It's become an annual tradition here during our birthday bash: No matter how much stuff we line up, people we interview, etc., there are still tons of folks we like to hear from and include in our giant New Year’s/anniversary/birthday activities. So, as we've done in past years, we asked a cross-section of comics folks what they liked in 2012 and what they're excited about for 2013. We received so many this year that we've broken it down into two posts; watch for another one Tuesday.

But for now, check out all the great stuff people shared with us, including hints at new projects and even some outright announcements. Our thanks to everyone this year who responded. Also, thanks to Tim O'Shea, Michael May and Chris Arrant, who helped collect responses.

JIMMIE ROBINSON (Bomb Queen, Five Weapons)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

Image's Saga, Fatale, Hawkeye's reinvention is fresh and exciting, Peter Panzerfaust, Enormous by Tim Daniel. It's hard to pin down just one because there is SO much good work coming out nowadays -- from many publishers across the board.

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

Just one thing? I'd have to say I'm pretty excited about a LOT of things related to the comic industry. I've been asked this question before and it seems we're at a junction when there's no one singular thing that will exemplify comics. We have print, that is still doing well. We have the film projects (Iron Man 3, Superman, etc.) that are still highly anticipated. We have the digital arena that it not only gaining in popularity with print version, but also original content created *for* digital readers. Monkeybrain and others are stepping boldly into that space. Comixology was the #1 app for the Apple iPad in 2012. That's nothing to sneeze at. We also see a surge in attendance at comic conventions across the country. Small shows that have grown into bigger shoes and the bigger shows bulging at the seams -- sometimes beyond capacity. The culture of the comic community has grown in ways that only a decade ago we were crying in our beers about.

I remember a while ago, I wrote an op-ed that took the comic community to task for keeping our industry and hobby and interests in the closet. People, it seemed, didn't show off or seem as proud as they do now. We were known as those people who lived in the basement and read comics in the shadows. Now we have mega-blockbuster movies, successful TV shows, online traffic, a presence in advertising, top ten spots on the New York Time Best Sellers list, you name it. Now your boss knows as much about the X-Men or the Avengers as some comic fans. Even self-publishing has come into vogue with crowd-funding sites like Kickstarter - where not only can a person make their own comics, but also have others (often non-comic readers) support it. Today I could not write the same op-ed as I did 6 years ago. It's great. Nowadays, the problems we have are about growing pains. How to accommodate all the new readers. How to adapt to the wider masses. How to change with the technology. This is GREAT! I'm often amazed when I hear some folks who are down on the industry. It's as if they're living in the now with little perspective of the past. We've have come a long way and that direction has been UP.

So, I have to admit, I almost can't pin a single one thing to be very excited about in 2013, because there's a lot of good things going on and coming up. Granted, I'm interested in Keith Giffen's Threshold by DC, B. Clay Moore's work on JSA: Liberty files, I'd like to see what Bendis is going to do with Guardians of The Galaxy (March, April?) because of the film option, Hickman's East of West from Image ... stuff like that. I hop around.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

As for my personal work, I'm finishing up a five-issue series for Shadowline called Five Weapons. It launches in February 2013. It tells the story of a unique school where the kids of assassins are taught weapon skills, but the story twists when a new kid comes to school who has no weapon -- yet manages to compete against other students by using his razor-sharp mind and skills in observation. It's about finding the weakness in your opponent instead of beating the power of the weapon that they carry. Think of it as a teenage Sherlock Holmes meets The Hunger Games. Sherlock doesn't use a weapon--but his mind is very dangerous.

I wanted to do something different from my Bomb Queen work, and I've had this story in the back of my head for awhile. Jim Valentino, the publisher of Shadowline, was gracious to give me this opportunity. He knows I could continue to move Bomb Queen along, but when I pitched this to him instead he accepted it, as well. Bomb Queen will come back. I have a special story in mind for her, but for now the villain series is being reworked and recollected in 2013 in a series of hardback Deluxe Editions.

BRYAN Q. MILLER (Smallville)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

That's a tough one, but I think the two that tickled the 'ole fancy most were Sweet Tooth (which I came to the part very late on) and Rachel Rising. And I'd be remiss to not throw the first volume of Saga in there. The spaceship is a tree! A tree! OOH! And there was a standalone comic, through Monkeybrain (I think)--The Stars Below. Simply lovely.

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

That Comixology self-publishing beta that's supposed to emerge at some point [Note: Miller’s reply was before the comiXology Submit announcement in late December] is something I'm interested in watching develop (hopefully, from both sides of the fence). Also very much looking forward to more issues of Great Pacific, Saga, Mind the Gap and (of course) the big Locke & Key grand finale.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

Just one? Aside from the tons more Smallville Season 11 on the way? My creator-owned, all-ages OGN with Marcio Takara on art--as of this article, we're (hopefully) in the midst of Kickstarter approval. More as that develops!

JAMAL IGLE (Molly Danger)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

Well it's been a really good year for me as a comics reader on all platforms. Digitally I've been enjoying the stuff from Monkeybrain comics like Edison Rex, Bandette by Tobin and Coover, and Amelia Cole by Adam Knave, D.J. Kirkbridge and Nick Brokenshire. Really enjoying what Mark Waid is doing over on Thrillbent, the conclusion of Sin Titulo by Cameron Stewart. And too many more webcomics than I can name (Battlepug, Sinfest, PVP, Abominable Charles Christopher, etc.).

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

You know, I have to admit I'm excited by the X-Men for the first time in a very long time. Bendis and Immomen on All-New X-Men have been fantastic so far. I'm really curious to see where it goes.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

This isn't even a question... It's my first Molly Danger graphic album. I'm in the middle of production as we speak, and we're planning for a July release. The public at large will of course get to see a preview of the book on Free Comic Book Day as Action Lab Entertainment's silver level offering for 2013.

DEAN HASPIEL (Billy Dogma)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

Josh Simmons' The Furry Trap. Equal parts humor and horror. 100% provocation!

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

Paul Pope's Battling Boy.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

I'm excited to finally collaborate on an as-of-yet-announced original graphic novel with Douglas Rushkoff.

LANDRY WALKER (Danger Club)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

Can't decide on this one: On one hand I have to say that my favorite comic work of 2012 was Black Beetle by Francesco Francavilla. The art grabbed me in instantly. My other choice is probably Tom Neely on Popeye. That's a creator/project match that was long overdue.

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

I'm not looking forward to anything specific. I've been off the comic news for awhile so everything will be an awesome surprise. Industry wise, I think we're in the middle of a vast deconstruction/reconstruction. Regarding that, I am massively curious to see what news the next year will bring.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

The second half of Danger Club will see release soon. Working on that has been an insane ride into the world into a hyper-violent world. Eric Jones and I have been developing a fantasy based project--hard to say right now if that will have a late 2013 release or 2014. Depends on how far we take Danger Club, I think.

CHRIS PITZER (AdHouse Books)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

I'd probably have to say The Nao of Brown. It was a complete surprise for me, and I loved the attention to details… not to mention the world-building work itself. I saw/heard glimpses of the work pre-SPX. Then my pal Rico Renzi started tweeting about the work and creator, so it made me want to check it out. Rico is a tastemaker! I picked up a copy at SPX. Glyn Dillon was there, and he was doing some fantastic embellishments to the book… drawings, stamping, inserts… so I took the opportunity to not only purchase a copy for me, but one for Annie Koyama as well. Annie's great, and she's so generous to us all. Anyways… around a month later I finally get a chance to sit down and read the book, and it was fantastic.

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

I'm probably most excited to get my warehouse back in order. Having moved in 2012, the "collection" has been somewhat disorganized most of this year. It will be nice to hopefully be able to put my hands on things a bit easier. Like every year, hitting the shows will be nice. Seeing old friends and making new ones is a perk with this biz.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

Well, the one that's currently at the forefront is kind of a surprise. It emerged due to another publisher suggesting they contact us. Since contracts haven't been signed, I can't really talk about it yet. Suffice it to say it's a chance to produce some work for an international talent who plans to visit the States in the spring.

MICHAEL ALLRED (iZombie, FF)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

Daredevil was my fave for a few reasons: Mark Waid's terrific storytelling on one of my all-time favorite characters coupled with the art of Paolo, Marcos, Samnee, Javier, & Co. Plus it marked my recent return to Marvel where I've been having a crazy comic book party ever since.

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

I'm always excited to see what Jamie S.Rich, Mike Norton, and the various artists are doing with my baby, It Girl. It's a big thrill to have something precious of mine being handled with such deft capable skill. Always a surprise to see where Jamie and pals take it.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

I'm living the dream now on FF! Since I was a kid I've daydreamed about creating space in the Baxter Building, and Matt Fraction is giving me dream scripts that I get to turn into reality.

JOHN ARCUDI (The Creep, BPRD, Lobster Johnson)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

Dark Horse's Creepy Presents Richard Corben collection of all of Corben's old Warren stories has to be the best thing that happened for my money in comics in 2012. Corben is a national freaking treasure and to see him get a nice, hardcover treatment for all that seminal work is just fantastic. And it's a bargain! But if it's new material you're talking about, probably Mark Siegel's Sailor Twain which I read as a web comic. Which I read religiously and avidly, I should say. It's a great blend of classic Americana, folklore and good old fashioned tragedy.

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

Probably the Mad Artist's Edition from IDW. I can't praise Scott Dunbier and IDW enough for doing these very, very important books. You look at them and you think, "Why wasn't anybody doing these before?" That's how you can recognize genius.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

These past few years I've been blessed to have worked with the best in the business (Mike Mignola, Dave Stewart, Tyler Crook, Scott Allie) but I'm really, really lucky to be excited about a lot of things coming in 2013. I'm working with Laurence Campbell on a BPRD arc and he's turning in great, spooky pages (which will surprise nobody who knows his art). Another BPRD arc with my "A god Somewhere" collaborator Peter Snejbjerg -- it was great to be working with Peter again. Wish we could do it all the time. Some more Lobster Johnson comics with the incredible Sebastian Fiumara (you are not gonna believe what he does in this book) and the legendary Kevin Nowlan, a nice little short piece I'm doing with the eventually legendary Sean Murphy(!), and finally "The Creep" will be collected in a sweet hardcover format in the spring. I know, you asked for the "one" project, and this sounds like I'm bragging, I guess, but really, I'm just happy!

JIM OTTAVIANI (Feynman, T-Minus: The Race to the Moon)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

I must cheat, and give more than one: One Soul/Ray Fawkes; Harvey Pekar's Cleveland/Harvey Pekar and Joseph Remnant; Drama/Raina Telgemeier; The Mighty Alice/Richard Thompson; The Score/Darwyn Cooke; Big Questions/Anders Nilsen; Sailor Twain/Mark Siegel. They're all too different, and too good, to place one above the others.

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

I haven't kept up, so I don't know what's in store [in 2013] for me. I look forward to reading the other responses!

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

Again, I cheat: Coming in 2013, with art by Maris Wicks: Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Birute Galdikas (First Second).  Also, with 99 percent certainty, The Imitation Game (a book about Alan Turing) with art by Leland Purvis.

JASON LITTLE (Shutterbug Follies, Motel Art Improvement Service)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

I really am loving Joe Daly's Dungeon Quest series. The third volume came out this year. It manages to somehow be simultaneously a Cheech & Chong movie, a fantasy role-playing adventure, and an experimental novel.

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

I'm excited about new comics from Lale Westvind, my favorite new cartoonist. She's fast, so I'm pretty confident she'll put something out this year. I first discovered her at SPX '12 with her two issues of Hot Dog Beach. She has stormed the gates of the male-dominated expressionist post-apocalypse sci-fi genre. She's taking lots of cues from Gary Panter and Moebius, but the work is all hers. It's really inspiring to see her muscular women wreaking havoc across her bizarre landscapes. I recommend starting with the full-color Hyperspeed to Nowhere.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

After a few years of working in animation to get some money flowing back into our household, I have a new story for a Bee book that I'm really excited about. The working title is The Secret Seminar.

ETHAN RILLY (Pope Hats)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

The D+Q hardcover edition of Ed the Happy Clown by Chester Brown. I hadn't read the dark and elliptical story in its entirety before... truly bizarre. The updated notes section about Chester's early years in comics is deeply fascinating. (Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to read Chris Ware's Building Stories yet.)

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

I'm looking forward to TCAF 2013. Not comics-related but equally great, my nephew will turn one that weekend.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

I'll be working on Pope Hats #4 for much of 2013, though it may not see release until the following year.

AUBREY SITTERSON (Redakai)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

I know this is cheating, but I'm going to have to go with a tie between Glory by Joe Keatinge and Ross Campbell and Extreme relaunch-mate Prophet by Brandon Campbell and a slew of super-talented folks. Both books approach comics storytelling with pacing that's different from any other books on the stands, and in both cases the art is absolutely stunning. Most importantly, neither book forgets that they're genre action books, i.e. there's lots of fighting.

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

It's not a unique sentiment, but I'm still thrilled and super-excited about all the big name talents who are concentrating more and more on projects they own and maintain complete control of. It's a great trend that results in awesome books.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

Not ready to share much about it right now, but I'm hipdeep in the early plotting stages of a heavily researched biography that combines comics with another of my great loves: Professional wrestling. You're gonna spit when you see who's drawing this thing.

MIKE DAWSON (Troop 142)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

My Friend Dahmer, by Derf Backderf.

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

Two graphic novels I’m eager to read in 2013 are The Property by Rutu Modan and Iron Bound by Brendan Leach.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

I have a new graphic novel for Secret Acres in the works called Angie Bongiolatti, but it may not see print until 2014, so I suppose I’m mostly pumped to keep working on it!

ADAM P. KNAVE (Amelia Cole & the Unknown World, Action Cats)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

Oh man this is tough. 2012 was an amazing year for comics. I could, quite literally, sit here for an hour listing all the books I adored that came out this year, and then webcomics and ... too much! So I sift through my admittedly bad memory (I'm horrible with dates) and think about Empowered vol 7 from Adam Warren, and The Secret History of D.B. Cooper from Brian Churilla, and Matt Fraction and David Aja are killing it on Hawkeye and Kelly Sue DeConnick's Captain Marvel - but then Saga by Vaughan and Staples is there and this is when I curl up and start thrashing over having to pick just one. But since I have to, damn you, it has to be the book that gets read first every time it comes out, and that's Saga. It lives up to everything I want it to be and surpasses that mark easily. Vaughan's script sings and Staple's work blows me away, down to her perfect lettering choices.

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

I just found out that 2013 will have a Morrison Animal Man omnibus, and that remains one of my favorite books of all time, so I can't help but get excited about it in a new shiny format. But right this second I am the most excited for Baltimore Comic-Con in 2013. I can't tell you why just yet but if everything goes right this show will be flat-out huge. Mind-blowingly big for me. I am doing a totally undignified dance right now, just thinking about it.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

Oh there are so many! 2013 should be a big year for me, writing-wise I think. I hope. And while there will be a new ongoing series I want to talk about so bad it hurts coming sooner than you think, and a mini-series coming out the summer/fall of 2013 that has been in the pipeline for a while now and I wish I could say more but I can't. I'll just say it is a story that involves at least one person in a cape. I wish I could say more, but when I can you'll hear the shouts of joy from staggeringly far distances.

D.J. KIRKBRIDE (Amelia Cole & the Unknown World)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

The whole Monkeybrain explosion was wonderful, and not only because I have a book in it. No one is paying me to say this. The line is so diverse and fun -- and it got me to sample digital comics more. I'm going to break the internet in half by making the bold statement that Image had a great year. Saga and Fatale make me love comics more and more with each issue. I really dug The Strange Talent of Luther Strode despite my general wimpy nature when it comes to over-the-top violence and am happy to have The Legend of Luther Strode starting up now. Dark Horse Presents is always a great sampling of amazing works. I'm also loving The Massive, Mind MGMT, and Number 13. Rocketeer Adventures and The Rocketeer: Cargo Of Doom were loads of fun. Seeing the wonderful iZombie end and having Sweet Tooth winding down is sad, but both series never failed to amaze me. Basically, I spend way too much money on comics, and I know I'm forgetting some things... lots of good work came out this year!

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

No specific titles are springing to mind because I have no memory or sense of time, but, in general, more creative-owned work and diversity in the market is a great thing. I hope that fans of print continue to grow, and folks who aren't as into paper become new comic fans thanks to digital. Regardless of the deliver system, I look forward to more people reading comics.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

Just one? (I'm going to cheat here...) The sixth and final issue of Amelia Cole and the Unknown World will hit near the beginning of the year, and not long after that we'll be going crazy with a new Amelia Cole arc, which Adam P. Knave and I are currently writing and are excited to see Nick Brokenshire draw... Adam and I have also written a comic for one of my favorite publishers that Robert Love is almost ready to start penciling. I'm not sure what else I can say about it, but I'm already kind of cheating by including more than one project, so I should just shut it. Bottom line: I'm very hopeful and excited for 2013.

BEN TOWLE (Oyster War)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

Seriously--just ONE? How about this: imagine that there was a big anthology in 2012 and the first story was Hilda and the Midnight Giant by Luke Pearson, the second story was Blacklung by Chris Wright, and the third story was Nimona by Noelle Stevenson. THAT'S my favorite book of 2012.

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

For me, that'd be the upcoming Fantagraphics collection of the newspaper strip Barnaby. Barnaby is arguably the last great newspaper strip that remains uncollected at this point and it's a pretty important one historically. I'm currently psyching myself up for it by reading Philip Nel's Crockett Johnson and Ruth Krauss biography.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

I'm still cranking away at my webcomic, Oyster War, (which you can find at www.oysterwar.com). I'm about to get into act three and I'm really excited about the prospect of maybe finishing it up in 2013. We'll see...

JASON LATOUR (Django Unchained, Winter Soldier, Loose Ends)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

It's hard to choose but I just finished The Nao of Brown by Glyn Dillon and that's a pretty amazing book. The kind of work that makes you a better cartoonist just for having read it.

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

It's inspiring to watch so many of my friends and folks I respect begin to get the opportunities and the audience they deserve. I just hope that continues.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

Winter Soldier, Sledgehammer '44, Django Unchained. I'm taking all three of them to the prom.

JAMIE COSLEY (Cody the Cavalier)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

2012 has seen some really amazing webcomics like Shadowbinders and Untold Tales of Bigfoot.

I couldn't decide between them so they are both my favorite. But my favorite comic book is hands down Mr. Toast! by Dan Goodsell and Todd Webb. My kids love it too :)

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

I always look forward to Heroes Con in Charlotte NC every year. I always have a blast catching up with old friends and it's such an art friendly show - it's actually time for me to start working on some paintings :)

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

For 2013 I'm most excited about "Cody the Cavalier" barbecue flavored potato chips. I have teamed up with "Leisure Foods" to produce an original line of potato chips for Richmond, Va. and surrounding areas featuring my character. They will be sold in select convenient stores/grocery stores and we're hoping to roll them out this summer - Lord Willing :) And of course you can still catch Cody Monday - Friday at http://www.codythecavalier.com

CHRIS WRIGHT (Blacklung)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

Alternative comics has become such an embarrassment of riches, that it's impossible to pick any one project as highlight of the year. Fantagraphics, and D&Q have not only continued to produce volumes of important archival material, and works by foreign cartoonists, they have done so with such style, and character, that it's hard not to simply leave it at that. Wolverton, Wally Wood, Segar, Harvey Kurtzman, Steve Ditko, Tove Jansson, Yoshihiro Tatsumi, Frank King, George Herriman, David B, Lewis Trondheim, Floyd Gottfredson, Johnny Gruelle, Walt Kelly, it just goes on and on.

I loved Nononba by Shigeru Mizuki (an old book, but only recently released in the states.) A very human tale of the supernatural. Shigeru is one of those old masters who bends my brain with his technique. It's both an inspiring book, and one that makes me want to put my pens away forever.

The Understanding Monster by Theo Ellsworth. Because Theo Ellsworth, that's why.

Finally, anything produced by my friend Eleanor Davis. I kind of hope she doesn't see this, because I think my admiration for her work is starting to become obnoxious. But she is one of my favorite cartoonists in the world, but I also have to be careful about how much of her work I allow myself to take in at once... jealousy is real. You can order her comics at www.doing-fine.com.

I know that's more than one choice, but there it is. (Also, Building Stories is not on this list, because I haven't been able to get my hands on it yet.)

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

I'm really looking forward to that big Jim Woodring sketchbook, good God.

I've also been looking forward to the Groth/Sendak interview in the next Comics Journal all year. Seems like a potentially fascinating meeting of sensibilities.

Again, there are just too many moving parts to narrow down many specifics. Usually I don't know that most of the things I will end up really getting excited about even exist.

I just want the medium to continue to hurtle through space.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

I've got some ideas, for my next project. Something based on the legend of Salome, but not an adaptation. It's all still pretty fractured at this point. The end result may wind up fractured as well. So I'm finding my way with that.

I'm also writing a fantasy adventure series about hobos with swords.

RYAN STEGMAN (Scarlet Spider, Fantastic Four, The Superior Spider-Man)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

Saga! No question. It's everything I've ever wanted in a comic book. The writing is great and the art is just incredible. I love everything about it!

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

There's this one book called Superior Spider-Man coming out. Have you heard of it? I'M DRAWING IT!

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

Oh whoops, I guess I could have saved my previous answer for this question. But yeah, it's the same answer. Drawing Spider-Man has always been my dream job and now it's my REAL job. 2013 should shape up to be the biggest of my life!

PAUL SIZER (Little White Mouse, Moped Army, B.P.M.)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

Everything that Jonathan Hickman touched in the last two years was absolute gold, in my book. His insanely detailed long view on Fantastic Four and FF was amazing, and paid off in spades with his closing run on both series. The SHIELD series also was fantastic, and his other projects like The Manhattan Projects were solid geekery in solid storytelling. It was also great to see someone with a graphic design sensibility inject that into his books; they were some of the most visually striking covers on the stands.

I was also deep into The Massive by Brian Wood, Batwoman (art-wise it was unparalleled), Wolverine and The X-Men (lots of fun for an X book), Atomic Robo (so deserving of all the love it gets), Multiple Warheads (trippy as hell, in a good way), Matt Fraction's Hawkeye (he and David Aja obviously love doing that book), and Sean Murphy's Punk Rock Jesus (great talk on religion without soapboxing).

I'm very interested to see where some of the MARVEL NOW books will go when the initial hype is over. Avengers Arena has some cool ideas if it stays on track, and I'm really interested to see where Hickman takes The Avengers.

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

Not specifically comic book related, I can't wait to read Warren Ellis' new book Gun Machine.

As far as the medium, I'm keeping a close watch on how the absolute democracy of Kickstarter will more and more impact the independent market and become a force for publishing, and how it will interact and/or circumvent traditional publishing/distribution channels, and obviously how I can make use of it when I get ready to release my next project.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

I've been doing more work on the design end of comics for the past few years, helping develop identities, images and game components for other creators, and while that's great, it makes me really hungry to get back on track with some personal projects that I've had bouncing around. I have a short graphic novella called Mixtape 1984 that I'm figuring out the best way to publish/release, and I've got some ideas for my next full book that I will be talking about more in the coming year.

GREG PAK (X-Treme X-Men, Vision Machine)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

I loved Hope Larson's Wrinkle in Time adaptation. I have fond memories of being inspired and freaked out by the original Madeleine L'Engle novel as a kid and thought Hope did a brilliant job on every level, finding just the right style and tone to capture the characters' emotional journey and bring to life the mind-bending, fantastical elements of the story. I was also totally charmed by the little comics-enabled grace notes that Hope worked in, like the little images of vegetables floating over the pot of stew.

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

I'm excited about the increasing numbers of creators who are using Kickstarter to fund creator-owned work. I tip my hat to friends and colleagues like Gail Simone and Jamal Igle who are plunging into dream projects this way. I can't wait to see the work that results as others seize the opportunity.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

Fred Van Lente and I are collaborating on a new project that I can't fully reveal just yet. But it's a blast working with Fred again -- in a genre that we both adore but haven't worked that much in just yet.

I'm also thrilled to announce that my Vision Machine enhanced graphic novel iPad app is heading to Sundance this January! I've been invited to present it as part of the "Tablet Storytelling Takes Off" panel on Tuesday, January 22. Come check it out of you're going to be there! And you can download the app for free at the iTunes Store -- http://bit.ly/visionmachine

JOHN JACKSON MILLER (Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic: War, Star Wars: Lost Tribe of the Sith: Spiral)

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

The thing that I'm most excited about relates to an area of comics history research that I've been working on for nearly 20 years. I've been collecting comic book Statements of Ownership for most of that time, and entering their contents into a database. The last major release of this material on my Comichron website came nearly six years ago with the site launch, but since then I have found 2,000 more statements — and in some really obscure titles -- and the number of comics that we know sales history about for some years in the 1960s has tripled.

I've been preparing an updated release of this information for a while, but every time I get ready to do the update I find some more missing statements and that sends me back to the hunt. I think I may finally be ready to go, now -- readers should keep an eye on Comichron to find out more about it. (And, also, to see the 2012 year-end data coming up soon, which looks to be very positive).

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

While I have more comics on the way, 2013 will be a big year of prose work for me — there are a couple of creator-owned projects I'll be announcing soon. But already announced is another really fun project. Late in the year, I have a hardcover novel releasing from Del Rey called Star Wars: Kenobi. Kenobi is set in the months following the Obi-Wan Kenobi's arrival on Tatooine to take up the life of a hermit, watching over the home of Luke Skywalker. Of course this takes some getting used to: the greatest hero in the galaxy finds that it's difficult to simply transition into being "Crazy Old Ben."

PAIGE BRADDOCK (Jane’s World, Apocalypse Pond, The Martian Confederacy)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

I recently discovered a classic comic that Drawn and Quarterly is now collecting called Moomin. Quirky, whimsical... Just plain fun. How did I not know about it for so long? Lame.

Also, a title from Ashley Spires, a Canadian cartoonist, Binky. If you like comedy and cats and outer space, this is the comic for you.

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

This isn’t really a comic, but it’s comic related. We’re beginning work on a Peanuts feature film with Blue Sky Studios (and 20th Century Fox). I know it won’t be out in 2013, but I’m excited about the development process and about getting to know some of the artists that work at Blue Sky.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

Well, Jane’s World is still going strong, and now appears in color online. I’ve also been working on this new little comic feature titled Apocalypse Pond. I tested a little zine at APE in SF this past fall and people seemed to really be into it, so I’m working on the next little story arc. It started as a little art experiment. I wanted to challenge myself to tell a story without using dialogue. And also because I like frogs, and they are very threatened by our environmental decline.

Also, Jason is working on the script for The Martian Confederacy book 3, which I’m very excited to read. (No pressure, Jason.)

And I have a concept I’m fleshing out for an apocalyptic science fiction story with a lesbian lead.

Apocalyptic seems to be the theme for 2013.

CORINNA BECHKO (Planet of the Apes: Cataclysm, Star Wars: Legacy)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

I continue to adore Locke and Key by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez but Ragemoor by Richard Corben and Jan Strnad gets the prize for most unexpectedly crazy and wonderful find of the year. An ancient haunted castle, horrible creatures, a terrible family curse… What’s not to love?

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

Around the end of the year I always start getting excited about the Emerald City Con, in Seattle. It’s the first major convention of the year and one of my favorites. Digitally, I’m really looking forward to seeing what Monkeybrain Comics puts out in 2013. I’ve been fascinated by their line-up so far.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

I’m fortunate to have several projects simmering with my writing partner Gabriel Hardman, and I’m thrilled that one of them is set in the Star Wars universe. Our relaunch of Dark Horse’s Legacy series will debut in March and I have to say that Gabriel’s art on it is stunning. It’s such an honor to work on and we’ve had a great time crafting the story. I can’t wait for everyone to see it!

ANDREW FARAGO (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Radical Mutations)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

It was a great year for comics. Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples knocked it out of the part with Saga, but Roger Langridge & co.’s Popeye was right up there, and Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have been making one of the best Batman comics in recent memory. Ellen Forney’s Marbles, Raina Telgemeier’s Drama, Derf’s My Friend Dahmer (which I read as a 24-pager ten years ago, but haven’t yet tackled in its new, longer format), Chris Ware’s Building Stories... My single favorite book was probably the David Mazzuchelli Artist’s Edition of Daredevil: Born Again, put together by Scott Dunbier at IDW, but it was an incredibly solid year.

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

More IDW Artist’s Editions, fun stuff from Marvel’s sorta-relaunch, classic comics from D&Q, IDW and Fantagraphics, another go-round at the San Diego Comic-Con, hopefully a trip to Seattle for one of their upcoming conventions-—it feels like punking out not to limit myself to one thing (see above), but there’s a lot of cause for optimism in the coming year.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

At my day job as Curator of San Francisco’s Cartoon Art Museum, I’m working on a retrospective of Sam Kieth’s artwork, and it’s been a blast working with someone whose art I’ve enjoyed for more than 20 years. If you’d told me back in college that my job would entail long phone calls and art discussions with Sam Kieth, I’d never have believed you.

I’m also writing a book for Insight Editions called Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Radical Mutations, and that’s going to span the complete history of TMNT, including the comics, animation, toys, live action movies and fandom. I’ve done about 30 interviews so far, and it feels like I’m just getting started. (And if anyone reading this has worked on any incarnation of TMNT or recorded “Ice, Ice Baby,” please drop me a line.)

PATRICK DEAN (Big Deal Comics & Stories)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

Corto Maltese: The Ballad of the Salt Sea by Hugo Pratt- I'd been waiting on pins and needles for this book to come out. In the late 80's NBM published some Corto Maltese stories, the first in English, and they've since been very hard to come by for a reasonable price. I have two of the NBM books that I read over and over again and a Spanish issue of Totem, so I was excited to hear that the first Corto Maltese book would see print, in English no less. It seemed to take several years since the original announcement, but it was worth the wait. Hugo Pratt's epic story deserves to be read by a wider audience.

Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, and Me by Ellen Forney- It's always an event when Ellen Forney puts out new work. She'd been talking about working on a larger comics project after Lust! was released in 2008, but I wasn't expecting anything as personal as this. Read it.

The Score by Darwyn Cooke- Darwyn Cooke has done an excellent job at adapting Richard Stark's Parker series and this one's a hoot. New characters that show up throughout the books make their debut here and Cooke designs some striking pages, complete with maps, diagrams, and people's daydreams. It's a lighter story than the first two books, with its Ocean's 11 style cast, but he still stays consistent with Parker's grumpy but reasonably guarded demeanor.

The Cavalier Mr. Thompson: A Sam Hill Novel by Rich Tommaso- Good year for crime comics! Tomasso's crisp art style compliments this wonderful early 20th century crime story. I love his pacing, razor sharp inking, and natural unpretentious dialogue. If you're fan of crime noir, then this is a book you have to pick up. I hope to see more of these soon.

The Complete Pogo: Vol.1 by Walt Kelly- Another book that I had been waiting for awhile to be released since it was announced. Fantagraphics did a great job on producing the best looking book they could, so once again a much desired book that was worth the wait. It's okay reading this brilliant strip in dog eared 50's-70's paperbacks, but a big fat book with some crystal clear reproduction of the artwork is nice too. Looking through Pogo comics will make you want to draw better trees.

Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol- One of the best ghost stories I've ever read. Beautiful artwork and intriguing story for young adults that mixes some funny sweet parts with a creepy sinister undertone and the book progresses.

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

BOOKS COMING OUT IN 2013 THAT I WILL HAND OVER CASH FOR: My Dirty Dumb Eyes by Lisa Hanawalt. After discovering her website through her hilarious review of the film Drive, I'm officially declaring her one of the funniest cartoonists ever. Can't wait to laugh like an idiot at this collection.

Mermin by Joey Weiser- I'd read this serialized in individual mini-comic sized chapters, but lo and behold Oni Press is publishing the whole thing as one color book. Aside from being a gifted cartoonist and storyteller, Joey's also a really underrated colorist with a eye for pleasing bold colors. This literal fish-out-of-water story is going to look amazing in color. The newly colored page with a school's swimming pool filled with fish and assorted sealife is worth the cover price alone.

Kitaro by Shigeru Mizuki- Speaking of Joey Weiser, he's shown me copies of this comic about a boy monster with one eye that has adventures with ghosts, monsters, spirits, haunts, spooks, monsters, ghosts, spirits, ghosts and probably more ghosts. Of course I'm going to buy this.

Genius, Illustrated: The Life and Art of Alex Toth by Dean Mullaney, Bruce Canwell and Alex Toth - I can't wait to see the second half of this series of Toth books, this one centered on everything he did from the 60's onwards.

The Adventures of Superhero Girl by Faith Erin Hicks- I'd been following this charming comic online. It will be nice to own a hardcopy of it to look at during power outages.

Not sure if Chris Schweizer has a new Crogan book coming out in 2013 or if he was working on another project, but whatever it is, I'll buy it.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

Right now I'm plotting three different new issues of Big Deal Comics & Stories, published by whatever copy shop has the best deal on copies that week. I've just finished Big Deal Comics & Stories #12, which is a standalone 33 page story, "A Weekend at that Atwood". It involves an abandoned dilapidated motel on a lonely stretch of road and its two resident spirits hosting a ghost convention. Different ghosts of shapes and sizes and eras show up for the weekend to chat with each other and take a break from their usual job of haunting the living. I have that issue and some older issues of Big Deal Comics & Stories for sale at my site (http://patrickdeancomics.blogspot.com/). I'm juggling three ideas right now, which I need to focus on one and go with it. The love story involving people trying to achieve lucid dreams through diet? The horror story based on a series of nightmares I had last spring? Or the one where a man renames the constellations? Winter's a good season for brainstorming.

JIM RUGG (Adventure Time, Afrodisiac)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

I can never pick one thing. So here are a few comics and zines I enjoyed: Copra 1 and 2 by Michel Fiffe; Bjornstrand by Renee French; Fukitor by Jason Karns; SF Supplemental File #2 by Ryan Cecil Smith; Galactic Breakdown by Keenan Marshall Keller; Michael McMillan: The ZZZZZ Series and other Stories; Scuzzi by John Pham; Pompeii by Frank Santoro; Ripper & Friends and Lincoln Washington by Ben Marra; Bottom Feeders and Henchmen by Jasen Lex; You Will All Die In Pain by Derek M Ballard; I liked the coloring in Kyle Platts' Megaskull; and the paper in the Negron book is amazing (the art's pretty nice too).

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

Bittersweet Romance by Victor 'Bald Eagles' Cayro; Beta Testing the Apocalypse by Tom Kaczynski; Hip Hop Family Tree by Ed Piskor; and Copra 3+ by Michel Fiffe

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

We're working on the next season of our podcast, Tell Me Something I Don't Know, where we talk to artists, musicians, filmmakers about their work and the reality/business side of what they do. I learned a lot in year one, so hopefully we'll be able to apply those lessons to this next round and create a show that other cartoonists and artists can use as a resource. We are bringing on a producer to help us, and I think he's going to make the show much, much better.

I'm also working on a new magazine/book/zine collection of my work, hopefully in time for TCAF.

JANE IRWIN (Vögelein, Clockwork Game)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

I'd have to say Spike's and Diana Nock's Poorcraft. It's my favorite on a lot of levels: Spike Kickstarted enough funding to pay the artist up front, so that Diana could concentrate on nothing but Poorcraft while still covering her rent; the art is as delightful as the writing; and it's crammed with really useful frugal tips and hints. Plus, it's inexpensive enough ($5 PDF, $10 print) that the people who need it most can afford it. It really is self-publishing at its best. Yay, Spike and Diana!

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

I'm really, really hoping I can get Clockwork Game funded, printed and out the door before 2013 is over. I have fewer than 20 pages left to draw, and after five years, that feels wonderful. I might even get out to my first Con since 2009!

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

I'm currently throwing all my energy into Clockwork Game, but if the stars align, I might be contributing (along with Carla Speed McNeil) to Spike's next anthology, The Sleep of Reason. Fingers crossed!

RICH ELLIS (Memorial)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

My favorite book of 2012 is a tie between Paul Tobin and Colleen Coover's Bandette, and Matt Fraction's Hawkeye.

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

The thing I'm most looking forward to in 2013 is seeing the further development digital first comics and specifically of Monkeybrain Press.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

I'm currently excited to be wrapping up the Memorial digital first series Imaginary Fiends. Then trying to make done time for a new creator-owned story I'll be writing and drawing.

NICK DRAGOTTA (East of West)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

I'm loving Fury MAX. Nothing beats an Ennis/Parlov jam.

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

I'll probably be most excited by something I have yet to discover.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

East of West... my new monthly comic at Image. Written by Jonathan Hickman with art by me.

CHARLES SOULE (Strange Attractors)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

I have a feeling I'm going to be one voice among the chorus here, but Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples are doing incredible things with Saga. First thing I buy in weeks it comes out, and the last thing I read, just to make the anticipation last longer. I've also LOVED Garth Ennis' and Goran Parlov's Fury - doesn't get much better, and Hawkeye from Matt Fraction and David Aja is another huge standout. Really, though, it's been a phenomenal year for comics, and even choosing three isn't easy.

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

This is just around the corner, but I'm very jazzed for Brian Wood's Star Wars #1. I love all of his work, and seeing his take on Star Wars, particularly a story that follows the characters after the end of A New Hope should be amazing. In fact, I'm pretty excited to see what happens in the cinematic Star Wars universe as well. Part of me (a small part) knows I'm not 8 anymore, but I can't help but get excited at the idea that Episode VII is actually on the way.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

I have a lot going on in 2013, some of which I can talk about some of which I can't - the biggest thing on the horizon right now for me is the release of Strange Attractors, my upcoming graphic novel from Archaia. The thing's been more than two years in the making - it's an epic tale about two mathematicians, one young, one old, who use complexity theory to turn New York City into sort of an engine. The story covers what happens when they turn it on. It's a bit like Good Will Hunting meets Harry Potter, for grownups, set in the greatest city in the world. That will be out in March as a beautiful hardcover (in Previews in January, so please preorder!) and we're also putting it out in serialized chapters digitally - you can find it on Comixology and the usual spots.

It was a real labor of love, and I hope people enjoy it. Beyond that, Free Comic Book Day should be big for me, and maybe even some superhero work - who knows? I'm looking forward to 2013, that's for sure.

CURT PIRES (LP, Theremin)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

That’s really tough. There have been a ton of amazing books coming out this year and I have been really surprised and blown away by all of them. My favorite singular work has to Prophet by Brandon Graham, Simon Roy, Giannis Milonogiannis and Farel Dalrymple. This is one of the consistently best crafted books on the stands, and I never, ever, know where it is going to go next. It has what is inarguably the strongest rotating artist crew you will find on any book , and ships on time every month. I sometimes am shocked that something this cool even exists in the first place. Everyone should check it out.

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

I’m excited to see readers embracing new attitudes towards the media they are digesting. One of the things that has always frustrated me about comics is how damn fetishistic we can get as consumers. In 2012 we saw people moving away from their comfort zoens (whether this be Big 2, Image, etc) and trying new things. I think the recent success of books like Copra, the strong start Sacrifice had last year, and other self published works have had, have demonstrated that you don’t need a logo to make a great comic. I’m looking forward to new creations in this context, and new readers embracing them.

On a purely reader level, I’m looking forward to new work from: Ed Brisson, Ales Kot, Brian Wood, Matt Fraction , Grant Morrison, Paul Pope, Brandon Graham , Simon Roy , Zack Soto, Sloane Leong, Michele Fiffe, Morgan Jeske and Michael DeForge. I’m also excited to see my friend Ryan Ferrier’s The Brothers James return. It’s a hot as asphalt revenge epic everyone should check out.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

I’m really excited about my new book Theremin with Dalton Rose . It’s a speculative fiction/ spy comic with a twist. We launch in March. We are both trying and hopefully succeeding at doing some cool and interesting things with this book.

PHIL HESTER (The Coffin, Firebreather, The Wretch)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

I hate to sound like an old crank, but it was probably Corpse on the Imjin, Fantagraphics' collection of Kurtzman's best EC war stories. I refer to those issues often, so it was great to have them all collected in one crisp, black and white, sturdy volume. If you're a cartoonist, or just someone who wants to understand comics storytelling better, this book is as informative as an advanced college course. It also features many of the other great EC artists who collaborated with Kurtzman on those immortal war tales. A treasure!

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

That's easy. Whatever artist's editions IDW rolls out this year. Damn you, Scott Dunbier!

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

That's funny, because I haven't even pitched it yet, but it's a book called Sick Time that I hope will roll out in 2013. I'm writing and drawing with Eric Gapstur on inks. It's about a small town constable who has been sick every day of his life. He's had a series of bizarre, grotesque, largely useless mutations ravage his body as long as he can remember. The residents of a tiny town take him in and shelter him from the outside world, but soon dark forces begin to take interest in his odd maladies and danger stalks the quiet streets of his adopted home town. I hope it combines the best of my past work; the horror of The Coffin, the humor of Golly, the weirdness of The Wretch, and the charm of Firebreather. I believe in this one so much I've been working on it without a publisher since November. Here's hoping some suckers go for it.

ALLISON BAKER (Co-publisher, Monkeybrain Comics)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

Just one? I can’t do just one and I’m a rules breaker by nature so I’m gonna give you at least three. Bandette by Paul Tobin and Colleen Coover is amazeballs and I say that in the sincerest way possible. Red Light Properties by Dan Goldman blows my mind! Memorial by Chris Roberson and Rich Ellis is the greatest but most overlooked book of the year, hands down. I love that book and that isn’t bias talking at all!

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

FABLESCON!!! Our good friend Bill Willingham was nice enough to invite both Chris and I as special guests to the brand new Fabletown and Beyond Convention which takes place March 22nd- 24th in Rochester, MN. The convention even has its own private bar!

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

I’m really excited about all the new books we have lined up for Monkeybrain. I was blown away by the overwhelmingly positive reception we received when we publicly launched the imprint in July, and I can’t wait to use all the things I’ve learned in the last 6 months to make Monkeybrain a better publisher.

And I’m super excited about High Crimes by Chris Sebela and Ibrahim Moustafa, which debuts in the next month. I’m so excited I included a sneak peek of the cover!

EVAN DORKIN (Beasts of Burden, Milk & Cheese)

What was your favorite comic of 2012?

New: My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf (Abrams). Reprinted/Collected: God and Science by Jaime Hernandez (Fantagraphics).

Translated: NonNonBa by Shigeru Mizuki (Drawn and Quarterly).

I didn't read as many new books this year as I'd have liked, Ware's Building Stories, new Joe Sacco, Gabrielle Bell, among others. Who can keep up? Who can afford all this stuff?

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

Barnaby by Crockett Johnson (Fantagraphics) and Kitaro by Shigeru Mizuki (Drawn and Quarterly).

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

Jill Thompson and I are working on a new Beasts of Burden mini-series for Dark Horse Comics.

IVAN BRANDON (Offset Comics)

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

The Nao of Brown by Glyn Dillon

Comic-wise, what are you most excited about for 2013?

I think this might finally be the year we see people break some new ground in terms of how comics are defined, not just in genre or content but in form and function.

What's one project you're personally working on for 2013 that you're especially pumped about?

Offset Comics is my new publishing company and I'm really excited for people to see what we're trying to do.