We’ve had a good run this 2017 (Doomsday Clock! Dark Nights Metal! Black Bolt!), and in the wonderful world of capes and cowls, we’ve laughed together and cried together over all the same things. So, now that 2017 is over, let’s take a look back at the best comic book moments of 2017, whether it’s about long, drawn-out marriage proposals or simply sitting down for a quiet meal with our friendly-neighborhood web-slinger.
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Iceman deals with the homophobic parentals.
It’s always a treat for us readers whenever we see our favorite superheroes stripped down and at their most basic as ordinary human beings, just like when Jen Walters and Carol Danvers explored Tinder and found other capes there (oops!) in Mighty Captain Marvel #9. But one of the best comic book moments of 2017 takes a look at the private life of Iceman and his sexuality. Coming out to his parents has always been an issue for Bobby, but in Iceman #8, he finally declares it with an open finality. He confronts his small-minded parents about their homophobia—and it’s a great big relief for him and for readers alike.
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J. Jonah Jameson sits down with Spidey.
It may be hard to believe that a dialogue-heavy superhero comic book—especially with Spidey and J.J. concerned—exists, but in Spectacular Spider-Man #6, the usually contentious pair have quite the heart to heart. The raw, brutal, and heartfelt discussion between Spider-Man and J. Jonah Jameson is an emotional roller coaster that uncovers all vulnerabilities between these two men, and when they bare their souls to each other, you’ll actually find yourself dabbing your eyes with some tissues. Comic book catharsis, anyone?
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Scott Free goes through his last day on earth.
Speaking of invisible ninjas cutting onions somewhere, Mister Miracle #5 also stops at nothing to make sure you’re bawling your eyes out by the end of the comics. Tom King and Mitch Gerads’ Mister Miracle definitely earns a spot as one of the best comic book moments of 2017, with the great and agonizing story of Scott Free’s last day on Earth. If you were sentenced to death by Orion, would you spend your last day in this world going to the fair, having a nice meal, and listening to your favorite song with your beloved? Free and Barda do just that, and it’s a tragic, poignant, and heart-wrenching emotional phenomenon—one that just might be the greatest romance of this year.
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The one and only Captain America returns.
A (controversial) lot has happened to the Steve Rogers that we all know and love this 2017, but the most memorable one is his return in Captain America #695. Despite his Nazi-fication during “Secret Empire,” Captain America makes a big comeback by showcasing an in-depth analysis of what he truly means to a variety of different people—and it’s a breathtaking and highly symbolic look at the character for who he truly is.
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Batman proposes to Catwoman.
How can the Dark Knight’s marriage proposal NOT be one of the best comic book moments of 2017? In Batman #32, the Caped Crusader actually gets down on one knee and utters the two-word question that makes Tom King a real, well, king. Bruce Wayne finally proposes to Selina Kyle, and if you listen hard enough, you can probably hear the collective sighs and shouts of joy from fans everywhere who have been rooting for the on-again-off-again couple from the very beginning. The Bat-Cat romance certainly proves that contrary to popular belief, Batman really does have a heart, and he deserves love, too. This type of uncharted romantic territory is both exciting and terrifying, and only time will tell if this will all turn out to be the happily-ever-after that Bats deserves.
