With action where each member gets their moment to shine, tender moments later on that highlight how first and foremost this is a family (who are incidentally super-heroes) writer James Robinson seems to have a handle on this, one of the most important titles in the Marvel stable. Having piqued our interest with an unfolding tale which will apparently recount the demise of the Fantastic Four, this is a sure-footed first issue in a new volume for Marvel's First Family.

Whilst this issue hasn't signaled anything deeply original in Robinson's plans for the Fantastic Four, there are some fun moments and it highlights how good an art team Marvel have assembled for this title. I just hope they get to take the Four down roads less traveled.

Overall, this is, as I said earlier, a good jumping on point for entirely new readers and old fans of the Shadow alike. Writer Chris Roberson caters for both with plenty of background on who and what The Shadow is, coupled with plenty of signature elements that will please old fans.

All in all this is a stronger issue than the previous installment. It's light on action, there is no signature gun-play or rooftop fights but it is a more slow-burning deductive episode as The Shadow tries to piece together the mystery of the severed finger and girasol upon it. Another welcome addition to this classic pulp character's storied past.

If you like superhero team-books, All New X-Factor is unlike any other on the shelves. Sparkling dialogue mixed with tension from past exploits ensure that this is one team that won't do things by the book.

The action set piece at the end, preceded by a big reveal, is well executed but this issue really sings earlier on during the less kinetic, quieter moments as writer peter David develops his characters and adds a nice depth to the team dynamic.Overall another solid issue with some great scripting and a nice big boss showdown at the end.

As for the art by Wilfredo Torres, he has a beautifully clean, crispway with the pencils that really depictthe pulpy, matinee movie aspect of this seminal character. My only criticism is that in the more kinetic moments his characters could do with a little more fluidity. But that's a minor quibble.Colours by Brennan Wagner serve to evoke the noirish, pulpy tone to the book. Lots of shadow (not the character) and various earth tones which really make our eponymous hero's famous red scarf leap from the page when he appears. There is the tendency for some characters clothes to blend into the background due to similar hues, but again its a minor flaw.Overall the team on this book are keeping us hooked in with an intriguing plot layered with a fascinating dynamic between between the Shadow and his nascent network of agents.

Writer James Asmus could not pack more witty banter or snappy one-liners into this issue if he tried. Virtually every panel will raise a smile. Quantum's weary resignation to Woody's inevitable slagging and idiotic suggestions, coupled with the latter's overactive sex-drive all serve to fill each page with at least a couple of outright funny moments. That's a lot of bang (or laugh) for your buck.The pencils by Ming Doyle are good, particularly in the close up facial expressions. However it's in the more kinetic action sequences that earlier artist in the series, Tom Fowler has the edge.Colours by the ever excellent Jordie Bellaire add a visceral sense of fun to the whole affair.Overall Quantum And Woody #6 ensures the series is safe on the pull-list as it is not only hilarious but is also endearingly charming (which is weird to say for a book that is often very crude and rude) and it continues to be in a truly funny little niche of it's own in the comic book world.

Writing this review on the day Harold Ramis passed away feels odd. Knowing Egon is no longer with us is depressing but what a legacy he has left, part of which are the Ghostbusters comics which IDW puts out and long may they continue to do so. I don't know about you but I'm off to straighten my slinky.

This third issues sees the third artist in the series and ordinarily that would bother me, but Waid has managed to find a new artist each time that maintains the fun tone of the book, not to mention Denny Colt's lantern jaw. The artist in question here, J Bone has a sumptuous Saturday morning cartoon style, which when coupled with the Saturday afternoon matine story Waid is crafting, means we're getting the best of both worlds here. Colours by Rom Fajardo are pitch perfect for such a pulpy confection, a feast for the eyes.Overall this is a rollicking little series bringing together two great heroes and it's a credit to IDW and DC for coming together to do so. More Please !

Overall this is a stronger issue from the already very good issue #1. I did complain about the division of the first issue between two sets of teams but Rennie has vindicated that narrative structuring with how much he has crammed into this second issue. It's not too late to jump on board Dept Of Monsterology, as class is in session.

If you like HG Wells-ian adventure or love a good old monster story, this series delivers both"in spades. The first two issues are available from publisher Renegade Arts website and this third issue hits the shelves next Wednesday the 18th Dec. So why don't you treat yourself for Christmas and become a monsterologist?

If you haven't read any of this series, you can get all four issues from Renegade Arts website. It really is a treat and has been a breath of fresh air to read something so original. If you like your adventure peppered with fantastical monsters or mythical demons from the Orient, Dept Of Monsterology is right up your dimly lit street.

So there you have it, another stonkingly good issue from Tharg and co, and at only 2.45, 2000AD remains unbeatable value every Wednesday. Do yourself a favour and jump on board.

Brass Sun " Floating Worlds " Part ThreeScript: Ian EdgintonArt: Ian J CulbardLetters: Ellie De VilleThis series continues to bewitch with it's intoxicating mix of steampunk fantasy and sublime art. As Wren and captain Ariel continue on their do-or-die mission for chairman Pei, pursued by his minions, they descend in a forest with all manner of floating and flying creatures. Edginton deftly manages to maintain the tension as Culbard mesmerizes us with his eye candy visuals.Aquila " Carnifex " Part OneScript: Gordon RennieArt: Leigh GallagherColours: Dylan teagueLetters: Annie ParkhouseWith brutal, bloody action amidst Roman history, Aquila returns, this time serving as the carnifex (butcher) of that most mad of emperors, Nero. On a quest for the aforementioned pyromaniac loon, that involves seperating some heads from the necks of their owners, writer Gordon Rennie gives us plenty of exposition in between the gory action, as Trisus the Diviner elucidates on the m

You won't find a dystopian western with political intrique and splashes of theology done any better than in the pages of East Of West. Let's face it, you won't find such a concoction anywhere else, which is why you should saddle up to this title.

For a series that is a page turner like no other on the shelves, it is sad knowing we are heading into the final arc. How Brubaker will tie this mesmerizing Lovecraftian masterpiece together is anyones guess. But one thing's for certain, Jo is a character that will live long in the memory. As a man I'm just thakful she exists solely on these pages. The ultimate femme FATALE.

Moon Knight #1 has all the hallmarks of a series with a long shelf life (something denied this character all too often) and quite frankly, Marvel couldn't have assembled a better team to ensure it.

Early days, but Mercenary Sea is shaping up to be a fun pulpy ride with adventure, mystery and bar room brawls. Jump on board.

The White Suits isn't overly unique, but if you like dark tales of criminals getting their just desserts it is definitely well worth your hard earned cash.

There are interesting juxtapositions at work here from writer Greg Rucka as Veil seems quite vulnerable but carries within her something powerful. She's unsure of her identity but she seems to know what she's capable of. veil1p3 Is her identity who she was or what she has become? With nods to mythical dance and a famous Italian poet, is Rucka giving us clues as to where this story will lead or just teasing us? I don't know, but it's shaping up to be a hell of a ride

Overall this third issue is another superb entry in to this wonderfully refreshing take on the Cold War spy tale.

The fact this dream team of three (Waid, Samnee and Rodriguez) are staying on board for the next iteration of Daredevil (which sees Matt Murdoch relocate to the west coast) is great news. This issue ends with a superb cliffhanger that no doubt precipitates Daredevil's road-trip and as with previous issues, is a must buy.

This is comic-booking of the highest calibre. Jump on now so you don't miss out.

To my mind, there's no doubt that The Fuse will read better in trade, as with a month between the issues I found myself needing to go back to earlier issues just to square all the events and clues in my head. But that's the mark of a great story. Noir, revenge, detective or sci-fi, if you have an itch this series will scratch on some level. Masterful storytelling evoked through a refreshingly gritty art style, The Fuse is essential reading.

With one issue to go I'm kinda downhearted that this wee gem of a miniseries has to end as it demonstrates perfectly the power of a miniseries. Not beholden to an overarching narrative and without the need to take tie-ins into consideration, but with an eye on the overall universe, Winter Soldier-The Bitter March shows what a great creative team can do when given the sandbox of characters past's to play with. Also seeing Ran Shen back in his SHIELD days of yore (before he became Iron Nail) wonderfully enriches the current Cap run. Thanks to my Dad i grew up on a staple diet of spy-thrillers and cat and mouse movies " think The Eiger Sanction mixed with Narrow Margin but with superheroics thrown in and you have something approaching this series. Who wants 'events' when short arcs are this bloody good?

I really can't recommend this book highly enough. It is most definitely situated in the South but anyone who has experienced the cloying sense of claustrophobic familiarity that accompanies small-town life, will find something to relate to in here. With some weighty themes such as loss, remembrance, duty and how does where we come from inform who we become, this isn't just entertainment, but a wonderful piece of contemplative fiction. Incorporating noirish tones, nods to the Western and an indictment of what plagues the place they grew up in, Jasons Aaron and Latour have delivered a moody, atmospheric story that radiates a brutal authenticity of the milieu in which it is set.