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I thought I’d join the chorus of folks posting their favorite comic reads of 2012.  So without further ado, here’s mine (not really in a particular order):

1. LOCKE & KEY

Joe Hill & Gabriel Rodriguez are bar none ,the most consistent creative team working in comics today.  Every issue is a masterpiece, and Gabriel’s art is always a feast for the eyes.  I don’t think there’s any other artist (well, maybe one other) whose panels I linger on and study their intricacies.  I’m sad that the book is on its way to its conclusion, but I know whatever these two do next, it will be awesome.

2. MANHATTAN PROJECTS

I hesitated to put this on the list for fear of inflating Nick Pitarra’s already massive ego, but what the hell.  This has to be the most fun comic out right now.  It’s my favorite work of Jonathan Hickman’s, and of Nick’s.  Nick really takes what would quite likely be a heady book and gives it real charm and life.  Plus, he puts cameos of his friends (like me!) in the book and then kills them.  (though I do that too, so I guess we’re even..)

3. 20TH CENTURY BOYS

I know this is kind of a cheat since it’s been out for a long time in Japan, but we’re just now getting the translated volumes.  This is my favorite work of Naoki Urasawa.  I always concede that Pluto is most likely his best, most profound work, but this one is the most entertaining for me.  I love the intricacy of the story, and all the layers of mystery.  Urasawa is hands down, comics’ greatest storyteller.  Every issue of Morning Glories I draw, I strive to emulate his storytelling capabilities. 

4. UNCANNY X-FORCE

I don’t read a whole lot of Marvel these days, but this one is always a must-read for me.  Rick Remender carved out (no pun intended) a real fascinating corner of the Marvel universe here.  The stories he told really harkened back to the Australian Outback era of Uncanny X-men for me, which is when I started reading the X-books.  I loved revisiting Otherworld, the AoA and Captain Britain Corps. I can’t wait for Sam Humphries’ take on the book!

5. SAGA

I don’t think couldn’t add anything about Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples’ brilliant book that that hasn’t been well said by others.  I just love seeing new work from Vaughan, and this one deserves all the praise it’s gotten.

Okay, I gotta get back to drawing.  Other good books I should mention were: The Strange Talent of Luther Strode, Chew, I, Vampire, Stuff of Legend, Ultimate Spider-man, the Unwritten, Hoax Hunters, Hell Yeah, Higher Earth, Batman and Bedlam.