TOP 100 COMIC RUN INDEX

I thought I might make it easier to review the Top 100 comic runs with a nice little index

Here's a master list with the links to each post, enjoy.

TOP 100 COMIC RUN RUNNERS UP part 1
153 (tie). Kevin Smith and Joe Quesada’s Daredevil – 50 points (1 first place vote)
153 (tie). Jim Shooter’s Avengers – 50 points (1 first place vote)
153 (tie). John Ostrander’s GrimJack – 50 points (1 first place vote)
153 (tie). David Lapham’s Stray Bullets – 50 points
153 (tie). Keith Giffen and Robert Loren Fleming’s Ambush Bug – 50 points
153 (tie). Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips’ Criminal – 50 points
151 (tie). Louise Simonson’s Power Pack – 51 points (1 first place vote)
151 (tie). Alan Moore and Alan Davis’s Captain Britain – 51 points
149 (tie). Warren Ellis and Ben Templesmith’s Fell - 52 points (1 first place vote)
149 (tie). Chuck Dixon’s Nighwing – 52 points
146 (tie). Grant Morrison’s Seven Soldiers –53 points
146 (tie). Gerry Conway’s Justice League of America – 53 points
146 (tie). Carl Barks’ Uncle Scrooge – 53 points (1 first place vote)
144 (tie). Mark Millar’s Authority –54 points
144 (tie). Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum’s X-Men –54 points
141 (tie). Joseph Michael Straczynski’s Supreme Power – 55 points
141 (tie). Ann Nocenti & John Romita Jr.’s Daredevil –55 points (1 first place vote)
141 (tie). Mike and Laura Allred’s Madman –55 points
139 (tie). Roy Thomas’ Conan – 56 points
139 (tie). Jim Shooter’s Legion of Superheroes - 56 points (1 first place vote)
137 (tie). Grant Morrison’s Zenith – 57 points
137 (tie). Fabian Nicieza’s Thunderbolts – 57 points (1 first place vote)
136. Steve Gerber’s Defenders – 58 points (1 first place vote
134 (tie). Ed Brubaker’s Catwoman – 62 points
134 (tie). Brian Michael Bendis’ Avengers – 62 points (1 first place vote
133. Roy Thomas’ All Star Squadron – 63 points
132. Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson’s Swamp Thing – 64 points (2 first place votes)
130 (tie). Robert Kirkman’s Walking Dead – 65 points
130 (tie). Peter Bagge’s Hate – 65 points
129. William Messner-Loeb’s Flash – 66 points (1 first place vote)

TOP 100 COMIC RUN RUNNERS UP Part 2
126 (tie). Roger Stern’s Doctor Strange – 68 points
126 (tie). Larry Hama’s GI Joe – 68 points (1 first place vote)
126 (tie). Mike Grell’s Sable – 68 points
125. Sam Kieth’s The Maxx – 70 points
123 (tie). Matt Wagner's Sandman Mystery Theatre – 71 points
123 (tie). Steve Englehart’s Captain America – 71 points
122. Peter David’s X-Factor (Second run) – 72 points
120 (tie). Jim Steranko’s Nick Fury - 74 points
120 (tie). John Rogers’ Blue Beetle – 74 points (1 first place vote)
119. Peter David and Todd Nauck’s Young Justice – 75 points
116 (tie). J. Michael Straczynski’s Amazing Spider-Man – 76 points
116 (tie). Gail Simone’s Birds of Prey - 76 points (1 first place vote)
116 (tie). Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert’s Sgt. Rock - 76 points (1 first place vote)
115. Howard Chaykin’s American Flagg 43 – 77 points
114. Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan’s Tomb of Dracula– 78 points
113. Scott Lobdell’s Generation X – 79 points
112. Katsuhiro Ōtomo Akira – 80 points
111. Ed Brubaker/Matt Fraction’s Iron Fist – 83 points
110. Grant Morrison/Mark Waid/Greg Rucka/Geoff Johns’ 52 - 85 points
109. Denny O’Neil and Neal Adams’ Batman - 87 points
107 (tie). Mark Waid and Ron Garney’s first run on Captain America – 89 points
107 (tie). Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning’s Legion – 89 points (4 first place votes)
105. Dan Slott’s She-Hulk – 90 points
106. Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris’ Ex Machina – 92 points (1 first place vote)
104. Frank Miller’s Sin City – 93 points (1 first place vote)
103. Jim Starlin’s Dreadstar – 94 points (1 first place vote)

THE 100-91 GREATEST COMIC RUNS PART 1
100 (tie). Chris Ware’s Acme Novelty Library – 95 points (2 first place votes)
100 (tie). Doug Moench’s Master of Kung Fu – 95 points
100 (tie). Jack Cole’s Plastic Man – 95 points (1 first place vote)
99. Terry Moore’s Strangers in Paradise – 96 points (2 first place votes)
97 (tie). Matt Wagner’s Grendel – 98 points (1 first place vote)
97 (tie). Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo – 98 points (2 first place votes)
96. Denny O’Neil and Denys Cowan’s The Question – 99 points (1 first place vote)
95. Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima’s Lone Wolf & Cub – 100 points
93. Garth Ennis’ Hellblazer – 101 points (1 first place vote)
93. Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Gaydos’ Alias – 101 points (1 first place vote)
92. Warren Ellis and Stuart Immonen’s Nextwave – 103 points (2 first place votes)
91. Mike Grell’s Green Arrow – 104 points (3 first place votes)

THE 90-86 GREATEST COMIC RUNS PART 2
90. Chris Claremont and John Romita Jr’s X-Men – 106 points (1 first place vote)
89. Mark Gruenwald’s Captain America – 107 points (3 first place votes)
88. Stan Lee and Steve Ditko’s Doctor Strange – 108 points (2 first place votes)
86 (tie). Roy Thomas’ Avengers – 109 points (2 first place votes)
86 (tie). Jim Starlin’s Warlock – 109 points (1 first place vote)

THE 85-81 GREATEST COMIC RUNS PART 3
85. Sergio Aragonés and Mark Evanier’s Groo – 110 points (1 first place vote)
83. Lee and Kirby’s Thor/Tales of Asgard – 112 points (1 first place vote)
83. Warren Ellis’ Stormwatch – 112 points (1 first place vote)
81. Peter Milligan and Mike Allred’s X-Force/X-Statix – 113 points (2 first place votes)
81. Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips’ Sleeper – 113 points (2 first place votes)

THE 80-76 GREATEST COMIC RUNS PART 4
80. Mike Carey, Peter Gross and Ryan Kelly’s Lucifer – 114 points (3 first place votes)
79. Robert Kirkman’s Invincible – 115 points (1 first place vote)
78. Joe Casey’s Wildcats – 117 points (1 first place vote)
77. John Byrne’s Superman – 119 points (1 first place vote)
76. Paul Chadwick’s Concrete – 120 points (4 first place votes)

THE 75-71 GREATEST COMIC RUNS PART 5

75 . Greg Rucka and Ed Brubaker’s Gotham Central – 122 (1 first place vote)
74 . Chris Claremont and Alan Davis’ Excalibur – 122 (3 first place votes)
73. Christopher Priest’s Black Panther – 130 (4 first place votes)
71 (tie). Chris Claremont and Paul Smith’s Uncanny X-Men – 133 (1 first place vote)
71 (tie). Chris Claremont and Marc Silvestri’s Uncanny X-Men – 133 (3 first place votes)

THE 70-66 GREATEST COMIC RUNS PART 6
70. Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming’s Powers – 134 points (1 first place vote)
69. Peter David’s 1st Run on X-Factor – 140 points (2 first place votes)
68. Alan Moore’s Top Ten – 141 points (3 first place votes)
67. Peter Milligan’s Shade, the Changing Man– 142 points (4 first place votes)
66. Chris Claremont’s New Mutants – 144 points (4 first place votes)

THE 65-61 GREATEST COMIC RUNS PART 7
65. Alan Grant and Norm Breyfogle’s Batman – 146 points (2 first place votes)
64. Alan Moore's League of Extraordinary Gentlemen – 148 points (2 first place votes)
62. Mark Waid and Mike Wieringo’s Fantastic Four – 150 points (1 first place votes)
62. Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso’s 100 Bullets – 150 points (3 first place votes)
61. Bob Layton and David Michelinie’s 1st Run on Iron Man – 152 points (2 first place votes)

THE 60-56 GREATEST COMIC RUNS PART 8
60. Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch’s Authority – 159 points (2 first place votes)
59. Denny O’Neil and Neal Adams’ Green Lantern (co-starring Green Arrow)– 162 points (1 first place votes)
58. Roger Stern’s Avengers – 164 points (3 first place votes)
56 (tie). Alan Moore’s Supreme – 168 points (2 first place votes)
56 (tie). Geoff Johns’ Flash – 168 points (2 first place votes)

THE 55-51 GREATEST COMIC RUNS PART 9
55. Roger Stern and John Romita Jr.’s Amazing Spider-Man – 170 points (4 first place votes)
53. Geoff Johns’ Green Lantern – 174 points (1 first place vote)
53. Mike Baron and Steve Rude’s Nexus – 174 points (4 first place votes)
52. Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s All Star Superman– 176 points (3 first place votes)
51. Mike Mignola’s Hellboy – 179 points (2 first place votes)

THE 50-46 GREATEST COMIC RUNS PART 10
50. Jack Kirby’s Fourth World – 180 points (2 first place votes)
49. Steve Englehart’s Detective Comics – 184 points (3 first place votes)
48. Geoff Johns’ JSA – 192 points (1 first place votes)
47. Joe Kelly’s Deadpool – 202 points (6 first place votes)
46. Will Eisner’s The Spirit – 204 points (7 first place votes)

THE 45-41 GREATEST COMIC RUNS PART 11
45. John Ostrander and Tom Mandrake’s The Spectre – 205 points (5 first place votes)
44. Keith Giffen and Tom and Mary Bierbaum’s Legion – 208 points (4 first place votes)
43. Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli’s Daredevil – 211 points (3 first place votes)
41 (tie). Steve Gerber’s Howard the Duck – 218 points (1 first place vote)
41 (tie). Kurt Busiek’s Avengers – 218 points (1 first place vote)

THE 40-36 GREATEST COMIC RUNS PART 12
40. Alan Moore and J.H. Williams III’s Promethea – 220 points (4 first place votes)
39. Mark Waid’s 1st Flash Run – 228 points (2 first place votes)
38. Joss Whedon and John Cassaday’s Astonishing X-Men – 229 points (2 first place votes)
37. Garth Ennis and John McCrea’s Hitman - 232 points (6 first place votes)
36. Alan Moore’s Marvelman/Miracleman – 234 points (3 first place votes)

THE 35-31 GREATEST COMIC RUNS PART 13
35. Los Bros Hernandez’s Love and Rockets – 236 points (5 first place votes)
34. Stan Lee and John Romita’s Spider-Man – 270 points (3 first place votes)
33. Brian K. Vaughan and Adrian Alphona’s Runaways – 307 points (3 first place votes
32. Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch’s Ultimates – 315 points (5 first place votes)
31. Jeff Smith’s Bone – 321 points (7 first place votes)

THE 30-26 GREATEST COMIC RUNS PART 14
30. Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson’s Astro City – 323 points (4 first place votes)
29. Paul Levitz and Keith Giffen’s 1st Legion of Superheroes Run – 328 points (10 first place votes)
28. John Ostrander’s Suicide Squad – 336 points (5 first place votes)
27. Grant Morrison’s Invisibles – 349 points (10 first place votes)
26. Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley’s Ultimate Spider-Man – 364 points (3 first place votes)

THE 25-21 GREATEST COMIC RUNS PART 15
25. Dave Sim and Gerhard’s Cerebus – 370 points (8 first place votes)
24. Garth Ennis’ Punisher – 389 points (5 first place votes)
23. Warren Ellis and Darick Robertson’s Transmetropolitan – 418 points (11 first place votes)
22. Bill Willingham’s Fables – 428 points (6 first place votes)
21. Grant Morrison’s Animal Man – 430 points (13 first place votes)

THE 20-16 GREATEST COMIC RUNS PART 16
20. Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev’s Daredevil – 480 points (9 first place votes)
19. Peter David’s Hulk – 484 points (7 first place votes)
18. Warren Ellis and John Cassaday’s Planetary - 493 points (7 first place votes)
17. Ed Brubaker’s Captain America – 504 points (4 first place votes)
16. John Byrne’s Fantastic Four – 508 points (7 first place votes)

THE 15-13 GREATEST COMIC RUNS PART 17
15. Walt Simonson’s Thor – 514 points (5 first place votes)
14. Grant Morrison’s Doom Patrol – 524 points (12 first place votes)
13. Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra’s Y the Last Man – 547 points (6 first place votes)

THE 12-10 GREATEST COMIC RUNS PART 18
12. Grant Morrison and Howard Porter’s JLA – 574 points (7 first place votes)
11. Marv Wolfman and George Pérez’s Teen Titans – 643 points (15 first place votes)
10. Grant Morrison’s New X-Men – 701 points (14 first place votes)

THE 9 -7 GREATEST COMIC RUNS PART 19
9. Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis’s Justice League – 742 points (13 first place votes)
8. Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon’s Preacher – 857 points (21 first place votes)
7. James Robinson’s Starman – 921 points (35 first place votes)

THE No. 6 GREATEST COMIC RUNS PART 20
6. Stan Lee and Steve Ditko’s Spider-Man – 926 points (19 first place votes)

THE No. 5 GREATEST COMIC RUNS PART 21
5. Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing – 942 points (30 first place votes)

THE No. 4 GREATEST COMIC RUNS PART 22
4. Frank Miller and Klaus Janson on Daredevil – 988 points (12 first place votes)

THE No. 3 GREATEST COMIC RUNS PART 23
3. Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s Fantastic Four – 1030 points (37 first place votes)

THE No. 2 GREATEST COMIC RUNS PART 24
2. Chris Claremont and John Byrne’s X-Men – 1182 points (28 first place votes)

THE No. 1 GREATEST COMIC RUNS PART 25
1. Neil Gaiman’s Sandman - 1318 points (42 first place votes)

TOP 100 COMIC RUN RUNNERS UP (final)

Now here's the Second part of the list of titles that didn't make the "TOP 100" on the list due to the "popular" votes of the readers if CBR

You I'll let decide if "Howard the Duck" should still place higher than the following titles.

126 (tie). Roger Stern’s Doctor Strange – 68 points

Doctor Strange #46-62, 65-75

Actually, this is Stern’s second run on the title, I think. Was the first time long enough for a run? Anyhow, this was a great series, particularly when Paul Smith was drawing it. Hoo boy, that was some good comics - but Stern was lucky to work with a number of great artists during his run. A memorable storyline involved the destruction of all vampires.

126 (tie). Larry Hama’s GI Joe – 68 points (1 first place vote)

G.I. Joe #1-155, plus annuals and specials

Doing a toy tie-in is not the easiest creative environment, but for almost ten years, Larry Hama made it work, with a variety of silly plotlines he had to use, he always had his characters act as realistic as possible under the circumstances, and he made Snake Eyes a cool character more than anyone else.

126 (tie). Mike Grell’s Sable – 68 points

Jon Sable, Freelance #1-56

Jon Sable, Freelance is a very typical Mike Grell story- heavy character work, a lot of action, and mature themes (not to mention great artwork). Grell never pandered to his readers - you got what he thought was interesting, whatever that may be, and I admire that.

125. Sam Kieth’s The Maxx – 70 points

The Maxx #1-35

Bill Loebs’ early involvement on this series cannot be underestimated (what can be underestimated is that the Maxx began in this horrible Image one-shot called Darker Image). This was a tremendously quirky book that had amazing Kieth artwork and some strong character moments.

123 (tie). Matt Wagner and Steve Seagle’s Sandman Mystery Theatre – 71 points (1 first place vote)

Sandman Mystery Theatre #1-60

Character was king in this series, as well, which was set during the Golden Age, and made Dian Belmont one of the best female characters in comics. Working with Guy Davis on art often sure doesn’t hurt the stories! Wagner left after #60, but Seagle wrote the book until it ended at #70.

123 (tie). Steve Englehart’s Captain America – 71 points

Captain America #153-167, 169-186

Englehart did a lot of innovative stuff on this title, like having Captain America give up his identity, take on a new identity, and also the famous storyline that ended with President Nixon killing himself because he was found out as the head of the Secret Empire. Powerful work, but also this was not all that different from other superhero comics so that a typical superhero fan couldn’t enjoy it, as well.

122. Peter David’s X-Factor (Second run) – 72 points

X-Factor #1-current (#30)

This began with the Madrox mini-series, and continued to this dark series starring Madrox as the head of X-Factor Investigations, which is a group of various mutant characters solving crimes. Really, though, the point of the comic is just watching everyone interact. One of David’s stronger works, and we’re lucky to have it coming out currently.

120 (tie). Jim Steranko’s Nick Fury - 74 points

Strange Tales #155-168, Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. #1-5

Steranko just cut loose on his SHIELD storylines, and they were both immensely enjoying while amazing to look at. Steranko had a great sense for design, and he really laid these stories out beautifully.

120 (tie). John Rogers’ Blue Beetle – 74 points (1 first place vote)

Blue Beetle #1-14, 16-20, 22-25

Rogers had a hard task, doing the new Blue Beetle title, but his throwback superhero tales, along with a keen eye for inventing good supporting cast members, on top of a likable star, have made this one of the most enjoyable superhero comics DC has to offer.

119. Peter David and Todd Nauck’s Young Justice – 75 points

Young Justice #1-55, plus a #1,000,000 and some specials

Young Justice was Peter David just having a good time and some laughs, with Todd Nauck along for the ride the whole time. There were parodies and puns galore, as well as some occasional hard-hitting stories, which touched on racism and stuff like that. It was a strong book which was sadly canceled in favor of Teen Titans. This is the last time Impulse was good.

116 (tie). J. Michael Straczynski’s Amazing Spider-Man – 76 points

Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 2) #30-58, Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #500-545

JMS’ run on Amazing Spider-Man helped to revitalize the Spider-Man line, turning what was a book in sales trouble into one of Marvel’s highest-selling titles. He had a good chemistry with his artists, especially the initial run, with John Romita, Jr. as artist.

116 (tie). Gail Simone’s Birds of Prey - 76 points (1 first place vote)

Birds of Prey #56-90, 92-108

A fine follow-up to Chuck Dixon’s origination of the team. Like most great runs, Simone highlighted characterization, and stressed the development of both Black Canary and Huntress during the series, as well as the closer bond that the three main female leads developed. Also a sizable amount of humor.

116 (tie). Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert’s Sgt. Rock - 76 points (1 first place vote)

A whole pile of Our Army at War and Sgt. Rock comics - too many different issues to list.

Strong, solid war stories with gritty, dynamic artwork by Kubert. Not many multi-issue arcs, so Kanigher had to come up with new stories constantly, which he did with a great amount of ingenious plot ideas (for a series that had such a basic premise, Kanigher got as much out of it as he could).

115. Howard Chaykin’s American Flagg 43 – 77 points

(writer) American Flagg #1-26, #38-32

(penciler) American Flagg #1-12, 15-26

One of the first “modern” superheroes of the 1980s, featured great artwork by Chaykin as well as an engaging story. Perhaps the first time oral sex was shown in a comic book.

114. Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan’s Tomb of Dracula– 78 points

Tomb of Dracula #7-70, plus Annuals

A rousing action epic, with incredibly moody artwork by Colan and his longtime inker, Tom Palmer. What Wolfman did best in this run was introducing new characters and developing both them and the established characters he inherited. Hannibal King, Blade and Frank Drake all become multi-faceted intriguing characters, and Dracula was always there, too, being evil and cool.

113. Scott Lobdell’s Generation X – 79 points

Generation X #1-28, plus the four Age of Apocalypse issues

Lobdell introduced original characters, which was a big deal at the time, and Lobdell and artist Chris Bachalo (who drew most of Lobdell’s run) did a marvelous job coming up with characters that seemed a bit out of place in the typical world of the X-Men. Bachalo did particularly nice work on Skin and Chamber. A lot the development of Emma Frost for Morrison’s run came from this run.

112. Katsuhiro Ōtomo Akira – 80 points

Young Magazine #24 (1982)- #28 (1990), Published in the US in Akira #1-38

Otomo’s work on Akira was the bridge he needed from working in manga to working in film and television, and you can see that ability in the majestic work that often appears in Akira - it is widescreen designs and drawings - all with an intriguing plot.

111. Ed Brubaker/Matt Fraction’s Iron Fist – 83 points

The Immortal Iron Fist #1-current (#14)

Massive roller coaster ride of action, with one of the better new characters (the “Golden Age” Iron Fist) to come along in awhile. Very nice art throughout most of the series. This is a dynamic book with a number of good character moments, as well.

110. Grant Morrison/Mark Waid/Greg Rucka/Geoff Johns’ 52 - 85 points

52 #1-52

Yes, it only lasted a year, but if a book is over 50 full issues, I figure I can count it as an ongoing. This series started slow, but soon built up so much momentum that the final half was like a massive avalanche of cool moments, all set up with the deft characterization work each writer did with the fourth-string characters who starred in 52.

109. Denny O’Neil and Neal Adams’ Batman - 87 points

Detective Comics - #395, 397, 400, 402, 404, 407-408, 410 & Batman #232, 234, 237, 243-245, 251, 255

While spilt up over the early 1970s, O’Neil and Adams still had a bit of a run, where Adams’ conception of Batman became the definitive look for Batman in the 1970s. This run tried to take Batman back to a darker style (after the camp of the TV series), along with stellar artwork by Adams. It was during their run that Ra’s al Ghul was introduced.

107 (tie). Mark Waid and Ron Garney’s first run on Captain America – 89 points

Captain America #444-454

Followed up the rather disappointing end of Gruenwald’s run with a bombastic flourish, as the title was suddenly filled with action and intrigue. The idea of returning Sharon Carter to the book was brilliant, and outside of a few issues where his inkers seemed to not be doing him any favors, Ron Garney’s art was incredibly dynamic. This book was constantly moving and had a harder edge to Cap that hadn’t been seen since Steranko (like threatening to chop Red Skull’s head off, then actually chopping his arm off). It was a real shame when this was cut-off by Heroes Reborn. A year later, they got back together for a new volume of Cap, but while they were okay comics, the spark clearly had gone.

107 (tie). Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning’s Legion – 89 points (4 first place votes)

Legion of Superheroes #122-125, Legion Lost #1-12, Legion: Worlds #1-6, The Legion #1-33

Abnett and Lanning joined the Legion with artist Olivier Coipel, and right from the get-go, you knew this was a vastly different take on the Legion (more akin to Giffen’s Legion). They highlighted this by ending the regular series after their first arc and launching two mini-series that bridged the gap to their new series. First, Legion Lost, where a small group of the Legion are trapped in a faraway galaxy, and secondly, Legion Worlds, where we catch up on the various worlds in the Legion universe (and the Legionnaires on those worlds). This all leads to the ongoing series, The Legion, where Abnett and Lanning early on pull a Levitz/Giffen, and update a modern day DC villain to the future, in a rather brilliant move.

105. Dan Slott’s She-Hulk – 90 points

She-Hulk Vol. 3 #1-12, She-Hulk Vol. 4 #1-21

Dan Slott took over She-Hulk, who had pretty much fell to the wayside by this time (she had been without a series for about 10 years), and tried a new take. He would highlight the lawyer side of her character, and turn the book into a superhero take on Ally McBeal. It was a wonderful high concept, and it worked out well, especially with Slott’s hilarious sense of humor. Continuity would often be the butt of jokes, and after the first series fizzled out, sales-wise, Marvel decided to give him a second volume with more fanfare. That series did better, and it still continues today, although Slott left it recently to take over Amazing Spider-Man.

106. Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris’ Ex Machina – 92 points (1 first place vote)

Ex Machina #1-current (#36)

Ex Machina is Brian K. Vaughan’s take on what a superhero in the real world would appear like, as well as what would happen if a former superhero became Mayor of New York. In doing so, Vaughan gets to make points about superheroes AND politics (as opposed to politics and poker) while being ably assisted by Tony Harris’ realistic artwork. They took an interesting approach vis a vis fill-ins. Rather than having fill-in issues, they would have one-shots by other artists to fill-in. This way, Harris would be the only artist to draw Ex Machina proper.

104. Frank Miller’s Sin City – 93 points (1 first place vote)

Dark Horse Fifth Anniversary Special, Dark Horse Presents #51-62, then a pile of mini-series, including A Dame to Kill For, The Big Fat Kill and That Yellow Bastard

Sin City started off with a bang in Dark Horse Presents, as we saw the life of the gruesome Marv in this equally gruesome city. Later adventures brought in other characters with similarly gruesome tales of lust, betrayal and revenge. Oh, and lots of violence! Lots and lots of violence. Here, Miller truly perfected his noir art style, and the recent film adaptation of the work kept Miller’s art intact, showing just how cinematic Miller was on this series. A beautifully drawn series of horrible acts.

103. Jim Starlin’s Dreadstar – 94 points (1 first place vote)

Dreadstar #1-26 (Epic Comics), Dreadstar #27-40 (First Comics), plus some annuals and original graphic novels and the Metamorphosis Odyssey from Epic Illustrated

For a man with quite a few epics, Dreadstar probably was Starlin’s finest - or at least his most realized. He had 40 issues to develop the story of Vanth Dreadstar (the lone survivor of our galaxy) and his band of pirates against the bloody war between the Church of The Instrumentality and the Monarchy. In a lot of ways, this was a continuation of Starlin’s Warlock run, only with different characters, but it was a mature, often depressing work, with wonderful artwork by Starlin. What is striking about the work is that it follows the various changes that happen in the “real world,” but are often left unseen in fiction (The Walking Dead was also designed for this point - showing what happens AFTER the end of most zombie films). What happens when the rebels actually WIN? How do things change? It’s Starlin’s most mature work, and it really could use a full trade paperback collection. Luke McDonnell, by the way, drew the last 8 issues or so, the ones detailing what happens AFTER the war is won. It is darker, so it makes sense to use a darker artist like McDonnell.

Okay, that’s it!

TOP 100 COMIC RUN RUNNERS UP (part 1)

Now here's a list of titles that didn't make the "TOP 100" on the list due to the "popular" votes of the readers if CBR 

You I'll let decide if "Howard the Duck" should still place higher than the following titles.

153 (tie). Kevin Smith and Joe Quesada’s Daredevil – 50 points (1 first place vote)

Daredevil #1-8, plus a #1/2

This run revitalized the Daredevil comic book, and most likely led to Joe Quesada becoming Marvel Editor-in-Chief. Nice artwork by Quesada.

153 (tie). Jim Shooter’s Avengers – 50 points (1 first place vote)

Avengers #158-177 (also Avengers #211-222, 224, 226, but since no one specified, I presume they all meant the first run)

This run contained the introduction of Graviton, some awesome Byrne and Perez artwork, and, of course, the Korvac Saga. Epic stories at their finest!

153 (tie). John Ostrander’s GrimJack – 50 points (1 first place vote)

Starslayer #10-18, GrimJack #1-81, plus Demon Knight

Tim Truman should be mentioned, as he is listed as the co-creator of GrimJack, but I’ll admit it, I just didn’t feel like picking out all the issues Truman didn’t draw. GrimJack was a tour de force performance by Ostrander, and I would be remiss if I did not point out that ComicMix is currently doing a GrimJack web comic! Check it out here!

153 (tie). David Lapham’s Stray Bullets – 50 points

Stray Bullets #1-ostensibly current (#40), plus two Amy Racecar Color Specials

Do you know what’s depressing? David Lapham began his brilliant Stray Bullets series twelve years ago, when he was only 25 years old! All that training with Jim Shooter must have paid off, because Lapham is a master storyteller, weaving in multiple characters and narratives to tell a bleak, but engaging story.

153 (tie). Keith Giffen and Robert Loren Fleming’s Ambush Bug – 50 points

Ambush Bug #1-4, Son of Ambush Bug #1-5, Ambush Bug Stocking Stuffer (the Nothing Special was too far after the fact)

One of the funniest comic book series I can recall, as Giffen and Fleming savage DC Comics (with love, of course) with their Ambush Bug character. He’s about to return, by Giffen and Fleming!

153 (tie). Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips’ Criminal – 50 points

Criminal #1-10, Criminal 2 #1-current (#2)

Brubaker and Phillips are doing a marvelous job on this crime series, detailing the world of criminals in such a way that you feel like you know these characters like friends, even while noting that you probably wouldn’t want to be friends with most of the characters in this series.

151 (tie). Louise Simonson’s Power Pack – 51 points (1 first place vote)

Power Pack #1-20, 22, 24-33, 35, 37, 39, 40-41

Simonson was ahead of her time with this series of four siblings who gain superpowers. It was a critical darling at the time, mostly due to Simonson’s deft touch for characterization (June Brigman, the original artist, was an AMAZING artist for character work, too). Jon Bognadove joined her on the book after Brigman, and he brought a looser, fun style. He and Simonson worked together for years.

151 (tie). Alan Moore and Alan Davis’s Captain Britain – 51 points

The Daredevils #1-11, The Mighty World of Marvel #7-13

This was an awesomely inventive re-working of the Captain Britain character by Moore, with Alan Davis providing some solid artwork at a young age.

149 (tie). Warren Ellis and Ben Templesmith’s Fell - 52 points (1 first place vote)

#1-current (#9)

Fell is Warren Ellis’ Law and Order, where he can take intriguing/disgusting news stories and work them into this crime book, starring Detective Fell, who is an intriguing character in his own right. Ben Templesmith’s art is amazing on this title.

149 (tie). Chuck Dixon’s Nighwing – 52 points

Nightwing #1-70, plus various one-shots, annuals and specials

It’s hard to believe now, but there was a time when Nightwing was a relatively minor character, which is weird, as he really shouldn’t have been, but plans for his own series took so long that he basically laid to waste in the meantime. That is, until Chuck Dixon and Scott McDaniel took over his rollicking action adventures, making it one of DC’s highest selling titles. McDaniel was followed by Greg Land, and then Rick Leonardi took over (for the sake of everyone involved, let’s just skip McCarthy). Dixon also established the Nightwing/Barbara Gordon romance, which was nice.

146 (tie). Grant Morrison’s Seven Soldiers –53 points

Seven mini-series bookended by two Seven Soldiers one-shots.

This was a remarkable achievement that spanned over a year’s worth of comics. Some beautiful artwork in the bookends by JH Williams.

146 (tie). Gerry Conway’s Justice League of America – 53 points

Justice League of America #151-155, 157-216, 219, 221-223, 228- 230, 233-239, 241-255

A lot of strong stories and also the introduction of Justice League Detroit.

146 (tie). Carl Barks’ Uncle Scrooge – 53 points (1 first place vote)

Some one-off stories then Uncle Scrooge #1-69

Barks created one of the greatest, most interesting cohesive universes that I have ever seen. Tremendously rich adventure tales.

144 (tie). Mark Millar’s Authority –54 points

The Authority #13-20, 22, 27-29

Millar decided to go more political than Ellis did on his run, and the results are engaging. Also featured Frank Quitely art AND Art Adams art! That’s quite a pair!

144 (tie). Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum’s X-Men –54 points

X-Men #94-107 (Claremont scripted the early issues, then took over as full writer)

The first comics featuring the All-New, All-Differeny X-Men in their own comic book. Includes the death of Thunderbird plus the introduction of the Starjammers (not to mention the first appearance of Phoenix!).

141 (tie). Joseph Michael Straczynski’s Supreme Power – 55 points

Supreme Power #1-18

Darker interpretations of the Squadron Supreme, set in a more realistic Earth.

141 (tie). Ann Nocenti & John Romita Jr.’s Daredevil –55 points (1 first place vote)

Daredevil #250-282 (Nocenti began writing the book with #238 and stopped with #291 - they both skipped #258, and JRjr also did not draw #264 or #277)

A strong follow-up to Frank Miller’s Born Again, introduced Typhoid Mary!

141 (tie). Mike and Laura Allred’s Madman –55 points

Madman #1-3, Madman Comics #1-20, plus some one-shots

Wonderful off-beat comics. They recently brought Madman back to Image! Such amazing artwork.

139 (tie). Roy Thomas’ Conan – 56 points

Conan the Barbarian #1-94, 95-115 (plus a bunch of other Conan stuff)

As good as Kurt Busiek’s Conan is, this is probably the definitive Conan, comic-book wise. Some of the best work of Thomas’ career. Barry Windsor-Smith and John Buscema were amazing.

139 (tie). Jim Shooter’s Legion of Superheroes - 56 points (1 first place vote)

Adventure Comics #346-349, 352-355, 357-372, 374-380

As was his intention, Shooter brought a bit more of a Marvel feel to the Legion of Superheroes, and with him came death and some new characters, but most of all, strong stories.

137 (tie). Grant Morrison’s Zenith – 57 points

2000 AD #535-550, 558-559, 589-606, 626-634, 650-662, 667-670, plus some Annuals, plus an additional run from #791-806 that is probably a bit too far away to count as one run

I just featured this run on the comic book alphabet of cool. It was a fun, postmodern superhero tale of a superhero in a time when doing music videos was the most superheroes had to do - so what does he do once he actually has to be a superhero? We shall see! Brendan McCarthy and Steve Yeowell were the main artists (the former doing the design work and the latter most of the actual pencilling).

137 (tie). Fabian Nicieza’s Thunderbolts – 57 points (1 first place vote)

Thunderbolts #34-75

Nicieza took over a book that seemed like it was completely Kurt Busiek’s title, but by the time Nicieza left, his personal stamp was all over the work. He did a fine job bringing them back a few years after this run, as well. Mark Bagley helped transition the run from Busiek to Nicieza, then Patrick Zircher did some fine work on the book.

136. Steve Gerber’s Defenders – 58 points (1 first place vote)

The Defenders #20-29, 31-41

Steve Gerber’s run on the Defenders is most notable in how off-beat it was, especially for the time period. A highlight of this run is the work Gerber did with the Guardians of the Galaxy.

134 (tie). Ed Brubaker’s Catwoman – 62 points

Catwoman #1-10, 12 -37

Brubaker completely revamped Catwoman, turning her into a sort of Robin Hood of Gotham’s East Side. Darwyn Cooke was there at first to help design things, then Cam Stewart did a marvelous job on the title keeping up with Cooke’s style. Gritty, character-based drama.

134 (tie). Brian Michael Bendis’ Avengers – 62 points (1 first place vote)

Avengers #500-503, New Avengers #1-current (#40), plus some Annuals and I guess Mighty Avengers #1-current (#13)

Bendis finished one run on the Avengers and then revamped them as Marvel’s premiere superhero franchise, taking a book that was doing average sales and making it Marvel’s most popular title (then launching a spin-off that somehow managed to do almost as well!).

133. Roy Thomas’ All Star Squadron – 63 points

All-Star Squadron #1-67, plus some Annuals

Roy Thomas was given the keys to the kingdom when he was allowed to do this series that filled in the blanks in DC’s Golden Age. It was detailed, but it was also humanistic, and some of Thomas’ finest comic book work of the decade.

132. Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson’s Swamp Thing – 64 points (2 first place votes)

House of Secrets #92, Swamp Thing #1-10

This run, which introduced Swamp Thing to world has nice stories by Len Wein, but it is Bernie Wrightson’s stunning gothic-esque artwork that defines this run. Amazing artwork.

130 (tie). Robert Kirkman’s Walking Dead – 65 points

Walking Dead #1-current (#49)

This tale of what happens to zombie survivors when they try to live the rest of their lives is an engaging look at how “real” people would react to the situations given to them. Tony Moore began the book, but Charles Adlard has been doing it for years. Great work.

130 (tie). Peter Bagge’s Hate – 65 points

This could easily count other books, but let’s just say Hate #1-30, plus a bunch of annuals.

Bagge’s Hate is a stunning piece of political and social commentary, highlighted by Bagge’s stinging sense of humor and his exaggerated style of artwork. Buddy Bradley is more or less an “everyman” trying to deal with the modern world as responsibly as he can, while all the while noting how bad the world can be (humorously, of course!).

129. William Messner-Loeb’s Flash – 66 points (1 first place vote)

Flash #15-28, 30-61

While Mark Waid’s run is the more famous, a lot of Waid’s cues were from Bill Loebs’ run on the title, as it was Loebs who began to humanize Wally West, and it was Loebs who introduced Linda Park, and the interesting chemistry between Linda and Wally. Loebs stories were centered around humanity, but they also had action and, most importantly, they often had FUN.

Loebs also outed the Pied Piper in a brilliant piece of writing. If only Northstar could have been outed as well as Loebs handled the Piper.