Top Comics

Luis lists his favorite titles from 2019 that Tom King did not write

BATMAN THE LAST KNIGHT ON EARTH

DC’s top-selling duo of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have struck again with an epic Batman mini-series that was one of the best comics I read all year. The creative team have spent years honing their take on the Caped Crusader, but this storyline serves as a fitting end to everything they’ve put him through. Batman’s final adventure before he can finally head to the giant belfry in the sky. Also, Joker’s re-animated head as sidekick is amazing! Easily one of the most inventive Batman takes in years.

CONAN THE BARBARIAN

I love Conan the Barbarian. I turned in many a middle school book report on the character's exploits. I’m not a huge sword and sorcery guy, but I’ve always loved the savagery of the character. The current Conan series by Jason Aaron and Mahmud Asrar hits all the right notes. It’s gorgeously illustrated and the perfect follow up to Aaron’s run on Thor.

DCEASED

With the industry facing fatigue over mega-crossovers, DCeased proves that sometimes it’s best to keep your story under a single title. This six-issue series told by Tom Taylor with art by Trevor Hairsine and Neil Edwards begins when the DC Universe’s anti-life equation is solved and, through the internet, infects heroes and civilians alike. It’s superhero melodrama at its finest.

NAOMI

Brian Michael Bendis is at his best when he's introducing new characters. Naomi feels like an origin story but also raises questions about Naomi’s past and her future. This is a detective book with the ultimate question being “how do you grow up in a world with real superheroes when you might be one yourself?” This title hits a lot of the same notes as Ultimate Spider-Man. This is (and all of the other Wonder Comics are) a great stepping stone to new comic readers.

THE UNSTOPPABLE WASP

The Unstoppable Wasp tells the story of Nadia, daughter of Hank Pym. Nadia is on a mission to bring together every girl genius in the Marvel universe, sort of like a smart girl think tank. Funny and exciting, the way comics should be. Guruhiru’s art strikes the perfect tone.

GIDEON FALLS

Jeff Lemire’s Gideon Falls has been playing out for several years now, but, as readers get closer to the heart of the mystery, the book has only gotten stronger. Andrea Sorrentino has continued to deliver some of the best art in comics. Dave Stewart’s colors are perfectly muted, but the spot color red that accents the most terrifying moments serves the book very well. One of the best new books from Image.

RUNAWAYS

Rainbow Rowell and Kris Anka continue to build on the ground laid out by Vaughan and Winnick. Rowell juggles a gigantic cast of characters but everyone stars. Another fun and light book from Marvel.

SUPERMAN’S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN

Matt Fraction and Steve Lieber have crafted a brilliant, compassionate tale that stars Jimmy Olsen. Hilarious and even full of adventure, it doesn’t rely on a cameo from Superman every issue like past Jimmy book. So incredibly well-done.

SUPERMAN SMASHES THE KLAN

Based on an old Superman radio serial, Gene Yang (who is one of the best writers in comics) delivers an action packed tale that reminds us of what Superman is most: An inspiration. One of my favorite Superman and Clark Kent stories that I’ve ever read. Also, another book where Guruhiru completely crushes the art. An absolute delight for readers of all ages.

ISOLA

Quite possibly my favorite looking book on the market. Brenden Fletcher and Karl Kerschl reunite on the comics page with a breathtaking fantasy adventure. Lush pencils and colors, printed on beautiful paper stock by Image. It’s the closest any comic has ever come to feeling like the work of Hayao Miyazaki.