As you've probably noticed, there's very little talk of Thanos in this review and that's because he was a background presence for this issue. It's obvious that the upcoming issues are going to involve him a great deal, but for now the Bakian's are the main focus. (It also should be noted that this book is barely tied into the overall “Secret Wars” event.) In the end, you can almost completely forgive this issue for the lack of Thanos because what there is is strong. Most importantly though, this is now my most anticipated series out of all the tie-ins.

I'm expecting the next issue to be joyous, sad, humorous and a ton of other things. This issue has set up a premise that makes me impatient to see how it all ends and how G. Willow Wilson and Co. take on what could be a memorable finale.

The art remains as chaotic as it was the first issue. This is a good thing though, since it's a youthful sort of chaos that matches the stories tone well. Greene and Rauch know when to subdue the chaos for the very dark moment that happens in the middle of this issue. The art and Stevenson's writing, grouped with Clayton Cowles lettering and design, combine to make a full package issue. While it isn't the most amazing issue of all time, I cannot see any flaws in this “Runaways #2″.

Comedy books, especially from the Big Two, aren't that easy to find. The overabundance of horror and sci-fi series can be a little overwhelming, so it's nice to sit back and enjoy a laugh courtesy of the “Howard the Duck” team. Also, I'll never get tired of that Spider-Man running joke that's been happening these past two issues.

As a fan of Captain Marvel, you should read the book. Not only do you continue to receive the same engaging Carol we know and love but you also get a cast that's just as cool as Carol, minus the powers. The package is nicely tied together by David Lopez and Lee Loughridge, whom continue to set the visual tone for Captain Marvel books albeit with a very appropriate muted palette this time around. It's also a nice treat to see that this book will contribute a nice chunk to the overall “Secret Wars” mythos.

While most of the “Secret Wars” tie-ins feel like skillfully crafted “What If's…”, “Red Skull #1″ is an original story. At the moment, it doesn't seem imperative to the overall “Secret Wars” mythos, but with the character the book revolves around, there's a chance there will be some major consequences coming out of this story. The art isn't for everyone and some might be tired of seeing zombies, but don't let that stop you from enjoying an well made book, especially with an exciting cliffhanger that assured I'll be back next month.

While it may strike as predictable, it's hard to not be entertained by “1872”. The art is gorgeous and services the story extremely well, with comedic facial expressions and lush environments. While I do recommend the book, it's not mandatory reading. If you're looking for something tied directly into “Secret Wars”, look somewhere else for now since the book never mentions anything directly related to the ongoing event. That the book stands alone is a positive for those who want something different that doesn't constantly mention “The Shield” or (Praise Be) Doom.

If I could rate an issue of a comic book based on its art only, this would be a perfect ten. Overall though, this is a mildly satisfying issue. Not enough can be said of Rudy and his art and it was great of Kot to let Rudy own an issue, but the story went almost nowhere. On the plus side, an issue based on a hallucinogenic drug trip could have been overdone with needless complexity and pointless metaphors, but Kot kept it from being too much.

In the end, I will continue to look forward to the next issue of “Constantine: The Hellblazer”. Constantine seems like a genuinely intriguing character, although I didn't find myself caring for the mystery the book is presented by the end. Hopefully the next issue will change my mind.

This was indeed a disappointment for me. The adrenaline of a thrilling action sequence isn't enough to sate the want for a well-rounded story. Maybe the next issue will clear things up and carve its own path, but for now it isn't enough.