10 Best Comic Books Of 2017

3. Batman

Tom King's Batman was a revelation when it debuted midway through last year, and the series has only gone from strength to strength in this one, with Joëlle Jones joining onboard for its most recent arc, which takes the Bat-Cat dynamic to whole new heights.

The War of Jokes and Riddles may have dominated 2017 with a rich and compelling narrative, but it is King's most recent arc chronicling Batman and Catwoman's engagement that makes it stand out over others. The writer just gets a feel for the two characters that no other Bat-scribe has really managed to, crafting a tale that yes, seems to carry an air of tragedy to it, but one that also offers an altogether more human window into these two extraordinary heroes.

King's efforts were best exemplified by last week's second Batman Annual of the year, where he follows Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle's relationship from beginning to end, constructing one of the most emotional DC shorts of the last decade. It's a theme that runs concurrent with his main Bat-title, and while it remains to be seen what becomes of Bruce and Selina's romance, it's suitably refreshing to see a Bat-writer focus on the character-driven aspects of his universe - desert-bound ninja duels and all.

Snyder and Capullo were always going to be a tough act to follow, but - dare I say it - King's vision of Batman is far superior. You won't find as honest a portrayal as his.