Top 10 comics series of 2019
More and more periodical publishers popped up in the comics market in 2019, leading some observers to believe the market could be headed for a glut of product. Still, there were gems to be found among the comic racks, as Marvel refocused on its X-Men line, Image Comics launched several new compelling concepts, and DC brought new and old characters to the fore. Meanwhile, smaller publishers competed for shelf space and breakout hits. The following are my picks for best comicbook series of 2019. Come back next week for my selections of best graphic novels.
• 1 and 2. “House of X” and “Powers of X” (Marvel)
The two interconnected series “House of X” and “Powers of X” grab the top spots for the year, as writer Jonathan Hickman, working with artists Pepe Larraz and R.B. Silva, reinvigorated Marvel's “X-Men.” In “House of X,” Professor X declares a sovereign home for mutants on the living island of Krakoa, while in “Powers of X,” the past, present and future of mutants in the Marvel universe is explored.
• 3. “Bitter Root” (Image Comics)
Writers David F. Walker and Chuck Brown and artist Sanford Greene craft an examination of racism through this story of monster hunters in the Harlem Renaissance. Colors for the series are provided by Greene and Rico Renzi.
• 4. “Little Bird” (Image Comics)
The American Empire rules
this dystopian world, as a group of Canadian rebels seek to preserve their vision of humanity in this visually arresting comic.
“Little Bird” is written by filmmaker Darcy Van Poelgeest, who collaborated with artist Ian Bertram for more than five years in bringing “Little Bird” to life. Color is by Matt Hollingsworth and letters by Aditya Bidikar.
• 5. “Black Hammer `45” (Dark Horse)
This expansion of the “Black Hammer” superhero universe from Jeff Lemire is co-written by Lemire and Ray Fawkes, and illustrated by Matt and Sharlene Kindt. The series follows the Black Hammer Squadron, a team
of African American pilots during World War II.
• 6. Marauders (Marvel)
One of the more intriguing spinoffs from the new “X-Men” status quo features a modern pirate tale as Captain Kate Pryde sailing the seas of the world to deliver medicine and rescue mutants from oppressive regimes. The series is written by Gerry Duggan with art by Matteo Lolli, Michele Bandini and Lucas Werneck.
• 7. Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen (DC Comics)
What's it take to be Superman's pal? Writer Matt Fraction and artist Steve Lieber craft a fun, action-filled tale of Metropolis' everyman.
• 8. “Immortal Hulk” (Marvel)
This horror-influenced take on Marvel's Jade Giant by writer Al Ewing and artist Joe Bennett continues to be among
Marvel's best.
• 9. “Once and Future” (Boom! Studios)
A retired monster hunter recruits her museum curator grandson to stop a plot to revive a villain from Arthurian myth. Written by Kieron Gillen with art by Dan Mora.
• 10. “Monstress” (Image Comics)
Writer Marjorie Liu and artist Sana Takeda continue their fantasy epic. “Monstress” imagines an alternate version of Asia in the early 1900s, as a teenage girl shares a psychic link with a powerful monster. The lush, steampunk-inspired artwork impresses throughout.