This year has been a deep dive into the comic books world as I have never experienced it before. Before 2012, I had no comics community to share my love with. Then I found social media and the flood gates opened. Now, at year’s end I’m here writing for the coolest comics websites and adding that feminine touch.

My favourites of 2012 are completely biased toward my reading preference for the year- DC Comics, and my love for female characters but there are a few surprises:

Top 5 Single Issues of 2012

1. BATMAN #13
Written by Scott Snyder
Art by Greg Capullo

The Joker’s bloody return to the DCnU was worth the wait. Between the disturbing revelations and mass attacks on the Gotham P.D. I felt like I was reading more of a horror comic than a hero book, and enjoyed every terrifying page.

2. AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #698
Written by Dan Slott
Art by Richard Elson

It was a comic I had to read over and over an over again. The first time I read it, the big reveal left me with flabbergasted feeling, and jumping out of my seat. With the second reading, I had an open eyed realization of just what was really happening. With the third reading, I fully comprehended the impact of what could happen in future issues. It was the perfect set up to an end run- or the start of a horrible epic fail. Either way, I was completely engrossed.

3. ALL NEW X-MEN #2
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Stuart Immonen

You heard me right, not #1, but #2. It’s in issue two that Hank is able to bring the past team to the future and more than just raw nerves are exposed. I wasn’t sure how I felt about this Marvel NOW! twist until this issue. Needless to say, I’m sold.

4. BATMAN #10
Written by Scott Snyder
Art by Greg Capullo

You need to know something, before this issue I was NOT a Batman fan. It is probably a horrible thing to say. I didn’t hate Batman, I just didn’t care. I’m not even sure why I bought Batman #10. That’s a lie. It was the big reveal about Lincoln is why I bought it. Everyone was talking about Court of Owls and what was going on, so I read it. I loved it. I now love Batman. That has to be one of the greatest issues for me in 2012 if it completely made me love a new character.

5. BATGIRL #9
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Ardian Syaf

Rooted in historical precedent, and emotionally charged, Gail Simone’s Court of Owls tie-in made me cry. That’s right, there was wetness coming from my eyes. It wasn’t sympathy for an over tried Barbara that did me in, but the backstory and sympathies for Mary the Talon that did me in. A story like this is a key reason I thought I would be missing Simone with her final issue, which has now just turned into a little vacation. Thank goodness!

Top 5 Writers of 2012

1. SCOTT SNYDER (Batman)

The man reinvented Batman like never before. From making us question who truly is a member of the Wayne family, to upping the body count in frightening way with the return of the Joker, Snyder slowly laid the ground work from the very start of the New 52 that is paying off in a big way at the end of the year.

2. DAN SLOTT (Amazing Spider-Man)

This recommendation is somewhat tentative as to how Amazing Spider-Man #700 plays out. However, he’s the only writer, all year, that had been saying, “What the heck?!” and almost jumping out of my chair after I read #698. I had never been so surprised reading a comic before, and I don’t know if I will again for a long time.

3. BRIAN AZZARELLO (Wonder Woman)

Love or hate Wonder Woman’s new origins, Azzarello has perfectly married ancient mythology and the DCnU. The stories are intriguing and highlight Diana’s undying devotion to those she cares the most about and that her greatest strength is her love.

4. BRIAN K. VAUGHAN (Saga)

His space opera, Saga, has become one of the most talked about books of the year and no matter how many cringe worthy moments are found in the story, I find myself coming back each month wanting to know how our little family is going to keep surviving.

5. GEOFF JOHNS (Green Lantern, Aquaman)

This last choice is a reluctant one on my part, because for me, it’s mostly a numbers game. The man wrote three of the bestselling series for DC this past year: Justice League, Aquaman and Green Lantern. Before this year, I never would have dreamed that I’d be reading Green Lantern or Aquaman; especially Aquaman. However, I kept hearing about how well Johns was making the stories different and keeping the characters intriguing. It wasn’t too long (about February?) I started playing catch-up. I now own all issues of those titles, so I must like him.

Top 5 Artists of 2012

1. GREG CAPULLO (Batman)

Batman’s artist has given the Joker a new face, literally, and it is already given people nightmares for years to come.

2. NICOLA SCOTT (Earth 2)

Scott’s Earth 2 Hawkgirl is one of the most beautiful characters I’ve ever seen. I cannot wait until I see the first professional level cosplay of this character come to life.

3. J.H. WILLIAMS III (Batwoman)

Batwoman has risen the bar on what comic books artists can do or have expected of them. It is no longer enough to just illustrate a story, but have the color, lines and movement bring you to life!

4. CLIFF CHIANG (Wonder Woman)

Chang’s current run on Wonder Woman is not his first, but it is defining. The clean lined, stark scenes mixed with the stories of such iconic ancient mythology is beautiful.

5. AMY REEDER (Batwoman, Halloween Eve)

Besides her work on Batwoman earlier in the year, have you seen Halloween Eve? Reeder’s clean art is fun and gorgeous. Forget the writer, I’ll buy a book just to see more of her work.

Top 5 Series of 2012

1. BATMAN
Written by Scott Snyder
Art by Greg Capullo

Scott Snyder has made me love Batman. I didn’t think any one artist or writer would get me to read this book on a regular basis. However, between the Court of Owls and the Death of the Family crossovers, I would now never dream of putting Batman down. At least, not as long as Snyder is at the reigns.

2. SAGA
Written by Brian K. Vaughan
Art by Fiona Staples

The emotional and horrific roller coaster that Brian K. Vaughn has put everyone on is worth it every month. This space opera has heart of family, vengeance , sex (and LOTS of it) and  heartbreak. All told from the point of view of the smallest and most vulnerable of characters.

3. THE WALKING DEAD
Written by Robert Kirkman
Art by Charlie Adlard

With the historic selling 100th issue and a television series that is drawing new comic book readers every month, you cannot deny that this zombie, apocalyptic drama series is no where near being done.

4. AMAZING SPIDER-MAN
Written by Dan Slott
Art by Humberto Ramos, Stefano Caselli, various

As I write this issue 700 has been leaked but not been released. So many people, even those who are not Marvel fans, want to know what is ahead for Peter Parker and if he will survive one of the craziest, yet almost cliché, plot twists to ever have been written for web slinger.

5. SUPURBIA
Written by Grace Randolph
Art by Russell Dauterman

It might be a title you’ve never picked up. You might think it’s too girly for you, or you just don’t care about superheroes housewives. Well, those are all the reasons that I love it. I feel like I’m reading about a television show I would see after 9:00 p.m. on a weeknight. I haven’t watched soaps since I was in high school, but Grace Randolph’s series allows me to indulge in that world as it has been merged with superheroes. The drama and danger is just great!

And…Most Anticipated Comic of 2013

FEARLESS DEFENDERS #1 (& #2)
Written by Cullen Bunn
Art by Will Sliney

Valkarie & Misty Knight, what’s not to be excited about? Besides that, by issue #2 Dani Moonstar is slated to become the third member of this nine or ten member all female team! This book is set to become a powerful message, in several ways, to Marvel if it sells well. Now, if it turns out to be boring or poorly done, I’ll be the first to give up on it. However, with a cast of characters like this and Cullen Bunn behind the wheel, I cannot help but be excited and optimistic!

I fully admit my list has a limited focus. I do promise I read lots of other books and suggest you check out my Tumblr and Twitter accounts to hear all about those (especially Supurbia, Fanboys vs. Zombies and Captain Marvel, which I seem to be focusing on ALL THE TIME.) Also I have a strong affinity for She-Hulk Jennifer Walters; yes, I’m reading FF, but still want her to have a new solo book.