We’ve come to the end of 2011 and it’s time for our final Top Twenty of the year! It’s not a Top Twenty of 2011 per se, but the books here (especially in the second list) should give you an idea for the best titles coming out this year. It’s also worth noting that Rusty did not write a single Best Book column this month; don’t be mad, we were having a sale! So we don’t have that information to go on, but we do have your votes in the polls and the Cosmic Comix Conversation!

In case this is your first time, the Top Twenty is an ongoing monthly look at two ordered lists comprising A) The top twenty single issues of the month and B) the top twenty current series in comics. How did we come up with the lists? Well, the Cosmic Comix Top Twenty Committee took several things into consideration: Best Book nominees, poll winners and poll votes, sales numbers and general buzz levels surrounding each book. Yes, your input is not only appreciated but also counts toward the rankings. So let us hear it!

Top Twenty Comics of December 2011
The Best Single Issues

1. JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #632 – We loved it, the Cosmic Comix Conversation panelists loved it. Christmas comes to one of our absolute favorite Marvel books. Best part? A hellhound puppy with no home and a mean streak the width of a football field. Truly best part? That it all fits perfectly into the post-Fear Itself world of Loki and Asgard!
2. CHEW #22 – This one came out at the very beginning of the month so its excellence may have faded a bit from your mind, but take our word for it: it was awesome. Yet again. The second part of “Major League Chew” and not too late to get on board. Kidnappings! Brawls! Hilarity! Chew rules.
3. WOLVERINE AND X-MEN #3 – This was one of those “awesome from start to finish” issues. Wolverine’s school is under attack! By a massive island thing! No worries, get it over onto the good guys’ team. Major props to Jason Aaron and Chris Bachalo.
4. AMERICAN VAMPIRE #22 – Part one of a story that takes you into the nifty fifties! Hot rods! Leather jackets! Beatniks! And, of course, vampire parents of a teenage daughter who happens to be dating a rebel vampire slayer with a cause. Tough luck, mom and dad!
5. SECRET AVENGERS #20 – Came out the same week as American Vampire and was just as good. All of the Warren Ellis Secret Avengers have been good so far but in this one Warren took it to the next level, alongside artist Alex Maleev.
6. BATMAN INCORPORATED LEVIATHAN STRIKES #1 – What, you thought Batman #4 was gonna be in this spot? We’re that predictable now? Well, you got the Batman part right! The return to Batman, Inc. was as enjoyable as it was large. It was essentially four issues in one and well worth the $6.99 price of admission. Plus it destroyed the poll!
7. KICK-ASS 2 #6 (OF 7) – Just as enjoyable as any of the books in the #1 through #6 positions and with 300% more cussing and violence. We wanted the return of Hit-Girl and boy did we get it! My only question is: why did they have to target comic book stores? That makes a man nervous!
8. WALKING DEAD #92 – A major revelation in the world of Walking Dead! There are in fact other survivors in other communities! This issue may have gotten shafted on the poll, but we’re kicking it into the top 10. We can do that!
9. STRANGE TALENT OF LUTHER STRODE #3 (OF 6) – We’ve been talking up this series quite a bit recently and this issue is the reason why. It really took the series to the next level by giving it a kind of Kick-Ass type vibe. The only difference is, in this title it’s the main character who does the ass kicking. And he does it well.
10. BATMAN #4 –  Probably the weakest Scott Snyder Batman issue to date and it still finds its way into the top 10. Love the history in each issue and in this one we get a little of young Bruce’s history.
11. SWAMP THING #4 – When he nominated this one, Rusty called it “an almost perfect issue.” High praise indeed! And totally deserved. Loved the flow of it.
12. ULTIMATE COMICS ULTIMATES #5 – I actually came to this series late, basically jumping on with issue #3. But I am soooo happy I picked it up. Everyone here always talks about the huge scale of it, but it’s so true! These are world-shattering events!
13. COBRA ONGOING #8 – Totally just a transition issue, from the previous events into the next big crossover story about the new Cobra Commander. But it was awesome. Of course.
14. RAY #1 (OF 4) – Don’t know who The Ray is? Don’t worry about it! This issue was a great introduction to the character and a thoroughly enjoyable read. This mini-series looks to be a pretty fun ride.
15. JUSTICE LEAGUE #4 – Aquaman may have gotten a slightly weak issue in his own title this month, but in this THIS title he was awesome. The team now seems to be together and it’s time to take on Darkseid!
16. SEVERED #5 (OF 7) – I remember when I read this thinking that they love to make you think one thing is about to happen and then do something totally different. It happened several times in this issue and it was good every time. Heck, they even had me rooting for the bad guy! Not cool. I feel like a creep.
17. PENGUIN PAIN AND PREJUDICE #3 (OF 5) – The two sides of Penguin’s personality on display once again. Tip: don’t ever get on his bad side.
18. FABLES #112 – You can always count on Fables for a solid Christmas issue and they didn’t disappoint this year. Just a very cool spin on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Plus, reindeer cracking wise about Santa trying to get himself a little action has to count for something!
19. X-MEN LEGACY #260 – Giving this one the final spot. It was Mike Carey’s final issue and a fine end to a fine, fine run. If you missed his very cool Age of X story, it just got collected in trade!
20. DMZ #72 – I know, I know. that wasn’t the final spot just then. THIS is the final spot. But I figured since we’re talking about final issues, we better have two final spots and mention DMZ #72. A great ending to a great Vertigo series about a possible future American civil war. Read the trades!

Top Twenty Titles of December 2011
The Best Current Series

1. CHEW – Every time Chew misses a month I penalize it in the rankings. But then when it comes out I find myself thinking: how was this NOT the #1 title last month?! (TPBs)
2. WALKING DEAD – The Year-End Sale from a few weeks ago put a hurting on our Walking Dead supply and the most recent issue featured a major new revelation. Could be the most important comics title in history when all is said and done. The Walking Dead walks on! (TPBs)
3. JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY – Whoa, daddy! I know we’ve said Journey into Mystery is good, but the third best title in comics?! No way, sirs. To that I can only say this: WAY. It is really that good.
4. GI JOE: COBRA – Have you heard of that movie that’s about to come out called Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy? Supposed to be one of the best spy stories ever told, a John Le Carre classic. And I can guarantee you that GI Joe: Cobra is better. Take that, Tinseltown! (TPBs)
5. SCALPED – Remember what I said up there about getting penalized for missing a month? Now it’s Scalped’s turn. Bitter medicine, but not to worry. I’m sure the next issue will put it right back up top. (TPBs)
6. BATMAN – A little bit of a dip in the single issue rankings, but this is still one of the best ongoing Batman stories we’ve read. The history of Gotham City, the secret powers, the intrigue! Love it all!
7. SECRET AVENGERS – Why can’t Warren Ellis just go ahead and write Secret Avengers for the duration? Huh? HUH?!
8. AMERICAN VAMPIRE – We’d been looking forward to this newest story arc for a while and it did not disappoint. Just a quality comic book series!
9. ULTIMATE COMICS ULTIMATES – Breaks into the top 10! If you haven’t picked it up already, do so immediately. You won’t regret it.
10. PUNISHERMAX – He didn’t make the list above, but he could have very easily if I had been in the right mood. Heck, in the right mood I might have made him #1. I’d have to be in a very dark place, though. You wouldn’t want to be around me on those days. Such a brutally good series.
11. KICK-ASS – It even says something like this on the back cover, but no series makes me go "Oh no she DIDN’T!!" more often than Kick-Ass.
12. JUSTICE LEAGUE – All-out action! A fine flagship title for the New 52 and a great ride so far. Now, time to get that story rolling…
13. BUFFY / ANGEL & FAITH – Great once again! Angel & Faith in particular had a strong month. I was even chastised by Rusty when I said Buffy wasn’t really my thing. "Good comics aren’t your thing?!" he said. BURN.
14. X-MEN LEGACY – Sorry to see Mike Carey go!
15. RACHEL RISING – Missed this month! But I have no doubt that when I pick up issue #4 I’ll know exactly where the story left off. I love that.
16. WOLVERINE AND THE X-MEN – Issues #1 and 3 have been fantastic. If this series finds a rhythm it will be a major contender.
17. SEVERED – Flirts with greatness, but also meanders a bit sometimes. This month’s issue brought it back to the fore. Here’s hoping it finishes strong!
18. SWAMP THING – Just the third of the New 52 to find its way onto this list. And that seems about right. It and Superboy are probably the two best titles behind Batman and Justice League.
19. INVINCIBLE – I have a tendency to diss Invincible, but I know it’s a good book. Many of the most respected opinions around the store talk it up on a regular basis. "It’s just good," they all seem to say. (TPBs)
20. FABLES – A big old Christmas issue and an excellent continuing story. To those who stopped reading Fables because they lost interest: pick it back up! It’s still good! (TPBs)

Others receiving votes for the Best Current Series: