This issue does a lot to mend the dissonance among this X-Factor team, and Peter David nails it with character development, though Lorna is a bit neglected. X-Factor's group dynamic is coming together, and it leaves me with optimism for the future of this book. If you had been experiencing any doubts about this series before, All-New X-Factor #12 should fix that.

AMERICA #1 is a stellar debut for America Chavez's solo series. Rivera writes a confident and multidimensional America, while Quinones and Villarubia illuminate the pages with energy and vibrancy. Above all, AMERICA #1 speaks from the heart, delivering powerful messages to readers through encouraging narration, as well as through a new vision of patriotism.

Though AMERICA #2 gets buried under too many plot developments, Rivera and her team ultimately continue their trend of delivering a story full of inspiration. America Chavez shines as a hero we don't often get to see, but sorely need.

This issue is a breather, but not without adding a few pivotal moments; though Remender is biding his time before Marcus and his crew take on Chester and his gang, he does so by fleshing out their relationships and motivations and still adding in a few surprises at the end. As this arc continues to build its momentum, Deadly Class #9 is a necessary piece in the grand scheme.

Marcus' resolution with Chester is deliciously bittersweet, delivering the kind of payoff that subverts one's usual expectations but is appropriate for the tension Remender had established for this arc, and we're left feeling unsettled in this brutal and unforgiving conclusion. As Remender wraps up Deadly Class' second arc and all its threads, he leaves us with the question of whether Marcus and his gang truly won in the end. Though the body count may be in their favor, the resolution begs to differ, and there's little time to ruminate on it before the consequences drive right into the next arc. It's satisfyingly discomforting, in the best way.

Remender expertly raises the stakes and subverts expectations right from the get-go, crafting scenes that thrust us into chaos at unsuspecting moments.

The large gaps between issues do make it hard to recall the purpose and recurring elements of Kate's adventures; "L.A. Woman" would fare better as a trade, but Hawkeye #20 is a solid conclusion to Kate's story.

KID LOBOTOMY #2 doesn't hold back in plunging into the chaos of the Suites. While at times it can feel disjointed, and we can feel as lost as Kid does, Milligan, Fowler, and Loughridge ultimately provide an intriguing second chapter to Black Crown's debut series.

LEGION #1 kicks off the limited series with plenty of conflict and intrigue, but it's a safe start that doesn't embrace what this series is capable of.

Though the art still doesn't fully utilize what a character like Legion can do, LEGION #2 excels in its characterization by pitting David's mind against -- and sometimes with -- Hannah in unique ways.

This team has conjured up something special, from its setting that is recognizable without being contrived or trite, to Donovan's vivid and expressive characterizations, and to the weirdly iconic Good Times Sloth itself. I'm drawn in the way Memetic's characters are drawn to that happy little sloth. Don't miss out on this one.

The artistic team has yet to falter in this series. Jacob Wyatt’s cartoonish and animated style is a seamless and welcome match for this book in anticipation of Adrian Alphona’s return. One page in particular is a standout as Wyatt depicts Kamala and Wolverine traversing the meandering sewers with an abundance of eye-catching detail along the way. Together with Ian Herring’s colors, the dungeon-like stages of this episode are brought to life, complete with Kamala’s embiggening powers. And as always, Jamie McKelvie’s covers are icing on the cake. Kamala’s fangirl grin juxtaposed with Wolverine’s surly scowl is the selfie of my dreams and fully captures the youth and heroics of this series. There are few books out there that are near-perfect from cover to cover. Everyone contributing to Ms. Marvel is doing all the right things to keep me coming back for more.

As we reach the end of Alice's narration, things seem to suddenly wrap up a little too neatly, and it somewhat lacks the punch earlier issues have had and what we've come to expect from Nailbiter, but it isn't wholly bad; as we've seen, nothing ends neatly in Buckaroo, and even this all-is-well feel shows shades of malice elsewhere and paves the way for things we have yet to learn about another of Buckaroo's residents. Mallory's obsession with having a child born in Buckaroo reiterates and solidifies the idea that the town produces serial killers, and perhaps there is more truth to that than myth in this story. As the mysteries in Nailbiter unravel, more are created, and it's clear Williamson and Henderson have so much more to tell.

By addressing seeds that had been planted very early on in this series, Williamson shows that there are still places for him to take us in Nailbiter. Though it's a steady start, Nailbiter #8 sets the stage for what answers these new clues may give, and with Adam Guzowski's gray hues to set the mood for Buckaroo's signature rain, it feels like we're back in business.

Though its debut issue misses the mark, there is still promise that Neverboy can reach the potential of its concept. With the preliminary setup out of the way, there is room yet for Simon and Jenkins to delve into the more unknown territory of which their premise is capable and establish a stronger narrative for its eponymous imaginary friend.

While its wit and premise land, Oh, Killstrike #1's execution errs in its clunky dialogue; hints of a fatherhood theme and Jared's parental anxiety are hidden under his repetitive bewilderment and Killstrike's weirdly convenient understanding of this unlikely duo's upcoming journey, making Oh, Killstrike #1 less of a smooth read despite its charm.

Despite the weak central story, Original Sins did provide some enjoyable segments. But as the main component of this tie-in, Ryan North’s Young Avengers story should’ve been stronger, and Original Sins suffers for that. The accessibility of an anthology series does make this a fun read as a whole, but Original Sins ultimately does not add much insight to the main event, or even fill in many gaps. With a name like “Original Sins,” you’d think we’d be in for some juicier secrets; the concluding chapter of this story doesn’t deliver on that hope, but it does deliver some worthwhile additional stories, and for that, not all is lost.

There is a dreamlike and erratic quality to Pisces #1 that lends to its unsettling tone and alludes to horrors yet to come. Wiebe and Christmas refrain from divulging too many answers just yet, but deliver all the intrigue in discovering what those answers will be. Artful and intricate in its conception, structure, and execution, Pisces already distinguishes itself from the rest in its genre.

Rasputin #1 is a truly collaborative effort; Grecian's narration reads like poetry, and Rossmo carries the narrative with ease from past to present while Plascencia's colors guide us through the biting cold and brooding darkness. Grecian doesn't throw us into the action right off the bat but instead pulls us in slowly and elegantly into the calm before the storm. It's a powerful beginning and whether you had a prior interest in the subject matter or not, Rasputin #1 is a work of art.

This series is as much about Rasputin's life as it is about his death. Grecian structures this story beautifully, using a younger Rasputin to build pathos so that we feel something profound as we witness the final moments of his life, while Rossmo and Plascencia lend to a book that is as brilliant to behold as it is to read. Though the quick succession of events in this issue cause it to experience the same brevity that Rasputin #1 was prone to, this issue includes additional dialogue that aids in balancing out the pace. And still, there is so much said in such few words, and what results is a story that builds powerfully before it brusquely ends, leaving us longing for the next installment. Visually breathtaking and masterfully scripted, Rasputin is already proving to be not one to miss.

Rasputin consistently hits the mark and has yet to falter, carefully building its momentum as it quietly creeps through its narrative while expertly balancing Rasputin's fraught and reinvented history with the final contemplative moments of his life.

With the story now set in this new time period, Grecian has given himself extra room to expand this recreated legend even further, and the addition to the nature of Rasputin's powers in this issue proves there's more to the Mad Monk and his legend that Grecian has yet to show.

Saga #22 brings us one step closer with this foreboding and heartbreaking chapter as Vaughan and Staples give us everything we want in a story, but never in the way we expect.

It's clear that Kurt Busiek has poured his soul into Tooth & Claw. Though it's a bit of a slow start, it's a compelling one, and while its density might deter some readers, Tooth & Claw #1 gives enough of a taste of a world that is sure to reveal grander things as the story unravels and grows.

THE FAMILY TRADE #1 promises a steampunk adventure, but doesn't connect us with its characters or setting just yet.

Wolverine and the X-Men #8 is a decent interlude if you're a fan of Wolverine and Storm's relationship, but it's not required reading.

But despite how much this issue reveals, it raises more questions than it answers, and Snyder gives new additions to the mix that subvert much of what we've come to learn so far. And there is the lingering concern posed at this issue's open: a world where wishes come true is nightmarish, and as Charlie and Reggie conclude, "we all know how that ends." We know how hard Sailor wished for something bad to happen to Annie " so how will this end for the Rooks family? Though some things may have been revealed too prematurely in Wytches #2, Snyder is continuing to give us more about the titular wytches and what role they will fill in the Rooks family's lives, delivering a compelling and eerie second chapter to his series.