David Lapham has created a fascinating world with his Juice Squeezers mini-series. Backed by great original concept, this ragtag bunch of youthful misfits are both lovable and entertaining in every issue. Lapham's artwork is also masterful in art design, helping support the overall work. I wish this comic was more than a mini-series since I would probably follow a Juice Squeezers ongoing comic.

In a medium that is overrun by superhero comic books, Bob Fingerman's Minimum Wage is a great slice of life story that veers away from industry standards. In the vein of American Splendor and other similar comics, Rob's journey into single life adds another dynamic to comics based on real life. His insecurities make for a compelling tale. I recommend this comic book to anyone looking for something new and refreshing.

All of the Young Avengers comics up to now have been short mini-series. This is the first time they have an ongoing title. Kieron Gillen's storytelling and Jamie McKelvie's art make a dynamic pair that can captivate new and old fans of the series. With a solid plot and gorgeous design, Young Avengers will be around at Marvel Comics for a long time.

Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie have built a great foundation to Young Avengers. I really enjoyed reading the first five issues of this series so far. After seeing previews for the next issue, it looks like there will be two more heroes joining the Young Avengers. After this first arc, I look forward to more adventures for this ongoing series.

Earth 2 #0 give us background on the man secretly in control of its world. Even though the issue is not a "required" read for the Earth 2 series, it is a must read. James Robinson's depiction of Terry Sloan and his motivations sets up his introduction to our heroes. Earth 2 is developing into a great storyline and this issue contributes to it.

James Robinson and company have taken full advantage of Earth 2′s revamp of Golden Age characters. Although I am a little disappointed in how this first arc ended, it is still a worthwhile read. With the main villain Steppenwolf still out there and a bigger threat of evil over the horizon, Earth 2 will sustain its readership for a long time.

With the arrival of Doctor Fate, DC Comics gets closer to introducing every member of the old Justice Society. After eleven issues, Earth 2 still sustains the momentum it had from its initial release. James Robinson's story featuring revamped Golden Age heroes is a wonderful read and Nicolas Scott's artwork continues to be spectacular.

Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso bring the aftermath of Lono's story to life. Although the first two issues are mostly setup pieces, it is slowly building up towards a confrontation between Lono and the Twin Towers in Durango. I look forward to Lono's character development as the story continues. However, even with the revival of Vertigo in DC Comics, it remains to be seen if any other surviving 100 Bullets characters will show up in this spin-off.

Kurt Busiek's new Astro City series has not lost a step from its original concept. The individual short stories are great for both the casual readers and the hardcore fans. Brent Anderson's interior artwork for Astro City #4 lays a solid groundwork to a complex and detailed story. In a superhero world not bound by confining back stories and rules, Kurt Busiek's Astro City is the one of the most creative comic books in the industry today.

This issue balances a solid, high fantasy horror narrative with artwork that sets the bleak tone of the setting. Mike Magnola and Christopher Golden establish a wonderfully dreary protagonist with Lord Henry Baltimore. As his hunt for Hiagus continues, the anti-hero unravels a sinister plot behind the vampire epidemic. If you like horror adventures, Baltimore: The Infernal Train is a great read.

Rick Remander and John Romita Jr. make a great team writing Captain America. Both have their own unique style that blend well in this comic. I recommend reading this comic just for the twist ending. I want to know how they will integrate this into the main storyline due to the length of time Captain America has been away. I look forward to reading how Steve Rogers will get out of this situation.

Matt Gagnon, Michael Alan Nelson and Brian Stelfreeze have created a remarkable mafia-like vampire storyline with Day Men. At first glance, this comic seems to plays off the recent popularity of vampires. After reading two issues, I see Day Men has a lot of potential and exceeds initial expectations. Matt Gagnon and Michael Alan Nelson write a great multidimensional plot that balances well with Brian Stelfreeze's detailed artwork. Day Men is great read for any vampire fan.

Jai Natz and Greg Smallwood do a remarkable job telling a modern day, unconventional superhero origin. Unlike the first issue where John Lincoln was confused and lost, Dream Thief #2 establishes a direction for the new hero, finding the person who robbed his girlfriend. With a great concept and a multi-layered protagonist, Dream Thief has the makings for a great series.

Greg Rucka and Michael Lark have done a great job establishing their futuristic world and its characters. Although much of the plot twists and mysteries are no-brainers, it is still an enjoyable read. Overall, with a good story foundation and solid artwork supporting it, Lazarus has the potential to be a great comic book series.

Max Bemis and Jorge Coelho deliver a powerful comic with Polarity. With a combination of solid dialogue and in-depth conversations, Max Bemis portrays a smart, but troubled individual with Tim. With Jorge Coelho's art direction, Polarity is a solid piece of storytelling. Although Tim as an all powerful being does not provide much conflict at the moment, the comic represents a modern day superhero origin story.

Paul Jenkins and Humberto Ramos combine their talents to create an interesting comic in Revelations #2. Although the comic book bares some resemblance to other works of fiction, the plot is properly structured and well-written. Meanwhile, Ramos's art style adds a unique representation to the comic. Overall, I look forward to what happens in Revelations in upcoming issues.

A confrontation between Dana and the organ smuggling ring is inevitable. After nine issues, Revival continues to allow readers to make their own judgments on the people of Wausau and the Revivers rather than define who is good and bad. With a great understanding of human nature and in-depth, multi-layered characters, Tim Seeley and Mike Norton continue to deliver a great suspense filled comic.

Without the rules of an established universe, Saga explores the boundaries of comic imagination. The combination of Brian Vaughan's writing and Fiona Staples's artwork form a perfect union suited for the epic space opera. They take advantage of their creative freedom, continuing a wondrous adventure rife with drama, suspense, action, and politics. I recommend picking up this series if youhave not already.

Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples create a turning point with this comic in their Saga series. The last couple of issues had our characters in a lull, but not anymore. Brian K. Vaughan continues write some great plot material while Fiona Staples bring Saga's story to life. The ending of this issue will have repercussions for all the characters in the future. It is a fantastic read for any comic and science fiction fan.

Ed Brisson and Johnnie Christmas's Sheltered #2 is something different in an industry full of superheroes, science fiction, and horror. They take a unique, realistic situation and turn it into a survival story involving children. It is a great concept and well executed. With Safe Haven looking for Victoria and Hailey, and with Victoria out for revenge, there should be some intense fighting in the upcoming issues.

There are many, many Star Wars comics out there. However, few capture the imagination and spirit of the original trilogy. Brian Woods and Carlos D'Arda remind us why Star Wars fans love the old movies. Their comic is a great tribute to them, and a marvelous addition to the expanded universe.

There are a lot of stories to juggle in Star Wars #5. Brian Wood does a good job balancing his characters and plots, creating an epic tale that is a joy to read. With masterful art from Carlos D'Anda, this series continues to be a must read for all Star Wars fans.

Randy Stradley and Douglas Wheatley create a thrilling tale of survival and hope in a dark era of Star Wars history. The writer combines a lot of Star Wars elements to form the ultimate tragic hero in Dass Jennir, a Jedi out of place and time. With Douglas Wheatley's art to support the plot, it will be interesting to see where our hero will go from here.

Mark Waid has great vision in regards to classic heroes. He does enough to keep his readers interested without overreaching on plot or sabotaging the original themes. With Daniel Indro providing great designs for characters and scenery, Mark Waid's Green Hornet is a remarkable tribute to the famed pulp hero.

Ryan's North, Shelli Paroline and Braden Lamb combine to create a creative, out of this world comic book with The Midas Flesh #2. By blending mythological elements with science fiction technology, Ryan North creates a world built on incredible imagination. With Shelli Paroline and Braden Lamb's illustrations to support the story, The Midas Flesh has been a great comic to read so far.

Kieron Gillen and Ryan Kelly shun the positives of Sparta and reveal the ugly truth behind its society through their comic series Three. Kieron Gillen pens an excellent story of survival where the reader can relive Sparta's history through Three's characters. Ryan Kelly's detailed artwork supports the plot by capturing the essence of ancient Spartan scenery, clothing and style. It is a great historical piece riddled with satire.

After all the fighting and persistence, Spider-Man finally proves he is a great superhero, not only to Captain America, but to himself. The issue ends on a high note for Miles, who has gone through a heavy dose of conflict to get to his goal. It is a satisfying ending for the hero and readers. If you're not following Ultimate Spider-Man, I suggest you go out and pick it up.

This title's release was delayed for two weeks, but the it was worth the wait. With all these egos to control, it will be interesting how each hero will fill a role on the team. It is a great start to a series brought out of the last Marvel crossover events. In the next few months, it will be interesting who Rick Remender will bring on board to balance the power of these Avengers.

The reason why I do not like company-wide mandated issues, like issue zeroes, is because it can sometimes cut into a well-developed story. In this case, I have to wait another month for the continuation of the current arc. However, with a wonderful layered origin combined with great art design, the Flash continues to be one of the must read comics of the new 52.

Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato have been building this Rogue arc for a while and it now seems to be coming to a head. It is a great jumping point if you have not been following the Flash recently. With Barry Allen facing another horrible situation, I look forward to where the comic will go from here. 3 and a half Stars.

It is another solid issue by the Flash team. Although there are a lot of stories to juggle and very little advancement in regards to the plot, both the writers and the artists keep the comic consistent and balanced. With all this conflict, how it all gets resolved at the end is anyone's guess.

Justice League #0 is a solid, enjoyable read. After following the story in Justice League, I feel the Shazam origin could have been its own mini series. There are hints at the end of a tie-in to the Trinity of Sin storyline, so it will be interesting how Shazam/Billy Batson will fit into the DC Universe as well as his future entry into the Justice League.

It appears that this arc is a setup for something bigger later in the series. Black Manta is mentioned at the end by Cheetah. I think this is a lead-in to the Throne of Atlantis Justice League/Aquaman crossover, but I hope this is something bigger like the arrival of the Legion of Doom into the new 52. It is an average comic, but if you were reading for Justice League characters, you will be disappointed.

Geoff Johns continues to churn out solid stories while Ivan Reis does amazing artwork. There were hints of Red Tornado and Dr. Magnus's Metal Men in this issue, but the main reveal is at the end. I suggest picking up this comic, especially to readers who have been waiting for roster changes since the team was first revealed in the new 52. Justice League #16 earns 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis combine to form a great creative team for Justice League. Although the ending is a little chaotic, overall Justice League #22 is a great start to DC Comics' first crossover event since Flashpoint. With Justice League Dark about to join the fray, Trinity War is bound to change the shape of the DC Universe for years to come.

Marvel comics have spent the last couple of years attempting to develop Cyclops as a character and a mutant leader. With Utopia, Schism, and now Avengers vs. X-Men, Scott Summers becomes an interesting superhero, even if he is not a popular one. I hope in later issues the focus will be more on his role in the Marvel Universe, rather than jumping from one character to another.

After reading All New X-Men, it seems the mutant dilemma is exactly where it was when the original X-Men were formed. With Wolverine taking on Charles Xavier beliefs of peaceful coexistence and Cyclops following Magneto's viewpoint of dominance, the philosophical question is imposed on a new generation of mutants. There is still the question of what role the original X-Men play in this comic and for how long. Later issues will probably explore more reactions to the team's grim future. I wonder if the X-Men ever return to the past, will they retain their future knowledge?

I usually follow Justice League, but in order to follow the Throne of Atlantis, I had to read Aquaman. I was very impressed by how an arc that encompasses Aquaman can be a great read. Geoff John is a master at shocking endings and this issue is no exception. After finishing this arc, I will continue reading Aquaman.

Joe Casey and David Messina attempt to create an average hero that fits our modern era. However, with a confusing plot and average artwork, The Bounce falls short of its aspirations. Although it has the potential to become something bigger, there is a lot of work that needs to be done before it gets there.

Fred Van Lente's Brain Boy has the potential to be an interesting superhero in the new Dark Horse universe. With some great artwork support from R.B. Silva and Rob Lean, Brain Boy's revival could find some permanency. However, his current personality makes him an unlikeable character. Combined with a confusing, non-linear plot, Brain Boy has a lot of work to do of it wishes to compete with some established superheroes in the industry.

This issue is better than I expected. Although the idea is not original, the art and characters makes this series a must read for the post-A vs. X Marvel universe. With any new team, mistakes will be made. With mistakes comes consequences. With Cable and his team branded as outlaws and mutant terrorists, I look forward to seeing who they will face next.

Unfortunately, after several issues of explosive action, this issue is disappointing. Nothing happens to advance the plot and definitely nothing worth the four bucks. The concept of the heroes viewed as villains is a great concept and it seems this was just a setup story for a new arc. However, since Cable's new vision is so vague, you cannot tell what is going on. I hope future issues will share the same momentum they had when the series started.

It is tough to bring a 1940's property into the 21st century. Joshua Williamson and Fernando Dagnino have done the best they can to modernize a long dead hero in Captain Midnight. Still, their introductory story arc needs some improvement. If the focus remains on the hero's attempts to adjust to his modern surroundings, this could be a great comic to read.

Despite some inconsistencies throughout this comic series, Curse is a good mini-series that adds another layer to the werewolf mythos. The buildup to this ending is thrilling and suspenseful while the artwork, although inconsistent, provides great visuals for the overall plot. If you are a fan of the classic monsters like werewolves, this is a great tribute comic to read.

So far, this is a good start to the mini-series. It is a must read if you are a Daredevil fan. Since the focus of the comic will be on Ben Urich and it takes place sometime in the near future, it will be interesting who Ben meets in his investigations. I look forward to reading the new reveals that lead to Daredevil's demise. 3 stars.

James Robinson creates a great annual issue for Earth 2. Although most of the stories are compelling, they have nothing to do with the main story arc and reveal little in regards to the coming war between the World Government Army and Steppenwolf. At about five dollars, it's a good issue to add to the collection, but expensive enough to skip it.

The Halo Initiation miniseries is a nice introduction into the Halo universe outside of the Master Chief and the Covenant. The three issue series has some surprisingly well-design interiors worthy of the Halo franchise. However, since it is a three issue series, the comic does not have enough support to convey a complex story. It ends abruptly without contributing anything to the Halo's expending storyline. It is a solid piece, but completely unnecessary.

With this character, and the previous mini-series Phantom Lady, DC Comics is trying to showcase old properties in a new light. Human Bomb is a surprisingly good start to reintroducing old heroes back into the DC Universe. If the miniseries are successful, we may see other old heroes revamped for a new audience, perhaps another Freedom Fighters series.

Geoff Johns and David Finch made a big splash with the initial release of the Justice League of America. The concept of a counter-Justice League for the reboot reflects the paranoia of the modern age. In fact, there are clues in the current Justice League that show DC Comics has been planning the Justice League of America for a while. However, things need to pick up fast or the comic will end up like their cancelled Justice League International title. With the new team combating a "Secret Society," we will see if readers will warm up to the new Justice League title.

Matt Fraction and Howard Craykin have created a unique murder mystery comic using a 1950's television studio as its backdrop. So far, the story is at a snails pace in getting to any resolution. However, it seems to be getting better as more character backgrounds are revealed. Although flawed, the black and white artwork is a great fit to the comic. Overall, it is a solid comic, but needs some work.

I had a lot of high expectations going into reading Serenity: Leaves on the Wind As a big fan of the old television series, it is exciting to see Dark Horse Comics try to create a successful comic book with the Firefly franchise, like they did with Buffy and Angel. So far, the comic lacks many aspects that gave the series such a cult following. It is still a relatively new series and loyal fans will continue to read it. However, Serenity: Leaves on the Wind has a lot of work to do if it wants to be up to par with the television show and movie.

I was expecting something different than a mystery comic after reading the initial issues of "Sex". Simon's superhero past is slowly revealed to the readers, as he becomes caught in a web of sexual repression. Although I feel this story could be told without the superhero elements, they add a shrouded background to support the plot. If you like mystery comics and are not offended by mature content, this is a great series to follow.

Chris Roberson and Paul Maybury's Sovereign is at a snail's pace so far with two issues. With epic fantasy, a lot of development goes into world building and at its current pace, Sovereign's story has a long way to go. The story has potential with its unique setting and characters, barring a few borrowed references from modern fantasy concepts like Game of Thrones. However, the story needs to speed up to its more exciting parts in order to get readers interested.

ProsStrong engaging narrationThe art is gritty and gruesomeUnique supernatural conceptsConsMain protagonist too similar to John Constantine from HellblazerCommon character motiviations

Chris Ryall and Sam Kieth's imaginative comic blends old and new ideas together to form an almost perfect union. Hollows is different from the usual zombie genre or spandex wearing superhero comic. Because of the unusual style, it may discourage new comic fans from reading it. However, it will be interesting where the story goes from the first issue.

After two issues, Illegitimates have finally set the foundation for their story. Although it is a unique concept with roots in an established movie franchise, characters ring hollow with little substance supporting the overall story. Original ideas have potential, but can still come across as clich if they are not executed properly. So far, Illegitimates needs more development to become a decent series.

For anyone who was a fan of the Last of Us video game, this is a great pickup. If you are not familiar with Last of Us, you may get lost trying to decipher the plots, themes and characters. Although there is a lack of Infected in this zombie horror mini-series, it gives a great deal of background to some of the main characters and the Last of Us world. Neil Druckmann and Faith Erin Hicks do an excellent job aligning their comic to the video game.

Fred Van Lente and Max Dunbar do a good job creating a zombie parody comic that any fan of the genre can enjoy. Despite its lack of horror elements, there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. It is not the Walking Dead, but it has some great creativity support it.

The Star Wars is a great original idea for a comic series but it lacks several key elements that made the movies great. J.W. Rinzler does a good job with the material given to him and the artwork from Mike Mayhew is remarkable. However, like many first drafts, the Star Wars needs some reworking. It is nice to see what could have been but the comic relies too much on what is known from the movies.

Andy Diggle and Aaron Campbell's Uncanny is a nice read if you are looking for a lot of action and some mystery to the plot. Unfortunately, the protagonist is average by comic book standards and does not deviate from normal conventions. Readers can look forward to some mysteries unraveled over the next few issues, but do not count on anything big happening in this series.

Jason Aaron and Ramon Perez make a very good team to tackle Wolverine and his young team's misadventures in the Savage Land. Dog Logan as the main antagonist in the arc seems odd considering the characters involved in this series, but after the first issue, it is difficult to tell how it will work out in the end. Overall a good start to what could be an interesting story arc.

Duane Swierczynski and Eric Nguyen try to breathe life back to an old Dark Horse hero. Even though the art is fantastic, the plot needs more polishing and creativity. If you were a fan of the original series, you may want to pick this up. It's a comic with a lot of action, but very little plot.

Riley Rossmo and Alex Link's Drumhellar needs improvement in terms of plot and character development. Creativity has its limits and Drumhellar attempts to create a comic with great artistry but little direction or narrative. Having to reread the comic to understand it can be frustrating. Although the artwork is amazing, the story does not make any sense.

Some of Marvel's famous storylines involve time-travel. It is a difficult plot device to use. You need to close all plot holes you created in the narrative in order for the comic to make sense. In A +X #1, humor allows you to ignore some of the ambiguity and inconsistencies. Since the stories are so short, you are left with a lot of questions and very few answers.

I started reading this comic when it came out after Battle for the Cowl. I loved the Dick Grayson/Damien Wayne pairing that made this comic dynamic and groundbreaking. Then, Bruce Wayne came back from the dead, the new 52 rebooted the comic and the series has not been the same since. This issue is pointless because it just retells what we know about Damien from previous stories. If you're looking for information on Batman in the new 52, like Batman #0 and Detective Comics #0, you will be disappointed. 2 stars.

For a comic based on a school for assassins, there is very little action or violence. The plot is really predictable since it is a 5-part mini-series and there are only three student presidents left for Enrique to challenge. Many of the character designs are caricatures, with only the main protagonist having any substance in character development. Overall, the comic needs improvement.

Lost Vegas has all the elements to make a great comic book series. Due to a poorly laid out plot and irregular art, it falls short on expectations. It is confusing, to the point of frustration. There are better science-fiction comics in the market right now that are better than Lost Vegas. I do not see this comic being more than just a mini-series.

Gathering this group of anti-heroes to fight as a unit was a great idea. Even though the artwork is solid, the story need better execution. The ending plot twist helps, and maybe the series will get better later. However, right now, it's not that interesting.

With the MAX series, the reader expects a certain amount of explicit content blended with a good story. Wolverine MAX #1 has not done this so far. With the introduction of Sabretooth and the rivalry that goes with it, I am curious how this will be taken to an "adult" level. I hope future issues will use this freedom more wisely.