It's hard to believe it's 2013 already. We've been seeing several new titles popping up through Marvel NOW along with different series from other publishers like Image and Valiant. DC is also on the verge of unleashing another wave.
This is the point where we all share what titles we're most looking forward to. Most of them are currently existing titles. We already have seen how great and fun those series are and we expect more of the same. There are some unknowns coming up as well. We struggled to keep the list to 13. We'll bend that rule a little with some honorable mentions at the end.
(If you're curious, you can see our list for 2012 HERE!)
Tony's Picks
BATMAN by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo
BATMAN was at the top of my list last year and it's no surprise it's on this year's list as well. So far in the New 52 in this series they've given us A Court of Owls, Night of the Owls and Death of the Family. The stories and the art have continued to take us by surprise. With those big stories, what could they have planned for us in 2013?
We know Snyder has mentioned a Riddler story coming up. There's also the cliffhanger from BATMAN #0 to deal with. Snyder has also told us this:
Our big story in 2013 will be the most daring and ambitious one we've done. Hands down.
S
Sounds like a good reason to look forward to BATMAN in 2013.
== TEASER ==JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA by Geoff Johns and David Finch
It's hard to say what was more surprising, the announcement of a second Justice League title or the fact that we seem to have some strange choices for the roster. Geoff Johns is known for taking characters most people overlook and turn them into something special (look at Aquaman or Sinestro). The fact that this seems to be an odd choice (Catwoman? Katana? Vibe?!?) amps up the potential for the title. It's easy to dismiss this as just another Justice League title but you get the sense that there is something more coming our way. And you know David Finch is sure to kick some ass when drawing this series.
Untitled Superman series by Scott Snyder and Jim Lee
We've all been referring to this title as MAN OF STEEL but apparently that's not the official title just yet. Regardless of what DC decides to call it, it's Scott Snyder and Jim Lee doing Superman. If that wasn't enough of a reason, check out our interview with the two from New York Comic Con HERE to get an idea what these two have in mind and why it's going to blow us all away. With Scott Lobdell on SUPERMAN, Andy Diggle taking over ACTION COMICS and a new movie this year, there's plenty of reasons to be a Superman fan. Snyder and Lee are sure to convert anyone that's been hesitant.
Sara's Picks
WONDER WOMAN by Brian Azzarello
I thought this series couldn't get more interesting, but if the coming issues are anything like what we saw in issue #15 of her self-titled series, then this is a book I will continue to look forward to picking up each month throughout 2013. Orion meets Wonder Woman and I for one cannot wait to see what happens next. What are the full extent of her powers? What is her connection to the New Gods? When will writer Brian Azzarello begin to explore her character in greater depth? I hope to see these questions and more answered in the coming year.
GREAT PACIFIC by Joe Harris
The first issue of this Image Comics series written by Joe Harris and illustrated by Martin Morazzo is not only really well written and features some really stunning artwork. It makes the list because the concept behind the book is so unique. Who knew a comic book about a massive pile of trash could be so interesting? Two issues in and things are becoming a lot more complicated and a whole lot more exciting. I am definitely looking forward to seeing where the creative team behind this book takes this tale.
Mat's Picks
SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN by Dan Slott and Ryan Stegman
The end of 2012 marked a big change in the world of Spider-Man as (SPOILER) Peter Parker, trapped inside of Doc Ock's body, died, while Doc Ock, inside of Peter's body declared he will become a much better Spider-Man than Peter was, a Superior Spider-Man. This was the most talked about twist in comics in 2012, and no one has been talking about Spider-Man this much since that time that Mephisto decided he hates marriage.
We've seen what type of character we have to look forward to in ASM 700, and we got a really good glimpse of the new costume and some of it's functions in AVENGING SPIDER-MAN 15.1, and I cannot wait to see where this one goes. It's pretty obvious that this new Spidey is going to be a good guy, but what kind of good guy? How far is he willing to go to get what he wants? What's most interesting to me is seeing how Doc deals with Peter's past as a part of his memories. How will this affect his decision making. Dan Slott has done some crazy things, but this by far takes the cake and I'm in for the ride.
AQUAMAN by Geoff Johns and Paul Pelletier
Remember when Aquaman was the worst? Geoff Johns changed many people's minds since penning this New 52 series. He's currently doing the same thing he did with Hal Jordan, taking a character many people don't care about or have forgotten about and making it into a top of the pile book for so many readers.
With Throne of Atlantis kicking off last month, Aquaman was left at a crossroads. Does he help his friends on the surface world or does he side with his brother and blood from Atlantis? We're only two parts into Throne of Atlantis, but I see big changes coming in near future for Aquaman, and I'm totally on board for the next year, especially if there happens to be more of the Trench (which we already know there will be) and The Others.
Gregg's Picks
HAWKEYE by Matt Fraction and David Aja
Matt Fraction has yet to disappoint with this one. The writing is brilliant, emotional, and best of all, a blast. Thrown in David Aja's pencils and this is a title that absolutely needs to be in your pull list.
DEADPOOL by Brian Posehn, Gerry Duggan and Tony Moore
We know the Merc with a Mouth's Marvel NOW! team can make us laugh and thrill us with absurd action, but in 2013 we'll get to see the comedic writers handle the darker aspects of the character. That's something we haven't seen done well in quite some time and I'm very excited to see how it'll unfold. Wade's much more than a clown with a healing factor and it's about time we get a good reminder of that.
DEATHSTROKE by Justin Jordan
Justin Jordan will hopefully restore DC's most dangerous mercenary to greatness. We've already seen Jordan put Slade's tactical mind to use, let's hope he keeps up the good work.
Corey's Picks
INVINCIBLE by Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley
The Best Superhero Comic in the Universe (TM) isn't going anywhere after the subtly named "EVERYONE DIES!!" but I personally can't wait to see what ACTUALLY happens at the climax of that arc, particularly since this is Robert Kirkman we're talking about, a man who's NEVER been above killing major characters unexpectedly. EVERYONE indeed. But it's about more than that: it's about mentioning a book with a proven, amazing track record of INCREDIBLE quality and stability. The same three creators (Kirkman, Cory Walker and Ryan Ottley) have guided this book since nearly its beginning, allowing it to have a remarkable amount of cohesion.
DAREDEVIL by Mark Waid
The sleeper hit of 2012 shows no signs of slowing down. If you told me a year ago that a creative team would take Daredevil to places that Bendis and Maleev never dreamed, and do it not by grounding him in reality, but by celebrating and embracing his powers to their fullest extent (aided by a pair of artists who capture the Man Without Fear's radar sense in a way that I have personally never seen), I'd have called you a madman and directed you right back to the Raft where you belong. But here we are, one of the best new (Eisner winning) series in a very long time.
NEW AVENGERS by Jonathan Hickman and Steve Epting
I haven't read enough Jonathan Hickman to get a good feel for all his strengths, but I've read enough to know at least one: high-concept, yet accessible, sci-fi. The way he turns superhero stories into sci-fi ones was one of the greatest strengths of his run on both Ultimates AND Fantastic Four/FF. Now he's got the unenviable job of picking up New Avengers after Brian Bendis LITERALLY defined and created the book almost a decade ago. Hickman's focus on the "Illuminati" team means that it's sure to be a thinking book, but the first issue proves that it won't be lacking in action. Add to that Steve Epting's unerring ability for emotional faces and great motion simulation in his art, and this book could be one of the most exciting, thought-provoking in Marvel's line.
Honorable Mentions
Because there were so many titles we're looking forward to, it was hard to narrow it down to just thirteen. So here's some others that came really close to making the list:
THE WALKING DEAD
Tony says: Kirkman's other series continues to impress month after month. Who would have thought a comic about zombie survival could keep us hooked for over one hundred issues. With Negan, we have a new evil threat. You just never know what's going to happen next.
UNCANNY X-FORCE by Sam Humphries
Sara says: Considering this series was one of my favorites the last two years, seeing it end was somewhat bittersweet. That doesn't mean, however, that I am not looking forward to the relaunch of the series starting on January 16th, 2013. With a new creative team (Sam Humphries and Ron Garney) and a new cast of characters led by X-Force veteran Betsy Braddock, this book looks pretty interesting. I am definitely looking forward to seeing how Humphries picks up from where writer Rick Remender left off.
THE WAKE by Scott Snyder and Sean Murphy
Mat says: This book features four things I really enjoy: the writing of Scott Snyder, the art of Sean Murphy, Vertigo, and horror comics. I've been pretty worried about the direction Vertigo was going since a few books were ending and the change in management, but this book has me super excited. I don't know much about this book other than it takes place underwater and I'll be buying it simply because of the creative team. I need another Vertigo book on my pull list, since right now, I am only reading SAUCER COUNTRY and UNWRITTEN. The Wake may be just what I'm looking for.
X-O MANOWAR
Mat says: The upcoming story line is called "Planet Death." Do I need another reason to be excited about this book? I do? Ok. It's one of my favorite on-going series currently and each issue is better than the last.
Harbinger Wars
Gregg says: BLOODSHOT and HARBINGER squished into one delicious event? Yes please.
