Top Comics of 2016

Luis rounds up his favorite books of the year

FUTURE QUEST - If you had told me one of the best books of the year would be a comic with a story uniting all the characters from the Hanna Barbera cartoon universe, I would have told you you were crazy—but Parker and Shaner are delivering a book that feels like it was ripped right from my Saturday morning television days.

BLACK WIDOW - Waid and Samnee are delivering a fresh but classic-feeling story which brings elements of Natasha’s past to the current Marvel Universe. This book is perfect.

SUPERMAN: AMERICAN ALIEN - Max Landis crafts a spectacular Superman story utilizing a rotating cast of top notch artists (Sook, Lee, Edwards, Dragotta, Jock, and Manapul). It’s a very different take on a Clark Kent to Superman origin story. Wildly original.

DEATHSTROKE - Comics veteran Christopher Priest breathed new life into Slade Wilson in 2016. The books often felt like you were on a Tarantino-esque caper. The way each book bounces around time is a true credit to the mastery of Priest.

LEGEND OF WONDER WOMAN - Renae De Liz is putting together a fresh all-ages take on the Amazonian princess. While the art is simplistic, it’s definitely approachable for newer comic readers. An absolute breath of fresh air.

Cosplay of the Saga family at NYCC

Luis Vega

SAGA - The best regular book on the market. Vaughan and Staples form the perfect team. Alana and Marko (finally reunited) present their pregnancy to Hazel, which sets the stage for the most heartbreaking comic moment of the year.

PAPER GIRLS - Another Vaughan masterpiece. This love letter to the ’80s is perfectly written and drawn (Cliff Chiang is without peer). One of the best monthly books on the racks.

BATMAN - No one could have followed Scott Snyder’s run on Batman... except for Tom King. His take on the Bat and more importantly Bruce helped humanize the character and created a multi-faceted story playing off the relationship between Bruce and Selina (Catwoman). Absolute perfection.

MOON KNIGHT - Marc Spector is the most convoluted character in comics. Jeff Lemire and Greg Smallwood have made Moon Knight approachable and relatable with a story that plays with all the psychological elements that have come before. A standout Marvel book.

MIGHTY THOR - Thor has always been one of my favorite characters. I never thought I would love Jane Foster as Thor more than the original. Dauterman and Aaron are putting together a special run. Kudos to Marvel for putting together a gender equal book with this much diversity and inclusion.