411’s 2021 Comic Book Awards

Welcome back! I’m Steve Gustafson and if you enjoy discussing anything comic book related, you’ve come to the right place. Each week we cover something in the industry and I always enjoy your input in the comment section below.

Before we start I wanted to take a moment to recognize the passing of a long time reader and commenter, Pete “Excollector” Sampson.

Mr. “JackOfClubs” emailed me to share the sad news and while I never had the pleasure of meeting Pete, I always looked forward to his comments on various columns. I mentioned that even though everyone has different names/handles on the comment board, I always remind myself that a real person is behind it. From everything I’ve heard about Pete, he was one of the good ones, who’s missed by his friends and family. While his passing is sad, I’m glad to have crossed paths with him, even if it was just online. Everyone here at 411mania send our thoughts to his family and friends at this time. We’ll miss you, Pete. 

411’s 2021 Comic Book Awards
Welcome to the 3rd Annual 411 Comic Book Awards. I know we hear pretty regularly that the industry is dying and there’s no hope but I’m here to tell you that just isn’t true. We’re living in a period of some of the most creative and unique books out there. There is truly something for everyone out there. You just have to look. Let’s jump into it!

Best Big Two Publisher: Marvel
It was a close one this year but Marvel just edges DC out to take this spot. What gives them the nod, for me, is they took some real chances this year and while not all of them panned out, they showed they were willing to move the industry forward with some of the most recognizable characters on the planet. With some strong books starring Batman and Superman, they put out some solid Black Label selections that are worth checking out like James Tynion IV’s The Nice House on the Lake, Tom King’s The Human Target, and Wonder Woman’s Black & Gold.

Best Independent Publisher: Image
Every year is the hardest one to pick from but I had to give it to Image. For 30 years they’ve been putting out some of the best quality books out, bringing in some of the best creative teams and letting them do their thing. Department of Truth, Haha, Monstress, Decorum, Home Sick Pilots, and so many more. If you’re looking for something new or different from the usual superhero books, you’ll find it at Image. I didn’t even mention the best book of all…yet. 

Best Writer: Tom King
I know some may have a problem with this but Tom King is putting out some of the best books on the stands. Strange Adventures, Rorschach, Batman/Catwoman…and is able to balance mainstream appeal with finding the gem within even the most obscure comic book characters. I’m always curious whenever I see a new Tom King project announced because I know it will be something that will draw a reaction. 

Best Artist: Sophie Campbell
A surprise, to be sure, but Sophie’s stuff stands out and she has a great style that’s a cross between old school line work with a modern spin that just works. Check out her work on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and you’ll see why she needs to be given more work asap. Definitely one to watch…and cheer for! Another artist that I’m all in on and can’t wait to see what she’s going to bring to the table next. 

Best Event: King in Black
Started in 2020 but finished strong in 2021. I’m not an event guy but I found myself coming back to see what happened next. Knull and his symbiotes…quick work on Knull. I dug him. Good visuals, good origin, good motivation. I want to see more of him and integrate him somehow into the Marvel universe proper. There’s lots of potential there. So Knull invades Earth, leaving Eddie Brock / Venom, the Avengers, the X-Men, and a number of other superheroes to protect it. It was well paced and a fun event that didn’t over-promise and over-delivered. 

Best Book: The Good Asian
The best book Image put out in 2021. Seriously. The Good Asian somehow gives a new look at the film noir/private eye tale with a story set in 1930s San Francisco. We get a smartly written, amazingly researched book about a Chinese-American detective who is trying to solve a missing persons case but runs into trouble.  Writer Pornsak Pichetshote and artists Alexandre Tefenkgi, Lee Loughridge, and Dave Johnson nail a groundbreaking, must read for anyone. 

Best Hero: Batman
Batman is always a top contender but want to know what put him on top? Batman: The Imposter. Just when you think all the great Batman stories have been told, you get smacked in the face with something like this. Incredible. Set during the early years of Bruce Wayne’s war against crime, The Imposter finds someone other than Bruce dressing up like Batman and killing criminals. This sets off a world of questions and possibilities that will have you turning the page for more. 

Best Villain: Blacktop Bill
While you might not know who Blacktop Bill is, I urge you to find out. Grab Nocterra and the Nocterra Special: Blacktop Bill to find out why this is one of my favorite new characters to have hit the pages in years. Another gem from Image comics!

Like Grant Morrison? Read This: Commanders in Crisis
Writer Steve Orlando and artist Davide Tinto give us one that flew under the radar but deserves to be read by more. 

Best Comeback: Monsters by Barry Windsor-SmithDo yourself a favor and buy this today. 35 years in the making and worth every second. 

Best Webcomic: Batman: Wayne Family AdventuresYes, Batman is everywhere but this webcomic works and gets why the Batman family is so appealing. We need more like this. 

Tired of Superheroes? Check This Book Out!: It’s Jeff! Pick this up! It’s Jeff is a vertical scrolling Sunday funnies story of Jeff the Land Shark, who was rescued by Kate Bishop in Kelly Thompson’s West Coast Avengers book, with art from Superman Smashes the Klan’s Gurihiru. It’s a reminder of all things good about comic books.

Worst Comic Book of 2021: You know what? I didn’t read anything that deserves to end up here…so let’s skip it!

Share your Best below!

That’s all the time I have. See you next week!