Happy Leap Day! February brought us some fantastic comic books. Check out the Sequential Team’s favorite comics from February 2020.
Marcus Orchard – Butcher of Paris #3
Butcher of Paris is the best comic book that most people aren’t reading. The historical drama puts the spotlight on a little-known serial killer during one of the worst times in human history. Writer Stephanie Philips does an excellent job of adding drama to book through suspenseful pacing and strong dialogue. Dean Kotz and Jason Wordie keep the story moving along crisply with fantastic panel layouts and sequential work. We are halfway through this miniseries so it is not too late to get into Butcher of Paris.
Ethan Maddux – Batman/Superman #7
Color me shocked that this is my pick considering this is the first issue of the book I’ve read. The Metal tie-in that is the first arc was of no interest to me, and my stack of comics was so heavy at the time that despite the promise of the creative team and title characters, I had to pass. When I saw the second arc had no ties to the Batman Who Laughs AND had Nick Derrington on art, well, I had no choice but to give it a shot. I’m thrilled with this issue. First of all, Nick Derrington is just such a treasure and I’m glad to see he’s on a book as big as this. His style is so energetic and fun, and it suits this wacky story so well. Though it’s not just the silliness that resonates with me; it’s the classic simplistic take on superheroes. This specific kind of story is one that comics have moved away from in favor of more mature and complex takes, and I like those stories too, but I’m always glad to have a couple of these throwbacks in my stack as well.
Steven Martinez – Suicide Squad #3
With a name like Suicide Squad, you’d think that members of the team would die more frequently than they do. Maybe they do in older versions of the comic, but I haven’t read those. I did read the DC Rebirth era series in its entirety and as far as I remember I don’t think anyone died. I mean people did die, but not the main team. We’re three issues into Tom Taylor’s run and there’s been a lot of death already. Yeah, it’s pulling the same move of introducing new characters to kill them off, but we’ve gone through some D-list DC villains as well. But more importantly, I think dropping Amanda Waller and introducing this new guy that’s running the team is maybe the most interesting aspect so far. I’ve never read a bad thing fro Tom Taylor and I don’t think this will be the start.
Josh Fielding – X-Men #7
Jonathan Hickman’s run has been sowing the seeds of discontent on Krakoa, and we finally got our biggest glimpse into that yet. There’s definitely trouble in paradise, as Cyclops and the Guthries all seem skeptical of the Crucible. Meanwhile, this ritual inspires Nightcrawler to find a new purpose in Krakoa. This is a phenomenal issue which plants many storytelling opportunities for the future while featuring some great dialogue between Cyclops and Nightcrawler. Kurt is my favourite X-Man so it was a treat to see him get some focus. With a fascinating plot hook by Hickman and stellar art by Leinil Francis Yu, this was a fantastic issue and easily my pick for best of the month.
Tariq Sims – X-Men/Fantastic Four #1
Chip Zdarsky was not the name I expected to be on this title, but as soon as it was announced, I was excited. And he did not disappoint. Seeing heroes argue is nothing new, but here it feels refreshing as both sides have a valid point. The X-Men want Franklin because he’s a mutant and to protect him, and also possibly restore his declining powers, and the Fantastic Four want him to stay with them because he’s their family. The fact that it’s remembered that Kitty and Franklin Richards have a connection with each other (due to DOFP among other things) is a bit of continuity that I absolutely adore. And Terry Dodson on art really works for me. Each character looks vibrant and I definitely want to Dodson on more X-Books in the future.
Matt Herman – Far Sector #4
When this book was first announced, I figured it was just to push another needless Lantern character. With the now bloated cast of Earth Lanterns, the only reason I picked up this book was for Jamal Campbell’s art. But to my surprise, Campbell’s art is matched with an equally great story. Jo Mullein joins the ever-expanding pool of successful new lantern characters including Jessica Cruz and Simon Baz. But the crowning achievement of this book still remains Campbell’s art. It’s some of the most dynamic and cinematic stuff at the Big Two right now. If you’re in for a new space adventure, Far Sector won’t disappoint.
Alexander Cole- Superman Smashes the Klan #3
The finale to this mini-series by Gene Luen Yang and Gurihiru was easily one of the best Superman comics I’ve read in the last decade. It’s an almost perfect example of everything that makes Superman such an interesting character and its mature handling of themes such as racism and alienation is extremely impressive. I’d definitely recommend this book and this series to anyone looking for a good comic about the man of steel.
Hunter Sandlin – Ice Cream Man #18
This issue is another incredible story from a clearly talented team. The unique writing and downright depressing story make it engaging the entire way through. That art is wonderful and just a bit creepy, reminiscent of something you might find on Adult Swim. The coloring dark and slightly muddy, mirroring the dull and real nature of the story. If you’re looking for a heart-wrenching comic that you’ll never forget, then Ice Cream Man #18 is a must-read.
Pashtrik Maloki – X-Men #7
Jonathan Hickman takes a much-needed step back with the whole resurrection thing, expanding on the morality and spirituality of it, and giving us a fantastic issue. While some have been playing loose with the whole idea, it’s refreshing to see the architect of the new X-Men dial back on it and show what Mutants are really doing – playing with something no one really understands.
Casey Woods – (Webtoon) Let’s Play Episodes 100-103
I had to choose Let’s Play for my favorite of the month, purely for the character development seen in the main protagonist, Sam. She is normally the shy, quiet type of girl. She doesn’t want any unnecessary attention, and she never stands up for herself. However, in these recent issues, we’ve seen her grow more comfortable speaking her mind, and even dressing in clothing other than baggy sweaters. I really appreciate the way she is developing as a character. On a side note, another smaller reason for picking Let’s Play is for the friendship I feel is forming between Sam and a more confident girl who may or may not be her rival. Monica is a beauty blogger and I like the way she has been encouraging Sam to open up. All in all, these four issues have been lovely, and I want to see how Sam’s development progresses into the story!
