But the thing about this issue that will probably make it a modern classic is the stunning cover by Mark Brooks. Brooks has escalated his game to an astonishing degree, from his more cartoonish work in the 00s to this rendered, Norman Rockwell-esque style that is making the case that he is in the upper echelon of comic artists. Marvel needs to get him doing interiors, paired with a superstar writer, on something evergreen, something that could see him being spoken of in the same breath as Esad Ribic or even Alex Ross. He certainly deserves it.B+

While not being weak enough to derail the entire event, Avengers #677 doesnt really do much for the story, and its hard not to feel that much of that is caused by the choice of featuring Quicksilver, whose massive baggage weighs down any intended emotional resonance. Hopefully next issue wont suffer from the same problems.

Overall, this is another strong chapter in an event that, while variable, continues to show itself worthy of carrying the Avengers title, giving readers a massive, high stakes story with plenty of gravitas and heart, and even a few laughs along the way. That said, the story is still bogged down by the increasingly jaded nature of modern readership, with some likely unmoved by Johnnys apparent death, since the likelihood that it will be permanent are slim. But for readers looking for big, bombastic superhero showdowns, with clear heroes fighting villains who are playing for keeps, this is one of the best books on the stands.

With a series paced this tightly, where entire issues take place over relatively short periods of time consecutively, there is a real danger that the reader can get burned out. It isnt so bad yet, and the weekly pace mitigates that to a degree, but issues like this, even as they move the plot forward, increase the risk that people will lose interest. Hopefully the writers have more tricks up their sleeve to keep it all moving, as there are a lot of issues left before No Surrender concludes.

Waid, Ewing and Zub are all strong writers who know how to handle story, so its hard not to conclude that something is not working with their collaboration. Or perhaps thats too harsh, and they are just biding time before the real fireworks start. They better get to it, however, as the audience may not be willing to stick around if issues continue to feel as thin as this one. Readers need more than just a short fight to get them coming back, and this story has a long way to go before its finished.

In the end, this issue, and this series, demonstrate the real reason why weekly comics are not an endeavor that companies want to take on often. It usually doesn't take long before the wheels just fall off, before everybody starts slipping up and making basic errors because there are just too many moving parts and one small thing becomes compounded by other people's errors or failings.

Its great to see Red Wolf finally given a chance to shine, and, despite the hype about the Hulk, is really what makes this issue the best of the series so far. Its invigorating to feel like the heroes in the book are finally approaching this situation in a proactive way, using their deductive reasoning to suss out the best strategy rather than just chasing the villains around and flailing about. Hopefully, the other heroes will finally wise up and follow his lead.

This is a sublime first issue, a showcase of all the best the creative teams have to offer. But its also the most classic version of the team that Marvel has put out in a number of years, certainly since Original Sin. With its streamlined roster of inarguable powerhouses and the sort of universal threat that drives the best Avengers stories, this issue feels like the start of something big, and anyone who misses their chance to jump on board could well regret it.

Its fantastic to see a book like this coming out from Vertigo, an imprint that, of late, has been a shadow of its former self. Could this book be part of a new wave of modern, mature (did I mention the genitals?) comics from DCs once-legendary line? Heres hoping, because, on its own, Death Bed may not yet be able to accomplish that task, but, accompanied by books of comparable quality, could be part of the vanguard of a new era for Vertigo. Regardless, its a great start, one Williamson, Rossmo and Plascencia should be proud of.

In all, Death Bed continues to be an intriguing entry in the medium of comics and has the potential to be a strong addition to Vertigos currently-lacking stable, though its unclear how much longer it can keep readers in the dark about the real plot of this story without feeling like it no longer has a pulse.

The team succeeds on just about every level--except fulfilling the desire of fans to see the Fantastic Four back together again.

Last issue, for all its strengths, felt like a letdown, since the promise of the tile was not met. This one is not nearly as emotionally evocative, and doesnt display the same deep affection for the characters, but it pays off the expectations of the readers in a satisfying way while still having some fun surprises. The cliffhanger sets up a potentially explosive next issue, one that is sure to bring readers back to find out what happens next.

Slotts largely-strong start to Fantastic Four continues with an enjoyable, if still flawed, showing, and has found a more idiosyncratic and classic look with Aaron Kuder on board. This book has a lot on its shoulders after the long absence, and this arc will be a big indicator if it can stand up to that pressure. The potential is there, but a lot will come down to the execution of the final issues.

Its hard to know now if this will be another classic for Image, but the first issue certainly keeps that door open, with a bold and experimental narrative that, while mostly in the horror genre, also feels neo-noir-ish and surreal. This blending is complementary, and carves a unique place for this book in Images line-up.

Infinity Countdown #1, in the end, just feels like a really big issue of Duggans Guardians, which wouldnt be a bad thing, except too much of the page count is tied to setting up the conclusion to plot thread thats 19 issues in the making and only ancillary to the story that was teased in the Prime special. Luckily, its still a great Guardians issue, with a really satisfying character development and some really excellent action storytelling that should keep all but the most jaded reader engaged, even if the issue doesnt really deliver what what advertised.

Gerry Duggan has done everything he can to breathe life back into the cosmic side of Marvel, even as hes had to battle against an audience embittered by years of Bendis and his disregarding of both characterization and history. While this relaunch is a little gimmicky, hopefully it will give Duggan the momentum to continue carrying his story forward. It would have been a travesty if he couldnt, and heres hoping this new life will bring in plenty of new readers to sustain it.

All in all, Infinity Countdown Prime does a solid job of catching readers up on the various threads, setting up a number of players that will certainly lead to some surprising and fun interactions. While its not perfect, Duggan has really stepped up with this series, and this issue is a testament to that. Its just a shame that editorial couldnt manage to keep a more consistent tone with the art.

While perhaps not as bombastic as some of the other titles Marvel has been publishing of late, Marvel Two-In-One is shaping up to be a fitting reintroduction for the team that kicked off the Marvel Universe, thanks to the excellent talent Marvel has put on the book. Every person who has complained about the missing Fantastic Four should go out and buy this book now; you will only have yourselves to blame if this excellent title can't survive.

With a twist ending that will leave readers reeling, Marvel 2-In-One makes the case that it is a worthy placeholder for the eventual return of the Fantastic Four, and Chip Zdarsky is making the case that he's the best choice to write it.

While it could have benefitted from a better artistic match to its subject matter, and may have changed an element of Secret Wars for the worse, it is nevertheless one of the best Fantastic Four stories in years, one that will surely get readers hyped for the team's return in August.

While the creation of this comic was obviously informed by the now-delayed Fox New Mutants film, which has been billed as a superhero horror film, its done an outstanding job of carving out a unique place in the Marvel universe and publishing line. While it certainly has room to improve and grow, its definitely off to a strong start that should be pleasing to both long term and new readers.

While much hinges on the execution of the final issue, S.H.I.E.L.D. #5 has only added to the sense of quality tied to the series, furthering its phenomenal story while employing a cutting-edge storytelling device. Fans have only two short weeks to wait for the conclusion, which, after 6 and a half years, will be a breeze. And they can reread this one over and over while they wait.Grade: A+

Its hard to believe S.H.I.E.L.D. is finally over. Its been a long time coming, and its hard to say if this final issue is worth the wait, but it definitely doesnt skimp on the kind of big ideas the series has become known for. Its not hard to guess where the story will continue--good money is on Dan Slotts upcoming Iron Man and Fantastic Four--and hopefully that will lead to some further answers to lingering questions, but, for now, S.H.I.E.L.D. is complete. Only time will tell if it enters the upper echelon of what is considered great comic work, but its hard to say it doesnt deserve it, even if the ending will leave readers scratching their heads and wanting more.

Fumbles aside, this is a strong start, carving out a quirky niche that marries elements of Fractions Hawkeye, Morrisons New X-Men and BKVs Runaways, as well as some good old classic horror, to create something unique among Valiants line and comics in general right now. Plus, with hints that it will have big effects on Valiant down the line, this is definitely a must-read for Valiant fans.

While clearly executed by a talented team, Secret Weapons #2 doesn't do a very good job of justifying its existence outside of a bridge series to the next major Valiant event, which is disappointing, since the series had so much potential in its premiere issue.

Spider-Man - Life Story has the potential to be a classic for Marvel, and its not hard to imagine it being a contender for the Eisners and other comic awards this year. A lot will depend on the execution down the line, but with a book firing on all cylinders like this, that hardly seems like itll be a problem. Dont miss out on what may go down as a modern classic.