The early issues were strong, and the series wavered some in the middle, but with only two issues remaining, this volume just may live up to its predecessors in the Astonishing line. [not counting the Age of Apocalypse volume].

In simpler days, this would be a simple Issue 25 Deluxe release.In these times of short memories and reboots, however, we get a new "Black Panther #1." Not mad at it. The legacy numbering initiated by Marvel actually fits well into the new "Fresh Start" logo and sits elegantly underneath the larger reboot number. Whereas other Marvel titles affected by the "Fresh Start" are using the opportunity to restore legacy characters into their classic roles (Iron Man, Thor, and Wolverine), Coates endeavors instead to take us where no Panther has gone before. This is only the beginning.

Make no mistake, Coates laces some fitting references within the narrative of this issue. In order to light the path to for the young Afronaut, below is a list of terms and individuals who inspire the spirit of enlightened dissent.

One of Marvel's most enjoyable and most important series continues to press forward with another solid issue. Coates and Acuna are a dream team, weaving a sleek science fiction opera laced with powerful action sequences and musings on the abuses of imperial ambitions.

Whatever it is you are missing in Sci-Fi, Comics, and/or Afrofuturist speculative fiction, chances are Coates and Acua have you covered with their intergalactic epic of insurrection. JUST READ BLACK PANTHER.

Overall, the issue really comes off as a delay of action in a storyline that has been thrilling and fast-paced during the first four issues. The mode in which this transitional issues handles the changes is a bit abrupt though. It feels like a bit of a narrative stretch for us to believe that in the five years between issues four and five, the empire has not managed to destroy the Maroons, Nakia has withheld information that could have motivated their greatest warrior much earlier, and they have been hiding in the same system undetected for so long.Still, the art by Acua and the coloring team make for a beautiful page turner. A curious series…let's see where it goes.

At this point, we can assume that this midpoint in the "Intergalactic Wakandan Empire" saga is building up to the battle royale guaranteed to shake several galaxies " T'challa vs. The N'Jadaka. Gods, mortals, and symbiotes beware.

As the trajectories of characters align in this new reality, the endgame of the "Intergalactic Wakandan Empire" storyline is anyone's guess at this point.

Coates and Walker are a match made in Aaru. Whereas the previous (and returning) series artist Daniel Acua crafted an beautifully kinetic, ultra-sleek sci-fi opera wrapped in a dreamy haze, Walker endows his pages with smooth, rounded linework that gives the quiet moments a profound emotionality, while the action scenes erupt with powerful, economic precision. Thus far, "The Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda" continues to be a beautifully written and drawn storyline that will cement Coates' legacy as one of the most poignant Black Panther tales with the likes of Priest and Hudlin. Highly recommended as always.

This issue marks a solid turn for the better in this series. As the release day for "Deadpool 2" approaches on May 18, Josh Brolin's portrayal of the character in the film is certain to bring more visibility to the Askani'son. Issue #156 already promises another major character appearance, so here's hoping for another success in the X-universe.

If Priest's current characterization of Batman in his Justice League run (#'s 34 " 43) is any indication, then we are in for an exciting duel of madmen on different ends of the same mad spectrum.

In turning its focus to the outsiders of Krakoa, this series is the perfect book for those looking for a darker and more introspective read with elements of the supernatural and crime for good measure.

DC's Vertigo imprint continues to release nich and mature offerings from both fan-favorite creators and those outside the established names in the industry. With offerings of powerful stories ranging from American Carnage and The Sandman revival to High Level, one would be easy to forget their superhero line even exists (No disrespect to the Bat).

For all the new titles that struggle out the gate to capture a tone, style, and consistent narrative, High Levelexceeds expectations. Bagenda's attention to background and character detail are gorgeous to analyze and make for an immersive read. An interesting journey lies ahead in the forthcoming issues as both the past and present future become more dangerous as they come to light.

Fans of thoughtful world-building with a flair for retro-cyberpunk dystopian epics look no further. The subtle undertones of classism, Apartheid, and the effects of hypercapitalism and environmental decay lure beneath the surface of a series that is also a beautiful page turner. Fresh, but mythically familiar in the narrative conceit of "the journey," this series will find its place amongst the mainstays of your monthly pull.

Equal parts cyberpunk, fantasy, and speculative fiction, High Level lives up to its name.

Mark Millar's vision for the "Hit-Girl" series is a grand curation of dream creators adding their take to the character's mythology. Reportedly, three years of stories have already been commissioned, so this is just the beginning. In her own right, Hit-girl is an iconic character with a complexity and personality that can inspire endless stories. As long as Mindy can avoid any stray Wolverines in the Great White North, this arc from Lemire and Risso is on track to add another distinct impression to the bloody legacy of Lady McCready.

The series is unquestionably a great read. Jeff Lemire weaves a cold tale of vengeance and family ties as 'the Mindy' becomes 'the hunted' in a Canadian snow-covered forest.

Every issue of Hit-Girl is a ballet of violent, vengeful joy, and only Mindy knows the steps. The Canadian saga has been beautiful to read and witness so far, so it is almost a shame to see it end in the upcoming issue. Thus far, Mark Millar's "showrunner" style is bringing some interesting new tones to the Hit-Girl mythos. Following Lemire's arc, RafaelAlbuquerque and Kevin Smith will follow up with writing duties. Rafael Scavone and Pernille rum, respectively, will take over the visuals. Clearly, there is plenty more vigilant justice to come from Hit-Girl. Stick around.

"Hit-Girl in Canada" is the perfect bedtime story for the daughter of Taxi Driver's Travis Bickle and Kill Bill's The Bride. Heavy doses of cynical humor, ultraviolence, and tongue-in-cheek vengeance meet subtle morality tales in a snow-covered Canadian backdrop. Writer Lemire and artist Risso add a solid entry to the mythology of Mindy McCready as she carves way across the world.

Since returning in last November's Marvel Legacyone-shot, Logan has been seen in various "Where is Wolverine?" bookends and even travelling with an Infinity Stone. At this point, X-fans are hoping from a dignified return and reunion with his mutant brethren, but thus far it feels anticlimactic. The seemingly endless build-up and the great stories being told with X-23, Gabby, and Old Man Logan almost make the return of OG Wolverine more laborious than joyous.

The final reveal of the issue raises the emotional stakes to the storyline, salvaging an otherwise basic "gather the troops. We gotta mission!" introduction. Still, based on the first installment, fans of this incarnation of the Avengers should be in for a fun ride with the cast going bar for bar.

Overall, this issue retains the "90's action/adventure buddy flick" vibe al "Bad Boys" or even "Lethal Weapon." Very comfortable in tone and style, Tom Taylor's script plays it by pretty safe " the reveals are not that much of a surprise (Laura Kinney/Wolverine), or they just feel silly and forced (Mr. Sinsiter).

Taylor just recently wrapped a 36 issue run as the writer of "All New Wolverine," so if you're not getting your fix with Laura's inclusion in "X-Men Red," you get another fix right here. One issue remains and with the reveal of a massive DNA warehouse run by Sinister, I am sure Laura will have much of him to reintroduce to her claws on behalf of her father.

As the Hunt for Wolverine winds down, "Adamantium Agenda" like "Weapon Lost" before it, offers some fun, genre focused stories with fan-favorite lineups. The story structure of a "search" as the driving plot for these interconnected series allows for moments of character growth and sharp dialogue with plenty of room for big action panels from Silva.

Overall, the mood of the issue is consistent throughout, sprinkling enough mystery, uncertainty, and emotional vitriol to build a story arc that will hopefully rise beyond its' by the numbers zombie plot reveal.

Two more floppies left in this series still. Let's hope that the final issues deliver something more than the living undead to make the series worthwhile.

The Hunt for Wolverine series has brought every Wolverine clone, ally, lover, frienemy, android, and admirer in the universe. As all of the series loom toward completion, one can only hope that the return of the real Logan comes with some tidying of the Wolvie-family tree.

The issue begins with Sabretooth and Deathstrike caught in their own personal battles. Graydon Creed, human son of Sabretooth and founder hate-ground The Friends of Humanity,returns while Deathstrike fights against her own father. Sabretooth, eager to abuse his hatemonger zombie son once more, takes more of a beating than expected, but prevails with the help of Deathstrike. He blames her for leading them into this trap, and he is well justified. Upon her own battle with her Soteira controlled father, she learns that the adamantium signal that led her to Arizona belongs to him and not Logan. In the ensuing battle, Deathstrike is unable to hold out for long without a healing factor and loses her hand at the blade of her own father.

Lazy LookalikesWhen the X-Men are ambushed by Viper and her hired telepath, they are assailed by an all-female unit of mercenaries. For some reason, the two of the members of Viper's team are dead ringers for Storm and Domino.Is that the super villain thing now"to hire henchmen that look exactly like your foes in the hopes they get confused and psi-blast themselves? Without any narrative rhyme or reason for the Domino and Storm clones yet to to be realized (if there is any), the restaurant sequence feels clichd and rushed.

The second installment of the series is a stronger follow-up to the initial issue. The strong cast showcases the depth of the X-mythologies well-rounded, multi-dimensional female characters.

Overall, the mini-series as a whole were a mixed bag of results with a few standout moments and major character changes spread throughout sixteen Macguffin heavy chapters.

Two issues in, the series provides a solid read. Buffagni's art continues to evoke a sleek Soule's script uses classic noirnarrative conceits in a way that allows these characters to shine to the best of their personalities. Daredevil's paranoid and vigilant narration, the chemistry between former cops Knight and McGhee, and Cypher's dubious stability collide to invoke a book that would have fit nicely in the Marvel Knights line of old.

Overall, Soule and Buffagni turn in a solid and compelling book in a largely tedious "non-event" event.

The resolution and the character arcs feel a bit rushed to closure, but Daredevil is understandably shook by the idea of a calm, killing Wolverine loose in the wrong hands.

If you like X-Men, comic books, long game mythology and storytelling, then you have absolutely zero excuses not to read House of X and Powers of X as soon as they drop on NCBD. The first issue of this series ties in four distinct time periods in mutant history that reflect directly upon the "current timeline" as it unfolds in House of X. You cannot read one of these books without the other to grasp the full scale of what Hickman has in store for a thousand years of X-Men history "yes, a thousands years.

Deviating from the bi-weekly schedule established thus far, Powers of X returns with its third issue on August 21st with House of X #3 on deck for August 28th. If we've learned anything from these dense pages, it's that nothing happens without reason. For me, you, and everyone we know with an "X" on their hearts, Hickman's twin limited series are the must read books of the year.This is just the beginning and already it looks like the X-Men will step into 2020 with some well-deserved respect back on the brand.

Cover to cover, this issues slaps harder than Empire Strikes Back meets Enter the 36 Chambers (the album or the film. You choose.) The cliffhanger that closes out the final pages weaves immediately back into House of X,so you would be a fool not to read both of these series.

While the fourth installment of Powers of X is easily the most low key and even tempered of both Hickman-led mini-series, it does inject some more mystery into the X-Men mythos and also adds a little bit of spice to one of their most one-note characters.

As Powers of X and House of X comes to a close, the mutant nation cements its place as a formidable world power " Wakanda, Atlantis, and now Krakoa. Whereas before the mutants sought to exist as benevolent examples of what a united humanity could become, they now realize that their only chance for survival is through covert dominance. Will the drugs produced from the Krakoa flower be enough to ensure their political and national sovereignty, or will it backfire and lead to another invasion such as the massacre on Genosha? As the tides shift in favor of a united mutant-nation, the foreseeable future for the X-Men stories grows more enticing with each passing week. Be sure to check out "Marauders" once it drops on October 23 for the exploits of the Hellfire Trading Club.

This is the first time in decades that the potential matches, if not exceeds, the excitement surrounding the next generation of X-Men stories to come.

If these Prelude backup stories tell us anything about the upcoming "Disassembled" storyline, it is: A) Every day is a hard day to be an X-Person; B.)Never. Ever. Get comfortable in your own timeline or reality, or anyone else's for that matter; and C.) Everyone loves the Age of the Apocalypse.

Following the still unfinished Extermination mini-series, "Disassembled" continues the trend of tidying house " less doppelgngers, clones, and timeline refugees. This is a welcomed move after the descent into bottom shelf mediocrity that was X-Men Blue. Some of the recent changes, however, still feel random and unmotivated. Psylocke, for instance, feels very generic and blends into the scenery of most scenes after reverting to her original Anglo body and abilities. The story continues next week.

Seven issues remain in the current story arc with writers Brisson, Thompson, and Rosenberg working as a unit. Together, they have perfect execution in handling the voices, personalities, and dynamics of the extended X-family. The real balancing act between action, plot, and characterization is a heavy chore for any X-writer, but the trio does their best to keep the story fluid and moving forward.

Picking up steam four issues into the run, "Disassembled" is starting to shed its fat and lean into some both internal and existential conflicts amongst the X-Men ranks. Meanwhile, Gambit and Rogue are still in space with the daughter of Xavier and Lilandra in their series Mr. & Mrs. X. Will these two storylines collide into a full family affair? Six more chapters to go . . .I'm here for it.

A collision of beyond omega level mutants, schizophrenics and self-appointed deities amongst them, means that the X-Men probably won't be playing baseball anytime soon. Maybe next year.

"Disassembled" continues to improve as it moves along, trimming the fat and hopefully the X-Men rosters pushes toward conclusion.

After a sloppy start with some great scattered moments, the Uncanny X-Men relaunch sets its sights on to re-earning its flagship title status.

Only two issues remain in this 10 part epic, so now is the moment to catch up if ever. The ending should be cataclysmic to say the least.

Overall, this issue is not particularly noteworthy, but it does a fine job of raising the stakes as the arc reaches its conclusion.

This new era in X-Men storytelling arrives just in time for the deep winter. Choose your own journey here as the sheer amount of upcoming titles feels like bottom line overkill. Beginning with #11,Uncanny will ship bi-weekly, following the exploits of Cyclops and another freshly resurrected hairy mutant as they assemble a new team in the aftermath of X-Man's victory. For answers to how Cyclops returned from death, look out for Uncanny X-Men Annual #1.Meanwhile, see what became of the X-Men who fell in battle to Nate Grey with the "Age of X-Man" one shot, followed by the mini-series " The Marvelous X-Men, The Amazing Nightcrawler, NextGen, Prisoner X, Apocalypse and the X-Tracts, and The X-Tremists.

Finally, after multiple false starts, reboots, and pointless deaths, the proper X-Men flagship title finally looks, feels, and sounds like a comic upholding its legacy.

A ragtag group of X-Men is starting to take shape, but what is their mission? What do they want? And more importantly, will anyone care? Can a new team of X-Men still make a difference even as mutants are being hunted and an anti-mutant vaccine is now widely available to the public?

Overall, this current Uncanny roster dress like X-Men, but their methods ride a fine toward those of X-Force. The question, then remains " is Cyclops' list really a kill list or a suicide pact?

Uncanny continues to right the sloppy wrongs of the past few years of directionless X-Men stories. If Cyclops' hit list is any indication, then at least the next six months of X-Men stories should be something all new, all different, and definitely exciting.

Writer-penciler team Rosenberg and Larocca continue their unique, near pitch perfect collaboration of rebuilding the X-Men through breaking them apart and destroying them even further

Hands down, the latest X-Men arc brings some of the most damaging, shocking and emotional moments since the Grant Morrison run.

So far, the "This is Forever" storyline stands as one of the more compelling mutant arcs of recent years. Scheduled to end just as the recently announced Jonathan Hickman mini-series Powers of X and Houses of X debuts in July , Uncanny X-Men may only be the beginning of a banner year for mutant-dom.

Fast-paced, purposeful, and fearless in keeping the stakes high, Rosenberg's X-Men run will leave an interesting and debated legacy

Only three issues remain in the 22-issue run touted by writer Matthew Rosenberg as "The Last X-Men" story. Since taking over as sole scribe followed the "Disassembled" event, Rosenberg has sent a lot of mutants to the morgue with no mercy. These days, the excitement runs high both in the pages and in the X-offices as the flagship title pushes toward purpose and an apparent new home.

This issue is best read multiple times, because so much is packed into just 32 pages.

If you thought the first 20 issues of the Uncanny relaunch were packed with revelations and reversals, then this issue will hit you hard. Series regular artist Larocca returns with those classic X-Men designs and dynamic, yet clear and well-packed panels and splash pages. The art pushes the desperation of the X-Men to the fore without shying away from the violence and stakes at hand. As Rosenberg draws nearer to the finale on his X-Men run, only time will tell how this run fits in mutant canon as incoming writer Jonathan prepares a full-line refresh in July.

Mutants Killed (or drastically altered) by Rosenberg in Eleven Issues of Uncanny X-Men:Strong Guy, Wolfsbahne, Sunspot, Joseph (Magneto clone), The Vanisher, Triage, Havok, Multiple Man, Banshee, Magick, Juggernaut, Chamber, and so many more".

The question remains – is the revived Cyclops the Cyclops we want or need right now?

"War of the Realms: Uncanny X-Men" continues for two more issues. Aside from the hope that the series continues to explore Dani Moonstar's inner journey as both a mutant and Valkyrie, not much helps this book stand apart among other strong X-titles on the market. All in all, it's a completely skippable tie-in between release weeks of the flagship title.

If you are deep into the War of the Realmsmega-event crossover, then maybe you will enjoy this issue and series. If you are an avid and/or casual X-Men, just skip it. Reading this issue was like eating a mayonnaise sandwich with cauliflower".ok, not that bad, but about that bland and pointless.

While the issues ended the series better than it began, pulling the X-Men into these company-wide events when they are in the middle of TWO major story arcs of their own is never a good idea. Aside from the two major deaths in the final epic battle, there are few, if any standouts that make this series a must-read. The fact that these issues are tucked inside the legacy numbering just means some fans might have three gaps in theirUncanny X-Men collection.

Overall, the first issue of the relaunched X-Force ticks a lot of boxes for X-Force fans " ultraviolence, dark humor, and zero tolerance for hatemongers.

Visually distinct and tonally on point with a mix of cynical humor and a perfect roster, X-Force is the book to read when you realize protecting those who hate and fear you is a waste of time.

If this first issue is any indication, then X-Men (technically, Volume 5) sets the stage for an enticing read that builds upon the books' 50 year history, while also also referencing some of Hickman's previous Marvel works. Overall, a strong start and sign of continued stability from the X-Editorial offices at Marvel.

Seanan McGuire handles the story deftly, crafting a personal and internal story that is not so focused on plot, but rather exploring the everyday outlook of Mystique as she navigates a world where to be outside the mayonnaise human norm is to be hated and feared.