It's June, so it isn't too early to start thinking about “issue of the year” and we have a new clubhouse leader! Sorry, Amazing Spider-Man #655! That's the one with the death of Jameson's wife with Marcos Martin art. That was good, but American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #1 is even better. This will be very hard to knock off its perch because you'll rarely find such a harmony of art and story. Must read.

A rare thing: A great ending to a fun series! If you didn't catch this in single issues, make sure to catch the collected edition. This is one of the early leaders for “best mini series of 2011″.

Bravo to Boom! and Michael Alan Nelson. Not only did they bring us 2 years of great stories in a compelling world, but they nailed the ending. Now that it's finished, this would be a great read in collected form.

A potentially great series. We'll have to see what the creators do with future issues, but this has potential to fill that void of thought-provoking comics that has been vacant since Fashion Beast and Punk Rock Jesus ended and since The Unwritten kinda went awry. Definitely check it out.

One of the best superhero comics I've read in a LONG time. It will be hard for the finale to this Lizard arc to live up to this issue, but we can hope!

Amazing Spider-Man has been really strong recently and this issue sets a new high-water mark.

Perfect comic book. For those bitching about $3.99 comics, you won't mind if they are all this good.

There are a few Spidey-fans out there who have sworn off ASM since Brand New Day, but I strongly encourage you to come back. You're only hurting yourself and are missing out on a really good story line by Slott and Ramos.

Stick this issue off to the side because it should be on a LOT of “Best Single Issue of 2011″ lists and it is going to highly piss me off when those lists are all comprised of issues that came out in November that can't carry this issue's jock strap just because people have short memories and don't keep notes. Slott and Martin have collaborated to make an issue that is emotionally touching and drills right to the center of who Peter Parker is.

Great issue. If you can believe it, this is a better Human Torch send off than we got in Fantastic Four. Slott has a pretty mean streak going on ASM so far too as the “worst” issue has still been B+ material.

We could use some more events of this quality. It featured an entertaining story with good integration of the tie-in material and wonderful art all around. This finale issue was all you could really ask of a ending.

This was another pretty hot issue. Issue-for-issue, I don't think there are many things better than ASM on the stands right now, especially when you consider the number of issues they crank out. There's really nothing to find fault with in this issue: fun story, well executed team-up and splendid art.

Another great issue of Spider-Man. Slott started his Big Time – Spider Island mega-arc with a string of 3 or 4 “A” issues and he's doing it again here. Slott gets that Spider-Man is supposed to be FUN and Ramos' art is the perfect compliment.

This is another example of why Amazing Spider-Man was my pick for 'Best Ongoing Series' for 2011. It delivers great things to long-time readers, but is accessible to new readers and won't make them feel like they're left out. Dan Slott is clearly putting in this extra work to make this title complex, yes accessible, with every issue. Of course, it doesn't hurt to get art from one of the best in the business in Humberto Ramos. When he (and his team) are handling the art, it's almost hard to have a crappy issue.

If you aren't reading this comic, you should be. I think it's the best new comic of 2010 in a pretty crowded category. If you're reading it with me, I challenge you to find something at fault with this issue. That's what the comments section is for! If you're not reading it, catch up now before you get too far behind.

Another outstanding issue of American Vampire. The creators are really starting to establish their own grading system because I'm really not comparing them to other comics anymore…..just to the excellence of last issue of AV. Buy it, read it…

Jumping on point?: Even though it'd be best to start AV at the beginning, this is the best jumping on point since the series began. There are some minor links to the past story arcs and more might pop up over the next few issues, but this is very new reader friendly. If you've been listening to the accolades, but were looking for a place to begin, this is it.

The AV team brings this arc to a rousing conclusion that is fun and adds to the AV mythos. Nice job (again).

A wonderful issue that opens up some exciting new avenues for the AV story. The timing is great as well as we're about 2 years into the series. Just the right time to jiggle the status quo a little in case the readers were getting too comfortable.

A great issue. Several years of great character work with Skinner Sweet pays off in this issue.

A very fitting end to the first half of the AV story. I'm looking forward to the coda in issue #34.

A very strong issue. Snyder and Albuquerque could have made this a maudlin and reflective story, but instead they chose to look toward the future. I'm very much looking forward to what AV brings us when it returns.

A wonderful anthology without a weak story. Well worth the price tag and a great appetizer for those of us eager for AV to return to regular publication.

Great issue. There isn't a single flaw in the book. Great art. Great story concept. Great pacing. Great writing. Satisfying for new readers and established readers alike. Reviewing AV is like grading the homework of the gifted children at school: you expect more but they still impress.

In a very tight race, thismightbe pick of the week. I'll have to review my notes because there are so many good comics this week. What sets this issue apart are (a) Snyder's deft handling of "Dracula" and his powers and (b) Nguyen's diverse and excellent art.

Very, very good issue. Action packed, creepy and full of splendid art.

Another wonderful issue. AV is really back with a purpose. It is so gratifying to pick up a comic and have zero doubts about the contents being excellent. There is never a clumsy sentence or unsteady panel and the story ideas and complex and interesting.

Another glorious issue of American Vampire goodness, but that's to be expected when you combine two “don't miss” creators. Neither Snyder or Murphy has ever done a bad issue as far as I can tell and they even have Dave Stewart doing the colors. What more could you want?

A great example of highly talented creators working their butts off. Neither Snyder nor Murphy ever takes the easy way out and we love them for it.

Rousing conclusion to a great miniseries. It tells a very engaging story and also creates a lot of new material to play with. My only regret is seeing Sean Murphy leave the AV universe.

A wonderful issue. Whether you are a longtime AV reader who needs to wet your whistle OR someone who hasn't ever read a page of AV, there is a lot to recommend this issue.

Buy this comic and read the webcomic. If you don't like this, you must have had your soul sucked out somewhere along the way and I feel very sorry for you. Enjoy this wonderful blend of zany story and great art before young Malachai gets old enough to be self-conscious.

I think this might now be my new favorite comic. Edgy, provocative and unafraid. Check it out.

This is the best of the new 52 issues I've read so far. With a creative team like this title has, we should be in for an outstanding run on this new Batman. I can't wait!

A real masterpiece of a comic. Most comics you read and just kinda toss them to the side. This issue is full of visual moments that will stick with you for a long time. Wonderful storytelling by the whole creative team. But, let's not make digital readers leave the comic and go into the iPad's settings to be able to continue the experience.

Batman is almost defining it's own grading scale for me. I actually think this isbetterthan Batman #5 because it lacks gimmicks and succeeds purely on its comic brilliance. This is the best superhero comics I'm reading right now.

A great capstone toan all-time classic Batman story.

Really, really good. This is how a “hero vs. villain” story should be: Get in, do your business for 2 issues and move on. GLORIOUS artwork by Capullo.

A STRONG return to top-of-the-stack status for Batman. Do more of THIS.

Another great issue of Batman. You won't find better art in a comic book and it's amazing to think that Capullo has been grinding at this series for 2 years now. He's kinda lapping the field at this point.

In the end, I don't think it's possible for Batman stories to get much better than this. Simply glorious…

A great Batman story keeps getting better. The creative talent on this comic is as good as it gets.

This was a smoking first issue. It's twisted and unsettling and completely unpredictable. LOVE the art.

The most exciting new #1 issue in quite some time. Incredible art. Really….. And the story is imaginative and shows some maturity if you're willing to scratch beyond the surface layer.

Great issue. This series seems to be a little inconsistent, but it has the potential to hit a 10/10 issue and you can't say that about every series.

One of the most in-your-face openings to a comic in the last couple of years. I LOVE comics that aren't pulling any punches and that clearly have nobody suggesting that something be toned down a little bit. Great art.

An issue that perfectly illustrates why I love Chew so much. These guys know right where the line between funny and offensive exists. They are unflinching in their approach to the line, but they never cross it.

Another great issue. This story arc started building Chew from more than just a bundle of laughs into a real story. Still the funniest comic on the market.

A really strong issue that hits both the funny and touching notes that this series is known for while also re-calibrating the “big story”.

A great first issue. Series like Criminal are what the comic industry needs. You could hand this to your dad or your boss and they'd enjoy it because this is proper adult fiction, not something for overgrown fanboys with nostalgia issues (of which I'm one).

Just AWESOME. This is so the best Bat book out there right now. It is smartly written, has great art and because it is focusing on Dick (and not Bruce) it can explore and do more experimental stuff. Bonus for telling a story in 3 issues and not dragging things out to make a better trade paperback.

About as perfect of a done-in-one Jim Gordon story as you'll ever see. Snyder and Francavilla cover so much ground, tell a great story AND set up future material. Even if you don't follow Batman, you should read this issue.

If DC doesn't find some way to keep the Snyder/Jock/Francavilla team together doing Bat-books for awhile, they are morons. When you find a creative team that is this tight and cranking out A-level books month after month you need to find a way to keep them together until the readers start to say that they're bored with it. This is another issue of great street-level Batman with awesome art.

Wow. Endings are so hard to pull off. For every cool concept we see in comics, probably only about 10% end up with a really solid ending. This run by Snyder, Jock and Francavilla is a modern classic and better than any Bat story I'm familiar with in the last 20 years (inclusive of Long Halloween). If DC isn't selling hardcovers of this story for years, there is something wrong with their marketing department. This really sends Detective Comics off with a bang! Everyone should be sure to catch these creators on whatever they're doing next: Snyder on the new Batman & Swamp Thing (and American Vampire, of course), Francavilla on Black Panther and Jock on whatever he does next.

Really good. I didn't understand everything in this first issue, but I don't think I was supposed to. Hickman has created a fabulous world and teased several things I really want to know the answers to. Dragotta's art isfantastic.

A strong second issue. A few things start to make sense, but there is a lot more to wonder about. It's rare to see a comic book with this much charisma.

In a perfect world, Humberto Ramos could draw two complete issues of Spider-Man a month and he and Dan Slott could just do this title for a few years because they are a perfect combination for ASM: fun, funny, action based, etc. This is a great issue that I and many other people got for free that was good enough that (a) I reviewed it without really having any previous plans to do so and (b) was my “pick of the week”. See if you can track down a copy.

Leaving value judgments aside, Dave Sim continues to show why the world is a more interesting place with him in it.

A great first issue. This is both Greg Rucka and Michael Lark at the top of their games.

Just a glorious issue. My life is richer because of comics like this.

Not only is this a great comic, but it has me extremely excited for the rest of this series. Even though the first issue was great, this issue kept the pedal to the metal and showed us that #1 was no fluke. If this series ends as strongly as it has begun, this should be on a lot of year-end, best-of lists. Compelling story and electric art!

Unless the creators shit the bed in the final issue (which I doubt), this is your miniseries of the year. This is a wonderful example of what comics can strive to be and it makes the rest of my comics pile look pretty bad in comparison.

Wonderful first issue. This is why I read comics.

A wonderfully fresh and novel series keeps chugging. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Just a great issue. It tells a wonderful story that is full of power and subtlety. And Zezelj is one of those artists to look out for because he brings his A-game every issue.

What a wonderful comic! It's enjoyable just on a surface level and features exquisite art. The depth of the story sets it apart from most other comics on the shelf.

This is the best comic being published right now. From a writing/art standpoint, it might have a few equals, but the fact that Murphy actually has something to say puts it in another class.

A wonderful ending to a series. I loved this and wish we had more comics that were so ambitious. Even though I'm looking forward to Murphy's upcoming collaboration with Scott Snyder, I'd almost rather Murphy got to tell another story of his own again next time.

This is a great new series. I'm both eager to learn what is going on and wholly enjoying the journey to the answers. It'll be a fun couple of years.

Another great issue. This is rapidly becoming on of my "top 5" comics due to the art and intriguing mysteries.

This is a must buy for comic art fans. I'm so glad that IDW got this level of talent to dust off the Rocketeer who hasn't been used much (or at all) since creator Dave Stevens died years ago. I think Stevens would be happy with this effort.

Bad cover aside, this was a great issue. But, that really shouldn't be too surprising when you combine a Grade A writer and allow him to do done-in-one stories and a Grade A artist.

Jumping on point?: Definitely! You can read this and enjoy it without having touched the last few issues. It might help to have a passing familiarity with the characters but it isn't necessary. The only reason it isn't an ideal “jumping on point” is that this issue is kinda the antithesis of what we consider a “jumping on point” because this isn't the ongoing story of the Secret Avengers….it's just a great done-in-one.

Well, this creative team has made it so I don't let my child talk to strangers. Screw that guy with the Salvation Army bucket and his bell. Dude could be a cannibal for all we know. Seriously, this is an outstanding comic book (and series). Can't think of the last time such a sense of dread filled every page. It'd make a great movie too (hopefully some producers are hovering with option checks).

A great finale to this miniseries. I hope we haven't seen the last of these characters and creative team. You won't find a better told and illustrated pure horror story in recent comics.

Even if the ending is a little expected, it is stillverywell done. Lemire is able to provoke stronger emotions with his work than most creators.

A very strong finale to a beloved series. The only downside is that it teases us with what might have been. The stories in this issue could easily have been expanded to fill 100 issues.

A real gem. THIS is why you buy miniseries from Image and other smaller publishers because it makes all the “neat concept – mediocre ending” comics that you wade through worth it. This is also the kind of comic that could make me completely stop reading most superhero fare. Nothing DC or Marvel does is remotely this clever or original.

This is a great slice of life comic. I'd bet that it will hit emotional chords for 99% of male comic readers. Maybe we haven't done everything that LDB goes through in this story, but we've all at least done some of it.

This is a great comic. It does everything a first issue should do and the art is superb.

This is simply the best issue of The Unwritten yet.

Great! Awesome! The revelations keep coming in this series that is headed towards a climax. Wonderful art if you like fine linework!

This is probably the strongest issue of Unwritten since issue #12, and that is even accounting for the last few issues, which have been very powerful. One of the things that make this series great is that it is written for smart readers, BUT it doesn't commit the cardinal sin of just being deliberately obtuse. The story is just served up and the work on the surface is enough to have a fun story with, but it has another level that allows you to think and ponder the meaning of everything.

Brilliant meta-commentary on modern popular culture. This is a comic that keeps revealing more and more the longer you think about it.

Very nice. There are some nifty concepts in here and this story could have totally been done without the Fables interlopers.

A powerful return to the themes that made The Unwritten great and a great jumping on point. While other comics are fiddling with Legos, The Unwritten is playing with the big-boy toys.

The most complex ongoing story in comics is really, really back. Although it is welcoming to new readers, it doesn't flinch from plowing right along with the main story. Every time you stop to think more about The Unwritten, the story makes MORE sense.

A really triumphant issue for the Walking Dead.

The first “Oh Shit!” issue of TWD in a few months! I have a feeling things will get really nasty next issue.

A very strong issue. Probably my favorite so far because it focuses so heavily on story and character.

This series got a fair amount of buzz with issue #1 a few months ago, but I hadn't seen much chatter since then and it's a sad comment on the comic industry that we're more interested in hyping what is NEW than what can maintain our interest beyond a catchy first issue. Witchdoctor is awesome. Cool story with big ideas and incredible art. Check it out!

I hate to call things “must read” because internet hyperbole is annoying, but Witch Doctor is as good as it gets in comics right now.

This is one of my favorite series. Honestly, it's right up there with Saga. This was another great issue.

Jumping on point?: This would be a great issue to pick up if you were interested in sampling the series. You needn't have read the preceding 4-issue mini to know what's going on.

Jumping on point?: I guess you could jump on here and not be too horribly confused, but it also wouldn't kill you to get issue #1 which is probably still on shelves and is also available digitally.

This comic has gotten a lot of hype for being “sold out” and is currently commanding above retail prices on eBay. And, for once, that hype is justified. This is a really good and unique comic book. I can't wait to see how this story unfolds and will be keeping an eye out for future stuff from these creators.

A really strongly plotted story is coming to an end. Even if you don't hop on now, the two films and the series this comic series that bridges the gaps are well worth your time.

Outstanding, even if you will feel like you need a Silkwood shower after reading it.

If you think you're too desensitized to get emotionally worked up or bothered by a comic book, just take this series for a spin. I dare you. Just please don't leave it where kids can find it, okay?

Really, really good! A great harmony of storytelling and art.

How long can Mr. Slott keep this up? He's now pumped out 11 issues of ASM without hitting a single “meh” issue. He is just killing it with Peter Parker and getting the most out of his highly talented art team. Slott has done such a good job that it is almost hard to grade because I end up comparing this issue to past issues that have received the “A” grade. ASM almost has it's own scale at this point.

Another great issue. I wish all events had this blend of energetic art and cool story.

It's so nice to see an event that is humming along and not making you feel like you're wasting your money. Spider-Island has been really good and in this issue it takes a turn for the more ominous. The final few issues should be a lot of fun.

Very good. Excited to see how this story ends after the plot twists herein.

If you're sick of how the douchebag Twilight fans have hijacked our vampires and made them all pasty-faced, angst-ridden teenagers, this is the comic for you.

This is a really strong offering from Vertigo. Pick it up now!

One of the best comics on the stands. This issue really takes things to another level. Must read!

Outstanding. The story is interesting and well told and the art is spectacular.

American Vampire trots out another great issue. This is also a wonderful jumping on point if you've been missing out on the fun. Secret missions in WWII involving vampires and secret societies! What could be more fun?

Very strong issue that cranks up some of the action that Snyder and Albuquerque having been building towards for a few months. They also unveil some new mysteries and the reader has no clue what will happen next. And, you're not going to find better art anywhere.

Really, really good. Love the story and LOVE the art. Bernet is really a living legend and it is such a pleasure to enjoy contemporary work from him.

Nice ending to this 3-issue back-story for Sweet and Book. It told us a quality story about two friends choosing separate paths for their lives while adding to the AV mythos and giving us a chance to see sequential art from a living legend of the artform in Jordi Bernet. How can you lose with that?

Another very strong issue. Itisissue 3 out of 4 in this story arc, so it doesn't have any stunning revelations but that's to be expected. But, it is well-written, well-conceived and well-illustrated. If you aren't reading AV, you're doing it wrong.

A very comfortable issue that returns us to a familiar set of characters in a setting from the first AV story cycle.

Another one of those months where I could almost use a Control-V for my review: American Vampire is great and this is another example of why it's one of the best ongoing series on the market. It hasn't had an issue that was even "just okay" yet.

Another great issue. The AV franchise is not showing any weakness as it chugs towards it's 3rd anniversary.

This second cycle is off to a really strong start. It's so nice to have a consistently strong comic like AV back in our lives.

A cool and kinda creepy story about what Bruce Waynedoesn't know about Gotham! Great art.

A great kick-off to the event that plays “Aliens” to the previous arc's “Alien”. Incredible art (again).

Another great issue. Not sure how this twist on the Wayne family will play out in the future though. Of course, there's always a chance that Snyder is pulling our chain.

The story aspects of this issue are crackling good, but it gets a few demerits for the lesser back-up an the awkwardness of the forced crossover. The Director's Cut of this issue would be an “A”, but until we get that issue…

What a surprise! Another strong and disturbing issue of Batman!

Another excellent Batman issue by the Snyder/Capullo/Glapion/Plascencia team. Just appreciate the excellence.

A textbook example of how to avoid the transitional issue. Snyder and Capullo… Powering through quicksand that would swallow lesser creators"

Holy sidekicks! A really sharp issue that injects some new possibilities into the Batman story. Great guest art from Dustin Nguyen and team.

Zero Year is powering to an excellent ending. The story is entertaining, beautiful and even touches on some real-world problems. Bravo!

A very strong issue to wrap up the first arc of the series. The characters have all moved away from their initial stereotypes and some interesting storytelling possibilities lie ahead. The art is tremendous.

Jumping on point?: Sure, why not. Of course, you're missing out if you don't start at #1, but this issue kinda starts a new phase of the story and the overall story is secondary to the spectacle anyway.

This is a really hard comic to review every month because the story kinda defies description; there aren't "major events" to discuss or worry about spoiling. The art is tough to review too. While all the art is wonderful, it's hard to drill down on an artist when each guy is only doing 2-3 pages. But". if you're not reading this, you're missing out. Just the craft in this comic is incredible and it makes you angry that more comics can't exhibit this type of professionalism. I can't decide if Kalvachev is the next great cover artist or the next great managing editor.

Succeeds wonderfully it what it sets out to do: providing a primer on both the Hack/Slash and Bomb Queen universes. Honestly, there should be a lot of cross-pollination between the two anyway, but this should help to sell fans of one series on the other. Take the “Mature Readers” tag seriously because this is one comic that you'll find yourself stashing in the bottom of your reading pile so no one sees it. Very naughty.

Crazy and willing to offend. Bravo! This comic also has some of the best and most unique art I've seen in a while.

Chew is one of those comics where the overall story doesn't really matter. It's more like watching a good stand-up comedian than reading a comic book.

Confusion aside, I couldn't be happier with this issue. Pretty rare to find a laugh-out-loud comic.

One of the best ongoing comics being published turns away from the darkness for a fun and black-humored new storyline.

Love how the funniest comic in production is developing a great story too.

Another great issue of horror anthology goodness. You'll never view clowns at a kid's party the same way again!

A very strong issue of Creepy. Because this series only comes out quarterly, a couple of mediocre issues will leave a pretty bad taste in our mouths. THIS issue really hit the ball out of the park. It kinda refilled the heath bar for the series. The stories were all in that A- range and it's rare for an anthology to avoid having a single stinker.

It is really hard to find better storytelling than Daytripper and this is one of the best issues to date.

Snyder “get's it” and is writing a uniquely Dick Grayson detective story. Jock and Francavilla are delivering awesome art. Must read!

A really good middle issue of Snyder's debut story arc on Detective Comics. Middle issues are hard, but he keeps the action moving along and plays to the strengths of the embarrassment of riches he has in the art department. Can't wait to see how this wraps up.

Grim and moody. For my money this is the best Batman title out there right now. I love that Snyder is bringing a psychological-horror vibe to Gotham city and the art is fantastic.

Snyder and Jock have another great beginning to a Batman story. This is easily the best Batman book out there right now and also one of the best superhero comics period.

Another really strong issue of creepy, Batman detective action. Wait until you see the final page! I honestly didn't know they could get away with that in a mainstream DCU title.

This is almost the perfect Elephantmen issue for me because it emphasizes what I want this series to be about: the relationships between these huge brutes and the people they care about. Medellin really settles into the art and pulls off a killer issue.

A really strong issue of Elephantmen that ties together two eras of storytelling and opens a lot of exciting possibilities for the future.

A great issue of Elephantmen that explains a lot of the action so far in the series.

Surprise! Another very strong issue of Elephantmen. This is probably my favorite science-fiction themed comic being published. Pretty amazing that this comic is still chugging towards it's 50th issue. How many series hit that milestone today?

A very good first issue that feels very "Alan Moore" even if it isn't a traditional Moore comic book.

Not the most awesome comic ever (yet), but the craft that went into this issue is unmistakable. Percio's art is pretty incredible too.

The only negative for this issue is that I don't enjoy the subject matter all that much. But, it's a testament to the creators that they're making me mostly enjoy a comic about fashion and transvestites. In all seriousness, it's nice to read a comic that rewards you for thinking. With most stories, there is nothing more than a surface layer or a clumsily done subtext; with Alan Moore, you never reach the bottom.

One of the deeper comics being published right now. There's plenty here to think about if you set your mind to it.

A thought-provoking ending to a very challenging series. I really look forward to a reread because I'm sure this is a story that will just get better and better.

Unless you're a prude, you'll love this. If you haven't been following it, I'm pretty sure there is a hardcover coming out pronto, and you should definitely check it out.

This is easily the best of the GI Joe titles and this issue is an example of why.

The art is stunning and Sim has some things to say too. It's not a comic story in the traditional sense, but spending $3 on something like this that will never be sucked into an "event" and gives you a glimpse into the mind of one of our greatest living drafts people is well worth it. This comic makes a lot of other comic art look like garbage. It's also an intensely person comic. You get the idea that Sim is just making this and doesn't give a damn if anyone even buys it.

This was a really strong first issue. It's hard to escape comparing this comic to 68 (Image's current miniseries focusing on zombies during the Vietnam War), but this is a superior comic to 68. The characterization is spot on and the art is really strong. I highly recommend this comic!

A really bang up issue! All the action and sense of humor that we've come to expect from Hack/Slash. This is a comic that all fans should be finding a place for on their pull lists! The Hoax Hunters back-up story is very promising too. A little hard to get into at 2-pages a month, but it fits thematically with H/S and has pretty nice art.

How to get it:It's probably too late for a comic shop to pre-order the issue from Diamond, but you can check with your comic shop and have them set aside any issues they've ordered for the shelf. Or you could be all modern about things and read it on a digital device where Image is doing same-day digital releases.

No need to catch up. Just dive back in. It's a great series.

This is one of the best titles Marvel is publishing right now. Parker is probably the most exciting storyteller in superhero comics right now and Hardman is probably the best artist cranking out a monthly book. Put those together and you're going to get a LOT of high marks.

Hulk is great again. Wonderful art and Jeff Parker showing that event tie-ins don't have to disrupt your ongoing storylines.

It is so rare in today's comic market to know that a comic is going to be good before you open it, but Jeff Parker has taken Hulk to that level. He's been on this title since issue #25 and every issue has been between strong and outstanding and when Hardman is on the title too, it just goes to another level. Can't wait until next issue to see what happens with this interesting cast of characters.

I'm sure Jeff Parker has written stinkers in the past, but he's got his two Marvel books humming along now. He's transformed Rulk from a scorn worthy character (Really???? A red Hulk??? How creative….) into a fully fleshed out and very compelling character. Huge kudos to Hardman and Breitweiser for helping him to tell the story. The new artist has big shoes to fill!

A really good kick off to a new volume. I wish these guys could sell enough of this and Criminal that they could quit their Big 2 work and do nothing but this stuff.

Irredeemable has regained its sick and warped “edge”. If you're sick of reading superhero books that play it safe, you should really check out this series from Boom!. It's a great tale with very capable art.

Very nice issue. Odd that we're starting to cheer for Plutonian as he becomes more heroic and the heroes back home start to look more flawed, but I'm pretty sure that is the point of the whole series.

A great done-in-one issue that gives some back-story on a minor player in the I Zombie universe. Grade A art from Jay Stephens and Laura Allred.

Jumping on point?: You probably could jump in here, but I wouldn't really recommend it. As with all of these series, the beginning is the place to start. And if you're just looking to sample the series, an issue with a guest artist probably isn't the best.

A fairly satisfying conclusion to a pretty solid series. Given the circumstances of this series, this was probably the best we could hope for.

Another very strong issue of Lazarus. It doesn't quite have the originality of the first issue, but the creators deserve credit for moving onto the main story so quickly rather than just playing with their “world” for 5-6 issues. Highly recommended.

A few tweaky nitpicks aside, this issue is a great example of why creator-owned comics are so exciting: It's because the creators themselves are more excited about doing them and that passion spills over onto the reader. I can't imagine Lazarus ever dropping off my pull list.

Even in a quiet issue, Lazarus shows it's power and how well Rucka knows how to tell a story about class and inequality. There are a few pieces that don't connect yet, but is there really any doubt that they will? It's nice to be able to trust the storyteller….

Probably my favorite new-ish series of the last few years has another wonderful issue. The pieces are clicking together. Everything about the issue is deliberate and excellent.

Wow, what a great issue! We need more crime comics, especially when they can be as gritty and raw as this. All fans of crime comics should track this down asap and make sure to pre-order future issues.

This comic really has it all. The ideas, dialog and art are all top-shelf stuff. I can't imagine anyone not enjoying it.

Another interesting issue of Manifest Destiny. There is lots of weirdness going on and it isn't entirely clear what our protagonists have gotten themselves into. I'm enjoying this series a lot.

A typically strong issue of Manifest Destiny adds what might be a compelling over-arching story of alien-invasion at the turn of the 19th Century.

This is a real gem of a comic book. I don't think a comic has made me smile this much since…well…. never. It is just an intensely happy story with glorious art. Jump on now and don't miss and issue!

If you like creepy, psychological horror, this is going to be right up your alley. Go get it because, McCool and Cook have a really good first issue here!

Morning Glories is one of the great on-going series right now. I love how the mysteries keep building. Eventually Spencer is going to have to start paying off some of those mysteries, but I'm not growing bored yet.

A pretty cool issue that introduces some new characters and gives some half-truths.

A very solid issue that basically takes a classic clash between the old man of the family and the young buck and transports it into Viking times. Wonderful art from Zezelj. I wish we got more art like this.

It may be disappointing that we didn't get a more powerful send off for the series as a whole, but this was still an outstanding ending to this story arc. I'll miss Northlanders a lot.

You need to be reading this. Stokoe is really brilliant in this book.

Unless you simply cannot be bothered to read anything that doesn't have men and women covered in skin-tight spandex, you should check out Orc Stain. It is among the best comics put out by any publisher.

I can't recommend this series and issue more. In just three oversized issues, Ken Garing has created a very believable and functioning world and some interesting characters. Must read"

This is another great issue. If you like post-apocalyptic stories, don't be scared off by the alien setting. Garing just put his characters on an alien planet rather than having Earth ravaged by a virus or zombies or whatever.

Image has a hot one here! Unless you are slavishly devoted to "superheroes only" or cannot enjoy a comic without photorealistic art, I can't imagine anyone not enjoying this comic.

Another great issue. Even if I have a hard time describing it, I don't have any qualms about recommending it.

A wonderful first issue. The basic concept for this story is clever and inventive, but Murphy has gone a level beyond that to create a tapestry of rich secondary characters.

Murphy has created a bunch of interesting characters and maneuvered them into positions where they'll have to make some choices. The rest of this series should be a joy.

A transitional issue like this is a tall-order for a first-time writer, but Murphy pulls it off pretty well. It isn't quite as smooth as the first couple of issues of the series, but he got the job done and can now drive this story to its conclusion. It also doesn't hurt to have stellar art on a transitional issue.

This is another very good issue in a wonderful new series. Enjoy the creepy and deep storytelling and the wonderful art.

Even though I wish this series would snap to it a little more, it remains one of the best comics on the stands. Don't "wait for it to come out in collected edition". Read it now.

A very good issue that answers a lot of questions.

Another wonderful issue. The mysteries and the story are compelling and the art is outstanding.

Another splendid issue. If you like non-Big 2 comics, this is must read stuff. And, it is coming out very regularly, so there's no reason to wait until it is over.

It wouldn't hurt my feelings if the story picked up the pace a little, but it's hard to argue with Terry Moore's delectable artwork and character building.

A great issue that reveals more depth to the series than I had previously appreciated.

The story in Rachel Rising is really engaging right now. If you dropped away while this book was in its teens, it's probably a good idea to come back now.

Some signs that we might be headed for a climax in the story. That's welcome because I think it's time to begin Act 3 of the tale.

We should just set up a hot-key that says, “Another outstanding issue of Scalped. This is one of the top 5 books on the shelf right now and you must read it.”

This series never takes a bad step. I'm curious to see the direction Aaron takes this series after he's had a few months to lay some groundwork in the non-central parts of his story. This issue was an outstanding look behind the curtain at a man who has been on the periphery of this series since the beginning, but hasn't really been featured before. Agent Nitz is definitely going to be born again hard after the events of this issue.

Boom! That's the bloody climax I wanted. The shoot-out in the truck will go down with the curb-stomp and the eyeball removal as lasting images of Scalped. Great issue.

Jumping on point?: Hahaha. No. You really need to start this series at the beginning or you won't appreciate what is going on.

Whether you enjoy the story or not, comics like Scarlet are important. We want creators to feel like they can tackle controversial subject matter and we want them to publish comics that feel personal. I like Scarlet a lot. It's well done, looks nice and scratches the anti-establishment itch in a way that might even make you feel uncomfortable. Those are all very good things.

Track down a copy and when you're done with it, pass it on to a friend.

This is a great miniseries and I fully expect the creators to nail the landing next month. If you haven't been reading the single issues and you like horror, the collected edition is a CAN'T MISS. Scott Snyder teased that they may turn this into an ongoing series. Not sure how they do that, but hope that it happens.

Another very good issue of a wonderful little series. This is a story of things going horribly wrong. It's about to get very Hobbesian.

Another really strong issue. This series is succeeding because of itssubtlety. Much like great TV shows like Breaking Bad don't pause to make sure that the audience understands what just happened, Azzarello and Risso are confident that their audience can figure some things out for themselves. My only concern is how “finished” is this story going to feel after only 9 issues??

A very emotionally strong first issue. If the whole of the Millarverse is this good, we're in for a treat.

If you have a young boy, you should really give this a try. It reminds me of a cartoon as no other comic has in a LONG time. The downside is that there isn't a lot here (besides the pretty art) to hold an adult's attention.

This story overcomes a lot of things with me (derivative story, art more realistic than I typically like, etc.) to be a very satisfying first issue. I'm very eager to see what happens with Millar's gang of criminals as they try to pay back the mob. My only complaint is that the comic has atouchof plastic-y, artificialness to it" As if an excellent meal was prepared from a recipe" But the execution on this issue is impossible to ignore.

Maybe we're finally getting some answers in Sweet Tooth? Even if the story remains mysterious, this story does offer promise for revealing some of the secrets of the series and the artwork by Matt Kindt is just glorious.

Formatting weirdness aside, this issue does a splendid job of wrapping the last year's worth of action and sets the stage for future stories.

This is probably the leader on the course for best superhero miniseries of 2010. Taskmaster probably just needs to par the final hole to win the title, but I'll bet that this creative team will go for an eagle. Very, very good.

A few quibbles aside, this was a very well done and welcome return for the Spidey team-up book. Keep it up!

This comic is succeeding in doing something really hard in comics: Tell a happy story! We really need more comics like this that aren't trying to one-up each other on the grim-n-gritty scale.

A very promising first issue. The idea of Hickman toying with the lost secrets of WWII research is tantalizing AND there is that whole "other plot twist" thing that introduces some conflict to the story. This should be a very good series.

Another really strong issue that begins to tell a bigger story with these characters we've become fond of.

TMP returns to what it does best: characters, zany situations and the outlandish.

I'm really enjoying this world. It's a very fresh take on the zombie apocalypse.

This is another wonderful issue of Deadwardians. Even though it lost some of it's differentiating cleanliness, it is still a very good comic. Why is this just a miniseries? I'd love a 30-issue run of this stuff.

Another wonderful little issue. If you aren't reading this, it's well worth checking out.

This was another tour de force by Ryan Kelly with a very capable slice of life story by Brian Wood.

Go buy this because it's great. I really can't think what else I'd want this comic to do. It starts with a modern myth (DB Cooper) and winds a funky story around it. I kinda hope this is what really happened with Cooper because it's much cooler than thinking he merely died in the wilderness after jumping from the plane.

A wonderful series keeps chugging along.

A wonderful issue that shows off the excellence that has been a hallmark of the series.

A bang-up issue. It is sooooo nice to have this series back to hitting on all cylinders as the creators continue to examine the nature of storytelling.

This was kinda the issue we needed from The Unwritten to kick this storyline into gear. It is fast-paced, delivered a lot of answers and promised more exciting things in future issues. Very well done.

Great climax to a story that has been holding my interest for several years now.

Every time I get a little bored with The Unwritten, it cranks out an issue where it recaptures its mojo. This was that issue. We learn a LOT about how various events from the series tie together and are also treated to some wonderful art.

The story is really clicking right now. I have a handle on it, it makes sense and it really entertaining. If you haven't been reading this series, it is highly worth catching up on.

Even a relatively straight-forward issue of The Unwritten has some pretty deep stuff if you're willing to sit and think. This is pretty easily the most thought provoking comic being released right now.

Great issue! These plots have been simmering for awhile and Kirkman and Company know how to make it all pay it off.

This is simply another great issue of The Walking Dead. This series couldn't be in a better place to coincide with the launch of the TV series on Halloween.

The plot thickens. Pretty sure that not everyone is getting out of this alive, but it's going to be entertaining to watch it get sorted out over the next few months. You won't find a comic that better combines tension and human moments.

Wow! The anything can happen vibe is back in The Walking Dead! And in a BIG way. The events of next issue are going to be very pivotal to the futures of some of our major characters.

Another a strong run of issues for TWD. We're building to something big and bloody here, but that shouldn't let us think that characters can only die in issue #100.

This was the brutal issue that we knew was in Kirkman's quiver. Powerful and filled with images that will stick with us for a long time.

Very, very strong. Kirkman and Adlard have turned this Negan into a very scary and powerful villain. Rick wasn't in this issue and I didn't miss him at all.

Not the meaty resolution that we probably wanted, but a very taut issue nonetheless. TWD creates some wonderful atmosphere with the talents of Charlie Adlard.

Just enjoy the action and go with the flow! There are a few glaring story problems and theywillbother you if you slow down to think about them. But you could do that, or you can just enjoy Negan's plight.

This series is much stronger when Michael Walsh is doing the art. It is a perfect nostalgia trip for lovers of the TV series.

This is how you write a Big 2 team super-hero book! Keep it snappy and give all of the characters something to do. Kev Walker's art is great. This is probably IMHO the best team book that Marvel is publishing right now.

Consequence: Earlier in the week I talked about how Hulk (Parker's other Marvel title) has hit the point where you just know it'll be good. Well, Thunderbolts is at that point too. We're up to ~20 good issues in a row. The story is always fresh, exciting and attractive. It's a shame Marvel isn't pushing either of these titles heavily in the digital market because I have a feeling they could be very attractive to new readers.

Great stuff all around, but that's what we've come to expect from Thunderbolts which hasn't had a poor issue in a LONG time. This is one of the best and most consistent titles that Marvel puts out.

It's a new day for the Uncanny X-Men as Kieron Gillen hits the ground running with a fun and well-drawn tale that recalls the great days of Joss Whedon's Astonishing X-Men. I probably speak for a lot of readers out there when I say that I want Uncanny X-Men to be a really awesome read month-after-month and it looks like Gillen has a chance to make that happen.

A fun, lively and jaunty story that had me laughing out loud in a few places coupled with some seriously badass art. Why can't we have Asmus and Bradshaw do monthly Uncanny and just dial back the detail on the a little bit (to make it work for a monthly book)?

Must see this issue. Rocafort is a member of the must buy club until he screws something up.

How glorious is it to have comics like this on the market? It's a competent and confident piece of work by creators who know what they're doing.

Velvet is just a wonderful comic series. The story is accessible and it is just enough of a twist on a classic spy story to keep it fresh. You really don't feel like you've read this before. The illustration is superb.

A very exciting new comic series that is really flying under the radar with everyone prattling on about the new 52 from DC. That's a shame because whereas DC is really just shoveling the same material at you that you either enjoyed (or didn't) for the last few decades, Vescell is actually telling an innovative story and doing it very well. But it.

A splendid issue in a great series. More people should read Witch Doctor. Trust me, you'll like it.

A very strong first effort. It feels like the X-Files. You will hear the lines being spoken by the original actors as you read. The only thing that'll kill the series is if they stretch each story out over 5-6 issues. No decompression, please. It never took Scully and Mulder 6 episodes to solve the mystery of the haunted carnival or get to the bottom of those pesky bigfoot sightings.

A nice combination of fun stories and attractive women. If you missed the single issues, keep an eye out for the collected edition or buy it digitally. Hopefully we'll get more 50 Girls 50 in the future.

An ending of the chapter, but not the whole story. Hopefully in a few years, Moore comes back to this story because there is more to tell and when he gets there, I'll have my money out. This was a very good ending to a well done and disturbing series.

A very solid second issue. This is a series to keep an eye on if you like comics that make you think.

Not the most eventful issue, but still very strong. If you're interested in thought-provoking comics, this is one to keep at eye on because the creators are interested in the right sorts of questions.

A strong issue that is still in Act II of the overall story.

This title has been like a rock for the last year where I just expect it to be good every issue. I can't wait until next week to see the conclusion!

This was a really good Spidey issue. We get to see Peter happy right about the time that Lizard is going to screw thing up for him.

The world is better when Spider-Man comics are good. This is the final issue before Dan Slott and Humberto Ramos take over ASM for the “Big Time” story line. Let's have a round of applause for the creators and editors who made the thrice-monthly ASM (mostly) a huge success.

Not as good as the last three issues, but still a damn fine comic book. Amazing Spider-Man is in outstanding hands because Dan Slott really get's what Spider-Man is about and what kinds of stories show off this character and his supporting cast. Incredible art throughout this arc by Humberto Ramos. I kinda feel sorry for the next artist. I wouldn't want to follow this art.

Great use of the Avengers backing Spidey up. I love seeing a Spidey who is a more important (and powerful) member of the Marvel Universe. Fun story and writing by the Slott/Van Lente team. ASM continues to impress!

There are so many good things in this issue that this review could have been a lot longer. But, this is a really good issue that has all of Dan Slott's fun plotting, combined with a typically erudite script from Fred Van Lente. Nice art from Stefano Caselli too. The only thing dragging this down were the kinda average back-ups that served to diminish the whole package. For my $3.99, I'd have rather just had the main story.

Another great issue of Spidey that showcases the essence of Peter's character with great art by an up-and-comer!

The story makes a LOT more sense than the last several issues and the addition of Ramos on art turns a "meh" book into something that is very good.

A few little flaws hold this back from the highest grades, but the overall story is interesting and I don't really know what'll happen next. That's always a good thing. Plus, there are some bonus points for not having a weepy wrap-up issue to Ends of the Earth.

Dan Slott seems to have really enjoyed writing this issue. Lots of fun even if the art can't quite keep up.

This is a really good series. Now that the novelty has worn off, it is clear that it has staying power and some story to tell!

Minor quibbles aside, this is another really strong issue of AV. This series hasn't slowed down a bit since it started over a year ago. How many series (creator-owned or superhero) put out 14 consecutive issues that all grade out at a B or better? That's why you should really be reading AV. It's right up there with The Walking Dead and Scalped as the most consistently outstanding series on the market right now.

Middle chapters in stories have a hard time being "the best", but this one does pretty well by telling a compelling story of vampire origins in the USA and finishes with a big HOLY CRAP moment. Nicely done (again).

Lots of fun. We ease the pace of our story a little to give us some background, but it's all good: well written and wonderfully illustrated. Not only is the “present day” story interesting, but finding out how we got to this point will be fun as well.

A nice capstone on a 2-issue story that introduces some new critters to the AV universe.

Gage keeps the goodness coming in this issue that shows the Academy kids dealing with a villain who is WAY too powerful for them, but he comes up with a neat way to make the kids more competitive and give us additional reasons to care about the kids. The art is fine and give that this title is hitting its ship dates like clockwork.

Wow! A BIG event happens in this comic that is out of left field. What happens in this issue is bigger than anything that has happened in Fear Itself so far. Don't be a dope and wait for the trade on this because it could be 6-9 months before that happens and people will be talking about this series before then.

A very nice miniseries comes to an end. It turned out to be a very good and beautiful Young Avengers story. I'm a little disappointed that it didn't become a great Marvel Universe story, but I probably got my expectations too high. Well worth checking out!

Jumping on point?: Nope. You could read this issue alone, but you'd be a little confused. Best to start with issue #1.

Another very strong issue. Probably not as powerful as issues 5 and 6, but for the sake of drama we needed a calm moment before whatever crazy finale the guys have in store for us this summer. Isn't it splendid to justknowthat it'll be awesome?!?

A few hiccups, but still a pretty fine issue.

An outstanding and scary Joker story with fabulous art that is sandwiched around adysfunctionalfamily bickering about secrets.

A very fitting end to the Death of the Family story. The only flaws are those inherent in working within the confines of classic villains who must live to fight another day.

From any other creative team, this issue would be cause to clap maniacally and toss the creators a fish treat! Unfortunately, Snyder and Capullo have spoiled us rotten with mindbending Bat-stories and this isn't quiteup to their lofty standards. It's still good, but it doesn't have thatsnap to it. Keep an eye on the back-up though!

A really good opening issue. Just don't make my mistake and try to slot the story into all the other Bat-stories that you've read.

A very technically strong comic that isn'tquitelighting my socks on fire the way I want it to.

A strong issue that advances the plot quite a bit. Not as much fantastic action as other issues, but I guess we can't always eat ice cream.

A very cool, hip and fun entry in into the detective/crime/mob genre with very stylish art. Worth a read!

Jumping on point?: It's actually a pretty good spot to hop on. The last story cycle was all about Bucky and the Invaders, so this is the first issue of Bucky as Cold War Winter Solder. Hope on and revel in the art.

Any time you get a chance to buy a 30-page comic drawn by Mr. Kaluta you should jump on it. I always scoff at folks who grade the "story" and the "art" separately, but Kaluta is one of the very, very few artists who can single-handedly make the story almost irrelevant. We also should be rewarding Marvel for hiring the guy and voting with our money that we want more of this in the future. It would be supercool if we could get one Kaluta event tie-in for each event. This comic can't get an A, but with average comic art we'd be looking at a below average comic.

This issue (and series) were a real joy. The original concept comes to a nice resting point by the end of this issue and the art is to die for.

Darn it! My bloated pull list has grown! But, that is a good thing because Creepy is pure goodness with unsettling stories and top-notch art!

And, that is part of the problem with this new Creepy series. Jennifer was first published in 1974 in Creepy #63. Dark Horse has been consistently plucking gems from the old Warren Publishing Creepy Magazine and I can't fault them for that too much. I DO have the issues, but most people don't and it probably encourages people to buy the collected editions. But if you cherry-pick masterpieces like "Jennifer", they make the modern stories look "meh" in comparison. In some ways, it isn't really a fair comparison because "Jennifer" was better than most of the contents of Creepy back in 1974 too. An interesting issue. The new material has some bright spots, but the hands-down star is an almost 40-year-old work. I'm not sure publishing current stories with all-star material from day's past is the best publishing move.

Another very strong issue of one of the best series on the stands.

A very strong first issue. If you're looking for some modern-day espionage fun, this is a book to check out.

Jumping on point?: Even though this is not the beginning of a story arc, you could totally hop on here if you wanted to. The story is managed in that classic way that “each issue can be a jumping on point”.

Another really strong and emotional story. A bit sad and I just hope that this issue has a bigger purpose in the series.

Even though I now have a theory, I'm still not entirely sure where this series is going, but you cannot deny the craft going on here. This is a definite “buy.”

“Along for the ride” is a very overdone phrase in reviewing periodical stories, but it is very true in this case. Ba & Moon are spinning a wonderful tale that allows us to not only sit and watch, but also think about how it connects to our own life.

A perfect topper to an excellent series. If you haven't read this in issues, I strongly urge you to find the collected edition when it comes out. You'll treasure it, read it over and over and be able to share it with non-comic fans for years.

Another really strong issue. We'll have to see how the story ends over the next month or so, but so far the Snyder/Jock/Francavilla run on Detective has all the makings of something that DC will be able to sell as a hardcover collected edition for years and years to come. That's a pretty rare thing in the world of utterly disposable superhero stories.

I've heard other internet commentators appreciate different aspects of this issue, but for me the star was the finale which features a touching story and stunning art.

If you're a fan of monster movies, this is a “must buy” whenever IDW collects this. I love Bernie Wrightson's art, but credit is deserved all around in this issue/series as Niles has written a fun monster story and served up a few softball-pages for Wrightson to just crush. Check it out. Well worth the pricetag.

Creepy and disturbing. Definitely one to check out if you're into surreal, psychological horror.

Make sure to check this out. Even if the story is vaguely familiar, Corben gives it a few twists. Plus, its amazing to see how a masterfully Corben is able to perfectly calibrate the emotional reaction between horrifying and merely unsettling.

The middle of a 3-issue “recap” to allow new readers to hop on is also enjoyable for existing readers because of the thoughtful storytelling and wonderful art. Everyone should find a place for Elephantmen on their pull lists because it is one of the most consistently good titles on the market.

A fun homage to Conan with great art by Axel Medellin.

Great choice of guest artist and a great choice of story. Elephantmen continues to be a really good read.

Typically great art and the story is an engaging addition to the Elephantmen back-story that will doubtless ripple through to the series' present day.

Buy it. It's $3.99 and even ifyou don't love it".you can say your horizons were broadened.

Jumping on point?: Clearly this book is intended as a jumping on point and it mostly does a good job. New readers are likely to be confused by the Kree/Inhumans stuff, but I've been reading FF for a long time and I was confused by that too.

A rare event tie-in miniseries that was really good and had a purpose. The basic story of the vampires fighting the Hulk was very fun and the creators also introduced us to a new vampire super team: the Forgiven. How cool is that? Hopefully this isn't the last we've seen of them! Wonderful art by Stegman too.

Another really tight issue featuring some kids and B-listers. I'm really enjoying a few of them (Thor Girl, Cloud 9 and Ultragirl) and hope they can stick around in the Marvel U after Fear Itself.

A strong restart for the title that has always been IDW's best GI Joe book. If you like murky espionage intrigue, you'll enjoy Cobra.

The best GI Joe book being published. It is totally devoid of fan-service and just tells a modern and mature espionage story.

The art is incredible. You won't find better realistic linework in comics today. If artists are going to draw in a realistic fashion, THIS is what is needs to look like (unfortunately, most artists aren't as talented as Mr. Sim). And the story is just the biggest pile of nutty that you're going to find. If you like comics to be a little different, you really should spend $3 every couple months when Glamourpuss comes out.

I can see this being a polarizing issue. If you're just a Godzilla fan, I'm not sure it's going to do that much for you because the story is pretty routine (so far). But, if you're a fan of unique and incredible comic art, it's a "must buy" because Stokoe is just that cool and special.

Gosh"a crime story that isn't trying to mix in any cults or demons or ghosts! Mix that with good art and you have a winner.

Another stellar art performance by Capullo. The story isn't pretty good too and it is fun to learn more about the rules of this universe, but the art is the major attraction here.

Fun story (again) from Parker combined with draws-everything-well art from Hardman. These guys still have the right to gesture at their fellow-collaborators that they have the “championship belt” of best ongoing Marvel/DC superhero book right now. Love the writing and art on this issue and the creepy new Spider-MODOK.

Good things happen when you smear together the work of three must-read/see creators. Hulk is just a fun romp of a story and has been one of the most consistently good Marvel titles over the last 6 months (when this creative team came aboard).

Another strong issue of Hulk for Parker and company. Folks really should be reading this. I know a lot of people think they don't like Hulk stories, but I haven't met a single person who has read Parker's Hulk run and been anything but really impressed.

Jeff Parker shows how to use a line-wide event to serve his own storytelling goals. Bravo! And Elena Casagrade shows that Marvel is incredibly adept at finding excellent new(er) artists.

Kinda a quiet issue that allows the art to shine. You won't find better art anywhere in comics and that includes the “masters” like JH Williams and Darwyn Cooke who grace us with art once per year (whereas Hardman and Breitweiser are doing it monthly). Jeff Parker should get to teach a breakout session at the next Marvel retreat on how to introduce new characters.

Very promising. The art is the big selling point, but it's also fun to have a comic with a useful female protagonist (even if she is kinda sexed up for a mostly male audience).

A great transitional story in the middle of a great story. Make sure to check out Incognito. It's the best thing that Brubaker is writing right now and Phillips and Staples are doing incredible things with the art. .

This is definitely a series to pick up. You really have no clue what will happen next as this series doesn't have many lines it won't cross.

My on gripe: In a recent interview with Mark Waid, he described this special as a kind of recap/jumping on point for new readers as well as giving some new info to existing fans. I don't see this as much of a jumping on point. It was really focused on addressing minor questions from the Irredeemable Universe. This isn't really an “annual” issue because it's normal length. Not sure why we have to have a separate issue and have to skip a month on the main title. Nevertheless, this is a fun issue for existing readers; but if you want to jump on, just start with the first trade.

Another month, another inspired story from Irredeemable.

If you are sick of reading superhero comics that chase their own tails, this is the series for you. Constantly fresh and imaginative.

Irredeemable puts out another great little issue where half of the really cool things happen outside of the written script and aren't even explained. I love comics that make you say, “No, wait, don't move on with the story. Let's go back and look at that again!”

I think there is a real chance that Allred and Roberson have a very special series here. It has taken them a while to establish their universe, but this world is so rich that they have a LOT of possibilities going forward. Great art and lettering.

A good stand alone with wonderful guest art by the awesome Gilbert Hernandez.

Jumping on point?: It isn't a perfect jumping on point because a series like this is really structured around reading from #1 onward, but you could pick up this issue and not be horribly confused. If you like it, you could probably read it from here while also catching up on the back-matter.

Jumping on point?: As with all Vertigo series, you'd be best served by starting at issue #1 or with the first trade. But, if you are too lazy to read a few trades to catch up, this is a pretty decent place to jump into the middle even if you'll be a little confused.

Millar has done it again, creating the faithful, honest and brutal Kick-Ass sequel that works whether you read the first book, saw the movie, or both.

Nothing to not like here. We have a good story with a mysterious hook, steampunk atmospherics and great art. Give it a try.

You won't find many comics that look nicer than this one. Glorious linework, interesting layouts and wonderful coloring make this a book not to be missed. The script is a little too verbose, but the story is very straight forward and I'm curious to learn the mysteries of Lady Mechanika over the next couple years.

Another very solid issue. Even though the themes are a little cliche, it's a very enjoyable comic while we wait for Rucka to drop a big plot twist on us.

Another very solid issue. I love learning more about this world with the confidence that Greg Rucka has probably got the whole thing already figured out.

What a pleasant surprise! I heartily recommend this to anyone seeking something crisp and refreshing in their comic reading. It is also completely different than anything else on my pretty extensive pull list and I'm all about variety. And the art is beautiful. Hopefully the story will become clearer in future issues.

Another wonderful issue. Honestly, if you're a fan of Vertigo ongoing series, there's no excuse to not be reading this.

The upshot is: Perfect jumping on point. If you're into “indie” comics, you may have heard of Mind Mgmt because it has gotten a lot of critical buzz. Don't feel like you have to start at Issue #1. This is a perfectly fine place to start.

Another very good and fun issue of one of the breakout hits of 2010. The weirdness is ramped down a lot in this issue and we get a lot more story. It seems like Spencer is going to be paying off some of his mysteries very soon. I can give this a definite “must buy” rating for your Wednesday visit to the comic shop.

This was a breath of fresh air for the series as we met a pretty optimistic seeming new character and got some answers, even if they weren't the answers we were looking for. The art remains a real plus for the series due to the characters' wonderful acting.

This series is really finding it's footing after a small rough patch and the story is humming along nicely. If you drifted away, it's time to come back because this is a very well written and drawn series.

A really strong issue that benefits from the more focused story. We don't so much learn the answer to the mysteries of the series, but we DO learn a lot more about the personality of one of the main characters. Zoe is fully three-dimensional now.

Another very solid issue. Sure, it gives us more mysteries just as it is answers questions that we weren't asking, but that's kinda the point of the series and we are slowly getting some answers about what the Morning Glories Academyisn't. Check it out.

Another strong issue of MG. True, it isn't answering all of the questions and is tossing out a lot of misleading things, but that's kinda how real life works too. I'm still waiting for another "knock my socks off" issue, though.

This issue is typically Morning Glories in that it gives the appearance of providing answers without really explaining much. By now, you either like that approach or you don't. I DO enjoy it. Plus, the issue gets bonus points for focusing on one of its more interesting characters.

An issue that makes a lot of sense once someone explains it to you.

A very strong ending to this first Mystery Society series. I hope there is more where this came from because I'd buy it. If you haven't been keeping up, this is one to seek out in trade because it is a sweet, fun and different story with outstanding art. As a side note, when is IDW going to stop charging $3.99 per issue? You'd have to think sales will suffer with Marvel and DC largely retreating from the $3.99 price point. Hmmm".

A really nice ending to a very strong story. James Asmus is to be commended for telling a good tale while working with three very different artists. It is really nice to see Fiumara get a little more time at Marvel too!

GREAT art and some good off-color fun. A guilty pleasure!

I wish we could have Orc Stain every month, but that's just not going to happen. So, we just have to enjoy the beautifully illustrated adventures of One-Eye whenever James Stokoe chooses to grace us. This is an excellent and unique artistic showcase.

A very worthy first issue. Ken Garing has created an interesting world and the art is tremendous. Check it out.

Another really sharp issue of Prophet. Probably notquitethe tour de force that the first three issues were, but it's no slouch either. Can't wait to see where this series takes us.

Same as always with RR; the art and characterization are sublime, but the plot is moving very slowly.

Well-worth checking out unless you're just opposed to apocalypse stories on principal. This has all the mystery and danger that make these sorts of stories fun and it is drawn by an outstanding artist. It's hard to go wrong with that combo.

Ringuet is doing a lot of nifty artistic things in this issue and the story itself is useful if you're into a Ghostbusters-type of tale.

Another great example of IDW giving Rocketeer fans some great material. It's hard not to be impressed with the respect that IDW gives to properties like the Rocketter.

The build up is just about done and we should be getting lots of explosion from here on out. This is a wonderfully written and plotted series.

Classic Scalped. There are about 10 ways the action can explode from this issue and I expect at least 9 of them will pay off.

Although there is a small part of me that wants to fast-forward to the end and just learn who dies, the journey is a lot of fun because the tension in Scalped is becoming tangible.

We'd been waiting for this fight for nearly 40 issues now, and it was pretty much what we've wanted. Plus, big events in other facets of the story. The only thing holding this issue back was the muddy coloring that stole some of the magic from that fight.

It's bitter sweet. The series is about to end and I don't want it to go, but it looks Aaron is very committed to giving the characters a proper sending off.

Only two more issues to go. These characters aren't going to get a Shawshank ending.

Maybe not the definitive ending I'd hoped for in this penultimate issue, but still a masterpiece of violence.

The hook is set! Due to its skillful use of pliers and Hickman's past track record, there's no reason not to come back for the second issue. Violence and conspiracies are a powerful mix!

A GREAT miniseries. If you haven't been keeping up, buy this when the trade comes out. You won't be disappointed. It is a wonderful and mostly fun story paired with some outstanding art. Keep an eye out for the creators on their next projects (Stegman is drawing an arc of X-23) because they've both pretty hot.

A really good issue and a series not to be missed if you enjoy apocalypse fiction.

If you're into Cloak & Dagger, this will be an enjoyable read that is pretty true to the characters and has wonderful art. Not too bogged down in Spider-Island, so you can enjoy this alone if you wish.

A very solid first issue. If you're into post-apocalypse fiction, this is worth checking out.

This is the best of the Stan Lee titles that Boom! has recently launched. My only complaint is that it could move a little faster and that I might have a feeling where the story is headed, but what we're getting right now is just great stuff. And Randolph is doing my favorite art that I've ever seen on a Boom! title.

I've said it a few times, but this is so the best of the new Stan Lee titles at Boom! In fact, I got bored and stopped reading Soldier Zero and The Traveler, but I think Starborn is wedging itself onto my pull list because it is telling a Space Opera-type story that I can't really get anywhere else. It's true that we have Marvel Cosmic, but that is mostly a known universe. The fun of Space Opera is learning what is possible in a storytelling universe and that can only come with a new series.

Awesome end to an anthology series at Marvel. If you haven't been following this, buy the trade when it comes out so Marvel continues to be interested in doing projects like this. Marvel takes a lot of deserved crap for grunting out too many Deadpool, Wolverine, X-Men and Avengers titles, but you have to hand it to them when they do something really cool stuff like this.

A really good issue. This sets things up for a pretty powerful finale as just about all of our characters are in perilous spots.

A good issue with wonderful guest art, but I question the need for a flashback issue as the series is wrapping up.

Even though it feels a little rushed, this series is still hitting a lot of solid notes. It's also causing the reader to think and speculate in a way that few comics do.

A really strong issue that wraps what has been one of the best miniseries of 2010. If you haven't been following the single issues, don't miss the trade when it comes out.

Another really strong issue for this new series. I'd probably be happier if these were going to be 1-2 issue stories so we could get more mileage out of this new “Marvel Team-Up”, but I'm always happy to have Joe Mad art and some funny dialog written by Zeb Wells. The only thing holding it back is that the story doesn't have quite enough heft to really challenge for an “A.”

The magic is still working. If you like weird comics, this is one for you to try.

An effective story that serves as a vehicle for a unique artist to get his work out there.

A pretty strong issue of TMP. Joseph Oppenheimer is a very sick dude.

A nice recalibration for TMP. This series has more weird and interesting characters than any other ongoing series. These guys would be both exhilarating and exasperating to hang with.

This issue was an abrupt and welcome switch from the search for that missing ship. I'd be find if that missing ship ended up in the same dustbin of unexplained comic stories along with whatever is in Scarlet Witch's closet.

Vertigo has another winner. I'm a little disappointed that this is only an 8-issue series because I'd love to see more of how Edwardian London would deal with the zombies.

A solid ending to a very solid series. The conclusion is satisfying and hopefully they'll sell enough of this in trade that Vertigo will get this guys to creator more.

Another very solid issue. This is a very enjoyable series and if you haven't been reading this single issues, it'll make a great trade when it finishes.

A nice issue that cleans up a kinda messy story arc.

Another great issue of Unwritten. Where have you heard that before?

Another strong and powerful issue of Unwritten that gives us a few reveals and makes us look forward to what's next.

Another wonderful issue. I really can't recommend this series highly enough.

High quality storytelling. Unlike a lot of other comics, I don't even mind too much when I get lost. The Unwritten is already earmarked for a reread or two due to its complex and ambitious storytelling.

The story is really humming in this ambitious issue. If the art were remotely exciting, this would be an “A”.