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Giving Thanks to the Comic Industry

Thanksgiving is here and it's time to take a moment to say what we're thankful for in comics this year.

This week, we Americans will stuff our faces with an overwhelming amount of food (more so than usual). But in between the gigantic bites, we're supposed to take a minute or two and say what we're thankful for as we sit at a table surrounded by our family members and friends. So, I thought why not do the same for comics, but minus all of the delicious and fattening food.

2012 has been quite a year for the comic industry. Marvel and DC have made huge moves (The New 52 carries on & Marvel NOW! begins) and smaller publishers continue to produce some simply stellar titles. We tend to complain about a lot going on in the fictional universes, but I'd like to take some time to give some well deserved and long overdue thanks.

90% of Thanksgiving meals don't have this many smiles.
90% of Thanksgiving meals don't have this many smiles.

Without further ado, here's the 5 things I'm grateful for this year in comics.

Hawkeye

Landlord Bro will make your heart smile.
Landlord Bro will make your heart smile.

In a medium polluted with so many mediocre titles, every issue of HAWKEYE feels like a breath of fresh air. I don't know how he managed to do it (a deal with the devil perhaps?), but writer Matt Fraction has made each chapter of the series pure gold. To top it off, artist David Aja's work provides a classic yet vibrant look to the book. Panels are laid out in a creative manner that keep the read exciting no matter what's taking place.

The only reason I can imagine someone doesn't like this title is if they're a huge Clint Barton fan and easily annoyed by how unimpressive he is in hand-to-hand. Or, they just hate fun. You don't hate fun, do you? Of course not, so do yourself a favor and go give this book an honest chance. I'm pretty sure you won't regret it one bit, bro.

Marvel NOW!

The Thing vs The Internet: The Internet wins 10/10
The Thing vs The Internet: The Internet wins 10/10

There's still a lot of titles yet to be released (truth be told I still haven't read IRON MAN #1), but so far the future of the The House of Idea's Marvel NOW! looks promising. DEADPOOL, THOR: GOD OF THUNDER and FANTASTIC FOUR were solid and have me anxiously awaiting the second issues. ALL-NEW X-MEN and UNCANNY AVENGERS did a more than able job, and while I don't enjoy them as much as the previously listed titles, they both have hooks that are sure to keep a firm grip on many readers.

Still to come is the likes of CABLE & X-FORCE, THUNDERBOLTS and much more that has me surprisingly excited. Meanwhile, G-Man has already praised the next set of books in early reviews (CAPTAIN AMERICA & INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK). While it's understandable to call Marvel NOW! a cash grab (let's face it, the industry is always trying to reel in new readers), don't let that deter you from giving these titles an open-minded chance.

Batman

The Dark Knight is without question one of the most popular and recognizable comic book characters around. Because of this, it's only fitting that his primary comic should live up to his popularity. Thankfully, the main book has a dream team: Scott Snyder & Greg Capullo.

Snyder kicked the series off with 'The Night of the Owls,' but in 2012 he has something bigger, better and far more diabolical up his dark sleeve: 'Death of the Family.' Snyder's disturbingly excellent ideas are fantastic on their own, but when combined with Greg Capullo's stellar art, it brings BATMAN to a whole other level.

He's had terrible posture since his run-in with Bane.
He's had terrible posture since his run-in with Bane.

Capullo's pencils portray Gotham City as it should be: dark yet grand, filled with history but also grit and suffering. And his work on the new version of Joker? Top-notch illustrating and taking time to gaze at those panels are sure to send a chill down your spine.

No one is apparently safe and the twist with Alfred has me legitimately uneasy over the kind butler's future. No matter what your feelings are about the Joker, this is turning out to be a story you should absolutely be reading.

Valiant

I've said it a thousand times before and I'll say it one last time (okay, it probably won't be the last): Valiant is killing it with their reboot. You don't need to have any prior experience with the publisher to fully appreciate all of these titles. Not only are the 5 titles wonderfully created by their respective writers and artists, but they each offer a completely different vibe and fall into various genres.

X-O Manowar. Read it. Now.
X-O Manowar. Read it. Now.

X-O MANOWAR is the ultimate science fiction adventure. ARCHER & ARMSTRONG is a buddy book filled with absurd laughs and hilarious takes on society. BLOODSHOT is your go-to source for violent action. HARBINGER is a character driven story with a whole lotta telekinesis. SHADOWMAN dives into the darker and magic-filled corner of its ever expanding universe.

"Oh, lordies! The price tag is $3.99 per issue!" I know, I know. I'm on a budget as well but these titles are totally worth making room in your pull list. Give 'em a read and I assure you you'll fall in love with at least one of the books. Luckily, Valiant is soon releasing some very affordable trade paperbacks to help people play catch up.

IDW's TMNT

PIZZABUNGA!
PIZZABUNGA!

Turtle fans, you shall be pleased with this one. IDW Publishing has brought Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman's franchise back to life in a familiar yet refreshing manner. Written by Tom Waltz and Kevin Eastman, the four mutated ninjas return with a whole new origin story. From there, everything treads familiar territory but does so in a fun and energetic tone. Virtually all of your favorites throughout TMNT history are slowly appearing -- even a pre-mutation Bebop and Rocksteady have shown up -- and the various plots are being juggled gracefully. IDW's comic has undeniably become one of the delightfully entertaining titles on the shelves.

So while I ponder about what I'm thankful for this Thursday, I'll also take a moment to recall these 5 things which make the comic industry so enjoyable for me. Viners, what 5 things are you grateful for this year?

Gregg Katzman is a freelance writer for Comic Vine and IGN Entertainment. All your stuffing is belong to him this Thanksgiving day.

75 Comments

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Jean199999

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Edited By Jean199999

I'm thankful for Deadpool finally getting his death wish come true.

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Mucklefluga

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Edited By Mucklefluga

I'm thankful for all these new amazing ongoing's and mini-series being released by Image. So much greatness.

And thank you Comic Vine, for being awesome at all times.

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chocobojam

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Edited By chocobojam

I'm thankful that i have enough money to buy my favorite comics.

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BurningBlaze

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Edited By BurningBlaze

I'm thankful to Comic Vine for being one of the best sites on the web. Keep it up guys :)

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Namor1987

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Edited By Namor1987

Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes (cartoon); Young Justice (cartoon); Green Lantern: The Animated Series; Daken's death (ironically I like him alot); Uncanny X-Force; Phoenix Five; Uncanny Avengers & Marvel Studio's filmds lol

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haydenclaireheroes

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Thank you Comic Vine for giving us all the latest comic book news and having such a great comic book community =)

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queenfrost_

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Edited By queenfrost_

I'm not american but I am thankful for COMICVINE! Without this site I wouldn't know what or which comics to buy. So thanks!

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wildcardcomics

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Edited By wildcardcomics

Thanks to everyone, from DC Comics, Image, Marvel, Dark Horse, IDW and all of the awesome small publishers that make us happy.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=495164517190419&set=a.319210408119165.77379.175629152477292&type=1&relevant_count=1

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Fantasgasmic

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Edited By Fantasgasmic

Comics I'm thankful for (in order)

  1. Scott Snyder. Between Batman and Swamp Thing, dude is KILLING it.
  2. Animal Man (ties in with my thankfulness for Swamp Thing)
  3. Wonder Woman
  4. Earth 2
  5. Li'l Gotham
  6. Demon Knights
  7. Ame-Comi
  8. Uncanny X-Force
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Darkmount1

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Edited By Darkmount1

Thankful for only one comic: IDW's Transformers: Regeneration One. It's probably the only comic I'll be following (as soon as I catch up with their G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero series in TPB form, same with Godzilla and Ghostbusters), but I do want to give Hawkeye and Captain Marvel a try.

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TheCannon

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Edited By TheCannon

Comic things I'm thankful for:

  • The New 52. Without it, I would just sit there reading old Marvel reprints, not looking forward to anything every month.
  • Wonder Woman. That series continues to amaze me.
  • Court of the Owls. Incredible story, one that gave the spotlight to someone other than the Joker.
  • Aquaman. Possibly my favorite thing in the New 52. Thank you.
  • The Avengers. You were possibly my favorite thing of the year. Thank you for finally assembling Earth's Mightiest Heroes on the big screen.
  • The Dark Knight Rises. You made me appreciate the awesomeness that is the Christopher Nolan Batman Trilogy, and made a new top contender for my favorite movie villain.
  • The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes. I never watched you until this year. You provided me with so much joy, especially watching season 2 every week.
  • Young Justice. You made me realize how good DC shows outside the DCAU can be.
  • Comic Vine. Without you, I'd be isolated from society and probably dead.
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kid Apollo

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Edited By kid Apollo

well up here we had our Thanksgiving a few weeks ago (us crazy Canadians and our October food fests) but i am still thankful for a a few things comic related.

first and foremost I'm thankful for Marvel and DC. without the 2 companies i really don't know where id be right now.

secondly I'm thankful for this website, as an aspiring writer living on Vancouver Island there isn't a large community for me to talk with about comics or even writing. so this site is great at connecting writers with artists and readers. i've had invaluable feedback from some of my fellow Viners and the shear amount of comic knowledge flowing around here is awesome.

and lastly I'm thankful for my family (doesn't sound comic related i know) but this past summer i told my dad for the first time that i wanted to be a writer (specifically comics). my brother was always behind me 100% but my pops wasn't exactly pleased as it is somewhat of a hit or miss profession, and hes an old school kinda guy. it took some work and a lot of explaining but he finally came around to my way of thinking. he's now read almost all of my work and is currently helping me to find publishers and get connected

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briangsharon

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Edited By briangsharon

I posted something just like this in the forum :(

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Jdd895

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Edited By Jdd895

I'm very thankful for the Court of Owls story arc. It was an amazing arc and I loved every second of reading it. I also am thankful for is site which helped me to start reading comics

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k4tzm4n

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Edited By k4tzm4n  Moderator

@briangsharon said:

I posted something just like this in the forum :(

Well, if it makes you feel any better I started a draft of this on Monday.

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Emperormeister734

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I'm thankful for :Marvel, DC Comics, IDW, Dark Horse and all those characters who cheered me when I was till today they were the greatest and Comicvine the greatest website to for updates from past present and Future.

Happy Thanksgiving EVERYONE;PIG OUT

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Cavemold

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Edited By Cavemold

batman

valaint!!!!!!

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Sharkbite

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Edited By Sharkbite

I am thankful for Ravagers, giving me a good teen team title again when the New 52 Teen Titans turned out to stink. Christos Gage, for writing nothing but magic. IDW's GIJoe run, with Cobra Civil War being one of the most entertaining reads I've had in a long time. Scott Summers, for growing a set of grapefruits to counterbalance the gradual sissification that Wolverine has undergone the past 10 years. And Crossed, for getting bi-monthly ongoing series, because waiting a year between mini-series was just too long.

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iSummers

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Edited By iSummers

1)Uncanny X-men

2)Night of the Owls

3)red hood and the outlaws

4)Uncanny X-force

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Decept-O

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Edited By Decept-O

Thankful to God I stayed alive long enough so I could see The Avengers.

Oh wait people here don't believe in God.....

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batnight

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Edited By batnight

I am thankful for the "Death of the family" story...and of course Comics Vine for all the delightful comic news and reviews (Im kissing your ass on this post comic vine).

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InnerVenom123

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Edited By InnerVenom123

@Decept-O said:

Thankful to God I stayed alive long enough so I could see The Avengers.

Oh wait people here don't believe in God.....

ATHEISTS ASSEMBLE!

I SPY A BELIEVER!

QUICKLY, BRAND HIM WITH AN IMAGE OF THE DEVIL FOR IRONY'S SAKE AND THEN BREAK HIS LEGS!

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TitanTempest

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Edited By TitanTempest

@InnerVenom123: Not cool, not cool. lol

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InnerVenom123

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Edited By InnerVenom123

@TitanTempest: LOL HAIL SCIENCE. CARL SAGAN WILL RISE AGAIN.

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