add Runaways to the Brian K. Vaughn list. great stuff, that.
also, The Ultimates.
and the absolute best trade i can recommend from last year is Great Lakes Avengers! sounds silly, right? it is, but it's wonderful
Edit1: my favorite two comics of all time are collected nicely in trades: The Maxx and Preacher. MUST READS!
Edit2: for tripped out art, check out Ashley Wood's Popbot