With 2009 coming to a close, the challenge was to pick and rank the 10 best comics from the entire year. I’ve estimated reading approximately 1,500+ issues over that time frame, so obviously it wasn’t the easiest task to complete. Still, after much deliberation, these are my picks for the 10 best comics of 2009.

1. Jonah Hex #50
DC Comics
Writers: Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti
Artist: Darwyn Cooke
Originally reviewed on December 3, 2009

Perfection. Defined as the highest degree of proficiency, skill or excellence, perfection is near impossible to achieve, especially when every comic ever printed is subjective in nature. You know, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” and all that jazz. Still, when I thought about all the comics I’ve read this past year, this issue of Jonah Hex kept coming back to me. While not perfect (frankly, what is?), it’s pretty close.

A wonderful done-in-one tale following our “hero” as he diligently goes about his day job, in this specific case while hunting down 50 various bad guys who had it coming to them. A fine story on it’s own. Now add a dash of romance – or the bounty hunter’s version of it – to the mix, sprinkle in a little personal vengeance, and top it off with a jolting reminder of how cruel life can be, and you’re left with a portrait of a man who makes no excuses for who he is or what he does, life expectations be damned.

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Because its a Friday and we’re all rushing out to see The Twilight Saga: New Moon right now, we’re going to give you this news because its cool, but it won’t be with our usual flourish and editorialized commentary. Sorry if that disappoints anyone but “Team Jacob” needs us so we’re on the way.

Here’s a cool bit of news from our friends at radical Publishing which is, actually, pretty radical. Check it out from the official (and radical) press release:

Radical Publishing is excited to announce that Sam Worthington (Clash of the Titans and James Cameron’s Avatar) has signed on as both star and producer for the film adaptation of The Last Days of American Crime, based off of Radical Publishing’s comic book series, The Last Days of American Crime, created and written by critically acclaimed author Rick Remender (Punisher, Fear Agent).

Sam Worthington will be a producer along with producing partner, Michael Schwarz, and Radical’s president and publisher, Barry Levine. Rick Remender will be the executive producer/screenwriter for the film and Radical’s Executive Vice President, Jesse Berger, will executive produce.

The Last Days of American Crime is set in the not-too-distant future, as a final response to terrorism and crime, the U.S. government plans in secret to broadcast a signal making it impossible for anyone to knowingly commit unlawful acts. To keep this from the public, the government creates a distraction, installing a new currency system using digital charge cards.

Graham Bricke, a petty criminal never quite able to hit the big score, intends to steal one of the charging stations, skip the country and live off unlimited funds for the rest of his life. But the media has leaked news of the anti-crime signal one week before it was to go live… and now Graham and his team have just a few days to turn the heist of the century into the last crime in American history.

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Welcome to another edition of The Pull List Comic Reviews! An incredibly solid week as we’ve got three Blackest Night tie-ins, some speedster action and a particularly “horrible” tale, but only one issue each week tops the “list.” Be sure to let us know what you thought of these issues, we’re always interested to hear from you, the readers. As always, WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD.

PULL OF THE WEEK:

Dark Reign: The List – Amazing Spider-Man One-Shot – Marvel Comics – $3.99 US
Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Adam Kubert
Score: 9.5

Norman Osborn made a list and he’s checking it more than twice as certain thorns in his side have gotten his full attention. Everyone from the X-Men to the Avengers have had to deal with him, and by now you’ve heard of how the Punisher went to pieces over his clash with the H.A.M.M.E.R. Director, so how will Spider-Man do? Hint: Spidey doesn’t win this one.

I’ll start with Dan Slott’s writing in this issue, and simply state that he crushed it. There’s no other way to say it, really. Sure, an argument could be made that Spidey should have done something by now, especially considering his history with Stormin’ Norman. Put that aside, if you ever wanted to see Peter Parker triumph at anything – he’s had a ridiculously long losing streak since “Brand New Day” – then this is the issue for you.

It’s been a few months since artist Adam Kubert penciled some pages, but with that amount of lead-time you knew this issue would be stunning. He failed to disappoint. Crammed with gorgeous visuals, the entire one-shot was a treat, even when the action had decidedly died down for the last act. One look at the very first page is all you need to know in regards to how good the art is.

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This week we have at least one high quality comic from every publisher. From Image this week, I’m sad to see Rick Remender’s The End League go, but like all good things they must come to end. This time with brilliant art by some guy named Eric Canete and NYC Mech’s Andy MacDonald.

From DC Comics, I’m intrigued with the Great Ten spinoff series from Checkmate, with their spotlight in Final Crisis. This could make for an intriguing read.

From Marvel, we have the last issue of Captain America Rebirth in which we get an idea how Steve Rogers rejoins the universe. There is also the excellent new issue of Ultimate Comics Spider-Man, which is about the most fun in a comic you can get. Also, check out the latest Deadpool book, this one is penned by Fred Van Lente, who I really liked the silent story he did in that Deadpool #900 issue. This one is Deadpool Team-Up with a descending order number starting out at #899. I’d really like to know what the reasoning behind that is, but whatever.

Additionally, there is the Spider-Man Short Halloween book featuring stories by Saturday Night Live stars, Seth Meyers and Bill Hader.  I’m sure this will be nothing if not a ton of fun, so check that out as well.

Finally, one of my favorite noir writers Charlie Huston returns to comics with his new miniseries featuring Deathlok! I’m not particularly fond of the character, but then again I wasn’t fond of Moon Knight either until Huston relaunched it in awesome fashion.

As always, we here at The Flickcast care about what you read, so leave us a comment and let us know what you liked/didn’t like from this week’s comics. For a more complete list of what comes out this week, check out the one at Midtown Comics.

Once again its time for the weekly list of new comics coming out on Wednesday from our pals at Marvel. This time around there’s some pretty cool titles including the new Dark Avengers: Ares #1, Punisher #10, Secret Warriors #9 and a Zombie variant X-Men Forever.

As always, we’ve got some cool art from some of these comics after the jump. On the way there, be sure to check out all the info via the official press release.

Comics On-Sale:

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN PRESENTS: ANTI-VENOM – NEW WAYS TO LIVE #2

ANITA BLAKE, THE LAUGHING CORPSE – EXECUTIONER #1

AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #29

AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #29 SHS VARIANT

DARK AVENGERS: ARES #1

DARK REIGN: THE LIST – DAREDEVIL 2ND PRINTING VARIANT

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We have a decent load this week, from the conclusion to the exceptional Planetary to quite a number of Marvel books worth your time. Planetary #27 is the conclusion to Warren Ellis and John Cassaday’s brilliant series.  Combining pop culture commentary, with a twisted spin that Ellis is known for and the direction of Astonishing X-Men artist John Cassaday.  There was a preview in the back of Ex Machina #45, which had me excited for this issue.

From Marvel, there is a ton of good stuff. First, we have the premiere of Phil Jimenez on Astonishing X-Men alongside Warren Ellis. Its weird, you know? We have a Planetary/Astonishing X-Men crossover this week and I am looking forward to that ten fold.

Now I’m a giant Rick Remender fan, and this premieres his new ongoing series at Marvel, Doctor Voodoo with Billy Tan.  If you like this I strongly recommend Rick’s series Fear Agent and The End League from Dark Horse. Following that we have Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #3.  The first two issues were spectacular, and David Lafuente was born to draw Spider-Man.  This is easily one of the best reads in comics.

Finally, we have the return of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips Criminal with “The Sinners.” As always, we here at The Flickcast care about what you read, so leave us a comment and let us know what you liked/didn’t like from this week’s comics. For a more complete list of what comes out this week, check out the one at Midtown Comics.

Happy Reading!

Things are never going to be the same for the Punisher. That may be true but it also seems to apply to a lot of characters in comics these days. Still, I guess change is inevitable and sometimes, even necessary. So, I’ll try not to complain too much.

Confused about what I’m talking about? Fortunately, I don’t have to try and explain and will instead leave it to the very capable hands of the Marvel PR machine. Here’s all the info from the official press release.

And, as always, check after the jump for the full-sized cover art.

Dark Reign The List brings the most dramatic changes ever to Punisher! Dark Wolverine faces off against Frank Castle and the Punisher’s (after)life is altered forever! Beginning with Punisher #8, don’t miss four special Rest In Pieces Variants, all clues to the startling changes ahead for the Punisher!

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Besides Marvel and DC, one of the biggest comic book companies around is Portland based Dark Horse Comics. With a diverse lineup of titles such as Buffy: The Vampire Slayer, Hellboy, B.P.R.D., Star Wars, Umbrella Academy and Solomon Grundy, and a lots of movie and TV tie-ins as well, the company is a major player.

Fortunately, Dark Horse is bringing pretty much everyone they work with to Comic-Con in San Diego next week so if you happen to be there and are a fan of one or more Dark Horse properties, you’ve got lots of opportunities to see and interact with your favorites.

Here’s all the info about Dark Horse’s plans from the official press release:

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A moderate week in terms of number of books shipped, mostly from the big two publishers, but definitely not moderate in terms of quality. With all the hype leading up to Blackest Night, it is no surprise it would be the first book I read this week, even beating out the much anticipated conclusion of the Spider-Man “American Son” storyline. As always, we can’t review every book each week here at The Pull List, but if you have any thoughts about other comics or think we missed a good one, let us know.

Pull of the Week:

Blackest Night #1 – DC – $3.99

Score: 9.0

Big summer event. Months of hype. Tales that the writer has been planting seeds for the past five years for the main character. Sounds like a perfect set up for something to fall flat on its face. Thankfully this superstar creative team was able to avoid the trap that so many big crossover events often fall into. The first of eight issues of Blackest Night sets itself up perfectly for those not familiar with the history of the DC Universe. After an eerie message coming from the Black Hand and the emersion of the Black rings, the issue begins telling the tale of the yearly memorial day in honor of the superheroes who gave their lives to save the people of earth as well as those people that weren’t lucky enough to be saved.

The four Green Lanterns from Earth, Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner and Kyle Rayner, head to Coast City, a place that had been destroyed during a conflict between two villains that cost seven million their lives. Hal talks about the loss he had seen others experience on this day, including his other Green Lanterns. The book then weaves its way around the world to different locations, visiting various losses like Jonathan Kent, Ronnie Raymond and Arthur Curry. Back at the headquarters of the Justice League, Hal meets up with Barry Allen, who is dealing with his recent resurrection, and finding out the fates of those who had been lost while he was gone until they are interrupted by a friend who has uncovered an unearthed grave.

Back on Oa, the Guardians watch their failures as the war of light erupts around the universe. The Guardians ready to call the entire Green Lantern Corps until things break down for them as well. At this point, the Black Rings start flying around the universe including to the Black Lantern that people had seen coming for months, Martian Manhunter who goes to Hal and Barry, declaring they should both be dead. The book concludes with another surprise attack which leads to the creation of two new Black Lanterns.

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