We are back with one more “Best of” list. I know, I said that I am not a fan, but once I got to looking at all the great comics that came out this year, I felt that I had to celebrate some of the comics that didn’t have New Number Ones in 2022.
This list is group of books that debuted before 2022 and continued well into the year or throughout it completely. It is much harder to do a list like this in today’s world. Books from the “Big 2” are rebooted often with new number ones just because the creative team changes, and Indie books are often only giving one trade paperback worth of leash to prove themselves.
Despite those tough odds, I found ten books that started pre-2022 that have been delivering high quality comic story telling on a consistent basis. A couple of them have reached their end, but still had enough length for me to consider them ongoing.
I recognize that this list is a bit DC heavy, and that bothers me slightly, but I stand by the books on this list being at the top of the industry in terms of execution over the course of the year.
Best Ongoing Series 2022
Action Comics
DC Comics
Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Artists: Riccardo Federici, Mike Perkins, Lee Loughridge, Will Conrad, David Lapham, Adriana Melo, and more.
Letters: Dave Sharpe
Cover: Daniel Sampere & Alejandro Sa`nchez
PCS Notes: The Warworld Saga came to completion this year and Phillip Kennedy Johnson along with some amazing artists told a story about struggle and survival. Throughout the story Superman fought for the beings that needed him, and exemplified all the traits that make him a hero. Some of the best long form Superman storytelling in a long time.
Basilisk
Boom! Studios
Writer: Cullen Bunn
Artists: Jonas Scharff & Alex Guimarães
Letters: Ed Dukeshire
Cover: Scharff
PCS Notes: Cullen Bunn has two complementary attributes. He is an extremely prolific writer and he is extremely talented. This horror comic filled with superpowered individuals is some of the best work that he produced this year. Jonas Scharff’s artwork is perfect for this book, and you should really check it out.
Batgirls
DC Comics
Writer: Becky Cloonan & Michael Conrad
Artists: Jorge Corona, Robbi Rodriguez, Neil Googe, Rico Renzi, Sarah Stern
Letters: Becca Carey
Cover: Corona
PCS Notes: Listen, this is a fantastic team superhero book. This makes into in this list because only issue #1 came out in 2021. All of the attributes for a quality comic series are in place for this to succeed, and then the writing pair of Cloonan and Conrad take it to fantastic place. Grab a bunch of these and find a comfy spot to enjoy great superhero comic stories.
Human Target
DC Comics
Writer: Tom King
Artist: Greg Smallwood
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Cover: Smallwood
PCS Notes: This one is a bit of reach because it is billed as a limited series, but it started before 2022, and it is not finished due to the few month hiatus between arcs. However, My List means My Rules. This is one of the best ongoing series for 2022. First of all the artwork by Greg Smallwood is next level. He provides detail and clear action with a distinctive style that enhances the story in significant ways. This hardboiled mystery story is a must read.
Newburn
Image Comics
Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Artist: Jacob Phillips
Letters: Phillips
Cover: Phillips
PCS Notes: I am noticing that the writers on this list are pretty darn productive. Chip Zdarsky is no exception. He has put out quite a bit of quality comic books this year. I want to highlight this bent cop procedural as one of his best. Jacob Phillips is obviously a big reason for the success of this story, and you should check it out. I am still hoping that this is not the end for this story.
The Nice House on the Lake
DC Comics / Black Label
Writer: James Tynion IV
Artists: Alvaro Martinez Bueno & Jordie Bellaire
Letters: AndWorld Design
Cover: Martinez Bueno
PCS Notes: It is fitting that one of the best new comics of the past year makes it to the best ongoing comic list for this year. This is a story that must be consumed to be understood, but the ability of the creators to manipulate and entertain the reader is masterful.
Nightwing
DC Comics
Writer: Tom Taylor
Artists: Bruno Redondo, Caio Felipe, Daniele Di Nicuolo & Adriano Lucas
Letters: Wes Abbot
Cover: Redondo
PCS Notes: These has been some of the best Nightwing comics ever. The writing and the art match the personality of the main character. Each issue is full of action, humor, and hope. This is the first book of the week that I read each time it comes out.
Nocterra
Image Comics
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artists: Tony S. Daniel, Tomeu Morey & Marcelo Maiolo
Letters: Andworld Design
Cover: Daniel
PCS Notes: The art in this book is amazing as it has the unique task of needing to illuminate what needs to be seen instead of adding shadow. It is a different perspective, but executed wonderfully. The story has been compelling. This is just a really good Indie comic book.
Saga
Image Comics
Writer: Brian K. Vaughn
Artist: Fiona Staples
Letters: Fonografiks
Cover: Staples
PCS Notes: Saga is back and immediately made this list. Since release the story of Hazel’s childhood has been one of the best books around and the return after a long hiatus hit the ground sprinting. This book continues to be smartly written and gorgeously illustrated.
Superman: Son of Kal-El
DC Comics
Writer: Tom Taylor
Artists: John Timms, Cian Tormey, Matt Herms, Romulo Fajardo Jr. Federico Blee, & more
Letters: Dave Sharpe
Cover: Travis Moore & Tamara Bonvillain
PCS Notes: Well, Tom Taylor made this list twice, but this book is special in that he is molding and developing one of the newer characters in the DC universe into a character who upholds the legacay that weighs on the symbol on his chest while being representative of the world he lives in and what is to come. This book definitely makes you feel like “The Kids are Alright.”
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OK. I am done now. Have a happy and safe New Year’s Eve, and remember to add READ MORE COMICS to your list of resolutions. They are good for you.
