Posted in: Comics | Tagged: adventure time, bandette, Comics, eisners, fatale, hawkeye, saga

Countdown To The Eisners by Cameron Hatheway – Best New Series

Published Sat, 18 May 2013 08:00:11 -0500

Cameron Hatheway writes;

Hey remember last year when this category didn't even exist because the judges cited there were 'not enough contenders that reached the level of quality they were looking for?' Good times. Glad to see they brought the category back this year, despite axing the Best Limited Series category in its place. As you saw from the Best Continuing Series coverage, a few of the nominees are repeats, but seem to fit much better here. Moving on, today I'll be focusing on the Best New Series 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 editing Layman's Mars Attacks SHOwtime miniseries so I can be eligible for next year, let the games begin!

Best New Series

Adventure Time, by Ryan North, Shelli Paroline, and Braden Lamb (kaboom!)

A wonderful comic spin-off from the animated show, Adventure Time offers great fun for diehard fans and casual observers alike. Featuring a main story that spans several issues (first being about the Lich King, the second revolving around time travel) and several back-ups by a whole roster of talented individuals, this series is totally mathematical for readers of all ages. Be sure to look carefully for Ryan North's commentary at the bottom of almost every page.

Bandette, by Paul Tobin and Colleen Coover (Monkeybrain)

A delightful little series from Monkeybrain, Bandette follows the thief of the same name as she steals from the bad guys and keeps some of the spoils for herself. Sometimes she's hired to retrieve valuable items that find their way into the wrong hands, sometimes she's called by the police inspector for help. Bandette with the help of her crew the Urchins have their ways of getting certain items back. Absolutely gorgeous art from Colleen Coover, and fun storytelling by Paul Tobin.

Fatale, by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips (Image)

A beautiful woman with a mysterious past, a reporter in too deep, and human sacrifices for supernatural beings. The latest collaboration between Brubaker and Phillips, Fatale is a wonderful blend of noir, science-fiction, and horror with a dash of the occult for good measure.

Hawkeye, by Matt Fraction and David Aja (Marvel)

This is not your average superhero comic. Instead of fighting crime on a global scale, Fraction and Aja take Clint Barton and have him patrol just his own turf in New York City. The supporting cast of characters is great, and Aja's use of color and facial expressions are just plain fantastic.

Saga, by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples (Image)

The series that brought Vaughan back to the comics medium definitely lives up to the hype. Telling a story reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet meets The Fifth Element, Vaughan and Staples throw us in the middle of a galactic war where magic and science are frequently being used in battle. Immediately you care for Marko and Alana, and hope that Hazel is going to live to tell the tale of how her parents first met.

Who I think should win:
Saga, by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples (Image)

Many people were afraid that Vaughan's return to comics was going to be all hype, and disappointing overall. It was safe to say by the end of the first issue that BKV was back and better than ever, introducing us to one of the most original comics in recent memory. Staples flawlessly executes the big ideas, and the creative team works perfectly in unison as if they've been doing this series for the past five years.

With the series barely in its teens, it has quickly become the must-read comic of fans from all walks of the medium. By the second issue, people realized they were witnessing the birth of something beautiful. Vaughan and Staples show no signs of slowing down with their second year approaching, which only causes the loyal fanbase to get that much giddier.

Who I think could win:
Hawkeye, by Matt Fraction and David Aja (Marvel)

I know I said this could win in the Best Continuing Series category as well, and it's because it's that well-liked by so many people. Taking a character like Hawkeye and making a successful ongoing series is no small feat, and yet Fraction and Aja make it look easy. The covers and interiors by Aja are major eye-candy, and Fraction's stories and dialogue make it one of the best titles at Marvel right now.

Who I think should have been nominated:
Conan the Barbarian, by Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan (Dark Horse)

Focusing on the early beginnings of everyone's favorite barbarian, Wood and Cloonan bring a fresh new take on the character with great stories paired with fantastic art.

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 make plans to visit the planet Sextillion with him on Twitter @CamComicCorner.

Enjoyed this? Please share on social media!