THIRD EYE BEST OF '08: Best Single Issue Comic

Ex Machina, is a fantastic series by Y: The Last Man writer Brian K. Vaughn, and the legendary Starman artist, Tony Harris. The book launched when Y was about mid-way through it's run, and I think that because of that it's always been a little overshadowed. It's a damn good read, month in and month out, and has one of the most interesting premises in comics I've seen in a while. 

For those of you who aren't familiar, Mitchell Hundred, is in an accident which gifts him with a "superpower" of being able to talk and communicate with machinery, be it a radio or a handgun. He takes on an identity known as The Great Machine, and becomes the world's first superhero... and then 9/11 happens, and he's unable to save one of the towers. He goes public with his identity, runs for mayor... and wins! Hjinx ensue.

But seriously, there was A LOT of damn good one-off stories this year, but this one, which came out literally two weeks before the year was over... has my vote for the best. In Ex Machina #40, Vaughn and Harris have written themselves into the book as a comic book creative team doing the comic book series for Mitchell Hundred. Usually when creators write themselves into books, and aren't named Grant Morrison, it's a disaster and a half. This was not the case. I don't want to ruin too much of the story, but there's some playful little jokes, but not too much (as usually is the case in situations like this). The real homerun of the issue is a two or three page part with Vaughn.. and you'll know it when you get to it. 

Even if you don't read Ex Machina, do yourselves a favor, grab up this issue, and crack it open. It'll convince you that this series is worth buying. 

Expect more Best of '08s to follow for the next few days!