We count down 101 folks in the comic business who have momentum on their side in 2015.
Welcome to Den of Geeks101 to Watch: the 2015 Comics Edition.
Criteria for inclusion started with: we had to love your work.
Then it got a little tricky.
A few preferred to remain anonymous.
And thats where the dreaded spreadsheets came in.
When the results were all tallied up and analyzed, this is what we ended up with.
Dont get too hung up on the actual rankings, though.
If nothing else, tap the links below each entry to enjoy their work!
Now, on with the show…
101.
Fortunately for all of us, theres Matt Miner.
This was promptly followed byCritical Hit, exploring many of the same themes.
Michael Walsh
http://misterwalsh.tumblr.com/
Secret Avengers is a faintly ridiculous comic, and thats meant as a compliment.
Its also action-packed, very funny, and surprisingly touching.
Michael Walsh manages to switch gears between all three, often in the space of a single panel.
WalshsWe Can Never Go Homeis coming in 2015 from Black Mask Studios.
Claire Folkman
http://clairefolkman.tumblr.com/
Over the past decade, Philadelphia has become a hub for comics talent.
Each thematically linked issue is further proof of how girl power is thriving within the comics industry.
and Shelli Paroline and Braden Lamb provided the visuals for Ryan Norths story.
Greek mythology, dinosaurs, flying saucers, dinosaurs piloting flying saucers…this book had it all.
Buy everything they put out in 2015, hey.
Ms. Lotay will continue withBodiesfor Vertigo into 2015.
Jeremy Whitley
http://princelesscomic.tumblr.com/
Whitley has several series coming out this year.
Pat Brosseaus lettering deserves a shout, as well.
Add Symons and Reynolds to your comic reading diet as soon as humanly possible.
Man, hes giving Charles Soule a run for his money.
To give you an idea of what the man can do, hes currently writing the BOOM!
Bully to you, man.
Although the setting may be different, her signature style is still there.
Hunters detail and love of tokusatsu elevate the comic in to one of the best homages of the genre.
Rick Spears wroteAxis: Carnageand dear Lord was it a hoot.
HisDeadpoolissues sadly only tend to come once every several months, not counting his miniseriesDeadpools Art of War.
Kevin Shinick
http://shiniscope.wordpress.com/
Kevin Shinick knows his way around villains.
Hes currently scripting BOOM!
Ryan North
Adventure Time.
So, whats next for Ryan North?
That would beThe Unbeatable Squirrel Girlfor Marvel with Erica Henderson.
If only he would stop choosing such interesting projects…
77.
Frank J. Barbiere
http://www.atlasincognita.com/
Five Ghostsfirst brought Frank J. Barbiere to our attention.
Thankfully, that piece of supernatural pulp madness became an ongoing series from Image.
A prolific writer, but also a versatile one, and a name were always happy to see.
Caleb Goellner
http://www.taskforceradsquad.com/
73.
Paul Pope
Never the most prolific creator, Paul Pope sure does makes em count.
Ryan Brownes deliberately insane space saga presents visceral thrills to readers thirsty for comic thrills off the beaten path.
Marvelwith G. Willow Wilson.
Its showtime again, Synergy, and we love it.
Taking place in 2061, Esteps future version of the Fantastic Four has a light touch to it.
The linework is crisp and thin and her coloring is full of light.
The comic frequently features white inking.
Greg Tocchini
http://gregtocchini.blogspot.com/
Rick Remender and Greg TocchinisLowis the underwater space opera you never thought was possible.
Sci-fi like this is often only as good as the visuals in the world that surrounds it.
Fortunately, Greg Tocchini is very, very good.
(For those unfamiliar with the Oaf, think Bluto from Popeye but gay and really into kittens).
Wards lush art brought the complex world ofODY-Cto life.
Alex de Campi
Comics leading lady of horror and mayhem.
Hes a co-writer on Batgirl with Cameron Stewart, and is also writingGotham Academywith Becky Cloonan.
Thats a heck of a resume.
If you see his name on a book, we suggest you purchase it.
We eagerly await her work on BOOM!
Studios upcomingAdventure Time: Marceline Gone Adrift.
Jason Fabok
http://jasonfabok.blogspot.com/
Justice Leagueis DCs flagship title.
In short, as the Justice League title goes, so goes the rest of the DC Universe.
He delivers clean, slick, big-screen ready superheroics on the page.
We believe DCs flagship title is in good hands.
Getting back on that horse.
Keep riding, sir.
Bunn is a constant presence in the DC Universe as well with his work onSinestroand his reimagining of Lobo.
Jason Latour
http://jasonlatour.blogspot.com/
Southern Bastardsartist and co-creator Jason Latour created the character find of 2014, Spider-Gwen.
It might have been the best single issue of the year.
Plus, he will continue his brilliant art on ImagesSouthern Bastardswith Jason Aaron.
Derek Charm
Derek Charms comics tend to fall in to one of two categories.
Christy Blanch
http://www.teachingwithcomics.com/
Christy Blanch is comics true renaissance woman.
We can use more like her.
Joshua Dysart
http://www.joshuadysart.com/wp/
Dysart has been Mr. Valiant since the company relaunched a few years back.
Be safe Mr. Dysart, you are an inspiration.
Matteo Scalera
http://matteoscalera.deviantart.com/
ImagesBlack Scienceis one of the most compelling reads on the stands today.
Every month, with writer Rick Remender, Scalera visual presents a world of endless possibilities.
Scalera is an artist of boundless imagination, one the industry is lucky to have.
Lisa Hanawalt
The woman behindI Want YouandMy Dirty Dumb Eyesshould be getting more exposure than ever.
On top of her brilliant comics work, she also gave Netflix animated original seriesBojack Horsemanits distinctive look.
Nick Spencer
http://nickspencerly.tumblr.com/
Superior Foes of Spider-Manwas one of the hippest and funniest books of 2014.
2015s going to feature a lot more Marvel output from Erica asUnbeatable Squirrel Girldebuts in January.
2014 was the year of Ms. Marvel; 2015 will be the year of the Squirrel.
Francesco Francavilla
http://www.francescofrancavilla.com/
38/39.
Obviously, it was one of ourmost praised OGNs of 2014.
Sims is currently working with Joe Hunter on the self-publishedRadical Guardian Skater X, a loving homage toKamen Rider.
Jeff Parker
God, Jeff Parker.
Where do you even begin?
We could talk about a lot of things.
His rocking graphic novelMeteor Men.
Being the writer synonymous with Flash (ah-AH!)
Aquaman is really cool!
Look at how cool he is!
Hes not lame at all!
Believe me, hey!).
But the biggest thing about Jeff Parker coming up?
TheBatman 66version of Lord Death Man.
Theres still one more issue ofHawkeyecoming with Annie Wu art before that series concludes.
Were greedy, though, and want more…on any book.
In 2015, patient fans with taste should eagerly anticipate the release ofOptic Nerve#14.
Well tell you what.
Its happening (with Mark Waid, no less), and with Ms.
Staples on art, it cant miss.
Meanwhile, maySagacontinue on forever…
29.
And then there was his hauntingGenesisfor Image to consider.
Illustrated by Michael Gaydos, the Philadelphia-set dark cop story will anchor Dark Circles new superhero line.
For years, the two have won over many with their podcastThe Thrilling Adventure Hour.
Beyond BeliefandThe Thrilling Adventure Hour Presents… Sparks Nevada: Marshall on Mars.
Have you been readingDeadpool?
One could make the argument that its the best take on the character in years, possibly ever.
Keep that love going.
Seriously, theres a sentient bomb who loves dessert and simply the best MODOK tale you will ever read.
If you havent, youre missing out on one of the most beautifully drawn comics on the market.
For those with more traditional superhero tastes, seek out her 2012Doctor Strangegraphic novel with Greg Pak.
It was more than just a great costume design, it was a genuine breath of fresh air.
And that was just how 2014startedfor the duo.
We figured maybe aPhonogramrevival was next.
ThenBitch Planet#1 came out and we realized, no, Ms. DeConnick is only getting started.
This is in addition to her usual ongoing brilliance onPretty DeadlyandCaptain Marvel.
Babs Tarr
Its been a big year for Babs Tarr.
The man has been piling on the quality and the momentum shows no sign of stopping.
They gave him the ball so many times that he was practically juggling.
It proved his work ethic is beyond reproach and its earned him a Marvel-exclusive contract.
G. Willow Wilson
This entry could be two words long: Ms. Marvel.
Heres to much more from Ms. Wilson, and more books likeMs.
Expect more of the same in 2015, along with his scripting duties on Foxs upcomingRiverdaleseries.
It probably goes without saying that we missed some of your favorites.
