Thoughts on TCAF 2022

Patrick Sparrow and HinkThe Toronto Comic Arts Festival happened last weekend (July 17th – 19th) and it was somewhat different than previous TCAF shows. For starters it was being run by different people, who had to deal with a lot of uncertainty when organizing this convention. They likely weren’t even sure if it was going to happen and had moved it from Mother’s Day weekend in May to Father’s Day weekend in June to increase the chances of the event happening. In Canada Covid cases kept flaring up every time the province lessened restrictions necessitating the need to re-enact those restrictions.

The event thankfully did happen, but in a toned-down fashion. A lot of the off-site locations the show had used in the past were not used for what is likely a variety of reasons. Usually on Thursday night something is happening at the Pilot (nearby popular restaurant/bar) that normally had events/panels there in the past. Not only was there nothing happening on Thursday, panels weren’t held there during the event either.

I think the biggest impact on the show was the loss of the Marriott Hotel around the corner. This was the most convenient place to stay and many panels and the Doug Wright Awards were held there. I wasn’t able to get a room there so I had to settle for one 3 blocks away, which wasn’t so bad. I soon found out I was pretty lucky. On Friday there was an Academic Symposium happening at what I assumed was that hotel. I had walked around the corner to visit it only to discover the hotel was gone. It had been changed to an apartment building. After checking my phone, I discovered the hotel they were holding the Symposium was about 8 blocks away.

Library and Educator Day normally occurred at the Library on Friday, but they did that virtually this year. The Word Balloon Academy programming happened at the library in its place. It was previously held at the now removed Marriott Hotel. I only went to a couple of Word Balloon panels in the past but was looking forward to doing more. The panels were really good and I’m sure some were useful for creators. I recorded a few of them as part of my coverage of the event. Sadly there was a fire alarm pulled, which caused an annoying alarm to run for several minutes while fire fighters walked through the place checking to confirm it was a false alarm.

One thing that was normal was the TCAF Kick Off Event on Friday Night. It seemed to oddly indicate this was the 20th anniversary of TCAF which is not correct. First TCAF was in 2003, which I know as I was there and took photos. This was the 19th year of TCAF, next year will be the 20th anniversary of TCAF. It will be curious to see if they move the event back to Mother’s Day weekend or not.

Throughout the panels I recorded there were a couple of re-occurring themes. One was creators that went through a Fine Art education and then choosing to do comics. This was an international theme with creators from Portugal, the Nordic countries and the United States all spoke about their experience with this. The other was publishers being more open than usual about using government grants to finance books and being open about discussing print runs for books.

One thing about Toronto that continues to surprise me is how much businesses change in the area around the library. There used to be a Tim Horton’s and a Starbucks that was very popular with creators wanting coffee, but both were gone this year. Lots of other nearby restaurants and other businesses did not survive the past couple of years.

This year TCAF had a whole bunch of free water in a beer like tall can. The water was called Liquid Death and appeared to be quite popular. At the start of the show, they were giving it just to the panellists and exhibitors but half way through Saturday they started giving it out to anybody that wanted it. At the end of the show I saw a lot of attendee’s walking out of the library with 12 packs boxes under their arms.

TCAF itself was little different with the main floor not having the same number of exhibitors. Some of those that were there had reduced the number of tables they used. This did make the main floor feel less crowded and improved getting around, which was a good thing. Which exhibitors and creators that showed up was different, a lot of the usual faces were not there this year. I’m not sure if they pulled out due to the Pink Cat controversy, they weren’t comfortable doing the show for Covid reasons or if the new management decided to bring in new creators.


As usual the show took up 3 floors and the basement level as there was room there for some longer lineups. I’ve heard from a couple of exhibitors that were put in areas with less foot traffic were still happy with higher than expected sales. The “sun room” area on the first floor was a lot more spaced out and not as jammed with people as normal. It was also considerably cooler than previous years with that place being very hot with the bright sun shinning in.

The Doug Wright Awards were unfortunately not able to hold their awards ceremony at the Hotel like usual. Having it in a nearby park was not the best. While the weather thankfully co-operated and we had sunny skies, the constant wind did make it a bit chilly and the constant subways running under the park were disruptive. The organizers promised they’ll have the awards inside next year. Perhaps they’ll have it at the Pilot. I should mention I was a judge for the Doug Wright Awards this year and that was a pleasurable experience. It was nice to see the creators at the ceremony getting their awards.

I heard from a few exhibitors that the show had about 70% the attendance that it normally does and sales reflected this as well. One thing that might have also affected this was the TCAF: Page and Panel Comic Store was having a going out of business closing sale and were discounting much of their books by 30%. It was surprising and sad to see the store was closing. With inflation being what it is these days, lots of people were buying from the store.

As usual I did have a good time at the show. I did not buy as many books as I normally do because of the judging of both the Eisner’s in 2020 and the Doug Wright Awards this year left me with a fairly large stack of unread books I need to get through. It was nice to see some familiar faces I hadn’t seen in several years and people seemed as friendly or friendlier because of that. I’m looking forward to going 20th anniversary show next year.

The panels I recorded can be found here. There are also links to the pictures I took as well.

 

Toronto Comicon March 20th, 2022

So I went to my first comic convention since going to the Guelph Comic Jam in 2019.

Toronto Comicon took place on March 18th to 20th at the Toronto Metro Convention Centre. I went with a friend who like me, was a little anxious about going to a comic convention when Covid is still active. We decided to just go up and down for 1 day and do it on Sunday, which is the normally the least crowded day of the convention. I bought some N95 masks for us and hoped for the best.

Late last year when the Covid numbers were down the convention did put on a show and the reviews coming out was the organizers did a good job of spacing everything out, which was nice to hear. This convention in particular is a bit notorious for packing people in like sardines, leading to regular log jams when trying to make your way through the isles. Sadly this was more of the same, but they did require masks to be warn inside and from what I saw 99.9% of people complied. It was a large crowd (much bigger than I was expecting) but I only saw a few people walking around without a mask or wearing it under their nose.

I was told by multiple people that Friday was crazy busy. It seems there was pent up demand for a convention and people came out in huge numbers to participate in this one. Saturday was either almost as busy as Friday and Sunday was less busy as expected. Most of the comic guests were Canadian, with only a small number of Americans coming over the border to attend. This is likely due to the requirement that people pay for, take and provide proof of a negative Covid test just prior to coming into the country. I do not believe there are any tests required to travel to the US. I know I wasn’t asked to provide/take one the two times I drove over the border and back late last year.

Regarding the show I did a little bit of shopping and some catching up with creators I haven’t seen or spoken to in a couple years or more. I took some photos of creators and cosplayers and I attended and recorded a panel put on by Amy Chu and Dan Parent called Let’s Talk Story: Writing for TV and Comics. They spoke to a room with a fairly large number of aspiring writers and spent most of the time answering questions from them. It was mostly about comics but with a bit of TV writing thrown in.

As usual with conventions of this type there is always an odd moment that only happens at a comic book convention. Mine was in the bathroom after the show ended. I saw a guy trying to get out of his Spider-Man suit but couldn’t reach the zipper in the back, so I helped him out. In all it was a good, light show for me to get back into the swing of doing comic conventions again. Thankfully driving to the show and parking nearby was probably the best experience I’ve had attending this show ever. If they have another later this year and it feels safe I will probably attend it for multiple days.

 

The Combined Best Comics & Graphic Novels of 2021!

Over the last 5 months there have been many, many websites with “Best of 2021” lists concerning comic books, manga and graphic novels. If you’ve looked at a few, you may have noticed some of the same books on different lists and seen some unique to only that list.

I went through 232 different URLs with “Best Of” Lists regarding comics and combined them into a spreadsheet. There are almost 3,500 different listings of books from these websites. I should note that I’ve included books that were given honorable mentions. In short, if somebody thought it was a good book that you should check out, it’s on here.

This year the #1 book was a tie between 2 books. The Many Deaths of Laila Starr by Ram V, Filipe Andrade and Inès Amaro (BOOM! Studios) and Monsters by Barry Windsor-Smith (Fantagraphics) are were both picked 34 times by reviewers.

For those that are unaware, Monsters sprung from a 1984 pitch that Barry Windsor-Smith made to Jim Shooter, then EIC of Marvel Comics that got approved. Before Barry could finish working on the comic a plagiarized version of his story appeared in an issue of Incredible Hulk. The details of this have been covered by Brian Cronin here and here. Barry was justifiably upset about this and did not complete the comic. Barry’s story had a significant impact in the Hulk Comics and was later used in one of the Hulk movies.

Since then Barry has been re-working the story from a Hulk story to something much grander and more in-depth to the issues of child abuse. It’s nice to see the story come out after all these years and get this level of critical acclaim.

James Tynion IVI also feel the need to give a shout out to James Tynion IV who had 2 books in the top 5 with The Department of Truth (also on last year’s list) and The Nice House on the Lake. He also by far had the highest number of reviewers (or groups of reviewers) at 83, picking one of his 9 books this year. Chip Zdarsky had more books picked at 12, with 1 book being co-written by Donny Cates. Also doing well was Jeff Lemire with 11 books total with 2 being co-written.

 

 

Pivot tables have been created to show which books appeared on the number of lists. Here are the books with 5 mentions or more:

Book Title Count Writer Artist Publisher
The Many Deaths of Laila Starr 34 Ram V Filipe Andrade and Inès Amaro BOOM! Studios
Monsters 34 Barry Windsor-Smith Barry Windsor-Smith Fantagraphics
The Department of Truth 32 James Tynion IV Martin Simmonds Image Comics
Nightwing 31 Tom Taylor Bruno Redondo, Robbi Rodriguez and Adriano Lucas DC Comics
The Nice House on the Lake 27 James Tynion IV Alvaro Martinez Bueno and Jordie Bellaire DC Comics
The Good Asian 27 Pornsak Pichetshote Alexandre Tefenkgi, Lee Loughridge and Dave Johnson Image Comics
The Secret to Superhuman Strength 27 Alison Bechdel Alison Bechdel Mariner Books
The Immortal Hulk 24 Al Ewing Various Marvel Comics
Far Sector 24 N.K. Jemisin Jamal Campbell DC Comics
Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts 22 Rebecca Hall Hugo Martínez Simon & Schuster
Stone Fruit 22 Lee Lai Lee Lai Fantagraphics
Nubia: Real One 20 L. L. McKinney Robyn Smith DC Comics
The Girl From The Sea 19 Molly Knox Ostertag Molly Knox Ostertag and Maarta Laiho Graphix
Run: Book One 19 John Lewis, Andrew Aydin L. Fury and Nate Powell Abrams ComicArts
Cyclopedia Exotica 19 Aminder Dhaliwal Aminder Dhaliwal Drawn and Quarterly
Crisis Zone 19 Simon Hanselmann Simon Hanselmann Fantagraphics
The Legend of Auntie Po 18 Shing Yin Khor Shing Yin Khor Kokila
Asadora! 18 Naoki Urasawa Naoki Urasawa VIZ Media
Factory Summers 17 Guy Delisle Guy Delisle Drawn and Quarterly
Barbalien: Red Planet 17 Jeff Lemire and Tate Brombal Gabriel Hernandez Walta and Jordie Bellaire Dark Horse Books
The Waiting 16 Keum Suk Gendry-Kim Keum Suk Gendry-Kim Drawn and Quarterly
Seek You: A Journey Through American Loneliness 16 Kristen Radtke Kristen Radtke Pantheon
In: A Graphic Novel 16 Will McPhail Will McPhail Mariner Books
Daredevil 16 Chip Zdarsky Various Marvel Comics
Tunnels 15 Rutu Modan Rutu Modan Drawn and Quarterly
The Other History of the DC Universe 14 John Ridley Giuseppe Camuncoli, Alex Dos Diaz, Andrea Cucchi and Jose Villarrubia DC Comics
Stray Dogs 14 Tony Fleecs Trish Forstner, Brad Simpson and Tone Rodriguez Image Comics
Himawari House 14 Harmony Becker Harmony Becker First Second
Black Widow 14 Kelly Thompson Elena Casagrande and Rafael de Latorre Marvel Comics
Beta Ray Bill: Argent Star 14 Daniel Warren Johnson Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer Marvel Comics
Reckless: Destroy All Monsters 13 Ed Brubaker Sean Phillips and Jacob Phillips Image Comics
No One Else 13 R. Kikuo Johnson R. Kikuo Johnson Fantagraphics
Lore Olympus 13 Rachel Smythe Rachel Smythe Del Rey
Hellions 13 Zeb Wells Stephen Segovia and Rain Beredo Marvel Comics
Did You Hear What Eddie Gein Done? 13 Harold Schechter Eric Powell Albatross Funnybooks
Djeliya: A West African Fantasy Epic 13 Juni Ba Juni Ba TKO Studios
Barbaric 13 Michael Moreci Nathan Gooden and Addison Duke Vault Comics
Cheer Up!: Love And Pompoms 13 Crystal Frasier Val Wise Oni Press
Save it For Later: Promises, Protest and Parenthood 12 Nate Powell Nate Powell Abrams ComicArts
Heaven No Hell 12 Michael DeForge Michael DeForge Drawn and Quarterly
Borders 12 Thomas King Natasha Donovan Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Thirsty Mermaids 11 Kat Leyh Kat Leyh Gallery 13
Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons 11 Kelly Sue DeConnick Phil Jimenez, Hi-Fi, Arif Prianto and Romulo Fajardo Jr. DC Comics
Strange Adventures 11 Tom King Mitch Gerads and Evan Shaner DC Comics
Catwoman: Lonely City 11 Cliff Chiang Cliff Chiang DC Comics
The Crossroads at Midnight 10 Abby Howard Abby Howard Iron Circus Comics
The Silver Coin 10 Various Michael Walsh, Gavin Fullerton and Toni Marie Griffin Image Comics
TMNT: The Last Ronin 10 Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird and Tom Waltz Esau & Isaac Escorza IDW Publishing
The Swamp Thing 10 Ram V Mike Perkins, Mike Spicer and John McCrea DC Comics
Shadow Life 10 Hiromi Goto Ann Xu First Second
Made in Korea 10 Jeremy Holt George Schall Image Comics
Katie the Catsitter 10 Colleen AF Venable Stephanie Yue Penguin Random House
Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters 10 Laura Samnee and Chris Samnee Chris Samnee and Matt D. Wilson Oni Press
Fictional Father 10 Joe Ollmann Joe Ollmann Drawn and Quarterly
Garlic and the Vampire 10 Bree Paulsen Bree Paulsen Quill Tree Books
Dead Dog’s Bite 10 Tyler Boss Tyler Boss Dark Horse Books
Die 10 Kieron Gillen Stephanie Hans Image Comics
Discipline 10 Dash Shaw Dash Shaw New York Review Comics
Chainsaw Man 10 Tatsuki Fujimoto Tatsuki Fujimoto ViZ Media
Boys Run the Riot 10 Keito Gaku Keito Gaku Kodansha Comics
Ultramega 9 James Harren James Harren and Dave Stewart Image Comics
Trots and Bonnie 9 Shary Flenniken Shary Flenniken New York Review Comics
The Me You Love in the Dark 9 Skottie Young Jorge Corona Image Comics
The Black Panther Party 9 David F. Walker Marcus Kwame Anderson Ten Speed Press
Red Room: The Unsocial Network 9 Ed Piskor Ed Piskor Fantagraphics
Red Rock Baby Candy 9 Shira Spector Shira Spector Fantagraphics
Reckless 9 Ed Brubaker Sean Phillips and Jacob Phillips Image Comics
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow 9 Tom King Bilquis Evely and Mattheus Lopes DC Comics
Something is Killing the Children 9 James Tynion IV Werther Dell’Edra and Miquel Muerto BOOM! Studios
Robin 9 Joshua Williamson Various DC Comics
Spy x Family 9 Tatsuya Endo Tatsuya Endo VIZ Media
My Begging Chart 9 Keiler Roberts Keiler Roberts Drawn and Quarterly
I Never Promised You A Rose Garden 9 Mannie Murphy Mannie Murphy Fantagraphics
Mazebook 9 Jeff Lemire Jeff Lemire Dark Horse Books
Once & Future 9 Kieron Gillen Tamra Bonvillain, Dan Mora BOOM! Studios
Allergic 9 Megan Wagner Lloyd Michelle Mee Nutter Graphix
Reckless: Friend of the Devil 8 Ed Brubaker Sean Phillips and Jacob Phillips Image Comics
Radiant Black 8 Kyle Higgins Marcelo Costa, Eduardo Ferigato and David Lafuente Image Comics
Nocterra 8 Scott Snyder Tony S. Daniels and Tomeu Morey Image Comics
It’s Life as I See It: Black Cartoonists in Chicago, 1940–1980 8 Various Various New York Review Comics
Human Target 8 Tom King Greg Smallwood DC Comics
Ballad for Sophie 8 Filipe Melo Juan Cavia Top Shelf Productions
The Dreaming: Waking Hours 7 G. Willow Wilson Nick Robles, Mat Lopes and Javier Rodriguez DC Comics
The Golden Hour 7 Niki Smith Niki Smith Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Tono Monogatari 7 Shigeru Mizuki Shigeru Mizuki Drawn and Quarterly
Superman and the Authority 7 Grant Morrison Mikel Janin and Jordie Bellaire DC Comics
Pawcasso 7 Remy Lai Remy Lai Henry Holt and Co. BYR Paperbacks
That Texas Blood 7 Chris Condon Jacob Phillips Image Comics
Rorschach 7 Tom King Jorge Fornés and Dave Stewart DC Comics
Strange Academy 7 Skottie Young Humberto Ramos and Edgar Delgado Marvel Comics
Night Bus 7 Zuo Ma Zuo Ma Drawn and Quarterly
Moon Knight 7 Jed Mackay Alessandro Cappuccio and Rachelle Rosenberg Marvel Comics
Iron Man 7 Christopher Cantwell CAFU and Juann Cabal Marvel Comics
Living with Viola 7 Rosena Fung Rosena Fung Annick Press
November Vol. IV 7 Matt Fraction Elsa Charretier Image Comics
Eternals 7 Kieron Gillen Esad Ribic Marvel Comics
Home Sick Pilots 7 Dan Watters Caspar Wijngaard Image Comics
COVID Chronicles: A Comics Anthology 7 Various Various Graphic Mundi
Chartwell Manor 7 Glenn Head Glenn Head Fantagraphics
After the Rain 7 Nnedi Okorafor and John Jennings David Brame Harry N. Abrams
Artie and the Wolf Moon 7 Olivia Stephens Olivia Stephens Graphic Universe ™
Tidesong 6 Wendy Xu Wendy Xu Quill Tree Books
The Flash 6 Jeremy Adams Fernando Pasarin DC Comics
The Blue Flame 6 Christopher Cantwell Adam Gorham Vault Comics
Superman: Son Of Kal-El 6 Tom Taylor John Timms, Gabe Eltaeb and Hi-Fi DC Comics
Static: Season One 6 Vita Ayala ChrisCross and Nikolas Draper-Ivey DC Comics
Robin and Batman 6 Jeff Lemire Dustin Nguyen DC Comics
Snow Angels 6 Jeff Lemire Jock Comixology Originals
Squad 6 Maggie Tokuda-Hall Lisa Sterle Greenwillow Books
Skulldigger + Skeleton Boy 6 Jeff Lemire Tonči Zonjić Dark Horse Books
The City of Belgium 6 Brecht Evens Brecht Evens Drawn and Quarterly
Sensor 6 Junji Ito Junji Ito VIZ Media
Let’s Talk About It 6 Erika Moen, Matthew Nolan Erika Moen, Matthew Nolan Random House Graphic
Infinitum: An Afrofuturist Tale 6 Tim Fielder Tim Fielder Amistad
Kaiju No. 8 6 Naoya Matsumoto Naoya Matsumoto ViZ Media
Ice Cream Man 6 W. Maxwell Prince Martin Morazzo and Chris O’Halloran Image Comics
My Love Mix-Up! 6 Wataru Hinekure Aruko VIZ Media
I Am Not Starfire 6 Mariko Tamaki Yoshi Yoshitani DC Comics
Jukebox 6 Nidhi Chanani Nidhi Chanani First Second
Fire Power 6 Robert Kirkman Chris Samnee Image Comics
Geiger 6 Geoff Johns Gary Frank and Brad Anderson Image Comics
Graveneye 6 Sloane Leong Anna Bowles TKO Studios
Guardians of the Galaxy 6 Al Ewing Juann Cabal, Marcio Takara and Juan Frigeri Marvel Comics
Batman: Wayne Family Adventures 6 CRC Payne StarBite, Maria Li and Lan Ma Webtoon – https://www.webtoons.com/en/slice-of-life/batman-wayne-family-adventures/list?title_no=3180&page=1
Batman: Urban Legends 6 Various Various DC Comics
Bubble 6 Jordan Morris and Sarah Morgan Tony Cliff and Natalie Riess First Second
Blue Period 6 Tsubasa Yamaguchi Tsubasa Yamaguchi Kodansha Comics
Friday 6 Ed Brubaker Marcos Martin and Muntsa Vicente Image Comics
The Parakeet 5 Espé Espé Graphic Mundi
Wonder Girl 5 Joelle Jones Adriana Melo and Jordie Bellaire DC Comics
When I Grow Up: The Lost Autobiographies of Six Yiddish Teenagers 5 Ken Krimstein Ken Krimstein Bloomsbury Publishing
The Joker 5 James Tynion IV Guillem March DC Comics
The Hazards of Love 5 Stan Stanley Stan Stanley Oni Press
X-Men 5 Jonathan Hickman and Gerry Dugan Various Marvel Comics
What’s the Furthest Place From Here? 5 Matthew Rosenberg Tyler Boss Image Comics
The Wrong Earth 5 Tom Peyer and Paul Constant Jamal Igle, Juan Castro, Frank Cammuso, Gary Erskine and Tom Feister AHOY Comics
Witch Hat Atelier 5 Kamome Shirahama Kamome Shirahama Kodansha Comics
The Mystery Of The Meanest Teacher: A Johnny Constantine Graphic Novel 5 Ryan North Derek Charm and Wes Abbot DC Comics
Tiny Tales: Shell Quest 5 Steph Waldo Steph Waldo HarperAlley
Turtle in Paradise 5 Jennifer L. Holm Savanna Ganucheau Random House Graphic
The Strange Death of Alex Raymond 5 Dave Sim and Carson Grubaugh Dave Sim and Carson Grubaugh Living the Line
Stillwater 5 Chip Zdarsky Ramón Pérez Image Comics
Scout’s Honor 5 David Pepose Luca Casalanguida and Matt Milla Aftershock Comics
Runaways 5 Rainbow Rowell Natacha Bustos and Andres Genolet Marvel Comics
Poison Ivy: Thorns 5 Kody Keplinger Sara Kipin, Jeremy Lawson and Steve Wands DC Comics
Parenthesis 5 Élodie Durand Élodie Durand Top Shelf Productions
Red Flowers 5 Yoshiharu Tsuge Yoshiharu Tsuge Drawn and Quarterly
Rebecca & Lucie in the Case of the Missing Neighbor 5 Pascal Girard Pascal Girard Drawn and Quarterly
Sir Edward Grey: Acheron 5 Mike Mignola Mike Mignola Dark Horse Books
Salt Magic 5 Hope Larson Rebecca Mock Margaret Ferguson Books
Renegade Rule 5 Ben Kahn, Rachel Silverstein Sam Beck Dark Horse Books
The Amazing Spider-Man 5 Various Various Marvel Comics
Karmen 5 Guillem March Guillem March Image Comics
I Walk with Monsters 5 Paul Cornell Sally Cantirino and Dearbhla Kelly Vault Comics
Look Back 5 Tatsuki Fujimoto Tatsuki Fujimoto VIZ Media
No One Returns from the Enchanted Forest 5 Robin Robinson Robin Robinson First Second
Inferno 5 Jonathan Hickman Valerio Schiti, Stefano Caselli and R. B. Silva Marvel Comics
Monstress 5 Marjorie Liu Sana Takeda Image Comics
Monster Friends 5 Kaeti Vandorn Kaeti Vandorn Random House Graphic
Mamo 5 Sas Milledge Sas Milledge BOOM! Studios
I Breathed A Body 5 Zac Thompson Andy MacDonald Aftershock Comics
Dark Knights of Steel 5 Tom Taylor Yasmine Putri DC Comics
Detective Comics 5 Mariko Tamaki Dan Mora, Viktor Bogdanovic, Daniel Henriques and Jordie Bellaire DC Comics
Haha 5 W. Maxwell Prince Various Image Comics
Crude: A Memoir 5 Pablo Fajardo, Sophie Tardy-Joubert Damien Roudeau Graphic Mundi
Fist of the North Star 5 Buronson Tetsuo Hara ViZ Media
A Sign Of Affection 5 Suu Morishita Suu Morishita Kodansha Comics
Celestia 5 Manuel Fior Manuel Fior Fantagraphics
Bad Sister 5 Charise Mericle Harper Rory Lucey First Second

The full spreadsheet with pivot tables for books, writers, artists, publishers and more is available here.

Regarding Publishers:

This year DC Comics was the most popular publisher with 105 different titles.

Marvel was 2nd place with 88 different titles.

Image was 3rd with 67 different titles.

Dark Horse was close behind with 60 different titles.

VIZ Media was 5th with 51 different titles.

59 Self-Published books made the list too.

The two most popular web comics were Batman: Wayne Family Adventures by CRC Payne, StarBite, Maria Li and Lan Ma (5 picks) and The Gift of Time by Lauren Weinstein (4 picks).


Caveats:

Where a reviewer/writer wrote ‘best of’ lists for multiple websites, I’ve cross referenced their lists and removed books that were named twice. I did not think it would be fair if those writers could tip the popularity scale by naming the same book(s) over and over again on multiple websites. Sadly, there was an increase of websites publishing lists with no credit to who (or whom) created the list. In those cases I marked them as n/a but the practice of not crediting writers is a shameful one.

If a writer wrote for multiple sites, but one of those sites picks was a group effort, I did not remove books that are listed twice.

I generally did not include lists that were a mixed of prose books and graphic novels unless there were a significant number of graphic novels on the list, or they had a list of GNs only and put a GN on a otherwise list of prose books. I did find there were more lists like that this year, which was one of the reasons it took me this long to finish this. Many YA prose books have Graphic Novel looking covers and I need to examine previews to determine if it’s comics or not. If this continues to be the trend I may need to just focus on GN/Comics only lists.

I did not use lists where the website was not in English and the books appeared to be translated versions.

With inkers and colourists I often, but not always included them within the Artist section. Where there were multiple (usually more than 5) involved in a book, or in the title’s run over the course of the year, various was used instead of listing them all. In some cases I combined those involved even if they worked on the title for different issues.

For simplicity sake, if a list named a specific comic book issue or specific volume of a graphic novel, I removed those specifics and just listed the series title, with rare exceptions. The same goes with issue #s. My apologies to the reviewers of those books.

Some reviewers included books that were published in 2020 or earlier. Normally the amount of times these books were mentioned isn’t significant, but I am seeing more and more books pop up that were comics series last year and came up again this year as a collected edition.

Most of the lists were general ‘best/favourite books’ of 2021, but I also included lists dedicated to young readers, manga, LGBTQ+, etc… What type list is noted on column B in the spreadsheet.

A small number of lists also had rankings and those are included in Column C.

This list of websites this list is compiled from:

AIPT https://aiptcomics.com/2021/12/21/best-comics-2021-part-1/
AIPT https://aiptcomics.com/2021/12/23/aipts-best-comics-of-2021-part-2/
AIPT https://aiptcomics.com/2021/12/26/aipt-comics-podcast-episode-153-best-comics-of-2021/
AIPT https://aiptcomics.com/2021/12/31/aipts-best-manga-and-anime-of-2021/
ALA https://www.ala.org/rt/gncrt/2021-best-graphic-novels-children-reading-list
ALA https://www.ala.org/rt/gncrt/2021-best-graphic-novels-adults-reading-list
Alex Jaffe https://www.dccomics.com/blog/2022/01/03/my-2021-top-three-alex-jaffe
Anchorage Daily News https://www.adn.com/arts/books/2021/12/25/our-reviewers-favorite-books-of-the-north-from-2021/
Anime Planet https://www.anime-planet.com/users/MangaInLibraries/lists/best-and-worst-manga-2021–new-york-comi-793223
Anime UK News https://animeuknews.net/2021/12/anime-uk-news-review-of-2021-part-2-manga-and-light-novels/
Autostraddle https://www.autostraddle.com/best-queer-books-2021/#comics
AV Club https://www.avclub.com/the-best-comics-of-2021-1848298433
Between the Shelves https://between-the-shelves.com/2021/12/2021-yearly-wrap-up/
Big Comic Page https://bigcomicpage.com/2021/12/27/best-comics-of-2021-mark-edition/
Big Comic Page https://bigcomicpage.com/2021/12/24/best-comics-of-2021-ceej-edition/
Book Riot https://bookriot.com/bestbooks2021/
Book Riot https://bookriot.com/best-childrens-books-of-2021/
Book Riot https://bookriot.com/ya-comics-from-2021/
Bookshop https://bookshop.org/lists/the-best-comics-and-graphic-novels-for-adults-2021
Borg https://borg.com/2021/12/16/borgs-best-of-2021-the-best-books/#more-65343
Boston Globe https://apps.bostonglobe.com/arts/graphics/2021/12/best-of-2021-books/
Brightly https://www.readbrightly.com/middle-grade-chapter-books-2021/
Broken Frontier https://www.brokenfrontier.com/broken-frontier-awards-2021-results/
Broken Frontier https://www.brokenfrontier.com/celebrating-2021-ten-uk-small-press-comics-you-need-to-own/
But Why Tho? https://butwhythopodcast.com/2021/12/09/year-in-review-top-manga-of-2021/
But Why Tho? https://butwhythopodcast.com/2021/12/09/best-bl-manga-of-2021/
But Why Tho? https://butwhythopodcast.com/2021/12/21/year-in-review-top-comics-of-2021/
Buzzfeed https://www.buzzfeed.com/farrahpenn/the-best-ya-books-of-2021
CBC https://www.cbc.ca/books/the-best-canadian-comics-of-2021-1.6286450
CBR https://www.cbr.com/best-2021-shojo-anime-manga/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/cbrs-top-100-comics-of-2021-100-76/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/cbrs-top-100-comics-of-2021-75-51/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/cbr-top-100-comics-of-2021-50-26/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/cbr-top-100-comics-of-2021-25-11/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/cbr-top-100-comics-of-2021-10-1/
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/200121216/2000678559
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/200121216/2009930559
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/200121216/2000663789
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/199702383_chipublib_adults/2006114679_best_books_of_2021?_ga=2.153138168.1115847762.1641860361-228142177.1640674497&_gl=1%2Awqumni%2A_ga%2AMjI4MTQyMTc3LjE2NDA2NzQ0OTc.%2A_ga_11XNMTZ0HG%2AMTY0MTg2MDM2MC4xLjEuMTY0MTg2MDkyNi4w&page=4
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/200049033_chipublib_kids/2006120199_best_informational_books_for_older_readers_of_2021?_ga=2.203013969.1115847762.1641860361-228142177.1640674497&_gl=1*18haqyu*_ga*MjI4MTQyMTc3LjE2NDA2NzQ0OTc.*_ga_11XNMTZ0HG*MTY0MTg2MDM2MC4xLjEuMTY0MTg2MDk2NS4w
CNN Philippines https://cnnphilippines.com/life/culture/literature/2021/12/31/our-best-komiks-of-2021.html
Code List (has payway) https://codelist.biz/2022/01/01/best-of-2021-part-5-comics-update-mexico/&ct=ga&cd=CAEYAioUMTEzNzM1MjU2Njc2OTE0Njc3NjcyGTEzMTcyY2ZkMzg2MTIxNzk6Y2E6ZW46Q0E&usg=AFQjCNG9T30R1WWOpoHnDe4XqZdRI-ZHrg
Comic Book Case https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/best-comics-2021-1-5-zack
Comic Book Case https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/best-comics-2021-zack-part-2
Comic Book Case https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/2022/1/4/best-comics-of-2021-16-to-25-zacks-picks
Comic Book Case https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/best-comics-2021-staff
Comic Book Herald https://www.comicbookherald.com/best-comics-of-2021/
Comic Book Revolution https://www.comicbookrevolution.com/best-comic-book-series-of-2021/
Comic Book Revolution https://www.comicbookrevolution.com/best-comic-book-single-issues-of-2021/
Comic Book Revolution https://www.comicbookrevolution.com/best-comic-book-storylines-of-2021/
Comic Front Line https://comicfrontline.com/2021/12/27/best-comic-books-of-2021-best-writer-penciler-ongoing-series-publisher-single-issue/
Comic Front Line https://comicfrontline.com/2021/12/20/best-comic-books-of-2021-under-the-radar-series-mini-series-shocking-moment-new-series/
Comic Front Line https://comicfrontline.com/2021/12/16/best-comic-books-of-2021-female-character-villain-indie-title-1/
Comic Front Line https://comicfrontline.com/2022/01/03/best-comic-books-of-2021-winners/
ComicBook https://comicbook.com/comics/news/2021-comicbook-golden-issue-awards-nominees-best-comics-comic-books/
ComicBook https://comicbook.com/anime/news/2021-golden-issue-award-best-manga/
Comicon https://www.comicon.com/2021/12/30/comicons-5-best-digital-webcomics-of-2021/
Comicon https://www.comicon.com/2021/12/28/comicons-5-best-single-issues-of-2021/
Comicon https://www.comicon.com/2021/12/28/comicons-5-best-comic-series-of-2021/
Comicon https://www.comicon.com/2021/12/28/comicons-5-best-ogns-of-2021/
Comics Grinder https://comicsgrinder.com/2021/12/29/best-comics-and-graphic-novels-of-2021/
Comics XF https://www.comicsxf.com/2021/12/17/best-comics-of-2021/
Cory Doctorow https://pluralistic.net/2021/12/08/required-ish-reading/
Cybils http://www.cybils.com/2022/01/2021-finalists-graphic-novels.html
Cybils http://www.cybils.com/2022/01/2021-finalists-easy-readers-and-early-chapter-books.html
Daily Herald Tribune https://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/entertainment/books/brown-what-were-the-top-10-comics-in-2021
DC Comics https://www.dccomics.com/blog/2022/01/06/my-2021-top-three-tim-beedle
Den of Geek https://www.denofgeek.com/comics/the-best-comics-of-2021/
Denver Library https://www.denverlibrary.org/teen/list/staff-favorites-2021-teen-books
Diverse Tech Geek https://www.diversetechgeek.com/10-favorite-graphic-novels-2021/
Diverse Tech Geek https://www.diversetechgeek.com/10-favorite-webcomics-2021-edition/
Donovan Morgan Grant https://www.dccomics.com/blog/2022/01/05/my-2021-top-three-donovan-morgan-grant
Doom Rocket https://doomrocket.com/hot-press-10-the-best-comics-of-2021/
Dual Shockers https://www.dualshockers.com/top-20-best-manga-of-2021-revealed-kono-manga-ga-sugoi/
EW https://ew.com/books/best-comics-of-2021/
Film School Rejects https://filmschoolrejects.com/best-comic-books-2021/
Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/robsalkowitz/2021/12/17/the-best-graphic-novels-of-2021/?sh=13a17da64614
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2021/12/29/four-color-apocalypse-year-in-review-top-ten-original-graphic-novels-2/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2021/12/28/four-color-apocalypse-2021-year-in-review-top-ten-contemporary-collections/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2021/12/26/four-color-apocalypse-2021-year-in-review-top-ten-vintage-collections/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2021/12/21/four-color-apocalypse-2021-year-in-review-top-ten-comics-series/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2021/12/21/four-color-apocalypse-2021-year-in-review-top-ten-single-issue-comics/
Games Radar https://www.gamesradar.com/best-comic-comics-2021-books-graphic-novels/
Geek Cast Radio https://www.geekcastradio.com/comics/top-100-comics-of-2021/
Geek Hard Show https://geekhardshow.com/2022/01/andrews-picks-ten-best-comics-of-2021/?doing_wp_cron=1642360816.2018659114837646484375
Geek Vibes Nation https://geekvibesnation.com/gvn-talking-comics-the-best-comics-of-2021-according-to-gvn/
GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-announces-nominees-33rd-annual-glaad-media-awards?fbclid=IwAR0ZE-0VL6b-2yJNgrhvl9uLai-LRguhkX8vsNl1ZrFi8lHAZmJcm9LeDVY
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-graphic-novels-comics-2021
Gosh https://goshlondon.com/kids/kids-gosh-best-of/?sort=newest
Gosh https://goshlondon.com/gosh-best-of/2021/
Graphic Novel Resources https://graphicnovelresources.blogspot.com/2022/01/my-2021-favorites.html
Graphic Policy https://graphicpolicy.com/2022/01/06/the-best-comics-of-2021/
Graphic Policy https://graphicpolicy.com/2022/01/01/bretts-favorite-comics-of-2021-and-a-reflection-on-the-past-year/
Graphic Policy https://graphicpolicy.com/2022/01/02/logans-favorite-comics-of-2021/
Graphic Policy https://graphicpolicy.com/2022/01/03/we-were-scared-horror-in-the-year-2021/
Grovel https://www.grovel.org.uk/category/best-of/best-graphic-novels-of-2021/
GWW https://thegww.com/best-comic-books-of-2021-gww-picks/
Horn Book https://www.hbook.com/story/fanfare-2021-booklist
Horror DNA https://www.horrordna.com/features/james-top-10-horror-comics-of-2021
Horror News Network https://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/horror-news-network-2021-comic-awards-best-mini-series-of-the-year/
Horror News Network https://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/horror-news-network-2021-comic-awards-best-series-of-the-year/
Horror News Network https://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/horror-news-network-2021-comic-awards-best-one-shot/
IGN https://www.ign.com/articles/best-comic-book-graphic-novel-2021
Imagination Soup https://imaginationsoup.net/best-chapter-middle-grade-books-2021/
Imagination Soup https://imaginationsoup.net/best-picture-books-2021/
Irish Times https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/best-books-for-christmas-2021-fiction-biography-sport-and-children-s-books-1.4732325
Jenn Haines https://www.facebook.com/jenn.haines.3/posts/10165842984015635
Kelly Knox https://www.dccomics.com/blog/2022/01/04/my-2021-top-three-kelly-knox
Kinder Comics https://www.kindercomics.org/blog/favoritesof2021
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-indie-childrens-books-of-2021/#raes-first-day
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-wordless-picture-books-2021/#alien-nation-bassi
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-middle-grade-nature-books-of-2021/
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-books-of-2021-for-beginning-readers/#see-the-dog
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-middle-grade-history-2021/#african-icons
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-middle-grade-graphic-fiction-of-2021/
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-memoirs-of-2021/#seek-you
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-ya-graphic-novels-of-2021/#himawari-house
Kotaku https://kotaku.com/the-11-best-manga-of-2021-1848272848
Laughing Place https://www.laughingplace.com/w/news/2021/12/30/the-year-in-marvel-comics-the-best-of-2021/
Level Up Entertainment https://levelupentertainment.com/news/2020/12/16/2021-didnt-completely-suck-awards
Library Journal https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/Best-Graphic-Novels-2021
Literary Hub https://lithub.com/the-best-reviewed-graphic-literature-of-2021/
Looper https://www.looper.com/680727/the-best-comics-of-2021/
Los Angeles Public Library https://www.lapl.org/books-emedia/lapl-reads/book-lists/best-2021-graphic-novels
Lotus Land https://www.lotuslandcomics.com/2021/12/the-best-comics-of-2021.html#.Yb1rxrLaCcM.twitter
Madison Public Library https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/reading-and-viewing/book-lists/graphic-novels-middle-grade-readers
Medium https://seamas.medium.com/the-best-comics-of-2021-by-me-the-celebrated-author-s%C3%A9amas-oreilly-7b1542b265c9
MiddleEastEye https://www.middleeasteye.net/discover/five-best-arab-comic-graphic-novel-releases-this-year
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-reprint/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-single-issue/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-one-shot/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-anthology/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-licensed/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-digital-first/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-limited/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-webcomic/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-manga/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-concluded/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-new-series/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-translated/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-ongoing/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-yir-ogn/
Mulitversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/reader-poll/results-daredevil-ongoing-21/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2021-creators-yir-1/
Multnomah County Library http://bestof.multcolib.org/2021/#tags=comics%2Fgraphic+novels&view=covers&year=2021
Nerdist https://nerdist.com/article/best-comics-of-2021-nubia-static-night-bus-dc-marvel/
Nerdy Book Club https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2021/12/29/the-2021-nerdies-graphic-novels-announced-by-katherine-sokolowski/
Nerdy Book Club https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2021/12/28/the-2021-nerdies-early-readers-and-chapter-books-announced-by-alyson-beecher/
New York Public Library https://www.nypl.org/books-more/recommendations/best-books/adults?year=2021&f%5B0%5D=terms%3AComics
New York Public Library https://www.nypl.org/books-more/recommendations/best-books/teens?year=2021&f%5B0%5D=terms%3AComics
New York Public Library https://www.nypl.org/books-more/recommendations/best-books/kids?year=2021&f%5B0%5D=terms%3AGraphic%20Novels
New York Public Library https://www.nypl.org/books-more/recommendations/comics/adults
New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/12/books/review/artists-best-illustrated-childrens-books.html
New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/03/books/review/25-best-childrens-books.html
New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/10/books/best-graphic-novels-2021.html
NPR https://apps.npr.org/best-books/#tags=comics+%26+graphic+novels&view=covers&year=2021
Omaha Public Library http://topshelf.omahalibrary.org/#/tag/comic-graphic-novel
Orange County Register https://www.ocregister.com/2022/01/12/5-graphic-novels-to-read-now-tunnels-leonard-cohen-and-more/
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2021/12/rachels-2021-favorites-part-1.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2021/12/rachels-2021-favorites-part-2-graphic.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2021/12/seans-2021-favorites-long-box-short-box.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2021/12/robs-2021-favorites-part-1-short-list.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2021/12/robs-2021-favorites-part-2-my-favorite.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2021/12/james-2021-favorites-part-1-non-fiction.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2021/12/james-2021-favorites-part-2-superheroes.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2021/12/james-2021-favorites-part-3-favorite.html
Parents https://www.parents.com/fun/entertainment/books/best-chapter-books-for-kids-ages-5-to-12/
Pipedream Comics https://pipedreamcomics.co.uk/the-top-10-small-press-and-indie-comics-of-2021/
Pipedream Comics https://pipedreamcomics.co.uk/best-small-press-and-indie-comics-2021-20-11/
Pipedream Comics https://pipedreamcomics.co.uk/best-small-press-and-indie-comics-of-2021-30-21/
Pipedream Comics https://pipedreamcomics.co.uk/best-small-press-and-indie-comics-2021-40-31/
Pipedream Comics https://pipedreamcomics.co.uk/best-indie-and-small-press-comics-2021-50-41/
Polygon https://www.polygon.com/22821264/best-comics-2021-marvel-dc-manga
Pop Matters https://www.popmatters.com/best-books-2021-list-feature/5
Portsmouth NH Libraries https://portsmouth.bywatersolutions.com/cgi-bin/koha/opac-shelves.pl?op=view&shelfnumber=1555
Portsmouth NH Libraries https://portsmouth.bywatersolutions.com/cgi-bin/koha/opac-shelves.pl?op=view&shelfnumber=1548
Portsmouth NH Libraries https://portsmouth.bywatersolutions.com/cgi-bin/koha/opac-shelves.pl?op=view&shelfnumber=1549
Portsmouth NH Libraries https://portsmouth.bywatersolutions.com/cgi-bin/koha/opac-shelves.pl?op=view&shelfnumber=1546
Powells https://www.powells.com/staff-top-fives
Publishers Weekly https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/comics/article/88132-bechdel-s-secret-to-superhuman-strength-wins-pw-s-2021-graphic-novel-critics-poll.html
Publishers Weekly https://best-books.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/2021/young-adult
Publishers Weekly https://best-books.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/2021/comics
Publishers Weekly https://best-books.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/2021/middle-grade
Publishers Weekly https://best-books.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/2021/picture-books
Rad Raptor https://radraptor.com/index.php/2022/01/04/tims-best-comic-books-of-2021/
Rad Raptor https://radraptor.com/index.php/2022/01/01/jeff-conollys-best-comics-of-2021/
Rad Raptor https://radraptor.com/index.php/2021/12/31/andrews-best-comic-books-of-2021/
Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/graphicnovels/comments/rfhtw2/my_top_reads_of_2021_i_recommend_them_all/
SBNation https://www.nunesmagician.com/2021/12/31/22851917/tniaams-top-comic-books-of-2021
School Library Journal https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/?detailStory=best-graphic-novels-2021-slj-best-books
School Library Journal https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/?detailStory=slj-top-10-manga-2021
School Library Journal https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/?detailStory=slj-book-reviews-editors-favorite-books-read-in-2021
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/image-comics-best-books-2021/
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/best-comic-books-2021-marvel-dc/
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/best-single-issues-comics-2021/
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/best-marvel-comic-books-2021/
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/best-new-manga-titles-2021/
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/best-non-superhero-comic-books-2021/
Seattle Public Library https://www.spl.org/books-and-media/books-and-ebooks/staff-picks/seattle-staff-faves-2021-fiction?page=3
Sequential Planet https://sequentialplanet.com/best-comics-of-2021-comic-book-of-the-year/
Skokie Public Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/2634/2021-staff-picks-graphic-novels/
Skokie Public Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/2626/2021-staff-picks-grades-6-8/
Skokie Public Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/2625/2021-staff-picks-grades-4-5/
Skokie Public Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/2623/2021-staff-picks-ages-0-5/
Syfy https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/best-comic-books-of-2021
TCJ https://www.tcj.com/the-best-comics-of-2021/
Texas Public Library https://txla.org/news/2022-maverick-graphic-novel-reading-list-announced/
Texas Public Library https://txla.org/news/2022-little-maverick-graphic-reading-list-announced/
The Beat https://www.comicsbeat.com/best-comics-of-2021-list/
The Globe and Mail https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books/article-the-globe-100-the-books-we-loved-in-2021/
The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/dec/05/the-best-graphic-novels-of-2021
The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/dec/07/best-comics-and-graphic-novels-of-2021
The Indianapolis Public Library https://indypl.bibliocommons.com/list/share/1652485239/2013756539
The Irish Times https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/the-best-graphic-novels-of-2021-take-a-murderously-funny-trip-through-lockdown-1.4748160
The Mary Sue https://www.themarysue.com/2021-graphic-novel-gift-guide/
The Oklahoman https://www.oklahoman.com/story/entertainment/2021/12/30/taking-look-best-graphic-novels-2021/9035786002/
The Oklahoman https://www.oklahoman.com/story/entertainment/2022/01/07/word-balloons-which-periodical-comics-were-hits-2021-nightwing-and-daredevil-top-list/9081523002/
The Scotland Herald https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/19788922.best-graphic-novels-2021/
The Turnaround Blog https://theturnaroundblog.com/2021/03/16/queer-graphic-novel-reads-lgbtq-comics-for-2021/
The Turnaround Blog https://theturnaroundblog.com/2021/11/24/turnarounds-2021-staff-picks-graphic-novels/
The Turnaround Blog https://theturnaroundblog.com/2021/11/30/turnarounds-2021-staff-picks-nonfiction/
Toledo Public Library https://www.toledolibrary.org/tlcpl-best-books-of-2021
Tor https://www.tor.com/2021/12/16/best-young-adult-science-fiction-fantasy-and-horror-of-2021/
Under the Radar https://www.undertheradarmag.com/blog/under_the_radars_2021_holiday_gift_guide_part_6_books_and_graphic_novels
University of Pennsylvania https://www.gse.upenn.edu/news/penn-gse%E2%80%99s-best-books-young-readers-2021
Variety https://variety.com/shop/the-best-comics-of-2021-1235127525/
Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2021/11/18/best-graphic-novels/
Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/kidspost/2021/11/17/best-childrens-books-2021/
Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2021/11/18/best-feel-good-books/
What Culture https://whatculture.com/comics/10-best-short-marvel-comic-series-of-2021
Why So Blu? https://whysoblu.com/the-best-comics-of-2021/
Yuricon https://okazu.yuricon.com/2021/12/30/top-yuri-of-2021/

Under Appreciated Comic Book Artists

What if I told you the artist that co-created the following characters:

Black Widow
Hawkeye
Mantis
Wonder Man
Sunfire
The Swordsman
The Mandarin
Crimson Dynamo
Titanium Man
Immortus
The Collector
Count Neferia
Mr. Hyde
Cobra
Power Man (would later become Goliath, then Atlas)
Living Laser
The Porcupine
Firebrand
The Living Pharaoh/The Living Monolith
The Rainbow Raider
Nubia
Happy Hogan
Pepper Potts
Alex Summers (would become Havok)
Lorna Dane (would become Polaris)
Dr. Bill Foster (would become Black Goliath)
Captain George Stacy

…is perpetually viewed as a lesser creator?

Don HeckDon Heck doesn’t get the respect he deserves. People often compare Heck to Kirby, Ditko and other creators that were working at Marvel during the 1960s and I think that’s really unfair. I get people look at their respective art/storytelling and prefer Kirby, Ditko, etc.. to Heck and find him the lesser of the bunch.

My argument is regarding his ability to co-create popular, long lasting characters. Many creators have tried to do this, be it for Marvel, DC, or somewhere else. Most attempts fail at reaching the level of success that any of the above list of characters. It’s really, really hard to come up with a character that other writers want to use in shared universe, that in the hands of other creators are entertaining enough that readers will be satisfied enough with the comic they purchased and buy the next one. It’s not like you can tick off a series of boxes in a ‘create a popular character’ manual and get guaranteed success. Don Heck came up with a bunch of those characters, collaborating with a variety of writers and did it for damn near 20 years.

I think if you were to look at his accomplishments and instead of comparing him against Kirby and Ditko, and instead compare them against everybody else who worked in the comic industry from the late 1930s to today, you’ll find that there are only a tiny handful of creators that have done more in that regard than Don Heck has. Many who’ve done less get a more respect than Don Heck does and I’m not saying they don’t deserve their respect, I’m just saying Don Heck gets a lot less than he deserves. Heck gets compared to Kirby and Ditko and he is the only artist that gets compared that way. Nobody looks at say, Jim Starlin or Walt Simonson and decides they are lesser creators because they weren’t Jack Kirby. Nor should anybody do that and they shouldn’t also do that to Don Heck.

Iron CrossAlso, please note that list above is only a partial list of characters Don Heck created. Earlier today I was researching who created a character named Iron Cross. The character made its debut in Invaders #35, but wikipedia said he appeared in issue #36. Checking on Grand Comics Database and reading the actual comic made it clear the character first appeared in #35. Wikipedia also says Frank Robbins was his co-creator despite not having drawn either comic. Don Heck was the artist who drew the first appearance of Iron Cross.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So I reached out the writer/editor of the comic and co-creator of Iron Cross, Roy Thomas and asked him who co-created Iron Cross with him. Below is his response to my e-mail (reprinted with permission):

Hi Jamie —

The artist who designed and first drew Iron Cross was Don Heck, fitting since he was also the first story-drawing Iron Man artist. Much of THE INVADERS #35 is taken from the abortive LIBERTY LEGION #1 that was prepared but then never published as a stand-alone comic; I had Alan Kupperberg add the sequence at the start of the issue, which of course doesn’t feature Iron Cross.

Thanks for the kind words,
Roy

So add Iron Cross to that list of characters that Don Heck co-created. I recognize that the character is not very well known or popular compared to the list of characters above, but he has very occasionally been used by other creators since his creation. The last appearance (outside of reprints) that I could find was a 2011 mini series called Invaders Now! done by Alex Ross, Christos Gage, Caio Reis, Vinicius Andrade and Simon Bowland. A new version of the character was created by James Robinson and Steve Pugh for a 2014 New Invaders series.

Something that’s a part of the Eisner Awards that I really like is the Bill Finger Award. It’s for comic book writers who were under appreciated and is given to a deceased and living creator every year. I wish there was a similar award for under appreciated artists. Personally I think it ought to be named after Harry G. Peter, who we have proof co-created Wonder Woman but is not officially recognized as such. All American editors at that time really didn’t like Harry’s work and didn’t want him drawing the title and only got the job at the insistence of Wonder Woman’s co-creator William Moulton Marston. Among the artists I think should be considered for such an award is Bob Brown, Dick Ayers, Paul Ryan, Alan Kupperberg and Don Heck.

* Image of Don Heck comes from League of Comic Geeks.

The Combined Best Comics & Graphic Novels of 2020!

Over the last 5 months there have been many, many websites with “Best of 2020” lists concerning comic books, manga and graphic novels. If you’ve looked at a few, you may have noticed some of the same books on different lists and seen some unique to only that list.

I went through 235 different URLs with “Best Of” Lists regarding comics and combined them into a spreadsheet. There are over 3,500 different listings of books from these websites. I should note that I’ve included books that were given honorable mentions. In short, if somebody thought it was a good book that you should check out, it’s on here.

This year I made a more of an effort to find best of lists with Manga on them. I find it odd that Manga in North America is as large as traditional comics publishers but there are much fewer ‘Best of Manga’ lists out by Manga reviewers. I did find some which likely lead to a particular Manga publisher getting more titles on the list this year.

Gene Luen Yang

Gene Luen Yang

 

The big story this year is Gene Luen Yang whose books were the #1 (Dragon Hoops) and #2 (Superman Smashes the Klan) books on the list. This is the first time an author took the first two spots with different books in a year. ComicsBeat picking him as the Comics Industry Person of the Year is very fitting.

 

 

Pivot tables have been created to show which books appeared on the number of lists. Here are the books with 5 mentions or more:

Book Title Count Writer Artist Publisher
Dragon Hoops 38 Gene Luen Yang Gene Luen Yang First Second
Superman Smashes the Klan 36 Gene Luen Yang Gurihiru DC Comics
The Magic Fish 34 Trung Le Nguyen Trung Le Nguyen Random House Graphic
When Stars Are Scattered 32 Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed Victoria Jamieson, Iman Geddy Dial Books
The Immortal Hulk 31 Al Ewing Various Marvel Comics
Daredevil 30 Chip Zdarsky Marco Checchetto, Francesco Mobili, Jorge Fornes, Nolan Woodard, Rachelle Rosenberg, Mattia Iacono Marvel Comics
The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Cartoonist 29 Adrian Tomine Adrian Tomine Drawn & Quarterly
The Department of Truth 29 James Tynion IV Martin Simmonds Image Comics
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen: Who Killed Jimmy Olsen 29 Matt Fraction Steve Leiber, Nathan Fairbairn DC Comics
Far Sector 28 NK Jemisin Jamal Campbell DC Comics
X-Men 28 Jonathan Hickman Leinil Francis Yu, R.B. Silva, Matteo Buffagni Marvel Comics
Kent State: Four Dead in Ohio 26 Derf Backderf Derf Backderf Harry N. Abrams
Snapdragon 25 Kat Leyh Kat Leyh First Second
Class Act 24 Jerry Craft Jerry Craft Quill Tree
Blue in Green 21 Ram V Anand RK, John J. Pearson Image Comics
Wonder Woman: Dead Earth 21 Daniel Johnson Daniel Johnson, Mike Spicer DC Comics
John Constantine: Hellblazer 21 Simon Spurrier Aaron Campbell, Jordie Bellaire DC Comics
Pulp 20 Ed Brubaker Sean Phillips, Jacob Phillips Image Comics
Marauders 20 Gerry Duggan, Vita Ayala Stefano Caselli, Matteo Lolli, Mario Del Pennino, Edgar Delgado, Federico Blee, Erick Arciniega Marvel Comics
Twins 20 Varian Johnson Shannon Wright Graphix
Dracula, motherf**ker! 19 Alex de Campi Erica Henderson Image Comics
Hellions 19 Zeb Wells, Tini Howard Stephen Segovia, David Curiel, Carmen Carnero Marvel Comics
Something Is Killing The Children 19 James Tynion IV Werther Dell’Edera BOOM! Studios
Paying the Land 19 Joe Sacco Joe Sacco Metropolitan Books
Flamer 19 Mike Curato Mike Curato Henry Holt and Co
Batman: The Three Jokers 18 Geoff Johns Jason Fabok, Brad Anderson DC Comics
Strange Adventures 18 Tom King Mitch Gerads, Doc Shaner DC Comics
Bitter Root 18 David F. Walker, Chuck Brown Sanford Greene, Sofie Dodgson Image Comics
Thor 18 Donny Cates Nic Klein, Aaron Kuder, Matthew Wilson Marvel Comics
Almost American Girl: An Illustrated Memoir 18 Robin Ha Robin Ha Balzer + Bray
Go with the Flow 18 Lily Williams, Karen Schneemann Lily Williams First Second
The Sky is Blue with a Single Cloud 17 Kiniko Tsurita Kiniko Tsurita Drawn & Quarterly
Once & Future 17 Kieron Gillen Tamra Bonvillain, Dan Mora BOOM! Studios
Slaughterhouse-Five: The Graphic Novel 17 Kurt Vonnegut, Ryan North Albert Monteys BOOM! Studios
Fire Power 16 Robert Kirkman Chris Samnee, Matthew Wilson Image Comics
Billionaire Island 16 Mark Russell Steve Pugh, Chris Chuckry Ahoy Comics
Familiar Face 15 Michael DeForge Michael DeForge Drawn & Quarterly
Wendy: Master of Art 15 Walter Scott Walter Scott Drawn & Quarterly
Banned Book Club 15 Kim Hyun Sook, Ryan Estrada Hyung-Ju Ko Iron Circus Comics
Sports is Hell 15 Ben Passmore Ben Passmore Koyama Press
Jack Kirby: The Epic Life Of The King Of Comics 14 Tom Scioli Tom Scioli Ten Speed Press
Stillwater 14 Chip Zdarsky Ramón K. Pérez, Mike Spicer Image Comics
A Map to the Sun 14 Sloane Leong Sloane Leong First Second
Dancing at the Pity Party: A Dead Mom Graphic Memoir 14 Tyler Feder Tyler Feder Dial Books
Dark Nights: Death Metal 13 Scott Snyder Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion, FCO Plascencia DC Comics
The Impending Blindness of Billie Scott 13 Zoe Thorogood Zoe Thorogood Avery Hill Publishing
Hedra 13 Jesse Lonergan Jesse Lonergan Image Comics
Long Way Down 13 Jason Reynolds Danica Novgorodoff Atheneum
X of Swords 12 Various Various Marvel Comics
Dancing After TEN 12 Vivian Chong, Georgia Webber Vivian Chong, Georgia Webber Fantagraphics
X-Men: Marvels Snapshots #1 12 Jay Edidin Tom Reilly, Chris O’Halloran Marvel Comics
You Brought Me the Ocean 12 Alex Sanchez Julie Maroh DC Comics
Vision 12 Julia Gfrörer Julia Gfrörer Fantagraphics
Year of the Rabbit 12 Tian Veasna Tian Veasna Drawn & Quarterly
The Man Without Talent 11 Yoshiharu Tsuge Yoshiharu Tsuge New York Review Books
Chasin’ the Bird: Charlie Parker in California 11 Dave Chisholm Dave Chisholm, Peter Markowski Z2 Comics
The Contradictions 11 Sophie Yanow Sophie Yanow Drawn & Quarterly
Displacement 11 Kiku Hughes Kiku Hughes First Second
Ice Cream Man 11 W. Maxwell Prince Martin Morazzo, Chris O’Halloran Image Comics
Stepping Stones 10 Lucy Knisley Lucy Knisley, Whitney Cogar Random House Graphic
X-Factor 10 Leah Williams David Baldeon Marvel Comics
Moms 10 Yeong-shin Ma Yeong-shin Ma Drawn & Quarterly
Spy x Family Vol. 1 10 Tatsuya Endo Tatsuya Endo VIZ Media
DCeased: Dead Planet 10 Tom Taylor Trevor Hairsine, Gigi Baldissini, Stefan Guadiano, Rain Beredo DC Comics
Maids 10 Katie Skelly Katie Skelly Fantagraphics
X-Force 10 Benjamin Percy Dustin Weaver, Joshua Cassara Marvel Comics
Big Black: Stand at Attica 10 Frank “Big Black” Smith, Jared Reinmuth Améziane Archaia
The Other History Of The DC Universe #1 9 John Ridley Giuseppe Camuncoli, Andrea Cucchi, Jose Villarrubia DC Comics
The Deep and Dark Blue 9 Niki Smith Niki Smith Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Ice Cream Man Presents: Quarantine Comix Special #1 9 Various Various Image Comics
Black Widow 9 Kelly Thompson Elena Casagrande. Jordie Bellaire Marvel Comics
Don’t Go Without Me 9 Rosemary Valero-O’Connell Rosemary Valero-O’Connell Shortbox
Becoming Horses 9 Disa Wallander Disa Wallander Drawn & Quarterly
Suicide Squad 9 Tom Taylor Bruno Redondo, Adriano Lucas DC Comics
Chainsaw Man 9 Tatsuki Fujimoto Tatsuki Fujimoto VIZ Media
Excalibur 9 Tini Howard Various Marvel Comics
AdventureMan 9 Matt Fraction Terry Dodson, Rachel Dodson Image Comics
Heartstopper 9 Alice Oseman Alice Oseman Graphix
Batman 9 James Tynion IV Jorge Jimenez, Tomeu Morey DC Comics
The Low, Low Woods 9 Carmen Maria Machado Dani, Tamra Bonvillain DC Comics
Paul at Home 9 Michel Rabagliati Michel Rabagliati Drawn & Quarterly
Portrait of a Drunk 8 Florent Ruppert, Jerome Mulot, Olivier Schrauwen Florent Ruppert, Jerome Mulot, Olivier Schrauwen Fantagraphics
S.W.O.R.D. 8 Al Ewing Valerio Schiti, Marte Gracia Marvel Comics
J&K 8 John Pham John Pham Fantagraphics
Skulldigger and Skeleton Boy 8 Jeff Lemire Tonci Zonjic Dark Horse Books
Goblin Girl 8 Moa Romanova Moa Romanova Fantagraphics
Alienated 8 Simon Spurrier Chris Wildgoose, Andre May BOOM! Studios
Shadow of the Batgirl 8 Sarah Kuhn Nicole Goux DC Comics
Undone by Blood or the Shadow of a Wanted Man 8 Zac Thompson, Lonnie Nadler Sami Kivelä, Jason Wordie AfterShock Comics
Crisis Zone 8 Simon Hanselmann Simon Hanselmann Web Comic
We Only Find Them When They’re Dead 8 Al Ewing Simone Di Meo BOOM! Studios
Venom 8 Donny Cates, David Michelinie Various Marvel Comics
Check, Please!, Book 2: Sticks & Scones 8 Ngozi Ukazu Ngozi Ukazu First Second
Beetle & the Hollowbones 8 Aliza Layne Aliza Layne, Natalie Riess, Kristen Acampora Atheneum
Fights: One Boy’s Triumph Over Violence 8 Joel Christian Gill Joel Christian Gill Oni Press
Seven Secrets 8 Tom Taylor Daniele Di Nicuolo, Walter Baiamonte, Katia Ranalli BOOM! Studios
Guardians of the Galaxy 8 Al Ewing Marcio Takara, Federico Blee Marvel Comics
Usagi Yojimbo 8 Stan Sakai Stan Sakai, Tom Luth IDW Publishing
Coffin Bound 8 Dan Watters Dani Image Comics
Breakwater 8 Katriona Chapman Katriona Chapman Avery Hill Publishing
Bowie: Stardust, Rayguns & Moonage Dreams 8 Steve Horton, Michael Allred Michael Allred, Laura Allred Insight Comics
Crossover 7 Donny Cates Geoff Shaw, Dee Cunniffe Image Comics
Séance Tea Party 7 Reimena Yee Reimena Yee Random House Graphic
Donut Feed the Squirrels 7 Mika Song Mika Song Random House Graphic
Ex.Mag 7 Various Various Peow Studios
Empyre 7 Al Ewing, Dan Slott Valerio Schiti, Marte Gracia Marvel Comics
The Dreaming: Waking Hours 7 G. Willow Wilson Nick Robles, Mat Lopes DC Comics
The Green Lantern: Season Two 7 Grant Morrison Liam Sharp, Steve Oliff DC Comics
Pea, Bee, & Jay Vol. 1 7 Brian “Smitty” Smith Brian “Smitty” Smith HarperAlley
Killadelphia 7 Rodney Barnes Jason Shaw, Luis NCT Image Comics
All Together Now 7 Hope Larson Hope Larson, Hillary Sycamore, Katrina Edwards Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Come Home, Indio: A Memoir 7 Jim Terry Jim Terry Street Noise Books
Basketful of Heads 7 Joe Hill Leomacs, Dave Stewart DC Comics
Gideon Falls 7 Jeff Lemire Andrea Sorrentino, Dave Stewart Image Comics
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 7 Sophie Campbell Sophie Campbell, Ronda Pattison IDW Publishing
I Know You Rider: A Memoir 7 Leslie Stein Leslie Stein Drawn & Quarterly
Black Heroes of the Wild West 7 James Otis Smith James Otis Smith TOON Graphics
Astronauts: Women on the Final Frontier 7 Jim Ottaviani Maris Wicks First Second
Lightfall: The Girl and the Galdurian 7 Tim Probert Tim Probert HarperAlley
My Hero Academia 7 Kōhei Horikoshi Kōhei Horikoshi VIZ Media
Solutions and Other Problems 7 Allie Brosh Allie Brosh Simon and Schuster
Primer 6 Jennifer Muro, Thomas Krajewski Gretel Lusky DC Comics
Ping Pong 6 Taiyo Matsumoto Taiyo Matsumoto VIZ Media
Arlo & Pips: King of the Birds 6 Elise Gravel Elise Gravel HarperAlley
Umma’s Table 6 Yeon-Sik Hong Yeon-Sik Hong Drawn & Quarterly
A Man and His Cat 6 Umi Sakurai Umi Sakurai Square Enix Manga
The Swamp 6 Yoshiharu Tsuge Yoshiharu Tsuge Drawn & Quarterly
Glass Town: The Imaginary World of the Brontës 6 Isabel Greenberg Isabel Greenberg Harry N. Abrams
Noisemakers: 25 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World 6 Various Various Knopf Books for Young Readers
Wynd 6 James Tynion IV Michael Dialynas BOOM! Studios
Decorum 6 Jonathan Hickman Mike Huddleston Image Comics
Redfork 6 Alex Paknadel Nil Vendrell, Giulia Brusco TKO Studios
Kill A Man 6 Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Steve Orlando Al Morgan AfterShock Comics
Bang! 6 Matt Kindt Wilfredo Torres, Nayoung Kim Dark Horse Books
Parable of the Sower:  A Graphic Novel Adaptation 6 Octavia E. Butler, Damian Duffy John Jennings Harry N. Abrams
Witch Hat Atelier 6 Kamome Shirahama Kamome Shirahama Kodansha Comics
Money Shot 6 Tim Seeley, Sarah Beattie Rebekah Isaacs, Kurt Michael Russell Vault Comics
November 6 Matt Fraction Elsa Charretier, Matt Hollingsworth Image Comics
Shirley and Jamila Save Their Summer 6 Gillian Goerz Gillian Goerz Dial Books
Black Stars Above 6 Lonnie Nadler Jenna Cha, Brad Simpson Vault Comics
Die 6 Kieron Gillen Stephanie Hans Image Comics
The Times I Knew I Was Gay 6 Eleanor Crewes Eleanor Crewes Scribner
Green Lantern: Legacy 6 Minh Lê Andie Tong DC Comics
Reckless 5 Ed Brubaker Sean Phillips, Jacob Phillips Image Comics
Avengers 5 Jason Aaron Various Marvel Comics
What We Don’t Talk About 5 Charlot Kristensen Charlot Kristensen Avery Hill Publishing
Catherine’s War 5 Julia Billet, Claire Fauvel Claire Fauvel HarperAlley
Blood On The Tracks 5 Shuzo Oshimi Shuzo Oshimi Vertical Comics
Child Star 5 Box Brown Box Brown First Second
A Cat Story 5 Ursula Murray Husted Ursula Murray Husted Quill Tree
Hotell 5 John Lees Dalibor Talajić, Lee Loughridge AWA Studios
Lost Soldiers 5 Aleš Kot Luca Casalanguida, Heather Moore Image Comics
Sex Criminals 5 Matt Fraction, Chip Zdarsky Chip Zdarsky Image Comics
Boston Corbett 5 Andy Douglas Day Andy Douglas Day Sonatina
Lonely Receiver 5 Zac Thompson Jen Hickman AfterShock Comics
We Served the People: My Mother’s Stories 5 Emei Burell Emei Burell Archaia
Plunge 5 Joe Hill Stuart Immonen, Dave Stewart DC Comics
The Dark Matter of Mona Starr 5 Laura Lee Gulledge Laura Lee Gulledge Amulet Books
Iron Man 5 Christopher Cantwell C Cafu, Frank D’ARMATA Marvel Comics
Giga 5 Alex Paknadel John Le, ROSH Vault Comics
Titan 5 François Vigneault François Vigneault Oni Press
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin 5 Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird, Tom Waltz Esau Escorza, Isaac Escorza, Luis Antonio Delgado, Kevin Eastman, Samuel Planta IDW Publishing
Consent (for Kids!): Boundaries, Respect, and Being in Charge of You 5 Rachel Brian Rachel Brian Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Be Gay, Do Comics 5 Various Various IDW Publishing
The Plot 5 Michael Moreci Tim Daniel, Kurt Michael Russel Vault Comics
Kodi 5 Jared Cullum Jared Cullum Top Shelf Productions
Justice League Dark 5 Ram V Various DC Comics
The Phantom Twin 5 Lisa Brown Lisa Brown First Second
Undiscovered Country 5 Scott Snyder, Charles Soule Giuseppe Camuncoli, Daniele Orlandini, Matt Wilson Image Comics
Amazing Spider-Man 5 Nick Spencer, Matthew Rosenberg Various Marvel Comics
Fence 5 C.S. Pacat Johanna the Mad BOOM! Studios
Fangs 5 Sarah Andersen Sarah Andersen Andrews McMeel Publishing
The Butcher Of Paris 5 Stephanie Phillips Dean Kotz, Jason Wordie Dark Horse Books
Eight-Lane Runaways 5 Henry McCausland Henry McCausland Fantagraphics
Bug Boys 5 Laura Knetzger Laura Knetzger Random House Graphic
Teen Titans: Beast Boy 5 Kami Garcia Gabriel Picolo DC Comics
Dead Day 5 Ryan Parrott Evgeniy Bornyakov, Juancho Velez AfterShock Comics
Excellence 5 Brandon Thomas Khary Randolph, Emilio Lopez Image Comics
The Last Halloween: Book 1 5 Abby Howard Abby Howard Iron Circus Comics

The full spreadsheet with pivot tables for books, writers, artists, publishers and more is available here.

Regarding Publishers:

DC Comics was again the most popular publisher with 122 different titles.

Marvel was again 2nd place with 90 different titles.

Image stayed at 3rd place with 76 different titles.

VIZ improved to 4th place with 50 different titles.

Dark Horse Books dropped to 5th place with 36 different titles.

There were also 49 Self-Published books that made the list.

The most popular web comics were Simon Hanselmann’s Crisis Zone (8)
Olivia Jaimes’ Nancy (4) and Rachel Smith’s Quarantine Comix (3)

Caveats:

The vast majority of books are listed under their imprint names, not their head publisher names.

Where a reviewer/writer wrote ‘best of’ lists for multiple websites, I’ve cross referenced their lists and removed books that were named twice. I did not think it would be fair if those writers could tip the popularity scale by naming the same book(s) over and over again on multiple websites. Sadly, there was an increase of websites publishing lists with no credit to who (or whom) created the list. In those cases I marked them as either n/a or various but the practice of not crediting writers is a shameful one.

If a writer wrote for multiple sites, but one of those sites picks was a group effort, I did not remove books that are listed twice.

I generally did not include lists that were a mixed of prose books and graphic novels unless there were a significant number of graphic novels on the list.

I did not use lists where the website was not in English and the books appeared to be translated versions.

With inkers and colourists I often, but not always included them within the Artist section. Where there were multiple (usually more than 5) involved in a book, or in the title’s run over the course of the year, various was used instead of listing them all. In some cases I combined those involved even if they worked on the title for different issues.

For simplicity sake, if a list named a specific comic book issue or specific volume of a graphic novel, I removed those specifics and just listed the series title, with rare exceptions. The same goes with issue #s. My apologies to the reviewers of those books.

Some reviewers included books that were published in 2019 or earlier. Normally the amount of times these books were mentioned isn’t significant but I found this year there were a lot more 2019 and earlier books mentioned in these lists. I suspect reviewers having more time on their hands due to Covid were reading unread books from previous years and including them on their lists.

Most of the lists were general ‘best/favourite books’ of 2020, but I also included lists dedicated to young readers, manga, LGBTQ+, etc… What type list is noted on column B in the spreadsheet.

A small number of lists also had rankings and those are included in Column C.

This list of websites this list is compiled from:

A.V. Club https://aux.avclub.com/the-best-comics-of-2020-1845983246
ALA http://www.ala.org/yalsa/2021-great-graphic-novels-teens
Alu https://twitter.com/WSJ_manga/status/1339453430876794882?s=19 (also: https://alu.jp/article/TLPEf6L0gNgxNdmaC81c)
Amino https://aminoapps.com/c/anime/page/blog/top-10-romance-manga-of-2020/3YtB_upP6Zg1prg8LJvbmwL0WDNG5
Amino https://aminoapps.com/c/comics/page/blog/my-top-30-comics-of-2020-guidelines-honorable-mentions/wPio_uB8WGLQKWZn6VxvpZ8raJjB6v
Amino https://aminoapps.com/c/comics/page/blog/my-favorite-comics-of-2020-part-1-30-21/NxiM_u3MgM5Q4E3bEZ6DzMke8QKBkX
Amino https://aminoapps.com/c/comics/page/blog/my-favorite-comics-of-2020-part-2-20-11/aai0_uK1aZqY01e06vYMXDb0KJlwMo
Amino https://aminoapps.com/c/comics/page/blog/my-top-10-comics-of-2020/baio_uBDZkjGm7qoYLZJ3Dv6d63GbL
Between the Shelves https://between-the-shelves.com/2020/12/2020-yearly-wrap-up/
Big Comic Page https://bigcomicpage.com/2020/12/23/bcps-best-of-2020-ceej-edition/
Big Comic Page https://bigcomicpage.com/2020/12/22/bcps-best-of-2020-mark-edition/
Big In Japan Grayman https://biginjapangrayman.wordpress.com/2020/12/30/top-reads-of-2020/
Bleeding Cool https://bleedingcool.com/comics/james-hepplewhites-top-6-comics-of-2020/
Book by Book https://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2021/01/best-books-read-in-2020.html
Book Riot https://bookriot.com/best-childrens-books-of-2020/
Book Riot https://bookriot.com/queer-comics-and-manga/
Borg https://borg.com/2020/12/18/borgs-best-of-2020-the-best-comics-and-games/
Boston Globe https://apps.bostonglobe.com/arts/graphics/2020/12/best-books-of-2020/
But Why Tho? https://butwhythopodcast.com/2020/12/17/year-in-review-top-comics-of-2020/
But Why Tho? https://butwhythopodcast.com/2020/12/18/year-in-review-top-manga-of-2020/
Canada Live https://canadalive.news/2020/12/30/comics-the-best-of-2020/
CBC https://www.cbc.ca/books/the-best-canadian-comics-of-2020-1.5840897
CBC https://www.cbc.ca/books/the-best-canadian-ya-and-middle-grade-books-of-2020-1.5831743
CBR https://www.cbr.com/best-dc-comics-2020-gift-guide/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/best-indie-comics-2020-gifts-holidays/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/marvel-best-2020-comics-for-gifting/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/best-comics-2020-cbr-editor-picks/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/cbr-editor-picks-the-best-manga-of-2020/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/marvel-comics-best-stories-releases-2020/
CBR https://www.cbr.com/dc-must-read-comics-2020/
Comic Attack https://comicattack.net/canet-top-5-of-2020-fan-poll-results/
Comic Attack https://comicattack.net/ca-top-5-of-2020-fan-poll-results-pt-2/
Comic Book Herald https://www.comicbookherald.com/best-comics-of-2020/
Comic Book Lounge https://comicbooklounge.com/2021/01/05/best-of-2020/
Comic Book Revolution https://www.comicbookrevolution.com/best-of-2020-manga-series/
Comic Book Revolution https://www.comicbookrevolution.com/best-of-2020-comic-book-single-issues/
Comic Book Revolution https://www.comicbookrevolution.com/best-of-2020-comic-book-storylines/
Comic Book Revolution https://www.comicbookrevolution.com/best-of-2020-comic-book-series/
Comic Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/reading-lists-archive/best-single-issue-comics-2020
Comic Booked https://comicbooked.com/comic-bookeds-best-of-2020/
Comic Frontline https://comicfrontline.com/2020/12/13/best-comic-books-of-2020-best-male-female-character-villain-indie-title-1/
Comic Watch https://comic-watch.com/news/comic-watchs-top-dc-comics-picks-of-2020
Comic Watch https://comic-watch.com/news/comic-watchs-top-indie-comic-picks-of-2020
Comic Watch https://comic-watch.com/news/comic-watchs-top-marvel-comics-picks-of-2020
Comic Years https://comicyears.com/comics/the-best-non-superhero-comics-of-2020/
Comicon https://www.comicon.com/2020/12/28/comicons-7-best-ogns-of-2020/
Comicon https://www.comicon.com/2020/12/28/comicons-7-best-comic-series-of-2020/
Comicon https://www.comicon.com/2020/12/28/comicons-7-best-single-issues-of-2020/
Comicon https://www.comicon.com/2020/12/30/comicons-7-best-digital-webcomics-of-2020/
Comics Beat https://www.comicsbeat.com/the-50-best-comics-of-2020/
Comics Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/reading-lists-archive/best-comics-2020-comics-bookcase-staff
Comics bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/reading-lists-archive/ariel-baska-2020-comics
Comics Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/best-comics-2020-top-5
Comics Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/best-comics-2020-6-to-11
Comics Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/best-comics-2020-16-to-25
Den of Geek https://www.denofgeek.com/comics/the-best-comics-of-2020/
Dennis Vogen https://dennisvogen.com/2020/12/31/best-comics-of-2020/
Diverse Tech Geek https://www.diversetechgeek.com/anthonys-2020-graphic-novel-picks/
Doom Rocket https://doomrocket.com/best-comics-2020/
Entertainment Weekly https://ew.com/books/the-best-comics-of-2020/
Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/robsalkowitz/2020/12/18/the-best-graphic-novels-of-2020/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2021/01/06/four-color-apocalypse-2020-year-in-review-top-10-original-graphic-novels/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2021/01/05/four-color-apocalypse-2020-year-in-review-top-10-contemporary-collections/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2021/01/05/four-color-apocalypse-2020-year-in-review-top-10-vintage-collections/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2020/12/28/four-color-apocalypse-2020-year-in-review-top-10-ongoing-series/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2020/12/24/four-color-apocalypse-2020-year-in-review-top-10-single-issues/
Four Color Apocalypse (Ryan Carey) https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2020/12/29/four-color-apocalypse-2020-year-in-review-top-10-special-mentions/
Geek Cast Radio https://www.geekcastradio.com/comics/top-100-comics-of-2020/
Geek Hard https://geekhardshow.com/2021/01/andrews-picks-ten-best-comics-of-2020/
Geek Tyrant https://geektyrant.com/news/tommys-favorite-things-of-2020
Globe and Mail (behind Paywall) https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books/article-the-globe-100-our-favourite-books-of-2020/
God Hates Geeks https://godhatesgeeks.com/the-geeeek-awards-best-comics-of-2020-joker-war-vs-x-of-swords/
GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-graphic-novels-comics-2020
Grovel https://www.grovel.org.uk/category/best-of/best-graphic-novels-of-2020/
Hipinion https://forums.hipinion.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=142718
IGN https://www.ign.com/articles/best-comic-book-series-2020
IGN https://www.ign.com/articles/best-limited-comic-books-graphic-novels-2020
Jenn Haines https://www.facebook.com/jenn.haines.3/posts/10164546654750635?__cft__[0]=AZWbL9duRQcp5LkcAfaDKpK2ILQBaBDmcTZpODGRsZEX0e7PfEFsWPIF9ca8Z4TdwG0EGPOBdrx2WbhsAm_H_FF5mYSw
Library Journal https://www.libraryjournal.com/?detailStory=best-books-of-2020-graphic-novels
Literary Hub https://lithub.com/the-best-reviewed-graphic-literature-of-2020/
London Free Press https://lfpress.com/entertainment/local-arts/graphic-novels-dan-browns-top-picks-of-2020
Looper https://www.looper.com/302819/best-comics-of-2020/
Los Angeles Public Library https://www.lapl.org/books-emedia/lapl-reads/book-lists/best-2020-graphic-novels
Madison Public Library https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/reading-and-viewing/book-lists/graphic-novels-2020
Medium https://cryptoscatology.medium.com/the-top-ten-graphic-novels-of-2020-da089f7c6f81
Medium https://level.medium.com/level-chops-it-up-about-the-best-comics-of-2020-c5866e219e95
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2020-yir-ogn/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2020-yir-ongoing/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2020-yir-new-series/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2020-yir-completed-series/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2020-yir-one-shot/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2020-yir-manga/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2020-yir-webcomic/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2020-yir-best-digital-first/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2020-yir-single-issue/
Nerdist https://nerdist.com/article/best-comics-of-2020/
New York Public Library – Adults https://www.nypl.org/books-more/recommendations/best-books/adults?f%5B0%5D=terms%3AGraphic%20Novels
New York Public Library – Kids https://www.nypl.org/books-more/recommendations/best-books/kids?f%5B0%5D=terms%3AGraphic%20Novels
New York Public Library – Teens https://www.nypl.org/books-more/recommendations/best-books/teens?f%5B0%5D=terms%3AComics
New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/09/books/review/best-graphic-novels.html?partner=IFTTT
New York Times – Children’s Books https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/02/books/review/best-childrens-books.html
NPR https://apps.npr.org/best-books/#reset=true&tags=comics+%26+graphic+novels&year=2020
Nunes Magician https://www.nunesmagician.com/2020/12/31/22198138/tniaams-top-comic-books-of-2020-marvel-comics-ranking-recommendations
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2020/12/seans-favorite-comics-of-2020-long.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2020/12/james-favorite-comics-for-2020.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2020/12/mikes-favorite-comics-of-2020.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2021/01/robs-favorite-comics-of-2020-part-1.html
Panel Platter http://www.panelpatter.com/2021/01/robs-favorite-comics-of-2020-part-2.html
Pipedream Comics https://pipedreamcomics.co.uk/best-indie-and-small-press-comics-2020-50-41/
Pipedream Comics https://pipedreamcomics.co.uk/best-indie-and-small-press-comics-2020-40-31/
Pipedream Comics https://pipedreamcomics.co.uk/best-indie-and-small-press-comics-2020-30-21/
Pipedream Comics https://pipedreamcomics.co.uk/best-indie-and-small-press-comics-2020-20-11/
Pipedream Comics https://pipedreamcomics.co.uk/best-indie-and-small-press-comics-of-2020-10-2/
Pipedream Comics https://pipedreamcomics.co.uk/the-winner-of-best-indie-and-small-press-comics-2020-is/
Polygon https://www.polygon.com/comics/22179033/best-comics-2020
Pop Culture Squad https://popculturesquad.com/2020/12/22/year-in-review-best-new-comics-of-2020/
Pop Matters https://www.popmatters.com/best-books-2020-fiction-2644659425.html?rebelltitem=23#rebelltitem23
Pop Matters https://www.popmatters.com/best-books-2020-non-fiction-2644659215.html
Portsmouth NH Libraries https://portsmouth.bywatersolutions.com/cgi-bin/koha/opac-shelves.pl?op=view&shelfnumber=1056
Portsmouth NH Libraries https://portsmouth.bywatersolutions.com/cgi-bin/koha/opac-shelves.pl?op=view&shelfnumber=1053
Powells https://www.powells.com/post/lists/the-best-scifi-fantasy-horror-and-graphic-novels-of-2020
Powells https://www.powells.com/post/lists/best-of-kids-and-ya-2020
Publisher Weekly https://best-books.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/2020/comics#book/book-1
Publishers Weekly https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/comics/article/85141-kent-state-on-top-of-pw-s-2020-graphic-novel-critics-poll.html
Publishers Weekly https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/85201-children-s-publishers-choose-their-favorite-reads-of-2020.html
Rate Your Music https://rateyourmusic.com/list/mrlackadaisical/favorite-comics-2020/
Review Fix https://reviewfix.com/2020/12/2020-graphic-novel-year-in-review/
Right Stuf https://www.rightstufanime.com/post/Best-Manga-Of-2020
Scary Mommy https://www.scarymommy.com/booked-mindy-kaling-scary-mommy-book-club/
School Library Journal https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/?detailStory=best-graphic-novels-2020-slj-best-books
School Library Journal https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/?detailStory=SLJ-Top-10-Manga-of-2020
School Library Journal https://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/2020/12/19/comics/
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/2020-best-new-comics-marvel-dc-launched/
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/best-marvel-dc-comics-missed-overlooked-in-2020/
Seattle Public Library https://www.spl.org/books-and-media/books-and-ebooks/staff-picks/graphic-novels-we-love-2020
Sequential Planet https://sequentialplanet.com/best-comics-of-2020-best-limited-series/
Sequential Planet https://sequentialplanet.com/best-comics-of-2020-best-single-issues/
Sequential Planet https://sequentialplanet.com/best-comics-of-2020-best-new-series/
100 Scope Notes https://100scopenotes.com/2020/12/19/top-20-books-of-2020-the-full-list/
411 Mania https://411mania.com/movies/the-2020-411-comic-book-awards-winners/
Adventures in Poor Taste https://aiptcomics.com/2021/01/03/aipt-comics-podcast-episode-104-best-in-comics-2020/
ALA GRAPHIC NOVELS & COMICS ROUND TABLE http://www.ala.org/rt/gncrt/best-graphic-novels-adults-reading-list
AutoStraddle https://www.autostraddle.com/67-of-the-best-queer-books-of-2020/#comics
Book Riot https://bookriot.com/best-books-of-2020
Broken Frontier https://www.brokenfrontier.com/celebrating-2020-ten-small-press-comics-need-own/
Broken Frontier https://www.brokenfrontier.com/broken-frontier-awards-2020-zoe-thorogood-shazleen-khan-avery-hill-gosh-comics/
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/200121216_chipublib_teens/1769533449_best_teen_graphic_novels_and_manga_of_2020
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/200049033_chipublib_kids/1772749279_best_fiction_for_younger_readers_of_2020
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/200049033_chipublib_kids/1772060709_best_fiction_for_older_readers_of_2020
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/200049033_chipublib_kids/1772725699_best_informational_books_for_older_readers_of_2020
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/199702383_chipublib_adults/1772946599_best_books_of_2020
Comic Watch https://comic-watch.com/news/comic-watch-presents-the-2021-annual-watchie-awards-nominees
ComicBook https://comicbook.com/anime/news/2020-comicbook-golden-issue-awards-best-manga-my-hero-academia/
ComicBook https://comicbook.com/comics/news/2020-comicbookcom-golden-issue-awards-best-graphic-novel-dracula/
ComicBook https://comicbook.com/comics/news/2020-comicbookcom-golden-issue-awards-best-ongoing-comic-xmen/
ComicBook https://comicbook.com/comics/news/2020-comicbookcom-golden-issue-awards-best-limited-series-supermans-pal-jimmy-olsen-dc/
Comics Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/best-graphic-novels-2020
Cybils http://www.cybils.com/2021/01/2020-finalists-graphic-novels.html
Denver Library https://teens.denverlibrary.org/booklist/best-brightest-teen-graphic-novels-2020
Free Library of Philadelphia https://libwww.freelibrary.org/blog/?action=post&id=4442
Glaad https://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-announces-nominees-32nd-annual-glaad-media-awards
Gosh! https://goshlondon.com/gosh-best-of/adult-2020/
Gosh! https://goshlondon.com/gosh-best-of/kids-2020/
Gotham Calling https://www.gothamcalling.com/2020s-books-year-part-1/
Gotham Calling https://www.gothamcalling.com/2020s-books-year-part-2/
Gotham Calling https://www.gothamcalling.com/2020s-books-year-part-3/
Gotham Calling https://www.gothamcalling.com/2020s-books-year-part-4/
Gotham Calling https://www.gothamcalling.com/2020s-books-year-part-5/
Graphic Novel Resources https://graphicnovelresources.blogspot.com/2021/01/my-favorite-books-of-2020.html
Graphic Policy https://graphicpolicy.com/2021/01/01/logans-favorite-comics-of-2020/
Graphic Policy https://graphicpolicy.com/2021/01/01/bretts-favorite-comics-of-2020-and-a-reflection-on-the-past-year/
Horn Book https://www.hbook.com/?detailStory=fanfare-2020-booklist
Horror DNA https://www.horrordna.com/features/james-top-10-horror-comics-of-2020
Horror News Network http://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/2020-horror-comic-award-winners/
Imagination Soup https://imaginationsoup.net/best-middle-grade-chapter-books-2020/#anchor-4
Iowa City Public Library https://www.icpl.org/books-more/staff-picks/lists/icpl-top-picks-2020-sci-fifantasy-graphic-novels
Kinder Comics https://www.kindercomics.org/blog/25-favorite-print-comics-of-2020
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/best-of/2020/nonfiction/books/
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/best-of/2020/middle-grade/books/
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-graphic-ya-books-of-2020
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-ya-romance-of-2020/
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/best-ya-biography-and-memoir-of-2020
Level up Entertainment https://levelupentertainment.com/news/2020/12/16/2020-didnt-completely-suck-awards
Libraririe D+Q https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/staff-picks-2020-anna
Libraririe D+Q https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/staff-pick-2020-teddy
Libraririe D+Q https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/staff-picks-2020-arizona-oneill
Libraririe D+Q https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/staff-picks-2020-saelan-twerdy
Libraririe D+Q https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/2020-s-picks-catherine
Libraririe D+Q https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/staff-picks-2020-alyssa-favreau
Libraririe D+Q https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/staff-picks-2020-chantal
Libraririe D+Q https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/staff-picks-2020-rachel
Libraririe D+Q https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/staff-picks-2020-francine
Libraririe D+Q https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/staff-picks-2020-mara
Libraririe D+Q https://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/staff-picks-2020-gigi
LRM Online https://lrmonline.com/news/best-comics-of-2020-the-comic-source-awards-part-1/
LRM Online https://lrmonline.com/news/best-comics-of-2020-the-comic-source-awards-part-2/
Multnomah County Library http://bestof.multcolib.org/2020/#/tag/comics-graphic
Nerdy Book Club https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2020/12/29/the-2020-nerdies-graphic-novels-announced-by-katherine-sokolowski/
New Retro Wave https://newretrowave.com/2020/12/31/top-10-comics-graphics-novels-of-2020/
Now Read This! https://www.comicsreview.co.uk/nowreadthis/2020/12/18/wins-top-ten-best-and-most-enjoyable-must-read-this-list-2020/
Omaha Public Library http://topshelf.omahalibrary.org/
Rad Raptor https://radraptor.com/index.php/2020/12/30/jeff-conollys-top-10-comic-books-of-2020/
Rad Raptor https://radraptor.com/index.php/2020/12/27/andrews-top-ten-comics-of-2020/
Read Brightly https://www.readbrightly.com/best-books-of-2020-tweens/
Ready Steady Cut https://readysteadycut.com/2021/01/01/the-best-and-worst-comics-from-2020/
Skokie Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/2121/2020-staff-picks-graphic-novels/
Skokie Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/2087/2020-staff-picks-2020-grades-4-5/
Skokie Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/2088/2020-staff-picks-grades-6-8/
Skokie Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/2119/2020-staff-picks-teen/
Smash Pages http://smashpages.net/2021/01/04/our-favorite-comics-of-2020/#more-26391
Solrad https://solrad.co/solrads-the-best-comics-of-2020
Sora News https://soranews24.com/2020/12/31/10-amazing-manga-to-read-over-the-winter-holidays/
Sputnik Music https://www.sputnikmusic.com/list.php?listid=194593
Syfy https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/comics-wire-best-comics-of-2020-this-weeks-hot-reads
TCJ https://www.tcj.com/the-best-comics-of-2020/
Texas Library Association https://txla.org/news/2021-little-maverick-reading-list-announced/
Texas Library Association https://txla.org/tools-resources/reading-lists/maverick/current-list/
The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/nov/28/best-comics-and-graphic-novels-of-2020
The Guardian (author Pick – Sophie Yanow) https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/dec/06/the-best-books-of-2020-picked-by-our-acclaimed-guest-authors
The Hearld https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/18960140.best-graphic-novels-2020-according-metaphrog-edward-ross-ricky-miller/
The Hollywood Reporter https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/the-best-comics-of-2020
The Indianapolis Public Library https://indypl.bibliocommons.com/list/share/1652485239/1788894799
The Oklahoman https://oklahoman.com/article/5679827/word-balloons-comics-fight-back-despite-challenging-year
The Sun Daily https://www.thesundaily.my/buzz/10-mangas-to-read-before-the-end-of-2020-YN5348818
The Turnaround Blog https://theturnaroundblog.com/2020/11/27/turnarounds-2020-staff-picks-graphic-novels/
The Young Folks https://www.theyoungfolks.com/books/150210/12-best-graphic-novels-of-2020/
Today https://www.today.com/shop/25-best-kids-books-2020-t203124#anchor-GraphicNovels
Toledo Library https://www.toledolibrary.org/blog/great-comics-of-2020
University of Pennsylvania https://www.gse.upenn.edu/news/educators-playbook/best-books-young-readers-2020
Waking Brain Cells https://wakingbraincells.com/2021/01/13/
Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/2020-graphic-novels/2020/11/16/f8c1c876-242c-11eb-952e-0c475972cfc0_story.html
What Culture https://whatculture.com/comics/10-best-comic-books-of-2020-2
Why So Blu? https://whysoblu.com/the-best-comics-of-2020/
Xavier Files https://www.xavierfiles.com/2020/12/17/xavier-files-best-comics-of-2020/
Yuricon https://okazu.yuricon.com/2020/12/29/okazu-top-yuri-manga-of-2020/

The Combined Best Comics & Graphic Novels of 2019!

Over the last few months there have been many, many websites with “Best of 2019” lists concerning comic books, manga and graphic novels. If you’ve looked at a few, you may have noticed some of the same books on different lists and seen some unique to only that list.

I went through over 208 different URLs with “Best Of” Lists regarding comics and combined them into a spreadsheet. There are almost 3,200 different listings of books from these websites. I should note that I’ve included books that were given honorable mentions. In short, if somebody thought it was a good book that you should check out, it’s on here. Pivot tables have been created to show which books appeared on the number of lists. Here are the books with 5 mentions or more:

Book Title Count Writer Artist Publisher
House of X/Powers of X 61 Jonathan Hickman Pepe Larraz, R.B. Silva, Marte Gracia Marvel Comics
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me 55 Mariko Tamaki Rosemary Valero-O’Connell First Second
The Immortal Hulk 42 Al Ewing Joe Bennet Marvel Comics
The Hard Tomorrow 34 Eleanor Davis Eleanor Davis Drawn & Quarterly
They Called Us Enemy 31 George Takei, Justin Eisinger and Steven Scott Harmony Becker Top Shelf Productions
Die 31 Kieron Gillen Stephanie Hans Image Comics
Rusty Brown 28 Chris Ware Chris Ware Pantheon
Guts 28 Raina Telgemeier Raina Telgemeier Graphix
These Savage Shores 26 Ram V Sumit Kumar Vault Comics
Little Bird 25 Darcy Van Poelgeest Ian Bertram Image Comics
New Kid 24 Jerry Craft Jerry Craft Quill Tree Books
DCeased 24 Tom Taylor Trevor Hairsine, Neil Edwards DC Comics
Are You Listening? 23 Tillie Walden Tillie Walden First Second
When I Arrived At The Castle 22 Emily Carroll Emily Carroll Koyama Press
The River at Night 22 Kevin Huizenga Kevin Huizenga Drawn & Quarterly
Once & Future 21 Kieron Gillen Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain BOOM! Studios
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen 20 Matt Fraction Steve Lieber DC Comics
Clyde Fans 20 Seth Seth Drawn & Quarterly
Spider-Man: Life Story 19 Chip Zdarsky Mark Bagley Marvel Comics
Daredevil 19 Chip Zdarsky Marco Checchetto, Lalit Kumar Sharma, & Jorge Fornes Marvel Comics
Criminal 19 Ed Brubaker Sean Phillips Image Comics
Stargazing 19 Jen Wang Jen Wang First Second
Green Lantern 18 Grant Morrison Liam Sharp DC Comics
Hot Comb 18 Ebony Flowers Ebony Flowers Drawn & Quarterly
Bloom 18 Kevin Panetta Savanna Ganucheau First Second
Is This How You See Me? 17 Jaime Hernandez Jaime Hernandez Fantagraphics
Gender Queer 17 Maia Kobabe Maia Kobabe Lion Forge
BTTM FDRS 17 Ezra Claytan Daniels Ben Passmore Fantagraphics
Silver Surfer: Black 16 Donny Cates Tradd Moore & Dave Stewart Marvel Comics
Middlewest 16 Skottie Young Jorge Corona Image Comics
Gideon Falls 16 Jeff Lemire Andrea Sorrentino Image Comics
Kid Gloves 16 Lucy Knisley Lucy Knisley Fantagraphics
This Was Our Pact 16 Ryan Andrews Ryan Andrews First Second
Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations 15 Mira Jacob Mira Jacob One World
Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass 15 Mariko Tamaki Steve Pugh DC Comics
Naomi 14 Brian Michael Bendis, David F. Walker Jamal Campbell DC Comics
Pumpkinheads 14 Rainbow Rowell Faith Erin Hicks First Second
Queen of the Sea 14 Dylan Meconis Dylan Meconis Walker Books
Bitter Root 14 David F. Walker, Chuck Brown Sanford Greene Image Comics
Crowded 14 Christopher Sebela Ro Stein, Ted Brandt Image Comics
Mister Miracle 13 Tom King Mitch Gerads DC Comics
Making Comics 12 Lynda Barry Lynda Barry Drawn & Quarterly
Batman: Last Knight On Earth 12 Scott Snyder Greg Capullo DC Comics
The Wicked + The Divine 12 Kieron Gillen Jamie Mckelvie, Matt Wilson Image Comics
Invisible Kingdom 11 G. Willow Wilson Christian Ward, Christian Ward Dark Horse Comics
Pittsburgh 11 Frank Santoro Frank Santoro New York Review Books
Paper Girls 11 Brian K. Vaughan Cliff Chiang, Matthew Wilson Image Comics
Best Friends 11 Shannon Hale LeUyen Pham First Second
Witch Hat Atelier 11 Kamome Shirahama Kamome Shirahama Kodansha Comics
Giant Days 11 John Allison Max Sarin BOOM! Studios
Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man 10 Tom Taylor Juan Cabal Marvel Comics
Lois Lane 10 Greg Rucka Mike Perkin DC Comics
Something Is Killing the Children 10 James Tynion IV Werther Dell’edera, Miquel Muerto BOOM! Studios
Assassin Nation 10 Kyle Starks Erica Henderson Image Comics
Superman Smashes The Klan 10 Gene Luen Yang Gurihiru DC Comics
Murder Falcon 10 Daniel Warren Johnson Daniel Warren Johnson Image Comics
X-Men 9 Jonathan Hickman Leinil Francis Yu Marvel Comics
Batman: Curse of the White Knight 9 Sean Murphy Sean Murphy DC Comics
Second Coming 9 Mark Russell Cayetano Valenzuela, Richard Pace Ahoy Comics
This Woman’s Work 9 Julie Delporte Julie Delporte Drawn & Quarterly
White Bird 9 R.J. Palacio R.J. Palacio Knopf Books for Young Readers
Peter Cannon: Thunderbolt 9 Kieron Gillen Caspar Wijngaard Dynamite
Our Dreams at Dusk: Shimanami Tasogare 9 Yuhki Kamatani Yuhki Kamatani Seven Seas Entertainment
Blackbird 9 Sam Humphries Jen Bartel Image Comics
The Plot 9 Tim Daniel, Michael Moreci Joshua Hixson Vault Comics
The White Trees 9 Chip Zdarsky Kris Anka Image Comics
Kiss Number 8 9 Colleen AF Venable Ellen T. Crenshaw First Second
Doomsday Clock 9 Geoff Johns Gary Frank, Brad Anderson DC Comics
I Was Their American Dream 9 Malaka Gharib Malaka Gharib Clarkson Potter
Coda 9 Simon Spurrier Matias Bergara BOOM! Studios
Nancy: A Comic Collection 8 Olivia James Olivia James Andrews McMeel Publishing
Absolute Carnage 8 Donny Cates Ryan Stegman Marvel Comics
Mooncakes 8 Suzanne Walker Wendy Xu Oni Press
Clue: Candlestick 8 Dash Shaw Dash Shaw IDW Publishing
Leaving Richard’s Valley 8 Michael DeForge Michael DeForge Drawn & Quarterly
Captain Marvel 8 Kelly Thompson Lee Garbett, Carmen Carnero, James Stokoe, Annapaola Martello Marvel Comics
Ascender 8 Jeff Lemire Dustin Nguyen Image Comics
Ice Cream Man 8 W. Maxwell Prince Martin Morazzo Image Comics
Batman 8 Tom King Various DC Comics
Blank Canvas: My So-Called Artist’s Journey 8 Akiko Higashimura Akiko Higashimura Seven Seas Entertainment
Cats Of The Louvre 8 Taiyo Matsumoto Taiyo Matsumoto VIZ Media
The Okay Witch 8 Emma Steinkellner Emma Steinkellner Aladdin Books
Grass 8 Keum Suk Gendry-Kim Keum Suk Gendry-Kim Drawn & Quarterly
Bad Gateway 8 Simon Hanselmann Simon Hanselmann Fantagraphics
Buffy the Vampire Slayer 7 Jordie Bellaire Dan Mora, Raul Angulo BOOM! Studios
Harleen 7 Stjepan Sejic Stjepan Sejic DC Comics
Marauders 7 Gerry Duggan Matteo Lolli Marvel Comics
Road of Bones 7 Rich Douek Alex Cormack IDW Publishing
Sentient 7 Jeff Lemire Gabriel Walta TKO Studios
Frogcatchers 7 Jeff Lemire Jeff Lemire Gallery 13
Runaways 7 Rainbow Rowell Various Marvel Comics
Conan the Barbarian 7 Jason Aaron Mahmud Asrar, Gerrardo Zaffino and Garry Brown Marvel Comics
A Fire Story 7 Brian Fies Brian Fies Harry N. Abrams
The Handmaid’s Tale 7 Margaret Atwood Renée Nault Nan A. Talese
Dial H for Hero 7 Sam Humphries Arist Devn, Joe Quinones DC Comics
Sobek 7 James Stokoe James Stokoe Shortbox
Venom 7 Donny Cates Ryan Stegman, Mark Bagley, Iban Coello Marvel Comics
Justice League 7 Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV Jorge Jimenez, Francis Manapul DC Comics
In Waves 7 A.J. Dungo A.J. Dungo Nobrow
Waves 7 Ingrid Chabbert Carole Maurel Archaia
Komi Can’t Communicate 6 Tomohito Oda Tomohito Oda VIZ Media
Ironheart 6 Eve Ewing Lucian Vecchio Marvel Comics
The Batman Who Laughs 6 Scott Snyder Jock, David Baron DC Comics
Money Shot 6 Tim Seeley, Sarah Beattie Rebekah Isaacs Vault Comics
King Thor 6 Jason Aaron Esad Ribić, Ive Svorcina Marvel Comics
Snow, Glass, Apples 6 Neil Gaiman Colleen Doran Dark Horse Comics
Sabrina the Teenage Witch 6 Kelly Thompson Veronica Fish Archie Comics
Cannabis: The Illegalization of Weed in America 6 Box Brown Box Brown First Second
Bradley of Him 6 Connor Willumsen Connor Willumsen Koyama Press
The War of the Realms 6 Jason Aaron Russell Dauterman Marvel Comics
Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy: A Graphic Novel 6 Rey Terciero Bre Indigo Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Fearscape 6 Ryan O’Sullivan Andrea Mutti Vault Comics
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 6 Kevin Eastman, Bobby Curnow, Tom Waltz Various IDW Publishing
East of West 6 Jonathan Hickman Nick Dragotta Image Comics
Thor 6 Jason Aaron Mike del Mundo Marvel Comics
The Walking Dead 6 Robert Kirkman Charlie Adlard, Cliff Rathburn Image Comics
Off Season 6 James Sturm James Sturm Drawn & Quarterly
Copra 6 Michel Fiffe Michel Fiffe Image Comics
Sara 6 Garth Ennis Steve Epting, Elizabeth Breitweiser TKO Studios
The Drifting Classroom HC 5 Kazuo Umezz Kazuo Umezz VIZ Media
Outer Darkness 5 John Layman Afu Chan Image Comics
Angel 5 Bryan Edward Hill Gleb Melnikov, Gabriel Cassata BOOM! Studios
Internet Crusader 5 George Wylesol George Wylesol Avery Hill Publishing
X-Force 5 Benjamin Percy Joshua Cassara Marvel Comics
Far Sector 5 N.K. Jemisin Jamal Campbell DC Comics
Commute: An Illustrated Memoir of Female Shame 5 Erin Williams Erin Williams Harry N. Abrams
For Real 5 James Romberger James Romberger Uncivilized Books
Bezimena 5 Nina Bunjevac Nina Bunjevac Fantagraphics
How I Tried To Be A Good Person 5 Ulli Lust Ulli Lust Fantagraphics
Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Crisis in a Half Shell #6 5 James Tynion IV Freddie E. Williams I, Jeremy Colwell, Kevin Eastman IDW Publishing
Meet the Skrulls 5 Robbie Thompson Marcos Martin Marvel Comics
Kramer’s Ergot #10 5 Various Various Fantagraphics
Faithless 5 Brian Azzarello Maria Llovet BOOM! Studios
Bury the Lede 5 Gaby Dunn Claire Roe BOOM! Studios
Excellence 5 Brandon Thomas Khary Randolph, Emilio Lopez Image Comics
Drawing Power: Women’s Stories of Sexual Violence, Harassment, and Survival 5 Various Various Harry N. Abrams
The Unstoppable Wasp 5 Jeremy Whitley Gurihiru Marvel Comics
Cannonball 5 Kelsey Wroten Kelsey Wroten Uncivilized Books
Usagi Yojimbo 5 Stan Sakai Stan Sakai IDW Publishing
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Vol 4: The Tempest 5 Alan Moore Kevin O’Neill Top Shelf Productions
Amazing Spider-Man 5 Nick Spencer, Clay Chapman, Zeb Wells, Keaton Patti Various Marvel Comics
Reincarnation Stories 5 Kim Deitch Kim Deitch Fantagraphics
Penny Nichols 5 M.K. Reed, Greg Means Matt Wiegle Top Shelf Productions
Grip 5 Lale Westvind Lale Westvind Perfectly Acceptable Press
Wasted Space 5 Michael Moreci Hayden Sherman Vault Comics
I Know What I Am: The Life and Times of Artemisia Gentileschi 5 Gina Siciliano Gina Siciliano Fantagraphics
American Carnage 5 Bryan Hill Leandro Fernandez DC Comics
Beastars 5 Paru Itagaki Paru Itagaki VIZ Media
Alienation 5 Inés Estrada Inés Estrada Fantagraphics
Swimming In Darkness 5 Lucas Harari Lucas Harari Arsenal Pulp Press
Monstress 5 Marjorie Liu Sana Takeda Image Comics
Operatic 5 Kyo Maclear Byron Eggenschwiler Groundwood Books
Skip 5 Molly Mendoza Molly Mendoza Nobrow
Creation 5 Sylvia Nickerson Sylvia Nickerson Drawn & Quarterly
Pilu of the Woods 5 Mai K. Nguyen Mai K. Nguyen Oni Press
Black Hammer: Age of Doom 5 Jeff Lemire Dean Ormston, Dave Stewart Dark Horse Comics
King of King Court 5 Travis Dandro Travis Dandro Drawn & Quarterly
Cosmoknights 5 Hannah Templer Hannah Templer Top Shelf Productions
Marvel Comics #1000 5 Various Various Marvel Comics
Friendo 5 Alex Paknadel Martin Simmonds Vault Comics
The Wild Storm 5 Warren Ellis Jon Davis Hunt DC Comics
Canto 5 David M. Booher Drew Zucker IDW Publishing

The full spreadsheet with pivot tables for books, writers, artists, publishers and more is available here.

Regarding Publishers:

This year DC Comics was the most popular publisher with 97 different titles.

Marvel was 2nd place with 83 different titles.

Image dropped to 3rd with 78 different titles.

Dark Horse had 43 different titles.

Fantagraphics  had 41 different titles.

55 Self-Published books made the list too.

Caveats:

One thing I tried be more consistent with this year was using the imprint name with publishers. In the past I would put EG Raina Telgemeier’s books under the umbrella company name Scholastic instead of it’s imprint name Graphix, then I would put First Second books under imprint name First Second and not their umbrella company name of Macmillan. Now they are all under the imprint name and that applies to comic book publishers as well.

Where a reviewer/writer wrote ‘best of’ lists for multiple websites, I’ve cross referenced their lists and removed books that were named twice. I did not think it would be fair if those writers could tip the popularity scale by naming the same book(s) over and over again on multiple websites. Sadly, there was an increase of websites publishing lists with no credit to who (or whom) created the list. In those cases I marked them as Unknown but the practice of not crediting writers is a shameful one.

If a writer wrote for multiple sites, but one of those sites picks was a group effort, I did not remove books that are listed twice.

I generally did not include lists that were a mixed of prose books and graphic novels unless there were a significant number of graphic novels on the list.

I did not use lists where the website was not in English and the books appeared to be translated versions.

With inkers and colourists I often, but not always included them within the Artist section. Where there were multiple (usually more than 5) involved in a book, or in the title’s run over the course of the year, various was used instead of listing them all. In some cases I combined those involved even if they worked on the title for different issues.

For simplicity sake, if a list named a specific comic book issue or specific volume of a graphic novel, I removed those specifics and just listed the series title, with rare exceptions. The same goes with issue #s. The vast majority of reviewers listed House of X and Powers of X as one series. There were a few odd cases of a reviewer picking a single issue or only one of those series, I’ve listed them as the combined House of X/Powers of X. Also, 4 people chose Bad Weekend: Criminal – I changed it to just Criminal as that’s what most reviewers picked. My apologies to the reviewers of those books.

Some reviewers included books that were published in 2018 or earlier. Normally the amount of times these books were mentioned isn’t significant but this year one book is. Mister Miracle which was popular on last years list (when it was running as a comic book) is also popular on this years list when it was collected and published as a graphic novel.

Most of the lists were general ‘best/favourite books’ of 2019, but I also included lists dedicated to young readers, manga, LGBTQ+, etc… What type list is noted on column B in the spreadsheet.

A small number of lists also had rankings and those are included in Column C.

This list of websites this list is compiled from:

411 Mania https://411mania.com/movies/the-2019-411-comic-book-awards-house-of-x-batman-conan-more/
Adventures In Poor Taste https://www.adventuresinpoortaste.com/2020/01/07/aipts-favorite-comics-of-2019/
Advocate https://www.advocate.com/books/2019/12/23/best-lgbtq-graphic-novels-2019
Affino https://www.affino.com/blogs/my-blog–stefan/best-of-entertainment-for-2019—albums-songs-movies-tv-and-graphic-novels
Already has another list? https://radraptor.com/index.php/2020/01/03/rad-raptors-top-ten-comics-of-2019/
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/b/ref=amb_link_7?ie=UTF8&node=17296227011
Amazon.ca https://www.amazon.ca/s?i=stripbooks&bbn=17932503011&rh=n%3A916520%2Cn%3A2418666011%2Cn%3A2418668011%2Cn%3A3034670011%2Cn%3A17932503011%2Cn%3A13932641&dc&fst=as%3Aoff&qid=1575173553&rnid=927726&ref=sr_pg_1
Animo Apps https://aminoapps.com/c/comics/page/blog/kitemans-top-50-comics-of-2019-guidelines-and-honorable-mentions/Q8iX_ulXVbYbYn2klkjBn8dL6l3JMd
Animo Apps https://aminoapps.com/c/comics/page/blog/kitemans-top-50-comics-of-2019-50-41/zqix_uDpgp2mB2qxBoEQXQb2w2wMGg
Animo Apps https://aminoapps.com/c/comics/page/blog/kitemans-top-50-comics-of-2019-40-31/NxiM_u3eDBa4Dxl7LWkBYboq2VmL43
Animo Apps https://aminoapps.com/c/comics/page/blog/kitemans-top-50-comics-of-2019-30-21/EJiP_uvZ5dKDvM4n8QGPamd6Y2zNj
Animo Apps https://aminoapps.com/c/comics/page/blog/kitemans-top-50-comics-of-2019-20-11/k2iG_upYKGdmrrBwYvGE6LWKjWeGWx
Animo Apps https://aminoapps.com/c/comics/page/blog/kitemans-top-50-comics-of-2019-10-1/xxi2_u38ger2wGYJpPww7abw5W0DEo
Animo Apps https://aminoapps.com/c/comics/page/blog/comics-best-of-2019/Q8iX_ulo3PnoQPB3g1BRBdqXndLJ0l
Austin Texas Library https://library.austintexas.gov/recommended/whats-hot/721800
AutoStraddle https://www.autostraddle.com/55-of-the-best-queer-books-of-2019/
AV Club https://aux.avclub.com/the-20-best-comics-of-2019-1840464630
Berkeley Place https://berkeleyplaceblog.com/2019/12/11/my-favorite-comics-of-2019/
Big Comic Page https://bigcomicpage.com/2019/12/17/bcps-best-of-2019-mark-edition/
Big Comics Page https://bigcomicpage.com/2019/12/17/bcps-best-of-2019-ceej-edition/
Big Shiny Robot https://bigshinyrobot.com/editorial/the-wizeguy-best-of-2019/
Black Sci-Fi https://blacksci-fi.com/top-black-comics-of-2019/
Booklist https://www.booklistonline.com/Top-10-Graphic-Novels-2019-Sarah-Hunter/pid=9722377?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
Booklist https://www.booklistonline.com/Top-10-Graphic-Novels-for-Youth-2019-Sarah-Hunter/pid=9722320
Bookriot https://bookriot.com/2019/12/06/2019-graphic-memoirs/
Borg https://borg.com/2019/12/29/borgs-best-of-2019-the-best-in-comics/
Broken Frontier http://www.brokenfrontier.com/broken-frontier-awards-2019-announcing-winners/
Brooklyn Public Library https://www.bklynlibrary.org/
But Why Tho? https://butwhythopodcast.com/2019/12/25/top-comics-of-2019/
But Why Tho? https://butwhythopodcast.com/2019/12/27/year-in-review-top-comic-issues-of-2019/
CBC https://www.cbc.ca/books/the-best-canadian-comics-of-2019-1.5382861
Chicago Public Library https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/200121216_chipublib_teens/1526338949_best_teen_graphic_novels_and_manga_of_2019
Comic Attack https://comicattack.net/canet-2019-fan-poll-results-pt-1/
Comic Attack https://comicattack.net/canet-2019-fan-poll-results-pt-2/
Comic Book Herald https://www.comicbookherald.com/the-best-comics-of-2019/
Comic Book Lounge https://comicbooklounge.com/2020/01/01/2019-books/
Comic Book Revolution https://www.comicbookrevolution.com/top-10-comic-books-of-2019/
Comic Front Line https://comicfrontline.com/2019/12/02/best-comic-books-of-2019-cover-artist-event-one-shot-cover/
Comic Frontline https://comicfrontline.com/2019/12/23/best-comic-books-of-2019-best-1-under-the-radar-series-mini-series-shocking-moment-new-series/
Comic Frontline https://comicfrontline.com/2019/12/30/best-comic-books-of-2019-best-writer-penciler-ongoing-series-publisher-single-issue/
Comic Frontline https://comicfrontline.com/2020/01/06/best-comic-books-of-2019-winners/
Comicbook https://comicbook.com/comics/2019/12/31/the-2019-golden-issue-nominees/#10
ComicBooked https://comicbooked.com/comic-bookeds-best-of-2019/
Comicon http://www.comicon.com/2019/12/31/comicons-most-progressive-comics-of-2019/
Comicon http://www.comicon.com/2019/12/27/comicons-7-best-comic-series-of-2019/
Comicon http://www.comicon.com/2019/12/27/comicons-7-best-ogns-of-2019/
Comicon http://www.comicon.com/2019/12/31/comicons-5-best-digital-webcomics-of-2019/
Comics and More https://comics-and-more.blogspot.com/2020/01/top-ten-comics-of-2019.html
Comics Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/2019/12/24/best-comics-of-2019-contributor-picks
Comics Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/2019/12/27/best-single-issues-of-2019-house-of-x-superman-and-the-walking-dead
Comics Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/2019/12/27/best-new-comics-series-of-2019-vault-comics-undiscovered-country-dawn-of-x-and-more
Comics Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/2019/12/28/best-comics-of-2019-16-25
Comics Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/2019/12/28/best-comics-of-2019-6-15
Comics Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/2019/12/29/best-comics-of-2019-1-5
Comics Bookcase https://www.comicsbookcase.com/updates/2020/1/6/best-graphic-novels-of-2019-bttm-fdrs-guts-the-replacer-rusty-brown-and-more
Comics Bulletin http://comicsbulletin.com/comics-bulletins-best-of-2019-part-1-the-series/
Comics Bulletin http://comicsbulletin.com/comics-bulletins-best-of-2019-part-2-the-stories/
Comics The Gathering https://www.comicsthegathering.com/blogs/stephengervais/13342/our-favorite-books-2019
ComicsBeat https://www.comicsbeat.com/the-best-comics-of-2019/
Cosmic Comics https://www.cosmiccomics.vegas/reviews/reviews-comics/top-comic-books-of-2019/
Cybils http://www.cybils.com/2020/01/2019-finalists-graphic-novels.html
Den of Geek https://www.denofgeek.com/us/books/284857/best-comics-of-2019
Denver Library https://kids.denverlibrary.org/booklist/best-brightest-graphic-novels-2019
Doom Rocket https://doomrocket.com/best-comics-2019/
Drawn & Quarterly Bookstore http://mtl.drawnandquarterly.com/posts/staff-picks-2019-flore
Entertainment Weekly https://ew.com/books/2019/12/20/the-best-comics-of-2019/
Entropy https://entropymag.org/best-of-2019-comics-graphic-novels/
Fantagraphics http://fantagraphics.com/flog/whats-in-store-best-comix-of-2019/
Folio https://www.foliomag.com/books-print-people/
Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/robsalkowitz/2019/12/13/the-best-graphic-novels-of-2019/#702938ab584d
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2019/12/08/four-color-apocalypse-year-in-review-top-ten-original-graphic-novels/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2019/12/08/four-color-apocalypse-2019-year-in-review-top-ten-special-mentions/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2019/12/07/four-color-apocalypse-2019-year-in-review-top-ten-collected-editions-contemporary/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2019/12/06/four-color-apocalypse-2019-year-in-review-top-ten-collected-editions-vintage/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2019/12/04/four-color-apocalypse-2019-year-in-review-top-ten-ongoing-series/
Four Color Apocalypse https://fourcolorapocalypse.wordpress.com/2019/12/01/four-color-apocalypse-2019-year-in-review-top-ten-single-issues/
Fox Force Five News http://www.foxforcefivenews.com/top-10-comics-of-2019-featuring-invisible-kingdom-sentient-these-savage-shores/
Free Library of Philadelphia https://libwww.freelibrary.org/blog/post/3972
Fully Booked https://www.fullybookedonline.com/books/best-books-of-2019/graphic-novel-and-manga.html
Gamespot https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/the-best-comics-and-graphic-novels-of-2019/2900-3330/
Geek Cast Radio https://www.geekcastradio.com/comics/top-100-comics-of-2019/
Geek Hard Show https://geekhardshow.com/2020/01/andrews-picks-ten-best-comics-of-2019/?doing_wp_cron=1578192893.4391438961029052734375
Geekade https://geekade.com/staff-picks-best-book-or-comic
Gizmodo https://io9.gizmodo.com/our-favorite-comics-of-2019-1840377374
Glaad https://www.glaad.org/mediaawards/31/2020%20nominees
Good Reads https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-graphic-novels-comics-2019
Gosh! https://www.goshlondon.com/blog/2019/11/13/the-gosh-best-of-2019-kids
Gosh! https://www.goshlondon.com/blog/2019/11/13/the-gosh-best-of-2019-adult
Graphic Novel Resources https://graphicnovelresources.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-graphic-novels-of-2019.html
Graphic Policy https://graphicpolicy.com/2020/01/01/alexs-best-comics-of-2018-2/
Grovel http://www.grovel.org.uk/category/best-of/best-graphic-novels-of-2019/
Heroic Girls http://www.heroicgirls.com/the-20-best-graphic-novels-of-2019/
Hipinion https://forums.hipinion.com/viewtopic.php?t=132816&p=8225146
Hipinion https://forums.hipinion.com/viewtopic.php?p=8245968#p8245968
Hollywood Reporter https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/best-comics-2019-1265254
Horror DNA https://www.horrordna.com/features/james-top-10-horror-comics-of-2019
Horror News Network http://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/horror-news-networks-comic-awards-2019-best-anthology/
Horror News Network http://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/horror-news-networks-comic-awards-2019-best-one-shot/
Horror News Network http://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/horror-news-networks-comic-awards-2019-best-mini-series/
Horror News Network http://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/horror-news-networks-comic-awards-2019-series-of-the-year/
Huffington Post India https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/best-graphic-novels-of-2019_in_5ddf7e5ee4b0d50f329ca1f2
Hyperallergic https://hyperallergic.com/531363/best-of-2019-our-top-25-books/
IGN https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/12/05/best-comic-book-series-2019
IGN https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/12/05/best-limited-comic-book-mini-series-2019
IGN https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/12/05/best-original-graphic-novel-2019
Imagination Soup https://imaginationsoup.net/best-childrens-nonfiction-books-2019/
Imagination Soup https://imaginationsoup.net/2019-best-middle-grade-chapter-books-graphic-novels/
Inside Pulse https://insidepulse.com/2019/12/20/the-column-top-10-comics-of-2019/
Iowa City Public Library https://www.icpl.org/books-more/staff-picks/lists/icpls-favorite-books-2019-graphic-novels
Jenn Haines Picks https://www.facebook.com/jenn.haines.3/posts/10162725101695635
John Lees https://www.patreon.com/posts/my-top-ten-of-32576302
Kinder Comics https://www.kindercomics.org/blog/2019favorites
Kirkus https://www.kirkusreviews.com/lists/best-middle-grade-graphic-novels-of-2019/new-kid-craft/
Levelup Entertainment https://levelupentertainment.com/blog/2019/12/13/2019-didnt-completely-suck-awards-best-game-t62g5
Library Journal https://www.libraryjournal.com/?detailStory=best-graphic-novels-2019-best-books
Los Angeles Public Library https://lapl.org/collections-resources/lapl-reads/book-lists/best-2019-graphic-novels
Manga Worth Reading https://mangaworthreading.co/manga-worth-reading-2019/
Monkeys Fighting Robots https://monkeysfightingrobots.co/best-comic-book-single-issues-of-2019/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2019-year-in-review-anthology/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2019-in-review-translated/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2019-in-review-reprint/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2019-in-review-digital-first/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2019-in-review-webcomic/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2019-in-review-ongoing/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2019-in-review-ogn/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2019-in-review-limited-series/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2019-in-review-one-shot/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2019-in-review-best-single-issue/
Multiversity Comics http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/2019-in-review-new-series/
Multnomah County Library http://bestof.multcolib.org/2019/
Nerdy Book Club https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2019/12/30/the-2019-nerdies-graphic-novels-announced-by-katherine-sokolowski/
New Retro Wave https://newretrowave.com/2019/12/15/top-ten-comics-of-2019/
New York Public Library https://www.nypl.org/bestbooksadults2019
New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/02/books/review/best-childrens-books.html
New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/17/books/review/best-comics-of-the-year-hillary-chute-ed-park.html
Newsarama https://www.newsarama.com/48427-best-shots-the-best-of-2019.html
Nijomu http://www.nijomu.com/reviews/comics-i-enjoyed-in-2019/
NPR https://apps.npr.org/best-books/#tags=comics+%26+graphic+novels&view=covers&year=2019
Omaha Public Library http://topshelf.omahalibrary.org/
Outright Geekery https://www.outrightgeekery.com/2019/12/27/family-comic-friday-best-2019/
Outright Geekery https://www.outrightgeekery.com/2019/12/26/best-new-comic-series-of-2019/
Panel Patter http://www.panelpatter.com/2019/12/seans-favorite-comics-of-2019.html
Panel Patter http://www.panelpatter.com/2019/12/james-favorite-comics-of-2019.html
Panel Patter http://www.panelpatter.com/2019/12/mikes-25-favorite-comics-of-2019.html
Panel Patter http://www.panelpatter.com/2019/12/neils-favourite-comics-of-2019.html
Panel Patter http://www.panelpatter.com/2020/01/robs-favorite-comics-of-2019-part-1.html
Panel Patter http://www.panelpatter.com/2020/01/robs-favorite-comics-of-2019-part-2.html
Paste https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2019/12/holiday-gift-guide-comic-book-readers-2019.html
Paul’s Picks https://paulspicks.blog/2019/12/23/paulspicks-best-graphic-novels-of-2019/
Pipe Dream Comics http://pipedreamcomics.co.uk/indie-comic-of-the-year-2019-50-41/
Pipeline Comics https://www.pipelinecomics.com/my-top-10-favorite-bd-albums-of-2019/
Polygon https://www.polygon.com/comics/2019/2/8/18215983/best-comics-2019-dc-marvel-image-collections
Pop Matters https://www.popmatters.com/best-books-2019-fiction-2641548365.html
Pop Matters https://www.popmatters.com/best-books-2019-non-fiction-2641136347.html
Powells https://www.powells.com/post/lists/best-science-fiction-fantasy-horror-and-graphic-novels-of-2019
Publisher’s Weekly https://best-books.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/2019/comics
Publisher’s Weekly https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/comics/article/81991-they-called-us-enemy-tops-pw-s-graphic-novel-critics-poll.html
Publisher’s Weekly https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/82038-children-s-publishers-choose-their-favorite-reads-of-2019.html
Rad Raptor https://radraptor.com/index.php/2019/12/21/andrews-top-ten-comics-of-2019/
Rad Raptor http://radraptor.com/index.php/2020/01/01/jeff-conollys-top-10-comics-of-2019/
Rad Raptor https://radraptor.com/index.php/2020/01/03/rad-raptors-top-ten-comics-of-2019/
Rad Raptor https://radraptor.com/index.php/2020/01/06/tims-top-ten-comics-of-2019/
Ranker https://www.ranker.com/list/new-manga-2019/anna-lindwasser
Read Brightly https://www.readbrightly.com/middle-grade-books-2019/
Reading with a flight ring https://readingwithaflightring.weebly.com/my-best-books-of-the-week/my-best-books-for-2019
Readings https://www.readings.com.au/news/our-favourite-graphic-novels-and-comics-for-kids-in-2019
Ready Steady Cut https://readysteadycut.com/2020/01/01/the-best-comics-of-2019/
Salon https://www.salon.com/2020/01/04/5-must-read-graphic-novels-you-missed-last-year/
Sam Noir Picks https://www.facebook.com/sam.noir.90/posts/1344224295749268
School Library Journal https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=best-graphic-novels-2019-slj-best-books
School Library Journal http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/2019/12/19/31-days-31-lists-2019-comics-graphic-novels/
School Library Journal https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=top-10-manga
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/best-indie-comics-miniseries-2019/
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/best-marvel-comics-2019-miniseries/
Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/best-dc-miniseries-2019/
Shortlist https://www.shortlist.com/lists/best-books-roundup-401608
Skokie Library https://skokielibrary.info/lists/1531/2019-staff-picks-graphic-novels/
Sliver of Ice https://sliverofice.com/comics/the-best-and-the-worst-of-2019-comic-books?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SheHulk-67AndGreen-AComicBlog+%286%277%22+and+Green+-+A+Comics+Blog%29
Soda and Telepaths https://sodaandtelepaths.com/staff-picks-top-comic-book-releases-of-2019/
SyFy https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/year-in-review-best-new-comic-books-2019
Syfy https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/syfy-fangrrls-favorite-comics-of-2019
Texas Library Association https://txla.org/tools-resources/reading-lists/maverick/current-list/
Texas Library Association https://txla.org/tools-resources/reading-lists/little-maverick/current-list/
The Comics Journal http://www.tcj.com/the-best-comics-of-2019/
The Globe and Mail https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books/article-the-globe-100-books-that-shaped-2019/ (paywall)
The Good Men Project https://goodmenproject.com/all-things-geek/all-things-geek-best-books-of-2019-gift-guide-xela/
The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/nov/30/best-comics-and-graphic-novels-of-2019
The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/dec/08/best-graphic-novels-of-2019-seth-chris-ware
The Herald https://www.heraldscotland.com/arts_ents/18106162.graphic-content-choice-best-graphic-novels-year/
The Herald https://www.heraldscotland.com/arts_ents/18085772.graphic-content-cartoonists-choose-best-year/
The Irish Times https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/the-best-comics-of-2019-stunning-debuts-canon-revamps-and-more-1.4109568
The London Free Press https://lfpress.com/entertainment/books/brown-ruinworld-tops-my-list-of-the-best-graphic-novels-of-2019
The Oklamian https://oklahoman.com/article/5650625/word-balloons-top-10-comics-series-of-2019?custom_click=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+newsok%2Fhome+%28NewsOK.com+RSS+-+Home%29
The Oklamian https://oklahoman.com/article/5651313/word-balloons-top-10-graphic-novels-of-2019
The Quietus https://thequietus.com/articles/27603-behold-2019-comics-best-of-review
The Strand https://www.strandbooks.com/strand-blog?utm_content=buffer28c09#/entry/entry262-best-of-comics
The Turnaround Blog https://theturnaroundblog.com/2019/11/28/turnarounds-2019-staff-picks-graphic-novels/
Thrillist https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/best-graphic-novels-comic-books-2019
Villain Media https://villainmedia.com/jorge-solis-top-10-comic-books-of-2019/
Waking Brain Cells https://wakingbraincells.com/2020/01/09/best-graphic-novels-2019/
Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/the-best-graphic-novels-memoirs-and-story-collections-of-2019/2019/11/20/447e7f76-0722-11ea-8292-c46ee8cb3dce_story.html
What Culture http://whatculture.com/comics/10-best-comic-books-of-2019
Why So Blu? https://whysoblu.com/the-best-comics-of-2019/
Wired https://www.wired.com/story/best-comics-2019/
YA Book Nerd https://yabooknerd.blogspot.com/2020/01/top-ten-graphic-novels-of-2019.html?m=0
YALSA http://www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2020/01/02/2020-great-graphic-novels-for-teens-list-announced/
YALSA http://www.ala.org/yalsa/2020-great-graphic-novels-teens
Yuricon http://okazu.yuricon.com/2019/12/29/okazu-top-yuri-manga-of-2019/

 

2019 Guelph Comic Jam & 15th Annual Joe Shuster Awards

Brenden Fletcher @ 2019 Guelph Comics Jam

Brenden Fletcher @ 2019 Guelph Comics Jam

Last weekend I went to Guelph to go to the Guelph Comic Jam. It was sponsored by The Dragon, a 3 chain store owned and run by Jennifer Haines. The Dragon is an Eisner Award winning comic shop that is different from other shops as it is very family friendly store. There are two stores in Guelph and one in a nearby Milton, Ontario. I witnessed one comic creator beg Jennifer to open a 4th store near where he lived saying he would happily work there. I could write a lot more about the all the wonderful work that Jennifer does for the comics community but I think she’d rather I focus on the event she just put on.

The Comics Jam was held in the Old Quebec Street Shoppes @ 55 Wyndham St N, Guelph, ON where the Dragon’s flagship store is. It was free to attend and the Jam was in the isles of the mall. I had a good time chatting with a lot of creators, among them Sam Noir, Jay Stephens, Brenden Fletcher & Andy Stanleigh. I also enjoyed a few conversations with Robert Haines too. I took photos which you can see here.

On the night of the 14th, I also attended the 15th Annual Joe Shuster Awards. Kevin Boyd did the presenting of the ceremony, except for Jennifer Haines who presented the The Dragon Award (Comics for Kids). Robert Haines also presented a surprise T.M. Maple Award to his wife Jennifer. My audio recording and pictures of the ceremony are here. It was particularly nice to see Gerhard, who was the background artist on Cerebus get inducted to the Hall of Fame.

Gerhard gets inducted to the 2019 Joe Shuster Awards Hall of Fame

I left fairly early on Sunday as I had a long drive ahead of me and I wanted to visit The Dragon in Milton on my way home. The Guelph Art Museum did have a Exhibition on Seth’s work and I did stop by the museum late Sunday morning, but it was closed. For those that don’t know Seth is a popular cartoonist who created a number of critically acclaimed graphic novels.

Regarding The Dragon stores, they are all brightly coloured stores with a dedicated kids  area with a small table and chairs and nearby small bookshelves with age appropriate books. They focus on graphic novels but do have some comics and pop culture products there. A nice touch was a healthy diversity of stuffed animals for kids, which gave the stores a fun atmosphere. The graphic novels were broken down by genre with books going alphabetically by title. They also had a comic book section and place for gaming too. The staff were all very friendly as well.

I spent more money than I was expecting. Below is my haul from the show and the Dragon store shopping.

Guelph Comic Jam & Dragon Haul

Toronto Comicon 2019

Rhino. Toronto Comicon 2019

Rhino. Toronto Comicon 2019

Over the weekend I went to Toronto Comicon. I used to attend this con regularly but stopped going back in 2013. I won’t go into the details as to why, but I will say it was nice to go back and see some people whom I haven’t seen in many years. Compared to San Diego Comic Con and TCAF, this con was ‘light’ work for me in terms of recording panels and didn’t require me to take days off work to get my stuff online quickly. I audio recorded 5 panels and took some pictures.

Two of the panels were spotlight panels of creators I’ve recorded before at San Diego (Steve Englehart & Ron Wilson) but I learned some new stuff about the creators at both of them. I’ve recorded Denny O’Neil at other panels, but not a spotlight panel. I also learned that some colourists really don’t like working on Green Lantern books and that Marvel’s current Editor in Chief C. B. Cebulski really appreciates it when a creator makes a very difficult deadline.

All of the panels were in the same room and it was easy to find the comic guests. Having a laptop with me instead of a tablet made a huge speed difference in terms of preparing audio and pictures. As usual with this convention, there was a lot of cosplay and one could spend all their time just taking photos of cosplayers and still not get them all. I used to take a lot more photos but between going to panels, taking photos of pros’s, chatting with friends and doing some shopping for myself I no longer have the time to devote to it.

I did take a couple of short videos showing some of the fun of happening at the convention with cosplayers.

The only thing that disappointed me about the trip was the handy and close to the convention public parking lot I used to use was no longer there. It’s been replaced by large half-built condo sky scrapper, which meant finding a new place to park and going for a longer walk.

 

King Con 2019

So I went to King Con, a local convention in Kingston, Ontario, Canada that was able to bring in a surprising number of comic book creators, a prose writer, a magician and even a celebrity. The event was held at Sydenham Street United Church and Chalmers United Church as the Kingston Public Library was not yet finished it’s renovations.

David Lloyd Sketch, King Con 2019.

David Lloyd Sketch, King Con 2019.

As usual I mainly stuck to the comic books portion of the show but I did spent some time watching the magician James Harrison do magic and even teach some simple magic. I  took a number of pictures, audio recorded some panels and got to speak with a number of creators which was nice.

I almost never get sketches, but David Lloyd got me to pay for a sketch and I got a nice V for Vendetta from him. David’s sketch also came with a free issue of Aces Weekly, an online comics anthology he puts together. Georgia Webber, Chip Zdarsky, Allison O’Toole & Jason Loo signed their books for me. I got to take pictures of some cosplayers, including several from the 501 Legion, but unfortunately was unable to wait for the cosplay contest as they were running late and I was exhausted.

I did attend but did not record a Group Cosplay Panel which was really well done. I have attended a number of cosplay related panels this was the first one on this particular topic I’ve seen and those on the panel did a great job highlighting the benefits of doing group cosplay. Among the reasons were combining resources, using each others unique skill set  and inspiring each other to work on their costumes.

I had a good time at the convention, but I’m looking forward to it being back at the newly renovated library next year.

 

Will Eisner Week

A bunch of my friends on facebook are calling this Will Eisner week to celebrate the man.

In going over some old notebooks I came across some notes I took the one time I met and saw Will Eisner talk on a panel. This was at the 2004 Paradise Comics Toronto Comic Con. I was not yet recording panels so I only have the notes I scribbled down. The notes are faded and will be illegible soon so I’m putting them here to preserve them.

The title of the panel was Graphic Novel Pioneers. On it was Will Eisner, Dave Sim and Chester Brown.

2004 Paradise Comics Toronto Comic Con - Graphic Novel Pioneers panel. Will Eisner, Dave Sim, Chester Brown

2004 Paradise Comics Toronto Comic Con – Graphic Novel Pioneers panel. Will Eisner, Dave Sim, Chester Brown

Will Eisner starts off telling Dave Sim “We have to be very careful about what we say, there is an audience.”

Eisner thinks a Graphic Novel is about the content, not page numbers.

He thought readers were older and wanted to read something other than 2 mutants smashing each other.

Eisner said the President of Ballantine Books was very impatient.

Chester now accepts the Graphic Novel name. He didn’t before.

Eisner calls some books graphic narrative.

Al Capp told Eisner in 1945 he’d never make it, said he was to normal.

Rube Goldberg told Eisner that comics wasn’t nothing but vaudeville and jokes.

Spirit got 5 million in circulation, that was considered nothing then.

Eisner talked about how comic strips had huge cultural impact among immigrants.

Eisner said Superman had the same costume as strong man in circus.

Eisner said the Spirit was supposed to be short stories. Eisner did Splash pages to get attention.

Dave did Cerebus because of the direct market, the retailers took all the risk. He did things in Cerebus that he knew couldn’t do in Marvel/DC. He had almost complete freedom and he pushed boundaries.

Dave said he and the people in Beguiling (Popular Indy focused Comic Book store) thought Louis Riel was career suicide.

Eisner thought undergrounds was literature because Denis Kitchen introduced him to them.

Eisner sold his company and went into doing Graphic Novels.

Dave said Cerebus + Star Reach was called Ground Level Comics.

Eisner credits the undergrounds for the Graphic Novel.

Eisner thinks the Editor should be the reader surrogate, tell him what doesn’t work and Eisner will fix it himself. He doesn’t want advice.

Chester uses Seth as his “editor” to give him advice. Sim did it all himself.

Eisner used Dave Shiner, a friend, as an editor, he died recently. He now uses his wife Ann who never read comics prior to this.

Eisner said doing comics is like sex. He doesn’t like talking about it while he’s doing it. After he’s finished, then he goes through it.

Eisner starts writing with the ending. He writes a timeline, not the story.

With Louis Riel, Chester did his work on panels with dialog at first, did stick figures if he didn’t think he would remember.

Will Eisner

Will Eisner

Dave Sim

Dave Sim

Chester Brown

Chester Brown

Will Eisner and Chester Brown

Will Eisner and Chester Brown

Will Eisner talks to media

Will Eisner talks to media

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