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A highly subjective ranking of a selection of last week's comics (28/12/16).
While never considerably exceeding expectations or delivering that one special moment, Green Arrow is probably the most consistent of all the "Rebirth" comics. #12 is no exception here, as Oliver Queen needs to cope with the media attention that his reemergence necessarily entailed, while also plotting to antagonise two of his nemeses. 
What better way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year than with a Batman Annual? And 2016's entry, written and pencilled by some of the finest Batman heads of recent years (King, Snyder, Dini, Finch, Adams) certainly looks like it could give us some of that renowned Gotham Christmas spirit.
Mikel Janín cover for Batman #10 is quite remarkable in how it evokes notions of 18th and 19th century Gothic novels. The way the Fortress of Santa Prisca withstands the waves of a stormy sea, brilliantly captured in grey tones, will immediately remind readers of book covers such as Bram Stoker's Dracula or Horace Walpole's The Castle of Otranto. The grim looking Batman towers over everything here, further emphasizing the Gothic spirit of Janín's cover.
The "Escape from Dinosaur Island" story line began with a quite charming, albeit not flawless first chapter. The more surprising (or call it confusing) it is that Tomasi and Gleason have already concluded this story arc for now. 
"Escape from Dinosaur Island" is the title of this new Superman story line. At best, you might think, this could be full of vintage B-movie charm. At worst, it might be an embarrassing oddity. But writers Peter J Tomasi and Patrick Gleason actually manage to do neither, and instead craft a story that (so far) is also intelligent and insightful.
"Superman" #7: Another proof how well Superman can work on a small scale. A very down-to-earth story with a very down-to-earth Superman, who changes space and Doomsday for a country fair and petty thieves. A welcome change.
"The Punisher" #5: This is one big slaughter-fest, and it absolutely convinces with its pacing, grit and dialogue. Even Dillon's execution of blood and gore is more spot-on than in earlier issues. The best one so far!?
"The Fix" #5: Aside from having two lead protagonists that are among the best in comics in 2016, the true strength of The Fix is writer Nick Spencer's ability to create supporting characters (the mayor of LA it is here) that are so wonderfully unique and over-the-top, you just can't stop laughing. 
"Doom Patrol" #1: What's going on? What is this about? Meat? Gyros? But it doesn't matter, and trying to make sense of it is probably useless. Read it, it's simply brilliant. 
"Black Panther" #6: Wakanda's lore and how Coates presents it is still supreme, but, unfortunately, the series doesn't have much else to it at the moment. A stronger focus on story, action and dialogue would go a long way in making Black Panther the exceptional series again we were used to.
"Poe Dameron" #6: The galactic mouse hunt between Poe Dameron and Agent Terex continues to be a highly entertaining affair, and one of Marvel's best Star Wars comics to date. It's light, fun, and perfectly captures the Poe Dameron established in The Force Awakens.
"Cyborg: Rebirth" #1: It's exactly what you'd want from a "Rebirth" title, with its concise Cyborg origin story and a premise that is able to set this series apart from its predecessors. One to have an eye on in the upcoming weeks.
Nightwing has come a long way from its inaugural "Rebirth" issue, and it has improved in nearly every aspect. Confusing storytelling and character presentation has given way to a comic that clearly knows what it wants from its main characters and what it plans to do with them in the future (although the first story arc ended a bit too abruptly; one more issue would have left readers at a slightly more satisfying conclusion).
"Batman Beyond" #16: Read this if you want to start with "Batman: Beyond Rebirth" next month, as it'll give you a much better insight of what's going to happen. Apart from that, it's a pretty solid and entertaining read.
"Bombshells" Annual #1: It sure looks fantastic, especially when artist Charretier wonderfully captures the atmosphere and look of 1910's France. But for all the narrative innovation and verve found in the annual's first part, the second part will largely disappoint with its uninspired dialogue and characterizations.
"Daredevil" #11: Soule, Garney and Milla do such an outstanding job with Daredevil right now, it's hard not to almost expect excellence from this series month after month by now. If you haven't started reading it, do it now!
Year One (#2 and #4): A carefully woven and well-narrated Wonder Woman origin story, that excels in its nuanced and invigorating depiction of Themyscira and the heartfelt way it recounts Steve Trevor's life prior to Wonder Woman. This could well go on to be one of Wonder Woman's quintessential origin stories.
After the rather dull and too conventional "Justice League: Rebirth" #1, it's good to see that Bryan Hitch was able to turn the series around considerably. From what looked to be your next "giant-space-alien-attack-forces-heroes-to-save-the-world-story", the comic has incorporated a few welcome twists and turns to the formula, to make it stand out in comparison to other series. 
"Batgirl & The Birds of Prey: Rebirth" #1: That's how a "Rebirth" issue should be: a proper and interesting introduction to Batgirl and Barbara Gordon, and the Huntress makes for a perfect "frenemy". Thoroughly fun.
