Just a Pilgrim

by Garth Ennis & Carlos Ezquerra

Dynamite Entertainment, 2009

First published in 2001 following his stint on Preacher, Just a Pilgrim is not for the faint hearted. Some may find the content difficult to accept or like. But just when I thought the story was beginning to become too gratuitous, it suddenly surprises me with a sliver of intelligence towards the end that makes me appreciate this tale.

The Brave & the Bold: Without Sin

by Marv Wolfman, David Hine, Phil Winslade & Doug Braithwaite

DC Comics, 2009

Surprised by how much I enjoyed the title cut from this collection. Both tales are essentially traditional super-hero team up stories on a smaller scale, rather than big crossover events . Great art as well!

Avengers/Invaders

by Jim Krueger, Alex Ross & Steve Sadowski

Marvel Comics, 2009

Good old fashion super-hero epic crossover with great art.

Leonore: Noogies

by Roman Dirge

Titan Books, 2009

This colored edition is my first exposure to the Lenore comics. Wicked and bloodily entertaining. I love it!

Stitches: A Memoir

by David Small

W.W. Norton & Company, 2009

An amazing piece of work. Simple and yet emotionally gripping.

Sleeper

Season One & Two

by Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips

Wildstorm, 2009

Wow. Political intrigue. Great characterization. And an ending that is heart-wrenching. Not for the faint hearted. But what wonderful storytelling.

Roots of the Swamp Thing

by Len Wein, Berni Wrightson & Nestor P. Redondo

DC Comics, 2009

Alan Moore's Swamp Thing may have been a definitive take on the character. But it was Len Wein & Berni Wrightson's stories that started it all.