@@@ 12th ANNUAL @$$IE AWARDS! @@@
Welcome, all, to the 12th Annual AICN COMICS @$$IE AWARDS, where comics best and brightest are recognized for stellar (and sometimes not so stellar) performances in comic bookdom. I’m Mark L. Miller aka Ambush Bug. There was a time when we could fit all of the @$$ies into one lengthy column, but the @$$Holes’ ranks have grown too big for that and the awards have grown in number through the year, so I decided to spread it out all week to post the @$$Holes’ picks for the best of the best in comics. Most awards are given around the turn of the year, but we think ours is kind of special, so while those outside of the know celebrate the time of the Oscar, we here at AICN COMICS celebrate the time of the coveted @$$ie Award. So sit back, crack the knuckles in your browsing hand, and scroll down as the @$$Holes pick the @$$ies!
(Click title to go directly to the category)
Best Single Issue/Single Moment!
Best Miniseries!
Best Publisher!
Humphrey Lee - The Final Piece, THE SCULPTOR, First Second BooksI don’t believe any comic that I read this year in any format had the emotional punch that this Scott McCloud OGN presented. The hook of the book of a floundering artist that sells a hunk of his lifespan to Death for special abilities that will make his art easier to create for the world, immediately creates a tension within the book’s pages as that clock ticks down. You know that our sculptor, David, is living on even less borrowed time than we all are as human beings, so that makes watching his quest for producing a legacy he can be proud of even more anxiety inducing, which gives way to dread as David falls in love. The culmination of these two forces of unbridled creativity and love that we get as THE SCULPTOR wraps itself up presents one of the most soul-rending final acts I have ever read in a comic book and that I feel will stick with me for a long time to come. I know this has been deliberately vague considering I’m supposed to be selling a “Single Moment,” but even a year after release I feel like I would be doing this book an injustice leaving a spoiler in this space for those who have yet to read THE SCULPTOR for whatever reason.
Lionel Putz - Reed Richards vs. Doctor Doom, SECRET WARS #9, Marvel ComicsI’m willing to concede that the main Secret Wars title was uneven at best, and that it is certainly rightly criticized for failing to showcase the Reed Richards/Doom rivalry that was the core of the conflict. That said, the final showdown between the two, with Owen Reece watching over, was a moment of amazing catharsis. Doom finally admitting to Reed his jealousy of the man’s gift, and seeing the rage attendant with that moment, felt like the proper culmination of over 50 years’ worth of stored conflict between the two.
Henry Higgins is My Homeboy – The Wall of Internet from THE WICKED & THE DIVINE, Image ComicsFor a series so focused on the ever evolving understanding of fame, it’s the quietest moment that’s the most heartbreaking. Tara’s been a joke the entire run thus far, being the one no one likes, being the one everyone takes for granted. Fucking Tara. But in a single issue, we learn about her origins, we meet her now, and we see what makes her tick, how despite her attempts to sing and create art, all people ever want is the God. She’s a one hit wonder. And the ending, prompted by the wall of what people absent-mindly think out loud one day about some celeb they’ve never met, and the effect it have on an actual person? It’s shattering. The image of all those Tweets reducing a poor girl to nothing but a joke hasn’t left my mind all year.
Vroom Socko - THE END OF THE ELTINGVILLE CLUB #2, Dark Horse ComicsA fitting end to these wonderful stereotypes that you either love or love to hate. All praise to the mighty Evan Dorkin for understanding the worst of fanboy culture, and how important it is to laugh at ourselves.
There’s a complete Eltingville hardcover out now. You owe it to yourselves to read it now.
The Kid Marvel - God Doom Kills Thanos, SECRET WARS #8, Marvel ComicsWe all know the level of bad ass that Thanos holds within the Marvel Universe. We all know the level of bad ass Dr. Doom holds as well. However, up until this point, minus receiving some godlike powers from the Beyonder in the original Secret Wars series, Doom has only been godly in ego alone. While Thanos on the other hand, without receiving the Infinity Gauntlet or really any otherworldly influence, is already pretty freaking godlike already. To the point he can take blows from the Hulk, Mjolnir and most entities within the 616 like they were pitty pats. So watching God Doom face off against Thanos, completely confident and believing Doom has no chance against him, only to be vaporized without the slightest bit of effort, is just a holy sh@# moment.
Masked Man - THE MULTIVERSITY: MASTER MEN #1, DC ComicsQuite hard picking my favorite issue this year, but the combination of old school DC magic with the new school magic of writer Grant Morrison is pretty hard to beat. Here is Morrison’s THE MULTIVERSITY final one-shot, MASTER MEN #1, which is Morrison’s reimagining of the Freedom Fighters of Earth X (or 10). On this Earth the Nazi’s have won WWII and the Justice League is full of Nazi heroes. Opposing them is a terrorist group led by Uncle Sam. It’s just a great twist on an old concept and an awesome kick off to a concept you know DC will never use.
Lyzard - ARCHIE #2, Archie ComicsSix months ago I tweeted that ARCHIE #2 might have had my favorite panel of this year. Since then nothing else has come close to the simple visual gag drawn by Fiona Staples. Archie somehow setting fire to an ice cream bar perfectly captured the goofy spirit of old in an issue that also pushed for a mature tone.
Ambush Bug - BATMAN: EARTH ONE Vol.2This is one whopper of a single issue, but it’s probably one of the best modern, big cinematically scoped Batman stories you’re going to see. In this volume, Geoff Johns introduces us to the Earth One Riddler, then shows us the unconventional origin of this Earth’s Two-Face which is one of the richest takes on the character in quite some time. Add in some brawling with Killer Croc and a surprising turn of events for the character for some extra action scenes and this is one action packed chapter in Geoff Johns’ version of the Bat Universe. I wouldn’t do this book justice without mentioning the stellar art by Gary Frank, an artist I wish would do more work, but am always amazed by his work when I do see it. His versions of Bruce Wayne, the badass Alfred (which is not unlike what it seems the Jeremy Irons Alfred is going to be in the upcoming movie), his compassionate Gordon, and the likable, but flawed Harvey Bullock are all both similar to their iconic forms in other comics, yet wholly unique under this artist’s pen. Released at the beginning of last year, BATMAN: EARTH ONE Vol.2 was the book I visited and revisited for all of those “WOW!” moments this category is made for.
Optimous Douche - "Are you my Daddy?", INVINCIBLE #126, Image ComicsWith that one line (or close to it) my tepid heart and heat towards Kirkman's "other" book was instantly reignited to a full flame on. Mark is a Clark for the modern age. The true balancing of heroics with real life has been splayed across this book since day one. Like real life, the book has slogged through malaise during the times when Eve got depressed and fat, and Mark was having some shitty days at work. The "Reboot" story that ended with this issue, delivered a true 180 though for the INVINCIBLE family; it reunited brothers, tested the mettle of strangers now in a strange land, and wrested away the most precious Daddy/Daughter years through a clever twist that took Mark back in time. These are the stories of a REAL superhero. Kudos to Kirkman for not kicking in my teeth every issue so they shatter like glass when he stops pulling literary punches.
Optimous Douche - LADY KILLER, Dark Horse ComicsSuburbia in the late 50's and early 60's wasn't as dull as we all have seen or remember. But I doubt even if Ward' Cleaver's stained trousers were ever hung out to dry, the story wouldn't be half a sexy or scintillating as this tale of Josie, a housewife turned hit man. Sexy, cool, sleek and a true remembrance of the age when, 'Pappa loved mambo," and was utterly oblivious to the needs of Mom in the next room. What I loved best about this tale beyond the blood and the Donna Reed demeanor of the protagonist was that no one was demonized. Sure our assassin in an apron had an oblivious husband who was condescending and a handler who was a walking testicle, but they weren't hated for it by Josie. That job is for us as readers to use time and progression to make those judgments. It's this subtle approach that allows a book to address societal injustice without becoming preachy.
Humphrey Lee – AIRBOY, Image ComicsAIRBOY is a bit of an odd duck for me because, admittedly, the comic book had its own set of issues besides the clever outlet of existential crisis the book ended up being for veteran writer James Robinson and relatively unknown penciler Greg Hinkle. Sometimes the book is a little too indulgent, others it kind of meanders in its own rendition of fourth wall breaking shenanigans. But man, when it is fun in its own brand of “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” drug-fueled adventures meets “Adaptation” level of meta-contextual creative soul searching, it is damn fucking fun. From script down to fantastic art, when AIRBOY works it really does work, even if a couple times it tries a bit too hard to be offensive for the raunchiness’ sake.
Lionel Putz - AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: RENEW YOUR VOWS, Marvel ComicsI consider last year’s Secret Wars tie-ins more hit than miss, but of all of them, I was most excited about RENEW YOUR VOWS. This is the grown-up Spider-Man I always wanted. Not one that ret-conned away his marriage, or stumbled ass-backwards into finishing his degree, but one that once again decided to forego certain personal and professional opportunities, this time in order to be a parent and husband, not a superhero. I appreciate what Dan Slott is trying to do in the All New, All Different relaunch, but I think this is the Spidey we should have gotten post-Secret Wars.
Henry Higgins is My Homeboy – GOTHAM BY MIDNIGHT, DC ComicsThis series was pure atmosphere, and that worked really well. Getting to see a new side of the Gotham P.D. in action, working with Jim Corrigan to try and stop the things that go bump in the night of Gotham was really interesting stuff. It offered an interesting new perspective on the Spectre, and introduced us to a handful of Gotham PD members who I sincerely hope we get back. It’s a shame this book didn’t go on longer.
Vroom Socko - LADYKILLER, Dark Horse ComicsEverything about this series was amazing. The early 60‘s style, the amazing art, the characters... Even the concept, having a housewife and mother secretly being a Matt Helm-style assassin, well that’s just a blast.
This year will see a follow-up series, and I can’t wait to read it.
The Kid Marvel - OLD MAN LOGAN, Marvel ComicsI freaking loved this mini-series during the Secret Wars event. Sorrentino and Bendis killed it. The artwork was superb and the story was simple, with everything flowing perfectly. With everything that went on with Secret Wars, a lot of the mini-series just tried too hard. While OLD MAN LOGAN knew what is was and set up the current series beautifully, as well as how Old Man Logan fits into Marvel now and where his character left off after the Miller series.
Masked Man - THE TWILIGHT CHILDREN, DC VertigoOk, I’ll admit, Gibert Hernandez and Darwyn Cooke wimped out on the ending: Instead of the TWILIGHT ZONE they gave us LOST. Still THE TWILIGHT CHILDREN was packed with such mysteries awesomeness- giant glowing orbs, people disappearing in a flash of light, a scientist that didn’t know what the hell he was doing, a pretty ‘alien’ girl, laughable government agents, and some how the world was saved at the end. So at the end of the day, it’s still a great mini-series I’d recommend to anyone- even non comic book fans.
Lyzard - THOR, Marvel ComicsI was disappointed to find that writer Jason Aaron and artist Russell Dauterman run would only be eight issues, but what an octet it was. What separated THOR from other mini-series was how well it worked as both a stand-alone set but also as a continuation of the ORIGINAL SIN storyline. While there was a great deal of hype regarding the feminist aspect of the comic, THOR proved itself to be more than just a publicity stunt.
Ambush Bug - THE SHRINKING MAN, IDW PublishingNo other miniseries this year struck me as much as this miniseries did. What most likely came to be to cash in on the ANT-MAN movie success, turned out to be one of the most engrossing, intentionally morose, unintentionally funny, and just plain weird stories I’ve read in ages. While this is the harrowing tale of a man who just begins shrinking one day and keeps doing so throughout the story, it also makes for some uncomfortable, but engaging moments as the shrinking man’s family begins to react to his shrinkage in demasculating ways. His wife won’t sleep with him anymore because she doesn’t want to hurt him. His daughter doesn’t listen to him and plays with him like a toy. A stranger tries to pick him up on the street and tries to molest him thinking he’s a young boy. This miniseries goes to places that are pitch black dark and isn’t afraid to do so. THE SHRINKING MAN contains some of the weirdest twists and turns you’re going to see in a comic and I found it to be utterly fascinating on from a sociological and a psychological perspective about a man who begins to feel him importance to the world shrinking by the moment. Fantastically warped metaphorical stuff from writer Ted Adams and artist Mark Torres from an original novel by Richard Matheson.
Optimous Douche - Image ComicsCOPPERHEAD, INVINCIBLE, WALKING DEAD, MANIFEST DESTINY, WYTCHES and about 100 other titles continue to solidify Image as the new house ideas. It lacks congruity or continuity between titles, a lambast that held water against them back when the big two were able to make some sense of their collective universes. With Secret Wars shuffling off years of continuity coil and DC basically saying "fuck it, we give up on continuity" with "Convergence, why should any of us get assed up about adherence to timelines that must remain flexible for the characters to continue over time. I know I'm done holding up the fanman fight. Image, I salute you for reopening the doors to imagination, and introducing a whole new stable of creators for me to ride off into comic reading old age with.
Humphrey Lee – Image ComicsNo big surprise that the “Big I” is still the big dog on the block in my book these days considering their output. I still firmly believe that no company out there puts forth a more interesting slate of creative talent and original material in the industry right now than Image. That said, the gap does seem to be closing given what I’m seeing from some of the other Independent publishers in the industry, and even the Big Two shook things up a bit given Marvel’s tendency this past year to just throw any property at the wall and see what sticks and DC revamping its Vertigo line a bit. Add to that that a lot of Image books seem to be falling into nebulous shipping schedules these days and this wasn’t quite the rock solid pick that it has been for me the past few years. The quality and quantity are still there – as half my comic buying budget going to Image still will attest – but the times are a changing out there across the board (which is wonderful) threatening Image’s rein at the top of being the most innovative publisher out there, even if they seem to be the ones to have spurred a lot of this industry change.
Lionel Putz - Marvel ComicsI’m not sure if they’re the best publisher by an objectively critical measure, but they got more of my money in 2015 than any other publisher (or indie books combined), so they win this one on points alone. Well done, Marvel. I bought a lot of Secret Wars books.
Since I can’t say that about the All New, All Different initiative, don’t expect a repeat next year.
Henry Higgins is My Homeboy – DC ComicsSo. I liked a lot of what Marvel did this year. But a year with mess ups and mistakes is still a year with mess ups and mistakes, both editorial and within story lines. For what it’s worth, DC managed to actually have a really strong year. For the first time since Grant Morrison left, it really felt like Superman and Batman mattered again. Their indie titles were strong as hell, not just the Vertigo line. Books like THE OMEGA MEN, GOTHAM BY MIDNIGHT, WE ARE ROBIN, BLACK CANARY, MIDNIGHTER, and GRAYSON have become must read books. GOTHAM ACADEMY is fucking ADORABLE. PREZ is great. Characters like Starfire, Bizarro, and Robin were given a new chance to shine after wrong headed ideas. In a year where Marvel managed to have an amazing love letter to itself, DC let creators create. It was wonderful, and the first time in years I pick up maybe two DC book up.
Vroom Socko - Marvel ComicsIt’s a bit of a stretch to award this category based on a single book, but what gives Marvel the nod this year is Squirrel Girl.
With DC still stuck in the grim-n-gritty, do you have any idea how refreshing it is to see one of the big two willing to put out a charming, sweet, fun comic that features a female protagonist?
The Kid Marvel - Marvel ComicsMarvel once again had a much stronger year than DC and really any other publisher. DC events as usual, were and still are long and drawn out to painful ends. They also don’t seem to affect the individual titles in the slightest, there’s just no consistent continuity and it gets frustrating. The Justice League become gods, pretty big plot point and yet, it never gets mentioned in the single titles. As for Marvel, Secret Wars was a fun series in the main event, with a lot of really cool mini-series as well. Plus, between Daredevil and Jessica Jones, which were both freaking phenomenal. Then Age of Ultron, which was ehh and Ant-Man, which was a solid and fun watch, Marvel has been just ahead of DC on so many levels. Minus of course actual TV shows cause the DC-CWverse is light-years ahead of what Marvel has been doing, with SHIELD and Agent Carter.
Masked Man - Image ComicsIt’s always hard picking the best publisher of the year, as all of them, at their core they are blood sucking leeches trying to find cheaper ways for parting us with our cash- but hey that’s capitalism. But for a company that doesn’t waste time on toy licenses from the 80’s, or mega marketing crossover events, or reverse white-washing, or reboots, Image does the industry proud. They actually seem to do things to elevate the comic book medium with creator first and owned books. With that philosophy, hey are great publisher any year.
Lyzard - Archie ComicsIs anyone surprised by my choice? Not only did they revamp the Archie series and give Jughead his due, Archie Comics had multiple successful crossovers (SHARKNADO, PREDATOR) and continued to scare the sh*t out of readers with their Archie Horror subset. At this rate, it gives me hope that the publisher could achieve the impossible and effectively revitalize the SONIC series.
Now it’s time to pick your own @$$ies in the Talkbacks. Look for more tomorrow when we offer up our picks for Best One-Shot/Special/Annual/OGN, Favorite Comic Book Super Team, and Best Artist/Art Team! See you tomorrow!
Proofs, co-edits & common sense provided by Sleazy G
