Tomasi and Gleason's BATMAN AND ROBIN entered my life with a dramatic, gripping, and emotional story. Now, it's leaving with a fun and moving story that focuses 100% on the father-son dynamic. I'm guessing readers not all that passionate about Damian probably won't enjoy this one as much as I did, but as someone who's been with the series since the very first issue, I can't help but feel like this is an amazing way to conclude the creative team's time with the two heroes.

DEADPOOL #44 is all about two things: buildup and character. Sure, it has some amusing violence and plenty of jokes, but what it really boils down to is it's a comic that'll hook you with a surprisingly down to earth moment between two characters and then it'll leave you thinking about what's to come. And thanks to the art team's steady dose of lovable visuals, we're never pulled out of the moment. The combination of consistently solid visuals and a strong script makes this yet another great chapter in Duggan and Posehn's run. It's too bad we only have one issue left, but at least they've created a run that'll be worth missing. In a time when Deadpool could just be a blatant cash cow, they've given the merc with a mouth a number of great stories -- stories that are definitely worth reading all over again later on. Now, we just have to wait and see whether the big finale delivers.

ELEKTRA leaves us with an issue that's full of gorgeous and imaginative visuals, thrilling action, and an ending that makes you wish it wasn't saying "goodbye." It's simply bringing it on every single level. It may not be as inventive as some of the previous chapters, but it's still able to wrap things up in an engaging and entertaining way while also giving us a conclusion that's thoroughly satisfying -- I just wish we could see what happens next! Just remember, it's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. And ELEKTRA? This series sure gave us a lot to love.

RUMBLE is without question one of the more entertaining stories around -- and yes, I say that as someone who isn't a big fan of the fantasy genre. The world continues to grow, the characters continue to amuse, and there's just enough action and comedy sprinkled into the more powerful moments. Thanks to consistently animated visuals and an immensely entertaining script, RUMBLE keeps winning me over and leaves me wanting more.

Nathan Edmondson and Mitch Geards' THE PUNISHER continues to be a smart, gripping, and awesomely illustrated story. This chapter was pretty much all about explaining what's going on and why, so it may not be all that exciting, but it's getting important information out there and ends on a note that pretty much guarantees everyone will want to pick up the next issue. Man, now I'm left wondering what House of Cards would be like if Frank Castle was part of the story. Frank Castle vs. Frank Underwood? Place your bets!

SECRET IDENTITIES is a great way to escape the traditional superhero stories we tend to see. I'm left with literally no idea about what'll happen with each of them and I absolutely love that. It's not overly dark and gritty and it's not too focused on making you laugh. It strikes a nice balance as it offers totally different characters and all different kinds of tones.

SPREAD continues to give us more bloody and oh-so-fun craziness and horror. The art team unleashes so many twisted and savage yet entertaining pages and Jordan makes sure the intensity never slows down. If you haven't checked this out yet but you love stories like John Carpenter's The Thing or The Last of Us, I strongly encourage you to pick up the first trade when it goes on sale. This first arc may not deliver any especially emotional or compelling moments, but it does an amazing job pulling you into this post-apocalyptic world and hits you with a non-stop flow of excitement and great-looking horror. Do yourself a favor and let SPREAD slither its way into your life. Okay, that was kind of lame, but I do mean it. Horror fans really need to give it an honest shot.

TMNT #44's a real jaw-dropper. It's a powerful issue that's able to balance fun, plot development, and emotion equally well. All of these moments are brought to life wonderfully by Smith and Pattison, but you'd expect no less from them at this point. It's the kind of issue that's going to linger in your memory and make you wonder about what'll happen in the next issue. Sure, I have some criticisms about the story and the biggest moment, but it's a huge and ambitious issue for this franchise. Even though it wraps up one arc in a solid way, it does more than enough to build our interest in what's to come. Seriously, don't miss this one, TMNT fans. And for the love of all that's holy, don't blatantly spoil it in the comments, okay? Use spoiler blocks, people!

The latest story may have started as mostly sill fun, but now the creative team is giving the narrative some much needed weight. They still bring the laughs and there's a whole lot of entertaining and twisted action, but now they're finding a way to get you emotionally invested, too. The bad news: DEADPOOL is racing towards its end. The good news: It's looking like it'll say "goodbye" with a story that's able to deliver everything you'd want from it. A good Deadpool story needs to make you laugh and deliver an emotional gut-punch. Thankfully, that's exactly what this one is doing.

Everything in me wants to love this comic. I love the premise behind the team, I like the cast of characters, and I most definitely like seeing them get throw into all kinds of chaos. It has the potential to be smart, exciting, and even funny. However, noticeably inconsistent and stiff artwork and a mostly uneventful issue leaves me feeling pretty disappointed. There are times when the comic is obviously trying to offer something more compelling -- an effort I absolutely appreciate -- but it doesn't really deliver and unfortunately, it feels like some of the pages could have been used in better ways.

Many of us have waited months -- some even years -- for a Ninjak series and Valiant made sure it was absolutely worth the wait. Smart, exciting and full of jaw-dropping visuals, NINJAK needs to be on your pull list. It does such an excellent job teasing all this series has to offer. It offers the badass action you'd expect, yet it's so much more than just slick fighting. There's a strong script here, the promise of so much character development, and a legitimate interesting story unfolding. It sprinkles in just the right amount of humor, too. But hey, is anyone honestly surprised that Valiant has created yet another awesome series? Probably not. You've waited for a NINJAK solo series and Valiant's giving you the one you deserve. Go get it. Now comes the tough part: waiting for the second issue. Good thing Valiant always releases extensive previews, right?

THOR #6 is an incredible experience for the eyes and there's plenty of enjoyable dialogue, but the handling of the big mystery will come as no surprise to pre-existing fans and it can feel a little heavy-handed at times. New readers will likely be surprised, but unfortunately, I'm not one of them. I also imagine they'll be a little confused since they don't know the character all that well just yet. Still, the combination of wonderful artwork, some well-crafted conversations, and several interesting plot points being put into motion makes this yet another issue that kept me thoroughly entertained and left me looking forward to the next chapter. I just hope they justify why this person has been attempting to hide their identity.

BIG MAN PLANS obviously won't win everyone over, but if it does appeal to you, odds are you're going to love it and find yourself wanting the next issue right away. Part of me is even left wishing this wasn't just a limited series.

HULK may not be all that compelling or jaw-dropping right now, but it's consistently solid and absolutely a good time. It offers a steady dose of enjoyable comedy, fun bits of action, and continues delivering plenty of plot progression. What started off as a seemingly basic story ("approach character, cure character, move on to the next one!") has branched out and become so much more interesting. Sure, the basic formula is still there, but with the A.I. playing a significant role and the tension for the big showdown increasing, this has become a story that has me honestly guessing where it'll go next. Having energetic visuals bring all of this fun to life certainly doesn't hurt, too!

IMPERIUM is pretty much everything I'd want from a Valiant title. It's embracing elements from the creative universe, offers a smart script and has visuals that match the story's tone so well. Not many books can balance character and huge action, but IMPERIUM does it with ease. It's the kind of book that drops a whole lot of exposition for new readers but does it in a way that won't bother pre-existing fans at all because it feels like natural dialogue and, more importantly, it doesn't get in the way of moving the story and its characters forward. Do the right thing and add this title to your pull list.

RETURN OF THE LIVING DEADPOOL #2 offers exactly what you'd expect from it: a lot of comedy, a good amount of horror, just enough stabbing and shooting, and little serving of heart. Virella's doing a great job putting Bunn's script into the panels and, thanks to some twisted developments in the story, the artist has the chance to create some really messed up visuals in this one. All in all, RETURN OF THE LIVING DEADPOOL continues to be a really entertaining story that offers some big twists in the near future. It hasn't impressed me as much as the first volume did, but the potential is definitely there and it's good fun.

Man, there's only 3 issues left? That's such a bummer, especially because it doesn't really feel like this series is heading towards its end. It still makes me laugh and it still offers ridiculously fun action sequences, but the sense of "everything ends soon" just isn't there yet. I mean, there's a solid and funny teaser in the end, but this isn't feeling like a "big" story yet. Don't get me wrong, I'm still really enjoying it and I have nothing but faith in this creative team -- they've certainly earned it. Hopefully things begin to escalate in the next chapter, but for now, this was a thoroughly entertaining dose of action and fun with just a wee bit of character on the side. Seriously, I think the creative team is telling a story that even Deadpool would enjoy reading.

I went in with zero knowledge of the title), but it's instead looking like it could offer some clever commentary while astonishing your eyes with magnificent artwork. Brilliant artwork and a promising story. Yeah, I'd say this is more than worth checking out.

A number of small criticisms aside, TMNT #43 is yet another great issue in a surprisingly strong and consistently entertaining series. This latest arc has found an effective way to incorporate so many different characters and the end result is an adventure that has me completely hooked. I'm left wanting to read the next issue right away and, as I read the issues, I'm reminded why I love this franchise so much. Since the very first issue, it's been crystal clear this team loves the franchise and they're doing excellent things with it. I'm really looking forward to the next issue and even if the plot doesn't totally win me over, at least I know I can rely on Smith and Pattison to make sure it's a great experience for my eyes. TMNT fans, support what you love and buy this series. It's absolutely worth your time and attention.

This is 100% lighthearted fun. There's no significant link back to the main story; it's all about embracing this fantasy world and having a crazy amount of fun with it. The opening story is mythos heavy and a little touching (it gives a brief update on future Galactus), the secondary story is cute and a little heartwarming, and the final one is all about purposefully over-the-top silliness and comedy -- it feels like a wacky cartoon. If you're cool with an issue that is focused purely on making you smile, odds are this might be worth your $4.99. Again, seeing as they're all delivering different kinds of comedy, I strongly recommend checking out the preview to see if this is something you'll appreciate.

Sure, they want to create a satisfying story with this series, but I'm guessing the primary goal is to make sure the upcoming video game remains on our radars and, when it comes out, we'll shell out whatever it costs to buy the game. So, does this opening chapter get me even more excited for Rocksteady's final Arkham game? Yes, I'd say it does. It thrives because it's able to embrace the city and cast we've come to know so well while also offering some great dialogue between Batman and Alfred. I'm left wanting more. I want to see Batman interacting with his other allies; I want to see which other villains will pop up and how they'll be handled; I want to see more exploration of the city I was able to glide around. And I'm left really wanting to play Arkham City all over again. ARKHAM KNIGHT is off to a strong start and it should absolutely be read by fans of the video game franchise. This doesn't feel like a blatant cash in; it feels like a passion project.

BATMAN AND ROBIN #39 is a good time. It doesn't feel like anything big is brewing on the horizon and it may not have any truly standout moments, but it's a nice example of how well Tomasi can write Damian and certainly proof that the art team does a great job with the kid's expressions and the various locations. It's looking like the next issue has the potential to be a huge amount of fun, so hopefully the capitalize on that potential. Oh, and is anyone else wondering when we'll see Talia again?

GONERS' amazing visuals grabs my attention and then its evergrowing story keeps me around. Every panel has something that's worth looking at for more than a few seconds and there's some ginormous mythos building going on in this story. It may feel like they're hitting you with a little too much, but it's still incredibly interesting and creative stuff. I'm still left asking plenty of questions about certain elements, but that's part of the fun, after all. Part of me wishes this chapter focused a little more on the fun and charming moments before getting into the heavier material, but it's still more than enough keep me thinking about everything that's going on. And man, there's a lot going on. If this fun and twisted take on fantasy adventure stories sounds appealing to you, I strongly recommend beginning with the first issue.

RUMBLE #3 takes a small break from moving the story forward so we can better understand and appreciate everything that's going on. I know we're only 3 issues in, but the first two have been loaded with worldbuilding and mysterious plot lines, so briefly taking a step back to give us all of the mandatory information was a necessary step. Thankfully, it didn't feel like hitting "pause" on the story and told us mostly everything we need to know in a fun, fascinating, and exciting way. It offers a ton of information but it doesn't feel like an info dump. There's a whole lot of imagination and just enough personality, humor and action thrown in there, too. So, let's get ready to read more RUMBLE. Sorry, couldn't resist that one. But seriously, this is a title that deserves your attention.

Fun action? Check. Well-written conversations? Check. Visuals that make you want to keep staring at the pages? Yeah, another check. THE VALIANT #3 offers a bunch of fan service and big action while also delivering on personality. And the best part of all? It all looks excellent. THE VALIANT is awesome and it deserves your attention, people. Seriously, unless you're completely against the idea of superhero comics, you should give it a shot. It'll be your proper introduction to this universe.

It's easy to see why DEEP STATE is probably going to become a TV series. It may be a familiar concept, but what matters is the execution and, so far, this is turning out to be a really good time. The alien itself may receive a pretty standard conclusion and it's not bringing anything profound to the table (at least not yet), but the mystery surrounding both characters and the world around them continues to have me hooked. If you've been following since the first issue or if you find yourself on the fence about whether you'll stick around for issue five, this ending is absolutely going to make you purchase the next one. Get on this, sci-fi junkies.

Everything in me wants to love this title, but fluctuating artwork and a story that's more focused on mayhem than character often leaves me feeling like the issue was just okay. Don't get me wrong, I love a good dose of crazy action, but it reaches a point where we need a reminder of why we're interested in these characters. Thankfully, we do get a small sample of that here with Black Manta and it's greatly appreciated (better late than never!). NEW SUICIDE SQUAD is a pretty fun series, but it constantly leaves me feeling like it could accomplish more than just big action.

THOR #5 is full of laughs, clever commentary, solid artwork, and a whole lot of promising plot progression. It may not be as action-heavy as the previous chapters, but that hardly matters because the narrative and dialogue is handled excellently. This issue had me totally absorbed and I'm ready for the next one. It may be too dialogue-heavy for some, but I loved it and I'm left with no major criticisms. THOR #5 has it all. Unless you're strongly against the concept, you need to strongly consider buying this comic. It's worthy of your love, people.

MORTAL KOMBAT X is doing an awesome job getting me excited for the video game. This may not be the most exciting chapter yet, but it's a very important one if you're also anxiously awaiting the fighting game and want to learn more about its new cast. A majority of it is spent teaching us about who Kotal Kahn is and it really did give me a better emotional connection to the guy. I wasn't that interested in him before reading this, but now I'm left feeling very curious about what his future will be, both in the series and in the game. Thankfully, we're also treated to a cliffhanger that's pretty much guaranteed to get any Mortal Kombat fan to purchase the next chapter. Here's hoping the follow-up delivers and it's a jaw-dropping clash.

IMPERIUM #1 is smart and entertaining, gorgeous yet gruesome, and character-driven yet large in scope. Thanks to a strong creative team, it's an issue that'll appeal to you on many levels and leaves you wondering when you'll be able to read the next issue. Toyo Harada's a compelling character and this is proof of that. New readers may still be asking a lot of questions about the supporting cast, but I'm sure they'll be addressed in due time. For now, this was a phenomenal opening that told us everything we need to know about Harada while also getting a better understanding of just how far he'll go to get what he wants. I know many of you already go beyond your budget with weekly comics, but this is more than worthy of your $3.99, people.

If you loved NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEADPOOL -- and that should be many of you -- then this should be an obvious purchase. It may be a different artist this time around, but Virella's style is an excellent fit for this dark and funny world. We haven't seen quite the same blend of horror, drama and comedy just yet, but it's still a thoroughly entertaining intro which gets all of the necessary information out there while also offering a few laughs and some zombie killing fun. I recommend reading NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEADPOOL first, but if you don't have the extra cash or time to do so, it's worth noting this technically is new reader friendly and absolutely worthy of your attention if you like Wade Wilson or the zombie genre. It looks like Bunn is about to give us another great Deadpool limited series. Remember when Deadpool had a lot of titles and only a few of them were just okay? It's looking like those days are thankfully behind us.

ROBOCOP #8 is all about big action, showing off the brutal villain, and teasing what's to come. It's fun, attention-grabbing, and the visuals consistently match the tone of Williamson's story. Now that we've enjoyed some over-the-top and ridiculously fun action, I'm looking forward to what appears to be a very character-driven next issue. What will RoboCop's immediate future have in store for him? How will Anne respond to the news? What will Killian do next? You can bet I want to find out and, seeing as this series has yet to disappoint me, I'm really anxious to see how all of the follow-up will be handled. Seriously, you need to be reading this if you like Paul Verhoeven's RoboCop.

INJUSTICE: YEAR THREE #19 has no problem delivering lots of spectacle. With strong coloring, consistently solid illustrating and a whole lot of action, there's a fair amount of good fun to enjoy here. However, the focus on crazy fighting seems to get in the way of making sure the story's as impactful as it could be and it unfortunately feels like the characters' personalities (aside from the surprise character) could use more attention. I still found myself completely absorbed while reading this chapter and the action did look good, but I'm really hoping the story and dialogue get a little more of the spotlight in the next chapter.

The end of DEADPOOL is nigh! While this may not feel like the beginning of the end, it's still a comic that had me totally absorbed. Espin and Staples are a great visual team for the comedy and the script has plenty of it. But this issue isn't just laughs! This one has a strong, character-driven opening and continues to show hints of Wade's depth throughout the lighthearted journey. What's especially interesting is this comedic adventure is dipping into far more political material and I'm sure that's something they'll explore in the upcoming issues. DEADPOOL #40 is proof these writers can deliver a serious message and make us laugh at the same time. Sure, things get silly pretty quickly, but Duggan and Posehn still have a great handle on the character and I can't wait to see what'll happen next.

DEATHSTROKE #4 takes some time to slow things down and focuses on story. It isn't the most absorbing issue, but it gets plenty of mandatory information out there and does a solid job building up the hype for what's to come. It should come as no surprise by now that it's an issue filled with visuals that match the tone perfectly and there's even a good laugh thrown into the mix. Now it's a matter of seeing if all of this buildup will be worth the wait! Considering what the next chapter will contain, I'm seriously looking forward to DEATHSTROKE #5. Here's hoping it's better than Deathstroke vs. Bronze Tiger!

TMNT/GHOSTBUSTERS #4 is pretty much popcorn entertainment that readers of any age can enjoy. There's a bunch of terrific looking action, the character dynamics are a blast, and while it may not drop any compelling twists, it wraps up in a satisfying way and absolutely celebrates both franchises. I had high hopes for this limited series and thankfully, it was every bit as fun as I hoped it would be. With dialogue this good and visuals this animated, part of me wishes there would be a fifth issue that consists purely of the two teams eating pizza at a table and just talking to each other. Maybe if we're lucky IDW will give these two groups another team-up at some point.

THOR #4 is proof that Aaron knows how to balance this genre incredibly well. While much of this issue is action and reminding us that yes, this lead is indeed worthy, it also manages to incorporate a ton of character, some laughs, and one hell of a good plot twist. Readers of THOR: GOD OF THUNDER likely think there's zero mystery about who's wielding Mjolnir, but that's hardly taking away from just how fun this series is. With consistently strong visuals and a thoroughly entertaining script, THOR continues to win me over. It may not be as phenomenal as the previous run, but I have no problem watching this character's journey, especially if it turns out to be who many of us think it is (Roz Solomon)!

The return of the Dynamic Duo turns out to be a surprisingly insightful and emotional read. After all of the craziness and emotion this series has offered (and not to mention the funny cover), it seemed fair to assume this would be an amusing look at how Damian's using his new powers to fight crime in Gotham and, in turn, how Bruce is struggling to deal with the new scenario. While we do get a fair amount of the latter, the focus on Damian's new situation is surprisingly compelling and, best of all, it often tells the story by showing you something instead of bluntly spelling it out. This one really does offer a perfect blend of action, humor and heart. BATMAN AND ROBIN #38 is a great comic and a fantastic way of reminding us just how terrific the handling of Batman's son has been in this title. Welcome back, little dude.

Since this is the penultimate issue and there's a fair amount of ground to cover (e.g. going inside Bullseye's mind, finding out who's behind the Assassins Guild and seeking them out), this chapter feels like it moves things along a little too quickly. Despite that, this is still another chapter of ELEKTRA that had me completely absorbed and wanting to spend so much more time in her world. Blackman continues to fill this comic with imagination and Del Mundo (along with D'Alfonso) continues to create jaw-dropping visuals. The creative team has made this series such a phenomenal adventure, so it's incredibly disappointing this series will end with the next issue. At least the cliffhanger implies it's going to leave on quite an exciting note!

I'm constantly wanting to see more and more of this twisted place and thankfully, the art team makes this setting and its characters every bit as tense and scary as it should be. Love horror or stories about surviving against impossible odds? Read SPREAD.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES continues to prove it's consistently great and always manages to leave me thinking its future will be even better. Instead of offering simplistic stories and an abundance of action, the creative team has made the wise decision to really focus on character and story. Sure, there's all of the fun and silliness you'd expect from a TMNT story, but they're going all-out with the mythos building and creating a story that always has me wishing I could read the next issue right away. If you grew up with the franchise or just want to see why some people are so passionate about it, you need to read this story. It'll prove to you there's so much more to TMNT than just pizza and catch phrases.

This chapter left me debating between 3 and 4-stars for a good amount of time. There's a handful of smaller criticisms and they really do begin to add up, but I'm guessing a number of them won't be an issue if you're not all that into power levels and what not. Despite the complaints, I was still very entertained by this chapter and it did leave me looking forward to the next one. The focus on character isn't as strong as it once was and the main plot is moving at a gazillion miles per hour, but given all of the plot threads Buccellato has to work with, it's understandable he's trying to give each of them some progress in some very, very fun and exciting ways. It's looking like things are about to get even more chaotic, but once the dust settles from that next brawl, it would be nice to see things slow down just a bit so the series can offer a little more heart and personality. In the meantime, I'm enjoying the action-packed madness.

Justin Jordan has this ability to take a gazillion familiar elements and turn them into a story that feels unique, exciting, and totally fun (e.g. SPREAD, DEAD BODY ROAD, LUTHER STRODE). You can go on and on about what DEEP STATE reminds you of, but it's being handled in a way that prevents you from thinking about that while you're reading it. He's able to create interesting characters and stories and DEEP STATE is no exception, so now it's just a matter of seeing when he'll offer a really good amount of insight into this plot and the two leads. In the meantime, it's clear he has no problem making sure the series is full of thrills and even the occasional laugh. Throw in visuals that really sell the horror and sci-fi elements and you've got yet another non-superhero book that's absolutely worth reading.

Taylor left the series with a whole lot of story arcs up in the air and Buccellato's doing a fine job juggling them. He's bringing some awesome fun (yes,"awesome fun" is what I'm going with) to the series while also racing some of the plot points forward. It's unclear when or how he'll get into some of the series' bigger mysteries, but for now, he's certainly keeping me entertained and has yet to disappoint.

The latest GREEN ARROW arc isn't bad, but it feels very standard and doesn't really leave an impact. That said, I enjoy a majority of the banter, the action is mostly fun, it looks pretty good, and I'm curious to see just how much worldbuilding they'll continue to bring to Oliver's world. I'm enjoying it, but it doesn't leave me anxious to read the next issue and I don't find myself all that captivated by what's going on. It's basically a story arc that continues to leave me feeling down the middle, and for many GREEN ARROW fans, that'll likely be very disappointing considering just how good the previous story arcs were.

By now, you should know what to expect from this limited series and this last chapter gives you a ton of it. Energetic and fun visuals? Yup. Silly banter between the heroes that'll make you laugh? Definitely. Lots of lighthearted craziness as they try to stop the villain? Absolutely. It may not be the most elaborate ending around, but it's plenty of fun and does a great job celebrating both of these characters' worlds in an amusing way. It's a good time, so give it a shot if you just want sit back and get lost in an enjoyably ridiculous and entertaining adventure.

THE PUNISHER #14 is fast-paced, tense, and presented in a very imaginative way. Even when characters take a break from shooting so they can use their words, you can feel everyone is on edge and something can go wrong at a moment's notice. While there is plenty of enjoyable madness (Frank sure does love blowing up enemies) and the visuals make it a great ride, the chapter also manages to give you a little more insight into the anti-hero and drops some pretty big developments. I can wait to read the next chapter, but considering how good this one is, I'd really prefer not to. This creative team simply understands the Punisher and it really shows.

ROBOCOP #7 begins with pure fan service and then rushes towards yet another exciting and crazy conflict. It's not big on character but it has a ton of plot progression as we're thrown back into the ugliness and violence of the classic franchise's world. Before everything hits the fan, we get a totally cheerworthy scene of a newly upgraded RoboCop in action and it's awesomely over-the-top and thrilling. Seeing as much of this chapter is building towards another big conflict (don't worry, the cliffhanger delivers), this was a great and unforgettable way to open the issue before focusing purely on story. It's looking like the next issue will have even more craziness, too! You know they're handling the franchise with respect and when every issue makes me want to go re-watch the first movie.

It's sad to see Taylor go, but it looks like the franchise is being left in capable hands. Buccellato's continuation of Taylor's story feels like more of the same, and I'm sure many of you will agree that's a very good thing. From just the right amount of levity to the huge amount of buildup and character, INJUSTICE: YEAR THREE #15 does a proper job bringing Wonder Woman back while also adding more to the narrative. I'm curious to see how Buccellato will handle the rest of the cast (especially Harley Quinn) and the cosmic developments Taylor put in place, but for right now, this is a promising start to his time with the series. Plus, there's a panel or two that are legitimately beautiful, and honestly, who could have expected that from this series? There's plenty plenty of stunning panels in INJUSTICE'S history, but Miller and Nanjan did a terrific job with the opening.

Taylor's time with INJUSTICE ends with a chapter that'll have you smiling, feeling a little nostalgic and hoping for a better tomorrow. If this wasn't his final chapter, I'd be disappointed we're taking a break from the bigger picture (especially for a character who's going to get meaner and meaner), but given his love for the Man of Steel and what this alternate universe has done to the iconic hero, it's understandable he wanted his final (for now?) tale to be a far more heartfelt experience. It didn't get my tears flowing, but it sure was touching and a very appropriate way for the writer to leave the series.

BOOM! Studios' comic feels like a proper return to the amazing franchise. Just like the movies, this is all about giving us a solid insight into its characters and watching what happens when they're faced with moral dilemmas. It treats the reader with respect and understands that it's sometimes important to show and not tell. It's a good script and the visual team creates a tone that consistently reminds us of just how intense and difficult the situation has become. A look at two totally different groups -- one human and one ape -- could have been a mess and left the book feeling unfocused, but the juggling of the two locations is being executed well and both stories entertain. Neither is outshining the other and both are doing a fine job showing us more of this world and how it's impacting both groups. We may not have a compelling bigger picture just yet, but the focus on character and the way it's all presented makes this a worthy edition to the franchise's story.

Yes, this book will make you laugh multiple times, but it'll also give you an emotional connection. This series really is so much more than just dumb fun, people.

Robin Rises started as an action-packed story that's full of over-the-top and crazy fun. Since then, it has pretty much been non-stop popcorn entertainment and refused to slow down. To no one's surprise, that's also how it ends! It's a bummer so many pages were spent on recap (one detailed intro page would have been great!), but this is still a ton of entertainment and sure to feel like pure fan service for longtime readers of BATMAN AND ROBIN. Robin Rises really is the kind of story that needs to be turned into an animated movie. It's ridiculously fun and has just the right amount of character. Damian's return was a blast and I'm so excited to see what Tomasi will hit us with next in the pages of BATMAN AND ROBIN.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES/GHOSTBUSTERS #3 is a good dose of spectacle and banter. Sure, the material with Chi-You doesn't feel all that original or compelling and the plot isn't producing any jaw-droppers or noticeable twists, but the story brings about some exciting scenarios, lovable dynamics, and, of course, some incredibly good looking action sequences. It's looking like this limited series technically won't be mandatory reading to further appreciate either series (TMNT has already moved past this event and, sadly, the Ghostbusters no longer have a series), but that really shouldn't stop you from embracing something that's pretty much pure fun and has pages that are just oozing liveliness. I've alway

Minor criticisms about the current narrative not making any progress just isn't enough to counter how fun and captivating it was to return to the beginning and witness how things could have gone differently.

ALL-NEW CAPTAIN AMERICA #2 may be talking a familiar narrative, but it's handling it extremely well and still manages to surprise you. The creative team continues to make sure there's plenty of spectacle and huge stakes as they takes steps to make HYDRA a bigger threat while making this a character-driven experience, too. This is all about just how challenging it must be for Sam Wilson to take on an enormous responsibility and it's being presented in an incredibly entertaining way. You're really missing out on a good story if you're skipping this just because it isn't Steve Rogers in the costume. Seriously, you do know he'll eventually be back and this is a good way to give another character some much-needed depth, right?

BATMAN AND ROBIN #37 is a huge amount of fun that's filled with enjoyably over-the-top moments. This is the kind of story that just demands to be turned into a DC animated movie. It refuses to slow down and never fails to entertain with ridiculously crazy and gripping action. Sure, it mostly plays out how you'd expect it to, so that means it's unlikely to surprise or stun you, but you can tell the creative team put everything they have into this one and wanted to make sure readers have a blast with it. The big clash doesn't disappoint and the adventure has just the right amount of heart. Robin Rises has been non-stop fun and I'm really looking forward to ROBIN RISES: ALPHA.

Everything about this series continues to go above and beyond what I could hope for and, no matter how much I praise it, those words just won't live up to how good this comic actually is. It's a book that'll completely absorb your mind and your eyes. Please, do yourself a favor and bring ELEKTRA into your life. It'll give you a stunning escape from reality.

PREDATOR: FIRE AND STONE #3 provides an entertaining insight into Galgo's personality before dropping a cliffhanger that is 100% guaranteed to make fans go crazy with excitement. It's exactly what we've been waiting for and the art team did a solid job teasing the conflict. Now we just have to wait and see how it all goes down. Hopefully this final chapter will show us why Ahab should go down as one of the unforgettable Predators. Considering he's stuck to a guy who will do anything to live and can't be trusted -- a point this issue will fully make you understand -- that should make the upcoming battle very interesting. We're rooting for you, Ahab.

GONERS #3 has it all. It's emotional, full of mystery, has more than a few thrills, and it's all presented with some awesomely animated visuals. The artwork continues to win me over and really does feel like the perfect way to bring this fun yet scary tale to life. The story grows in a way that brings about interesting new elements without taking a toll on the pacing. It's character-driven and packed with just the right amount of comedy, excitement, and fright as it teaches us more and more about this new world. It's a terrific blend of supernatural horror and adventure, so if that sounds appealing to you -- and it should -- you need to do yourself a favor and give this series a chance.

The Spectre's story seems to be moving along pretty slowly (it's looking like that may change soon), but the rebels' mission against Superman takes a huge and very promising step forward. Yes, if you've been paying close enough attention it's something you probably saw coming a mile away, but that doesn't change it from being all kinds of exciting and being a development that's full of potential. A whole new stage has been set. One character is out of commission, another is probably ready to unleash all kinds of hell. Then there's the other big developments which happened in the previous issues (the new Deadman!) and Madam Xanadu's teasers. The INJUSTICE universe is never a boring place, is it? Three volumes in and this is still an incredibly entertaining ride.

An extremely funny and hugely entertaining limited series comes to an okay conclusion. The visuals are still a blast and there's a decent laugh or two along the way, but the theme doesn't really resonate and it feels like a pretty basic way to wrap things up for this story. If you enjoyed the previous two chapters, you owe it to yourself to see how this all comes to an end; just don't expect to love it nearly as much as the other issues. Hopefully this isn't the last spotlight inverted Carnage will receive. This limited series proves there's potential for a lot of fun with this character.

DEEP STATE #2 should be an obvious purchase for sci-fi fans, especially ones that loved The X-Files and Men in Black. Yes, the concept is all kinds of familiar, but Jordan's talented writing makes up for that and then some and turns this into something that's full of promise. The characters are well-written, the mystery is absorbing, and there's a moment or two where the visuals really sell the compelling scenes and pull you right into 'em. DEEP STATE is off to a great start and has a whole lot of potential.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #41 is going to hook you. So much has been building up to this story arc and this first chapter really takes advantage of all of the plot points without slowing down the pacing. It has humor, heart, intrigue, tension, and even a little bit of action. Throw in the consistently solid visuals and this issue is going to leave you beyond excited for what's to come. Even if you're just a casual fan of the heroes in a half shell, you need to give this a chance. You'll find out this is more than worthy of your money. IDW has been doing brilliant things with this franchise and this new story is off to an incredible start. This Ninja Turtles fan is beyond pleased and I'm very, very anxious to see what'll happen next.

THE VALIANT #1 is a pretty awesome trip into the Valiant universe and feels like it's the beginning of a story you won't want to miss. Not only does it expand Eternal Warrior's tale (unlike Joker, you'll know how Gilad got those scars) and give us a solid insight into Geomancer in a way that's friendly to new readers, but it also properly introduces a jaw-dropping antagonist and feels like the start of what'll hopefully be a very epic adventure which involves a number of the publisher's lovable characters. Whether it's violence, horror, or a laid back conversation between two characters, Rivera went all-out to make sure the visuals are every bit as good as the script. Love Valiant? Then you should have already read this by now and, if not, you need to go buy it right now. The exposition may be a little blatant at times, but it's still a very exciting start. Curious about Valiant? Go pick this up and see why so many of us have fallen in love with this universe.

Not having any follow-up to last week's excellent cliffhanger's a bit of a bummer, but that's countered by some great writing and consistently enjoyable visuals. The strong writing is enough to make you wonder what a CONSTANTINE or HARLEY QUINN ongoing series would be like if Taylor was writing. The narrative continues to grow and grow and the script makes sure this is dialogue that'll keep you interested and entertained instead of feeling like it's just more and more exposition until things finally reach a boiling point. The cliffhanger may not pack as much of a punch as it could have, but it's still something that'll probably make you smile and leave you wondering about what'll happen next. YEAR THREE's trip into DC's mystical side has been a great ride. Now we just have to wait and see how a certain mystery is handled!

DEADPOOL #38 isn't all that compelling, but several things make up for that. The artwork is consistently excellent and, when it comes to the script, there's a nice mesh of well-written comedy and plot developments which will more than likely earn your curiosity. The dynamic with Shiklah still isn't getting that much of the spotlight, but it's building up and definitely seems like that relationship is going to explode really soon. I also hope we'll get more substantial material with the FauX-Men in the future, but for now, DEADPOOL continues to prove it's a really, really fun series and definitely worth your time if you like the merc with a mouth. Yeah, Zenpool's the complete opposite of the Deadpool we know and love, but with these two writing, it's still full of great humor and exciting stories.

Rai's back with bit of a slow start. You won't see Crain unleashing any jaw-droppingly gorgeous action sequences here, but that doesn't stop it from being a very good read! With this issue, Kindt's pretty much covering all of the ground he needs to as he teaches new readers about this elaborate and fascinating world and its cast of characters while also setting up several key plot points. If you've been loving RAI -- and that should apply to, well, everyone -- you'll likely think this is a solid return and anxiously await the next issue. It's a bit bummer there weren't any really mind-blowing or gripping developments, but it's done a fine job setting the stage for what's to come and, given how good this book has been, I'm thoroughly excited to read RAI #6.

ROBOCOP is consistently good and always leaves me wanting to see more and more of Old Detroit. The people in there would love nothing more than to escape the depressing place, but BOOM! Studios is making it so I constantly want to visit this corrupt and twisted city. Yes, sometimes the artwork takes away from the experience, but aside from those few moments, this series has been consistently great and does the original movie justice. I especially love how Williamson is giving plenty of focus to other characters -- most notably Lewis and Killian -- without ever really neglecting RoboCop, the dude we're all here to see. Seriously, you need to give this series a chance if you like the classic movie. It's doing an awesome job continuing the franchise's story.

If you want to buy this issue because it's Jim Starlin writing and illustrating Thanos again, you'll likely be pleased with your purchase and will undoubtedly want to see what occurs next. The mad titan doesn't get that much time in this issue, but it's just enough to tease what's to come and Starlin does a nice job moving all of the plot elements into position. However, if you want to pick this up because you're expecting some epic action, you can likely skip this chapter and pick up the next one; I'm sure there will be an adequate enough recap page.

The best word to describe INJUSTICE: YEAR THREE #10 is "exciting." Not only does it have a cliffhanger that might make you jump for joy and anxiously await the next issue, but it's also overflowing with tension as it takes steps towards some very, very promising conflicts. Just because INJUSTICE is a video game prequel it doesn't mean we know the whole picture and it can't surprise us. We may know who's in the video game's story, but the road getting there and seeing how it impacts everyone along the way continues to be a total blast. This issue is proof of that and I'm very curious to see what'll go down in the next chapter. INJUSTICE: YEAR THREE is doing an awesome job balancing all of the death, darkness, and chaos with some legitimate laughs and cheerworthy surprises. It's a great read and fans of the video game need to check it out.

Is this a worthy addition to the story that has been established by such a great movie? Well, only time will tell, but right now it's off to a very good start! As someone who really loved Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, it's great seeing this creative team is able to duplicate the movie's tone so well. This isn't over-the-top and it instead focuses on giving us a connection to these lead characters and reminds us why we care about them. Little things like dialogue stemming from an ape's hand as they use sign language is a nice touch, as is the rougher text when they speak. It may not be stunning debut, but it treats this universe (and the reader) with respect and leaves you wanting to see where this journey will go next. I'm very excited to see what happens in the next issue, especially since we know Malcolm and Caesar won't meet for quite some time. If you really love Dawn and its characters, this should be an obvious purchase.

Totally honest, I was pretty torn between giving this chapter 3 or 4-stars. Not much was done to really expand my interest in the bigger picture and the action scene wasn't all that stunning, especially when compared to what happened in the first issue. That said, the artwork is consistently good and creative, so even if the narrative isn't taking big steps, the impressive visuals make sure my eyes are glued to these pages and it has my complete attention. Also, I like how Henry, not Deathlok, is receiving a little more insight. It isn't anything major just yet, but Edomndson is making me care more and more about this new Deathlok and that makes me want to see where this path will take him. There's a lot of potential here and, so far, I'm having a pretty good time with it.

TMNT #40 is a massive amount of fun. They take the simple idea of Bebop and Rocksteady vs. everyone else and turn it into a total blast. It's funny and intense and the art team makes the whole experience a total joy to look at. If you simply want to enjoy a massive, animated brawl, you're going to get your money's worth and then some with this one. Sure, it feels like everyone else is being downplayed to boost just how tough Bebop and Rocksteady really are, but it's still such a good time. Oh, and that final page? It's sure to get any TMNT fan thoroughly excited.

This team-up is something I've been looking forward to for quite some time and it makes me so happy to see it's in such good hands. The creative team loves both of these franchises and that clearly shows. Seriously, I wish I had a time machine so I could give this comic to 6 year-old me; I think he'd freak out and love every single page.

INJUSTICE: YEAR THREE #9 does a fine job reminding us of just how far Superman fallen and it's a nice contrast to the brief focus Taylor places on Billy Batson's sense of hope and optimism. It's a character-driven ride that gives us just the right dose of Constantine without allowing him to overshadow the other characters like he has in previous chapters. It's pretty much focused on the drastically different personalities and looks consistently solid, but then it drops a very neat twist; it's something that's more than likely enough to make readers stick around for the next chapter. I'm sure some of you will think a majority of this chapter is filler and I wouldn't argue with that point, but it's still handled well and absolutely kept me entertained.

AXIS: CARNAGE is legitimately hilarious and so much fun. Yes, the plot isn't anything special and the time away from Carnage makes you wish you never left the maniacal symbiote's side, but when we are observing Carnage, it's such a good time and full of amazing silliness. This may not have the level of the blood and darkness you'd expect from a Carnage story, but it more than makes up for that with some excellent comedy as we watch Carnage put in one very awkward situation after another. When all is said and done, you know Carnage will eventually go back to his old ways, but this limited series sure is making me wish that won't happen any time soon.

This chapter is called "Chaos" and it most definitely lives up to its title. This one's incredibly fast-paced and refuses to slow down. It's non-stop excitement as we see Batman being seriously intimidating and formidable and then the story ends on a note that'll make you wish you could see what happens next right away. Everyone on the creative team is really going all-out to produce a story that's a total blast. If you want to see Batman completely unleashing and overcoming every single threat that's put in his way, you need to read this series. Seriously, it's pretty much one big and totally thrilling action scene.

The inversion spell has produced a really, really fun approach to the series and, thanks to two talented writers and a strong visual team, there's plenty of great laughs to enjoy. The new story isn't all that compelling just yet, but it does make up for a basic story by having some really sharp dialogue, animated visuals, and a lot of pure fun. It seems like the next issue's going to be a blast, but I'm really hoping the story will be able to start adding a little more emotion into the mix.

The latest ELEKTRA story, Reverence, is off to a fantastic and exhilarating start. Blackman and Del Mundo are going above and beyond with the creativity and it's amazing how well they can blend story, action and character in such a ridiculously fast-paced chapter. The issue never really gives you a chance to catch your breath, offering only a momentary pause before things get crazy and thrilling once again. Its story is consistently exciting and the artwork is never anything short of jaw-dropping. It doesn't matter how interested you are in Elektra because this is a comic that's pretty much guaranteed to win you over and make you want to see more of her world.

Does a more serious sci-fi book with a horror vibe that draws parallels to X-Files and Men in Black sound good to you? If so, you'll want to pick up BOOM! Studios' DEEP STATE #1. Jordan yanks us right into this shadowy world and unleashes a very entertaining first mystery. With just this debut chapter, he's able to tell us the basics about what makes this place unique, gives us a little insight into the two leads, and delivers an exciting conclusion. Kristantina and Wilsonham's visuals are a great fit for this darker and more mysterious atmosphere and each page does a more than satisfying job pulling you into each setting. DEEP STATE is off to a very promising start and, if you love sci-fi mysteries, you should really consider checking it out.

DRIFTER immediately makes me think of several other franchises. For me, Dune, Borderlands and even Star Wars' Mos Eisley immediately come to mind as we're taken to a world where the air looks every bit as thick as it's described in the script and the world is pretty much down in the dumps. This may be a futuristic sci-fi universe, but this planet has apparently been left behind. DRIFTER isn't focusing on telling us about its unique universe or wowing you with the possible technology it possess. Instead, it's purely character-driven and does a good job teasing several things. The end of this first issue is going to leave you with a number of questions, but it's also going to make you want to stick around to see if they'll each be answered. Thanks to some seriously impressive artwork and strong writing, DRIFTER's off to a solid start.

PROMETHEUS: FIRE AND STONE #3 is the limited series' penultimate issue and it does one hell of a good job boosting my interest in the finale. There's such a good blend of character, horror, legitimate intrigue and excellent visuals in this one. It may not be as action-packed as some would hope, but it's loaded with tension as it makes some pretty big developments and leaves us with a pretty frightening final panel. Overall, I've been enjoying the Fire and Stone chapters a good deal, but I really loved this one. I'm looking froward to the final chapter and I hope Tobin has enough room to wrap up all of these arcs while also giving nods to the other Fire and Stone titles.

INJUSTICE: YEAR THREE #6 dropped some major foreshadowing. INJUSTICE: YEAR THREE #7? It rushes ahead and finally presents us with the conflict we've been waiting to see. Now we just need to wait a little longer to witness how it'll play out! The road getting to the event may not be all that elaborate or compelling, but it's yet another well-written look at this twisted universe and the pages are sure to keep your eyes engaged. And that cliffhanger? Man, the next chapter is sure to be an especially exciting one, isn't it?

Now, I'm sure there are some people currently thinking "I love Peter David, but I don't like Deadpool. What do I do?" With total confidence, I say give this a shot. This isn't reference spewing and obnoxious Deadpool. Instead, it's the plot that's wacky and watching all of these characters become a part of it really is an enjoyable time. Throw in Koblish and Staples' consistently terrific visuals and this is something worthy of your focus. Some may be hesitant because they think the lead is relentlessly abrasive and annoying, but this is a lighthearted and fun story that almost anyone should be able to enjoy.

GRAYSON #4 takes a bit of a break from the bigger picture to simply have some fun. It gives Grayson a chance to be happy again and that joyous feeling is definitely shared by the reader. Overall, this is mostly filler, but it's lighthearted and enjoyable filler! Sometimes a little break from the more compelling and meaty material can be a good thing. Well, that's exactly what GRAYSON #4 is. If you want to see a bunch of jokes made about Grayson's looks and watch him flip around, you'll more than likely have a good time.

If you felt like the new RoboCop movie was watered down or you just want to return to the original movie's universe, you need to be reading this book. Everything I loved about the original movie is here. It takes a good look at corruption and how few dare to stand against it, RoboCop's an awesome lead, and it feels every bit as over-the-top and brutal as the first movie. It's simple: If you like Paul Verhoeven's movie, you're going to be very, very happy with BOOM! Studios' series.

SPREAD #4 juggles a lot of things and never slows down the pace. There's terror, savage action, character development, and the world continues to grow. "I can't wait to read the next issue" is a saying that gets tossed around a lot, but that's how I honestly feel after every chapter of SPREAD. I want to see more of the frightening things this place has to offer and I really want to see how the "heroes" will overcome the twisted obstacles. Jordan and Strahm really are doing great things with this series and I'm hooked. They've not only created a seriously messed up and fascinating scenario, but they've also built characters that I want to learn about and root for. I've said it before and I'll say it again: You've got to read SPREAD if you're a horror fan.

INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US is known for its shock value and jaw-dropping developments, but this one is all about teasing YEAR THREE's future. If you're a fan of the mystical side of DC's universe, there's a double splash page in here that is sure to make you stick around. And, if you're wondering where a certain injured character has been, well, let's just say their return is pretty blatantly teased. There's even another big teaser in there; one which has me scratching my head. Could it just be a nod to what happens several years down the road or is Tom Taylor going to hit us with a huge surprise? Only time shall tell and I'm absolutely going to stick around to see how it all plays out. You'd think a weekly series would begin to lose steam in its third volume, but INJUSTICE is still great. This chapter may not have big action or big laughs, but it does a more than satisfying job building up the hype for what's to come.

ALIENS: FIRE AND STONE #2 thrives because of the gripping artwork and legitimately interesting mystery it's building. We're finally starting to get back into what happened in the movie and receive some proper follow-up. Whether we'll get any satisfying answers has yet to be seen, but this second issue makes some very interesting developments and leaves me wanting more. The drama between the human survivors isn't compelling and that takes away from the better scenes, but this is still a book that's full of thrills, intrigue, and some mighty fine looking art.

I'll be totally honest with you, Carnage has never been one of my favorite Spider-Man villains. Am I interested in the red symbiote? Sure, but he's never ranked up there with the likes of Eddie Brock or Kraven the Hunter. This first issue though? It made me fall in love with the character and kept me entertained. Yes, many of us have event fatigue, but AXIS is exactly what this Spider-Man foe needed. Watching him try to be a hero is priceless and it kept me smiling whenever he was on the page. I'm really looking forward to more of this because AXIS: CARNAGE is a twisted delight.

DEATH OF WOLVERINE: DEADPOOL AND CAPTAIN AMERICA #1 is a great issue. It's consistently funny and does an effective job making these two open up and talk about Wolverine. It may not make you laugh out loud with every single joke and it may not make you need to grab a tissue for the emotional beats, but it's definitely worth the cover price ($4.99!) and it doesn't feel like they're blatantly cashing in on Wolverine's demise. If you've read The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly and DEATH OF WOLVERINE, that'll make this one-shot adventure even more satisfying.

ELEKTRA may not longer have mind-blowing visuals, but that doesn't prevent it from still being all kinds of exciting. Blackman's script is fast-paced and does a great job balancing thrills and personality. Under Blackman's writing, Elektra's a total boss and a character I just can't get enough of. This chapter's full of energetic action and moments that'll make you recognize just how deadly and impressive Elektra can be. When the dust has finally settled, there's a brief and somewhat emotional moment as the hype is built for the next story. The stage has been set and I'm very anxious to see what'll happen next. Love action and good writing? Do yourself a favor and read ELEKTRA.

GONERS #1's fast-paced story means you probably won't establish an emotional connection to the characters or developments just yet, but odds are it'll leave you asking plenty of questions and have you more than interested enough to see what'll unfold. Plus, Corona and Cassata's visuals? Pure happiness. What ensues may have plenty of violence and darkness, but their work makes it all fun and so animated. The story has my curiosity, but the visuals have me hooked.

Love Ghostbusters? Love Ninja Turtles? Yeah, you're going to love this. New fans may feel a little in the dark, but it's hugely satisfying if you've been following along. I can't wait for the next issue. Okay, I can, but I'd really prefer not to.

The narrative doesn't take any big steps and I still have a lot of questions about Spectre's role, but this fourth chapter solidifies the connection between the two leads and offers a nice amount of spectacle as magic is put to use. There aren't any big jaw-droppers and Taylor goes for a more subtle cliffhanger this time around, but it's still well-written, looks lovely, and there's a moment in here that DC fans are sure to appreciate. All in all, this is yet another good chapter of INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US.

Robin Rises may not be as compelling as Born to Kill (at least not yet) and it may not be as emotional as the five stages arc, but one thing is clear: Robin Rises is a blockbuster. The action is non-stop and exciting; the scope is massive; and there's plenty of jaw-dropping visuals. Batman's done messing around and it's exciting to think that there's still so much left for us to witness. It's just too bad the reveal on Apokolips is such a head-scratcher, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see what this story has in store for the villain. After this issue's developments with the Bat-family and getting a taste of what this armor is capable of, you can bet I'm anxious to read what'll go down next.

Yes, Marvel has given Deadpool yet another limited series, and yes, this one has a ridiculous narrative, but who cares when it's so well-written looks great? Even though David places Deadpool in absurd situations, his take on the character feels more grounded. Sure, he still talks a whole lot, but he's not rambling, going off on tangents, or spewing pop culture references. Basically, his approach to the character seems perfect for someone who's only a casual fan or doesn't like Deadpool when he's a bit more obnoxious. Throw in Koblish and Staples' consistently delightful visuals -- an art team which constantly delivers over in Duggan/Posehn's book -- and the end result is an enormously entertaining debut issue. If this level of quality keeps up for the rest of the limited series, we should begin to call it DEADPOOL'S ART OF AWESOME.

Gerry Duggan and Mark Bagley's story still has my interest and there's no doubt I want to see how it'll all unfold, but aside from a funny opening, the rest of the chapter went by without ever leaving that much of an impact. The laughs that aren't that big, the action isn't epic, and the developments feel more like teasers. It was just an okay chapter and, instead of reflecting on what just happened, I'm left feeling far more curious about what will happen. That said, I'm guessing big fans of Skaar will have a pretty unpleasant reaction to this issue.

PROMETHEUS: FIRE AND STONE #2 feels like a proper return to LV-223. The visuals do a killer job with the atmosphere and the aliens as we continue to explore the moon and see how much it has changed since the movie. It's full of gripping encounters, reminders of why so many people had nightmares after seeing the alien movies, and there's plenty of intrigue being sprinkled into the story. This is finally starting to feel like a crossover instead of just different stories which happen to take place in the same area.

IDW's TMNT consistently proves it's a great, character-driven, and fun series. But if you've been reading along, you already knew that, didn't you? Tom Waltz, Kevin Eastman, and Bobby Curnow are doing incredible work with this franchise. They're taking so many familiar elements and themes but adding just enough to make it feel new, intriguing, and totally engrossing. The fact they have such a talented art team bringing their script to life doesn't hurt, either. Month after month, this series is excellent. Even if you're just a casual fan of the heroes in a half shell, I strongly suggest giving it a shot.

INJUSTICE: YEAR THREE #3 doesn't have the same level of laughs as the previous 2 chapters, but that's okay because the story takes a big step forward. Instead of dragging out this mystery about what powerful force is lurking out there, the reveal makes quite an entrance (pun once again totally intended) and the bit leaves you wondering what the heck will happen next. Yes, there's still a few moments of levity to enjoy, but this third chapter focuses on reminding us just how important this mission is to Batman's side and then leaves us with the promise of a thrilling follow-up. Who would have thought a digital comic based on a video game would be so consistently good?

I know it's such a cliche thing to say, but ALIEN VS. PREDATOR: FIRE AND STONE #1 really has just about everything you'd want from an AvP experience. Technically, we don't see the two iconic aliens square off just yet, but there's a bunch of graphic action, the visuals ooze the perfect atmosphere, and the story has me anxious to learn more. Bloody, great looking, and full of intrigue... what more do you really want from an AvP comic? To top it off, the ending leaves us with quite a teaser. Let's just say the next chapter has the potential for a lot of fan service. ALIEN VS PREDATOR: FIRE AND STONE brings all of the sci-fi madness you'd expect from it and I can't wait for the next chapter.

ARROW SEASON 2.5 #1 doesn't feel mandatory, but doesn't feel like filler, either. Given the fact Guggenheim's writing, the comic does great work duplicating the show's tone and the characters' voices. There's bits of levity throughout and the action's executed very well, but these moments of fun don't overshadow the villainous plot that's brewing, either. Casual fans of the show likely won't be won over, but if you're really loving team Arrow's adventures and feel like you can't get enough of their tales, then this is most certainly worth checking out. The fact they don't look all that much like their respective actors may be somewhat distracting, though.

HAWKEYE VS. DEADPOOL has just about everything you'd expect from it -- you know, aside from them actually fighting each other! It's establishing a mystery which is amusing enough, but that's totally overshadowed by the energetic, animated artwork and the hilarious interactions between these two characters. Duggan's story thrives on lighthearted developments and great banter, but every so often, a little bit of depth is sprinkled in, too. It prevents this from feeling too silly and manages to treat these characters with a good amount of respect. This book has the potential to take some pretty dark and twisted turns, but as of right now, it's just the right thing to read if you want to forget about your troubles and lose yourself in a fun adventure.

"It's okay" really is the easiest way to describe my feelings about NEW SUICIDE SQUAD #3. The overall narrative isn't doing much to win me over and what should be the most exciting bit is ruined by some stiff and seemingly rushed artwork, but I'm still interested enough to see what'll develop with several of the villains and the writing with Quinn was certainly enjoyable. There isn't a lot of substance here and I'll give this one just a few more chapters to pick up the pace and dish out bigger developments, but the ending most definitely has potential and the conclusion with Quinn was solid.

THE PUNISHER #11 is plot-heavy and never lost sight of my attention. This story arc has so many pieces in motion, but it doesn't feel convoluted at all. It keeps a firm focus on giving us more insight into Frank Castle while successfully balancing interesting developments with the supporting characters and villains. New readers may feel a tad lost, but the way it's written gives you everything you really need to know. For example, you'll have no idea who the cameo is, but you'll understand the relationship the character has with Frank. Edmondson and Gerads may not be doing anything drastically new with the character, but what they are doing is gripping and incredibly entertaining.

INJUSTICE: YEAR THREE #2 is a real delight. It's a chapter that balances comedy and plot progression extraordinarily well. Throw in consistently solid visuals to boost all of the gags and the end result is a thoroughly entertaining and funny read. We're just two chapters in and I'm rooting for Constantine big time. You know what that means, right? It means it'll be so heartbreaking if (more like when) the character is killed off. Ultimately, we know Superman stays in power when all is said and done, but this is turning out to be a wonderfully lighthearted and engaging story arc. Now we just have to wait and see if Taylor will give the world what it deserves: a full chapter of Constantine teaming-up with Harley Quinn.

I'll admit I was very skeptical when DEATH OF WOLVERINE was first announced. Wolverine's previous run left a lot to be desired and this just felt like a gimmicky move ("come see this popular character die!"). Thankfully, Charles Soule and Steve McNiven are making me eat my words and DEATH OF WOLVERINE is a fantastic journey. It's exciting, emotional, and absolutely gorgeous. You don't even need to be a Wolverine fan because this is a great story that'll hook anyone. If Wolverine is going to meet his maker, this is the right creative team to show us how it'll happen.

I'm left feeling very down the middle with the beginning of this new run. It's great that they're already taking big steps to bring in new faces and expand Oliver's world, but the attempts to draw parallels to the CW show feels a tad forced and the cliffhanger lacks any oomph. Maybe if it wasn't heavily promoted that a certain character would join the mix, it would have been a more exciting way to end the issue. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case at all. GREEN ARROW #35 doesn't feel like a brilliant new direction for the character, but there's certainly some potential in there. Here's hoping the new creative team capitalizes on that instead of making this come off as just an okay adventure for the Emerald Archer.

As a huge Injustice fan, I have to say that I'm pretty letdown. It's not a "bad" issue, but it doesn't pack the same kind of energy, character, and compelling conversations that we're used to seeing in the digital comic. The last annual was a brilliant and thrilling ride, but this just feels very average. The visuals in the second story, however, impress a whole lot. If you're looking for another hugely entertaining trip into the Injustice universe, odds are you'll feel a bit disappointed as well. But, if you're feeling a little curious about the Gordon family and why Hal is suddenly cool working with Sinestro, it's worth considering. Again, it's not "bad," but it's not nearly up to par with what we usually get from this universe. At least INJUSTICE: YEAR THREE #1 was really good, right?

TMNT's new arc is off to an excellent start. The team at IDW is doing a superb job delivering strong character moments and an interesting plot. To top it off, the artwork is wonderful and there's just enough fighting thrown in to feed the action junkies out there. And the ending? Any TMNT fan is going to have a huge smile on their face and an overwhelming desire to get their hands on the next issue as soon as possible. Seriously, if you have any interest in the franchise, you really need to be reading this book.

THE FLASH: SEASON ZERO #1 is a good time. It offers an animated look at the upcoming show's world and keeps us entertained with amusing interactions and seemingly silly villains. It's not compelling or thought-provoking stuff, but it is fun. So, if you're really excited for the new show, you'll likely have an entertaining time reading this comic. Will it be enough to make you count down the days until the next chapter? Probably not, but when it does come out, you'll likely be interested enough to check it out and hope it's just as enjoyable!

YEAR ONE was a chaotic ride that was full of twists and turns. YEAR TWO gave us time to let all of those big events sink in and offered some character-driven chapters before hitting us with over-the-top action. YEAR THREE? It's looking like it'll be a big ol' dose of fun, and that's something that'll bring this book in a refreshing direction.

ALIENS: FIRE AND STONE #1 is light on plot and character but deliciously heavy on horror and reminds us just how frightening the xenomorphs are. The story may not have that much weight just yet, but it's revealed some connections to the greater narrative and drops a hint or two which has me intrigued. Odds are you'll breeze through this read since it's basically one extended chase scene, but if you're a fan of the franchise, you'll have a good time watching these humans attempt to survive and it'll likely leave you wanting more. I mean, how can you not after the teaser at the end?

CYCLOPS is a nice break from all of the gloom and doom going on back on Earth. Sure, there's some potential for a really impactful turn of events, but the series always manages to have a sense of fun and charm as these two bond while traveling the cosmos.

DEADPOOL #35 is a nice reminder why I love this run. There's comedy that'll make me burst into laughter, displays of depth with Deadpool, and they've been doing so much worldbuilding. While other books may jump from one story to the next without any significant connections, every single story in this book -- since Deadpool battled zombie presidents -- has elements carrying over and playing a big role in Deadpool's life. Simply put: Duggan, Posehn, and Hawthorne's DEADPOOL is awesome. This is must read stuff if you like the Merc with a Mouth.

Another volume of GHOSTBUSTERS comes to an end and I absolutely loved it. It may not be as "epic" as some expect, but it has a whole lot of heart and feels like a more than proper conclusion. Sure, it would have been great to see a little more focus on more of the characters (something which is countered in the very end), but the developments with Zeddemore are handled so well and there's still plenty of fun with the other three leads. There's a few laughs to enjoy, some ghosts and action to marvel at, and a surprising amount of emotion and optimism when all is said and done. Thanks for the great ride, Mass Hysteria! Now, bring on the TMNT crossover!

BATMAN AND ROBIN: FUTURES END #1 doesn't feel like a mandatory or even important read, but it's still a very satisfying and engrossing one. The look at Batman and Robin in the future left me legitimately interested in seeing more and the artwork impressed. The potential return of the Heretic offered a subtle insight into Batman and served as a good way to give us a little bit of focus on Alfred and the new Robin, too. Plus, there's a pretty brutal fight, and honestly, who doesn't love watching Batman refuse to back down, even when the odds are stacked against him? It may not be that compelling or emotional, but it's an adventure that's good for your eyes and it's most certainly entertaining.

DEADPOOL BI-ANNUAL #1 is really, really fun and looks great, but it's a bummer it has zero impact whatsoever on the main narrative (unless Brute Force becomes a big part of the main ongoing, then I'll happily eat my words). If you can afford to spend $4.99 on some very entertaining laughs and all kinds of wacky violence, then have at thee and prepare to feel good. But for everyone else, it looks like you won't miss out on any noteworthy developments if you have to skip this one.

The change in artwork is sure to be off-putting for some and yes, it is a bummer because Del Mundo's art is phenomenal. However, Blackman's still telling a story that has captured my attention and the beginning of this new arc is just gripping enough to have you interested in seeing what'll happen after the wonderful cliffhanger. While the new visuals may not blow your mind, they're still serviceable and offer a few standout moments. All in all, ELEKTRA #6 is a solid start for the new storyline. It gets the basics out of the way for new readers and wastes no time before throwing us into plenty of ninja action. It may not have the same level of substance as the previous chapters and the artwork may not be as stunning, but the arc is off to an exciting start.

TMNT: TURTLES IN TIME is a terrific ride through the franchise's interesting mythos and, if you're a TMNT fan, I absolutely recommend picking it up.

THOR: GOD OF THUNDER #25 feels like it should really be THOR #0. It's meant to help prepare readers for what's to come in the new series, not answer any of our questions or even offer any big hints about the identity of the new Thor. Simply put, it's primarily buildup and it's mostly captivating stuff. I adore the dynamic between the Goddesses of Thunder, so it was great having them serve as the leads for each of the stories. As for the short stories, they don't offer the kind of oomph we're used to getting from this series (how can one top the Gorr and Galactus conflicts?), but they're still interesting and obviously huge teasers for what's to come. Plus, young Thor slices a Frost Giant in half, so there's that. This may be the end of THOR: GOD OF THUNDER, but this chapter makes it clear that the new THOR volume will essentially be more of the same. If you've been reading along, you know that's definitely a good thing.

INJUSTICE: YEAR TWO comes to a very satisfying end. Much of the second volume was building up to this war and I'd say it delivered and then some. When all is said and done, this version of Earth will be in a totally different situation as we enter YEAR THREE.

DEADPOOL #34 is a very satisfying read for fans of the volume. On top of the steady flow of comedy and having a total blast mocking the '90s, Duggan and Posehn also push their plot with Butler front and center and end it all on a strong emotional note. Plus, Koblish and Staples prove yet again why they continue to receive my praise and respect. Everything the two writers throw their way, they're able to put it on the page with an impressive amount of talent and always deliver the appropriate tone. However, new readers will likely feel pretty lost and will be left wondering why certain characters pop up and how they're connected. It's a bummer for them, but loyal fans are more than likely going to appreciate how this volume's expanding history is included in this entertaining chapter.

DEATH OF WOLVERINE is certainly doing everything it can to earn your $4.99. The art team is top-notch and Soule clearly understands and respects the popular character. Logan may be walking a path that'll probably lead to his death, but these two chapters give me confidence that Soule will make the character go out on a strong note. The overall narrative won't blow you away just yet, but the intrigue is there, we have a good insight into Logan, the action is thrilling and does the character justice, and the cliffhanger will likely have many fans thoroughly anxious to get their hands on the next chapter. If Wolverine's going to die, I'm very glad this is the team that's handling his end. Maybe if we're lucky they'll handle his eventual return, too.

Aside from some of the visuals, nothing really won me over or made me feel like this is something that should be read even though it's essentially a one-shot. I was torn between 2 and 3-stars, but seeing as my reactions on this issue are mostly negative, I have to side with the lower score. Maybe some of you will think the changes are a twisted delight and you'll have a blast with the short adventure. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case for me.

If you like the Alien/Prometheus mythos, odds are this first chapter will hold onto your curiosity and leave you very thrilled to see what the next chapter will offer. We've met the characters, been told the basics, and experienced the right dose of buildup, so now it's time to see if the payoff will be worth the wait. Based on the handling of the tone in this chapter, I'm feeling pretty optimistic about where this series will go next.

Justin Jordan and Kyle Strahm's SPREAD continues to be awesome and this is debatably the best chapter yet. While the other issues mostly thrived on violence, gore, and horror, this third chapter packs so much into it and it does so incredibly well. Don't worry, there's still some horrific and gory stuff to witness, but there's also a great focus on character, society as a whole, and even a good amount of levity thrown in there. SPREAD is crazy, post-apocalyptic horror done right and I can't get enough of it.

INJUSTICE: YEAR TWO #23 is a jaw-dropper. This volume has mostly utilized a slow-burn approach and tends to incorporate only one big development per issue, but this one goes all out and kept me engaged the entire time. It's not just building up to one big cliffhanger that'll leave you stunned -- it's bringing its A game the entire ride. Minor gripes aside, this chapter does a terrific job pulling us into this harsh battle and shows us just how ugly this alternate universe has become. There's only one chapter left and this has most definitely built my anticipation for YEAR TWO's finale. Here's hoping it's every bit as epic as we want it to be.

Is this a mandatory read for FUTURES END? No, it doesn't appear to be, but it's still an engrossing experience which focuses on what Superman stands for without actually having the Kryptonian in a majority of the pages. It can be a little too blunt with its message at times, but it's still a good message overall and well worth reading if you're one of the people who wonders why Superman has fans. People not following FUTURES END will feel a little left in the dark, but overall, it doesn't take too much from the narrative and still feels like a satisfying and mostly stand alone read. However, whether it'll inspire you to continue reading FUTURES END is a whole different story.

What you see is what you get with DEADPOOL VS. X-FORCE. It's all kinds of crazy, silly, and loaded with a ton of energy. It looks great and it's plenty of good fun, too. There's no real substance here and, as hilariously addressed in the final page, it isn't really something that necessarily needs to be read. However, if you simply want to laugh and enjoy an overdose of madness, you'll absolutely get your money's worth. After reading this limited series, one thing is clear: Marvel needs to let Duane Swierczynski write a new volume of CABLE & DEADPOOL. This arc makes it crystal clear he can handle the banter and action, but given more issues, I'm sure we'd see more character and depth shine through as well.

GREEN ARROW: FUTURES END #1 is a bittersweet experience. As a fan of the creative team's run with the Emerald Archer, I'm so happy that we received an awesome end that's full of fan service. However, it's the end! Major bummer, right? The issue gives Lemire an opportunity to say "goodbye" to Oliver Queen and his supporting cast. We all would love to see the writer have more time with Ollie and his friends, but he makes good use of his limited time and ends their run on a thoroughly gratifying note. Additionally, Lemire's able to establish a strong link to the bigger picture and it just may be enough to make readers interested in picking up FUTURES END #21 (I sure know I will). And it really should shock no one that the art team makes the entire ride look amazing. Lemire and Sorrentino turned GREEN ARROW into a must read comic and this is a great way to end their time with the hero.

Immediately after finishing this chapter, I thought of Rorschach's great line. "I'm not locked in here with you... you're locked in here with me!" Having such a brutal anti-hero locked in prison with a whole bunch of scummy characters is loaded with potential and it's off to a really good start. The focus on Castle's time in prison is a total thrill and I'm legitimately curious to see how things will play out over in Los Angeles. Now it's just a matter of seeing how these plot points will intersect. Thanks to Edmondson's sharp writing and Gerads' expressive artwork, THE PUNISHER #10 is definitely worth picking up. And yes, it can technically serve as a jumping-on spot!

This latest chapter feels slightly weaker than the previous two, but, as a fan of the franchise and what BOOM! Studios is doing with this character so far, it still had me totally immersed in this gritty story and left me feeling very optimistic about what's to come. This one doesn't have big action or a significant focus on character, but it gets all of the pieces moving forward and builds plenty of potential. Now that Killian's plan is moving full speed ahead, we can hopefully get a stronger focus on character and excitement in the next issue. Still, this RoboCop fan is very pleased.

INJUSTICE: YEAR TWO #22 gives a satisfying and action-heavy look at Black Canary's story. While it isn't quite as emotional as it could have been, it's still a very well-written and totally absorbing experience. The tension has been building for quite some time between Canary and Kal-El and their confrontation was mostly worth the wait. And the end will most definitely leave you wanting more. Usually fans of the video game can predict deaths and some of the twists, but this is a completely unexpected treat and I'm really anxious to see how it's handled.

Rai, your big, beautiful, and complex world continues to expand and I'm enjoying every second of it. A lot of the story has been building several mysteries -- who Rai really is, whether Father's real, what went down with Japan's first murder -- and RAI #4 is all about rewarding readers with some very exciting answers and then leaves us on a cliffhanger that'll probably make some exclaim "oh, snap!" Honestly, because the book has such a detailed opening page, you can treat this one as a jumping on spot and odds are you'll be hooked when you finish the chapter. Obviously, I recommend picking up all of the issues, but some of you are working with a tight budget and $3.99 per issue isn't an easy thing to make room for. So, if this book has piqued your interest (magnificent artwork, worldbuilding that takes notes from Blade Runner, and a lead who's still discovering who and what he is), I'd say give this one a shot and prepare to become invested in Rai's story.

The story over in the primary series is getting seriously intense and the stakes are high, so it's nice to have TURTLES IN TIME for an overwhelming amount of lighthearted goodness. Just like the previous two issues, the objective here is to shed a little light on the specific era, give it a link to the bigger picture, and, of course, deliver some laughs and action along the way. Chapter three does each of these well, but it is a little bit of a bummer how the Turtles don't feel like stars in their own limited series and we didn't see very much of them actually battling pirates. That said, the script is humorous and fun, the artwork is incredibly pleasant, and the cliffhanger is very exciting.

THUNDERBOLTS #30 is a pretty fun journey which is complimented by equally fun artwork, but the characters' dialogue sometimes feels off and the physical conflict came off feeling really unnecessary. I get the symbolism behind the actions and how it was their way of addressing some issues, but it mostly seemed like fighting for the sake of fighting. On top of that, it's clear the story arc is going for over-the-top fun and the art works well with that, but it's odd when the narrative switches gears and aims for more serious and emotionally gripping scenes. It doesn't transition all that well into those and they're left feeling not nearly as impactful as they should. Still, if you're just looking to have fun, odds are you'll be able to overlook most of these issues and have a decent time.

TRANSFORMERS VS. G.I. JOE is loaded with old school and over-the-top action. Looking at the standard cover really does tell you everything you need to know about this series. It has wonderful and cheerworthy Jack Kirby-esque visuals, classic characters, and the plot exists just to make sure these two sides clash as much as possible. It's silly, it's exciting, and best of all, it's a lot of fun. It's definitely not for everyone, but those who do appreciate this series are sure to smile a whole lot while reading it.

WOLVERINE #12 is an okay issue. It doesn't bring any new material to the dynamic between Wolverine and Sabretooth and, as you can see above, I have a lot of gripes with it, but it still delivers an alright insight into James Howlett, an amusing course of events, and the visual ride isn't bad. It's a bummer the back-up stories don't add any significant substance to the events in this conclusion and it'll by no means go down as one of the best Wolverine/Sabretooth stories, but I think relatively new readers will appreciate the character beats and find themselves interested enough to see what comes next. Here's hoping DEATH OF WOLVERINE is more compelling!

Even though we know where everyone stands in several years from now (which is where the video game begins), this is a series that consistently manages to grab my interest and keeps me guessing. Yes, I'm very anxious to see what happens after this cliffhanger and witness more of the battles, but I'm especially anxious to see what'll go down as YEAR TWO wraps up the massive battle and shows us the aftermath.

As a big Damian Wayne fan, I'm beyond happy to say this is turning out to be a legitimately engaging and thoroughly entertaining story. It hasn't quite hit us with the level of emotion we've seen in some of BATMAN AND ROBIN's previous story arcs, but you can really feel the buildup and I can't wait to see what the creative team has in store for us with this one. Fingers crossed this concludes with Damian's return!

BLACK MARKET #2's well written, visually stimulating and even exciting at times, but it feels like there isn't any noteworthy progress until the final page. Establishing a better connection to these characters is obviously a critical part of this title and this chapter does accomplish that with Bruiser, but we never really received a proper follow-up to the last chapter's solid cliffhanger. It isn't the biggest complaint around, but it is noticeable and leaves me anxious to see the dynamic between the two brothers expand. How long can Denny keep Ray in the dark? Still, the script has me interested in these characters and seeing where this path will take them. Barbiere's story is loaded with potential and this chapter definitely shows signs of that.

Are you a Deadpool fan and you want to enjoy some comedic, action-packed, and good looking fun? Then you should really consider this limited series. Yes, the overall narrative may not feel very inspired, but they're having a wild time playing around with how these characters -- well, most notably Cable and Deadpool -- would act in this situation. With so many stern and serious stories out there, sometimes it's just okay to jump into something that focuses solely on entertaining you with a ton of action and a heck of a lot of enjoyable banter. Thanks for the laughs, DEADPOOL VS. X-FORCE #3.

Make room on your pull list for ELEKTRA because this is a book you really shouldn't miss. The action is fast-paced and jaw-dropping, the pages are loaded with absolutely beautiful and clever artwork, and the script never loosens its grip on your interest and successfully gives Elektra the amount of insight and depth she deserves. This latest chapter gives you all of the above and does an excellent job teasing what the next story arc will likely address. Seriously, be good to yourself and give ELEKTRA a shot. Honestly, you can have no interest in the character whatsoever and the solid writing and phenomenal visuals will turn you into a fan.

Honestly, I'm left feeling very mixed on this annual. First and foremost, the story has quite a few rough spots and has no strong connections to the current story arc. However, it is occasionally funny, expands the mythos in a fun way, and Eastman's art is a consistent joy (especially when Pattison's coloring is included). I found myself very torn between 3 and a 4-stars, but seeing as Eastman's art delivered regularly and this issue essentially embraces the franchise's earlier years, I'll side with 4-stars. I have my gripes, but overall, it did put a smile on my face every now and then and I had a blast looking at these pages. However, if you're not a big fan of Eastman's artwork and you don't want to read something that feels like a dated standalone story, I'd strongly recommend holding onto your $7.99.

INJUSTICE: YEAR TWO #20 brings a heavy dose of heart back to the bleak and violent universe. The plot device feels sudden and a little forced, but it doesn't take away all that much from the engrossing development and that's thanks to the way it's paced and the legitimately touching dialogue. This chapter successfully delivers a well-written and thoroughly satisfying spotlight on an important character and leaves me anxious to see how this will impact another key character's role. INJUSTICE: YEAR TWO once again has me excited to buy the next chapter. I understand some of you weren't a fan of how this volume focused on so much buildup, but these last few chapters have picked up the pace and produced events you really shouldn't miss. Here's hoping this chapter motivates Barbara to become Batgirl!

The merc with a mouth's mission to protect his daughter reaches a bloody, funny, and slightly heartfelt conclusion. You have to respect the fact that, since the very first story arc, Duggan and Posehn have been telling stories that take a toll and stick with Wade. He's not simply moving from one mission to the next -- there's connections between each and every one of them and, as remarked in this issue, they're bringing some change to the character. This story may not be as strong as some of the previous arcs and the pencils will be too distracting for some, but it has a satisfying conclusion and I'm stoked for the next "lost" issue -- those are always a total blast!

DEATH VIGIL, you've captured my attention. The characters are incredibly charming, the dialogue is full of fun and laughter, and the overall premise continues to slowly unfold and reveal what makes it special. It would be nice to get a little more of the villains' side of things, but with so many characters on the Death Vigil, it's understandable that eji needs to spend so much time with them while also attempting to teach us more and more about this world. I've never been all that big of a fantasy fan, but DEATH VIGIL is impressively entertaining.

Overall, there isn't much substance here -- at least not yet -- but despite that, it's still a lot of fun. If you simply want to see these characters constantly running, narrowly escaping explosions, and humiliating goons, you'll get what you're looking for. It's essentially what you'd expect from a blockbuster movie: non-stop spectacle that isn't very challenging and a ton of fun. Hopefully the creative team is just giving this book and explosive start and has more elaborate plans as the story progresses! This dose of crazy action is fun right now, but eventually, they'll need to focus on the characters and not just how they act in a fight.

Who would have thought that one of the strongest issues of TMNT has literally nothing to do with the heroes in a half shell? This chapter is all about the villains and it's without question one of the most gripping experiences I've had with this series. With visuals that bring you right into the scenes and a terrific script, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #37 is a seriously praiseworthy chapter in a consistently great series. If this issue doesn't get you interested in what IDW's doing with the franchise, I just don't know what will.

UNITY #10 offers thrilling action that's back-up by some solid artwork and a surprising amount of heart. Kindt has thrown these characters right into Valiant's latest big event and the end result is a legitimately exciting and even slightly emotional experience. Even completely new readers will be moved by the intro and the creative team does an effective job showing us just how much this event is impacting ordinary people and not just immortal soldiers and slick ninjas. It may not feel like a mandatory read, but it's definitely something worthy of your time and attention.

Ladies and gentlemen, INJUSTICE: YEAR TWO is moving full speed ahead and, based on the way things are going down, it definitely looks like it'll be all action and big developments until the volume's final chapter. We've seen plenty from Superman, Batman and others, but this chapter finally gives Hal Jordan and Sinestro a little more of the spotlight and the end result is an issue that's loaded with spectacle and big character moments. If you dropped this series because it wasn't moving fast enough for you, I'd strongly recommend jumping back on board because it looks like it's only going to get crazier from here.

Can you believe it's already time to say goodbye to GREEN ARROW's stellar creative team?! It feels like not so long ago that Lemire, Sorreinto, and Maiolo took over and put this book in a whole new and legitimately exciting direction. It's a real shame they're now going off to different projects, but at least they're leaving us with a thoroughly satisfying conclusion and a meaningful ending. It's a bit of a bummer the way the conflict with Dragon was resolved and I would have liked to see a wee bit more closure with Fyff and Singh, but this is still a great issue and an especially great way to depart the book. GREEN ARROW went from a book that wasn't on many radars to one of the best books available. They did wonders with Oliver Queen's life and produced some excellent adventures. You'll be missed, Lemire, Sorrentino, and Maiolo! Here's hoping the next team can give this conclusion a proper follow-up!

Love HARBINGER? Then this should be a more than obvious purchase for you! Dysart continues to fill the script with great character moments, big displays of sheer spectacle, and crafts an overall narrative that's loaded with tension and intrigue. This is going to be a critical limited series for this franchise and this first chapter does a more than commendable job hitting us with all of the buildup and character depth. As expected, this is must read for HARBINGER fans.

IMPERIAL has a very familiar concept: "average joe" faces a surreal and larger than life duty. Whether your every day kind of person can rise to the occasion and become a hero is something we've seen time and time again across countless superhero stories, but IMPERIAL has enough charm and personality to capture your interest and definitely has a ton of fun with the common premise. I'll absolutely stick around to see where this goes next and it's looking like this title has opened the door to a whole lot of interesting character development. Let's hope it delivers on that potential!

If you want a true dose of RoboCop goodness, BOOM! Studios' new volume is what you need to check out. This second issue offers a commendable dose of buildup as we get a better look at the villain's plans and still chime in on our two leads. The visuals continue to feel like a perfect fit for this bleak city and, as expected, there's some exhilarating action thrown in the mix, too. All in all, I can't recommend this enough to fans of the first RoboCop movie. It feels like an organic continuation of the classic movie and is swiftly establishing a premise that has a lot of potential to give us a better look at RoboCop's limits.

SPREAD #2 offers more of what we saw in the first chapter: thrilling and violent action, a good look at this scary world and the monsters -- both human and other -- that inhabit it, and a decent amount of buildup with the protagonist and his goal. Right now, the villains don't feel like anything out of the ordinary and we haven't seen significant progress with the main narrative, but it's still a totally engrossing ride. SPREAD's blatantly inspired by several great franchises and even though it draws strong parallels to other stories, it's still able to feel like its own unique and warped tale. Fans of stories like The Last of Us or John Carpenter's The Thing, do yourself a favor and give this a read.

If director Jonathan Liebesman's reboot does well enough at the global box office to warrant a sequel, I'm really hoping the project will have a far more compelling narrative and take more steps to expand the mythos. All in all, this is a fun albeit mostly forgettable experience. The visuals, action, and humor are solid, but everything else comes off feeling pretty cliche. Oh, and if you do wind up strongly disliking the movie but still love the franchise, please remember the animated show on Nick and the IDW series are both consistently excellent!

INJUSTICE: YEAR TWO #18 offers the adrenaline pumping kind of madness you've come to expect from the franchise. The war is underway and there really is no turning back now. Yes, we all know which side wins after the dust settles and yes, it's a bit of a bummer certain characters didn't receive a little more focus (would have loved to see Black Canary, Shazam, or Hawkgirl), but the action is increasing and honestly, it's a blast. The glimpses of the attack in space are powerful and the ground assault was a fun little sequence that has now opened the door to so much more potential. It's looking like a more compelling and emotional experience is right around the corner. Unsurprisingly, I'm once again left feeling anxious to see how the next chapter will follow-up on these events.

ARMOR HUNTERS: HARBINGER #1 has a whole lot of characters, yet they're still able to make it new reader friendly (something Valiant continues to impress with) and strike us with a haunting, emotional, and character-driven opening chapter. It certainly feels like an introductory and buildup issue, but now that all of the pieces are apparently in place, things are sure to get even more interesting. Needless to say, this is worthy of your attention if you've been interested in Valiant's psiots.

It's a major bummer this series had to conclude sooner than anticipated and it's absolutely something that would have been noticed without a note from the writer at the very end. It feels like Robinson was doing so much worldbuilding with these latest issues, and even though it stinks we won't get to see his full plans for this universe, it still feels like we received a decent glimpse of what he had in store for it. Despite needing to wrap things up early, Robinson still manages to craft another satisfying chapter from the lovable series. Enrique's intellect is once again put on display, there's an absurdly fun set of action scenes, and, as expected, Robinson and Little make sure the visuals are every bit as fun as the lively assortment of characters are. Even though the ending is totally abrupt, I still had a blast reading this. If you're looking for a smart, delightful and exciting all ages story, I strongly recommend checking out FIVE WEAPONS from the very beginning.

Matt Fraction, David Aja, and Matt Hollingsworth continue to prove HAWKEYE is one of the most creative and immersive books Marvel is publishing. Many of us likely won't be motivated enough to take the extra time to learn sign language just to see the extra dialogue in this issue, so the tactic does take a bit of a toll. But all in all, it's another solid chapter in a superb series. The layouts bring you right into Clint Barton's rundown world and, while there isn't much dialogue, Fraction's still able to tell a powerful and meaningful story. Let's just hope we don't have wait so long for the next chapter of Clint and Barney's adventure!

SAMURAI JACK #10 is a huge dose of fun. It hits us with a consistent flow of sharp and purposely over-the-top comedy that kept me smiling and occasionally bursting into laughter. It's a thoroughly satisfying read that keeps us entertained and having a total blast while also showing us make what it is that Jack so special (you know, besides for his skills with a sword!). The only complaint is it feels like a ridiculously quick read, but despite that, this is still still massively recommended to fans of the show.

GHOSTBUSTERS #18 is a bit of a mixed experience for me. It seems like so many potentially big and fun plot elements are swiftly resolved and, unless these have some major developments down the road, it almost feels like a filler issue as we await Tiamat's grand return. But, on the flip side, Burnham's script is still strong -- the characters have organic voices and it sounds like something their respective actors could deliver -- and, as always, the artwork impresses me on each and every page. Seeing as I'm left feeling so down the middle about this issue and it comes off as less compelling than previous entries, a 3 out of 5 feels appropriate. It's by no means a bad issue, but it does feel like a little bit of a departure from the book's usual delivery of exciting and hilarious developments. Despite that, I'm still left anxiously awaiting the next chapter!

INJUSTICE: YEAR TWO #17 is yet another chapter that leaves me hooked and waiting until next Tuesday for more. The slowburn approach is beginning to take a toll and I wish we'd see a little more humanity in Kal-El, but I'd be a total liar if I said this issue hasn't left me curious and anxious to see where these plot threads will take us. The massive space battle has begun, Batman's forces are finally in motion, and we can expect to see more of the always fantastic Harley Quinn. So yeah, you can bet I'm sticking around to see what comes next!

ARMOR HUNTERS: BLOODSHOT is off to a strong start. It has a great spotlight on the titular character and goes above and beyond to illustrate the fact he's so much more than a marksman with a healing factor. On top of that, it's mostly new reader friendly and accomplishes this without taking a toll on pre-existing fans. It may not feel like a mandatory read for the event, but it's already accomplishing more than enough to justify its connection to ARMOR HUNTERS (and UNITY). If you want to see why so many of us think Bloodshot's a cool character and get a good glimpse into what's currently going on in the Valiant universe, this is definitely a solid place to start. Once you're sold on the premise, you should of course go back and read ARMOR HUNTERS #1 & #2!

This limited series' second chapter is every bit as entertaining as the first -- but for totally different reasons, of course! While the debut issue was adorable and pure fun, this one takes a bit of a more emotional approach while never truly losing sight of the franchise's lighthearted nature. The trip to Feudal Japan is a massively satisfying addition to the team's new mythos and the ending is sure to stun you. TMNT: TURTLES IN TIME sure is turning out to be a great experience.

TRANSFORMER VS. G.I. JOE is a dream come true for lovers of the early animated shows and classic comics. The creative team does a ridiculously good job making this feel like a comic taken from the golden era and reprinted for modern audiences to enjoy. Now, that's not saying it's blatantly dated and doesn't hold up! It has the kind of dialogue you'd see in many of the classic comics -- it sometimes embraces this for an intentional laugh -- but it never loses sight of its objective: to have a blast and deliver pure fan service. It definitely succeeds with that goal and will absolutely leave you wanting to see more.

Okay, you've landed one heck of a hook, INJUSTICE: YEAR TWO #16. Even if you haven't been the biggest fan of this volume, this chapter basically guarantees you'll be interested enough to read the follow-up. Whether or not the upcoming conflict lives up to the hype has yet be determined, but this chapter does a mighty fine job making sure we know it's right around the corner and I definitely want to see how it's executed. Sure, I wish Superman was a little more humanizing as he continues his evil path, but this chapter really got the narrative moving full speed ahead and I can't wait to see what happens next.

BLACK MARKET is off to a very interesting start and most certainly left me wanting more. The strong emphasis on ethical dilemmas is being presented very well and has opened the door to a whole lot of potential. Throw in some fitting artwork and the end result is a smart and legitimately intriguing debut chapter that approaches a world of superheroes in a new way. BLACK MARKET is now on my radar and I'm very anxious to see where this story will go next.

Do yourself a favor and make room for ELEKTRA on your pull list. Del Mundo's pages are awe-inspiring and do a magnificent job turning Blackman's commendable script into a fascinating and exhilarating journey. This issue is paced so well, too. We're treated to just the right amount of character-driven scenes and then we're thrown into some gorgeous and fast-paced chaos. And if you've been following along (if not, go play catch-up right now!), you're sure to be excited about the final page.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES' current story arc keeps getting bigger and bigger. Just when you thought the stage was set and we're ready to move forward, the team introduces totally new plot points and leaves us hanging on a cliffhanger that's pure fan service. Thankfully, the fast-paced narrative isn't leaving its characters in the dust. The team behind the story continues to focus on humanizing these individuals and this conversation between Leo and his father has been building for a little while and the experience was well worth the wait. Plus -- and it should really come as no surprise by now -- Santolouco and Pattison once again do a praiseworthy job with all of the panels. Now that the majority of the cast has received some proper attention, it's time to see what'll happen when the team finally decides to move forward with its plans. I've said it before and I'll say it again: this continues to be a series that every TMNT fan needs to follow.

THE LAST FALL #1 is a pretty exciting read that offers an engaging insight into its tragic lead. The universe may not be nearly as fleshed out as its main character, but the potential is certainly there and I'm hoping the plot begins to take more elaborate and interesting steps in the next chapter. Still, this debut issue succeeded in making me interested in Marcus Fall and I absolutely want to see where his journey takes him next. If you're a sucker for sci-fi wars, I'd recommend giving THE LAST FALL a chance. The overall narrative may not blow you away, but the action is a blast and odds are you'll establish a connection to the hero.

UNITY #9 is an entertaining issue and attempts to offer a little more insight into a couple of characters. The pacing takes a bit of a hit as it tries to play catch-up with new readers, but if you've been following along, it'll still wind up being a satisfying experience and the ending will have you stoked for the next chapter. However, you likely won't be able to shake the feeling that nothing significant happened and technically this could be considered filler. Still, the action scene is uniquely executed and, even though the exposition begins to add up, it's still a fun ride.

INJUSTICE: YEAR TWO #15 offers basically all of the reasons why we've come to enjoy this series so much. The levity will have you smiling or even laughing out loud, the narrative's taking some big and interesting steps forward, and the issue leaves us on a note that pretty much guarantees you'll purchase the next chapter. YEAR TWO is still continuing its slow burn approach and the tension continues to build and build, but issues like this one do a great job boosting the hype while also making sure our interest never falters. Even if you think this one's "filler," it's more than likely going to have you curious enough to see what's right around the corner.

DEADPOOL's latest storyline finally starts heading in a more gripping direction, but co-writers Duggan and Posehn make sure we're treated to plenty of silly fun before we enter a darker atmosphere. And even when this story does begin to shift gears, it's still able to bring the occasional smile and make sure it isn't a totally depressing experience. And, just like with the last issue, they've left us on one heck of a cliffhanger. Sure, some of expressions and character work can be distracting but, all in all, it's an exciting issue and ends with a whole lot of promise.

Stjepan eji's DEATH VIGIL has won me over for two very simple reasons: the artwork is stunning and the characters are legitimately entertaining. The story may not blow you away just yet, but the basics of this world are presented well enough and this feels like just a taste of what's to come. On top of that, the script manages to always keep these pages fun and exciting. Just enough happens to capture our interest in this new world and now I'm left wanting to see more. DEATH VIGIL's charismatic cast and amazing artwork makes it something anyone can enjoy. You really don't need to be a fantasy fan to appreciate this one.

NEW SUICIDE SQUAD #1 seems to focus on style over substance. The issue aims to entertain as thew new team is tossed into a fairly topical scenario and we're told to just sit back and watch all of the madness unfold. It's a good looking ride and it certainly is a fun one, too. That said, there's a handful of promising elements that are swiftly touched upon in this issue. The basics of several conflicts have been teased and there's a lot of promise with the two that are running the show. Watching these villains travel the globe and cause chaos is good fun, but this roster has so much potential for character-driven stories and you can see a glimpse of that direction in this first chapter. Now it's just a matter of seeing how it'll all be handled. Crazy action is always a blast, but focusing on the relationships between these characters could transform this book into something exceptional. Here's hoping we begin to see more of that in the next issue!

Valiant has published some great comics and RAI is no exception. Kindt's doing an impressive job handling a massive amount of worldbuilding. This futuristic version of Japan clearly borrows elements from other memorable sci-fi tales (e.g. Blade Runner), but it's doing more than enough to standout and it's always fascinating to see more and more of this new environment.

The focus on Clark and Diana's relationship feels a little forced and the need to appeal to new readers takes a wee bit of a toll, but despite that, SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #10 still manages to be an interesting and entertaining addition to the Superman: Doomed event. Not only does it cover a heck of a lot of ground, but it also gives us just a little more insight into how Clark is coping with his latest dilemma. It's just enough to help us appreciate what he's going through and it's still able to generate hype for what's to come. I don't know about you, but I definitely want to see what follows after that cliffhanger.

DEADPOOL VS. X-FORCE #1 is a great serving of escapism. Sometimes you just want to immerse yourself in something lighthearted and fun, and, if you're a fan of these characters, this will definitely be a good time. Swierczynski has a good handle on Wade Wilson, making the character amusing but also never letting us forget he's a dangerous and not-so-kind person. The members of X-Force feel like they're getting a little downplayed right now, but something tells me that'll quickly change as the story moves forward. Throw in some consistently pleasing visuals and the end result is a thoroughly enjoyable comic. My fellow Deadpool fans, you'll definitely want to give this one a shot.

Thankfully, GREEN ARROW continues to prove why it's one of my favorite titles. The second chapter of Broken is a thrilling experience that juggles a nice blend of drama, action, and levity. On top of that, it leaves us on a note that'll almost certainly make you gasp. You can see the big incident coming a mile away, but the execution of the scene is tremendously effective and it has me totally clueless about what'll happen. Sorrentino and Maiolo continue to impress and then some -- I just can't praise this duo enough. They really are one of the best art teams around right now and we're very lucky that they're working with such a talented writer, too. Now comes the hard part: waiting to see what happens next.

NEW WARRIORS #7 definitely isn't the strongest chapter in this series, but that's because it feels like it's focused on taking steps to establish the latest plot instead of letting these enjoyable personalities shine. This means it's not as funny or as exciting as the other chapters, but it still hits you with just enough action and sharp lines to make sure you're engaged when the next bit of buildup comes around. Also, the visuals aren't bad, but if you've been following the series, you may feel like there's a bit of a tonal shift. This is pretty odd since the artist and colorist have worked on this book, but never together. In the end, NEW WARRIORS #7 is an okay issue. It takes a number of mandatory steps to generate hype for the narrative and offer a small sample of its signature charm. On the plus side, it ends on a note that promises an increased amount of fun in the next issue.

This issue basically focuses on Punisher doing what he does best. He's facing an uphill struggle, yet he's still finding ways to systemically take down the bad guys. This isn't just Frank running through the jungle like a mad man and blasting everyone in his way, though. He's in poor condition and the creative team focuses on his intellect and tactics as a soldier. It's not bringing anything drastically new to the table, it's just a slightly different approach to what we usually see him do and the visual team presents it well. After having such an action-packed issue, the conclusion seems a little abrupt, but it's still a gripping ride and I'm excited to see where this book will go next.

THOR: GOD OF THUNDER #24 is the perfect way to wrap up The Last Days of Midgard. The story has been a ride that's full of non-stop excitement, and this epilogue is an insightful way to see what all of that action meant for everyone involved. It's far too often that stories dish out colossal damage and there's no real ramifications. This isn't the case in THOR: GOD OF THUNDER -- not at all. In addition to being a ridiculously well-written conclusion to one story, this issue is also loaded with attention-grabbing teasers. And then there's Agustin Alessio's artwork. To call it "impressive" really would be an understatement. I never was a huge fan of Thor, but Jason Aaron's run is brilliant and can't be missed.

INJUSTICE: YEAR TWO has its moments of levity (a Guardian being creepy is unforgettable), but overall, it's taking a more serious approach as it focuses on buildup and Superman's actions as a dictator. However, this issue feels like a return to the hilarious issues writer Tom Taylor presented in the alternate universe's first year. Sure, that first volume is full of tragedy and oozes darkness, but there were plenty of good and memorable laughs sprinkled in the mix, too. And this latest issue? It's packed with hilarity as Taylor brings Harley Quinn back into the spotlight.

This standalone issue about Death Locket does an effective job giving us a look inside her head and, in turn, gives us a stronger connection to the character. Even though we all know Death Locket can't kill Captain America (that would create just a few continuity issues, no?), Hopeless does a good job making the situation a gripping conflict for her. We know she won't pull the trigger and that'll be the end of Steve Rogers, but will she try and take the shot? I was legitimately glued to these pages to see what would happen next and overall, I was mostly pleased with how that situation went down. Sure, it's very odd that she now looks way older and the conclusion felt way too drastic, but it's still a thoroughly enjoyable read which captured my interest and gave me a better understanding of Death Locket.

When you have a limited series called "DEADPOOL VS. CARNAGE" it needs to have two things: violence and a whole lot of craziness. Cullen Bunn and Salva Espin absolutely deliver on both of these. Yes, I have personal gripes with the plot point that's established in this book and feel down the middle on the conclusion with Carnage, but overall, it's a wacky, bloody and entertaining ride. Honestly, what more could you ask for from a story like this?

LARFLEEZE leaves this world the same way it in came into it: full of massive action, exciting visuals, and thoroughly entertaining banter. It really is a shame this book is over. There's so many dark and serious stories out there, but you could often count on this one to hit you with an enjoyable dose of silliness and fun. To make its departure even more painful, it ends on a note that has so much potential for absurd comedy! Oh well, at least it was a good ride while it lasted, right?

NEW AVENGERS ANNUAL #1 costs $4.99 and it's well worth every single penny. And the best part of it all? It's 100% new reader friendly. You can go into this issue with absolutely zero knowledge of the current NEW AVENGERS volume or Doctor Strange and you'll never feel left in the dark. It's a great spotlight on the mystical character and it has legitimately phenomenal artwork on each and every page. Seriously, you don't need to be a fan of Stephen Strange to fall in love with this issue

Even though Tiamat doesn't show her face (we all know we haven't seen the last of her, yes?), this an issue that's thoroughly entertaining form start to finish and feels like a proper continuation of the Mass Hysteria! storyline. Burnham sends the Goddess of Chaos back into the shadows and the team has to face new kinds of threats -- threats that'll definitely please fans of the movies -- and they have Tiamat's fingerprints all over them! GHOSTBUSTERS is a total blast and you can really tell that the creative team is pouring everything they've got into this latest storyline. Mass Hysteria! is ridiculously amusing and I cannot recommend it enough to fans of the franchise. Seriously, you'll like it even if you've only watched the movies.

INJUSTICE: YEAR TWO #12 is an issue that'll make you think about the road that lies ahead of us. Sure, we know where many of the key characters are a few years after this chapter, but something huge is brewing and Taylor continues to deliver an increasing level of tension. Nothing in this chapter is going to blow you away or make you laugh out loud, but each plot point is taking steps forward and opening the door to some very exciting conflicts. Let's just hope the eventual showdowns are well worth the wait!

STAR WARS: DARTH MAUL - SON OF DATHOMIR incorporates a great cast of characters and has the privilege of following-up a very exciting storyline from the animated series. Unfortunately, this second chapter's events feel mostly forgettable and instead leave us wondering what'll happen in the next chapter. It essentially feels like it's going through the motions to move the plot forward. There's most definitely some interesting developments and I'm anxious to see what'll happen next (how could I not be?), but the execution of everything feels somewhat generic. It's not bad and the artwork is consistent, but despite all of the events, nothing here really leaves a lasting impact. It's a shame because there's so much potential here. Still, you can't help but love diving back into the evil side of this universe and, even if the action scenes are short-lived, it's still pretty enjoyable while it lasts. Hopefully the next issue will be more engaging!

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #35 is a really good issue. It makes some major developments, looks consistently fantastic, and makes sure it always has the reader's attention. It manages to strike all of the right emotions, too. There's a gripping scene in the graveyard and the twisted situation in the apartment is surprisingly humorous. This single issue manages to bring quite a few changes to the universe, so I'm thoroughly excited to see where it'll go next with these characters! It's a shame Leonardo has been cast aside in this story, but it looks like the next issue is going to change that. Issues like this one prove it's a great time to be a fan of the turtles.

For many of us, the title of IDW's latest limited series delivers a whole lot of nostalgia. The video game was full of amusement as it guided players from stage to stage. This comic is clearly aiming to deliver the same level of enjoyment value, and, so far, it's succeeding. It seems like each chapter will serve as a new "level" which places the heroes in a half shell in an all-new setting for an all-new standalone dose of entertainment. This debut issue is every bit as lighthearted and delightful as you'd want it to be. The artwork is beyond lovable and the story's a total blast. This is absolutely a must read for any TMNT fan that simply wants to enjoy an awesome serving of fun.

This chapter is loaded with explosive action and it's an issue that's both spectacular and cheerworthy. You can really tell this is a passion project for the creative team and the quality remains stellar. Aaron's cast is full of amusing banter, the action is magnificent, and the contrast between the two tales is excellent. I won't spoil the ending, but it once again provides a great contrast between the two eras. Aaron's work with this book is seriously impressive, and, luckily for us, he has a talented art team bringing it all to life. Ribic and Svorcina do a tremendous job making sure the visuals live up to everything the script has to offer and then some. Simply put, The Last Days of Midgard is an amazing ride and I just can't recommend it enough to every Marvel fan.

This is a big issue of UNITY for two simple reasons: Bloodshot and the Armor Hunters! Bloodshot is given a thoroughly awesome introduction and we're also treated to a serviceable tie-in for Valiant's latest big event. For the most part, Kindt makes sure this can serve as a satisfactory jumping on spot for new readers and packs it with more than enough excitement to keep us around for the next issue. It's a little bit of a bummer we didn't get to see more of the Armor Hunters in action, but something tells me Kindt is saving all of the truly epic action for the upcoming rematch! Plus, how can you not want to see what'll happen next now that Bloodshot's on the team? I'm very curious to see how he'll interact with the others.

Honestly, I'm left feeling down the middle about this latest chapter. On one hand, I love the artwork and, for the most part, it's a steadily engaging issue. But on the other hand, I can't help but feel as though this development is moving along a little too quickly and not focusing on the entire cast nearly as much as it should. That said, at least two strong developments are put in motion, so there's a decent enough hook to keep me around for the next chapter.

Bloodshot's book usually revolves around character development and shocking action, but this one is all about bringing some big change to this universe. Sure, there's some action and a wee bit of focus on Flatline and Palmer, but ultimately, it's the final course of events that'll really grip you. The execution of this development is awesomely cinematic and left me wondering about this universe's future. It would have been nice to see Bloodshot and some of the H.A.R.D. Corps members get a little more love, but the payoff with this plot is huge. Now it's just a matter of seeing how the follow-up is handled!

Everything in me wants to love this book. I've always wanted to see more of Shang-Chi and I love Mike Benson's work with Deadpool and Moon Knight. Sadly, nothing about this issue feels unique. It's basically by the numbers and then hindered by some very inconsistent visuals. And you'd expect a book called "Deadly Hands of Kung Fu" to show off the lead's hand-to-hand abilities, right? Hopefully the narrative will become more compelling in the next issue. Even though I'm not the biggest fan around of this issue, I simply can't turn my back on Chi just yet. Here's hoping the third chapter is an improvement.

Duggan and Posehn's volume of DEADPOOL continues to be a ridiculously enjoyable ride. The pencils sometimes takes away from the overall quality, but the team-up is still a blast and there's plenty of laughs to experience. It's a little bit of a bummer the more compelling parts of the story haven't made any significant progress, but it looks like that's all about to change and we're apparently going to get a ginormous reveal in the next chapter.

Waid leaves Hulk's world on a note that's both exciting and intriguing. The brawl is swift yet riveting and the second half of the book opens the door to unlimited possibilities. Basically, this issue's a double-edged sword. It's a shame Waid's saying goodbye to Banner, but he's leaving on a note that's fun and paves a new and legitimately attention-grabbing path for the title. Thanks for the good times, Waid. Duggan, you're up!

Just when you think the situation can't get any crazier, Taylor goes above and beyond to keep things interesting and drops developments that are full of potential. The stakes keep rising and rising in this book and this creative team always knows how to leave us on just the right note. This is yet another issue that'll leave you anxious to buy the next one.

FIVE WEAPONS continues to deliver exactly what I've come to expect from it: wonderfully animated visuals, a clever script, and an ending that'll have me speculating until I get my hands on the next issue! This chapter spends much of its time connecting the dots for us and then hits us with a huge reveal. Now I'm left extremely curious to see what'll happen next!

Broken is off to a very strong start. Lemire wastes no time getting things moving and he covers a ton of ground. Multiple -- and not to mention very awesome -- plot points are established here and I'm beyond happy to see the developments in The Outsiders War aren't being left behind. Throw in Sorrentino and Maiolo's consistently incredible visuals and this is an issue every single Green Arrow fan needs to buy. Oh, and I can't forget to mention this is a jumping on point, too!

IRON FIST: THE LIVING WEAPON #3 is a character-driven experience that attempts to balance fun and darkness, but mostly sides with the latter. Sure, there's a nice dose of levity with the hospital scenes and one specific moment in the past, but in the end, the more dire moments overshadow them. Andrews' artwork remains gripping and he dishes out some major developments in the chapter -- developments which can help me understand Rand's more stern and savage mindset in this volume. I'm sure many will have strong knee-jerk reactions to the cliffhanger, but we'll just have to wait and see what happens next!

Edmondson and Gerads continue to make this book a thrill ride. This is bad news for Frank Castle, but great news for us readers. The pacing is incredibly fast and there's so many awesomely crafted action scenes for us to enjoy. It's an attention-grabbing story that'll keep your eyes glued to the pages. The plot may not be all that elaborate just yet, but it sure is a rush. Gerads then does a stellar job bringing the Punisher's mission to life and successfully pulls you into all of the craziness. Because it jumps from one exhilarating scene to the next, the issue feels like a quick read and, before you know it, you'll be left wondering where they'll go next.

IDW continues to deliver pure fan service. They're able to give us what we want to see and include just enough change to make it feel like a totally unique experience. They aren't changes for the sake of changing things, either. You can tell they really respect the source material and want to apply practical and exciting alterations. Even though we've seen different incarnations of Metalhead before, this doesn't feel like more of the same and the result is an incredibly fun and superb looking issue. Plus, that ending is sure to make any TMNT fan count down the days until they can see what happens next.

DEAD BODY ROAD is an excellent story about revenge and what it does to a person, and this savage world is filled with phenomenal artwork. The road leading to this final chapter was full of intense action, but this last issue shifts gears just a little bit to focus on fleshing out the main cast. It finally gives the strong emotional connection to Gage that I've been looking for and it delivers on this big time. But don't worry, action junkies, because Jordan, Scalera, and Dinisio still manage to pack some gripping and cinematic madness into this ending. This is a story that most definitely warrants being re-read when the collected edition is released. Thanks for the crazy ride, DEAD BODY ROAD.

DEADPOOL #29 hits us with some solid laughs and a fun course of events. In the end, it feels like it's mostly laying down building blocks for the upcoming issues, but it makes sure this is all done in a totally entertaining fashion. It's a shame the visuals feel inconsistent and there aren't any big teasers about Deadpool's origin, but despite that, Duggan and Posehn absolutely have me interested in this series' future.

HARBINGER once again proves it's a very well-written and thoroughly exciting series. The conflict between team Toyo and team Peter is massively satisfying and it leaves you beyond anxious to see what'll happen next. Yes, the big death didn't tug at my heart as much as it could have, but this is still an incredibly compelling story with consistently impressive visuals.

The penultimate chapter of LARFLEEZE has its moments, but overall, it has me feeling down the middle. The action is enjoyable, the banter offers some smiles, and the artwork is praiseworthy. It's just too bad a heavy amount of exposition really adds up and detracts from the issue. New readers will obviously appreciate all of recap information that's sprinkled throughout the chapter, but seeing as this is the second to last issue, I'm guessing there won't be too many of those. Meanwhile, the rest of us will be left with a noticeable sense of familiarity as all of these events are explained to us yet again. Here's hoping the title ends on a strong note!

IDW's GHOSTBUSTERS continues to prove one thing: if a third movie ever does move forward, they really need to bring on series writer Erik Burnham as a consultant. This book has renewed my love for this franchise -- a franchise I only enjoyed as a youngling -- and this issue is a perfect example of why I'm so captivated by it. It's funny, full of spectacle, and has praiseworthy artwork that pulls you right into all of the chaos. I'm definitely excited to see what happens next.

Tom Taylor has been delivering a slow burn in this volume and this latest issue feels like a return to the familiar. What's the familiar for INJUSTICE, you ask? Jaw-dropping shockers, that's what. The first battle wasn't quite as epic as it could have been, but Taylor's solid script, steady laughs and a gripping cliffhanger more than compensate up for that. INJUSTICE: YEAR TWO is a series that knows how to hit all of the right emotions. It'll make you laugh, wow you with spectacle, and even shatter your heart. Now comes the hard part: waiting 2 weeks for the next chapter.

Yes, this is technically a standalone story that doesn't really bring anything new front and center, but who cares about that when you're having such a good time? Hastings' story is consistently enjoyable and the visuals by Camagni and Milla are such a perfect fit for the story's energetic and lighthearted vibe. When you see an encounter between Deadpool and Spider-Man, it's fair to expect a ridiculous amount of fun since there's been a few good issues featuring the two (e.g. THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #611, CABLE & DEADPOOL #24). This one may sell Spidey a little short, but that barely takes away from just how entertaining this annual issue is.

Barlow's debut issue isn't very plot heavy, but it does just enough to introduce us to the appealing cast it'll involve and hints at the road it'll take. Then there's the action, the oh-so-glorious action. That's really what sells this issue. Sure, I'm plenty excited to see where Maul's story in this era will take him and what kind of roles the other individuals will play, but right now, the creative team has made quite an impact with an incredibly fun battle and ends the issue with a remark that feels like it's speaking directly to the reader. The follow-up to Darth Maul's animated return is off to an entertaining start and definitely has a lot of potential.

When there's already so many comics on your pull list, it's understandable to hesitate when you're considering an issue that has $7.99 on the cover. Obviously, casual fans will probably skip this because of the price tag, but this is something you should purchase if you really love the franchise. The short stories may not drop your jaw, but they're sure to hit you with some nostalgia and each one is entertaining in its own way. The journey ends on a surprisingly heartwarming note and then there's a pin-up gallery which is certain to have something for everyone. This is $7.99 well spent if you love the heroes in a half shell.

This series is ridiculously good. Aaron packs the pages with astonishing action as well as engaging dialogue and Ribic's artwork is tremendous. This is yet another issue that proves why THOR: GOD OF THUNDER is easily one of best titles out there. It'll make you laugh, drop your jaw, and by the time you're done, it'll make you demand the next issue right away.

When the stakes are this high, it's tough to really feel the tension or suspense because you know the worst-case scenario could never possibly happen. However, Kindt is still able to create an incredibly gripping and engaging storyline. Sure, the exposition hinders the pacing a little bit, but overall, this is a thoroughly enthralling chapter. He's able to deliver plot development, character, and really good action in just this issue. Throw in a visual team that clearly gives it their all on every page and you've got a great issue.

This issue is a bit of a double-edge sword. It's the beginning of the end for the series, and even though we know Bloodshot will play a role in other titles (ARMOR HUNTERS and UNITY), it's disappointing knowing his series is racing towards its conclusion. While this is a bummer, it doesn't counter the fact this is an excellent issue and a ridiculously strong start for the title's final story. The opening chapter is thrilling, packs some mighty fine visuals, and ends on a note that'll make you want to see what happens next right away. I just hope the H.A.R.D. Corp members will get more time to shine before this all wraps up (especially Vagabond). If you've ever wanted to check out Bloodshot's world, this is the issue you need to get. It's a jumping on spot and, thanks to a thorough recap page, you won't feel left in the dark at all.

DEADLY HANDS OF KUNG-FU #1 is the master of setting the stage for what's to come. Benson gives us the bare basics of the narrative, briefly reminds us that yes, Shang-Chi's currently an Avenger and a beast in unarmed combat, and ends it all on a note that promises more excitement is right around the corner. It gets the job done and establishes everything in a fast-paced and enjoyable manner.

You know that feeling you get when you look deep into the eyes of someone you love? It's a feeling of happiness that you never want to end, right? Well, that's basically how I felt reading this issue. I absolutely loved every second of this ridiculously hysterical ride. It kept me smiling, delivered a staggering amount of amusement, and it all looked great, too. As if an issue that's pure fun wasn't good enough, it also leaves you wondering what's going on and what that will mean for the next story arc. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Duggan and Posehn are doing great things with Deadpool. Don't miss it, my fellow Wade fans.

While the first chapter of Doomed hit us with a massive slugfest, Soule's follow-up is purely character-driven and rightfully so. Instead of just having Superman act like a complete jerk and simply having some fun with it, Soule's able to tie this new mentality to the focus of this book: Kal-El's relationship with Wonder Woman. It's essentially a one-way argument since Diana's focused on helping him and not humoring his questions and accusations, but it's still a gripping bit of dialogue and hopefully these topics will reemerge. Throw in some consistently pleasing artwork and you have a solid second chapter of Doomed. Sure, the ending feels a little sudden, but it just goes to show how much Diana can help him in his time of need.

It's an okay start for the event, but I'll admit I'm still curious enough to see how this will all play out (especially taking into account what solicits have revealed). The story isn't all that gripping and the subplot isn't doing anything to standout, but the action was a blast and the upcoming development has my interest. With such a big cover price (there's 35 pages or so, but still, $4.99 is asking a lot when we have so many titles on our pull lists), I can only suggest that die-hard Superman fans should consider picking this one up.

DEADPOOL VS. CARNAGE is living up to what the name implies. Bunn goes all out with the action and it's a consistently good looking book. The finer details of the story may not be for everyone, but what it generates is most certainly a good time for any fan of these two characters. Bunn's managed to keep the encounters mostly balanced, but it's good to see this issue recognize that yes, there is a physical gap between these two and if Deadpool wants to stand a chance, he needs to bring some extra gear to the table. All in all, this is a fun issue that successfully shifts the book in a new direction. Bring on the next chapter!

The Outsiders War ends on a consistently gorgeous and pretty satisfying note. Truthfully, the story feels like it's trying to juggle a little too much at times, but it's mostly well-written, makes some big developments and has some legitimately stunning moments. It may not be a perfect bull's eye, but it's still a massively enjoyable ride and does a terrific job building the hype for what's to come.

Edmondson and Gerads simply get the Punisher and continue to give us what we want to see. Sure, the story is moving a little slower than expected and a lot has yet to be answered or expanded upon, but they're producing a creative look at the way Frank Castle operates. The artwork is cleverly executed and, while it does move a few plot pieces forward, this latest issue basically exists to help us admire just how good Castle is at what he does. THE PUNISHER takes what we've come to expect from Frank and does it quite well. We've yet to really build a strong emotional connection to the supporting cast or get some of the finer details behind the villainous plot, but you know what? It's still a totally entertaining issue and oozes such a cool atmosphere. To top it off, the final page is guaranteed to make you pick up the next chapter.

DEXTER'S LABORATORY #1 is pure happiness. It's consistently full of fun and establishes an energetic and attention-grabbing story. And with an ending like this one, there's absolutely no way you'll be able to resist picking up the next chapter. It's a potentially twisted cliffhanger, but we'll just have to wait and see how it's handled. No matter what direction the book goes next, it's safe to say these characters are in good hands. Fill yourself with a bit of joy and give this pleasant issue a read; you've earned it.

If you saw the cover of the issue and exclaimed, "YES!" then odds are you'll be pretty pleased. Basically, Tomasi gives us exactly what we were expecting: Batman's return and a big brawl with Bane. It's not one of the most elaborate fights around, but it's straightforward, savage, and a damn good time. If you simply want to enjoy a slugfest and see Gotham slowly return to its status quo, it's safe to say you'll be happy with this one. Expect anything more than that and you'll probably finish the read feeling pretty mediocre about it. So, do yourself a favor: shut off your brain and enjoy the punches.

When Valiant launches a premiere issue, expectations go up and understandably so. The publisher usually does an exceptional job grabbing my attention with its debut issues, but this one doesn't have quite the same amount of allure as the others do. Yes, it leaves me curious to see where it'll go next and it has mostly satisfying visuals, but heavy exposition and a slow set of developments prevent this one from truly pulling me into its fictional world. It's not a bad first chapter, but it doesn't pack the kind of punch we've come to expect from a first issue by Valiant, either.

What you gonna buy? GHOSTBUSTERS! ...#15! But seriously, this volume is doing a tremendous job reminding me why I loved the movies as a child. Burnham continues to balance humor and the supernatural incredibly well and Schoening/Delgado's artwork is an excellent fit for the book's tone. It's animated and cartoon-ish, so it sells the lightheated material with ease, and the more intense and diverse situations are a total joy to witness. All in all, this story is feeling like a love letter to the classic films and I'm most certainly enjoying the ride.

I'm digging the premise and the story's potential, but as of right now, there isn't a very strong hook with the developments. I'm sure many of you will see the big twist coming a mile away, and, seeing as a lot of this is build-up, it's tough to feel very invested just yet. It's by no means a bad issue, but it leave a very strong impression with its debut, either. Basically, I'm sticking around because of the concept and I do believe the dialogue is well-written and it's keeping a tight pace. The potential is definitely there, so now it's a matter of seeing what'll happen next. If the premise sounds interesting to you, you should give it a shot.

DEAD BODY ROAD is a relentless thrill ride. You may not find yourself all that invested in where the narrative will go or the fate of these characters, but you will absolutely be blown away by each and every issue. Jordan and Scalera are doing a phenomenal job hitting us with some truly exciting stuff and the experience continues to get crazier and crazier. If do want to dive into this hectic story, you''ll unfortunately feel completely lost if you hop on with issue. So if you are interested -- and you should be if you love chaotic action and heist stories -- I strongly recommend picking up the other chapters as well.

IRON PATRIOT #2 steps up the excitement and offers some legitimately praiseworthy and creative pages. It's by no means one of the most engaging new Marvel titles around -- at least not yet -- but this chapter definitely feels like an improvement over the first. Considering the book's about to dive into some heavy political themes, it has me interested in seeing where it'll go next and how Rhodes will handle the subject.

Considering it's only $2.99, I'd say it's worth checking out for these very interested in Superman's current mythos and the upcoming event. For everyone else, you'll probably be okay just diving in with the first official chapter when Doomed drops.

I'll be blunt: this is an issue every Ninja Turtles fan should pick up. Yes, it would be preferred if you could read the last two arcs first, but not everyone can afford that luxury and enough is done here to make this pretty new reader friendly. The team's back together and this issue delivers a whole lot of build-up. You can feel the tension rising and just enough is delivered to give you little teasers of what's to come. Plus, the shift to focusing on Casey gives the book a nice amount of heart and hopefully this is something that'll become a big factor as the story moves forward. To top it all off, artist Mateus Santolouco is back on the book, and the first scene should help you understand why I and so many others adore his work. This isn't a book that simply moves from one story to the next one without any repercussions. Everything this team has endured is adding up and it certainly shows in this issue. Seriously, don't miss out on this, TMNT fans.

DEADPOOL VS. CARNAGE knows exactly what kind of limited series it is. Many of us want to simply see these two crazy characters go at it and Cullen Bunn is clearly having a lot of fun running with the idea. The plot itself may not be that strong and the laughs aren't nearly as solid as his previous work with Deadpool (NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEADPOOL was phenomenal), but if you want to see these two duke it out and get an ample dose of wackiness on the side, then this is something you're most likely going to enjoy.

I just can't recommend FIVE WEAPONS enough. Jimmie Robinson has taken what could be a very graphic, dark and mature concept and handles it in a way that makes it appealing to readers of all ages. It's a book about kids who want to become assassins, yet it has a delightfully pleasant tone, a diverse and unique cast of characters, and a wonderfully fun and animated set of visuals. Throw in a consistently clever script and the result is a title that has continued to impress me since its very first issue. This should be a mandatory purchase for my fellow FIVE WEAPONS fans; however, if you're considering finally diving into this world, this is by no means an ideal jumping on spot.

NOVA's a really fun book. Sam Alexander's a relatable and likable lead, Duggan's an exceptional comedic writer and keeps the book pleasant, and Baldeon's visuals -- along with Sotocolor's colors -- are a great fit for the title's atmosphere and produce a few legitimately beautiful panels of the universe. I may not be the biggest fan of Marvel's cosmic universe, but a book this enjoyable is pretty tough to resist.

If you're already familiar with Solar, this should be an obvious purchase for you. And if so, odds are the cliffhanger will do more than enough to assure you stick around for the second issue. However, I'm left feeling uncertain on where my fellow new readers will stand once they put the issue down. Barbiere's first issue does a fine job with the pacing and begins to slowly reveal the world we're stepping into. Furthermore, the character work in the issue is consistently solid and there's no denying how appealing Solar's powers are. However, seeing as this first issue is primarily build-up, it makes it somewhat difficult to feel truly invested in this new universe or very inspired to remove something else from the pull list to make room for this title. Personally, I'll give the series another issue or two so it can tell a little more of its story and offer a chance for me to feel more connected to the characters before I decide whether I'll stick around for the long haul.

THOR: GOD OF THUNDER is a phenomenal series and without question one of the best books currently available. The sheer amount of entertainment value Aaron and Ribic pack into this issue is absolutely ridiculous. The battle between King Thor and Old Galactus is tremendous, and the "battle" Thor faces in the modern era is a hilarious contrast yet still manages to feel completely epic. Throw in a solid cliffhanger and we have yet another issue that simply begs to be purchased. Be good to yourself and read this book. Seriously, it's that amazing.

The end is nigh, and Millar's making damn sure you're aware of it. This penultimate issue races towards the series' conclusion and does a more than ample job building the hype for the big finale. He lays it on a bit too thick with some of the dialogue towards the end, but despite that, this issue is certain to leave any KICK-ASS fan anxious to see how it'll all come to a close. Personally, I'm stoked to see what he'll deliver in this big finish. It's definitely looking like it'll be action-packed, but hopefully it's crammed with some gripping displays of emotion as well. How funny would it be if Milllar's been trolling us this entire time and both main characters live?

There's a consistently good-hearted atmosphere, a charismatic cast of characters, and legitimately fun (and funny) developments in SAMURAI JACK #7. I recommend giving this series a chance if you simply want to smile and have a nice dose of fun. That said, you will feel a bit lost if you jump on with this issue. So if you're going to dive in, be sure to pick up the last chapter, too. If I'm enjoying this series this much, I can only imagine how much die-hard fans of the show are digging it.

SUPERIOR FOES OF SPIDER-MAN #11 offers a nice set of visuals and ends on a strong note, but aside from featuring non-A-list villains, it doesn't really feel like another chapter of the book. The overflowing creative humor and feeling of originality just doesn't have a strong enough presence in this one. It's an amusing character study of a villain's mentality, but when all is said and done, you probably won't be able to shake the feeling this is ultimately a filler issue that just doesn't pack the same kind of brilliant punch as Nick Spencer and Lieber's issues.

SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #7 will likely serve as a better read when it's collected in a trade or you have immediate access to the next issue. Because, just like it says on the cover, it's a prelude to the upcoming story Doomed. There's a little bit of emotional follow-up to the nuclear incident and it's nice to see these two out of their element, even if it's just for a little bit. But for the most part, this issue establishes a lot of questions and now it's just a matter of time to see how it's all handled. At any rate, that final page most certainly has me anxious to see what's next. Sure, the villain's hand emerging first is something we've seen so many times before, but given the action-packed nature of this book, I'm anticipating some massively fun brawls.

Dr. Silk's plot may not be resonating with me all that much or wind up feeling quite as epic as it should, but despite that, this is still a very enjoyable issue and something any fan of the book will likely appreciate. Not only is it consistently pleasing on the eyes, but Kindt's able to shine a tight spotlight on Ninjak and Aric's morals. They're still a fresh group, so it's great to see them being handled as such. I may not be the biggest fan of the team's latest threat, but I sure am loving the reactions it generates from them.

Sinestro's a character that has always appealed to me, so it should come as no surprise this latest chapter kept a pretty good grip on my interest. The presentation of Thaal's tale is intelligently executed, but you can't help but feel that it's a major departure from the "big picture." Yes, it's completely understandable that Sinestro needs to be given depth -- especially for new readers -- but ultimately, it doesn't bring anything new to the overall narrative or pack the same kind of punch and intrigue that the other chapters possess. It's still an enjoyable issue, but given the fact so many promising plot points are floating around, it would be been great to have it tackle more than just Sinestro's past.

This fourth chapter is a ridiculously entertaining read. Jordan pretty much creates a script that compliments Scalera's style and the end result is a completely gripping spectacle. The plot is still inching along (to be fair, there's a solid narrative-driven scene worked in here), but I can hardly complain because this is without question one of the best chase sequences you'll ever read in a comic. Jordan makes sure it's wicked and Scalera masterfully brings it all to life. It's savage, overflowing with intensity and is a seriously exciting experience.

Hey, do you like laughing or even smiling? Yeah? Cool, then you're probably going to really, really like this issue. Sure, comedy is subjective and all that, but I'm having a seriously tough time imagining anyone who wouldn't have a blast with this issue. Duggan and Posehn deliver comedy gold and Koblish and Staples do a tremendous job selling each and every joke. Who would have thought a story about Hitler could be filled with so much joy?

HAWKEYE #18 begins to really ramp up Kate's story in the City of Angels. It may not be as powerful as what's going down with Clint over on the East Coast, but it's still thoroughly engaging and remains well-written. Fraction's able to make huge strides in the story without neglecting the laughs or fun, and Wu's character work fills these scenes with so much personality. I can't wait to see the follow-up to the cliffhanger with Clint, but in the meantime, this is a legitimately enjoyable read and has me curious to see where Kate's story will take her next.

LARFLEEZE #9 is a fun time and makes a promising development for the next issue. However, it has a "been there, seen that" feeling to it. The laughs are still present and the action is still explosive, but neither feels quite up to par with what we've already seen from the series. Despite feeling like it doesn't bring anything new to the table (until towards the end of the comic, that is), it's still an enjoyable issue and I continue to love the visuals. It's just too bad this series is coming to an end with issue #12, but I suppose we'll just have the enjoy the ride while it lasts!

SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #11 is an enjoyable trip into the past and has potential for a more serious and emotional second chapter. That said, I can't help but feel as though it doesn't do enough to make me really want to shell out $3.99 to see what happens next, especially when this comes off as a story that seemingly won't really change how we view either of these characters. It's by no means a bad issue, but I'd only recommend it to particularly big fans of these two Spider-Man villains.

I'll be blunt: I love this issue. Not only does it do a tremendous job building the hype for what's to come, but it's incredibly well-written and consistently good looking. It'll make you laugh, it'll hit you right in the feels, and it'll absolutely make you excited for the series' future. There's been a whole lot of buildup in this volume so far, and, based on the writer's history, I'd like to believe that Taylor will make the upcoming showdown well worth the wait. We all know Superman's regime will still be in power 3 years from this point, but this series has proved time and time again that knowing the future hardly takes away from what occurs in the present. Needless to say, I'm stoked to see what what'll happen next in YEAR TWO. Seriously, you should be reading this series.

While it isn't quite as compelling as HARBINGER's previous #0 issue about Toyo Harada (not too many books are capable of topping that), this is still a completely absorbing experience and, to me, deserves 5-stars. Sure, the timing is a little odd (or seems to be), but it's still an engrossing standalone story that hits us with some impressive character work and finally sheds some light on an interesting character. Now that they've given him a brighter spotlight, here's hoping Valiant has some big plans for the character in HARBINGER's near future. Needless to say, this is something every HARBINGER fan should pick up.

SUPERIOR FOES OF SPIDER-MAN #10 brings the gift -- of laughter! The usual team of Nick Spencer and Steve Leiber may have the issue off, but James Asmus and several artists prove they have what it takes to maintain the book's signature style. This may not move the plot forward and it's just more of these characters looking like fools, but you know what? It's a total blast and kept me chuckling the whole time. With so many dark and stern stories going on in the other books I'm following, it's so nice to have a series that aims to make you laugh and does it exceptionally well. Thanks for the good time, SUPERIOR FOES OF SPIDER-MAN.

If you find yourself especially invested in Ben Urich or the Goblin Nation's plot with Monster and Wraith, then yes, this is a comic you'll likely want to check out and will probably enjoy a little more than I did. But for everyone else, $4.99 is asking a little too much for what occurs in this comic. Sure, there's a development with Monster and Wraith's plot, but odds are this will be swiftly detailed in the next issue of SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN's intro page or maybe even reduced to a line or two of exposition within the issue itself. It's an enjoyable annual and both halves certainly thrive for their own reasons, but nothing truly makes this feel like a mandatory read for fans of Goblin Nation, either.

TMNT: UTROM EMPIRE did exactly what it set out to do. It made Krang a far more compelling character, expanded the universe's mythos, and did a great job fleshing out a couple of the supporting characters. Now we just have to wait and see where this trio will appear next.

This is yet another issue that'll make you exclaim "another!" once you finish it. Even though Aaron's hitting us with a serious overall message, he's doing it without being blatantly preachy and still manages to include a ridiculous amount of fun. THOR: GOD OF THUNDER continues to be worthy of a God. This issue is exceptionally well-written, loaded with excitement and packed with stunning artwork. Seriously, this is guaranteed to turn you into a Thor fan.

Deadpool fans, this is yet another must-read story arc by Duggan and Posehn. Opinions may have been mixed when they first kicked off the volume, but since then, they've absolutely proved they're the perfect fit for the Merc with a Mouth. Funny, badass, and a character-driven story... what's not to love?

A wise person once asked, "what is love?" Well, I think we finally have an answer: love is this issue. It's simple: if you have a heart, go buy this issue right now and prepare to have it cuddled and warmed. If you think you don't have a heart, well... it's very possible this issue will make you discover that you're wrong and you'll fall in love with this completely out there and joyous read. If you think this cartoonish standalone is too wacky for you, then hey, to each their own, right? But for everyone else, this is going to be a pure delight. Long story short, Fraction continues to prove HAWKEYE is one of the best books currently available. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to read this again.

Look, if you're part of the crowd that's very vocal against this relationship, odds are steam will shoot from your ears with this chapter (although, to be honest, I'm not sure why you're still reading it?). However, if you've been enjoying this run -- which appears to be more than a fair share of you -- then you're sure to be incredibly entertained by this issue. Not only is there a visceral slugfest, but the core of this one revolves around the dynamic between Superman and Wonder Woman. Sure, the ending seems designed to make some people question what's next (despite this taking place in the past...), but it still works because of the emotional moment the scene delivers and it absolutely leaves me curious to see how this will impact their relationship in the upcoming issues.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: man, I love IDW's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

"Everyone keeps talking about Valiant but I don't know what to pick up!" Well, this is a good place to start, random reader. Sure, there's a gazillion different (and not to mention affordable) collections that are available, but this is a beyond friendly jumping on spot and serves as a great introduction to what you can expect from Valiant's world. It's action-packed, well-written, looks commendable and has a cast of rich characters. Additionally, it does more than enough to motivate you to pick up the next chapter. It's a strong start to a brand new story and, best of all, it pretty much justifies why Ninjak deserves his own on going. But hey, Valiant clearly has big plans for the future and good things come to those who wait, right? At least we're getting plenty of his awesomeness here in Kindt's UNITY and, luckily for us, it's hugely entertaining team book.

I have a feeling a number of you won't be as enthusiastic as I am about this one (especially based on the community's response to the last installment), but I think Taylor's doing a great job delivering a huge amount of buildup. It's a concise, well-written and visually satisfying issue which assures the book will take a more explosive turn sooner rather than later. The tension continues to grow and there's no doubt it'll make you anxious to see what stems from this development. Now comes the tough part: waiting two more week's for the next chapter.

The VedictDo you like seeing Bane punch things really, really hard? If so, you'll have an okay time with this chapter. However, if you were expecting a huge payoff with the war's ending, you're likely to be letdown because this literally boils down to a big (albeit good looking) match of rock 'em sock 'em robots. It's remarked that Bane's a great tactician, but let's be honest, this book exists just to see some fighting between Batman's villains and the plot itself feels secondary. If that's all you expect or want, then it'll be worth the $2.99. For everyone else, you're probably better off spending that money elsewhere.

Ladies and gentlemen, GREEN ARROW is awesome. Lemire keeps the pace moving with big developments and Sorrentino/Maiolo's artwork will make sure your eyes are glued to the panels. It's not only a legitimately exciting and absorbing book, but it's easily one of the best looking books DC is putting out there, too. Month after month, GREEN ARROW continues to prove it's worth every single penny of the cover price. Do yourself a favor and give this series a read. Don't worry, you can thank me later.

JUPITER'S LEGACY #4 is all about creating the new status quo. We jump forward several years and see firsthand how the last issue's cliffhanger has impacted both the world and the main characters. Basically, it exists to do a whole lot of world-building and thankfully, it's well-paced and engrossing. Enough intrigue is sprinkled here and there to make us interested in seeing what the future has in store for us and Millar sets the stage for a new and legitimately likable character. Sure, JUPITER'S LEGACY is clearly inspired by quite a few stories we've seen before, but it continues to expand its scope, provides an amusing commentary on the modern world and absolutely has me wondering what'll happen next.

Deadpool and zombies, what's not to love? Cullen Bunn managed to take the best elements from both of their worlds and mesh them together. The limited series is loaded with humor yet also avoids making Deadpool a walking and talking punch line. It's not all fun and games with the Merc with a Mouth in this one and it's great to see him receive a little more emotion. Then there's all of the gore, horror and depressing elements you'd find in any standard zombie apocalypse. Ramon Rosanas then masterfully brings this all to life and, simply put, the end result is something any zombie or Deadpool fan needs to experience. I wasn't sure what to expect with this final chapter -- especially since we've seen the book undergo such drastic changes in tone -- but I've got to say, this finale did not disappoint one bit.

Edmondson and Gerads continue to prove they're an appropriate fit for the character. Castle's blunt and vicious mission remains firmly in place, yet a likable supporting cast and some legitimate charm gives the volume a nice sense of balance. There's plenty that'll appeal to longtime fans of the character and just enough established to help make it a refreshing and appealing experience to those who think the anti-hero is too one-dimensional. There's a whole lot of potential in this volume and watching it all unfold is plenty of fun. Welcome back, Frank.

If you're really passionate about the H.A.R.D. Corps, then you're sure to be satisfied as co-writers Christos Gage and Joshua Dysart take your hand and walk you through the organization's dark, harsh and bloody history. However, odds are you'll find yourself down the middle if you're part of the crowd that thinks Bloodshot has taken a backseat in the title. That said, Gage and Dysart continue to impress as co-writers and, despite there being a whole lot of artists, the visuals remain consistent. However, whether this is worth purchasing will be entirely up to just how interested you are in the H.A.R.D. Corps' history.

I feel like a broken record saying this, but I simply have to point it out: yes, this is a story that isn't all that original (at least not yet, that is). It's your heist gone wrong meshed with a man who has lost his wife and now has nothing to lose as he seeks to punish the people responsible. However, the series thrives because of the creative team. Jordan refuses to slow down the pace and hits us with some massively entertaining set pieces and a consistent flow of no-nonsense dialogue. And then there's Scalera, an artist who has an uncanny ability to flood the panels with vivid energy. Together, they're creating one hell of a book. If you've fallen behind and this sounds appealing to you, you should definitely look for it when it's released as a trade.

DEADPOOL #24 is a terrific character study. Duggan and Posehn have put Wade through some absolutely horrific events and they're showing us these developments weren't just for shock value. What's gone down isn't being forgotten or cast aside like other stories sometimes tend to do -- they're taking a toll and have consequences. However, seeing as this is DEADPOOL, they're able to balance this focus on character depth with some massively creative bits of action and a consistent supply of sharp jokes. It's an absorbing ride and how it all ends is guaranteed to make you stick around for the next issue. I'm loving this volume and it's very possible Duggan and Posehn were put on this planet just to write Deadpool. The fact they've had the opportunity to share the story with such amazing artists is just... um... sour cream on the chimichanga? Okay, I'll leave the jokes to them from now on. I promise.

Seven issues in and this book continues to charm. The characters are legitimately fun and Robinson always manages to keep us searching for clues and leaves us guessing how Enrique will get out of his latest dilemma. To top it all off, the book has wonderful visuals and Robinson has begun to add some ginormous developments to the plot. Despite being a book about assassins, FIVE WEAPONS is full of happiness and wit.

It's simple: if you like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, you should absolutely be reading this. Yes, the heroes in a half shell are taking a backseat (at least so far), but this limited-series is playing a critical role in expanding their universe and shows us how the franchise's roster is rich with potential.

INJUSTICE: YEAR ONE had one explosive event after the next in virtually every issue. With INJUSTICE: YEAR TWO, you can tell Taylor's moving all of the pieces into place and building up the tension before we're hit with something legitimately massive. Sure, there's shocking and thrilling moments here and there, but you can really feel the story inching closer and closer to something game-changing. At any rate, this series is still a real teat. It remains well-written and looks solid. This isn't just a must read series for fans of the game. It's a must read series if you enjoy great writing, and that's something everyone appreciates, right? Now comes the tough part: waiting two weeks for a new chapter!

After a couple issues of reflection and insight, the team is shoved back into even more chaos. That said, Waltz does manage to deliver a couple of heartfelt moments before bringing some fast-paced action back into the series' pages . With the addition of some seriously beautiful visuals, a cool new mutant and a massively cheerworthy final page, this yet is another issue that any TMNT fan simply cannot skip.

Love or hate what goes down, this is an undeniably massive issue for Two-Face and it's certain to get some very passionate conversations going. However, the forceful nature of this issue's developments are countered by the fact that Dent didn't feel like a big player in this story -- at least not to me, that is. It feels like a somewhat abrupt conclusion with Dent and that the truly critical elements with him were saved up until the very end. Regardless, opinions are certain to be mixed on this one and I find myself primarily left down the middle on it, but at least most of us are likely to agree that Gleason and company created some legitimately commendable images in this issue.

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEADPOOL is a real blast. Okay, maybe that's not the best word to use considering the darker tone of this issue, but it's a legitimately fantastic experience if you're a fan of either Deadpool or zombie stories. And if you happen to love both, then it's safe to say you'll share my enthusiasm for this limited-series. Bunn is really bringing his A game with this series. Each issue hits us with a completely new atmosphere and he has apparently planted the seeds for a very promising plot point in the finale. Bunn's managed to juggle a story that's funny, gruesome, and surprisingly emotional. Throw in Rosanas' brilliant artwork and you've got a fantastic limited-series. Now it's time to see how Bunn plans to wrap it all up.

This two-issue prelude story to Goblin Nation is definitely amusing, action-packed and looks good, but ultimately, being released after Goblin Nation's hit us with several reveals lessens the impact and this doesn't bring any seemingly mandatory developments to the table. If you find yourself really immersed in Superior's adventures or really love these three characters, then sure, it'll likely be a fun experience for you. However, for everyone else, you may be better off spending that $3.99 on another title.

UNITY hasn't lost its charm; it still feels like a blockbuster movie. Matt Kindt is going all out with this one and Doug Braithwaite's art is just icing on this oh-so-delicious cake. Not only is Kindt able to juggle the roster well, but he's always keeping things moving. If he's not treating us to an epic action scene, odds are he's taking steps to move the overall narrative forward in order to keep things fresh. This is some damn good popcorn entertainment, people.

As a huge fan of IDW's TMNT, it's great to see the team step outside its comfort zone. Sure, they're dealing with mutants and aliens in their own book, but the prospect of them interacting with an entirely different franchise is most definitely appealing. While this absolutely feels different than the usual that's going on over in their primary ongoing, there's still a sense of familiarity with how they're written and how the story's handled. Fellow fans of the TMNT run should definitely find this to be a very satisfying stand alone adventure. Whether or not this'll motivate them to keep up with X Conspiracy is a whole different story, though.

Deadpool's going down a dark and bloody path, but co-writers Duggan and Posehn are making sure it's one that's filled with a whole lot of levity and fun as well. This chapter pretty much feels tailor-made for horror movie fans -- primarily Alien(s), obviously -- and it's absolutely wild. It's absurdly violent, ridiculously funny, and still manages to keep the overall plot moving forward. Add in Hawthorne and Bellaire's artwork and you've got yet another incredibly enjoyable issue of DEADPOOL.

Remember PLANET HULK, that little story Greg Pak wrote over at Marvel? Well, this new arc in ETERNAL WARRIOR sure is reminding me of it. Pak's taking a hero we know and love and dropping them right into a whole new environment. Issue after issue, the writer is fleshing out this unfamiliar world, making it both unique and interesting. To top it off, he's also doing a remarkable job building our emotional connection to Gilad and Caroline. What's the point of all this action and death if you just don't care about the characters involved, right? This is a book that doesn't suffer from that issue in the least. I wouldn't be surprised if this storyline has the potential to get the waterworks going as we move forward...

It's simple: if you're a KICK-ASS fan, you need to read this issue. Because if you're a fan of the franchise, odds are you're a fan of Hit-Girl, and this is a huge issue for her. We've come to know her as a shockingly badass kid, but Millar dedicates this issue to giving us a whole new look at the character and it's one that definitely makes her story even more interesting. Now it's time to see how Millar plans to wrap this all up. Bring on the penultimate issue!

Kindt's run on SUICIDE SQUAD started off real strong but has unfortunately taken a bit of a dive in quality. With this issue, he finally puts all of the characters back together and what this creates is basically one large melee with just a few plot developments. It's not going to make you fall in love with the book all over again, but, for the most part, it's an alright step back in the right direction. There's isn't nearly as much forced exposition in here as the previous issues and, a lack of motion aside, there's some really strong artwork which is sure to keep you absorbed. The cliffhanger leaves me with a few questions, but instead of jumping to conclusions, I'd much rather wait and see what explanations Kindt will offer in the next chapter. It's not the most memorable issue around, but it's a fine does of fun and there's just enough intrigue to likely lure you into the next issue.

THOR: GOD OF THUNDER #19 is a jumping on point and I strongly recommend you do just that. While opening chapters can often feel overburdened by exposition and info dumps, Aaron's able to set the stage without ever letting go of our interest. That's thanks to some swift pacing, sharp writing, and of course, some legitimately grand artwork by Ribic. Seriously, you don't even need to be a Thor fan to fall in love with this series.

INJUSTICE: YEAR TWO #3 is all about showing subtle changes in Hal Jordan while also setting the stage for some very promising new plot points. Nothing here is going to stun you, but it's absorbing and certain to leave you anxious to see how the next chapter will unfold. After the last issue's cliffhanger, I can't help but wonder what'll happen with the new character. I'm sure we all have our theories -- especially if you know the development Hal will eventually undergo -- but only time will reveal what Taylor has in store for us. It's just too bad need to wait two weeks until the next chapter. Thankfully, this series is worth the wait.

We've seen the supernatural detective story a million times before, but Straczynski's able to create a pretty unique and fun premise with this one. The jokes may not be consistently strong and the story isn't all that compelling at the moment, but he's able to create an alluring world and ends it on a note that's likely to make you want to see what'll happen next. It's certainly an interesting start for this limited series and, for $2.99, I'll return to see where he takes us next.

Secrets are explained, new alliances are formed, and the tension builds. Lemire's plot remains both gripping and exciting, but Sorrentino and Maiolo's artwork is simply out of this world. This is without question the best looking book in my pull list and I find myself once again beyond anxious to purchase the next issue. I just can't recommend this series enough.

MARVEL KNIGHTS: SPIDER-MAN ends on a note that's still all about the crazy gauntlet of brawls, but shifts gears a bit so Kindt can deliver an important and positive message. It's a tad heavy-handed, but it's still very effective. Then there's Marco Rudy who goes above and beyond with the visuals in this one. If you thought the previous issues were trippy, just wait until you set your eyes on this one.

If you're a huge fan of Cletus, then odds are this is going to make you beyond thrilled for what's to come. For everyone else, it's an amusing way to set things back to the way they were with the famous fiend and tease the future. Honestly, it doesn't come off as a mandatory read for DEADPOOL VS. CARNAGE because odds are these events will be swiftly summarized in the first issue's opening page. That said, if you have love for Cletus, it's a twisted and violent story worth experiencing.

Talking about Nick Spencer and Steve Lieber's SUPERIOR FOES OF SPIDER-MAN makes me feel like I'm spewing the same praise over and over again. Month after month, the series is consistently sharp, amazingly joyous and full of smile-inducing visuals. For the love of all that is holy, do yourself a favor and give this book a chance. It's a great dose of fun and that's something we all need in our lives.

FIVE WEAPONS is back and as wonderful as ever. Jimmie Robinson kicks off the second volume by making the stage even bigger than the first volume. There's more characters, there's more mystery, and there's most definitely more conflict. To spice things up, there's a whole new twist with the protagonist, and it's one that's sure to keep us guessing how he'll solve each problem as they appear. I strongly recommend FIVE WEAPONS #6 to anyone looking for a refreshing and fun story.

LARFLEEZE is still well-written and looks wonderful, but focusing on the cast from the other dimension is an abrupt shift and ultimately, leaves the main character feeling somewhat in the dust. Sure, Larfleeze technically has a more than fair amount of panel space in this one, but instead of moving the character forward, we only see him being selfish and powerful yet again. It's by no means a bad issue and I most certainly still love this series as a whole, but after so many interesting developments, this one felt like a little bit like a step backwards.

This issue makes it crystal clear this limited-series is going for pure madness and fun. There's definitely some strong character moments for Deadpool and there's certain to be more down the road, but it's obvious Bunn is going for a series that'll make us chuckle and gasp at violence. And I must say, he and Rosanas are most definitely succeeding so far. I really enjoyed the premiere issue, but the high amount of quality comedy and a solid character moment made me fall in love with this one.

This issue is guaranteed to put your empathy into overdrive and is one of the best character-driven issues yet. Each individual gets a more than fair amount of focus and they all have incredibly humanizing voices. Throw in Campbell's powerful imagery and you've got one heck of an effective issue. This was a great insight into each character and beyond recommend to any and all TMNT fans. Even if you missed out on City Fall, there's more than enough exposition here to fill you in (but seriously, get around to City Fall at some point). Now it's time to see how Waltz plans to switch things up in the next issue...

Jason Aaron's THOR: GOD OF THUNDER has been... well, magical. This is a standalone adventure, so there's no valid reason you could possibly have for not reading it. I won't lie to you, I've never even considered myself a big Thor fan or a fan of the fantasy genre in general, but Aaron turns the Son of Odin's life into something wonderful. It's an honestly enthralling read that's full of laughs and is sure to have you hooked. Throw in some legitimately gorgeous (albeit inconsistent) visuals and you have an issue that I absolutely recommend.

It took The Big Burn a couple of issues to get rolling, but now the story is definitely winning me over. Tomasi's crafting a legitimately interesting bond between this trio and he's filling the script with some seriously satisfying Batman moments for Gleason to create. BATMAN & ROBIN is most certainly back on track.

Look, we all know this is a story we've seen a million times before. There's a dude who wants to avenge the death of his loved one and on the other side there's a heist gone wrong and the big bad wants everything fixed. It's all familiar stuff, but as I said in 'This Week's Essential Comics,' what makes this book special is the creative team, and this issue proves that. Justin is creating a thrilling story that feels like it's straight out of a violent action movie and Scalera's art is exploding with energy. They're the perfect team to bring this kind of story to life.

ETERNAL WARRIOR #5 is a perfect jumping on point and continues to show Pak's creativity. All of the fantasy elements are tossed out the window (immortality aside, of course) and Pak uses the issue to focus on a simple concept: a man striving to protect the people he cares about. We've only seen the basics of this version of the future and it's definitely an attention grabber. Additionally, Gill's art demonstrates he's a more than able fit for the book. Do yourself a favor and buy this.

If you're interested in Krang or the evergrowing TMNT universe, you should definitely pick this up. Allor's taking steps to expand the cosmic mythos while also establishing a whole new conflict. It's a solid, character-driven premiere issue and, to top it off, it leaves us legitimately guessing where it'll go next.

The best way to describe this third chapter is "pure fun." Duggan and Posehn turn up the randomness and there's plenty of panels and lines that are sure to make you crack up. From the character descriptions in the bios to a hilariously ridiculous chase scene, there's just so much to love. To top it off, the ending is sure to build your hype, too. DEADPOOL: THE GAUNTLET #3, you're an absurdly funny issue.

It should come as no surprise by now, but the INJUSTICE series remains superb. It's more than transparent YEAR TWO won't feel like a blatant rehash of the first volume. Instead of feeling like a book that primarily revolves around Batman and Superman, Taylor's now giving other characters the chance to step up and, so far, he's proving he's more than capable of writing each one very well and making them feel like a critical part of the universe. Simply put: this issue is pure setup and it's guaranteed to make you want to see what'll happen next. Tuesdays are so much better now that INJUSTICE is back.

If you're looking for a good dose of creativity, sci-fi and fun, then I strongly recommend checking out this series. Considering it's only $0.99 an issue and they're legitimately engaging and a good time, catching up should be very easy.

MARVEL KNIGHTS: HULK has some engrossing artwork, but the lack of focus on the title character is definitely a bit of a bummer. Instead, a new organization has become the center of attention and it feels like we're abruptly tossed right into the middle of things. It's strange but certainly fun at times. I'll definitely stick around to see how it plays out, but hopefully it won't just be Hulk smashing and then the group realizing he can't be controlled. Even if it is, at least we know it'll look solid!

THE WALKING DEADPOOL NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEADPOOL is off to a great start. The clever coloring is very enjoyable and compliments the tone of the book extremely well. Despite a bit of exposition, Bunn gets things moving quickly and we're hit with some awesome action and two plot points that leave us with quite a few questions. Now I'm legitimately curious to see where this book will take us next. My fellow Deadpool fans, do yourself a favor and check this one out.

SUICIDE SQUAD #27 feels like it was made just for new readers, which is odd since it's already well into the storyline and the issue's not being promoted as a jumping on point or anything like that. If you've been following the book, odds are the constant leaping from one origin story to the next will feel abrupt and make you wish there was more focus on the present. On the plus side, they still amuse and make a few key developments. I know there's a lot of characters in two completely different locations, but hopefully the next issue will be able to balance both groups well and take some big steps with the current timeline.

Jason Aaron defies expectations in this finale and the result is brilliant. It's not only a satisfying close to this story, but also a totally exciting tease for what's to come. The only negative is how much the art fluctuates from page to page. Aside from that, this is a wonderful and thrilling issue. I've said it before and I'll say it again: THOR: GOD OF THUNDER is easily one of Marvel's most entertaining books. If you're not a Thor fan, odds are this'll turn you into one.

UNITY has proven it's a great book and it's only on the third issue. The intensity never really slows down in this series, even when Kindt decides to dial back the action and focus on a lesser-known character. Then there's the hook for the next story. It's pretty much guaranteed to make you want the next issue right away. UNITY technically isn't a "big event," but it absolutely feels like a damn good one.

BATMAN/SUPERMAN #7 is a good looking dose of popcorn entertainment. The plot is very standard, everything is wrapped up a bit easily and the entire premise may even be too out there for some of you, but it's still an enjoyable ride and there's a nice amount of heart tossed in there as well. This is absolutely an arc that would translate especially well to an animated movie. It may not grab onto your emotions, but it does a damn fine job presenting all of the frenetic chaos in a delightfully cinematic fashion and there's a nice underlying message, too.

Valiant's promoting this as "must read" and I agree with them. If you've been asking yourself, "What's a Bloodshot?" this is the issue to check out. Despite being a jumping on point, it's crafted in a way that appeals to both new and longtime fans. New fans won't feel lost because all of the basics are thoroughly covered, and pre-existing fans won't be bored because, as usual, it's a solid script and hugely entertaining. The new look will probably be hit or miss for some, but even if you're not the biggest fan of the visuals, the strong script and action-packed developments are sure to win you over. You want a team book with exciting action, good writing and fun powers? Look no further than Bloodshot.

As a long time Deadpool fan, I have to admit that this volume continues to impress me more and more with every issue. This arc is bringing the book back to a bigger emphasis on comedy, but it's still developing Wilson and giving us lots of ridiculously fun action. There's plenty of solid gags, the artwork always does a fine job engaging us, Deadpool's given respect as a combatant, and the overall plot is both intriguing and a blast. What's not to love?

The opening chapter of GREEN ARROW's latest story, The Outsiders War, was really good but primarily establishing all of the basics. This second chapter, though? I'm completely blown away. Jeff Lemire moves the story ahead at full speed and winds up creating a great issue that is easily one of my favorites from the entire series so far. On top of that, Andrea Sorrentino and Marcelo Maiolo's artwork is as creative and impressive as ever -- it's a real visual treat. GREEN ARROW is without question one of the top books from DC and you need to check it out.

If you've been liking this series, you'll be happy to know Kindt and Rudy basically hit us with more of the same. Spider-Man's placed in a new environment, a bunch of foes enter the picture and there's all kinds of craziness until we're hit with a cliffhanger that'll open up the next (and final!) chapter. This one isn't quite as exciting as what we've seen before, but it's still a fine amount of wacky fun and, even though it's a bit too inconsistent at times, Rudy serves up some legitimately engrossing visuals yet again. Now we just have to wait and see how it'll all end...

Yes, this is technically a jumping on spot, although I obviously recommend reading Volume 1 at some point.

Alight, things just got VERY interesting. Prior to this issue, I've been down the middle with BATMAN AND TWO-FACE. Two-Face's new origin story felt uninspired compared to the original and, despite being tough and knowing Bruce when he was a kid, Erin McKillen just hasn't been that interesting, especially compared to all of the elaborate characters in Batman's rogues gallery. This issue, however, changes all of that and adds some very needed emotional connection to the story and finally gives Two-Face more time to shine.

You know all of those action movies you really like from the '80s and '90s? BLOODSHOT AND H.A.R.D. CORPS is basically like those, except the plot's actually good and the dialogue is legitimately engaging. Yes, it would have been nice to give a little more attention to the other relatively new characters, but for what it's worth, Dysart/Gage have done a fine job building an emotional connection to these characters while also delivering plenty of spectacle. It may not be as gritty as the previous run, but it makes up for that with some truly excellent writing.

Deadpool vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. is taking everything that worked so well in the previous storylines and putting them into one new plot. It's serious and has emotion behind it, yet isn't nearly as somber as The Good, The Bad & The Ugly. It's hilarious and violent, yet it's not totally over-the-top with these elements like in Dead Presidents. While many first chapters for new stories spend much of the time hitting us with exposition and wait until the second part to get things really rolling, this first issue is able to establish the basics without bogging everything down and never fails to entertain. It's hilarious, fun, great to look at and best of all, it's attention-grabbing. Deadpool vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. is off to a great start. Sure, the word "great" has been used seven times in this review, but that's because this issue's... well, great.

All in all, SCARLET SPIDER leaves us the same way it came into this world: sharply written and full of eye-pleasing action. Except for Arcaley, the focus on Kaine's friends is mainly pushed aside to let Yost really dive into the clone's head and justify him finally accomplishing what he's apparently always wanted: a getaway to Mexico. It's terrible to see this book go (I sincerely hope Marvel releases an omnibus), but at least we know these two characters will remain in Yost's more than able hands as they switch to the upcoming team book NEW WARRIORS. You'll be missed, SCARLET SPIDER.

Handling the fallout of City Fall certainly doesn't seem like an easy feat, yet the team at IDW has kicked things off with a strong first chapter. It's a much needed breather for the team after being hit by all of the chaos in the last story and Ross Campbell's art does a fine job reflecting that. This one's primarily character-driven, but by the end of the issue, it'll definitely leave you wondering where the overall narrative will go next. This book has yet to let me down and I just can't recommend it enough.

The plot is still pretty light on details, but for the most part, that's alright since this is an opening chapter and it does just enough to sink a strong hook into us. I'll definitely stick around for the second issue and that's all thanks to solid writing, a staggering second half and impressive work on the environments. If this is what the book has to offer without Hulk, I can only imagine how crazy it'll get if the Green Goliath does finally appear.

SUICIDE SQUAD is in the right hands and is awesome once again. Kindt's putting a strong focus on the absurd amount of manipulation that goes on at Belle Reve and it's generating plenty of gripping and twisted material. All of this is being brought to life in a wonderfully detailed manner by Zircher. Despite Quinn being a key player here, humor's pretty much cast aside and understandably so. When no one can trust anyone and bomb collars are involved, there isn't much to laugh about, is there? This book's definitely on the right track and should be on your radar. Hopefully we'll get to see more of the other characters soon enough.

If you're loving Fraction's HAWKEYE, there's literally no good reason why you shouldn't be reading Spencer's SUPERIOR FOES OF SPIDER-MAN. There's a tidal wave of great laughs in this issue and there's a big surprise thrown in there, too. I know the word "fun" has already been used twice in this review, but ultimately, the best way to describe this book is pure fun. Seriously, don't skip on this one -- it's a real blast.

Soule successfully moves the overall narrative forward while also throwing plenty of variables into the mix. There's a lot of buildup in this issue and you can definitely feel all of the factors circulating. The cliffhanger's something we've all seen coming a mile away, but everything else has me incredibly anxious to witness how it'll all play out. With Daniel on-board, we know it'll be a good looking ride, too.

The VeridctIf you're going to throw all of these characters together, you better make it worthwhile. Thankfully, Matt Kindt does just that and he's wasting no time at all with UNITY. The writer opens the book by talking about big moments in history and it's appropriate since this book has a ridiculously epic feeling going for it. The pacing is seriously impressive here. So many other writers could have pushed these events back one issue and spent t Not only is the comic moving full speed ahead, but it's doing so in an amazingly entertaining manner and is sporting some oh-so-lovely visuals, too. I just can't praise this book enough, people.

The second issue of BATMAN/SUPERMAN's latest story arc is a great dose of popcorn entertainment. "Boss Fight" is definitely an appropriate name for this issue because it's basically one big ol' brawl between powerhouses. Seriously, if you want to just sit back and appreciate some solid looking chaos, then this is well worth your attention.

The Good, The Bad and the Ugly was easily one of Deadpool's most gripping stories. This one? It's without question one of the weirdest, and if you're into totally random humor, odds are you'll have a blast.

We've been hearing so much about all of the different clans and this opening chapter serves as mostly buildup to the greater picture. There's nothing explosive here, but I dig the character-driven emphasis with Oliver and you can really feel there's something epic coming around the corner. A few big factors are set in motion and, now that the set up is primarily out of the way, it's time for the "war" to truly begin. A return to the island may feel redundant (especially if you're watching Arrow), but with Lemire's creative writing and Sorrentino/Maiolo's impressive artwork, it's a very welcome trip and I'm seriously looking forward to the next issue.

INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK ANNUAL #1 definitely isn't a bad comic, but it feels very by the numbers. If you're an avid fan of the series, it doesn't really come off as a mandatory read since there's only a small development with Wolman -- one which could easily be brought up down the road during exposition, anyway. Odds are it won't wow you, but if you really love both characters, then it's certainly an amusing side-mission for you to enjoy and there's a good laugh or two waiting for you.

Even though City Fall was a Shredder-focused story, the ending made it crystal clear the publisher still has big plans for the character (and if you haven't read it yet, go do so right now). While SECRET HISTORY OF THE FOOT CLAN established his new origin and the primary series made him even more intimidating, this micro-issue does a remarkable job giving us a character-driven look at the infamous individual while also expanding his story. And, to top it off, there's some seriously pleasing melees in the issue. If you've already seen the star rating, then you should know by now that I strongly recommended this to anyone who has been digging IDW's TMNT.

You know how The Good, The Bad And the Ugly was emotional, serious, compelling and dark? Imagine the polar opposite of that and that's exactly what DEADPOOL ANNUAL #1 has in store for you. It's just pure levity and is sure to keep you laughing with all of the wackiness it'll throw your way. The timing of the issue's release is definitely an odd choice, but it's a nice little dose of craziness before we jump back into what's going on with Wade in the standard timeline.

I've said it once and I'll say it again: LARFLEEZE is without question one of DC's most fun and entertaining books. The script is exceptionally witty and, even when it feels a tad slow, it's still a completely engrossing read. You'd think Larfleeze's personality would get kind of tiring by now, but it hasn't at all. In fact, the character continues to grow on me with every single issue and month after month this title impresses me. They're doing great work with the Orange Lantern and I just can't recommend it enough.

Wolverine's new adventure isn't as thrilling as the one with Elektra or as visually stunning as Jock's, but it's attempting a more heartfelt approach to the book. It's always great to see a more humanizing take on James and the motivation here is certainly a great one, but despite that, it hasn't done too much to reel us in a good deal. However, there's enough established here to make me curious about how the next chapter will play out.

Yost and Burnham juggle a lot of material here yet still successfully provide a character-driven chapter and understandably so given what went down in "Into the Grave." We've seen Kaine walk the "I suck at being a hero" road plenty of times before, but given the sheer weight of everything surrounding him, it's a completely justified and well-executed path. The only thing really bringing this chapter down is a sometimes sketchier style which doesn't really fit all that well with the bold coloring -- it unfortunately comes off as rushed. It's too bad there's only one issue left in the series but here's hoping they'll make the best of it.

IDW's TMNT has been consistently solid but this story really is something extra awesome. If you have any interest at all in the franchise, it's your duty to read this story. I know I'll definitely buy the hardcover once it drops.

Tomasi's decision to focus on McKillen and Batman generates some amusing material and very entertaining bits of action. Gleason's still doing great work with the visuals, but the biggest problem is the story isn't making any strong strides, especially with Dent. It's not a bad story, but right now it just isn't all that engrossing, either. Hopefully there's some big developments in part three.

BLOODSHOT & THE H.A.R.D. CORPS takes a twisted turn and has left us on one helluva note. It's a cliffhanger where I honestly have no idea what direction it'll take and I'm itching to find out. Dysart and Gage have taken such a violent character and turned his title into something legitimately fun without sacrificing who he is. If you want a book that's incredibly well-written, full of interesting characters and all kinds of crazy action, this is it.

While it's not as action-packed or as exciting as the other issues, Pak dedicates the vast majority of this one to answering numerous questions we've had and even creating a few new ones. The writer's creativity is on overdrive as he continues to grow the fantasy world around Gilad while never really neglecting character development, either. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing where this all goes.

Using a time travel story to dive into Hulk's origin holds the potential for retcons and big changes, but thankfully, Waid moves the Green Goliath through the complex experience without implementing any lasting alterations. Instead, he uses this finale as an opportunity to open the door to his next story. Ultimately, though, the excitement this arc has offered is toned down in this issue and this winds up being an alright end to a very wild and out there story. Despite not being head over heels with this conclusion, this storyline is still well-worth reading.

Did you love the first issue? If so, it's safe to say you're going to love this one, too. Jim Zub fills the book with action and compliments the chaos with such playful dialogue -- it basically feels like a cartoon, and that's absolutely a good thing.

Seriously, Deadpool fans, this is the story you've been waiting for. Don't miss out on it.

Part Two of ARKHAM WAR is entertaining and looks good, but ultimately, it comes off as pure set-up for what's to come without ever really engrossing us in what's currently going down. It's not a bad issue, but it's one of those reads that'll definitely be better in a collection. There's a lot of potential here and Tomasi's doing a bit of a slow burn with the greater picture, so hopefully the narrative makes some game-changing developments in the next one and he's able to give characters other than Bane and Penguin more of the spotlight. And yes, I say that as someone who can never get enough of Bane.

We've gone two months without anything new from the INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US universe and thankfully, this annual issue is more than enough to tide us over until the series returns in January. You know how you loved the Harley Quinn and Green Arrow team-up back in Year One? It's basically like that, but instead of being crammed into a digital copy, it's fleshed out in an annual-sized issue and throws in plenty of wackiness with Lobo. It's absurd in all the right ways and is sure to keep you laughing. Oh, and that ending? It seems like something so crazy that it could only happen in a fan fiction. And, you know what? It's pure awesome. Talk about ending on a high note, right?

Jason Aaron continues to make THOR: GOD OF THUNDER one of Marvel's most delightful books. Malekith's material may not be all that gripping this time, but Aaron is completely killing it with everything else. The dynamic between Thor's team is a real joy to read and Aaron's doing an absolutely brilliant job with the script. Needless to say, I strongly recommend diving into Thor's world. Even if you've never been all that fond of the character, this book is sure to win you over.

This by no means seems like it'll go down as a must read Daredevil story, but you know what? It's a decent amount of fun, and sometimes that's all that really matters. The story isn't anything original (at least not yet) and it's your typical mobster story, but it's well-written and the chemistry between Misty and Matt is certainly amusing. If you're a big Daredevil fan and want to enjoy a bit more of the character, you should consider giving part one of "In the Name of the King" an honest shot.

Oliver's 'Zero Year' tie-in doesn't shed much light on his past or his return the to United States, but it's still hugely entertaining thanks to Lemire once again providing a tight yet fun script and the brilliant visuals by Sorrentino/Maiolo. Ultimately, this issue serves to do two things: offer an exciting fight with a novice Green Arrow and give us the basics of Diggle's connection to Queen. It accomplishes both of those and it's absolutely worth picking up if you've been following along or looking to jump onboard. #24 is the better jumping on point, but this is totally serviceable for new readers as well.

Ultimately, IRON MAN #18 is pure build-up for Gillen's next big Stark story. It does a more than thorough job laying out the basics of what Arno and Stark hope to accomplish while still teasing us with a more immediate thereat. It's somewhat disappointing there isn't more bonding between the two, but that will likely change once the story gets moving. It's a promising start and will likely be a better read in a collected edition, but for now, it is absolutely an ideal jumping on spot for potential new readers.

This book is yet another example of how Valiant has something for everyone. Character-driven? HARBINGER. Horror? SHADOWMAN. Action? BLOODSHOT. Unlimited laughs and fun? Well, you'll want to check out this issue of QUANTUM & WOODY. Seriously, you've earned a good time, so go buy this book and enjoy some much deserved levity.

It's been well over a decade since I've jumped into the Ghostbusters universe and I'm happy to see that everything I loved about the movies and original cartoon is still here. Burnham has a script packed with heart, humor and distinct characters. To top it off, this is the beginning of a legitimately interesting plot, too. It's not merely a ghost with a simple and evil objective -- it's more complex than that and has me interested to see how it develops. Additionally, The art by Schoening and Delgado is beyond wonderful. Simply put, it's a great book.

Just like with INJUSTICE #30, this issue aims to remind people why they not only love Superman, but also respect him. It's a quick read but it's certain to lift your spirits and put a smile on your face. Seeing as so many other titles we follow are full of death, despair and darkness, it's refreshing to enjoy a spirited one-shot which will remind you why these fictional characters are worth admiring. For just $0.99, I absolutely recommend this heartwarming read to any Superman fan.

And Dave, next time try chilling out on the Comic Vine forums. I promise we won't annoy you!

The best part about SCARLET SPIDER #23 is it gives us exactly what we want and still successfully throws a few greatly appreciated twists our way. Despite my personal gripes with it, the issue absolutely fulfills the last cliffhanger's promise of an epic brawl and, much to my surprise, is able to wrap up Kraven's involvement in a very pleasing manner while also teasing us with what's to come. It really is a shame this book's coming to an end so soon, because honestly, it's one of the most entertaining books Marvel has to offer.

While the finale is definitely a creative course of events, it unfortunately comes off as feeling very safe and is bogged down by a whole lot of exposition. As of right now, it seems like this event won't carry over or play any kind of lasting role in the other titles (INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK, ALL-NEW X-MEN, SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN). It's not a bad finale and I'm left feeling down the middle on it, but with a more expensive price tag on the cover ($4.99), I honestly can't recommend it unless you've really dug the previous two issues.

'City Fall' continues its streak of being spectacular. As a penultimate issue, there's a whole lot of story building, but what's truly great is we're not hit with a cliffhanger right when everything's about to go down. Instead, Waltz and everyone else involved make the smart decision to tease us with some epic action while still saving all of the big showdowns and conflicts for the finale. Oh, and that cliffhanger? It's sure to get you pumped. Bring on the conclusion!

The lovable idiots have made a triumphant return. Filled with big laughs and a staggering amount of action which ranges from lighthearted to jaw-dropping, this Micro-Series issue absolutely lived up to the anticipation. While there isn't much depth to these characters, Karai bluntly pointed out they're only good for two things: violence and destruction. While they're excellent for those two things and do them in a massively entertaining way, "comedy" should most definitely be added to her list. Now that they're being added to the mix, we can only imagine how explosive things will get once Karai utilizes them over in 'City Fall.' It's sure to be a blast.

Issue after issue, Waid hits us with a fantastic sense of fun as Hulk faces new and wacky variables during his adventure through time. It comes as no surprise at all that this issue is no exception. Waid bringing Hulk back to his origin gives him the opportunity to hit us with quite a few pleasing moments and he throws some wonderful twists into the mix. This is yet another great issue that shouldn't be overlooked.

'The Secret Origin of Tony Stark' comes to a very satisfying end and it does so without throwing a single punch or firing one repulsor blast. Gillen unveils a major twist which not not only shocks, but also adds a far more humanizing approach to the book -- one which has great potential. I know a lot of you out there love spoilers, but this is a reveal you'll appreciate far more after reading the entire adventure. Doing otherwise just won't deliver the same impact.

The amount of enjoyment packed into LARFLEEZE #4 is just absurd. Just like the previous issues, the writing is consistently superb, overflowing with creativity and loaded with wit. Everything the two writers put on the page, Kolins and Atiyeh bring to life in such a fantastic fashion. The cosmic slugfest is a real joy and the book ends on a note that makes me more than anxious to spend $2.99 on the next one. This is without question the most enthralling book from the New 52 for me. It's not often I love a cosmic book, but I absolutely love me some LARFLEEZE.

The narrative isn't doing much to impress at the moment, but ultimately, Jock's artwork is what makes this issue shine and is so good that it easily warrants a bump to 4-stars. The weight of answering all of our questions is on the next issue's shoulders, so here's hoping it's delivered at a good pace instead of just dumping all of the details at once. Also, it wouldn't really be SAVAGE WOLVERINE without some kick-ass Wolverine action, so let's hope it delivers more on that end, too!

And one more thing: Michelangelo's impression of Raphael is flaweless.

Ultimately, the final issue of VENOM comes off as feeling like the start of something promising instead of the end of something epic. Sure, the series technically ends on a bang instead of a whimper, but that's due to a ginormous action sequence and not progress with the plot. If Marvel actually has something underway for Andi and Venom in another series, then it'll be great to see how they run with this ending. But, seeing as there's nothing like that currently revealed to the public, I can't help but be slightly disappointed with this final issue. It's certainly entertaining and there's a nice focus on who Flash was and who he wants to be, but overall, it doesn't quite feel like a satisfying finale.

The cliffhanger definitely doesn't pack a punch, but that's most likely because this is an introduction that'll serve as a better read when collected. Tomasi has delivered the basics of the story and revealed a bit of Harvey's new origin, but the burden of justifying why this story deserves 5 issues falls on the next chapter. It's certainly not a bad issue -- there's a lot of potential here -- and Gleason's illustrations are always appreciated, but right now the bigger picture is somewhat lacking.

While their first issue introduced us to everyone, this chapter picks up the speed big time and it's incredibly engrossing the entire time. Not for a second did my interest even remotely fade and the creative team has done a superb job leaving us on a note that makes me beyond anxious to read the next issue. Relatively minor gripes aside, this is a really good issue and I can't recommend enough to anyone and everyone who's searching for an action title.

In a series loaded with magnificent sci-fi potential, Bendis has the ability to keep matters fun even when a good chunk of the issue is just characters standing around and talking in one room. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY is nothing if not consistently entertaining. Clearly, that's what Marvel wants, too, since we all know they'd like to boost the popularity of these individuals before they make the leap to the big screen next summer (which I am beyond excited for, by the way). And while it is a bit overdue, this chapter finally does a fine job informing us that Angela's more than an oddly dressed woman who can demolish entire teams.

INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK #1 is an example of how mixed art can weigh down a solid script. There's some animated panels to be found, but there's plenty of small visual gripes along the way and overall, it takes a toll on the issue's quality. Seeing as this story has been a fairly good dose of fun, I'll definitely stick around for the third (and final) chapter. It's worth picking up if you really enjoyed the first chapter.

It's a serviceable first issue, it's just a matter of whether you're looking for something new which deals with using technology to battle the supernatural. I imagine some of you who are particularly religious won't be too fond of the concept (though to be fair, it's unclear whether a deity does indeed exist at the moment), but for everyone else, I'd say give it a shot if the concept piques your curiosity.

Don't worry, Deadpool, I have a feeling you won't be seeing any 1-star reviews for this one.

In the event you missed out on issue #1, an informative intro makes this a totally adequate jumping on point. However, I still strongly recommend buying the first issue just so you can see how everything actually plays out for yourself. Plus, it's awesome, and you like awesome stuff, right?

And yes, you don't really need to read the previous Villains Month issues (Bane/Scarecrow) to get a proper hold of what's going on. This is totally a serviceable jumping on spot for the story and rightfully so.

While it would have been nice to have a bigger final confrontation between these two and some of the dialogue comes off as forced, this was still a thoroughly satisfying conclusion to Wrath's New 52 debut. There's a nice amount of emotion to help break up the chaotic events and the visuals absolutely deliver and then some. This story has definitely put DETECTIVE COMICS back on my radar and I'm looking forward to what's next.

You know how I've been constantly praising this title? Well, now it's time for you to see why. GREEN ARROW #24 is clearly constructed as a jumping on point, yet it still comes off feeling like an epic finale while successfully building-up something much bigger. There's plenty of hype to be found as a new character enters the fray and the spotlight is given to a character who was previously teased. Additionally, this issue is a prime example of why I love Sorrentino/Maiolo's artwork. In spite of a fair amount of the content being dark or tragic, I couldn't help but smile at how impressive the visuals were. Buy this issue. Like, right now.

Intrigue, slashing and immersive art. Yeah, I definitely recommend picking this up.

The latest A X pretty much accomplishes what it sets out to do and that's offer a fair dose of levity and fun. It didn't split my sides or ever make me burst into laughter, but both team-ups were a pretty good time and I'd recommend picking it up to those who are particularly attached to these characters. While Beast and Wonder Man's team-up delivers bigger jokes and way more randomness, I found myself enjoying Captain America and Jubilee's mission more, primarily due to the more personalized message behind it and, of course, nazi vampires getting whooped.

Bane's issue has all of the ingredients that should make me love it. Bane's my favorite villain, Graham Nolan provides the visuals and I really dig a lot of Peter J. Tomasi's work (I can't praise his opening BATMAN AND ROBIN story enough). Unfortunately, when all was said and done, I ended up feeling like the issue was just covering the basics and never really doing anything more than that. It randomly throws in Bane's origin story for those who don't know him well and everything else leading up to ARKHAM WAR plays out basically how you'd expect it to. It's not a bad comic -- it just doesn't really do much to make it standout, either.

As a longtime Deadpool fan, I just can't praise 'The Good, The Bad & The Ugly' enough. It's quite literally giving me everything I could want from a Deadpool comic. There's a great emotional weight to it, some solid laughs and the action is both hilarious and shockingly badass. My fellow Deadpool fans, it would be terribly unwise to miss out on this one.

Anyhow, regardless of how you feel about the chunk of this issue, the cliffhanger is sure to leave you quite anxious to pick up the next chapter. If Kraven's going to die (again), hopefully he goes out in one helluva fight!

The pace slows down a bit when we're with the "good" turtles and understandably so. This allows the storyline to expand even more and with all of these factors shuffling around, you can really feel the conflict is reaching a boiling point. Meanwhile, the slower pacing with some individuals is countered by some legitimately exhilarating action scenes that you simply cannot miss. Dark Leo, Splinter, Shredder... they all get some time to show off how talented they really are and it's downright awesome. To make matters even better, this is all presented with some truly praiseworthy artwork. 'City Fall,' can you do no wrong?!

Bloodshot's going on an all-new journey and this creative team has kicked it off with a whole lot of potential. With sharp writing, engaging character building and solid artwork, this definitely feels like the start of something great. It's clearly intended to be an ideal jumping on point and totally accomplishes that. Seriously, it's 100% new reader friendly, serving as an introduction to all of these characters and still managing to craft an interesting story. If you've ever considered diving into Bloodshot's world, this is the perfect time to do so.

Most Villains Month issues shine the spotlight on the character and dive into their origin story or expand upon what makes them unique. This issue isn't one of those at all. Sure, Tomasi gives us a taste of Scarecrow's personality throughout the read, but this is ultimately an issue that exists just to build the hype for 'Arkham War.' It's not particularly exciting and at times feels bogged down by an overabundance of dialogue, but it gets the job done when it comes to teasing the upcoming conflict between Batman's villains.

While Wolverine's story takes a very familiar path and Elektra doesn't get all that much focus, it's still a thoroughly entertaining finale and puts a surprisingly emotional spotlight on the Kingpin. The visuals may not be quite as crisp as the last issue, but Joe Madureira and Peter Steigerwald still create some astonishing visuals that are loaded with ferocity and make the read a real treat for your eyes. Complaints aside, this was still very satisfying and definitely an arc worth checking out if you're looking for a solid Wolverine or Kingpin story.

It's very possible Jason Aaron was born to write a Thor book. The sense of adventure, the awe-inspiring scale, the mystical fun, the charming cast (villain aside, of course)... it's all present and in great quantity, too. Every scene had my eyes glued to the pages and I found myself completely immersed in Thor's universe the entire time. What's particularly important to note is this praise is coming from someone who tends to stray away from cosmic and fantasy books, too. THOR: GOD OF THUNDER is absolutely one of Marvel's best books right now. This is a jumping on point, so do yourself a favor and go get it.

VENOM #41 takes a lot of large steps with the plot and throws a fascinating scene our way, but it still feels like there's a lot of weight left on the final issue's shoulders. One plot element (which I considered to be a big deal) felt like it received a pretty swift and abrupt conclusion, so I really hope everything else doesn't get a similar treatment in the final issue.

I have good news and bad news. The bad news is this is the last chapter (annual aside) until 2014. Tragic, I know. However, the good news is that Tom Taylor and everyone else involved left us with a beyond stellar issue that'll make you want to cheer. This chapter also serves as a brilliant way to further the divide between Bruce and Clark. What occurs could have easily been treated as the series' conclusion and we'd be left assuming 5 years transpire before the game begins. But no, we're going to get even more in January and that, my friends, is very awesome and absolutely something to look forward to.

Oh, and if you're one of the people who dropped this book because you weren't a fan of the humor, I implore you to give this series a second chance and pick up issue #15. Seriously, I rarely use "implore," so that should help emphasize just how much I mean it.

This issue is every bit as twisted as Harley Quinn's New 52 mentality. It's commendable Kindt went against the expected (aka an issue full of laughs and wackiness), but unfortunately, he went too far in the opposite direction and has -- to me, at least -- transformed Harley Quinn into an irredeemable and unlikable character. The tone took a majorly drastic shift and left me feeling like the chaos was simply trying to go too far over the top. It will, however, be interesting to see how Quinn is handled in the future since Kindt will be writing her in SUICIDE SQUAD and she'll apparently have a more comedic vibe in her upcoming solo.

The VerdirctDespite being 23 pages long, this issue felt like a super quick read and that just goes to show how thoroughly entertaining and gripping it is. When I was hit with the last page, I immediately wanted more. ETERNAL WARRIOR #1 is action-packed, well-written, and overflowing with potential. Yeah, you can bet I'm sticking around for the next issue and I strongly recommend you give this a shot, too. Consider this another victory for Valiant.

This series continues to be an absurd amount of fun. On paper, this premise is downright ridiculous, but thanks to Waid's creativity and clear desire to make things all kinds of fun, it works extraordinarily well and is escapism at its finest. To top it off, Scalera and Staples are always able to provide visuals that'll live up to Waid's inventive scenarios. If you just want to enjoy a laugh and have a dose of high quality amusement, it really doesn't get much better than INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK.

Just when you thought 'City Fall' couldn't get any more interesting, IDW goes ahead and throws a new dynamic into the mix by totally reinventing Hun. He's not merely a man tossed into the universe to provide awesome brawls. Instead, he has a compelling connection to the heroes... one which he's totally unaware of. I can't help but wonder how long it'll be until the lies and deception come front and center because eventually the truth will have to come to the surface. When the lies do begin to fall apart, I'm very interested to see what that'll mean for the character and his potential future. This is yet another must read chapter if you're following 'City Fall.'

The momentum has been building and building for quite some time now, and this long anticipated encounter feels organic instead of totally forced. It's unlike the other encounters we've seen between the two and it's sure to leave you shocked. Opinions will definitely to be mixed on this development, but I think it was brilliantly executed and awesomely engrossing. Given everything that has happened and the relationship they share, I can absolutely see how this was a feasible solution for one of them.

If you're a fan of Two-Face or at least curious about the character, I'd recommend giving this a shot. It's not a very elaborate look at the character and doesn't bother to expand upon his history, but it does manage to offer a pretty entertaining story and decent insight into how he operates. Sure, we all know he flips a coin to make up his mind, but this illustrates the measures he'll take after the coin has landed... even if he thinks he's being a good guy.

Lemire, Sorrentino and Maiolo are without question the best thing to happen to Oliver in The New 52 and continue to deliver. I can't wait for the next issue. Okay, I can, but seeing as the book is so good, I'd prefer not to.

When it comes to fantasy, wonder and escapism, Greg Pak rules (see 'Planet Hulk' if you require more evidence). DC has tasked the writer with providing an all-new origin for Darkseid in The New 52 and, let me tell you, he definitely nailed it. He does a thorough job creating an absorbing story and makes the character every bit as formidable as he should be. This is without question a must read if you consider yourself a fan of Darkseid, and if not, it absolutely has the potential to turn you into one.

I was very skeptical about DC diving back into Deadshot's origin. It was superb as is and I couldn't help but wonder if they'd rehash it or take a risk and offer something new. They went for the latter (for the most part), but Kindt did a fantastic job creating a bleak and quite shocking story for the marksman. Furthermore, he's able to tie this issue into his upcoming work on SUICIDE SQUAD, and if this is a sample of how he's going to handle that title, consider me incredibly excited.