2006 DC Comics Awards

[Jack Zodiac]

We're approaching the end of 2006 and another eventful year at DC. We've seen a bunch of new ongoings and mini-series, some breakout talent, and an entire company-wide leap in storytelling to a year after Infinite Crisis. Now, we single out the best! The best writers and artists, the best new books, the best new minis, the most improved over last year. So here's what we'll do. I'm gonna' throw the list up. I want all of you to PM me your votes and I'll tally them between now and January 1st. And here are the categories:

Favorite Ongoing

Most Improved Ongoing

Best New Ongoing

Favorite Mini-series

Favorite Hero

Most Improved Hero

Best New Hero

Favorite Heroine

Most Improved Heroine

Best New Heroine

Favorite Villain

Most Improved Villain

Best New Villain

Favorite Villainess

Most Improved Villainess

Best New Villainess

Favorite Writer

Most Improved Writer

Best Breakout Writer

Favorite Artist/Penciller

Most Improved Artist/Penciller

Best Breakout Artist

Favorite Inker

Favorite Colorist

Favorite Letterer

Favorite Editor

"Breakout" Talent of 2006

If anyone has any ideas for other categories, feel free to suggest them here in the thread and I'll make some changes. Remember, vote via PM, not in this thread. Use this for discussion alone as I wanna' keep voting anonymous. I'll take votes until the end of the year, and I'll keep track of who votes for what, so if anything changes for anyone over the next three weeks, I can change their votes for them. Now, get votin'!

[mrc1214]

It was really a toss up for me for favorite writer. DC has so many good ones its very hard.

[Tony Starkz]

Favorite Ongoing-Green Lantern

Most Improved Ongoing-Teen Titans

Best New Ongoing-JSA

Favorite Mini-series-Uncle Sam and the FF and Justice

Favorite Hero-Green Lantern

Most Improved Hero-Superman

Favorite Writer-Johns

Favorite Artist/Penciller-Reis and Daniel

Most Improved Artist/Penciller-Frank Quietly

[Sir Tim Drake]

I think there are too many categories. For every "Best XXX" category, there does not need to be an associated "Most Improved XXX" or "Best New XXX" category. I'm not even planning to vote for Best Villain or Villainess, so I certainly won't vote for the other versions of those categories.

[Tony Bang]

Favorite Ongoing
All Star Superman

Favorite Writer
Grant Morrison

Favorite Artist/Penciller
Frank Quitely

[Young Avenger]

Favorite Ongoing - Detective Comics

Most Improved Ongoing - Green Lantern

Best New Ongoing - Justice League of America

Favorite Mini-series - Secret Six

Favorite Hero - Batman

Most Improved Hero - Batman

Best New Hero - N/A

Favorite Heroine - N/A

Most Improved Heroine - N/A

Best New Heroine - Miss Martian

Favorite Villain - Secret Six?

Most Improved Villain - N/A

Best New Villain - Doctor Impossible

Favorite Villainess - N/A

Most Improved Villainess - N/A

Best New Villainess - N/A

Favorite Writer - Geoff Johns

Most Improved Writer - Bard Meltzer

Best Breakout Writer - N/A

Favorite Artist/Penciller - Ivan Reis

Most Improved Artist/Penciller - N/A

Best Breakout Artist - N/A

[Jack Zodiac]

I think there are too many categories. For every "Best XXX" category, there does not need to be an associated "Most Improved XXX" or "Best New XXX" category. I'm not even planning to vote for Best Villain or Villainess, so I certainly won't vote for the other versions of those categories.

I was thinking that it might've been, but then I was thinking about who my favorite villain has been this past year and how, while written extremely well, other villains had come a long way from where they had been last year and deserved some recognition for it. And then there are the legion of new or reinvented villains and heroes.

If you guys don't want to vote for a certain category, that's fine. Remember, though, private message your votes to me, please.

[mr_evilweed]

What category(ies) does 52 fall under? I'd like to nominate it for all.

[Jack Zodiac]

Mini(maxi)-series, and uh... well, that's it.

[Jack Zodiac]

Vote, ya' bastards! I've barely gotten a dozen PMs! :mad:

[ultramandingo]

Favorite Ongoing - All Star Superman

Most Improved Ongoing - JSA

Best New Ongoing - The Spirit

Favorite Mini-series - 7 Soldiers

Favorite Hero - Frankenstein

Most Improved Hero - I, Spyder

Best New Hero - "The Spirit"

Favorite Heroine - All Star Lois Lane

Most Improved Heroine - Zantana

Best New Heroine - Bride of Frankenstein

Favorite Villain - All Star Lex Luthor

Most Improved Villain - Morrisons Gorilla Grodd

Best New Villain - the Sheeda

Favorite Villainess - Sheeda Queen

Most Improved Villainess - Morgana Le Fay

Best New Villainess - Nasty, Luthor's niece

Favorite Writer - Grant Morrison

Favorite Artist/Penciller - Frank Quitely

Most Improved Artist/Penciller - Ryan Sook

Best Breakout Artist - Frazer Irving

Favorite Inker - J. H. Williams III

"Breakout" Talent of 2006 - J. H. Williams III

[Jack Zodiac]

Remember guys, PM, private message me your nominees.

Though, thank you Ultra, for participating, and bringing something to my attention. The Spirit is a very old character, but you voted for him for "best new hero." However, to the current DC Universe, he is quite new.

Ruling. Who here thinks we should allow The Spirit to be eligible for "best new hero" category?

[titanfan]

Yeah, I say let the Spirit be allowed.

Don't forget to consider 52's Pole Dancer as best new heroine! (Miss Martian? Maxine Hunkle? Pshaw!)

[Jack Zodiac]

Was Pole Dancer one of the Everymen Skeets set on fire? :p

[ultramandingo]

Ruling. Who here thinks we should allow The Spirit to be eligible for "best new hero" category?

i was kinda joke'n hence the " - " , but late'ly my dc titles have been about 4 books , so what do i know . batman didnt even know who he was , some detective !

( wheres the wildstorm-abc vote site? )

(1,000th post wooooooooo)

[titanfan]

Was Pole Dancer one of the Everymen Skeets set on fire?

She was in that scene, but she was never incinerated on panel. She could still be alive!

[LtMarvel]

Favorite Ongoing
Justice Society of America

Most Improved Ongoing
Action Comics

Best New Ongoing
Justice Society of America

Favorite Mini-series
52

Favorite Hero
Captain Marvel

Most Improved Hero
Elongated Man

Best New Hero
Black Adam, Jr

Favorite Heroine
Mary Marvel

Most Improved Heroine
Liberty Belle II

Best New Heroine
Spy Smasher

Favorite Villain
Black Adam

Most Improved Villain
Catman

Best New Villain
Ragdoll II (Secret Six)

Favorite Villainess


Most Improved Villainess


Best New Villainess
Georgia Sivana

Favorite Writer
Kurt Busiek

Most Improved Writer
Judd Wienek

Best Breakout Writer
Gail Simone

Favorite Artist/Penciller
Alex Ross

Most Improved Artist/Penciller
umm the dude from Trials of Shazam

Best Breakout Artist

Favorite Inker

Favorite Colorist

Favorite Letterer

Favorite Editor

"Breakout" Talent of 2006

[Jack Zodiac]

She was in that scene, but she was never incinerated on panel. She could still be alive!

We can hope, right?

[titanfan]

Best New Heroine
Spy Smasher

Not to nitpick, but isn't she a new villainess in Birds of Prey? Do you mean Misfit?

[shaxper]

Favorite Ongoing Detective Comics

Most Improved Ongoing Nightwing

Best New Ongoing Shadowpact

Favorite Mini-series Day of Vengeance

Favorite Hero Batman (Detective Comics)

Most Improved Hero Kyle Raner (Ion)

Best New Hero (technically) Black Adam (52)

Favorite Heroine Black Alice (Day of Vengeance, Birds of Prey)

Most Improved Heroine Supergirl (in the Legion of Superheroes)

Best New Heroine Miss Martian (Teen Titans)

Favorite Villain Lex Luthor (Batman Confidential)

Most Improved Villain Riddler (Detective Comics)

Best New Villain Skeetz (52)

Favorite Villainess Gloriana Tenebrae (Seven Soldiers)

Most Improved Villainess Poison Ivy (Detective Comics)

Best New Villainess Gloriana Tenebrae (Seven Soldiers)

Favorite Writer Paul Dini (Detective Comics)

Most Improved Writer Judd Winick (Green Arrow)

Best Breakout Writer Jim Krueger (Justice)

Favorite Artist/Penciller Jim Lee (All-Star Batman)

Most Improved Artist/Penciller ?

Best Breakout Artist ?

Favorite Inker ?

Favorite Colorist ?

Favorite Letterer ?

Favorite Editor ?

"Breakout" Talent of 2006 Paul Dini (Detective Comics)


EDIT - My bad. Day of Vengeance ended in 2005. I'll change my favorite mini-series to Justice.

[Gingold]

Favorite Ongoing- All Star Superman

Most Improved Ongoing- Batman

Best New Ongoing- Superman Confidential

Favorite Mini-series- 52

Favorite Hero- Superman

Favorite Heroine- Black Canary

Favorite Villain- Lex Luthor

Favorite Writer- Grant Morrison

Favorite Artist/Penciller- Frank Quitely

[Jack Zodiac]

Ah, well... at least you !@#$%ers are voting. :p

[d newton]

Just sent my votes in! BTW - are people reading the rules on how to vote or not? :(

[Gingold]

Ah, well... at least you !@#$%ers are voting. :p

Me am smart. Sorry Jack!

[Jack Zodiac]

Just sent my votes in! BTW - are people reading the rules on how to vote or not? :(

Nope. Thanks, Newton. :p I don't really mind. So far, I've gotten over a dozen PM votes and only a handful of votes posted here, which I'm still counting, so we're getting plenty of votes still. And if the momentum keeps up, I should definitely have at least a hundred by the end of the year, which would be ideal.

Not a whole lot of regulars are voting, though. I suspect more votes will come in the last week of the month. Thanks to everybody who's taken the time so far, though!

[Jack Zodiac]

Me am smart. Sorry Jack!

Don't worry about it, man, at least ya' voted.

[shaxper]

Nope. Thanks, Newton. :p I don't really mind. So far, I've gotten over a dozen PM votes and only a handful of votes posted here, which I'm still counting, so we're getting plenty of votes still. And if the momentum keeps up, I should definitely have at least a hundred by the end of the year, which would be ideal.

Not a whole lot of regulars are voting, though. I suspect more votes will come in the last week of the month. Thanks to everybody who's taken the time so far, though!

For the record, I DID PM my votes first. I just posted them in the thread for conversation purposes.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Yeah, I know this is supposed to be in PM, but I don't see any reason to make this private ballot. You can cut and paste it into a PM if you'd like.

Favorite Ongoing - All Star Superman

Most Improved Ongoing - Green Lantern

Most Improved Hero - Batman

Best New Hero - Frankenstein

Best New Heroine - Bulleteer

Favorite Villain -Lex Luthor

Most Improved Villain - General Zod

Favorite Writer - Brian K Vaughn

Most Improved Writer - Geoff Johns

Favorite Artist/Penciller - Darwyn Cooke

Most Improved Artist/Penciller - Ivan Reis

Favorite Colorist - Dave Stewart

Favorite Editor - Peter Tomasi

[Jack Zodiac]

Continue voting, peons! We're drawing very close to the New Year!

[ultramandingo]

Continue voting, peons! We're drawing very close to the New Year!
uh .........chinese new years?

[Jack Zodiac]

I'll Chinese New Year your face! I've been distracted this week by work and the Rick Olney thread.

Alright, after a little over a month, I've gotten around thirty votes, which wasn't nearly as many as I was hoping for, but still... here are your favorite books, writers, artists, and all that stuff from 2006!

Favorite Ongoing

Overwhelmingly, your favorite ongoing from 2006 was Morrison and Quitely's All-Star Superman. In only six issues, this book's snagged more fans that almost any other title, and rightfully so. Grant Morrison's a genius, and Frank Quitely has truly reached the high point in his career. This book will no doubt have some grand scheme, but every single issue thus far has been a great read, and an entertaining enough story for anyone to wander into any given issue and enjoy it without having to read any of the others.

Honorable mentions this year go to Green Lantern, which came in second place with you guys, and Detective Comics, which came in third.

Most Improved Ongoing

This one was a whole lot closer than Favorite Ongoing. In the end though, you guys decided that Green Lantern had come a long way from its beginning, and I'd be inclined to agree. After the "One Year Later" jump, Geoff Johns really started going places with this book. Sector 3601 and the new Manhunters, Cyborg Superman returning to the villain scene, a whole bunch of Green Lanterns returning from "comic limbo," and some impressive action following Hal's return to Earth. Ivan Reis really hit his stride, too, most notably during the "Revenge of the Green Lanterns" arc. I'd only expect the book to get better in 2007, too, with the foreshadowing of the Sinestro Corps.

In a very close second place, Morrison's Batman was just slightly inched out of the lead, with Busiek's Superman riding right behind it.

Best New Ongoing

Surprisingly, the best new ongoing for 2006 has only released one issue, but I think the consensus is that one issue was all it needed. Geoff Johns' Justice Society of America swept nearly every other book in this category. In one issue, we saw several of our favorite characters had undergone some changes, we met a few new faces, and had a murder mystery literally dropped right into the laps of our heroes, and the chatter for the next issue hasn't stopped. Johns showed us exactly how you should relaunch a title.

Not far behind, however, was Brad Meltzer's relaunch of Justice League of America. While I personally haven't enjoyed it as much as many other books this past year, it can't be argued that it's done a decent job of grabbing up readers, old and new alike. With a varied cast and some much improved art by Benes, I don't doubt that it'll continue to gain readers over time.

And in third place, only slightly behind Justice League was Morrison's All-Star Superman.

Favorite Mini-series

This was an amazingly close one, and I'm really surprised to say that it ended in a tie! While I honestly thought 52 would kick every other book's ass in this category, Gail Simone's Secret Six was obviously a very well-liked title. I know I enjoyed the hell out of it, myself. She took a crew of six of the craziest villains DC has to offer and made them... almost like a family (albeit, a very dysfuntional one). Brad Walker brought them to life with some incredible art very well complimented by Jimmy Palmiotti's distinctive inking. Six issues from one author and it tied a fifty-two issue maxi-series written by four different people. Who saw that comin'?

52 has been an amazing success on DC's part, both creatively and editorially. It promised weekly action and it's delivered without fail. Mark Waid, Grant Morrison, Geoff Johns, and Greg Rucka have all done some interesting things, and each of them definitely leave their mark, letting you know who's written which stories. We've seen a lot out of this book so far: some shocking losses, some amazing team-ups, a new "Marvel Family," Lex Luthor diving further into madness. Really, there's too much that's gone down to even try to explain, but the huge reaction to it, and its continued weekly success (I don't think it's dropped below 100,000 copies a week, yet) prove that it's one of DC's most popular titles this past year. Likewise, this year, 2007, Paul Dini is planning another weekly series to contend with 52.

In a very close second place, Grant Morrison's epic Seven Soldiers of Victory and its varied mini-series most likely lost only due to its delays. A great series, and an amazing revitalization of characters, concepts, and themes, it's yet another highlight of Grant's career. And in the opinions of many, horrible delays aside, it's exactly how a "big event" should be done. Taking a similar route, Marvel's Annihilation has had similar creative success with its varied cast as well.

And tied for third place were Ross and Krueger's retro Silver Age League story, Justice, and Palmiotti and Gray's incredibly off-beat Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters.

[Jack Zodiac]

Favorite Hero

No ifs, ands, or buts about it, you guys really !@#$% love Batman! After the "One Year Later" jump we saw the return of a more carefree Batman, and a more sidekick-like Robin. After their year-long trip, the Dynamic Duo got a lot tighter, going back to their father-son roots from the Forties, albeit with Tim in place of Dick. And, for the most part, the dark, angry Batman isn't around much anymore.

In a close second, Superman peeks out of Batman's shadow. From losing his powers to slowly regaining them and then some, Superman's looking like he's getting back to some of his Silver Age roots, with super-intellect and more attention to his Kryptonian routes on the horizon.

And... in a surprising third place was, uh... Detective Chimp. Seriously, I like him and all, but wow. He only got three votes, but that was enough for him to edge out Aquaman, Booster Gold, The Question, and even Green Lantern.

Most Improved Hero

And not surprisingly, you guys thought the most improved hero of 2006 was none other than Batman, for all the reasons given above. Superman, again, came in a close second.

Third place went to Kyle Rayner as Ion, which isn't too surprising given he's one of a few characters who went through some real changes this past year, assuming a completely different role as "torchbearer" to the Green Lantern Corps.

Best New Hero

This was the category I was most excited about, because DC has brought a whole lot of new faces into their universe in the past year, and I hope that most of them stick around for a while. With yet another tie, your favorite new heroes of 2006 were Jaime Reyes, the new Blue Beetle and Ryan Choi, the All-New Atom. Both of these kids are carrying on legacies they had no connection to beforehand. Jaime wasn't Ted Kord's nephew, and Ryan wasn't Ray Palmer's cousin, but both of these kids have accepted and grown into the roles so well already, with some higher sales and better marketing, I could see both of them becoming permanent fixtures in the DCU.
In second place, we had yet another tie, which was surprisingly fitting, if not just surprising, as Black Adam and Osiris both take the number two spot. Black Adam was just a handful of votes away from becoming your best new hero of 2006! Wait'll you see how he fared in the Favorite Villain category. As for the third place spot, that went to Grant Morrison's Frankenstein from the Seven Soldiers of Victory, who was an amazingly bizarre creation, even for Morrison.

Favorite Heroine

It wasn't even close, which is unusual, but Black Canary totally stole this category from the rest with an amazing majority of the votes. Between Birds or Prey and Justice League of America, she's getting more exposure than she's had since Johns had her in the Justice Society, and now that she's supposedly being worked back into Green Arrow's life, I'm sure we'll only see more of her soon. She's taken an unusual road lately, pushing herself to become a great martial artist and in the end winding up a surrogate mother, eventually leading to her seperating from Oracle and her crew. "Lying in the Gutters" reported a possibility of Dinah and Ollie getting back together and marrying sometime this year, so we'll see how that goes.

Now, it's great that Black Canary is such a popular heroine, but it's pretty sad when Superman and Batman sweep a category like this for male heroes, and Wonder Woman doesn't even come close to taking the top spot for favorite heroine. No, second place went to All-Star Superman's Lois Lane, who for only one issue had Superman's powers and a spandex costume, and didn't do much in the way of heroing, just excitedly using her powers for her birthday. And third place went to Zatanna, who went through a lot of changes in Morrison's Seven Soldiers series.

Wonder Woman would've come in tied for fifth, which is a shame, but given the way DC's been treating her lately, not surprising.

Most Improved Heroine

Coming in third for Favorite Heroine isn't anything to sneeze at, especially when you beat out Wonder Woman, so it's no surprise that Zatanna was the most improved heroine of 2006. She lost her powers, she gained a sidekick, she got them back, and she saved the world in the process, whether anyone else would know it or not. Seven Soldiers did a lot, between creating new heroes and introducing an unusual threat, but one of the most popular parts of the series was Zatanna's revitalization as a character, after being sorely misused or underused in recent years. Hopefully we'll be seeing much more of her in the DCU this year.

In second place, but very close, Supergirl was a popular vote. She's gone through a lot of changes since her conception, leaving Loeb's hands and falling into Rucka's, then eventually Joe Kelly's. And in third place, Wonder Girl, who was hid hardest by Superboy's death in Infinite Crisis and is still dealing with that loss "One Year Later."

Best New Heroine

Tight category here, but one woman came out on top of the rest. Miss Martian, the quirky little Martian girl from Teen Titans, was your pick for best new heroine of 2006! She's cute, she's naive, she's a powerhouse, and despite having only just appeared recently, she's your favorite new girl. Johns has picked her up as a member of the new Teen Titans, so we'll get to see a lot more of her in 2007.

In a very close second, Kathy Kane, the new Batwoman, almost beat Miss Martian for the title. We haven't seen a whole lot more of her, or even know much more about her, but she's been intruiging nonetheless, and is a key player in, arguably, DC's biggest mini-series event ever. And not too far behind Batwoman was Morrison's brand-spankin' new Bulleteer, Alix Harrower, from Seven Soldiers.

Three redheads. You guys are !@#$% predictable nerds. :p

[Jack Zodiac]

Favorite Villain

Without a doubt, Lex Luthor was your favorite villain in 2006, and I can't say I blame ya'. Between his silent battle against his doppleganger, Alex, the aftermath in 52, and his downfall "One Year Later," it's been a big year for Lex; but it should be noted that quite a few of you specifically voted for the All-Star Superman Lex Luthor, and I'd have to agree. Morrison reached deep into the character, grabbed his insane genius and egomania, and embellished the hell out of them. It wasn't even close.

Now, here's the funny thing I mentioned earlier during the Best New Hero category. Black Adam and Osiris tied for second place, yeah? Well, Black Adam, always controversial, almost made favorite villain, coming in second with quite a few less votes than Lex. Funny! And in third place, Deathstroke, between his cackling genocide of Blüdhaven, and his slow formation of the new Titans East Coast to rival the Teen Titans.

Most Improved Villain

This one was no surprise, especially after seeing how many people read and enjoyed Secret Six enough to vote for it in the Favorite Mini-Series category. The Mad Hatter swept this one. Gail Simone took his unusual mannerisms and made them something both twisted and hilarious, while making him dangerous enough to pose a threat to more than just Batman. Here's hopin we'll see more of that characterization in the future of his character.

Just behind Hatter was Catman, Thomas Blake, who has also enjoyed a revitalization of character under Gail's pen. And behind him, with just a few votes, was Kobra- the organization, I think, not the character himself, who is quite dead. But Rucka's really done some interesting things with the group, so I agree that it should have at least made the top three.

Best New Villain

This one, honestly, completely blew me away. Dr. Impossible, the "brother" or Mr. Miracle, from Meltzer's Justice League of America, was your favorite new villain this past year. Father Boxes and Hush Tubes, mysteriously in league with Ivo and some third-string villains, he was introduced rather unusually, but I suppose he was intriguing enough to get the majority of votes in this category.

Behind him were The Sheeda, as a whole, I believe, not any one of them in particular. And right behind The Sheeda was Father Time, the mysterious leader of SHADE.

Favorite Villainess

There was absolutely no chance in hell for anybody else! Gloriana Tenebrae, the Sheeda Queen, stole this category away. Seven Soldiers was an incredible event, and the Sheeda Queen was one twisted woman, so no surprise she's your favorite villainess of the year. No contest, Morrison did an amazing job with her.

Way back in the dust behind her was Lady Styx, the new alien leader of a galaxy-destroying death cult. And behind her, Knockout, from Simone's Secret Six.

Most Improved Villainess

Not a very active category, but still, the dozen or so votes I got for this were enough for such a specialized category. There aren't a whole lot of female villains, let alone those who could show any real improvement, but the majority vote went to Giganta, Professor Doris Zuel, from The All-New Atom and Wonder Woman. While technically a new villainess, she's also carrying on the legacy of the title itself.

Not too far behind her was Knockout, again. The former Female Fury has been one hell of a character with Gail Simone penning her (coincidentally, the lump sum of Giganta's writing has been done by Simone, too). And then right behind Knockout was Poison Ivy, who I honestly can't recall seeing much of this year.

Once again, all redheads.

Best New Villainess

Once again, not a very active category, but the response was overwhelming. Lady Styx, from 52 and Mystery in Space, took it. She's comitted genocide on a universal scale, she's killed some lesser known heroes along the way, and she's being trailed by Lobo, Animal Man, Adam Strange, and Starfire. We'll be seeing more of her towards the end of 52, I'm sure.
Despite being less voted on than the rest, this was still close, and Gloriana Tenebrae, the Sheeda Queen, almost took it. Just a couple votes shy of first place. And behind her, Doris Zuel, the new Giganta.

[Jack Zodiac]

Favorite Writer

This one was fun. While I was counting the votes, I kept seeing these two guys neck and neck the entire way up until the end, and by one vote, Grant Morrison is your favorite writer from 2006! Not only has he been writing some incredible books, Seven Soldiers of Victory, 52, Batman, and of course All-Star Superman, but he's really taken the lead editorially, throwing some wild ideas out there for the entire DCU. Odds are, you're all reading at least one book he had a part in. He's like Julius Schwartz these days, reimagining the universe for today's reader's, making it more interesting and more fun. Without a doubt, he deserves this.

Now, by just one vote, Geoff Johns came in second place. He's had a huge year. He kicked the entire Infinite Crisis event into gear, he revitalized the Green Lantern franchise, and he's had a huge hand in 52, not to mention his incredible relaunch of Justice Society of America and a more interesting year for Teen Titans. Very close, and if anyone could have deserved to tie with Morrison, it would've been him.

Not too far behind Johns, by just a handful of votes, was Gail Simone, who has come a long way in the past six years as a creator. Birds of Prey has done nothing but grow as a title, and all of its key characters have seen some great improvement over the past year. Her work on Villains United the year before set the stage for Secret Six, which was an amazing little mini-series that was huge with its fans. And she's currently pumping a whole lot of fun into The All-New Atom.

All three of these people have done amazing things in 2006, and I only expect them to get better as the years go on.

Most Improved Writer

No question about it, Simone has had a great year, and for being fairly new to the business (six years isn't very long compared to how long most creators have been around), she's left her mark already. While I think she's been doing as great a job this year as she has in recent years, most of you thought she got even better, which is why she's taking the top spot in this category.

Just behind her by a few votes, Geoff Johns takes second place in this category. Green Lantern and Teen Titans have seen a lot of great improvement, so I'm not a bit surprised. Tied for third place were Judd Winick and Brad Meltzer.

Best Breakout Writer

I'm inclined to agree with you guys, Darwyn Cooke, former Catwoman artist and pen and penciller for New Frontier, took this category after just a few books this year. Batman/The Spirit and the new ongoing The Spirit were both great fun to read, and considering he was mostly known for his art before, I was quite surprised by how great a writer he was, too. I'm looking forward to seeing more from Cooke in 2007.

It was pretty close, but Jim Krueger, writer for the mini-series Justice, came in second place. While not new to the business, this was, I believe, his first work for DC. Already having worked with Alex Ross on the Earth X books over at Marvel, Justice is shaping up to be quite an amazing story about the Silver Age League. And in a close third, Paul Dini had quite a few votes, despite having been an established writer at DC.

Favorite Artist/Penciller

Tight race, and they all came in just a few votes away from each other, but the top dog this year was Frank Quitely. His work on All-Star Superman has been nothing short of amazing, and despite its delays, there's no question that you guys are willing to wait for it.

Just behind Frank was Alex Ross, for his work on Justice, and his varied covers, which we'll be treated to again in 2007 as he's the planned cover artist for Justice Society again.

And in a close third, Ivan Reis, for his absolutely stunning art on Green Lantern, which again, while delayed every now and then, is completely worth the wait.

Most Improved Artist/Penciller

Not surprisingly, Frank Quitely took this one, too. His form has gotten much smoother, and the work he's done for All-Star Superman is perfect. Every character is spot-on, especially his Superman and his Clark Kent, who look remarkably different- enough to make it clear that Clark Kent isn't just Superman in a suit.

Tied for second were Ed Benes, who's pencils on Justice League of America have gotten a lot better, and Howard Porter, who's whole style saw a dramatic change. Benes, famous for his leggy, busty women, was former penciller for Supergirl and Birds of Prey. Today, he's drawing more male figures, showing us that he's more than just cheesecake. And Howard Porter, former penciller for Morrison's JLA has taken on a sketchier look for his work on Trials of Shazam.

And in third place, oddly enough, George Perez. He didn't get many votes, and honestly I couldn't see any improvement, but I think it'd be pretty hard to improve on something close to perfection.

Best Breakout Artist

Watching these votes come in was a lot of fun. We've seen some great new artists this year, but you guys were really impressed by Cully Hamner, whose work on Blue Beetle has made the title even more incredible than the fantastic writing. While he's not exactly new to DC, his earliest work being the Green Lantern mini-series Mosaic, this year has been one of his biggest, and 2007 is looking to be the same. While he won't be the regular artist on Blue Beetle, he'll still be providing his amazing, almost Kirby-eqsue covers, and will be pencilling the Black Lightning: Year One book.

In second place, Amanda Conner was a popular artist. She hasn't been as active this year as she has in the past couple years, but she was obviously enjoyed nonetheless, after her run on JSA Classified featuring Power Girl, her one-shot on Supergirl, and her upcoming Terra mini-series. And in third place, Darwyn Cooke, for his work on The Spirit and Batman/The Spirit. Again, not exactly new to the scene, but growing in popularity these past couple years.

Favorite Inker

Woefully undervoted, but Keith Champagne was the popular vote this year, with his work on JSA, the new Justice Society of America, and Green Lantern Corps, which he's also currently writing. Definitely a great inker, and we're finding out, an impressive writer, too.

In second place, Jerry Ordway, who inked some of Infinite Crisis, JLA Classified, and Birds of Prey. And in third place, Jamie Grant, digital inker and colorist of All-Star Superman.

Favorite Colorist

Again, a sorely undervoted category. Jamie Grant came out on top, though, again, for his beautiful work on All-Star Superman, complimenting Quitely's art with heavy ink lines and smooth coloring. In second place was Dave Stewart for his work on The Spirit, which is amazing as ever- Stewart also known for his work with writer/artist Cooke on New Frontier three years ago. And tied for third place, Jeremy Cox and Guy Major for their collaborative effort on Infinite Crisis.

Favorite Letterer

Almost nobody voted for this category. Still, the winner was Rob Leigh, who's done lettering for... just about everything. Justice League, Justice Society, Action, Trials of Shazam, and some great work on the Superman/Batman Annual. He even beat out Comicraft, who does every other book. :p

Favorite Editor

This one got a few more votes than the rest of these types of categories, and hands down, it was Steve Wacker for his awesome, tight editing on 52. Sad to see him go, but while he was with 'em, he did some fantastic work with DC. Second was Peter Tomasi, senior editor of the Batbooks, Green Lantern books, and JSA and Justice Society of America. Right behind Tomasi was Michael Siglain, the new editor for 52.

"Breakout" Talent of 2006

With only a handful of votes, Darwyn Cooke took it. As a writer, he's proven that he's every bit as great as he is an artist, so it wasn't any surprise that most of you thought he was the best breakout talent of 2006. Just behind him was Paul Dini, again, for his work on Detective, which has been some of the best Batman in years. And following Dini was his partner in crime, Jim Williams III, penciller for Detective and the bookends of Seven Soldiers. While not exactly DC, he's also done some amazing work on Wildstorm's Desolation Jones.

And there you have it, guys! Your favorites from DC's busy 2006!

[ultramandingo]

jezz , about time .....so wada bout the worst of 06 ...id say hands down " all star bat man " in all catgories . the bizzaro version of "all star super man" - nutty how most of the winners only had a couple of issues out . dc should cancel every thing at issue 35 - logans run style

[Cully Hamner]

[b]Best Breakout Artist

Watching these votes come in was a lot of fun. We've seen some great new artists this year, but you guys were really impressed by Cully Hamner, whose work on Blue Beetle has made the title even more incredible than the fantastic writing. While he's not exactly new to DC, his earliest work being the Green Lantern mini-series Mosaic, this year has been one of his biggest, and 2007 is looking to be the same. While he won't be the regular artist on Blue Beetle, he'll still be providing his amazing, almost Kirby-eqsue covers, and will be pencilling the Black Lightning: Year One book.

I'm flattered, Jack. Thanks! Even though I've been working for DC for 16 years, it's always nice to be "new" to somebody! :)

If I may make a small correction:

Mosaic wasn't a mini-series, but an ongoing. It was cancelled after 18 issues, of which I drew about a dozen.

Thanks again for the honor, both for me and for the new Beetle's "Best New Hero" nod. I really appreciate it.

[Gozwald73]

uh .........chinese new years?

Kong Hee Fat Choy!

[Jack Zodiac]

jezz , about time .....so wada bout the worst of 06 ...id say hands down " all star bat man " in all catgories . the bizzaro version of "all star super man" - nutty how most of the winners only had a couple of issues out . dc should cancel every thing at issue 35 - logans run style

Only the strongest titles will survive by outwitting the system!

And I don't have the energy to make a "Worst" awards, but if anyone else feels it, I'd be in!

I'm flattered, Jack. Thanks! Even though I've been working for DC for 16 years, it's always nice to be "new" to somebody! :)

If I may make a small correction:

Mosaic wasn't a mini-series, but an ongoing. It was cancelled after 18 issues, of which I drew about a dozen.

Thanks again for the honor, both for me and for the new Beetle's "Best New Hero" nod. I really appreciate it.

Yeah, really, the only "breakout artist" nominee I saw who was even kinda' new was Jim Williams. You, Amanda, and Cooke have all been at it for a while, you a bit longer than the two of them; but still, a lot of people were impressed with your work on Blue Beetle, a book that's attracted more new readers than old ones, so I guess you're a "breakout artist" to them.

Either way, well-deserved recognition, Cully!

[Karl O'Neill]

Favorite Ongoing
52 the comic
Most Improved Ongoing
All superman books (particulary the adjectiveless book)
Best New Ongoing
Justice soiciety of america
Favorite Mini-series
uncle sam and the freedom fighters
Favorite Hero
Superman
Most Improved Hero
black adam
Best New Hero
supernova
Favorite Heroine
cyclone
Most Improved Heroine
hawkgirl
Best New Heroine
batwoman
Favorite Villain
Dr impossible
Most Improved Villain
solomon grundy
Best New Villain
tor mazo? new amazo
Favorite Villainess
Plastique
Most Improved Villainess
lady stx
Best New Villainess
Amanda waller
Favorite Writer
Geoff johns
Most Improved Writer
Brad meltzer
Best Breakout Writer

Favorite Artist/Penciller
ivan reis
Most Improved Artist/Penciller
phil jimenez (he evolves always)
Best Breakout Artist
chris batisa
Favorite Inker

Favorite Colorist

Favorite Letterer
john costanza
Favorite Editor
michael siglain
"Breakout" Talent of 2006

paul dini (comics)

[Jack Zodiac]

Sorry, Grievous, you're about a month too late. :p