Comic Book Rankings: 02/21/13-02/27/13

Rank #1: Hawkeye
 Let’s do some math: Matt Fraction + David Aja = Must Buy. Every time you open an issue you know you’re in store for both a visual pleasing and beautifully written chapter in the life that is Clint Barton. Currently the best series that Marvel is producing month to month and one I can’t recommend enough.
Last Week’s Rank: #1

Rank #2: Wolverine & the X-Men
Since its’ inception, this series has been consistently amazing, almost to an uncanny degree. Jason Aaron is doing a bang up job with his portrayal of the students and has been teamed-up with excellent artists so far. His arcs are always interesting and I’m thankful that Marvel didn’t feel the need to send this back to #1 for Marvel NOW with a new writer to boot.
Last Week’s Rank: #2

Rank #3: Daredevil
If you want to talk about consistency then look no further than Mark Waid’s Daredevil. I had never been into Daredevil until Waid came along but he has me for as long as he stays.
Last Week’s Rank: #3

Rank #4: FF
This series has established itself as not only the better of the two Fantastic Four related books but also as one fantastic Marvel produced series overall. It earns this spot regardless of its’ young life and, if the first three issues are any example of what we can expect going forward, it is poised to climb even higher.
Last Week’s Rank: #4

Rank #5: All-New X-Men
  Bendis’ foray into the X-Men universe has been nothing but exceptional. I love the premise and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for it. Jean Grey is really emerging as the star of this new series and I couldn’t be happier reading a younger Jean without the Phoenix baggage dragging her down.
Last Week’s Rank: #5

Rank #6: Iron Man
So far it seems to be a suitable successor to Fraction’s Invincible Iron Man in its’ young life. The reason? Kieron Gillen has delivered memorable dialogue and an interesting story with every issue released.
Last Week’s Rank: #6

Rank #7: Deadpool
 The new direction of this series is a breath of fresh air and it’s doing its’ best to remove the sour taste from my mouth that the previous volume left there. Thank you Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn, Deadpool’s new dynamic duo in the writing area.
Last Week’s Rank: #7

Rank #8: Indestructible Hulk
 Waid has done it again! Just like with Daredevil, I’ve never been a fan of the Hulk but if the first four issues are anything like the rest to come I’m sure to be swayed. I wasn’t even going to pick this up this series but after a recommendation from my LCS I picked it up and I’m sure glad I did. It climbs a spot mostly due to my disappointment in X-Factor‘s current direction.
Last Week’s Rank: #9

Rank #9: X-Factor
Peter David is forever linked with X-Factor. You can always count on quality stories from him. Why aren’t more people reading this? The current arc is not doing anything for me, thus the drop.
Last Week’s Rank: #8

Rank #10: New Avengers
Hickman’s first issue on New Avengers was a mighty fine debut and one that quickly established an almost movie-like atmosphere to it. The second issue was even better than the first and quickly established an inventive story while also assembling the “team” that has to face such a monumental threat. The third issue, well it took it to another level. Of Hickman’s two Avenger related titles this one has pulled ahead and looks to stay ahead for the foreseeable future.
Last Week’s Rank: #10

Rank #11: Avengers
This series looks to take what worked on Hickman’s Fantastic Four run (great characterization, captivating storylines, and outside-the-box thinking) and take it to an even greater level. Hickman is playing the long game, getting us familiar with the lesser known characters before going all out later on down the line. The last issue that came out was awesome thus allowing this series to climb up a spot.
Last Week’s Rank: #12

Rank #12: The Superior Spider-Man
 Dan Slott should be commended for taking the risk and moving this series in a new direction. Relax people, Parker will eventually become Spider-Man again. Why don’t you take a chance on this series, you may even enjoy it yourself. It falls a spot due to the above average issue of Avengers that came out.
Last Week’s Rank: #11

Rank #13: Young Avengers
Ever since Avengers Academy ended I’ve been waiting for the next Marvel series starring their younger characters. While some may argue we already have one in Avengers Arena, I’m talking about having a series where the whole objective is to not kill one another. This series, with its’ first issue, has shown glimpses of what made Avengers Academy great but it’s still too early to tell if it can match the greatness of what came before. Also, who doesn’t love Kid Loki?
Last Week’s Rank: #13

Rank #14: Uncanny X-Men
Bendis’ companion title to  All-New X-Men debuted this week and debuted with a bang. Coupled with terrific art from Chris Bachalo and a surprise twist at the end, this series looks to serve as the right hook to Bendis’ one-two punch he’s delivering to the X-Verse. Also, it’s great to have a book entitled Uncanny X-Men on the stands again.
Last Week’s Rank: #14

Rank #15: Fantastic Four
Something about this series isn’t clicking for me and I can’t quite place my finger on it. The weaker of the two Fantastic Four related books by Fraction will really have to step up its’ game if it wants to hang on to its’ current spot especially with so many quality series debuting.
Last Week’s Rank: #15

Rank #16: Avengers Arena
This book’s premise is a mixed-bag. I enjoy seeing these characters but dread the needless deaths. I come into every issue hoping they don’t murder one of my favourites and breathe a sigh of relief when most of them escape unscathed. One thing I’ll say, the writer shows great skill in making me care for these new characters debuting in this series considering they’ll all be basically cannon fodder eventually.
Last Week’s Rank: #16

Rank #17: Secret Avengers
This was a series that I didn’t get pre-Marvel NOW but I decided to give it a shot considering Nick Spencer was writing and Hawkeye was featured inside. I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was including a revelation I didn’t see coming, a revelation that was also cleverly executed as well. So for a series I was originally only to get the first issue for, I immediately contacted my LCS and told them I want this as an ongoing. I can think of no higher compliment to give.
Last Week’s Rank: #17

Rank #18: Uncanny Avengers
This series is still young so it’s too early to tell which way it will go. From the man who brought us Venom and Uncanny X-Force, I expect nothing but brilliance. Sadly, it has fallen short on that front so far.
Last Week’s Rank: #18

Rank #19: Venom
  “Ever since Rick Remender left this series it has failed to find its’ footing. Perhaps the move to Philadelphia will spark a creative resurgence or maybe the return of Eddie Brock as Toxin will add some much-needed drama. Either way this book needs to step it up or be removed from the Rankings permanently.” That’s what I wrote before the latest issue came out. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of it, so pleased in fact that it made my Top 3 for that week. The reason? A brand new artist that did a phenomenal job and a more grounded, emotional issue all around. In fact, I had to check the front of the book to see if a new writer was involved and was surprised that it was the same one. Hopefully this wasn’t just an anomaly…
Last Week’s Rank: #19

Rank #20: Fearless Defenders
The debut of this new series caught my attention. I was really on the fence about getting it as Valkyrie and Misty Knight are two characters I really don’t care about. If the series keeps up the quality from this first issue, it is only a matter of time before my mind will be changed as it pertains to these two characters.
Last Week’s Rank: #20

Rank #21: Uncanny X-Force
Following up on Remender’s Uncanny X-Force can be quite a daunting task and sadly with this series’ first issue it didn’t quite live up to the brilliance of what came before. With that said, it’s only one issue so no need to panic and on the bright side it was still better than what Thunderbolts is currently offering.
Last Week’s Rank: #21

Rank #22: Thunderbolts
What to say about this series? It has no purpose being called Thunderbolts. A series that is going nowhere fast. My worst Marvel series I currently purchase.
Last Week’s Rank: #22

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