The Best Comics of 2022
Lots of big splashes were made in the industry this year with Detective Comics releasing its DC vs. Vampires miniseries and Marvel delivering the Judgement Day event. Meanwhile, Aliens and Predator both saw their respective miniseries get launched for the first time not under the Dark Horse label. And speaking of firsts, Batman and Spawn teamed up for the first time in years to put the dark duo back in the hands of fans. But who stole the show as the year’s best?
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Best Mini-Series – Dark Knights of Steel (DC)
While this mini-series debuted in November of 2021, the brunt of this 12-issue story arrived in stores throughout most of 2022. DC basically took its characters and rewrote their stories amidst the backdrop of a fantasy medieval setting. While I’m sure that may sound a little silly at first glance, rest assured this arc hit on all cylinders and was pure gold.
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Best New Series – Vanish (Image)
It may not be a dystopian future, but it’s not far off. Take a run-down urban landscape where wizardry is a thing. The standout student at the school of magic just isn’t the top kid there, he’s an absolute prodigy. Now fast-forward a few decades in the future and that former kid is now an alcoholic, trying to fight off the remnants of those that destroyed the school he once attended. Vanish is dark, gritty, exceptionally written, and visceral.
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Best One-Shot or Single Issue – The Amazing Spider-Man #10 (Marvel)
Going on the recommendation of an employee at my local comic book store, I was told I don’t really need to know what’s going on in the story, just read this. So bought and read it I did and boy was that guy at the shop right. How would you act to a lost love if they returned for a day? And by lost I mean passed away. Such is the case with Peter Parker and the late Gwen Stacy. An ancient Celestial is giving humanity a day to justify why they should exist. Peter’s judge happens to be Gwen, and though silent she may be, Peter’s actions speak louder than words. This issue has a tendency to give you all the feels.
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Best Graphic Novel – The Last Ronin (IDW) – hardcover
Technically this title is a collection, but it’s better served in one solid book as opposed to five separate issues. It’s the not too distant future and all but one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been killed, Splinter too. One turtle remains who now wears a black mask and carries the weapons of all four turtles. This book was heart-wrenching. The turtles we all know and love, the turtles we grew up with, they meet unfortunate ends. It’s up to the one remaining brother tasked to take down Shredder’s grandson, who controls New York City. This book is filled with action, drama, sadness, and the riveting climactic battle between the Foot Clan and the last turtle.
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Best Ongoing Series – Moon Knight (Marvel)
While the Moon Knight TV series may have been a bit underwhelming, this comic book series is anything but. Marc Spector and his many personalities are on full display here, while Moon Knight leads the Midnight Mission, a safe house for anyone seeking shelter from the terrors of the night. He’s got a vampire for a receptionist and another Fist of Konshu who likes to make an appearance as well. While I feel many Moon Knight series have struggled in the past, writer Jed MacKay seems to have found the character’s stride. It’s anything but predictable and hits a certain sweet spot where many other titles fall short.
