Wow, I didn’t mean to make it a week from part 1 to part 2, but never the less, let us continue!
5. Brian Michael Bendis
A bit lower on the list than most people would like, but really Bendis is semi hit or miss. Some of his projects are just plain incredible. Ultimate Spider-man, for instance, has been one of the most always on spot, GOOD comics around. With good dialogue and nearly perfect pacing. Dark Avengers, has turned out to be a great book as well. And Bendis really shows his strength by writing differently for different artists.
But, why is he so low then? Well…. there’s a sound in dialogue that is pretty much trademark “Bendis” and unfortunately, that sound doesn’t fit with some guys. Bendis has everyone be pretty long winded, and it can really start to make everyone feel the same. But when it works, it works REALLY well.
It’s why his Spider-man stuff is so good.
Then, there’s also his events. They just aren’t as good as his single issue stuff. He does much better with a smaller cast. But still, his books are fun, and overall enjoyable.
6. Jason Aaron
Jason Aaron is another new guy, who I never really read before. His work on Wolverine: Weapon X and his X-men Destiny: Wolverine, is really how I found him. And ever since, I’ve enjoyed like every thing he does. He just does FUN comics.
In X-men Destiny: Wolverine, it really reads like a chop-socky flick in page form. It was just a simple 4 issue series that couldn’t have impact on ongoing continuity but it worked. This lead to his Wolverine: Weapon X which has been a bloody, brutal romp. And it introduced a great villain: Dr. Rot
The last reason Aaron makes this list, is the fact that he’ll talk to fans about issues going on in the comics industry. When DC announced they were lowering their price back to 2.99, by taking away 2 pages of comics, he lauded the price drop, but lamented the page drop. Saying that it made comics harder to write in the long run. Hey, read the whole thing here. He talks with candor, and respect to the industry and fans. And that means a lot.
3. Matt Fraction
Matt Fraction. He is Marvel’s new golden boy really. He’s is currently writing one of the biggest titles marvel has: Uncanny X-men. And he’s really doing stuff with it. Giving Cyclops more of a leadership role, and even getting good ol’ Magneto back into business, Matt Fraction is putting the title on it’s ear. Though, he does a bit hit or miss on this. He seems not to do the teams the best. So why is he on here? Two words: Iron Man.
Fraction really has deconstructed Iron Man and Tony Stark. He’s single handed made the book not only relevant to modern times by subtly updating Stark’s origin, but has made Tony Stark into a new man. He’s brought Tony up, taken him down, and now Tony’s gonna climb back up with new tech, new supporting cast, and a new lease on life.
After Civil War, many a fan was out for Iron Man’s head. Putting him on par with George W. Bush in many aspects, but Matt Fraction has put the hero back into the book, and made him likable once again. The book has been a non stop chase scene, even after Tony’s gone brain dead.
Really, the book has more promise now, than ever. And next he’s doing Thor? That’s gonna rule too.
2. Joe Hill
Joe Hill writes a book I checked out, purely on word of mouth: Locke and Key. A book, many would just blow off, because it doesn’t feature guy’s in cool armor smacking bad guys around. But I gotta say, this is one of the best horror comics you can read. Great art, and even better writing makes this book a treat to read every time I pick up the hardbacks.
Joe Hill is pretty new to the comics scene, but he’s always known comics. Especially with his father: Stephen King. Yeah, Joe Hill is Stephen Kings son. I didn’t know this! I was looking up info on him, and his previous comic work (none) and there it is. He’s Stephen King’s son. Pretty spiff huh?
But he’s got his skill all on his own. His sense of mood, and tone are just top notch. He takes a great idea (Key’s that unlock magic doors) and makes it even better by having likable characters, a creepy setting (I would NOT live in a town called Lovecraft), and a great bad guy leads to one of the best books I’ve ever read.
And finally, the number one spot.
1. Greg Pak
Greg Pak is currently my favorite writer in comics today. He’s taken an obscure character and made him into a likable hero (And King of Olympus), taken an often miss-used main stay of Marvel and shot him into space (that didn’t work out so well), and has fleshed out the past of one of the best villains in comics with history.
Greg Pak has had a great career in comics. From his praised Warlock series (which, I have not read, and I cannot find right now) to his epic Planet Hulk, where The Hulk is sent into space for a whole year of comic time. He eventually goes into gladiator like fights, and becomes the Green King, only to have it all destroyed. Then Pak keeps things rolling even MORE by introducing Amadeus Cho, and saddling him with Hercules. Amadeus has by far, been my favorite new character in comics. Using super intelligence in a visual way, not really seen in comics. And making him likable.
But really, the best reason to put Greg Pak on this list: Magneto Testament. A deep and historical look at the X-men’s villain. He gives so much depth into Magneto using history and the characters back story. Giving a lot more detail to his already rich history, and the collected edition even has a teachers guide, so it can be used in class rooms. This is by far amazing. Greg Pak, I salute you.
