Redartz: To all, greetings! In this edition of "Rank and File", we shall start something a bit different. It was inspired by the recent column on digests, wherein mention was made of a particular DC digest. "The Year's Best Comic Stories" was a digest collection that DC put out for several years, gathering some of what they considered that year's most noteworthy tales. But of course here at BitBA, we have to push things a bit further. So we shall pick a year (for today, 1978) and 'nominate' ten comic stories released between January and December. This means cover dates Apr. 1978 (on the stands in January) to Mar. 1979 (on sale in December). Your job is to assess and comment upon our choices, and to inform us of any other tales we you feel should be considered. Then name the top three (Gold, Silver and Bronze). And one final detail: the nominees shall be single issues, even if part of an extended story arc. So, for example, if you are considering the "Korvac Saga" in Avengers, you might go with the finale, issue 177.
All clear? Then let's look at our nominees, in no particular order:
"Superman vs. Muhammad Ali ", by Dennis O'Neal, Neal Adams, Dick Giordano and Terry Austin. Aliens, boxing, oversized Adams art, and much much more.
Avengers 181- "On the Matter of Heroes" by David Michelinie, John Byrne and Gene Day. There were many issues of Avengers that could have made this list, but I chose this one. Excellent characterization, humor, drama, great art, and Henry Peter Gyrich.
Marvel Team-Up 79- "Sword of the She-Devil" by Chris Claremont, John Byrne and Terry Austin. Spidey and Red Sonja? Mary Jane in a pretty far-out role. Staggeringly beautiful artwork. Perhaps my favorite issue of this title's entire run.
Showcase 100- "There Shall Come a Gathering" by Paul Kupperberg, Paul Levitz and Joe Staton. An immensely enjoyable, fun mashup of every character that appeared in Showcase. And it works. One of the best anniversary issues ever.
Uncanny X-Men 114- "Desolation", by Chris Claremont, John Byrne and Terry Austin. As with Avengers, many issues here could have been nominated. But this one is a beaut, story and art. And what a cover..
Fantastic Four 200- "When Titans Clash" by Marv Wolfman, Keith Pollard and Joe Sinnott. One of the best showdowns with Dr. Doom.
Micronauts 1- "Homeworld" by Bill Mantlo, Michael Golden and Josef Rubinstein. A fine start to a terrific series, by a stellar team of creators. I recall being amazed how good it was for a 'toy book'.
What If? 13-"What if Conan the Barbarian Walked the Earth Today" by Roy Thomas, John Buscema and Ernie Chan. A fascinating, and touching, story with many nice touches. Perhaps the best "What If" ever.
Adventure Comics 462 - "Only Legends Live Forever", by Paul Levitz and Joe Staton. Death of the Earth Two Batman, and he goes down fighting.
Iron Man 120- "The Old Man and the Sea Prince" by David Michelinie, John Romita Jr. and Bob Layton. Shellhead's premiere team takes him to new heights, and with Namor to boot.
Man, that wasn't easy. Way too many good choices , and loads left unmentioned. So, what do you think? Do these choices make sense, or did we miss some obvious alternatives? And which would you choose as the top three? Have at it, crew...
