Chuck's Comic Reviews

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It's an interesting experiment, but not a successful one. I can't recommend this one.

This is definitely not a series for kids, but for those looking for a serious and gripping story of good vs. evil - and lots of terrific artwork - this is the book for you!

It's a story that's very different and a bit challenging - but it's certainly compelling.

This isn't a book for everyone, but it's an interesting start.

Even though the story focuses on the kids, it's not a book for children - it features adult language and violence. But for those old enough to cope with it, it's a powerful tale and impossible to predict (which is always a good thing).

It's a bit much to take in one sitting, but writer Matt Kindt keeps it rolling along, and artists Clayton Crain and David Mack bring the future to life with some striking, powerful art.

The story of the battle between man and machine is a classic, and it's serviced well in this mini-series.

With excellent artwork by Clayton Crain and a terrific story by Matt Kindt, it's a strong mini-series and a great springboard for Rai.

As a fan of comics with a good sense of humor, I enjoyed this offbeat adventure - and I'm curious to see where it goes from here.

If great art is enough, pick this one up. If you want some story in your comics, keep looking.

So, don't pick this up expecting anything deep and meaningful - but it is fun.

It's not a bad issue for a comic series - but it's not compelling or sharp enough to demand our attention.

So a strong start here, with new and familiar heroes working together - I'll stick with this one.

I think the series has tons of potential - strong art, lots of great characters, new and interesting heroes - but it needs to move forward, and it needs to keep its characters straight.

Perhaps it's just the weird Battleworld rules that make this series so disjointed. It has a great cast, it just needs to figure out what to do with them.

The story's a bit thin, but it's an entertaining issue - finally! Apparently this series will survive the end of the Secret Wars (whatever that means), so here's hoping the improvements continue!

It's still early, but once again, there's lots of potential - it remains to be seen if this team can live up to its promise.

An outstanding story is unfolding here, and it's one that will apparently affect Superman's stories for years to come. If you haven't been reading this title, you're missing out on a big new beginning for the biggest name in comics. Highly recommended!

It's very simple: if you're not reading Action Comics, you're missing a classic.

In other words: so far, so good.

Once you get past the cover, it's a strong issue - but I still think the cover was a cheat. Speaking of which, Luthor only appears in two pages of the story. Just sayin' is all.

So this is a one-and-done comic for me - but I'm glad I managed to score this issue. It's worth it to see an old favorite, even if she's just putting in a cameo appearance.

Still, it's another strong issue in this series, and one we should treasure - along with the writer - while we can.

It's a fresh approach to a classic character, it's interesting and it leaves lots of leeway for future stories. The sky's the limit!

With a strong story, lots of plot twists and some intriguing characters, this is what the DC reboot should be - but mostly hasn't been.

Great comic, terrific art - you should be buying this comic!

If so, it's a shaky start to what has been up to now my favorite of the "New 52" books.

I was prepared to be put off by this issue, but it won me over. Outstanding craftsmanship will do it every time.

I just hope Morrison has a nice long run on this title - so far, it's the best by far of the "New 52."

This continues to be my favorite title in DC's "New 52" - it's creative, impossible to predict and clever, with terrific artwork.

Morrison has set up numerous stories to keep this book percolating far into the future - but this one was a bit of a stumble.

Better luck with your next publicity stunt, DC.

Oh, and Morrison isn't completely without blame - the resolution of this issue was silly.

A special issue, and highly recommended!

Oh, there's a twist ending that seems to come out of left field - but that's a small quibble in an issue that's just packed with wonderful moments. This is still one of my favorites from the "New 52."

I believe next issue is the last one in Morrison's run on this title - and that's a shame, because Superman's adventures haven't been this good in a long time.

It's a fun, rollicking story that provide lots of smiles for this fan.

It's great to see the Man of Steel being treated with intelligence and imagination. He should be the greatest hero in comics - and for the past year-and-a-half, he's earned the title.

But (thanks also to the excellent art by Rags Morales and Brad Walker) it's a heck of a wrap-up. Highly recommended!

I actually wish they'd spend more time on the early Superman - he's much more interesting than the modern day version they've created.

It's a solid issue, and certainly Superman deserves our love and admiration. He stands at the peak of the comic universe - and he's also the strong foundation the entire industry was built on.

The series is fast and clever with some good character moments - and we meet a brand new villain, too.

It's not a bad issue at all, but it offers precious little for Superman to do. But it does manage a surprising twist at the end!

But those are minor complaints - the series is a lot of fun to read and moving in new andinteresting directions. What more couldany fan ask?

So, to sum up, this series continues to flourish under Brian Michael Bendis' creative hand - we have a fresh and exciting take on the Man of Steel and his supporting cast. Great news for any comics fan!

Bendis is terrific at crafting these kinds of plots within the plot, as the obvious plan ends up being not so obvious, after all. Add in terrific art by John Romita, Jr. and Klaus Janson, and it's a cracking good tale.

This seriescontinues to impress and delight!

It all feels a bit rushed, but it's a satisfying ending to a terrific run on the book - one that presented great challenges to the title character (not an easy feat), managed to incorporate the vast Superman Family, made Lois Lane into a more interesting character, and made this series a "must buy" for the first time in a long time.

With terrific art and a solid story, this is off to a great start. And happily, it shows respect for its roots and builds on that foundation nicely.

The story isn't quite as much a deep dive as LOEG, but it has lots of fun with the time period and keeps the story by Lavie Tidhar moving briskly.

So all in all, not a bad package, but nothing earth-shattering yet, either. It is great to see Adventure Comics back on the stands, though we'll have to give this one a few more months to get a better idea of where it's all going.

The promise of greater things is evident, but so far, we're just seeing bunts and singles. (OK, I'll stop now.)

So this one is recommended (with some Prime reservations).

This one is really hurting his grading curve. A terrible comic.

Not bad, but not up to the usual Johns standards. I had hoped for more.

If you like some substance in your raucous, no-holds-barred tales of action and,yes, adventure, you'd be well advised not to miss Adventureman. It's a treasure.

So, two entertaining features that long-time fans will no doubt enjoy, but they're accessible enough that new readers should have no trouble following along.

I'll be looking for that comic - but I think I'm done with Adventure Comics - at least for now.

Oh, and the cover features a foil-embossed cover. Can't get more '90s than that!

Which is a lot more than I can say about most event books these days.

I still have the unsettling feeling that I know where this is all going, but it's been mighty entertaining (if quite grim) getting there. Recommended!

Here's hoping that my fears are groundless and Bendis is about to pull a plot twisting rabbit out of his hat. (Wouldn't that be something!)

I know, time travel complications are a time-honored tradition in comics (and Star Trek episodes) - but it's going to take a heck of a finale to tie this up - or use it as a launch pad for future stories.

Even though the story's kind of all over the place, I have to admit that it's still compelling enough to keep me coming back for the rest of the series, just to see how they untangle this mess.

Here's hoping - but I'm finding it difficult to see.

I just wish it had been allowed a few more surprises.

So if you can get past the continuity, it's entertaining - but despite the bigger action scenes, it's not really up to the level of the TV show.

"Atlas" made its rep by being fresh and different. Now's not the time to fall into the "Dark" rut along with the rest of Marvel's lineup. Surely we can get a break in there somewhere.

This is definitely a book to watch (or at least read).

I get the feeling that the story is in danger of painting itself into a corner - but creating that scenario is probably the goal of the creative team. I'm looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here.

The plot just bounces all over the place and never really comes together - and the final secret reveal ends up on ground that's been well-trod.

This is not a comic for kids or for the easily offended. It's a completely different approach to the storytelling process - you'll either love it or hate it.

It's great to see this series back in action, and hopefully this is just the beginning of a new series of stories!

So, a good start to this series about a sexy and powerful woman, and a good jumping-on spot for new readers.

With the characters and the menace set, next issue holds lots of promise, as long as it builds on the foundation provided with this issue.

The story has a lot of potential, but this issue only gives us a few baby steps of progress - here's hoping the next issue picks up the pace.

So not exactly a reboot, but a solid return for Aspen's top character. I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes from here!

Its a great balance of action, character interaction and strong art.

So it's all kind of silly and preachy - but plans are already underway for the next series (or mini-series, as the case may be), so hopefully the next story will make a bit more sense.

So, lots to choose from, but you don't get enough of a sample here to decide which one is most worthy of your hard-earned $3.99.

So it's a solid start for this series, though it leaves us with quite a few questions. That's not a bad thing at all.

So far it's been good - we'll see if next issue moves the needle into the "great" category.

The other post-Secret Wars Avengers comics (Uncanny, New) haven't impressed me much. This is the best of the bunch by far.

The joy of the issue - aside from lots of hoo-hah action - is the character interactions, as this new team starts to pull together (or, in some cases, annoy each other), trying to overcome limited resources and the new team dynamics.

So things are moving fast here, and we have no idea what the next move will be. It's that sense of the unknown, the string of surprises and the interesting mix of characters that makes this series so much fun to read.

Of the Avengers books I've read so far (and they are a multitude), this one is the cream that rises to the top.

My solution is, I'll keep buying this title for the creative team. But many more stunts like this and I think I'll have no choice but to drop this title, too.

It's part of the multi-issue, crossing-between-different-titles story called Avengers Standoff - so I'm working at a disadvantage here, because I haven't been reading any of the other tie-ins. Luckily, Waid knows how to tell a story, and Adam Kubert provides terrific art.

It's a solid first step, and I'm willing to suspend my traditional "bleh" - until the character gives me a reason to feel otherwise.

So, another strong issue and (thankfully) it has nothing to do with Civil War. What's not to like?

Eleven issues in and this series continues to excel. And oh, that cliffhanger!

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A great series, one of the best Marvel has right now. You should be reading this one.

Nadia is growing on me, and if having her around means we'll get to see more of the original Wasp, then I'm all for it. Comics can always use more fun characters, after all!

If you're looking for a comic that's daring and different, here you go.

It's an impressive first outing, and if they can avoid the "invincible demon" pitfall for the Ghost Rider, then they should have something very special here. The series is off to a great start!

So the good news is, for this issue at least, the old James Robinson is back! Here's hoping for more of the same.

So far, this series continues to carry the banner of quality established by the original series. More like this, please!

This series hasn't quite clicked yet - there have been some great moments, and a few lackluster ones - but you get the sense that it's almost there. Hopefully!

We've been waiting a few years for this storyline to pop up (it was first teased in the resurrection of Captain America), and it promises to have far-reaching affects on Marvel's titles. Maybe.

There are some nice snippets to see - the Loki part of the story is probably the best, but the whole thing really doesn't add up to a whole comic, much less one that costs double a single issue. I'd advise holding off until the individual issues show up.

So I can't really give this a strong recommendation - it's a fair effort, but it has some powerful storytelling to live up to, and it doesn't quite reach the mark.

You don't get much more than in introduction here, but it's plenty to bring you up to speed - and it's all easy on the eyes!

The comic has terrific art by Giuseppe Cafaro and a good script by J.T. Krul - though it may take you a few pages to get the concepts sorted out. It's worth the effort.

I don't always "click" with this series, but this issue stands above previous attempts, and I can't wait to see what happens next!

The main goal of the series has been to resolve some of the long-running plot threads and to tie the series back into the main body of the Aspen Universe - and it succeeds!

Perhaps the series will prove me wrong - maybe there's a great story there that justifies the change. But so far, I don't see it.

So it's a surprisingly average start for this new version of the long-running series. But we'll have to reserve judgment until we get a little more mileage on the new vehicle.

But with this issue - for this series, at least - I'm back on the X-Men side of the fence. We'll see if Bendis and Immonen can keep this momentum going.

I have a lot of faith in Bendis and his ability to make even this improbable story work - but I hope he hasn't painted himself into a corner this time around.

I'm here more for the art than anything else - which is surprising for a book written by Brian Bendis. But there's still plenty of time for him to make this work - but so far, I'm struggling to get on board.

There are lots of reasons to like this comic, but I'm especially grateful that is brings Jean Grey back to us (and like the Beast, I was always a fan of the green costume, too).

This series may be taking its sweet time, but so far, it's been a fun ride. Works for me!

But this continues to be a very entertaining story, which is more than I've been anle to say about an X-Men comic for a long time.

We seem to be a long way from resolving the reasons behind bringing the original team to the more murky present, but so far, it's been a fun ride, with something for fans both new and old.

I find that the longer the original team is in the present, the less I like them. Instead of being one of Marvel's premiere teams, they've become a bunch of teens who seem out of their league and floundering in the present.

   So if you walked away from the X-Men a while back (and who could blame you?), this series might be a good reason to drop by the old neighborhood.

As ever, a fun, breezy script by Brian Michael Bendis, and fantastic art by Stuart Imonen and Wade Von Grawbadger - there's a lot to like here, and I'm curious to see where it all goes from here. And I can't help but hope that the team sticks around for a good long while.

There's not a lot of deep thought going on here - just straightforward action in the typical Marvel fashion. Nothing wrong with that!

It's almost worth picking up just for the art - but that's the only thing exceptional about it.

This issue is setting up a multi-issue crossover event - the Trial of Jean Grey - and considering the guests who show up on the final page, it promises to be a heck of a lot of fun. So far, it's a very promising start!

So far, this has been a lot of fun - but with only two issues to go, this is shaping up to be a very short trial. Lucky Jean's not using the Flash's lawyer!

Perhaps Bendis will "stick" the ending, but hope is fading fast. This isn't a bad story - it's just not a great one.

The story is a pretty thin (and actually somewhat grim) excuse for several poster images of the team and assorted members. But the art almost makes up for it.

While I'm a fan of the typical Marvel action issues, I have to admit I don't mind these "slow" issues, as long as they're done well - like this one.

It makes sense as a tactic in combat, but it makes for a confusing story. The art is terrific, but the story is just too time-tangled to enjoy - or make sense of.

I hope (and trust) that this will wrap up this story for a while - it's definitely time to move on to something fresh - but kudos to the creative team for sticking the landing and throwing in a number of surprises along the way.

The issue is a bit off-beat - but mighty entertaining!

While this isn't the first Marvel issue to do this kind of crossover, this one's going to be a challenge to sort out.

This is shaping up to be a fun cross-over - though where it goes from here, I have no idea!

It's building slowly, but it's been a great ride so far. It's been a while since I felt that way about an X-Men comic.

The question is, how long can this story continue? At the rate it's moving, it could be six months before the team gets back together. Of course, as long as each issue is as much fun as this one, you won't find many readers who'll complain.

It's fast-paced, loaded with great dialogue and a heck of a lot of fun.

It's a good wrap to the story, and gets us ready for the next big event - the Black Vortex. Recommended!

So far this series is still fun, but it's starting to get that familiar "four issue story stretched into a dozen issues" feeling. We'll see.

It's great that a gay kid reading this comic has a hero to identify with, and if it helps that kid get through life's struggles in the same way that those heroes helped young Chuck cope with being a bookworm and a science fiction fan, then I'm all for it.

With a sharp story and terrific art by Mahmud Asrar, and a potential sea-change for the series in the offing, it might be a good time for those of you who've strayed from the series to check in.

Sometimes the best strategy with a series is to get back to the basics, and while that's not the whole story here - the team doesn't live at Xavier's school anymore - it feels like a fresh start, and that's good enough for me.

So far I like the new series, but the ending of this issue felt a lot like the ending of the first one.

I love the art (Mark Bagley and Andrew Hennessy), and I like the story (Dennis Hopeless) - there's a lot of potential here.

In other words, this feels a lot like a classic X-Men comic - and that's a very good thing!

This is the first issue of (the latest version of) All-New X-Men that really didn't work for me. That's because everyone - including the bad guy - acts like they have no sense.

This "new" version of the All-New X-Men has been a bit hit and miss so far, but this issue works well.

It's a solid kick-off for this title's coverage of the Apocalypse Wars (whatever that is).

Still, great art and strong writing make this a series to watch. (But I'd like it better with fewer demons.)

It's a small story, but important just the same.

This one is disappointing, although I did get a kick out of a comment by Iceman - it was a fun jab at the X-Men's often-impenetrable continuity.

It's a sweet love story - but not much more than that.

Great art and a strong story here - if they could just finish up the ongoing Inhumans vs. X-Men foolishness, they could get on with the business at hand: restoring the X-franchise.

This comic is witty and biting and on point. This comic is like Twitter without the Trolls and the Trump. It is what I needed this week, and may be what you need next week. If you're a Ms. Marvel fan, or a fan fiction fan of any sort, this needs to be in your collection. I'm hanging with this series.

It's a fast-paced, high-energy series packed with amazing art by John Romita, Jr., and a multi-layered script by Scott Snyder.

The idea behind the story is a little shaky, and the series is a bit on the brutal side, but it's a heck of a lot of fun - highly recommended!

So what we have here is a completely different take on the Batman (and Robin), and one that some readers may really enjoy - but others will hate. Me, I don't hate it - it's just... different, that's all. Your (blank)ing mileage may (blank)ing vary.

If you think Superman is an old, tired character, with no stories left to tell, then this series will show you there's still plenty of life left in the old boy - he is, after all, the first great comic book superhero, and he's apparently just getting warmed up.

This creative team has had a long, strong run on Hex, and it continues here - and given the guest stars who appear on the last page of the Hex story, the future should be very interesting.

It's hard to tell where the series will go from here, but I'm encouraged enough to give it a chance. Starting over from the start isn't always the best idea, but I think it's definitely the best choice for Canada's super-team.

The problem with the series is the same as always: bringing so many disparate heroes together into a functioning team. So far, they're off to a reasonable start.

Three issues in (and five to go) and I'm still not sure if I like this series. Apparently there are big events in the wind, so I'll hang on for now - but just barely.

This series was a valiant effort, but it fell short of success.

Part of being a fan is being patient, and I suspect that eventually, the "One Day More" storyline will be "corrected," and we'll see Spider-Man get back to his amazing self. In the meantime, longtime fans will have to console themselves with the excellent Ultimate Spider-Man comic, and the occasional worthy storyline (like this one) in the original series.

I hope the answer turns out to be "Yes," but the record for the past year is pretty thin.

So this issue is basically a mess and worth avoiding. Again, I'm all for an occasional experiment - but sometimes it's back to the ol' drawing board.

And there's more good news - the Letters Page promises more work from Stern in the near future. It's like it's Christmas time!

This isn't a bad comic - but right now, it's all volume and no heart. Perhaps it is possible to get too much of a good thing.

I appreciate that they're trying to give Spider-Man a new start, a fresh outlook - but there's a reason why the old version was popular. People cared about him and his loved ones.

There's no griping about the artwork, though - John Romita, Jr. and Klaus Janson are turning in terrific work here, and the comic is well worth buying for that alone.

It's really a shame, but I don't know how much longer I'll be collecting this comic - it's on the edge of being cut. I keep hoping it'll turn around, but so far, there's no sign of that happening. Bummer.

It's like the old line, "We can't miss you if you won't go away." The sooner they stop dredging this up and trying to explain every detail, the sooner fandom can get back to enjoying Spider-Man's adventures. Hopefully.

But is change in the wind for Spidey? It's interesting to note that the newspaper strip changed to match the "new" Spidey (namely, it moved to an earlier time period and put Peter Parker back in college, dating Mary Jane. But this Sunday, the strip reverted back to the "present," and has Peter once again married. According to the strip, the return was made in response to "hundreds of letters." Is it a preview of what's coming in the comic book?

With Ultimate Spider-Man being canceled and Amazing Spider-Man being... well, what it is, I'm really missing the hero who was once my favorite. These days, his comic is nearly at the bottom of the list.

I'd much rather have a monthly comic with top talent working on it instead of the current method, which is cranking out comics as fast as possible. You get more Spidey that way, but it's the difference between Big Macs and a steak dinner.

This issue, though - good stuff.

And while I'm here, why oh why doesn't Marvel have Stern chained to a computer, writing a book or two for them? Surely there's a place for a craftsman who's a true pro? I can think of a few books that would benefit from his talents...

Sorry. Gave it a shot. Didn't like it at all.

But there's nothing here to make me change my mind. This comic is going to have to do better than this. It's going to take some serious retooling to drag me back to the fold.

Good thing there's only one issue left - this is one comic that desperately needs a reboot. Wonder what Miles Morales is up to?

It's good that this is the last issue of "Amazing Spider-Man" - there's not much left about the character that's amazing any more. It's just sad, really.

So what's to complain about? The product may be thinner and the price higher, but at least the content is solid. But they could have thrown in a couple of pin-ups to sweeten the deal. Or maybe just put the word "Annual" on the cover.

It's a shame - for several decades (starting when I picked up my first issue in the mid-'60s) Spider-Man was my favorite super-hero. But I dropped his title years ago when the company lost sight of what made him a great character. This was a step in the right direction toward getting Spidey back to that spot - but judging by this issue, he still has a long hike ahead of him.

We can't sympathize or empathize with this Peter - in fact, he's virtually unrecognizable. So I won't be following this title. Bummer.

It's too early to tell if this is going to be a "must buy" or just another in a sea of X-Men comics - but at least the art is nice. And it's good to see the return of an old friend.

So far, the art has been the only reason to pick this one up - and while it's nice, that's not enough for me.

Look, this issue is a light bit of fun. I'm not sure if the series can sustain the rather slim concept, but this was entertaining - sexy and insubstantial, with wonderful art (for two-thirds of the issue).

It's a fast-paced issue with lots of twists and turns. It's fun, but not really aimed at a geezer like me - but no doubt young readers will enjoy the adventures of this patriotic powerhouse.

I'm not sure where this series is going - there are lots of mysteries set up to explore - but I'll definitely be tuning in for the rest of the series.

This series may yet redeem itself, depending on where the story goes from here, but right now, the art is the only real reason to pick it up.

The series started strong, sagged a bit in the middle, but seems to be moving to a strong finish. Next issue will decide it!

The issue is mostly dedicated to introducing some of the cast and putting the story into play, but it's captivating and whets the reader's appetite for more. What more do you need? It's terrific. Buy it, already!

Throw in excellent art by P. Craig Russell (who provides layouts and the adaptation) and Scott Hampton and you have a terrific series adapting an outstanding novel. Highly recommended!

I'd love to see this series succeed - Marvel can always use more strong female characters - but they need to figure out who Angela is and why we should care about her.

This book isn't for everyone, of course, but it's a sharp science fiction tale with a dark twist - I'm anxious to see where it goes from here.

I'm not sure if this series is quite worth the hefty $4.99 price tag, though you get a lot of pages for that price. The potential is there for another excellent cosmic event, but we'll have to wait until next issue to see where it goes from here.

This book is loaded with great characters and has lots of potential - but it hasn't quite arrived yet.

It's off to a rollicking start, and a worthy story in the vein of League of Extraordinary Gentlemen - if you liked that series, you're bound to like this one.

It can be challenging to keep it all straight, but the rewards are worth the effort. Recommended!

Highly recommended - even if you're not crazy about vampires!

As a long-time fan of thecharacters, I'm glad to see them in the spotlight, even under different guises.

Oh, and in case you missed it, here's the teaser trailer for the Ant-Man movie:

I might buy it out of loyalty, but I wish I was buying it because it's a great comic book.

The sad part is, there's a germ of a great idea in this issue, one involving some Golden Age characters making a comeback. It's sweet and funny and clever and they do almost nothing with it.

It's not a bad introduction to the character for new readers, but for those of us who are big fans of Ant-Man, it's pretty disappointing.

Not much else to say that wouldn't give away too much, but it's an excellent issue and a good starting point for anyone wanting to learn more about DC's premiere undersea hero.

Hopefully, this team will hang around for a good long run. It's off to a great start!

Next time around, let's home more is better.

This opening story is a great first step.

It's going to be interesting to see where it goes from here!

Hopefully this series will continue to mend that reputation. Aquaman is one of the earliest superheroes I encountered, and he's long been a favorite. It's great to see him getting first-class treatment at the hands of some of DC's best creators.

It's great to see Aquaman and Mera soaring high in a well-written series. They were long overdue for VIP treatment.

There's still a lot of story to unfold here (this is just chapter two), but I'm certainly hooked.

Hopefully the day is fast approaching when the answer to "Which hero is gay or straight?" will be: who cares?

The finale to this series is being interrupted by DC's "Zero" issue event over the next month - after that, we'll see if Johns and Reis really have the nerve to write a final ending to the menace of Manta - or if they find a way to cheat their way out of this corner.

Aside from that quibble, this is a terrific series, and it continues to build to further revelations. As long as Johns is involved, I'll keep hanging around.

And so far, this series is definitely worth hanging with.

By weaving the story through two monthly comics, it's kept things moving at a fast clip, and given all the characters room to shine.

Really, what Johns has done with this comic is nothing short of amazing. He's taken a character who has (unfairly) been the butt of jokes, and made him the star of one of (if not the) best comics in the "New 52."

It's great to see this venerable character getting treated so well by some of DC's top creative talents.

I just want to take a moment to say "thanks" to Johns for his work in rehabilitating this character. Aquaman was one of my first favorites when I started reading superheroes in the early 1960s, and it's been painful, in recent years, to see him treated as the butt of jokes.

The issue features a strong script by Dan Abnett and terrific art by Riccardo Federici and color art by Sunny Gho - it's a style that almost looks painted, and it creates a powerful environment for Aquaman's adventures.

It's a weak start to the series, though there's time to turn it around. The story features several unique, compelling characters - they just need some room to fly.

This is a middle-of-the-road series - well-crafted comic book entertainment from writer Dan Jurgens and artists Ian Medina and Allen Martinez - but it's building slowly, and the team members are mostly ciphers so far. But it's getting there.

This Rebirth issue, whatever it may be, is a good jumping on place - it's a narrative-heavy issue framed around a serious action sequence with Aquaman fighting to prevent a terrorist attack on the American shore by an

But this issue didn't hook my attention at all, so I won't be back. Someone let me know if it gets better.

Kudos to the company for coming up with a storyline that has me picking up my first Archie comic in years - and I'll probably be back for the rest of the issues in this series, too.

No matter how "real" the story is, it's entertaining and well worth a look.

It's been a long time since this comic was on my must-buy list, and I've been enjoying my own visit to Memory Lane.

If I was going to predict which girl Archie would "really" marry, I would have chosen Betty (as would all right-thinking people). It'll be interesting to see how the matchup works in "real life."

The next issue wraps up the series, and then (presumably) it's back to high school for the gang - which is where they belong, after all.

I've been away from Archie's comics for a while (of course, they're not exactly aimed at my age group), but it's been fun to check in with the Riverdale cast - I'll have to do this more often!

But I do love that cover! You know, now that I think about it, maybe we should move everyone in Washington to Riverdale...

If you're a fan of the Archie Universe you'll probably excuse this issue as a miscalculation. If this is your first Archie in a while you'll likely be left scratching your head, to which I say "try them again next month!"

Of course, if this experiment doesn't work, don't be surprised to see the traditional Dan DeCarlo style of art return - but for now, I think this just might succeed and bring the series (kicking and screaming) into the modern age of comics.

Will the series last, or is it a flash in the pan? As long as the quality continues, I hope this series lasts a long, long time!

The drama is amped up, but the comedy is still running strong throughout, and the "new" take on the characters is interesting. I love the art, I like the characters, and I'm intrigued to see where the story is taking us, so I'll continue to hang with the series. So far, the fresh start is working... for me.

The series continues to defy my original skepticism - it's a solid new take on the classic tale of boys likes girls!

Waid (with artist Veronica Fish) continues to build a new series using the most reliable and enduring building blocks that have made the series so enduring - all while updating it for a modern audience.

So it's a fun issue by writer Mark Waid with terrific, high-energy art by Pete Woods.

I shouldn't be surprised that I enjoy this series - Waid is one of the best comic writers out there, of course - though I am happy to see that a more traditional new Archie comic is being released next month - but I'm enjoying this series a lot, and I suspect you will, too.

The Archie concept - following the lives of teens in high school - is an enduring one, and it can be adapted to different formats. Thank goodness!

If youenjoy Riverdale - or the recent run by Waid - then you'll enjoy this.

And that's the goal here - to have fun with the meeting of opposites on the bandwidth of musical talents, as we see the contrast between one of the all-time great rock bands (though one that never enjoyed huge success on the charts) and a made-up band that somehow churned out one of the biggest hits of all time - despite the fact that they really didn't exist at all.

This is a fun burst of nostalgia and so far the meeting of the two different worlds is an almost seamless affair. Fun!

Definitely not for young readers - and I'm not so sure older readers should waste their time, either.

It's all fast and breezy and fun - a nifty burst of nostalgia for geezers like me, and it should be fun for new readers, too.

The story is mostly fun, but it's all pretty slim going. It's a one-off, a good laugh with good art - but that's about it.

For $1.50, this is a low-cost way to check out this series. sofar it's an interesting science fiction tale that's being crafted - and there's lots of potential in the mix.

This would be a tough starting point for new readers, but longtime fans will enjoy the setup for this year's 15th anniversary celebration for Aspen.

I hope this story works - crossovers between the series (and their characters) should be a good jolt to set up new and more exciting stories.

The story is continued into the next issue, which features the company'smainstream star - and lots more trouble for our heroes.

So we have the beginnings of an unusual tale here - time will tell if it's a good story. But my, doesn't the art look fine.

Hopefully, that'll start happening next issue.

So buy it for the art, but steel yourself for a story that barely makes sense and seems to continue spinning out of control. That Cosmic Cube is going to have to work overtime to clean up this confusion.

The comic is worth buying for the art - but until the story starts making sense, it'll never make the grade as a "great" comic. It's only halfway there.

I was hoping the whole mess of a story would somehow be worked out in this final issue, but no such luck. High marks for the art, but the rest of the book flunks out.

What a treat, to have a real X-Men book on the stands again. It's about dang time.

Look, I can't say enough great things about this series. Wonderful stories, great art, original characters - superhero comics at its best!

The only thing that has hurt this title over the years is that publication has been suspended a couple of times for various reasons - but happily, the creative team is cranking on all burners, and one of the industry's best titles is once again on a regular publishing schedule.

Unlike the majority of comics out there, Astro City manages to tell stories about characters who are interesting, intelligent, and act and behave like real people. These are stories that matter, that challenge the reader and make you care about what happens next.

Highly recommended!

So I'll just say that it's a terrific comic - one of my all-time favorites!

As always, writer Kurt Busiek and artist Brent Eric Anderson turn in fantastic, top-notch work. Surely every comics fan in existence would love this comic.

Kurt Busiek (working with Anderson and cover artist Alex Ross) has built an amazing world of heroes with this series, managing to pay tribute to - and expand on - the mythology of comics, and the best the industry has to offer.

The interior art is by Joe Infurnari, filling in for Brent Anderson. The story and the art are justserviceable this time around - not bad, but not quite up to theusual standards - but as I've said before, an "average" Astro City story is better than some of the best you'll find in any other title.

There are precious few writers today who can evoke the classic style of comics adventures while retaining a modern feel to their stories. Alan Moore has had some success with it, but Kurt Busiek is the master.

With terrific art by Brent Anderson and yet another tremendous cover by Alex Ross, and it's easy to see why this is a series every comics fan should be reading. Highly recommended!

Every comics fan should be reading this series - it's earned its spot as comics royalty, and this issue is just further proof of that fact.

As I've said before: surely every comic book fan should be reading this comic.

This is a story arc that any comics fan will enjoy - but music fans will love it!

I just kept smiling through the whole story - so of course I wasn't prepared at all for that final page, which any dog owner can relate to. What a fun issue - one of the year's best! Highly recommended!

It's also good to hear that future issues in this story will arrive on schedule. It's great to have Busiek and Anderson - and Astro City - back on tour again!

Despite this issue's stumbles, I'm still a huge fan of this series and I anxiously await the next issue. I just hope I'll see it when it goes by.

If you're not familiar with the Astro City stories, it might be difficult to jump in at this late date in this particular story - but do yourself a favor and pick up some of the early collections - they're some of the best comics around.

Best of all, it's great to see this comic back on a (more or less) regular basis, and now that this story has wrapped up, I'm anxious to see what's next for the residents of Astro City.

The series is a little rough around the edges, but it's a lot of fun and worth checking out for any fan of adventure serials.

I enjoyed it! This is just the beginning of the story, but with striking art and a quest with lots of twists and turns along the way, I'm anxious to see where it goes from here.

Perfectly timed to the season, The Autumnal weaves an amazing tale about a mother and daughter and their sudden move from Chicago to a rural setting. It may sound like a setup for a Hallmark movie, but instead it's a personal story with hints of darkness, of sadness - and horror. Kat Somerville has led a rough and rowdy life, and she struggles to raise her misbehaving young daughter Sybil. When Kat is told that her long-estranged mother has died, she travels home to the rural town named Comfort Notch. There she finds eccentric residents, a possible new home, and a haunting mystery. It's a sharp and clever story by Daniel Kraus with stunning,evocative art by Chris Shehan and color art by Jason Wordie. The first issue has this series off to a strong start - recommended!

Avoid at all costs.

Glad to see the end of the Dark Reign, and anxious to see where this team goes from here. It promises to be a lot of fun.

I admit it, I read this comic with a big grin on my face - it's just a heck of a lot of fun. Can't wait for the next issue!

Good stuff! You really should be reading it.

This is one of the few that I always read in the car - that's how much I look forward to it. So, highly recommended!

If you haven't been reading up to now, you might as well wait for the trade collection - but if you've been following along, you know what a hoot this story is.

This comic may not be universally loved - time travel stories aren't for everyone. But for a glimpse at a possible future for the Avengers, some major league battle scenes and several good examples of smart heroes making smart decisions, this new version of America's Team (sorry, Dallas Cowboys) is off to a flying start.

But it's going to take a lot to bring me around on this one.

Even a weak Bendis script is better than most, so this comic is still fun to read. But I can't help but wish for a different opponent for the team. As I've said before, The Hood is an interesting character, but he's no Thanos.

There's still time to turn this story around - and the "Next issue" cover looks interesting - but I still stand by my original "cosmic MacGuffins stink" platform.

I'm glad to see this story that I had almost given up on suddenly righting itself and upping the ante. I have to admit it - I'm impressed!

(Can you tell baseball season is here?)

Any more discussion would give away too much, but if you're an Avengers fan, don't skip this one just because it has a ".1" at the end.

But hopefully next issue will give us just a bit more action.

As tie-ins go, it's a good one. Not a lot of deep thought, but lots of action and destruction on view.

Come to think of it, the same is true for almost every "hero fights the Hulk" story. Go figure.

Hopefully, once Fear Itself has run its course, this comic can go back to telling stories that matter.

So where does the team go from here? That's going to be the fun part over the next issue (or more), and as per that last page, a big showdown is in the works.

At any rate, it looks like the next issue brings an end to all the discussion and introspection and gets down to some serious action. That's what we call good timing.

Much as I'm tired of Osborn, the story has me hooked so far, and I'm looking forward to seeing the big comeback by our team... or a really surprising ending.

There's nothing in this issue that you can't get in A vs X #0. Sad but true.

I wonder how they'll cover the event problem next month?

If you can overlook the (mostly minor) continuity glitches, there's a lot to enjoy here. If you focus in on such things, this might be one to skip.

Give the creative team credit - they crafted a story about a character I don't like - and despite myself, I enjoyed it!

So a nice relief from the heavy-duty doings in the maxi-series, as it's all in good fun.

I want you to read it so we can talk about it.

If only there were more comics like this one!

There's no deep plot at work here - just lots of action, some crackling dialogue and a fun story with a great wrap-up to Bendis' long run.

Except that you, the reader, are out 5 bucks.

Hickman specializes in big, sprawling stories, and that's exactly what we're getting here. I love it!

The next issue can't arrive soon enough.

I was expecting big things from Hickman on the title, and so far, he's exceeded my expectations. No complaints here, except for the fact that I have to wait for the next issue!

This really is a special series - not to be missed!

If you haven't been following this series, you're going to regret it.

Personally, I wouldn't miss it for anything.

Still, with exemplary art by Dustin Weaver and a riveting, growing and unpredictable storyline, this is a compelling series - if you're not already, you really should be reading it.

Just terrific work here - but please folks... pace yourself.

A word of advice: buy this comic.

So, yet another outstanding issue in one of Marvel's best titles. Highly recommended!

There's not much in the way of crazed action in this issue (at least not until the end), but there's a good workout here for your mind. Great stuff!

Yet another excellent issue in the latest version of The Avengers - it's one of Marvel's best.

So the cover doesn't really work for me - but once you get past that, this is a fantastic comic and highly recommended!

But the story more than makes up for any problems there, and sets up the coming war, which promises to have some deep-felt repercussions.

They're creating a powerful story here - not always easy to follow, but it's carving a unique and thoughtful space of its own. Highly recommended!

Highly, highly recommended!

So far, this has been a terrific series - one of Marvel's best in quite a while. Can't wait to see that final confrontation with Thanos!

You might have expected a smaller story for the team after the cosmic overkill of Infinity, but it looks like the creative team isn't taking a break - they're plunging headlong into the next massive event.

Hickman continues to maintain an amazing mastery over several complex stories at once - yet he never loses the reader (well, as long as you're paying attention). Great stuff!

I love stories where I don't know what will happen next - and you'll find that (and then some) in this series.

The battle with the alternate Avengers has been interesting but not really up to the usual standards of this series. But even Hickman's average stuff is better than most, and as always, Salvador Larroca's art is tremendous.

Combined with the amazing art by Salvador Larroca, it's an impressive work of art and I can't wait to see where it goes from here. It's an involved story, and it's not always easy to follow as we wait for some aspects to be explained - but it's very, very good.

And while some elements are familiar, most of it is shockingly new and different - and well worth following. Heck, this issue is worth it for the Hawkeye moments.

It's not for everyone - but for those who "get it," it's terrific!

This has been a serious, complex story - and while it's not for everyone, it's an amazing, thoughtful and carefully devised work, and well worth sorting out.

What I find most interesting is that the character could still end up being a villain. Or a hero. Because of his unique outlook, it all depends on your interpretation - and that of the creative team. It'll be interesting to see what happens next!

The final-page reveal certainly sparks interest. Writer Jonathan Hickman is molding a big, worlds-shattering tale here, loaded with surprises and unexpected turns.

So it's the same song - a great story (for those who have been following along), terrific art, and lots of exciting events pushing this complex and compelling story forward. I like it!

Not for timid fans, but mighty impressive to those willing to tackle the story.

It's a thoughtful, clever script by Jonathan Hickman and amazing, over-the-top artwork by Mike Deodato. Best of all, it's a fight between Marvel heroes unlike any other.

Best of all, I have no idea what is going to happen next. There aren't many comics out there you can say that about.

It's another fantastic story by writer Jonathan Hickman and amazing art by Mike Deodato - what an amazing, mature, complex tale they're weaving here. Highly recommended!

It's a lot to keep up with, but writer Jonathan Hickman is weaving it together with amazing skill. I'm running out of superlatives for this series. Fans will be talking about this one for years to come!

Still, nice to see a classic version of the team back in action - and you have to love that Alex Ross cover.

It all fits snugly into Marvel's continuity, and for long-time fans, it's a wonderful trip down memory lane. (Be sure to try the letters page - it's tasty!) All I can say is: more, please!

The story threatens to spin out of control - time paradoxes are tricky rascals - but Waid keeps those plates spinning carefully in the air, adding fresh twists along the way. Throw in a few Easter eggs and you have a mighty entertaining story brewing.

So, a fun comic for long-time fans - and a clever story (with a mystery or two loaded in) to keep new readers involved.

It's a fun story by Mark Waid that plays fair with the time travel concept and - as far as I can tell - hasn't made a mistake yet.

There are lots of Avengers books out there right now, but this one may be the best of the bunch.

It's a terrific slice of history setting up the next big confrontation with the Conqueror!

So, it's a great series, with terrific art - it's lots of fun. As a longtime fan, I can only say, "Thanks!"

This continues to be an entertaining comic, tackling complex characters and stories. Even if the bad guys are confused.

It's a surprisingly touching story, and a welcome relief from the usual event angst.

This issue marks something of a new start for the team, and it's a great jumping-on point - and a darned good comic.

With terrific art by Jesus Saiz, this is a great start to the series of crossovers. Recommended!

We're only halfway through this six-part crossover, and so far, it's shaping up to be a classic!

This series has been building slowly and it's building to a powerful finish. (Better bring a hanky!)

But it's a very entertaining mystery (the best kind!), and I'm in for the long haul.

It's shaping up to be a real barn-burner, and I have to say - so far I'm really enjoying this series.

The story follows a battle royal between two alien super-teams and the Avengers, and it continues to build nicely. So against the odds - I like it!

The art has been a bit uneven through the series (the biggest disadvantage to a weekly comic), but the story has been a blast so far, with a non-stop series of events designed to keep the reader - and the heroes - on their toes.

The quality has been high, considering its weekly publishing schedule - but it's certainly time to be wrapping up this sprawling tale before it completely spins out of control.

It's not an easy "read" so far, but it's been a bit of fun. But it's definitely time to bring it all home. Like, preferably next issue.

Aaron is using a story element he's worked to good use in other series - jumping back and forth between parallel stories set in different times - but the backstory set a million years in the past is a bit much to swallow, as it features a really unlikely team of Avengers.

The script by Jason Aaron is sharp and funny, and the art by Ed McGuinness, Mark Morales and Jay Leisten is big and bold and a blast throughout. Highly recommended!

A decent start to the new series - and great art - but here's hoping for some moredown-to-Earth opponents in the future.

At any rate, hopefully future issues will contain more adventures starring the team whose name is up there on the top of the cover.

Still, it's good to see the team amping up its power levels. Now they need to pump up their humanity.

I was hoping for more from a team that's hit such a major mark.

The story includes terrific art and lots of action, so it's entertaining - for a war.

It's a solid comicthat manages to fill the bill for both fans of the Event series - and those who are just reading TheAvengers.

It's not working for me.

So I'll keep buying the Avengers/Invaders comic - I just wish I enjoyed it more.

Maybe the story will be redeemed in the last half of the series by a shocking twist that'll bring it all together. But so far, it's just been very disappointing.

As it turns out, it didn't. Shows what I know!

OK, now I'm being picky. But I have to think Chaykin was having an off day when he tackled this issue. No doubt it'll pick up from here - but the series is off to a shaky start.

It's an interesting start, but it has a ways to go before this is a must-buy.

I'm having trouble putting my finger on why this Avengers: A.I. series isn't working for me.

It's a very encouraging start and a good concept. I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes from here. As I recall, that X-Men thing worked out ok.

It's fresh, it's original and lots of fun. So far, so good!

It's actually a pretty good comic, but it's not so compelling that I can't be driven away by sales stunts like this. And that may have just happened.

My advice is to get the team out in the field fighting the bad guys - after all, the X-Men didn't spend all their time in the Danger Room.

They're doing great work here, and it's well worth checking out.

CORRECTION: Apparently the art for this issue was actually provided by Tom Raney, not Mike McKone (which shows what I know about art) - there was an error in the credits. Sorry for the mistake!

Every series is going to stumble now and then, and I'll be back for the next issue - but this one just didn't work.

Still, aside from a few minor stumbles along the way, this continues to be an entertaining comic, and one well worth following.

After a few recent missteps this series is back on track and lots of fun to read. Recommended!

A year into its run and this title continues to be an entertaining addition to the Avengers family. I'm not ready to say it's the best of the Avengers titles - but it's right up there.

So overall, another strong effort and a solid start to this series. I think I prefer this book when it has a lighter tone - but there's plenty of room for serious stories, too.

Avengers Academy is consistently one of the best of the Avengers books, but it's a little out of its element as it slogs through this event. I look forward to a return to "normalcy" (whatever that is).

I think the comic is a great concept, but please, give us a little less angst and some heroes I can cheer for.

Looking forward to future issues!

There are still lots of questions to be answered, but in this year of the Avengers, this is a strong addition to the lineup.

Of all the Avengers comics out there, this is the one most accessible for new readers or fans of the film. Good thinking, Marvel!

Still, terrific art, lots of action and mysteries to be solved - this is the best Avengers comic on the market today!

So bear with the creative team while they put the game piece in place - should be lots of action next time around to make up for it.

We're all anxious to see the answer to that one!

Next issue is the big wrap-up to this story, so we'll see if writer Brian Bendis can "stick the landing" (as they kept saying in the Olympics).

Here's hoping the creative team that follows can maintain the high standards.

So far the new team is maintaining the high standards on this (relatively) new title. We'll see where it goes from here.

But the story stumbles a bit here. Hopefully it'll be back on track with the next issue.

So far, the best way to sum it up is: it feels like a classic Marvel comic - and I consider that a heckuva compliment.

I could quibble with a few story points, and a key player's involvement seems to contradict an ongoing story in Thor's comic, but this issue is so much fun that I can't fault it for these minor problems - any reader would easily earn a No-prize explaining these things away (if they still gave out No-prizes).

As this series hits its mid-point, it's still a lot of fun and - if for the art alone - well worth picking up.

Still, the characters are on stage, the conflict is set - I have high hopes for this one. Bring on the show!

The stakes are high, the outcome grim, and the war is about to begin. Save me a seat!

There's not a lot of thinking required, but I have to admit that it's a lot of fun to sit back and see who's next to get tossed over the top rope.

But it all moves along briskly and continues to feel like a classic Marvel crossover comic - and it's certainly long overdue to bring the mutants and the rest of the Marvel heroes together for a big hoo-hah event.

But there is a lot of punching, too.

Hopefully future issues will manage some more surprises and lean a bit less on the formula. I'd hate to suffer a burnout on such a treasured tradition.

Mega events like this either work well or fall apart before they're over. So far, this is all the former, and none of the latter.

Still an interesting read, but this series has a habit of repeating itself - and this issue, as artfully done as it is, just seems like more of the same from last issue.

A bit old-fashioned, but good clean fun. Nothing wrong with that.

On the down side, this is one of those stories where you can clearly see the creative team pulling your strings - but the story is fun and brings back memories of past heroics, so I'll give it a pass. Good, solid super heroics here.

I've been enjoying the series so far, but it remains to be seen if the creative team can mange to "stick the landing."

We'll have to wait for the next issue before passing final judgment on this series, but this issue seemed to be a by-the-numbers exercise in setting up the final issue.

So, a solid series, with exceptional art and a good (if not quite exceptional) story. Well worth checking out.

I love a lot of things about the script - the return of strong characters (including a great surprise from one of Hickman's earlier series), a really massive menace, some great dialogue and plenty of surprises - this may end up being another terrific series to follow.

The story is walking the edge (mostly because of the gigantic dragon angle), but so far it's a compelling story, and I like the focus on the individual members of the team. So far, so good.

I'm always a sucker for humor when it's well done, and this issue fits the bill. Recommended!

So it's an action-packed story that goes from completely improbable (the fight with the giant dragon - how could Madripoor possibly survive that?) to speedy (Morgan's fall) to satisfying (AIM).

The art is quite good, but that's the only reason to pick this one up. There's not an original thought to be found here.

The art is quite good, but that's the only reason to pick this one up. There's not an original thought to be found here.

Hopefully once the series starts this will make some sense, but for now they're not giving us much of a reason to stick around, other than a striking cover.

With amazing art in this issue by comics legend Val Mayerick, this is an series that demands to be followed! Lots of crazy, demon-fighting fun!

It's all in good fun (though Putin might not agree) - an over the top action extravaganza. Highly recommended!

There's no other comic like it - violent, completely unpredictable - and loads of fun!

The series is highly recommended, and we can only hope that this is just the beginning for Dixon working at DC again. While he can write anything, the members of the Bat-family are in desperate need of his guidance.

This series is further proof that quality storytelling never goes out of style. High recommended!

As always, writer Chuck Dixon and artist Graham Nolan craft an expert adventure that just gets bigger and better with each chapter! Highly recommended!

I hate to see this series end - it's been a great ride!

With lots of twists and turns, terrific art and fight scenes galore, this series is ending on a strong note. Highly recommended!