Past Tense's great premise and complex characters weave a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the last fantastic panel.

What started as a potentially brilliant return for an incredible series ends with a large degree of disappointment.

Instead of answering questions, 'Nailbiter Returns' #9 ends up creating more weirdness in place of genuine mystery and intrigue.

'Nailbiter Returns' continues to be entertaining, but its major reveals are less impressive with every issue.

A visually stunning and fun issue, but the series is in desperate need of some direction.

Nailbiter Returns #6 falls back into the series' recent cycle of stacking plot threads/questions, but at least it's interesting and we're finally getting somewhere.

'Nailbiter Returns' finally rediscovers the mojo that made its predecessor series the best horror comic on the shelves.

Despite a host of questions that remain about the series overarching mystery, 'Nailbiter Returns #4' is still a heck of a lot of fun.

'Nailbiter Returns' #3 provides some great action sequences, but also piles more out-of-context layers onto its already indecipherable mystery.

'Nailbiter Returns' #2 raises the stakes and deepens the mystery, but the story is still in limbo.

A triumphant and bloody return for one of the best horror comic series on the shelves.

Having Spike and Angel in the same room does make for some great dialogue -- one of the many reasons Angel fans should be excited for this new story arc and the new direction for this already superb title.

Great art and writing still result in a flat story.

As far as the Big Bad is concerned, it's gone from something that felt potentially new and exciting to a fairly boring remix. Perhaps I'll be proven wrong next issue"I hope so. For now, however, I'm much more interested in seeing Buffy and Angel interact again than seeing how this particular story ends.

Aside from the opening and a truly perplexing last page, not much happens to move the story forward. The scary stuff is good, but it would be nice to understand a bit more about what's happening to Daisy after two issues. That being said, Red Mother is still good enough to stay on the pull list for now.

A solid/fun issue, but the narrative is overshadowed by the many questions it leaves us with.

Great art and a compelling story are nearly derailed by a host of side conflicts.

A solid first issue that sets the foundation for a great horror tale in the months to come.

Even if you're not an Angel fan from back in the day, you'll definitely want to see more of Gunn and Spike together next month. And if you are an old school Angel fan, then get ready to sing your heart out, baby.

Yes, the plan on how Angel and Buffy are supposed to fight this is still incredibly vague. And yes, a demon that manifests itself as the protagonists' loved ones/people they couldn't save is tired and well-worn territory. But when it's being drawn by Carlini and buffeted by some truly enjoyable dialogue, it's enough to make you feel like the Buffyverse might finally be opening up along with the new Hellmouth.

Angel #5 does a truly fantastic job setting things up while continuing to move the story forward.

While not as strong as last issue, Angel #4 still provides a very solid and highly entertaining to the series' first story arc.

A wonderfully fresh and terrifying tale framed against Angel's two greatest foes: His past and his present.

Angel continues to change just enough to make the reboot worthwhile and intriguing while retaining the original series' core elements and feel.

A solid "first" issue that you'll enjoy a lot more if you read Angel #0 beforehand.

Great artwork and an enjoyable story that sadly bears little resemblance to the character from the Firefly series.

Firefly #2 still has a lot going for it, especially in the humor department, but the story feels much muddier compared to its crackling opening chapter.

A solid start to what could be a wonderful continuation of the Firefly franchise.

Not as explosive as the last issue, but still a great conclusion to a fantastic story arc.

Good thing Batman has some badass help, but there's no way he's beating Karma without them.

Despite a few bumps in the narrative, Detective Comics #985 moves Karma--and the story--into the realm where you truly fear what might happen next.

Another intriguing and exciting issue that examines Batman's bizarre penchant for having a host of acolytes and sidekicks.

A great start to a potentially fantastic story arc for old and new Batman fans alike.

A tragic and poignant conclusion worthy of one of Image's best series.

A supremely disappointing conclusion to what began a potentially fantastic story arc.

Still better than a lot of comics, but Kill or Be Killed #17 might be the weakest installment of the series.

An exciting narrative gets derailed by ridiculous character moments and exposition.

An immensely satisfying conclusion to a fantastic series.

The ending to this issue is great, mostly because it promises what should be one heck of a good battle next month. Otherwise, however, TMNT #79 isn't all that good.

It might not feel like the other issues of Postal, but it sure makes a great endcap to the series.

Once again, Kill or Be Killed keeps finding ways to mold its fantastic premise into an even better narrative.

A thrilling and fun story wrapped in beautiful artwork and some of the best dialogue we've ever had between everyone's favorite mutant (kind of) couple.

Eden's own festering wounds emerge something far worse than any exterior threat the town has ever face.

Not great, but much closer to the series' previous level of excellence than we've seen in a long time.

While most series these days tend to burn through their juice in the beginning, Kill or Be Killed just keeps getting better and more interesting with each issue.

Amazing character moments and incredibly well-drawn action sequences make this the best issue in an already fantastic story arc.

The book may feel too silly/slaptick even for an all-ages book, but it's still a fun read.

Despite some gaps in the narrative, TMNT #17 somehow utilizes dinosaur soldiers to relay a gripping, heartfelt story.

Intriguing subplots and cool visuals help salvage an otherwise boring/predictable issue.

Just when I think this book can't get any better, Kill or Be Killed somehow kicks things up yet another notch.

Great characters and fantastic art end up taking a back seat to massive amount of exposition to set up the story.

Still too many lame jokes and too much exposition, but once the narrative and humor really gets going, it's definitely worth your voting consideration.

The issue is kind of meh, but the story it sets up may finally make things in Copperhead interesting again.

A beautiful looking book, but with a flimsy narrative and poor resolution. You'll want to escape from Planet X, too.

Despite a narrative that spins its wheels too much, a wealth of historical easter eggs and some great dialogue makes The X-Files: JFK Disclosure worth pulling from the archives.

A visually stunning issue is hampered by a weak and convenient resolution to a major conflict.

Even if you aren't a stickler for continuity, Venom #156 will leave you scratching your head (and not particularly entertained).

Despite an unhealthy dose of expositional dialogue, this issue still finishes the series' strongest arc with a bloody (and wonderful) bang.

Despite a couple of shoehorned revelations, the story of how Dylan became a killer vigilante continues to get more interesting and exciting each month.

The art is gorgeous, but Mr. Wormwood has a lot of work ahead of him if he wants to win your vote.

A heartfelt tribute to Alfred's awesomeness wrapped inside a badass swashbuckling tale.

Despite suffering a bit from being a setup issue, Postal #23 still delivers some great character moments leading up to its biggest conflict yet.

A disjointed plot and a less interesting Ben Reilly continue to drop this book from the brilliance of its opening story arc.

Spider-Gwen #24 works as both a brilliant conclusion and springboard into an exciting new chapter for the title.

After a thrilling opening few pages, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #74 falls into a boring and predictable lull.

As telegraphed and and predictable as this story was, it could have been a whole lot worse. Thankfully, a neat twist near the end and some wonderful artwork by Greg Smallwood actually made it somewhat enjoyable. Also, I must admit that the issue's lone action scene was pretty fun.

The art is still great, but the series has taken a severe nosedive from the brilliance of its first five issues.

Aside from a overabundance of flashbacks (that makes the movie Inception look subdued by comparison), Kill or Be Killed brilliantly edges us closer to Dylan's transformation into a full blown killing machine.

This may be the weakest issue of the 'Karai's Path' story arc, but it's still pretty darn good.

In an issue that is supposed to serve as set up for the series' biggest battle, there's still plenty of action (and a very good story) to be found.

An entertaining yet mostly forgettable issue that still manages to set up a potentially great story arc.

Alfred may be singing the same old song, but rarely has it ever sounded this good.

Not at all what you probably want/expect from an issue of Spider-Gwen, but still entertaining.

A great creative team sadly ends their X-Files run on a derivative mythology arc.

A series that has thrived on flipping superhero tropes on their head stumbles right into them this month.

Despite some great art and cool fight sequences, it feels like Normie's going down the same goblin path of despair we've seen a million times before.

Yet another issue of TMNT: Dimension X featuring a talented creative team, great art, and a dud of a story.

Kill or Be Killed's third story arc starts with one of the series' best issues to date.

A fairly bland and predictable read that never rises above the level of being pleasant"and is mostly just dull.

The best supporting cast at Marvel gets a lot of good interaction this go around, but not much story.

A great new villain is nearly overshadowed by poor characterization and a planet with the power to create plot contrivances.

Despite requiring a massive amount of exposition, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #73 establishes a strong starting point for a potentially fantastic story.

The First Ally begins to make a case for being All-Star Batman's best story arc yet.

Postal #21 effectively sets up what should be an explosive culmination of many of the series' overarching plot threads.

Definitely better than the last month, but a compressed series of encounters keep things from really taking off.

THIS is what you want from this series--a fantastically written/drawn deep dive into the TMNT's universe's most interesting supporting characters.

Not even Harris' brilliant topical humor and Matthew Dow Smith can save this series from the grips of a predictable, stale narrative.

Unfortunately, the script for Amazing Spider-Man #30 leaves much to be desired. Let's hope this is just a bump in the road for the title and not sign of things to come.

The issue doesn't have much in the way of action, but it still manages to masterfully ramp up the narrative in such a way that the story can't help but boil over next month.

If you like fun, no holds barred adventure with just the right dash of horror and gore, you'll love Venom #152.

Great action, fantastic dialogue, and gorgeous artwork make Spider-Man #18 a perfect example of why it's one of Marvel's best current offerings.

What starts as a great issue fizzles out considerably at the end due to some contrived script decisions (but at least Doc Ock looks all types of awesome).

It's by far the weakest issue of the series, but some great moments and one heck of a cliffhanger still make for an entertaining read.

Despite still not getting to see the Earth-65 symbiote in action, Latour and Rodriguez utilize its presence to craft another masterful issue.

Despite a promising set up, the issue quickly devolves into circular arguments among vaguely-motivated characters.

A "twist" anyone could see coming along with surprisingly weak character work make this one of the series' weakest issues.

Aliens: Defiance is still a great series, but it ended with a fraction of the strength it began with

A fun and exciting issue that loses some of its luster due to a few glaring plot contrivances.

The overarching narrative"combined with Will Sliney drawing the hell out of some incredible visuals"make this issue a must read.

Aside from a couple great action sequences, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe #11 leaves a lot to be desired.

Conway and Stegman utilize the alternate universe conceit to create a narrative where we truly don't know what's going to happen next.

Whether you believe Marvel or not that it was always the plan to revert Ben Reilly to his classic threads, Peter David manages to get the character back into his old costume in one of the most brilliant ways imaginable.

Despite an ending that's a little too easy (and cheesy), TMNT #70 is still a fun ending to what's been on of the series' best story arcs.

Dinosaurs and a great script make Venom #151 by far the strongest issue since the series relaunched.

Despite the long awaited arrival of a major plot point, Copperhead is still a shell of the great book it used to be.

A glorious showdown between Bernice and Emmy is tempered by a contrived narrative device.

Great action, a great plot, and some (normally) lame characters getting their moments to shine have Spider-Man firing on all cylinders.

A decent read, but not different, in depth, or even fun enough to make it stand out from all the other Spider-Man origin retellings we've seen over the years.

While the long delay between issues killed some of the momentum, Romulus #4 still manages to kick the series' narrative into overdrive.

In the grand scheme of things, Kill or Be Killed #9 is a good read. Unfortunately, it also happens to be the weakest issue of the series thus far.

Even if you hate stories about Wolverine or alternate dimensions (or alternate dimension Wolverines), Spider-Gwen #20 is guaranteed to entertain you.

The good news: This looks like the set up to a potentially great story arc. The bad news: It takes a MASSIVE amount of exposition to get us there.

I don't know if Peter David is having the most fun he ever has writing this character, but it sure does feel that way.

What Sophie Campbell's story may lack in appeal to people who don't like whimsical tales like this, it more than made up for it with some great dialogue and character exploration of Alopex and Angel.

The first story is great. The other two are not nearly as good. If you're a 90's-era Venom fan, however, the whole issue is definitely worth picking up.

If this issue is an indication of things to come, then The First Ally might be a lot more than the introduction of a new Batman villain"it could also turn out to be a classic.

The decent murder mystery at the heart of the story is overshadowed by the sharp dip in script quality since Copperhead returned from its hiatus

What could have (and maybe should have) been a fascinating trip into Skinner's past turned in a standard, trope-laden tale about soldiers' sins past.

Another beautiful and well written issue, but the narrative is bogged down by a redundant setup.

A huge part of the Spider Mythos is introduced in what turns out to be a chilling and fantastic story.

A great look at how a good-hearted kid with incredible power might let off some steam"and how that can easily come back to bite him.

The ending is great, but the path the book takes to get us there is painfully bland.

If you weren't on #TeamMaggie before, then Postal #20 will make sure of it one way or another.

Between the crazy good art by Mateus Santolouco and the incredible script by Tom Waltz, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #69 is easily the best issue of the series so far this year.

While not as thrilling as the last issue, Darth Maul #3 does manage to weave one heck of a great set up for the next chapter.

Aside from artist Eduardo Francisco's thrilling opening sequence (and some fantastic looking flashbacks/nightmares), Aliens Defiance #11 is by far the weakest issue in the otherwise stellar series.

Despite missing a major plot point (which may turn out to be an intentional omission), Kill or Be Killed #8 is still a fantastic issue.

To be honest, this type of story isn't really my thing. That being said, writers Sophie Campbell and Bobby Curnow do a great job establishing just how bizarre and twisted the Toad Baron's realm is without resorting to David Lynch-esque randomness. There's still a clear narrative here and it's pretty good.

All-Star Batman #9 is both a near perfect final act and a great story on its own.

A highly flawed yet satisfying series finale.

What looks like it could be the start of a great story next month is proceeded by a decidedly mediocre set up.

Lots of great action, but a weak and nonsensical narrative undermine what should have been a thrilling issue

Gerry Conway and Ryan Stegman have taken the perfect Spider-fan comfort food and added just the right amount of spice.

The mayor murder mystery has been effectively buried under a dust storm of bad character development and tedious interactions.

A frustrating and nonsensical bit of character development is molded into what turns out to be a fantastic conclusion.

It's not the big conflict we were expecting, but it's still a riveting/terrifying issue that makes a strong case why Emmy might not always be doing the right thing.

Not a whole lot of action, but still a great issue that fleshes out (and also twists up) some major parts of Miles' personal life.

A little better than the last issue, but that's not saying much at all.

A heaping helping of the all too common 'Androids Are People, Too' trope, but it's executed exceptionally well.

Despite some great dialogue and beautiful art, the story is painfully boring and predictable.

Spider-Woman #17 is a near perfect encapsulation of all the things that made this series great.

A potentially brilliant story is tripped up by a constantly shifting timeline and a nonsensical McGuffin.

Despite a lack of physical action, Mark's actions as mayor of Eden provide one of Postal's most thrilling issues to date.

With the introduction of some new/awesome characters"and a healthy sprinkling of fan service"Darth Maul's second issue has molded the series' somewhat lackluster premise into a deliciously intriguing conflict.

Mind-blowing action wrapped inside a compelling story with more human drama than most books that feature actual human characters have.

A very well made comic, but we've officially reached critical mass on the Twisted Riverdale Trope.

A stylishly executed, but ultimately predictable story.

Not exactly worth $10, but enough good stories and great art to be worth picking up.

A fun romp through multiple dimensions is soured a bit by an ending that threatens to undo the previously wonderful narrative.

Gorgeous artwork and a fantastic last page salvage what is otherwise a disappointing issue.

No guns, explosions, or blood, but we still get a beautifully crafted story about arguably the most important person in Dylan's life.

On one hand, I'm excited that the subplot about Clay's escape is finally coming to fruition. But as far as this story arc is concerned, some of Boo's decisions left me scratching my head. His and Clara's antagonism toward each other has always been one of the best parts of the series, but this feels like a major step backward from how things has seemed to progress between them before the series went on hiatus.

If what happened at the end of it holds true, however, then I may not be able to refrain from wailing in fear/excitement. Harrow County's been on a good stretch of issues of late, but this new story arc is set up to potentially be the best one yet.

Still, that ending was pretty darn good. I really hope one of the two Turtles books picks up the plot thread"and if it's this one, I hope it's the same creative team so they can have another shot at knocking it out of the park.

It's also little disappointing that we don't dive back into the family secret issue from before, but an issue like this was probably needed to create some space from the major Clone Conspiracy event that just finished ripping through all the Spider titles. This one will probably read much better in the trade (especially for a meathead like me who wants to see more of Silk/Cindy kicking ass), but it's still a good read on its own, as well.

That being said, the last page of the issue does provide a tantalizing look at what could turn out to be one of the best storylines of the series to date.

Let's hope the second issue of this series has some more new and/or interesting things to offer. Otherwise, it could make my rating for this one look generous.

Whichever one you like better, however, I think it's safe to officially declare that Marvel's best event series are being spun out of the Spider-Man office.

Were there a few things I wish the creative team had delved into a bit more? Of course. But those lingering questions felt much more tantalizing than frustrating. I know that sounds paradoxical (or just plain stupid), but when a mythology-laden series like this one makes good on answering its biggest question (along with a slew of other great reveals), they've earned the right to keep a little mystery in their back pockets in the case the series ever returns"and let's hope it does, too. As good as the overall narrative was, Nailbiter's strength was in its fantastic characters. The ones who managed to survive the series provided us with one hell of a good story"and they just might one day have a little more to tell.

Add in some genuinely funny retro humor, and you've got yourself a solid X-Files issue. It certainly wasn't spectacular, but it was also a heck of a lot better than anything we've read since the series' most recent relaunch. Maybe digging back into the past is just what this book needed to start heading in the right direction again.

If the Deviations one-shots are going to continue as an annual publication, then why not go out on a limb and try something unexpected? As it stands now, the title is barely worth a place on your pull list"or the pull list of you from any alternate dimensions.

I'm also highly intrigued to see how things with Ben Reilly and another major returned villain (you can probably guess who) now that they are back in the Marvel Universe. Both characters have been through some major events"including their own deaths"which have changed them drastically from the last time they were regular members of the Spider-Man cast. Even if the big fights in this issue were somewhat lackluster, the plot threads emerging from its aftermath should be all types of fun to watch unfold.

All that being said, I think this creative team has proven itself enough to keep this title on the pull list. It will be interesting to see what they do with this character after his pseudo reset, but it's likely to be something worth reading"and guaranteed to always look beautiful.

With the promise of a big revelation to come"and four great issues so far"Sitting in a Tree is shaping to be a classic Spider-Man crossover"or at the very least a great story. Either way, it most definitely belongs on every Spider-fan's pull list.

All that being said, Mal's dialogue is spot on. The art is great as usual, particularly on the issue's big action sequence. Now we just need a strong finish and some big reveals to salvage this series. Nothing would make me happier than for Mal & Co. (and the creative team) to pull this thing in spectacular fashion–I'll gladly eat a heaping helping of crow if they do.

Also, the last few pages of the issue are much better than the rest of it. In addition to a series of beautiful drawn action sequences, the narrative finally releases itself from the shackles of disguising a mystery in plain sight, delivering a knockout punch of an ending. Let's hope the next issue picks up with the momentum this one ended with.

But despite my reservations about it, Bremble's decision does have me excited for where it will lead. Both he and Mark's chosen paths should offer a glimpse into both men's psyches that we haven't seen yet. Considering how deep Bryan Hill already dives into what makes Postal‘s characters tick, going further into those depths with Mark and Agent Bremble should make for even more unsettling (and highly enjoyable) stories.

Otherwise, this is a fairly enjoyable issue, though not as good as what we're used to getting from the title. Irene Strychalski's art is a bit stilted at times, but always looks great"especially in the final few pages. And Thompson always gives Cindy Moon a great voice. As good as Clone Conspiracy has been, I think Silk is the type of book that operates better on its own rather than tied into a major event"and without any stupid ghost tricks.

As expected, there's plenty of humor and romantic tension, as well. Still no kiss, but we know it's coming. Considering how great these two are together already, it should make the moment even better once it arrives. I'm not in any hurry to get there, though"especially when every step of the journey is this enjoyable.

The Clone Conspiracy doesn't quite match the greatness of Spider-Verse, but it's still one of the best event series we've had in the last decade"and an absolute must-read if you're any type of Spider-Man fan.

I'm still hoping that Lee meets a grisly and undignified end"just not with the symbiote. I'm not sure what it says about the series that a savage, id-controlled parasite is more interesting than the main human character, but I'll keep reading (and enjoying) the book if it continues its current upward swing.

Speaking of Sharpe (again), she acts as the perfect antidote for anyone who may have started to grow weary of Dylan's sympathetic and occasionally self-pitying narration. I personally still love it, but I also must admit that it's great having someone thrust into the narrative who possesses such a concrete view of what's right and wrong. It adds yet another fascinating layer to what has quickly establishing itself as an early front-runner for my favorite comic series of 2017.

All that being said, however, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #67 looks like the start of a very promising story arc. It's worth picking up just for the final fight scene alone"just like the next one will be worth picking up to see who survived it.

So yeah, I liked a Poison Ivy story. Kind of loved it, actually. Considering that next month's issue features a villain I already like, All-Star Batman may finally be starting to take its place as my go-to Bat title.

For now, though, Renew Your Vows continues to be a gorgeously drawn bit of comfort food in a market dominated by dark and gloomy titles.

Overall, I'd say that Blood Blister #1 shows more than enough promise to keep on your pull list"even if the first issue is a bit of a letdown as far as the actual story is concerned. Any comic featuring gigantic carnivorous demon babies is definitely worth a second look.

And as usual, the creative ends things on a cliffhanger that will make the wait for next month's issue feel interminable"only this time, it we'll be waiting to read the very last one.

I also like the conflict that David is setting up, particularly with regard to Miguel facing off against his time-displaced family tree. When you add in Tempest's involvement (and the very big news we learn about her this issue), Spider-Man 2099 still ends up being an enjoyable book"just not as much as it usually is.

And even if this series does end up feeling inconsequential to the new Star Wars cannon, the opening pages of Darth Maul #1 prove that we'll at least get some exciting fight scenes to enjoy.

I really hate giving the final issue of this series a mediocre review, especially since I enjoyed the rest of it so much. Even with this disappointing final chapter taken into account, Carnage was a much better book than I imagined it could be"a wonderful dose of cosmic horror spiked with one of the darkest elements from Marvel's rogue gallery.

It's enough to save this issue, but the narrative needs to start going somewhere if The Prowler is going to transform from a fun diversion into a solid ongoing series.

The only two things I did enjoy in this one were Jayne's hilariously dogged attempts to be a nice guy and the art. I may not like (or understand) why the issue's big fight scene was happening, but Georges Jeanty draws/choreographs the hell out of it. Hopefully, the quality of the narrative follows suit. It wouldn't be the first time Captain Tightpants pretending to be inept and/or oblivious before pulling off a masterful stunt"but I won't be holding my breath, either.

So yeah, I'm still a little ticked at the creative team for pulling the rug out from under us. But they're still telling a great story, so I'm still on board.

Combine that with Campbell's masterful artwork (along with Alopex's return), and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #66 is a great read"although you may want to brush up on some Alopex back issues first before you dive in.

Now that we've passed the point we all knew would come, it will be interesting to see what Aliens: Defiance decides to do with this wonderfully developed cast of characters. Whatever that is, though, it will surely involve a fight with an Alien Queen, which I think we can all agree is something to be excited about.

I'm still not sure what to think about the quasi-return of a major character"or if I even like it. It potentially makes the way her story progressed and concluded feel a bit cheapened. But if this issue proved anything, it's that Bunn deserves our trust to make it work. He obviously still has plenty of tricks up his sleeve to make sure life in Harrow County continues to be fresh and horrifying.

And those final pages"oh man. They will definitely have you screaming along with Peter at the top of your lungs"or maybe that's just me. Either way, I'm not allowed in that coffee shop anymore. But event tie-ins as good as this one can have a place on my pull list anytime.

I'm normally not a big fan of crossovers, but so far, "Sitting in a Tree" has been a real treat. Now let's see if that kiss happens next issue so I can officially start using #TeamGwiles on everything.

And then you have the action in this issue, which artist Jim Cheung completely knocks out of the park. In addition to a couple of massive fight sequences, he also makes the wonderfully chaotic final scenes look even more gruesome and impactful.To be honest, I was initially worried that The Clone Conspiracy would be yet another rehash of one of Spidey's most infamous (and aggravating) stories. Instead, Slott and Cheung have turned it into a dynamic and thrilling story that every Spider fan"even the ones who hated the original Clone Saga"will love.

If this creative team makes full use of their story's potential, it could be one of the best X-Files ever"at least for an 80's kid like me who loves a good conspiracy. Let's just hope it doesn't get derailed by the aforementioned mystical white powder.

I still can't stand Venom's bland and trope-laden main character, but at least Costa is surrounding him with a supporting cast that's starting to make things interesting. Combine that with Sandoval's excellent artwork, and Venom might still have a chance to permanently bond itself to my pull list.

When you see that a series is being created by Brubaker/Phillips, you don't have to go very out on a limb to predict it will be good. With Kill or Be Killed, however, it might be time to start the discussion about whether or not this is creative team's best work yet.

Once again, Postal kicks off a new story arc that already looks like it could top the fantastic previous chapter. If this book's not on your pull list by now, then you're crazier than Molly"and that is most definitely not a compliment.

But even with those complaints, along with a few other plot contrivances (like the aforementioned "death delay"), there's a really good horror story lurking somewhere inside this issue. It just doesn't quite come together like I'd hoped. Still, if you'd told me I would be able to tolerate reading a Wyrm story before now, I wouldn't have believed you. This one was not only tolerable, but fairly enjoyable, too.

But aside from that (and the aforementioned POV issues), All-Star Batman is pretty much everything you want from a series like this: Great creators doing a fresh story with classic characters. Also, I can't go without giving my monthly props to the issue's backup story, “The Cursed Wheel”. Having Snyder and Francisco Francavilla creating any sort of Batman tale is cool, but the fact that it makes me"an unabashed Robin/Batman sidekick hater"like Duke more with every chapter is a pleasant and highly enjoyable surprise.

But aside from that, Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #3 is definitely worth a spot on your pull list. Whether you were for or against the original Pete and MJ marriage, this series has proven that it's something any Spider-fan will enjoy.

Combine that with Thompson's good (but exposition-heavy) dialogue, and you've still got yourself a decent issue of Silk to read"but I have a feeling it will fit in much better as a chapter in the collected edition of this story.

Yes, I know I just said that about the first issue of a crossover. But trust me when I say that if you're any type of Spiderfan, then Spider-Man #12 needs to be in your hands this week.

Henderson also unleashes some gorgeous cinematic visuals, which makes Nailbiter #28 feel like a true "event" issue despite not being labeled as such. Combine that with an ending that had me screaming at my iPad like an anxious teenager watching a horror movie, and it's a near perfect set up for the eventual conclusion of one of comics' best series.

I trust David/Sliney to make it work, though. Even on an issue like this one"which isn't quite up to par with the rest of the series" Spider-Man 2099 can always be counted on to be an excellent read.

If you read all of the issues in this story arc back-to-back, I think you'll agree that the journey was a whole more entertaining/interesting than the destination. Considering the road trip theme running through it, that just might be exactly how Snyder planned it.

It will be interesting to see how they resolve this, especially with regards to Chthon. Will it be a stand up fight, or something more mystical? Either way, Carnage #15 will make symbiote and Lovecraft fans go mad with glee.

Once again, Jamal Campbell's art is superb. Considering how much this issue features Electro kicking Hobie's ass, we get plenty of opportunities for Campbell to show off his gorgeous lighting effects within the framework of his deftly rendered fight sequences. Unfortunately, the story leaves something to be desired. While I really like the identifying voice Sean Ryan gives to Hobie, his message becomes redundant by the issue's paradoxical (and far too convenient) end.

Other than that, however, Spider-Man #11 is a great read. I'm normally not a fan of comics that don't feature their main character, but this was a much needed and wonderfully executed exploration of arguably the series' most interesting supporting cast member.

I'm normally not a fan of holiday issues, but Spider-Man/Deadpool #12 managed to make my shriveled heart grow three-sizes today"or maybe that's just some indigestion. Either way, it's a great issue that deserves a place on your pull list or under your Christmas tree.

As someone who's become completely jaded about how superhero comics deal with death, it's both shocking and surprising to find such a brutally genuine portrayal of it here. When you add in Spider-Woman #14's kick-ass action and incredibly compelling narrative, you'd be hard pressed to find a single-issue story better than this one.

Aliens: Defiance #8 isn't a bad issue by any means. But a series this good shouldn't need to waste most of its pages on something that won't even matter by the last one. Heck, I would have rather gotten a full issue of Hendricks' backstory, especially since what we did see was so good. As it stands, however, the issue ends up being comparatively weak chapter in an otherwise superb series.

Strangely, the one-page back up story by Crook (w) and Aud Koch (a) is most definitely the start of an intriguing multi-part tale.

But aside from those minor quibbles, Romulus' third chapter is more than enough to solidify the title for top-of-the-read-pile status. While I'm not quite ready to call it as good as Hill's brilliant Postal series, that seeds for that level of excellent storytelling have definitely been sown inside their tinfoil planters.

Maybe they have, though. Perhaps Serenity: No Power in the 'Verse #3 is setting us up for some epic misdirection like the original television series episode ‘Trash' pulled off. As it stands now, however, the book seems to be moving its great characters from one boring/predictable situation to another.

All that being said, I love that we're finally starting to get some more definitive clues and links between the past and present storylines. Maczko also does a great job drawing a narrative parallel between the two. And as far as the action sequences go, they're filled with all the wonderful woodland creature violence and mayhem that we've come to expect. When you combine that with Witter's brilliant art, it makes the wait for Squarriors: Summer #2 completely worth it"but still incredibly disruptive to what's otherwise shaping up to be a superb tale.

Joe Harris normally does great work, so hopefully this was a case of the story being a bit too avant-garde and not a sign of things to come for the series.

Speaking of stylish, though, it's great having Robbi Rodriguez back for the whole issue, especially with the bonkers fight scene near the end. I still wish we knew a little more about what Gwen's potential "training" will ultimately lead to, but watching Rodriguez draw her throwing down against a ninja assassin a hell of a lot of fun to watch no matter what the context is.

As far as the writing goes, Mike Costa generally does great work. Perhaps it's just the new host that's rubbing me the wrong way"or maybe the symbiote's new status quo just isn't my thing. Either way, this series has only an issue or two left to get better before I find the nearest bell tower and rip it off of my pull list.

No matter how uneasy it makes you feel to have clones invading Peter Parker's life again, you have to give credit to the Slott and the rest of the Spider-Man writers for (so far) making The Clone Conspiracy a highly entertaining event.

To the series' credit, I do like that it seems to be branching off from simply being another TMNT title into an exploration of the many different aspects within the rich universe that Tom Waltz, Bobby Curnow, and Kevin Eastman have created. I just wish that for this particular issue, we'd gotten more than a repeated and monotonous display of what was already expected.

"but for $8? Holiday dollars are hard enough to stretch without overpriced comic books hammering your budget. That industrial strength body hair groomer I still need to buy for David Brooke isn't going to pay for itself. Unless you're an X-Files completist"or just really desperate for a very fun and forgettable story"then you can say BAH HUMBUG about adding this one to your pull list.

In Conway's defense, however, the character work really is great. If the story seeds he's can intertwine themselves with the rest of the script, then Renew Your Vows could go from a "fun" book to a classic. Either way, though, it's still a good read if you're a Spidey fan.

All that being said, Thompson's dialogue between Moon and Franklin is more than enough to make the issue worth reading. We also get a nice moment with Moon's supporting cast, who I was worried would be forgotten about in this arc after it moved from New York to San Francisco. We also get a great cliff-hanger that should provide quite a bit of conflict for Silk along with the various factions inside New U itself.

On the plus side, Nico Leon makes everything look beautiful. Just like last issue, his paneling perfectly facilitates the large amount of conversation and emotional beats. Most television shows aren't this good at making their characters interact. I just wish he and Bendis' story was also occurring in its originally intended form. If this was actually the way things were supposed to go, however, then it still feels very off and unsatisfying.

In all honesty, I might not be the best person to rate/review this particular issue. Holiday specials - especially ones that insert themselves into otherwise separate storylines - almost always make me feel like a Grinch. But in spite of my personal bias, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #65 was still able to make my small heart grow two sizes (but not quite three).

So once again, Aliens: Defiance continues to make its case as one of the best (potentially THE best?) Alien franchise comics. Great story, fantastic art, and you get to see an android punch a baby xenomorph in the face. What more could you ask for in a comic?

I'm still not a big fan of The Fist or their bizarre/inefficient methods of villainy, but David's dependably great dialogue and Sliney's wonderful artwork continue to make Spider-Man 2099 a consistently enjoyable book.

So many genre comic series start off strong only to settle into redundant ruts. Occasionally, you'll find one that starts with a bang and maintains a consistently high level of quality. 27 issues into Nailbiter, the series is somehow getting even better.

Combine all of that with some great new story seeds, and Romulus #2 should assuage any second issue letdown concerns. Unlike the conspiracy theories that your uncle posts about on Facebook, this series is the real deal.

Maybe Joe Harris will start to tie all this together in the next issue. He's certainly proven himself capable of complex story telling before. Unfortunately, the current arc of IDW's X-Files series makes me wish it would finish and move onto the next one as soon as possible.

Let's hope that next time Allor gets a turn writing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe (which will hopefully be soon), he accelerates rather than slides to the end.

I've read many comics co-written by celebrity writers that were terrible. Thankfully, No Angel looks to buck that trend with a solid premise and well-executed opening chapter (which makes me crush on Adrianne Palicki even harder). If Csuka's colors can mesh with Syahrazad's pencils, then this book could end up being something really special.

As fun as it is seeing River Tam kick ass, the rest of the issue drags quite a bit. We're hit with a large amount of exposition, including a big speech/dressing down of Simon by Captain Reynolds"which is usually a good thing. But while Chris Roberson nails Mal's cadence and delivery, I honestly don't see him taking the cold position that he did.

My expert opinion/advice (which is always right 50% of the time): Amazing Spider-man Annual #1 isn't perfect, but plenty good enough that everyone will find something they like. If you've got Amazing Spider-Man on your pull list already, then make sure your shop includes the annuals"at least for this one.

It still bothers me that much of the story hinges on Jackal making an incredibly dumb decision (even for him), but it's forgivable mistake considering how good the rest of the issue is.

Without or without the revelation, however, calling Spider-Gwen #14 "uneven" would be a gross understatement. The shifts in narrative tone and (especially) the art end up sinking what began as an exceptionally promising issue.

I'll be sticking with this series for now, but I really hope Costa shows his previous knack for characterization soon. Venom has definitely got the style part down, but is severely lacking in substance.

That being said, Godzilla: Rage Across Time #5 is absolutely gorgeous to look at. Also, I have to given credit to Zornow and Fotos for the issue's coda, which was both clever and laugh out loud funny. Unfortunately, it still wasn't enough to save this issue"or the miniseries as a whole. Godzilla: Rage Across Time was a good idea, but it's probably best left to be forgotten by history.

It might be too early to say this, but it certainly feels like IDW Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has fully returned to form. It's also nice having absolutely no idea what's going to happen next.

Other than that, though, Amazing Spider-Man #21 is an enjoyable and revealing piece of the Clone Conspiracy puzzle. It's also proof that a big serious event stories can still have plenty of heart"and be a lot of fun.

If you waited for the trade on this one, then you're in for a real treat"although I also give Brubaker a lot of credit for making the single issues read very well. Whatever way you decide to read it, Kill or Be Killed is a mandatory addition to any self-respecting comic reader's pull list.

And speaking of the script, it's not bad at all. You can almost always count on Bendis knocking it out of the park when it comes to dialogue. This issue is no exception. In fact, Spider-Man #9 will probably make a great middle chapter its collected volume. As a single issue, however, it's a bit of a letdown.

The one-page backup story by Tyler Crook (with art by Aud Koch) is intriguing/beautiful as usual, putting Harrow County #18 back in the title's 2015 form. The book still has a way to go before I consider it one of my favorites again, but this was a great first step.

But alas, we're left with another unsatisfying issue of what's turned out to be a surprisingly disappointing miniseries. I was going to tap out on this one, but the next issue is supposed to have Godzilla fighting dinosaurs. Guess I'm sticking with this one until the end of time.

If you've been enjoying All-Star Batman so far (like I have), then this issue is definitely still worth picking up. Let's just hope that next month sees it return to its previous exemplary form.

All that said, Conway does do a great job establishing a strong dynamic among the Parkers, both as a family and a force for good. We also get the appearance of two classic villains, which ups the nostalgia factor (in a good way) to an already old school-feeling issue. Add in Stegman's aforementioned gorgeous artwork (including the chance to see him draw a dinosaur attacking New York), and this one's still worth picking up. Let's just hope things start to ramp up now that all the familial cards are on the table.

Don't let the "clone" part scare you off, either. Slott and is doing something really cool and different here. And besides, how can you not want to read a series where Miles Warren openly acknowledges that his old costume looked like a fuzzy version of Yoda?

As far as the story goes, Kang tales are always tricky. The guy can travel through the timestream, but still manages to get his ass kicked every time he takes on the Avengers. To Waid's credit, he gives this go around an intriguing kick (and does an exceptional job tying with Vision's recent history). But it's still not enough to keep this from feeling painfully similar to virtually every other Kang story we've seen before.

Eden's Fall succeeds where many big crossover event series fail. Instead of throwing the kitchen sink at us for the sake of synergy, it builds off existing plot threads, utilizes the best aspects of each series, and ties it all together into a story that simultaneously stands on it owns and deftly pivots into new ones.

That being said, this was still a great issue. It also looks like the start of yet another great story arc for a series that has so far delivered with every volume.

"except for those of us who have this title on our pull list. Postal continues to prove month after month why it belongs at the very top of the reading pile.

That being said, it's still a solid opening chapter. Considering how good Ryan's dialogue is (and Campbell's aforementioned beautiful art), I'll definitely be sticking around to see what comes next.

Do I wish the story driving things forward was a little better formed so far? Sure. But just like the television show, No Power in the 'Verse looks like it gets the most important part of any Firefly story: The characters.

If you're looking for a good Alien fix while we wait for the Prometheus movies to step aside (and let Neill Blomkamp take over the franchise), then Aliens: Defiance is just what the medical android ordered.

But other than that one (glaring) issue, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe #3 is great. Not only is the story good, but the stakes get raised in a very major and believable way. More importantly, it looks like we can safely mark this title down as a quality addition to the TMNT mythos.

Combine that with Jackal's fantastic characterization, and Amazing Spider-Man #20 is still worth picking up"just maybe not the best candidate for cloning.

As ambivalent as I am about the main story, however, the back up (written by Bunn and drawn by Owen Gieni) is incredible. It provided more terror in one page than the rest of Harrow County #17 managed in twenty-three. Still, I trust Bunn to make the set up we got pay off. The Abandoned wouldn't allow his story to be told, otherwise.

I do like the reason writer James Asmus gives for why a group of people would choose to live in such a dangerous place, but the path we took to get there was a chore to read. While I would like to see what was up with those hyper-intelligent raptors we saw, I'd rather just skip this part of the story and let the movie fill in the blanks, instead.

Let's hope that next month, writer Joe Harris fills in the beautiful blanks with something a bit more concrete and easier to grasp.

And speaking of Lovecraft, you don't need to know his work to enjoy this series. All you need is a love of great writing and fantastic art"and maybe just a touch of madness.

Let's hope that Godzilla's return to the series (which has his name on it) leads to a more enjoyable jaunt through time.

Add all that to a gut wrenching cliffhanger"and the most hilarious appearance of a criminal organization you could ask for"and All-Star Batman #3 is a perfect example of just how great this book can be.

But whether it does or not it looks like we're in for one hell of a fight next month"and for the first time in a long time, I can't wait to read the next issue of this series.

Together, the two tales make for a very solid opening, which we definitely need for any spider-related event that has the world "clone" in it. I still wish we got a little more info (relative to what we knew going in), but as long as we're getting Slott's great character work and Cheung's gorgeous fight scenes, I'm willing to wait.

As usual, Phillips' gorgeous artwork also helps carry the narrative load. Brubaker's script is strong on its own, but the expressions and body language that Phillips imbues the characters with greatly adds to it. You can tell the years these two have spent creating comics together has them fully in sync with each other.

But overall, this issue is a steep drop in quality from the last one. Let's hope next month's trip to the middle ages provides a bit less monologuing and a lot more Godzilla.

Like I said before, I'm still not sure how this title is an exploration of the TMNT mythos beyond what the regular book attempts, but at least it's telling a good story so far.

Could the major death we see be a trick? Maybe. That seed was definitely planted. But even if it is, the scene that gets us there is so brutal and effective that you can't help but be fully hooked in by it. And considering the fallout its about to cause, I'd say things are about to get a lot worse for the characters"and even better for the readers.

If you are already reading Postal, then I'm sure you'll agree that 2015's best new comic series is finishing 2016 even stronger.

All that being said, however, the main story is still a lot of fun. Despite there not being a lot of action, Tristan Jones gets plenty of opportunities to draw his beautifully grostesque xenomorphs. We also end up with an interesting new character and one hell of a moral quandary for Hendricks (which we saw in the first four pages, but whatever). It's a shame that such a great story had to be sidetracked by sequencing issues, but it's still plenty good enough to enjoy.

Unfortunately, that particular character's fate will have to remain a mystery"to me, at least. I'm tapping out of this one early. Aliens: Life and Death just isn't very new reader friendly"although the fact that I got bored/distracted by a story consisting of colonial marines blasting their way through a horde of xenomorphs could be a considered a troubling sign for even the most dedicated fans of franchise.

And despite my misgivings about Splinter's shift toward being a coldly efficient sociopath, I do like where it appears to be leading the narrative. I'm not ready to declare Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles back on track yet, but the title appears to finally be rolling off its shell.

Speaking of that, I appreciate Harris' sympathetic viewpoint of the Muslim family that is featured in this issue, especially with how hostile the political/cultural climate in our country has become. But as gripping as the opening scene is, I think he'll also lament its timing coming out this week. Hopefully, it doesn't overshadow the larger message"the ugliness, frustration, and pain caused when we make unfair assumptions about large groups of people due the terrible acts of a few psychotic outliers.

Wake up, sheeple. Ashlar is going to save you from a death you didn't even know was coming"or at least lead you on a bloody good quest for answers you may not want to know.

I also like the way Bunn solidified the importance of Harrow County itself to the mythology of the series. Besides being a perfectly haunting setting, it also continues to develop into a great character within the series itself.Combine that with Crook's aforementioned beautiful artwork, and Harrow County #16 definitely has more good than bad between the pages. Let's hope that the conclusion of this story arc allows it to go back to being great again as Halloween approaches.

Hopefully, he'll get a chance to cut loose a bit next month. Otherwise, I may have to release this title from my pull list.

None of this is to say that the issue is bad. It's still Snyder writing Batman throwing down against a host of A, B, C, and D-list villains"all against the backdrop of a truly chilling premise. I also appreciate his willingness to experiment with unconventional ideas and story-telling techniques. Maybe this one in particular will eventually grow on me. For now, however, it feels like an unwelcome distraction from an otherwise excellent tale.

The Shadow Out of Time isn't one of my favorite H.P. Lovecraft stories, but I do love the concepts it deals with. I also absolutely love the way Weird Detective is using them to frame the story. You don't have to be familiar with Lovecraft's work to enjoy this title, but it certainly does enhance things.

Together, these three are putting together a book that is quickly becoming one of my favorite titles. If you don't have Kill or Be Killed on your pull list yet, then you have exactly one month to do so. After that, you're on your own.

It's also not a surprise that despite a few missteps, Nailbiter still does enough well to make yet another great issue. The mystery of Buckaroo may still be a ways off from our understanding, but the journey to get there continues to be bloody good entertainment.

Would I recommend this book? Maybe. If you want a pretty good Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles story, then go for it. If you're looking for something different than what we already get from IDW each month, this might end up being a redundant addition to your monthly pull list.

There's nothing earth shattering or even that exciting here, but The X-Files: Origins #1 does make for a pretty good exploration into Mulder and Scully's young minds/motivations. It's also good enough to keep the title on your pull list for at least one more issue.

Still though, I enjoyed getting to see Aguirre-Sacasa's dark take on the best girl band in comics (deal with it, JEM). It makes for a good tale, but not exactly a great one"which is what we've come to expect from Afterlife with Archie.

Add in some nice call backs to other parts of the mythos, and you've got a book right that started strong and has steadily gotten better. The erratic shipping schedule and changing art styles may be hard to follow, but the great story makes Aliens: Defiance worth a spot on your pull list.

And now that the characters and the basic conflicts have been established, I can't wait to see what happens next to everyone.

If you're looking for a lot of action, last issue is your jam. Postal #14 instead provides us with some space and much needed internal turmoil over the conflict to come.

If Godzilla: Rage Across Time #1 is an indicator of things to come, then I'm definitely along for the ride.

The issue's great cliffhanger also provides some hope for the future, but this title is putting out a lot more mediocre/poor issues than good ones recently. Maybe these new invisibility cloak villains will provide the spark the series needs to get back on track"it's just too bad they can't make the last two issues disappear, as well.

I want to like this story more than I do. The good aspects are fantastic. But I just can't get over the hollow ending and shifting quality of art. Call me disappointed.

I still don't get what the Hollywood guy's part in all this is. If Van Lente is planting seeds, then they sure don't feel like something that will grow into the main narrative. But once you get past that (and Fayez's situational obliviousness), Weird Detective #3 finishes things up as a solid entry in what's turning out to be a fantastic series.

On the plus side, the book's art continues to be great, particularly during the thrilling opening sequence. It's enough to make me want to come back for at least one more issue"hopefully with a bit less Days of Our Lives and a lot more Thunderdome.

Thankfully, the fascinating hell these characters are being put through by Big Winner/Newman continue to make the series"and this story arc"worth reading, even if it's just for Gabriel Rodriguez's art.

The positive qualities of this book are so good that they're also frustrating. The potentially fantastic story keeps tripping over itself only to get back up and pull you back in again. Hopefully next month's issue will show the same momentum and narrative focus that the last third of this one did.

It will all probably read much better as part of a trade. As a single issue, however, this one just made me want to flashforward to next month"which is really saying something considering that school will have started up again by then.

By the end of the issue, we are fully invested in Dylan's journey, even if it ends up going down a very dark path. We know our character and we understand his world, but there are still so many questions left that beg for answers"and a second issue, which should absolutely stay on your pull list for next month

Every volume of Nailbiter as been strong thus far, but 'Bound by Blood' continues to make a case for being the best one yet.

On the positive side of things, the story's coda was incredibly chilling. It made me want to get Divinity III in my hands immediately. Combine that with Hairsine's wonderful art, and you've still got a pretty good finale. It might not have been as brilliant as the penultimate chapter, but the series has a whole has proven that the Divinity series–and this creative team–can be counted on for thrilling and intelligent science fiction storytelling.

Buckle up, folks. Postal is back and better than ever.

Dave Wachter's art is the issue's saving grace, preventing it from turning into a complete dumpster fire. Still, I'm not sure I've ever read a less enjoyable and poorly plotted installment of IDW's otherwise stellar series than this one. Let's hope that writer Tom Waltz returns to his regular/exceptional form in August.

If you're X-Files completist and/or don't mind over-paying for a good story with some genuinely hilarious moments and a fun action sequence, then pick this one up. Otherwise, you can save your $8 for the next two issues of the main series, which seems to have finally regained its footing.

But considering how good the first issue was, this one still feels like a bit of a let down. Let's hope all the foundation work the creative team did allows them to really cut loose in the latter half of the story.

All that being said, I definitely feel like there's enough here to continue reading the series. The gorgeous artwork definitely carries the weight of the book, but Lorimer's strong dialogue proves and narrative framework also point to a series that might just need a little time to find its footing. I'll definitely be giving the next issue a shot"maybe with a physical copy instead so I can fully appreciate any two-page spreads we might see.

There's also a great piece of pinup artwork in the back by Rafer Roberts that alone is worth buying the book for…but you should be getting it anyway because the story and art are great.

I'm afraid it's time for me to tap out on this series. While this would normally indicate that I'm not a fan of the creative team, I'd actually love to see what they end up doing next. There's a ton of talent here, but Weavers has proven not to be the best vehicle for it.

But even if the villain never completely comes together, I'm still all types of excited to see what Harris comes up with next. I've always loved the way he writes Scully"this story is a great example why he's so good at it. Combine that with the great fill in artwork, and this new era of IDW's The X-Files might finally be finding its groove.

If you pick up this issue (which you should), then make sure you read to the very end past the letter column. There's another one of those “Tales from Harrow County” one-pagers, which are always good, but this one might be my favorite. You'll need to have some knowledge of the series' history to get it, but for folks who have been with Harrow County since the beginning, it's a real treat.

There's also a really cool framework being set up for the mythology of King Kong and Skull Island. Combine that with the great art (and the character of Ewata), and Kong of Skull Island is good enough to give a chance for at least one more issue.

There's not a whole lot of action for Henderson to draw this issue, but Williamson's great dialogue and carefully rationed revelations more than make up for it. ‘Bound by Blood' is turning out to be a perfect example of why Nailbiter is one of the best comics being published right now.

Writing a time travel tale is hard. Writing a book in which the two main characters are virtually omnipotent is arguably even harder. Kindt took both and crafted Divinity II #3 into one hell of a good issue.

But as I said before, the cliffhanger at the end of the issue looks potentially mind-blowing. Let's just say that if things play out like they should, then artist Brian Churilla will be wonderfully and completely in his element. He also might be able to salvage this series if the banal human characters can shut up for a while (or maybe just get killed in the first few pages).

That being said, this isn't a bad issue at all. While I'll always prefer a story that surprises me, Harris can always make the familiar X-Files plot riffs sound good.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go lift up the lifeguard's sunglasses at our neighborhood's swimming pool.

Let's hope that next issue can sweep aside all the plot holes and give us good old fashion mutant-ninja melee.

Unfortunately, the story continues to become more of a chore to get through with every new issue. I'm fine with complex time travel stories, but not at the expense of a clear narrative. Bebeop and Rocksteady Destroy Everything has a lot going for it, but its positive attributes are getting crushed like roadkill beneath a DeLorean's tire.

I'm not sure what to think of the issue's cliffhanger. On one hand, I have absolutely no idea who the new villain is or how he relates to Emmy and Bernice. On the other hand, that last page was creepy as hell"and when Harrow County goes full on creepy, it almost always turns out great.

I'm still not sure at all where this series is going, but unlike last month, it's not because things felt like they were getting weird for the sake of being weird. There's a fascinating thread being pulled and woven through the rooms of the Winchester House that I desperately want to follow. Hopefully I won't get lost again.

For a series that's supposed to be fun, Bebop and Rocksteady Destroy Everything has become a chore to read. Maybe things will finally right themselves with issue #3. Otherwise, I might need to build my own time machine and travel back a few weeks to remove this one from my pull list.

For now, though, Weavers remains a stylish collection of tangled threads.

On a related note, Williamson reveals in the letter column that despite his new DC exclusive contract, Williamson will still be writing Nailbiter. This is exceptionally good news. I was going to chew my fingers off if my favorite series got canceled.

Fortunately, the issue is saved by some excellent artwork, although the multiple artists that contributed to it make things feel a bit uneven. And aside from the mind numbing time travel discussion, Ben Bates (story) and Dustin Weaver (script) have written something that could potentially be a lot of fun. There are some genuinely funny character moments for both the Turtles and Bebop/Rocksteady"along with a delightfully intriguing hook for the next issue. Combine that with some great art and this one barely makes the cut to stay on next month's pull list. Let's just hope a certain character gets moved a bit further into the background by then.

If this first issue is a sign of things to come, then Squarriors: Summer is going to be even better than the original series. And even if it's not, I'm still willing bet the skin and muscle tissue on the left side of my face that it'll be great.

All that said, the story itself still feels pretty generic. It's still good, but nothing that we haven't seen before from this franchise. If Aliens: Defiance ends up just being Hendricks and her droid crew shooting up xenomorphs for three more issues, then I'm actually okay with that–especially with Jones on the art duties. But it would be nice to see such a great new character have a bit more of an interesting/different story. Maybe we'll get to see more of Hendricks' days in the Colonial Marines via flashback. Either way, I'm now fully on board for the ride.

On the art side of things, Trevor Hairsine continues to knock it out of the park. He's not given as much cosmic material to work with this time, but still manages to make even the bleakest pages look beautiful"and the fight between the two god people is absolutely superb. Unfortunately, that may be the only one we get if the last few pages hold. Either way, I'm excited to see what happens next"hopefully onscreen/page this time.

That said, things even out pretty well by the end of the issue. There's also an excellent cliffhanger that makes me think/hope this series might finally be heading in the right direction. Godzilla: Oblivion #3 isn't anything to write home about, but it's still a whole lot better than what we've seen before.

There's some cool background info on the culture behind the narrative, but it's not backed up with much action. That's a real shame, too, because Matthew Dow Smith's art looks really good. Thankfully, the expressions and body language he provides to the characters give the story a small bit of forward momentum. Otherwise, this one is a bit of a snoozer. Still plenty of potential to be good, but if this was the show, they would need to start wooing me back from the computer soon.

If you do read/have read the original Archie series, however, then there are plenty of cool easter eggs and hidden narrative threads to enhance your experience. Either way, Afterlife with Archie remains a top shelf horror comic. Add it to your pull list today"which will hopefully have more than one new issue added to it this year.

There's just so much about this book that's good. Even if you haven't read a single sentence of Lovecraft's prose, it's still a supremely enjoyable read. For those of us familiar with his work, however, Weird Detective is liable to make you go mad with joy.

Harrow County is still a superb title that every horror fan should be reading–just maybe skip this issue. Let's hope that next month sees the book return to form"or the Bernice storyline, at least.

That being said, House of Penance's atmosphere, art, and story potential are still plenty good enough to make it worth sticking around for the next issue. Perhaps this will be one of those series that reads better as a trade"or when additional rooms are added.

Thankfully, the issue wraps things up with a cliffhanger that leads into a very chaotic-looking new story arc. It also concludes what is easily the series' best run of issues this year. Hopefully, this means that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is back to its usual stellar form.

Mike Henderson delivers once again. Unfortunately, he and Williamson have also created yet another heart-stopping cliffhanger ending. Thankfully, we only have to wait a month to see what happens next.

That being said, this creative is definitely worth giving at least another issue. Supernatural Organized Crime lit has plenty of crappy entries, but Weavers is at worst average"and with the potential to be fantastic.

If you're looking for a great comic, Postal is the complete package.

But that being said, the art is generally very good and the story is well written. It also has enough potential upside that even if you aren't a fan of the show, Vikings is still worth checking out.

I like the prospect that the issue's ending sets up. But considering how bland this series has been so far, I don't hold out much hope for next issue's close encounter to be much better.

The reveal near the end of the issue was cool as well, although the potential twist at the end felt a little forced. Still, I trust Tom Waltz to spin this into an interesting new story thread. And even if it plays out in the most obvious manner, he's still given us a great setup going forward. In addition to Leatherhead's intriguing (and potentially terrifying) presence, a fascinating intersection of trust, safety, and ethics is playing out between turtles and their extraterrestrial counterparts. Add in the prospect of even more Santolouco-drawn alligator action, and next month's issue can't get here fast enough.

But let's talk about those possessed eyes for a minute. No seriously, can we talk about it? Because I have absolutely no idea what's going on with them. Or the narrative.

Part of me wants to see where the story goes next, but as it stands now, The Walking Dead: The Alien is a gem of a tale. Whether Vaughan/Martin ever revisit it or not, I'll definitely be reading more of their Panel Syndicate output"and paying for it. If their other work is this good, then it's definitely worth your coin.

Layman's Poyo-centered stories are always on the silly side, but they're also well crafted. This one is no exception. In fact, it may be my favorite Poyo story to date. Or maybe I just miss him being a main part of the Chew series. Either way, this isn't just some throwaway joke issue. Part of Poyo's awesomeness is mostly built on the many allusions/assumptions about his legendary exploits. This story finally gives the reader a front row seat to the show. Pulling the veil back like that could have easily resulted a major let down. Instead, Poyo grabs your lofty expectations, crushes its windpipe, and chucks it through a wall of hellfire into another dimension.

So yeah, that ending might have worked as a publicity stunt, but it also stuck the landing, making this a gem of an opening issue. I'm all types of excited now to see what happens when hen Volkov and Abrams meet again"and Russia's real life leader/force of nature makes the meeting happen.

Add in the fact that this issue has our protagonists doing almost the exact same thing as last issue (with an obvious conclusion looming the whole way), and Godzilla: Oblivion continues to disappoint. Let's hope that the big fight being set up for next issue turns things around.

The last page of the issue is intriguing, but not enough for me to continue with this series. Whatever The Shadow knows will have to be discovered without me (unless the second issue steps it up considerably).

In the end, I'd say this is definitely a story that hardcore Batman fans need to pick up, if only for the great art and Batman/Joker interactions. Otherwise, the more casual reader can probably skip this it"unless you want to see a beautiful portrait of Europe through two very demented perspectives.

House of Penance #1 may have sacrificed too much narrative to establish its mood, but it was still more than good enough to warrant a return visit.

The ending is also surprisingly poignant. I hadn't considered that the reason for C-3PO's red arm would be something so touching and sentimental. Add in some good actions sequences, and you've got yourself a comic that even person who doesn't like droid-centered stories (like me) can enjoy.

I thought I would miss Emmy's narrative after almost two issues away from her, but I now find myself excited to see what Bernice's story will be. Let's just hope she invests in a pair of gloves before snatching up any more serpents.

Still, Lemire has done more than enough to make me desperately curious about where this will all go. Add in the fantastic art team, and Moon Knight's latest relaunch is definitely worth handing over your hard earned cash for"or sacrificing your sanity to Konshu. Whatever you need to do to get this book on your pull list.

But even if Tynion/Rock decide not to revisit this universe (which would be a crime worse than any eldritch horror could impose upon humanity), we definitely got our money's worth on this one. Amelia's story will break your heart, chill your spine, and make you yearn"or hunger"for a second volume.

In the end, this issue works as a pretty good microcosm for much of what I've both enjoyed and disliked about Harris' X-Files run. The overarching plot may not be my cup of tea, but the moments between characters (especially the ones we haven't gotten to see in over a decade) make the trip there enjoyable.

I normally enjoy Wood's writing and I love the Aliens franchise (except for the last few movies), so it's probably worth sticking around to see how the next issue is. If next month doesn't give us something different, however, you may want to nuke this title from your pull list.

Let's hope this leads to better things next month.

Just go buy Postal. You won't be disappointed (but Molly will sure as heck make sure you feel unsettled).

Even with all that, this issue is still a lot of fun. Waltz hits all the right notes for an alternate reality story (major deaths, organically shifted character arcs, etc.) along with providing an ending that packs a genuine punch to the heart. I just wish the road we took to get there hadn't also landed those strong jabs to my brain.

I'm not sure what happened to Waltz's writing over the last few months"maybe it was just me who thought it was severely below par for him. Whatever the case, this issue read like the many others that made him one of my favorite current writers. Add in my favorite current TMNT artist, one of my all-time favorite TMNT characters, and a great murder mystery, and I'm back to being excited/horribly impatient for the next issue to hit the stands.

Artwise, things are pretty static, as well. Steve Scott's pencils don't really shine until the last panel, which is by far the best one in the book. His human depictions are all comfortably basic, but his rendering of the alien life form is fantastic. Let's hope it's a sign of better things to come in the next issue.

Now don't get me wrong"it's a cool concept that can (and probably will) pay off in future issues. But Harrow County has spoiled us so far with its consistent quality and scares. The art is just as good as always, but writer Cullen Bunn doesn't give Crook much nightmare fuel to work with"and I say that as someone who is Indian Jones-level scared of snakes. Let's hope next month brings the book back up to its usual level of unsettling enjoyment.

This is a great creative team that I would love to see do another Deviation issue. This one, however, made me wish for an alternate timeline where the book gets rewritten with a story that lives up to its compelling premise and potential.

So all in all, I'd say this event is on the right track to (actually) be good. Sure, my expectations may have been low going in, but my self-righteous sense of EVENT FATIGUE was on full alert and ready to complain. Instead, I ended up with a story that has me excited to read the next installment.

I will admit that the ending has me intrigued at the possibility of a sequel, but not desperate for it. I'd rather see this creative team build on the flashes of great talent they displayed with a fresh start on a new project.

And then you have Mikey's 'revelation,' which is really just a poor excuse to get him back into place that was stupid for him to abandon anyway. The issue's only redeeming qualities (besides the art) are Alopex's fight scene and the Leatherhead preview at the end. Hopefully the next one will put this normally stellar series back on track.

Just like it did after launching in 2015, Postal continues to use its great premise as a reservoir for developing even better stories. Month in and month out, this book is becoming a lock to get my stamp of approval.

I hope Bunn/Crook revisit this plot thread in the future. I would also love to see McNeil fill in again. She and Bunn crafted what could have easily been a mediocre filler issue into a gem of a story.

Matthew Dow Smith is good as usual, although he continues his bizarre trend of tighter/better pencils for flashback scenes when most artists do the exact opposite. And the muddy narrative is saved a bit by the ending, which hopefully it leads to Joe Harris closing out the series with what he does best: Turning the X-Files franchise on its head via fun action and pitch perfect dialogue.

I haven't been as enamored with this story arc as the first few, but Devil Went Down to Georgia definitely stuck the landing. We may have to wait until May 4 for issue #21 (AAAAARRRGGGHHHH!!!!), but you better believe I'll be counting down the days on my gnarled and chewed fingertips.

Where Tynion truly succeeds in this issue is with Greene's dream sequence. It's incredibly disjointed, but in a purposeful way that's both wonderfully surreal and supremely tragic. That type of great character work, along with Rock's fantastic art, is more than enough to keep me coming back for more"even if the plot looks like it might be heading in a somewhat generic direction.

Despite my misgivings about the plot's origins, we've come a long way since the dreadful book from a couple months ago"but we're also still a ways off from how great the book has been for the last two years. Let's see if Waltz and company can move past the recent missteps next month with some help from the new character we saw on the last page.

Now that we know this team will get a new X-Files book with basically a fresh start, let's see what type of crazy finish they can whip up for the current series.

The issue does suffer a bit from the dangling plot threads, but I have complete faith in Hill to pull them tighter as Eden's newest resident stirs things. It looks like 2015's Best New Series is off to a great start in 2016.

While I'm not sure I'd recommend Devil Went Down to Georgia for new readers (so far), long time Nailbiter fans should like it just fine.

But minor quibbles aside, I'm really glad IDW is releasing the series to a wider audience, especially since I missed it the first time. With horror comics making a fantastic surge of late, The Eighth Seal still manages to stand out.

So after a string of mediocre issues, Harris/Smith gift us with extra-long, extra-enjoyable issue. If that doesn't get you into the holiday spirit, then I don't know what will.

Compared to last issue, however, this plot issue seems almost inconsequential. It's nice to be back to the tight dialogue and fluid action sequences that been a hallmark of the series. It's still not up to par with what we're used to, but things finally seem to be getting back on track.

What's really frustrating is the Kellers set up that cliffhanger with a really beautiful moment. These guys can write some great scenes (like the opening), but the overall plot is starting to slip away. It's getting to the point where the mystery of the Plague Doctor(s) is becoming more irritating than intriguing"although I did find a couple of Dad and Gas Mask's discoveries pretty interesting. Let's hope Death Head can start giving us some better information (and page layouts) in 2016.

While the issue does fantastic/incomparable job setting the tone and mood for the series, it leaves a lot of the story's plot up in the air. Tynion obviously couldn't give away everything, but I wish he'd given us a little more than this. That being said, The Eighth Seal still has me hooked and ready for the next issue. Hopefully I can get a full night's rest sometime before it hits the stands.

So yeah, this is probably the closest I've come to giving my current favorite title a bad review and I still enjoyed the issue. Hopefully, my other fellow Nailbiter fans won't be overcome with a strange desire ala Agent Baker to bite my face off and/or deface my body with fake horns.

The issue also does a good job explaining/tempering Praise's sliding power levels, which were starting to get a tad ridiculous. I really hope this arc continues digging into his past, especially if it links up a little more with the story happening now.

Another month, another issue of top-notch storytelling and compelling characters. If there's one thing you can count on, it's that Postal will always deliver (and that I'll use a mail pun to praise it).

But art issues aside, the script was so weak (easily the weakest of the entire series) that it didn't even feel like Waltz wrote it. Hopefully these last two installments were just a small blip and not the start of a trend. Otherwise, one of my favorite books is in some serious trouble.

I also liked where Sejic's story was going. It managed to keep a lot of what's good about the Witchblade mythos while providing a new and distinctive voice observing it. It's almost enough to keep me from feeling bitter about the Sara Pezzini series ending at such an inopportune time.

And even if you aren't a Godzilla fan, it's worth purchasing just for the gorgeous artwork. If you are a fan of Big G, however, then watching eternal punishment has never been more thrilling or fun.

It all adds up to an issue that is definitely worth grabbing if you've been on the fence about putting Spider-Woman on your pull list. If you don't like this one then the book probably isn't for you since you clearly hate things that are wonderful and awesome. But for Jessica Drew fans, it's a welcome return to a great series.

The fictional versions of Robinson/Hinkle may be hard to like, but by the end of the series, you feel okay rooting for them.

By the way, there's another one page back up story in this one. It's written by Crook and drawn by Cat Farris"and it's pretty messed up, even when you compare to the rest of the stuff we've seen in the series.

The issue ends with another cliffhanger, albeit one that isn't quite as immediate as the one from last month. It also looks like the fallout won't be so easily avoided"which is really good, because Gibson Praise is starting to get on my nerves. He was cool at first, but his shifting power levels are making it harder and harder to trust the narrative. Harris isa good enough writer to still spin a good story around such a nebulous character, but the series' over arcing plot would be much better served by a slightly clearer picture of its main antagonist.

So once again, Nailbiter proves why its one of the best (perhaps the best) comics being published right now. They took a status quo change where many books stumble (a big setting change) and instead ratcheted up the tension"while also keeping plenty of the good elements that got them there.

Last issue was going to be almost impossible to top, but this one still felt exceptionally 'meh.' I get that Waltz needed to set things up for the series' new direction"and to his credit, he doesn't immediately revert back to the safety of how things were before. The dynamic of the series truly has changed and Waltz is charging forward. But all that exposition and set up didn't really do much to make this individual issue a fun read. Even the opening 'fight scene' consisted mostly of an Italian stereotype getting his ass kicked while a bunch of General Grievous' manga guards disappeared into thin air.

But all that being said, this is still a very good issue. In fact, I dare say it might be a better introduction than the first Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #1. The table has been set up to pick up right where we left off, this time with a great new character along for the ride.

If the Kellers can tie those all together, however, (which it looks like they are going to do soon), then this book might finally have me under its spell.

But even with that issue hounding the series' narrative, Midnight Society: The Black Lake hit a much better stride during its second half. While I initially didn't care for the book, I now hope that Drew Edward Johnson revisits title" and perhaps says goodbye to some of the story's extraneous parts.

This was another superb issue in what should be considered a classic Godzilla miniseries. I'll admit to feeling a little sad when I saw the 'To Be Concluded' tag at the end. I've enjoyed watching Big G fight his way through so many gorgeously rendered/imagined hellscapes. Perhaps he'll do enough bad things during the next few years to warrant a return visit some day.

So should you wait for the trade in order to avoid the narrative disruptions that can happen with a first issue? Heck no! Go put this one on your pull list immediately. The Shield is going to be something special.

And despite my issues with Kammi's character traits being telegraphed, the issue does set up what looks to be a really cool confrontation. Kammi possesses the same unbridled vibrancy of Emmy, but from the completely opposite end of the moral spectrum. While that might be bad news for Emmy's family, friends, and townsfolk, it's great news for those of us who enjoy good horror.

And that last page"hoo boy"that's a stunner. When I thought back on this issue before writing my review, it was the very first thing that came to mind"instead of the main story. Hopefully, my (admittedly peculiar) issue with the side plot distracting from the main one won't be a problem with the next arc, since it looks like that particular (and brilliant) narrative thread is going to be front and center.

But those are minor quibbles in yet another great issue of a comic that continues to be my pull list favorite. If you haven't picked up this series yet, go buy the first three trades, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy an expertly crafted horror epic during the best time of year to read one. If you are one of the many who've already been bitten by the Nailbiter bug (like me), then you'll be happy to know that best horror comic on the shelves has returned with its usually knack for giving readers delicious story treats and avoiding narrative tricks.

I may be of the few people who doesn't consider Home a top ten X-Files episode, but I still think it's fertile ground for a chilling story"and I still trust Harris to pull it off. He's proven me wrong plenty of times before when I questioned his middle-chapter narratives. And when you've got Matthew Dow Smith drawing the inbred family so well, it pretty much can't be bad. But as of right now, the narrative direction feels more uneven than the Peacock's genetic code.

But the ending is what makes this milestone issue feel truly special. I hope Waltz doesn't go back and change anything, because it's great. In addition to being a worthy 'big issue shocker', it's completely organic. This was what had to happen. Maybe the kid friendly cartoons/comics would have found a contrived way around it, but not here. IDW's main series has proven once again why it's the best piece of TMNT media going right now.

If you're not picking up this series, you're really missing out. This isn't just some flash in the pan indie darling that's inevitably going to lose steam. Postal has maintained the momentum from an excellent start and continues to get even better.

Godzilla in Hell #3 is still a good issue, though. Just not a masterpiece like the series has pulled off (twice in row) before.

Death Head is by no means a lost cause. This issue's opening and closing scene proves that. Nick and Zack have proven that they can create a genuinely creepy atmosphere, offer unique perspectives, and hook us into a desperate state of curiosity about what happens next. Unfortunately, those talents were relegated to the bookends of an otherwise mediocre read.