Alabaster: The Good, The Bad and The Bird juggles a dual narrative that could be difficult for new readers, but it clearly builds upon open previous plot lines and does a nice job on wrapping in new interesting antagonists. As a new reader it was clear some things were beyond my grasp but once I understood that, The Good, The Bad, and The Bird was an enjoyable read that I found myself actively engaged in. The look and tone of the book can carry the sometimes inclusive nature of the story for new readers. It always feels decisive in the choices it makes, which may allow patient new readers to trust in Kiernan's storytelling ability. Johnson shines with some wonderful scenes and an ability to provide extra grit and tension to the issue. Anyone willing to take a chance with a little bit of patience my find themselves a new pull for their list. I can't vouch for returning fans but there's way more good than bad (or birds for that matter. I counted two vultures for the record).

Alabaster: The Good, The Bad, and The Bird #2 is what I would expect from a second issue in a limited series. Issue one started off very strong and grand, whereas the second issue slows in its pace and scale but progresses the story and that's all you could really want from another issue. It does feel a bit disjointed from where we left Maisie and where we find her in #2; that said, Kiernan and Johnson use this issue however to build a very compelling Maisie. With what seems to be coming for Maisie in the coming issues I appreciate being able to become invested in her before it's too late.

The Comix Tribe published comic comes out swinging a hammer and shouldeasily go toe to toe with any comic from the more mainstream independent publishers. And Then Emily Was Gone taps into horror in a unique way in just its first issue . The story is unsettling and at the same time fascinating. Lees juggles different narratives giving each the perfect amount of time to have the reader wanting to know more. Laurie's art will not be for everyone but for readers who appreciate different, creative and stylistic art styles, Laurie's stands out in And Then Emily Was Gone. His scenes are eerie and layouts are unique. And Then Emily Was Gone is how to do first issues right. Fans of comics owe it to themselves to give And Them Emily Was Gone a chance and everyone deserves to know what's in the box. WHAT'S IN THE BOX??

Issue eight keeps a tight pace and introduces some familiar faces all while a seeming insurmountable threat looms over them. Where the main line Avengers titles have focused on large teams and larger than life conflicts, Avengers World brings the focal point back to its smaller teams without losing any of the stakes or quality.

The series and issue made an effort to showcase Cage's grit and resolve as he battles whatever is thrown his way. The issue ends on a well deserved heartfelt high note that wraps the series nicely for the hero. Hopefully "Cage" is just the first of many more comics from Genndy Tartakovsky.

The story is epic in its scope and structure. The Kirby influences are present in all the right places. The story is true science fiction as Casey and crew make no effort to over-explain everything about the world. Readers are hit with terms and ideas that areforeign but feel at home in the context of the world. Captain Victory is a comic for fans of Kirby, golden age storytelling, artists at the top of their game, engrossing science fiction and an all around unique reading experience.

Dark Engine has the mood and creativity that Remender or Hickman books often display. Dark Engine sits comfortably with Image contemplates like Pretty Deadly and East of West. Burton's perfectly placed dialog and Bivens' dynamic art introduce readers to a world and story that begs to be explored. From the sinister open to its ominous final page, Dark Engine is an enthralling first issue.

Nitz and Smallwood prove to be a great creative team with a series that evokes the look and feel of early Brubaker and Philips. Escape is a wonderful trip back into the world and lore of Dream Thief. Issue one welcomes new readers and pays tribute to returning ones. Escape avoids being Dream Thief.1 and evolves the characters and stories into a true sequel worth reading.

Issue three of Iron Fist hits heavy but on a higher level than just sick kung fu action. Iron Fist really is a complete look at the man that is Danny Rand. The story is smart and expands on what we thought we knew about Danny. As his world crumbles around him the issue ends on another gut shot. Andrews is delivering a series worthy of The Living Weapon.

Kennel Block Blues #1 is a story you won't get anywhere else. For me it is the reason I read comics. Bayliss and Metcalfe can experiment with styles,colors and layouts while Ferrier can mix humor within a depressing prison landscape. Kennel Block Blues is something special. It is the bright and merry delusions of a creative team in an otherwise often flat and gloomy comic landscape.

Mirror is one of the more enjoyable experiences I have had reading a comic in recent memory. I was encouraged and thrilled to reread the issue and really take the time to appreciate each quiet moment alongside the bigger ones. The world and characters created by Rios and Lim are complex, different and mysterious. I found myself invested in the hard choices they came to make. Mirror is a book that will challenge many readers. It's not always forthcoming in its story and takes an in-depth read to come away with a fuller experience (at least for me anyways). Mirror is a great comic experience, one I continued to enjoy more and more each read through.

Warren Ellis is the master of unique single issue stories. Each experience is special and refreshing. The team of Ellis, Shalvey and Bellaire continue to create the next great first issue of a Moon Knight series with every issue.

There is a lot going on in Nailbiter and issue two only adds to the intrigue of this series. Whether it is the Buckaroo Sixteen, the horror, the crime drama, or the mystery, there is enough to satisfy any comic fan in Nailbiter. Issue two will have readers guessing the killer even though it seems too obvious, but maybe because it's too obvious it's a red herring to throw readers off but is actually the right answer, or it could be the janitor. Join the guessing game and pick up Nailbiter.

It does not take possessing the Eye of Agamotto to see how outstanding New Avengers Annual #1 is. Barbiere and Rudy craft an Annual that is a must buy for Strange fans and a must read for fans of what Hickman is doing in New Avengers.

Secret Avengers is smart, funny and laced with intrigue. Ales Kot knows when to lighten the mood and when to knuckle down. Issue four is a one-shot mission that moves along the greater story and characters while still being enjoyable and looking beautiful. Secret Avengers continues to remind readers it is not your typical superhero book, it is better.

Sheltered is as captivating as ever. Brisson's writing will leave you disgusted with some characters and cheering for others. Christmas' art is kinetic and gruesome. Each issue is filled with tension that never really subsides. Issue nine is another great chapter in the series.

Shutter is home to a lot of quirky, creative, and enjoyable characters. Issue three really showcases what is so great about Shutter, the world and those who inhabit it. Unfortunately the only uninteresting character is the one the book is centered around and issue three does little to further invest the reader in Kate. The team of Keatinge and Del Luca have built a beautiful and original world which should give readers the confidence Kate will join in soon.

Issue three gives readers their first glimpse into the future of the series. If Sovereign was a movie the ominous and exciting end of issue three is where the director would hard cut to the title card. Roberson and Maybury have created a vast and deep fantasy world that any fan can and should get lost in.

The Bunker is a close to if not perfect a series currently in production. The story is grand while still remaining veryfocused. The characters are relatable and make choices real people would make. The art is stylistic with its very own tone and emotion. There is no question The Bunker is great, the only thing left to answer is how will it rank in the greatest comic stories when its finished.

Jane Foster is a different and layered Thor. The creative team in the issue examines what Thor is to Jane and what being Thor does to her. This is more than just the relationship between Jane's cancer and being Thor but the spirit of Jane and the spirit of Thor. In the previous series we saw that Jane has such a reverence and honor in being Thor. Aaron's Jane becomes Thor when she wields the hammer but she is not Thor. Thor becomes an extension of Jane—her fight and her values.She carries the name and hammer of Thor but in many ways she is the better version of Thor.If readers are looking for a comic that is more than just a superhero but an individual being a superhero, The Mighty Thor #1 is it.

Futures End #3 is a bridge to better things. After the death of one of the characters and a funeral, this issue ferries us along to the next important moment in Futures End. Normally an issue that did as little as this issue does might really kill the pace of an interesting story like Futures End. Luckily the title comes out each week and it is easy to see a down issue quickly being remedied by a more exciting issue the following week. There is still a lot promise surrounding Futures End and is already one of the DC titles any fan should be reading.

The Thomas half of the story feels familiar and not all that interesting. Richard carries the book both in terms of meaningful plot and real interest. The large amount of exposition and back story might turn some readers off. However, buried in this first issue is Richard, an interesting and compelling character, as well as a mystery spanning decades that could drive this story into really interesting places. Issue one may stumble out of the gate but its art, the character of Richard, and final few pages help get Thomas Alsop back in the race.

The first issue was vehicle for character and motive introductions while issue two is probably a more realistic presentation of what readers can expect from future issues. This is a team of interesting characters in the Ultimate universe tackling very distinct and isolated problems with humor and great looking art. For an Ultimate universe, outside of Miles Morales, that has yet to really find a strong monthly series, FF could be it.

With Original Sin in full swing it's interesting to see another story worthy of an event in progress and not getting the love it deserves. Avenge the Earth is an arc that has the weight and feel of a classic Avenger's story. Remender continues to bring pieces together from all 20 issues and even his X-Force run. Issue 20 moves the story along at a brisk pace and prepares you for what should be an exciting next issue.

Velvet is what you expect to get when you hear the names Brubaker, Epting, Breitweiser. It's perfectly paced, expertly written, beautiful and realistic with amazing colors. Issue six is another great issue in what is a perfect spy story.