Jumping one point?: I jumped on here, and had no difficulty understanding everything.

It's a shame that Marvel has decided to cancel X-23. Despite my grumbling, I think we could use more superhero comics oriented to teen girls. Alas, I don't think this issue makes the best case for its continued publication.

This story has a post-script from the creative team actually apologizing in advance for what follows in this mini-series, and warning that it "may drive us all [the creative team] out of comics." It won't. You can read this as "if you liked what we've done in the past, here's more of the same kind of stuff." Act accordingly.

No, but did you really expect the third issue of a five-part miniseries to be? I'm leaving this segment out of future reviews of this book.

I really wanted to see this mini work. While it's far from bad, it is no where near to living up to its potential. Carnage, USA #4 is a disappointment.

Jumping on point?: Definitely. I'm surprised Marvel didn't stick a “.1″ on the end of this one.

Jumping on point?: Despite a ton of exposition, no. Wait until another arc begins.

The Tabula Rasa arc never managed to achieve a sense of purpose, so giving it a full extra issue of resolution is unjustified. I like the idea of Tabula Rasa, and I hope it becomes a recurring location in the Marvel Universe. For now, however, I'm happy to be done with it.

Jumping on point?: No. This issue doesn't make sense in context, so I can only imagine how it will read out of context.

Jumping on point?: Yes. Don't bother with the earlier issues; start reading The Defenders here.

Jumping on point?: No, not really. The next issue will be one, probably, so you could wait for that. Or, you know, you could pick up the issue that says #1.

With a strong showing from a guest artist and a compelling story, I highly recommend Venom #10.

Jumping on point?: You could pick this up and understand what's going on without any prior knowledge, but this issue is most effective in places where it delivers on the buildup from the many running themes. You'd probably comprehend it, but not fully appreciate it.

Venom #13 is a madcap romp, sadly a rare thing to find in comics, and probably the highest praise I could give to a book with a concept this goofy. This is not what I expected the Circle of Four to be about, but I'm not disappointed at all. I highly recommend this issue.

Jumping On Point?: No. No, no, no. If you want to read this issue, save yourself the frustration and read the other seven issues first. Hell, even if you've read them already but weren't paying close attention, you might want to go back and refresh yourself. Wouldn't hurt to brush up on Age of Apocalypse either.

If you like comics that occasionally slow down and just have the characters interact with one another without fighting supervillains, then you'll dig this issue. If that sounds tiresome to you, and you'd prefer more crazy antics, skip this issue and come back next month. You'll find what you're looking for.

After a clumsy if enthusiastic start, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #6 may be the issue where the series finds its stride. If you're a Turtles fan from any era, I can highly recommend this issue. If you're not, this is a good place to check out what the franchise has to offer.

The Ultimates #7 stumbles with some awkward integration of plot elements, but overall is still a great read and one of the most eye-grabbing books on the stands this week.

I would initially say yes, as it is so much better a jumping on point than the last two issues, but this issue still moves too fast to be a perfect introduction. If you want in on this book, do it now, but don't expect this issue to hold your hand.

Although the art and writing remain great, some bad science and a lame red herring make for some odd creative decisions. I still strongly recommend this book; I just don't think Wolverine and the X-Men #5 is the strongest in the series so far.

No, but I wouldn't let that stop you from picking up this issue anyway. This series is great, and there's enough to like here to keep you from getting worked up about some confusion over the plot.

Jumping on point?: This should be a no-brainer. After all, there is a #1 on this issue. But events in the first part of this issue so closely follow Uncanny X-Force #19.1, that I wouldn't be surprised if some people are frustrated by this. It gets easier to understand as the issue goes on, but this is a serious problem for a series that is just starting out, and is actually its biggest drawback.