It may seem confusing to some that Marvel--with their recent emphasis on "All-New All-Different" content--would continue blurring the line between their films and comics. But rest assured, True Believers, that in the hands of Bendis and Marquez the latest print iteration of the Armored Avenger is just as fresh as it is familiar!

Thus concludes STAR WARS #9, the latest in a series that continues to prove itself a dream come true to this STAR WARS fan. Join me again next month as Luke Skywalker is thrown into the arena, and Han's lady troubles continue to escalate!

Anakin may have failed to bring balance to the Force, but books like this may yet bring balance to the fandom.

Action-packed, bloody, and sometimes humorous, HEAD LOPPER #1 is a solid fantasy epic the likes of which has to be seen to be believed. The only downside is the book's quarterly release schedule, but having to wait three months for each of the remaining three issues will surely be worth it as long as the book's quality persists.

All in all, PLUTONA #1 succeeds in telling a story about humans in a world of heroes. Charming and sometimes uncomfortable, I can see fans of I KILL GIANTS feeling right at home within its pages. If that isn't high praise, I don't know what is.

I'll happily stay on board as SPAWN continues its dark saga.

Aaron and Immonen continue Marvel's excellent run of STAR WARS comics with a new arc that displays the classic STAR WARS flair for drama, adventure, and action!

For all its familiar elements, BOY-1 #1 still feels a breathe of fresh air amid the growing sea of superhero events and crossovers. It is a flawed but enjoyable work of science fiction sure to be enjoyed by fans of the genre's headier subject matter.

Being the first of a six-issue series, MIRROR'S EDGE: EXORDIUM #1 is just the start to an all-new chapter in what is shaping up to be an exciting franchise resurgence. I find myself excited to return to the City of Glass next month and learn more Faith and her companions"and also her rivals"and strongly encourage both video game and comic book fans alike to do so as well. Even if it does have EA's name stamped on it.

This is by no means a bad comic, but its potential is stifled by inconsistent tone, poor coloring, and sometimes juvenile designs. I'm beginning to think McFarlane should interfere less with the script and more with the art department.

And that, my friends, is the very definition of a downgrade. I just hope the team behind BOY-1 can pull it together over the course of the remaining two issues and deliver that great modern sci-fi story the first issue promised.

THE BEAUTY #1 is a mediocre offering selling itself on a unique premise and eye-catching cover art. Once read, however, it becomes clear that the first issue lacks any emotional investment or meaningful characterization. While not exactly a bad book, it reminds readers that even the best premise needs the support of strong writing and art, both of which are lacking here.