My Favorite Comics of 2009

Disclaimer, Due to circumstances, I don’t read many comics at the moment, so I have to be choosey. I’m also not a comics blogger.

Planetary #27
Published: October 07, 2009
Publisher: DC Comics
Imprint: Wildstorm
Price: $3.99 (USD)

Many things have changed since writer Warren Ellis (The Authority) and artist John Cassaday (Astonishing X-Men) began their long, strange trip into the bizarre underbelly of the WildStorm Universe. Its first issue was published in 1999, and the penultment issue #26 came out three years ago. What is it about? Uhm… best to click on the title link up there and read the over-view.

Finished unearthing the mysteries of the 20th century, Planetary is now in the business of solving humanity's problems. As was promised by Elijah Snow in issue #26, however, one vexing problem remains unsolved – the fate of Ambrose Chase. Did the former Planetary team member die from a gunshot wound way back in issue #9, or did he somehow use his powers to stop time and delay his death? Full of mind-bending twists and resolutions, it was almost worth the long wait just for Drummer’s explanation of time-travel and paradoxes.

The Flash: Rebirth #2
Publisher: DC Comics
Published: May 6, 2009
Price: $2.99 (USD)

Rebirth #2 certainly picked up the pace and gave us some answers as to why Barry Allen is back. Loved the cover which was an homage to the classic Showcase #4 cover.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight #26-30
Publisher: Dark Horse
Published: July – November, 2009
Price: $2.99 (USD)

Joss Whedon and company continue the TV series with this Eisner award winning, canon comic series. #26 – 30 is the Retreat saga written by veteran Buffy writer and most recently writer and executive producer on Battlestar Galactica and Caprica, Jane Espenson. It offers a more nuanced Buffy, new powers, old friends and a powerful new Big Bad and wonderfully leads up to the conclusion of Buffy, Season Eight!

Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader? – Batman #686 and Detective Comics #853
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99 (USD)

Written by the amazing Neil Gaiman, with art from Andy Kubert. The story was pure masterpiece, paying homage to every incarnation of Batman and showcasing the power and importance of this iconic and archetypal character. It wasn’t just a farewell to Bruce Wayne (whom we all knew was coming back) but more of a love letter to childhood: a tribute to the mythology of the superhero.

It’s more than a simple, beautiful elegy (though it certainly is that, too); it’s a philosophical exploration of one of the most complex psychologies in comic book history. Batman has always thought he’s fighting to avenge the deaths of his parents, and given little thought to reward or the afterlife. But his mother provides chilling clarity when she tells him, “You don’t get Heaven, or Hell. Do you know the only reward you get for being Batman? You get to be Batman. And—when you’re a child—you get a handful of years of real happiness, with your father, with me. It’s more than some people get” It’s one of the few comics to move me to tears.