Posted in: Comics | Tagged: eisners, tales designed to thrizzle, the mire

Countdown To The Eisners by Cameron Hatheway – Best Single Issue (Or One-Shot)

Published Wed, 15 May 2013 17:30:42 -0500

Last updated Wed, 15 May 2013 17:41:32 -0500

Cameron Hatheway writes;

Myself being recently single, I thought I would once again have single issues while reading the single issues that were nominated. Especially if the single issue in question had any romantic relationships involved in the story. I have so many issues, you could make a graphic novel out of my life. Until a single issue highlighting single issues ever debuts, let us journey forth with this year's nominees. Today I'll be focusing on the Best Single Issue (or One-Shot) category. If you need a reminder of what's been nominated, you can find the entire list right here, and see what I chose last time right here.

Keep in mind I cannot vote for who wins (nor can you, probably), as per the rules. However, that's not keeping me from being vocal regardless!

Who is not eligible to vote?

Comics press or reviewers (unless they are nominees)
Non-creative publisher staff members (PR, marketing, assistants, etc.)
Fans

Before I get back to work on confusing myself trying to write Single Issue #1 so I can be eligible for next year, let the games begin!

Best Single Issue (or One-Shot)

Lose #4: "The Fashion Issue," by Michael DeForge (Koyama Press)

A twisted and macabre issue featuring three different stories; a metal fungus that's slowly taking over beings and buildings, the history of the Royal Canadian Family, and the spread of the Stacyface disease. It almost reminds me of an episode of Adventure Time on acid while Judas Priest plays in the background. It goes from weird to the intricately detailed in seconds flat, causing the viewer to pay very close attention to the illustrations on every page. DeForge fully embraces his style of storytelling, and it's wonderfully infectious.

The Mire, by Becky Cloonan (self-published)

Squire Aiden is sent on an errand the day before a great battle by his mentor Sir Oswain. Aiden must travel through the Withering Swamp to deliver a letter of great importance to Lady Ellyn, and wants to be quick about it so he can return to help Sir Owain in the battle. Little does Aiden know that the letter is actually meant for him, and Sir Owain withheld some vital information from him all these years.

Pope Hats #3, by Ethan Rilly (AdHouse Books)

The story revolves around two roommates, Vickie and Frances, living in Canada. Vickie is an actress who is about to get a big break, and Frances works as a law clerk at a prestigious firm. Frances just wants to work hard and not get caught-up in office politics, while Vickie encourages her to get out and live a little. Unfortunately Frances gets a first-hand account of office politics, and all the alliances and back-stabbing that occurs. Very charming and funny, Rilly knows how to capture the reader's attention in just a few pages.

Post York #1, by James Romberger and Crosby (Uncivilized Books)

Taking place in a flooded New York City, one man with his pet cat search the city's ruins for supplies, and barely escapes with his hide after being caught off-guard in one secret living quarters in particular. The girl whose home he was rummaging through catches him in the act, and sends him on his way after a good beating. She grows intrigued by him, as the next day she sees him riding a whale after freeing it. The art style is a gorgeous blend of Jeff Lemire and Paul Pope, all in black and white. The issue even comes with a flexi disc single in the back.

Tales Designed to Thrizzle #8, by Michael Kupperman (Fantagraphics)

Wacky, raunchy, and just plain hilarious. Kupperman lets loose and both entertains and delights with this issue filled with train sex coloring books, little-known histories of the moon landing and Bertrand Copillon, and hysterical ads throughout. The art is a little odd at times, but the writing certainly makes up for it in spades. Also, beware of Angela Lansbury and her murdering pet goat!

Who I think should win:

The Mire, by Becky Cloonan (self-published)

Cloonan is able to capture both the look and feel of the medieval fields of battle with ease, all while telling an intriguing story of a young squire who seeks battle but finds a different sort of adventure instead. Cloonan brings life to these characters with her unique and wonderful style, making things creepy when they need to be, and heart-wrenching when you least expect it.

It's an extremely impressive package, all self-published by Cloonan herself. You can tell how much hard work and love went into making this issue, for it leaves you with a feeling of joy that good storytelling is alive and well with stand-alone comics like this one.

Who I think could win:

Pope Hats #3, by Ethan Rilly (AdHouse Books)

The dynamic between Vickie and Frances felt so natural, that I could have easily overheard many of their conversations between my own friends. The art is simple, yet incredibly detailed. While being the third issue in the series, upon completing it you'll feel the urge to track down the first two issues, and continue on with issue four. Enjoyable and witty, Pope Hats is the series to be following before it blows-up in the near future.

Who I think should have been nominated:

Locke & Key – Grindhouse, by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez (IDW Publishing)

Taking place a couple of decades prior, three gangsters stop by the Keyhouse to lay low from a recent robbery. Thinking they're in charge of the operation, the tables quickly turn as the Locke's deal with them using the weapons they know best; the magical keys. A great one-shot taking place in between story arcs, Hill and Rodriguez tell one helluva bloody horror story.

Who do you think should win / been nominated?

Cameron Hatheway is the host of Cammy's Comic Corner and Arts & Entertainment Editor of the Sonoma State STAR. You can share with him your relationship issues on Twitter @CamComicCorner.

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