Now Ive described a better comic than this one, a woman whose story is told elsewhere, and two comics Id rather read that dont exist. What does it mean when Id rather read something that doesnt exist than this comic? It means this comic is really freaking terrible. You cant even enjoy it for camp value. Its too ugly and takes itself too seriously. This isnt the new Anita Blake. Its just another self-published wannabe.

I think Strongarm is supposed to be the story of a low-level criminal turning against his boss with his new monster arms. But I can only assume that from the fragmented story ideas and the familiar plots they resemble. I dont know whats going on in this issue, I dont want to read the next issue, and Im not entertained. This comic fails in every respect.

I dont care. Im retreating back into the world of Marvel Comics. Sure, its a world where a woman goes crazy because her babies are dead, a hero who represents the common man deals with Satan, and a known supervillain gets a cabinet post. Yet, theres a difference between Marvel and DC. Marvel allows bad ideas. DC allows bad corrections.

The tipping point for me was the price. I dont mind paying $3.50 for a b&w small-press comic. Economic realities demand it. But when I am less entertained that a color comic that costs $2.99; when the comic Johnston has been hyping on his website for months turns out to bethis, well its just not worth anybodys time or money.

Maybe Im being too harsh. No, wait, I dont mean harsh. I mean generous. Yeah, maybe Im being too generous because I got to read all five issues for free. If I had to pay for any of this crap, Id really be pissed off.

I was already committed to buying the mini-series because I like the idea of Onslaught. Hes a monstrous, nearly all-powerful psychic that can rewrite reality at his whim. So why is he wasting time playing puppeteer with these musclemen?

So why am I buying this comic? Why did I continue to buy it when it passed the point of no return in issue #2? Why did I commit to this series before it even launched? Because of Onslaught. I like that villain. I like the idea of a monstrous creature of pure mental energy. Scott Lobdell said he conceived Onslaught to be the kind of cosmic-level threat the X-Men havent faced since the Dark Phoenix. And a being of pure mental energy that can warp reality at its most powerful and possess people at his least? Yeah, thats a real challenge. Especially if the only way to defeat him is if someone dies. Think about it: Marvels non-mutant heroes appeared to die defeating him the first time. (Stupid plan, but thats another story.) If someone else dies at the end of this story, it sets up a scary pattern. Onslaught could be the one villain no one can defeat without dying. And thats the kind of unforgivable, unstoppable, unimaginable evil Id like to see running loose in a comic

Without a compelling premise, Warsong can only succeed on the quality of the creators. The art is bad enough to drag down Paks mildly interesting writing. The writing is nice; I could see him on one of the main titles, but the story is boring out of the gate. Wake me when its over.

Michael Deeley is proudly serving in the US Air Force while inoculating his fellow airmen with his liberal views. Hes currently struggling to balance a life that includes family, career advancement, video games, and Mystery Science Theater 3000, in addition to comic books.

All-Star Batman and Robin was created for existing Batman readers who wanted to see the superstar team-up of Frank Miller and Jim Lee. It is also intended to attract current comic book readers who do not read a Batman comic. It is not meant for non-readers or children. As a comic, I give it . As a marketing tool, I give it . Seriously, Marvels Ultimate comics and their flip-books are better for the industry than this.

Maybe I just dont get the idea behind the series. Hanna believes she will grow up to become a superhero called The Ant. She writes about her future adventures in her journal. Now, I get that Hannas stories are her way of dealing with the world around her. (And for a 4-year old, the stories are very well-written.) But why am I reading this? Why am I caring about Hanna in the first place? Because shes a poor little girl in a big, bad world? Is there a larger theme of how superhero comics help all of us deal with reality? Hannas father has been wrongly accused of murder and shes powerless to help. Boo-hoo. Pardon my human nature, but I just cant care. I like the part with Ant. Hey, insect-woman fighting a giant cockroach always makes for a good story. But a family falling apart? Couldnt care less.

Crap. Crap crap crap crap crap. I could've bought Crossgen TPBs instead of this offal.

If you haven't been following the "Bruce Wayne: Fugitive" story, just pick up the last few issues of 'Detective Comics' and this one. 'Detective' is the best Bat-book on the shelves, and its cheaper than buying the inevitable trade book which will contain the irrelevant parts of the story. Unfortunately, the entire story has been rendered irrelevant.

I give this book because I can say exactly one thing about this comic, but there are too many mistakes, a sign of bias in the entire crossover, and average art. Its really not worth buying, unless the rest of the series turns out phenomenal.

Id like to see more comic books in which Christianity and Jesus play a larger role. Not stories centered around Christianity, mind you, but stories where God is a recognized and active force, or faith is an integral part of a character. This is just another end-of-the-world action story; a disappointment on nearly every front. I give this because it wasnt unpleasant nor painful to read.

Yep. Cuts it right off. Then hangs it on a wall.

Im sad to say the new Doctor Solar is far inferior to the 1962 and 1990 incarnations of the character. I strongly suggest tracking down the Solar TPBs published by Valiant, and a cheap copy of the Dr. Solar archives from Dark Horse. Im giving this series one more issue to find its footing. If it cant, Im ignoring it completely.

Theres nothing here for new readers, and regular readers will feel cheated. Check out the trade books, or the recent story arc about the war against the wooden soldiers. But give this a miss.

I'm just glad this whole mess is over. Aside from the inevitable TPB, we'll probably never see these versions of DC's greatest heroes and villains ever again. But if we do, for God's sake, get a different writer.

But I did learn something important. After New Krypton, Codename: Patriot, World Against Superman, Last Stand of New Krypton and War of the Supermen, I did find one positive thing to take away from all this: Supergirl is a pretty good comic. You should give it a look.

So, no, I do not recommend buying this comic. Its not worth the $4US it costs. If youre already committed to buying the current AoA mini-series, trade books, and other related comics, then $4 isnt that much to you anyway. For you Exiles fans looking for more info on your favorite characters, search the net.

So its a boring story with stupid jokes in a cheap style with no audience appeal. I could hate this book outright if I didnt get it for free.

Actually, this comes off as a cheap copy of The Walking Dead. The lead hero of this story seems to be a quiet guy thrust into an uncomfortable leadership role, monsters are everywhere, and the basic laws of civilization have collapsed. Its also in black & white but not drawn as well. This art is too stiff and formal. It lacks style, life and distinction. I dont think Chee has been working long enough to develop his own voice. Neither has the writer. Theres nothing original in this book, and theres almost nothing at all.

My first X-Men comics were the X-Cutioners Saga in 1991. The story raised more questions than it answered, and the art hasnt aged well. Part of me thinks Messiah Complex will be a repeat. Part of me hopes it will mean permanent change in this corner of the Marvel U. Based on Ed Brubakers past work, I have faith the plot will improve and the dialogue will be great. But this comic can easily be skipped.

*sigh* But Ive already bought four issues of this, so I guess Im in for two more. You know, this whole anniversary celebration of Age of Apocalypse has turned out to be a real dud. The Official Handbook is woefully inadequate, this mini-series is disappointing, and the trade books of the core AoA titles wont be released for another six months. The only highlight of this month was the Exiles story that took place in the AoA timeline. Check it out; its in issues 60-61. More stuff happens in those two issues than in the four issues of this mini. The arts clearer, the writings better, the storys more new-reader friendly, and the characterization is better.

Honestly, theres a lot you could do with the concept. Almost anything would be more interesting and better drawn than this!

Other documents, regarding the revival of X-Force and the return of Hal Jordan as Green Lantern, were found in a folder marked The Long Road Back, with notes scribbled in the margins like regression, not evolution. Also found were the unpublished, final issues of Crossgens Negation War; a Howard the Duck revival by David Sedaris; and what appear to be plans for an armed attack against the offices of Tokypop and Viz Comics.

In the new DCU, Oliver Queen is the owner of a successful corporation that provides a wide variety of products and services. This includes Q-Core, a technology firm similar to Apple. But Queen is secretly the crime fighter Green Arrow. Aided by a pacifist weapons maker and a hardnosed super-hacker, he travels the globe catching super villains with his trick arrows. In this issue, he goes to Paris to capture three fame-seeking villains who post their crimes on YouTube. But these aren't the only crooks chasing internet stardom.

Ultimately, this comic is totally unnecessary to the main story. It adds nothing to the plot, gives no new information, and the parody is more interesting than the real thing.

So the series gets off to a good start. There could have been more to it. Its basically a long fight scene and Moon Knight crawling around his home. But in these days of multi-part stories, well have to accept this as the norm. Its a good starting point. Hopefully the second issue can carry the ball.

At this point, I see no valid reason to read Moon Knight. This Casualties of War tie-in does not address any issues raised by Civil War, nor does it tie strongly into the crossover. If you havent bought this comic, dont.

Unless Bury gets more creative, or teams up with a better writer, I would not recommend this comic to anyone. Sorry Shon. Keep working on that PhD.

So why the high score? Because there's a part of me that still likes horror films. I like watching monsters tear into people in new and interesting ways. I like the crappy late-night horror movie showcases, the experiments on Mystery Science Theater 3000, all the Halloween movies (even the one without Mike Myers), and those gory Hammer Horror flicks. They're like junk food for your brain. Terror Inc. is a heartless monster, a talking zombie. All he does is kill people and violate corpses. So if that's all you want out of a comic, then pick this up on the cheap. Terror Inc. promises only horrible violence and that's all it delivers.

Monster Mash-Up has a few good chuckles, but not enough to justify the $4 price tag. I said it in my last review of What Were They Thinking?!, and Ill say it again: be sillier.

I hate to be overly critical of a self-published comic, but this does have some serious faults. The basic story is fine and the dialogue is good too. The characters just need more character. They need personalities to distinguish themselves and make them unique. Same goes for the art. Use a wider variety of colors and make sure theyre brighter in daylight scenes than nighttime/indoor scenes. Use flesh tones on the people, for Gods sake! Basically take a second look at everything before you publish it and ask, How can I make this better?

Id advise Papercutz to replace the artist on this series. That, or have him focus on either penciling or inking. Hire another artist to handle the other half. Encourage them to experiment within their field and add more depth and detail. For McGregor, keep it simple. Youve got Zorro right; youve got a spirited woman to love him; and youve got a decent plot. Just dont overwrite the dialogue.

I have to keep in mind I read this for free. So when I ask myself, Would I pay $3 for this, I have to say no. It is the start of an interesting story. Im curious to see what happens next. And while the art is flawed, its not so terrible that I cant look at it. But the overall quality doesnt warrant the price tag. Fortunately, the bulk of this comic was not drawn by the series regular artist. The pages by regular artist Mike Fiorentino are significantly better. I expect the next issue to be an improvement on the first. A new colorist wouldnt hurt either.

Overall, its a slight improvement over the previous issue. I think the artists should spend more time on the art just adding more details to it. And the story needs to pick up the pace. For a pirate comic, theres surprisingly little fighting.

Heres your review quote: JMS and Deodato have constructed an elaborate and beautiful house of cards. It looks impressive, but it cannot stand.

I have high hopes for the rest of the story. Spider-Mans impending decision was probably made at the editorial level, but Im confident JMS can create a compelling story around this new milestone in Spider-Mans life.

So it looks like Spider-Man, but acts and sounds like Batman. I dont think anything really dramatic is going to come out of this. If May dies or Peter actually kills somebody, then Ill be shocked. Now, Im just waiting for the next big surprise, if any.

Even if you liked 1602, this story could disappoint you. The art is dull and half-finished. David might get in a few good lines later on, but my expectations are low.

In the end, I have to call this a mediocre work. This isnt worth the 7 bucks theyre charging. Id give this if it wasnt a painted comic. The art is dull, but it does look good.

So the Official Handbook gave me pretty much what I expected: complete and up-to-date information on Marvel characters. How up-to-date? It lists events that took place in July! It had more than I needed, and lacked one thing I wanted. It answered some questions I had but nothing too pressing. Even though I know these comics are unnecessary, I still feel like buying more of them. Its nice to know so much about these characters. It really reveals the rich tapestry of the Marvel Universe.

Not a bad start, all in all. Id rather have seen a complete story as the ending is a serious cliffhanger. Ill have a stronger opinion after I read the second issue.

The return of Astonishing X-Men is a mixed bag. We get another 12 issues of Cassadays art (if you need a fix when Planetary ends later this year), an X-Men book not mixed up in Decimation, and the return of Cassandra Nova. On the other hand, this book is about as dull as dishwasher soap with familiar old patterns of love and betrayal. I dont think Whedons ever been really original; just skillful and stylish.

Overall, this is a quiet beginning. Its too soon to tell where the story is going, or what direction the book will take. Frankly, the first issue of a new series should establish that. But since this is clearly being written for trade collection, Ill treat the first six issues as a first issue. Suppose well have to get used to that in the future.

So The Black Plague isnt a bad comic. Its just not a particularly great comic. But theres enough of premise for the story to take a new turn down the road.

Hey, somebody had to say it. This comic was great, but the crossover could still suck.

One nice surprise was the Authority art by Trevor (Cla$$war) Harsine. Its a good piece. Makes me think he could be in line to draw the Authority series one day. That would be a huge improvement. Put Hairsine and Brubaker on that series and Ill start reading it.

So far, this is the weakest of the tribute books, but Lee, Cooke, and Moore make it worthwhile. And while Levitz and Giffens story is dull, Giffens unique art style is always fun to see. So go buy this and all the others.

Damn Nation has too much killing, not enough people. Ill keep an eye out for a sequel. Issue #3 gives me hope that Cosby can craft characters and an emotional plot. I do suggest finding another artist; someone with experience telling stories visually.

I would suggest writer Sean Taylor spend more time on Marcias personal life. Show us how shes trying to be her own woman separate from the people that created her, (child/parents metaphor). How has Marks life changed/fallen apart since becoming the Angel? And lets see more of Ashtanyakas world; develop her history and mythology. Id also encourage artist JP Dupras to experiment with panel layout, design, and ink line thickness. These two have the basics down. Now lets see them build on them.

I will say the art is excellent. It reminded by of Andy Kuberts work in Wolverine: Origins. Fantastic pencils and coloring. This is a very heavy and realistic book. It doesnt feel like its in a superhero fantasy world but the darker parts of the real world. So its perfectly suited to the tone of the story. Now lets see if the story can live up to that tone.

By the way: Would an Amish family let their kid go to college in modern society? I doubt it.

This first issue has some promise: great art, Satan, and zombies. But the next issue better have more ass-kicking and chain-whipping or this wont last a year.

Next issue promises Jack/Lucifer leading a zombie army on Halloween. So Im sticking around for that.

The short of it is that neither the art nor writing is strong enough to carry my interest. Theres the potential for an off-beat monster series with a tragically cursed hero. And the quest for destroying Satans new bodies inspires plenty of story possibilities. Suppose Ghost Rider has to kill a little girl? Or two bodies fight each other for increased power? Maybe the bodies join forces a la the Skrull Kill Krew? But ideas alone arent good enough if they're executed poorly.

Not essential reading, but if you're reading Hawkman now, and you've got 5 extra bucks, give this a look. Michael Blair's pin-up of Hawkgirl almost makes it worth it. I just love those abs!

I havent been collecting the Handbooks, so I dont know which, if any, of these characters arent included in other volumes. I suspect the truly minor ones (Nightwatch, Stunner, Goddess, etc.) were left out of the other books. So this book can help complete your collection. Adendums are included in the back, describing what happened to these characters after the 90s, and pointing you to other Handbooks. So its another decent entry in Marvels Handbook series that invokes a little nostalgia.

Van Lente has basically been having fun with this series and who can blame him? The premise of Marvel Zombies has been run into the ground. Theyre not disturbing anymore. Weve even passed self-parody. Its now just the creators having fun and not caring about the results. Sometimes that produces great entertainment. But not this time.

I'm disappointed in Men of War. Now is the perfect time to publish a war comic that's more complex than just "us vs. the enemy." Even depicting modern combat in a world of superhumans is a great premise, but Brandon's really dropping the ball. I've just learned he's leaving the series, and I'm not sorry to see him go. Hopefully his replacement will do a better job.

One side note: The cover says, New York has a new defender, and shows Alice standing over the city. The Monoliths shadow is cast behind her, and its arm is on her shoulder. This creates the impression that its Alice, not the golem, whos the books star. Id like to see that.

I wouldnt call Mr. T a bad comic. Its not a great comic either; its just good. Its only the first issue, so the creative team has plenty of time to bring more life and excitement to the series.

Or am I taking this more seriously that the writers?

I was entertained by this issue, but I admit theres very little about the New Warriors in here. What we do get is a fine story in its own right. Theres potential for a good series. I hope to see it realized next issue.

If you've never read a Losers story before, this is a great place to start. Then pick up the hardcover collection of 'Losers' comics by Jack Kirby. The artwork is grittier and rougher than this comic. Yeah, Kirby's artwork is better than this book's. What a shock.

So Frank Castle is fighting super-villains again. It looks good and we get some nice bits of dialogue. I think Castle can bring the normal-guy I cant believe this ridiculous crap is being taken seriously attitude that a superhero universe needs. Ill give Matt Fraction a few more issues to find his particular voice. But its a tough premise to make work.

Theres not much more I can say about this comic. Its not different enough to hook me. Its not done terribly, but its not exceptional either. You can see it for yourself at AK Comics, or buy it for $2 an issue at Drive Thru Comics.

I suppose this book is necessary to the whole Infinite Crisis story. And Kyle fans (like myself) will like this newest change in the character. But from a semi-objective point of view, I really have to ask why this comic had to be published.

Theres really no good reason to buy these comics. This story arc should change Eddie as a person, but I just cant care enough about him to find out how. $3.50 is a little pricey for a comic, and you just barely get your moneys worth. If you want to see teen angst done right, look for Invincible, Runaways, or Ultimate Spider-Man.

Theres really not much to say. The story left no major impression on me. Its really just an epilogue to Shadowland told from the point of view of two minor characters. Kurtz and Urich didnt even appear in the core mini-series. Comics like this are the most difficult to review. Theres nothing great to recommend it and theres nothing terrible to criticize. Its a nicely-drawn, well-written book, but its not compelling in any way. I imagine this may read better in book form, after one as read every part of the crossover. But if youre like me and just read the core story, this will feel extraneous.

Overall, Spider-Man: India is another retelling of Spider-Mans origin. Weve seen it all before. Granted its done well, but I dont think it warrants all the hype.

Tischman displays a solid grasp of the characters, the driving force behind Star Treks success. References to Bajor, and appearances by the cartoon-only alien crewmembers also reflect a wider knowledge of Trek lore. He can write a better story than this though. And Ill be sticking around to see it.

One last thing: When a comic is called War on Terror, the reader expects some terrorists. Blitzkrieg and his army arent really terrorists; theyre cookie-cutter supervillains. As someone actually fighting the War on Terror, I advise Kirkman to be more careful about his titles.

The premise for the new Legion series seems to be a new twist on the classic kids vs. adults conflict. In the perfect future, kids are strictly controlled and monitored by the state until they become adults. Presumably, they then become obedient members of society. This Legion is reviving the ideals of the old age of superheroes and creating a counter-culture among teens. Youth rebellion in utopia.

If you ever wondered What ever happened to Shadowhawk, then drop the $3 on this book, pick out what looks good, and start searching the shops. (Shadowhawks of Legend might be hard to find because it features a story by Alan Moore). I dont see much of a future for this series. Stick with the past.

Considering that Ive practically hated this book since its debut, to get me to buy it and like it at all is quite an accomplishment. But I wont buy any more issues. I will read this story arc on the stands. Then when Millar comes back, Ill continue to ignore it.

I think weve just seen the highpoint of the series. Triple H will surely come back to life next issue, and ultimately battle the Shadow King in a final showdown. Its also implied here that the Shadow King will raise an army of zombies. Because we havent seen enough comics with zombies for the last 5 years!

Unfortunately, the book suffers at the end when Godot finally arrives. He is revealed to be a giant planet devouring monster that is defeated by our heroes at the cost of their very lives. Suffice to say, the original play ended differently. I fear Marvel tacked on this comic book ending to pander to its non-thinking readers. I hate to think what might happen in their upcoming version of Lady Chatterleys Lover, by Ann Nocenti and Philip Tan.

I think the premise of the comic could have worked better if the creators used stories that looked weird or nonsensical on their own, or had gone all-out and created truly bizarre dialogue that made all the characters look like raving maniacs. Reading the original stories might have helped, unless they were funnier by accident than this was on purpose.

Who dies first? And who suffers the worst?

This issue is lots and lots of fighting with a little bit of plot thrown in to set up the ending. Its not bad, but it feels a little like padding. A quick edit and this three issue mini-series could have become two. Still, its not bad. Fans of Pixie might want to pick this up as its looking like an important chapter in her life.

If someone wants to know what comic books are like these days, Id point to this as average. And thats about all its good for.

Mike Raichts story is just getting started. Theres nothing terribly new here, but the characters are interesting; a key element in a horror story. Raichts style is fast-paced with a little bit of humor. I have a good feeling about the rest of this story.

Its the kind of thing I dont see much from Geoff Johns. Hes gained a bad reputation for the violence in his stories, so I often wondered why he kept getting such high profile work. This comic shows us why. Johns can write moving stories with complex, nuanced characters that speak like real people. The artwork emphasizes the emotions of both stories. Ordways and Wiaceks art grounds Superboy-Prime in a world that could be as real as our own. Manapuls penciling and coloring give the Superboy story a soft touch making it feel more intimate. Im tempted to keep buying more issues of Adventure Comics based on this story alone.

Basically, the main story is advanced a little bit, everyone stays in character, and the bad guys get their turn to shine. Not bad, considering.

Reading this comic was a chore. It felt more like a checklist than a story. Every time Mon-El meets someone new, they start narrating. And theres nothing they tell us that couldnt have been conveyed through dialogue. It also emphasizes how useless Mon-El is to his won story. If youve been following the New Krypton saga, you can safely skip this comic. Its not even a necessary prologue to the new Legion series.

So, a fine first issue, an exciting continuation from the first mini-series, with the promise of more violence to come. Im sticking around.

And so the end of everything Claremont ever wrote proceeds to its conclusion. Hes managed to surprise us, while writing predictable stories. Im still resigned to see this through to the end and Ive yet to regret that decision. This issues low rating comes mostly from the X-23/M confusion and Floreas wispy inks.

The story hasnt been great so far, but it hasnt been bad either. Claremont and Chen have one last chance to really knock one out of the park.

Until then, look at the pretty pictures, and just ask yourself, when did the Purple Man find time to grab an apple?

So the teams coming together, the storys moving forward, and there might be a good reason for Wolverine coming onboard. Cool.

Finally, I dont think Bendis is really writing this as a team book. Its just a collection of individuals hanging around. Maybe theyre not supposed to gel yet, but the original Defenders were more of a team than these guys.

If anyone else had drawn this issue, and done a decent job, I might have graded this issue . But Chaykins one of the best; Hes set a high standard for his work. And hes too good to make simple mistakes like cluttered panels and cockeyed characters. Nevertheless, this is a vital issue in the Civil War crossover. It gives a disturbing but necessary insight into the mind of comics greatest patriot forced to fight the country he loves.

I do recommend picking up The Pulse: House of M special. Its supposed to be a newspaper from the House of M-iverse. It summarizes the stories in the tie-in issues and mini-series, gives one an idea of the history and society of this new world, and provides a handy checklist. It allows you to understand what the crossovers are about without actually reading it. Its a piece of marketing that should be free, but is still worth the 50-cent price tag.

So its a solid issue, overall. If youre not a regular reader, this is as good a time to pick it up as any.

If youve been avoiding The End because it was too long, or threatened to be too cumbersome, youll want to give this last story a look. It ties closely into the relatively recent New X-Men, all the secrets have been revealed, and the last, biggest fight of the X-Men is just beginning. This is what weve been waiting for.

But that wouldnt be a very exciting comic, would it?

We may have just seen this mini-series peak. That would be a real shame. If we havent, then the worst is yet to come. And Millars worst is pretty awful.

Civil War continues to portray the events that are changing the Marvel Universe. Details are still left to other series. That makes Civil War alone feel like a thin story. But as the core of a crossover, its doing a great job. This is the first Marvel crossover mini-series in years that involved all the Marvel heroes and didnt just focus on a small cast with other characters making cameos. Infinity Gauntlet was all about Thanos and Warlock. Onslaught was an X-Men story guest-starring the Avengers and FF. And when was the last time Spider-Man played such a major role in a company-wide crossover? We could be looking at the best Marvel crossover of all time.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have the first boring Mark Millar comic.

For a 22 page comic, very little actually happens. I think Steve McNiven could have drawn smaller panels to fit in more story. Too many times I thought I was looking at a pin-up book instead of reading a comic book. Each issue of this series has been more disappointing than the last, (with the exception of issue #4). Civil War is turning into the new Secret Wars II, a good idea handled incompetently, where nearly every tie-in issue does the story better than the core series.

Like Superman #226, we get lots of great work from the industrys best talents. Im sorry theres only one page of Doug Mahnke, and Dan Jurgens needs a different inker. But this comic is both a tribute and a criticism of the modern incarnation of Superman. Which is appropriate, if you think about it. Superman is basically a simple character. He believes in simple truths. But real life is rarely that simple. Various writers have tried to address that in Superman stories for the last 20 years. The results have been confusing or worse; leaving our hero powerless and uncertain. This issue demonstrates the practical pros and cons of Superman acting like all problems have simple answers.

In short, not bad, but not great. Superman super-fans may have a greater-than-average interest in Kryptonian religion. The rest of you can come back next month for the big fight.

The main story has nothing to do with the Last Stand of New Krypton beginning this week. It continues the story of Nightwing, Flamebird, and Jax-Ur re-enacting ancient Kryptonian myths. But the story is stolen by Lois Lane. She calls in favors from military, government, and private sources to reach a warzone before most soldiers. Its a reminder of how resourceful and connected she is. She also displays a take charge personality that gets her what she wants without being a bully. Lane has the resourcefulness, confidence, and compassion youd expect from Supermans life partner. The fact that Lois Lane can steal the story from a fight between alien gods says a lot about her. And how little the god-plot matters. For a story based on an imaginary religion, its very clich.

Even though this has jack all to do with Last Stand of New Krypton, Action Comics remains an entertaining well-rounded comic book. Even the Captain Atom back-up has nice fantasy art.

I like the format of Age of Heroes. Its an anthology series that has stand alone stories that also tie into other series. The art styles differ greatly from each other, but theyre all good. The Young Masters story felt like a waste of time. Gauntlets single page fells like a cheat. Were led to expect a complete story, and basically just get a Marine PSA. Overall, this is a solid book Ill be following to the end. I wont be picking up any of the follow-up series though. My budgets too tight. Im entertained enough by whats here, and I hope Marvel continues to publish series like this in the future.

Alien Pig Farm is a fun story about killing aliens, drinking and a naked girl. It's very easy formula to screw up. Thank God it doesn't.

But somehow it just doesnt excite me the way Infinite Crisis and Civil War do. Maybe its because Earth isnt involved that I cant get excited about this war. Maybe Ive seen too many alien invasion stories to be interested in this one. Maybe Ive just become jaded to big fight stories like this. Now theres a depressing thought: I have seen so many sci-fi comics and movies that Im bored by a good outer space war. So if you arent bored by stories of intergalactic war and giant bug monsters, then youll certainly enjoy Annihilation.

Annihilation could restructure and reinvent the alien races in the Marvel Universe. But they havent played a big role in Marvel comics lately. Between House of M, The Other, and the upcoming Civil War, Marvel comics have focused almost exclusively on Earth. Aliens havent played a big role in a Marvel comic since Grant Morrisons New X-Men. So Annihilation Prologue isnt a bad story, but its not a great story either. It promises big changes that could ultimately be ignored. Well have to wait and see.

While I question the need for another major event so soon after Annihilation (which hasnt even been completely collected yet), and would prefer more monthly and mini-series to another crossover, Conquest has the potential to be as epic and entertaining as its predecessor.

Which is kid of sad, really. I prefer to read a comic than just look at it. Wraith looks like a great comic, but reads like a clich. At least its a clich done well. And it hints at the possibilities for the rest of the Conquest story. Lets hope theyre fulfilled.

Comics have changed so much in the last 10 years that this book looks dumb and reads stupid. In reality, its created for a younger audience; an audience that doesnt need crossovers, the burden of continuity, or photorealistic art. This is for readers who want flashy heroes beating up ugly bad guys and mysteries just deep enough to bring them back next month.

Ultimately, this comic is a fun retelling of a classic Marvel story. If you take it too seriously, it doesnt hold up. But it is entertaining enough to follow the whole story. Im curious to see a confrontation between Thanos and Doom. Two would-be conquerors demanding the other bow down before him. Its gonna be great.

Except the revelation that Dr. Doom watches Star Trek. Of course he does.

The story is starting slowly. This is a horror/suspense series, after all. Were just getting a taste of the mysteries and secrets surrounding the cast. Its interesting enough to follow for a second issue, but still too early to make any certain judgments. I can say theres a lot of potential for the story, and I hope the creators do not disappoint.

I like the premise and the character, but I need to see more. More random violence. More scenes of the Citys crime zones. More villains acting with complete freedom. More about life for average citizens. I see great possibilities in a spin-off called Quick Burning Muse: Life in New Port City. The comic we have now is an amusing distraction. Its light, its fun, but it has very little substance. Jimmie Robinson has the artistic and writing talent to keep making entertaining comics. And Id like to see him expand and explore the ideas behind Bomb Queen. But for now, this isnt a must-buy.

Okay, so this wasnt a rousing review. Did you really think I was going to call this comic an unqualified success just because the writer died? That wouldnt be fair to you, me, or Mr. Miers. I will say that I enjoyed his series Generic Comics. It was a funny satire of the comics industry and superhero genre. Id like to see that collected into a trade book. Criss Cross is a decent book; good enough to warrant a second issue. Whether another writer can write as well as Miers remains to be seen.

Im frustrated that the story is moving forward so slowly, and they pulled the old, I know who it is but cant say yet trick. Its not as great as Id like it to be, but its still not bad. I get the feeling the Source itself is orchestrating these deaths as part of a larger plan. Hopefully the entire story will provide a decent capstone to the current lives of the New Gods and lay the foundation for a new age.

Cute book. The idea seems to be bad kids, children who are disobedient, unruly, or just plain destructive can turn into the embodiments of their bad habits. These are lost children, alone and unbound. Hopefully well learn more about why these kids went bad and why they stay bad. Could be some social satire, maybe some Calvin & Hobbes-style observations on the downside of childhood, or maybe just more dirt and fart jokes.

I wonder if well see Goth Girl, Metal Boy, or the aged Acid Rock Man?

The Family Guy comic book is as funny as an average episode of the series. And it captures the style and pacing well. But I think the writer should have been more daring and original with the premise. Im hoping the next issue, Peter Griffins Guide to Parenting, will have stories revolving around Peters (lack of) fathering skills.

Not a bad book overall. Its definitely worth the $2 I paid for it. And Im interested in seeing an issue of the new Flare series. So it succeeds at attracting new readers to the Flare family of titles.

In short, this isnt a bad comic, but its less than we expect. Hopefully, future issues will deliver on the promise given by the creators talents and that first page.

I see Jovas Harvest as an art project. The writer is doing something that hasnt been done before in comics. The story may lead to Jova realizing the flaws in Gods plans, or at least his culpability in his sisters death. After reading two issues, I can say this is unlike anything Ive seen in comics before.

Ive seen Gleasons work in Tales from the Pimp #3, and a mini-comic of his "Adventures in Retail," his online strip. I recommend reading more of his work at Crossroads Comics including his weekly "Retail" strip. This issue isnt bad, but it could be better.

Its a hell of a deal for 75-cents. Lets hope the next issue is worth 3 bucks.

Ill be sticking around for a few more issues to see where the series is going. And to see the arrival of Penance from Generation X. I dont care what Marvel calls her; shell always be Penance. That guy who used to be Speedball is Whiny Boy.

The art in this issue is better than average. The fight between Spencer and Shaw is entertaining. The back and forth between Chase and Spencers unnamed friend is funny and keeps the Manhunter history interesting. Ill be picking up the next issue. Hopefully it will have more of Kate Spencer. But right now, this series is looking to be as good as everyone says it is.

Once again, Marvel Milestones has limited appeal. If youre a Ghost Rider or Daredevil fan, youll like the shiny reprints of classic comics. But there are better ways to spend $4 if you have higher standards.

I cant imagine many people buying this comic unless they fall into one of three categories: (1) Archie fans who want to compare Archie with a popular imitator, (2) Defenders fans who need a new copy of issue #65, (3) People committed to buying every Marvel Milestone, no matter what it reprints.

So, will I be buying any of the collections that include these stories? No. Im not a Wolverine fan, Ive already read the X-Men comics collected in Essential Vol. 6, and I cant afford the Marvel Masterworks: Golden Age Captain America. But as a comic, I was entertained. Id say I got my moneys worth, and thats the least I ask.

So the Marvel flip book format is good way to introduce new readers to Marvel comics. It may also lead readers to TPB collections. But it may not hold reader interest from month to month. And stunts like breaking up House of M like this just come across as a crass money-grabbing scheme. And could somebody please tell Quesada his Cup OJoe columns fall far short of the standard set by Stan Lees Soapbox? Even Bill Rosemanns Your Man @ Marvel was more natural.

Ive enjoyed the first Marvel Zombies and the Marvel Zombies vs. Army of Darkness comics. But the humor has finally worn out. We readers have spent two years with these monsters, and its just not funny anymore. Im hoping this will be end of the zombie craze at Marvel. There comes a point where death isnt funny anymore. And we passed that point after zombie Howard the Duck ate Bruce Campbells brains. Youre just not going to top that.

So New Avengers Annual gave us a big-ol fight scene, some romance, and a little humor. But it also turned another potentially interesting female character into yet another evil bitch. Par for the course for this series.

So, not a bad start. A decent premise. Still lots to learn, but still a lot that could go wrong.

The dialogue lacks Winicks usual bite, but its fun nonetheless. Art gets the job done and not much more. Im hoping Winick and Clark come back to the series for One Year Later.

If youre buying one or more of the Countdown mini-series, youll be interested in this book. Its also a handy reference guide for the crossover and for the biggest events in recent DCU history. While the Flash and Wonder Woman comics are good reads, they dont really connect with the overall theme. A list of comics cited would have been nice. What we get does provide readers not familiar with the DCU with lots of helpful information and three good stories. Id say that was worth 6 bucks.

Those questions aside, this is still a solid issue. The Heroes for Hire try to talk some sense into Matt, but he's too far gone. He's already talking about expanding his rule beyond Hell's Kitchen. The Kingpin makes his first move against Murdock, but something tells me the Ghost Rider won't serve him for long. Tan's and Olazaba's artwork is solid. Great inking. The book has a feeling of darkness and menace. As bad as things are, you know they're going to get worse. It feels a little like the story is spinning its wheels. But new players are introduced, the plot advances, and the spin-off mini-series are set up. So keep buying it, or jump in now.

So its a good start, a little light, and Spider-Man is more memorable than the title character. Id suggest reading a couple more issues before deciding to buy the whole series.

Not a bad book. Its a good premise for a mini-series. And Im curious to see Clays explanation.

So were off to a shaky start. A good concept marred by faulty execution. We havent been introduced to the entire cast, and the details of the plot havent been revealed. However, the basic premise is still intact. We do get interesting and sometimes human character studies of four villains. If Fred Van Lente can do the same for the rest of the cast (and bring in as many characters as the title suggests), the whole story might be worth the price. For now, Im taking a wait-and-see attitude.

With a few exceptions, Supergirl has been less about the conflicts between Earth and New Krypton and more about Supergirl herself. Shes been portrayed as a uniquely feminine hero driven by her passion, while proving clever enough to pursue mysteries and outwit her opponent. In short, shes a good character in a good comic book.

Still, not a bad comic. Better than most and a nice continuation of the crossover.

So Supergirl continues to be a good comic driven by both crime fighting and characterization. I just might keep reading it after these events end.

This is the first new Superman comic Ive bought in nearly 3 years. I think that says it all. Therell probably a trade for the entire story next year, but dont wait that long. Check it out as soon as you can.

With two issues to go, it seems unlikely that Azzarello could wrap this up neatly. For Tomorrow might end up failing to live up to its own high-concept. As the saying goes, it could be sound and fury signifying nothing.

Overall: Hell, I was committed to buying the whole story by part 6, no matter how good it was. But as soon as I finish it, Im putting it up on Ebay.

Frankly, it made me long for the simple melodrama of Chuck Austens Action Comics, and Greg Ruckas conspiracy in Adventures of Superman.

The story is a summary of Supermans Golden Age. The twist is, he knows its all history. This is the modern Superman, confused and uncertain in a world that seems too complicated for absolute good and evil. Now he has a chance to be the shining hero he wants to be. No doubts. No questions. No failings. But is it real? Can he make it real?

Despite the logical problems found in most comic books, this was a fun comic. Big events like this are part of the reason I began reading in the first place. The plot lines involving the Legion, Zod, and Brainiac are finally coming together. Future issues should involve more of Gen. Lanes forces and (hopefully) Nightwing and Flamebird. Pete Woods art is expressive and exciting. The Brainiac ship is menacing and the action flows nicely. Most of me is looking forward to this event.

Frankly, I dont think it is fair reviewing just one issue of whats clearly a larger story. A better judgment would have to come from reading the complete story. If Golden and Sneigoski are planning what I think they're planning, it could take 6 months to a year to publish the complete narrative. As a reader, well have to make a commitment to read the series for at least that long. But this issue makes me think our patience will be rewarded.

Ive only one question: What is Luthors status in the DCU? In Superman/Batman #6, he went crazy and was impeached as President. Next thing I know, hes building a new skyscraper in The Question, and bailing out criminals in Identity Crisis. I thought Luthor went into hiding. Has he returned to his old billionaire/crimelord double life? Presenting a friendly face to the public while scheming in secret? Since hes clearly a major player in the DCU, Id like this cleared up before I see him in anymore stories.

So if you liked the last Authority vs. Lobo, or if you miss the Lobo of old, try to get this issue cheap. Maybe you have a shop like mine thatll sell some recent back issues at half-off cover price. Maybe you could trade in some comics for credit. Or maybe dropping 5 dollars on a comic isnt a big deal for you. In any case, try not to pay full price for this one. Its good, but not that good.

In conclusion, Ultimate Power, like the other Ultimate comics, is a mildly amusing, very good-looking comic thats far too light on the story. The biggest question I have now isnt Whatll happen next, but Who did Greg Land use for models?

He wont of course, but its nice to think so.

And before I get a lot of angry e-mails, Ill look for older Usagi TPBs and read more issues before dismissing the series entirely.

On the strength of this first issue, I will not buy the second. Nor am I interested in reading it on the shelves. Thats not to say you might not like this book. Technically, its quite good: well drawn and well-crafted. It just doesnt hook me, and thats why I give it the better-than-average rating of .

An interview with Dave Stewart at the end of the issue reveals his inspiration for the story. Supposedly, he had a near-death experience while working as a memory man in a German burlesque house. Its an odd concept, but its building quietly. Usually a comic with a magic premise throws a lot of weird stuff and magic double talk at the reader right away. Walk-In takes a slower approach. I think it works better. This isnt about some secret war between spirits or a prophecy being fulfilled (yet). Its about the strange things happening to one guy and his attempts to sort them out. Im curious to see where the storys going.

Im reading the series to find out. But I just want an ending. I honestly dont care anymore if the story is good or bad. I just wish it was over. And a reader should never feel that way.

Im complained about how long this New Krypton saga has lasted and have been itching for an ending. Now Im hopeful the conclusion to this chapter in Supermans life will be one of his finest stories.

The plot is advancing nicely. We get another shocking twist, the players are coming closer together, and the ending to the Nightwing & Flamebird saga even plays a part in this. It makes me wish all the New Krypton stories moved this quickly.

White Tiger begins as a decent action/adventure comic that isnt necessarily a superhero comic. The story of Chaeyi and his organization reminds me of a James Bond movie. Many elements feel familiar, and we dont learn much about Del Toro herself. But we do get some sharp dialogue, good fight scenes, and better-than-average art. Its the beginnings of a good comic book series and an interesting character. Lets hope the team can build on it.

Existing fans of Wonder Man will love this comic. Its a new, deeper take on a long-time character. Other readers will start liking him too. The art isnt bad, per se, just not appropriate for this story.

Although I give this issue a slightly above average rating, I believe future issues will not be as good. The anthology format is difficult to pull off. And based on Jenkins last series, he needs more writers working with him. There could be some good stories in this series. But judging the series as a whole? Id suggest reading this first before you buy. No one wants to get screwed over like with Civil War.

This comic is more like a spin-off from New Mutants than the Second Coming crossover. The focus is looking for a fellow X-Man, not Hope. Relationships and events from New Mutants play important roles in this story. Even those of us who dont read that comic learn enough here to follow the story and enjoy it. The last page reveal of a villain whos unknown, yet familiar and imposing, is enough to bring me back next month.

This title is not bad, not bad at all. Kras art reminds me of Mike Weringo. Its a loose, broad style grounded by heavier inks. It gives a heavy touch to a light penciling style. Its fun story with action and a little supernatural weirdness. Zeins origins paint him as a Doc Savage with alien technology, but his trip to Anubis realm takes the story into Dr. Strange territory. Theres plenty of story potential for an immortal warrior whos secretly watched and protected mankind for centuries. And using the Egyptian pantheon elevates him to the level of cosmic protector. Then theres the mystery of what happened to his similarly empowered brothers and sister. Mythological origins, noble intentions, and plenty of history to explore.

Seeing Cowan team up with Sienkiewicz was a real treat. They recapture the look and feel of the original series. Not only has the familiar grit returned, but the fighting too. The Question was known for its fast paced fight scenes. With ONeil co-scripting, this issue felt like a passing of the torch to Greg Rucka. Im more anxious than ever to see a new monthly Question series starring Montoya. The back-up feature in Detective Comics just isnt cutting it.

And where was the Strangers old nemesis/co-star Dr. 13? Id like to see how that professional skeptic reacted to his wife coming back from the dead. That could have been more interesting than this.

I highly recommend this comic whether youre a fan of Starman or not. Fans will enjoy one more visit from their favorite characters. New readers are encouraged to buy the omnibus collections and experience one of the greatest comics ever written.

A short breather between story arcs, this is a character study in a capsule, similar to 'X-Factor' #87. Nothing special in this issue, but you get your 2 and 1/4 dollars worth.

If you haven't been reading ‘Uncanny X-Men', pick up the next issue. It should have a fight scene and a new team member. I still like Austen's work, and Asamiya's could grow on me. But I read ‘Uncanny' for a more traditional type of comic book, and that means action. Let's pick up the pace people!

Frankly, I found Harnetts criticism of the issue to be extremely harsh and even a little sexist. On the other hand, (how can I say this without sounding sexist), Claremonts female characters have set such a high standard in the minds of X-men readers that any realistic women characters will appear to be stupid and weak. Just like real world men will appear inferior compared to superhero men. In short, I loved this book! I had to go back and count the pages to make sure this was a regular-sized comic. The art was so detailed and there was so much to read that it felt longer. That could be taken two ways, but I say this was a hefty, rich, full-bodied comic well worth 3 dollars. Its Chuck Austens finest work on the title. I cant wait for the next issue. If this gets back to Mr. Austen, tell him this: Thank you. I love your work.

Overall, this is a great comic and a real treat for FF fans.

Like the What If? specials about Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four, this ends with heroes similar to normal Marvel continuity, but with enough changes to make them unique. This would give X-Men fans plenty to think about as it shows how deeply the Xavier/Magneto rivalry has shaped the X-Mens history.

I only wish the real Spider-Man could be like this one. The guys always complaining about how the worlds against him and hes got this terrible burden to bear. Sad how hes married, been all across the universe, but still whines like a teen-ager. So thats why I give this comic . Its the Spider-Man I want to see.

I like Michael Larks art, but his inks seem a little sketchy. The book feels gritty and at the same time a bit vague. Pair him with an inker, and I could see them as he new art team on Daredevil.

It was nice to see the Alias team reunite on one last Jessica Jones story. If you liked the series, give this a look. For the rest of you, youre not missing much.

Olliffe and Buscema deliver another great Silver Age tribute. (See What if Dr. Doom had become The Thing? for another.) David, of course, gets the characters dead right. This isnt a story about a monster. Its about people as monsters.

In short, this story isnt what I wanted to see. Its entertaining and move along naturally, but there are a lot of plot points left dangling. Theres still one more month of Superman comics to address them all. Somehow Im not optimistic.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Overall, this is a decent package. Kids get a great story, a retold classic story, and a free trading card. $4 might seem a little steep, but you get two full-length comics for that price. Cant find a deal like that today. I might pick up the Marvel Adventures Fantastic Four if they keep telling original stories.

Its still a hell of a value for $4. Great, light entertainment you can share with your kids or younger siblings. In fact, if you get tired of it, give it away to some neighborhood kids. This is the face we want to put on superhero comics.

In all honesty, this comic isnt as deep or as serious as other books out there. But it doesnt have to be. Its fun and entertaining, and well worth $3 an issue. If youre getting burned out by the bickering in Civil War, the ominous portents in 52, and the high-brow tones of indie comics, take a break with this.

The art is still impressive. Luke Ross pencils and Rob Schwagers colors still create a rich, vibrant, living world. The opening sequence with Shiro and Yoshiko is well paced and romantic. Too bad theres not much for them to draw. This is one of those talking heads issues that tends to slow a comic book down. The first Samurai: Heaven & Earth volume had great pacing with every issue delivering at least one fantastic scene. The second mini-series is already moving too slowly. There are three issues left; hopefully theyll prove to be more exciting.

And as a bonus, we get a Hostess parody ad with the Savage Dragon. Its like theyre trying to create a weirder version of a 70s comic!

I believe Jack Kirby would have done comics like this. Back in the 70s, he was doing some really weird stuff. "Captain America: Madbomb," The Fourth World comics, and "Destroyer Duck" mixed traditional action with downright crazy ideas. Godland looks and reads like a 1970s Marvel comic where the villains know its the 21st century.

So this issue wraps up the current story and sets up the next one. Simple, yet down well and with style.

And you've got to love the art. This is the retro-Kirby style with polish. You can just look at the pictures and get half the story. But then, you'd be missing the point. Godland just looks like a retro comic book. It reads like something else entirely.

And I am looking forward to the next issue. Theres the promise of more aliens, Neelas mysterious new employers, The Tormentor and his army of mice dressed like Clark Kent and Superman, and Freidrich Nickelhead is long overdue for some real villainy.

Ultimately, this issue sets up next issue. Theres more action provided here than in last issue, Maxim gains more of Archers trust while raising my suspicions, and we get those Superman/Clark Kent mice again. Next month promises the origin of the universe and Iboga. THAT should be exciting.

Godland will be coming to a close later this year. Having read every issue, I predict the series will become a cult classic. Its style and voice are different enough from all comics currently being published that it will attract fans for years. And while its not as deep or complex as it would like to be, its still an entertaining challenge to read and understand. Reading Godland is an experience unlike anything Ive had with other comics. Pick up the first trade book and see it for yourself.

There are still two more extra-sized epics to go in this series. Hopefully we'll see them both in the next six months. I'd still recommend Godland as one of the weirdest, most imaginative, thought-provoking series of the last decade. Get the first volume and ride the space-hero high.

I dont want to nitpick. Quesada is starting a fine story that involves secrets from Matt Murdocks past. It also has a character with ovarian cancer. My mother died from that in 1995. Id never heard of it before, and I applaud Quesada for giving it some public attention. There is so much to like about this comic, that its sad there are these three major problems to distract me. If the next issue has a better cover, and doesnt recycle anymore art, Ill give it .

Overall, this is an improvement over the last issue. Its shaping up to be a fine story. And Id be saying that even if I didnt think Joe Quesada was reading this.

So now that the mysterys been solved, does the story still stand on its own? Ill answer that with the next issue.

Ive been following Daredevil since the series was relaunched in 1998. Ive enjoyed almost everything Bendis has done on the series. So Im biased, but this is still a good book. Gaydos draws a good fight scene, though it isnt clear how Natasha gets Quinn of the ground to strangle him. Pacing is nice, and the moves are fluid. Bendis gives us honest dialogue at the end between Natasha and Matt. If youre more of a Black Widow fan than a Daredevil fan, youll like this. Overall, another great issue in a great series.

For now, though, I like what Im seeing. Ive been buying Daredevil since issue #9, and I dont see myself dropping the book anytime soon. Its usually a good series, and this a good story.

My biggest complaint with the story so far is its a five-part story called Decalogue. Technically, it should be ten parts long; one for each commandment. But what kind of story can you base on Keep Holy the Sabbath Day? But I like what Ive read so far. Im curious to see how this ends.

So where will he go from here? Based on his work in the past, I think were in for some big changes on Daredevil. Will Murdock be charged with crimes stemming from his double life as Daredevil? Will Milla Donovan be yet another lover to die? Could the Kingpin actually go free? I honestly dont know. Bendis has pulled off some big surprises in the past, and I bet hes got something special planned for his departure from Daredevil.

But seriously, this is a great issue. The FBI boss gives a good reason why they cant arrest Fisk on anything, and why he hates Daredevil so much. Hes still a jerk, but a jerk with cause. Natasha learns how her former relationship with Matt hurts her credibility with her new boss. Milla says all the things Matt wants to hear about them getting back together. But its nothing out of line, and that sub-plot needs to be wrapped up. And Foggy once again demonstrates his loyalty to and dependence on Matt. Great sidekick.

And yeah, I want that quoted on the TPB.

Im not saying this team is better than Bendis and Maleev. Im saying their style is better suited to this story. Its a good, different style, and I hope to see them on the book for a long time to come.

And yet, I dont think Matt is getting out of prison anytime soon. Even after the end of this storyline, I still see Matt in prison for at least another six months. That comes from Ed Brubakers natural pacing and realistic plot devices. Daredevil has been at its best when it was a crime-noir drama. Bendis run was a personal battle between Murdock and the world. Now Brubaker takes us back to the morally grey world on the border between law and crime. Thats where Daredevil is most at home.

Even though the subject matter is familiar, Brubaker has surprised me in the past. He can write compelling, character-driven drama. Hes shown a firm understanding of the Daredevil cast-their motivations, relationships, and feelings. Im confident this upcoming storyline will entertain us and provide another emotional turning point in the turbulent life of Matt Murdock.

To be honest, I know Murdocks plan to reform the Hand isnt going to work. The question is how. If the Hands leaders are manipulating Murdock in the service of a supernatural being or if theyve rejoined Baron Strucker and Hydra, then Matt will see his life fall apart all over again. And then he rebuilds. Just like always.

The comic works as a whole. Character, plot, art, background all come together to create a nearly-perfect story. Shadowland #1 delivered a shock, and Daredevil follows the emotional fallout. I am confident that this crossover will be remembered as one of the all-time classic Daredevil stories.

And Elektra? Will she really kill Matt to save him from further corruption? What is the Snakeroots ultimate goal? And who, or what, do they serve?

De La Torre's and Hollingsworth's art is great. I just wish they had something more interesting to draw. Bottom line: This issue is just treading water until the next issue and 'Shadowland' #5.

Folks, the first person to e-mail me and correctly identify what comic strip inspired the first line of this review will win a reprint of 'X-Men: Days of Future Past'. You like Hero Clix? I'll send you some Marvel Hero Clix instead. Just name the strip that used the line "The Return of the Character Nobody Liked". It's available on the web. Need a hint? It's Canadian. Need another? It originally referred to Story Guy

Bagges art style hasnt changed much since his days on Hate. It remains as loopy, expressive, subtle, and charged as ever. I highly recommend this book. And if you want more Bagge, check out his Batboy strip in the Weekly World News.

Since Ruse has been cancelled, youll want to console yourself with this. It has a very Jules Verne-style of highly-plausible 19th Century style of science fiction. In other words, if someone in the 1800s tried to work out how a person could travel underwater with the technology of the time, it would look like this.

Id heard Busiek is using ideas in this series originally intended for his sequel to Marvels. (The attack by L.S.Deviant reminded me of Inferno; I must now wash out my brain.) Theres a reference to an anti-alien senator similar to the one in the Avengers Kree-Skrull war. Astro City: The Dark Age looks like it will take a publics anti-hero feelings to a farther degree than any other story. It certainly has to be better than DCs Legends.

So, overall, it wasnt bad. We get some nice action, great art from Finch and Miki, and the usual Bendis dialogue. Its clearly a set-up for something big. I just hope it delivers.

Overall, this issue is a quiet space between battles. Theres great art and good dialogue. Best of all, theres the unspoken question, Whats going to happen next?

Im afraid that after all this build-up, and hints and allegations, issue #503 will be a huge disappointment. Then again, since the first three parts have raised my interest this much, Bendis & Co. have done their job.

The contributors to Back Issue did a great job digging up rare art and researching their subjects. They presented new information about long-forgotten works that makes readers want to read them again. I feel like tracking down Stigs Inferno by Ty Templeton. Im also impressed by the magazines even-handed nature. It covers all comics equally, not just Marvel and DC. I dont see myself buying every issue of Back Issue. But the next time I learn its covering a topic or character I like, Ill pick it up. Im sure to learn something new.

Weve seen elements of the story, but weve never seen this story. As if the comic wasnt enough, its published in a format larger than most comic books. Its as big as a video game strategy guide. Extra material includes pin-up art, print ads, sketches, and an interview with the creators--all for $20, which makes Bad Planet a great book and a great value.

Beyond! is that rare comic: it stands alone and is new-reader friendly. Share this with non-readers and theyll enjoy it to. The rest of use are in for a fun ride.

The comic is packed with humor and style from cover to cover. Literally. Theres material from the inside front to the back cover, and its all gold. Well worth your $3. I dearly hope Dorkin & Dyer can continue this series on a regular basis. Goldberg is too good a character to forget. And her new career as a crime-fighter can lead to more wacky adventures.

And yes, I know this book is a few months old, but I only just got it this week. Im still going to buy the rest of the story. Yeah, its that good.

A book where superheroes just talk was a novelty in 1998. While such books are more common, they lack the ground-level perspective of Common Grounds. Im looking forward to future issues, which include the Acidic Jew, and a waitress who must literally act to save her life.

Just when I was getting burned out on zombies, XXXombies gives us something new. Its a twist on three different formulas mashed together into a delicious stew.

What better way to keep Julius Schwartz spirit alive than by keeping his ideas alive?

The series has a retro-style look with modern touches. The art isnt as stiff as most DC comics from the 1950s. Theres an element of life to these characters. Perhaps its the extra detail put into the faces and motions. Cookes art is simple at first, but closer examination reveals as much realism as serious art. I dont think anyone can draw just like Cooke. And its great to see him use his skills to the utmost in his own series. Buy it!

When Dark Horse Presents became a monthly series, I didn't think about how the new schedule would affect the material. Would Dark Horse burn through stories faster? Were some of the creators still working on a slower schedule, meaning we wouldn't see their stories every month? So far, it's resulted in the loss of two series from previous months. Paul Chadwick's Concrete is absent. A real loss since new Concrete stories was the reason I started buying the series. Also gone is Neal Adams' Blood, about a vigilante and an ancient war between alien symbiotes. Not a great loss, but still noticeable. But other stories from previous issues are continued here. We also see the beginnings of three new series. The overall package is one of the best deals on the comic rack.

Read this, and you'll feel smarter. Campbell throws out little quotes and tidbits he picks up while reading his many, many books. But unlike Neil Gaiman, you can't accuse him of showing off when he does this. You really feel Campbell's love and enthusiasm for everything he writes. He's not trying to drive home a point, hit you over the head with facts, or make you feel dumb. He's having a good time doing what he enjoys. And you can't help but enjoy it too.

Other than that, this is a great comic! It doesnt ignore Jack Kirbys work, but its not buried in it either. (It does ignore Chuck Austens Eternals mini-series, in case you haters were worried about that!) Gaiman brings back some of the mystery and awe of the Celestials and their giant stone-based technology. He also asks some basic questions about the whole premise behind the Eternals that promise to expand and deepen the species. And there are nice sub-plots brewing with Thenas research and Sersis life. And this could be the best artwork in John Romita Jr.s career! They are off to a great start.

Davis has laid the groundwork for a great story. I hope he can build on it in future issues.

If youve never read an issue of Flaming Carrot, then this is as good a time as any to start. This issue, (first of a new series, 33rd in the Flaming Carrot cannon), presents the hilarity, violence, sudden surprises, and outright weirdness that have made Flaming Carrot a modern classic.

Nice book, though I don't think it was heavily ordered by comic shops. If your shop doesn't have it, check out the supermarkets and newsstands. Bongo books appear frequently in those mass market outlets.

As a personal rule, I don't give to a comic's first issue. A lot could go wrong in a few short months. But I'm tempted to break that rule in this case. Hell, I'd subscribe to this book if they offered it. I really hope I don't eat my words in a year.

Id say Trail of Tears succeeds on every level. Its a solid story with compelling characters, incredible art, and most importantly, I want to read the next issue.

So thats two issues of Stan Lee/Jack Kirby magic, a Roy Thomas/Werner Roth joint, and 62 pages of superguys wailing on each other. Easily worth $5.

In short, this is a very good comic. I highly recommend buying this series, if not the trade book. I like Kyle. And Guy too. I knew someone in real life who was like Guy: an asshole on the surface, but decent deep down. I hope he pulls through.

Im definitely staying onboard for the whole story.

Next issue, we might learn how Jordan was corrupted. Maybe hes not as innocent as hardcore fans want him to be. We still get a great story from Johns. (This is the slow down the action and explain the plot part of the story.) Van Sciver turns in another fantastic art job. And Kyle Rayner is the hero because he knows fear. By recognizing it, he can fight it. Excellent!

I know Ive been called an alarmist; that Ive been warning of such catastrophe for years. I humbly remind the Commission my warnings about manga breaking down societys artificial gender roles, alternative comics reviews in our propaganda literature, (Time Magazine, USA Today, etc.), and the growing number of small-press conventions around the country. Im warning you now. Green Lantern: Rebirth marks the return of a traditional hero. We cant afford to let that happen.

Otherwise, this is shaping up to be a fine series. We get some solid character dialogue, major emotional moments, and some good old-fashioned nostalgia, (Anti-Monitor)! And when has Phil Jimenez ever done a bad job at art? Well worth the $4.

Once again, we get a tie-in issue better than the core series, another example of what Bendis does best, and what Millar cant do. If theres any reason for crossovers to exist, its for single-issue specials like this. One shot stories that turn the spotlight on characters and shows us what really makes them tick.

The situation just keeps getting worse and Im enjoying it even more.

And then theres that whole universe realigning itself in subtle ways. Whats THAT gonna do?

If you havent been reading it, pick up the inevitable TPB.

OK, I now upgrade the score to . If youre not a Legion fan, go check this out. You could be hooked for the long-term. IF you already are a fan, well, you may not like the new direction. Best be content with the stories written by Paul Levitz, Keith Giffen, or a 13-year-old Jim Shooter.

Magnus, Robot Fighter more than a man in a skirt punching robots.

BTW, Man-thing was created by Roy Thomas, Gerry Conway, and artist Gray Morrow. Credit where credit is due, bitches!

Also this story ties into a series I'm currently reading. Can't say that about Siege.

Every time I review a comic, I ask myself if its worth the money I paid for it. This issue of Marvel Milestones is the most expensive one yet. It also has the highest page count (100+), and the most consistent level of quality throughout the stories. Old-fashioned monster fighting, Jack Kirby, a non-stereotypical African-American heroine, and new-style monster fighting: Yeah, this is worth 5 bucks.

I mean, everything you'd want in a good first issue is right here. Dick Grayson thinks back on his time as Batman and how it's changed him, (and hasn't changed him). His old circus is in town bringing back painful memories. We see him fight two villains; one he easily defeats, the other nearly kills him. We get a look into his personal life. And the art is great. The characters are natural, the action is well-blocked, and their movements are fluid. It looks great and reads great.

Especially writers. There are lots of good ideas just sitting around waiting to come back.

As an experiment, read this along with Alan Moores Lost Girls. Tell me if your head explodes.

Another excellent work from Ellis. This should tide you over until the Planetary' series is up and running again.

I think the series has been improving. Or maybe Im stating to like it more. Either way, this is fun book to read.

The Savage Brothers is off to a good start. Im hoping the next issue will explain exactly who this severed head is, and maybe explain how and why the world came to an end.

As for the story itself, small community ruled through religious fear, elders hiding a secret about the outside world, teenager bravely rebels and finds the truth. Its The Village meets The Crucible. But its done very well.

I like how Morrisons blended the real world with the New Gods mythology. He creates the feeling that magic can be found around any corner. Ordinary things take on metaphorical meaning when viewed in this context. Cars are instruments of death. Make-up is a tool of conformity. And the gods could be living on your street. Divinity is all around us. The battle between good and evil is waged every day by every one of us. That was a recurring theme in much of Jack Kirbys work, including the New Gods. The mundane can be mythical, and the miraculous can become mundane.

may seem generous with a review that harsh. But the art is still better than average, the storys only just getting started, theres some dimensional theory (always love the hard science), and the sance is an homage to Alan Moores Swamp Thing #50. Which leads me to ask: Isnt Ibis supposed to be dead?

The parallels between Silent War and the War on Terror are obvious. Hine is challenging us to rethink our attitudes towards our enemy and maybe consider their point of view. And thats what good comics should do.

Oh, and you can see more of Olivettis art in X-Man #63-74, written by Warren Ellis and Steven Grant. Next time you get a light week on the new comics racks, go digging through the back bins.

Just as I had abandoned all hope of this comic showing anything unique, along come The Bugs, Zorak as a hive mind that can possess any body, and the translator tentacle growing through Temples head and eye. Its still the same formula, but its done damn well.

Squadron Supreme looks poised to be one of the best series I wont buy this year. The only question I have is, wheres the Super-Skrull?

Star Trek/Legion of Super-Heroes #1 is the first new comic I've purchased through a digital service. And I'll be using it again. There wasn't any sales tax, it doesn't take up space in my crowded boxes, and it was easy to read. It does look like it was scanned directly from a printed copy of the comic. I can see the folds on some two-page spreads -- I'd assumed each page would be scanned then altered digitally.

After a year of New Krypton stories, it was refreshing to see some bona fide Superman stories. It was great to see Kal-El suiting up and fighting crime in his own unique style. The unusual story ideas presented him in a new light and revealed different aspects of his character. Long time fans and new readers will enjoy this.

Tales From the Pimp is funny, heartbreaking, and just plain odd. Dunn and Chan provide enough varied and unique material to keep you entertained for the entire comic. If youre too cheap to buy this, click the banner ads on their website. These guys should be encouraged to keep working.

If you only read one Authority comic in your life, read this one. I'm definitely buying the upcoming 'Authority vs. Kev' mini-series. Maybe they'll stay dead this time. Hey, a guy can hope, right?

I feel like buying more Transformers comics based on this book. And thats the best sign of a good comic.

Now, I make it a rule never to give a first issue a 5bullet rating unless it was a complete story. Im tempted to break that rule this time. The story is off to a good start, and its being handled by three of comics best talents. Im sure this story will not disappoint.

The storys building up to something big. You can feel it.

And drawn by Trevor Hairsine? It just brings everything down to Earth. Mind-blowing fantasy looking as real as film. Winner.

So we got aliens trying to stop humans from leaving the Earth. Weve just learned in Ultimate Nightmare that a hideous creature is coming to kill the planet. Our space opera has officially gone to the next level. Ellis is building something big, and every brick looks good.

So Union Jack is like an international 24 with superpowers and a bit of British flavor. Great dark art from Andrews and Hennesy. Action, drama, class warfare, irony, a few twists, and even a couple of vampires. Definitely worth the 3 bucks.

Worry Doll is a very strange, unsettling book. It presents a journey through the eyes of a madman and takes the reader along. I wish it was longer.

Then again, maybe Ive taking this too seriously.

Thats my favorite line of the whole crossover!

If you're waiting for the trade on this book, I don't blame you. But it is worth buying now.

Overall, its a solid climax to whats turned out to be a good story. Second Coming may be remembered as one of the best X-Men stories of all time.

Basically, this book brought me completely up to speed on everything I needed to know for "Messiah Complex" and X-Men comics in general. I found this to be much more useful and interesting than most other Handbooks. Those of you whove been reading "Messiah Complex" will find the information in this book immediately useful.

By the way-The superheroine you cant name is Miss America.

I dont think Mr. Furey should have written his own ad copy.

At the risk of offending my fellow liberals, Im made uncomfortable by the new comic book ads for Bod-brand body spray. Its a drawing of a lean, muscular young man with piercing blue eyes and low hung jeans. Three girls are pictures saying, I want your Bod. Honestly, this ad makes me uncomfortable. Weve got a man flaunting his sexuality. Something about this guy just says, Do me." To which I immediately answer, No. It makes me wonder if Bod is targeting straight men. I also wonder if women really go for guys who look like that.

Daredevil vs Punisher has proven itself to be a solid series. Not only is it a great battle of vigilantes, it is also a crime story that evolves in new directions. The story of Martin Bastelli provides a sensitive counter-point to the violence that shows the effects of such violence on ordinary people. Definitely one of the years best comics.

And if you like this, check out Sciolis self-published Myth of 8-Opus. Its like the New Gods, only BIGGER!

Freedom Force is a fun comic. Better still, you dont have to turn off your brain to enjoy it. Classic comic book clichs and characters are revived, altered, and turned a little to the left. What appears to be parody is really homage. It doesnt make fun of old comics but rather reminds us why those comics were fun. I always look forward to next issue of Freedom Force.

But this is still a great comic. Youve got fighting, bull-men, babes, an ethnic stereotype, humor, and a god getting punkd. Now thats worth $3.

For 75-cents, this is a hell of a deal! The art and story are good enough to warrant paying full price for the series. I certainly hope the complete stories are published in their original graphic novel format. XIII could be the sleeper hit of the year.

XIII is shaping up to be a stylish, exciting adventure series. Even after playing the video game, Im surprised by new characters and griped by the heros tragic circumstances. My only complaint is that it doesnt come out more often.

The next time you get burnt out on Americna superhero comics, pick up a couple issues of XIII. It looks, reads, and feels different from almost everything else on the shelves.

By the way, the magic words Ash couldnt get right? Klaatu Barata Nikto. Ash could never remember the Nikto.

Army of Darkness is a great-looking, funny book. Its not particularly deep, but it does have some sharp dialogue, great action, and some of the best art Ive ever seen. A monthly series is coming in January from the same creative team. I only hope it will be as much fun as this comic.

Of course the story is just an excuse to put Ash into battle with weird monsters. He fights his severed hand and his beard in a replay of Evil Dead 2. Bradshaws art is the star of this book. Just looking at this comic makes me laugh. Combined with Ashs one-liners, the Old Mans fake medieval dialect, and a Twilight Zone reference, and youve got another funny book.

To be honest, I got completely lost in the story. Im not sure how the other Ashs adventure relates to the Army of Darkness movie, what the Puzzle Tomb was supposed to do, or how many Old Guys there are. All I know is theres lots of zombie-blasting action, funny one-liners, and tiny green Ashes. Bradshaws pencils recapture the fun, hectic energy of the movie, and thats what I was looking for. My confusion means Ill have to re-read the entire series carefully.

As it stands, this is a fine comic. Its well worth your money and your time. And Im not just saying that because Ron Marz sent it to me for free. If you like samurai stories, quests for lost loves, or penciled art from Brazilians, youll like this book. Im buying the next issue. Unless Ron sends me that for free ;-)

I am most definitely buying the entire mini-series, and encourage all of you to do the same. This is too good to wait for the trade book.

Really, theres no reason not to buy this comic. Unless, of course, your shop has run out. Then go online and buy more!

If you havent picked up the series by now, youve missed one of the best mini-series of the year. Might as well wait for the trade book coming soon. Trust me; this is worth $20 and space on your bookshelf.

Art? Beautiful. Story? Headtripping. One could argue that this series reads best as trade books, but who can wait that long? Y is the only comic on the stands that leaves me anxious for the next issue. I need it RIGHT NOW!

Back to this issue: It fills in some gaps between the previous storylines, but theres precious little of Hero and what makes her tick. Its still great to read. Theres just too little here. Like eating only one bite of a Snickers bar.

Short version: This is one of, if not the, best comic book series on the stands right now! I cant think of anything else that would convince you to buy it. What, you want swearing and titty? Its got that too, you dumb fuck. If youre stupid, buy this and get smart. If you are smart, prove it and buy this.

As a bonus, we get a preview of a new series called DMZ. Imagine if New York City was put under marshal law after 9/11, and Manhattan Island was sealed off from the world. Think Batman: No Mans Land, but seriously. Im looking forward to it.

Youve really got to hand it to Vaughn: he does an issue around a monkey that doesnt talk and turns it into a treatise on chaos theory and human behavior in animals. Thats what makes this such a great series. Its so smart, its bizarre. This is the kind of stuff Vertigo was created to publish.

By the way, the morphic resonance Dr. Mann mentions refers to a theory that all life on Earth is connected through morphogenic fields, and Earth itself produces these fields. Tampering with them would affect life on this planet.

Once again, fantastic work from Hobbs and Pena. Very natural looking people, a relaxed style that makes the book easy to read, but still delivers tension and excitement. Last time, I compared it to Todd Nauck crossed with Adam Hughes. Now Id say their art looks more like Richard Boneyard Moore.

Still, the end result is the same: A great story about one man discovering his hidden nature. A new take on a traditional monster story. And some top-line art. Well worth tracking down.

The only drawback to this comic is how its the opening chapter to a longer story. I am confident the complete story will be great. But that means a single chapter isnt as good as the whole. I would recommend this to those of you who are getting tired of clichd superhero comics. If you think youre outgrowing comics, give this series a look. Then track down other books by Brubaker.

Anyway, I still give this despite that gap in logic. This really is a comic everyone should have. And if you missed it for cover price, you might as well wait for the trade. The complete story should be memorable.

You can buy this issue now at the website. Issue two is listed in the current Previews catalog.

So Justice League Unlimited is a great done-in-one story. Its a mystery with a twist I didnt see coming. And best of all, its a dead-on portrayal of The Question.

This sounds like a great premise for a crossover. Its an ideological battle at heart with characters motivated by their personal beliefs. The situation was created by a series of traumatic events that affected the entire world. In short, its a uniquely Marvel story.

This is a great introduction to the character and the new series. It made me want to read the first issue. I wish it wasnt so short, but what do you expect for a quarter. Overall, a great success.

Its a shame Solo is coming to an end. Its the perfect series to showcase great talents like Sergio. These stories couldnt be published anywhere else. Those of you whove only known Aragones humor work will enjoy his extended comedy sequences, and his tragic tale of a father losing his son. Yes, $5 is a lot for one comic book, but this is a comic youll be reading for years to come. Reserve a permanent place in your box for this!

I swear, Im going to buy every issue of this series just to see more great reprints, more funny strips from Eliopolous, and more light-hearted original stories. And I dont even like Spider-Man that much! (Whiny little bitch. If he really understood responsibility, he wouldve told his Aunt and Uncle about his powers from the start.)

If What If came back as a continuing series, stories like these would be perfect as back-up features. In fact, Id wager such features would be a big selling point of the series. There are many clever jokes and outright silly bits that will make you laugh out loud. $4 is a lot to pay for fun, but in this case, its worth it.

Amadeus Cho. I like this kid. Hes Stephen Hawking and MacGyver with attitude. He may not be as smart as Richards, but hes more imaginative, more cunning, and more compassionate. Thats enough to bring those other brains down.I highly recommend World War Hulk Prologue: World Breaker and Inredible Hulk #106. After the disappointment of Civil War, we need a good ol fashioned bash-up.

So Cyclops wants the X-Men to stand for a better tomorrow, while Wolverine and X-Force secretly do the dirty work. Hope promises salvation for the mutant race, yet danger may still be lurking. I liked this comic. I liked Second Coming. I highly recommend the 14-part story and the tie-in issues.

I may have set myself up for a letdown. But as long as Edwards work remains at this high level of quality, and Veitch continues to take The Question into this strange new direction, I think this could be on of the best mini-series of the year.

I do have one complaint with the book: Would anyone really name their child or themselves Six True Words? If the character is Chinese, why not use her original Chinese language name? Thats like a man named Cooper calling himself Barrel Maker.

The overall story, however, is still fantastic. Veitch re-energizes a cult character and takes him in a new direction. Edwardss art is stylish, sharp, and beautiful. I know he cant draw like this on a monthly basis, but Id love to see him do more comic books. Its a pity this book hasnt sold better; its a leading contender for Best Mini-Series of 2005.

In short, the book is funny, the art is great, and Sue Dibnys not dead. Yay.

Ironically, Giffen & Co. created their Justice League as an antidote to the grim and gritty comics prevalent in the 1980s. After Infinite Crisis, DC is going to need comics like that again.

And really, theres no better revenge than turning your enemy into yourself.

At the very least, its inspired an awesome T-shirt.

The only downside to this mini-series is the high standard it sets for the rest of the Seven Soldiers project.

I have only one complaint with this issue: It ends on a cliffhanger. Sir Justin prepares for a final battle with Gloriana, but instead we see the events leading up to the storys beginning. You MUST read Seven Soldiers #1 to know what happens next. And that wont come out until April.

Ex Machina is a thought-provoking look at the differences between heroics and politics. The art of Harris and Peister combines with the elegant and mart writing of Vaughn to create a wonderful comic book experience. Fans of Vaughns Y: The Last Man, and Harris Starman should read this right now!

Oh, and theres some horrible monster stalking the subway tunnels eviscerating dogs and may be connected to the thing that gave Hundred his powers.

So why rate this less that perfect? The last line is taken from Planetary #3. Hey, if youre going to rip off, rip off the best. But Vaughns too good for that.

I am making this a regular purchase. The previous series was a little too silly for my taste. But I've always been a fan of comics that feature mortal men gaining god-like power. BTW, 'Marville' #2 takes a cheap shot at Peter David, depicting him as a homeless alcoholic. Low, Bill. Really low.

At this point, you could wait for the trade collection. But this story is so good its worth tracking down the previous issues. Concrete: The Human Dilemma is one of those truly rare comics that makes you proud to be a comic book reader.

After a build-up like this, Im expecting a whole new Amalgam Universe next year. I wouldnt be surprised if they destroy the whole thing and start over from scratch!

I can say that if Julius Schwartz hadnt re-imagined those DC heroes in the 1950s, if he hadnt assembled and encouraged great writers and artists like Gardner Fox, Carmine Infantino, Joe Giella, and Joe Kubert, the superhero genre would have faded away. Instead, it made a comeback, leading to other publishers creating their own heroes. We wouldnt have the Marvel heroes, Captain Atom, The Question, or Dr. Solar if it wasnt for Julie.

When Grant Morrison passes away, I hope a collection is published of his best stories, a la Marvels Visionaries books. If so, this would be a shoe-in for the first volume.

Until now, these stories have been either tributes to Julie Schwartz, or original stories based on the covers. These are both Schwartz tributes. In fact, I think Waids had this Schwartz story on his mind for years. I prefer the original stories, as theyre more in keeping with the spirit of this project. But as long as we get great tales and fine art, I cant complain.

This is a great book for Flash fans, Silver Age fans, and just about anyone who can read comics.