2016 was an incredibly diverse year in comics. Personal memoirs, revamping superheroes, meditations on philosophy and politics, bogus utopias, and the creation of exciting new universes could be found. With so much great work being produced, it is felt to create a list that identifies one book as better than another would truly do a disservice to the innovative and talented work created. So here, you will find a sampling of comics (and graphic novels) that were read on more than one occasion listed in alphabetical order. Yes, this decision may be interpreted in a number of ways, and yes, there are a couple books that were began or created prior to 2016, yet these titles piqued my interest enough to revisit for a second look (at a minimum) this past year due to the combination of quality writing and artistic astuteness.
“The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye” (cover), Sonny Liew (artist and writer), Pantheon Books, 2016
The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye
Sonny Liew, artist and writer
Pantheon Books
2016
After reading Sonny Liew’s “The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye”, I wanted to know more about Singapore and visit this unknown part of the world. Liew is possibly one of the most adept draftsmen working today. Through numerous rendering styles, Liew unfolds the life of a cartoonist, Chan (now in his early 70s), the history of Singapore and the process of creating comics that will withstand the testament of time. This is a book for anyone. You do not need to hold any knowledge of comics. You do not need to be interested in SE Asia. In a friend’s review of this seminal title, he noted that “you only need to be human and able to read English to fully appreciate this remarkable work”.
“Band for Life” (cover), Anya Davidson (artist and writer), Fantagraphics, 2016
Band for Life
Anya Davidson, artist and writer
Fantagraphics
2016
As the lead singer of the noise rock band, Coughs, Anya Davidson put on some of the most fervent, memorable, and unsettling shows in those off the beaten track venues during the 2000s. And, in “Band for Life” this energy and integrity Davidson put forth during her performances can be easily found here. Set in an alternative reality version of Chicago, the world is absurd, gritty, and hilarious. Even through heightened adversity, the focus of the ensemble (a motley collection of beasts, beauties, and misfits) is to keep the band (Guntit) together regardless of personal demons and financial reward. Described as Charles Schulz’s Peanuts meets The Young Ones, the look and narrative is amusing, raw, and rewarding for anyone interested in a behind the scenes look at what it takes to make music on a dime.
“Black Panther” (cover), Ta-Nehisi Coates (writer), and Stelfreeze (artist), Marvel Comics, 2016
Black Panther
Ta-Nehisi Coates, writer, and Brian Stelfreeze, artist
Marvel Comics
2016
I’ve read a lot of “Black Panther” over the years. I tend to be drawn to those fringe characters who are fighting antiquated and myopic societal systems. In MacArthur Fellow Ta-Nehisi Coates’ revitalized “Black Panther” the role of a singular (male) ruling structure comes into question in the African nation of Wakanda. With focus upon the deeply embedded political aspects running the country, T’Challa is tasked with finding unity without putting large swaths of his own people to the sword. Brian Stelfreeze (one of Atlanta’s Gaijin Studios original members) creates the best rendition of Black Panther I’ve encountered in my more than 40 years of comic reading. Simply put, the toned down heroics and focus upon character building offers a depth rarely encountered in mainstream comics today.
“Ms. Marvel” (cover, issue 2B), C. Willow Wilson (writer), Adrian Alphona (artist), and Jorge Molina (cover artist), Marvel Comics, 2015
I was a bit late to this party, however like Bruno Carelli, I think I’ve become enamored with Kamala Khan. In the 4th incarnation of Ms. Marvel, C. Willow Wilson introduces a vibrant 16-year old Pakistani-American just trying to get through high school in Jersey City, New Jersey. This is the 1st muslim character to play the leading role Marvel title. Kamala Khan as Ms. Marvel is the freshest addition to the Marvel universe and she absolutely mesmerizing. Issues of identity, perceptions of Islamic communities, and commonalities encountered in the human condition are adeptly explored in a voice familiar with Islam. Wilson converted to Islam after attending Boston University, then moved to Cairo, Egypt, to work as an international correspondent for a number of notable publications (e.g., Atlantic Monthly, The New York Times Magazine and the National Post). Adrian Alphona’s art clearly supports one of the best ongoing series through a clean line style and color palette. “Ms. Marvel” is one I’m looking forward to seeing how events unfold in 2017!
“Saga” (cover, issue 37), Brian K. Vaughan (writer), and Fiona Staples (artist), Image Comics, 2016
Saga
Brian K. Vaughan, writer, and Fiona Staples, artist
Image Comics
2012-2016
Since 2012, “Saga” has consistently offered more twist and turns than any other ongoing book in my comic reading. You just don’t know what perplexing tidbit you will encounter. Vaughn and Staples’ epic space opera is a slow methodical burn, yet well worth the wait between issues. “Saga” is narrated by Hazel, the daughter of Alana and Marko, a frequently dysfunctional couple who’s home planets (Landfall and Wreath) have been in long conflict. You will find familial relationships, intergalactic politics, and a plethora of items defined as taboos by our contemporary culture. Vaughn has been writing some of the most entertaining and socially conscious comics since his run on Ex Machina in 2005. And, with the support of the subtle and what appear to be effortless drawings of Staples this is a book I hope to be reading for some time.
“Seven to Eternity” (cover), Rick Remender (writer), Jerome Opena and Matt Hollingsworth (artists), Image Comics, 2016
With only 4 issues released in 2016, “Seven to Eternity” is setting up to be Rick Remender’s seminal title. With art by Jerome Opeña, Matt Hollingsworth, and Rus Wooten, there’s really not a better paring for this Sci-fi meditation on integrity. The God of Whispers has spread fear throughout the land of Zhal. Adam Osidis faces certain death and is the last man to bend knee to the omnipresent ruler. Faced with tough questions, Adam must choose to either comply and receive anything his heart desires or assist a desperate group of magic wielders intent on ridding the world of this evil god. Like much of Remender’s stories, the reader is tossed into the fray without much backstory. The narrative appears to be developing into something fairly complex at a fast clip. Remender’s style of writing coupled with Opeña’s pencils is precisely why the book has piqued my attention even with the limited number of books released. And, this is why you should be taking a gander at “Seven to Eternity” in 2017.
“Soft City” (cover), Hariton Pushwagner (artist and writer), New York Review of Comics, completed in 1975, published 2016
Initially started in 1969, Norwegian cartoonist Hariton Pushwagner’s Orwellian dark fantasy, “Soft City”, was completed in 1975. The original artwork would be lost under suspicious circumstance for decades and recently resurrected by New York Review editors, Gabriel Winslow-Yost and Lucas Adams. Born Terje Brofos in 1940, Pushwagner’s “Soft City” is influenced by a number of socially conscious philosophers and writers, including Aldous Huxley and William S. Burroughs. Everything is soft in this book except the future. The idea of a bleak mechanical future is nothing new, yet in the hands of Pushwagner, the nameless family and the portrayal of capitalism gone amuck is strikingly poignant and apropos when assessing our present milieu. With an introduction by Chris Ware and afterword Martin Herbert, “Soft City” is a smart, contemplative, and inventive read.
“Star Wars: Darth Vader” (cover, issue 8), Kieron Gillen (writer), and Salvador Larroca (artist), Marvel Comics, 2016
Star Wars: Darth Vader
Kieron Gillen, writer, and Salvador Larroca, artist
Marvel Comics
2015-2016
In 2015, the Star Wars line of comics returned to Marvel after a healthy stewardship under Dark Horse Comics. Kieron Gillen and Salvador Larroca 25 issue “Star Wars: Darth Vader” has been the standout book in the transition period. Using Vader, Gillen and Larroca sublimely navigate the nefarious political intrigue of the Empire while introducing a handful of fascinating characters (e.g., Dr. Aphra, Triple-Zero, and BT-1) worthy of future consideration. In this series, Vader appears to be little more than pawn at outset, yet Vader shows through his use of Dr. Aphra and others that he is as skilled at maneuvering the political landscape as he is with a lightsaber. “Star Wars: Darth Vader” is the one new Marvel series that made me sad to see coming to a close. Hopefully, in 2017 we will see a 2nd installment or at the least more Star Wars work by Gillen and Larroca.
“Tetris: The Games People Play” (cover), Box Brown (artist and writer),
First Second, 2016
Tetris: The Games People Play
Box Brown, artist and writer
First Second
2016
“Tetris: The Games People Play” is a book for comic and video game lovers. In an abridged format Box Brown covers the history of games from Lascaux (17,000 B.C.E.) to Tetris. Centered on the 1980s tile-matching puzzle game created by Alexey Pajitnov, the format and style are simplified making this read fluid and quick. You are guided through the creative process, societal differences between Russia and the west, and the business shenanigans employed to gain global distribution rights to the game that would define a generation. I, like many, believe that Tetris transcends mere entertainment and is possibly the 1st video game to be pure art. Brown’s Pajitnov frequently muses on his love of games as he diligently works in his spare time on Tetris. Brown’s translation of Pajitnov’s persistent drive to create the perfect game is welcoming at a time when art is more often than not defined solely by its’ monetary worth.
“The Vision” (cover), Tom King (writer), Gabriel Hernandez Walta (artist), and Mike Del Mundo (cover artist), Marvel Comics, 2015
The Vision
Tom King, writer, Gabriel Hernandez Walta, Jordie Bellaire, and Clayton Cowles, artists, and Mike Del Mundo, cover artist
Marvel Comics
2015-2016
The Vision, his wife Virginia, and twins, Vin and Viv, want to be normal, human. The Visions are a family of synths, created by Ultron, and now living in a suburb of Washington, D.C. Tom King et al’s “The Vision” was the surprise of 2016. Rather than the typical beat-em up explosive superhero story, here you encounter a suburban American drama (complete with murder and deception) with a focus on what it is to be human. The process in which we make decisions, the impact of these choices, and the ripple effect that unfolds are central to this engrossing read. Tom King is producing some of the most consistent and best comics (The Sheriff of Babylon”, “The Omega Men”, etc.) of 2016. And, with the most excellent art of Gabriel Hernandez Walta, Jordie Bellaire, and Clayton Cowles there’s no questioning of the importance of “The Vision”!
Review by Chester Alamo-Costello
