I expect even more at $4.99 and was disappointed to see the last 17 pages were ads and previews.

I haven't said this about a book in quite some time, but Purgatori is shelf-listed, meaning it's not worth your time, money or the minimal amount of mental energy it would take to read all 32 pages.

This is the first installment, however, and I hope Frank Miller's expressed enthusiasm for the Man of Steel will pay dividends going forward.

I'll be the first to admit that this review might come off as someone who is shaking their first while yelling, "This is not my Superman." The thing is, I'm not sure who's Superman this is supposed to be. I'm not even sure if Frank Miller knows. Clark is just, there. Letting the journey of this penultimate chapter offer little substance for a "definitive origin story" that is anything but.

This issue and the series as a whole is a hollow cash grab banking on the name of its famed author.

The art work was ok in some panels and awesome in others, especially the ones where the Dinosaurs are fighting among each other. The writing was solid and reached its apex when Cazares reveals his sadistic reasons for buying the Island. I do worry about the books ability to keep people interested for future issues. Like everything else, we'll have to wait and see.

Be sure to check out my interview with Six AM Comics

The artwork is very inorganic and the anime application brought to this series has no life or personality, which is how this entire series has been.

While Remender is able to convey the gravity of the intense situation our heroes face, it falls a little flat while yearning to be much more. Crossover events are supposed to highlight many characters instead of focusing on the small handful. This is not the worst book in the world, but with two issues in, I expected more from Marvel's big event.

I want to like this series, I really do, but with so much going on it's difficult to enjoy it all.

Some friends of mine think I'm crazy for not liking this book. While the premise is a good idea that could be very fruitful, right now, my advice is to spend your money on something else.

This series has a lot of promise, but this issue also shows signs of being a first issue wonder. Besides Rory, the rest of the characters are merely plot devices and that could get old real fast. The ending produced one of those uh-oh moments for Rory, with a little mystery sprinkled in, that will make it hard not to come back next month.

Sometimes, it is the state of affairs that is more interesting than the players involved.

Twenty-four quality pages, with eight of them being gorgeous, is not worth the price of admission on this ride.

This is a decent first issue, but I fear it may not have the juice to present anything intriguing in future installments. The con become the mark in a scenario that was evident but inquisitive, while lacking importance. Still, I'm just interested enough to stick around and give it a second chance next month.

Overall, this is the perfect example of why some people feel comic books are lame. It's as if Jurgens and Krul were trying to make this a corny comic book because that is exactly what we have been given with the Green Arrow.

Now, I hope this trend will continue going forward.

The illustrations are amazing and makes you feel a part of the spectacle unfolding with each turn of the page. My favorite panel of the week shows Harada using his powers to deconstruct missiles that were shot at him right before they explode. I have a feeling that the events in this three part series are going to be critical to the comings and goings of the Valiant universe.

It piqued my interest enough to see what the second issue has to offer.

Overall, this collaborative effort is a personal pan pizza with only one tasty slice. More pages could have fleshed out things out more.

Overall, this book misses the mark because while I'm told that bad things are about to happen, the stakes involved are not conveyed to the degree where I'm counting the days until the first issue. With a reboot happening in June as a result of this event, the maiden voyage of Convergence feels like we are in for a haphazard means to an end.

While I still have no idea where the overall story is heading, the sophomore release of Convergence gives readers a fair amount of meat on the bone with little fat to cut around.

Overall, I'm not feeling Convergence, but this issue goes a long way in hopefully making this event something special,or at least memorable.

Jason Aaron did a wonderful job of writing the dialog that would convey the conviction Wolverine and Cyclops have in their beliefs. The seeds of their explosion have been planted in the previous issues. This book is the art work of the week as Davis, Farmer and Keith have depicted everything Aaron has written perfectly. The crme de la crme of their work is in the final pages where Cyclops draws a line in the sand as he gives the X-Men an ultimatum and the panels where the break-up happens. For my money, Schism is the best comic event of 2011 and we still have one more issue.

It's hard to keep anything a secret these days but they should have tried because that is what this issue could have had to offer. The art work was lazy in most panels and the writing left me disinterested. Issue 4 was the main event of this mini series. If you are buying comics on a budget, you can leave this on the shelf or at least wait until the second or third printing is released.

Overall, this second installment lacked the oomph of the series' maiden voyage. Hopefully, Sacks has now introduced enough elements to hone in on a singular focus going forward.

It was a pleasant surprise since all of the characters believe she is locked away in hiding. However, we still don't know why she betrayed her client and the bounty hunters guild, knowing the chaos she would unleash. Bounty Hunters has been an excellent read, and the Bossk/Valance scrap is worthy of the page space it consumed. In the end, I hope the big reveal involving Lash is worth the reader's investment.

Sacks and Villanelli did a fantastic job of concluding their first story arc. Valance has a new mission, and the stakes are increased tenfold. While this kind of story is not for every Star Wars fan, the creators work well in tandem, and this issue is the best example of their collaborative mojo.

Overall, a big disappointment that otherwise had a lot of promise.

Ethan Sacks got this series off to a strong enough start, however, the last two installments are riding the struggle bus with this issue waving its first-class ticket. The next issue will determine if this lifelong Star Wars fan jettisons from this adventure or stays the course.

Despite a promising start, seeing Valance navigate through the criminal underworld in a galaxy far, far away is an underwhelming affair.

Sadly, Ethan Sacks did nothing to make anyone care, which is the plight of this series as of late. There's some good dialog here and a good depiction there, along with a short flashback sequence that is more interesting than the main story.

Yet, the hunting storyline involving Bossk is the most compelling material of the series. Valance's reduced role time served the story well as the character isn't starring role material. Using different bounty hunters as the lead every couple of issues will make for a more worthwhile experience as readers explore the scum and villainy of Star Wars.

Overall, this isn't the strongest issue in the series, but it does enough to maintain the level of excitement this series had produced thus far.

Joshua Williamson did a great job of capturing the strife of a terrible loss while keeping things on track. He could have gotten to the reveal a different way, but he hit all the notes he needed to while taking the reader on a journey that could get a lot more interesting.

At home, Jamie's parents tell him that he is not allowed to attend Brenda's party. The party is at her Aunt's house where there will be armed security which concerns Mom and Dad. Jamie sneaks off to the party with Paco and they soon show up in the wrong place at the right time as a brawl over a backpack is taking place. Jamie gets the backpack and winds up with a blue scarab on his back, causing a transformation that will change Jamie's life forever. The artwork is fun and the dialog has a mixture of English and Spanish. I found myself being pulled out of the adventure when I came across Spanish words I didn't know, although they were simple enough to figure out.

This series has a Taken meets The Bourne Identity vibe, but has its own voice that is at times verbose but constructs a deep and intense narrative that will hook you right away.

Overall, I really enjoyed the movies and appreciate what is being done here, but this might not appeal to those who aren't avid Apes fans and don't need every blank filled in.

I found Higgins story intriguing because he creates an enviorment where there are people actually dumb enough to doubt Slade Wilson. It's the ultimate slap in the face. I compare it to watching someone poking an alligator with a stick and you can't wait to see how the gator is going to strike.

It is not the worst book in the world but there were a lot of great books that came out this. This is the basic nuts and bolts to a plot finality you saw coming on the first page is something you can pass on. If you're a Deathstroke fan, I suggest reading it at the store and save your money for something else.

However, it kind of dwindles near its conclusion with a couple of head scratching moments that left me confused. Still, I had fun and I will give it another go next month.

Overall, I like this book and you should give it a chance. However, I can't put my finger on it, but there is something that leads me to believe that this first installment could be the best this story has to offer. The narrative is going to have to produce something worthwhile so the no-context order of things doesn't get old too quickly.

The writing hits it's stride when Erik has a condescending attitude while being questioned about the massacre by Captain America and Iron Man. The Avengers believe he must cooperate because it's up to them if he leaves while Magneto believes the opposite. The ending of this issue essentially reveals the obvious plot going forward. It's nothing creative or original, but nothing bad either.

Williamson delivers laid back story which isn't a bad thing, but it makes the payoff at the end pretty sweet. Chris Mooneyham's artwork exhibits good character work with a gritty presentation, but the coloring is rather plain, lacks energy, and didn't serve the illustrations well.

Brian Wood and company pulled off a serviceable first issue that set the stage and there is plenty of room for growth that needs to be taken upon in order for the series to flourish in the months ahead.

While this isn't as strong of a debut as Star Wars, Darth Vader, or Princes Leia, I think this six issue mini-series will either sink or swim with direction of Greg Weisman. He has a firm understanding of the Clone Wars era and makes it his own while developing interesting characters, no matter how little time we have with them.

The next installment will most likely deal with some post Episode III elements. This is really intriguing since we've read about that time period in novels such as Tarkin and A New Dawn. However, we get to actually see some of them unfold in this canon shepherd by the Lucasfilm story group.

As a concept, Stray has enormous potential and I wanted to love it, but it this issue feels too familiar and doesn't bring enough of it's own spin to this familiar tale.

This is a very solid issue if you are a hardcore Supes fan and a great introduction if you have never picked up a Superman comic book before.

Superman is responsible for my love of comic books so it pains me to write what I'm about to write but please, don't waste your money on this issue. This story is trying too hard to be different and fresh and it has left me disillusioned with my childhood hero.

I don't want to read a comic book about a newspaper. I want to a comic book about a larger than life superhero. My advice, skip this and next months issue and come back in March when the man himself, Dan Jurgens, rejuvenates the series.

Dan Jurgens and Keith Giffen take over the writing duties next month as the ending of this issue opens the door to some interesting possibilities.

The artwork was amazing and had that epic vibe you want out of an epic hero. Everything from the story to the page layouts were executed to perfection and for the first time in seven months, I'm excited to read a Superman book again.

The artwork, while pleasantly vibrant, had depictions that were too busy for my taste. After eight issues it feels as if we are finally on the right track in this incarnation of the character.

While this is probably the weakest issue of the series, there is still some story progression worth checking out.

Lila maintains her elegance in Tanoor's world as her unique ability to grow life from death seems to be just what the doctor order. Of course, that annoying fear of what we don't understand rears its ugly head and creates all sorts of drama. Barren lands, dangerous creatures along with good old mystery produces a good first chapter that will hopefully get better with each passing issue.

Overall, this was a nice first effort that left me curious to see what happens next.

Not a bad start and I''m looking forward to issue two.

Avengers Academy is the next stop for X-23 and hopefully it will be for readers, too.

Nevertheless, fans no longer must settle for a dinged up giant-sized issue with bent corners and a slew of creases. Current or Silver Age bags and boards will do the trick this time around!

As I've stated before, Up In The Sky isn't meant for the purveyors of the pull list. There is a lack of cohesion with the main story that wouldn't fly as easily in a regular on-going series. It's fun in parts, but it made me less invested in Superman's search for the girl since the story apparently has, too.

There is a twist, however, where everything is not how it appears. Since next month's issue closes out the series, I hope there is no more filler. Both stories in the finale need to address the main plot while answering every question directly. It's the answers that Taylor fails to provide. The reader is thrown into the thick of it with no set up at all. This style of storytelling comes off as a series of single one-shot issues instead of a connected story, which did not serve this series, or, this issue well.

The story itself is a good idea. I would like to see it revisited someday with more care and detail.

I can't get out of sorts about it because it's not meant for me. Children who enjoyed the animated series will probably get a kick out of this book.

Honestly, this should have been the first issue as it would have given the series a stronger start. The story is much, much better this time around, featuring more recognizable characters within the Star Wars universe. The depictions are creatively inspired and embrace the book's horror objective while having fun in the process with a little PEW PEW PEW action to go around.

As for this particular issue, I wouldn't recommend it if your pull list operates on a budget.

Darth Vader is up next in the series' conclusion. As far as this issue is concerned, it was a miss where a hit was was needed to balance things out in the positive column.

The final chapter of Tales From Vader's Castle highlighted the pros and ignored the cons of this series, which made for an excellent conclusion. More misses than hits throughout these five issues made the grand finale of finally seeing Darth Vader do his thing an arduous journey that was almost not worth the trip.

Dark Horse promoted this book by hyping a science fiction twist to the story and boy, did they deliver! It was simple and extremely effective and that's all it needed to be because this new element is something that has never appeared is this world before. I can't wait to see how, not if, but how Sakai works outside of his wheelhouse while keeping everything fans love about this rich mythology intact.

This issue promises that some of our favorite characters will meet their demise and they were not kidding. The fact that they are not superheroes in the regular stream of death in comics makes their passing resonate more because there is no multiverse, or magical being that make it all better. Now, that could happen when the story reaches its climax"," but that would be very unlike Saki to give readers something that essentially ends up being a waste of time."

There are a crap load of Avengers books but how many times can you release an issue where the team it taken out and pulls out the hail mary finish at the last minute. After awhile, it starts to get boring and not worth $3.99 for a weak story. If you not convinced just look at the cover. This issue all month was hyped as Storm's debut with the Avenger's and she appears in only two pages and she is out cold in both of them. Trust me, don't believe the hype.

Some feel the Avengers are watered down since every resident super hero is a member. While that bugs me at times, there is nothing watered down about this issue and you will find you made an excellent choice by picking it up.

The art in this issue left me scratching my head as it felt like it was trying to accomplish two different things when there was only one story being told. It's a good issue to pick up if you haven't read the Avengers in a while or you want to know where things stand before Avengers vs. X-Men begins.

It's even better if you are siding with the X-Men because the story examines Steve Rogers at his core and kinda makes you re-think what side you are on.

The plot is something you can sink your teeth into but the art takes away from the overall experience.

His presentation in the series makes you feel as if you're watching a movie instead of reading a book and Michael Bartolo's coloring is the perfect compliment. This is a solid book that does a lot heavy lifting in preparation for next month's grand finale.

Unfortunately, unanswered questions are becoming somewhat standard in the Star Wars universe, and this book gave very little hope that this change anytime soon.

Soule uses the ability to significant effect, enhancing the story, and the character's narrative possibilities. This issue was a big improvement from the last one, and my mind is racing with a prediction that I hope will pan out as the series moves forward.

Mysteries are solved while other secrets surface with a shift in narrative focus. This is by far the best book in the series.

Despite its problems, Charles Soule produced a fun enough read that gave us something new with The Pathfinders. Hopefully, Soule can flesh out the team more in future issues.

Soule did an excellent job creating a story with a well-balanced mix of action while making the reader ponder an impossible dilemma.

If someone told me what this issue was about before reading it, I would have left it on the shelf. It's a filler issue with little action and doesn't advance the story arc until the final pages. Charles Soule produced a decent read that amounts to a zero-sum. You can skip this one and not miss a thing.

This first issue of Batman: Damned, from a narrative perspective, over promises and under delivers in regards to DC's Black Label format. The artwork, on the other hand, is a gripping visual experience that is worth the price of admission and might have worked better as a silent film on the printed page.

It was a better outing, but there is still a lot of room for improvement.

Establishing Black Label's format for prestige mature content took precedence over telling a compelling story. Swamp Thing and Constantine's reunion was a nice touch and Batman facing off against his worst nightmare was a good idea that was bogged down by faulty execution and poor pacing.

When most people see a RoboCop comic book on the shelf, that sense of immediate recognition takes place, and is usually followed by memories of previous comic incarnations, leading to the buyer passing on the product. I really hope that Williamson and company can keep the established tone consistent because it will go a long way in making this a series that stands out.

The ending of this book presents a subtle holy shit moment where the zero gun policy affects RoboCop which made me ask all sorts of questions about the coming events and very excited for the next issue.

Comics based on a movie or a cartoon franchise usually don't interest me too much because I already know what we're going to get. RoboCop delivers the franchise's definitive voice with an intriguing narrative that is easy to follow and large in scope.

It has characters that you can either love or hate depending on your take of their circumstances while captivating you to the fullest. This might be my new favorite series.

Overall, this book is a must read. The drama and suspense coupled with realistic characters and a dash of science fiction makes The Bunker one of the best comic books on the market today.

The ending could mean one thousand possibilities which represents this series as a whole. If you haven't been reading The Bunker, shame on you and what are you waiting for?!?!?!

While die-hard comic book fans know Lois is a badass in her own right, the casual fan might not, so, it was a good call to cover all basis. The overall narrative itself is a little lacking due to multiple subplots. Again, though, the breadcrumbs look intriguing in terms of the direction of where things go from here.

Rucka and Perkins work well in tandem to produce a narrative rife with guile and deception.

Superman will always ensure Lois' safety. Something like that runs the risk of diluting Lois being able to stand on her own two feet. Lois not only stands up but takes control of the situation because it all boils down to having a job to do.

However, from a marketing perspective, most of the people who read this series probably read Event Leviathan. Rucka and Perkins do a great job of adapting a significant element of a line-wide crossover while making this series feel like its own.

Greg Rucka deserves a lot of credit for producing a highly entertaining installment, despite ignoring the reveal of Superman's identity. The use of minor story elements to maximum effect proves that in this series, everything counts, no matter how small.

The monumental change in the Superman status quo had to permeate to the Lois Lane mini-series eventually. Now that it has, hopefully, this unfortunate offering is the exception instead of the new norm for what has been a great series.

Besides Alejandra's incarceration, Greg Rucka used this issue as a set up for next month's confrontation with Kiss of Death. While Rucka has never shied away from the book's political reflection of the times, making various statements for the sake of making them without being appropriately woven into the narrative runs the risk of turning away readers. There are ways to balance messages with the story, and this series did a pretty good job of that until now.

Kiss of Death strikes in the third act as Lois' trap doesn't go according to plan. Rucka made it all come together in a suspenseful manner, setting up next month's penultimate chapter in grand fashion.

Greg Rucka's name on a comic book usually means the reader will take a deep dive into the fabric of a story.Lois Lanestarted off with such a promise but ultimately revoked it, and unfortunately, the final chapter served as a prime example.

This series had the potential of being a one hit wonder but I'm happy to report the second installment is just as enjoyable as the first issue.

I would recommend this book to anyone who hasn't indulged themselves in the world of Valiant and is looking for something new and to catch them up on what they missed.

This is issue that leads to the gay marriage that everyone is talking about. In my opinion, kudos to Marvel for this incredible step forward.

You don't know if this is meant to be a long term series with the 30 day timeline or a cheap way to get rid of some characters that will probably come back anyways.

Not too much action but more character development than anything else. I'm not complaining though. This was necessary to help fill in the blanks in the new 52.

Jonathan Lau's artwork helped the pacing of the story, which really established the tone of the series in many ways. The good guys are being kept on their toes and it has one of those WTF type endings that make it all the more interesting.

The fact that Lois and Clark are no longer married in the main continuity is kind of a bummer and their relationship in a post Convergence world will probably be the worst it has ever been. While the birth of their child will mean diddly squat in a one months' time, if there were any two comic book couples that deserve a happy ending, it's these two.

This issue was the end of the first story arc and the next chapter is loaded with promise and hope for Courtney.

The final act of this fun adventures shows a rocketless Rocketeer as the only hope to save the day.

Prince John is a self-centered jerk and despite all he has done, the Mermaid still loves him. It's so frustrating to watch, but it's so well done that you can't put the book down.

The story is great and left me wanting more and the pages are nice to look at as explosive action and bloody fisticuffs ensures that the title lives up to its name.

Overall, Event Leviathan is off to a good start. Hopefully, we get a little more meat in the next installment with that pattern increasing in each outing.

There is a lot of ground to cover and a new plot point to explore with only two issues remaining. My optimism is starting to turn to pessimism, and I hope the next offering can change my mind.

However, if the reveal falls flat, Bendis will be damned with faint praise. There is always the possibility Bendis has been brilliantly and meticulous, setting everyone up for the ultimate swerve by deception. We will have to wait and see. If you needed a reason to get excited about next month's grand finale, this book does the job!

This story has no effect on the main story going in Fear Itself. I had no problem with the art work and the story wet my palate to read the next issue because we know at some point Dracula is going to get his hands dirty.

Mark Evanier's script provides the perfect balance for fans who want that Sunday comics feel and those who prefer contemporary comics off the rack. Jim Davis' influence is all over this issue with tons of lasagna scarfing moments and a first appearance variant cover.

This hits home because their relationship is different because Ganthet chose Kyle to become a Green Lantern instead of the ring choosing him. Let me ask you one question: what happens when Kyle's back is against the wall and he has no choice but to wield the power of the seven rings at once????

It's not the next big thing in comics but if you want something different and well done this week, in the words of referee "Big" John McCarthy, "Are you ready? Let's get it on."

Anyone who is a fan of MMA or looking for something different on Wednesdays will not be disappointed.

Still, it felt like I was reading a news report on a fighter instead of a comic book. I'm not saying you should completely stay away from it but if you are on a budget then you can skip this issue.

Blair Butler writing explores the emotions of Redmond's choices as it takes heart to make the right decision and not the popular one.

If you thought the movies were just ok and are on the fence about this series, why not give this issue a try?

I don't think that I have ever been excited to read a John Carter comic book, but with a refreshed presentation and story arc, this one is off to a good start.

Overall, Ron Marz and company are two for two and I hope this is a trend that will continue in the months ahead.

I always had a hard time reading Vertigo titles so I was hesitant to pick this up. I'm glad it did because it was something different that I feel people will enjoy if you are looking for a little variety. The artwork and color are very fitting for this type of story. I'm going to stick around for issue two for sure.

This was a little harder for me to get into than the last issue. The colors make the art stand out in this issue and the writing makes you wonder if this will actually end up being a Justice League type group or will it be just a bunch of supernatural people who band together to fight a common foe. That remains to be seen and the prospect either way is interesting to bring readers back for future issues.

Jeff Lemire is something of an artist when it comes to storytelling because the fine points are all in the details. Everyone feels that they can handle the power of the "Box" and while there appear to be many qualified suitors, the one who can actually handle the responsibility is a real doozy.

Overall, Low is off to a good start and sets the stage for what could very well be a great series. All of the elements you need for an intriguing tale are in place because you have no idea what is going to happen next.

I loved everything about this book because it has everything a comic book fan could ask for. Bendis did a wonderful job of writing the perfect blend of levity, humor, suspense and action into this book. Paul Mounts' color treatment really makes the art work pop off the page, especially when Norman receives a visit from an old friend and when that poor, poor soul upsets Logan……when will people learn?

The New Avengers do not appear in this issue which I thought was a good move since the focus is on Norman Osborn. The last few issues of this series were building towards getting the band back together but the unveiling of version 2.0 was flat and uneventful considering the character selection. If you hate spiders, the panels showing Ai Apaec's first appearance will make you look for a can of Raid. Overall, the issue left you more interested in the alliance between the super villain factions and it will be interesting to see where it leads.

I had no complaints with the artwork and the end of the book brings about the two teams heading for a collision course. This is one of the last issues that will be written by Bendis as he is leaving the franchise for another popular group (probably X-Men).  His run on the various Avengers books has gained strong opinions all across the board.

If you are looking for something different to pick up off the shelf this week, you might have found it.

Not a bad start at all to a new series with a lot of backstory to build off of.

Prometheus: Fire and Stone is a solid first installment. A little bit of this and a little bit of that goes a long way towards setting up a story that could add all sorts of elements to the Alien mythos while answering some long outstanding questions.

During the SLAP, BANG, and KAPOW fisticuffs, Rocket catches a punch and it simply said "Nope" underneath before he starts putting the boots to his foes. I never thought I would ever find an ounce of sadness while looking at Skottie Young's imagery, but that just speaks to how he can convey a range of sentiment and individualities in a character like Rocket Raccoon. This series has been a surprise thus far and just keeps getting better with every outing.

The thought of losing the one constant in his life after discovering he is the last of his kind drives him to new heroic heights.

Ultimately, Shazam is off to a decent start. Despite the five dollar price tag, it checks all of the boxes and has an exciting conclusion that will all but guarantee a second purchase with the next installment.

Tom Mandrake produces some pleasing visuals throughout the book and does a great job of conveying the emotional state of the characters. Overall, this is another fun installment in a series that gets better with every outing.

Overall, this is a solid start and next month should be interesting.

Mr. Grant Morrison is two for two with this new creator-owned series.

The very end was a little flat, but it should cause some speculation for what could possibly happen when Episode VII hits theaters next year.

Overall, this was a pretty good first chapter. With five more issues to go, it should be interesting to see if the creative team is able to find one defined voice and tone to tell a distinctive and memorable story. If I had to judge by this first issue alone, odds are, they probably will.

While this formula has a potential to grow old fast with future installments, the second chapter sets a great tone for what lies ahead.

Guiu Vilanova's imagery is very fitting for this story, displaying a dark sense of ambiguity that just gnaws at you as things begin to unfold. Cold trails bring about spectral evidence that not only points Chambers in the right direction, but ensures that I will be coming back for the next issue.

But that's the gag, and seeing him swim in his own money while being a cheapskate, is something that will always make me smile. Older fans will certainly enjoy Uncle Scrooge and new fans who might have as much reverence for the series are sure to be delighted by the shenanigans inside the borders of Duckburg.

To sum this issue up in one word, fun.

The art and colors have the same cute cartoon look as the last issue and the writing focuses on the comedy aspect as much as the main story arch which is the discovery of truth, fiction or craziness. The story may not provide enough intrigue over the long haul, but right now, it's a fun ride.

While I wanted more meat on the bone in terms of story, this new era is on the right track because Jason Aaron and company accomplished the the most important goal with this book by emphatically letting everyone know that this is Star Wars!

The figure was drawn and colored with a gravitas that commanded attention and respect from the reader. There was a lot of story development in this issue and Jason Aaron does a masterful job of teasing certain elements that were too far apart before and now appear to be closer to each other than ever before.

Star Wars has been the number one selling comic book since it's return to Marvel's catalog in January. Jason Aaron has proven to be a writer whose name alone will bring intrigue to a title. His detailed storytelling along with keeping in tuned with the Force has produced series that just brings it month after month.

The first installment of this Ellis/Hitch collaboration is a tale of two cities. The first half fired on all cylinders and established the beginning of an engaging psychological narrative. The second half, however, bogs down the story quite hard with a perplexing script that left me guessing for all the wrong reasons. The first half and the creative cache of the creative team are what will bring me back for next month's second chapter.

However, that won't stop Alfred from trying. This is not exactly new ground being covered. Eillis composes this narrative in a way that is earnest, heartfelt, and a little bit eerie. The idea of Batman's demise amid street-level detective work grounds the character while reiterating what makes him unique. It's good to see Batman working the case again. Ellis's fluid script and Hitch's brings about a tale that is more profound than the litany of Batman books on the shelves today.

The Batman's Grave doesn't have a central villain or a storyline that will eventually lead to a dangerous plot to destroy Gotham. It's much more. The delicacy of Ellis and Hitch's approach to the subject of Bruce's extracurricular activity is the book's overarching theme. Each outing has gotten more difficult for Batman. If that trend continues, well, we're only in the third issue. Nine more investigations with increasing danger make a strong case that Alfred might have the right idea after all.

Even though we know Batman isn't going to die, that doesn't stop Ellis from trying to convince the reader that it could happen, which is ultimately the book's greatest strength. Despite no rogue's gallery or bombastic plot points, the craftsmanship of Ellis, Hitch, and Sinclair makes this series the best Batman book you will find on the shelf.

Overall, the momentum is picking up as new elements are continuously well-executed to produce the desired result.

There are three issues remaining, and it's time to increase the stakes even more now that Batman is in Scorn's crosshairs.

Throughout the series, it felt like Ellis hasn't had a lot to say.

Ultimately, Ellis and Hitch produce an intriguing concept that starts strong enough but hits the wall halfway through and never recovers. Much like this issue, The Batman's Graveis a series you'll forget by the turn of the final page.

The art work was nothing to complain about and the cover's imagery was taken from The Dark Knight movie. This is the perfect tale for you if you are looking for something simple and fun.

The art and colors are bold and vibrant and Jurgens delivers a predictable, but fun story that reveals the emergence of a new threat at the book conclusion.

They are becoming more than political poster boys now and Jurgens is doing a great job of telling a story about a team finding themselves in the face of adversity.

The fact that an Earth villain was able to accomplish what the intergalactic warlord, Peraxxus, couldn't do makes this new story arc all the more interesting.

***This particular edition of The Pull List marks my one year anniversary with Forces of Geek.com. I have thoroughly enjoyed reviewing the comic books we all love and cherish. None of my friends are comic book fans and while I chat every Wednesday with various people at my local comic book store, this is the outlet I use to express how I feel about comic books. I want to thank Stefan Blitz for giving me the opportunity and the platform to talk, rant, scream and shout about one of my favorite pastimes!

While I feel this series may end up going through the motions until next year, this issues gives me hope that I may be wrong.

When I think about fairy tales, I tend to think of Disney sing-alongs. I'm not harping on them, I am a Frozen fan after all, but you will not find any singing here as the narrative is rich in scope, told at a great pace, and features a strong female lead that you will read again and again.

Smith's art is serviceable and sets a melancholy tone which advocates for a ghostly affair. While this issue falls short in some aspects when trying to give us the oomph it promises, it's still a well-crafted story that makes for a pleasant read.

Not a bad first issue at all and I'm intrigued to see what happens next month.

At the end of the day, Kaine has to choose: life in Mexico or crime fighting in Houston.

Despite various opinions, Charles Soule gave us answers with excellent execution about one of the unknown fables of the Star Wars universe.

Overall, this second installment is an intriguing offering that moves forward in the past.

Some of Luke's former students try to bring Ben to justice, only to fail spectacularly. We all know Ben survives this mini-series; however, the students have done nothing to suggest they even have a slight chance to stop Ben. It's not about the destination but the journey in storytelling. This dull installment has put some pressure on Soule to deliver a memorable final chapter that connects all the dots.

This is a tremendous jumping on point that will surely develop into an action packed series coupled with a pronounced story in the months ahead.

This was a fun and easy story arc to follow that really highlighted the talents of the creators involved. Bigger things seem to be on the horizon as a powerful Dead Hand is about to be played.

Earlier promotional material advertised last October was the kick off to this event. Good things come to those who wait and if the rumors regarding a major universal shift change are true, we are in for one hell of a ride!

Ray gun shenanigans puts our clawed hero in quite the predicament as a child's life hangs in the balance.

We've reached the half-way point of this mega event and now that the gauntlet has been thrown down, things will no doubt get very interesting.

With four issues left, the light speed pace of this event looks to produce a big finale, especially if the rumors regarding the tenth and final issue are true.

Stark insists that Pym could have found an alternative solution, which is quite the contrast to what he suggested before Wolverine messed up space and time. So far, this series has been getting mixed reviews. No matter what side of the fence you stand on, it's hard to look away from all action in Age of Ultron.

All in all, Age of Ultron came out swinging and ended on a less than stellar note due to putting the titular character in a supporting role and mainly getting us excited for something that ultimately has more sizzle than steak.

The overall strength in this issue lies in the fact that it is a crossover event with a purpose that has real stakes involved for the protagonists. The ending makes for a fascinating turn which should bring about some craziness in the weeks and months ahead.

Olivier Coipel's artwork is always on point and truly shines in making distinguishing all of the Spider-Men so it's not a chore to tell them all apart. This book has a lot of moving parts that are easy to keep track of which produces a fun read that is about to heat up.

Sounds kind of silly but the humor coupled with the high stakes involved made the moment worth wild. I think it was time to increase the danger for our wall crawlers because having nowhere to hide will create even more tension as this event progresses. ASM #11 covers a lot of ground while setting up bigger things on the horizon.

It's nothing to complain about by any means but Jordie Bellaire's coloring is what makes the page layouts to life. We are in the midst of a human rebellion where they don't need to speak to find their voice.

Whether you are looking for a sociology lesson or a kick ass comic book, this title will surely fit the bill.

This was all done to set up the big “Trinity War” event that will take place next summer.

Despite growing pains, the heroes are working better as a team. This book is mostly action, action and more action. The last seven pages show a GL sketchbook and extract of “The Secret History of Atlantis” by David Graves which is a complete waste of time. Nothing really compelling came out of this issue but certainly nothing bad either.

Apokolips' invasion of Earth has reached a critical juncture where Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern & Aquaman will have to get past their petty differences and finally gel as a team or meet certain doom.

The book shipped a week late but don't let that mess you up. The DC reboot did a lot of good things, but it did leave some things to be desired among fans. With Marvel producing four different Avengers books, it's fun and exciting to see the other super team find its wings. This was the best book since the first issue and everyone needs to come back in February.

The whole thing is intriguing and will cause some speculation amongst fans.

The Shazam back-up story was really well done and Gary Frank's art work is fantastic. Johns' provides a different spin on Billy Batson that some people might not enjoy but it's a different universe and besides, the hoodie Captain Marvel is sporting looks bad ass.

Oh, Hal is still annoying, but don't let that get you down.

The Shazam back story was entertaining as always with Black Adam making his debut and Billy Batson has been teleported to a certain Rock of Eternity.

While I'm still not sure they are going to be an actual couple, I like the direction they are going in. It didn't make sense from a storyline perspective since they have had very little interaction in the new 52. However, the sexual tension between the two has been evident for years. Lots of fans, including myself, have always wanted to see what life would be like with this super couple and now it appears we are getting our wish. I just hope they don't get one of those stupid names, like "Brangelina".

Tony S. Daniel's work on this book was spot on. The way he depicted Cheetah's movement was like an aggressive gymnast whose stuck landings delivers serious damage to her opponent. She looks like she is in the angriest of moods when she is just standing around and never mind when she is beating someone up.

The life of a teenager is never easy and when you add alien hybrids and hidden superpowers, high school is anything but fun. Emilo Lasio produces the best artwork of the week.

The end signifies lasting changes and repercussions for the League as they have several reserve members in mind but some of them have been recruited for Amanda Waller's JLA.

It was entertaining from cover-to-cover and worth every penny spent.

Trinity War is off to a great start. I'm glad DC held off one year before doing a cross over event because it gave the New 52 time to earn its reputation and establish who these characters are under their new light.

The writing, art and coloring are all fine but I want to talk about the larger issue at hand. This was supposed to be the big finale of "Trinity War" and it turns out that this miniseries event was nothing more than just a prelude to DC Comics "Forever Evil" event that kicks off this month.

The ending of this issue seemed a bit rushed, but the book was well done and does a great job of getting fans excited for the upcoming Darkseid War.

Through a series of events, Atrocitus regains his rage but now wonders if another member of the Red Lanterns is now in charge. Milligan's writing makes this issue easy and fun to follow if you are not familiar with the Red Lanterns' story. Ed Benes produced the best art work of the week. Yes, I know the art is mostly red. However, the primary color is done in such a vibrant way that captures the emotion of the Red Lanterns harness: rage.

This is a solid second issue that will bring readers back for issue three.

Seeing Bleez's past was the meat and potatoes of this story and explains the nature of her rage.

The red ring was drawn to Moore like a moth to a flame and the end result produces the first human Red Lantern.

The Red Lantern Corps will play a pivotal role in the outcome on next month's event finale. They have been given their own voice which has been missing for almost a year now. One thing is for sure, no matter how it all plays out, the Reds will make it anything but predictable.

While Road Rage doesn't re-invent the wheel by any means, it's a creepy book that will have you coming back for more.

This is a positive step forward with the series and of course, we are provided with an ending that will make you come back next month for the series' conclusion.

Overall, the book contained a lot of action and easy art and script to follow. Cable's inner thoughts drive the story because there is more narration than dialog which is Jeph Loeb's trademark. Nothing about Ed McGuinness's work in this issue was new or epic. He did a nice job of following the tone of the story which is that time is of the essence. The ending makes you want to come back for more next month and there are some hints as to how the big event next year might pan out.

This is clearly a preamble to the Avengers vs. X-Men event which is plenty entertaining to whet your appetite until the beatings begin in the Spring.

And of course, excellent visuals from Ed McGuinness that shine during the most important scenes.

The strongest compliments come when the mystery of who the human DNA donor is brought to light as "Red" believes the answer lies in inherited memories of life in a small midwestern town.

The first issue started strong and the last two issues kind of fell off point a little bit. This was a great step in the right direction with a mystery included that is going to haunt the boy of steel for the foreseeable future.

DC has already announced a Superman Family crossover event in the summer and I believe a couple of breadcrumbs were left for us to chew on.

This issue definitely picked up the pace from part two. The artwork jumps right out at you during the fight scenes and the EFx's color is bright and fun.

She explains why she stays, but the reason is weak sauce, IMO.

They are being used to destroy their political rival, the country of Symkaria. Colossus, Storm, Jubilee, Psylocke and War Machine investigate the matter and try to put an end to the chaos until things go from bad to worse. The story moved along at a nice pace and there was nothing special or bad about the artwork. Gischler's run with the series has been interesting because he is tasked with using different X-Men characters every three or four issues. It must to be difficult to find your groove as a writer when things change quickly but Gischler has done a nice job of adapting with the changes.

It's the weakest offering of the White Knight series ,but manages to justify its existence as a horse of a different color.

Two issues in, Collins and Scalera have created a series that feels like it shouldn't work, only for it to perform exceptionally well.

The way Collins and Scalera set it up places more emotional stakes to the conclusion than most endings that question a story's uncertainty. It can go either way, which I can't wait to see unfold in next month's penultimate chapter.

There is no much on the line for the leading players, and I can't wait to see how it ends in next month's swan song.

Scott and Anindito, in many ways, accomplish here what the first issue should have done. There was lots of mystery and intriguing elements while introducing new things to the franchise. We also met new characters while learning more about the main protagonists, making their adventure even more enjoyable.

The first issue left a lot to be desired, while the second issue was a fun read. Our third chapter falls in the middle. It's more safe than boring and tries new things that don't completely stick the landing but are interesting enough to see where it goes next.

While some might not take creatures like the Drengir seriously due to their plantlike appearance, the threat they pose to the galaxy is highly intriguing and should make for some interesting stories ahead.

The cover of the book kind of makes you think the story has some tie-in to Usagi Yojimbo with Sakai's name on the cover but that is not to be.  The collaborative of the creative team suggests this is a passion project they have been working on for some time and they hit the mark with their first effort.

It's going to be hard to make every issue of this series interesting and thought provoking but don't let that stop you from enjoying a fantastic first installment.

This issue was extremely well done across the board and instead of being disappointed that I didn't see the big fight, I walked away extremely satisfied because it made want to see the two monsters lock horns even more. Fans of both franchises will enjoy this book and it also new reader friendly to those who haven't read the companion Fire and Stone titles.

I can't wait to see what Ross has in store for the series as it captivates your attention in a way that makes you want to throw your money down. While the art is pretty decent, the interesting plot is what makes this series tick. I would highly recommend to pick up issue one if you haven't read it yet.

Christos Gage provides a dark and thrilling story that reads like you're watching the TV series. Rebekah Isaacs' work reminded me of the Tales of the Crypt comics and sets the appropriate tone for what the story is trying to accomplish.

Buddy's fight against the Rot is more personal than any other fight going on in the DC Universe. His son is sick and his family is in danger as they fight alongside their super-powered father. Part two of this story arc takes place in Swamp Thing #12 also released this past week.

These are the questions presented in this debut issue and with Shawn Crystal's dark brooding imagery, things are only going to get more intriguing.

I'm completely sold on this series and as a result, it's time for me to do a lot of make-up reading and discover what I've been missing.

New characters are brought into the fold and the ending will make you want to come back for more.

No complaints with the art and the colors reminded me of the Avengers cartoon. The writing is solid all-around and provided a little bit of everything for comic book fans to enjoy.

Avengers World has been a hit or miss title over the last twelve months, but this installment does a lot to make things interesting, while fully taking advantage of the main angle in place.

This book presents another one of those creative teams that are perfectly in sync with each other.

In my opinion, this series is the weakest of the four Batman books currently in circulation. This issue was a great step in the right direction as it appears to be finding its own identity.

Marvel will get lots of new readers with The Avengers movie coming out this week, so it makes sense for this interpretation.  Regardless of how you feel about this decision from the Marvel brain trust, this is one of those issues that you will want to add to your collection because it is a huge character shift that will have a major impact on events to come.

Jae Lee's grand depictions perfectly capture Adrian's essence through out the book.

He is portrayed as good guy in this series who is trying to get to the bottom of a murder in which the most sacred law of “Ape shall never kill Ape” There is more than a murder than meets the eye and the council is not happy with Dr. Zaius' idealistic nature which is weird and interesting to see if you watched the movie. The story also touches on the political aspect of life in Ape City as Chimpanzees are almost considered second class citizens. The artwork did an excellent job of depicting facial reactions of the characters. If you liked the movies, you'll like this book. Bottom line, buy it.

The artwork compliments the story's surroundings and the characters have a boastfulness that makes it easy to either like or dislike them. I'm always a fan of comics where the creator writes and draws the book because you're virtually guaranteed that everything will be in sync. The desert planet felt hot and coarse as two suns orbit it's space and the dialog that contains its share of urban slang somehow fits in with the story, rather nicely I might add. If I was a betting man, I'd venture to guess that this series will find itself in the critically acclaimed realm sooner or later."

If you live and breathe by DC Comics continuity, there are some plot points that will startle you. In the end, it's all too convoluted and I've stopped caring. Just tell me a good story, and Wolfman does in spades.

The Third Child is an intense example of how drama can work in a horror story and finds a great balance between tragedy and redemption. While this scares by nature, this is a book that all comic book fans can read with enthusiasm.

There's quite a bit to take in, but everything moves along in a manner that is highly entertaining and will keep you coming back for more.

I'm just happy that it wasn't the whole “Earth looks weak so I'll rule there instead of Eternia” direction they could have gone in.

If this book were authored by anyone else, I would be disappointed by not entirely knowing where the story is going. However, Matt Kindt is one of the few writers that can get away with that sort of thing. Anyone who has read his work on such titles as Mind Mgmt knows that patience will be rewarded ten fold. Different + Weird = Success.

Fairy Quest is a very fun read that is filled with thirty-two pages of quality storytelling and imagery that is worthy of our hard earned money.

So far, Sue Storm is the only FF member to make an appearance in AU and this issue tells us why. Matt Fraction delivers to his readers an emotional punch in the face as Reed, Johnny, and Ben's last words to the children via a holographic message is somehow heart wrenching even though you know not only the end result, but you know that result will not last forever.

I have to admit, I didn't like this book at first, but it won me over as it went along. The set up serves of a sign of things to come which could be very promising. The gloves are off as there is no cooperate editorial process stopping George Prez from telling the story he wants to tell.

Revival just gets better and better with each issue.

While I wonder how this series will do down the line, de Campi and company are off to a great start, and I'm looking forward to the next installment.

A series like this potentially runs the risk of being too clever for its own good, but the power in its straight forward simplicity (even with a quick Greek Mythology lesson) creates some exciting horror fiction that makes this battle for souls a surefire must read.

Overall, this is an entertaining book with an ending that makes you wonder if the world is worth saving.

Entertaining book all around with that classic comic book ending that makes you want to see what happens next.

I think this series will return at some point, since one thing in particular was left unanswered and unseen.

A showdown between the man and the monster is on the horizon and will make for an interesting confrontation that comic book fans never imagined they would see.

Kudos to everyone involved as the conclusion of this arc serves as the beginning of so much more for Mark and the type of hero he wants to be.

If you put aside everything about Jem's past, present, and future, the story Kelly Thompson has created is told extremely well. I think Vince McMahon would be proud of how Thompson has put all the right pieces in the right places to build towards an encounter that people will pay to see.

Seeing Doc Savage from 1939 and 2014, face to face, should make for some interesting reading in the months ahead. I so want to speculate on how such an epic meeting of the minds would go, but I'm going to wait until the second issue to see if my hypothesis is correct.

You can never, ever go wrong with the art talent of Steve Epting, and the coloring of Frank D'Armata is the perfect compliment. If The Avengers is an action thriller, then New Avengers is a sci-fi thriller that always has something under its sleeve to shock the audience.

The dark and sullen tone of Frank Martin's colors compliment the emotional gravitas depicted by Kev Walker as the question becomes not how do we stop it but what should be done after it occurs.

We also learn about Colin's past which reveals that he wasn't always a confident warrior. He wasn't a bumbling coward by any means, but seeing how Colin got to be the star of this show looks like it's going to be an interesting journey.

Besides the fun and fresh story being presented, there is also more insight into the Ninjak character as his time before being a supreme badass is explored. Clay Mann's artwork makes action unfold like something seen in a movie. Even sedentary moments have a perilous vibe to them as Kannon's monstrous presence oozes danger with every syllable of conversation. Ninjak is yet another one of Valiant's recent releases that is bringing the publisher into the limelight.

I continue to be impressed by Dynamite Entertainment's offerings every Wednesday. When going to various comic book stores I notice their books tend to be tucked away in the corner of the rack. If you are looking for something new, give this company a chance. They have many titles to choose from and I'm confident that one of them will grab your attention. Marc Guggenheim did co-write the Green Lantern movie screen play but don't let that mess you up.

If you have an extra dollar to spend, you should pick this up and enjoy feeling like a kid again.

The artwork in “Fast & Furious” is delightful with Snoopy's hijinks stealing the show. The Linus 1st appearance variant cover is a nice touch for those looking for a little extra nostalgia.

I'll certainly think twice the next time I see my cat, Batman, headed towards Yoda's food bowl, that's for sure!

Most of the time, tie in books fail to add any real depth to the overarching story they are trying to enhance. While it would have been nice to see more of Planet Hulk in its current form, Humphries did a great job of establishing everyone's role where Green Goliath's appear to play background noise to a much larger issue at hand.

Ron Marz put together a fun and exciting story an that had an interesting concept with each character having different stakes in the outcome. The art is solid all around and Dynamite Entertainment has produced yet another great read.

Then again, we could say the same thing for this one, but the fact that he is really guilty adds a level of depth not previously seen in other Punisher books.

Gabborin and De Scacco did an excellent job of capturing the essence of the earlier films and even those who aren't familiar with the brand will thoroughly enjoy this horror delight.

Rubicon might not be everyone's cup of tea but I'm glad it's been placed on the table for those to enjoy who want something unique to sample.

This was an enjoyable read and can't wait for more next month when Spider-Man enters the fray.

While more and more black and white comics are coming out of the wood work, it was very appropriate here. It added a level of depth to the situation at hand as the tension builds from the moment Dobson opens that damn phone. This was a strong first issue and I'm looking for to the next one.

New robots are created from the combined knowledge of Wily and Eggman so that means double the danger and it will take the combined efforts of Mega Man and Sonic to win the day…if they can ever get on the same page.

I like where this series is heading because of all the dynamics that have been established with the first three issues. Gwen is a character that you couldn't hate, even if you tried which is the glue that holds everything together. At this rate, this could be a front runner for the year's best ongoing series.

Four issues in andLegacy IIhas given comic book fans something to be excited for and I cant wait to see what happens next.

The Sith have shown their hand and it means nothing but bad things for everyone involved, except for fans everywhere.

The "Superior" in the title works perfectly because it's about making others feel their absolute best, even though the end result requires a lot of ruffled feathers. Tony Stark has always believed he was larger than life. Now that part of his psyche has completed him and is on a narcissistic mission of self-indulgence which makes a bad guy Iron Man something you don't want to miss.

However, is Iron Man really the bad guy here? That is the underlying question this series explores as doing more good is doing more harm in the process. Is that the fault of the creator or is he entirely to blame because he know show this was going to all unfold and simply doesn't care.

Tom Taylor and the rest of the creative team have assembled a story that is anything but predictable. Most times, we want the hero to rise, but this time his defeat is the thing we desire the most. Tony Stark keeps going further and further past the point of no return, and it's so entertaining. Plus, amour fighting amour is always a nice bonus.

There is a lot of fun in store for this event and the very last page puts the exclamation mark on that fact.

Being labeled all-ages is usually code word for kiddie book. Cullen Bunn makes this the exception to the rule with a story that is easy to follow truly has something for everyone. Simply put, Terrible Lizard is a winner!

Overall, the creative team produced a great first installment. It is not only new reader friendly, but Mark Waid creates a great balancing act of allowing the reader to get a substantial prospective on Paul Patton's character while providing a bird's eye view of where the story is headed.

Technology seems to be the key to unlock the answers to the world's problems. While I'm concerned about the longevity of this series, things are off to a great start.

In the end, I believe this series has the juice to go a long way as it keeps the reader entertained without making you think a whole hell of a lot. It's one of those books where you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Excellent first effort and I can't to see what happens next month.

Reading Earth 2 #1, The Huntress mini-series and the recently canceled Mr. Terrific might clear up some holes on continuity, but DC has definitely made a nice addition with their second wave.

The color in this series has been vibrant and fun but it was kind of lazy this time. Save your $3.99 for another book and wait for part five on 10/26.

Great first issue that makes me excited to see what is next since you know The Trench are bound bring Aquaman back to Atlantis.

The story is told at such a fast pace that I thought it was cut short for the Batman Noel preview until I went back and counted the pages. The artwork nicely captures the Trench attack on the fishing harbor. The colors and the gruesome purple sledge coming of their mouth looks like a scene out of a horror movie. The book will suck the reader in from the opening panel and peak your interest until the last page.

The end of the book treats us to a sneak peek at the big story arc set for 2012 which is the secrecy revolving around what caused Atlantis to fall into the ocean.

This quickly transitions into a series of altercations that makes her question what Aquaman sees in people. The art and script went hand-in-hand on presenting Mera as a badass who is not to be trifled with.

It's been said plenty of times and I'll say it again; Geoff Johns has made Aquaman cool again. Even if the story sucked, the art makes this book a must own.

While she is loyal to her husband and obeys the kings authority, his safety is paramount to her and she will defy any decree and break any bones necessary in order to maintain Aquaman's safety.

The ending of this issue changes the dynamic between the hero and the villain forever.

Again, this sounds like a harsh criticism but it is not at all because I can't get mad at my star player when they hit a triple instead their usual grand slam.

The art is solid as usual and shows it's strength in the hidden chamber where an unknown eighth relic is discovered.

James Tyrion continues to impress with his story of a cast away Talon looking to strike back at the Court of Owls.

The book ends with a pretty big reveal, while the stage is set for The Others to return next month.

Aquaman swims in the coldest and darkest water he has ever been in while searching for the Scavenger as submarines surround an unsuspecting Atlantis. This book is a tidal wave of fun for all and it serves as a major development in the arc.

If you are looking for a good read, you have found it as news regarding Boba Fett will have the Holonet and fans abuzz.

As far as rating the entertainment value of a Star Wars mini series, Tom Taylor is definitely two for two.

Despite this criticism, this is still an enjoyable book that will provide Star Wars fans with another solid chapter in the endless library of the Expanded Universe.

Now, Darth Vader is on a new path to find the secret of Luke's origin. In this first installment, Greg Pak laid the groundwork for a story arc that is the most intriguing yet by making it Vader's most challenging mission.

Greg Pak deserves a lot of credit for turning a minor Star Wars character into a big deal as it relates to this budding series.

Greg Pak and Raffaele Ienco tell a descriptive story that effortlessly fills in the reader on every detail. While one part needed to be fleshed out a little more, the narrative corner has turned. Vader has gone from the hunted to the hunter.

This is a fantastic start to what should be an entertaining voyage.

That alone speaks volumes as to the amount of trouble his apprentice is in, as Darth Vader has gone from being the hunter to the hunted.

Expanded universe tales are open to a lot of scrutiny because of their lack of “Star Wars feel” but if you look at this as a Darth Vader story, you should have no problem enjoying your trip to the Dark Side.

The story is set with a dark, evil and creepy tone and the art follows suit. This is not the action and adventure type of comic book most people are use to.  I tried something different and I liked it enough to give it another try.

Everyone wants the Sixth Gun and so will you.

Action and pivotal moments were carefully crafted as Becky refuses to be dwarfed by the enormity of the moment.

If this is a series you haven't checked out, then please give it a chance. You can download the first issue free on Comixology with your smartphone, desktop and tablet device.

The thing I love about Bunn's writing in this series is how he makes the tension rise with each turn of the page. Going from one extreme to the other can get old and seem kind of gimmicky but in this world, it works extremely well because all of the moving parts that are inserted at just the right time to garner the desired result.

If victory is to be obtained, I'm sure the creators have a solution but I'm not sure how Becky, Gord and company will win the day without destroying The Six because for over three years now, that has been impossible.

If you are looking for a good heist comic book then this one is a steal.

Shawn Martinborough's wonderful artwork of the theft in progress serves as a background to the fatherly advice in the letter.

This issue is the conclusion of the first story arc in a series which no doubt has many more tricks up its sleeve.

The overall story goes beyond these pivotal moments as the world is on the brink of a mutant revolution.

Kitty Pryde and Iceman have a hilarious mock conversation in the shadows of some serious banter between chat Beast and Captain America. What makes this series tick is its ability to make every single element matter while being highly enjoyable.

Bendis establishes an enjoyable and perilous tone setting up the characters against threats that they think they know but in this case, they really don't.

Initially, I wasn't sure if Jae Lee's artwork was right for this story, but I was wrong. Lee presents a dramatically epic feel that would only work with characters of this magnitude. Besides the confusing ending, which I hope is cleared up in the next issue, Batman/Superman looks like a surefire winner for DC Comics and fans everywhere.

The ending has a silver-age flair that should create an interesting dynamic going forward. I don't think I could have asked for more with this book.

Ultimately, they go down a different avenue than what was unexpected and that made me immediately excited for the next issue.

The possibilities of which rabbit hole this could go down was fun to explore. Ultimately, they go down a different avenue than whatwas unexpected and that made me immediately excited for the next issue.

The artwork is great and chocked full of awesome character work but it's the coloring of Chris Blythe that makes the illustrations pop. You can tell that Max Bemis is a musician because everything in Evil Empire is executed with a cadence at is perfectly timed on all fronts.

This, in a way, makes her the only genuine beacon of hope amongst piles of cultural corruption. Ransom Getty's character work serves this particular story well because emotion, facial reactions, and body language is what has sold the pivotal moments through the series. Real talk, if you will, is something that Bemis prides himself on. He's not trying to shove his views down anyone's throat, he's just providing comic book fans with an entertaining cautioning of a what-if scenario should society slip down the rabbit hole of despair.

This issue is new reader friendly enough to get you interested, but I recommend going back and reading the previous issues them in order to appreciate the scope of what Max Bemis has laid out in his Evil Empire.

Andrea Mutti perfectly complements the narrative with stunning visuals and chaotic. There are a lot of possibilities surround what's next for Reese and her resistance movement. The scary thing is, all of her work may be for nothing, but only time will tell.

Throughout this series, Max Bemis is trying to get the reader to look at some sociological what-ifs through a prism of unpredictability that makes this series standout on a consistent basis.

They are up against an unknown enemy dubbed “The Ring Slayer” on the cover. These slayers are immune to anything the green power rings can dish out and Lanterns are being lost by the minute. The slayers weapon of choice is a green light saber except the blade is shaped as a machete. I think it's poetic that these slayers used this weapon since, well, it's green. The ending will make you come back for the next issue and you also have to wonder if the Slayers are the “third option” the Guardians talked about in the last Guardians book?

There was nothing bad about the artwork at all and Tomsai's script is getting better and better with each issue.

Tomasi's writing was fantastic through out the book and was topped off by a chilling statement from J'onn as he addressed the Corps saying "You failed Krypton, you failed my home world of Mars, DON'T fail Earth". There is so much more that unfolds in this book but I'm not going to spoil it all.

Tomasi's writing provides a solid story that is fun for the entire 32 pages.

Peter J. Tomasi should pat himself on the back for producing two of the best comics of the week.

David Aja's artwork is perfect for the story Matt Fraction is telling. It gives the book a unique and gritty down to earth feeling that sets itself apart from anything else on the shelf today.

An incarnation of this character could be well suited for the Episode VII movie scheduled for 2015.

All in all, a great book to check out.

Leo has one encounter in particular and….nope, I'm not saying anymore. Just trust me, you won't be disappointed.

The inside cover explains what happened in the last issue and things take a scary turn in this issue as Nicholas has reached his breaking point and plans to kill Rick. Meanwhile Rick is going through some complicated emotions over his son Carl awakening from a coma. Just like the TV show, the comic real story is with the characters as the zombies are just a back drop. I didn't expect much from the art work since because….well, you know, however, I was surprised at the emotion Adlard and Rathburn were able to capture. If you were thinking about starting to read The Walking Dead, this is a great issue to start with.

The writing hits its stride when Rick confides in Andrea some disturbing thoughts about his son and how the world is no longer a place for him. Rick wants to be strong for everyone but he just can't do it anymore. The message here is it's hard to feel alive in a place where everything is dead and Rick is no exception. Kirkman is setting the stage for something big on the horizon that makes you wonder if Rick will be able to withstand more unbearable horror.

Not much action but it's a good read overall.

There are some dull moments in this issue but overall it's a must read because we now know where things are headed and if history has taught us anything, somebody is going to end up dead. I wondered how this series was going to remain interesting due to the TV show becoming ultra popular.   I have faith we are going to be beyond satisfied with the end result.

The last two pages wonderfully depicts a town over the horizon that could provide endless possibilities and or danger.

Rick feels he needs to be a better leader by being more proactive and we see traces of him unraveling. By the end of the issue The Walking Dead #94 accomplishes what all great comic books should do, immediately get you pumped for the next installment.

Kirkman hit a powerful chord with this arc because Rick, more than most knows what is feels like to be powerless over your circumstances and now he has just one more hurdle to climb in order for his plan to take full effect.

From Rick's ever growing peace of mind to Maggie being excited to see Glenn and share some wonderful news, Adlard truly captures the heart of these feelings. It is safe to say that the chain of event that will lead for the milestone 100th issue is where business will pick up and heads and guts will roll.

The final words, and the context they were said in, has the potential to make you shed a tear and salivate for the day where this murdering lunatic gets his just desserts.

Will he be able to crawl out of his slump or is this Rick 2.0?

The day he finally gets Negan will be one that is long remembered and I want front row seats when it all goes down.

That is what really made this issue shine because you legitimately didn't know which way it would go.

Rick's plan gets closer to fruition, but the surprise ending will either expedite things or place another bump in the road for the Hilltop. This is a slow moving issue, but one that thoroughly entertains.

Depending on who you are, Clint Barton's love life is either a dream or a curse.

You are not really sure what her feelings are towards him. Could they be respect, attraction, or is she simply keeping an enemy close? This is an excellent issue all around with a lot of fun elements that all build to what is going to be a violent and bloody affair.

This issue begins a 12 part story arc titled “All Out War”. A lot of fans were already losing interest during the year and a half it took for the good guys to confront Negan. Now, it's going to be another year before we get a resolution. That might not sound like an appetizing proposition, but there is so much going on between Michonne's blossoming love life, an ammo shortage for the Hilltop, and Negan always being one step ahead of Rick, this arc will no doubt produce a lot of fun moments in the months ahead.

In my opinion, this is one of the best comics on the shelf today and you are doing yourself a huge disservice if you are not reading it.

This is the final issue of the arc that ends with one hell of a shocker for poor Todd.

The writers have done a great job at keeping an exciting and interesting pace as every book is a must read in this event. There was less color in this issue then the previous parts which is understandable since everyone is starting to look the same. My only gripe is there seems to be little to no concern from people who have not changed yet. I mean wouldn't you be afraid if you saw everyone you know going through a horrible transformation and say “Damn, what if that happens to me?”

While nothing was set in stone for the next issue, the seeds were planted for some future developments that fans won't want to miss.

Just as Spidey is feeling as blue as his tights, once again, Mary Jane reminds him of how great he is and gives him the strength that only she can provide. This makes me want them to get back together even more but for now, it is more compelling if they are not together.

Two more Spider-Man bad guys enter the fray and it appears Dan Slott is setting the stage for a reunion that will be detrimental to the web crawler.

Dan Slott's streak continues with another fantastic outing.

There is a lot of hype on the next issue of ASM with a new story arc involving Daredevil. This is an issue that will not get lost in the scuffle.

This issue was Part One of a two issue story arc titled “Devil and the Details and Part Two will take place in Daredevil #8 next week.

This was my pick of the week until I read Batman and that is not a slight at all. Overall, this book reeks of awesomeness and the ending guarantees your next appointment in February.

Still, he doesn't stop Bad Tuesday and with no options left, he meets M.J. for a bite to eat until something in the conversation brings about a revelation and Peter arrives at the Horizon labs just in time to make Bad Tuesday a thing of the past. The script was convoluted but I still enjoyed it. I don't know if that's a good thing or if it makes me weird but at least the art maintained its vibrant nature that has been a staple of this current run.

Uatu was the star of the story and I don't think we have seen the last of him either.

Sholly Fisch provides another Steel back-up story which shows him cleaning up Metropolis while the big guy is out of town. What I truly enjoy about Rags Morales' artwork is when you arrive at the panel of a page layout where there is a shocking reveal; Morales captures these moments with an essence that is few and far between in comic books today.

Solid issue over all that promises good things to come.

Oh yeah, The Avengers vs. Sinister Six is pretty cool too!

If you are on Twitter, I'd recommended following him as he converses with fans on a regular basis.

Now, I wonder what he wished for when he blew out the candles on his cake?

Dan Slott's way out is anything but cheap and at the same time, it leaves you thinking “Why didn't I think of that?” This is a must for any Spider-Man fan and remember, issue #699.1 will be released before the dramatic finale.

Not too complicated of a story but that doesn't stop it from being a fun read.

That can be attributed to the plethora of questions that still need to be answered, but Al Ewing's entertaining script nicely fills in some of the blanks.

This means hacking into Ultron is a ridiculously huge step up but he is up to the task. Butch Guice's character work is stunning and really brings life to the book as a whole and Frank D'Armata polished coloring is the cherry on top. As we learn more about what's happened to the super heroes of the Marvel Universe, it pretty safe to say these tie-in issues are more than holding up their end in relaying that information.

While there was no Earth-shattering reveal in this issue, it is still a fine read with lots of entertaining content.

Bruce is on a quest to secure Gotham's future while The Dark Knight investigates the gruesome murders caused by the Dollmaker. The writing and art work go hand in hand as they bring mystery and a bit of suspense to the story. Daniel's dialog really hits its stride with Batman's crime scene analysis. This book gets my pick for artwork and cover of the week!