Top 5 Titles for week of 3/11/09  

Alright so this one is like the writers and artists features. The choice of the top 5 titles is based around how well overall the comic was put together. This includes, cover, art, writing, coloring, inking and anything else that goes into making a comic what it is. So here are the first 5 comics of the week here on Burpee's Comic Book Asylum.

5. The Immortal Iron Fist #23 - This is a title that is consistently good. When Matt Fraction left I was sure the quality would drop at least a touch. That didn't happen and the title has maintained it's unique Kung Fu flavor in a comic universe filled with capes. Helping this title get onto the list was writer Duane Swierczynski. He placed 4th on the writers of the week list this week as well. Clever ideas like morse code messages of blood are something you just don't find in other titles. The art does go back and forth with me on whether or not I really enjoy it but I believe I still just miss Aja's art. Overall this is a consistently solid title that has earned its spot in the top 5.

4. The Invincible Iron Man #11 - World's Most Wanted has been a solid story with solid storytelling. This title also had a writer who made the top writers list with Matt fraction ranking 3rd. It also like the number 5 title has a clever means of communication in the pages. Tony Stark within the pages sets up a gmail account to ping his soldiers in the field. While I wont describe it here, as I wouldn't do it the service the story does, it is well worth picking up in stores to find out yourself. The art as usual with Salvador Larroca is solid as well but unlike the writing there is nothing new or amazing involved.

3. Batman: Battle for the Cowl #1 - Great kick off for a mini. I am not sure if this will wrap up all too nicely as there seems to be more going on then can fit in three issues. It is a great starting point none the less. It also marks the return of Black Mask who Daniels renders in his art superbly by really giving him the creepy evil feel he deserves. Tony Daniel does both writing and art chores here and does a fantastic job with both. His writing and art bring forward that blockbuster feel that this title needs. This title picked up nods in two categories this month. It's nominations being in best cover and best art receiving 3rd and 2nd respectively.

2. Green Lantern Corps #34 - Sitting at number two because of its consistency throughout its 34 issue run and also because of the strong performance of this issue in particular. Peter Tomasi presents a story that has both character moments as well as an epic fight for the ages. Artist Patrick Gleason's pencils bring all of these moments to life with an amazing flair. The stand out scenes of the issue come from the Mongul and Arkillo fight which is done so well you almost wish it had taken up the whole issue. The story also moves along the plot as we get ever closer to Blackest Night which I know a lot of fans including myself are dying to get to. This title also bolsters a stacked list of nods this week. Placing 5th for cover, 1st for writing and 5th for art.

1. Ghost Rider #33 - I must admit this was a title that a year ago I really contemplated dropping. What a mistake that would have been as this is easily one of my most looked forward to titles every month. Ghost Rider has never been a character I much enjoyed beyond his obvious visual appeal but Jason Aaron has really made this character shine. He has done the same with this single issue that focuses on Caretaker. It really sets her story into motion and makes her less of a background character and more of a main cast member. Tony Moore on art is fabulous as usual as well. His rendering of the different ghost Riders in this issue were great and left me wanting to see more of each of them. I almost wish they would have a tales of Ghost Rider book that covered some of the Ghost Riders of past. This title received nominations in all three categories this week. Placing 4th in covers, 2nd in writing and 1st in art. A well rounded performance that demanded this title be placed on the list.