Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2009 7:07 pm Post subject: Whatever Comics Awards 2008 - The Winners!
At the beginning of January, we asked you to nominate your top three selections across nine different categories, all celebrating the finest the comic book industry had to offer in the year that was, 2008.
After your nominations were counted, we then asked you to vote for your favourite, often from a selection of the five who received the highest number of nominations in their respective categories.
And now… we are proud to announce the winners in this, our third year, The Whatever Comics Awards 2008!
I would like to thank everyone who took part; for making your nominations and then casting your vote. Many tears were shed and many arguments were held (or, maybe, that’s just at my house); however, it is now time to present to you your winners. But, first, a word from our sponsor, Batmanuel:
‘Tony Stark is (edited for content) and (edited for content), sucks (edited for content) Hitler. Read Most Wanted, True Believers!’
OK, moving swiftly on…
Best Writer - Paul Cornell
This was supposed to be the year that Ed Brubaker did what no other had done before him and retained his Best Writer crown for a second consecutive year; however, nobody chose to tell Paul Cornell this. Cornell, for those of you who may not already know, is an established British TV writer who has worked on many programmes over the years, including Primeval, Holby City and Coronation Street. Corrie?!? Not that this matters, of course, for Mr Cornell is the man who definitively stated his comic book writing intent (at last, I hear you cry) with Captain Britain & MI:13. Originally intended as a limited series to accompany Secret Invasion, Cornell’s Captain Britain captured the imagination of many comic book fans, including those at Marvel, who deemed the title worthy as an ongoing (shortly prior to launch) and confirmed, at last weekend’s NY Comic-Con, that the title will not be cancelled, despite internet rumour to the contrary. A remarkable achievement by a remarkable writer; one who fully deserves his Best Writer award, and, you never know, we may just see him again this time next year as Cornell is currently penning a Dark Reign: Young Avengers mini-series…
Best Artist - Terry Moore
We all knew the guy could write, following his stellar efforts on Strangers in Paradise. With his subsequent move to Marvel, and his working on Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane and Runaways, few would expect him to maintain his independent work; however, Mr Moore fooled us. Not only is he responsible for writing Echo, he provides the art too and publishes the title under his very own Abstract Studios imprint. Terry Moore is a creator unlike any other in today’s comic book industry, one who works tirelessly to present his own ideas; and one who fully deserves this award ahead of any other full-time artist who was nominated.
Best Ongoing Series - Captain America
In March 2007, the then-titular character, Steve Rogers, was cruelly assassinated in a nefarious scheme orchestrated by arch-nemesis, The Red Skull. A year later, and former partner, Bucky Barnes, has ascended to the mantle of Captain America; and this is the story that has captivated fans over the last twelve months. It is a testament to the creative team that Captain America is not only surviving, but thriving, delivering some of the finest story-telling you could possibly read each and every month. The consistency of quality, combined with the fact that, creatively, the title has maintained a ridiculously high standard since its (most recent) first issue in 2004 means we should celebrate not only Captain America here, but also Ed Brubaker, Steve Epting, Butch Guice, Luke Ross and Frank d’Armata for their sterling work. Long may it continue.
Best Limited Series - Secret Invasion
In 2006, Civil War changed the landscape of the Marvel Universe. We wondered how Marvel could possibly top that… and then came Secret Invasion, the culmination of years of careful planning, seeded by Brian Michael Bendis from his very first issue of New Avengers. Imagine an alien race who could be anyone, anywhere. As Bendis now-famously pitched to Joe Quesada, the possibilities are limitless. Secret Invasion delivered not only a high-quality story from two of the industry’s finest creators, but also enjoyed high sales each and every issue, thrashing its nearest competitor every time. Ultimately though, today’s epic can often be marked by what it established at the finale; and, judging by its heart-stopping conclusion, Secret Invasion succeeded. Prepare for the Dark Reign.
Best Graphic Novel - Wolfmen
Dave West & Andy Bloor…? Step forward, please, and take a bow. It wasn’t that long ago that the graphic novel appeared to be nearing its end; the larger companies rarely produce original graphic novels now and instead release a myriad of TPB’s re-printing six-month-old story. A welcome change of pace and a true breath of fresh air, The Wolfmen proved to be a fantastic read, with gorgeous art and an incredibly well-written story. If this is the future of British independent story-telling, then it’s welcomed wholeheartedly with arms wide open. And, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention that The Wolfmen is still available from all good retailers!
Best Moment - Tony Stark: Most Wanted
Tony Stark. Director of SHIELD. The world’s most senior, and powerful, policeman. Reduced to a man on the run. Despised by friends, allies and enemies, Tony Stark is now Most Wanted. His decisions when in charge have been questioned, and condemned. All he has left is what Norman Osborn seeks above everything else, the identities of those heroes who registered with the Super Human Registration Act. Where are they located? In Tony Stark’s head. Yep, this was 2008’s Best Moment; not only for the impact this held but also for what we should now see in 2009.
Best Comic Book Movie - Iron Man
In a year when The Dark Knight conquered all, it’s perhaps surprising to see a more colourful hero emerge as our winner. Iron Man delivered a compelling, character-driven, superbly acted, well-scripted, super hero movie in the classic sense. Few expected much from Iron Man when it was first announced; however, it was Iron Man who reinvigorated the super hero movie genre. Audiences flocked to see the film and only a select few came away disappointed. In modern Hollywood, a film can sometimes only be as good as the potential for future success and Iron Man has achieved here also. A sequel is in pre-production and Iron Man is also set for a starring role in the forthcoming Avengers movie. Ka-Pow, Batman!
Note: Even though Iron Man and The Dark Knight received the same number of votes, the former received more points in the nominations stage and therefore emerged the winner on a tie.
Worst of the Worst - Michael Turner’s Untimely Death
Words cannot express, or justify, how sad the above truly is. Michael Turner was an industry legend, honing his craft with Top Cow on Witchblade, before pressing ahead with his creator-owned project, Fathom. His battle against cancer has been well documented. We will feel his loss in the years to come and the industry feels somewhat emptier today with him. Rest In Peace, Michael Turner. We will always miss you.
Most Anticipated for 2009 - The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century
Well, if you didn’t know what to buy before, you do now! Written by Alan Moore, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen has enjoyed past critical acclaim and will likely do so again in 2009. Personally, I can’t wait!
In closing, I would like to congratulate all of our winners (although, perhaps not Worst of the Worst); we’re all looking forward to more from you in 2009. _________________ With Great Power, Comes Great... Potential to ROB BANKS!!! HAHAH! THAT'S HOW TO BEAT THE RECESSION!!!
Last edited by Robin The Boy Wonder on Thu Apr 02, 2009 7:06 pm; edited 1 time in total
I think it is we who should be thanking you, Mr Bloor! Let's hope it's the first award of many rather than the only...
Yeah, there were a few names who stumped me.
I'd heard of Paul Cornell, although knew next-to-nothing about him (other than Captain Britain & MI:13), so chose to research him. You can imagine my surprise when I read about his TV background.
I also knew nothing of Terry Moore as an artist. I obviously know the man as a writer and, when I discovered Echo as part of my research, I found a title I really, really want to read. And yes, the art does look gorgeous, although I think you can tell I was more impressed with how he combines his art with his writing duties on both Echo and his Marvel work.
And I've never heard of Secret Invasion. _________________ With Great Power, Comes Great... Potential to ROB BANKS!!! HAHAH! THAT'S HOW TO BEAT THE RECESSION!!!
I should point out that Wolfmen won its award with a near-enough landslide victory too, unlike many of the other categories. _________________ With Great Power, Comes Great... Potential to ROB BANKS!!! HAHAH! THAT'S HOW TO BEAT THE RECESSION!!!
What I meant was, it's still a thrill to have people say how much they like it (and the fact we're still selling copies proves this)... it could have been a massive faliure but it wasn't... and awards like this are just the best... made my day guys, thanks
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Though for a few of the winners I did have the thought of 'Who?'
