In closing if you are currently reading Star Mage this is a critical issue as the pieces are moved on the board for the final confrontation. It leans towards heavy dialogue and exposition and for fans of the series they will be really excited to see where the finale is going.

A Voice in the Dark is not a book for everyone, it is dark, disturbing and really gets under your skin. Taylor is crafting a wonderful story with its own distinct style that any fan of horror or a well-crafted story should seek out.

Soulfire's story comes in fits and starts, when the great character driven moments shine through they really do however, these a sandwiched between a pretty lack luster fight that moves the plot along in interesting ways but, does not give you the sense of satisfaction that the quieter moments in this book do. Recommended for fans of the series as this is part way through a story arc new readers will have a hard time figuring out how everything fits into place in the world of Soulfire.

And then Emily was gone in an interesting tale that will gain a cult following. If creepy, mystery stories are your thing I highly recommend going out and picking the book up. Due to the distinctive art style it may only find a niche following however, for those that do give it a try they will find a story that grabs you and simply refuses to let go.

Brides of Helheim is a great first issue and a comic that has a massive amount of potential. Bunn sets up the key players of this story and shows us just how awesome his creation is in Rickard. You are not given much in the way of character development but, I feel in an introductory issue such as this you do not need too, Bunn lets the characters speak for themselves at why this book should be read.

Overall CCTVYLLE is a book that has plenty of places to go, it is an original take on a concept that has been seen many times before, that of what happens when one person or group is given too much power in society? The writing and art really help sell such an outlandish concept that in the world of indie comics this is a book you should take notice of and give a chance.

Dredd Uprise 2 gives us one last glimpse of the recent films mega city one and it's Dredd, it is a fun plot with plenty twists and turns that will leave any fan satisfied. Whilst I think the overall story could have benefited from being a little longer to allow it play out and build the supporting cast a little more, it remains a fun ride and a great addition to the Dredd (movie) canon.

Graveyard Shift overall doesn't break any new ground; however, it provides a tightly scripted beautifully drawn book that draws you into its dark twisted world. There are clearly some twists and turns along the way that the creative team have in store for this book and for anyone that this series resonates with and sticks with will get a great payoff in futures issues.

Trees is an intriguing book, the slow burn of the plot may serve to put some readers off the book but, having read a lot of Ellis' work those that stick with this book will be richly rewarded with a truly great story, I just feel that we need over the next few issues we need some more information to give us hints of where the overall story is going.

Overall for long time readers Witchblade Casefiles is not a necessary book but, it does very nice summarisation of the events that have bought us to this point with Sara and Jackie about to lock horns. It is a must read for Darkness fans however, who will take quite a lot from the delightful short found the back of this book.

Dr Mirage is a great first issue, minor gripes about the characterization aside it does everything anyone could want in a first issue. The case files included allow for extra world building that whilst not necessary, gives the reader a great feel what is sure to be another major player in this book. Overall it gives us a great introduction to the main character, sets the tone for the book really well and provides an interesting mystery that will have you wondering just what will happen next.

Overall Dr Mirage #2 is another solid entry into this series, really building on what has been started in the previous issue an adding more intrigue and a few interesting twists and turns along the way. Allowing the reader to really understand the main characters mind set whilst pushing the plot along at a reasonable pace, it will be exciting to see where this goes in future issues.

Whilst the rest of the Valiant Universe is tied up in the Armour Hunters crossover and Archer and Armstrong are off on high-jinks with Quantum and Woody, this issue continues to show why the main book is so highly thought of with both fans and critics, great art and an engaging story make this issue a must read.

This overall is a great one shot; it provides an interesting tale that would serve as a great taster for the Top Cow universe as a whole. It is intelligently written and drawn with such care and attentions that you can tell these are creators that have put their heart and soul into this book and as talent hunt winners I am interested to see what they bring out next.

Cyber Force is a really fun book, previous fans of the old series will feel right at home and having it interconnected with the Aphrodite book has been a stroke of genius, you can read both series independently but, you will take so much more if you are reading both together.

If you haven't read anything by or seen any of Sejic's work I urge you check this out. The writing is great, the art is beautiful and whilst it is really funny, it is building a really great story with what is sure to be an epic confrontation between the Enemy and the Death Vigil.

If you are a fan of DnD, or the games themselves you owe it to yourselves to pick up this book. The creative team clearly get the characters and are clearly having a great amount of fun writing this book. It reads more like an adventure pack for DnD and that is by no means a bad thing, if you have played the game you find the characters making the laugh out loud choices even the most serious gaming group would make and it quickly allows you to warm to the characters and join in on the fun.

Eternal Warrior Days of Steel is another great entry into the Valiant mythos, adding more depth to one of its main heroes and exploring a side of him that has not been seen previously and also and perhaps more importantly humanising him. Whilst my issues with the amount of issues that this story has been given I am really interested to see where this story goes and what the outcome will be and how this will effect GIlad.

Overall Goners is a fun book, it sets up the world nicely and Carona's art throughout the issue is fantastic. However, I feel that there is something missing from making this a truly great book, Semahn sets up an interesting mystery in this first issue and I hope it is enough to see the book through.

Goners second issue is once again a great fun book to read you can tell that the creative team are pouring their hearts and souls into it and having a great amount of fun creating this book. It will be interesting to see how things develop as this arc continues but for now it remains a great book to pick up at the end of a long day and just have some fun.

Goners over these last 3 issues has never lost that sense of fun, even though the story continues to become darker you cannot help but enjoy yourself whilst reading the book. Now that the plot is slowly starting to be revealed you become more and more invested in the world of Goners and with the creative team hitting their aforementioned stride with the book makes this another fantastic book that everyone should try.

With the writer and art team working together so well on this book they create a really effective sense of tension as you are turning the pages of this book, always in the back of your mind wondering what will happen to these characters and just how far the rabbit hole goes in the town of Buckaroo.

Oddly Normal is a charming little book, whilst its main audience is clearly preteens and young adults this is a book that anyone can pick up and enjoy. With the solicits giving us the hint that in future issues Frampton will explore the realm of Fignation the only limits is the creators imagination and I think it will be a joy to watch this world be built. If you are looking for a comic for a new budding young reader to get into look no further than this book but, be sure to read it for yourself as well as you will find yourself immersed in a wonderfully enchanting tale that has real depth and character.

Q2: The Return of Quantum of Woody is quite simply a really fun book; this first issue sets up the miniseries perfectly, yet manages to provide plenty of gags along the way. It will be fun to see this series progress and if you are looking for something a little fun to read this Wednesday I would highly recommend you check this book out.

Rai 4 is a great issue, Kindt sets up his next arc whilst bringing the opening arc to satisfying conclusion giving readers a further glimpse into the motivations of our main cast of characters in this futuristic thriller.

Rasputin is an interesting book, the subject matter will I don't think be for everyone however, Grecian and Rossmo are creating a stunning book and are pulling out all the stops to make probably the definitive fictional work on Rasputin for years to come.

Overall this annual is a great introduction to a world with a deep background and mythology that is worth exploring, long-time fans I'm sure will pick up a lot of the plot threads that are woven throughout this tale whilst new readers are welcomed into yet another great comic world to explore.

Spider-Man 2099 is a great read, I have loved the character for a long time so I am a little biased but, this is a different kind of superhero book. It is heavily character driven and focus's less on fists flying and web-slinging and more on character interaction and a man out of time trying to find his way in a world he knows nothing about. A solid read that will generate a very loyal fanbase for a long time to come.

Tales of Honor 5 wraps the opening arc up really nicely, focusing mainly on Honor's triumphs instead of Basilisk Station at large really makes you feel connected to the journey Honor has gone on yet allows you time to reflect on all that has happened that has bought us to this point. I am excited to see where this book goes and what struggles await Honor.

Whilst the main story continues with a few twists and turns (as I have come to expect from this comic), slowing down this issue may take a few readers off guard. However, this serves to flesh out the overall story and characters that Tynion is building and proves another solid addition to this series.

Transformers Primacy is everything you can want in a Transformers comic, intrigue, great characters and a sense of fun and adventure that the franchise has always been known for. The art is beautiful and it focus' on character more than fists and laser blast that creates a truly compelling read that anyone who is a fan of the Gen 1 era will fall in love with all over again.

Overall Primacy Issue 4 delivers on every level, providing a satisfying conclusion to this series by delivering epic battles, explosive action and character moments that really makes any fan feel right at home on this version of Cybertron. I would urge any fan or anyone interested in the franchise to check the work that IDW and this creative team are doing with the Transformers out. They are taking it to new levels delivering a living breathing universe with some of your favourite characters exactly how you remember them.

Unity is a great tie in to the Armor Hunters storyline; it provides great development for character that in this type of story would not usually receive it. There is also great action and it ties into the overall storyline really well, and shows that Valiant knows how to do a crossover really well.

Wayward is a charming book, you warm to the main character instantly whilst reading this and for fans of things such as Buffy or really any coming of age tale with a supernatural twist. Hopefully over the coming issues we will see Rori's personality explored some more and her powers develop some more but, this issue serves as a perfect introduction to her world and is a great read.

Witchblade 178 is a great book, whilst it is part of a larger story as a whole, anyone can pick up this book and have fun with it. Fans will be pleased to see Sara put the Darkness and Jackie Estacado behind her and move on into the future with new stories and possibilities. The art sells this book though, Marz's writing is a fantastic as ever but, Braga's art really takes this book to the next level to make this issue well worth picking up.

XO Manowar is another solid entry into this series from Valiant, what I thought could have just been a filler issue provides a really interesting narrative and a great one and done story that fills in the background of these mysterious hunters that have come seeking Aric's armor.

Slight criticisms aside, XO Manowar #29 is another great issue in this series, giving us some nice character moments and setting up future arcs that leave this series with endless potential and plenty of places to go.

Zero 11 is another great entry into this series, providing tonnes of character development and allowing readers to catch their breath before diving into the next mission. I urge everyone to give this series a go, Kot is building a great mythology behind this series with great nuance and important messages that people should sit up and take note of.

ASM 9 really is the a great opening shot for this series the main story is awesome and kicks things off in real style and has the potential to become another instant classic like Spider-Island, the backup story also provides some much needed information about the villains of the piece are and just what their motivations are and why they are hunting the spiders that niggles about placement aside make this an awesome book to behold that any fan of the Spider-Man franchise will be happy with.

Harbinger is a book anyone who is fan of superhero comics must read. It has the feeling on the Claremont era of X-Men about it, taking risks and delivering with each and every issue building a solid cast of characters that do more than simply have superhero smack downs

Armour Hunters Harbinger issue 3 provides a satisfying conclusion to Generation Zero's arc in this story whilst setting the stage for things to come in the main Harbinger title. The whole book from start to finish and a pleasure to read, new readers will have to look to jump on at the beginning of the Armour Hunters crossover but, for those already invested in the crossover or Harbinger they will lap up this issue thanks to the strength of Dysart's writing and Gill & Fajardo's art.

Overall Captain Marvel 6 is a great issue; it retains such a sense of fun and charm that it's so hard not to like this book. I am disappointed it seems Carol will still be flying solo but she is such a strong character she can carry this book by herself. Any fan of superhero or cosmic comics will enjoy this, its about fun and never loses sight of this.

Deadly Class is another winner from Image; this issue is no exception, Remender's plot flows at a great pace and thanks to the clear vision by the entire creative team, has such a unique identity that makes this an absolute must read book.

If you want to take a break from the Spandex melodrama or the usual grim fair that comics can deal with this is book for you. It's the kind of book where you can put your feet up and laugh your ass off for 20 minutes without worrying about anything outside of the jokes and sometimes you need this kind of book.

Harbinger 25 is a great book, it serves as a great jumping on point whilst giving current readers a satisfying highly emotion ride from start to finish. Much like Valiant's other titles, if you are not reading this already you really should.

Quite simply, Lazarus is something everyone should read. The art work is stunning, the world is a frightening realization of our own taken to one extreme, the characters are engaging and the creators are putting out a comic that will be remembered very fondly for years to come.

Roche Limit is a great comic that has bags of potential, this first issue sets up a wonderful new sci-fi universe for readers to explore, giving us a great tease of what is to come and setting up Moreci's overall narrative. It will be interesting to see where this intrigue and mystery takes as we explore Roche Limit further.

Overall I cannot recommend this book enough, everyone will take something out of it. Whether a long time fan or a new convert to Marvel cosmic (thanks to a certain movie that came out recently) it is a joy to read. An intriguing story with great characters, good action and a plot that leaves you wanting more.

In terms of presentation and sheer inventiveness, this issue hands down is the best single issue I have read all year. The story is so ridiculous that you cannot help become invested in it, yet it delivers on more than just cheap gags to keep the plot moving on and instead giving us great character interaction in this team up. Whilst Kano's art and panel layout really does steal the show the love and care that have done into this book really shows and makes it a great read.

The masters of noir comics have done it again with this master piece, whilst as Brubaker himself has said it was not his most marketable idea it is certainly one of his and Phillips greatest comics. Plenty of drama, mystery and intrigue keep you on the edge of your seat when reading this book and you are sad when every issue is over as you simply want to read more of this amazing tale they are crafting.

Small criticism aside, Multiversity is a wonderful comic, brimming with wonder and excitement and delivers everything fans expect and more. It also remains accessible so you do not have to be familiar with the previous stories Morrison has used to set this book up. Oh and there is talking monkey in a pirate outfit!

Overall The Valiant is a solid first issue, setting the scene, ramping up the stakes and reminding us why this cast of characters are utter badasses. New fans will be able to jump on here and get a great introduction to the Valiant Universe whilst current readers will enjoy this next chapter of the Valiant Universe and the ramifications that this will have for the characters in their own titles.

Overall Velvet proves once again to be one of the best books on the stands, with each issue being better than the last. Sending the story off into completely new places, Brubaker and Epting deliver another solid issue and continually show why everyone should check this book out.

Snyder says in the back matter that this book is deeply personal to him, from reading this that is plain to see and it is a story that I am happy he has shared with us. From cover to cover you will become absorbed in this world and it will be used as a showpiece for just how effectively horror can be done in a comic.