Christopher Romero Comic Reviews

The major problem with A+X is its hefty price tag of four bucks. If the cost were less, even $2.99, then maybe the dent in the wallet would be an easier pill to swallow. However, with so many good titles out there on the shelves being released for less than four dollars, A+X just can't justify its expensive price tag.

The characters are awkward in their dialogue and the story's ending is confusing. I just don't see how a cliffhanger fits into such a short story. The art for this snippet, however, is pretty cool, particularly the depictions of Doom's frightening unfinished science experiments. A+X #5 is a solid read, but still not good enough to justify the four dollar price tag.

Age of Apocalypse is one of the best, if not the best, Marvel titles available, and for the reasonable price of $2.99, AoA is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling series in publication right now.

The book's subplots are each interesting and carefully placed. Renato Arlem's art has been fantastic on his run with this title, and stays the course in Age of Apocalypse #13. In a book that features a bit less action than we've recently seen, Arlem drives the story forward with his intense character expressions. Age of Apocalypse continues to be one of Marvel's hottest titles.

Age of Ultron #1 has got my attention, and it's well-deserving of picking up book two, scheduled to be released March 13. Stick with GU as we cover Marvel's first major crossover of 2013.

Age of Ultron is quickly picking up steam. The world's most powerful and influential heroes may be down for the count, but they haven't tagged out of the ring just yet. Within two issues, this series has proven to be worthy of your four bucks.

All New X-Men #8 keeps the mutant revolution saga rolling from behind the scenes, and it's fun.

This title will appeal more to sci-fi fans, but it's still an overall solid read.

I think one of the best things is that we're not constantly reminded that Pete is still floating around his old body making witty remarks, we get to rely completely on Otto. With at least knowing Pete is probably there, but not seeing him, it lives us guessing with it was Pete pushing Otto to do the right thing or if the former villain is finally catching on. The final reveal was nice too, I'm looking forward to see what comes out of that.

The creators of this title pay careful attention to their work, and it shows. Bloodshot is one of the best titles out right now, not only among Valiant titles, but among all publishers.

This title keeps getting better with each issue. While Swierczynski continues to develop his characters, artists Manuel Garcia and Ian Hannin display great work with their chaotic action panels, especially one which shows Shot tearing the head off of one of Chainsaw's goons.

Salvador LaRroca's artwork, along with Frank D'Armata's colors, are appealing and eye-catching. Cable and X-Force is beginning to show life as it leads into its next arc.

This book has appeal and the story is picking up its pace, making it a solid read. Remender is one of the top writer's in the industry, and it'll be interesting to see how the Phrox react to Cap's latest actions in this issue. Yabba Dabba Doo! Sorry, I had to.

Serving as a sequel to Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe, this is a good book that also features entertaining cartoon-like artwork. If you're looking for a light-hearted read, pick up Deadpool Killustrated. Ok, maybe Missy was worth the D in junior year American-Lit.

The book also provides a couple of nice visuals at the end of the book: one is a tournament brackett of the matchups, and the other a profile spread of various characters. Deathmatch is one of the hottest titles out there, well worth the four bucks.

Magno and Garland's artwork for Deathmatch has been explosive and carefully crafted, and issue #3 continues the pattern. The action panels display raw character emotion, particularly between Meridian and The Collective, adding intensity to a book about survival among the fittest. I do wonder if the way in which the abductors' identity is revealed might be a little to easily spoon-fed to us, but the details set the stage for what will surely be a riveting fourth installment of Deathmatch.

Although this issue is a clear step in the right direction for this title, there lacks sufficient characterization for Koschei and Elena. Jordan doesn't explain their origins, leading little room to understand their motives. However, after a brief hiatus from this book, it's safe to say I'm back on the Deathstroke train, and you should be, too!

Brubaker does a fine job building on Ganix and Mathilda's relationship, making us feel sympathetic for the old guy. Sean Phillips' artwork is consistently cool, and he showcases his versatility as an artist by depicting some wild and intricate forest scenery. Some readers might feel as though they miss Josephine"she's not in this issue"but Fatale #12 will keep you coming back for more.

The two stories are touching and heartfelt, making readers feel all mushy inside. Lieber's art has that unique comic-strip feel to it, and he does a nice job pinpointing raw facial expressions. Hamm's work is much more unrealistic, sort of like what you would see in a Looney Tunes cartoon. Although this issue displays fine story-telling, the book itself is flimsy; as I read it, two pages fell right off the staples. Overall, though, for $2.99, Hawkeye continues to be one of the best Marvel titles out on the shelves.

Leinil Yu's artwork is fantastic. His portrayal of Hulk is edgy and rugged; this just might be the best drawn Hulk I've ever seen. He magnifies this by offering up a couple of explosive splash pages, focusing on Hulk's no-bs attitude when he's in fight mode. Oh, and Director Hill is looking better and better with each issue"it'll be interesting to see how her work-relationship evolves with Banner. This book is a step up from the last two issues, and worth checking out.

This book's strength lies within its artwork. Sanchez and colorist Matt Yackey draw exciting battle panels, and their depictions of Japantown gardens are vivid, with each bush coming to life. It's much too soon to write off Katana, so we'll just have to wait to see which direction this title takes with its second issue.

The writing and artwork for this book is polished and crafted with precision. Wohl and company set the stage for what has the potential to be a fantastic title. So round up some change sitting in your car's middle console, and head to the shop to pick up this tale about modern-day ninjas hidden among us.

Artist Glenn Fabry's character expressions have improved within this issue and the last, but the family still has moments when their shock and panic is unconvincing. Man, let me tell you, if I just saw my pop's head smashed with a huge mallet, I'd be saying more than, "I'm scared." I'd be the first one to say, "Holy s"!" Niles does use profanity in his story, but the words can be better placed. Lot 13 has just been too inconsistent to justify money well-spent.

Mara isn't the most action-packed book on the shelves right now, but the story is character-driven, unpredictable, and interesting. This title is off to a strong start. I also have to give Image credit for choosing to run its ads at the end of the book"smart move.

This issue is a great example of comic creators collaborating to tell their story: Doyle and Bellaire's artwork tells Wood's story with riveting action sequences bursting with vibrant and sleek colors. Visually, this book is the trendy nightclub of comics; it has a hands-down cool look to its pages. I feel like I should be drinking an exotic fruity drink with glowing fluorescent ice cubes in it when I read this book! Although Mara has more of a tabloid, True Hollywood Stories feel, it's a good read that's well worth the three bucks.

New Avengers is off to a strong start with this issue, and knowing Hickman, this title won't fail to deliver a a deep impact (no, not like the film with Morgan Freeman and Elijah Wood)!

This issue offers us glimpses of highly-influential players of the Marvel U such as Thanos, Watcher and Galactus; making us wonder if they might play a role in Hickman's story. New Avengers is shaping up to be one heck of a story, possibly even better than the flagship Avengers title.

Di Giandomenico, along with colorist Matt Hollingsworth, showcase some of the most compelling artwork on the stands right now with issue #4 of Punisher: War Zone. The characters are modern, edgy, and rugged, further propelling this story into the Punisher Hall of Fame of series of it existed.

Revival's many unfolding subplots may move around in too many directions for some readers. This is the type of comic that I need to read the previous issue to carefully follow the plot, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Check out this Revival"it's well worth the three bucks.

Writer Tim Seeley is truly stepping up his game in the latest issue of the "rural noir" supernatural thriller, Revival. The prior seven issues may have moved at a slower pace, but that's not to say that the story hasn't been entertaining. The beauty of Seeley's title is that he focuses on character development so well, allowing the multiple subplots involved in the mystery of Wausau's revivers to each play a pivotal and equally interesting role in the story.

Vaughan does a fine job exploring The Will's heart that adds more depth to his motives. Fiona Staples is at the top of her game with this issue. Each panel is so meticulously crafted; leaving us impatient to turn each page. She does a fantastic job showcasing the ferocious and cuddly sides of Lying Cat"another character who just adds to an already stellar cast.

For the hefty price tag of $3.99, I'd hope for more substance. I'll give this book one last shot with its next issue, but if it fails to deliver, I'm going to have to find my old VCR tapes of Barney and Friends to make up for the lack of excitement. I love you, you love me".don't act like you don't know the words!

Secret Avengers definitely has enough mystery and action to keep us entertained, and artists Luke Ross and Matthew Wilson bring a fresh and sleek new look to their characters.

Diggle's story takes a wild turn, allowing the series to pick up momentum in its early stages of comic life. Snapshot's plot is unique and involves real, everyday people. Diggle capitalizes on this quality, making us feel that Jake's situation can happen to us. The artwork for this book has a simple feel to it, which only adds to the realistic tone of the story. Artist Jock (yup, that's it) is definitely gifted, and his talent particularly shines in his depictions of the San Francisco skyline. Snapshot is worth the three bucks, so pick yourself up a copy.

Manhattan Projects writer Jonathan Hickman's wildly chaotic sense of storytelling and love for the scientifically warped is so much fun, it's starting to freak me out.

Wood and Brown continue their stellar work with this title, making it one of the best books on the shelves right now.

What I particularly enjoyed about this book is that you don't need to be either a huge fan of the Ghostbusters movies or comics, nor do you need to have followed IDW's first volume of the series. The New Ghostbusters #1 is easy to follow, allowing new readers to jump right on board with the supernatural blasting characters. Not only are we reaquainted with the original team members, but writer Erik Burnham introduces us to the newer GBs"fresh faces who've seen action before within GBs' comics, but now have become the central focus of the storyline.

Since jumping on board of The Walking Dead with issue #7 (that seems so long ago), artist Charlie Adlard doesn't lose a step with this issue. His work is polished, and the characters' expressions are what truly drive the story forward in this book. Issue #107 lacks action, but that's not to say that it doesn't lack depth. After topping the 2012 sales charts, The Walking Dead continues to sit on the throne of comic titles.

Get on board with The Walking Dead if you haven't already, it's the best comic on the market.

Although issue #4 is a setback for this title, Thunderbolts is still a decent story, and I'm not by any means bailing on it.

So Uncanny X-Force isn't off to a hot start, but this title does have a ton of potential. Humphries reintroduces a time-traveling X-Men character who evidently woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Let's not also forget that Storm and Psylocke are proven leaders who don't run away from a fight. Humphries and his team have all the necessary tools to make Uncanny X-Force one of the better Marvel titles, so I wouldn't recommend bailing on it just yet.

Bachalo's artwork is just so original and captivating, and he's at the top of his game with this issue. He introduces Cyclops and company's new costumes: they're dark and menacing, perfect for depicting a revolutionary force. Bachalo is also a master of using panels and space. Throughout the entire book, he only gives us glimpses of the traitor's chin as he spills the beans to Hill, making us want to flip the pages to the very end to see who the traitor is. It's this kind of talent that makes comics so fun to read, and Bachalo is the king of chaotic fun.

Artist Chris Bachalo's work is truly captivating; his take on the Marvel U's most popular characters always has me doing a double-take before I turn each page. Uncanny X-Men is definitely one of the better Marvel titles on the shelves right now, so be sure to check it out.

Artist David Lpez draws a funny-looking Wolverine"a little too to-heavy for his stature"and his teenage Jean Grey is inconsistent with other X-Men titles, but this isn't too say that his work isn't good, if anything, Lpez adds a fresh look to a title approaching its 25th issue.

My only concern with this book is the lack of world nations responding to Aric's acts of destruction. The guy leveled the Italian Coliseum and the British Intelligence headquarters"so where's the retaliation? Despite this, "Planet Death" is off to a strong start.

Published by Valiant Comics, X-O Manowar is one of the best buys for your dollar among all comic titles out right now. Ie held this belief for a while now, and issue #11, part one of the newest story arc, Planet Death, only continues to add credibility to my stance. Comic Burst Reviews: X-O Manowar #11, Revival #8 and X-Termination #1

If you're a fan of the Age of Apocalypse series' gritty art, then be prepared to lower your expectations for X-Termination #1. Artist Alvaro Lopez's work isn't at all bad for this book, it's just lacks the dark and dreary tone we've seen among AoA.The interesting element from this book is that there is no obvious leader who will take charge among the three X-teams, which could lead to a disastrous power struggle.