For the most part, it's hard to shake the feeling that Action Comics #1005 is nothing but filler for a larger story arc.

Bendis has been relying all too much on cliffhangers as of late, and it's but a matter of time before these leave-ya-hanging issues with zero sustenance will get tiring.

. In a world a bingable content, Aphrodite V might not be for those looking for high-flying action within every panel.

On the surface, it's an action-packed page-turner but as you dig deeper as the issue progresses, it's a political thriller that'll keep you trying to catch your breath.

As the new chairman of the Avengers, T'Challa finds himself in the most peculiar of situations, and fans are left debating whether he'll be a character they can end up trusting. If that's not enough, the subplot featuring the return of Phil Coulson includes a blood-chilling turn that shows off a whole new side of that character we've never seen before.

Equal parts thriller and spectacle, The Devil You Know #11 is the Hellboy Universe at its finest.

Though the issue ends with a totally gnarly semi-splash that's very applause-worthy, the rest of the comic is a bit too dry for the expected Hellboy fanfare.

With an incredible amount of heart in just a few short pages, I found myself relating with Detective Chimp more than I'd ever thought.

Reading Batman Kings of Fear #4 is akin to finding yourself waking up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat after a terrifying fever dream.

Though the dialogue seems rather cut-and-dried, the premise of the mini-series is still intriguing enough to provide an alternate look at the Caped Crusader.

The plot behind this story was good in small bursts with six issues falling right in the sweet spot between ending too quick and dragging on too long.

This coming-of-age tale has just enough charm and heart to make it a tolerable, but nothing more.

While the dialogue seems a bit elementary at points, it's perfectly written for the two youngest protagonists in Mikey and Brennan.

The Eisner-winning pair of Jeff Lemire and Dean Ormston have crafted a suspenseful tale and with a few sub-plots intertwined with each larger story, there's enough going on to keep anyone entertained.

While everything eventually comes to a head, it's a little too late to make much sense at all.

With a little too much dialogue for my own tastes, I'm still not sold on this title five issues in.

This self-aware issue was only made better by the incredible Colonel Weird, and Rich Tommaso's simple, yet effective, art was a perfect pairing with the tale at hand.

Should the team manage to flesh out Jessie's introductory story arc in due time, they may have something special on their hands.

. From the opening sequence until the end of the book, my jaw remained dropped throughout the entire read.

Jeff Lemire and Doug Braithwaite's limited series comes to a roaring conclusion in Bloodshot Salvation #12.

The worldbuilding in just two short issues is incredible and Bergara's art matches the world they've built to a T.

Three issues of Coda in and I'm fairly confident to say that BOOM! Studios has a hit on their hands.

In this tale of going to great things to help those you care about, Coda #4 packs a tremendous amount of heart in just a few short pages pages

Although Simon Spurrier has scaled back the pacing for Coda #5, this issue is the first real deep dive we take into the relationship between Hum and his wife, something I've been begging for the entire series.

Spurrier's able to make the reader care a whole lot about a character such as Hum the Bard, somebody that says as few of words as possible.

Spurrier and Bergara have done it again " the entire series has built up to this one issue and the creative team delivers a picture-perfect issue.

This Marvel Digital Original was surprisingly well-constructed, and Jed Mackay and Travel Foreman bring the heat.

The book features an ending that's all too cliche, but the stories told and lessons learned amongst the way make it a very solid read.

When a property like this fully realizes what it is and embraces it, that's when the results are best and Simone and company fully embraced this bizarre crossover and made one hell of an intriguing read.

If you're looking for blood-pumping, page-to-page adventure, Death or Glory #4 might be the perfect book for you.

Rick Remender always make sure to pack a strong narrative into his stories, but even then, this issue almost read like a generic Fast and the Furious-type comic book.

Accompanied by Riley Rossmo's beautiful, vibrant art, Joshua Williamson's Deathbed teaches us to get over self-doubt by putting one step in front of the other to finish what we start.

As the finale of a six-issue mini-series has now come and passed, Deathbed creators Joshua Williamson and Riley Rossmo should take pride in their ability to tell several splendid stories over the past six months.

While this issue in particular takes a while to lift off, Priest ends it on a note of promise moving into the next issue.

As with any storyline set in an insane asylum, you always run the risk of the end result appearing convoluted as the writer tries tie dozens of loose ends together. That's not necessarily what's happening here ,but two issues into this arc and I'm not quite sure they're executing the idea as well as they could have.

Several issues into the story arc, it's beginning to feel stale as the pace seemingly slows to a crawl.

For the first time in a few issues, Deathstroke #39 pumps the brakes a bit and allows the story tobreathe, giving extra time to the bits and pieces that need it.

Hilarious, action-packed, and thoughtful " Domino #5 is just good enough to keep the Domino hype train rolling full steam ahead.

If you want to see Gail Simone at the top of her game, pick up this title.

Although a book like this would probably get tiring as an ongoing, this one-shot was more than enough to keep me laughing.

Travel Foreman and Hi-Fi team up to create art that's out of this world, and it'll have you marveling over it the entire time this issue is in your hands.

The world Steve Orlando continues to craft in Electric Warriors is astonishing.

The pacing of this issue never quite clicks, and it seems to jump around too frequently, creating jarring transitions from scene to scene.

This book had it all " action, heartbreak, lessons learned, and jaw-dropping twists and frankly, it's quite the high note for the House of Ideas to end their year on.

Made up of two stories, the Fantastic Four Wedding Special included everything I wanted and then some.

While I didn't find much of substance within the pages of Future Quest Presents #12, I remained intrigued throughout mainly because of nostalgia.

With undertones of M. Night Shyamalan's Signs, the all-star duo of Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino have a thrilling tale on their hands.

In Gideon Falls, it seems for every question answered, two or three new questions arise and therein lies the beautiful story Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino have been able to weave through nearly half a dozen issues.

Gideon Falls continues to be nothing short of a breath-taking thriller and when you think it's about to go left, Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino go right.

Just when you think you have it all figured out, Jeff Lemire throws a wrench in the forks and upsets the status quo. That's how it's been nearly every issue in this young run so far, and Gideon Falls #7 is no different.

Although past issues have fallen flat, Gideon Falls #8 is a page-turning thriller that you won't be able to put down.

Without Lemire's thrilling writing, Sorrention's artwork continues to be picture-perfect for a horror title " you could practically read this issue without any of the lettering and still feel a palpable tension exude through.

Slowly but surely everything fits together all nice and snug, and now, this book is off running like a well-oiled machine.

Although being reincarnated throughout time has long been part of the Hawkman mythos, DC makes a tweak to the character's origin, revealing that in addition to being reincarnated through time, he's also been reincarnated through space, a move that should add plenty of depth to the character as the series progresses.

After an intriguing first issue, Hawkman #2 ends up falling flat when compared to its predecessor.

Now three issues in, Hawkman #3 is beginning to plateau in terms of advancing any storyline.

While the travel across space and time can be a bit jarring at points, Hawkman #4 includes a fun cliffhanger that definitely begs you to pick up the next book.

With the direction this title is heading, I'm sold on a Hawkman comic for the first time in a long while.

A slight dip from the previous few issues, Hawkman #6 feels like a filler issue until the next story arc begins.

This issue's plot seems as if it could have been resolved in a handful of pages rather than dragging it out over an entire issue.

Arguably the best issue of Venditti's run, Hawkman #8 kicks off a new story arc that's bound to please.

If you're looking for a page-turning, blood-pumping action thriller, this isn't it.

In the annual tradition of making the holiday season a little more sinister, the creative teams assembled on this Hellboy Winter Special hit their stride as they craft tales perfect for the season.

Using her recent death"ah, comics"to her advantage, Natasha goes through this "Infinity Countdown" one-shot tie-in with no worries in the world and by the end of it, she seemingly becomes one of the most powerful beings in the Marvel universe.

Complete with an appearance by a certain villain and just became a blockbuster sensation on the silver screen, writer Jim Zub continues to knock it out of the park with this coming-of-age superhero troop.

This issue has tremendous amounts of heart and proves the old adage of "never build your house on rented land" correct.

While the ending was a bit all too predictable, the creative team pulled some interesting strings with Adam Warlock and reintroduced a few new characters that are sure to make cosmic fans happy.

Albeit a bit disappointing, the issue doesn't include any Earth-shattering revelation despite the title and prior marketing.

Quite frankly, this issue raised more questions than answers, paving way to an unsatisfying ending.

Arachknight #2 is good enough to ensure this title finishes as one of the best Infinity Wars tie-ins.

Jed MacKay's script is strong, and Jefte Palo's artwork looks as if it was taken straight from a comic produced in Wakanda.

Some people might find the antagonist Killraven one-dimensional and the artwork bizarre, but once all the pieces of the puzzle are placed together, it makes for an enjoyable read that knows exactly what its purpose is.

Infinity Warps #1 is exactly what it needs to be. With three-and-a-half mini-stories in one title, it gives creative teams just enough room to experiment with this mashed-up characters without drawing it out too long.

Though each of the three storylines ends rather abruptly, each character could have a future elsewhere should the House of Ideas decide to carry them out of Infinity Wars.

I'm not sure if it's because Gerry Duggan isn't behind it, but Infinity Wars: Iron Hammer #1 felt distinctly different than any of the other Infinity Wars outings thus far, and it rubbed me the wrong way

Sure, most of this material might not stick around in a post-Infinity Wars world, but the lore and origin laid out in Infinity Wars: Iron Hammer #2 is quite interesting, and for fans of other of the two main characters Iron Hammer represents, it'll be a fun read.

This book isn't bound to win an Eisner, but it invoked enough fuzzy feelings within me that allowed me to look past its shortcomings.

Sleepwalker's powerset combined with the various amalgamations of characters is a recipe for a bizarre comic, one which will either be loved or hated.

Sleepwalker is a character rooted in nostalgia, and although these Infinity Wars tie-ins have an awesome opportunity to do some cool things, Sleepwalker #3 falls flat.

Though most of the tie-ins have largely felt like fan service, Sleepwalker #4 stands out as its themes of dreams and nightmares runs deep.

Though origin stories tend to be slow for me, I thought this issue was fairly well paced, and it introduces some additional warped characters you'll be sure to love.

Although the story seems rather rushed, with decades after decades of stories crammed into two issues, Infinity Wars: Soldier Supreme #2 is probably my favorite issue of these "warped" tie-ins so far.

As with the remaining titles, this issue suffers from trying to squeeze in more warped characters than necessary. Regardless, Infinity Wars: Weapon Hex #1 didn't leave me bored.

This is a title collectors will buy to complete their Infinity Wars set but as of now, Weapon Hex #2 does little to nothing to advance any sort of storyline.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but Invader Zim #32 seemingly rebounds the title after a few...several...off issues.

Invader Zim is good at what it needs to be, but it's a far-shot from ground-breaking, Earth-shattering serialized storytelling.

Ah, Invader Zim. In a book in which we probably shouldn't expect much, this title imagines to exceed what little expectations I had in place.

At the end of the day, the powers that be know exactly what an Invader Zim comic needs to be, and they consistently execute that plan fairly well, for better or for worse.

For as inconsistent as Invader Zim can be, when it packs a punch " it packs a big ol' uppercut that'll knock you on your butt.

When one starts to factor in magic and sorcery, however, anything is possible and I feel that as the story progresses, Tynion and company have certainly laid the groundwork to make a series that will keep you gasping as you rapidly flip page to page to try and find out what happens next.

James Tynion IV's writing continues to be superb and the reluctant bromance between Swamp Thing and Constantine is a welcome sight for any JLD to withhold.

Although hesitant at first, I'm completely sold on a Tynion IV-helmed Justice League Dark book, and this title is definitely on you need to have on your pull list.

If you're not reading Justice League Dark by now, you're missing out. At the very least, you won't walk away bored.

James Tynion IV and company are heading into their second story arc on Justice League Dark, and the title is as strong as ever.

Though this issue wasn't as zany as issues past, it still keeps the faith up that magic will be the biggest piece of this puzzle as it continues into its second arc.

If you happen to be looking for a comic that will scare the daylights out of you, this one is it.

"The Witching Hour" ends at a point in which Justice League Dark is firing on all cylinders and quite frankly, I'm not sure how I'm going to manage to wait for the next issue of Justice League Dark to hit the shelves in a month.

The mind-bending, sci-fi thriller pages of Low #20 provide plenty of blood-pumping, page-turning action to keep you entertained for the duration of the issue.

In a world where there seems to be a new post-apocalyptic title or two released every week, Low Road West offers a surprisingly fresh take on the genre.

While the book moves at a slower pace, there are quite a few subplots/alternate storylines going on that will keep readers happily occupied.

Dan Watters' Lucifer continues to be an astonishingly dense read that isn't for the faint of heart.

In a new anthology series from Marvel, Marvel Comics Presents is set to debut a fresh new set of tales each month featuring a wide variety of creators.

This issue is charming and delightful, making me instantly want to put up my Christmas tree and go outside and make a snowman.

What Murder Falcon lacks in a substantial plot and believable dialogue, it certainly makes up in creativity and originality.

Nightwing #50 is the beginning of a whole new Dick Grayson, and it's an issue you need to read.

Although this run has less and less to do with the acrobatic fights Nightwing is known for, it has more and more to do with the man behind the mask, and that's certainly a refreshing change of pace.

Chris Mooneyham takes over the art on this issue, and the artwork is perfectly befitting for a tale set in Bludhaven. Imperfect and gritty, the unique style just makes sense.

Ric's budding relationship with his favorite bartender was a welcome addition considering we were getting to the point that if we received yet another "Dick Grayson brooding over the city" book, it might as well have been renamed Batman 2.0.

Another issue of Nightwing where Ric Grayson doesn't put on the blue-and-black suit, and somehow it manages to get better.

An intriguing idea at first, the group of Nightwings haven't done much, if anything, to keep my attention held.

Ric finally returns to action, and it's just as good as one would expect.

A slow burn at first, this oversized first issue of Outpost Zero soon picks up enough that you don't want to put the issue down.

The amount of heart within these two dozen pages is second to none and Outpost Zero #2 is another home run for the team at Skybound.

Though a single mystery has practically consumed the plot of the first four issues, things finally start coming to a head in this issue where moment begins to happen on the plot advancement front.

There's a fine line between the borderline self-deprecating humor Peter Parker's known for and being flat out obnoxious a la Deadpool, and Sean Ryan manages to find the sweet spot.

(SPOILERS!)Power Man & Iron Fist #8 takes the first few pages throwing it back to both Luke and Danny's earlier days before they found each other to become the Heroes for Hire before we switch to a present-day conversation happening between the two at the prison on Ryker's Island.

Whether it be the Watchmen-esque storyline or the washed-up superheroes going back to work, Project Superpowers is an enjoyable read with a somewhat fresh take on the genre.

With tones of Avengers: Infinity War in tow, Project Superpowers does an excellent job of balancing an ensemble cast, making sure to give each character their own chance to shine.

Combine that with some unexpected help towards the end and The Punisher #226 is a solid read any Castle fan will enjoy.

While the story seems like a generic sci-fi action book set in an all-too-stereotypical dystopian future, Torres' art combined with bright, vibrant colors from Dave Stewart is a great combination with Lemire's plot.

As you dig deeper throughout the issue, flashbacks line the page that help create some much-need character depth for the title's protagonist, and that's what sets this book apart from the rest.

I'm not getting a great sense of character development from the title's two protagonists, and at the end of the day, it's hard to shake the feeling that I'm reading some generic science fiction tale.

As a standalone issue, The Quantum Age #4 isn't necessarily an issue to write home about, but in the larger scheme of things, it will hopefully set up some big payoffs in the end.

In a world chock full of superhero comics, Jeff Lemire manages to make The Quantum Age different enough that it stands out from the rest of the competition.

Jeremy Haun, Seth M. Peck, and company have built a beautiful world but Realm just hasn't hit his stride yet.

For an all-ages book, Ruinworld #1 includes a lot of heart and character development in just a few short pages.

Ruinworld knows exactly what it's supposed to be as a comic book, and Laufman executes the story near flawlessly. Entertaining and campy, Ruinworld continues to be an all-out-fun read.

While this is the end of the road for Ruinworld " for now, at least " it ends on a brilliant note that leaves us begging for more.

With an ass-kicking protagonist, Scarlet #4 is a delightful change of pace over any of the previous issues " something that was desperately needed for this arcs' penultimate issue.

After a better-than-normal fourth issue, Scarlet #5 misses the landing " pretty hard at that.

While seeing Commando Scrappy Doo blast away zombies and monsters with a machine gun is a stunning visual, it's not enough to outweigh the incoherent plot.

For as little as these tales have to do with the main continuation of the Marvel timeline, they each pack their own punch with a Christmas-time theme.

Fantasy plus science fiction, this is a tale that comes down to the pros and cons of playing God, and the premiere issue has everything needed to make this series great.

Perhaps a better origin story than the debut issue, Self Made #2 takes the concept of this artificial intelligence thriller and knocks it out of the park.

Lemire and The Sentry are a match made in heaven.

Although Reynolds' downward spiral was all too predictable, a twist at the end is big enough to salvage this issue from mediocrity.

The Sentry is a title moving full steam ahead and quite frankly, it shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.

Blood-pumping, heart-stopping action page after page makes this a must-read title.

While I wouldn't go the length to say Lemire's run is a definitive take on the character, it certainly is a set of issues that will mold and shape the Golden Guardian of Good for years to come.

The world Rick Remender has built in this universe continues to flourish, and the storytelling laid out in the fantasy tale is arguably second to none.

If you want to see Rick Remender at his best, you're missing out if you don't pick up Seven to Eternity. The massive world he and his co-creators have crafted in just a few handfuls of issues is no small feat, even moreso when you realize the quality of work involved.

If I had to choose one word to sum up Seven to Eternity #12, it'd be beautiful.

By the time the issue wraps, this series can go anywhere; She Could Fly is a book that encourages you to dive into the themes and ideology behind what's just on the page.

As the plot progresses, the tension felt throughout is practically palpable " She Could Fly #2 is another must-read comic book from Karen Berger's new Dark Horse imprint.

A coming of age tale combined with a political thriller makes for one crazy as hell comic book and Cantwell, Morazzo, and Mrva continue to knock it out of the park.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: She Could Fly is one of my favorite series to hit the shelves this year.

Finally back with Marvel to write a Spidey title, Christopher Priest's highly anticipated return ends up falling flat.

While I found the introductory story featuring Katana dull at points, the final story featuring Klarion the Witch-Boy really stood out.

Keeping with the theme of multiple short stories in one book, this month's stories are direct continuations. The story that stood out this time involved Katana and her late husband.

This blood-pumping, hair-raising book has the pedal to the metal throughout the duration, and it doesn't let up. This title is one crazy ride.

The gang is finally all back together and the end result is a comic that's enjoyable from start to finish.

In a world where dozens of new titles debut every week, Freeze manages to feature one of the most original plots you find on the shelves.

Though the concept of Freeze continues to be original and intriguing, this issue feels like it was missing something.

A solid script and great artwork already put a comic book far ahead in the race against its competitors, and the creative team behind The Adventure Hour has put the title in a good place to become something great.

While there's really nothing in this issue in terms of sustenance or any hidden deep thoughts on life, this comic book nows exactly what it is and the creative crew behind embraces that to the fullest.

The power battle between Rightwing and Miss Martian continues in Titans #23 and it overpowers the rest of the issue, for better or for worse.

Titans #24 takes the group to an interesting place with a metahuman with the most unique powers.

This issue is packed to the gills with action so you shouldn't find yourself bored with reading this. Other than that, Titans #25 seems to be just another run of the mill issue featuring Grayson and company.

The reintroduction of the Blood Cult provides for a thrilling issue of Titans that almost has Dick, Donna, and company straddling the line of being in a horror tale.

Dan Abnett is able to craft an incredibly poignant issue to deal with the traumas involved with these superhero tales that we often times don't get to see.

While this issue didn't stand out in particular, it'll definitely be required reading for those interested in "Drowned Earth".

DC seemingly keeps putting some of the best artists in their stable on this title and Jung, Dell, and Lucas team up this issue to make beautiful art.

Like previous issues of late, the Titans shine when they find themselves in fish-out-of-water scenarios, and Titans #30 is no different.

With a temporary new addition to the team that should excite most fans, Titans #31 errs more towards a filler issue as it works to set up the next story arc.

While it's unfortunate the best issue of the Titans of late has next to nothing to do with the titular group, it puts the title into a very interesting spot with the buildup of this Mother Blood battle looming large.

Part one of a new arc, Abnett and company start it off nearly as strong as possible, and the future of this title is most certainly bright.

The last in a three-issue crossover, Typhoid Fever: Iron Fist is disjointed and lacking direction from the time you flip open the cover.

With series writer Tom King signing an exclusive writing contract with DC earlier this year, it's been in the works to endThe Vision after the twelfth issue. With just one more month left of King's run onThe Vision, the action most certainly comes to a head in this thrilling issue.

Avengers: Wakanda Forever #1 is a poignant end to the inter-title Dora Milaje adventure Nnedi Okorafor has sent us on the few months.

Continuing with the Wakandan characters she began to write in Black Panther: Long Live the King last year, Nnedi Okorafor's ability to write Okoye and her Dora Milaje compatriots is uncanny.

Kelly Thompson takes a premise that's dangerously close to the one that started the first Marvel Civil War and manages to make it different.

At the very least, it was an entertaining read perfectly suited for a one-off book rather than a title I'd have to read month after month.

Perfectly campy, Wizard Beach left me laughing out loud more than once. though the issue lacks a substantial plot, the title still manages to be heartwarming and charming.