Best of 2006: Single Issue


In this era of series written in five-issue chunks for the trades, it’s easy to think of comics no longer as a media of singular issues. But, amid this stream of epic events and ongoing series, we were able to pick out a few single issues that resonated on their own.

Photobucket - Video and Image HostingInfinite Crisis #4

Way back in January, I declared Infinite Crisis #4 the Best. Issue. Ever, and I stand by that one year later (okay, not “ever,” but definitely “of the year”). So much stuff happened in Infinite Crisis #4 that it boggles the mind. Just go back and read the thing, because I certainly can’t do it justice.
— Fin Fang Doom

Cop Out #1

I’m going to be lazy and declare a tie between Wolverine #49, the Joker / Robin issue of Detective written by Paul Dini, Superman / Batman Annual #1, and the issue of New Avengers that was the Captain America solo issue.
— Jim Doom

Photobucket - Video and Image HostingWolverine #41

I really, really enjoyed the relaunch of Jonah Hex and how it was written as standalone issues. Any of the first run that featured art by Luke Ross could be considered as my choice for runner-up. Much like last year, though, when Wolverine featured a haunting story set in a concentration camp, everyone’s favorite mutant had the best single issue this year in an unusually somber tale. Much like last year, it threw Logan on a special mission into a dangerous area with a clear objective. This time, it was to rescue an infant in war-torn Africa. While the writing was fine but not as good as that issue from last year, C.P. Smith’s art was so striking that I can still remember most of the pages, even though I haven’t read the book in several months.
— Jean-Claude Van Doom

Villains United Special

Bringing in Doomsday at the very end made me hop out of my seat. At the very end, when all the heroes they can muster stand up against nearly every villain in the DCU, it made me swell up with excitement, and, in a weird way, pride. Yes, seeing Martian Manhunter stare down a crowd consisting of monsters like Bane and Doomsday made me appreciate his bravery. It reminds me of why I enjoy comic books.
— Doom DeLuise