The end of the year means a lot of things: traffic around Times Square, midnight kisses and the clinking of champagne flutes across the globe and gyms full of people looking to stick to their resolutions. But in the publishing industry, one thing that the end of the year also signifies is the publication of various “best of the year” lists.

USA TODAY just published their story on the best things to happen in the comic book industry in 2011. Best writer? Scott Snyder. Best superhero artist? J.H. Williams. Best artist return? Jim Lee. Best worst Super hero? Aquaman. It's all there--and more, with multiple name checks for DC COMICS-THE NEW 52.

THE VILLAGE VOICE included ANIMAL MAN and SPACEMAN on their list of the best comic books and graphic novels of the year while NPR's MONKEY SEE BLOG's list featured DEMON KNIGHTS, ANIMAL MAN, DAYTRIPPER, AQUAMAN and WONDER WOMAN.

Over on THE TORONTO STAR’s list of the top 10 graphic novels of the year, you’ll find DC COMICS: THE NEW 52 OMNIBUS and the deluxe edition of JOE THE BARBARIAN.

Meanwhile, IGN dubbed the launch of DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 the “best moment of the year.” AMERICAN VAMPIRE: SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST was also named the “best miniseries,” SECRET SIX #36 won the award for “best single issue” and Scott Snyder was again crowned the “best writer.”

And while you’re at IGN, be sure to check out their list of the Best Vertigo and Icon comics books of 2011. AMERICAN VAMPIRE came in at #1 with THE UNWRITTEN, SWEET TOOTH, SCALPED, IZOMBIE, FABLES, and NORTHLANDERS all making the Top 10 list.

To be continued …

It’s hard to believe that it’s already October. And if you’re anything like me, October only means one thing: Halloween. But Halloween is more than just trying to pull scary pranks or get free candy from your neighbors – it’s also about getting dressed up and having fun with your family and friends.

In issue #45 of the Eisner Award winning series (for Best Publication for Kids), TINY TITANS, the girls decide to have a Batgirl themed party. So what does that mean? Everyone comes to the Batcave dressed up as Batgirl, of course! Too bad nobody told Robin, leaving him feeling like the odd man out. And when an epic soccer match between Coach Lobo’s Secret Six team and Coach Huntress’ Birds of Prey team begins, a secret weapon will be unleashed that’ll leave everyone scratching their heads.

TINY TITANS #45 is by Art Baltazar and Franco and hits stores on Wednesday.

[gallery link="file" order="DESC" columns="2"]

When Bane was first introduced, he was one of Batman’s most notorious villains. Remember that whole broken back thing? Exactly. Since becoming a member of the Secret Six team, however, Bane has been a man of honor seeking his righteous path. But recent events have forced him to see the ineffectuality of his journey. Will anyone be able to turn Bane from his his sinister impulses – or has the obsession taken him over again?

SECRET SIX #34, written by Gail Simone and with art by J. Calafiore, hits stores this June.

Fans and critics have loved the recent Secret Six crossovers with Doom Patrol and Action Comics. Issue #30 earned a "Great" rating from IGN Comics, Comic Vine chalked it up with an excellent 4.5 / 5 stars, and G4's Attack of the Show called the book "riveting, pulse-pounding reading."

MTV Geek has a great Q&A with Gail Simone that you can find here, where Gail gives her take on how the Six would match up in fights against other DC teams of heroes or villains.

Which team of heroes or villains would YOU like to see the Secret Six take on?