On the cusp of hard economic times and industry uncertainty, comics' greatest family release a book that boldly declares they're absolutely unstoppable. Embracing a new annual graphic novel format without blinking an eye would be astonishing enough for longtime pamphlet serializers Los Bros. Hernandez, but not to be outdone, Jaime, Gilbert and Mario back up their commercial smarts with fresh, engrossing art. After spending the past two years dishing out new comics like a priest hands out Eucharist on Sunday morning, Gilbert fires off more exciting and varied stories than most cartoonists could dream up in five years. And what's left to say about Jaime's gorgeous Penny Century superhero tale aside from the fact that it puts Marvel and DC's output to shame and has fun doing it? - Staff Writer Kiel Phegley

#19. THE AMAZING REMARKABLE MONSIEUR LEOTARD
Written by Eddie Campbell & Dan Best
Illustrated by Eddie Campbell
Publisher: First Second

For people who only know Campbell as the artist of "From Hell," you're missing on Eddie the Campbell the writer (who is brilliant). And if you only know Campbell as a black-and-white artist because you haven't read his recent books from First Second, then you're missing out on the Eddie Campbell who masterfully paints his books. This is strange, dream-like and beautiful and gleeful and a little hard to describe, but hard to forget. - Contributing Writer Alex Deuben

Since landing at First Second, Eddie Campbell's output includes an intensely experimental and somewhat obtuse memoir in "The Fate of the Artist" and perhaps the best ever attempt at crassly turning a movie pitch into a graphic novel to whet Hollywood's appetite in "The Black Diamond Detective Agency." With "Monsieur Leotard," Campbell and Australian writer Best straddle the line between passion project and commercial concern to perfection while delivering the funniest book of the year. The tale of the mustachioed heir to a famed trapeze legacy and his misfit circus troop's misadventures through history somehow coalesces into an affecting tale of what happens when high ambition meets low talent. Plus: farting elephant jokes. - Staff Writer Kiel Phegley

#18. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
Written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning
Illustrated by Paul Pelletier & Rick Magyar
Publisher: Marvel

Let's add to that heading colorist GURUeFX, letterer Joe Caramagna and editor Bill Rosemann. Every person involved with this book deserves credit for putting together one of the most entertaining rides in comics. A team filled with truly unique characters swashbuckling through the reinvigorated Marvel cosmos. It’s like "Starship Troopers" meets "Ice Pirates." - Contributing Writer Brian LeTendre

These creators took a ragtag bunch of Marvel Universe cosmic also-rans and made me actually care. This title was consistently high-caliber with explosive action, big screen flavor and unpredictable storytelling. The fact that it maintained a monthly pace with such amazing creative output is to be commended and put on display for comic creators everywhere as a high water mark. - Reviewer Doug Zawisza

#17. BOOSTER GOLD
Written by Geoff Johns & Keff Katz, Chuck Dixon, Rick Remender, Dan Jurgens
Illustrated by Dan Jurgens & Norm Rapmund, Pat Oliffe
Publisher: DC

Beginning the year with the sensational “Blue & Gold” arc that saw the temporary return of Ted Kord’s Blue Beetle, Johns and Katz left the book by summer’s end, turning over writing duties to the secure hands of artist and original creator Dan Jurgens. The book's humor and loving nod to the “good old days” of the Justice League International made this comic more fun to read than most of its competition this year. - Staff Writer Jami Philbreck

One of the most enjoyable books published by DC, and even though the creative team shifted over the course of the year, the book remained on-target every single month. - Contributing Writer Justin Eger

#16. NORTHLANDERS
Written by Brian Wood
Illustrated by Davide Gianfelice, Dean Ormston, Ryan Kelly, Massimo Carnevale
Publisher: Vertigo

"Northlanders" is a grim and gritty comic book where the grime and grit fits the time perfectly, as each story arc examines a different era in Viking history - Brian Wood masterfully sets up his characters and puts them into engaging stories that, due to the anthology-esque format, allows him to produce comic books with “true” endings. The freedom that comes with that is marvelous. The artists have been quite strong, as well - this year we’ve seen Davide Gianfelice, Dean Ormston and Ryan Kelly with great covers by Massimo Carnevale. - Brian Cronin, Blog Manager - Comics Should Be Good

#15. OMEGA: THE UNKNOWN
Written by Jonathan Letham & Karl Rusnak
Illustrated by Farel Dalrymple, Gary Panter
Publisher: Marvel Comics

If Steve Gerber's 'Omega' was an abandoned proto-masterpiece, then this version is a fugue on the strangeness of superheroes, playing with the Superman/Batman tropes through the lens of a Bronze Age New York City.  In other words, it's a brilliantly odd comic, and it looks like nothing else Marvel has released in recent memory. - Columnist/Reviewer Timothy Callahan

I'm still amazed Marvel put out such an odd and idiosyncratic book--and still thankful they did. "Omega: The Unknown" was a breath of fresh air as it explored issues of identity, conformity, isolation and friendship while maintaining superficial elements of the superhero genre. Farel Dalrymple's art is beautiful and did such a wonderful job, especially in the final issue. - Reviewer Chad Nevett

I’ve already read the series three times and I still don’t know what it was all about but there was no other book that I wanted to get my hands on each month more than this one. - Staff Writer Jeffrey Renaud

#14. GREEN LANTERN
Written by Geoff Johns
Illustrated by Ivan Reis & Oclair Albert, Mike McKone, Various
Publisher: DC Comics

Geoff John's has finally made Green Lantern what he always should have been for DC: a flagship title. This is superhero comics storytelling of the highest order. My prediction? The GL Corps will dominate comics in 2009 and plant DC toe-to-toe with Marvel in a fight-to-the-death cage match! - Columnist Jud Meyers

#13. CASANOVA
Written by Matt Fraction
Illustrated by Fabio Moon, Gabriel Bá
Publisher: Image Comics

Six pages less than most monthly comics and "Casanova" still had twice the content in each issue. Matt Fraction and Fabio Moon made the second year of "Casanova" a true joy to read each month with rich characters and inventive stories (in content and technique), culminating in a perfect climax. Not just one of the best books of 2008, but one of the best books of the century so far. - Reviewer Chad Nevett

Issue #14 is the single best comic book of the year, shocking and wonderful in all the best ways.  This is a series that will be looked at as a milestone of the decade. - Columnist/Reviewer Timothy Callahan

#12. ACME NOVELTY LIBRARY
Written and illustrated by Chris Ware
Publisher: Drawn & Quarterly

Chris Ware, with every installment of his bookshelf series, proves that not only is he a remarkable visual craftsman, but he has evolved into the best writer of contemporary fiction making comics today. Parts John Updike, parts Rick Moody, parts David Foster Wallace; Ware has created an elaborate and truly literary showcase in "ACME Novelty Library." - Reviewer Benjamin Birdie

Chris Ware's tragic take on sci-fi splendor, in the midst of his 'Rusty Brown' mock-epic, is harrowing and grim.  Like Ware's best work, it is beautiful in its sadness. - Columnist/Reviewer Timothy Callahan

Through issue #19's half science fiction adventure/half character study, Chris Ware gives us a great comic that appeals not only to Ware fans but also to those curious to see him go outside his comfort zone. He does so here, and he excels at it. - Brian Cronin, Blog Manager - Comics Should Be Good

#11. BATMAN
Written by Grant Morrison
Illustrated by Tony Daniel, Various
Publisher: DC Comics

Even if the climax of "Batman R.I.P." failed to live up to the impossible hype surrounding it -- much of it fostered by Morrison's own statements -- this comic was a must-read, must-analyze, must-discuss superhero serial.  Any comic that can fit Bat-Mite, Zur-En-Arrh, the Club of Villains, and an assault on the Batcave into a handful of issues is more wonderful than you might realize. - Columnist/Reviewer Timothy Callahan

With the much-anticipated "Batman R.I.P." story line, Morrison's "Batman" broke his run with the Dark Knight out into a level of storytelling comparable with his best superhero efforts from "Seven Soldiers of Victory" to "All-Star Superman." In spinning the story of Batman's struggle to retain his own sanity and control in the face of the jaw-dropping double crosses perpetrated by mystery foes Dr. Hurt and The Black Glove, Morrison and rising star Tony Daniel delivered a pitch-perfect balance of pot-boiler mystery, horrific suspense thriller and over-the-top superhero tale all viewed through the prism of Bruce Wayne's greatest psychological strengths and weaknesses. Easily the best Batman story in a decade. - Staff Writer Kiel Phegley

#10. CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI-13
Written by Paul Cornell
Illustrated by Leonard Kirk, Bryan Hitch
Publisher: Marvel Comics

When you take the writer of some of the best episodes of the new “Doctor Who” television series, partner him with the acclaimed artist of Marvel's “Agents of Atlas," and give them an eclectic cast of intriguing characters, the result is “Captain Britain and MI-13” -- one of the best team books currently being published. - Staff Writer Dave Richards

The best thing to come out of "Secret Invasion" is this book about British superheroes and their fights against magical beings. With each issue, Paul Cornell and Leonard Kirk grow in skill and confidence, making seemingly C-list characters matter. - Reviewer Chad Nevett

By far the best new superhero title of 2008. - Staff Writer Shaun Manning

#9. BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: SEASON EIGHT
Written by Joss Whedon, Drew Goddard, Jeph Loeb
Illustrated by Georges Jeanty, Karl Moline, Cliff Richards, Jo Chen
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

The television series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" always felt like a great comic book come to life, so it's only appropriate that it continued as a comic book after its TV life concluded.  And with talent like Whedon and Goddard (and more!) writing the book, the characters' voices ring true.  Or, as a Buffy fan might say, "Once More With Feeling..." - Staff Writer George A. Tramountanas

Buffy fans had big expectations for this series, and it has consistently delivered. The book captures the tone of the show perfectly, and Joss Whedon & Co. are taking advantage of the comics medium to tell epic stories. - Contributing Writer Brian LeTendre

It wasn’t enough that Whedon invited Drew Goddard and Jeph Loeb to play in the Buffyverse in 2008, but he also brought Fray into the fray with Karl Moline too. - Staff Writer Jeffrey Renaud

#8. RASL
Written and illustrated by Jeff Smith
Publisher: Cartoon Books

How does one of the cartooning geniuses of a generation follow up his life's work? If said cartoonist is Jeff Smith, he does it by flipping the proverbial bird to the young adult trappings and funny animal homages that made "Bone" an international comics phenomenon. The opening pages of his new sci-fi serial "RASL" introduce readers to the hard living, hard drinking world of its titular interdimensional art thief. And from the murder of a prostitute who may be the only person to understand him, RASL's story only grows deeper both in terms of its emotional character development and engaging plot dynamics. After only three issues of Smith's signature cartooning mastery, "RASL" is instantly addictive and possibly the last great indie serial we'll ever see in comics shops. - Staff Writer Kiel Phegley

Smith's first self-published work since "Bone" is exciting and crazy all in one, as our lead character leaps through dimensions to steal art, but rapidly finds himself being chased by someone or something determined to wipe him out. Those who only associate Smith with all-ages comics will be surprised (in a good way) with "RASL's" toughness. - Reviewer Greg McElhatton

#7. THE INCREDIBLE HERCULES
Written by Fred Van Lente & Greg Pak
Illustrated by Khoi Pham, Rafa Sandoval, Clayton Henry
Publisher: Marvel Comics

I never would have thought Hercules was one of the most interesting characters in the Marvel Universe, but Pak, Van Lente and their team of artists prove that every month in "The Incredible Hercules". The buddy book featuring Herc and his teen sidekick Amadeus Cho is exciting, thought provoking, poignant and best of all, very funny. - Staff Writer Dave Richards

Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente took a flagship Marvel book and character and summarily replaced him with a small time Avenger and his teenage sidekick.  Surprising everyone, in doing so they created one of the most charming and oddly moving superhero books of the year. - Reviewer Benjamin Birdie

Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente gave the Lion of Olympus new life in a fun series that sprang forth from their collective foreheads. The art chores have been provided by a few different fellows, from Khoi Pham to Rafa Sandoval to Clayton Henry, but the storytelling has been consistent throughout. Hercules had a good year in 2008, becoming one f Marvel's surprise hits. With that under their belt, I expect 2009 to be even bigger for Herc and his buddy Amadeus Cho. - Reviewer Doug Zawisza

#6. THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY
Written by Gerard Way
Illustrated by Gabriel Bá
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

It's been said so many times because it truly is that surprising: How on Earth did the singer of a wildly popular rock band end up being such a remarkably talented comic book writer?  Alongside artist Gabriel Bá, My Chemical Romance's Gerard Way has created a bizarre and inventive universe of maudlin weirdos.  Gorgeous and affecting, "The Umbrella Academy" is a million times better than anyone might have expected. - Reviewer Benjamin Birdie

Fans of Grant Morrison's "Doom Patrol" can rejoice, there is finally a spiritual heir to superhero weirdness that manages to be both fun and over the top at the same time. Way and Bá's "Umbrella Academy" manages to remind readers of Morrison's works while still keeping its own unique voice. And to think, Way originally gave up on comics because he couldn't get noticed. - Reviewer Greg McElhatton

Quite possibly the most original take on the superhero genre since the release of “Starman” #0 in 1994. - Staff Writer Jeffrey Renaud

#5. ACTION COMICS
Written by Geoff Johns
Illustrated by Gary Frank & Jon Sibal, Joe Prado, Jesus Merino
Publisher: DC Comics

Writer Geoff Johns synthesizes and updates in this almost dizzyingly kinetic series everything great and classic about Superman, while illustrator Gary Frank outdoes himself with his incredibly touching to tribute to the late Christopher Reeve, who we can now see flying far into the future and battling high-tech, super-powered tyrants in a way that we never could on film. - Staff Writer Andy Khouri

Geoff Johns and Gary Frank turned the Superman corner of the DC Universe on its ear in 2008 with a reintroduction of the Legion of Super-Heroes from the years of Clark Kent's youth. Add in an inspired reimagination of Brainiac and the tendrils still spinning out of that story and it is almost possible to overlook the fact that there was not a massive event to celebrate Superman's seventieth birthday this year. - Reviewer Doug Zawisza

#4. FABLES / JACK OF FABLES
Written by Bill Willingham, Matthew Sturges
Illustrated by Mark Buckingham, James Jean, Tony Akins, Russ Braun, Brian Bolland, Various
Publisher: Vertigo

What amazes me about this series is the way after so many years Willingham manages to make the book feel fresh. "Fables" is incredibly different from what it was a few years ago due to the characters' evolution, the passage of time, and now that the war against the Adversary has concluded, the book will likely change radically. I for one can't wait. - Contributing Writer Alex Deuben

Modern day storytelling at its finest using characters created in the 18th Century. For people who think “Battlestar Galactica” has come a long way in 30 years, you haven’t seen something re-imagined until you’ve read “Fables.” - Staff Writer Jeffrey Renaud

If you're not reading "Fables" and "Jack of Fables," you're missing out on the complete Fables mythology.  These stories will suck you in and not let go. They're both the rare kind of comics that make you want to spend more time reading. - Staff Writer George A. Tramountanas

#3. SCALPED
Written by Jason Aaron
Illustrated by R.M. Guera, Jock
Publisher: Vertigo

Jason Aaron pulls no punches and is unafraid to really delve into his characters as they struggle with the reality of living on an Indian Reservation. - Reviewer Chad Nevett

So much more than just a Vertigo crime comic, Jason Aaron & R.M. Guerra's "Scalped" tells a complex story of family, corruption, and destiny. This is the best monthly series on the stands, and if you're not reading it, you are missing out on something special. - Columnist/Reviewer Timothy Callahan

I worried that Aaron's workload would cause this title to suffer. I worried he didn't have the skill to pull together this complex web of characters and to make them real. I worried he didn't have the balls to make this as dark and tragic a story as it demanded. Now I just read the book. - Contributing Writer Alex Deuben

Aaron and Guera's Native American crime saga, “Scalped” is the pulpy four-color equivalent of HBO's highly acclaimed series "The Wire." The intriguing cast of characters and powerful and often heart breaking stories make “Scalped” the best comic series I've read all year. - Staff Writer Dave Richards

#2. CRIMINAL
Written by Ed Brubaker
Illustrated by Sean Phillips
Publisher: Icon

Reaching new heights this year, Brubaker and Phillips's "Criminal" has become a nearly pitch-perfect crime comic.  The crime genre essays in the back of each issue are the gravy on a delicious meal of lust, betrayal, murder, and irony. - Columnist/Reviewer Timothy Callahan

"Criminal" is bigger, better and harsher than ever with an opening trio of stories revolving around one heist, but told from three very unique perspectives. Those issues along would guarantee this book a spot on the list, but the follow-up, "Bad Night" proves that Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips can do noir stories with the best of them--and better than most. - Reviewer Chad Nevett

Comparing the other comics that Brubaker and Phillips make for Marvel to this one is like comparing lightning bugs to a lightning strike. This has become a must for crime fans not because it's an homage to film noir or great novels, but because it's vying for a place next to them on the shelves, because it understands people and every great crime story is a story about people. - Contributing Writer Alex Deuben

This creative team continues to prove that when it comes to crime comics, Brubaker and Phillips are second to none. A true ensemble book, in which a side character in one issue can be the lead in the next. “Criminal” shows us the dark side of humanity in its many and varied forms, and keeps us coming back for more. - Staff Writer Emmett Furey

Morrison and Quitely's 12-issue run on "All Star Superman" had everything you'd ever want in a Superman comic; imaginative stories, beautiful art, and a continual sense of wonder that never faded for an instant. Were only all superhero comics this good, I doubt the genre would have many detractors. - Reviewer Greg McElhatton

Morrison and Quitely present the essential Superman, combining all the best bits of the old stories into something that is more than the sum of its parts.  This is what Superman can be, should be, and so rarely is. - Columnist/Reviewer Timothy Callahan

Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, in their now completed storyline "The Twelve Labors of Superman," have created arguably the best Superman story ever published.  Towering ideas alongside pitch perfect character work all rendered by pretty much the best artist working in comics today makes "All Star Superman" a phenomenal achievement in the medium. - Reviewer Benjamin Birdie

http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19353

 Acording to Comic Book Reasources these have been the best 100 titles of the year 2008:

40. HELLBOY / B.P.R.D.
Written by Mike Mignola, John Acurdi, Joshua Dysart
Illustrated by Mike Mignola, Guy Davis, Richard Corben, Duncan Fegredo, Jason Armstrong, Paul Azaceta, Jason Shawn Alexander, Ben Stenbeck, John Severin, Herb Trimpe
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

In the Hellboy titles, “The Chapel of Molloch,” “The Crooked Man” and “The Wild Hunt,” Mignola and his artistic collaborators told past and present days tales of one of the most fascinating and original characters in comics. And over in the BPRD books like “The Warning,” “The Ectoplasmic Man,” “1946” and “War on Frogs,” writers Mignola, Acurdi and and Dysart along with a team of highly talented artists again showcased more exciting and horrific supernatural tales packed with intriguing characters. - Staff Writer Dave Richards

39. FINAL CRISIS: ROGUES' REVENGE
Written by Geoff Johns
Illustrated by Scott Kollins
Publisher: DC Comics

Never have villains looked so good. Visceral and real, you'll root for the bad guys. - Contributing Writer Brian K. Eason

38. WHAT IT IS
Written and illustrated by Lynda Barry
Publisher: Drawn & Quarterly

Lynda Barry is one of the finest cartoonists to be found in America right now. This book is a memoir, the story of an artist, but it is also a book about how to create art and how to think about art, which sounds a little pretentious, but part of what makes it so good is that what she has to say seems simple but is profound (or is it the other way around?). An essential book for the creative, the aspiring, the struggling and the merely interested. - Contributing Writer Alex Deuben

37. EX MACHINA
Written by Brian K. Vaughan
Illustrated by Tony Harris & Jim Clark
Publisher: Wildstorm

If “Y: The Last Man” was Brian K. Vaughan's flash of genius, then “Ex Machina” is the result of what happened when the superstar writer harvested lightning like a modern day Nikola Tesla. - Staff Writer Jeffrey Renaud

36. ORDINARY VICTORIES: WHAT IS PRECIOUS
Written and illustrated by Manu Larcenet
Publisher: NBM

A sequel to one of the best comics of the decade and while not quite on par with its predecessor, it's clear that the first book wasn't a fluke. Larcenet has a profound understanding of human nature and has avoided many comics tropes and structures to tell his story in a way that is subtle, thoughtful and beautiful to look at. This shouldn't be read without reading the first, but taken together they offer a glimpse of the world that is not heavy handed or soft pedaled, but in its greatest moments, like any great work of art, it is possible to hold the pages up and through them, see the world. - Contributing Writer Alex Deuben

35. FINAL CRISIS
Written by Grant Morrison
Illustrated by J.G. Jones, Carlos Pacheco & Jesus Merino
Pubisher: DC Comics

Fanboy kvetching about the inconsistencies of "Countdown's" plotting and mock indignation about J.G. Jones' deadline troubles aside, DC's mega event has delivered more original, creepy, thought-provoking moments of sheer comics insanity in five issues than any event has the right to accomplish. Morrison's syncopated script style and Jones and company's surprisingly consistent art work wonders together with a genuine sense of dread and uncertainty bubbling up through the shiniest of all of comics' heroes. Sure, we've got two (or three depending on how you look at it) issues next year waiting to show whether or not "Final Crisis" will triumphantly payoff or collapse into a pile of unfulfilled ambition, but as far as 2008 is concerned? So far, so great. - Staff Writer Kiel Phegley

34. INVINCIBLE
Written by Robert Kirkman
Illustrated by Ryan Ottley & Fco Plascencia
Publisher: Image Comics

This year, Robert Kirkman threw down the gauntlet and challenged creators everywhere to add to the comic book universe by making original, independent creations. "Invincible" is the model of what creators should strive for and what can be achieved. - Staff Writer George A. Tramountanas

“Invincible” continues to be the most aggressive display of superhero storytelling today. - Columnist George Khoury

33. WOLVERINE
Written by Jason Aaron, Mark Millar
Illustrated by Ron Garney, Steve McNiven
Publisher: Marvel

Millar’s “Old Man Logan” storyline took fans by storm with this tale of an apocalyptic future where the bad guys won, featuring a passive Logan and a blind Hawkeye on the road trip of their lives. The team that brought you last year’s event “Civil War” hasn’t missed a beat and McNiven’s art is better than ever in this new futuristic classic. - Staff Writer Jami Philbreck

Marvel, thank you for giving two creators one of your top books and just letting them do what they do best (kind of like the title character). Mark Millar and Steve McNiven are topping what they did with "Civil War" in the tale of "Old Man Logan." Not having to tie into any major event, the two are free to let their imaginations roam and provide us with one of the best Wolverine tales ever (this is not hyperbole). - Staff Writer George A. Tramountanas

32. AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE
Written by Dan Slott & Christos Gage
Illustrated by Stefano Caselli, Steve Uy
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Slott and Gage write the freshest and most interesting characters to come out the Big Two in a looong time. These are characters that readers understand and relate to, because they behave the way we want to see comic book characters act: like heroes. - Staff Writer George A. Tramountanas

This was the best Avengers book by far over the past year. From the graduation of the first class to the Skrull Kill Crew, Slott and gage did a great job of juggling multiple characters and storylines, while Caselli's art held everything together. - Contributing Writer Brian LeTendre

31. SECRET SIX
Written by Gail Simone
Illustrated by Nicola Scott & Doug Hazelwood
Publisher: DC Comics

It’s about time DC’s best grouping of villains got an ongoing monthly book, and the creative team is doing their level best to make sure each issue is tense, taut and entertaining. - Contributing Writer Justin Eger

Gail Simone can do no wrong. This book will make you laugh and cheer. - Contributing Writer Brian K. Eason

30. MADAME XANADU
Written by Matt Wagner
Illustrated by Amy Reeder Hadley & Richard Friend
Publisher: Vertigo

Arguably the most impressive debut of the year, Matt Wagner has taken a largely arcane DC Comics fortuneteller and breathed into her a whole new life. In the best Vertigo tradition, Xanadu’s magical story spans the ages, and with the help of breakout illustrator Amy Reeder Headly, readers follow the wide-eyed mystic as she rubs elbows with some of the most important figures in human history, from Kublai Khan to Marie Antoinette. With guest appearances by Etrigan the Demon, Merlin, Neil Gaiman’s Death and featuring a reinvigorated version of DC mainstay The Phantom Stranger in a co-starring and bizarrely romantic role, “Madame Xanadu” is poised to become Vertigo’s next classic series. - Staff Writer Andy Khouri

29. JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA KINGDOM COME SPECIAL: SUPERMAN
Written and illustrated by Alex Ross
Publisher: DC Comics

Fans of Alex Ross generally agree the superstar illustrator has been at the top of his game in this decade, but when such an artist completely one-ups himself with a stellar out-of-nowhere one-shot starring his most famous creation, it’s nothing less than inspiring. Foregoing his usual painted finishes for a more traditional pencil-and-ink approach, Alex Ross has created a brand new signature style, one we hope to see much more of in the year ahead. Also his debut as a solo scripter, “Justice Society of America Kingdom Come Special: Superman” is a practically perfect look at the lost Superman of “Kingdom Come” as he wrestles with hard questions about his existence, the tragic death of his greatest love, the sorrow of losing a whole world, and doubt over whether he can even save ours. - Staff Writer Andy Khouri

28. JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA
Written by Geoff Johns & Alex Ross
Illustrated by Dale Eaglesham & Bob Wiacek, Alex Ross, Various

With amazing covers by Alex Ross, the further continuation of the “Thy Kingdome Come” storyline, which has seen the introduction of many “Kingdome Come” characters such as Kingdome Come Superman, Gog and Magog, and this summer's Annual, which featured a return to Earth-Two for Power Girl, this book has quickly become important reading for any DC fan. - Staff Writer Jami Philbreck

For a book described by the creators as Norman Rockwell’s version of superheroes, I don’t think we’ll see Kingdom Come Superman smoking a pipe from his rocking chair anytime soon. - Staff Writer Jeffrey Renaud

27. THE INVINCIBLE IRON MAN
Written by Matt Fraction
Illustrated by Salvador Larroca
Publisher: Marvel Comics

I wasn’t particularly a fan of Tony Stark as a character until he spearheaded Superhero Registration in “Civil War,” but he has gradually become one of Marvel’s most complex and compelling characters. And “Invincible Iron Man” is everything an Iron Man book should be. Fraction’s star continues to rise, and Larocca's s art is the perfect compliment.- Staff Writer Emmett Furey

Matt Fraction and Salvador Larroca jumped all over the "Iron Mania" fueled by the blockbuster summer hit with this title. A high-octance Iron Man series with action and adventure, this series gave readers new to the Marvel Universe (or even comics in general) a great spot to hop on. - Reviewer Doug Zawisza

26. THOR
Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Illustrated by Olivier Coipel, Marko Djurdjevic
Publisher: Marvel Comics

My favorite kind of re-launch is one that redefines a title specifically to fit the focus of a singular creator. J. Michael Straczynski took the return of Thor to the Marvel Universe as an opportunity to tell an incredibly charming and engrossing story, not only of the gods of Asgard, but the small town Americans they now live among. In a lot of ways, I think Straczynski's take on this long appropriated conceit of mortal and immortal is the best I've seen in comics, which I was certainly not expecting in a Thor book. - Reviewer Benjamin Birdie

Not since Walt Simonson's run has "Thor" been this thoroughly entertaining. Straczynski's brought the Thunder God back into the Marvel Universe in epic style, finally giving him the respect he's been lacking for so many years. - Columnist Jud Meyers

J. Michael Straczynski is telling an epic tale in the pages of “Thor” each month. And "Epic" is Olivier Coipel’s middle name. The God of Thunder’s monthly adventure delivers a major boom on every page. - Staff Writer Jeffrey Renaud

25. THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN
Written by Dan Slott, Marc Guggenheim, Bob Gale, Zeb Wells, Joe Kelly, Mark Waid, Roger Stern
Illustrated by John Romita Jr., Marcos Martin, Chris Bachalo, Steve McNiven, Mike McKone, Barry Kitson, Salvador Larroca, Phil Jimenez
Publisher: Marvel Comics

The list of talent on this book reads like an Avengers roster, and the stories being told are some of the best I’ve read in years. "One More Day," "Brand New Day," call it whatever you want, Spidey hasn’t been this consistently good in a long time. My standout story of the year is Joe Kelly’s Hammerhead arc. Brilliant. - Contributing Writer Brian LeTendre

While few might have really been behind what got "The Amazing Spider-Man" to where it is today, I doubt anyone expected Marvel to then take so many chances on their flagship title. The book has featured some great writers, sure, but if anyone told me that an artist as groundbreaking and unconventional as Marcos Martin would be part of such a high-profile book, I simply would not have believed them. - Reviewer Benjamin Birdie

24. KICK-ASS
Written by Mark Millar
Illustrated by John Romita, Jr.
Publisher: Icon

This book really lives up to its name with an unapologetic, original and over-the-top story full of carnage and teenage angst. Millar and Romita are both in top form with incredible art and writing that make this one of the best books of the year by far. - Staff Writer Jami Philbreck

23. ACHEWOOD
Written and illustrated by Chris Onstad
Publisher: Webcomic/Dark Horse

"Achewood" delivers the laughs on a routine basis with Chris Onstad's absurdist look at the lives of these friends. - Brian Cronin, Blog Manager - Comics Should Be Good

22. YOUNG LIARS
Written and illustrated by David Lapham
Publisher: Vertigo

Twisted, unpredictable, complex, layered, insane, manic, musical, and totally messed up, "Young Liars" is everything I always wanted in a comic book but never thought to ask for. David Lapham is producing career-best work in an already stunning career. Each issue brings about new shocking revelations and makes me want the next even more. - Reviewer Chad Nevett

Fires “crazy” on all cylinders. Not for the squeamish. - Staff Writer Shaun Manning

21. THE PUNISHER
Written by Garth Ennis
Illustrated by Goran Parlov, Tim Bradstreet
Publisher: MAX Comics

That Garth Ennis’ “The Punisher” is not #1 on this list is not a reflection of its quality, but rather a betrayal of our collective cowardice. In all seriousness, “The Punisher” shows readers terrible, horrible things they could never in a million years imagine, and it dares them not to come to the ultra-violent conclusions reached by Frank Castle. “The Punisher” is grim and awful and depraved, and reading this title makes you feel sick and guilty as hell. Yet never before have I finished a comic book and run out of the room screaming, showing pages to anyone I can find. – Staff Writer Andy Khouri

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19352

Acording to Comic Book Reasources these have been the best 100 titles of the year 2008:

 
60. THREE SHADOWS
Written and illustrated by Cyril Pedrosa
Publisher: First Second

This years "Blankets." If you're a parent or have ever contemplated becoming one, this book will grab you and never let go. Poetic, moving and uplifting. There's no award this book doesn't deserve to win. Find it, buy it, give it to everyone you know. - Columnist Jud Meyers

In a year where lackluster event books dominated the comic racks, this is one event that actually delivered. From “Armageddon” to “Revelations” to “Number of the Beast,” it all built up to one thing – the end of the world and the tales of the survivors as told each month in “Wildcats,” “The Authority,” “Gen 13” and “Stormwatch.” - Contributing Writer Justin Eger

Two of the best writers in the business plus some of the best (and fastest) artists at DC equals a great read each week. And considering that we’re only halfway through the book, there can only be more exciting things to come. - Contributing Writer Justin Eger

The first six issues were pure 100% fun. A very guilty pleasure that returns the Hulk to his roots as Marvel’s heavyweight brawler. - Columnist George Khoury

This is a book akin to Spider-Man in his early days under the pen and pencil of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Written by Giffen and Rogers, then Rogers alone, followed by Sturges with a fill-in from Pfeiffer in between, this book and character was inspirational for a number of fans and creators. Rafael Alburquerque is an under-rated talent who provided creative mortar for this title throughout 2008. - Reviewer Doug Zawisza

Sure, only one or two issues came out this year, but they’ve been fun reads each time. It’s moody, it’s gritty, it’s nice to look at and it might just be a little bit insane. All told, it was the definitive Bat-book for me this year. - Contributing Writer Justin Eger

J. Torres and Tim Levins had a great title here that was under-promoted and under-developed by DC Comics. The story featured the adventures of a super-powered family following the super-powered legacy of their forefathers (and mothers). This title was launched under the Johnny DC banner, and as such was criminally under-ordered to the point where the original six-issue story was halved. In a world without "The Incredibles" comics, this one had phenomenal potential, but was never given a fair chance to grow. - Reviewer Doug Zawisza

Azuma's autobiographical tales of becoming a homeless man (twice!) as well as going through rehab for alcohol is one of the most fascinating stories you'll read this year; not only for everything Azuma goes through in order to survive, but what it says about the Japanese comics industry in general. - Reviewer Greg McElhatton

"Ganges" #2 has two stories. The first, a look at the life of video game characters from their perspective, is an audacious and challenging work, but I honestly enjoyed the second story more, which is a more typical Huizenga work - a slice of life Glenn Ganges tale. Huizenga’s storytelling is excellent in the second story, a tale of co-workers dealing with the dot.com bubble bursting through a shared video game experience. - Brian Cronin, Blog Manager - Comics Should Be Good

Huizenga's everyman character of Glenn Ganges gets his own titular miniseries from Fantagraphics, in a beautiful, oversized edition to boot. Huizenga's stories range from reinterpreted folk tales, to deeply personal revelations, and usually some sort of mix between the two. Absolutely not to be missed. - Reviewer Greg McElhatton

With it's gritty mix of pulp adventure, street crime and super heroics, "Daredevil" continues to be a unique and highly enjoyable series. The “Cruel and Unusual” arc where regular series writer Brubaker teamed with his “Gotham Central” collaborator Greg Rucka was especially compelling. - Staff Writer Dave Richards

Peter Tomasi and Doug Mahnke just get it. Flat out, this is the best single story to come out from DC in quite some time. A shame it was the requiem of Martian Manhunter. If "Final Crisis" gives us nothing else (which looks likely to me) it gave us a shining story from Tomasi and Mahnke. - Reviewer Doug Zawisza

“Who do you trust?” became the mantra for the summer and the book was by far the best event comic of the year. With a shocking ending that really does live up to “it will change the way you look at the Marvel Universe forever,” brilliant marketing and great art by Yu, Bendis really did prove himself this year to be the true mastermind behind the “House Of Ideas.” - Staff Writer Jami Philbrick

Set 100 years after the “Big Wet,” Antony Johnston’s post apocalyptic world of "Wasteland" is equal parts "Battlestar Galactica" and "Mad Max," where every day is a struggle for the refugees from Providence. Mitten does an amazing job on art duties, and the covers from Templesmith capture the feel and scope of Johnston’s ever-unfolding tale. This book is truly unique and deserves to be talked about in the same conversation with titles like "The Walking Dead" and "Y: The Last Man." - Contributing Writer Brian LeTendre

In the tale of Matty Roth, Brian Wood has written a story that is sometimes a voice for his rage towards the Bush administration, a plaintive sigh towards the Iraqi government, but is at its best, "DMZ" is an unsparing look at how war is conducted today, at the depths of human behavior, and is an important voice that should not be ignored. - Contributing Writer Alex Deuben

One of the better series spinning out of “Final Crisis,” Pérez’s artwork is better than ever and Johns’ depiction of Superboy-Prime as an annoying, self-absorbed super-brat is pitch-perfect. With the teaming up of three different Legions of Super-Heroes from throughout continuity and the return of Sodam Yat, the conclusion of this miniseries is something no fan will want to miss. - Staff Writer Jami Philbreck

I defy anyone to come up with a better pitch than Superboy-Prime going one-thousand years into the future to murder every member of all three Legions of Super-Heroes in the most horribly violent ways imaginable, as depicted by the preeminent superhero artist of the age, George Pérez. Talk about "meta." - Staff Writer Andy Khouri

There is rarely anything more exciting than watching a young cartoonist drop a massively ambitious and engaging effort on the masses, and this year we got two such comics from Dash Shaw. But while the 25-year-old's surreal sci-fi webcomic "Body World" continues to work itself out on a daily basis, Shaw's mammoth 720-page graphic novel "Bottomless Belly Button" proved he can deliver an emotional family epic capable of connecting with a broad section of readers while retaining his cartooning idiosyncrasies, from wildly expressive lettering to detailed, graphed layouts. The emotional highs and lows the Loony children experience in the wake of their parents announcing a divorce after 40 years of marriage strike hard and leave a mark in the best way possible. - Staff Writer Kiel Phegley

The collective of Ennis and Robertson give a giant one-fingered salute to all the superhero event books on the shelves with this series.  I don't know if they've managed to out-Preacher "Preacher," but they have managed to outthink most comics out there geared to the spandex set.  It's the most fun you can have without a waterslide! - Staff Writer George A. Tramountanas

A flight attendant afraid of heights travels to a land that does not exist to rescue a man whose identity is constantly in flux. And then things get strange. Utterly brilliant. - Staff Writer Shaun Manning

Like the mighty groundhog, creator Doug TenNapel appears but once a year. Fortunately for us, he brings a graphic novel creation instead of news about the weather.  Like his other works, "Monster Zoo" has a playful yet serious tone in both its art and story.  In his most accessible work yet, TenNapel makes you think and feel in this nightmarish trip to the zoo. - Staff Writer George A. Tramountanas

In the Hellboy titles, “The Chapel of Molloch,” “The Crooked Man” and “The Wild Hunt,” Mignola and his artistic collaborators told past and present days tales of one of the most fascinating and original characters in comics. And over in the BPRD books like “The Warning,” “The Ectoplasmic Man,” “1946” and “War on Frogs,” writers Mignola, Acurdi and and Dysart along with a team of highly talented artists again showcased more exciting and horrific supernatural tales packed with intriguing characters. - Staff Writer Dave Richards

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19345

Acording to Comic Book Reasources these have been the best 100 titles of the year 2008:

80. 100 BULLETS
Written by Brian Azzarello
Illustrated by Eduardo Risso
Publisher: Vertigo

As their series comes to a close, Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso have raised the bar consistently, twenty-odd pages at a time. The drama and violence ratchets up with every installment as do the two creators' skills at wordsmithery and linework, respectively. One wonders what the landscape of comics will be like without this book propping it up in 2009. - Reviewer Benjamin Birdie

#79. TINY TITANS
Written by Franco Aureliani
Illustrated by Art Baltazar
Publisher: Johnny DC

Good, clean, all ages fun. Franco Aureliani and Art Baltazar put a lot of thought into this series, giving even the most seasoned Titans fans something to at least chuckle about, even if the younger readers don't necessarily get all of the jokes. - Reviewer Doug Zawisza

#78. ELEPHANTMEN: WAR TOYS
Written by Richard Starkins
Illustrated by Moritat
Publisher: Image Comics

The conclusion of this miniseries was the one I’d been waiting for since “Hip Flask” started. The last two years have been top-notch in the “Elephantmen” world. - Columnist George Khoury

#77. THE SWORD
Written and illustrated by The Luna Brothers
Publisher: Image Comics

A magical sword that's thousands of years old, unforgiving Gods on Earth and a young girl caught in the middle. Unexpectedly moving and filled with the Luna Brothers' brutal imagery. - Columnist Jud Meyers

#76. GLAMOURPUSS
Written and illustrated by Dave Sim
Publisher: Aardvark-Vanaheim

A fascinating graphic and narrative presentation by comics legend Dave Sim. - Columnist George Khoury

#75. THE WALKING DEAD
Written by Robert Kirkman
Illustrated by Charlie Adlard & Cliff Rathburn

A story about zombies that can't run - so why does it make my pulse quicken when I read it? This year the series reached its fiftieth issue, and the book saw major cast changes. When Kirkman says "no one is safe," he means it. Hm, I wonder if that extends to us readers? - Staff Writer George A. Tramountanas

#74. NOVA
Written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning
Illustrated by Wellinton Alves & Scott Hanna, Geraldo Borges & Nelson Pereira
Publisher: Marvel

The man called Nova has never been done better. Gripping space adventures should be done just this way. - Contributing Writer Brian K. Eason

73. ECHO
Written and illustrated by Terry Moore
Publisher: Abstract Studio

This is truly the year of the badass female protagonist. Terry Moore switches seamlessly from the relationship drama of "Strangers in Paradise" to science fiction military intrigue. Moore is the king of black-and-white comics that are bursting with color. - Columnist Jud Meyers

72. SUBLIFE
Written and illustrated by John Pham
Publisher: Fantagraphics Books

John Pham returned to comics this year after a far-too-long hiatus with a new and singular style and the fascinating story of a house of rented apartments in Los Angeles. Teachers, students, immigrants, and White Supremacists are all featured at one moment or another in this collected series of linked vignettes. Pham has created his own language of storytelling in this book; one that is subtle, surreal, and moving. - Reviewer Benjamin Birdie

71. FREAKANGELS
Written by Warren Ellis
Illustrated by Paul Duffield
Publisher: Avatar Press

In a comics marketplace where tentpole titles sometimes wind up shipping months later than they were originally solicited, Warren Ellis and Paul Duffield manage to put out six pages of “FreakAngels” every single week, and make each installment available online through Avatar at absolutely no cost to their readers (the first collected edition is on sale now). This pioneering distribution method, and the fascinating world that Ellis and Duffield put forth week in and week out make “FreakAngels” one of my must-reads. - Staff Writer Emmett Furey

70. TALES DESIGNED TO THRIZZLE
Written and illustrated by Michael Kupperman
Publisher: Fantagraphics Books

Perhaps we should adapt “In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes” to “In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes…and Tales Designed to Thrizzle being hilarious.”

Michael Kupperman’s awesome humor book saw its fourth issue released this year, and it is as insanely funny (and sometimes just plain insane) as usual. - Brian Cronin, Blog Manager - Comics Should Be Good

69. CHIGGERS
Written and illustrated by Hope Larson
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Hope Larson's first long-form graphic novel "Chiggers," a sweet and subtle summer camp tale, doubtlessly captures the young adult comic of the year award. Rather than fall back on unbelievable YA plot contrivances, Larson's easy story of Abby and her summer of falling for Dungeons and Dragons nerds, losing old friends to burgeoning adulthood and gaining new friends with complicated problems captures the fleeting days of a summer in adolescence without dripping with saccharine nostalgia. Go and buy this for every 12-year-old niece in your family. - Staff Writer Kiel Phegley

68. COMIC BOOK TATTOO
Based on the songs of Tori Amos
Edited by Rantz Hoseley
Publisher: Image Comics

All of the gorgeous strips in this anthology are a testament to the spirit of Tori Amos’s music. The passion and detail within the book shines very brightly. - Columnist George Khoury

67. CAPTAIN AMERICA
Written by Ed Brubaker
Illustrated by Steve Epting, Luke Ross
Publisher: Marvel Comics

An intricate thriller involving politics, revenge, and friendship as the shadow of Steve Rogers still covers the characters in this book. Not only is Ed Brubaker's writing stellar, but the art team has managed a wonderfully consistent look despite numerous artists, which is something other books should take note of. - Reviewer Chad Nevett

66. DC UNIVERSE: LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
Written by Brad Meltzer
Illustrated by Adam Kubert, John Dell, Joe Kubert
Publisher: DC Comics

Meltzer tied up storylines from almost all of his past DC books into a pretty little bow with this cat-and-mouse tale of revenge and justice between Geo-Force and Deathstroke. Outstanding art by Adam Kubert made this book the best one-shot of 2008. - Staff Writer Jami Philbrick

65. AMAZING SPIDER-GIRL
Written by Tom DeFalco
Illustrated by Ron Frenz
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Cancel it as many times as you want, but this book remains the last link to old-fashioned Marvel comics. And after ten years, it’s been as good as if not better than ever -- every single month. - Contributing Writer Justin Eger

64. AETHERIC MECHANICS
Written by Warren Ellis
Illustrated by Gianluca Pagliarani
Publisher: Avatar Press

What appears to be a simple Sherlok Holmes homage in a Victorian England with futuristic technology becomes much, much more. Warren Ellis's biting wit shines through here along with amazingly detailed at by newcomer Gianluca. The case of the man who wasn't there culminates in one of the best endings I've read all year. - Reviewer Chad Nevett

63. DAN DARE
Written by Garth Ennis
Illustrated by Gary Erskine
Publisher: Virgin Comics

Even without guns, sex and profanity, Garth Ennis shows us that he’s a force to be reckon with his eloquent opera to England’s greatest hero. - Columnist George Khoury

62. KRAMERS ERGOT 7

Edited by Sammy Harkham
Publisher: Buenaventura Press

Over its short life as the most darling anthology in the alternative comics world, "Kramers Ergot" grew into the destination for a new generation of cartoonists to strut their stuff. However, in a world where every up-and-coming cartoonist has a webpage chock full of comics, scads of minis to hock at conventions and a graphic novel deal in the works, Sammy Harkham's ubiquitous collection of ground-breaking comics started running the risk of being a superfluous gem. With its seventh installment published in the giant 16-by-21-inch size of golden age newspaper comics like "Little Nemo," "Kramers" challenged its contributors to deliver something unique and beautiful. The A-list talent rose to the occasion in stunning form from Kevin Huizenga's jaw-dropping, meditative strip to Seth's super-dense exploration of the comics form. Worth both the price and the wait. - Staff Writer Kiel Phegley

61. PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL
Written by Matt Fraction & Rick Remender
Illustrated by Howard Chaykin, Scott Wegener
Publisher: Marvel Comics

From start to finish, Fraction and Remender crafted a tight story that left The Punisher poised to play a major role in Dark Reign. The shift in art from Olivetti to Chaykin was a big one, but the strong storytelling kept me reading the book and I ended up enjoying Chaykin’s take on the characters. - Contributing Writer Brian LeTendre

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19331

Acording to Comic Book Reasources these have been the best 100 titles of the year 2008:

100. SWALLOW ME WHOLE
Written and illustrated by Nate Powell
Publisher: Top Shelf Productions

Nate Powell's career in zines and minicomics has remained largely (if unintentionally) overlooked by even the most ardent alternative comics pundits, and they've been missing out. Powell's past short form work went a long way in evoking a wide range of emotional responses through a careful balance of assured, scratchy cartooning and sharp attention to detail when it came to life's little moments. With "Swallow Me Whole," a semi-spooky feeling and memorable romance set against the heartbreaking reality of mental illness, the artist has finally started to get noticed outside of the music and D.I.Y. circles, and the comics crowd will only be the better for championing his talent. - Staff Writer Kiel Phegley

99. HACK/SLASH
Written by Tim Seely
Illustrated by Emily Stone
Publisher: Devil's Due Publishing

At the surface level, “Hack/Slash” is as fun and enjoyable as the horror movies it spoofs and pays homage to. But if you take a deeper look, it's also a story about one of the most fascinating friendships in comics: Cassie Hack and her partner Vlad. And on top of that, Vlad is one of the best “gentle giant” comics characters to come along since Stan Lee and Jack Kirby introduced the world to Benjamin J. Grimm. - Staff Writer Dave Richards

98. GREEN LANTERN CORPS
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Illustrated by Patrick Gleason, Prentis Rollins, Drew Geraci, Various
Publisher: DC

With Guy Gardner and Kyle Rayner leading the way, the Corps has been dealing with the fallout of the Sinestro Corps War, picking up the pieces all over the galaxy. Tomasi and Gleason have continued to develop the main characters while building toward the upcoming Blackest Night event. - Contributing Writer Brian LeTendre

97. POWR MASTRS
Written and illustrated by C.F.
Publisher: PictureBox

C. F.'s bizarre Dungeons and Dragons-style adventure comic reads like the work of brilliantly crazed adolescent world-maker, and with Volume 2's release this year, that world became twice as large. Give this comic a chance and you might find yourself sucked in for good. - Columnist/Reviewer Timothy Callahan

96. SALT WATER TAFFY: THE SEASIDE ADVENTURES OF JACK AND BENNY
Written and illustrated by Matthew Loux
Publisher: Oni Press

Loux's Salt Water Taffy is one of those great all-ages books that really has something for all ages; if you don't crack a smile at all of the fantastic adventures that Jack and Benny go through the little town of Chowder Bay, you're probably dead on the inside. - Reviewer Greg McElhatton

95. G.I. JOE: AMERICA'S ELITE
Written by Mark Powers
Illustrated by Mike Bear
Publisher: Devil's Due Publishing

The "World War III" storyline was the swan song of the Devil’s Due era of G.I. Joe, and it did not disappoint. Cobra Commander set the world afire and Joes were scattered all over the globe trying to save it. A great end to a great run, Powers and Bear should be proud. - Contributing Writer Brian LeTendre

94. LOCKE & KEY
Written by Joe Hill
Illustrated by Gabriel Rodriguez
Publisher: IDW Publishing

Who cares that he's Stephen King's son? Joe Hill's brilliant in his own right, mixing the horror human beings get up to with the supernatural we all fear exists. Add in Gabriel Rodriguez' beautiful art and you've got a nightmare of a book -- in a good way. - Columnist Jud Meyers

93. NEW AVENGERS
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Illustrated by Various
Publisher: Marvel Comics

It's been a banner year for “New Avengers.” 2008 began with an exciting new lineup of characters and adventures that mixed street level action with daring super heroics and an intriguing dollop of paranoia due to the looming Skrull invasion. Later on, when Secret Invasion began, the compelling stories continued as the title featured back-stories about how the massive Skrull plot came to pass. - Staff Writer Dave Richards

92. TOO COOL TO BE FORGOTTEN
Written and illustrated by Alex Robinson
Publisher: Top Shelf Productions

A 40-something smoker attempts to hypnotize away his habit and improbably lands back in his high school days where he took his first puff. A setup like that could take off in any number of clichéd directions from goofball "Back to the Future" style shenanigans to the inane, nostalgic naval gazing that dominates too many comics projects, but in the hands of cartoonist Alex Robinson, Andy Wick's trip through time sings. By carefully examining the missed truths of young Andy's personal relationships, Robinson delivers a story that illuminates the effects our formative years have on us in a way that only a insightful veteran can accomplish. - Staff Writer Kiel Phegley

91. BERLIN: CITY OF SMOKE
Written and illustrated by Jason Lutes
Publisher: Drawn & Quarterly

Reading Jason Lutes is a time consuming process. There's reading him for the story, reading him for the character bits and the way he juggles his cast, reading him to get a sense of the small historical details he imparts and the way he uses them, reading him to examine his drawings and the seemingly simple but intensely meticulously way he illustrates the book, and reading to see the ways he manages to convey the growing dread and march towards such a bleak future. - Contributing Writer Alex Deuben

90. LOCAL
Written by Brian Wood
Illustrated by Ryan Kelly
Publisher: Oni Press

What began as a series of narrative snapshots of various North American cities evolved into a character study and became something deeper and more meaningful than expected. In a year when Brian Wood produced good work all around, this is his best, and Ryan Kelly's art has never looked as subtle or dynamic. Columnist/Reviewer Timothy Callahan

89. REAL
Written and illustrated by Takehiko Inoue
Publisher: Viz Media

Wheelchair-bound basketball players may seem like an odd subject, but Inoue's newest series is engrossing as it follows its three main characters. Plus, Inoue's art is some of the most beautiful in comics. Once you see it, you'll want to run out and start buying Inoue's other current series (the samurai epic "Vagabond") just to get more Inoue on a regular basis. - Reviewer Greg McElhatton

88. GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY
Written by Judd Winick
Illustrated by Cliff Chiang, Amanda Connor, Mike Norton, André Coehlo
Publisher: DC Comics

Ollie and Dinah’s wedding night may have gotten off to a rocky start, but the series really took off with the rescue of the real Oliver Queen, which lead to the assignation attempt and kidnapping of Connor Hawke. What followed was some truly inspired writing by Winick about a father’s desperate search for his lost son. Chiang’s artwork is at its best in this underrated book, which featured guest appearances by Batman, Plastic Man, Shado and The League Of Assassins. - Staff Writer Jami Philbrick

87. JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA
Written by Dwayne McDuffie
Illustrated by Ed Benes
Publisher: DC Comics

Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and Flash. If you are a fan of DC Comics, and you only buy one book a month, “Justice League of America” has it all. - Staff Writer Jeffrey Renaud

86. DYNAMO 5
Written by Jay Faerber
Illustrated by Mahmud A. Asrar, Ron Riley
Publisher: Image Comics

Jay Faerber was tired of the standard superhero universe tropes, so he did all readers a favor and created his own comic world. He puts the "fun" in "dysfunctional super-family." Solid storytelling, characters you can believe in, and a universe where anything is possible - what more could you want? - Staff Writer George A. Tramountanas

85. DEAD SPACE
Written by Antony Johnston
Illustrated by Ben Templesmith
Publisher: Image Comics

This one might have been overlooked as a simple tie in to a video game. Antony Johnston and Ben Templesmith did a great job of crafting a horrific tale that stands on its own, as well as provides a great prequel to the "Dead Space" game. - Contributing Writer Brian LeTendre

84. CHECKMATE
Written by Greg Rucka & Eric Trautmann, Bruce Jones
Illustrated by Various
Publisher: DC Comics

A diverse cast, political maneuvering and all-out spy action, all topped off with superheroes. Despite a woeful misstep in assigning the remaining issues of this book to Bruce Jones, this was an exciting read each month. - Contributing Writer Justin Eger

83. ASTONISHING X-MEN
Written by Joss Whedon, Warren Ellis
Illustrated by John Cassaday, Simone Bianchi
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Sometimes a title can be defined by a single storyline, sometimes a single issue. In a rare case, however, a single panel, spread over the span of two pages, can make a title one of the best of the year. Joss Whedon and John Cassaday made Kitty Pryde's final act of heroism one of the most stunning and impressive single moments of the year, and for that they deserve no small amount of praise. - Reviewer Benjamin Birdie

Whedon and Cassaday's final issue had a glorious cinematic feel, proving that this team (and the X-Men) are truly “astonishing.” Ellis's sassier scripts provide their own guilty diversion, while Bianchi makes the whole thing look stellar. - Staff Writer Shaun Manning

82. JONAH HEX
Written by Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti
Illustrated by Jordi Bernet, Darwyn Cooke, J.H. Williams III, Various
Publisher: DC Comics

"Jonah Hex" has become an essential title this year not just for the satisfying self-contained stories each issue holds, but also for the artistic contributions of some of the best illustrators in the industry like Jordi Bernet, J.H. Williams III and Darwyn Cooke. If you're a fan of westerns, if you're a fan of good comics, you were probably reading this book n 2008. - Staff Writer Andy Khouri

81. THE IMMORTAL IRON FIST
Written by Ed Brubaker & Matt Fraction, Duane Swierczynski
Illustrated by David Aja, Travel Foreman
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Brubaker, Fraction and Aja's run on “Immortal Iron Fist” established the series as a wildly inventive title that blends Kung-Fu action with a wide variety of genres, and current creators Swierczynski and Foreman haven't dropped the ball. Their run continues to be both fun and fascinating. - Staff Writer Dave Richards
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19308

It would be so cool to have a modernized DC universe. It would be perfect for people who don't read DC comics but would like to start to. Plus DC ,in Superman's case, has been seen to become repatitive and boring. It would be so cool to see a costume change for some characters and even a little power change to it. As long as there is no such thing as a DC Ultimates 3 in the whole project and this would go very very well!!!!

If this becomes true I will be the No.1 fan of this!!!!!

Source: khinsider.com

Jump Fiesta 2009 had coverage of the KH´s new games and here is a summary of what happened!

KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days

- The Japanese release date for 358/2 Days has changed from February 2009 to Spring 2009.

- A

• Roxas: Even if that guy says it, I'll obey it
  
• Xion: As for me... I've completely failed the mission
  
• Axel: What I do with my free time is up to me. Is it bad if I don't report everything back to you?
  
• Saix: The whereabouts of Namine, the concealed room, the place Xion was born---
  
• Xigbar: So you're the special Nobody Xemnas found
  
• Xemnas: The time is up---
  
• Xemnas: We Nobodies must not forget our motive

• Axel: Even though Saix said some annoying things
  
• Axel: You'll gradually discover, Xion
  
• Roxas: Hey Axel, what's there to do on days off?
  
• Roxas: (What I have? Is it my place to stay in the Organization? My place is...)

• Aladdin: There's still a sandstorm?
  
• Aladdin: I'll go patrol the town for a little while
  
• Genie: Who's there!? Who is calling me now!?
  
• Roxas: But why would you help us out?

I know he's not always a villain but that would be cool!!!!