First of all, thank you so much @Golden_Acorn and @allenT, you both know how to make my day a brighter one! Gosh, I really appreciate the shout out and the inclusion in your top 5 series of 2020 T^T You're too kind to me.
My Top 5 of 2020, not in any particular order (well except alphabetical because it makes me smile xD) I can't put these works in any order of which I think is # 1 - #5 because I am an indecisive loon who can't possibly choose which one I like a bit more than the other (I like them all for different reasons uwu):
@Golden_Acorn's "Cup and Quill" I love all the characters and their designs, especially how creative the customers are xD I love that all the topics tackled in Golden's comic are done respectfully and make me think, discuss, and just makes me feel less alone especially in terms of Ember's arc. I appreciate the way the lighthearted and more leaning on the side of cartoony art style helps to balance any heaviness that may arise in the comic. I have seen comics delve into serious topics and stay on theme by having a darker mood and art style, but this makes me have a "breather" so I don't get overwhelmed. And I love the variety of characters and status of relationships.
Notevenashamed's "Gradually" caught me because it was a new BL/LGBT+ comic, but I am just as invested in the characters own journey rather than just the love story aspect. I just love these characters, I love getting to know them and seeing them interact, all their little quirky charms. Gosh, I am gushy uwu I love how friendship is also an aspect of the story and exploring the relationships with others. I see such healthy, endearing, and fun friendships between the characters. The story and characters are engaging, the art style is so cute, there's references to video games (which I love >w<) and there's also comedic moments as well! uwu
@allenT's Maor, has such a beautiful, breathtaking art style, I can't remember the term for it but the marks that AllenT makes, especially the marks used as shading remind me of when I used to do shading that way, it takes me back to the feel of the pencil or pen marking the page. I always look at the linework with fondness because it reminds me of my obsession with hatching and crosshatching. It's so textured and beautiful. I love the character designs and the beginning setting of the countryside of the protagonist. It caught my eye because of the premise, I fell in love because of the art, and I am staying more than happily because of the excitement of where Maor's journey will lead. There's also a fantasy element which I am always up for! I love the charm and comedic moments as well,
@a.g.meade's "Soulbound" is awesome, I have a soft spot for Fantasy uwu so when I saw this one in the LGBT+ section and saw that it had romance and fantasy, oh boy, was I excited
It's a big hurdle that Rowan has jump, his soulmate has been cursed, a curse that makes him unable to love as well as forget he even has a soulmate. I am excited to see where this leads Rowan and Camden. It has a lot of my favorite elements, fantasy, curses, amnesia, a quest, and slow burn >w< I also really love the art style and I appreciate the traditional style of it as well. AND it's also experimental with the mediums, which is really cool to see the different affects of each medium gives to the work. The markers are my favorite, but the ink was cool as well as it made it more dramatic I suppose I would say? It's just an awesome comic!
Last, but certainly not least is @drcharlotterodricks's "You & Me." It's short and sweet, a lovely little comic that would pair well with having your coffee and breakfast in the morning. It is cute and funny and I love the drawings so much, it's always a joy to see it updated so I can start the day off right. It's a comic that is so charming because it is based off the creator's conversations with their friend and it also includes cultural references of India. I love learning about other people's cultures and learning tidbits here and there and seeing Dr. Charlotte showcase them in her art style and also including photos is just so enriching!
And finally, I just want to add that all the comics I have read during 2020, including the ones that were not made in 2020 really made my year start off right. This year was a year of healing for me, both mentally and physically, so I really appreciate all the work creator's do. My emotional state, my soul, my days are much brighter and just feel better when I enjoy comics. I know to creators it might be a small thing, but trust me, it never is! There are those who heal us physically and save our lives sure, but there's so much creators do for others as well. I may sound a bit dramatic when I say this, but you all heal souls, you make days or years like this one feel normal. It's these kinds of pleasures in life that can make a difference too. So thank you so much uwu Much love!