Kyle Charles and Jay Fotos' artwork is spot-on; serving up the close-up gore we've come to expect from a '68 series.

'68 Homefront is worth your dinero, and it's a good jumping-on point for new readers

'68 has proven to be a fun title, but Homefront #4 just fails on creating any empathy.

Dynamite Entertainment's A Game of Thrones is a solid read; even though as a monthly the pacing seems slow.

If you're new to the cartoon series, you may find yourself a bit stranded in the world of Ooo, but not entirely lost. Because these stories were written for a very young target audience, they're easy to follow, but you have to be open to the idea of reading a children's cartoon plastered in the pages of a comic.

AoA is a title that is well-deserving of praise, but unfortunately doesn't go out on top.

It's obvious Hitch, Neary and Mounts can illustrate a story surrounded by catastrophe. Many of their panels include stunning backdrops of Ultron's massive base hovering over Earth; so much detail and attention has been paid to the artwork, making this story one that you should be reading.

Age of Ultron has assembled a fantastic art team, and their talent continues to show in book three. The heroes carry a worn look, and the city landscapes scream devastation. As of now, Age of Ultron is living up to it's hype.

Age of Ultron seems to have slowed its pace between this chapter and the last, but at least now we know where Bendis is going with this. Chapter 5 features little action; with a brief double-splash page of Ultron clones blasting away Austin, Texas. Sure, the artwork here is pretty cool, but it feels as if the scene was forced in the book just for a quick dramatic effect.

AU #6 is hands-down the best chapter of the core series; Bendis' cliffhanger is a real shocker as well.

Although at a slower pace, Age of Ultron was on to something special. Unfortunately, the series is beginning to plummet into oblivion with Ulton himself. Patterson and Pacheco's artwork does bring life to the story, adding a degree of visual appeal to partially make up for a dull story. I'll stick around for the next issue of Age of Ultron because I've invested the time into it already, but let's keep our fingers crossed that Bendis will pack more of a punch than what we've seen with book seven.

Although Age of Ultron #8 may not be the best chapter of the core series, I still have faith that Bendis will turn this story around with book nine.

Although the issue's ending may not be all that intriguing, Bendis creatively uses book ten to set the stage for several spin-off AU series, including Hunger, Avengers A.I (yes, another Avengers title. Check out our preview here.), a Guardians of the Galaxy tie-in, and a follow-up issue to book ten"Age of Ultron #10A.I.

AU #10A.I serves as a one-shot story, and it's by no means necessary to understand the series' events. This book is slow and just flat out boring. The AU core series concluded with dramatic flair, unfortunately this issue does the story little justice, practically slowing its pacing to a grinding halt. At least artists Andre Lima Araujo and Frank D'Armata do a fine job illustrating the book with frantic expressions and slid action panels. For the hefty price tag of four bucks, I'd reconsider picking up this book if I had the chance.

Luna has a winner on his hands with Alex + Luna, so do yourself a favor and pick yourself up a copy this week.

All-New Captain America #3 isn't going to blow you away by any means, but the series itself is still worth following.

Doop #1 could have a higher approval rating if it had a smaller price tag, but the series is one worth following, just for the poops and giggles alone.

Writer Brian Michael Bendis' All New X-Men had a strong start, but now 11issues into the storyline featuring the old and present X-Men is starting to run its course, leaving little to anticipate and capture our attention. Issue #11 tries to hook us with the surprise of which original X-Man chooses to join Cyclops' crew, but we've already seen that Angel made this decision in the pages of Uncanny X-Men. Hence, the book leaves little to the imagination; it's like having your surprise birthday party ruined by because your best friend who organized the party accidentally included you on the invitation email.

The strength of this book lies within Bendis' examination of a real-life parallel when people target minority groups out of fear and anger. It's not a bad concept; at least we can see some thought-provoking insight within the plot. The problem is the action itself.

All New X-Men #35 is forgettable at best.

If you're into epic sci-fi stories, then Top Cow's latest series, Aphrodite IX, is for you. If you're not necessarily a sci-fi fan, but enjoy creative plot and character development teamed with eye-catching artwork, well, then this title is for you as well.

If you're a serious Batman fan, then you may feel a sense of loyalty to this series, otherwise; Arkam Manor can be easily trumped by the current Batman series.

Written by Robert Venditti"who has time and time again delivered high-quality explosive storytelling in this series"Armor Hunters #1 wastes no time bringing the ruckus on an all-out cataclysmic scale. Venditti masterfully constructs a powerful story with purpose and ease. The dialogue never stalls, and neither does the action.

Artists Doug Braithwaite and Laura Martin illustrate an action-packed and vibrant book; they're the ideal pair to deliver the series' stunning conclusion. All hail Aric of Dacia. Armor Hunters #4 is a winner.

Armor Hunters: Aftermath #1 is well worth your dinero, so be sure to hop on board this train that will surely deliver more excitement.

Harris is the perfect fit for this mini-series; he understands that what makes Bloodshot such a fan favorite is that he dishes out beatings just about as much as he takes them. Make room for Armor Hunters: Bloodshot #1 this week"you don't want to miss this crossover event that's shaping up to be more entertaining than what we're seeing with the Big Two.

Armor Hunters: Harbinger #1 is pretty good overall, but you won't be missing out on a big part of the crossover event if you pass on this one.

Niles wittingly blends humor with gore in this book, making the character seem pompous but in a likeable way. Ash's references to everyday retail phrases while kicking butt is flat out funny. For the debut of a horror series, Ash and the Army of Darkness packs a dramatic punch with plenty of spilled blood.

Artists Matteo Buffagni and Renato Arlem illustrate a pretty cool book with Astonishing X-Men #1; their characters are rugged and their panels capture the story's chaotic feel. The X-Termination crossover event may be off to a slow start, but the story is picking up its pace.

Astonishing X-Men #61 features a large team of talented artists, but this leads to a lack of consistency among the characters. Although this chapter of X-Termination has its flaws, it's still a step up from the prior installments.

Avengers & Axis #8 has its share of sparkling moments; such as a heroic last request that only Carnage could cook up, and a cliffhanger that is an odd but fresh sight featuring two of the publisher's eldest archenemies. Keep Yu on board to wrap up the series, and we got the making for an epic conclusion.

Hickman already delivered us an all-out brawl last issue, so he now slows the pacing a bit to focus on the book's characters"and it's fantastic. Check out Avengers #19, you'll be glad you did.

Writer Jonathan Hickman's book is still worth grabbing; it just moves too quickly without paying enough attention to potentially interesting story lines. For instance, the heroes' momentum was soaring with the rallying cries of the Accusers after Infinity #4, but quickly loses steam in this chapter. Oh, and where the heck is Thanos in his goons in all of this? Artist Leinil Francis Yu continues to draw a hell of a book; he was born to create eye-popping suspense. Hickman is the master of sci-fi, so be sure to keep up with the Infinity saga.

Avengers 24.Now is a strong debut to its All New Marvel-Now banner. Pick it up this week and be a part of the time-weaving, intergalactic fun.

Avengers Assemble #14AU serves as a solid background piece outlining catastrophic events that take place prior to the first issue of Age of Ultron, but it's not a must-read in order to follow the core series. Ewing drives the story along through Natasha's inner-dialogue, providing some sense and logic to her actions. The story deals more with her inner-conflict of being brave when she's petrified, surrounded by the demise of San Francisco.

As an avid comic reader, I understand the entertainment value of suspense, but with so much time and money invested into the AU core series and its tie-in books, something's gotta give! Butch Guice and Frank D'Armata make an awesome team for this issue; they know how to lay out intense action panels with ease. Avengers Assemble is one of the better AU tie-in books, and it has enough character development to make it a solid stand alone story.

Avengers World #1 is nothing to write home about, but with Hickman's wide imagination, it should be worth sticking around to see what he has up his sleeves to give this title more of a punch.

This Carnage mini-series is off to a strong start, and just might be on its way to trumping al other Carnage miniseries we've seen in recent years (yeah, let's forget about Carnage USA).

You don't' need to be a longtime Batman fan to enjoy this book, and for old fans alike, the action itself should satisfy. Batman Eternal #1 is a winner; stick around as Geeks Unleashed covers this series next week.

The book's artwork is dark and edgy, ideal for a grim story. Although not explosive, Batman Eternal #2 is a step in the right direction in making this title one of the better New 52 books.

Snyder and Tynion are shifting the story's focus back to Batman, as we see the G.C.P.D. set its target on him. Batman Eternal #3 loses some momentum from its previous issues, but the series is still off to a strong start.

DC Comics latest issue of its newest Batman weekly series takes the plot in a completely new direction; and one that's not so exciting.

Batman Eternal #8 features unsung heroes and crafty villains, making for a wild read. Artists Guillem March and Tomeu Morey illustrate hefty and vibrant panels, incorporating everything from shoot-em-up drive-by shootings to Batman opening a can of whoop-ass on some sorry fools. Batman Eternal #8 is the best chapter of the series as of yet, so pick yourself up a copy this week.

The creators are revving up the action with quick dialogue and shattering artwork; making Batman Eternal #10 one of the best issues so far in the series. Artists Riccardo Burchielli and Dave McCaig illustrate wild fight panels; particularly when Batman storms Pyg's torture chamber. With clever storytelling and fists flying in all directions, there's a lot to like in this book.

The problem with Batman Eternal is that it's becoming incredibly inconsistent, and issue #11 is the perfect example of this pattern. The book jumps back and forth between different subplots, but none of them particularly interesting.

The writers have established an intriguing start to Gotham's trial of the century, so make sure you're there to check it out.

Victor Santos' pencils and Adam Metcalfe's colors combine for a visually intriguing book; one that blends flashbacks with the current state pretty nicely.

Bloodhound: Crowbar Medicine has the potential to be one of the best mini-series of the year, so be sure to check it out.

Devoting page time to create emotional stock within their characters while pausing the action, Gage and Dysart know how to write a good story without relying so much on explosive sequences. Emanuela Lupacchino's vivid vision of the script is put to pencils with finesse and ease, making this a fun read. If you haven't followed this title, now's a great time to hop on the Bloodshot train. Bullet-proof vests required.

Artists Mike Bowden and David Curiel illustrate the heck out of this book, with plenty of detailed imagery coupled with more fluorescent colors than a Cirque du Soleil show. BubbleGun is off to a solid start, so check it out.

If you're looking to add some high-powered suspense to your comic shopping list, then look no more. Roslan packs his story with quick doses of action with every page, allowing for a fast-paced and interesting story.

Writer Rick Remender has showcased his brilliance for making this a sci-fi series, packed with enough action to keep us on our toes. His twist in this book is completely unexpected, paving the way for more Marvel U characters to jump in the mix in the fight against Zola, specifically the Avengers.

I've been saying this for over a year now: Captain America is one of the best, at least top five, comics rounding out the Marvel lineup. Writer Rick Remender's insane creativity continues to rocket Steve Rogers' adventures to another level, or as we've seen, another dimension.

Cluster, combines the gore of Starship Troopers and the suspense of Aliens

Regardless, Crossed +100 is a fresh jumping on point for new readers. As for familiar readers of the series, the book delivers well on venturing out to new pastures. Artist Gabriel Andrade draws some crazy, hellish landscapes, which only add to the appeal of the book. Check out Crossed +100 #1 this week, and get ready to say, "wtf," aloud more than once.

Writer David Hine doesn't shy away from the gore that's made this series a cult hit. The plot is simple enough for newer readers to hop on aboard, and intriguing enough to make readers want to come back to see the fate of these buddies.

Ferrier's first chapter accomplishes a whole lot within less than thirty pages including just enough characterization and purpose. Now that's a talented writer at the helm.

You won't find any colors in this series, and that's for the better; the sketches only add to the realistic and dreary tone of the story.

Cutter is quickly shaping up to be a tingly treat this Halloween season. The writers use this chapter to throw a hell of a curve ball for the book's cliffhanger, making this series more than just a slasher story.

Cutter #4 caps off the miniseries quite nicely, so grab yourself a copy this week.

The characters are just too simple, and Cyclops appears out of his element; not to mention his constant whining to Jean Grey. Enough already we get it, you love her but don't know how to win her over just yet. Be as it may, because I have faith in Rucka, I'll give the series a couple more issues before closing the curtain.

The title transitions from serious to quirky with this book, with Daredevil chasing Martin "Buggit" Wigum after the miniature "garden gnome" has stolen a murder weapon from the police station. Incorporating flirty moments between Daredevil and the ladies, Lapham keeps his story moving quickly, with just enough dialogue to develop a larger plot in the fold.

Dark Ages #4 is a powerful and gloomy conclusion to a fun miniseries, reminiscent of writer Dan Abnett's series, The New Deadwardians. Artist I.H.J. Culbard has returned to team up with Abnett on this series, and the results are nothing short of compelling.

Burton and Bivens have made a heck of a splash, and they're quickly on their way to skyrocketing Dark Engine into a comic masterpiece not to be missed.

There's no doubt that artists John Bivens and Kelly Fitzpatrick are creating an insanely dark and twisted world for Dark Engine; one that's the perfect fit to portray civilizations' doom.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes #2 is a little jagged in its artwork, but overall it's a decent read, nothing more than that.

Featuring edgy artwork and dark tones along with a fresh take on superpowers, Death Sentence is worth sticking around to see what happens.

The insane amount of sex featured in the book seems overkill and distasteful, and even distracts from the plot at times (Hey, I'm no prude, but it's a bit much). Regardless, Death Sentence #4 is a solid read worth picking up.

Deathmatch #5 is a turning point for its plot, albeit a bit confusing, but this title has proven it's here to play in the big leagues of all comic titles.

What the hell is going on in this book? There's a ton of drama stemming from Daddy having done his family wrong years ago, but suddenly all sorts of newer characters are being thrown into the mix. Unfortunately for readers, if you haven't been following DC Comics' title Team 7, you may feel a little on the outside of an inside joke.

Here's the bottom line: if you're looking for some nonstop bloody thrills, then this is your book. Daniel emphasizes the point that Deathstroke is a one-man killing crew, and the man can take a beating, too. What makes Daniel's writing strong is that you don't need to have any prior knowledge of the character, so this is the perfect jumping on point.

The story perfectly reflects the Mexican holiday, reminding us that the dead are watching over us, especially our loved ones. Rossmo caps off the book with distorted imagery and crooked panels that only add to its dramatic flair. Dia De Los Muertos is perhaps the most terrifying read on the shelves right now, and it's packed with plenty of interesting moral lessons brought to life, courtesy of the dead.

Dia De Los Muertos has made its mark as one of the best mini-series we've seen this year in comics, so grab your nightlight, garlic, and rabbit's foot, and enjoy a fright-fest that's sure to make your spine tingle.

Right off the bat Kindt gives his characters purpose, and the way he blends two worlds is fresh and exciting. Divinity #1 is completely unpredictable and original; two necessary qualities of a hard-hitting series. Valiant has a knack for enlisting talented artists, and with so many vibrant panels in this book, it's clear the publisher has no problem investing in top-quality creators.

Cute. How often could I use that adjective to describe a comic? Sure, it's a bit emasculating, but that's the word I'm going with the describe Titan Comics' debut of Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor. Writers Al Ewing and Rob Williams deliver their fresh and funny take on the classic character, and the results impressive.

This book is intriguing enough to draw in new and veteran readers alike of the classic character, so give it a look.

The chemistry between the doctor and Gabby is funny and clever, making Morrison's handle of the script highly entertaining. This guy knows his characters, and he knows how to attract readers. Add in some cinematic artwork from Daniel Indro and Slamet Mujiono, and you got one very good comic on your hands.

With creepy landscapes and even creepier characters, Rossmo brings his A game to this book. The artwork combined with the story leaves us wondering exactly what's real and what's imaginary. Add DrumHellar to your list this week andget ready for a trip.

Master artist of the horror genre, Riley Rossmo, teams up with writer Alex Link to bring us the zany and cooky fourth chapter of Drumhellar. If you're in any way familiar with Rossmo's work (think Bedlam, Rebel Blood, Dia de los Muertos), then you know you're in for a fun trip"and I use the word "trip" loosely.

Moore's script is evenly balance with characterization, mystery, and action to make this series' debut a strong one. Newcomer artist Gus Storms' cartoony style is fits this sci-fi story well; his characters are full of emotion and his pencils have a quirky, fun look.

Daniel's story of two lovers torn apart amid chaos has all the potential to take the comic industry by storm. Artist Mehdi Cheggour's work is simply stunning. His pencils and colors are so engaging, you'll find yourself totally immersed in the book's suspense.

Enormous is off to an explosive start. Give props to 215 Ink for rounding up wildly imaginative creators; it's always nice to see the smaller guys in the game bring their big guns to a knife fight.

Eternal Warrior #1 is one of the best debut issues of the year, so be sure to add this one to your list this week.

Pak and Hairsine are quickly becoming a power team for a title that is already capitalizing on its potential to be fantastic. Pick up Eternal Warrior!

Artists Robert Gill and Guy Major illustrate an excellent chapter for this series"every page is dynamic and even gritty. Pak has set up Eternal Warrior to make its mark within the Valiant Universe, so be sure to stick along for the ride.

The collaboration of artists Cary Nord and Brian Reber is perfect for this book; Nord's character expressions paired with Reber's vibrant colors are trademark for the EW series we've seen, along with the X-O Manowar books. Check out Eternal Warrior: Days of Steel this week"it's one of the strongest debuts I've seen in a while.

If there's any title that should crack your pull list this week, it's this one. Eternal Warrior: Days of Steel is shaping up to be one of the better miniseries of the year.

Writer Peter Milligan wraps up his three-part series with a semi-uplifting and inspirational, albeit predictable, conclusion.

Fantastic Four #5AU writer Matt Fraction knocks one out of the park with his take on the Age of Ultron crossover through the eyes of Marvel's veteran superhero team the Fantastic Four.

The characters in this series have a lot of depth, making issue #14 another fantastic read. The combo between Sean Phillips jagged pencils and Elizabeth Breitweiser's colors bring this vintage tale to life; it's just too bad Fatale #14 is a standalone book, because it's one hell of an origin story.

Fatale #17 is as chilling as it is fun to read. Be sure to grab yourself a copy this week.

The strength of this book lies within Brubaker's stellar narration; it's incredibly descriptive, creating a creepy tone for the story.

Grab yourself a copy of one of Image Comics' best titles, and prepare to be seduced!

Although Fathom Annual lacks excitement in terms of suspense, it's still intriguing enough to make me want to learn more about Aspen Matthews' adventures.

Feathers #1 debuts with an equally fresh blend of intrigue and mystery, all wrapped up with popping colors. Corona is on to something cool here.

The book's artwork is fast-paced and full of expression; perfect for a story about vengeance. Godstorm: Hercules Payne, is an all-around solid story; one that I'll be around for when the second issue is released.

Wonderland : Age of Darkness One-Shot is a solid read, and packs enough suspense to keep me interested in what's to come.

This is a book about good vs. evil, I get that, but even the sidekicks are dull. The White Queen's "cat" seems like his only purpose is to lift up her spirits, and The Trickster, well, her name is as lame as her character. The book's artwork is nothing compelling, either.

Chapter two of writer Troy Brownfield's three-part miniseries, White Queen: Age of Darkness, is spotty in its entertainment value at best; with the characters lacking any real depth.

Writer Joshua Dysart successfully makes a sincere and noticeable effort to write his lead character as a truly motivated hero; Faith is as brave as she is lovable. She's unique, and that's clearly the effect Dysart was aiming for. Artists Robert Gill and Jose Villarrubia illustrate and fun and lively book; it directly reflects Faith's demeanor as a do-gooder.

Artists Chad Hardin and Alex Sinclair know how to illustrate a fun book, paying attention to smaller details such as comics and a tiny Rubik's cube falling out of Harley's sack as she cruises along the George Washington Bridge. Packed with humor and bursting colors, Harley Quinn #1 is worth grabbing this week.

Hellraiser Annual is worth grabbing if you're looking for a quick chiller but otherwise, it's nothing to trade your Reeses over.

Francesco Trigoli and Cris Peter team up to tag team a visually appealing book, filled with plenty of gore and intense facial expressions. Edginton is working on something specia with Hinterkind, we just need to remain patient. This title has the makings of a surprise hit of 2014.

Writer Joshua Dysart steers the role of a psiot in a new direction, giving any human the choice to activate their psiot powers in exchange for global humanitarian service. I have to say, I was never a big fan of Toyo Harada, but Dysart is taking his role to a whole other level, and it's a pretty damn good start.

Indestructible Hulk #9 is a solid read with talented artists at the helm, so pick it up and give it a look.

The artwork in this book is top-notch. Matteo Scalera's pencils give Hulk a crisp look, and Val Staples' colors truly are a feast for the eyes. Indestructible Hulk remains one of the better MarvelNow titles, and this one is still worth grabbing yourself a copy.

. Infinity #2 showcases stellar writing; the stuff all comics should be made of, including "wtf" moments galore with dramatic twists. The artwork is sleek and energized"decimation never looked so good. As for now, it's bad guys 2, heroes 0. Check this one out.

With so many characters involved and multiple subplots of which to draw attention, Hickman shows why he's the king of handling complex scripts. He finally gives Starbrand his moment to shine, and it's powerful both emotionally and physically. Artists Jerome Opena and Dustin Weaver make planet destroying look as cool as actual star-gazing; they're top-notch talent for a top-notch cosmic event. Infinity continues to deliver great story-telling and fantastic artwork, so be sure to check it out.

Infinity appears to be a big introduction leading into Marvel's next crossover event, Inhumanity. For such a well told story this series has been, this book ends too abruptly. The team of artists have illustrated a beautiful book, filling the panels with sheer madness. Infinity #6 is a strong read, but not worth the six bucks taking into account that it has a good amount of ads.

Writer Matt Kindt's story lacks excitement and originality, as if it's taken right out of the pages of The Hunger Games.

Inhumanity #1 wont knock your socks off in terms of suspense, but It serves as an entertaining jumping on point for Marvel's latest crossover. Medusa, Back Bolt's wife, adds an element of reader curiosity that examines her loyalty towards her husband. She should be an interesting character to follow.

Look, this is one of those books where the writer grips you by confusing you, making you want to come back for another hit in a month. At first I wasn't feeling the story, but, the more I think of it, it's dreariness and sense of urgency is something that I'm not currently seeing among comics right now.

We don't know much about the characters, so I don't want to rush to judgment on the series itself, but for a debut book, I'm not sold on its longevity. Aside from Ivar and Neela tossing around some one-liners, they're a little dull. The villains lack any serious threat factor, and the writer Fred Van Lente's cliffhanger made me yawn.

Jupiter's Legacy #1 is off to a hot start with a lot of promise to be one of the best mini-series of the year. We'll have to wait to see if it'll be worthy of such praise, but Millar and Quitely have collaborated to make an entertaining debut issue.

Frank Quitely's art is a strong selling point of the book, using broad panels with sharp pencils. Jupiter's Legacy is still in its early stages of comic life, so I wouldn't write it off yet. Issue #2 is still a solid read, and worth picking up.

The script is clever; the action is suspenseful. Millar also provides us a glimpse of the origins of the world's first superheroes, adding intrigue and mystery into an already thick plot. Frank Quitely's artwork is crisp, making this book an overall winner. Pick up Jupiter's Legacy #4 this week and start rooting for the underdog.

Accompanied with bland dialogue, the JLA heroes bicker away as they pound on bad guys, coming across irritating and just flat out annoying. Batman and Superman attack one another with lame offenses, each trying to one up the other in the annoying factor. The other characters aren't much more engaging.

Smaller publishers such as Dynamite have been putting out excellent titles for years, and Kings Watch only reaffirms their commitment to please readers. Sure, Marvel is stepping up its game with the Infinity crossover, Image releases high-quality titles seemingly without effort, DC tries hard to revamp its New 52, but be sure to look out for the smaller guy. Dynamite is putting out some good stuff. Kings Watch #1 is proof of that.

Packed with quickly paced suspense and dramatic art, fun is exactly what this book is. It's still too soon to see if Cobra is a formidable arch enemy, but this title is off to a strong start.

Packed with as much excitement and zaniness as your crazy intoxicated uncles on Christmas Eve, Krampus #1 is one heck of an entertaining story.

Give Black Mask Studios a look this week; something tells me this is a miniseries not to be missed.

With finely-tuned pencils, dreary colors, and a compelling script, Lazarus #1 makes a strong debut. Aside from the high-caliber quality of the book's creative team, you have to also appreciate the price tag of 3 bucks. This serves as another reason why you should be checking out Image Comics' titles"the publisher's support of creator-owned comics has been stellar. Pick up Lazurus #1 this week. After all, we didn't list it as #1 on our Top 10 Most Anticipated Comic Book Titles of 2013 for nothing.

With his unique take on the decimation of the world's economy, Rucka is clearly showcasing why he's one of the top talents in the business. Michael Lark's artwork is nothing short of gripping; as he creatively contrasts the surrounding of the wealthy and those of society's waste. Within just 3 issues, Lazarus is becoming one of the hottest titles on shelves right now.

Although the characters are lacking in emotional depth, with solid storytelling and gritty artwork, Lazarus #4 is still worth picking up.

Lazarus is becoming more of just a slice and dice comic; it's an exciting examination of the gap that separates the very wealthy and the very poor. Michael Lark's artwork is simply superb. He has a unique ability to tell a meaningful story within a matter of just a few dialogue-free panels. Way to go Image; Lazarus is a winner.

Rucka's character dialogue is clever and poignant, with plenty of suspenseful moments placed within the pages. Artist Michael Lark captures the gloom of the book with intensity, making Lazarus #7 a must-read.

Rucka is right on track in developing his characters with enough intrigue and uniqueness to propel Lazarus into one of the best titles under the Image banner. Michal Lark and Santi Arcas' arwork continues its gritty and dark depictions; ideal for a story about millions of people on the brink of survival. It's official"Lazarus is a hit.

Issue #11 is a chock full of tense moments, elaborate character development, and fantastic artwork.

As a comic fan, it's always nice to see creators carefully crafting their work, and to see publishers invest in high-quality paper for pages that don't rip from the staples"it shows an appreciation for the reader's hard earned money. Legend of the Shadow Clan is a hit in the making"now stop reading this review and go get yourself a copy!

Legend of the Shadow Clan is well on its way to be a contender for best new series of 2013, among all titles in the industry. Do yourself a favor and add this diamond in the rough of a comic to your pull list. Trust me, these kids are beginning to make Chuck Norris look like you as a kid when you earned your orange belt in karate class.

With drones exploding at every corner, ninja assassins on the hunt, and an everyday family uniting to save one another" there's a lot to like about this book. Unfortunately, Koji's character didn't have enough time to develop as a serious and credible threat, but Wohl's story still musters out a good deal of excitement. Legend of the Shadow Clan remains an all out fun read, so grab yourself a copy today.

Black Vortex is becoming slow and pointless, and Legendary Star-Lord #9 doesn't help its cause much.

Coupled with dramatic art and a solid plot, Lola has the potential to be an entertaining series. The mystery shrouding the terrorist attack leaves a gaping hole of excitement, and Lola herself has enough vigor to become a compelling lead character. I'll be sticking around for chapter two, and so should you.

I tried to like this creator-owned series. I really did. The big problem is that the plot isn't going anywhere interesting, and we're one issue away from the series' conclusion.

Similar to Zenescope's Robyn Hood series (right above you, silly), I haven't been all that crazy about Aspen Comic's six-part miniseries, Lola. Sure, it's got plenty of violence, action sequences, and betrayal (pretty much what you'd expect from a story set in a dystopian society), but it's been lacking in characterization and complex plot development. However, writer Siya Oum's conclusion tidies up any confusion with an emotional package of redemption.

The team of artists jam-pack pages of wild excitement, with explosive colors and expressions. Marvel's March to Axis is shaping up pretty nicely, and Bunn is evidently not about to slow down his pace any time soon.

Wood has a lesser-known gem on his hands here with this series, and with the incredible amount of suspense we're witnessing, Mara is quickly climbing the ranks to become one of Image's hottest titles.

Mara has become one of the most entertaining miniseries of 2013; it's just too bad the next issue will be the series' last.

Mara #6 may lack explosiveness, or any kind of dramatic feel for that matter, but that exemplifies Wood's purpose of examining how we make sense of our world. Ming Doyle and Jordie Bellaire have capped off a great miniseries with sleek artwork; no surprise there. Although a bit anti-climactic in terms of suspense, this is a book for the brain, not the fist.

Marvel Knights Hulk is well worth your four bills, and should crack your pull list this week.

Writer Joe Tyler's script just doesn't carry much umf to it, or at least not enough to propel Masumi into the forefront of the Zenescope universe. Unfortunately, the book's artwork is nothing to write home about. The characters' expressions are blank and stiff, leaving very little room for emotion. Maybe chapter two will have more bang to it, but Masumi: Blades of Sin #1 falls short of the mark.

If I could rate Men of Wrath with a "super required," you bet your ass I would.

Do yourself a favor and check out Men of Wrath #4 this week, and if you can, start from the beginning of the series. You wont be disappointed.

Ron Garney and Matt Milla's artwork has been consistently gripping throughout the duration of the series, and book five showcases the same level of gritty perfection of which we've grown accustomed.

Needless to say there's a ton of action in this book, with plenty of booms, kabooms, and pows to quench your thirst for comic violence.

Miles Morales just may be the coolest character currently under the Marvel banner, so don't miss out on Ultimate Spider-Man #5.

The Ultimate Spider-Man #9 should definitely crack your pull list this week.

Moore's characters are each carefully crafted, and each represent a flaw of mankind; making this book a thought-provoking and a rattling read in terms of reflecting on human nature. Nemo: Heart of Iceis all about characterization, upon which Moore has built his League of Extraordinary Gentlemen franchise. O'Neill's artwork is compelling, and he further captures the story's elements of the bizarre with a couple of splash pages featuring monsters with man-feasting tentacles and human-sized penguins. With Nemo: Heart of Ice, Moore and O'Neill have once again demonstrated why they've maintained prominence and longevity in the comic industry, and why we love reading comics.

The brilliance of New Avengers #9 rests with the brief glimpses we get into the various Order villains: they're equally evil and badass. Artist Mike Deodato is the perfect fit for this story about wreaking havoc across the cosmos"his pencils create a gloomy scene of devastation within each panel. Marvel's Infinity event is off to a strong start, so be sure to pick up New Avengers #9.

This book has little suspense value, but provides plenty of story depth for the events to follow. I have to wonder, however, why Black Swan has chosen to wait this long to tell the Illuminati what she knows. Artist Mike Deodato strengthens the book with his imposing figures, and Frank Martin's dark colors are captivating to the eye. Although New Avengers #12 offers little suspense, it's still worth picking up.

This issue is on the weaker side of what we've seen in the series, but as a whole, New Avengers is a title you should be following.

Aaron hits the ground running, offering snippets of dialogue that emphasize each character's distinct personality. With bold characters and strong personalities such as Gamora, Frank Castle, and Emma Frost, this series has a ton of potential to be an explosive hit.

Overall, Thor and Loki: The Tenth Realm has been a pretty good miniseries, and issue #3 propels the story with the right amount of intrigue that we'd expect from a war between two realms.

Plunder is just too early in its life to decide if it's going to be a knock-your-socks-off series, or just another story about zombies from a different perspective. Either way, issue #1 was entertaining enough to hold my attention for the next chapter.

Polarity #2 shows us that the series' creators have a lot in store for us, and reminds us yet again why we should be checking out titles outside of the big name publishers.

Issue #1 blends excitement with sheer creepiness as the story is narrating by a conversation between a butterfly and a poor little bunny rabbit who's had half his face blown away.

For decades now, The Punisher has been ripping to shreds criminal organizations in fulfilling his vendetta against all scumbags after the murder of his own family. These suckers just don't learn, and that's the beauty so well portrayed in writers' Kevin Maurer and Nathan Edmondson's latest issue of The Punisher.

Guggenheim doesn't give us much of a glimpse as to who the villains are in this book, but the mystery shrouding Punisher's plan is interesting enough. Similar to his work on the Indestructible Hulk, Yu's pencils are edgy, creating a dreary effect, perfect for a Punisher story. The Trial of The Punisher is off to a solid start; I'll be sure to pick up issue #2.

Eric is a stereotypical hardass cop with a chip on his shoulder, and Woody is a playboy with little below the surface. Granted, the title is in its very early stages, and knowing Asmus' talent, the script has potential to step up its game. Artists Tom Fowler and Jordie Bellaire (check out this colorist's amazing work in Mara and The Massive) illustrate a funky and chaotic book; ideal for the story's comical tone. Quantum and Woody #1 isn't a memorable debut, but Valiant has been putting out some excellent titles recently, so I'll check out the next issue.

Real Heroes is off to a weak start, but Hitch and company have real talent to get this title on track.

What I can appreciate most about this book is that it builds the 12-part arc so well with a narration of the apocalyptic events, we don't need to be familiar with the characters or previous arcs to jump on and into the madness. Check out Realm War: Age of Darkness #1 this week and prepare yourself for war.

My only reservation is that with so much emphasis on so many emerging characters, the book's plot takes some hardcore focus requiring some revisiting to previous issues"but hey, then again, that's why I love comics.

If you haven't been following Revival, get caught up with the trades; trust me, you're in for one hell of a ride.

This title just gets better and better with every issue, so if you're not on the Revival train, you best hop right on!

Revival is right up there with the top 10-15 titles in comics, so hop on the reviver train if you haven't yet.

This "rural noir" about a small town gone mad with "revivers" keeps getting better and better"creepier, too. With every chapter, writer Tim Seeley energizes his mystery; fusing the book with compelling characters amid a haunting backdrop.

Image Comics' Revival is a series that reminds us why we love comics: its plot is never predictable, and its characters just the same.

Human organ trafficking, glowing ghosts, creepy Native legends"what's not to like about writer Tim Seeley's Revival?

Mike Norton and Mark Englert deserves a ton of praise for their consistent and wonderful artwork; twenty-three issues deep and the book still looks amazing. Oh, and Jenny Frison's cover is one of the best of 2014. Revival #23 was made to crack your pull list.

The book's conflict is dark enough to keep readers asking questions, but Shand reveals the villain much too quickly, stripping away what could have been some playful foreshadowing. Regardless, the cliffhanger sets up a crucial staging ground for an old fashion church brawl. The talent of artists Larry Watts and Slamet Mujiono are right on point for this series; the artwork is dynamic, full of expression, and sexy in a tasteful way. Robyn Hood #1 is a strong debut, so be sure to grab yourself a copy.

Robyn Hood #6 isn't a ground-breaking read, but it's, well, just okay.

The artwork in this issue is pretty average at best. Some of the character expressions feel lifeless, but the artists do a solid job depicting the street brawls

Rover Red Charlie overall has been a solid series, and something tells me Ennis has a dramatic conclusion lined up for the closing chapter.

Along with the creepy artwork of David Stewart, the creators have successfully cooked up an intriguing enough story to make me want to check out its follow up chapter. It's too soon to say that Rumble will blow your mind, but it's off to a pretty strong start.

Get on board with Saga if you haven't already. The characters are endearing, the story is uplifting, and the artwork is currently the best in comics.

Saga is a heartfelt tale that continues to tug the strings of the heart. This title is a masterpiece in the making; check it out.

The creators of this book have set the bar of talented writing and design to a whole new level, making Saga one hell of a title.

Aaron's story mixes real life small-town grit with supernatural elements, making for a powerful book about loss and redemption. There are no superheroes is this title as of yet, but Earl's resolve matches that of the most heroic heroes in comics.

Aaron's book cleverly emphasizes themes of loyalty, duty to humanity, and bravery on a gritty level that is rarely found in comics. This series is currently featuring some of the best artwork in the entire industry. Artist Jason Latour's characters are realistically ugly and worn; reflecting years of hard lives.

Southern Bastards is just hands down a dark and insanely entertaining series. Aaron's twists make this book a serious page-turner.

Aaron's throwing so much fun characterization our way, that it's flat out scary to think how freakin' awesome this story will continue to grow.

Spider-Man 2099 is off to a very strong start, so be sure to hop on board to catch the title's first arc.

Spread is one of the most freakishly frightening, bizarre, most fun, and downright awesome comic on shelves right now.

The best thing about Spread #3 is that the book's suspense rests on the characters actions; not at all upon the carnivorous monsters. Artists Kyle Strahm and Felipe Sobreiro are the perfect pair for this horror book. They're panels are filled with plenty of raw expression and absurdly talented portrayals of the bizarre"it'll make you take a second look before turning the page.

Pak has developed Ororo Munroe into a top grade badass whose internal conflict of where she stands in a post-Wolverine world matches the excitement of her conflict with every political douchebag there is. It's fun stuff; and issue #8 is all quick-hitting action as Storm battles money-grubbing clan leader Davis Harmon.

Overall, this book provides a solid subplot to the Age of Ultron series, but isn't a must-read in order to follow the core series.

Slott and company are on an action-packed roll with their latest SSM arc, so make sure you don't miss out.

If you're looking for a touchy, heartfelt tear-jerker tale, then you best rent The Notebook, because you won't find it in this miniseries, but you will find the foundation of what has a ton of promise to become one of the best miniseries of 2013. The things we do for love, Straczynski reminds us, are never too farfetched.

Thanos Rising #1 has its share of weaker points, but the character Thanos carries such am impact as a super-villain heavyweight, making issue #2 look promising. Aaron is a proven writer with as strong team of artists at his side, so it will be well worth checking out Thanos Rising #2.

Thanos Rising #2 is an impressive book; I only hope the series continues to deliver on more action that we don't see in this chapter.

Van Meter and de la Torre have set up a pretty tight plot, so stick around to feel your skin crawl with The Death-Defying Dr. Mirage.

The problem with The Delinquents #1 is that the four core cast of characters lack depth"what you see is what you get, and it's not anything intriguing. Archer is as bland as my grandmother's meatloaf, Armstrong is like that annoying beer-guzzling guy at the end of the bar, and Quantum and Woody are pretty much have the same personalities. Thankfully, Kano's lively and creative artwork saves the book from being a complete disaster. Each page jumps is alluring and has a unique flow to them. Stick to X-O Manowar and Bloodshoot if you're looking for quality Valiant books; The Delinquents falls short of a worthwhile debut.

You gotta love the work this creative team is putting out. After the conclusion of Fatale, they wasted no time hitting us with another masterpiece of a series.

The Field #3 is a welcomed change-up in my comic superhero lineup, and should be for yours as well.

With plenty of gore and suspense, writer Ed Brisson chillingly caps off his wild miniseries. It's just too bad The Field wasn't an ongoing title. The quirky dialogue, strong characterization, and cartoonish-like panels make this one fun read.

You won't find any cutsy singing lobsters giving you love advice here, but you will find your share of suspense and vibrant artwork. Writer Meredith Finch, along with artists Miguel Mendonca and Ivan Nunes have put together an edgy version of the classic tale, paired with a mysterious plot and alluring colors of the life below the surface.

The Massive is not only an amazing action-packed and thought-provoking story, but it's quickly becoming a heartfelt one as well. The demise of humanity never looked so cool.

The Massive is a title every comic fan should be reading. Its suspense doesn't rely on superheroes but rather the harsh realities of what could be an apocalyptic world if we don't save it. Hop on the Kapital with Cal and his crew, you're in for one hell of a ride.

The Massive is a title that's constantly full-steam ahead. Wood has mastered his characters, allowing them to grow with just as much intrigue as when they first set foot on the Kapital. With gritty artwork paired with top-notch storytelling, The Massive should crack your pull list.

The story serves as a tribute to men who pay the heavy price of putting the greater good before themselves, pitting raw human emotion against a merciless world. Garry Brown and Jordie Bellaire simply rock this books artwork; every page seems so rugged and calculated"it's scarily good. Be good to yourself this holiday season, and grab yourself a copy of The Massive #18.

With popping colors and sleek pencils, Artist Mathew Reynolds illustrates a beautiful book. Check out The Mercenary Sea #3 this week"you'll be glad you did.

This book contains enough action and depth to its plot, cleverly setting up the conflict and providing us with enough details about the characters to make us want to know more about them. Artists Freddie Williams II and Chris Sotomayor showcase their talent well with enough explosions and facial expressions to drive the story forward. The downside to this book? Well, the character known as Mouse, aka the Price of Rats, seems a little cheesy"he's like an evil Mighty Mouse"but we've see very little of him to make a good judgment call. The Movement's debut issue is worth the three bills, so check it out.

Lemire and Kindt have teamed up to bring us a fresh story featuring a modern geomancer known as Kay McHenry. The Valiant #1 serves up a sense of impending doom without dwelling on the characters' origins. You don't need to be familiar with them at all in order to follow the story; making it an exciting jumping-on point for new readers.

What I can really appreciate about this book is the dreaded sense of panic that the writers carefully create within the typically stone-faced characters Eternal Warrior and Ninjak. It just might be the first time we've seen them on the brink of wetting their pants.

TWD #109 isn't a jaw-dropper by any means, but we can see characters evolving, and it looks like the you-know-what is about to hit the fan.

Kirkman time and time again has reminded us to keep on the edge of our seat, leading us to believe something major is on the horizon to forever change the course of the story, and Rick's life. Ezekiel is a compelling character, but his ability to defeat Negan is suspect. For whatever reason, artist Charlie Adlard's Negan seems less imposing than normally depicted in this issue; most likely because the villain is missing his classic smug smile when dishing out a beating. The camps' gathering to bring the fight to Negan seems a bit slow, but it's still fun to read about the characters' backgrounds.

The entire storyline featuring Negan may seem a bit slow at this point, but that's not to say that Kirkman doesn't do a fine job building suspense with intricate details. Charlie Adlard's artwork remains consistently on point, and the guy can draw some gruesome panels. TWD #111 may be a bit slow, but the story is definitely ripe for an all out throwdown between Rick and Negan.

TWD #112 is the crucial turning point we've been waiting for in Rick's battle against Negan"we're beginning to witness the showdown in the apocalyptic corral.

"All Out War" just might turn out to be one of the most entertaining and surprising arcs ever told in comic history, so we'll make sure to stick around and provide you coverage. Pick up TWD #115 and hop on board.

Wow, that was fast. Reading issue #116 of Robert Kirkman's The Walking Dead takes less time than ordering from a McDonald's drive-thru window, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. Considering the amount of suspense built up to this point in Kirkman's latest arc, "All out War," the book is due for some quickly-paced action and less dialogue.

Featuring a few awesome splash pages courtesy of Charlie Adlard, The Walking Dead #127 raises the dead quite literally. Check out TWD this week; for three bills, you'll definitely get your money's worth.

The Walking Dead #128 isn't heart-thumping, but it's a score in terms of plot development.

This chapter won't be the action-packed book you're looking for, but it doesn't need to be. With fine artwork and sharp story-telling, TWD #130 should be on your pull list this week.

Just when you thought all was well in Rick Grimes' post-Negan skull-crushing world, The Walking Dead writer Robert Kirkman spanks us with yet another mind-bender.

The Walking Dead #136 is an overall lackluster chapter to an incredible series.

With bleak images of a deadly scenery and gross-looking old monster-hags, Joe Querio's artwork is the perfect choice for this twisted story. The Witcher #1 is a winner, so grab yourself a copy.

Through his meticulous artwork, Shawn Martinbrough has yet again managed to deliver intense imagery and a cinematic, adrenaline-rush feel to the book's action sequences. Hop along the Thief of Thieves train if you haven't yet; you're in for one heck of a ride.

Thief of Thieves #14 is the starting point of game-changing events, so be sure to check it out.

Writer Andy Diggle introduces us to a new turn of events by dropping clues to a character named Sabatini, but why we should care remains to be explored. Recruiting his old gang of thieves to help him pull off the heist, Conrad has assembled a crew with seemingly unique and interesting personalities and talents, but the book gives little attention to developing the team. Thief of Thieves #15 is a step down from what we've seen in the series, but I'm still a fan who believes the title will continue to improve.

Thief of Thieves #18 is cleverly written and neatly illustrated. The Italian scenic backdrop adds a deeper sense of mystery and intrigue to the plot. The beauty of this series is that it never slacks on suspense; every issue ends on a cliffhanger that makes us wish the next issue would be released the very next day. So hop on board this week with Thief of Thieves #18 and see for yourself what the craziness is all about.

Thief of Thieves is still one of the better titles on the market for the price of $2.99, but let's hope the next story arc can spawn a new direction for the series.

Mixed with sleek art and intriguing plot development, Thief of Thieves #20 makes for a fun read.

Hawkins' knack for finely-tuned storytelling is supported with a ton of research on the subject of military intelligence, making for one heck of an interesting read. Leaving so many questions unanswered, his story is laden with mystery and shocking revelations that are bound to shake the world. Coupled with crisp artwork provided by Rahsan Ekedal, this is a clean-looking book; one that you should be picking up this week.

A good jumping on point for newer readers, Thor #13 is the beginning of something special. Grab yourself a goblet of mead and enjoy the thrill.

Although the artwork lacks visual appeal, Thunderbolts #17 does pack an interesting cliffhanger, paving the way for a potentially cool story to follow.

With so many comic titles having featured some sort of alien invasion, originality can be difficult to come by. Luckily, Ellis strikes gold on this front. Paired with the intense artwork of Jason Howard, Trees #1 is on track to be one of the hottest titles of the year.

Writer Warren Ellis has a unique plot on his hands here, and issue #1 was nothing short of a stellar debut. Issue #2 totally puts the brakes on the suspense in favor of developing the book's plot, which Ellis does a bit confusingly.

I hate to endorse trade paperbacks, but Trees may read better as a trade. The characters seem dry as well, adding to the series' turtled-paced flow. Jason Howard's artwork is a compliment to the book; the panels are vibrant and his landscapes are something else. Trees #4 isn't a page-turner, but it still has potential to catapult into a pretty good series.

Aspen has put out some good titles with their initiative, and Trish out of Water only demonstrates the publisher's commitment to quality titles.

Featuring quickly-paced action sequences, writer Vince Hernandez's story about a teenage girl discovering her true identity continues to ripple with excitement.

Marshall Dillon's artwork has a rustic, unpolished feel to it; perfect for a story set in a prehistoric age. Turok Dinosaur Hunter #1 is suspenseful enough to be deserving of your dough.

Although Age of Ultron has been an entertaining series, save your money on Ultron #1AU.

Uncanny Avengers #7 is well worth your money, now if only Havoc would take Wasp up on her offer! What's the guy thinking?

Uncanny Avengers #8AU is confusing in terms of how it fits in with the core series, and the two Apocalypse twins come across as weak-minded children rather than offspring of a badass father. The story is by no means entirely awful, Havok and Rogue put up a good fight, and how they die comes as a complete surprise. Artist Adam Kubert knows how to draw suspense, and Frank Martin's colors only compliment the intense feel of the book. Uncanny Avengers #8AU isn't one of the better AU crossover books, but it's not near the bottom either.

Bendis shakes the story up by devoting some well-deserved page time to the Stepford sisters, giving them more of an influential and meaningful role among the bickering between the two camps. We can see that thanks to Emma, the girls have some badass in them. Bendis also does a nice job developing the characters of Cyclops' new recruits: their powers have yet to truly manifest themselves, and their banter among one another offers up some comic relief. I can't say enough about Bachalo's fantastic artwork featured in Uncanny X-Men. He constantly gives a raw, anarchic, and downright cool look to each panel, both among scenery and characters.

Bendis is cleverly developing his character's badass factor, and it's working. Sh-t, take out a S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier along with the X-Men squad, and you can go ahead and call yourself a badass mofo. Chris Bachalo's action sequences are as explosive as they are chaotic; two essential elements for a pretty good book.

Overall, Unity #0 is short on substance, but not awful by any means.

Valiant's crossover event, Unity, debuts with a mesh of its popular characters all thrown into a stew of action. As you would expect from an X-O Manowar driven cast, the book doesn't slack on punches, but it does have a stale taste to it in terms of originality.

As with all issues under the resurrected X-O title, Unity #3 features enough booms, blasts, and pows to keep us coming back for more.

For perhaps aiming for a wow factor, writer Matt Kindt has his team dish out beatdowns and beheadings in response to petty threats and minor provocation. Yes, the book's action seems a bit senseless, but it does make for a suspenseful story, which has been the selling point of Unity.

With sharp artwork and crisp storytelling, Unity #9 should climb towards the top of your pull list this week.

All in all, without any major matchups, Unity has the feel of running its course.

This book's a good jumping on point, but after witnessing the immense power of the Armor Hunters (they did decimate Mexico City), it's going to be tough for Kindt to match that with the United team. But hey, this guy's a talented writer, so I'm sure he's up for the challenge. Cafu and Brian Reber's artwork compliments the book well, there are no surprises; every panel looks crisp. It's too soon to judge this arc, but it sure has the potential to take the Unity team in an entirely different direction.

Kindt and his team are doing a great job keeping up the quick pace of this series, making Unity #14 a top choice for your pull list this week.

Unity #16 is also a solid jumping-on point for newer readers.

Brubaker ties in plenty of action with a high-speed chase that will have your eyes glued to the pages. Teaming with the superb talent of artists Steve Epting and Elizabeth Breitweiser, this story is a visual stunner, and should very well propel itself to the top five titles of your pull list.

The quality of the book's artwork is nothing short of impressive. With chaotic action scenes and glamorized panels of the Carnival of Fools, artists Steve Epting and Elizabeth Breitweiser have created a special pleasure to the eye. Brubaker continues to show us why he's the man when it comes to noir stories, and why we shouldn't miss out on this one.

Wolverine and the X-Men #27AU is so far the best crossover book outside of the core Age of Ultron series. Be sure to check this one out.

Wytches is an overall interesting story coupled with mystical colors (props to Hollingsworth). Pick up Wytches #2 this week; Snyder and company are off to a pretty solid start with this series.

ssue #1 is a solid read, but it remains to be seen if this title can pack enough development to last longer than twenty issues.

Wood's X-Men surely has the potential for an exciting arc, and the core unit of a female cast shakes things up a bit from the usual X-Men teams, even though we're currently seeing that concepts playing out in Uncanny X-Force. Coipel and company's artwork is a huge plus for the book, loaded with character expressions and vibrant colors. X-Men is off to a solid start; this book is worth a read.

X-Men: Battle of the Atom has some serious work to do to pick up its entertainment value, but with a little character development with the new X-team, throw in artist Frazer Irving (his work on Uncanny X-Men is ridiculously good), and we just might have a decent crossover.

The suspense in issue #13, part three of the "Planet Death" arc, goes absolutely bonkers with severed heads of Vine soldiers and wild explosions, all dished out courtesy of Aric.

Cary Nord and colorist Moose Baumann consistently remind us why reading comics can be such as an amazing visual experience"their work in issue #14 is out of this world (you like the pun, right?). I've said it time and time again, do yourself a favor and hop on the X-O Manowar train; that is, if you like equally talented writing and artwork featured in your comics.

X-O Manowar #15 isn't action packed, but as Venditti has proven, an excellent comic doesn't need to be explosive with every issue; he reminds us that quality suspense can't be achieved without good plot development.

This is what reading comics is all about. Since the relaunch of Valiant's action-fueled X-O Manowar last year, protagonist Aric of Dacia has become a fixture among my comic titles, and for good reason. This is a book packed with sheer intensity, and writer Robert Venditti understands well the expression, "either go big or go home."

Venditti continues to show a creative and fun handle of his characters, while the plot takes an interesting and potentially catastrophic twist. Teamed with the explosive talent of artists Diego Bernard and Brian Reber, X-O Manowar #23 is a hit.

Venditti remains consistent in his masterful handle over X-O Manowar and his characters, even with the fact that protagonist Aric of Dacia is absent in this issue. Diego Bernard's pencils paired with the book's rugged colors give a uniquely dark and grim feel to the book, allowing for gripping panels. X-O Manowar #27 is worth your dough, so be sure to pick it up this week.

X-O Manowar #28 is hands down one of the best issues of the year among all comic titles.

The writer blends witty humor with plot development in only a way that talented writers can. The artwork for X-O #30 is crisp, particularly the showcasing of a wintry rural Nebraska. Zahn's Armorines seem like they'll be a force to be reckoned with, so I'd strongly suggest grabbing yourself a copy of issue #30 this week.

X-O Manowar continues to be one of Valiant's strongest titles, and one of the industry's hottest series.

Artists Diego Bernard and Brian Reber, who've already made their mark on this series, bring out the big guns for this issue. There's one splash page featuring a historic battle between the Armor Hunters and past manowar warriors that's just absolutely jaw-dropping.

X-Termination #2 continues the crossover's inconsistently among its artwork; including a distorted Dark Beast and expressionless Dazzler within chapter 12. On a brighter note, the ending has a sense of closure, as it serves as a memorial to the fearless X-Terminated fighters who've lost their lives throughout this mess. Also, Lapham doesn't provide an account of what happens to Jean Grey during her battle on New Apocalypse"perhaps she's in line for another AoA spin-off? Either way, X-Terminated #2 may have an anti-climatic feel, but it does serve up finely-tuned closure for the X-Terminated.