The year 2008 was a real mixed bag for the comic book industry. Publishers released a ton of quality stuff -- and a good amount of crap, too. So, what lies ahead for 2009? Here's what I'm looking forward to reading this year:
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Vol. 3: Century (Top Shelf): I've enjoyed every installment of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and I'm looking forward to this one as well. I'm especially excited to see what creator Alan Moore does now that he's moved the series from DC to indie publisher Top Shelf.
Savage Dragon (Image): I used to love Savage Dragon back in the day when he was, essentially, a big, green police officer. But when he left the force, the comic seemed to lack focus. In 2009, however, Dragon creator Erik Larsen is, thankfully, putting his hero back in a blue uniform ... and hopefully back on track.
Green Lantern: Blackest Night (DC): Geoff Johns, my favorite writer of 2008, is set to unleash his latest epic starring Green Lantern. But this particular limited series has got me excited because it promises to bring back one of my favorite (and currently dead) heroes: the original Aquaman. Hey, stop laughing! I love Aquaman, and, apparently, Johns has big plans for the character -- so, stay tuned.
Image United (Image): Now this comic sounds fun. It's a "jam" book starring Image's biggest heroes -- like Spawn, Witchblade and the previously mentioned Savage Dragon -- and they'll each be drawn every issue and on every page by each character's creator. It's a novel concept. Let's just hope the series actually comes out this year.
The Flash: Rebirth (DC): Here's another comic by Geoff Johns -- this one brings back the Silver Age Flash, Barry Allen. The Flash has been just awful for the last few years; I can't wait to see how Johns resurrects the character and the series.
Reviewed materials provided by Heroes Aren't Hard to Find: www.heroesonline.com.