2025 was a great year on Panel Chewing. Of course we had a few trombone worthy issues, we also had a slew of fantastic comics to read this year. Before I get into my list, I want to start with an honorable mention.
The War
Becky Cloonan and Barth Ennis team up for this story about a group of friends who go from pretending they know about world politics during a dinner party to trying to survive a nuclear attack. Originally printed in the anthology series Hello Darkness, The War is now available in a collected edition.
Now onto my Top 5.
Napalm Lullaby
While reading Napalm Lullaby, I was mostly confused. The story jumped around, made little sense and at times was even a little frustrating. So why would this be on my Top 5? Because the end ties everything together in an unexpected way that blew my mind. Everything made sense and the end made the journey worth every ounce of confusion. It’s the reason why sometimes you have to go for the ride and have faith the story will make sense. It helps having Rick Remender at the helm to hang on and have faith it will be worth it.
Into the Unbeing
The best way I can describe Into the Unbeing is it’s like watching The Descent on acid and magic mushrooms. It’s disturbing, weird and awesome all at the same time. It makes you uncomfortable and squirm in your chair. Horror comics done right.
Babs
If you listen to the podcast, you know I’m a Stan for Garth Ennis and Jaycen Burrows. I love when those two team up, they’ve created some of my favorite comics together. Babs is a female version of Conan but with a twist. Babs pokes fun at everything fantasy related, from elves who are assholes, a talking sword and a horse with his own personal motivations it all works to create a fun, hilarious ride. It also looks like we’ll get more books featuring our favorite foul mouthed female heroine soon. You can hear more from Jaycen Burrows here when he stopped by for an interview.
The Sacrificers
The Sacrificers is based in a world where a group of Gods control the world. They allow the citizens to live mostly in peace, but they require 5 chosen families to sacrifice one of their children. The main character’s arc is one of my favorite all time character arcs. If you choose to fight an oppressive regime, what is the cost to you, everyone under the regimes rule and future generations? Who will decide how to rebuild if you do overthrow the oppressive regime? What happens next? The Sacrificers is thought provoking, brilliant and beautifully constructed.
Assorted Crisis Events
Time is having a crisis. Instead of experiencing a time crisis from a super hero’s perspective, each issue focuses on a normal person dealing with their everyday life and this event. The book works on every level, the story, the thematic elements, characters, artwork, presentation and emotional impact. Each issue feels like you’re punched in the gut, because no matter who you are or what your back ground is you’ll find something to relate to in these stories. Almost each issue left me thinking for days and weeks later.
So those are my top 5 comic books of the year, what are yours? Comment below.
