Comic Books 2017, New Years

(Stock Photo Courtesy of GoDaddy)

For Villain Media, our very own Managing Editor Jorge Solis picks out the Best Comic Books that put their stamp on 2017 in his Top 10 List. Have fun checking out these comics after spotting them on this year end list.

Let’s be honest here; 2017 had more lows than highs, especially with a racist blowhard sitting in the President’s chair. But creativity pushes forward even through the worst times, and reveals more about ourselves. At their best, comic books, just like literature, have something to say; we just have to listen.

Here are my Top 10 picks for the best comic books that came out of 2017:

10) Southern Cross (Image Comics)

Comic Books 2017, Southern Cross Vol 2, Image Comics
Southern Cross Vol 2

With Vol. 2: Romulus and their thirteenth issue out now, writer Becky Cloonan and artist Andy Belanger love turning outer space into a terrifying horror show!

9) Sword of Ages #1 (IDW Publishing)

Comic Books 2017, Sword Ages #1, IDW Publishing,
Sword of Ages #1

I truly love Locke and Key! I was just floored with writer/artist Gabriel Rodriguez’s sci-fi vision of the Excalibur myth!

8) Nancy Drew And The Hardy Boys: The Big Lie (Dynamite Entertainment)

Comic Books 2017, Anthony Del Col, Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, The Big Lie
Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys: The Big Lie

Writer Anthony Del Col and artist Werther Dell’Edera deliver a modern and edgy twist to the amateur sleuths.

7) Kill Shakespeare (IDW Publishing)

Comic Books 2017, Conor McCreery, Kill Shakespeare Volume 5, Past is Prologue, Juliet, IDW Publishing
Kill Shakespeare Volume 5: Past is Prologue: Juliet’ (IDW Publishing)

Volume 5: Past is Prologue: Juliet continues writer Conor McCreery and artist Corin Howell‘s enduring love for theater and the Shakespearean mythology. 

6) Monstrous: Mad Dash (Source Point Press)

Comic Books 2017, Greg Wright, Monstrous Mad Dash, Source Point Press
Monstrous Mad Dash

Writer Greg Wright and artist Ken Lamug takes their quirky premise to another level, with a fun story and eye-popping illustrations that pay tribute to Mad Max and Frankenstein.

5) Rocket Girl (Image Comics)

Comic Books 2017, Brandon Montclare, Rocket Girl Vol 2, Only the Good, Image Comics
Rocket Girl Volume 2: Only the Good

With Volume 2: Only The Good, writer Brandon Montclare and artist Amy Reeder conclude their terrific sci-fi police story that captures a genuine nostalgic love for the ‘80s.

4) Lazaretto (BOOM! Studios)

Comic Books 2017, Lazaretto #4, BOOM! Studios
Lazaretto #4

With a clever title, writer Clay Mcleod Chapman and artist Jey Levang examine a college where everybody is trying find their own identity. In a terrifying twist, a deadly virus reveals the worst between men and women.  

3) Haunted High-Ons One Shot Special (Source Point Press)

Comic Books 2017, Twiztid, Haunted High-Ons, Source Point Press
Twiztid Haunted High-Ons Cover

The music of Twiztid is brought over into the comic book realm! Writer Dirk Manning, artist Marianna Pescosta, and colorist Alessandro de Fornasari have crafted an entertaining blend of horror and comedy as Jamie Madrox and Monoxide are now fake ghost hunters.

2) Beautiful Canvas (Black Mask Studios)

Comic Books 2017, Beautiful Canvas #1, Black Mask Studios
Beautiful Canvas #1

Definitely worth reading! Writer Ryan Lindsay and artist Sami Kivela have created a memorable female assassin who is search for a solution to her deep moral crisis.

1) Sisters of Sorrow (BOOM! Studios)

Comic Books 2017, Sisters of Sorrow #1, BOOM! Studios, Kurt Sutter
Sisters of Sorrow #1

Just like Sons of Anarchy, showrunner Kurt Sutter makes his voice heard as his comic book tackles injustice and toxic male masculinity. Sutter, co-writer Courtney Alameda, and artist Hyeonjin Kim deliver a suspenseful crime thriller like no other with their group of anti-heroines.

Writer’s Note: Interviews and reviews from Villain Media are highlighted in bold.

By Jorge Solis