Once & Future vol. 1: The King Is Undead, written by Kieron Gillen, Illustrated by Dan Mora, colored by Tamra Bonvillain, lettered by Ed Dukeshire (BOOM! Studios) - An innovative twist on the Arthurian legends in all their guises. Great art. Thoroughly engaging storyline.
Monstress, vol. 5: Warchild, Author: Marjorie Liu, Artist: Sana Takeda (Image Comics) - Liu and Takeda continue their series in style. There were very few moments where I felt that I was missing something important from the volumes that I had not read.
Ghost-Spider vol. 1: Dog Days Are Over, Author: Seanan McGuire, Artist: Takeshi Miyazawa and Rosi Kämpe (Marvel) - Classic Marvel art style. Good story. Not exactly groundbreaking work, but still very enjoyable.
DIE, Volume 2: Split the Party, written by Kieron Gillen and Stephanie Hans, letters by Clayton Cowles (Image Comics) - Further adventures of people that end up playing D&D for real. Several mini-plots. A derivative plot culdesac involving Charlotte Bronte and her siblings. Good art. Decent story. Too much of the plot is dependent on knowledge of the past volume.
No Award
Parable of the Sower: A Graphic Novel Adaptation, written by Octavia Butler, adapted by Damian Duffy, illustrated by John Jennings (Harry N. Abrams) - Marginal art. I don't think the original work by Ms. Butler translates as well into the graphic novel format. At least in this case there was a lot of telling and not as much showing. I dropped out about a third of the way through due to the style of the graphic novel, but am now inspired to read the original book.
Invisible Kingdom, vol 2: Edge of Everything, Author: G. Willow Wilson, Artist: Christian Ward (Dark Horse Comics) - Unremarkable art. Unmemorable story. Not worthy of consideration for this award.
