COMICS 2012

I couldn't think of a good title for this article. Originally, it was "Things in Comics I am Most Looking Forward to in 2012" but I think I'd need a separate page just for the heading. I was going to list the trades I'm most excited about for next year, but it grew into more areas, with a more vague collective theme, other than comics. So, with the sands of 2011 fast falling through the hourglass of life, I thought I'd give y'all a heads-up on what I think will be most hot in the comics world in 2012 in all aspects of the medium and its surrounding culture. Presented here in no particular order besides the one in which they popped into my head. Marvel Season One Starting in February, Marvel Comics is retelling the origin stories of some of its classic characters with a line of original graphic novels under the title "Season One." Written and drawn by creators new and familiar, we can expect modern updates of the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, the X-Men, Daredevil, Doctor Strange, the Hulk and Ant-Man. This is something that, to my knowledge, Marvel rarely does (as opposed to DC's three separate retellings of Superman's origin, for example) and with film buzz (see below) it's a smart move. DC New 52 Somebody at DC Comics went insane this year, flipped over the chessboard and started a whole new game, taking all of their series back to issue 1 and revamping their whole universe. It may still be too early to tell, but it seems like it's been a success. However, us patient trade-waiters won't see the results for a while (the first collection of "New 52" stories -- Batman: The Court of Owls -- is out in March), but I'm looking forward to quite a few, including Geoff Johns and Jim Lee's Justice League: Origin (May) and Superman and the Men of Steel by Grant Morrison and Rags Morales (August). Movies If the Mayan prophecy is true and the world will indeed end on December 21st next year, then I can die a happy man, for I will have seen Joss Whedon's Marvel's The Avengers* and Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises. While these are not the only comic book movies out in 2012 (stay tuned to Street Savvy for a full guide), these are the two biggest. Both have been anticipated since 2008 (the release of Iron Man and The Dark Knight) so it feels somewhat like a neck-and-neck race. But I truly cannot tell which I'm more excited for. The action and fanboy thrills of Marvel's The Avengers or the intensity and genius of The Dark Knight Rises. Either way, both directors are perfect for the task and are sure not to disappoint. (*They vehemently insist on prefacing the title with "Marvel's." Honestly) Scott Snyder Having recently read (and re-read) The Black Mirror, I'd say that Snyder is the writer to watch in 2012. Not only does he carry the Batman torch expertly, but his Vertigo series American Vampire, which I've only just got into, is terribly good too. I look forward to more from him, such as the aforementioned Court of Owls, and his run on Swamp Thing. Olivier Coipel If Snyder is the writer to watch out for in 2012, I'd say Coipel is the corresponding artist. Back on the Asgardian scene with The Mighty Thor and one of the many creators on Marvel's next event story (more below), his gorgeous style is undeniably breathtaking. I'm glad he's back at the forefront of Marvel Comics, where he belongs. Flex Mentallo Perhaps the trade I am most excited for next year, Flex Mentallo: Man of Muscle Mystery is a mini-series that spun-out of Grant Morrison's run on Doom Patrol back in the late '80s. Due to Flex's similarity to (and obvious, but harmless, parody of) Charles Atlas, DC was legally unable to release the mini-series in collected edition. Until now! With art by Morrison's frequent collaborator, the spectacular Frank Quitely, this is sure to be worth the wait. Image's 20th anniversary Image Comics always seem like the ultimate underdog story. Formed in 1992 by disgruntled artists who wanted better creative rights, the company went on to become one of the most successful indie comics publishers out there, producing such greats as Spawn, The Walking Dead, Chew and the recent Witch Doctor (the indie series to watch out for, says I). They've announced an all-Image convention, but I'm not sure what their plans for the 20th anniversary are beyond that. Knowing these guys, it's gonna be one helluva party. Bane and Catwoman collections Inevitably, comic book movies bring shameless cash-in releases from publishers. But I'm certainly not complaining. With Bane and Catwoman set to star in The Dark Knight Rises, DC is reprinting a lot of their old stories in collected format. In January, we have Ed Brubaker and Darwyn Cooke's classic run on Catwoman's solo series from the early 2000s, and Bane gets a few with February's Batman vs. Bane, collecting his original confrontation with the Dark Knight, and Knightfall, the famous storyline in which he breaks the Bat, is getting the new edition treatment starting in April. The Venom story, involving the drug used by Bane, also comes out in April too. Secret Six finale One of the best series to come out of DC Comics, there seems to be no place for the Secret Six in DC's New 52. At least, not yet. I'll be sad the see it end, but Gail Simone is such a brilliant writer that I know she'll give the loveable rogues a worthy send-off. It may just be worth it to read this story. Secret Six: The Darkest House is out in January. Fear Itself Marvel's event of 2011 won't be collected until the very first week of January, and the year never really feels over till you've read both of the Big Two's event stories. DC's Flashpoint was a slight dud, so I am hoping that Marvel will trump the competition. In true spoiler-free style, I've tried to avoid any info on the plot, so I'm going in completely blind. Wish me luck! Avengers vs. X-Men Speaking of event stories, Marvel announced their next one a while back: Avengers vs. X-Men. Sure, a lot of cynical, bitter online commenters have let out a collective sigh and pointed to the similarities between this concept and 2006-07's Civil War, as well as other old stories, but I personally grinned ear-to-ear like a kid when I heard the title alone. Marvel heroes sure do seem to like fighting each other. With the truly monumental names attached to this project -- Jason Aaron, Brian Michael Bendis, Ed Brubaker, Olivier Coipel, Matt Fraction, Jonathan Hickman, Adam or Andy Kubert, and John Romita Jr. -- it is surely to be a landmark in comics history regardless of the outcome. Still no word on what DC's first event of the New 52 will be though. Mark Waid's Daredevil One of the most applauded series of this year, the forever fantastic Mark Waid takes the dour, grim Daredevil back to his more upbeat roots. Amazing art from Marcos Martin and Paolo Rivera is just the cherry on top. Plus, they're making comics for blind people now. C'mon! Kapow! Comic Con I attended the first ever Kapow! convention back in April and had a blast, so I'm ever more excited for the next one. Getting to meet great creators, attend humorous and enlightening panels, get sneak peaks at the latest comic book movies, and just hang around with likeminded people is what it's all about. Hopefully, 2012 is even bigger and better. - Here's to the new year! Looks like it's gonna be a good one. more
Posted by John Coughlan - Tuesday, December 27, 2011 - 18:51 - comments