apocalyptic scripture, it is worth checking out.
Nice list. I need to check the FF, 8 billion genies, and powerbomb.
Ronin was great and Spy X Family is full heart on display.
My favs were
Brian Pullido’s latest La Muerta
White Ash & Glarien by Charlie Stickney
And a few European books that were brought over recently.
My two favorites this year were Nightwing and Legion of X
I've noticed a lot of comedians and comic book writers have a history or on going fascination with WWF (as I knew it) and old wrestling.
Great list and some incredible picks. The Last Ronin story looks really interesting to me, I may have to check that out. Thanks, Chris!
That "Super powers" comic book in your tray brought back a lot of memories. Great content, keep it up.
Great video! I also had Do a powerbomb as my top pick for this year. X-Men Red has also been great and Strange Academy even though it only released a few issues this year is a great read you should check out (assuming you haven't). I would also recommend Le Fay from Evoluzione Publishing. They sell mostly through Kickstarter, but I think the trade is also available to order online. Premise is Morgan Le Fay in the modern age working as a P.I. It's a fantasy based detective story. Anyway, keep up the great work on your videos!
thank you Chris, I look forward to these every year. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family!
Thanks for recommending Asadora!... boy this manga is a wild ride.
Happy holidays sir, thank you for all of your hard work this year. Take care!
I must say that Tom King has been on a roll this past year. From writing Supergirl to a classic character like Christopher Chance, his stories have been awesome but I must say that the comic I've enjoyed by Tom King the most this year is Batman: Killing Time.
The new villian introduced in the comic, The Help, has got to be one of my favorite recent villians to be added to the Batman mythos as well as David Marquez's excellent art that really grabbed my interest and enhanced the story imo.
Though I will say the backtracking/over exposition and constant pov swapping King likes to do made the story a bit confusing to follow at times but overall, really good stuff (which is surprising since I didn't like his Batman run that much lol).
Another surprise comic that got me this year was Venom Lethal Protector. It's pretty neat that I recommend for any Venom fan, especially if they want to see some amazing art and a more goofy Venom reminiscent of his first couple appearances back in the early days.
you turned me on to DWJ with your episode about him and he's been my favorite current writer/artist ever since (and deservedly in my all time favs too). can't wait for the powerbomb tpb coming in march
I really loved Batman: The Knight by Chip Zdarsky as well as the Failsafe story arch in the main series. I'm excited to see where he goes
Try Reading the New GEOFF JOHNS - official DC return comics - _The New Golden Age 1_ (one-shot) along w/ Last Summers' _Star Girl Spring-Break Special 1_ (one-shot) are the 2 comics that set off &/or prologue the Golden Age character focused saga (( The New Golden Age 1 comic, even has an encyclopedia glossary inside it / like _Action Comics Annual 10_ A #MustRead )). Than,
> _Justice Society of America 1_
& _Star Girl 'Lost Children' 1 - 2_ (their on A search for All the missing Side-kicks from the 1940's who have been literally forgotten by DC Editorial). It's Awesome! And right now it's only 5 comics total..
And if your Super into it, 1980's _DC Comics Presents 63 'Whatever happened to the Crimson Avenger',_ story is Some of the org Source material refrenced in the Star Girl stuff.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for all the good suggestion. I have discovered your channel just yesterday but I’m enjoying every single video.
Keep up with the great work
I'm glad Saga is back, and good as ever. I met Brian K. Vaughn back in 2017 at a comics convention in Vancouver, BC.
Great recommendations! Nice list
Two really new books from Image that have knocked my socks off so far have been Kroma and Kaya. Super creative world building, fantastic art and incredible color, and both singular works by individual cartoonists. Also gotta give it up for Hulk Grand Design (Jim’s inventive styles and layouts were lovingly rendered) and Shaolin Cowboy (the most art for your dollar bar none)!
The Blue Flame (vigilante story that alternates between sci-fi and slice of life), and Department of Truth ( X Files type conspiracy stuff). The Silver Coin ( anthology of interlinked horror stories) and Post-Americana ( post- apocalyptic action/sick humor).
Beautiful channel! I agree with your ranking. I would also include the final part of The immortal hulk, because the continuity has been one of the best in recent years and Zdarsky's Daredevil run too. See ya!
What a wonderful and important video, I had given up on comics from Marvel and DC, but now I can't wait to read Fantastic Four, Supergirl and the Human Target. Thanks.
One Beautiful Spring Day is my personal pick for best comic of the year. Would love a Jim Woodring episode one day.
Thank you for the great suggestions! I've been going along with your video and scooping up whatever I can find an Amazon/Kindle. DC seems to be having a big sale on digital TPBs, so I picked up Supergirl and Human Target Vol.1 for CAD $4 each which is crazy.
I kind of fell off keeping up with new series ever since Comixology was integrated into Amazon. The whole site and all the apps just stopped working in Canada. The transition was completely botched in my opinion, and has turned me into a much more casual fan of comics and manga than I used to be.
Just finished the video - One series that I did not see mentioned was Newburn! Great Image detective series, Chip Zdarsky keeps hitting it out the park.
I wish more entertainment was set between the beginning of time - 2015, or into the far future but written without pop culture references or lingo from before 2010.
Cullen Bunn-Unearth was mind shattering!
Thank you for the great videos all year Chris!
My top comics this year:
Do A Power Bomb
Barbaric
The Last Autobot
Good list.
I'm surprised that sales of digital comics are up. I barely even touched a comic this year after Amazon screwed up Comixology.
I tried a couple of times to go back to physical comics, but every time I went back to my local comic book store it just left me depressed. The size of the western comic book section keeps shrinking to where I can barely find anything I'm interested in and the prices are just ludicrous compared to what I was paying for digital copies.
Everyone who slept on do a Powerbomb, you’re missing out! Glad it’s you’re number 1! Met the writer at an AEW event in Los Angeles. He was really cool and down to earth and was selling shirts for the comic.
I haven't seen any of these (not buying comics much these days), but I may have to pick up Fantastic 4 Full Circle. And Ducks - Two years in the Oilfield, not my usual read, looks worth a read as well.