By Britt Schramm
February 7, 2005
I’m feeling kinda down today. Yesterday was the Super Bowl and if you know me, I’m pretty much hooked on the NFL; more than Spartan colligate sports, more than McD’s (I still eat there and I worked there for over a year while out of high school), and yes, even more so than the Sox (sorry, guys). My adoration of the NFL was even before the Pats became the biggest money team of 21st Century. So, knowing that there’s only the relatively meaningless Pro Bowl from Honolulu left, I’m starting to look for my “11” CD by the Smithereens and replaying “Blues Before and After” and “Blue Period” in the car CD while I go to work.
(Okay, most people like those dour Smiths or Cure for their sad rock; for me, it’s always been Pat DiNizio and the boys from Jersey. “Green Thoughts” is probably one of my Top Ten CDs of the '80s that’s not cheesy hair metal. Woooh!
She’s my Cherry Pie!
Cool drink of water; such a sweet surprise!
Tastes so good; make a grown man cry!
Sweet Cherry Pie! Ooh, Yeah!
Oops, how did that slip out? Sorry ‘bout that. Thank God for the NFL Network and (I can’t believe I’m saying this) NFL Europe or I would probably be in full-on catatonic state from February until July.
February is also the month where it seems that everyone from the Oscars to the Grammys to the NBA are giving out their awards/All-Star honors (except for that small little vacuous state that is the National Hockey League–sorry, puck heads, but as the saying goes, “No season for you!”).
And comics are no different. Every year, Wizard Magazine, which covers mostly mainstream DC/Marvel/Image books, is asking the readers to vote for their favorites in such varied categories like writer, penciller, DVD release, TV show and comic-related toy for 2005. But with 23 categories, it would be hard for the casual fan to know who to pick.
So, in an effort to help you, my people, make a clear and informed decision about this year’s fan awards, I will provide you with a cheat sheet, as it were, to breakdown the nominees for each award, who will receive enough votes to win the statue and who I think should really be the winner.
The PftL Rules:
1 – Although each category has a write-in entry, I decided not to use them. It’s really a cheap way of getting out of making a real decision. Plus, you don’t see write-ins for all of the real award shows. If that was the case, you would see movies like SPIDER-MAN 2, SHREK 2, or THE INCREDIBLES considered for Best Picture or Leviathan by MASTADON considered for the Grammys’ Album of the Year. Well, at least in my world.
2 – I’m not as well-versed in some of the categories as I am in others. So, in those instances, my responses may not be more than a couple of sentences. Hey, what do expect? It’s not like I’m Entertainment Weekly or something.
3 – I’m not held accountable for any gambling losses incurred by the results of the awards. My picks are all based on pure speculation and if they’re wrong, it wouldn’t be the first time. Like I’ve always said, never underestimate the decisions of crazed fanboys and fangirls.
Now, with that out of the way, let’s get to the predictions:
FAVORITE WRITER
Brian Michael Bendis (Ultimate Spider-Man, Daredevil)
Geoff Johns (Flash, Green Lantern: Rebirth)
Brad Meltzer (Identity Crisis)
Mark Millar (The Ultimates, Wanted)
Joss Whedon (Astonishing X-Men)
PftL’s Take: This first one out of the gate and it’s already a nail biter. Bendis not only writes for the aforementioned two series but also for “Powers”, most of the “What If…” fifth week books and the somewhat lackluster “Avengers: Disassembled”/“New Avengers” series. Metzler penned the good (but not great) Identity Crisis mini. Whedon brought respect back to the mishandling of the X-Men franchise with the solid “Astonishing X-Men” series. Millar not only did the two previously listed books but also wrote “Chosen” and the Marvel Knights “Spider-Man” series along with the aptly-titled “The UnFunnies”. And Johns is not only responsible for the two series listed above but with the much underrated “JSA” book.
Now, if the category was based on quantity, Bendis would win hands down. But for him, it was a somewhat inconsistent year. And while it’s hard to discount Metzler and Whedon’s quality work, they only wrote one title during the year which only shows a small body of work for 2005. And unfortunately, Millar’s work has been hampered by delays of all kinds. So, for my money, Johns has produced the best work whether it’s channeling the Silver Age in “JSA”, integrating some plot points from “Identity Crisis” in “Flash or resurrecting a legendary character with a zealot-like fan base in “GL:Rebirth”. Johns should get tons of DAP from the comics community and should take home this year’s prize.
Who Will Win: Brian Michael Bendis
Who Should Win: Geoff Johns
FAVORITE PENCILER
John Cassaday (Astonishing X-Men, Planetary)
David Finch (New Avengers, Ultimate X-Men)
Jim Lee (Superman)
Michael Turner (Superman/Batman, Soulfire)
Ethan Van Sciver (Green Lantern: Rebirth)
PftL’s Take: Another tight race. Lee has been solid (and for the most part) on time with his “Superman” work. Finch and Van Sciver are producing some good work and are great up-and-comers in comics. Cassaday is establishing himself as the type of artist where fans will buy his work sight unseen. Turner is a solid talent with a loyal fan following.
But for me, there were really only two front runners this year out of the five chosen. Finch still reminds me of the old Image-house style even though he’s slowly finding his own style. Van Sciver is an example of an artist who is at the beginning of his career. Turner, who should receive a special award for Comeback of the Year, is just starting to shed his rust after battling back from injuries. So it comes down to Lee and Cassady; both are exceptional pencilers but with his work not only in “Planetary” and “Astonishing X-Men” but with the “I, Legion” book by Humanoids/DC, Cassaday really had a great year and should be rewarded.
Who Will Win: Jim Lee
Who Should Win: John Cassady
FAVORITE INKER
Marlo Alquiza (Teen Titans)
Mike Bair (Identity Crisis)
Scott Hanna (Ultimate Spider-Man)
Danny Miki (New Avengers)
Scott Williams (Superman)
PftL’s Take: Inkers are like the SFX guys in movies. They mostly go unnoticed by the masses but their job is crucial to comics as they make the pencilers look better by providing the balance between light and shadow with their hues of India ink. With that in mind, all five contenders will probably be defined by their pencil jockey partners, whether for good or bad. After looking at all of their works, I just think that Williams did the best job.
Who Will Win: Scott Williams
Who Should Win: Scott Williams
FAVORITE PAINTER
Gabriele Dell’Otto (Secret War)
Adi Granov (Iron Man)
Greg Horn (Emma Frost)
David Mack (Kabuki)
Esad Ribic (Loki)
PftL’s Take: What?!?! No Alex Ross?!?! I’m shocked; shocked, I tell you! Okay, after my jaw returned from the floor, I looked at the selected painters and saw only one true winner. Dell’Otto is a great painter from overseas but the shipping delays truly hurt his chances here. And there should be a rule that the nominee should at least have one completed project in the can prior to the nominations. Granov might be a great artist but with only two “Iron Man” issues under his belt, it’s hardly a fair competition to include him with the others. Horn shouldn’t really qualify as he has only done covers; albeit covers of very hot women, but there’s still not a complete issue.
That leaves Mack and Ribic. Mack is great in using different media within his work. But sometimes seeing all of the different layers on the page distracts from the story, which is counteractive with what the purpose of an artist is supposed to do in comics. Ribic created a great piece of work with the "Loki" miniseries. Everyone should pick it up just for his work alone. Plus, he can paint some hot women too. Take a look at Lady Sif. Whatta Hootchie Mama!
Who Will Win: Greg Horn
Who Should Win: Esad Ribic
FAVORITE COLORIST
Frank D’Armata (Ultimate Nightmare, Avengers)
Laura Martin (Astonishing X-Men)
Alex Sinclair (Identity Crisis, Superman)
J.D. Smith (Ultimate Spider-Man)
Dave Stewart (Daredevil, Conan, DC: The New Frontier)
PftL’s Take: I know that I was gonna slight a category here or there (see rule #2) and this is one of them. Colorists are not truly appreciated in the comics community and are slowly being replaced by cool computer applications that can make any hack into a colorist. That being said, I really can't tell the works of the nominees apart. This one is a pure guess as it really is a toss-up. So, I went with the guy who made Annie Lennox the start she is today and married one of the hot girls from Bananarama.
Who Will Win: Laura Martin
Who Should Win: Dave Stewart
FAVORITE LETTERER
Comicraft (Avengers)
Chris Eliopoulos (Astonishing X-Men)
Rob Leigh (Superman)
Kenny Lopez (Identity Crisis)
Virtual Calligraphy (Daredevil)
PftL’s Take: Another case of technology taking over for the skilled hands of a human being. And I’m sure that it’s all well and good by saving some of these poor souls from succumbing to carpel tunnel syndrome. But I like my letterers to have faces with a first and last name. I just don’t want to live in a one-name world. Is that so wrong?
Who Will Win: Comicraft
Who Should Win: Chris Eliopoulos
FAVORITE EDITOR
Axel Alonso (Spider-Man titles)
Tom Brevoort (Avengers)
Mike Carlin (Identity Crisis)
Ralph Macchio (Ultimate titles)
Mike Marts (X-Men titles)
PftL’s Take: Here are five reasons for my vote here:
1) There are too many X-Men titles than there are people on the Earth;
2) Since the Avengers’ title had to be rebooted recently, it may be a direct implication that the editor fell asleep at the wheel;
3) Just because the “The Karate Kid Collection” DVD boxed set was released last week doesn’t give the Ultimate line a free pass from me;
4) I hate the fact that JMS recycled his Avatar Hunter story lines in Amazing, not to mention the whole Gwen Stacy thing; and
5) Did I already tell you that there are a few too many X-titles?
(Psst, I would make a lame joke about the parallels between the X-books and the St. Louis Rams but I don't want to get depressed again.)
Who Will Win: Mike Marts
Who Should Win: Mike Carlin
FAVORITE MALE HERO
Conan (Dark Horse)
Daredevil (Marvel)
Green Arrow (DC)
Hal Jordan (DC)
Wolverine (Marvel)
PftL’s Take: The nominees in this category confuse me. Marvel has their top dog but where are DC’s Big Two? With all that he suffered through in “War Games," you’d think that Bats would at least pull a nom. It’s the same for Supes in the recent epic “Godfall." But you got to play with the cards that are dealt. I mean GA and Jordan are okay but even their recent developments don’t really compare.
Anyways, DD has been a model of consistent upheaval by the hands of Bendis and Maleev. But consistency won’t get it done here. Jordan is still in the midst of separating from the Spectre and becoming flesh and bone so he really shouldn’t be considered. GA has a sidekick who is HIV positive but has mired in complacency as a character since Metzler scripted him. Wolvie has gone through a creative team change and is coming back to being a superhero under Millar and JR JR. But Conan should be the pick this year as Busiek and Nord came out of nowhere (not really but it sounded good) and have done an excellent job of infusing some new life into the Cimmerian savage.
Who Will Win: Wolverine
Who Should Win: Conan
FAVORITE FEMALE HERO
Black Canary (DC)
Kitty Pryde (Marvel)
She-Hulk (Marvel)
Supergirl (DC)
Wonder Woman (DC)
PftL’s Take: All nominees are good choices. She-Hulk and Supergirl both came back from the brink of non-existence and were reintroduced into their respective universe’s continuity. Kitty came back from an editorial sabbatical and joined Whedon’s Astonishing X-Men book then found her supposedly dead Russian boyfriend. Black Canary had her legs broken and still came back to fight Lady Shiva almost to the death clad in a wet T-shirt (well, maybe the last detail was unnecessary but it was a nice scene).
But the difference between my winner and the rest of them is that only Wonder Woman can carry an ongoing monthly title. None of the other can state that. And please don’t use the argument that She-Hulk has her own book because it really is a revolving twelve month mini which Marvel is calling a “season”. Huh? When did comic books become TV shows? And I know that other books like Sleeper and Hard Time are doing the same thing. Really doesn’t make sense. If the book can make it as an ongoing, just call it a mini and be done with it. A comic book that is run on seasons is just asinine.
Who Will Win: Wonder Woman
Who Should Win: Wonder Woman
FAVORITE VILLAIN
Deathstroke (Identity Crisis)
Identity Crisis Villain (Identity Crisis)
Loki (Loki, Thor)
Scarlet Witch (Avengers)
Serial Killer (H-E-R-O)
PftL’s Take: Frankly, there are only two real contenders for this title and I’m being generous. Having Scarlet Witch turn heel and losing grip on reality was OK but really doesn’t make her a villain; just a nut job. The same could be said for the insane Desperate Housewife Jean Palmer (also known as The Identity Crisis Killer) but with added lameness. And to be honest, I haven’t read H-E-R-O and haven’t heard anything about this Serial Killer but he/she would’ve had more of a chance if the moniker was spelled like it always came with a plastic toy.
That leaves Deathstroke and Loki. Slade is one tough customer with trying to beat up the Teen Titans as well as killing some major league super hero ass in IC (buh-bye Ronnie Raymond). But he’s no god, unlike the Prince of Mischief. The Loki miniseries really explores the psyche of a villain who has conquered his quest of ruling Asgard (not unlike the Waid/Kitson “Empire” collaboration). The mini is worth every item of praise it has received.
Who Will Win: Deathstroke
Who Should Win: Loki
FAVORITE SUPPORTING CHARACTER
Aquagirl (Aquaman)
Luke Cage (Daredevil, The Pulse)
Frankie (The Goon)
Nick Fury (Secret War, Astonishing X-Men)
J. Jonah Jameson (The Pulse)
PftL’s Take: Here’s how I would rate these contenders if they were on American Idol (and yes, I watch the show):
Nick Fury – “I’ve heard better on a cruise ship.”
Luke Cage – “I’m just not feeling it, dawg.”
J. Jonah Jameson – Crickets chirping
Aquagirl – “Maybe, superheroing isn’t your thang, girl.”
Frankie – “You’re goin’ to Hollywood, my man!”
Who Will Win: J. Jonah Jameson
Who Should Win: Frankie
FAVORITE ONGOING SERIES
Astonishing X-Men (Marvel)
Avengers/New Avengers (Marvel)
Conan (Dark Horse)
Teen Titans (DC)
Ultimate Spider-Man (Marvel)
PftL’s Take: A tough category. Conan is a great blood and guts adventure for those who miss the theatrical Lord of the Rings trilogy. Teen Titans has all the youngster angst that was carried over from “Young Justice” but is careful to include some nods to the old series. Ultimate Spider-Man is a solid teenage/young adult roller coaster ride. And the Avengers… well, New Avengers seems better that Disassembled claptrap. But for my money, Whedon bringing back the spandex on the merry band of mutants back into then defrosting Colossus really should have the award locked up for this year.
Who Will Win: Astonishing X-Men
Who Should Win: Astonishing X-Men
FAVORITE ONE-SHOT
Avengers Finale (Marvel)
The Dark Horse Book of Witchcraft (Dark Horse)
Darkness/Hulk (Marvel/Top Cow)
Punisher: The End (Marvel)
What If…Karen Page Had Lived? (Marvel)
PftL’s Take: C’mon, how can anyone vote for anything other than “Punisher: The End”? “The Avengers Finale”? Don’t think so. “Darkness/Hulk”? Only if the vote took place back in the early 90’s. “The Dark Horse Book of Witchcraft”? Get that weak stuff outta here. “What If…Karen Page Had Lived”? No way. It was two-thirds rerun and one-third snooze fest.
“Punisher: The End”? The apocalypse is approaching and the Punisher decides to take out the rich and greedy in a fallout shelter? It’s a "can’t miss" book plus it was made with love by Garth Ennis and Richard Corben. For all of those who decided to see the movie, this book will cleanse the palate like wasabe mint sorbet followed by a Spicy Tuna Hand Roll.
Who Will Win: Avengers Finale
Who Should Win: Punisher: The End
FAVORITE MINI-SERIES
DC: The New Frontier (DC)
Green Lantern: Rebirth (DC)
Identity Crisis (DC)
Wanted (Top Cow)
X-Men: The End (Marvel)
PftL’s Take: Here’s another victim of books being nominated before they actually finish. I’m still waiting for “X-Men: The End” to end. And “Green Lantern: Rebirth” is halfway to the end and we still don’t know how Hal is going to come back. Of the ones completed, “Wanted” suffered from killer shipping delays and really seemed to end rather hurriedly.
Of the two left standing, both are worthy of the award. “Identity Crisis” really generated a good suspenseful thriller by using decidedly second tier superheroes but was ultimately undermined by its unfulfilling ending. “DC: The New Frontier”, on the other hand, was more of a character driven piece as the series tried to bridge the gap between the Golden Age and Silver Age but at a slower pace than I would’ve preferred. Overall, I liked both of them but I dug “New Frontier” just somewhat more.
Who Will Win: Identity Crisis
Who Should Win: DC: The New Frontier
FAVORITE PUBLISHER
Dark Horse
DC
Image
Marvel
Top Cow
PftL’s Take: Weird, this is the first appearance for Image and the second for Top Cow. And yet they’re included with the Favorite Publisher category. What, no Oni? How about Devil’s Due? Or IDW? This is just an example of the state of comics when a category is created and the only companies are considered are the ones who mostly produce superhero books. If there was ever a time to use that damn Write-In blank, I would.
Who Will Win: Marvel
Who Should Win: DC
FAVORITE COMIC MERCHANDISE
Batman Utility Belt (DC Direct)
Colossus Statue (Bowen Designs)
Galactus HeroClix (WizKids)
Hellboy Talking Board (Dark Horse)
Mighty Marvel Heroes and Villains Lithograph (Dynamic Forces)
PftL’s Take: Ehh, I haven’t seen most of these items other than the Litho and the Utility Belt. While the belt looked cool, there was no way that I had the funds to make the purchase. And since no one else at my store did either, I didn’t get to see it. The Litho, on the other hand, I did see. But I wouldn’t care if any of them won, except for the Talking Board. It just sounds like a really lame SNL or Mad TV skit. Besides, it’s by Alex Ross. People eat his work up with a steam shovel.
Who Will Win: Mighty Marvel Heroes and Villains Lithograph
Who Should Win: Mighty Marvel Heroes and Villains Lithograph
FAVORITE ACTION FIGURE LINE
Batman: Hush (DC Direct)
Halo (JoyRide Studios)
Marvel Legends (Toy Biz)
Star Wars Vintage (Hasbro)
Transformers Alternators (Hasbro)
PftL’s Take: Total toss-up. I know one thing: If I had a store, none of them would be in it. Period.
Who Will Win: Star Wars Vintage
Who Should Win: Star Wars Vintage
FAVORITE COMIC MOVIE PROJECT
“Blade: Trinity” (New Line)
“Hellboy” (Sony)
“The Punisher” (Lions Gate)
“Catwoman” (Warner Bros.)
“Spider-Man 2” (Sony)
PftL’s Take: Two things are wrong with this group. First, there’s no “Incredibles” nomination? How can you have this category with out it? It’s criminal. Speaking of criminal, here’s the second thing wrong – the inclusion of “Catwoman”. That’s like reading four New X-Men issues by Grant Morrison and the fifth one is by Chuck Austen. Yes, it’s that bad. (Can you tell that I’m losing steam as the column gets longer? Just wanted to check.)
Who Will Win: Spider-Man 2
Who Should Win: Spider-Man 2
FAVORITE BREAKOUT TALENT
Talent Caldwell (Spectacular Spider-Man)
Travel Foreman (Dr. Spectrum)
Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead)
Steve McNiven (4, Ultimate Secret)
Will Pfeiffer (H-E-R-O, Aquaman)
PftL’s Take: This category is usually the kiss of death for the Grammys and the MTV's VMAs (just ask Milli Vanilli and Jesus Jones). While the rest of the guys selected for this category are good practitioners of their respective crafts, Kirkman has the chops and the opportunity to be the next Bendis (as far as writing as many titles for Marvel as humanly possible). But that’s just my humble opinion.
Who Will Win: Talent Caldwell
Who Should Win: Robert Kirkman
COMICS’ GREATEST MOMENT 2004
Batman mind-wiped by the JLA (Identity Crisis #6)
Beta Ray Bill returns to Asgard (Thor #82)
Colossus returns (Astonishing X-Men #4)
Jodie Christianson revealed as the Anti-Christ/President (Chosen #3)
J. Jonah Jameson (The Pulse)
PftL’s Take: Nothing, and I mean nothing, wins like a Man Cheats Death comeback story. And by the way, why is there no explanation next to JJJ’s name? What, is his name alone supposed to be a moment? Like anything he does is worthy of being great? Are you sure his name is not Steinbrenner?
Who Will Win: Colossus returns
Who Should Win: Colossus returns
FAVORITE TV SHOW
“The Batman” (Kids WB!)
"Justice League Unlimited" (Cartoon Network)
“Smallville” (The WB)
“Static Shock” (Kids WB!)
"Teen Titans" (Cartoon Network)
PftL’s Take: The pretty boys always get the ladies. It’s a fact of life, plain and simple. It happened in high school, in college, at work, everywhere. (And no I’m not bitter; why do you ask? I’m one of those pretty guys. Just take my word for it.) So when you have the magazine cover model looks from “Smallville”, it would take a miracle to pry that statuette from their well-manicured talons. But the “Justice League Unlimited” series is like an honest-to-goodness comic book with appearances by known and unknown superheroes alike. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to have my hands dipped in wax so I won’t develop unsightly calluses ‘cuz I just that pretty.
Who Will Win: Smallville
Who Should Win: Justice League Unlimited
FAVORITE DVD RELEASE
“Dawn of the Dead” Director’s Cut (Universal)
“Hellboy” Director’s Cut (Sony)
“LoTR: Return of the King” Platinum Series Special Extended Edition (New Line)
“Spider-Man 2” Special Edition (Sony)
“Star Wars Trilogy” Special Edition (Fox)
PftL’s Take: With all apologies to Razorback and the others who drink the Kool-Aid that Lucas is serving lately, this boxed set is not my Star Wars. My Star Wars only exists on my laserdisc player. The wife insists that I should sell it and replace it with the DVDs. I look at her and wonder if she even knows me at all.
Who Will Win: Star Wars Trilogy Boxed Set
Who Should Win: LoTR: Return of the King
FAVORITE VIDEO GAME
City of Heroes (NCsoft)
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (Rockstar)
Halo 2 (Bungie)
Spider-Man 2 (Activision)
X-Men: Legends (Activision)
PftL’s Take: In all regards, “GTA: San Andreas” or “Halo 2” should win. They both have unbelievable playable depth, numerous weapons at their disposal and they’re both on a console which is the only way to play video games. But just for the irony’s sake, I would love to see “City of Heroes” win. Not only would the statuette come from the company that holds conventions that Marvel exclusively attends. But it will prove to the Zombie Nation’s legal eagles that the consumers of their products want their characters in a MMORPG and they’re not gonna take it anymore. C’mon, sing with me..
We’re not gonna take it,
No, we ain’t gonna take it,
We’re not gonna take it
ANYMORE!!
Who Will Win: Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Who Should Win: City of Heroes
Well, I’m exhausted. Tune in next time and maybe I’ll be more coherent. Until then, don’t forget to keep your boards and bags together and keep your continuity straight.
Send column-specific e-mail using the link below. You can also find me reviewing Trades and Graphic Novels at 4-Color Review.
E-MAIL THE AUTHOR |
ARCHIVES
