“Best Experiment” is a broad, but vital element when it comes to keeping comics from becoming stale. The industry needs bold experiments which push back against the status quo and lead us into exciting new territory. Some of the best experiments over the past few years have included the rise of digital comics and crowdfunded publishing platforms. These experiments have proven to be real game-changers. My pick for “Best Experiment” of 2013 looks to challenge what kind of stories can be told in comics, while trying to break down some of the traditional barriers in the industry.
Best Experiment
I could pretend this was a difficult choice that I agonized over for days, but that’s not the case at all. My pick for “Best Experiment” goes to Black Mask Studios. 2013 saw Black Mask roll out their titles into the world of comics and really shake things up. Finally someone is publishing stories that represent my views, and I’m sure many other people’s as well. Black Mask has it all: tales from the frontlines of the Occupy movement (Occupy Comics), Matt Miner’s comic about animal liberation (Liberator), a wild sci-fi book unlike anything I’ve ever read (Ballistic), and a crime-horror hybrid title from RZA, Ghostface Killah, and a rotating cast of some of the best artists in comics (12 Reasons to Die).
The amazing part is that every comic published by Black Mask so far has been a winner. What else would you expect from a company founded by DIY champions: Brett Gurewitz (Bad Religion), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), and Matt Pizzolo (Godkiller)? There’s a good reason why Black Mask Studios keeps coming up in our “Best Comics of 2013” selections. Look for the new Liberator/Earth Crisis: Salvation of Innocents series and music CD to debut in March of 2014, and I’m sure many other thrilling projects as well.
David Gillette also has a great pick (and one that has been a person breakout favorite for me as well). Be sure to check it out.
Comics, and Stuff, and Things 