I am positively stoked for Zero Month and for the conclusion to The Others in issue #13.

When it comes to first issues it's all about meeting expectations. I'm not sure what more someone could want from this debut that isn't already here. Hickman and Opena have met, or exceeded, my every expectation for this book. As far as I am concerned this book is flawless, I couldn't have asked for a better opening issue, and that's why I'm giving this book a “must-read” recommendation. This is an incredible opening chapter and Avengers will soon become the best team book on the market. Bank on it.

There is such a wealth of knowledge and information to be found within the pages of Creator-Owned Heroes. The stories are excellent and Im excited to see what new talent and heroes grace the pages in the future. If you are interested in working in the comic industry in any capacity I would recommend you start reading Creator-Owned Heroes right away- there is simply way too much value in the wisdom were handed down from industry pros to pass up. All of that together makes this a must-buy.

As someone who fancies himself as a future comic scribe, I love reading this comic eachmonth because of the tips and tricks Im taught by guys who are already doing it for aliving. Im sorry if I sound like a broken record, but if youre looking to get into comicsin any form: buy Creator-Owned Heroes every month.

Once again, the real value of this comic lies in the interviews and columns from the various creators involved. We're also treated to a special short story by Darwyn Cooke, who will be contributing frequently going forward. If you are serious about working professionally in this industry, I urge you again, start reading this series. There is gold to be mined from the words of these experienced men and women.Creator-Owned Heroes #6 was exactly what I was hoping and expecting it to be. Well done.

And that's not all that the comic touches on, but you're going to need to buy and read it to find out any more. I know I've flogged this horse to death, but Ireally love this series. For once seeing that asterisk next to the title, indicating that it will be leaving my pull-list next issue, is not a joy to see.It's done a lot for me personally and it's near and dear to my heart. If ever it shall return I will be back, and I will aspire to have one of my own original works grace the pages. And maybe, just maybe, we can keep that asterisk gone given a second chance.

Personally, I'd like to thank everyone who had a hand in making the eight issues that I have immensely enjoyed since I discovered the series. This isn't much of a review, and for that I apologize, but this comic has taught me a lot about comics, things that I might not have known for quite some time without it. This comic has inspired me, not to write, I'd be doing that anyways, those of you who do it know that you don't have a choice in the matter, it's an addiction, but it has inspired me to achieve something that could one day be printed in a great comic like this. Like days gone by where a writer could submit a story to a magazine or publication and that tiny success story could be the foundation of a career. So, thank you again. Creator-Owned Heroes has been a staple of my comics diet for quiet some time, and the void it leaves behind will not be easily filled.

Seriously, is there anyone who isnt reading this series? In fact I probably dont even need to review it anymore–we all know its going to be amazing.

Youll hear it from comic fans everywhere, from every site, and likely from every LCS owner, read Daredevil. Theres a reason why that opinion is consistent and found everywhere, because its true, everyone should be reading Daredevil. Waid, Samnee and Rodriguez have crafted yet another masterful issue, probably the most exciting one of the entire run. #19 is bested only by the incredible #7 for best issue of the series.

I won't bother telling you that you need to read this series, because you've already heard that a million times and if you aren't then…well I can't say what popped into my head so let's move along. Daredevil #21 is an excellent comic on it's own, but it is also a conclusion to an amazing story arc. The next story should be a heck of a lot of fun, this is comics at it's finest.

I realize that “the best current superhero series” is a matter of opinion, but it is my belief that Daredevil has earned title. This issue really brought it home for me. The emotional connection, the fabulous art, the distinct colouring, Samnee's trademark style, Waid's perfectly paced romp through New York, and the extra level of tension the opening and closing scenes manage to deliver, all combine to make this one of the best reads this week (second only to the mighty Saga in my opinion). It's not for titles like this that I began reading comics, but it's for titles like this that Icontinue reading comics.

I literally have nothing new to say about Chris Samnee's art, the problem being: it speaks for itself, needs no advocate or boost from someone like me. It's straight up gorgeous every freakin' issue, and my statement of Daredevil being the best superhero title is as much a tribute to him as it is to Waid. Plus when you throw the vibrant, bold colours of Javier Rodriguez on top of the mix you get a winning formula that produces stellar comics each and every month. I couldn't ask for an art team more tailor-made for Waid or for this series. There is no mistaking Daredevil as just another title and it's influence can be felt throughout much of Marvel‘s current line-up, a testament to it's beauty, brilliance and popularity.

From the first panel to the last,Daredevil #26 is comic book story-telling at its very best. In a run that is sure to crack some “Best of…” lists, this issue is the crown jewel shining brilliantly above all the rest.

Simply put, Daredevil End of Days #7 is another brilliant installment of what I am convinced will be considered a masterpiece.

With the final page turned, this issue, and indeed this series, seems to be a very fitting end. The tale of Matt Murdock may be over, but his legacy will long outlast him, and perhaps that's the hero's most important accomplishment. As for Ben Urich, I think that he would rest easy knowing that his son is on a righteous path, and once again it's the legacy he leaves behind that truly reveals the pinnacle of his merit as a man.

It's no mistake that East of West is being heralded as one of the best titles currently ongoing. It's probably the best new series of 2013 and it is surpassing even the tremendous hype that surrounded it because of the great creative team. On one hand you have Hickman's grand ideas, schemes, themes, plots, sub-plots, sub-sub-plots, and outlandish characters, and on the other you have the boisterous and powerful art of Nick Dragotta, which is all held together by the glue that is Frank Martin's stark coloring. While it may end up reading better in trade format, as most of Hickman's work invariably does, it would certainly be tough to miss out on this series each time a new chapter is released. Especially considering the final piece of the puzzle, real characters, has fallen into place.

Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #13 is a great example of how amazing a comic can be when a creative team is working in sync. It doesnt hurt that this issue ties into Rotworld which got off to an incredible start last week in Animal Man and Swamp Thing which, deservedly, got excellent remarks from my good friend Corey Fryia. For those of you who listened to our RCB Central Podcast this week (for those of you that didnt, go check it out!) I picked Frankenstein as the book Id recommend to people because I dont think theyre already reading it. Get on board with this amazing series!

While he might have inherited a bum title, Kindt is doing his very best to ensure that Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E. ends with the best story possible. And with the help of his master artist, Alberto Ponticelli, I believe he is doing just that. Ponticelli's monsters, not the least of which is Frankenstein, are a joy to behold, and he has really stepped up his game along with Kindt. I am weird. I will miss Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E. so very much.

To say that Im excited for the next issue of this series is a massive understatement. I eagerly await the next installment in Stokoes series. I will be so surprised if the end of this series isnt even better than the start, based on what Ive read so far. You simply must read this comic.

There isnt much more that I can say about this limited series that I havent said in my previous two reviews. Stokoe is making each issue better than the last one. This is by far, the best Godzilla story I have ever read, and is one of my favourite series of the year. There is no need to be skeptical, this comic is just as good its touted to be.

If you've missed out on this series so far then I encourage you to pick up the inevitable trade paperback when it is released. This is a Godzilla story for the ages and I'm not sure that I've ever read a better Godzilla story and Stokoe's artwork is more than enough to hook me onto his future works. Half Century War is so much more than just a story featuring a massive over-grown lizard tearing across the world, it's a story filled with metaphor and symbolism, and it's rich with fantastic character moments featuring a strong and interesting lead. You really can't ask for a better limited series than this.

Harvest is one of those special comics where both the writer and artist are hitting their stride together at the same time and the result is a comic that is overall better than almost anything youre going to read this month. This comic aint for the kids or the light of heart but it should appeal to most any other readers out there.

I am more than willing to argue that Hawkeye has earned its place next to Daredevil as Marvels best series. Both of these titles seem to get stronger with every issue. Fraction is crafting a brilliant character piece here that should delight comic fans. David Ajas art has such a simple style and incredible feel that everyone will feel at home, especially with Matt Hollingsworth providing the incredible colour scheme. Hawkeye is a cant miss series, this issue was comic gold.

Please start reading this series if you aren't already. I hope this title stays around for a long time because it really deserves it. The writing is some of the best going and both artists do a great job of giving this book a unique feel that really fits the scripting. Four issues in, andHawkeye is one of the best series going. This isexactly the type of story-telling that Marvel needs to focus on.

There are literally too many amazing things about Hawkeye to list in a review every time it comes out. I can't imagine someone reading this series and not loving it. Now that David Aja is back, the overall quality of this comic soars to its highest level yet. I know these are some big and scary numbers, but I have no choice"

Hawkguy is definitely one of the highlights of modern comics. It deserves a place near the top of your list every month as it manages to pull off something truly unique by staying familiar while also showing us something totally new. This comic is a tremendous futzin' achievement for the comic book medium!

In my short life as a comic reader I have found annuals to be a pretty mixed bag, occasionally great, more often just a throw away issue, this comic really surprised me with its relevance to the pre-existing story, and also its independence from the current tale being told. I can't believe this series can still surprise me. Bravo Fraction. Bravo Pullido. Bravo Hollingsworth. Encore! Encore!

This is how good Justice League needs to be each and every week. I wasnt kidding when I said I would rather have a SHAZAM title than JL. Depending on the reader response to this issue, I may get my wish. Geoff Johns has done a simply breathtaking job with this character and I cant wait to get another glimpse of him in action. Billy Batson has quickly become one of the most profound and provocative characters in comics. Frank and Van Sciver also deserve much props for this wonderfully drawn book. Ill leave you with this: SHAZAM!

As much as I enjoyAvengers, I would be remiss to point out thatNew Avengers is superior in every way. At this point this series is headed into bold new territory and is poised to be recognized as one of the best comics currently being published. This is one of the few Big 2 comics that are actually more akin to something from Image as it has a “creator-owned” feel to it. Don't be surprised when every comic reader is singing the praises of this book by the end of the year.

I have been an advocate of this series for quite some time now and I never tire of singing its praises. This is one of the series that I cite when I discuss my favorite series and rank it among the best from the hottest publisher, Image Comics. Peter Panzerfaust relies on its strength of purpose, emotional power, incredible artwork, and magnetic characters. This is one you just have to read if you love comics.

I realize how much I used the possessive during this review. And I also realize this reads more like a love letter to Rucka and Checchetto than a review, but its what I want to say and I wont apologize for it. Every comic fan should read this series. I know some of you have distaste for Marvel (youre not alone right Greg?), but dont let that stop you from enjoying this amazing display of what the very best of this medium can provide.

Vaughan and Staples haven't missed a beat. They are artists at the peak of their craft and this issue is yet another perfectly paced and expertly rendered installment in every sense of the word. Saga, simply put, is the best currently running comic your time and money can buy. Flawless.

Odds are that once Storm Dogs is finished you are going to go back and dig up all of the issues from your longbox and read them in one sitting. I know that's what I plan on doing. I foresee these issues getting creased and bent from many a time shared with a friend or a simple re-read during a slow week. There are so many amazing things about this comic — it is hard to believe that there could be any readers out there who couldn't find something to love about this book. Another hit from Image Comics.

Rotworld is staking a claim to be the best crossover I've ever read. It has three amazing creative teams at the top of their game and delivering stellar issue after stellar issue. After a long wait, this issue reaches and then exceeds my high expectations, incredible job to the entire team involved, and I can't wait for more!

Brubakers Winter Soldier is a series that has surprised a lot of people, myself included. And it will continue to surprise people. It is just so damn good that I cant believe that it doesnt out sell 90% of Marvels current books. Be that as it may, I am going to continue to enjoy this book while its here. You know it just aint gonna be the same without Ed.

If you haven't been reading Brubaker's Winter Soldier I'm not sure what's stopping you. It's been a relatively short run, but it is worthy of your attention and is one of the best comics you could hope to read. I have a hard time believing that there are many comic readers out there who wouldn't like this series if they gave it a shot, and this issue is the best yet.

This was my favourite comic of the week. I believe Ive also laid out why I think its the best comic of the week (and no, those arent the same thing). Im hard pressed to peg a single issue that had a bigger impact on me so far this year. Ellis veteran approach to scripting gave this straightforward tale an epic and important feel and Shalveys flawless and perfectly choreographed art makes this issue one that you have to pick up even if you arent following this series.

Rocket Racoon #2 is basically a perfect follow-up to the stellar debut from last month. Young is off to an amazing start and if he can keep this up this comic will command a significant cult following soon enough. The impossible charm of the lead character combined with terrific artwork at every turn and a cleverly written story make this a comic that easily qualifies as one of the masterpieces of the week a must-read!

Without Black Science #7 your batch of comics this week would be significantly less awesome and thats never a good thing. Remender, Scalera and White are churning out one masterful issue after another. This week sees the series take a crucial and compelling change in direction and the sleight of hand required to pull this off with any sort of authenticity speaks to the story-telling prowess of this team. This comic sneaks up on you and becomes one of the best of the week.

Full disclosure: I'm in love with this book. I anticipate that it will quickly rise to be one of my favorites, the one I read first every week it comes out, and this issue didn't let me down. The video game sequence was brilliant and the dialogue bouncing back between "oldie-worldie talk" and modern day vernacular is hilarious. If this story didn't deliver something, it's only in that it didn't reveal much more about the old Loki's evil misgivings. Near perfect!

The struggle is real. At least for independent creator-owned comics, which can't rely on marketing budgets or pop culture cachet to sell issues. Thus far, both issues of Birthright have sold out and there's reason to believe this installment will as well, given the quality to be found between the covers. This series has a very strong chance of becoming the best fantasy comic being printed. However, fantasy isn't for everyone, I get that. And maybe that's why that genre is so underdeveloped in the comic book medium. Regardless, Birthright is making a case for why there should be more books just like it. You might not consider Williamson and Bressan superstars but their book can stand up to the best of the week. Make no mistake, "Birthright #3" is easily one of the best issues you could hope to read this week; it's tough to find more fleshed out characters, a more exciting premise, or more enthusiastically rendered visuals in a comic.

One of the strongest artistic performances seen in this series to date propel this issue to new heights with the breakthrough moment weve been waiting for finally occurring. This series is under-appreciated and Kot may finally get the recognition he deserves for this fantastic series once Secret Avengers gets the nod from a few more people and they see his name on the cover of this book as well. Zero #8 isnt a book to miss out on.

Dedicated readers to this series probably found this issue to be the most rewarding of the series to date with massive emotional payoffs coming into play. Luna and Vaughn are to be commended for the difficulty I've had in trying to predict whether the ending is going to be joyous or tragic. The tone, like many great stories, straddles the line between comedy and tragedy making it an anticipated title for me each month as I anxiously await the next turn in the story.

Secret Avengershas impressed me a little more with each successive issue. If that trends continues, this will easily rank as one of my favorite books. Kot, Walsh and Wilson have hit on the winning formula here, now the name of the game is going to be consistencyhow long can they keep it up?

Southern Bastards #5 is as good a follow-up as we could have hoped for. In a way this young series reminds me of what reading Saga was like a few years ago; while each issue seemed to impossibly raise the stakes and be better than the one before it, despite our reservations that the team could outdo past efforts. The bastards who make this comic are at the height of their story-telling powers. If this issue doesnt make you want to read the next issue as soon as you hit the last page, I dont know what will. This is a masterpiece in the making, and like Madison Bumgarner in Game 7 of The World Series on short rest, it defies categorization, explanation, or trepidation.

Zonjic pulled off one of the best issues that this series has ever seen. His ability to tell the story right along with Kot helped make this installment so incredible. It doesnt have the flash or shine of some of the bigger name comics but Zero features a depth of story-telling that eludes many of those same titles. In a market where great creator-owned comics are becoming more heralded and more prominent with every passing month, heres to hoping that someday, someday soon, Zero gets the credit it so sorely deserves.

Kudos to Siegel, Higgins and Reis for taking on controversial subject matter. But even more kudos for tackling crucial subject matter. As far as Im concerned C.O.W.L. has become required reading. This book features some of the most impressive and expressive art you can find in any series and it is filled with relatable characters and compelling fiction. All of that and the book transcends being just an enjoyable read and forces you to think about higher issues.

In case you havent gotten the message by now, Im bananas for this series. This comic just gets me and I cant wait for more. Ales Kot and Mike Walsh are a new team to look out for and this book should be a lot bigger than it is. Everything about this comic has been great so far; it doesn't have a major Achilles heel. Keep an eye on Secret Avengers, friends, this comic is the hotness.

Make no mistake, The Woods is better than ever, and it has managed to balance the strong character-building flashbacks alongside the mystery/fantasy adventure of the present timeline. I don't know how much longer Tynion and Dialynas can sustain this level of quality without completely committing to telling the story they've constructed in the forest, but so far I've yet to tire of the brilliant high school drama they're using as an aside. Visually this book can hold its own against a very strong line-up of fantasy titles emerging onto the scene and has found a way to stick out and be unique. Without giving anything away, I can assure readers of this series who've been here from the beginning that you find this issue to be particularly emotional, something The Woods has always done well. Right in the feels!

The return of Velvet as a no-holds barred hero results in one of the best comics of the week. Brubakers uncanny ability to capture the voice of each character through narration and Eptings superb skills as an artist give this series an edge over the competition. For those that have enjoyed Marvels Black Widow this is a cut-above and shows no signs of slowing down.

All-New X-Men is definitely going to be a must-read series. Bendis has really done an excellent job and I know firmly believe thathe not onlycan write this series, but that heshould as well. This is going to be a ground-breaking X-Men story and is a title many “X” fans have been waiting for. Stuart Immonen's art may have been a little subdued in this issue, but great inking and colouring can be found within the pages. And don't expect the calm diatribes to continue for much longer, because once the original X-Men are convinced to travel to the future, you can expect the crap to hit the fan. In a good way.

Through some innovative paneling, an explosive action sequence, and a ton of expressive characters, Stuart Immonen steals the show from writing partner Brian Michael Bendis. Bendis does however; deliver some fantastic dialogue that makes up for the narration-heavy first pages. All-New X-Men is an ambitious series, I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out, but I've been pleasantly surprised with the result so far. This is easily one of the best title to come out of Marvel since the NOW! initiative began.

All-New X-Men is becoming one of my favourite Marvel titles. It provides something that I consider crucial in a Big 2 comic, character development and legitimate emotional weight and impact. Bendis is at the top of his game right now, and the way he is growing and changing these characters right before our eyes is very similar to watch. It's not going to be easy to guess what is going to happen next and that's one of the most exciting things to think about.

All-New X-Men is my first real foray into modern X-Men comics and this book has blown me away. I was very hesitant when I first heard about it, but every issue of this series has been solid and it shows no signs of wear and tear. There are few better than Brian Michael Bendis when he is on a hot-streak and he is on one right now, and I'd suggest getting while the getting's good. It doesn't hurt that this series is on very comfortable footing on the art side as well.

All-New X-Men is a title that has many plot threads and a ton of potential and Bendis is proving up to the task. His excitement about these characters is palpable when you read the book, and despite the burden it is on my wallet, I must say that I don't find myself complaining about the accelerated released schedule of this series. Every time a new issue is released I devour it and want more, and All-New X-Men #8 is no exception. Another fantastic entry into one of Marvel‘s best series.

And as has been true of this series since the start, the comic proves to be a compelling read that, although wordy, seems to fly by. Bendis seems to have a very clear idea of the things that he wants to examine and he isn't shying away from doing that early and often. It's amazing that this series is on its tenth issue and it still feels like there is groundwork being laid, but if anything that is a testament to the scope, scale, and quality of the story we are being told here.

All-New X-Menhas always been a comic that has used it's gimmick to good effect, and this installment is no different. This is just such a fun book, there is so much going on, and for readers that love to see great character interactions, there is nothing better than Bendis-written dialogue. The old X-Men being in the present has yet to lose it's captivating hold on the reader. There is a reason this series is one of Marvel's best. Ring up another winner forAll-New X-Men.

Having just read the Marvel Essentials Classic X-Men Volume 1, I really enjoy the parallels between the original run of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. If those two didn't hit a home run, we would have missed out on so many good stories that it's hurts my mind just thinking about it. This series has done a fantastic job of capturing the magic of that original run and re-creating it for the modern reader. There is greatness on the horizon for this series if it can manage to continue this level of consistency for the rest of the year, this one could go down as one of Marvel's best of the decade.

Everything is clicking for Animal Man right now and that includes the visual team who have done a great job with this issue. Once again, Animal Man is not a series you can afford to miss.

Aquaman is more exciting than ever. This series has been one of my favourites since it began and it has been extremely consistent. There are a lot of great comics out there, but I believe in diversifying your diet of not just different publishers, but also different types of characters and genres as well. This series offers a very different side of superhero-ism than essentially any other comic out there. The amazing Ivan Reis is at the top of his game, and Geoff Johns has created a bad ass out of a character that used to be a laughing-stock. The “Throne of Atlantis” arc is going to be amazing, both of these creators are just too hot right now to miss the mark.

I highly recommend this comic and the other books under the Valiant banner as well. These guys are really knocking it out of the park and this is definitely a book to watch. Reading this comic is as much fun as you can expect to have with your pants on.

I highly recommend this seriesit has an incredible creative team that has knockedthis issue out of the park. Van Lente has a strong grasp on the characters and is pacingan incredible first arc. The visual team is pumping out solid issue, after solid issue. Asa team I think they are getting better with each issue. This is a series that everyoneshould be reading, if your shop doesnt normally order Valiant (what the hell is wrongwith them?), ask your owner to request it for you.

It recently came to my attention that Valiant is in a sales slump, perhaps the new car smell has worn off, but I have a hard time believing that it can be argued that this series has lost any of its luster. Van Lente is doing an incredible job in capturing the voices of two unique and compelling characters, and then putting them in creative and entertaining circumstances. And now that he is paired with a talented artist like Lupacchino, look out. I would argue that this series, and not X-O Manowar, is the jewel in the Valiant crown, and it deserves the golden treatment. Give this amazing comic a chance to win you over, I bet that it will do just that!

Though the writing didn't impress me as much as it did last time, I still enjoyed Avengers a great dealcertainly a heck of a lot more than I have in years. There are spurts of the flair that we saw from Hickman last issue, and I hope the magic returns with issue #3. Hickman and Opena are a great creative team, and Opena's flawless visuals are basically worth the cover price alone. You should be reading this title, I've no doubt it will be among the highest sellers each month as it matures next year, and will be considered a “must-read.

What I like most about this series is that Hickman is determined to provide something unique. While we are likely going to have to read New Avengers to appreciate his ability to build characters, Avengers is going to be his playground for massive stories with enormous battles and a very large team. All of which he is twisting to provide something that is creative and different when compared to other Avengers titles and other team books as well. This first arc is just one small piece of the puzzle, but Hickman has done a good job of following through on his commitment to readers about what this series is going to be. Plus Opena delivers in every sense of the word. The man is an absolute beast for this first arc and I cannot wait to see what else he is going to be able to do on this series throughout its run. Give this series a try to see if it's for you, I'm betting it's going to be one of Marvel's most popular this year.

Avengers is really starting to hit its stride with this second story arc. While it's annoying to have to shell out $4 every two weeks, the sting is worth it if this is the kind of story we're going to get. I love what Hickman is doing right now. He is delivering a massive story, perfectly utilizing his massive cast of characters, bringing some emotional attachment to the table, and he ushering back an old-school science fiction feel to this series. Adam Kubert went into beast mode on this issue, I was really impressed with his work, it is much better here than in the previous issue (which was my first exposure to him). Avengers is turning into the comic I was hoping it would be and I couldn't be happier to see Hickman at the helm and partnered up with some amazing artistic talents.

Avengers #9 takes greater steps towards the story that Hickman is telling. Not just the physical story itself, but also the overall hypothesis of this series. This is not only a grand sci-fi epic, but it is also a study in superheroes and the glory of the Silver Age of comics.

This series has had me going up and down for months now. There are moments of pure genius, followed by moments of overwhelming confusion, and it might not be a bad idea for readers to head to their longboxes and give this series and its sister,New Avengers a read before diving into Infinity. This series has had a few really interesting issues in a row now, and with Caselli's consistently excellent art, stands to deliver a truly intriguing prelude to the story we were promised almost a year ago. Science-fiction is back, and arguably better than ever, over at the House of Ideas, and I, for one, am pumped to see how the merry Marvelites plan to finish out the summer.

As a reviewer, I think it's important for me to know what I'm talking about (you're welcome) and as such, I'll be reading most of the NOW! stuff so that when I have an opinion, at least it's an informed one. As for AvX, I'm glad the final chapter didn't suck, I'm also glad it's over, and we can move onto (hopefully) better things. Next week Uncanny Avengers debuts, Marvel has a lot riding on this NOW! pony, now it's time to see if thing is going to pay off.

This is easily my favourite run on the character, it has fully examined BatmanandBruce Wayne, featured more than just one-off stories again and again, has featured a great cast of unique characters,and takes Batman a step further than any other series, growing the characterand changing him, making him feel like an actual person.When it comes to Batman I prefer my stories to be the exact opposite of “run-of-the-mill” and Morrison has provided that throughout his entire run, if you're like me, then over the next year,you want to keepan eye onhow the craziness ends.

This title is pure Morrison and, finally, pure Burnham. This is what this title was supposed to be. For those that have stuck around, the biggest issue is yet to come, and here's to hoping that the team sticks the landing, but considering their pedigree, it's hard to imagine that it won't be a finale for the ages.

Whether we'll see much of the many things Morrison created or uncovered during his run in the years to come will remain to be seen, but it could be fun to see lasting consequences and rejuvenated characters see the light of day because of this run. We haven't seen a writer who fundamentally understood the character since Frank Miller, and perhaps it will be a number of years before we see another that just “gets it” on this level. A worthy end to one of the greatest Batman stories of all-time. It has been a long and great ride. Bravo.

This is an Eisner Award winning series for a reason, and Mark Waid and Chris Samnee deliver yet another fantastic installment of this series.Daredevil is one of those titles that should be one of your favourites every month, and it should be near the top of your reading pile every week it come out. I am hoping for a bit more action next issue to top off this arc.

Another great issue of one of the best on-going series from Marvel, and indeed any publisher. This book is a ton of fun but offers a ton for the observant reader. Aspiring writers can learn a lot from Waid and this issue will stand as yet another testament to his ability to craft excellent stories and realistic andrelate-ablecharacters.

Each new issue reveals more interesting layers to these books. Waid, Samnee and Rodriguez have built a modern classic that has yet to miss a step.

The Daredevil train keeps rolling on. Marvel comic books just don't get any better than this.

Filling in on art, while Chris Samnee takes a much deserved break, is series colorist Javier Rodriguez. Not only is Rodriguez one of the most skilled colorists in the game, but he is also a very capable artist. His ability to emulate the style of Samnee is baffling, it truly takes a scrutinizing eye to see that the comic has been drawn by a different person. And since most of you know my thoughts on Chris Samnee, you know that that is a HUGE compliment. But once you notice that Rodriguez is the artist, you notice the subtle differences that make him unique as an artist, nowhere is this more evident than in this panel layout, which features a ton of shifting of focus and different angles and sizes of shots. It seems thatDaredevil is a title that attracts greatness, because no matter who is involved in the creation of the series the result is that this comic continues to have a stranglehold over Marvel's top spot.

I know there are a ton of great Daredevil stories from the past that I need to read, but these guys are providing me with everything I need for the time being. This series is just beyond good at this point. Good is a distant memory. Legendary is on the horizon, and approaching fast.

As for the art, there isn't much to say other than it is really well done. There are absolutely no concerns with the composition and the Weeks is a veteran creator that is clearly very comfortable with his story and the character. Being that rare combination of skilled artist and writer, the fact that he wrote the script he draws adds a little bit of something to the artwork as he conveysexactly what he desires to convey. Like the writing half of things, the art is really well executed and makes for an incredibly enjoyable comic experience. This is yet another DD title to keep an eye on.

Daredevil is a character that has seen more than his share of legendary runs by brilliant creators. Im very pleased with this first installment from Bendis as he returns to the character. Its still a long way from over, which means it has a chance to flop, or be among the best arcs for the character. So far, Bendis is off to an amazing start, and he has very talented people around him.

This is an outstanding series and deserves the praise it has been receiving. This is a very unique comic in the landscape of the Big 2 and I highly recommend it for those readers who like a healthy dose of substance in what they read. Amazing dialogue and breathtaking art ranks Daredevil: End of Days #4 among the best comics of the week.

Daredevil End of Days has been getting better with every issue. The mystery is fascinating, the art is wonderful and perfectly suited to the script, and the cliff-hanger at the end of this issue is a great twist. The only bad thing that I associate with this series is the fact that I have to wait another month until I read the next issue! This comic should be on your radar, after all, it's not often that you're going to see Marvel or DC kill off one of your favourite characters in such a compelling and enjoyable (maybe that didn't come out right…) way.

Daredevil End of Days is simply one of the best stories of our time. It offers so many things that most Marvel and DC comics don't anymore. Discover them for yourself and read this series!

But this series will likely not hook you for its profoundly drawn out characters or its emotional development, it's going to hook you with its outlandish and zany plot, ridiculous premise and the truly awesome art of Nick Dragotta.East of West isn't like any other series on the shelves right now and that scores it major points in my book. This is due to Dragotta just as much as it is to Hickman, and the series artist has really settled into this series nicely. The characters have all looked consistent from the start, and the rest of the book is drawn with such creativity and spice that you can find yourself lost in discovering all of the little details each image includes that sets it apparent from everything else.East of Westisn't as accessible as other Image Comics greats likeThe Walking Dead,Chew orInvincible, but it is just as incredible only four issues in. This series has avery bright future.

The Brubaker-Phillips dynamic is nothing new, but it's nice to see that it gets better with age. Phillips' art has never looked so good. Despite the thick inks he uses to create the noir, gritty atmosphere of the book, his work has never been so transparent. Characters expressions have never been so…well, expressive. And his ability to give this series a look and feel completely unique to almost any other book on the market is a great example of the incredible amount of talent he possesses.Fatale continues to rank among the best series currently being published, and for those of us that have seen work from Brubaker and Phillips, that doesn't really come as all that much of a surprise.

I am pumped for Frankenstein to get his hands (and his blade) dirty next month, when he joins Animal Man and Swamp thing in the Rotworld crossover event. I know there is a ton to catch up on, but I promise that all three of those series are worth your time and money. Rotworld is going to be jaw-dropping, please be there to experience it with the rest of us! Im very glad to have amazing talents like Matt Kindt and Alberto Ponticelli working together on this comic.

I have been an advocate of this series for a while now. I have really enjoyed it from the very start, but this issue delivers, by far, the best installment of the series yet. Matt Kindt's script isappropriatelyominous, at times hilarious, heart-breaking, and downright damning. This is an issue that definitely deserves to be included in the conversation when discussing the epic Rotworld. It is so very frustrating to see that the comic buying public chose not to keep this series going. What an amazing issue and I assure you that this book deserves these marks.

This is one hell of a series. Its something that fans of Chuck Palahniuk, Tess Gerritsen,and Quentin Taratino will greatly enjoy. This series, as it has from the very first issue,comes very highly recommended by me.

These two men have created a great alternative to the types of stories that are too common in comics. Image Comics has a few really exceptional limited and ongoing series, all of which are far better than anything from DC or Marvel, and Harvest is definitely on that list. There are so many things that this series does that simply cannot be done in mainstream comics and I love it for that. Harvest is definitely an amazing series and I hope to see a sequel at some point as well as I believe that Lieberman and Lorimer aren't done with these characters just yet.

Now that weve had two very solid issues that have built the character, I am excited to see what kind of test Fraction is going to put Hawkeye through in the future. I really hope we see a great villain emerge to challenge Clint. Oh, and dont forget to download David Ajas recommended listening this issue!

Hawkeye is a comic that has people talking for a reason. It is worthy of your attention and your pull-list. In what “superhero” comic do you see a guy step on glass with his socking feet and then repeatedly mention how painful it is? That's the kind of stuff that can only work in Hawkeye, and it works so, so well. I keenly await the return of Aja next issue, and to see where that crazy bugger Matt Fraction is going to take us next!

Once again Fraction proves that he can do no wrong when it comes to Hawkguy. There is simply no comic coming out of the Big 2 that I enjoy as much as this and the fact that Marvel is staying true to the artistic style of the book with each new artist is great. There is nothing conventional about Hawkeye and its great creativity and humanity are its strongest assets. I strongly urge anyone who has been waiting on this series to check it out. This is a very approachable jumping on point for an outstanding series.

What can you say about David Aja that hasn't been said a million times before? Probably nothing, but this issue once again reinforces his ability to create a truly unique visual world. I sincerely doubt that many artists have as much fun with their books as Aja does with Hawkguy. Every ounce of that fun translates back to you as the reader and it is no surprise that once again this should be one of your top picks of the week.

Hawkeye is a book that doesn't take itself too seriously, and that's a good thing. Far too many comics take themselves too seriously. Too many try to do the “Dark Knight Returns” and all too often it comes off as lame. Thisis comics after all. More books should follow inHawkeye's footsteps and give us incredible stories like this.

This is an exciting time for this series because existing readers should appreciate the change in character and direction, especially since Gillen and Kid Loki return in next years Young Avengers. But newcomers to the series may also find something that they like and want to stick around for and that is truly exciting. If you're into the whole Asgardian mythology thing, warriors and warrioresses, and a story with a phenomenal female lead, then this is certainly the comic you need to go back to your LCS for. I'm very pleased with what this next creative team is doing with this title and I am excited for more!

Journey Into Mystery will be a title that most will pass up on. I can understand not having an interest in mythology, but I really enjoy it and the fantasy element as it's too few and far between in mainstream comics. Two issues in and I am definitely on board with Immonen, Schiti and Sif. I will follow them wherever they choose to take me.

Journey Into Mystery is a hit in my book. I really enjoy this series and I'm excited to see if it's going to have the longevity and maintained quality that Gillen's run had before it. Immonen, Schiti and Bellaire are the ideal creative team for this series and this has been a great start toward redefining both the series and the character of the Lady Sif.

Journey Into Mystery #650 ends the first arc featuring Sif as the lead character and this issue ranks it among the top stories to come out of Marvel NOW!.

Journey Into Mystery is deserving of all of the praise you've likely heard lauded upon it of late. Don't let the subject matter keep you away from a great thing here. Next issue marks the return of Valerio Schiti and if that isn't enough for you, Immonen is throwing Beta Ray Bill into the line-up for this next arc!

The back-up fiasco aside, I really enjoyed this issue of Justice League. I think Johns is on track with his script for this upcoming arc. The villain is compelling and a threat, the League is finally interesting to read about, and the Superman/Wonder Woman kiss is finally being examined (still not enough to justify it though). Tony S. Daniel is a very welcome addition to this creative team, I sincerely hope he continues to produce work at this level. Oh, and bring back S.H.A.Z.A.M.!

Low #6 really feels like that for Remender and Tocchini despite a couple of stumbles along the way. If you were waiting to see how this first story-arc would turn out then Id argue in favour of it being a genuinely compelling series that warrants your support going farther.

Mara is one of the best limited series being released right now. Now that Mara has a strong personality this book has basically everything, a creative idea, a strong lead, some feels, some action, great art, a unique feel all its own, and a creative team that outdoes themselves with each successive issue.

I was determined to be very tough on this book, but I can find virtually nothing to criticize. The lack of action is easily explainable and overlooked, the characters all jump off of the page, the visuals are gorgeous, the motivations seems right, there is enormous creativity in the plot as we haven't seen anything like this before, the emotional and intellectual moments all seem to hit a perfect spot and balance. I'm blown away by what Hickman has accomplished here, making something so original with the pieces he has been given, and there is some serious cause for hope that this series will be a hit. One great issue doesn't quantify a hit, but this is certainly heading in the right direction and makes virtually every other Big 2 team book pale in comparison (including Hickman's Avengers proper). Keep your eyes on this series as it continues because it is streaking out of the gate.

New Avengers is definitely a title that most comic readers need to try out. The heavy content and lack of traditional action may turn some readers off, but this is a mature comic that doesn't try to be something it's not and is far from conventional or traditional, no to mention that Steve Epting's art continues to be some of the best in an ongoing Marvel series. This comic is a hit; don't let it pass you by.

New Avengers is off to an amazing start. And it's just that, the start, so I hesitate to throw around big predictions or statements, but this series hasn't missed a beat in its early stages which is crucial and a good indicator of what's to come. With conceptual elements that are massive in scale but simple to comprehend, a group of eclectic characters, a moral dilemma that will ensure you're thinking and not just reading, amazing artwork, and some serious creativity, this is a book you can't miss.

Something that I really took notice of this issue was the phenomenal make up of this team and the characters Hickman has drawn together here. The major Marvel monarchies (what up, Stan Lee!) are all at play here, Namor and Atlantis, Black Bolt and the Inhumans, Doom and Latveria, and Black Panther and Wakanda. Not only that but we have Avengers mainstay Iron Man, Fantastic Four leader Reed Richards, original X-Man Beast, giving each of the big teams a member in the group. Top it off with master of the occult, the Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Strange, and you have yourself a unique bunch of heavy-hitters that get better with each issue. The escalating tension between Doom and the Illuminati, and Atlantis and Latveria, promise a ton of action to come. Buckle your seatbelts, kids. This one is going to be one helluva ride.

This issue has at least three massive stories contained within its pages, by that I mean, the Atlantean-Wakandan War, the ongoing incursions of other Earth's, and the invasion fleet, could all easily be big Avengers stories in their own right (not to mention the Starbrand and the sentient Earth story-lines that are occurring in Avengers). But instead of tackling these stories separately, Hickman dives into all three, and the result is a tense thrill-ride that is over far too soon.

Peter Panzerfaust is really great but it doesn't get the attention of other Image Comics books that have big name creators like Brubaker‘s Fatale, Vaughan's Saga or Kirkman‘s The Walking Dead. I'm here to tell you that it is just a great! Check this title out, it's one of my personal favourites and I know that a lot of people aren't reading this that will absolutely love it. And don't forget, it's getting better with every issue!

Peter Panzerfaust doesn't have a character with an enormous following. It doesn't have big name creators. It doesn't have capes or tights.But it has so many other things that you'll grow to love so give this series a chance.

Tyler Jenkins has improved as an artist a great deal since this series began. The first few issues were impressive, but they weren't as clear and focused as his work is now. Jenkins is embracing his own unique voice and style as an artist, and in doing so, has achieved a new level of excellence in his work. Perhaps he endeavored to match the all-star performance his writer is laying down, but whatever his motivation, the marked improvement in the visuals is more than welcome and has taken this series to new heights. This is easily one of the best comic series going from any publisher. It is just really damn good on all levels, but it is especially fantastic when you begin to feel and relate to the characters. Another phenomenal installment from a team that has yet to disappoint.

With four issues done, I am glad to say that I am reading this title. The fact that Ken Garing does every part of the creative process on his own is incredible. That is an incredible achievement and he should be commended by his hard work. My fear is that this series won't get the sales, because of DC, Marvel, a longer shipping schedule, and an unjustly small amount of attention. I hope that a few people who have read this review will give this comic a shot, I doubt that those people would be disappointed.

Planetoid has been a truly remarkable debut for creator Ken Garing. It wasn't enough that he handled all of the creative work himself, but he also managed to make it good,damn good. Planetoid will rank among my favourite mini-series from the past year and is definitely something I recommend for readers that enjoy venturing away from capes and tights. And don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for Ken's next project!

Although it will be difficult to see Rucka leave The Punisher, we can hope that the next writer has noted the fan response to this iteration of the character. I will miss Rucka and Checchetto very much- this has been one of the best books Marvel has been putting out. There is still War Zone to look forward to and then we will just have to see where FrankCastle goes next.

It's disappointing to see Secret Avengers end right in the middle of a hot streak. This series has been great for the last few months and it's a tough loss to swallow, but here's to hoping that the new volume of the series is almost as good as this one has been. Remender and Scalera deserve a ton of props for not skimping out on this last issue.

I can't recommend this series highly enough. It is a ton of fun and several times I've described it as the best kind of Star Wars storytelling. Taylor, Redondo and Atiyeh are a great team and they work very well together as three fantastic issues will attest. The conclusion should be exceptional, and, if the rest of the series is any indication, it should be the best installment yet!

Starlighthas far exceeded my initial expectations and has become one of the many new comics that I really look forward to. There is something timeless about this kind of story when its told with a distinct Kirby/Kubert style of art. Millar and Parlov are definitely onto something with this series and I cant wait to see how things shake out as McQueen and the Resistance battle the formidable forces of the Kingfisher!

Doug Braithwaite maintained the level of quality in his art from the first page to the last. Whether the scene called for touching personal moments, grandeur science-fiction, alien landscapes or explosive action, his ability to render any and all in breath-taking fashion never ceases to amaze. The plot is damn exciting in its own right, but Braithwaite adds even more power to the story as his visuals carry you through the ever complicated Amaranth.Storm Dogsis well on its way to becoming one of the definite science-fiction series in comic books, there simply aren't many others that are as explosive, imaginative or downright deadly as this one. Move overProphet and Saga there's another sci-fi great moving in next door.

Their run had its ups and downs, but Scott Snyder and Yanick Paquette leave things on a high note with Swamp Thing #18 and that is something that we should all appreciate. Both men deliver their best work on the series in months and remind us all of how great this series can be. It is now up to the new creative team to ensure that Swamp Thing stays alive and well.

Once again we are treated to a phenomenal issue ofSwamp Thing,and while it's timing may be frustrating and puzzling, it is still more than worth a read. It's going to be so fantastic to readofSwamp Thingtwo weeks in a row!

Fans of Joe Hill and by extension his father, Stephen King, will love this series. A supernatural story set during the Vietnam War with a father desperate to get home to his children? This is too much to pass up. This is one of my favourite series in comics regardless of publisher. What a fantastic discovery. I am eager to read both the short story by Hill and the adapted comic series as well. I highly recommend this comic!

I really enjoyed this concluding issue of The Cape 1969. It was paced extremely well, the art was phenomenal, and the story achieved something few prequel do, it brought a satisfying story to an end while leading into the original piece. This is definitely a series you should try if youre a fan of Joe Hills work (you all should be).

If a sequel to The Immortal: Demon in the Blood is in the works–you can count me in.The story was so well-done, the characters so compelling, and the art so appropriatefor the script, that Id be a fool to not give it a try. Unless you only read superherostuff, there should be something that every comic fan can enjoy when it comes to thisgraphic novel–great characters, an exciting plot, Japanese culture, turn-of-the-centurysteam age reimagining, supernatural elements, murder-mystery, and more. If you havethe chance to read this book, I say do it, you wont be disappointed.

This issue was fantastic. This series isn't even over and I have already re-read it on two separate occasions, it is just that damn good. If you have friends who aren't sure about comics because they aren't into superheroes or are tired of the same stale stuff recycled over and over, give them this series, they ought to get right on board with the rollicking tale. Hats off to Waid and Samnee yet again for another amazing issue, I eagerly await their finale next month.

With the finale in the books, I can say with confidence thatRocketeer: Cargo of Doom by Mark Waid and Chris Samnee was one of my favourite limited series of the year. I hope that we see this duo back on a Rocketeer title in the near future, because this was a great story that deserves to be continued. This issue certainly met my expectation, great work by the entire team involved in creating this awesome comic!

This is a comic book filled with all sorts of awesome: the casks of alcohol in the All-Father's secretliquorcache, old Thor chirping young Thor for not having a beard, the ridiculous and pitiful Shadrak, the epic battle sirens. This is damn fine comics, kids. Damn fine. Oh, and grow a beard.

As a single issue, Thor God of Thunder #8 is an incredibly well-put together comic. It is a story well-told in every sense of the word, Aaron's dialogue and narration coupled with Ribic's visuals. If the second installment of this story can be this exciting, it is daunting to consider how amazing the finale might be, thankfully, we have a few months to chew on that.

Thor: God of Thunder is the perfect pairing of two creators telling a genuinely unique, creative, and compelling story. Modern comic fans are experiencing a defining moment in the hallowed narrative of Thor. This will very likely go down as one of the great runs on the character and perhaps, just maybe, it has what it takes to be one of the defining runs of our time.

The debut of Transfusion was certainly very strong. It captured my interest and I lovedthe originality to the story and the visual design of the world. I think Niles and menton3have their work cut out for them, once they introduce a compelling character, I wouldsay this series has it all. This is a must-have for fans of horror, and real vampiretales. Some of you will probably want to pick up this book just because of menton3sridiculously good art. An excellent start to this series, I am very hopefully that the nextissue will continue the success found in this one.

Ultimate Comics X-Men is the one Ultimate book that I would really get behind and recommend. While Bendis' Spidey has been pretty good, it has lacked the consistency of this title, and the Ultimates hasn't been the same since Hickman left. If you can only buy one Ultimate title, and it's arguably the only one worth your money (consistently anyway), make sure that it'sUltimate Comics X-Men, it has all of the same ingredients that made the Ultimate universe the best thing to happen to mainstream comics in decades!

Ultimate Comics X-Men has become a fantastic title since Brian Wood has taken over. It seems as though he is applying the same formula to this title that have made The Massive and DMZ some of the best comics you could hope to read. Paco Medina's art is getting more impressive with every issue, which makes this a creative team, and a book, to be watching closely in the months to come. It would be very difficult to read the Wood/Medina issues of this series and not be hooked.

Uncanny X-Men forges its own path with its debut issue, and it is clear that this comic is headed in a different direction than the other X-books on stands. While Bachalo's artwork is worth the price of admission on its own — it's nice to know that Bendis isn't skimping on the story either. Expect this title to do big numbers and garner a fair amount of praise along with that.

If you've missed out on following this fantastic adventure from week to week, I would definitely recommend getting the trade collections as they come out. You will be surprised at how much Brubaker will make you like a character like Bucky Barnes, and you will undoubtedly be floored by the artwork.

If you're like me, then it might take some convincing to give this series a try, I know that I was very skeptical at first, because I had little interest in the title character, but it received rave reviews and I ended up giving it a try. I never looked back and never regretted it. Winter Soldier has been one of Marvel's best titles, and although the new creative team is a group of talented individuals, they have an impossible pair of shoes to fill. Brubaker does not disappoint in this last issue of his acclaimed run.

Ramon Perez has definitely proven himself capable of providing the art for this series. Because of its unorthodox shipping schedule he will likely be fit into the rotation of regular artists, but his work over the last few months has been great. This issue doesn't provide him with the same ridiculous backdrop for insanity as the Savage Land did for the previous few issues, but it is still solid. In fact, the overall quality of the work is probably the best it has been since he took the helm. Seeing all of the weird characters and events that shape the future visually is a real treat. Perez manages to add an incredible cinematic dynamic to this issue that carry the various scenes swiftly and very skillfully. Top-notch work from one of Marvel‘s budding artists and his chemistry with Jason Aaron is undeniable — another home run for this fantastic series.

It is a lot to ask but each issue seems to give us more than enough to love. Villarrubia does an amazing job with the Psychophere scenes, giving it exactly the sort of trippy, mind-bending qualities that you would expect.

Sticking true to form, Spurrier bucks the trends and gives us an antagonist that is really difficult to consider a villain, or even anything but a trustworthy and "good" person. This is in stark contrast to the ridiculous radicals that has led David Haller to this man's doorstep. If you've enjoyed this series so far, this issue is guaranteed to please you and I'd be willing to bank on the rest of this story-arc playing out in a completely awesome way.

Black Science #9 delivers another installment of pulse-pounding action as well as the finely tuned character drama that we've come to expect. Consistently this comic has managed to change and evolve and perhaps this has occurred too quickly for some readers, but it cant be said that these creators are happy with stagnation. With spectacular artwork that includes tons of spreads and dynamic panel designs, this is one of Images best series, page-for-page. Remender and Scalera are crafting what is perhaps the best work of both of their careers a greater compliment cannot be made.

Ive really enjoyed Alex + Ada for a while now and this issue cemented for me a lot of the things that I love about the series, on a whole. Its so easy to grow and evolve with these characters and thus create an emotional connection to the story being told. This isnt the only comic that unabashedly discusses morals but it may be the best. Thats saying something.

Marvel has done a great job with putting top-tier art talent on books featuring some of their great, but lesser known or misused, characters. Fat chicks need love too. This special attention is almost guaranteed to expose these characters to a wide, and brand new audience. Elektra must seize this opportunity and I believe that this creative team is more than capable of ushering in an era where Elektra isnt relegated to the shadows or the Thunderbolts.

This is a great start for a limited series and I have every expectation that over the next few months this will continue to be one of BOOM! Studios best titles.

Were constantly bombarded with new series and all of them cant be winners, but,Copperhead should find itself generating some interest. Strong characters and compelling art make Copperhead #2 an impressive follow-up to a great debut last month. The creators have done the hardest part already: generating buzz, creating characters and a story that readers can care about. Now all they have to do is continue to provide interesting set pieces to build upon this early characterization.

Elektra has become a fine example of why comics are a legitimate art-form. This issue features some of the strongest work by the creative team to date and now they just need to deliver the goods. For those that want a great book that helps diversify the landscape of comics, this is a book for you, or if you dont care about that, pick it up for the slobber-inducing artwork!

Sheltered was just missing a few key elements I needed to start recommending it whole-heartedly to friends and other comic lovers. Those elements have, in large part, been answered with "Sheltered #9". Brisson and Christmas have made me a believer in the depth and length of story they have here and, like The Walking Dead, you might come for the interesting plot pitch, but youll stay for the unpredictable and relatable characters.

The Woods #9 offers compelling character drama and a dramatic cinematic change for the series. What it lacks in outright action it more than makes up for in setting the table for the next major set piece. The payoff for much of this issue will be seen in the installments that follow making it a hard comic to judge, however, readers that have found Tynions snappy dialogue compelling and Dialynas art invigorating will continue to enjoy a hearty dose of both this week. Part of me wonders how much more respect this series would garner simply by being published by Image Comics instead of BOOM! Studios, or is it just me? And if my suspicion is correct, what does that say about us as the members of this community?

“Alex + Ada #8″ is a great piece that fits perfectly into the story so far but its quality is very much balanced upon your past appreciation of the series and your future intention to continue reading. Since I have loved the series from the first issue and plan to see it through to its conclusion, this was a very satisfying read. It addresses some of the deep questions I've been asked myself since I started reading the series, heralding back memories of the first time I readI, Robot by Isaac Asimov. This installment also succeeds on an emotional level as we achieve a hitherto unsurpassed level of drama between the two protagonists. This is a series at the peak of its story-telling powers and it successfully envelops the reader on many different levels.

Birthright #5 is another fantastic outing for Williamson and Bressan. Each issue is getting stronger artistically and as the plot becomes more dense and interesting we become more invested in the characters. This series fills an under-utilizing genre in the comic book medium and has quickly asserted itself as a title of the highest order.

Wytches #4 brings all of the best elements of a classic horror story together into one lightning-paced package thats impossible to put down.

With this issue Undertowgives us a comic that reads and looks different than anything else hitting shelves, to say nothing of the fact that its awesome. It still has some growing to do, though Im not sure whether Im just special or other readers are also having trouble keeping track of which character is which as well. The Amphibian has developed into a pretty interesting character, certainly someone that we want to learn more about. The drama this issue added by showing a shadowy strike force determined to destroy the rebel movement was much needed, it shows, instead of simply telling us, that Atlantis doesnt want the separatist colony to survive. This series has definitely caught me in its strong undertow.

It always surprises me that fantasy isnt more popular in comics. It seems like a genre that manages to translate well to the medium and the fan-base is usually quite receptive. If Birthright can find a dedicated following in these first few months then I think were in for a treat. Williamson is a writer that is reaching new heights for himself with every passing month and Bressans art is positively gorgeous. This is a series you dont want to miss out on.

Nailbiter has been an awesome series even despite the titular character's usual absence and this issue is probably the best one from this series so far.

If Original Sincontinues down the path its own, it could go down as one of the best event comics of this era. Aaron is making use of a wide-range of eclectic and great characters and in the coming issues if he can build into them an emotional connection to the event and develop whats at stake for these individuals this comic will be even more compelling. Deodato has really stepped up with some fantastic art to get this series off the ground, lets hope the book can maintain this high level of artistic quality through to its conclusion.

The Life After #3 continues the short-running tradition of being a work of extraordinary imagination and ingenuity. These are ancient concepts given a modern comic book flair and it seems to get better with every installment. This seems like the perfect book for the type of people who gravitate toward comic booksso, you!

This is the kind of comic that makes independent, creator-owned series' the best in the market today. Corporate comics would find it impossible to handle this much creativity, this much crazy, into one series and yet Shutter does it with style. Keatinge is a writer who understands what makes his characters interesting and whose imagination makes the book a joy to look at because Del Ducas rendering of the script is pure magic. This is a series that deserves to stick around for a while; a long, long while.

While Age of Ultron doesn't feature the most creative idea of the week, it is handled well enough that it scores more points than it loses. Bendis is changing up the formula enough that this story feels fresh and interesting. Hitch is the main draw for me. This guy seriously knocked this thing out of the park and the consistency of writer and artist will likely fix a major issue that plagued AvX. For those excited about what they read this week, the wait won't be long for the next installment as it releases next week. There is cause for hope that Marvel's latest event will be one to remember… fondly

Despite its problems, Age of Ultron is worth your time and will likely prove to be among Marvel‘s better attempts at a big cross-over in recent memory. Hitch is working on a masterpiece of dystopian science-fiction that is a feast for your eyes. This story is good but it still has a way to go before it can be considered great.

While this issue, and the event so far, have been good, it is already becoming formulaic. Not to mention the puzzling notion of why this story needs to happen right now in the first place. This comic feels out of whack with the titles I'm enjoying from Marvel right now. But having said that, it also happens to be the best Marvel, or DC for that matter, event that I've read in quite some time, so there's that.

With so many things going for it you really should be reading this series. There might be some out there who are bothered by Moores art-style, but thankfully, Ive never met them. Smith is breathing life into a brand new character that well want to stick around for a long time. I think its safe to say that this series took most of us by surprise!

All-New X-Men is certainly one of the best things to come out of Marvel NOW! It is extremely approachable, features fantastic and compelling character, and benefits from Immonen's masterful pencil work. This book is definitely on its way to becoming one of the best titles to be released each month. I can'twait for young, naive Cyke and murderous, bastard Cyke to have it out!

My main complaint about All-New X-Men so far has been the lack of action, especially in this issue. However, I believe that Bendis is merely biding his time, making sure that when the punches are thrown, there is a reason behind it, and that's the best reason to withhold an action scene. So I will patiently await the return of Immonen to the series and will continue to be in awe of Bendis' treatment of these long-time characters, making them fresh and vibrant after years of being stagnant. If you were waiting to see if this series is worth your time, it is now a safe bet that it is.

For the time being, it seems clear that the X-Men will be taking on Brotherhood of Evil mutants, with the Avengers dealt with, and the conflict with Cyclops and his band of revolutionaries in the pocket for later use. This should provide Bendis with enough fodder to make for an interesting story, and you can rested assured that the art will rock. But one must question how truly captivating that story can be as we've seen it played out so many times before. Perhaps Bendis is simply paying homage to the original run of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby where the five young mutants went up against a very different Brotherhood issue after issue. Ultimately, time will tell whetherAll-New X-Men will be able to avoid the pitfalls of the familiar, something it has done very well so far, and if this creative team can continue to thread the uncharted, there is no reason why this won't be considered one of the greatest achievements of Marvel NOW!.

For fans of this series, All Star Western #0 should be heralded as the best entry into the series in a while. At some point I would like to see Jonah emerge from the shadow of Gotham, I dont believe this book needs to be associated with the Bat-family, even in such a small way, to survive. 90% of this issue has nothing to do with Gotham City, and that is part of what makes it one of the best entries into the series in the last several months. Palmiotti and Gray were wise to set up their next story-arc, which will take place in Gotham, but Im pretty intrigued by what Ive seen, so Im staying onboard with this series.

This is essentially a filler-issue with the bulk of the story caught up in showing us Buddy's movie, but the script is paced well and the story entertaining enough that this doesn't really matter. Although we already knew the final twist (at least if you pay close attention to the interwebs) but it's a pretty intriguing direction for a series that enjoys no shortage of intriguing directions. Watch out for Animal Man this summer, there is a good chance that it will once again reign supreme as DC's premier comic book.

Aquaman is back in my good books this month as it has left the world of cross overs and the DCU at-large, behind for the time being. We are going to see a more character focused conflict in the coming issues and it is well known that it is those types of stories that Johns is known for. Bring on the aqua-goodness!

The colour work on this series has been excellent from the start. It really reflects the script in that it utilizes a wide range of colours and has playful buoyancy to it. A & A #4 will be one of the most colourful comics that you read this week. Guaranteed

Archer & Armstrong would rank among my top five for best new series of 2012. It's great to see this comic continue to have success into 2013 and don't expect this creative team to stop producing one of the most outlandish and amusing comic books on stands. Like a cheesy movie with the perfect cast and directors, Archer & Armstrong is a title that you will be able to enjoy again and again but without that guilty feeling of shame and the desire to shower afterward.

Avengers after four issues still hasn't achieved the incredibly high level of awesome that its sister title, New Avengers (which should have been named “The Illuminati”), has reached after just two. Still, it is a fine comic book and most readers of this title should be pleased every week it is released. Hickman has promised an even bigger story with this arc, and after #3′s massive scale, we'll have to take his word for it as this issue actually seems to ground itself a little bit more in its characters instead of forging ahead into another massive conflict. But don't see that as a bad thing, Avengers #4 is one of the coolest single issues to come out this week!

Hickman is quickly becoming Marvel‘s Grant Morrison, and while that may turn off some readers, those that have stuck with Morrison over the years have come to realize that despite heady subject matter, confusing chapters, and massive stories, there can also be a greater sense of satisfaction at the end. Avengers is going to be a very big and very long story, and readers that are patient with Hickman will ultimately be rewarded. If you're looking for a series that is going to get a lot of mileage I would suggest this one, because re-reads will definitely be necessary along the way, making that $3.99 bi-weekly price tag a little more bearable.

Avengers have become something so large and so fantastic that it seems so odd that it debuted only a few months ago. Hickman has wasted no time in building a massive story fitting of the title “Avengers” and is bringing a level of creativity to the series that it hasn't seen in quite some time. The art is in good hands as well as the visual team transitions to the duo of Dustin Weaver and Justin Ponsor. Avengers should definitely be on your pull-list.

Avengers is the book that we were promised by Hickman and Marvel all of those months ago when the hype machine was building up excitement for the NOW! initiative. While Hickman's style may alienate some readers, and the departure from close-up character work from Bendis‘ run may do the same, the grand scale of this series coupled with the brilliant creativity that Hickman is pouring into this book suggest that we are in for an exciting run that will remain popular for a wide-range of readers. Don't forget to also pick up Hickman's New Avengers as well as the two titles are supposed to overlap in some ways in the near future.

Mike Deodato makes his debut on this series taking over art duties from Dustin Weaver. Deodato doesn't back down from the challenge and produces some great looking pages. His hyper-detailed faces are a huge asset and he did well to remember that this series is heavily influence by science-fiction and his art reflects that. Once again,Avengers has found itself a capable artist to carry this series.

How well this issue, or any for that matter, fits into Hickman's grand scheme remains to be seen. At this point, I am on for the ride and loving each issue as a stand-alone story, but I know that soon or later things are going to start to make sense on the “next level” of this story. Until that happens, it is great to see Hickman utilizing his large cast of characters and tell interestingly themed stories. It doesn't hurt that Mike Deodato manages so many striking visuals either.

Batman Incorporated is probably the most unique Batman series ever. It is a story that only Grant Morrison could conceive and the writer has a very strong cult following that is obviously keeping this book afloat. While difficult to follow at times, and hard to grasp at others, many experienced comic readers should try reading this story from the start to see if it's for them. It is becoming a little bit more clear with each issue of Batman Incorporated that Morrison is getting close to the end of the story he set out to tell so many years ago and I have high hopes for what that final issue will bring.

Did I mention that Jason Todd pees his pants? He totally does. Never liked that guy much anyway.

C.O.W.L. #5 is another remarkable entry into one of Images darkest yet most compelling series. Co-writers Kyle Higgins and Alec Siegel have crafted characters that have real skin in the game and some of them are easy to love while others are easy to love-to-hate. Rod Reis art is a defining characteristic for the book. It simultaneously sets the book apart from everything else on stands while also providing exactly what the doctor ordered for this series. Everything about C.O.W.L. #5 is mysterious, grim and foreboding.

This is a fantastic indie book, one I hope that you would all give a shot. Its earned it. Im happy to say that Ill be able to say that I know Grissom and Sloan before they make it with a mainstream publisher.

Deadhorse is without a doubt my favourite small press comic. This issue completely sealed me in as a fan of this series and its creators. It is the type of work that inspires an aspiring writer like me, because it proves that there are great series outside the realm of DC, Marvel, Image, IDW and Dark Horse. If you only take a chance on one small press book this year, I say make itDeadhorse (hopefully 215 Ink get's us a collected trade paperback edition of the first arc in time for the second in 2013!)!

Overall this book definitely justifies its existence in my mind. It will be very interesting to see what the other Batman books explore with their Zero Issues but Detective Comics #0 is a great start to the month for the Dark Knight.

A stellar cliff-hanger ending, exceptional fill-in art, and a strong supporting cast ensures that Elektra #6 doesnt weaken what has been a very strong series. It would be nice to get a bit more emotional mileage out of Elektra, but, for now the book has been strong enough to make up for the title character being a little bland. As long as next issue provides a payoff, this series should continue to be one of Marvels least heralded successes.

Though this issue stalled a bit for me, I am still a huge fan of this series and believe that every comic fan should give it a try. Good thing the first trade is out collecting the first five issues of this comic. Certainly among the best comics printed today, dont judge this series by this issue.

This final issue doesn't blow the top off, but instead gives a respecting bow to the devoted readers to this series and indeed to the characters themselves. Kindt and Ponticelli wrap up this series in style and don't cheat us of one last entertaining story, making this one of the few DC series to have proceeded without a blemish since launch. This title will be missed.

Hoax Hunters is a comic that is on the verge of greatness. It has a lot of potential, and a very talented creative team, so as this series heads into its second arc it will be interesting to see if it garners more attention from the press and readers alike. I'd recommend this series to fans of what Image has been up to this past year, Hoax Hunters is a great series that brings creativity and originality to the table as much as solid story-telling and crazy adventures. That being said this series isn't yet on par with other greatImage debuts from last year like Fatale, Manhattan Projects, Saga and Revival. Give this series a chance, there is a good chance that it will put a smile on your face, it offers a great alternative to the often predictable and familiar stories of other current series.

Thank you Jeff for a great run with Red Hulk! I doubt that Red She Hulk is going to be a massive hit sales-wise but I think Parker has earned our investment in the first few issues. I know Ill be reading at least the first arc.

This issue was clever, funny, and ridiculously quirky. It was an issue that was true to form for Jason Aaron and it is a good example of what he can do when his script goes ‘right'. While Palo and Martin are unable to deliver a superstar quality performance, their cartoon-style allows the reader to feel at home. If you're wondering if you should get this issue before jumping ontoIndestructible Hulk, the answer is no. This is the final issue of the Hulk United story arc, so either pick up the arc as a whole, or start fresh when Waid and Yu take over next month.

I'd find it surprising if this series gets a ton of readers that haven't been reading one or both of Hickman's Avengers series and those readers will get so much more out of this than those who have no idea what a White Event is, or an Incursion, where a Builder comes from, or why Ex Nihilo and Abyss are now Avengers. Infinity is off to a very strong start and that should encourage the multitude of readers who have grown weary of Marvel's event comics, which seems to have become synonymous with disappointment. I'm extremely optimistic that this will turn out to be one of the best Big Two event comics of all-time. I'm hedging my bet on Hickman, folks.

Looks like Fraction is going to end his run on a high note. Im glad to see that despite having written The Invincible Iron Man for so long, Fraction still manages to wow with his grand finale. It will be exciting to see a new take on Tony Stark when Kieron Gillen takes over the new Marvel NOW! title. Likewise, it will be interesting to see what Fraction does with Fantastic Four and FF after the acclaimed run of Jonathon Hickman.

Iron Fist: The Living Weapon seems like a hit in the making. Andrews clearly has extensive plans for Danny Rand and it is going to be interesting to see the direction he takes with this first story-arc. This series may require more patience than some of the others around, but since when did it become necessary for a book to reveal all of its cards in two issues? With art that is unmistakable and striking in every way, there is no doubting that this title will stand out on the shelves, but will it leave those shelves in customers' hands?

The final story serves as a sort of wrap up for not just this issue, but the series as a whole so far. With the Atomics all gathered at the end of a busy day for everyone, Rich lays the seeds for possible future installments and reminds us why this is a series we should be supporting. BecauseIt Girl and the Atomics isn't just a “fun” comic, it's a truly great one, that features full-fleshed out characters, colorful art by great talents, massive doses of humor, and the magic to pull it all off without looking ridiculous. Long liveIt Girl.

No review of one of her books can go by without a shout out to the great Jordie Bellaire. Once again, her color work is phenomenal and has gone a long way toward establishing the unique voice that the art of this book has. There isn't any other comic that looks that much likeJourney Into Mystery.

Valerio Schiti was my biggest pleasant surprise to come out of Marvel's NOW! initiative. I had never heard of the guy before and all of a sudden I open upJourney Into Mystery only to be confronted with some ridiculously rad visuals. Not to mention that he is assisted by the ever-fantastic Jordie Bellaire…the art team has never slouched during this run and their work will be just as missed as Immonen's clever and calculated scripting. When the fire of combat is being stoked, the art takes on a dynamic presence that consumes the reader. When the panel is silent and the expressions must do the talking, Schiti nails the moment 100%. Another great issue from a creative team that hasn't missed a beat, and I for one will miss this series very much.

With the final pages of Magneto #3, Bunn and Walta throw a nasty little curveball into what seemed like a straightforward story. This not only made the conflict and character more complex, but will enable the creative team to continue the interesting story that lead up to the climax of this issue. Big X-Men fans should not be going to sleep on this title, there's something about it"something vaguely"magnetic.

As with Avengers, and really anything penned by Hickman, this title will require a commitment from the reader for at least the first arc, after which it will be easier to judge the quality of this series. But Hickman is not content to stick with the norm and his complex plots are better assessed as a whole than as a single issue. Nevertheless, with a very strong showing by Epting, incredible characterization of Black Panther, a massive threat, and a cast of characters that will be at odds with each other, New Avengers #1 has a lot to offer. There are definitely some concerns regarding the motive of the villain, her identity, and how everything is happening, but I trust that Hickman will deliver the goods in the next couple of issues.

War Zone does not disappoint. It's a first issue so it's lighter on action that same may expect, but the dialogue and character scenes are so strong that it doesn't matter. I love the way Rucka is able to capture each unique voice of the character, it reminds me of Whedon's Avengers film. That's some pretty high praise, but I think the character work speaks for itself. We are certainly in for an entertaining limited series here. And I think the question on everyone's mind is, Frank doesn't kills cops…but what about Avengers?

For a first issue this is very promising. You have to remember with Image books that you're going to need to give them a bigger lease than Big Two books, as writers must work a heck of a lot harder to establish characters and worlds, into of stepping into the familiar sandbox and recreating the castle. Fraction does a great job here and introducing the world and setting the hook, expect him to heavily invest in his main character in the coming issues, which should really seal the deal for Satellite Sam. Expect this to be one of the hits of the summer, but with Fraction's current status as a Marvel superstar, one shouldn't be surprised about that.

Satellite Samwill succeed in winning readers because of its high-profile creative team, but they will stay because of how well this series has been put together. The art is fantastic, the characters are incredibly interesting, the setting makes for a fascinating period piece, and the plot is interesting in its own right (after all, who doesn't like a little murder on live TV?). With a few more issues like this, this series could easily become one of the best new titles to debut this year.

Fans of Remenders run should continue to eat up this series like it is Grandmas apple pie. The dialogue, the plot, the character, everything is done extremely well, and represents a strong case for why Remender was given the reigns to one of Marvels most important NOW! books, Uncanny Avengers. There is more airplane action between Widow and Hawkeye promised next issue, heres to hoping that Matteo Scalero sees a female, any female, in between now and then.

Secret Avengers is one of the hidden gems of today's comic market. Often overlooked, it is one of the most enjoyable team books going. It's a ton of fun, but more than that, Remender is teaching budding writers like myself how to properly adjust for having a large cast of characters, and how to give each of them a unique voice and a proper amount of screen time. Remender is often credited with his best work being done on lesser-known or less popular characters, so you can imagine how great it is that he is writing a book about a team of Marvel Universe misfits.

I really like where this issue is going. This comic reads like a Bond film mixed with the Star Wars universe, which is a truly amazing thing. For readers of Star Wars that long for something that doesn't revolve around Jedi or Sith, this is certainly a comic to be checking out!

I wish so badly that this was a new ongoing series under the Star Wars banner. I can hope that both Taylor and Maul will be back for another story arc in the future. Until then though, I will be enjoying and re-reading Death Sentence, terrific value for your money and a must-have for fans of Star Wars, sci-fi, badass villains and great comics.

For those of us that have thoroughly enjoyed this entry into Star Wars lore, this issue was likely bittersweet. It was concluded a very fun, very entertaining story arc, that featured excellent artwork and a fantastic plot. It also however, means that it's going to be a little while before we see Darth Maul starring in another comic book. While you're waiting, you might want to give Death Sentence a read to sate your hunger.

The final scene of the comic, which I won't give away, should seal the deal for basically every Star Wars fan who buys this comic. And since it's only a two-part story, I'd say that you're crazy not to check this out. Vader is one of the most important pop culture icons of the last 50 years, and his portrayal in this series is one to admire. And it's one that we all might be hoping returns, sooner rather than later. Freed is certainly onto something, and I welcome his latest addition to the Star Wars universe.

Stumptown isn't a comic for everyone, and it isn't going to be massive sales success, but it has received its share of critical praise and believe me when I say, it deserves it! I can't wait until Rucka and Southworth are back again and Dex is off on another crazy case. The final page features some of Rucka's suggestions for further reading; I know that I'll be checking out the titles he listed! Highly recommend this series.

Stellar artwork saves the day for this comic. It has some major pacing problems, and though I've never been a fan of the way Snyder introduces an issue, the start and end of this comic provide more than enough interesting plot and character developments to believe that there is hope that next issue will be awesome.

Mitch Gerads is an artist that I really respect. He may not have the most commercial friendly style, or the prowess to draw a major superhero title, but he has madeThe Activity his. He has indelibly marked the series with his own unique twist that is unmistakable. Gerads is bold enough to assert himself as a clear voice for this series, a voice that equals Edmondson's contributions, and it makes the title that much stronger. It helps that there is really no other book out there likeThe Activity so when Gerads gives us another fantastic issue there is no stagnation, no “been there, seen that” feeling that one can get from many of the thousand and one superhero titles currently being published.The Activity is my kind of a comic. A series that fights the good fight and is proud of it. Who dares wins, ladies and gentlemen.

I will continue to have my eye on this series as it continues. It has definitely become a favorite of mine as I find it to be the type of story that I really enjoy reading. If what I have described here interests you then I encourage you to try reading this series- I doubt it will disappoint you!

The End Times of Bram and Ben is definitely not a comic that will appeal to everyone. If what you've read in reviews sounds like it could amuse you or your curiosity has been piqued by a solicitation, go and check it out! This is one of the best and most creative mini-series from Image in months and readers faithful to the publisher will find a lot to love about Bram and Ben.

The Life After #2 is a book that requires an open mind. It has the power to offend the sensibilities of both those devoutly religious and those stringently atheistic. The book has something to say to someone on either side of thatdichotomy, and however you identify this is might be a great book to break up some of the light superhero fare that we all know and love. Gabo is an artist to watch as this book appears to be getting stronger in the visual department. Now taking bets for how long it takes for him to make his BigTwo debut!

The status quo for Thor has changed, and yet, it oddly also remains the same. And therein lies the brilliance of this issue. It has certainly laid the framework for a fresh and exciting start forThor: God of Thunder, which I am extremely excited for. Fraction and company deliver a fantastic ode to the Thunder God with the final issue ofThe Mighty Thor, I enjoyed it immensely.

Savage Hawkman is one of the books that I have the most fun reading each month. It's light and fun, and absolutely crammed with amazing art from Joe Bennet and Art Thibert. On top of that, the plots are crazy and you can bet there will be an incredible fight scene. My hope is thatHawkman: Wanted tests Carter Hall, or should I call him Katar Hol? more than he has been in the past. I really want to see him pushed to the breaking point.

This series wont be for everyone, but I have a hard time believing that fans of cleverheist movies, Kirkman comics, or a compelling crime series will find much to dislikewith this comic. Though this issue didnt blow my socks off, this series is better taken inwhen the whole arc can be observed as a singular story. Great artwork certainly helpsan issue where the script spends the entire plot teeing up the issues to come. A solideffort from the team and Thief of Thieves continues to impress me when compared tomost books from the Big 2.

While Thor: God of Thunder has had a few detractors here and there, I certainly find it difficult to locate a glaring fault with this comic. The direction this comic is heading is so profoundly right that it's hard to imagine it running into any barriers. If Aaron can continue on the warpath and write every issue this way while also coming up with creative and intriguing stories like this Gorr story has been, then he will only have to worry about staying on the title long enough to be considered one of the best Thor scribes of all-time.

Ultimate Comics X-Men has recaptured the magic of what the Ultimate universe was all about. It will be remembered as one of the most exciting things to happen in comics, but the past few years has seen a dip in the quality of the titles. Brian Wood is doing his very best to make this a relevant title again, and I believe that he is really succeeding. I really look forward to another mind-blowing issue with a ton of action and eye-catching artwork.

Story-wise, Ultimate Comics X-Men is heading in a very intriguing direction. It would be hard to think that many readers would be displeased with where Wood is taking these young mutants. Once the series gets a dose of action the woes about the artwork will probably wane, but for this single issue it wasn't the best work we've seen from this team.

Ultimate Comics X-Men isn't going to move units like some of the big name series, but it is definitely a series worth a read. Readers of this title know exactly how great Brian Wood can be on an ‘X' title, which justifies the near-unanimous positive response to the first issue of hisX-Men title. While Wood is still on board with this series, you can bet that I'll keep coming back;Ultimate X-Men has not been better in years, if ever.

Uncanny X-Men is definitely heading in the right direction and there is a lot of potential for this story to carry on for quite some time. Literally the only thing that really bothers me about this title are the silly costume designs for the ladies, as they walk around in the snow in leather dominatrix suits. Ultimately that should only distract you for a moment, and shouldn't spoil the awesome story that Bendis and Bachalo are telling.

This series is quickly becoming one of the stand-outs of the Marvel NOW! line-up. If this series manages to maintain the kind of consistency that All-New X-Men has enjoyed then prepare to open up your billfold every single week for a Bendis-written X-title. On the upside; there's a very low possibility that you're going to be disappointed.

This issue presents a very solid effort from both Bunn and the visual team. Its good to be back reviewing this title after not being able to a couple weeks ago. I really hope that sales arent dropping off just because Remenders name isnt on the book anymore. There is still a lot of value to be found in this comic and Im excited for whats in store in two weeks with the conclusion of this first arc.

Venom continues to be one of my favourite comics and one that I look forward to reading whenever it comes out. The Minimum Carnage crossover event with Scarlet Spider should be interesting- I have never read Scarlet Spider, so it will be my first time reading the character. That aside- I respect what Bunn has done with this character and the direction he is taking the series. I am happy to be along for the ride.

Though as a whole Minimum Carnage has probably missed the mark, so far at least, this installment was excellent. Asbig fan of Venom this issue went a long way in cementing the fact that Cullen Bunn deserves this title, and that it must stay on my pull-list. This issue is so good that I can guarantee I will be reading it again soon. Hats off to Cullen and Declan, they have raised the bar for themselves and I am excited to see where they take us next!

Ramon Perez has made himself at home in Wolverine and the X-Men in the last couple of months. It is a title that definitely suits his flamboyant style. Add in the vibrant colours of Laura Martin and Matt Mill and you have yourself a comic book filled with crazy visuals. But for all of the stunning action-packed panels, there is a slight cost to the static scenes. The occasional facial expression is missed or body dimensions seem off kilter, but ultimately these are relatively few and far between. The errors are forgivable considering how exciting the rest of the visuals are.

Ramon Perez has managed to expertly channel all of the ridiculous, crazy ideas of Jason Aaron, visualize them, and then draw them all for us to enjoy. His talent for making a bizarre scene look completely normal should not be under-rated. Not every comic can pull off having robots from the future, cavemen, a gang from the old west and a gaggle of adolescent mutants all on the same page in a setting like the Savage Land, but Perez pulls it off and not only that, he makes it look pretty damn cool too.

If this first issue tells us anything, it is that readers of this series are going to greatly enjoy the upcoming story-arc. And despite the fact that it has been a long time coming, frustration over the wait for this story will quickly melt away as you find yourself smirking at Quire's latest quip or somebody covered in snot.

In true Azzarello fashion, the final page cliff-hanger leaves you aching to know what happens next. As your fingers attempt to turn ghost pages that don't exist, you may find yourself looking for any hint or clue as to what is going to happen next, because you can guarantee that it's going to be a real doozy.

X-Men Legacy is nothing like any other comic book out there. I love the bravery of this creative team to push away the known quantities and head into unexplored territory. It is not easy to do something unique and creative with characters like Legion and the X-Men, but Spurrier and Huat are managing alright so far. This series won't be for everyone, it isn't an easy read, but it is very rewarding, very silly, and very strange. If you ask me, comics need more of all three.

Tan Eng Huat struggled a bit with this issue. The main complaint I would like to make is that Blindfold looked like a dude on more than one occasion, and that was pretty weird. Facial expressions and form have been a nagging issue for Huat on this title and it's tough to watch this continue to be a problem. X-Men Legacy could be a much stronger title if these nagging problems could be resolved. The issue is still enjoyable in its own right, as has the series as a whole, but these details are holding the title back from reaching the next level.

Watching Haller at work is a joy. His planning, his expletive filled inner monologue, his goofy hair, and all of it rendered with a quirky charm by Paul Davidson and Jay Leisten. While it's evident that this title doesn't have the massive big-budget production team that one would expect onAvengers, the title is actually the better for it. The colorful characters are portrayed in all of their awkward splendor and once again that word “charm” comes to mind. If you're looking for a less trod corner of the Marvel Universe, if you can believe such a thing exists, then come check outX-Men Legacy!

Tan Eng Huat is an artist that brings a little good and a little bad with him every time he puts pen to page. While this issue features many great character moments, and these allow colorist Jose Villarrubia to inject a ton of color, facial expressions are still something Huat struggles with, and the consistency still isn't there. Some character look really fantastic, refined, and expressive, while others appear to have no gender or much more than a blank scowl. When the zany action starts Huat really hits his stride and it doesn't take long to remind you why he is the lead-artist on this book. His frantic style and creative designs really lend itself to the outlandishness this series exudes. Readers that have been digging this series will find that this next story sounds just as intriguing as the past ones have been and I'm proud to say that this is one of my favorite series right now. Superb.

Artist Tan Eng Huat helped make this series what it is: a damn good one. But his artwork has suffered from constant inconsistencies from the very start. However, what Huat lacks in some departments he makes up for in others.X-Men Legacy is, and I really hesitate to use this term, one of the most meta titles in the Marvel line-up. It constant pushes boundaries and bucks convention and Huat takes huge risks as an artist by following that line, so we can forgive him the funky looking face or two when he delivers the solid visuals we see in this issue, like when Pete Wisdom gets a tour of Legion's mind, or when the issue kicks off with an absolute bang.

When you reach the final page youve probably already decided whether youre going to be reading this series or not, but it does provide the reader with a clear understanding of what theyre strapping in for if theyre somewhat undecided. There are so many books out there and yet none of them have the look and feel that this one does. Ironically, its tough to give it too much credit for originality because it owes its existence to its source material. Big Trouble in Little Chinais one of those books that will fly under the radar even though it shouldnt. Dont punish this book for not having grown men and women punch each other in the face while clad in spandex!

Elektrahas been better than I dared hope when I heard the announcement for the series. The artwork alone is worth the price of admission. If Blackman can continue to play with the emotional turmoil of the character and add in some physical drama and violence, then we are going to have quite the series on our hands.

As a comic, Ms. Marvel #5 is outstanding. From the start Kamala Khan has become a character that is easy to like and Wilson shows no signs of making this any less true as the series drags on. On a different level, the religious dogma that this series portrays simultaneously humanizes a mistreated peoples but also raises legitimate concerns about its treatment of women and youth. Great art is great art and none of the concerns I have about the scripting for this series prevents me from loving Alphonas style. His ability to capture the gawky, awkwardness of youth is embarrassingly superb as youll find yourself reliving your less graceful formative years.

Without a doubt Williamson and Henderson have a great mystery here. They've shown us enough to let us in on the chase but not so much that answers are obvious. This steady flow of answers and questions is a precarious one but so far this team has done an amazing job of keeping readers absorbed. It would have been nice to see a bit more of Nailbiter this issue, as he still seems to be an under-utilized character given he's the namesake of the entire series. But we're given enough story here to distract us from his absence.

Despite my concerns over the pacing of the overall plot and the constantly shifting tone, I still have to admit that I really love this series. The inherent nerdiness of the series speaks to me and thats something that I cant say for every comic book I read these days. If theres a comic that emulates Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Cabin in the Woods with a more comic book take on serial killers then I am missing out it. This series delivers the goods with a consistently entertaining world with so much to do and see. Lets just hope the creators dont get lost the in the underground labyrinths underneath it.

Roche Limit #5 is a satisfying conclusion to a compelling science-fiction noir comic. The tone of the work is deadly serious and occasionally dark and brooding, but that made the warmth of the characters all the more appealing.

Mercenary Sea is a series for you if you love to let your hair down and have a good time every now and again. Symons packs enough action, heart and suspense into each issue to keep you coming back every month and once you grow to love Reynolds art youll love when he lavishes a naval battle upon you. This book doesnt tackle the heaviest fare, especially considering how intellectually intense some Image books are these days, but its nice to have a book like Mercenary Sea to kick it with to cleanse your pallet.

Iron Fist: The Living Weapon is one of Marvels freshest new books. It isnt quite like anything else thats out there and that continues to be one of its greatest strengths. If Andrews can provide us with a compelling and action-packed story by the time this first story-arc is out then this series will hit must-read lists everywhere.

Despite a story that relies on set pieces and clichs, Legendary Star-Lord #2 is nevertheless a charming, exciting and downright fun thrill-ride. This comic reads like the hilarious, special effects wonder that its intended to tie-in with. Humphries and Medina have proven to be a team that works well together and should flourish on the fringes of the Marvel universe where so many opportunities for creativity abound.

I have high hopes for this series. I have no doubt that DeConnick and Landro will create a compelling series with excellent female characters but I hope that the book embraces some more rounded out characters than it has right now.

Black Science #10 succeeds in advancing the overall story of the series but bogs the down narrative with some frustrating character work. In a way this issue makes me really excited for the next issue as I believe that Remender will have many of the characters grow and evolve in the coming months as a few have already. Scaleras art wasnt the flawless masterpiece that it has been at times for this series but youd still be hard-pressed to find a more impressive visual feast on stands this week.

"Copperhead #5" proves that adding a few elements to a police procedural makes it infinitely more appealing. Add aliens, the dynamic of a Western and a setting that is distinctly science-fiction and you've added enough to get away with a safe story and clichd characters.

Beautiful writing and gorgeous art make for a compelling opening for this series, but a weak finish may leave some readers uncertain. McGovern and Leandri don't necessarily have a runaway classic on their hands but do get major points for taking a huge risk with this series. The trippy, crazy art should raise a few eyebrows. “Nightworld #1″ will provide you with an experience that is unlike anything else you'll find at your local comic book store this week, and that really does make it worth checking out.

Its lack of originality really holds the story back. Recycled ideas are heaped on top of recycled ideas but Millar manages to infuse enough heart into the characters to allow the reader to empathize with them, making this worth the read. Parlovs art is really the major selling point for this series and it has been from the very first page. Theres simply nothing like it in the comics market and its unique style hearkens back to a yesteryear that made many of us fans of this medium in the first place.

Perhaps the best praise that I can give to Tynion IV and Dialynas is that they have convinced me, through this excellent issue, to continue reading the series and to track down the first trade paperback collection so that I can come at future issues with all of the knowledge necessary to fully appreciate the story. The art and story really jive well on this book and nothing seems neglected or out-of-place. This is indie comic books at their finest great characters, rad artwork and a compelling plot rife with danger and the unknown.

Its formulaic approach to dark fantasy makes me question whether Death Vigil #1 has what it takes to cement a readership for this series going forward. Strong art is basically a guarantee with Sejic so there is little concern about how this comic will hold up visually. The surprisingly effective characters may just have secured the future of this series and their winning personalities trump the occasionally weak dialogue. A solid debut from Sejic and Images Top Cow imprint even if its more like a double to the gap than a home run.

“All-New Doop #2″ has all of the charm and vibrancy that a Dooper (a fan of Doop, yes, I did just make that up) like myself could ask for. This is a comic that you can enjoy without relying heavily on current continuity in other the X-titles. The underdog can still save the day, but Milligan and company have created enough drama, and suspended belief for long enough, to make reading this series and finding out what happens worth the effort.

Gorgeous art from Eric Powell carries a book that would otherwise find itself mired in a tornado of masochism and clichs. "Big Man Plans #1" is far from a perfect debut but despite its flaws manages to be an entertaining yarn and introduces readers to a concept worth exploring. This book could have been way up its own ass with its marginalized protagonist and managed to avoid that entirely by just making the character work within the confines of the story " it has that going for it too.

Despite missing the mark this time, Black Widow is still a series worth picking up every month. Edmondson and Noto were a good pairing for this series and theyre easily forgiven if this issue wavers off the path of greatness to the shoulder of good. The way the two story-lines ended this issue tease what is sure to be some compelling developments next month.

East of West is one of the strongest series around. It isnt as invincible as I initially suspected earlier in its run, but if these are the only wrinkles that we have to deal with then theres no reason to stir up trouble. Hickman and Dragotta successfully navigated a clich-filled issue and delivered not just an eye pleasing comic book but managed to tighten the noose around these characters as well, adding a certain level of depth to some of Deaths companions that sorely needed it.

Rocket Girl isnt going to be a series for everyone. Its subject matter and characters simply arent intended to hit off with every reader, but if youre into this series then Id say this issue is as good an indication as any that this will be a book to look forward to every time it hits stands. Theres always something to be said about a comic that possesses phenomenally constructed art work so this series has that going for it too. What isnt clear is whether this book can sustain sales enough to keep it afloat long-term. Oh, and did I forget to mention how rad it is to have a comic with an independent, capable and unabashedly female lead character that isnt a massive set of walking breasts? Well now I have.

Sheltered #10 is a well-paced and executed comic that follows up the exciting issue from last month with tensely plotted character drama. Brisson and Christmas have set the table for a terrific, tragic and violent end to this series and now they must begin the build up to the tense final moments. Theyre entering into the 7th inning and really need to start cashing in base-runners. If this issue is any indication, the creative team knows exactly what theyre doing.

With a cliff-hanger ending like the one at the end of The Fuse #4 its pretty hard to not recommend coming back the next month to find out what happens. But even without that, this is turning out to be an expertly told mystery comic that makes up for the fact that it hasnt used its science-fiction element enough yet. Greenwood is capable of drawing some wicked looking stuff but he hasnt yet been able to cut loose. Heres to hoping that the start of the next issue is as explosive as I think it can be.

In single issue format even great series can seem pedestrian because you cant immediately find gratification for the investment youve made but we have every reason to believe that the pay-off to The Woods will be spectacular.

While #Zero #11 isnt the most action-packed issue of the story, it delivers enough intrigue and paced character work to make it worth the investment. This series has been noted for its fast pacing and that trends continues and is, in many ways, a strength as Kot allows his artists to shine. If youve bought into this series already then youre likely going to enjoy this issue. If you havent, dont expect this one to win you over.

Low #3 gets us a little bit closer to what the series has teased. With a world this big and this unlike our own Remender and Tocchini have had to devote, and must continue to devote, a ton of time to exposition. Not only are the characters new to us but the circumstances of their reality is foreign to us as well. This has forced the book into a somewhat plodding pacing but the book is crafted with enough skill and enthusiasm that its not hard to see the jungle through the trees. What is there worth living for when there doesnt seem to be a point anymore? This is the crux of the story and its a perilous question to ask. The series has yet to properly balance its nihilistic qualities with its sanguine protagonist.

With strong nods to Greek mythology, great characters, and a phenomenal artist Starlight #5 is a mediocre comic wrapped in the garb of an amazing one. Ultimately, the art and characters cant completely escape the gravity of the ho-hum story, but neither does the meager plot completely suck the life out of this installment.

While Tooth & Claw #1 lacks in the character department, it does have an impressive vision with the scope and scale of the world Busiek and Dewey have created. Deweys art was splendid throughout this installment and has ensured that I will be back next month to see where the series goes. Busiek has written some brilliant and beautiful comics in his time and I hope that Tooth & Claw becomes one of them. Im just not ready to drink the Kool-Aid on this one just yet.

Nailbiter #6 is perhaps the weakest installment of the series so far. Thankfully, the series has been very strong so being the weakest issue so far doesnt mean that it wasnt a good read. Alice remains an ominous player in the series, or at least appears to be. That should make matters interesting going forward, as most of these characters seem to have more than a few secrets and skeletons in the closet.

Sinestro was really made popular by Geoff Johns incredible run on Green Lantern. At least thats what made me a fan, as well as most of the people I hang out with. He should be a character that is able to sustain a monthly series because of his tortured past, troubled present and ever uncertain future. If the art gets the quality bump it needs, this could be one of DCs best non-Bat/Super related titles.

The Humans #1 is missing some crucial pieces necessary to make a stellar debut. It is possible that the book could improve and deliver those things in the months to come but as of right now this series is unremarkable amidst a sea of great comics. Neelys art and Kellers rap were definite highlights for this issue. My expectations are admittedly high for new Image series and I couldnt help but feel a little bit let down when this installment didnt wow me. I wouldnt fault any reader for sticking with or dropping this series, both make perfect sense to me.

All-New X-Men might have stumbled with this issue, but it was only slightly, and I've no doubt that Bendis will regain his footing next issue. Themomentousevent is almost upon us, and I'm sure everyone who bought this series has been waiting for what will happen next. Expect sparks to fly and tears to run, Bendis and Immonen are definitely crafting a hit with this series.

The necessity of advancing the overall series plot in this issue hurt this title in its area of strength. We've seen mutants fighting other mutants before, more times than any of us can count, but this is the first and only time we'll ever seen the original X-Men visit this modern era of X-comics. Do we really want to spend that time watching them do something we've seen countless times before? Or would we like to see them doing something we've never seen tackled before? Ultimately All-New X-Men is running longer than it should, such is the way of things when your series is built on a finite gimmick, I guarantee you that, but let's hope that that time is not already upon us.

All things considered there isnt much to say about this issue. Its the start of an origin story that, presumably, is going to be continued at some point. The issue is fine, just very disappointing that it had to interrupt an established, and excellent, story arc. I understand what DC was trying to do with Zero Month, but the most outstanding comic to me, was Justice League, which ironically, carried on a previous story arc instead of back-pedaling for a one-off story.

I always thought Atlantis would have more traffic. Check out that first two-page spread, there are only four people visible in the entire city-scape, and all of them are in the foreground!

If there is one major concern with this book, I can't bring myself to call it a fault, with this issue, it is that Aquaman took a back seat to the supporting cast. This was likely necessary due to the fact that this issue set-up several future plot lines, but it would have been nice to have a little bit more face time with Arthur as he appears stagnant and uninteresting in his few appearances here. I don't believe this is cause for concern, merely a hiccup in what has been a very compelling take on this misunderstood character.

Archer & Armstrong hits its first speed bump with this issue, but it's a minor hiccup and nothing more. Next issue promises to get back to business and back to what makes this series so much fun. The growth of these characters has been a joy to read and it will be a good day when Van Lente shows us where this gang of misfits is going next.

Then, unfortunately, one turns back to the grander scheme, and fails to see how this issue fits in with all of the rest. With all of the great series being published by Marvel right now, this series is probably mainly for Hickman diehards, as it's tough to see the average comic reader wanting to experience this series through singles instead of trades. Though, one does find oneself waiting for the shoe to drop and all of the pieces to click together, and knowing Hickman, that seems to be just a matter of time.

Stefano Caselli steps into the art duties this issue with Mike Deodato moving his skills over toNew Avengers giving Steve Epting a much needed break. Caselli takes onAvengers #14, an issue that features only two pages of action, in a way that works for an Avengers book. Caselli isn't trying to reinvent the wheel and the issue comes off feeling a little familiar, whether that is a good or a bad thing will be determined by each individual reader. As for me, I wasn't terribly thrilled with artwork, but I didn't find it lacking in quality or distracting either.The soonerAvengers gets back to art that reflects its grand science-fiction atmosphere the better.

Avengers continues to be a very difficult title to review, and indeed, to judge as a reader. There is so much going on and there are so many plot threads, that at times it feels like you're drowning, and at others it feels like nothing worthwhile has occurred. In any case, this issue is certainly one of the best yet and this title seems to have found a nice groove lately, here's to hoping that the payoff is just as massive as the setup.

All things considered this comic is good but honestly probably didnt surprise that many people. As the major crossover event for Marvel, good is extremely disappointing in my mind. At this point, I am waiting for AvX to end so that we can move onto Marvel NOW. The amazing artwork simply doesnt make up for the ridiculous roller coaster ride that AvX has been.

Disappointing art aside,Batman Incorporated #10should please readers that have been with this series not along. We are one step closer to the finale of what has been my favourite Batman story sinceThe Dark Knight Returns.

Jorge Lucas, an artist I was not familiar with prior to reading this comic, did one heckuva job matching the tone and atmosphere of the story with his art. There was a very distinct Silver Age feel to this comic that Lucas fleshed out with his bold and expressive work. ReadingBatman Incorporated #11 may have you thinking like Kanye West and saying “Damn, they don't make ‘em like this anymore.”

Despite the fact that I didnt like the art, I really see a lot of value in this comic for readers of this series.The scriptfor #5is the reason why this comic deserves a long and happy shelf life. Unfortunately, I cant seem to agree with Marvels choice of artist for this series, its not enough to make me drop the book though.

Cyclops #1 does exactly what a first issue needs to do: leave you wanting to read the next issue to see what happens next. It wasn't bend-over-backwards exciting, but it offered a tiny taste of each of the elements that will make up this book. In the coming months Rucka and Co. need to continue to build off the emotional relationship between father and son, the zany action of outer space and the exploration of one of Marvel's most neglected heroes in order for it to reach its potential and become a must-read title.

There is still hope that this series is as great as I think it can be. Bendis and Mack seem to have a wicked story for us, I just hope that the art can keep pace with that quality, unfortunately in this issue it doesn't. I still enjoyed this comic, but it's tough to give it a ringing endorsement based on the messy art. If you picked up last issue, I'd say you're fine to continue to read this series. If you're wondering if you should jump on board, maybe wait another issue or two to see if the art gets sorted out.

There is yet hope for Detective Comics but Id be very surprised if Layman and Fabokreally wowed anything with this issue. It was good, but nothing more. The value provided by the fantastic back-up does not make up for the main story being ‘blah'. Whether thisgeneric first issue will lead to a disappointing first arc remains to be seen, but Im stillcrossing my fingers that this title reaches its full potential with Layman at the helm.

When I finished this issue I looked at my pull-list and thought for a few minutes about what to do with this title. Ultimately my decision boiled down to answering this question: will you ever read this story again? My answer became abundantly clear, no, and so I am choosing to drop this series (again.) If you answer “yes” to that same question, I would suggest to you that you either read too much, or aren't reading enough, this series is average at best, which is a real disappointment for those that can see how talented these individuals are. There may come a day where this title gets turned around, but it is not this day.

Extermination is definitely a book to be checking out. It is the type of series that BOOM! handles very well- do not let my grade for this issue fool you, I really enjoy reading Extermination. In my opinion this issue slowed the story down too much after what had been three very good instalments. If you need any extra incentive to try out this series: somebody gets peed on. I shit you not. This series is NOT recommended for young readers.

A swing and a miss with The War That Time Forgot in my opinion but I look forward to the next issue of G.I. Combat with raised expectations for The Unknown Soldier and high hopes for a better back-up story.

Fans of supernatural fiction and mysteries will want to check out this book. After reading this issue I definitely will be along for the ride with this miniseries. The strength of DeConnicks writing and wonderful characterization are more than enough to pique my interest. Notos art goes together with this story like peanut butter and chocolate (mmm Reeses). I believe DeConnick and Noto have some pretty cool tricks up their sleeves, which they will reveal in the coming issues.

Fans of supernatural mystery should enjoy this series going forward. The last pageof this issue did a lot to guarantee my continued reading of this series. It is now upto DeConnick and Noto to produce a work that is worthy of the attention of the comicreading public.

The quote on the cover of the book (which came from my review of Hoax Hunters #6) says, “a comic on the verge of greatness” and I stand by that claim and truly believe it. At this point the book only has a couple of things holding it back, mid-level artwork, and characters that have yet to be fully realized. If those two things can be attained, I believe that Hoax Hunters could become one of Image Comics‘ more popular titles.

Despite ongoing characterization issues and an average artistic performance this time out, Hoax Hunters is still worth the investment. This is a comic still in its infancy and has a lot of potential to one day be one of the greats. But, (you knew there was a big, stinking “but” around here didn't you?) if the creative team are unable to fix these issues sooner rather than later, then I don't see how it could possibly survive in a market that is flooded with undeniably amazing books.

His run was short, and despite starting strong, suffered a bit of a weak spell in the middle, Aaron did a pretty good job with a complicated character. Especially since he had to follow up the legendary run of Greg Pak! It will be interesting to see what happens to Hulk when Mark Waid takes the reins, and it should be a blast reading a Thor title written by Jason Aaron.

Journey Into Mystery does suffer from a misstep this week, but it remains to be seen whether this is cause for concern, or whether this issue was merely paced awkwardly. The art is definitely the saving grace here as it remains incredibly detailed and distinct.

If youre already reading this series then you will continue to enjoy it after reading this issue. For those that are on the fence, I could only recommend it if you have room on your pull list for a sci-fi book that is well-written. The lack of depth will certainly turn off some readers but this book doesnt present itself as a serious examination of anything other than the indomitable human spirit and our penchant for violence.

This comic has now hit my list of 'must-read' comics every month. I'm really into crime fiction and have always had a soft-spot for stories involving the Mafia. This comic is awesome because it has us cheering for the bad guys. At the very end of this issue the Mob hitmen decide they are going to try and "fight fire with fire". I'm contemplating just what that is going to mean"

Though this cross-over will pale in comparison to some of the fantastic work thats happening right now, this issue isnt bad, just average. If average is enough to hit your radar, pick it up. Or, if youre like me and are a reader of either Venom or Scarlet Spider, youre probably going to want to read the whole arc so the next couple of issues make sense.

While Original Sindoesnt seem to be setting itself apart from past event comics, it is proving better in the early going than some weve seen in the last couple of years. Its tough not to read too much into things so early but patience is going to be the name of the game here. Aaron is a truly talented writer, one of the best in the business, so hes capable of pulling the strings together. But he needs to do it soon if this event is going to be remembered for the right reasons.

It's too bad that the art holds back this series, because if a top-notch artist had been handed this series it would be a must-read for almost every comic reader out there. Instead, it's really only essential reading for those of us who were so very pleased with Rucka's recent acclaimed run on Punisher. Rucka ends the issue with a brilliant scene between Thor and Castle where the two share a beer and have a very candid chat. It's likely the highlight of the book even though there is some terrific action. I'd also like to quickly mention how pleased I am at the way Rucka has handled the Avengers in this series, this issue with Thor was especially well-done. This is definitely worth a read if you're already invested, but if you're on the outside looking in, start with the trade paperback collections of the recent Punisher run and work your way up.

I wasn't blown away by this comic, but I did enjoy it. I found the ending to be more thancompelling enough to hook me for at least this first arc. I have faith in Jeff Parker, asa writer I enjoy, to straighten out my complaint regarding the lack of explanation onwhy these events are unfolding. As is typical of a Hulk book, there is definitely somesmashing, which will always be okay by me. I believe that the next two issues of thisseries will be the ones that either win over readers who are taking a chance on thisseries, or will cause them to drop the book. Could go either way based on this issue.

Story-wise Red She-Hulk is a hit, but the art should prevent a lot of people from adding this to their already swelled pull-lists. The good news is, the way Marvel editorial likes to shift around artists, there is bound to be a change coming soon. As a long-time reader of the Hulk title and a fan of Jeff Parker as a writer, I will definitely be sticking with this series, but let me be clear, it is solely due to Parker's ability to craft a fantastic story and write a compelling character, it has nothing to do with the unspectacular artwork.

Secret Avengers isn't a “must-read” title, but it's certainly a ton of fun. It's trademark Remender, with great characters, wonky villains, and crazy plots. This issue expresses what this series is about, and sets up the finale, which, if I know Remender, will be a lot of fun to read.

Sheltered is still a comic in its infancy and it's tough to read too much into things at this point. It should be enough for most readers that this series is off to an interesting start, features great artwork, and the promise of more violence to come as Brisson and Christmas explore what the result of such a sheltered life must be. The next great survival thriller may have found its home inSheltered; we'll just have to see how things play out.

Dont give up on these bastards yet, "Southern Bastards #7" might not be a masterpiece but it still shows plenty of signs that this series still has some life left in it.

I enjoyed Spider-Men as a whole. I would be receptive to some sort of sequel story as well. The ending wasnt really as exciting or as creative as I was hoping for, but its still a solid comic. Because this comic failed to deliver on the quality set by the previous issues, its mark is somewhat lower than what I would have graded the overall arc.

In case you cant tell, Im still on the fence with this series. Im such a big Star Warsnerd that I want to say that its a valuable series to read, but I cant seem to makeup my mind. This issue was certainly a step in the right direction, in that there is nowsome action, some interesting character drama, and Sith vs. Sith mayhem. I thinkthe next issue will either win me over, or push me away. For now I cant endorse, ordenounce the comic other than what Ive said in this review.

The art team, comprising of Andrea Mutti, Pierluigi Baldassini and Michael Atiyeh, put forth a solid effort. The work is "good", but does fall short of reaching a higher plain, the pencils and inks seem a little rushed, and some extra detailing both on the characters faces, and during the combat scenes would see a drastic improvement in the overall quality of the art in this book. As it stands though, the visual team did a solid job of giving us a comic that captures the scope and scale of Miller's script.

I wonder how great this issue could have been if the Abby Arcane sequence was shortened to two or three pages. This issue disappointed me as my standards for Swamp Thing have been raised to a high level, but the disjointed plot spoiled the story for me, and the power of a few scenes was greatly reduced as well. Marco Rudy did a solid job filling in, but I can't wait for Paquette to return to Swamp Thing and I sincerely hope that Part Four sees a return to the fantastic storytelling that Scott Snyder is capable of.

Although it is shaping up like Deadpool and Spider-Man may be teaming down next issue, Ive no doubt that theyll work it out. They always do. Either way, Im sure it will be fun and Ill be there have some laughs and watch some kicking and screaming as Deadpool and Spider-Man find themselves on the page of the same comic, again.

My concerns about its ability to actually stay afloat aside, Fearless Defenders #1 was a very pleasant read from start to finish. It didn't blow my socks off, but I will happily read the first story arc and then reconsider whether this title brings enough to the table to warrant my continued readership. If you're on a tight budget then I can't say this title is going to be for you, it reminds me a bit of the current Deadpool series, tons of fun but not much substance (and there are TONS of comics from Marvel, DC, Image and Dark Horse that ooze substance). This is a solid number one from Bunn and Sliney, but not a home run.

As a fan of the direction Liefeld has taken the character, I didnt like this issue, mostly because it went the completely opposite direction. That drastic shift caused me to lose interest in this story. There was little action, Carter Hall was nowhere to be found, and the Thanagarians were pretty underwhelming. Joe Bennetts art may justify the price tag for some readers, its just damn good. Itll be interesting to see what happens next month, as Savage Hawkman returns to Earth, and Carter Hall. I believe that the next arc is still Liefelds plot, but dont quote me on that. Doesnt matter to me, Ill be there to read it either way.

Im going to stick with Thunda for another issue or two. The old comic is so good that it makes giving the new version a chance, a little bit easier. If this title does not improve however, I dont think that I will continue to read it. I hope the hook is coming because I want very badly to love this comic.

Pencils for this issue are provided by Mahmud Asrar, who benefits from having series inker, Juan Vlasco and the always phenomenal Jordie Bellaire on board, but even those two aren't able to elevate this comic into the realm of “impressive”. Asrar's pencil work is entirely too average for this book. There is a lack of detail to a large number of panels, some inconsistencies with bodies and faces, and the angles become repetitive. There isn't anything here that we haven't seen before in a store full of comics, and there are simply too many other books with amazing art that are out this week that make this issue of Ultimate Comics X-Men memorable for its story only. This has not been the best outing for this series but hang in there because better things are on the horizon.

I believe that Uncanny Avengers is in danger of losing the interest of a lot of potential readers. Part of the issue is that the character focus seems to be all over the place, I understand that these things take time, but people have so many great comics to buy that if you don't hook them on something early, you're going to lose them.

By now I anticipate a lot of readers will be jumping off of this title and I cannot blame them. The comic is fine, but it isn't living up to expectation. Maybe that's impossible, but with Hickman's two Avengers titles (Avengers and New Avengers) and Bendis' two X-Men (All-New X-Men and Uncanny X-Men) titles, and I recommend all of them, there really isn't any room for Uncanny Avengers in the mix. This title is not ambitious enough to stay alive against the fierce competition of other Marvel books, let alone worrying about what DC, Image and Dark Horse are up to. Uncanny Avengers didn't turn out as uncanny as I had hoped.

Uncanny X-Men #4 may seem familiar to readers of its sister title All-New X-Men, also written by Bendis, and that is because a large chunk of this issue is actually recycled content from the latest installment of the latter title. And for that reason readers of that title will find this installment very frustrating, and I doubt that there are many people reading this title that aren't also reading All-New.

Frazer Irving has a style that is wholly unconventional when compared to the rest of the big titles from Marvel and DC. Personally, I haven't always been the biggest fan of his work but within this type of story I think it will work out just fine. Seeing Dormammu, demons, and the setting for this story, Irving may be able to provide some truly spectacular visuals. But Irving will be a polarizing artist; for every person who really digs his works there will be one that really dislikes it all the same. I'd be very shocked that his work will do too much to alter the numbers for this title as it already has a very committed fan-base, and is reaching a sales number that it likely won't see rise very much, if at all. Love him or hate him Irving is here for this story-arc, I for one am looking forward to seeing what he can show us.

Ultimately for Venom fans, this crossover may be a necessary evil. I, for one, do not love it and am excited for Bunn to get back to Venoms solo adventures. If youre with me then at least we dont have long to wait.

Batman Eternal is definitely playing the long-game. It is going to require readers to have patience, which will be fine to a point, but the writers also need to do a better job of conveying the scale of the story and tell us how much time has passed. The rotating stable of writers and artists dont help the book and once again require a level of understanding from the reader, so Batman Eternalreally needs to cash in on the promise of the story as being one of the most epic Bat stories in history. If the early going is any indication, it seems safe to predict that this book wont be a total flop but wont achieve a new height in comic book story-telling either.

Unlike Futures End, Batman Eternalseems to be a weekly comic with promise. While it hasnt done anything spectacular yet, the reintroduction of Carmine Falcone, one of the great Batman villains, and the terrific creative team attached to the series give me hope that this will soon become an exciting read.

Magneto is a title that is walking a thin line through no fault of its own. The character simply doesn't have the history of being popular enough to sustain a series so every slip up is cause for concern. This issue features a fantastic core idea but an execution that is sorely lacking. The strong past issues make a case for why this isn't a concern over the quality of the book, but, its sales support should very much be something to keep an eye on. Bunns ability to capture Magnetos voice may very well sustain this series for the first time in the characters history.

Were over halfway through Original Sin and Aaron and Deodato have delivered a pretty strong event so far. The excellence in the visual department have made it much easier to tolerate the occasion shift in pacing with the script. While the art is spectacular, the scripting of this fifth issue was a pretty substantial shift for the series which may have thrown some readers for a loop.

When this high-flying issue was complete I was equal parts enthused and frustrated. The extreme lack of detail when it came to characters and backstory didnt allow the shocking revelation to actually shock. That said, Tech Jacket #1 does provide enough incentive to check back because of the promise shown in the science-fiction elements of the book and the classic entertainment value found in the Peter Parker-ian hero. Its not the most impressive debut of the week but its good enough to warrant checking it out to see if the series is something youre interested in.

Old Mags has done a lot of fighting in his day but his war has never had the potential to cost him more. I really hope this creative team does more to emphasize Magnetos vulnerability here and also bring in a more likable element to the character and/or conflict. If these things dont happen, this book could wear out its welcome quickly. But for now, its still quite enjoyable.

If you've read the first two volumes of Stumptown then you know exactly what to expect from this book and you wont be disappointed in the least. If youre a new reader, the great news is that this series is very accessible and by no means do you need to read the other volumes first in order to understand the story this time around. A fairly by-the-numbers plot with relatively weak visuals are saved by Ruckas ability to write great dialogue and build compelling characters and relationships.

Death Vigil #2 loses the momentum won by the debut issue. The cluttered pages and excessive narration and explanations make reading this a surprising chore. Even Sejics normally masterful artwork suffers from the plots disjointed narrative as well as its dense plotting. This series cant afford another misstep like this but the good news is that so many of the right pieces are already in place, they just need to be utilized.

Strong art has kept this young series from being a disappointment so far. Strahm is buying time for the story to develop into something more interesting. Weak characters make this fast-paced story less impacting than it should have been. There are so many great comics coming out every week that young comics really must excel in the early going in order to distinguish themselves from the pack and I'm not sure that this series has done enough of that yet. It's not unreasonable to expect better from this team going forward as they are talented enough to deliver something better than this.

It doesnt come as too much of a surprise that this series debut turned out to be a bit of a disappointment. It means that the creative team is going to have to redouble their efforts down the road in order to ensure that this series survives in the ultra-competitive marketplace of today. The good news is, the book can really only get better. The bad news is, the book can really only get better. This was not the debut this series needed, its as simple as that.

As a tie-in to Marvels latest event Original Sinsdoesn't really succeed. The first story was weak and its connection cursory. The second story was predicated upon your love for the characters involved and once again doesnt seem to have too much to do with the event being written by Jason Aaron. The final story, while brilliant, doesnt really fit in either because its more a story about a forgotten love than a hidden secret or sin. The entertainment value found in this book is just enough to justify picking it up, that is as long as youre interested in the stories being told, but this is far from one of the must-haves of the week.

This comic seems like a missed opportunity to tell a story that really holds up with the great Starlin cosmic epics. Lim contributed some impressive work but cant bring enough life to a dull, devoid script. Lets hope that the upcoming graphic novel, The Infinity Revelation, does a better job of selling Thanos to this new generation of readers. (In time for the next big Marvel movie no doubt.)

The Squidder #1 will definitely find an audience. Templesmith certainly has a following for his mostly stellar artwork and his strong showing here will move some copies without a doubt. Ultimately though, this series is far from his best work and would have benefited from a bit more polish. The weak story may struggle to keep readers engaged as they fail to find much of anything to connect to or sympathetic qualities within the characters. Is it enough that this comic simply has a cool premise or does there need to be substantially more meat on the bone? Id suggest the latter.

Savage Hulk #1 is a middling debut. Neither spectacularly brilliant nor dreadfully inadequate. In the grand scheme of things I dont think this issue does much to convince that it needs to exist. In a few months well have a better understanding about what this series offers and why you should read it but this wasnt the fantastic start this series needed to add its name to the already swelling ranks of great comic books.

Batman Eternal has been more than a little frustrating to read for me. Not only because it has dragged down some talented artists but because it has simultaneously forced excellent writers into telling stories more disjointed and uneven than theyve told before. Cross-over stories get a lot of heat, and rightfully so, from a lot of comic readers. But Im left wondering if the story attempting to be told wouldnt have worked so much better as a story dedicated to its own maxi-series or being tied to relevant Bat-titles. This series has simply not delivered the goods in any way, shape, or form considering how much readers have paid for the last eight issues and the return they've gotten. All of this is made all the more frustrating by the fact that the story hasnt been a total train wreck; its just a square peg being shoved into a circular hole.

With the halfway point approaching the next issueAge of Ultron needs to do some serious improving and explaining in order to ensure readers are invested in this tale when the final five installments are released. It is so difficult to judge these stories as you read them issue to issue, but this one has gone downhill with each successive offering, and that does not bode well.

We have no reason to believe that this book will be around for very long. Which is too bad, because there are probably some pretty cool things that could be done with this concept given how long it has been shelved. With the conclusion of this first story it seems to me that Robinson has made a better case for why this series was mothballed in the first place than why it is relevant to readers of todays generation. He is capable of much better story-telling and I dont think its unreasonable to ask for that with All-New Invaders going forward.

I wouldn't suggest anyone panic and drop Aquaman from their pull-list at this stage in the game. Yes this series has lost Ivan Reis and yes this crossover has, for lack of a better term, sucked, but there is still a ton of possibility in this title and it would be premature to dump it because of a bad crossover (if that was the case we wouldn't be able to read any Big 2 comics). The great news is that Aquaman #17 is going to be the start of the new story arc. Here's to hoping that Johns goes right back to telling stories like ones that made this title great, it needs it after Throne of Atlantis has proven such a difficult pill to swallow.

Avengers may have had its first big misstep, but it may also need the context of future issues to become interesting, and such is the issue when dealing with writers such as Jonathan Hickman. Time will certainly tell one way or the other, but with the next issue only two weeks away, even those that disliked this issueneedn'tthink of it for long.

Godzilla has room to improve and if it does in later issues I will be glad to change my rating as the idea behind this book is actually quite interesting and authentic. However, if the scripting does not improve at all or the artwork in the areas I mentioned, Im afraid I wouldnt be able to recommend this book.

Check out our preview for this issue here: Harbinger #4 Preview

Rucka and Checchetto's Punisher run is my favourite for the character and one of the best comics from the past year. War Zone hasn't really lived up to expectations; mostly in that the art has under-delivered and made the comic less exciting than it should have been. Rucka's characters and dialogue are great and the best part of the series; I hope that the concluding chapter of War Zone will send Rucka off on a high note.

Red Lanterns probably isn't going to blow your socks off, but it's not a terribly disappointing way to spend three bucks either. If, like me, you are checking out this title for the first time I'd suggest hanging around. Johns' hands have definitely been on these other titles and I think that alone is enough to make this entire cross-over worthy of your time (after all it's his last hurrah). Not to mention that Fialkov this way comes. It should be interesting to see what the scribe of the fan-favorite I, Vampire can do on this title.

The comic is nothing more than Wolverine going savage in the Savage Land, and while Cho's stunning art is sure to impress, the script is what prevents this comic from lifting off of the ground. The book was never destined to be amazing, the plot simply offers nothing creative or meaningful, but it could have been much better than this. So the question really is, how can this book hope to survive? It seems clear that Marvel is interested in offering fun books that require zero previous knowledge of the character or continuity and basically all of those other books are better than this one (see: Hawkeye, Daredevil, Deadpool, etc.). For what it costs Savage Wolverine is not worth your money at this stage in the game, the art is amazing, but it is just not enough considering how many great books are out there. Avoid this title until a writing change comes along.

This series continues to have me wavering between love and hate on the writing side of the ball, but at least there is Piotr Kowalski's art to look at. Regardless of how you feel about the story, you can't deny the fact that Kowalski's art is compelling to say the least. The grandeur of Saturn City, the very spectacle of her skyscrapers and the dirty grit of her slums are evident on every page. Mix in Brad Simpson's fantastic color art and you have a visual package that is worthy of an all-star title, butSexjust hasn't reached its full potential yet.

If you've been reading this series so far I would encourage you to give Ostrander and Co. the benefit of the doubt. One missed hurdle does not mean the whole race is lost, but they do have some catching up to do in order to reach the full potential of this story. Star Wars should continue to enjoy the adventures of Jahan Cross, he is truly a unique addition to Dark Horse's stable of comics.

Unless you are a HUGE fan of Star Wars I cant recommend you rush out to buy this series. If you are already invested, as I am, I would argue that we should give the creative team one more issue to really get us interested. The twist at the end of this issue may just be the catalyst needed to spark a story that is worthy of our attention.

With the entire series in the books I can now safely say that Lost Tribe of the Sith: Spiral would be a series that I would suggest Star Wars readers avoid. It doesn't offer much of anything new, which is disappointing as quite a few of the new series have taken exciting new directions within the grand SW Universe. It wasn't that this series was terrible, but it simply doesn't offer much of anything that is worth the price of admission, I certainly had much higher expectations when I learned that the series was going to feature an entiretribe of the Sith.

Kano is a skilled artist but he made an error that basically proved itself fatal in my opinion: He tried to imitate the style of Yanick Paquette. And while I understand the desire to keep the visuals similar to the rest of the series before, I don't believe that fits the new direction of the book. Especially when the writing style and creative direction were altered so much.

Kano is a skilled artist but he made an error that basically proved itself fatal in my opinion: He tried to imitate the style of Yanick Paquette. And while I understand the desire to keep the visuals similar to the rest of the series before, I don't believe that fits the new direction of the book. Especially when the writing style and creative direction were altered so much.

I wasnt crazy about the art of this issue- Steve Dillon pencils and Frank Martins colours. I wasnt a fan of how the faces of the characters looked and without any actions scenes to break up those faces I felt pretty underwhelmed by the visual part of the story. This must have been a difficult issue to try and make remarkable with so much dialogue and such sparse action. Unfortunately I did find the art a little distracting.

I'm having a very tough time deciding whether this series is worth your time or not. Up until this issue I was really enjoying it and would have suggested fans interested in the Crow as a character, or of the horror genre in general, to check this series out. The real disappointment about this issue was that it really was a great idea and would have been really cool if it was an arc, and not just a single issue.

Here's hoping that Bunn takes Venom back to his roots, and away from the standard cycle of superheroics. Bunn has been a little up and down, with the low points seeming mundane, but the high points reaching greatness. Perhaps this is just one issue that isn't hashing out anything special for this character, but if it isn't, it will be interesting to see how many readers stick with this series…

This isn't how I was hoping this series would start. I was really hoping that the MAX imprint would be able to come up with something more violent, compelling and well-written than this offering. Too many old staples are brought up to entertain the reader, and not enough of the plot is revealed to engage the reader for the future issues. It's going to be a tough sell to get me on board with the next issue. This was a sub-par performance by each member of the creative team, with the exception of Jock who provided an incredibly kick-ass cover.

I really dont want to run Madame Frankenstein through the mud because it isnt a terrible comic. The most frustrating aspect of this series is that is isnt remarkable in any way while also avoiding being outright bad. The book has been mediocre so far and thats going to lead to soft sales. This team needed to have a much stronger lead for this series to be a successful mini from Image Comics.

Secret Identities #1 comes off as a comic that might have worked a lot better about 10 years ago. The creator-owned space has been used to break down superhero characters and concepts, to amazing effect, and this title doesnt fit in well with that illustrious crowd.

After reading this issue I was left scratching my head over why this issue was necessary. Its only purpose seems to be in binding time for Reis to return. I sincerely hope that Johns' deflated dialogue, and boring script is just a one-off and the Throne of Atlantis lives up to the hype, but I'd be lying if I didn't say that I'm not a little bit concerned. Still, Johns and Reis did an incredible job with the previous arc, so they more than deserve to have the attention put on the next installment, but this one is forgettable and regrettable.

Manuel Garcia is not able to provide the level of consistency that Paul Pelletier has been delivering for the last few months. While Pelletier was anoticeablestep-down from the great Ivan Reis, so is Garcia a step-down from Pelletier. The book simply doesn't look very good, which is compounded by the small army of inkers whose names fill the credits page. If the art had been better this would have made a solid interlude issue, instead it was mostly an adventure in frustration as an intriguing story has been put on hold for a throw-away issue.

For me Constantine #1 is a big fat swing and a miss. Maybe this series will rebound, but first issues like this mean that I won't be around to find out first hand. This series is going to have to do something spectacular to get me interested in further issues. And it's going to have to show us something new (at least something new that is worthwhile, not that Constantine lives in New York). Fortunately, Constantine manages to feel awkwardly at home in Justice League Dark and shows that an old character can grow in interesting ways.

Aside from the formidable artwork, Dark Ages #1 isnt a strong debut for a very talented creative team. The hopes of many series like this are pinned to their opening issues and if thats the case here then there is little reason to believe this series will be held favourably by many readers. The bland characters come off as stale because it seems that even the most paltry effort to make us connect with them has been glossed over in favour of the moody narration or the curt and boring dialogue. This was way more by-the-numbers than I expected given the creators involved. Steer clear of this book for now as the future of this book looks dim.

This issue will be my last for this series. After having invested five issues, I can honestly say that this book isnt for me. I would be surprised if this book has many fans out there.

What has been a very good series, hits a serious roadblock with this issue. Im not sure where Humphries is taking this arc but a poor start does not bode well for it. If youre reading this series, Id say give Humphries another shot to straighten out this arc. But, based on this issue, I couldnt recommend new readers rush out and read it.

Lords of Mars isn't a painful read, but itis one that you are liable to forget right after reading. There just isn't a sufficient hook to ensure you come back next month. Dynamite Entertainment has some really interesting pulp comics being published right now, so if you're looking to diversify your comic reading I would suggest starting withGreen Hornet, The Shadow,orRed Sonja and leaveLords of Mars well enough alone.

Awkward would be a good word for Swamp Thing #17; I suppose. While the first part found in Animal Man #17 is marginally better, these final chapters have got to be the most disappointing yet, which is saying something. This will be one of the few times where readers will be very glad that Scott Snyder is leaving the series, it's apparent that his heart just wasn't in this series anymore and it has taken a massive dip in quality accordingly. There will still be an epilogue of sorts in both books next month, however there is cause for hope that both of these Dark titles can once again be the gems in DC's crown that they have been in the past.

As you might have noticed this hasn't been my favourite issue. In fact I'm very disappointed with it, this series has been really exciting and I've been lauding it for it's return to the tone of the original Ultimate series'. It's apparent to me that Brian Wood didn't fully script this issue, he may have only plotted it, I'm not sure, but the comic really suffered as a result and a less than impressive visual presentation by the art team leave this comic, as well as the mutants contained within it, on the verge of a wasteland.

Winterworld is off to a shaky start. A cool premise isnt enough to make a comic. Without compelling characters this series will blow away wont even begin to melt the hearts of readers. Dixon and Guice need to give me a reason to care about what happens to these characters, what happened to this world and what happens next. A pet badger should not be the best character in a book. But having said that, first issues dont make series, as I said before, so Ill be back at least once more before I write this book off as a neat idea without substance.

I was really disappointed by this book. I came in with great expectations and was left with a hollow shell of stories that I really love. Literature is one of the most important things we have ever created and this adaptation did not do justice to the beloved American icon, that very first Goth kid. Richard Corben at least makes the book pleasing to the eye on the surface but the fact that this comic lacks any meat on the bone really makes it something you should avoid unless youre a diehard collector of Poe, Corben or both.

With only one issue to go there is virtually no hope that this series will be compelling as an eight-issue story-arc. That means that this series must also be judged in a few months time when we have a chance to see how many compelling stories are told in the aftermath. The good news is that we learned some pretty cool stuff a few weeks ago with the announcements at San Diego Comic-Con so heres to hoping that while Original Sin might be a bit of a steaming pile, its status-quo changes wont be such a mess.

To be honest Ive gotten kind of tired of talking about this book but its Batman, does consistent sales, and I wanted to cover it for this site. But my patience for this story has worn out, it doesnt seem like its going anywhere anytime soon and I think if youre asking your readers to invest $3.99 per week for a comic book youd better deliver something mind-blowing awesome. Even average would be a step up for this series currently. Poor planning, poor execution and a poor product make me a bored boy. I know this score seems harsh but think about how much money youve spent on getting this far in the series, and compare it to nearly any other comic on the market, Id be shocked if this wasnt near the bottom of your list in terms of return on investment.

Ill quickly explain the marks you see below. The story is actually well-written, the art is good too. But the overall value of the book, seeing as how it contributes nothing of real substance to the series, is quite low.

Justice League is hanging onto my pull-list by a thread. So much of this issue seemed made up on the spot that I was lost and Ive read every issue of this current Justice League volume. Im going to stick it out for a few more months but if stories like The Villains Journey are what Geoff Johns has planned for us (and the Justice League) then Im out.

"The Last Fall #1" is a poor debut. Where there was possibility for deft and relevant social commentary; there is instead clichs and ineffective set pieces. The creative team is obviously talented but this undertaking may have been too ambitious for them to pull off well. Here's to hoping their next endeavor better captures their talents, ambition and creativity.

I'm not sure where Marvel gets off putting a book like this in print, but this cannot be allowed to happen. This is not the first time in recently memory they have published a book with atrocious art on a very popular character. I will not be purchasing this series until Greg Land's name leaves the cover. Kieron Gillen also needs to step up his work too, though this script was decent, it needs to be more of his own work and less of a mish-mash of old Matt Fraction stories. He's capable of much better as a writer, I know it. We deserve something a heck of a lot better than this book, Marvel should be ashamed it was ever printed.