Matt's top 10 comic-book reads, October 2023
Midweek update: What comic book was my favorite in October?
Let’s look back at October 2023 for my picks for my favorites of the comics I read. This is an adaptation of an idea from my friend the Food Dude. Each month, I’ll select from the comics that I’ve read during the past month, whether they be old, new, or whatever, included or excluded as I see fit at the time.
Here are my top 10 for October 2023!
10. The Return of Superman 30th anniversary special
It’s a bit of a nostalgia trip, but an enjoyable Superman tale on its own, as the creative teams from the “Reign of the Supermen” (for the most part) reunite for this new story featuring the key players from that adventure.
9. The Cull #3
The horror takes a strange twist in this third issue from Kelly Thompson and Mattia De Iulis.
8. Void Rivals #5
Robert Kirkman and Lorenzo De Felici's continue world-building in this space adventure featuring warring societies from the Sacred Ring.
7. Sacrificers #3
More is revealed about the Old Gods and their need for the Sacrificers – young inhabitants of this sci-fi world where everything is at peace at the cost of one child per family. From the creative team of Rick Remender and Max Fiumara.
6. Superman #7/850
Superman battles the Chained in this anniversary issue that reveals more about Luthor’s secrets. Written by Joshua Williamson with art by Gleb Melnikov and Dan Jurgens.
5. The Enfield Gang Massacre #3
The gang appears outnumbered and outgunned in this third issue from the “That Texas Blood” team of Chris Condon and Jacob Phillips. In 1800s Ambrose County, Texas, Retired Texas Ranger Captain Ely believes Enfield guilty of murder, and will stop at nothing to capture – or more likely, kill – the man and his gang. Sheriff Hardesty resigns his post in protest, but he’s quickly replaced by the snakelike John Mowbray.
4. World’s Finest #20
Batman and Superman return to the world of Kingdom Come.
3. Wesley Dodds: Sandman #1
I enjoyed all three of the JSA solo series that came out this month (the other two featured Alan Scott and Jay Garrick), but this issue was my favorite of the three, as Dodds must find out who has stolen his journal filled with potentially dangerous formulas. A noir-styled tale set in 1940 with engaging, stylistic art that’s not afraid to play with some inventive design while at the same time conveying the feel of the era.
Written by Robert Venditti with art by Riley Rossmo.
2. Conan The Barbarian #1-4
The Titan Comics relaunch of this property has been strong, with a terrific creative team in Jim Zub, Roberto De La Torre and José Villarrubia.
Transformers #1 (2023)
Daniel Warren Johnson provides a fresh take on the Robots in Disguise that should appeal to longtime fans and to Transformers newbies.
Matthew Price, matthew@matthewlprice.com, has written about the comics industry for more than two decades. He is the co-owner of Speeding Bullet Comics in Norman, Oklahoma.
I read the first two Conan comics and they were excellent. I mean really excellent. Not only was it wonderful from a nostalgia perspective, but the story and art were probably even better than the old Savage Sword magazines.