If you've been interested in where this story has been going, you're going to enjoy this issue tremendously. It once again makes War, Conquest, and Famine relevant with purpose, and their aged appearancesonly make them appeareven more deadly. In Hickman style, there are many plot lines that are being addressed slowly. But if his reputation of writing impressive epics continuesin this series, it's safe to say that all of our questions will be satisfactorilyanswered inthe conclusion of “The Apocalypse: Year Three.” Based on what issue #30 shows me, I believe we as fans are about to witnessa true war to end all wars.

ROYAL CITY #1 by Jeff Lemire is a heavy start to what's hopefully going to be a long and prosperous series. This issue focuses heavily on characterizing the Pike family, and the art Lemire produces alongside his fantastic dialogue is raw and emotional. Definitely give this series a shot.

SEX CRIMINALS #17 has some of Matt Fraction's funniest writing, and the artwork of Chip Zdarsky is as on point as ever. The characterization of Kegelface is great, and the story being told from her perspective is a solid change of pace.

WEAPON X #1 is a wonderful first issue. Writer Greg Pak depicts Old Man Logan in great fashion, and the artwork from Greg Land and Frank D'Armata paints the Pacific Northwest beautifully. If you're looking for an X-Men book to jump into, this is the one.

The story of Norton Sinclair and Father Fred continues! What is this mysterious old barn? Jeff Lemire delivers suspenseful storytelling as Father Fred and Norton Sinclair wade through the mysteries of Gideon Falls. Andres Sorrentino and Dave Stewart provide gritty and raw artwork.

GIDEON FALLS #3 is the next chapter in the epic horror surrounding The Black Farm. The writing and pacing is nearly perfect, and the artwork is the greatest highlight of the issue. Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino continue to produce greatness, and each page turned leaves your heart beating faster.

OLD MAN HAWKEYE #1 is a wonderful first issue. Ethan Sacks does a fabulous job setting up the plot, and Marco Checchetto and Andres Mossa create a visually stunning dystopian world. This series is a must!

OLD MAN HAWKEYE #2 brings the pain and violence. If you're a fan of Clint hating himself as he seeks revenge, you should definitely be reading this series. Plus, the artwork from Marco Checchetto and Andres Mossa is nothing but superb.

OLD MAN HAWKEYE #3 hints at many former storylines in Marvel, showcasing how vast this dystopian world really is. Ethan Sacks flexes his writing muscles with intriguing character dynamics, while Marco Checchetto and Andres Mossa continue to make this such a beautiful book.

Overall, THE WALKING DEAD #161 is very much a setup issue. That isn't to say it is a filler piece or one you can breeze over, but rather it is an issue thatplaces characters in integral positions that will allow this series as a whole to continue going. Rather than focus on one story arc at a time, we see Kirkman and Adlard always building and expanding, and that's very much evident in this issue. Despite death's lack of shock value (we get it in other ways), I was pleased with this issue. Some of it actually caught me off guard because of how smoothly things went. But that's what I enjoy about Robert Kirkman: he keeps you on your toes. It's just a bit morose to realize that surprise in this series comes from a character living rather than dying.

For Image's 25th anniversary, THE WALKING DEAD #163 has the looming dread that fans have grown to love about this series. The artwork from Adlard is as compelling as ever, and Kirkman's plot appears to be capable of going in any direction.

THE WALKING DEAD #166 furthers the drama as the fate of Andrea is slowly revealed. Robert Kirkman's characterization is golden, and his plot continues to add threads. Charlie Adlard's depictions of raw emotions is absolutely stunning as well.

THE WALKING DEAD #167 deals with the consequences of Andrea's heroic actions while saving Eugene. This is perhaps the saddest issue of the series, but it will be one you read over and over again. Kirkman's dialogue is on point and Adlard's artwork is so raw and emotional.

THE WALKING DEAD #168 is a transition issue that fans of THE WALKING DEAD should be accustomed to. Robert Kirkman writes Negan flawless, and the artwork of Charlie Adlard paints characters in such emotional manners that it feels like they're really alive.

THE WALKING DEAD #169 is a needed issue that transitions the plot from one phase to the next. Robert Kirkman reveals what he's been planning, and it will have long-term fans excited for the next step. Charlie Adlard's artwork expresses all of this wonderfully as well.

Robert Kirkman's epic adventure continues in THE WALKING DEAD #170. In this issue, we see fantastic character and plot development, while Charlie Adlard shows off his talent as usual.

THE WALKING DEAD #171 focuses entirely on the group heading for Ohio. Robert Kirkman introduces a quirky new character, and the drawings and inks from Charlie Adlard and Stefano Gaudiano are as stellar as ever.

THE WALKING DEAD #172 isn't the most striking issue, but the character development is key. Kirkman shows some humor while also hammering home crucial themes. The artistic duo of Adlard and Gaudiano continues to flex their skills.

THE WALKING DEAD #173 is a thrilling issue. We're reminded how strong characters like Jesus are. Robert Kirkman continues to spin a strong plot web, and Charlie Adlard and Stefano Gaudiano's artwork is as stunning as ever.

THE WALKING DEAD #175 is the beginning of 'New World Order'. Robert Kirkman delivers fantastic characterization, and the artwork from Charlie Adlard and Stefano Gaudiano add even more to this characterization. After last month's stand alone issue, you can't miss this comic!

Robert Kirkman pulls on all the heart strings as Michonne and her daughter, Elodie, are reunited. He also builds suspense as aspects of The Commonwealth are hinted at. All of this is assisted by Charlie Adlard and Stefano Gaudiano's artwork. This issue is a must!

THE WALKING DEAD #177 reunites Michonne and her daughter, Elodie. This is an emotional issue by Robert Kirkman that has other key plot points interworked in the story. The artwork from Charlie Adlard and Stefano Gaudiano is as solid as ever.

THE WALKING DEAD #178 thickens the plot of "New World Order." Robert Kirkman delivers killer and subtle dialogue as he demonstrates what The Commonwealth is really about. Charlie Adlard and Stefano Gaudiano produce their expected stellar artwork.

Robert Kirkman takes his time showcasing The Commonwealth in THE WALKING DEAD #179. Kirkman's dialogue is fitting for each fluctuating scene, and the slow suspenseful buildup towards the twist ending is really great. Charlie Adlard and Stefano Gaudiano's artwork is as good as expected.

THE WALKING DEAD #181 gives us some good ol' zombie killing action. Robert Kirkman does an excellent job delivering a familiar zombie herd situation with a fresh lens: we see what the Commonwealth soldiers are capable of. Charlie Adlard and Stefano Gaudiano's artwork is as stellar and classic as ever. This is a good first step in a new chapter.

INFAMOUS IRON MAN #4 is a fantasticissue. I was hesitant to begin reading this series when it was first announced, but I'm very happy I decided to get on board. Bendis has a knack for writing complexcharacters, and while I found his depiction of Iron Man to be good but slightly over the top, his portrayal of Victor is, in my honest opinion, very unique yet interestingly true to the character. I'm excited to see where this series leads Doctor Doom on his new quest.

INFAMOUS IRON MAN #5 gives us wonderful dialogue from the many strong characters that have been in this series. Bendis' plot that finds Victor playing the protagonist continues to work, and the artwork from Alex Maleev and Matt Hollingsworth is on point once again.

INFAMOUS IRON MAN #6 has fantastic action and stellar artwork. Brian Michael Bendis continues to take Victor down a path of redemption, while the artwork of Alex Maleev and Chris Hollingsworth makes this journey aesthetically pleasing.

INFAMOUS IRON MAN #8 is one of the strongest issues in this series. Bendis does an excellent job pacing his plot with dialogue-heavy scenes, and the artwork of Maleev and Hollingsworth assist the tension amongst characters well. This issue is a must.

INFAMOUS IRON MAN #9 by Brian Michael Bendis is another stellar issue in the series. The plot continues to be incredible. While some of the characterization of minor characters is off, it's very much on point for major characters. The artwork from Alex Maleev and Matt Hollingsworth continues to impress as well.

AVENGERS #1 is a great start if you're new to comics and have just seen INFINITY WAR. Many of Marvel's flagship characters star in this issue, and the dialogue delivered by Jason Aaron is killer. Ed McGuinness and David Curiel deliver artwork that will keep you entertained on each page.

AVENGERS #3 may seem a bit over its head, but Jason Aaron is laying the groundwork for what could be an excellent storyline. If he paces himself, keeps his characterization on point, and allows Ed McGuinness' artwork to do its thing, I think this will be a tale we'll remember for years to come.

AVENGERS #4 is another installment dealing with the Celestials. While the plot has a lot going on, the characterization and artwork in this issue are quite strong. Jason Aaron and Ed McGuinness clearly put a lot of heart into this comic book.

AVENGERS #675 starts with a bang and ends in a mystery. While there is more action than characterization in this book, I found it compelling enough to have me wanting more. The artwork is spectacular and is the highlight of the issue.

AVENGERS #676 continues "No Surrender". This issue gives us more information on Voyager, and the character introductions leave readers on edge. While it is confusing at times, the artwork from Larraz and Curiel continues to carry this series. It's still a must read.

AVENGERS #677 is a thrilling issue that provides more questions than answers. Mark Waid, Al Ewing, and Jim Zub are a great team of writers, making each issue better than the rest. Pepe Larraz and David Curiel continue to make the artwork shine.

AVENGERS #678 is a fast-paced book that delivers on the action. If you're into battles, this book is for you. However, if you're into backstory and setup, you might find yourself skimming the pages and just admiring the artwork of David Curiel and Pepe Larraz instead.

Mark Waid, Al Ewing, and Jim Zub deliver the goods on who The Grandmaster's opponent is. This story is well paced, and the new artwork from Kim Jacinto is just as stellar as Pepe Larraz's!

AVENGERS #680 gives readers more hints as to how the Grandmaster's game shall be played. The artwork is stellar, and there are a few scenes that will make Marvel fans widen their eyes quite a bit.

AVENGERS #681 isn't the strongest issue of "No Surrender," but it certainly adds to the epic in a positive way. The origin of Voyager and revelation of the Grandmaster's involvement show strong writing, and the artwork of Jacinto and Curiel continues to be a highlight.

AVENGERS #682 is an issue unlike any other "No Surrender" installments. Its inclusion of Red Wolf gives Marvel the chance to let a C-lister shine. Ewing, Waid, and Zub create a powerful issue that could be amazing or questionable come the end of this series. The art is as superior as ever with Sean Izaakse coming in on pencils.

AVENGERS #683 focuses on the subplot of Beast, Wasp, and Jarvis. Jarvis is resuscitated only to reveal an apparent truth about Voyager. While the pacing is a bit off, the characterization and artwork of AVENGERS #683 are spectacular.

Ewing, Zub, and Waid deliver fine storytelling as Hulk returns from the dead. The artwork is solid as well, with piercing drawings and popping colors. This is an excellent setup issue for future intensity in Avengers "No Surrender."

Hulk continues his rampage in AVENGERS #685. Mark Waid, Al Ewing, and Jim Zub create cohesive and strong battles in this issue, and the artwork from Paco Medina, Jesus Aburtov, andJuan Vlascomakes this a beautiful issue to read.

Al Ewing, Mark Waid, and Jim Zub deliver some of their best writing in this issue. Hulk drops some hard truth bombs on Wonder Man. The artwork of Paco Medina and Jesus Aburtov elevate this comic to greatness.

AVENGERS #687 is an issue that catches its breath and allows characters to interact on deep and emotional levels. The writing team delivers heavy dialogue while the art team displays everything wonderfully.

AVENGERS #688 focuses on Quicksilver's attempt to save the world. His narration fits extremely well with all the subplots of this issue, and the artwork delivered by Jacinto, Caselli, and Curiel make AVENGERS #688 a true work of art.

AVENGERS #689 may have an anticlimactic villain, but the overall message is inspiring and motivational. Al Ewing, Mark Waid, and Jim Zub deliver such beautiful quotes for fans, and the artwork delivered by Pepe Larraz and David Curiel stuns on almost every page.

AVENGERS #690 is a smooth ending. While it doesn't have the most intriguing pieces of action, it sets up future plots in the Marvel Universe. This will go down as a very key issue for those wishing to figure out where Marvel is heading in its immediate future.

BATGIRL #14 is the beginning of "Summer of Lies." In this issue, we learn about a new past between Barbara and Dick. Hope Larson gives us confusing romance and a bit of a murder mystery, while Wildgoose and Lopes give us very cohesive artwork.

CHAMPIONS #5 continues to build upon the morals of our characters while bringing real world issues into the mix. Humberto Ramos and Edgar Delgado's art is as fun and expressive as ever, complimenting Mark Waid's storytelling wonderfully.

Despite my personal gripe with the ranger scene and the assumed gripes new fans will have with the lack of introduction, THE MIGHTY CAPTAIN MARVEL #1 is a solid first issue. I'm happy that Marvel is continuing to have a woman write this title, as I believe the representation in that department is important, especially with a popular character like Carol. If this series can build upon Alpha Flight and continue to make it a relevant space team, I foresee a lot of potential in its relevancy within the Marvel Universe.

ASTONISHING X-MEN #1 is a fantastic first issue. While a bit chaotic at times, Charles Soule assembles a unique cast in an intense situation. Jim Cheung's artwork assists this story with its beauty and pristine detail.

ASTONISHING X-MEN #8 continues Charles Soule's epic X-Men run. While this story doesn't exactly fit in with the rest of the Marvel Universe, it has aspects that will have fans praying it bleeds over when it's all said and done. The artwork of Paulo Siqueira and Edgar Delgado makes for a pleasant read as well.

Charles Soule provides witting and hilarious dialogue in this issue of ASTONISHING X-MEN. The plot itself is decent but a bit cliche at times. The artwork from Matteo Buffagni and Giada Marchisio gives this issue an especially fitting dreary tone.

ASTONISHING X-MEN #10 is an intriguing issue. The artwork from ACO and Rachelle Rosenberg is some of the most psychedelic artwork to hit comic books. Charles Soule juggles his plethora of characters with style.

ASTONISHING X-MEN #11 is a fast-paced comic book. Charles Soule wastes no time delivering hard-hitting dialogue. While his plot and characterization stumble at times, the story is well worth reading. The artwork from Ron Garney and Matt Milla continues the psychedelic feel of this series.

ASTONISHING X-MEN #13 is a completely new tale from its previous twelve issues. Matthew Rosenberg takes a down-on-his-luck Havok and places him on a path of redemption. The story is rather solid, with only a few missteps that might age well as the series progresses.

Overall OLD MAN LOGAN #13 was just above mediocre. It was everything you can hope to expectin an average issue, where future stories are set up and the overall theme and message are continued. Much of this issue, largely because of the artwork, reminded me of Wolverine during Bendis' HOUSE OF M storyline due to intense flashbacks and universal parallels. OLD MAN LOGAN #13 proves that his greatest hindrances as a character " his troubled mind and twisted past " prove to be what shapes him to be the warrior (or should I say samurai?) he truly is. While I was happy to see this storyline come to its five-month conclusion, it left me itching for more expansion and exploration in the life of Old Man Logan.

Overall, this issue of OLD MAN LOGAN left me wanting. I honestly believethere could have been better plot development and internal dialogue from Logan himself. While I have no idea exactly where the next issue or so will lead, I can't help but think this will be a fast story arc with too many missed opportunities. OLD MAN LOGAN #14was the kind of comic that you can skim through in about five minutes, and while that's not necessarily always awful, this series has too much potential to produce mediocre stories. As I said previously, the potential for the next issue is high, but if it's rushed like this one, I don't foresee the Howling Commandos and Dracula being fully utilized properly.

OLD MAN LOGAN #16 ends on a cliffhanger that could lead almost anywhere, but it's clear that this series still has staying power. After a mediocre story arc taking place in Romania, OLD MAN LOGAN returns to the Wastelands with compelling art and an intriguing predicament for our protagonist. It's no surprise to me that the artistic break Sorrentino and Maiolo took during the Romanian arc tainted the series, but that's just how comics work. With the inclusion of Alpha Flightadding a nostalgic touch, I'm hopeful to see what Kang's involvement will lead to. I believe it's safe to say that OLD MAN LOGANwill continue its solid run as long as this creative team stays intact.

OLD MAN LOGAN #18 concludes the "Return to The Wastelands" storyline with a reveal that is both obvious and surprising. Jeff Lemire's utilization of other 616 Marvel characters is refreshing, and the artwork of Andrea Sorrentino and Marcelo Maiolo continues to be captivating. If you're a fan of The Wastelands, you're going to love this issue, especially its conclusion.

OLD MAN LOGAN #19 is part one of "Gone Real Bad." It's a fun issue that brings on the semi-new artwork of Filipe Andrade and Jordan Boyd. Jeff Lemire's dialogue is absolutely wonderful, and the guest stars make this issue extremely entertaining.

OLD MAN LOGAN #20 concludes "Gone Real Bad" by sending Logan to the past! Jeff Lemire's plot devices are brilliant, and the artwork from Filipe Andrade and Jordan Boyd create a very rough and serious tone. This issue is a must!

OLD MAN LOGAN #21 is a somewhat emotional issue that takes Logan through his past lives. Writer Jeff Lemire crafts another great comic, and artists Eric Nguyen and Andres Mossa portray Lemire's words wonderfully.

OLD MAN LOGAN #24 is a touching issue. Jeff Lemire writes some tearjerking scenes. While the artwork from Eric Nguyen and Andres Mossa is choppy at times with characters, the overall tones and shades work for the issue.

OLD MAN LOGAN #25 hits the ground running as the new creative team of Ed Brisson, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin take over. The characterization is spot on and the art adds a new twist to the series. While the plot is a bit overused at this point in OLD MAN LOGAN, the potential is high.

X-MEN BLUE #1 is another installment in Marvel's ResurrXion line. Cullen Bunn does a wonderful job of recreating the chemistry amongst the time-displaced X-Men, and the artwork of Jorge Molina and Matt Milla seems natural to these characters. While this isn't the easiest issue for new fans to jump aboard, it lays the groundwork for an exciting series.

GAMORA #1 isn't the most breathtaking first issue, but it sets the stage to make Gamora an even deeper and thought-provoking character.

GAMORA #2 isn't as interesting as the first issue in regards to plot, but it continues to build Gamora's past up and that's important in an origin story like this. I'm disappointed both Thanos and Nebula failto make an appearance in this issue, but the fact Gamora mentions both of them at different times is a sign that their presence in the universe is important. I'm very curious to see where this story arc goes, what with Gamora's mission to find the final heir to the Badoon Royal Empire being temporarily halted by an approaching black hole and all. But, if some of these characters being introduced are going to be sticking around in the series (or eventually the Marvel Universe as a whole), I'm very excited for what's to come.

GAMORA #3 is a solid chapter in this origin story. The artwork from Marco Checchetto and Andres Mossa brings a lot of these characters to life, while Nicole Perlman's writing and characterization of Gamora is absolutely wonderful.

GAMORA #4 is another fine installment in Gamora's origin story. The plot Nicole Perlman weaves is filled with such deep and rich characters, and the artwork delivered by Marco Checchetto and Andres Mossa is absolutely stunning.

CIVIL WAR II #8 delivers beautiful art of epic proportions but sadly falters a bit with its overall conclusion. Bendis' final battle is missing some elements, but the repercussions should leave readers wanting to see more of the unraveled threads in this tale.