GI Joe is a tough franchise to find something new to cover. Over thirty years the stories have run the full array. IDW continues to try to set the Joes in a real world setting but the cornerstones that made this franchise appealing are action, characters and ninjas. You can wrap the politics around those cornerstones but when you lack them you have to wonder why this is a GI Joe comic book. We'll see where this is all heading. Not a great start but there are some items in here that have potential.

As a long time Green Lantern fan (specifically a Kyle Rayner one) I found this issue to miss on all accounts. If it were just a number one aimed at new readers I would be able to relate and hang with it. However, when looking at the book through new reader's eyes you have so many missteps. The book doesn't even establish that the first pages are set in the past. The comic book is ugly on many levels. I needed to walk away understanding the need for this book and I didn't get that at all. This one is can be skipped.

I can't say there is much here to warrant a look at this book. If only this was the "Untold Team-Up Tales of Nite Owl and Rorschach" then I think the book would have had something. Instead, this is a disjointed origin story that ends with a flutter instead of a cliffhanger.

Convergence is pretty much a way that DC will flush away the New 52 and introduce the new status quo. This opening comic makes this seem like it will be a very bumpy road. If you are looking to take a breather from DC then this might be the time to do it. Maybe check back in when the new books hit in June. If you like New 52 Superman then this is your comic book to pick up. If you are looking for a sensible start to a big event for five bucks then this might not be it. Maybe this issue would have been better served as a freebie.

Convergence is definitely schedule filler. The old time DC fan might find a lot to enjoy in this comic book. They might even fall in love with the event. If you aren't up on your DC events and characters from twenty to thirty years ago then skip this. At five bucks you can easily find something else to check out. This one is for the die-hard fans only.

Convergence is definitely a mini-series for the die-hard DC fan. The reader that knows all of the characters from all of the universes and that's kept up with all of the major events through the years. If you are one of those readers then you will know how these characters should act and how the plot fits together. If you pick this up on a lark and are a casual DC reader then you are left to your own devices. You won't find a recap page or footnotes or any information to help you understand what's happening or the characters that are involved. You are left to sink or swim based on the material in the panels. Quite frankly there isn't enough for my entertainment. I can't recommend this book.

Convergence is an okay story with obscure characters. The plot is fairly thin but the action is heavy. The comic puts familiar names with unfamiliar faces into a tough situation. The comic struggles to make sense to the unseasoned reader but will probably be a great read for those that know the ins and outs of these characters. This is an okay comic book.

I'm a huge fan of the Hulk and a bigger fan of Jason Aaron but this issue completely missed with me. The issue is way too slow, to the point of being pretentious, as it seems to take forever to lift into a story. It wouldn't be so terrible if the opening established something but it really didn't do much other than to show that a Banner-less Hulk is still pretty smart. I need more story or Hulk-like action and I definitely need more consistent art. Hopefully the next issue will be better.

I don't know where this series is heading. The first two issues have done nothing but left me thinking that Aaron is putting out a rare misfire. The few pages where Banner explains what is going on are the only parts of this comic that helps the story along at all. I am hopefully that this series will pick up the pace but I'm not sure how many more issues I will give it.

Hulk is one of my favorite characters and Aaron is on the short list of my favorite writers but this book just isn't doing it for me. Obviously there is still room for the story to take shape but this book is simply dragging on too much at this point. Loeb's book's flaw was the mystery being teased again and again, but this book's flaw, so far, is that its taking issue after issue just to get Banner and Hulk to meet up with little reason or argument as to why they should or should not. This is a frustrating book unless you like pure action.

This title is a massive misfire. I'm not sure who would like this, but perhaps if you like crazy action or Hulk stories that are a little more bizarre than plot driven then maybe you would like this. Beyond that, I can't see picking this up.

This book has dug itself into a tremendous hole. I am anxious and hopeful that Azzarello can dig himself out of it. However, I am skeptical. If you are looking for a reason to hate Before Watchmen here is a good example. If you haven't read the original and are looking to get into Before Watchmen you might want to hold off on this one.

I'm not sure where this series is going. I assume we will eventually get to Blake blowtorching people in Vietnam, but I really don't see how the character's action will line up with how these first two issues present him. I am not recommending this book, unfortunately, not even for the backup, which is getting fairly interesting at this point.

This comic is a nice snapshot of a story for The Comedian. However, the story is very difficult to place in the larger context of the character in other comics. It's difficult to pull off a character that is so blatantly against rules and yet takes orders from Senators and has deep emotions when he sees a familiar face. The book is just not the best effort editorial nor in its execution.

The good news with this comic is that many stores offer you one of the colored rings with this issue's purchase. More good news is if you are a hardcore DC fan and know all of the ins and outs of the DCU then you might love the satire and the heavy handed jokes as Superboy gets kicked around by Earth Prime (or is it Earth-2?) characters. However, I found this issue to be confusing at best and a wasteful mess at worst in the story department. I'm simply baffled that this issue hopes to gain some new readers with this type of material.

I have no idea how many issues we need to read before we get something of a plot or an understanding of the villains. Without it, there is simply nothing to separate this book from the many other books that have come before. If a newcomer is patient enough they may end up enjoying this story immensely. However, this book is not the best these creators are capable of and it's a shame because the concept was a sound one going into the movie and its hype.

Doctor Manhattan was always going to be a tough sell. There just isn't a ton to go on here. To be honest, his personality lends itself to less and not more. I appreciate the detail that Straczynski put into the voice of Manhattan as it is seamless from the original. Couple that with the tremendous art and you have a decent read. However, DC would have been better served letting Straczynski launch immediately into the "What If?" story and printed a reprint of the original issue number four. If you want in on the ground floor then this is the issue for you.

I am a huge fan of Swamp Thing and his legacy. This story brings a lot of that history into the issue and I wonder if those that have never read Swamp Thing would be lost, intrigued or overwhelmed. However, the comic book seemed to be in a rush to have Constantine telling jokes with Batman rather than laying out a story in a logical fashion. The elements are all here, but perhaps things will gel better in the next issue.

The return of Captain America was an eventuality and this was the mini series that brought him back. In years to come no one will remember that the return was spoiled in other titles weeks before the mini series completed. However, what will be out there for all to see is how this mini series, this issue in particular, was such a big departure from the entire Brubaker run on this character over the last several years. If you haven't read the Brubaker run then you might find this to be a marginally decent return from death story that was a little odd with some mixed results in art. However, if you loved the Brubaker run and how deep the conspiracy went then this is simply a letdown in terms of a payoff. Rogers should have stayed dead. It was a more interesting story apparently.

Catwoman is a tough character to embrace. She has fans that seem to see her any number of ways. There seems to only be gray areas with regards to the character. This first issue might not have the punch to keep a brand new reader coming back but if you like a highly sexual-sometime-bad-ass version of the character then you have it here. For me, it misses as something I want to see more of.

Damian is a hollow character made worse in this issue. The uninvolved characters that are jammed in this issue makes it read like pages are missing or were left on the cutting room floor. The comic is not terribly entertaining and I think even the biggest Damian fan is going to be disappointed.

Perhaps if you know about characters like Sir Ystin, Vandal Savage or Exoristos you will love this issue and the situations they have been put in. Or maybe you have faith that in time the plot and story will kick in and the book will really get rolling. As an added bonus, Cornell has promised that future issues will have dragons in them. But as a first issue this comic just doesn't do enough to grab my interest. It feels too much like chapter one instead of a self-contained story in its own right.

I wish I could say if this book lives up to the game and/or novels but I don't know if it does or not. What I can tell you is this book is more of a caper than a sword and sorcery book. They aren't even really chasing an object as much as a person and general adventure. Perhaps there will be magic, dragons and swords down the road but this book is a suspenseful mystery and it was not was I was looking for sadly.

"Extraordinary X-Men" is off to a very slow start. The comic focuses on rounding up X-Men veterans while peppering in rescue missions of newer characters. Storm leads the team and she gets a lot panel time in the comic but she isn't established in any unique way. The pencils are great in some sequences and lacking detail in others. The comic is priced at five dollars for thirty pages of story and it really isn't worth it. I would sit this out and wait to see if the story gets off the ground in any meaningful way.

Flash Gordon is the kind of series that should be equal parts strong characters, science fiction and plenty of action. This opening issue dabbles in all of those areas but they aren't strong enough to lure me in for a second issue. If you are fan of Parker but haven't gotten into Flash Gordon before then this series might be something to check out. I'm not sure the long time Flash Gordon fan is going to find what they are looking for in here though.

I think this mini-series has potential. The opening issue doesn't instill a lot of confidence to follow it for another five issues though. I like the characterization and motivation of Bane but not a whole lot else. Hopefully Tomasi will put it all together in the next issue. This one is a leap of faith.

This comic book is more than a gimmick or a cool cover. It's ambitious storytelling. With that comes a high price for a misstep. I read this book three times before deciding if I loved it or hated it. Just remember to reread the comic and always use the Cluemaster's code. You might find this comic to be brilliant. I think if they had one more page or spent a little more time explaining the change of heart Grayson has with regards to killing then this comic would be near perfect.

I can't imagine a new reader being impressed by this book. On the other hand, as a long time reader I thought the issue brought about an interesting new threat. It's too bad I have to judge the book off being a launch and as a launch I found it to be a mess.

Iron Man feels like a book that will cater to the hardcore fans or the completists out there. As a casual reader I didn't like the contents and wasn't engaged by the plot to pick up future issues. Unfortunately, the read was just below average and the marketplace is simply too competitive to try out a second issue.

Kick-Ass appears to have run its course. I loved the original series. I thought the second was okay but this one just doesn't seem to have anything new to offer. I will tune in for one more issue. Hopefully Millar has something big in it.

I'm not sold on this book long term. I have faith in the creators and that goes a long way in terms of picking this up again. I would have preferred the origin to be spread out over three of four issues where it only takes up three pages per issue but they've given it all over in the first issue. Could it backfire? Well, if the next two issues are fantastic then the gamble will have paid off. We'll see. I think fans of the character are going to like the information found in here but the casual reader might find it too slow.

Lobo is an odd comic book. It's an odd concept. To be fair at least the creators are trying something a little different with this book. The next issue just needs to have a tighter, more meaningful construction but the ideas are in here somewhere.

Garth Ennis rarely produces a dud. This series could very well pick up and turn into something very special. However, as far as first issues go this is a really slow, unoriginal and boring read. There just isn't anything to commend the book on. This one may be for the real die-hard fans of Garth Ennis or perhaps true crime stories.

Reyn is a comic book that relies on fantasy and chivalry elements. The book certainly has that King Arthur-quest feel to it as we find a knight wandering the countryside. The comic has some okay characters, but ones that aren't too developed yet. I'm still not sure what this book will ultimately be about at this point. Generally, this is an average comic book with some good ideas that are underdeveloped and needed some better execution to fully come together.

Azzarello has a huge following and he is on a lot of people's short list of favorite creators. I have no doubt that this issue will have plenty of people that love it and I am sure as this mini-series progresses it will only get better. However, if you strip away all of that, as an introductory issue I couldn't find too much in here that tells me what this series is about. As far as I can tell the coolest thing about the issue is the prospect of the contents when I look at the gorgeous cover. Despite this not being to my tastes the fact remains that the issue is only a buck and there is simply no reason to not give it a try.

McFarlane writes a letter in the back thanking a bunch of people but he also takes a moment to explain how the ride started and morphed over time. He's a good talker and this was a welcome addition to a book that's already 50+ pages all for just $4. Ultimately this is a book that doesn't really get me jazzed up to read another issue. It also verifies that I had a valid reason for dropping the book all those years ago. The story just isn't there. Well, not for my tastes anyway. I'm sure a lot of folks are into it but this issue went over my head. It looked pretty doing it but for someone coming in cold I was lost. McFarlane changed the industry but somewhere in the mix his great creation became a run-of-the-mill book that just isn't very interesting.

The "Star Wars" Annual is a spy comic book. The lead character is an obscure spy that blows his cover to take on an important mission that puts him in the direct path of the Emperor. The comic is a nice idea and makes good use of newer characters, but is riddled with plot holes and odd decisions from the characters. The reader simply has to plow through this and pretend things make sense. I'm not sure which plot point is more unbelievable: Leia recruiting a spy for a job, who operates outside the detention center, when a spy is already inside the detention center as a guard or the fact that the Empire doesn't notice missing guards or a giant hole in the side of the detention center as the Emperor meets with the prisoners. The comic is a five-dollar book and really isn't worth it. This is a strange choice of comic to put on the shelves as the movie hits the theaters. I can't recommend this comic book.

Darth Maul is a great character. Even if bringing him back cheapens Kenobi a little bit, the character is better off not dead. This series feels like it was a rush to close out in time for the Dark Horse imposed deadline of August for publishing single Star Wars issues and that there was a scramble to connect the plot dots from the show. This is a below average book but hopefully it will turn around quickly.

As far as opening issues goes this one is average. There are some decent enough elements in the issue but the overall plot is not that interesting and character work just isn't there. Hopefully this series will pick up in the coming issues. If you are looking for the next Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison this isn't quite there yet.

This mini-series is turning out to be a very forgettable read. I hope it can turn it around in the last two issues but as of now we are not getting anything worthy of Darth Vader. It also doesn't help that the cover has absolutely nothing to do with the issue's contents. There is a lot wrong with this book. Perhaps you will find something to like within it.

This series is not good. It's too many issues of poorly cultivated ideas. This particular issue ties up a lot of the loose ends that helps to make some sense of what came before but there is too little of it and it comes much too late. If you like beasts and action then this issue might be enjoyable. If you are particular about your Darth Vader then you are going to find this issue to be out of character on many fronts. The ideas are here somewhere they just don't get executed very well unfortunately.

Thanos Rising feels like the beginning to a forgettable and throwaway mini-series rather than the epic origin it seems to have been positioned as. The story is not very deep and isn't terribly imaginative. If you like scared and innocent kids turning into angry killers then you should check this out. I'm not sure this is definitive Thanos story I was looking for.

I wasn't sure what this book was going to be about. I assumed it would be more similar to the Occupy movement from a couple of years ago but this seems to be just another super hero team with no worthy adversary. Simone knows how to make characters interesting and I think those seeds are here. Unfortunately there isn't much else. It's going to be hard to stick with this book much beyond an issue or two regardless of the name on the cover.

I'm not sure who this weekly series is aimed at. I can only guess it's aimed at the fans of these characters: Firestorm, Batman Beyond, Stormwatch and Grifter. If you like one of them and want to read a comic about them that comes out each week then here you have it. If not I'm not sure you should bother.

The Surface may very well become a smash hit. It might also have a cult following that swears to the genius of the story. Either way I do not believe this comic is for everyone. For me, it throws too many ideas and dumps too much information on a reader that a single issue could possibly support. When you back that up with three uninteresting characters you have a very difficult read to get through. I liked the artwork a lot but it wasn't enough to get the story to rise to a level that I found interesting. Take a chance and you might fall in love with this comic book. At $3.50 for twenty-eight pages you get a bargain no matter how much you enjoy the comic.

This was a tough first issue. I had high expectations and really wanted to love this book but it just didn't happen. The characters don't really show any interesting promise and the painting of the Spartans as villains feels too forced. When you read a comic and find yourself hoping that they all die then you probably aren't the reader this book is trying to reach.

Battle of the Atom is simply an event to reset the status quo and launch the X-Men books into various directions (some of which are new). The comic book that wraps it up is riddled with questions about who lives, who dies, who escapes and how. The book has some good one-liners and gives some good panel time for the main X-Men, but it's not enough. The book would have been better served explaining a little bit more about what happened instead of assuming the book showed it. While this is a relief from the Bendis issues in the mini-series it doesn't stick the landing. This was disappointing.

This comic book isn't awful, but it is definitely forgettable. I had hoped for a story that was more engaging for five dollars and this one feels too much like spare parts with a wrapper to bookend the thing. There is a lot to pick on in the comic (such as the mutant referring to himself as a human) but the construction and presentation of the comic is the main problem. The book had the right idea and two solid characters to execute the story but the book just didn't come close.

One of the aspects of this book was that I needed to buy in to the "why" of the split and I just don't. I wasn't even that concerned with the believability of Wolverine being able to cut Cyclops in half whenever he wanted to but opts to not during the fight. But the decision to break apart the X-Men needed to be crystal clear and believable and it just wasn't. I liked this issue and series because I do think it was a long time coming but I don't see the split being natural and that falls squarely on the execution of this issue.

It's way too early to tell what this book really is going to become. For now, it feels like a dystopian future book that you've probably read a different flavor of a dozen times. Somehow this book jams itself into existing, NOW!, continuity but that really isn't explored at all here. It seems like this book caters to the diehard Ultron or Avengers fans. Perhaps I am put off because I already read the Maberry story, but this book really left me cold. The comic has an awesome cover though.

Age of Ultron is billed as an epic. It reads like an epic with big scenes and powerful dialogue to punctuate the end of scenes. However, the story feels overrun with hollow characters and ill-timed mysteries where opportunities present itself to inform the reader of something useful. When you write for the collection the single issue suffers and this is a prime example of that.

This event is a mess so far. It can and will pick up. Once collected it will probably be a really tight and interesting story. Told in single issue format it appears to be slow and fragments of a comic book. Thankfully there is a little plot movement in this issue. I still can't recommend this comic yet but I am hopeful that will turn soon.

Age of Ultron is shaping up to be one of the worst stories I've read in years. I simply can't believe how slow the story is moving and, yet, it still manages to not make sense. Characters are talked about as being dead when they are clearly showing up on panels in previous comics. The examples are too numerous as to why you should not read this comic book. I truly believe this book will redeem itself and read better in collected versions, but as a single issue story it's dreadful. Hitch can't save this by drawing destroyed cities every fifth page.

Age of Ultron is a very tough sell. I'm not sure whom this is geared towards. I can't see a casual reading getting jazzed up for this kind of a book and the seasoned reader is going to poke a lot of holes in it. I suppose this book is for the die-hard Bendis fan. We'll see how this all shapes up but this is a completely average comic book.

Age of Ultron is starting to get to the heart of the event it seems. After five drawn out issues things pick up in what is by far the most entertaining issue of the entire event. Hopefully the final four issues will keep the tempo up. This was a good read.

Age of Ultron is shaping up to be among the worst series I've ever read. Ten issues is a tough sell for this directionless, limited plot of a book. This issue highlights how Bendis put such a low effort to analyzing the impacts of time travel. The book might give you a few minutes of amusement but this is not one to seek out.

This event is going to read very differently when collected or when read in one sitting. As individual issues goes it's about as bad as they come across the whole series. This individual is good because it provides an argument that is sound from both points-of-view where both see the opposite side as "what if". The comic had the potential to be excellent but was halted by the battle at the end. This was an average to good read.

I'm not sure who this is aimed at. I can't see this having any sort of memorable piece coming out of the final issue. The nine issues have been plotted out poorly and the mistakes with time travel are glaring. Does anyone remember Nick Fury? How many issues has it been since that thread has been explored? Proceed with caution.

The final issue did not need to be bagged. There is nothing in here surprising or even noteworthy. The book is a simple enough comic book with an interesting explanation and some nice action. The comic book isn't worth the hype and will probably have limited appeal. You might find something in here to like if you are willing to forget plot points and you don't like everything to make sense in the end.

Age of Ultron was a mess. However, if the fallout results in a re-invention of Hank Pym and a revitalization of the character then it almost makes it all worth it. This is a step in the right direction towards making Pym a dynamic and important character in Marvel Universe. This is worth picking up, especially if you are looking for good baseline for Pym and an entertaining transformation story.

Wolverines is a book Marvel has to publish. Producing months of fallout from the death of one of their biggest characters is the right way to go. I'm not sure creating a new set of characters and joining them up with the tried and true characters from Wolverine's past makes a ton of sense but the book is worth sticking with for a while. This is an okay comic book to check out, knowing you won't get a clear picture of the story for a few issues.

Wolverines is still a story taking shape. It's not bad and it's not good. It simply exists and it has some elements that could be great but it also looks like there could be a long chase that leads nowhere. This particular issue doesn't do one thing to clear any of that up. It moves along another piece on the chessboard. This is an okay comic book in an okay storyline. Patience is a virtue.

The comic book is not good. There is some hope that the next issue will pick up as it appears a big battle is going to occur. The odd thing is that the comic has a large cast and appears to be growing but juggling all of them isn't the primary problem. The main problem is the execution. It doesn't give the reader much to rely on that this series will go someplace meaningful. As a reader, it feels like I'm chasing a rabbit down a hole. One that no one really cares to maintain properly. At four bucks a week a reader should be getting more bang for their buck. This series gets one more issue before I give up on it.

Ultimately comic books are all about expectations. I was hoping this mini series would either provide some context to the mutant situation or give some recognizable mutants for the characters in these stories. This book doesn't do either and becomes a throwaway for the crossover. Priced at $4 I am thinking this is a book that can be skipped unless you absolutely must have the entire crossover. Don't be fooled, though, the creator's work within the covers is good and enjoyable. It's the book's direction and price point that makes it something you can miss.

I drop into Spider-Man books once in a while. This is one of the worst ones I've read under Slott and I really don't care about the outcome as much as the trip to get there. This trick ending needed to be sold and it simply wasn't. Glossing over an ending where there is so much attention is simply a bad idea. Skip this one, especially at the hefty price point.

Written for trade, this first issue is nothing to be excited about beyond the art. Once Cooke gains some traction on the characters I would think the story is going to really take off. However, for now, this is all set up with terrific pencils.

Before Watchmen is a controversial idea with a lot of great creators attached. Cooke is a huge name to add to the mix and he delivered on artwork just as he has in so many of his projects. However, this comic is a bad ending to a poorly told story. This is not Cooke's finest hour and he had the largest, most unexplored area of continuity to leverage. This is a big disappointment on a lot of levels.

"Contest of Champions" delivers a very average first issue. The premise of having characters fighting either against their will or for some carrot being dangled in front of them is an old one. This issue doesn't bring anything new to the table for that idea. This comic takes a few obscure characters and focuses on them while some of the better known characters make appearances to keep things interesting. The usage of caption boxes to both provide character insight as well as describe action is awkward. The artwork is very strong for a comic that is supposed to look and feel epic. Overall this is an average comic book with some minor potential going forward. At five dollars you might want to look elsewhere.

I'm not sure sending Wolverine's enemies/sometimes allies, on a quest together is all that appealing. The one interesting thread was that Dark Wolverine learned that Wolverine was being sold - in pieces - in some market in some distance land. Beyond that, this book doesn't give me much to get excited about. It's an okay book that would have been far better served as a freebie teaser for the rest of the mini-series. You really need to be a complete-ist to pick this one up.

The Logan Legacy doesn't appear to be much more than a series of one-shots that have some loose connection together. Based on the previous issue I assumed there would be more of a quest that the group embarks on. However, a one-shot dealing with Laura is probably appropriate and this comic does a great job of giving her perspective on the death of wolverine, short of her visiting a shrink. This is a good book.

I don't know how this comic could have been better. Perhaps if the jealously led Sabretooth to someone related to the killing of Wolverine? Or maybe if he found someone that was as jealous? I'm not sure but this direction took the things that make Sabretooth great and threw them into a very strange book. I wasn't into this comic book at all.

This comic has great potential and I liked what Ienco had to say at the end of the book. It seems like this series is going to be a lot about death which is nice to see a book live up to its name. If you like female assassins (with a cool twist at the end) then I definitely recommend picking up this book. I am interested to see where Ienco takes this story next and that is all you can ask for from a first issue.

I wanted to love this book. Fantomex is a great character and Remender put new life in him during Uncanny X-Force but this first issue isn't what I was looking for. Hopefully the plot will carry the rest of this series in a better direction. You might want to give this book a try.

Dynamite has a tendency to tell very slow stories. This appears to be of a similar style as Flash and company don't officially land on Mongo in this issue. I'm willing to give the second issue a try, mostly on the strength of the final page's twist. For a dollar you should give this book a shot because you might enjoy this take on the Flash Gordon story. I found the book to be a fairly average comic, though.

Forever Evil seems to rely heavily on previous stories. If you like your DCU then this is probably right in your wheelhouse. The comic book is a nice opening chapter to something that might be promising. As an individual comic it is not a satisfying read and definitely leaves a lot to be desired. As a casual reader I'm not sure I can pick up another issue though.

Batman against Bane seems like something we might see a lot, but that probably isn't really the case. This is a good one-shot to pick up and check out if you like a good fight. I can't say the book is anything above average or even memorable but it does provide a level of entertainment. Proceed with caution the four dollar book.

This crossover could be a lot of fun. The opening issue covers a lot of ground and includes a ton of characters. Not being attached to any particular depiction I can't say if the characters are within themselves in this issue but they seemed to be. Generally a decent start to this crossover. It won't be for everyone and if you are curious and don't mind dropping five bucks for thirty pages then gives this issue a try.

The second issue of the big crossover feels like filler. There aren't any mistakes, missteps or plot holes. Just not much happens in it. The argument over what to do with the Vortex could have been wrapped up in three pages and revisited as needed down the line. To have this focus of the entire issue makes me concerned about picking up future issues in the crossover. It's a decent enough read but nothing really happens in it. There are too many other comics out there to read than to spend time on ones that seem like filler.

There are few writers I enjoy more than Garth Ennis. I want to love this book. I'm willing to give the book a lot of room to set up the story and the characters. However, this book came in as an average Ennis book at best. He's created a character that simply seems like too many others and none of the motivation is clear in this book. I need more than just chicks killing men in various (and creative) ways.

This series is still struggling to tell an interesting story about anything other than a house mom that kills crooked family members at night. There aren't too many characters in the book that are memorable and the plots are rather thin. The best part of the book so far is the manner in which the family members are killed off and this issue may be the best of the bunch in that department. This book is going to need to provide something more than that though to survive in the long run.

Pisces may wind up being an epic. The comic could turn out to be something you can't wait for each month. However, this first issue is a very hard sell. There isn't much in here to define the characters or frame up the plot. This first issue is basically a Vietnam pilot behind enemy lines story. I'm not sure this is for everyone.

As a Punisher story it's not that bad. It has great art and the Punisher goes on a killing spree abroad. As a comparison to Get Carter it fails on a number of levels. As a $5 comic book Marvel should be ashamed of the blatant money grab.

"Robin: Son of Batman" has a lot going for it. The comic has great, classic, super-hero art. The comic has a great opening sequence and ends with the lead character putting himself on a path of atonement. However, the book's middle is sunk in a confusing, continuity-heavy mess that seems to cater to the long-time reader and ignore the fact that a new reader might pick this up. The comic book is virtually inaccessible to a new reader if you are looking for a complete read. What could have been an exciting first issue turned into a very average and disappointing one. There are simply better books out there with a "#1" on the cover.

The Secret is a classic case where the creators are known entities and the book will have to be given some room to come together. Hickman isn't going to give away everything in the first issue. Patience is the key. The problem is I have to judge the book based on these contents and not what I hope to see down the road and there really isn't a whole lot in here. It's a very ordinary spy book where the bad guys seem to be security experts that basically bully customers to sign up. I hope the series takes off next month.

Secret Six is the kind of comic book that you follow the characters, enjoy the story but are more entertained by the growth over time than in individual issues. The last run was a great one and I am willing to gamble this one will be great as well. Simone is already making her mark with this new cast and I am sure the surprises will keep coming. I definitely recommend starting on this journey.

Art is an acquired taste. Comic books should at least stay consistent within the covers. This book does not do that. Compounding that, the story doesn't help the reader to know the character's depictions and their powers. This makes scenes like the action sequences seem like a mess or a blur. The book's ending is a great one and this helps to push the book into a good direction. Being a fan of this concept and of the writer makes this issue a huge disappointment. I've waited years for this launch, I would have waited another month for a solid second issue.

I wasn't crazy about the launch of this event and I'm not sure there was enough here to hook me in for future issues. If you like your stories to be really quick and to the point with a lot of action you might really enjoy this though.

"Chewbacca" is a mini-series that features a solo mission for Chewie. He ends up on a planet unexpectedly and finds that there is some local unrest in an especially touchy subject: slavery. The comic book introduces the characters, the problem and the plot for the mini-series in short order. However, the flow of the comic book seems to be an unnatural one as the story makes big jumps panel to panel. Characters are talking about a debt in one panel, enslaved in the next, escaping in the next and chased in the next. The comic is fairly jarring. The mini-series has plenty of time to tell a compelling story and with the strong character work and appropriate artwork presented here, the comic can certainly turn things into gold very quickly. I mildly recommend this comic.

"Chewbacca" is a comic that features great artwork but a badly executed story. The story has confusing choices that the characters make that are compounded by a poorly conceived rescue operation plot. The book seems to struggle with presenting a story through a child's eyes as it deals with some fairly adult material (is it typical to have a character call someone a bastard in Star Wars?). This series needs a tighter script and editorial hand because the art can only save so much issue to issue. I do not recommend this comic.

"Chewbacca" wraps up with a decent, but average read. The book confirms the cute bond between Chewie and the little girl, Zarro. The comic puts the characters in situations that make it a little easier to get out of than potentially makes sense. The book has a lengthy epilogue that adds a little bit to the character of Chewie but it hard to reconcile with the light-hearted nature of the comic. This comic is a noble effort but an average read.

The Massive is an epic book. Wood has stated that the arcs will be three issues so there is room for this pick up and solidify quickly. However, this first book effort was not to my liking. The environmental portion wasn't nearly as heavy handed as I was expecting but the story presented here was just too macro in scope I felt. If you are a fan of Wood you can't afford to pass this one up but I am not sure this is going to have the wide range appeal. We'll see.

"Totally Awesome Hulk" is a very average first offering. The book is over-priced at five-dollars but includes ten extra story pages. The comic takes Amadeus Cho and dumbs down his intellect to the point where he appears to only be after sex. The comic has a lot of action and the artwork provides some great visual in that department. The art also conveys the quiet scenes between Amadeus and his sister perfectly to round out the art in the book. I'm not sure what to make of this series and the direction for Amadeus. If you are a fan of the character you might be a little surprised at what you find here. This is an average read.

This book is clearly going to be carried based on the weight of the creator's names. Will the book take off? Possibly. This could easily be the kind of the book that you will kick yourself for not picking up the first issues down the road, but nothing about the first issue gets me excited for the second issue. It's also worth noting that the book contains twenty pages of story as it appears Image is following DC and Marvel's lead to drop the page count down. This is a very average comic book.

Who knows how relevant this comic might become once the crossover kicks off. It could end up being the cornerstone of the whole thing if there are hidden gems in it. However, on the surface it seems like a decent little story to present a character's background. It's fine. Nothing more than that.

Bendis is off to a great start at what appears to be a very isolated look at one or two characters and their relationships within the X-Men. This doesn't appear to be a team book and I am relieved to see that this book is going to focus on one primary storyline for a while. This is a good start to the re-launch.

I'm glad one of the X books has finally gotten around to Scott and Emma having a heart to heart. There probably is room for more of these types of conversations, but there seems to be a level setting in this issue to satisfy things for a while. The book is still in the character set up mode as no real threat is presented, even the good cliffhanger. It will be interesting to see where this title heads next. If it keeps shipping every other week it seems like we will have the clear direction sooner rather than later.

Perhaps the reading of the will is in some way related to the memory-bomb that was unleashed in the main Original Sin storyline. I think that is a reach but there must be some connection to the event. In any case, this comic book has a couple of interesting ideas but doesn't get down to the reading of the will. Based on this issue's flub in terms of what the cover has on it versus what is in the comic book I can't see myself taking a chance on this comic a second time. Proceed with caution. I am sure there are much better X-Men books out there.

The finale of the Bendis run on the X-Men concludes in this over-sized issue of "Uncanny X-Men" with no resolution to any sort of story as far as I can tell. This comic doesn't read as an ending or an epilogue. It reads like an incomplete series of dramatic conversations. I'm not sure what the hype was all about for this comic or why the issue was so badly delayed, presumably, for Secret Wars, but this is a poor comic book. At six dollars you get a black and white comic in the back by Mary Jo Duffy and George Perez that might have some minor appeal but this overall comic book is a dud. I can't recommend this comic book at all.

Wayward is the kind of fish-out-of-water comic book that puts a character in a strange land and confronts them with strange things. In that vain it would have made more sense that she couldn't speak Japanese but there may be a reason for that to be revealed later. This book has an all-ages feel but seems to be more directed at the teenaged reader. It's a good comic but not one that I can see myself sticking with unless the story takes some unexpected turns.

I guess I will need to buy the next issue to figure out if this series is worth hanging with for twelve issues. This issue really should have been a giveaway. Six of the pages have already been in the back of every Marvel book since January as it is. Maybe Marvel should have serialized it instead of only giving the same few pages. You get two stories that could, potentially matter down the road. I understand that those that know they are picking this up regardless of the contents of any one single issue is going to find this all very exciting. It's a slow build up to something that probably has a cool payoff. However, my event patience is paper thin and I need something more substantial than two stories that could easily have appeared in Marvel Comics Presents or as a fill-in one shot that was left in the drawer for a rainy day. Let's see what the first issue has because the zero issue is fairly empty.

The hype is over and thankfully this issue has absolutely nothing to do with the dreadful #0 issue from last week. The book sets the stage perfectly and it appears the fighting is going to be full-on in the next issue. This issue is definitely worth checking out if you are at all interested in this mega-promoted event.

I think this event is off to a decent start. If this were an else-worlds story it would be awesome. However, this is in-continuity and therefore you need to play the characterizations straight and that was not done here. The fight has not been "sold" to me. I plan to stick with this for now though as I did actually enjoy reading the "fun" aspect of this comic.

This issue is slightly less interesting than the first issue, which was very average as well. Perhaps if you like the characters you might like this. I'm not even sure this issue stands on its own without reading the main series. McNiven's art is very high quality which is a plus and McNiven knows how to showcase Gambit very well, and Gillen provides some decent Spidey dialogue, but the rest of the issue isn't too inspiring on any level. This issue is not essential reading.

I liked this issue. I think if I had a particular affection for any of the characters I would have enjoyed it that much more. It seems like these comics will be entertaining and will "matter" if you like the characters in them. If you are curious about how the fighting plays out or you feel the main book is just too light on the fighting then I recommend picking this up.

I can't wrap my head around how I feel about this event. I liked heroes punching other heroes, but I want there to be some sort of sensible story and I feel like there isn't. I guess I want to have my cake and eat it to. Is that too much to ask? If you like Wolverine fighting Captain America then this is the comic book for you.

This event is shaping up to be okay, but nothing special. This particular issue seems to send the event into a direction that might make the remaining eight issues more interesting. Not a lot happens in this issue with the plots from the previous ones, but the turn of events within this issue (there's a spoiler I am eluding to) seems out of character, not once, but twice. This was a solid, but average read.

I didn't like this issue. I do think it has its audience though. Since the issue is so light on dialogue it might be a good gateway for kids to get into comics too because it does look pretty cool. I haven't even scratched the surface on so many other flaws (like Tony Stark already being on the moon preparing for the Phoenix or all the random snapshots of characters in other locations), but the flaws I have highlighted should sent off some big warning signs about the rest of the series. Proceed with caution.

This event is a strange one. Hope is the centerpiece and at this point it doesn't seem to fit anymore. I wouldn't have guessed that the Phoenix Force would be on Earth for more than half of the mini-series, but that's the case. I certainly wonder where this is all going and that is one of the high points to the event: I haven't been able to predict what will happen next on any level.

This event is really a dud. The issues so far have all been average, but the sum of the parts are just not adding up to a consistent and satisfying story. Some of the strange things in this book really amplify that feeling, such as Namor and Emma Frost kissing. Why? I don't know and it isn't explained at all. So many comic book pages and so little explanation make for a frustrating read. This story at least has some good fighting moments and some nice bickering. This is a really average book.

This issue may be the one I have enjoyed the most in the main series. The whole premise of the event has many flaws, in terms of story and continuity, but when an issue hits that is mostly just fun I find entertainment value. This issue is one of the fun ones. I think picking this one up is a good idea.

This book is a strange one. Iron Man gets crushed in one panel and then a couple of pages later he is standing up looking fine inside their hideout. Hawkeye, who I believe has no powers, gets a full-on eye blast from Cyclops. Shouldn't he be dead? Still, there are things to like in this comic book if you are a fan of some of the X-Men characters. Iron Man also has some good dialogue. I am really struggling to find good things to say about this event as a whole and I actually wish I could turn off my brain while reading some of these issues. I might find them more enjoyable.

The mini-series moves into the big finale. There is now a clear bad guy. It's completely unclear what role, if any, that Hope will play in the ending. She was almost entirely absent in this issue. If you like action and don't really care much for a story that makes a whole lot of sense logically or plot-wise then you should check out this issue. This was a decent to above average book.

I've spent a great deal of this review crushing this comic book. However, the comic book, when you remove the hype, isn't that terrible. There is some action, infighting and then a team-up. However, it's a book that just doesn't live up to the billing. The book just doesn't tie things up and it's not just little things. This comic book feels like it put characters into positions because the staff felt they should rather because it made logic sense and this drove me nuts. It's tough to beat Kubert's pencils, but at a $5 cover price it's a lot to shell out for so little in return.

Two decent fights that make the best of the odd matchups and venue. The book could have easily been raised to a higher level without the ridiculous translation stunt. The Loeb story is the better of the two but both rate among the best in the series so far. This is a good, old fashioned, comic book fight and its tremendous fun.

This issue gives me some hope that more issues will come out that will rise above being average. However, both fights in here are clever, well-written and with great art. This is what I was looking for in this event.

This comic is what it claims to be: a fighting comic book. There is no context, no story, no continuity and very little dialogue. Unfortunately, in order for this to be a success it has to bring some different to the table and with fighting as a staple of super hero comics these fights have the been-there-done-that feel to them. This is a very ordinary issue.

Marvel had a chance to really do something cool and different with this mini-series. Instead they gave a bunch of high end talent a lot of generic fights and they ended it with one of the worst jokes of the event by making light of the finale. I can't believe I spent four bucks on this comic book.

The opening issue of Axis gives the reader page after page of story. A lot of it seems to have such deep roots in other books it might lose its punch with the new reader. The comic has an enormous cast that almost seems too big for the comic to handle properly, but it makes a good effort. The book is on the cusp of something great, it just needs to focus on this story and not the last story more and it needs a major re-tooling of the art. The comic might be overpriced but if you are curious enough you probably won't be disappointed.

Axis is an event that is hatched out of Uncanny Avengers but is slowly breaking away from that book. The comic book contains action and a nice character focus but can future issues continue to juggle this huge cast while sticking with one and only one character? The book is slowed down severely by artwork, in flow, rendering and details. This is an okay read, even for the casual reader.

Axis is a strange event. This particular issue has a lot of action and some snappy dialogue. Perhaps too much. The book looks rushed in the art department but at least puts on a spectacle in the nonstop action scenes. The ending feels a little bit out of nowhere, but provides a couple of interesting unresolved plotlines. This is an okay comic book but far short of the hype surrounding it.

Axis is reaching its mid-point and there are plenty of problems with the book. However, the ideas presented in this issue are good and could help to save this event. Unfortunately this issue is just another average issue. There isn't anything in here that is too memorable and there isn't anything in here that will make you cringe at the execution. It's mostly set-up for what's to come. This is an okay read but not worthy of the billing for this event.

Axis could turn out to be something awesome before this is all over. I can't say I have enjoyed any particular issue but this one sticks out because it at least explains some plot ideas and sets up some interesting dynamics for the next comic. This isn't an event I can recommend but this issue tries to provide some entertainment and manages to do so. At least it isn't a five-dollar book.

Axis is an event with excellent ideas and creators. The story has had some ups and downs but always seemed to get where it needed to go, albeit painfully. This issue is a downer. The art doesn't help a story that is nothing more than a collection of character interactions. No mention of Red Skull's body. No mention of the missing heroes. Apocalypse barely appears. This would have been a great teaser issue for the event, given away as a freebie back in October. This is a poor comic book with little redeeming qualities.

The creators on this book deserved a better chance to show their talents. Having read much of Remender's work I can't believe he left this book that riddled with holes. This can't be the story he set out to do. In hindsight, the first act was fairly good and can be read alone with a decent level of entertainment. This issue is the low point. There must have been a more creative way to get a handful of characters to switch sides than this comic book event. Avoid it. It's not even worth the action.

Batman Eternal seems to be a comic that is catering to the broadest of fan bases. This is the comic to sample if you are curious about Batman but don't have a lot of strong ideas about what the characters stand for and are about. The Batman fan that knows these characters inside and out are going to struggle with a lot of small things, like Batman's very un-Batman-like dialogue. This is a series to watch and an issue to try but it's nothing special yet.

Batman Eternal has the luxury of moving the story along quickly because of the weekly schedule. However, the components showing in the first two issues don't really seem to warrant a weekly comic book. The ideas just don't feel that special. We'll see where all of this is heading. This will entertain you but will it entertain enough to keep your interest weekly? I'm not sure about that.

A weekly Batman book has the potential to be a disaster but this one is shaping up to be a very good read. The comic is introducing some old characters to keep the reader happy that things are changing while giving the overall story a believable villain to keep Batman and Gotham in dire straits for a few issues. If you like a good Batman story then strap yourselves in because it appears you will get it in this comic book.

Batman Eternal is the pretty much the only "current" timeline Batman book out there now. The book seems to be ambitious in its plot scope but that seems fitting for Batman. This individual issue doesn't quite hit the mark as it reads very disjointed in of itself and doesn't seem in line with characterizations already established. This might be the dud in the bunch unfortunately.

Batman Eternal is the book to be reading if you want "current" Batman books. Unfortunately Batman is barely in this one and the plot that just started jumping off the ground is barely touched. It feels like editorial is barely linking these crossover books together and just hoping the ending ties it all out and the reader is satisfied. As an individual issue this is forgettable and uninteresting.

Batman Eternal is drifting. It burst on to the scene with four strong issues and has since fallen into crossover-like, unfocused issues. The past two issues feel like they are trying to force storylines simply to bring in other characters. While that might payoff down the road they make for an uneven read that puts some doubt about how well this series might hold up for six months or longer. Combine that with generally poor issue construction and the individual comic book is utterly forgettable. Hopefully this series will pick up and soon.

Highland Laddie has not been an effective mini series up to this point. The entire mini series has been pretty much throwaway material until this issue. If you follow The Boys and are skipping this mini series you need to pick this issue up for the origin of Annie. If you are digging this mini series so far then bless you. This issue will be right in your wheelhouse.

I haven't liked the premise behind the series from the beginning but you would be crazy to pass up this particular issue because it will have lasting impacts on the main series down the road. Ennis is moving his characters into place for the giant confrontation when the main series winds down and the seeds are in this issue.

When the other mini series, Herogasm, started I disliked it but eventually saw that the story was solid by the end I was enjoying the read. However, this mini series never came together for me. I may have disliked this issue most of all. This is certainly a story to miss if you have the option. It's rare I dislike a Garth Ennis book but I have faith that the main series won't skip a beat as a result of this poor issue and mini series.

You have to ask yourself if you are ready for an event about The Watcher. This issue will at least fill you in about the character. What's interesting is that the author of the event is Jason Aaron and not Mark Waid, but Waid provides the opening. This is an okay comic book but hardly worth the money and is definitely forgettable.

Marvel loves a good event. They miss more than they hit. This one has the potential to be good but the first issue doesn't jump out of the gate very well. We'll see where this is all heading. Give it a shot, you might like it.

Original Sin isn't doing much in the opening act. There is some more setup in this issue and there are some decent interactions but that's really it. I'm not sure where this heading but at least the next issue ships in two weeks to speed this along. Hopefully this will turn around in a hurry. Another issue of setup is not going to cut it.

Original Sin isn't shaping up to be an Earth-shattering event. However, it is also not looking like a total dud as Marvel has churned out a lot of recently. This individual comic has a nice payoff at the end but does feel like it is trying to balance too many characters in one issue. It reads like an advertisement at times for spin-off series as well. Overall, this is a good but not great read.

Original Sin is not that good. Each issue has some good barbs and has some interesting interactions but the mystery and detective work is not explored. The comic has uninteresting villains and the book just feels unimportant. I would trend lightly if you are considering picking this series up.

This event is turning out to be one to skip. There simply isn't enough going on it. If you like Nick Fury then you should pick this issue up. If you want plot movement or are looking for something to tie into the story from the previous four issues then you have found the issue to skip. Good read, but odd unfortunately.

Original Sin is a very plain event. There is nothing terrible about it and there is nothing memorable about it. There seems to be a mystery that is largely unexplored throughout this mini-series but the contents within is entertaining enough. This is turning out to be a Nick Fury story, so if you like Fury then this is going to be your event to enjoy. Not a bad read.

Perhaps reading the entire series won't make this particular issue stand out as so unreadable. However, the event was never that interesting to begin with. This comic just didn't resonate with me and it was on a variety of levels. I wouldn't recommend this comic.

This comic runs side by side with the Death of Wolverine story. I like the idea of a parallel track, such as this, and the plot threads could have some interesting results down the line. The characters are also nice additions to this event fallout. The comic could have used some work making this book a tighter read, but overall this is a good start. I recommend checking this out.

This Weapon X mini-series isn't bad. It's a good idea. I'm not sure this issue was necessary or accomplished much and that is a problem. The series isn't a lost cause. Not yet anyway. This is a below average comic book.

Tarzan is a genre that I wouldn't think would be all that entertaining in comics because of the lack of verbal communication. However, this book really shakes away a lot of the apprehension. Nelson and Castro managed to change my views about the book's possibilities and when you factor in that I only picked up the book because it was a buck means this issue is a success. This is definitely worth checking out.

Lord of the Jungle is a tough book. The bread and butter of the franchise are with characters that don't typically speak. However, this book is managing the action and the "talking" well so far. If only the content of the secondary characters would become clearly I think this book could be pretty good.

In some ways the worst part about this comic book is that it just doesn't feel like All-Star Superman and that comparison just isn't fair. However, the regular, day-to-day Superman stories have been done to death. I'm not sure this brings anything new to the table and even if it did it seems like it just won't be able to sustain it over the long haul. I'm sure Morrison will deliver a big payoff for those that will be patient with the book, but unfortunately I just didn't find enough in here to justify spending more money on yet another Superman versus Lex Luthor story. I am sure Morrison fans will be thrilled with the issue but will people on the fence about the character?

Zod is a good comic book. It's an origin and it's nothing fancy. If you think you know everything there is to know about Zod then this issue could add more to your knowledge but it might also trample what you think is continuity. The book is a chilling story by the end and taking that by itself makes it a worthwhile book to pick up. Plus, it has a cool 3-D cover.

The comic is a dull read that is more because the character is lifeless than because the book lacks action. A de-powered Superman living in a world where his identity has been exposed sounds interesting but it actually isn't.

It's a toss up as to which issue of this entire event has been my favorite. It's either this issue or the previous issue of Green Lantern, but I am leaning towards this issue. This comic manages to have a giant battle while developing the key members of the corps and giving the zombies ample opportunity to talk trash. What more could you ask for? This is a terrific comic book.

This issue, paired with the previous one, makes for a good one-two punch, but this issue on its own merit leaves too many oddities to raise it above the level of ‘good'. It's an entertaining and delivers its part in the long line of this series' overall terrific storytelling.

If you like Guy Gardner then this is a good issue for you. However, between the flat dialogue and the head-scratching diversion from the main story, this story isn't on the level of previous installments from this series. The art helps prop this one up but ultimately this is not an essential issue and really has little to do with Blackest Night and very little to do with the war of light.

This comic book wouldn't have been so terrible if it weren't supposed to be the big bang before the ending of the event. Instead it literally feels like this book's purpose was to stall. I just can't believe this is the best effort from Tomasi who has mastered this title over the last two years. I really believe the creators involved with Blackest Night had about five months of story and were asked to stretch it to nine. If you like battles with little point and no story for thirty, pretty pages then this is for you.

I enjoyed this issue and I was definitely hesitant coming into it. As you might expect with the opening to any arc, the story is just getting started. I found the issue to be entertaining and it makes me think the future for the title is as bright as ever.

This is a good issue and a nice arc. It's not Blackest Night and it isn't pretending to be. The biggest development out of this arc is the new status quo for the Alpha Lanterns. The characters are played to their strengths and are put into positions where they get used in ways you would expect. It's a good issue and if you have no prior exposure to the Alpha Lanterns then you probably won't care that the concept seems to have run its course and been re-imaged in this issue. I liked the issue as it goes back to good, old-fashioned super hero storytelling.

I'm not sure where this title is going but it seems like the kinks are still being worked out. It's nice to see the book branch out into new directions but I would also like to see all of the characters get used in new situations that don't cover ground we've seen before. It just seems like the book isn't quite sure what it wants to do with itself. Not a bad read but nothing to rush out to buy either.

You can't go wrong with this issue if you like fighting. However, the comic really contains no plot or, at times, direction. If The Weaponer simply wants revenge then why wouldn't he just have gone off and hunted Sinestro? Why haven't the people of the planet tried to get help to rid themselves of The Weaponer in the past? I never felt like questions like this were addressed. Instead the issue just seems like a convenient way to get a lot of people to fight. To be blunt, this arc should have been three issues (or maybe even only two) instead of five. But since the build up of Blackest Night, this has been the direction of the Green Lantern books and it's a shame.

Green Lantern Corps has been a solid read for a long, long time. This book simply should have ended with issue 62. It seems like this book had some ideas but they weren't shaped into a cohesive story. Was it a rush job? Perhaps but either way this is a skip-able book.

Original Sin is a strange event. This particular spin-off seems to be a Thor and Loki adventure having little to do with Original Sin and that is a good thing. This looks to be a fun adventure comic that leaves a lot of possibilities wide open. I enjoyed the first issue and urge Thor or Loki fans to pick this issue up.

Thor and Loki and a new sister all living as one, big, dysfunctional family. While we aren't quite there yet, this comic brings the players closer together. This is proving to be a very intriguing mini-series and that means this issue is worth checking out. This mini-series might be a big-time, game-changer for the Marvel Universe and I don't think it should be missed. If you like Thor fighting a lot of winged women then you definitely need this comic book.

This mini-series started as a good Loki/Thor story and morphed into some good character moments for Loki. In the final issue it seems to simply exist to pull the next Thor out of her current situation. Not much to do with Original Sin or to do with Thor. This was a disappointing and unnecessary issue.

This comic is definitely entertaining no doubt about it. Johns tells a very fun origin story that has some suspense and a little bit uniqueness to it. As such, it's a great jumping on point even though it seems to end abruptly. Then again, this gives the reader to come back next time. This is worth a look.

Overall, Green Lantern feels revived. I have a renewed sense of excitement with this title, especially after the cliffhanger and I can't imagine a new reader feeling any differently. If you are looking for something out of the "new 52" to pick up I think this is a great one to take a look at.

Green Lantern has been a slow book since the conclusion of Blackest Night (which was a while ago). However, I hold out hope that when this book picks up again it will be at the top of the read list whenever it ships. This story is okay in parts but doesn't really push across anything terribly interesting except that Sinestro gives Hal a ring of his own. As always this issue is going to cater towards fans of the character and the creator(s) but the newer reader will probably be lost.

If you like snappy dialogue then this issue is for you. I am sure things will pick up next issue based on the crazy ending here. For the most part this is a serviceable issue but doesn't contain too much plot movement. I mildly recommend checking this out.

Mahnke is a terrific artists and he plays up the fighting and the grand entrances to perfection. Visually, the book is very entertaining and has a great depiction of Carol. It's got some images in there that are poster worthy.

This book is too slow and is not making a whole lot of sense, as a single issue or the general direction of the storylines. It seems like the book's direction is to play fish-out-of-water stories with Hal and Sinestro wearing different rings where they take turns rescuing each other. At least the book reads quickly, even if not advancing the story much at all, to give the appearance of being exciting. This is a disappointing comic book.

Green Lantern can be such a fantastic read. However, Johns slows down arcs too much and assumes the reader has read all of his books and retains it all. This issue is different because Johns introduces a threat to the heroes and deals with it in a satisfactory way in this comic book. I found this to be a good read.

Green Lantern is a serviceable comic book. Each issue I find to be entertaining. There isn't anything in here terribly original, but there is a certain level of comfort when a comic book delivers something expected. I'm not a fan of the slow subplots, but I am glad to see the new Green Lantern getting a little bit of personality to warm up to. This was an entertaining, but just an above average read.

Why DC pasted the Rise of the Third Army banner on this book is beyond me. This issue barely mentions it and this arc has been an origin for a new character. Be that as it may the new character is a copy of several others characters rolled into one. It remains to be seen if he has any sticking power. This issue concludes his origin and Johns delivers an entertaining but average story.

Johns has a great idea for his final Green Lantern arc with the first Green Lantern concept. The issue is packed with non-essential subplots but that doesn't take away from the solid overall plot. This is a very average comic book. Hopefully the story threads will dovetail in future issues.

Green Lantern is a book at the crossroads. It's struggling to tell fast paced and memorable stories but it teases a big ending to Johns run on the title with epic banners. I'm not sure when, if or how this book is going to pick up again, but judging this particular issue you have a very average and forgettable comic book.

If you haven't read Green Lantern by Geoff Johns then I ask you check this out. If you read this and aren't jazzed up to try a trade from the back catalogue then you can honestly say this isn't for you. This is a fun read and it doesn't require a lot of continuity knowledge. Plus, the book has a lot of send-off quotes for Johns plus a letter from Johns about his run. It's a great cherry on top for this run. It's an unforgettable run that has literally expanded five fold since it began. I can't wait to back to the beginning and re-read the whole run again.

I expect to see a drop off in quality with the departure of Johns, but this is too much. I can't see sticking with this title much longer with issues like this one. I wasn't a fan of Hal's Earth life but cutting off Carol after all the growth just doesn't make any sense. And axing the guardians so quickly is a really odd first issue choice. The battle and the prospect of a new villain leaves me hopeful that the next issue improves.

This book is very close to being something I would normally read. This issue is very much a world building issue but it also puts on a ton of layers to an already complicated situation. It's hard to tell from this issue if the book is going to be an all-out war series or something that is much more cloak and dagger. I'm willing to give this book a couple of issues, but I found the first one to be a very mixed bag. I'm not even sure if fans of the initial Age of Apocalypse would like this because so much has changed. If you like mutants and universes where anything can happen then I suggest trying this out.

"All-Star Section 8" is a strange collection of characters for a comic book. The creators are perfect for the comic book as they keep the book light, even when dealing with Batman. The artwork is fantastic as it is detailed and extremely vibrant. The book stumbles towards the end as the Batman subplot gets some action but doesn't see a resolution. Overall, this is a good read that will cater to a select audience. I would have liked to see a more powerful ending to set things up for the next issue. This is an average to good read. I look forward to the rest of the mini-series to see where this is heading.

Angela has already appeared in several comics this year. This issue serves as a re-introduction. This is helpful because the character has a complicated place in the Marvel Universe. This first issue is different from a Thor comic book and proves to be a good companion in the Thor universe. I enjoyed the issue but felt it could have been reined in a little bit. The issue definitely has a great cliffhanger. I recommend checking this out.

I think fans of Lemire will enjoy the book. I'm not sure if Animal Man fans will enjoy it though as it seems the hardcore ones had high hopes for the book and I'm not sure this is what they were looking for. For the horror element I will be back for another issue. If you were looking for a super hero drama I think you only got half of it. Proceed with caution on this one.

Archie versus Predator is a mild comic to start the mini-series. It explores Archie and his friends and their personality dynamics. While the Predator shows up a little bit, there isn't much to go on. While a couple of characters do meet their doom, it occurs off-panel and without the core cast finding their bodies. This comic book is something to check out, but set your expectations low if you think there is a big showdown or confrontation within this issue. I recommend giving this comic a look.

Atomic Robo is a great character and his stories are the perfect mix of humor, action, science and sarcasm. This issue launches a ton of new characters and new threats for Robo to tangle with. This comic is a solidly written and a well drawn book. I'm sure this story is going to ramp up to usual Robo chaos in the comic issues. This is definitely worth a look. Atomic Robo represents everything that is great about comic books.

This issue is a good read. It's not great but it is first-step good. There is certainly enough here for any reader to want to pick up the next issue and that should be all that any comic aspires towards.

Hobgoblin is a niche character and solo comic book. This mini-series will be interesting to read to see just how it ties into Axis, if at all. The character background is built up in this issue and the plot for the future issues is introduced but not expanded upon. This is a decent read especially if you like the character.

Batgirl has been an interesting run. Simone did some great things, some not so great things and DC pulled the rug on her a couple of times to make the ride interesting. This comic presents the best of what she does: provides great character voices to female leads while squeezing every last bit of drama out of the story at hand. If you like a very different take on Batgirl and you like the fun times Batgirl then you are going to love this issue. Don't let the gimmick cover fool you, there is a good story in here.

Batgirl Endgame is for the Endgame completists. I do not recommend this comic book for those that follow the Batgirl title. You may be left wanting more. If you are not following Endgame at all then this issue is completely avoidable. It's confusing and adds nothing to the character unfortunately. This comic book is a decent read but is loosely relevant to Endgame or Batgirl.

DC could have made this issue really special with more story or even short stories. Even if guest writers were telling short stories that were out of continuity it would have made the issue feel more special. Instead, this issue felt like an excellent annual. I would imagine a lot of folks will pick this issue up for the sake of the number. I wonder how many will disappointed when they find the material quantity lacking compared to Spider-man or Captain America. I know I was.

Let's be honest, if you read Final Crisis then this is a must-have issue. You are going to love it. If you are the rare person that followed Morrison's run on Batman but not Final Crisis, like me, then you will be entertained but frustrated. DC is weaving such a complicated web where their titles are too interconnected over too long of a period of time. It's frustrating and it's making me question how I can continue to read the few characters I still follow in their universe.

This story is a good one. However, it doesn't rise to great because of the strange lecturing that Batman and Bruce Wayne do in a couple of spots in the issue. Freeze is also not a sympathetic character anymore which makes the effectiveness of the heart-string pulling a little tougher to pull off. This is a very entertaining read with a couple of characterization flaws.

The Batman annual is a good read. I liked the setup even if it isn't too original. I think the issue would have worked better if the villain didn't have this phasing power that she seems to possess but it did make for a different read in the Batman world. Overall, this was a fun read and that's what its all about.

If you like a good Joker story then here is a good one for you. It actually does have Batman in it, but not much at all. Even without Batman there is a good character study of The Joker and how he might twist a regular person. It's a chilling read by the end of the comic book. I recommend checking this out.

The "Batman" Annual is a decent idea executed horribly wrong. Alfred's missing hand appears and disappears several times and the climatic scene is missing the 'show' aspect of what Wayne is doing as the artwork doesn't hold up to its end of telling a story. Editorially the comic book has nothing to do with the top selling "Batman" title but seems to be an extension of "Arkham Manor" which last so the light of day in March with one sixth the readership as "Batman." A reader of only "Batman" will be lost in the shuffle as to how Wayne lost his house and how it was turned into an asylum. When you charge five bucks for a comic book you need to make sure the top effort is there and not just the page count. This comic book is a mess. Avoid it. Whatever Tynion was hoping to do with this issue was simply not supported by the rest of the team involved.

The character of the Ventriloquist is an interesting one. She's a bit deeper than the previous incarnation and Simone knows how to build up a villain well. The comic book has a lot of strange turns in the storytelling and that holds it back. Overall, as a throwaway comic this one is pretty good and those readers of Batgirl definitely need to pick this up because of the character development. I mildly recommend this book for the casual fan, but the hardcore Batman or Batgirl fans will want to track this down.

Clayface is a C-list Batman villain. He will never rise above that classification. Layman embraces that and brings him down to the dumb level, which seems more fitting than the variety that can fool Batman with his shape shifting. If you like an entertaining, throwaway read with a really cool cover then pick this up.

If you like character background then this is the issue for you. I'm not sure we get to know why Ozymandias turned bad, but this issue at least lets the reader understand why he put on tights. This is a very average origin story about a character that probably deserves something more special to be written about them.

"Black Canary" is off to a decent start. The opening issue is bogged down by some very rushed and clunky dialogue as book rushes to have the supporting cast suspect that DD has a shady past. The comic is definitely trying to capture the character-driven feel that "Batgirl" has achieved. However, this comic doesn't take the time to lay out the setup in the same way "Batigrl" was so successful at doing. The comic is backed up with terrific, noir artwork that helps make this comic stand out from the everyday comic book. This is a comic book worth checking out by is a very average read. Hopefully the kinks in the character work will be worked out in the coming issues.

The first issue is a good start to the series. I look for more complicated plots from a spy book but it seems that those will come down the road. The aspect of the book that is made clear is that the reader and the titled character's interfaces don't know the Black Widow character at all. I'm hopeful that this is true and we will see this in the coming issues. This is worth checking out.

Bucky is a great character. This is an incarnation that is much different from how Brubaker wrote him in Captain America. At the very least Marvel is trying to tell a different kind story with this series and that is a good thing. This comic might be a little out there for some but it might be a welcome change for others. You definitely need to think outside of the box while reading this comic but I recommend checking it out if you are curious.

Chrononauts is a great read if you turn off your brain and don't question much of what you read. If you sit back and look at the art and follow along with the basic story you will get the bang for your buck. This isn't anything terribly original but it entertains and that's probably what most comic book readers are looking for.

Chrononauts #2 is a strange book. The comic is basically twenty pages of showing off Murphy's art throughout history. The story idea is that one characters is trying to convince the other to live like he does, as the ruler of various time periods scattered throughout history. It's an okay read but there isn't much story wise. You won't find a nicer looking book though. I recommend giving this a look.

The comic is a great start. The book sets up the concept and introduces the characters but there isn't a ton in here to really blow you away by issue's end. This is perfectly fine for the long form but it does make for a mild launch. The science fiction fan or those looking for something out of the ordinary should get ready for what's looks to be a great ride.

Comeback is a very intriguing idea. Obviously written for the collected edition, the opening issue struggles to establish the characters as well as the premise. Where it excels in one, it falls a little short in the other. I think the book could end up being great, but this issue provides a slower start. This is one to keep you eye on even if you don't pick up the opening issue.

Conan and the People of the Black Circle is off to a good start. The plot is put out there early and Conan seems to have gotten himself in over his head all by the end of this issue. The book might be better served with the narration as seen in Truman or Wood's Conan but this is a nice change of pace. This is definitely a book to look for.

Obviously, the fans that hated the idea of a DCU Constantine aren't going to like this anyway, much like the Before Watchmen (creator rights issue aside) debacle. However, unlike Before Watchmen, this comic is looked to set a direction into the future of the character and not connect the dots to something that already exists that people love. If you are new to Constantine or indifferent to the idea of a DCU version of the character then you probably will find just enough to come back for more, especially if you like jagged lead characters or elements of magic. This was an average comic book with some glimpses of future promise.

Cyber Force is a concept that has been around for a couple of decades and yet I have never ventured into the water. This freebie was too good to pass up and I was glad I picked it up. The story was slow and it took a couple of reads before I understood what was going on, but I liked what I saw. Long time readers might find it easier to pick things up, but I hope they find the same level of enjoyment. This is too good to pass up.

The question about this series is whether or not you care enough about the fractured, but nurturing relationship between Cyclops and his father. If that interests you then a Greg Rucka written book is going to be a potential classic. If that sort of book leaves you cold then it doesn't matter how interesting the future plots are, this comic isn't going to entertain you. I like the set up and now we'll wait to see what Rucka has in store for the pair.

The comic book is fantasy and horror blended together. It has elements of Dark Crystal, Legend, Lord of the Rings and many other movies or novels in it. That helps because you can't sum up those stories in one issue either so this has some room to get some traction. I was hoping to at least like the characters coming out of this but that didn't quite happen. This comic needs some work in the next couple of issues if there is to be any kind of interest in the long run. This is a decent start story-wise and a visual masterpiece in the art department. Check it out.

Annuals are a tough sell. They cost more than regular issues for not a lot of content. They are typically throwaway type books that don't tie in to the regular stories in the series. And the comics typically aren't by the main creative team. However, this annual is an entertaining and one-and-done comic book and there is something to be said for that. I like the mystery in the comic and I liked the new villain in the comic, even if it is not terribly inventive, Layman writes the character with a new freshness to it. This is worth checking out if you are curious about Layman's Batman work.

Seekers of the Weird is probably a niche book. Fans of Disney and of the attractions might be curious enough to check this out but generally speaking those readers that like adventure and mystery but nothing over the top might find something to like here. I plan to check out the series to see where this is headed. This is a good start.

"Doctor Strange" launches with an average first offering. Strange is characterized too much like Tony Stark with his sarcasm and woman-chasing antics. The comic hatches an interesting plot near the end of the comic that might allow Strange to interact more with the commoner and use some detective skills along the way. The artwork doesn't do much to segment the radically different scene shifts in this comic book, but provides a decent look when dealing with Strange's day-to-day life. The comic book is worth a look if you want a character-driven story. If the characterization becomes more unique and the idea of magic coming at a price comes to the forefront then this book could be a winner. This title will be worth keeping track of down the road.

Drumhellar is an odd book. It's a character book and that works well. However, this issue read too much like the opening to a trade collection and it drops too much of a mystery in the process. I'm not entirely sure what the book is about and that could be a problem. I'm in for another issue to see where this is headed.

Elektra is a tough character to get behind. In some ways she is too much like Wolverine, she is too many things and master of none, but a really cool character nonetheless. This issue has the right idea for the first three quarters of the book. It provides a clunky, but effective information dump of the character's background. Then, it launches into a plot while providing motivation and an intriguing mystery. But then the book falls into an odd transition to another character that doesn't quite flow with the rest of the issue. The artwork is pitch perfect that is the big plus. If you aren't a fan of the character there probably isn't much in here to rope you into the series. However, it does read fairly well overall.

Planet of the Apes is generally thought of as a niche genre. I'm not sure I can convince a non-fan to pick this up, especially if they aren't some level of science fiction fan. However, this story definitely sets up like a politically driven prelude to war comic book. And I think anyone that likes these kinds of stories, regardless of their background in the Planet of the Apes universe, should give this issue a try.

It all comes down to expectations I suppose. I had heard so many positive things about the title book that I was probably expecting something that couldn't match those heights. However, I don't doubt that a fan of the Fables books won't absolutely love this book. I'm going to have to see where this goes but I found the opening issue to be just above average.

The question is: are you ready for another event? If you are then this one seems to be taking things in a different direction than Secret Invasion or Civil War and it seems to have a solid handle on the story elements. If you are lukewarm to the idea then I am not sure this issue will be enough to ramp you up. I didn't come away sold on the Thor mythos and since this story is heavy on this arena I am thinking this just isn't the "event" for me. I do give Marvel props for making this issue oversized and not padding it with reprints. I would think if you are a fan of Thor or the Avengers then you will be thrilled with this issue.

Overall this is a very good first issue. We get some plot, character introductions and a decent story. Needless to say, this book is just not going to be everyone's cup of tea, mostly because it is not a super-hero book at all. However, Lemire writes a good story and when you allow creators room to stretch out like this the results are usually favorable. I like the long-term prospects for this book. I recommend picking this up and I think this could be a classic series in the making.

As a package, this book has two, fourteen page stories for $4. It's a good value for the stories within. I'm not sure this book was going to ever be in everyone's wheelhouse, but I do think a lot of people will be pleasantly surprised at what they find. You get an all-out, action, science fiction, army story on one side and you get a tragic, revenge-driven, complex character, army story on the other. Pick it up and give it a shot.

As GI Joe continues through the discovery of Cobra the stories get more and more tense but when I look back at this issue there just isn't anything that happens that's memorable. In a recap box I'm not even sure this issue would warrant a sentence that wasn't already in there from the previous issues. That generally isn't a good thing. For the most part it's a good comic with some action and some nice artwork but there just isn't enough in here to jazz anyone up unless they are collecting the series already.

As a whole this issue isn't that good. It could have been awesome. Instead it makes me question how long I can keep paying $4 an issue for a story that seems to be going nowhere I care about. I just want some action already.

I'm sure the ending might get some eye-rolling from the long time fans but I found it to be very good. I like that the first four issues are doing something instantly with these characters even if it seems like this has already been done before. For me, GI Joe should be adventurous, colorful and entertaining and this issue fills that quota and then some. I definitely see this book hitting its stride now and I'm finding myself highly anticipating the next installment. I recommend jumping on board.

Godzilla is a niche genre. The reader is probably going to love it because they already love the title character or monsters in general. On the other hand, the book is a tough sell if it is written just from the human aspect of the story and might not be a fast enough book for the diehard fans. This issue strikes a balance but still leans more towards characters instead of plot. It will be interesting to see how this proceeds and if it can balance monster action, character work and plot. This is a good start.

"Godzilla In Hell" serves up a silent issue. Godzilla finds a creature to fight shortly after arriving in Hell. The comic doesn't provide too many details in the hows and whys but the battle is definitely something that is enjoyable. Stokoe provides some nice detailed pencil work and a decent, but limited color scheme. Rather than a lot of close-ups, we seem to get a bunch of distance shots that prevents the details from shining through. The comic is a decent read but nothing memorable. Give it a shot.

Grayson is a book that should be a smash hit. Nightwing as a spy sounds incredible. This first issue gives a good introduction to the character. It read like a one-shot, which is a good thing. It also gives great artwork. I'm not sold on the use of the supporting characters or of the usage of super powers. This book could turn out to be a complete winner but the opening issue is a bit subdued. We'll see. This is worth picking up though.

"Green Lantern: The Lost Army" is off to a good start. If you like adventure stories that take characters into unexpected scenarios then this is the comic book for you. The cast of characters is not terribly interesting but some of the groundwork is put down for John Stewart. The comic is backed up with some nice artwork to round out the reading experience. One of the nice aspects of this book seems to be that it will be a self-contained comic that stays away from events and crossovers. I recommend giving this comic a shot.

This book has action, suspense, some conflict and the dead returning to life. It's a good comic book and this is a good first chapter. There isn't anything in here to make the book groundbreaking or unforgettable but the reader will probably get a strong inkling as to whether or not this is their cup of tea. I liked the book and urge anyone looking for something a little different to pick it up and give it a try.

Anthologies are always a tricky proposition. "Hellboy: Winter Special" offers three short stories and one two-page story. They showcase a wide range of writers and artists and mostly center around Mike Mignola creations, two contain Hellboy. There isn't a dud in the bunch, but there isn't anything too memorable either. This is a decent read for four bucks if you like Hellboy and other Mike Mignola ideas.

I am all for anthology comics about specific characters, especially ones about the Hulk. It's not even that the backup reprint from Marvel Comics Presents is a bad story, but that it's the only other story in the comic book. As far as anthologies for $4 about the Hulk this really isn't a worthy purchase. However, the story is so good it would be difficult to pass up. If you like to read Hulk stories about Banner the drifter that has a great story and fun artwork then go ahead and pick this one. Just be warned that it's the only original material in the comic. Awesome story, shame on Marvel.

I like the character and I plan to pick up this book. I'm not sure how interested someone who is indifferent to the creators or the character would be to this book though. It seems like this series is going to bring a nice layered plot set a slightly less intense atmosphere as Batman which I can get into. I think this book is a worth a look.

Hulk is one of the few characters that I read regardless of who the creative team is. I've following the book for decades. That said, I feel there are still stories to be told with the character and Waid has something happening here. The opening issue just doesn't launch into anything that memorable. We'll see where this goes.

Invincible is a popular and successful book. It's easy to see why when I pick up a random issue. It's well written and draws the reader in with the problems of the lead characters. This comic seems to be a turning point in the direction of the key characters. I enjoyed the exploration of what some of the super heroes might face in a real life situation when presented with failure and death. I liked the comic book and I am sure fans of the series will love it. It's worth checking out.

"Island" provides great value for your money. Over 100 pages of material for $8 is a great deal. The comic provides three full-length stories in it, two short stories and a tribute to a friend by DeConnick. Fans of the creators involved must pick this comic book up. Other readers may want to look under the covers to determine if the art styles match with their taste. If so, then they might find this to be a hidden treasure. I only found one of the stories to be something memorable but the entire comic is gorgeous to look at. Take a look at this one.

The Trinity War crossover is going through a bit of a lull with this issue. It feels like stalling, but not on the Brian Bendis level. This issue does move more characters around which is probably necessary for the future issues but it makes this one a throwaway. One of the bright spots is the mystery at the beginning and at the end. This is an okay read but not as good as the first two installments.

Kaptara is an amazing looking comic book with a standard plot with interesting characters executing it. I'm not sure where this story is going but the first issue gave just enough to leave me curious about the second issue. The page count and artwork alone are worth the price of admission. I liked this comic but wasn't totally in love with it. I mildly recommend it.

Apparently the adaptation is to be completed in two separate mini-series. This first mini-series seems to be covering an awful lot of the source material. It will be interesting to see where this series evolves in the next issue or two. Either way this is a great glimpse into the distant future of the character as told by a very old, but still physically impressive Conan. I recommend giving this a chance.

Low is a comic book that gives action and adventure against the futuristic backdrop. Remender's letter in the back gives the reader an idea of how the characters came about, but it wasn't until I read the letter that I realized the wife was the chief protagonist and not the husband. There are a lot of pieces here to like but I'm not sure how everything fits just yet. This is worth checking out.

MPH is not your typical Mark Millar book. It's tame on the adult themes and content. It's light on the shocking images, such as gore. Instead, Millar tries to lay out a real example of someone that ends up in prison but gets an interest drug to try out. It's a decent comic book that I mildly recommend.

Mars Attacks Kiss is a fun book. I liked it better than the Popeye one because of the switch it pulls at the beginning. I would have liked to see more introduction to the members of the group, even just one panel of some banter between them but there is something to be said for launching into the action. This is worth taking a look at. I guarantee it will be one of the more "different" comics you read this week or month.

Popeye battles Martians. It's fun, action packed and a very dense read, which I was not expecting. However, the Mars Attacks aspect feels too glossed over and it seemed like they could be any generic monster which I wasn't a fan of. This is a fun idea that was simply too light on the Mars Attacks influence for my tastes. A decent read, but perhaps a great one if you a fan of Popeye.

Mars Attacks Ghostbusters is a book that has a quirky feeling to it that makes it a fun read. I'm sure that is what the creators were going for and they succeeded. I would have liked to see more character definition or at least something that mimicked the characters from the film but the space is limited, so it's understandable that they missed the mark. This is just regular old fun.

The Hulk is one of those characters that I am going to read every incarnation published. Perhaps I am unfair critic in that regard. However, I also know what kind of Hulk story I am looking for and what kind of Hulk story I've never seen before. This started off as something new and that was promising but the ending couldn't quite keep that going. We'll have to see where this mini-series goes but if the focus remains in the character work, such as with Dyane, then this book could be something special.

Miniature Jesus is a comic book that is dancing around a lot of themes but isn't revealing much in the opening issue. The components are there: alcoholism, religion, conscience, sub-conscience but the topics are lightly hit. This is a good read but not enough to reach the "great" category. I liked the comic but I do think it is an acquired taste. If you are looking for something that is very out of the ordinary then you should give this a try.

"Ms Marvel" is back with a thirty-page, five-dollar comic book. Readers from the previous series will feel right at home as the vibe of the book continues on. However, newer readers will not get what this book is truly about because the book spends most of the time building up the relationship of two of Ms Marvel's supporting cast and leaves the main character in the background. The comic book is a decent read but doesn't do anything to elevate it to the must-read status that the previous run held for so long. The charm is there, the intelligence is there, but the focus of the comic is not. Hopefully the next issue will get back to showcasing Kamala and what makes her such an interesting and powerfully constructed character.

Mudman is the kind of comic book that brings the reader back to the dawn of the silver age kind of comic books but with a modern feel to it. This issue gives you just enough to get you started on what looks like will be a fun ride. I recommend checking this book out.

This mini series was loaded with jokes that seem aimed at specific age groups, such as the Caddyshack reference. This keeps the issue from mass appeal and almost feels out of place coming from the Muppets. However, this comic has a level of charm and is loaded with some funny moments that many ages groups can share. This is a good comic but stops just short of being a great one.

Nameless is a decent launch. It has a lot going for it with the big name creators, the Image banner and the three dollar price tag. However, they all can't be winners. This one gets out of the gate with a decent read but nothing that hasn't been seen before in other incarnations with slight tweaks here and there. I liked the first issue and will probably stick with this for one more to see where it is heading. I recommend this to the Morrison fans or the fans of the horror genre but that's about it.

No Mercy has the potential to be a fantastic story. It's Americans in a place that is hostile, probably towards Americans as well as locals. They are kids that appear totally clueless and they are led by a nun. This has the makings to be a classic. However, the first issue spread the characters too thinly and left me cold as to the ones that are left in the end. I'm looking forward to seeing where this is all headed though. I recommend giving this a look.

Nova is a book that may cater to the fans of the genre more than the newcomer. I enjoyed the book but didn't find enough in here to find out what happens next. However, the book has potential and even if you are a little curious you should check it out.

Ody-C is an epic tale. This is merely the first chapter. I have no doubt that if you pick this up and stick with it then you will be thrilled and entertained. The first issue provides some promise with fantastic visuals. Reading Homer's, "The Odyssey" may be essential for this, which is disappointing. All in all this is a comic book to pick up and try out.

"Plutona" is a decent read. Lemire introduces the four characters, gives them unique voices and launches the murder mystery plot. The comic is backed up with very solid artwork. However, the comic is fairly ordinary by Lemire standards and doesn't do anything to set this comic apart from so many other "real life super hero" stories. This is one to check out and keep an eye on. I mildly recommend this comic book.

This series is obviously written for the trade. As such, there isn't really cliffhanger so much as there is a break in the story waiting for the next issue. The book can't truly be evaluated until it is fully complete. This issue is good but it doesn't quite sparkle among the many, many crime comic books that have come out in the past five years or so. This is worth picking up and checking out, especially if you like some crime drama.

I enjoyed the comic because it had plenty of action and some clever little nuisances in it to set it apart from just another Punisher one-shot. The story made sense despite having no prior knowledge of the Hood or other issues in this arc. The extra page count helped with the $4 cover charge as well. However, I definitely felt this issue is for those that are following the current Punisher series and want the complete story with regard to the Hood. If you are looking for an interesting Punisher one shot you may want to give this one a try.

Rasputin might be a niche character. Perhaps only history buffs would like this kind of story. However, the personality and the intrigue of the character is not explored at all in this comic book. Sure, we get a taste of the fateful night but for the most part we get an origin story that we've seen many times over. As a result, the character doesn't quite stand out the way he should based on the history books. I'm curious about the second issue, but I know the artwork will dazzle my eyes.

Rebels is aimed at readers that have an interest in period-piece comics from hundreds of years ago. A reader that isn't interested in American History could still fall in love with the characters but eventually this comic is going to get more political and that might turn some folks off. For now, this is an entertaining read covering ground that isn't often covered in comics. This is a good comic to give a try.

Red Lanterns has some good elements in it. You certainly won't be disappointed by picking this up but the book has the feel of a completest title for those picking up the other lantern books. I need to see a stronger identity for the book in order to add it to my pull list. However, there is something to be said for a visually fun and interesting story which this provides.

Simone's command of female characters is not in question. Her ability to deliver a compelling read month in and month out is never in doubt. However, she is going for more of a long view in this comic and the first issue starts off by simply establishing the first brick in the foundation. It's an entertaining read but we must be patient for the payoff to come down the road. I recommend picking this up.

"Red Wolf" is a very ordinary western comic book. The lead character isn't trusted by townspeople that look for any way they can to pin every crime on a Native American. The book tries too hard to present a man that is trying to do the right thing and win over the public at the same time. The comic doesn't present anything new to the idea or the genre. The ending is a strange one and could create a different direction for the next issue. The artwork does a great job capturing the mood and time period. I was looking for this comic to bring something a little different to the western genre. This is a fairly average comic book.

Revival is a tough book to gauge. If the story launches into all hell breaking loose then I think this book is going to be a great one. If this book sort of hovers around the mystery and takes a step back for a bit then it might have a tough time recapturing the drama in the ending of this book. Either way, this book is worth picking up and so is the next one, from the looks of this one.

Secret Wars has a lot of build-up. It appears to have a lot of prerequisite reading. A reader coming into this cold will have a lot of questions about the plot and won't find too many answers in this comic book. Readers of either Universe may miss some of the background on the intended characterizations. Overall, the book's goal was to kill off two worlds and it appears to have been successful in that regard. This is a decent read.

Secret Wars is aimed at the Marvel Hickman reader. If you haven't read Hickman's work you may want to sit this out. There might be tie-ins that appeal to you or this series may compel you pick up Hickman's Marvel work to get the full story. However, the reader coming into this blind will probably find more confusion than entertainment. As such, I found this to be a very bland read. Is the idea of a Battleworld cool? Yes, but so are dozens of other What If stories that have published over the decades that do not require reading 80 issues of two previous Avengers series to fully understand the content of the mini-series. This is the crowning jewel for the Hickman readers but a hollow read for the rest.

Secret Wars continues to look at the nature of power and the responsibility that comes with it in this issue. The comic book focuses on Doom and how he came to power and the kinds of regrets he's dealing with. The comic is a slow, but dense read. The plot movement brings together some of the surviving characters from the last incursion. Generally the book is a fine read but it isn't anything terribly memorable. There are some key moments that will provide more punch in a collected edition, but as a single issue they make for a slow paced, average read. This is worth a look.

"Secret Wars" is becoming a story about Reed Richards and Doom. This particular issue brings the pair together in a confrontation that gets cut short by the conflicted, but power-balancer, Stephen Strange. The book makes poor usage of so much of the cast that I found myself questioning why they were even included. Twenty pages of Richards, Doom and Strange would have been enough for this issue I believe. The artwork is good but not as detailed as prior issues and not as polished as a top level event of this nature probably is required to be. This issue is mostly an average read that teases the theme of characters having too much power. It will be interesting to see where this is headed, but the layoffs between issues are about to get bigger, so it will require some patience. I mildly recommend this comic.

"Secret Wars" turns the corner for the finale by setting things up in this issue. Valeria starts her investigation into the missing characters and seems to be on a very interesting scent. The comic book provides answers as to how Doom became God in this new world. The artwork makes the most of a rather tame issue. This is an average read that will fit nicely in a collection but doesn't give much bang for a single issue.

Secret Wars 2099 is a comic book that appears to simply pick up characters from the 2099 universe from another book. The comic seems to target fans of the 2099 universe but does provide some solid character work if you are curious about this universe. The comic seems to be Hercules and Captain America-centric but with other members of the team getting introduced they may also get some spotlight down the road. The book has some action but no real deep plot gets hatched in this issue. This reads like a nice comic book catering to existing fans. I mildly recommend this.

The opening issue of Serenity relies heavily on the reader knowing the film and its characters. It's not to say a new fan won't enjoy this but it does feel a lot like a tenth issues rather than a first. I liked the re-visitation of the characters from the film and found the plot to be a good starting point. Join that with some nice art and you have a good start to this series. It will be interesting to see where the Whedons take this.

Silk is a good read. Those that are picking up the Spidey books will pick this up and feel right at home. Newer readers will probably find that the comic struggles to find something original to say about a character that is so similar to Peter Parker. Some readers might find the lead character charming as well as appealing because she is something new, which definitely provides an open book that you won't get with many of the other characters. Silk is an entertaining read and there is something to be said for that. I recommend giving this comic a look.

The new launch for Silver Surfer is a cosmic adventure with ties to Earth. It's a good read and brings out an interesting plot and introduces a very intriguing supporting cast of characters. This could be a very interesting book and I recommend at least checking out the first issue.

Sinergy has a lot of potential. The first issue sets the direction and now seeing where his is headed will probably determine the long-term prospects for the story. I like what I saw in this book but I did find the plot to be a little loose for my tastes. I recommend checking this, especially if you are a fan of Buffy. This is a series to keep an eye on.

Sinestro seems like a great character to have an ongoing for a villain. I never quite understood why the Red Lanterns got their own book but not Sinestro or the Yellow Corps. Now that the book is here it seems like there isn't any new ideas in the first issue. We'll see where this is heading. The curious reader might like what they see. As far as reading goes, it's an average comic.

Son of Merlin is a cool idea. Camelot has been told and re-told so many times over the years that it is difficult to try something new. This comic book appears to be applying a fresh concept to the idea of bringing the characters into modern times. This is a good start and at a buck you really need to give the comic a shot. This mini is worth keeping your eye on.

The "Darth Vader" annual is a fine read. It's thirty pages for five dollars and you get a lot of Vader cutting down some characters that won't play nicely with the Empire. This comic isn't anything you haven't seen before, but if you read it you will most likely get some entertainment. The artwork provides some epic Vader images but struggles with details in a number of spots, which usually smells of a rush-job. This is a decent comic book to check out but nothing memorable.

This mini-series is clone centric. Generally that is a good thing and if the series is done entirely from the first person point of view then that might enhance the reading. This is basically the clone's origin and it isn't anything too wild. This is a decent start to the mini-series and worth keeping an eye on.

Rescues continues to be a very good story arc. This issue has some very good elements and some odd ones, but overall this is a good read. I do wish there were more core characters in the issue, but as we've seen in the letters page this is a good about Finn and his family and not the Skywalkers. Nevertheless this is a solid comic book.

If you like your Star Wars stories to be less about Jedi and the Sith then this issue is going to be something to look at. The issue reminds me a lot of the battles between the Empire and the rebels that took place in the original films. This comic is a breath of fresh air, much like the Agent of the Empire series is, for the Star Wars Universe. I definitely recommend checking this out.

"Obi-Wan & Anakin" launches with a slow start as the pair crash on an abandoned planet and have a discussion. The discussion leads to an interesting flashback, but not much else happens. The comic is good because it focuses on a time period that seems to be forgotten in the old and new Expanded Universe of books and comics. The dialogue is good as it hits the right notes with the relationship of this Master and Learner and it is backed up with strong artwork. The issue is a setup issue and that's what it boils down to. Hopefully things will pick up in the coming issues.

"Obi-Wan and Anakin" produces a second issue that brings more danger to the pair, but also brings more characters into the fray. The pair find themselves with warring rivals. This leads them to attempting to keep peace while trying to escape the hostile environment of native creatures and dangerous elements. The comic draws a lot of parallels between the current situation and the future of the Jedi, Sith and Obi-Wan and Anakin's relationship. It's a good read, especially if you are into expanding on the lead character's interactions that the films didn't cover. I'm not sure this book has a wider appeal because it is fairly average in terms of plot and excitement. Give it a shot.

Princess Leia is off to a decent but slow start. If the book had been condensed down 10 ten pages or so I think there could have been more of a first issue "wow" factor written into the back half. Instead all you really get is setup and not anything very interesting when you boil it down. The second issue will be very telling about the long-term prospects for this comic book. This is an okay read.

Princess Leia is proving to be a fun read. It's nothing groundbreaking and it's not too memorable but it entertains and that should be all you are looking for in a comic book. This particular issue utilizes the cast very well and sets up some character dynamics for future issues. Nothing special but worth checking out if you are curious or a fan of the genre.

Princess Leia is an okay read with plenty of action and some bland characterizations with bold intentions. The plotting is fine but nothing that will be long-lasting in the Star Wars lore. The artwork could have used some overseeing with regards to character placements but nails the Leia "look", which counts for a lot. This is a read that the serious Star Wars fan, particularly the Leia fan, will enjoy but there isn't much in here for the casual reader. This is worth a glance.

I'm not sure where this comic book is going but I can guess that Vader is going to kill a lot of people. This first issue sets up a lot of the players for the endgame, but it does so at the expense of telling a self-contained and highly entertaining story. Overall, I found this to be an average to decent read. I hope the second issue captures the magic from the first Purge book.

Purge comics are a great idea. The concept of Vader hunting down the remaining Jedi is excellent. Some of the books are very good and some are not. I appreciate the ideas in this book and I think there are interesting elements here but I don't feel they came together the way they could have to make the comic book great. This is an above average, but entertaining nonetheless, read.

Super Dinosaur aims to be a fun comic book and it is a fun comic book. However, I was hoping for more of a personality from the title characters instead of the kid. Is this a problem? It's way too early to tell. The characters are there, the story is there and this comic introduces them all. It's just a matter of Kirkman getting everything off the ground and moving. This is a good start but the issue just didn't "wow" me all that much.

Superior Spider-Man is a good read. It doesn't feel like a "What If" title which is a plus. I found myself smiling at times but I also found myself bored at times. The book needs more traction next issue if I am going to stick with the title. This is an average to decent book.

I guess I have unrealistic expectations with these anniversary issues. I expect them to be large on content to justify the $5 cover price and I expect them to be memorable in some way. For example, Batman #500 debuted the new costume and outlook of the stand-in Batman, Jean-Claude Valley. It was unforgettable, especially the cover. This issue doesn't quite measure that. It tells three nice stories but there just isn't enough in here to get me excited about the future of the franchise or to rationalize the cover charge.

Superman Unchained is a good read. I'm not sure where this book is going. Snyder gives an interview answer in the back that he is telling the one Superman story he wants to tell. Given that, it seems like the book will drift into greatness in no time. I recommend checking this comic out.

Superman Unchained is a dense read. It's packed with villains and potential villains, but the story just isn't connecting in the epic way that Snyder's Batman has. The book has some room to grow before it can live up to the creator's names, but I am hopeful that will occur. This is an average to good read.

Superman Unchained is a lot like any other Superman story. There are some brains behind something sinister plot, in this case General Lane, and some muscle to execute it, in this case WRAITH. There isn't much in here that doesn't read like a Hulk comic or countless other Superman stories. With the character of Superman being so lifeless there isn't a lot to hold on to here. Hopefully the next issue will pick things up again.

With the introduction over now the story has to take over. This issue does a good job of showing how the series is going to be made up. It's got action and some mystery to it, which should be good enough for now. However, unless we get a handle on the characters and what makes them tick this series may not fulfill my needs for this franchise. This was a moderate start.

Ten Grand has some ideas here in the first issue. The story doesn't feel too original but it doesn't feel completely tired either. The plot isn't fully cooked but there is enough in here to show the main character's general motivation. I'm not sure this book gets a second look without the creators attached but I am definitely willing to see where this is going. This is a decent read.

Tooth and Claw is a great first issue because of the price and the page count. It becomes a huge win with the stellar artwork within the book. The story is not going to be everyone's cup of tea. I wasn't sucked into story and I'm not sure if that is because I found the book to be overly wordy or if the subject matter just isn't something that I'm into. However, at this price you should pick the book up and take a chance on it. You might find out you love this book. Check it out.

The Names is a good comic. It's not a great one and it isn't one that feels too original but the issue is a good read. This is a series to keep your eye on. Whether you like single issues or collected editions from Vertigo I believe this series will be one you will want to own before it's all said and done.

Opening issues are tough for a mini series. There is so much ground that has to be covered while getting the story under way. It's nearly impossible to achieve this with four main characters, all with their own plots. However this comic book establishes everything that's needed to tell a good story while setting up enough for the rest of the series. If you are looking for something completely different, something that deals with real life for young adults then this issue is worth picking up.

Half way done with the series and we begin to understand what the war is about. Perhaps learning the character's motivations will help me to feel more of a connection to them but at this point my lasting memory of this story is the concept and the artwork. I don't think fans of Hickman are going to be disappointed at all but I am not sure this book is going to be for everyone.

This mini-series is probably targeting a niche market of readers. You've probably read a lot of comics that provide super heroes in a real life setting and there is some of that to some degree. The comic seems to cater to World War II battle and political buffs but other readers might pick this up and enjoy it. I recommend giving this a try.

The Tattered Man was a fun read. Was it worth the five dollar cover charge for about thirty-five pages of story? Maybe, maybe not, especially in the current market, but if you take a chance on it you will most likely enjoy it. I think if you like World War II, revenge stories, or just horror in general you should pick this up.

There you have it: nine, eight page stories for eight bucks. Some are great ones while most are average. The comic is a good read that will leave you satisfied but it probably isn't the kind of comic book you will read over and over again. Check it out if you have a light list some week.

"This Damned Band" is a comic book that follows a 1970s band through their documentary. The band has a stage persona and a completely different one when the cameras are off. The comic book stumbles when trying to provide distinct character voices but excels with the artwork. A comic book that has this many good ideas in it shouldn't be this difficult to get into and I felt this was because of the bland characterizations. This is one to check out but probably is going to cater to fans of the creators or readers that are into the rock band genre. Give this a look.

"Transformers: Combiner Hunters" is a one-shot that seems to cater to the readers of the main Transformers title. This issue introduces a new Combiner and gives some focused time on three of the female characters. The plot and execution leave a little to be desired but the comic is an okay enough read. The artwork helps to keep the pace up in this book and presents a nice story. Overall, this is a decent book but not an essential one unless you are tracking first appearances.

Dark Cybertron pushes the cast forward into the beginning of this story. Not a ton happens beyond getting the characters together and making them discover the mystery that will lead to the threat. The characterizations seem watered down for the larger audience but that should only affect the diehard reader. This is worth checking out.

Umbral is a book that is full of surprises. The book appears to have a much larger plot that has yet to unfold but this is a pretty good introduction to the characters and the first initial problem. I liked the book and I think this is something to pick up and give it a try. I am interested to see where all of this is heading.

Undertow is a politically charged science-fiction book. It uses a lot of real-life components but puts them in a new setting. The comic features two characters, one of which is a very grisly and interesting one. The book has a lot of potential but it is clear this issue is meant to simply begin the long story rather than shock and awe the reader. This is the ground floor to something that will probably have a bigger payoff down the road.

Veil is one of those opening issues that is simply the first chapter of a collection. First issues are difficult enough to start off with a bang but when it's a finite story then it generally can't provide the story to give you a satisfactory single issue. That's why you have to gut it out and hope the payoff comes by the end of the arc or mini. The artwork is certainly enough to draw any reader back for a second issue and Rucka obviously is a name that brings a lot of success along for the ride. That should be enough to pick up this book even if the first issue isn't quite a compelling read by itself.

Having heard about this mini series months ago I have been looking forward to picking this issue up. I can't say I was blown away by the issue but I was very impressed with the introduction of the series' gimmick and the main characters. I am hoping this mini series has a story that will take the reader on a wild ride. This issue just didn't deliver that level of story. However, I'm on board for the next one and I think that's a good thing for an introductory issue to do: bring the reader back for more.

I'm not sure I plan to pick up the next mini-series for this character. I believe this issue was compromised solely to prolong the franchise, which is a shame. It just seems like this issue was supposed to the payoff but essentially ends like the Wizard of Oz where there is just some little guy behind the curtain. I liked the series and plan to re-read it but the conclusion left something to be desired based on the level of storytelling in the first four issues.

I liked this book but didn't fall in love with it. Mostly because I felt like too much of this story had been told in a similar flavor in the pages of Captain America. Sure, the details are different but for the most part I felt like I had already read this book. This doesn't mean it isn't a good work because it is. I am also sure that this book will take twists that previous arcs never took which is what you come to expect from Brubaker. I think if you enjoyed Brubaker's stories of Bucky before and you like spy stories then this is the book for you.

The new volume of Wolverine opens with an issue that is a direction shift for the character but tries to drag in all that came before in the previous volume. It seems to cater to the readers of the old volume which is perfectly fine. I'm not sure the curious reader is going to find this book as inviting as the #1 seems to imply. It's worth taking a look at.

This book has possibilities. I wasn't thrilled with the slower nature of the book but I do like the general direction of the story. It stays away from ninjas, assassins and the X-Men and just presents the man, which is a good approach for this comic. Overall, this is worth a look if you a fan of Wolverine and are looking for something different.

Wytches is a book that gives you a very entertaining read for three bucks. The question now is whether this book will go the slow-burn route or if it will quickly explore the horrors in the woods. Time will tell how this comic book does but this is a pretty good start.

X-Club is a niche team. I'm not sold on the characterization of Cyclops in here but perhaps he will snap out of it now that the team is in danger. I would like to see more of the personalities of the X-Club team develop in this series because as of now it seems like it weighs way too heavily, though understandably, on Nemesis. This was a decent start to the mini-series.

X-Men Second Coming is setting up the ending, despite the fact that it is still four issues off. This comic book finds Cyclops launching his last ditch effort to end the invasion. Cyclops is going to have to live with some hard decisions if this all works out but it makes for some good drama in this issue. I've been waiting for this crossover to suck me in like Messiah Complex did three years ago. And this issue was close, but not close enough.

This issue isn't terrible. Its executed fine but there just isn't much of a story to tell here. Cable brings back X-Force, Cable's wounded, Hope fights Bastion and uses her powers. It almost doesn't feel like it could fill six pages but it's been stretched out way too thin. Besides that, we really don't get any sort of explanation on any of this to fill in the blanks. I struggle thinking that this is the big finish to such a long story. It's shaping up that if you skipped the single issues for the trade to come out you won because you really aren't missing much with this story.

"Darth Vader" is not a classic book. This issue falls into a lot of the pitfalls that previous Darth Vader comics have hit. There is plenty of action, but poor characterization of Vader as they pertain to the films. The book plays well with some characters but poorly towards others. Many readers will probably find this to be a fun read but nothing terribly memorable. Give it a shot. You might love it.

Darth Vader isn't going to break any barriers. It's pretty clear we are going to get more of what we've seen in the movies but that's okay. A Vader comic book constructed like this is entertaining and visually beautiful and that's really all you need in a comic book. If you like the genre I think you are going to love this comic book.

Expanding the cast in Darth Vader is what this issue is about. Pieces are being moved into place but Vader's motives still remain extremely cloaked. Adding an evil pair of Threepio and R2 is a great idea that will hopefully have a nice payoff as the series progresses. This book struggles with capturing the essence of Darth Vader and takes too long with the Indiana Jones parody as it introduces Doctor Aphra. However, the artwork helps to make the issue standout. Overall this is a decent comic book to check out.

Darth Vader has a lot going for it. This particular issue pushes a major plot development forward that will have many readers curious about the next issue. However, much of this issue feels too easy and unimaginative as Vader and friends explore Geonosis, find what they want and leave the place in a hurry. There just isn't enough in here for twenty pages of story unfortunately. I'm still not sold on the characterization of Vader, but it is possible that his supporting cast carries the book. Time will tell how the creators handle this balance. This was an average read.

"Darth Vader" has so much potential. The comic has a good supporting cast, it has good ideas, but it is failing on the execution in too many spots. Having a consistent characterization of Vader is essential. How he acts, what he says and what he's capable of should be cornerstones across the line. This comic book confuses things instead of following a standard. The book throws some ideas out there that have potential but at the expense of using the characters that have been established in previous issues. This comic book looks cool and might skate by on those merits but if you are looking for a complete read about Darth Vader then this is simply not it.

"Darth Vader" sets up a new plot in the back half of the book that shows the cunning side of Darth Vader. Unfortunately the front part of the comic book is a missed opportunity to develop Vader's character in a meaningful way when Vader visits Ben's shack and the Lars farm. These scenes could have been great scenes mixed with some flashbacks to provide some insight into Vader's head but fall well short of being anything other than an observation. The book has some great artwork that helps the comic to keep up a nice pace. Overall, this is a very average comic book that could have been something special.

"Star Wars: Darth Vader" tries to provide a heist followed by the set up for the next plot in the same issue and it doesn't work. The front part of the comic is exciting and provides a twist while the book then slows to a halt setting up the plot to come in the next issue. The comic might read fine in a collected edition but is a messy read for a single issue. The artwork in the comic book is certainly something special to look at but it isn't enough to make this comic book a winner.

"Vader Down" continues in this issue of "Darth Vader" with another excellent installment. Vader takes down more and more Rebels while Han and Leia debate how to handle Luke being missing in action. The artwork takes this issue to another level as it presents a detailed and polished look that is as good as you'll ever see in a Star Wars comic. The crossover has four parts remaining and is shaping up to be a classic in the making. I definitely recommend this comic book.

"Darth Vader" brings a fast read with the fourth part of "Vader Down." The comic is entertaining and is supported by realistic and lively artwork. The comic doesn't really move the plot forward much and feels like a filler issue. Overall, the comic is not as strong as the previous parts in this storyline but is worth giving a try,

"Darth Vader" opens a new arc with an issue that is very new reader friendly. The comic gives some setup from The Emperor, it provides some action and a little bit of Vader being intimidating. It's a solid read. However, there isn't anything new in here. In fact, a lot of the plot seems like it could easily fit in with Lando and Bespin had Bespin been a resource that the Empire needed. The comic is an average read, but if you are looking to jump onto this comic then this is a perfect issue for that and there is something to be said for that. Give is a shot.

The comic book entertains and drives home the key points well. Batman is in pain and he is using anger to express his feelings. Batgirl is losing her grip on her costume life and is looking for some sort of reconciliation with anyone willing to listen. The book is a good read and I think it brings the two worlds together nicely.

The DC one-shots have not been that good thus far. However, this one proves that when a story is done in a manner that is accessible but still appealing to those consistent readers then you will have a comic that has the potential to reach a broader audience. This book definitely is one to pick up if you are a Batman fan, a Two-Face fan or if you just curious about the cool covers. I recommend tracking this one down.

My hope is that the McKillen thread will see more usage in the coming issues and that this Two-Face origin will be straightened out a little more as well. If you don't look too closely at the Two-Face origin then hopefully you will find the issue more enjoyable than I did. The book shifts gears too violently in this comic and the shift is not a good one at all. If the book's focus stayed more on McKillen and the present plot I think it would have been a great read.

Batman and Two-Face seem to take a bit of a backseat with Erin McKillen and I think that is a good thing. I almost prefer that Two-Face fade into the background for the rest of the arc as it seems she is a good match for Batman. This issue is a solid read and one to pick up if you are interesting in seeing a different, non-costumed, Batman villain.

Bitch Planet is a good first step. The book needs room to breath and fold in all of the themes that it seems to want to tackle. What I wonder about is if there will be a character that can rise above the others that will help push this book over the top to become a must read. This is a series to watch. I recommend checking this out.

Bitch Planet is proving to be a good read. It has a lot of elements that feel similar to that of Hunger Games but it has a sharper edge so far. This is a comic book worth picking up and checking out. It won't be for everyone but you will be entertained if you read it. I recommend checking this out.

Bitch Planet is an ambitious book. I know this because of the back matter and not necessarily from what I read and see in the comic. I'm expecting some more character development and world building to help put this book's puzzle together. This issue is an okay read for those that have read the first two issues. New readers probably won't see anything in here that they haven't seen before. Give it a look regardless.

This comic is a Flash vehicle and to a lesser extent, a JLA tie in. If you are looking for the meat of the war of light or the plot behind the Black Lanterns then absolutely skip this issue. Just because the master is revealed in this issue doesn't mean this issue is a must for the storyline. If you like Barry Allen, Mera, The Atom, and some others like Atom Smasher then you might like this issue. Otherwise there just isn't much in this comic book to justify the price tag or hype.

Blackest Night found its way into a story that's now unpredictable thanks to this issue. This is definitely a comic book worth checking out as most of the main heroes of the DCU have some piece of representation here. Maybe if so many of DC's characters hadn't died over the years this new plot twist wouldn't be such a problem. Oh well. There must be someone who can help them out, right?

This comic book contains some terrific dialogue whether it's from Lex Luthor, Sinestro or Ganthet and this makes the comic flow very nicely. The artwork has all kinds of surprises on various pages and makes the comic book worth a read. The story is strange because the comic book gives no reason to feel that the villains are anything to fear or even that they would be difficult to defeat. This is what prevents the comic book from achieving a "can't miss" status. One other item of note is that the letter at the back of the issue points readers towards a website called inblackestnight.com for character bios. This is something DC should have advertised much earlier as it would have made following the obscure tie-ins much easier. This is a decent comic book but it is not worthy of the blockbuster event tag it's been given.

I can see how a lot of people are going to love this comic. It has a lot big speeches and lots of flashy artwork. No one knows how to build up his pet characters like Geoff Johns. However, as a story, this comic book really only ends the Nekron threat that, to me, never felt like a threat in the first place. I look forward to getting back to basics with the core Green Lantern titles.

The first issue was a fairly fast read. There isn't a curveball until the very end as the issue serves as a set up more than anything else. At least Layman gives you a taste of what to expect from Godzilla and that's a good thing. This series has the potential to be great and the first issue is only the tip of the iceberg.

Godzilla is a niche genre. The basics of the book are that monsters destroy stuff, preferable Tokyo. Layman gives his spin with a unique story backed up by tremendous visuals. Overall, I was looking for a little more monster on monster action (I mean I would have settled for one panel of Godzilla biting Rodan) but this issue provides some level of excitement. I liked the character work done in the issue and I think things are set up nicely for another round. Hopefully there is one in the works. I enjoyed the issue and I think any fan of the genre or of monsters or science fiction in general would like this issue and series. I recommend checking this book out.

As far as spin-offs go, this one doesn't appear to be at all essential to the main story. However, as a fan of either character then you will definitely want to pick this book up, especially if the revised origin sticks to the continuity. The book is light on action after the opening but gives a lot of in-depth character focus on both characters, but mostly through Stark's eyes. This is a good comic and a good start to this mini-series.

Whether you like the reinventing of the origin of Hulk or not this comic book is certainly weaving a good story into an established tale. The book is mostly set in the current time as Banner and Stark are trying to sort through the memory bomb that occurred in the Original Sin mini-series. When you read this book and then re-read the beginning of the previous issue the pieces are beginning to fall into place. This is a solid comic book to pick up.

It will be very interesting to see where things land when this mini-series completes. Based on the cliffhanger the next issue could be a complete game-changer. Either way, this issue gets Hulk and Iron Man fighting and sets the anger level to 'high' for Banner and the panic level to 'high' for Stark. This is worth picking up.

Original Sin is an odd event. This mini-series really had potential to change the Hulk and Iron Man's histories in a meaningful way but it stops short of that. There are some decent ideas in here and a couple of nice punches but there isn't anything worth remembering after you've read it. If you are a fan of either character then this is a good comic to pick up. If you are looking to complete the event then this mini-series can be skipped.

A lot of people are going to pick this issue up for speculative reasons, whether because it is a number one issue from Image or because it has hopes of a TV show. A lot of people will pick it up because of the creators involved, particularly Kirkman. However, this is a very good comic book and a great read. If you like self-enclosed stories that provide a heavy return on your investment then give this book a try regardless if you like horror books or not. This is one to pick up and enjoy the ride.

Outcast is definitely a horror comic book. While this issue feels almost like a depressing, slice-of-life kind of comic book the tone set by the art makes the reader understand that this is a dark and scary series. This issue is a much slower read than the previous issue. While setting up plot lines for future issues seems like a great idea, does it come at the expense of this issue? Is it too much? We'll have to see how the threads connect in future issues to determine the answers.

Make no mistake, the first issue of this series was fantastic. Kirkman has since drifted both in focus and in technique of delivering his story and it is not working. This comic may turn itself around before the first arc is done but as an individual issue goes this left me with an empty feeling. If you pick this up you are taking a leap of faith that this will all make sense down the road.

Outcast is slowing down too much for my tastes. If you like horror and slow burn stories then you should be good to go with this and every issue. However, I think the characters don't feel very unique or interesting and that could be a problem no matter how much you like the genre and storytelling techniques used. A good read as part of an arc but a little too slow for a single, solitary read.

Star Wars is at its best when there are great characters and plenty of action. This book delivers all of one and some of the other. If this arc heads in the direction I think its heading then it seems the character focus will come back fairly soon. This is a good start to what looks to be a pivotal, if not the climatic, mini-series.

Dawn of the Jedi started as an epic but concludes in what feels like a race to the finish line. The ending is satisfactory for some of the characters involved in terms of their fates but there are too many question marks to make this a comprehensive ending. When you finish a story and think to yourself, "that's it?" then you know you have a problem.

This series and arc is off to a good start. If you have been clamoring for more comic books set before the Clone Wars then you will not be disappointed. This book contains action, tension, confrontation and a good plot opening, which add up to an entertaining read. I definitely recommend checking this book out.

I like this series. I like the story as well as the characters. The elements to tell an excellent story are all here, but the issue just isn't quite hitting the stride I expect it to be hitting. Perhaps as the arc unfolds more we will get more greatness instead of just "goodness". I think Star Wars fans will be pleased with this issue. There is a lot to like in here.

Millar is taking a slower approach to Kick-Ass this time around. He can afford that luxury because he's already got himself a core audience as does the book. It's hard to say where this story is going but the first issue presents a good story with a good setup of many of the major characters. I'm sure Millar has plenty of surprises for the reader in the coming issues.

Kick-Ass is a book that pushes the boundaries. This arc doesn't seem to have a terribly interesting story but Millar is making the most of the characters he's rolled out. It seems like there aren't a whole lot of books on the stands that jams this much entertainment into twenty-four pages and is only three bucks. I definitely recommend picking this up.

Millar isn't making this series terribly clear so far. The main villain is so rich and powerful it simply doesn't add up that he can't do whatever he wants, whenever he wants to Dave. However, this isn't the kind of comic book that you are reading because it makes sense. You are most likely reading it because of the shock and awe factor and this book has it. This is definitely a guilty pleasure and this issue brings the violence just like the others. I recommend checking this out. It's a wonder Millar can sleep at night.

Kick-Ass 2 is going to end with a huge brawl and there is going to be plenty of death and plenty of shockers. This is not that issue. This issue is your average Mark Millar comic book unfortunately, but that is still better than many, many others.

I loved the first Kick-Ass series. It was magic. This series was too long and ended with a very unsatisfactory finish. You have a character whispering up five stories while a riot is going on and someone on the roof is supposed to hear him? That's odd. I wish I could recommend the book for the violence, but I simply can't. This was a big disappointment.

Captain America is a very good start to what will hopefully be a fantastic run. If this book follows the pattern that Remender has put out with Fear Agent and Uncanny X-Force then this issue is going to prove vital down the road. I suggest giving this a shot and settling in for a Captain America you probably haven't seen before and didn't know you ever would.

Captain America feels like a slow read and that might be because this book is monthly whereas things like All New X-Men ship every other week. Remender is building up his characters and supporting players. I suspect things are about to pick up in a big way. I'm sticking with this book because I am fan of the direction, but as far as individual issues go, this one is slightly above average.

Captain America is being taken to places he's not seen in a long time. The book has all the right parts to make for an epic story but it just isn't firing. It's a perfectly decent story but is missing the mark from being something special. Perhaps the reason is the book feels too much like an elseworld's story. Whatever the reason, I expect greatness from this creative team and we haven't reached it yet in this title.

Captain America, the title, has some challenges. The long story that Remender is telling requires a leap of faith because the book appears to be out of continuity. However, his character work can't be denied and that has helped to make the comic enjoyable. This particular issue is one of those pay off issues where the drama comes to a head. This is a good comic book.

Captain America has been in Dimension Z for nine issues. It was overdue that he returned to Earth. He's going to be a very changed man as a result and hopefully those stories will make use of the turmoil from these issues. This is a straightforward super hero story that puts down a foundation for a very mentally spent Cap to return to Earth. Hopefully this series will use this issue as a springboard to bigger things.

Captain America leaves Dimension Z with an awful lot of baggage. This is going to give Remender plenty to play with in the coming arcs. While the issue is a science fiction delight the overall story felt too much like an 'alternate worlds' kind of book. The danger seemed too fictional (even for the characters) making the read feel in a way ordinary. I recommend picking up this issue and the entire run if you really like some Captain America/science fiction stories. I enjoyed this and I can't wait to see where Remender takes Cap from here.

This issue has a lot going for it. Tomasi has excellent command of the cast and the character of Guy Gardner has been long overdue for an ongoing. The book is using major supporting characters from previous mega arcs. The comic seems to have a very good story to tell right off the bat. The only negatives are that the cover charge is $4 and that it seems like the book might be taking more of a slow burn approach which may seem to go against its lead character's norm. This was a decent start though and there is certainly a lot to like in here.