Top Comics of 2012

With a new year upon us and another great year of comics ahead, it is time to reflect back on what quality books were produced in 2012.  Without further ado, here are the top comics of 2012 in no particular order.

My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf

Derf Backderf is an award winning political cartoonist who grew up an acquaintance of Jefrey Dahmer.    Backderf provides first-hand accounts of spending time with Dahmer at school and hanging around town.  While an amazing book, it is truly disturbing.  The insight that Backderf provides of the lonely and troubled Dahmer made this one of the most captivating books I have ever read.  This is without question a must read that I can't recommend enough.

Batman by Scott Snyder
When the New 52 launched I hopped on board and picked up quite a few titles.  As the year progressed, Batman was the only title that remained as a must purchase title.  The Court of the Owls arc is one of the best Batman stories that I have ever read and Death in the Family is off to a great start.  Another title that appears to be able to do no wrong.

Cow Boy by Nate Cosby
Without a doubt one of my favorite titles, and my son's favorite titles, of the year.  The playful art of Chris Eliopoulos and the writing of Cosby had me hooked when I read part 1 on www.cowboycomic.net.  Ten-year old Boyd Linney is a bounty hunter that is rounding up his entire outlaw family.  As a parent, anything that you and your children are excited about reading together is a wonderful thing, and Cow Boy is fun for everyone in the family.  I can't wait for the next Cow Boy title in 2013!

Punk Rock Jesus by Sean Murphy
This mini-series from Sean Murphy was one of the best surprises of the year.  It is nice when a concept works better than you expect.  Punk Rock Jesus is about the clone of Jesus Christ being born to a virgin for the sake of reality tv.  This series concludes this week!  Definitely worth your time.

Saga by Brian K. Vaughan
Brian K. Vaughan's latest masterpiece has been named the top comic of 2012 and I can't disagree.  The star crossed lovers plot is easy to mess up, but with the rich world and characters he created, backed by the brilliant art of Fiona Staples, this book is one for the ages.

Locke and Key by Joe Hill
Quite possibly my favorite comic on the market today.  I have such mixed feelings about this comic ending its main story in 2013, but the world that Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez have created is one of the most fascinating worlds that it has been a pleasure to journey through.  I have a bad feeling at least one of the Locke children will die, and that thought saddens me to no end. The fact that I can't stop pushing this title on my friends and have legitimate concerns for the characters should speak to the depth and love that Hill and Rodriguez have put into Keyhouse.

Underwater Welder by Jeff Lemire
The Underwater Welder by Jeff Lemire is a haunting tale of fatherhood and family that connected with me on the first page.  In a story that draws comparison to the Twilight Zone, Lemire maintains a great deal of mystery, tension and elicits great compassion from his readers throughout this must read title.  A very quick, but very satisfying read.

Honorable Mention:
Walking Dead, Morning Glories, Sixth Gun, Deadpool, Daredevil, and many others I am forgetting right now.

Microreview [Comics] - Cow Boy

The Meat

Boyd Linney is a ten year old bounty hunter who is traversing the wild west with only his horse for a companion and his trusty gun by his side.  After a rough childhood, he is determined to round up his entire family of outlaws and collect the ransom.

Cow Boy draws on nostalgic comics including Peanuts and Calvin and Hobbes.  The book remains light and fun despite numerous shootouts straight out of a spaghetti western.  Boyd is the emotional glue that holds this story together.  Flashbacks provide context to why he is driven to bring his family to justice and moments when he is alone at night with his horse we are reminded that he is only a child who has a lot on his plate to deal with.

Nate Cosby hooks you from the first chapter in which Boyd rounds up his own father to collect his first ransom.  The dialog between father and son first humanizes Boys and reveals the tragic hero that this young 10-year old is.  Cosby's ability to write emotionally charged scenes while keeping it light and entertaining for adults and children is remarkable. 

Through the artwork of Chris Eliopoulos, we are able to see the grit and determination this Cow Boy has.  Boyd's facial expressions are true to nature and reminded me of my own children if I imagined them in his boots.  Eliopoulos captures the over-dramatic nature of children, puts together fun shootouts, and constructs moments when you want to jump in the page and comfort Boyd with a big hug. 

Is this a Back to the Future Easter egg in Cow Boy?

This book is not only a book I love, but a book my son loves.  There are few better moments as a parent then you have your child excited about reading.  A book like Cow Boy, which delivers on both the graphic and story elements, is what I seek out as a father.  It is often the first comic I suggest to any parent looking to involve their children in this medium.  Not because it is a book that children will love, but it is one that parents will enjoy as well.

If you don't believe me you can try reading it yourself for free at http://www.cowboycomic.net.  If you want to read more for free before buying this great book, then you can pick up their Hallow's Eve mini comic next Wednesday if your local comic book store is participating in Halloween Comic Fest.  Click here to find a participating location.

The Math

Objective Quality: 8/10

Bonuses: +1 for Boyd's gun, which looks like a child's stick horse.  +1 for the short stories between chapters

Penalties: -1 for the book ending too soon.  I would have loved a few more chapters of side stories mixed in

Comic Coefficient: 9/10 very high quality/standout in its category.

[See explanation of our non-inflated scores here.]