Year-End Best of 2015 Episode

[drew]

We will be recording a Best of 2015 episode after the end of December. It loosely follows the Weekly Comic Spotlight Format in that it focuses on Marvel, DC, Image and Other publisher's "best of" categories. We have expanded this year to add additional miscellaneous categories.

If you would like to vote, we would love to see what listeners of the show think about this year in comics. You don't have to have choices for each one (although that would be great) just the ones that stood out to you. Here are the categories we will be discussing:

DC:
Series -
New Series -
Single Issue-
Story Arc-
Writer -
Artist -
Rising Star -
Book we wish more people read-

Marvel:
Series -
New Series -
Single Issue-
Story Arc-
Writer -
Artist -
Rising Star -
Book we wish more people read-

Image:
Series -
New Series -
Single Issue-
Story Arc-
Writer -
Artist -
Rising Star -
Book we wish more people read-

Other Publishers:
Series -
New Series -
Single Issue-
Story Arc:
Writer -
Artist -
Rising Star –
Book we wish more people read-

Miscellaneous:
Best Collected Edition (trade or hardcover)-
Best Comic-Related Publication (periodical or book)-
Best Digital First/Only-
Best Event-
Publisher to Watch-
Best All Ages title-
Highlight of 2015-
Prediction for 2016-

Thanks for Voting!

[NiklasJ]

Best of 2015 (with one month left)

DC:
I'm not a big DC reader…

Series – Grayson
New Series – Martian Manhunter, only new new title I'm reading. Killed the main character in the first issue…
Single Issue- Grayson Annual #2, nice to see a team up with likable characters even with the deus (L)ex machina ending
Story Arc- JLU #11-#12 or JLU #13-#15, lots of mixed B-C-list characters, much fun!
Writer – Jeff Parker, JLU
Artist – Greg Capullo, Batman
Rising Star – Mikel Janin, Grayson
Book we wish more people read- Grayson, Batgirl

Marvel:
I read way too much of Marvel, currently at 30+ titles (Star Wars included) with the feb2016 solicits… Having a hard time cutting down more since I’ve been happy with the “new” titles (especially AN Wolverine, InvincibleIronMan, DrStrange).

Series - The Amazing Spider-Man, simply the best
New Series – Spiderwoman x2
Single Issue – Any issue of Darth Vader and Howard the Duck (2015) #2 this one is cute and sad and adorable
Story Arc- SpiderVerse, awesomeness!
Writer – Dan Slott, AMS and Silver Surfer
Artist - Giuseppe Camuncoli, AMS (Dauterman and the colorist on Thor is close runner up)
Rising Star - Stacey Lee, Silk
Book we wish more people read- Captain Marvel, Howard the Duck, Weirdworld

Image:
Series - Lazarus (Low is also really good but the world immersion in Lazarus make it my top pick)
New Series - Injection
Single Issue- The Wicked +The Divine #11, beating out Monstress #1
Story Arc- Lazarus, The Conclave
Writer – Rick Remender, Low
Artist – Greg Tocchini, Low
Rising Star - Christian Ward, Ody-C
Book we wish more people read- Nailbiter, Copperhead

Other Publisher:

Series: Rachel Rising

Best Event- SpiderVerse

Highlight of 2015- All(notso)New-All(notso)Different stillquiteExcellent Marvel
(Bold)Prediction for 2016- Less Marvel titles numbered #1

Edit:
changed
Best Marvel single issue from: Silver Surfer #10

[erickowabunga]

DC:
Series - Grayson
New Series - Batman and Robin Eternal
Single Issue - Batman #40
Story Arc - Batman Endgame
Writer - Tom King
Artist - Greg Capullo
Rising Star - Tom King (Grayson) & Ant Lucia (Bombshells covers)
Book we wish more people read- Grayson

Marvel:
Series - Darth Vader
New Series - Darth Vader
Single Issue- Silver Surfer #11 (looping issue)
Story Arc - "Vader"
Writer - Kieran Gillen
Artist - Mike and Laura Allred (Silver Surfer) - close runner up Sergio Larocca (Darth Vader)
Rising Star - Team of Gillen and Larocca (like a Johns and van Sciver or Wolfman and Perez)
Book we wish more people read- Silver Surfer

Image:
Series - Fade Out / Autumnlands Tooth and Claw
New Series - Paper Girls
Single Issue - Fade Out #1
Story Arc - Autumnlands 1-6: Tooth and Claw
Writer - Ed Brubaker / Kurt Busiek
Artist - Sean Phillips
Rising Star -
Book we wish more people read - Autmnlands Tooth and Claw

Other Publishers:
Series - Star Trek ongoing (IDW)
New Series - Klaus (Boom!)
Single Issue - Lantern City 1 (Boom!)
Story Arc - Star Trek: Eurydice (IDW)
Writer - James Tynion IV (The Woods)
Artist - Carlos Magno & Chris Blythe (Lantern City) & Dan Mora (Klaus)
Rising Star – James Tynion IV (Cognetic, The Woods)
Book we wish more people read - The Woods

Miscellaneous:
Best Collected Edition (trade or hardcover) - Batman: The Golden Age Omnibus
Best Comic-Related Publication (periodical or book) -N/A
Best Digital First/Only - DC Comics Bombshells
Best Event - Secret Wars
Publisher to Watch - Boom!
Best All Ages title - Marvel
Highlight of 2015 - The Fade Out
Prediction for 2016 - $4.99 prices across the board hurting all but the major titles (Batman, Star Wars, etc.) and an overall drop in readership continues.

[Perseus]

DC:
Series - Batman
New Series - n/a
Single Issue- n/a
Story Arc- n/a
Writer - Scott Snyder
Artist - Greg Capullo
Rising Star - Tom Taylor
Book we wish more people read- Gotham Academy

Marvel:
Series - Star Wars
New Series - Star Wars
Single Issue- n/a
Story Arc- n/a
Writer - Jason Aaron
Artist - Stuart Immonen
Rising Star - n/a
Book we wish more people read- Kanan the Last Padewan

Image:
Series - Copperhead (Only Image series I'm reading)
New Series -
Single Issue-
Story Arc-
Writer - Jay Faerber
Artist -
Rising Star -
Book we wish more people read- Copperhead, Wayward (I'm guilty of not reading it yet)

Other Publishers:
Series - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
New Series - Invader Zim
Single Issue- TMNT #44
Story Arc: TMNT City Fall (not this year I know)
Writer - Terry Moore (Rachel Rising)
Artist - Joe Benitez (Lady Mechanika)
Rising Star –Mateus Santolouco (TMNT artist)
Book we wish more people read- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Miscellaneous:
Best Collected Edition (trade or hardcover)-
Best Comic-Related Publication (periodical or book)- Back Issue Magazine
Best Digital First/Only-
Best Event-
Publisher to Watch- IDW
Best All Ages title- Scooby Doo Team Up
Highlight of 2015- Star Wars comics
Prediction for 2016- Hopefully, comic sales will not be dominated by Marvel.

Thanks for Voting!

[SupermanFan]

DC: Astro City
Marvel: Powers (it's the only Marvel title I'm reading, from its Icon imprint)
Image: Invincible (also the best superhero title, which is sad coming from a Superman fan)
Other Publisher: Abstract Studios with Terry Moore's Rachel Rising
Best New Series: Rebels (Dark Horse Comics) written by Brian Wood, art by Andrea Mutti (and others), colors by Jordie Bellaire and covers by Tula Lotay

Here's to some more great comic book reading for everyone in 2016!

[bralinator]

DC:
Series - Grayson
New Series - Wonder Woman '77
Single Issue - couldn't say, don't read enough DC
Story Arc - couldn't say, don't read enough DC
Writer - Geoff Johns
Artist - Cameron Stewart / Babs Tarr (tie)
Rising Star - Tom King
Book we wish more people read - couldn't say, don't read enough DC

Marvel:
Series - Silver Surfer
New Series - Doctor Strange
Single Issue - Star Wars #1
Story Arc - Deadpool's Secret Secret Wars
Writer - Jonathan Hickman
Artist - Esad Ribic
Rising Star - Natacha Bustos
Book we wish more people read - She-Hulk

Image:
Series - Aja + Ada
New Series - Huck
Single Issue- Descender #1
Story Arc- Chrononauts
Writer - Mark Millar
Artist - Goran Parlov
Rising Star - Rafael Albuquerque
Book we wish more people read - Lazarus

Other Publishers:
Series - Escape From New York
New Series - Hellbreak
Single Issue - Fight Club 2 #1
Story Arc: The Primate Directive (Planet of the Apes / Star Trek series)
Writer - Jeff Lemire
Artist - Rafael Ienco
Rising Star – Rafael Ienco
Book we wish more people read - Any Valiant

Miscellaneous:
Best Collected Edition (trade or hardcover) - Flash Gordon Omnibus Man From Earth / Werewolf By Night Omnibus (tie)
Best Comic - Related Publication (periodical or book) - Back Issue! Magazine
Best Digital First/Only - Wonder Woman '77
Best Event - Secret Wars
Publisher to Watch - BOOM!
Best All Ages title - Devil Dinosaur & Moon Girl
Highlight of 2015 - Star Wars series
Prediction for 2016 - Marvel begins to lose market share. Too many reboots. Price increases continue.

[MrAloha]

Prediction for 2016 - Marvel begins to lose market share. Too many reboots. Price increases continue.

Dear Bralinator,

I like your prediction. Look at Howard The Duck #1 for $4.99 and it is STILL at that price for issues #2 and #3. I know Gwenpool is in it and there is an increase page count (40 pages).

The price break down is something like $1.24 per page. (Note: math was not my strong subject. Ha. Ha.) That's a hefty price for a monthly comic.

The sad thing is the price will drop to $3.99 when the Gwenpool backup story is done.

Again, I like your prediction.

Aloha!

[SpideySavestheDay]

DC:
Series - Astro City
New Series -
Single Issue- Justice League #40 (Prelude to Darkseid War)
Story Arc- Multiversity
Writer - Grant Morrison for Multiversity
Artist - Greg Capullo for Batman
Rising Star -
Book we wish more people read-

Image:
Series - Low
New Series - Injection
Single Issue- Wicked + Divine #11 (Major character dies)
Story Arc- Fandemonium in Wicked + Divine
Writer - Rick Remender for Low
Artist - Greg Tocchini for Low
Rising Star -
Book we wish more people read- Manifest Destiny

Other Publishers:
Series - Lady Mechanika by Joe Benitez
New Series - Ivar, Timewalker by Valiant
Single Issue- Book of Death: Fall of Harbinger #1
Story Arc: The Valiant
Writer - Jeff Lemire & Matt Kindt for The Valiant
Artist - Joe Benetiz for Lady Mechanika
Rising Star –
Book we wish more people read- Anything Valiant

Miscellaneous:
Best All Ages title- Lumberjanes
Highlight of 2015- The comic industry appears to be healthy. The big two maintain their status quo "corporate comics", Image produces hit after hit, and the other publishers appear to be caught in their rising tide.
Prediction for 2016- Marvel slowly abandons its 'social justice' movement in favor of traditional characters. DC increases its market share due to Batman v. Superman sparking interest in DC fans who went astray due to the New52.



*Edit: How did I forget Multiversity?

[MrAloha]

Dear Gang,

Here are my picks of 2015

Marvel:
Series-Ant-Man
Writer: Nick Spencer
-He is able to balance the drama and humor in that series and the current series: The Astonishing Ant-Man.
Artist: Ramon Rosanas
Colorist: Jordan Boyd
-Ramon Rosanas and Jordan Boyd, to me, did a great job on the previous Ant-Man series. And continuing to do a great job in The Astonishing Ant-Man

Best New Series-Extraordinary X-Men (Jeff Lemire (W)/ Huberto Ramos (A)
-Great concept of young Jean (Pre Pheonix who may destroy a galaxy) and Old Man Logan (Possible future Logan who killed almost every Marvel hero) coming with a different set of baggage to be apart of the present day X-Men.

Single Issue: Hank Johnson: Agent of Hydra
(Writer: David Mandell, show runner for HBO’s “Veep” and former writer of “Saturday Night Live” and “Seinfeld.” Artist and Colors: Matthew Wilson)
-This was a consistently funny, stand alone Secret Wars tie-in.
-One of the best scenes: MODOK leading some of the Hydra minions in singing “Amazing Grace” at a colleague’s funeral. VERY FUNNY!
-To me, writing a comedy book like this one is very hard.

Book we wish more people read-The Astonishing Ant-Man

Image:
Best New Series: Paper Girls
Writer: Brian K. Vaughn (Paper Girls)
Artist: Cliff Chiang (Paper Girls)

It’s Stand By Me (quoting Drew) with a science fiction twist (for now) set in 1988.

-Brian K. Vaughn writes each character with a distinguish voice. Even thought each of the four girls has a familiar trope to them, I can remember them. For example, Mac, short for Mackenzie. (something like the character Jo from Facts of Life)The first paper girl in her area that is a tough on the outside (smokes, and swears) but has a heart of gold.

-Cliff Chiang’s art is great. Especially, his first splash page in issue #1 where Erin (the first paper girl we see) rides off to deliver her newspapers. That’s a great splash page to me because I get the sense that this is a quiet, middle class neighborhood in the suburbs in the early morning hours.
-Matt Wilson’s colors are great because he uses different shades of color that are distinct in most panels that don’t blend together.

Book we wish more people read-Paper Girls

The best (or almost the best) company out of the big two: Marvel
I know they are not perfect (Secret Wars will end with #9 in January. Do I hear issue #9.1?! #9.2?!) and pushing interesting series that makes me go "Huh?" (Inhumans and Uncanny Inhumans).
BUT Marvel is doing a good job of keeping their comic book properties in the public eye and trying to get new readers.
And here are my three reason why I think Marvel is the best company of the big two. They are:

1) Comics

-They reintroduced some old characters in some of the Secret Wars tie-in mini series; such as, Crystar (from the late 1970’s. I remember the toy line.) in Weird World, and Starbrand (New Universe, late 1980’s) in Squadron Sinister.

And in new series; such as, Devil Dinosaur (late 1970’s) in Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, and Blur (One of my favorite characters from DP7-New Universe, late 1980’s) in Squadron Supreme.

And trying to tie some of their comics to the movies; such as, Rage Of Ultron (Original Graphic Novel) before Avengers: Age Of Ultron came out. OR setting up some comics before the movie comes out; such as, Dr. Strange (Movie comes out 11/2016) or Inhumans (Movie expected to come out 2018?)

2) Digital Codes and Digital Comics

Marvel offers digital codes on books $3.99 and over. There is no added cost for the codes. Yes, it is frustrating when there is too much glue on those labels. BUT, its smart that Marvel hopes that readers share the codes with their friends (that I do) in hopes of getting new readers.

Marvel offers their Marvel Unlimited (Digital comics on marvel.com) at a very good subscription price. I just signed up for this past Cyber Monday. To me that’s smart because I agree with TJ who said on one of the previous Trade episodes (And I’m really paraphrasing) that even thought Marvel may lose some monthly readers, they may maintain longtime subscribers in this format.

3) Podcast Hosted by Marvel Employees

-This Week in Marvel-Hosts: Ryan Panagos (Vice President Executive Editor, Marvel's Digital Media Group) and Ben J. Morse (Editoral Director of Marvel's Digital Media Group)
They promote the comics and anything related to Marvel (movies, TV shows, Cartoons, games, etc.) that are coming out that week. They have been doing it every week. (Never missing a week. They even release an episode after Hurricane Sandy (?) had clipped the New York area. To me, that's impressive!) As of 12/17/15, they released episode 216. And counting.
-That is how I found out about Hank Johnson-Agent of Hydra because they were promoting it on one of their episodes.

-Women of Marvel podcast. Host: Adri Cowan (Marvel’s Social Media Manager) and Judy Stephens (Manages the Marvel AR app) with Sana Amanat (Editor of Ms. Marvel) and Jeanine Schaefer (Editor of She-Hulk)
Started in 2014 (?). It spun out of their successful comic convention panels. It shows, to me, this is smart move on Marvel, because they know there are a lot of female readers out there.

Publisher to Watch: DC
It’s going to be five years since the launch of the New 52. It would be interesting to see how DC will try to attract new readers and lure back old readers, like me and a couple of my friends.

Prediction: DC will have major event that will bring back most of the Pre-52 characters; such as, Green Lantern, Green Arrow. And renumber majority of their titles. (Could Superman #50, March 2016 DC solicit, be the issue to bring back some of the Pre-52 characters?)

New Podcast I added to my podcast playlist for 2015:
Comics For Fun And Profit
Basic premise: Brothers Drew (older) and Kyle (younger) talk about the latest releases for that week, does reviews, and speculations.
They are two guys you would hear talking about their love for comics in any comic book store.

John,
As always, MAHALO (Thank you) for letting us, the listeners, be apart of your forum and podcast.

To everyone, thank you for your time reading my long winded reasons why I love some of these comics and so forth.

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou! (Happy New Year!)

[doctormo]

Hi Everyone,

Here are my thoughts. I hope everyone has a nice and safe holiday season.

DC:
Series – Batgirl (Brenden Fletcher, Cameron Stewart, Babs Tarr/etc.)
New Series – N/A any new series sampled is no longer being purchased
Single Issue - Convergence: Shazam #1
Story Arc – Darkseid War (Justice League)
Writer – Geoff Johns (Justice League)
Artist – Greg Capullo (Batman)
Rising Star – Tom King (Grayson, Robin War, The Sheriff of Babylon)
Book we wish more people read – Grayson (Tom King, Tim Seeley, Mikel Janin/etc.)

Marvel:
Series – Miles Morales: Spider-Man (Brian Michael Bendis, David Marquez)
New Series – Mighty Thor (started Nov. 2015)
Single Issue – Star Wars #1 (Jason Aaron, John Cassaday)
Story Arc – Thors – Secret Wars mini-series (Jason Aaron, Chris Sprouse and Goran Sudzuka)
Writer – Jason Aaron (Thor, Mighty Thor, Thors, Star Wars)
Artist – David Marquez (Miles Morales: Spider-Man, Invincible Iron Man)
Rising Star – Russell Dauterman (Thor, Mighty Thor)
Book we wish more people read- All New X-Men (started Dec. 2015 by Dennis Hopeless and Mark Bagley)

Image:
Series – Alex + Ada (Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn)
New Series – Descender (Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen)
Single Issue – The Wicked + The Divine #11
Story Arc – Poison (Lazarus)
Writer – Brian K. Vaughan (A writer who is able to get me to sample any title he writes regardless of whether or not I add it to my pull list.)
Artist - Jamie McKelvie (The Wicked + The Divine, Phonogram)
Rising Star – Nicola Scott (Black Magick)
Book we wish more people read – Alex + Ada (Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn)

Other Publishers:
Series – Empowered (Dark Horse by Adam Warren)
New Series – Ultraman (manga published by Viz Media)
Single Issue – Empowered: Pew Pew Pew (Dark Horse by Adam Warren)
Story Arc – N/A
Writer – Joshua Dysart (Imperium, Book of Death: Harbinger)
Artist – Sophie Campbell (Jem and the Holograms published by IDW) – I have been a fan of Campbell’s artwork for years, loved her run on Glory (Image Comics with Joe Keatinge)
Rising Star – Francis Portela (Ivar, Timewalker published by Valiant. Portela has a Faith, Harbinger spin-off, mini series starting in Jan. 2016) – I really enjoyed his stuff on Legion of Super-Heroes at DC
Book we wish more people read – Empowered (Dark Horse Comics)

Miscellaneous:
Best Collected Edition (trade or hardcover) – Fables 150 (aka Volume 22)
Best Comic-Related Publication (periodical or book) - Previews
Best Digital First/Only - The Private Eye (Brian K. Vaughan & Marcos Martin)
Best Event – Secret Wars (Marvel) – so far so good
Publisher to Watch - DC to see if they are able to course correct
Best All Ages title – Scooby Doo Team-up (DC) - I really liked the Harley Quinn & Poison Ivy issue.
Highlight of 2015 – Fables (DC/Vertigo) ending at issue 150 (Bill Willingham and Mark Buckingham successfully landed the plane.)
Prediction for 2016 - A new Legion of Super-Heroes comic with a solid creative team (hope springs eternal)

Best,

Mo

[clobberin_time_bs]

DC:
Series – Harley Quinn
New Series - Starfire
Single Issue- Batman/TMNT #1
Story Arc-
Writer - Conner and Palmiotti
Artist - David Finch
Rising Star -
Book we wish more people read-

Marvel:
Series - Spider-Woman
New Series – All-New Wolverine
Single Issue- Fantastic Four #645
Story Arc- Time Runs Out
Writer - Jonathan Hickman
Artist – Kev Walker
Rising Star – Nathan Edmondson
Book we wish more people read- Howard the Duck

Image:
Series - East of West
New Series - Mythic
Single Issue- Walking Dead #144
Story Arc- Chrononauts
Writer - Jonathan Hickman
Artist – Nick Dragota
Rising Star - Declan Shalvey
Book we wish more people read- Monstress

Other Publishers:
Series - Buffy Season 10
New Series – Mirror’s Edge: Exordium
Single Issue- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #44
Story Arc: 1st arc on Archie
Writer - Victor Gischler
Artist – Rebekah Isaacs
Rising Star – Annie Wu
Book we wish more people read- The Paybacks

Miscellaneous:
Best Collected Edition (trade or hardcover)- Marvel Best of the 90s Omnibus (there were enough good stories in the 90s to fill one volume!)
Best Comic-Related Publication (periodical or book)- Deadpool: Paws
Best Digital First/Only- X-Men ‘92
Best Event- Secret Wars
Publisher to Watch- Dark Horse
Best All Ages title- Scooby Doo Team Up
Highlight of 2015- Age of Ultron and Star Wars give Disney 1st $2 Billion Year in Movies
Prediction for 2016- #1s Considered on same level as foil covers by readers

[fudd71]

DC:
Series - Harley Quinn
Single Issue- Justice League #45
Artist - Brett Boothe
Book we wish more people read- The Flash

I'm Marvel unlimited so I have only read through July
Marvel:
Series - Darth Vader
Single Issue- Star Wars #1
Story Arc-M.O.D.O.K. Assassin

Other Publishers:
Series - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Writer - Larry Hama (G.I. Joe: Real American Hero)
Book we wish more people read-Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Miscellaneous:
Best Digital First/Only-Wonder Woman '77
Best Event- Secret Wars
Best All Ages title-Bob's Burgers

[MichaelCastle]

DC:
Series - Harley Quinn
New Series -Prez
Single Issue-Suicide Squad Annual #1
Story Arc-Endgame
Writer -Amanda Conner
Artist -Greg Capullo
Rising Star -
Book we wish more people read-Prez (RIP)

Marvel:
Series -Deadpool
New Series - Star Wars
Single Issue-Deadpool #45
Story Arc-
Writer -Jason Aaron
Artist -
Rising Star -
Book we wish more people read-

Image:
Series -Southern (bleeps)
New Series - Postal
Single Issue-Walking Dead #144
Story Arc-Gridiron
Writer -Brian K Vaughn
Artist - Jason Latour
Rising Star -
Book we wish more people read-Deadly Class

Other Publishers:
Series -Crossed
New Series - Fight Club 2
Single Issue-Rebels #6
Story Arc:Rebels 1-6 amazing historical fiction
Writer -Brian Wood
Artist -
Rising Star –Max Bemis(Crossed arc & has Xmen mini comibg in 2016)
Book we wish more people read-Crossed

Miscellaneous:
Best Collected Edition (trade or hardcover)-Star Wars Omnibus volume 1 Marvel
Best Comic-Related Publication (periodical or book)-Previews
Best Digital First/Only-
Best Event-Secret Wars
Publisher to Watch-Avatar
Best All Ages title-Avengers vs Xmen little marvel
Highlight of 2015-Image comics at the top of their game every month
Prediction for 2016- DC and Marvel announcing another reboot

Thanks for Voting!

[ChrisMyers]

Best of 2015

DC:
Series - New Suicide Squad
New Series Prez
Single Issue- Prez #1
Story Arc- JLU 13-15: Warzone
Writer - Jeff Parker
Artist - Tony Harris for cover art
Rising Star - n/a
Book we wish more people read- Prez

Marvel:
Series - Ms Marvel
New Series - Silk
Single Issue- Nova 25
Story Arc- Secret Wars, I hope Hickman can stick the landing.
Writer - G Willow Wilson
Artist - Takeshi Miyazawa
Rising Star - n/a
Book we wish more people read- Ms Marvel

Image:
Series - Postal
New Series - Paper Girls
Single Issue- Plutona #1
Story Arc- Birthright volume #1
Writer - Joshua Williamson
Artist - n/a
Rising Star - anyone with Mark Millar
Book we wish more people read- Copperhead

Other Publishers:
Archie: Archie
Boom: Wild’s End
Dark Horse: Father's day, Lady Killer, Rebels
IDW: Long Distance
Oni: Letter 44

Series - see above
New Series - Dark Horse Resident Alien: Sam Haines Mystery
Single Issue-n/a
Story Arc: n/a
Writer - Peter Hogan
Artist - n/a
Rising Star –n/a
Book we wish more people read- Long Distance

Miscellaneous:
Best Collected Edition (trade or hardcover)- n/a
Best Comic-Related Publication (periodical or book)- Previews
Best Digital First/Only- Private Eye
Best Event- n/a
Publisher to Watch-
Best All Ages title- Bandette, digital by Monkeybrain comics, print by Dark Horse
Highlight of 2015- my purchase of Marvel Unlimited, as much or as little as I want for $5.75 a month.
Prediction for 2016- Amazon will offer an all you can eat Comixology Prime subscription plan.

[Royal]

I don't have choices for all these categories, but I WILL chime in on those I feel most strongly about. Also, I greatly privilege small press/indie titles, self-contained OGN or trade volumes, manga, and webcomics, and most of the categories here reflect primarily the mainstream periodical industry. If you're curious about more of my own BEST OF for 2015, checking our end-of-the-year episode at http://comicsalternative.com/episode-16 ... s-of-2015/. Now...on with my choices:

DC:
Series - Astro City, Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson (Vertigo)
New Series - Twilight Children, Gilbert Hernandez and Darwyn Cooke (Vertigo)
Story Arc - The Multiversity
Writer - Grant Morrison (The Multiversity)

Marvel:
Nah......

Image:
Series - The Humans, Keenan Marshall Keller and Tom Neely
New Series - Invisible Republic, Gabriel Hardman and Corinna Bechko

Other Publishers:
Series - Last Man, Bastien Vivès, Michaël Sanlaville, and Balak (First Second)
New Series - Providence, Alan Moore and Jacen Burrows (Avatar Press)

Miscellaneous:
Best Collected Edition (trade or hardcover)- The Dharma Punks, Ant Sang (Conundrum Press) AND The Eternal, Héctor Germán Oesterheld and Francisco Solano Lopez (Fantagraphics)
Best Comic-Related Publication (periodical or book)- League of Regrettable Superhero, Jon Morris (Quirk Books)
Best Digital First/Only- Existential Comics (a webcomic, not really a digital only/first)
Publisher to Watch-Retrofit/Big Planet Comics AND Kilgore Books
Best All Ages title- Hereville: How Mirka Caught a Fish, Barry Deutsch (Amulet/Abrams)
Highlight of 2015- Wrap up of Fables (I'll dearly miss it)
Prediction for 2016- Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria!