All in all, this is an average issue that could have used more forward momentum for my tastes. We spend an awful lot of time inside Bucky/Cap's head with no real payoff, dramatically or narratively. And next issue promises to be a slugfest, so who knows how much actual development we'll get there, either.

This creative team has done something I really never expected to see, ever. They've crafted a wonderfully complex, touching, inspiring, and addictive Superman story. This issue is one of the best yet. I'm not going to bother with the details, since I'm sure the other reviewers will provide far more insight and history to this book than I could ever hope to. Superman is outside of my field of experience and interest, but this is a book I could never pass up.

Elsewhere, Samuel Beckett slowly spins in his grave.

This is a solid opening chapter to a story that works on a couple of different levels, and looks to be expanding outward even more as the climactic revelation is explored in issues to come. This is the first of a series of minis Ellis has planned for Anna Mercury, so I don't expect answers to all of my questions, but the world he's constructed here has enough possibilities to fuel many, many stories. Plus, this one's a bit more accessible than Doktor Sleepless, and less overtly political than Black Summer, so if any of Ellis' Avatar work is going really find a broad audience, it should be this one.

At the end of the issue, things look bad for Anna. But then, that's the whole point, right? Let's pile on as many horrible obstacles as possible and then thrill to the explosive violence as she battles her way through to a hard-fought, morally ambiguous victory. This is Ellis' most energetic and flat-out fun comic under the Avatar banner, and this second installment looks like it's going to provide even more substance to support the chaotic action and touches of ultra-violence.

The art is pretty, like I said, but it's not enough to raise this issue's bullet score, in my eyes. It's just empty spectacle, much like DC's "Sinestro Corps War". Boring and clich with no surprises. And I'm still waiting for some sort of explanation for how Ultron is even involved in this, especially after his appearance in The Mighty Avengers for the past six issues (and what, 10 months?). This series is slipping away very quickly, and while pretty, is not holding up to the quality of the first Annihilation.

I don't want to read this anymore. But I will, because I have a psychological problem and have to see it through to the end. But this is becoming painful and really isn't worth anyone's time.

To sum up, this title is moving along at a workmanlike pace, providing enough background on the characters to keep the reader from feeling lost, but its a little clumsy and tends to rely on clichs instead of believable character interaction. Theres an attempt to create a sense of urgency, but it hasnt really gotten me. The art swings back and forth from nice and stylish to amateurish and rushed, with plenty of erect nipples, just in case the girl-on-girl hugging and kissing wasnt erotic enough for you. Ill keep reading, but its not the greatest thing on the stands. Even with that whacked-out final page. What the hell is that all about?

So that brings our Annihilation: Conquest count up to one good series from start to finish (at least so far Starlord finishes up next week, I assume), one decent series that ended up having no real impact on the overall story at all (that would be Nova), one pretty bad series (Wraith), and now one that had a lot going for it, but just wasnt pulled off very well (Quasar). As for buying suggestions, what can I say? If youve been getting this title and are going to get Annihilation: Conquest then you will get this issue, regardless. If youve been waiting to pick them all up at once, skip it. Its really not worth the effort, even if youre still going to get Conquest, since it should give you enough detail to know whats going on.

Overall, Giffen is a known quantity. As usual, his writing is solid with a number of nice character flourishes (Loverbug anyone?) that give hints of each characters backgrounds without giving too much away. If they make it out of this series, each one could probably carry their own mini without any problem. If they make it out of this series. But its the art that really made this book work for me. Green is a fantastic find, and I really must try to track down other work hes done. Combined with the inks by Olazara and Fairbairns coloring, it looks like nothing else on the market (that Im aware of). Referencing the plot to one of my favorite war films also is a big plus that makes me very excited to see where this series leads. Seeing as how, once this (and the other Annihilation minis) wraps we move into the Annihilation: Conquest mini-series proper, the odds dont look good on the mission going well.

So, this is the most successful second issue of the new Annihilation: Conqest group of minis, with Novas second dip into the pool coming in close behind. Thats about on par with the first time around for Annihilation, really, which is quite an achievement for a sequel that doesnt rely on many of the characters or situations that were central to the previous go-around. If youre operating with limited funds and arent sure which of these minis, if any, to pick up, I can safely say, this is the one to take a look at. Its definitely the best of the bunch.

So, to sum up, this is the best of the Annihilation: Conquest minis, without question. It doesnt have the goofy misuse of genre clichs that plague Wraith. It lacks the questionable plotting and downright horrible dialogue of Quasar (not to mention the Rick Santorum-esque lesbianism-to-bestiality slippery-slope undertones). And it is avoiding the casual death and destruction that is becoming central to Novas entries in this event. Personally, Im a little worried that Abnett and Lannings approach on Nova is going to carry over into their scripting of the main series. If you ask me, Giffen should be in charge of this whole project.

If Nova was good enough to get its own series once the first Annihilation series was finished, it would be a crime for Starlord not to continue, as well. But it has to be with this creative team. Do you hear me, Marvel? Either that or make sure to get them working on something else together quickly. I crave more. And if theres anyone out there who isnt really interested in Annihilation: Conquest but has considered checking this particular series out, please do. It is pretty much self-contained (aside from the fact that it takes place during the Phalanx occupation), without any subplots that are meant to carry on in the Conquest series, and it wont cost you too much in the long run. You can just pick this up and enjoy.

The worst part is that the secret origin isnt even very interesting. Theres some mysticism, some torture, some boredom, and some alien parasites called the Exolon who feed on immortal souls. This in itself is not a bad idea, but it isnt necessary to go into all of this at this stage in the story. It may not be necessary to ever mention this stuff (at least not in this mini). Wraith is terribly dangerous, smiles when tortured, and (in one of the bright spots of the issue) apparently cant be killed. I dont want to know why any of this can happen. Yet. It should be building, leading to a larger showdown later on, where the reveal would have more (or at least some) dramatic impact. The way Wraith shares his life story here is just silly and pointless, as though Grillo-Marxuach is afraid readers arent going to come back if they dont get everything handed to them on a narrative platter. There are only four issues to tell this story and lead into the actual Annihilation: Con

If youve bought the first three issues and plan on buying Annihilation: Conquest, then go ahead and get this one too. What the hell. But its really not worth it. In fact, it looks like only Starlord is going to have been worth the cost of admission. This does not bode well for the Conquest series overall. Heres hoping Quasar shapes up in its final issue.

Where we opened the story with love and comradery, we end with paranoia, feelings of inadequacy, hostility, and death. Nobody's hands are clean by the end of this story, and Ellis does a very good job of writing one of the most mature X-Men adventures in years, bringing to mind the emotional impact of the classic "God Loves, Man Kills" graphic novel by Claremont and Anderson, without sacrificing the mind-bending science fiction concepts that elevate a Warren Ellis story from the pack.

So, as a stand-alone issue I have a hard time justifying giving it more than an average score. I fully expect that when read as a collection the overall score will be higher than the sum of its parts.

So Chuck Austens taking this title over, huh? Cant hurt. Until then, Ill go back and read my Kree-Skrull War and Korvac Saga trades. Hell, even the Celestial Madonna and Avengers-Defenders War stories were interesting and fun. They might not have been great, but they were imaginative and tried to live up to the stature of the characters involved. You know, the way a companys top-tier heroes are supposed to be treated. Dont you dare salute that flag! Groan.

So overall, another pretty good effort by Slott, Caselli, and Rudoni. The title does a good job managing a large cast of relatively unknowns, maintaining a number of plot threads even in the face of a crossover event, and looks as good as, or better, than most books on the stands. All in all, a superlative effort and an overall enjoyable piece of work. This series hasnt faltered so far after five issues, and shows no sign of tapering off anytime soon.

So this issue gets 3.5 Bullets from me. Ive been with the series from the start and think its one of the best bits of fallout from Civil War, and one of the better series Marvels got going on (that isnt written by Fraction, Ellis, or Brubaker, anyway). This issue launches a new four part storyline that, if youve been along for the ride, should pay huge dramatic dividends. On the other hand, if youve never picked up the book or gave it a try and passed early on, I dont know if it will hold any appeal. Fans of Hank Pym might want to take notice but prepare to be offended if you dont like to wallow in his psychoses and bad career decisions.

After a few hit or miss issues, Avengers: The Initiative is finally working on every level, living up to its potential, firing full blast, roaring ahead at full steam, and any other cliches you can think of to say that it's really good. Really, really good.

So, to sum up. What could have been a powerful story of loss, sacrifice, duty, and what it means to put on the suits and power up, isn't really much of anything at all. In fact, it's rather gutless. Even after K.I.A.'s rampage, there were practically no repercussions. The reactions of Dragon Man's family are fodder for cheap jokes and everything turns out all right in the end. No harm, no foul. And it doesn't even look good as it stumbles across the finish line. I'm jumping ship. There are too many good books out there to waste money on mediocrity.

I understand that I am not the intended audience for this book. That's okay, because the intended audience is apparently anyone who's never read a comic before. Then maybe this story would seem interesting and original. But big props to the art. You might want to pick it up just for that.

I can't wait. Bat-Mite is really the only thing about Morrison's entire run on Batman that has grabbed my imagination and sparked my interest. I hope it pays off in the end.

So in the end, I have kept reading in the hopes that Morrison would eventually tie it all together and blow my mind. But with one more issue to go in this story, I just don't see any way that it can be worth all the time (two years!) and effort (and it has been an effort) and money (approximately 66 dollars so far) that I've invested in this thing. It's possible, I will admit. But at this point it is so improbable that I dread next month's installment.

My only complaint is that it's broken into two parts for no real reason. It would be much better served as a double-sized issue that tells the tale from start to finish. I wonder if it will eventually be collected by itself or grouped with other stories? It would make a nice, but slim, hardback volume.

Together, Morrison and Quitely have done what I thought was impossible. They've created a Batman comic for me, the guy who hates Batman comics. Batman and Robin #1 gets my highest recommendation.

For the middle chapter of a three-part story, it does a good job of moving us from Point A to Point B in the development of Dick and Damian as Batman and Robin. Even though it's mostly a fight scene, this issue lacks some of the creative energy of the first issue, but we'll see how Morrison and Quitely bring it home in issue three.

This is one of the best books I've read this year, period.

I suppose that would be okay, but I'd rather see this first story again from start to finish. In fact, if that's Marvel's plan, then I'd recommend buying this series just for Simonson's story and art.

Didn't matter though. This book kicked so much ass my fingers bruised reading it. And my eyes blackened with each turn of the page. This is the real deal, and, once again, like so many of these Secret Invasion tie-ins, SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE MAIN SERIES IT'S EMBARRASSING.

That's pretty much my bread and butter, right there. This is one of the good ones. More people should be picking this up.

So there it is. Yet again an absolutely vapid and meaningless exercise in nihilism wrapped up with a pretty bow of clichs and mass murder. It's an utterly pointless and a depressing snapshot of the mainstream comics fan community at large.

A disappointing second chapter, especially compared to how good the first issue was. The character work on Goodwin is the heart of this series, even if everyone says that it's about Frank. I'll keep reading to see what happens to Goodwin. I already know what happens to Frank.

This is shaping up into a very nice origin story. The action is well paced and realistic (for the most part), and the characterizations are all top notch. Franks transformation is very believable and well done. Both Ennis and Robertson should be proud, as even though Im a little torn about the series so far, I think its going to come together well.

If this is any indication of what the new Punisher title is going to be like, I cant wait. This is hopefully the beginning of a very dark period of storytelling involving Frank. As much as I enjoy the humor in the current Punisher title, Im really looking forward to this.

This was a pleasant surprise all around. I am eagerly anticipating a return of Brit, as well as the next project the team of Kirkman and Moore have coming, "The Walking Dead". It's not Brit, but it looks like it could be fun.

This is one of the best issues of the series so far, I'd say. Thanks, Joss. You're the greatest.

Of course, if you're a fan of the goofier elements of Buffy's early seasons--and if you also read and enjoy all-ages comics--then this will probably be right up your alley. It's just not up mine.

So what's the verdict? It's hard to say at this point. There's a workmanlike quality to the storytelling, with some pacing issues (not really problems, but issues), and the art is gorgeous and ridiculous all at the same time. If you're a fan of the characters involved, you might think more highly of it, but for me, it was pretty average. Not bad, just average. It has potential, and with the essential "first issue points" out of the way, the story has room to grow. I expect it will get better as it goes on.

Ultimately, it's Beard's earnestness that will be the deal-maker or breaker for your individual reading pleasure. This is a book that tries to do one thing and one thing only: provide you with a cracking good adventure for young and old alike. And it does that splendidly.

The art's pretty and you can tell what's happening this month. The cover's very stylish and nice. Other than that, bring on the guest writers and artists. Please.

I just wonder what the original script for this storyline was like. Ah, what could have been. Next month, new creative team!!!

I really think my three bucks could be better spent than this for the next few months. Ill just have to see how my completion psychosis deals with dropping the next couple of issues before buying the next storyline. Sigh. Ill probably keep buying them and then kicking myself.

Two issues in to the new creative team and so far so good. So very good. Ive very nearly forgotten the wasted nearly two years that have come before (although those Cassaday stories sure were pretty, werent they?). Finally, Steve Rogers is a character as well written as Captain America, and hopefully things will stay this way. An enticing murder mystery has begun and Im very interested in what happens. Dang. I didnt even mention the excellent portrayals of the soldiers and nice way Morales gives voice to various political opinions without simplifying and condescending to any of them. Nice work all around.

If you ask me, I'd rather have extra pages of the main story than these back-ups I don't care about. Either that or leave the price at 2.99.

The final page reveal brings us out of what seems like real world Afghanistan and fully into the Marvel Universe. I dont know if this is a good thing or a bad thing. I think the story would be stronger if it focused more on developing the character of Corporal Newman and exploring his experiences under fire, instead of creating some sort of science fiction mystery story that involves Captain America, S.H.I.E.L.D., and weird technologies. At the same time, theres an interesting theme developing about Captain America as an inspiration for (the refrain for the overall story) courage, honor, loyalty, and sacrifice. I think Id rather Cap wasnt actually in this story but just influenced the story. It might be better that way.

This is the best issue of Captain America since issue #49 back in April.

All in all, it's a fun little book. It's not entirely successful, but it's nowhere near a failure. And any book with something as amazingly insane as Doctor America is always going to have a place in my home.

So, all in all, this is another solid outing by Cornell, Kirk, and company, with only a couple of very minor missteps (which aren't even missteps if you're already familiar with Wisdom). This series is one of the best ongoings that Marvel is producing, and you're pretty much guaranteed an entertaining and inventive adventure, month in and out.

All in all, Id say skip this one, unless you like really nice pen and ink work. The story is a non-starter. Go track down those other Captain Marvel books I was talking about earlier if you want a good cosmic story. This story doesnt seem destined for the stars.

No. Scratch that. It doesnt matter what you like. Buy this book! Youll be a better, smarter, sexier person after reading it. Really. You will.

If you like horror stories that dont just rely on gross-outs and shock value, pick up any of the Dark Horse horror comics. Criminal Macabre is, I think, the most easily accessible and the most immediately rewarding of the pack.

So, while the backmatter isn't the most insightful, it's at least got a lot of good rental recommendations. I can't wait to see what else Aaron's going to be writing for Marvel in the next few months.

If none of those things sound like you, eh, what the hell, buy this book.

So there you have it. If this is isn't a perfect comic that broadens the horizons of what's possible and acceptable in the medium, I don't know what is. It doesn't get much better than this.

But it's fascinating, horrific, and tense as hell. I highly recommend this, if you have a high tolerance for violence of all stripes. Ennis' characterizations are subtle in this first issue, but the core relationships look promising. This has the potential to be one of Ennis' best works.

We're not even halfway through this series yet (there are nine issues planned), and slowly but surely our main characters are starting to become more than just featureless victims. This might be a cause for complaint to some reviewers, but I think it adds to the realism of the narrative. Kelly (the blind girl) and Thomas (her boyfriend) are the most clearly developed, aside from Cindy and Stan. And the small, but touching, act of kindness by Cindy's son Patrick, is a nice counterpoint to the madness going on all around them. This is Ennis and Burrows working at the top of their game, crafting one of the most disturbed, and disturbing, horror stories in recent memory.

Good stuff. Interesting story, clearly defined characters, excellent arwork. What else do you need? Now I have to go track down that one-shot.

This is a very interesting little world being explored in this title. I cant wait for more.

If there is any criticism to be made of this issue, its that it seems a bit slow out of the gate. However, for the first chapter of a seven issue run, I think it still works, especially since by the end of the issue we have a fully established threat, and all the main characters and themes of the story have been introduced. From here on out I expect a story that moves more quickly and should satisfy both old-school Dan Dare fans and any new readers curious about the character. Its not slow enough to knock it down to an average 3 bullet rating, but its not quite up to speed enough to give it the superior 4 bullet rating. Dan Dare #1 is a good introduction (or re-introduction) to the characters and their world that lays solid groundwork for an exciting, old-fashioned space adventure to come.

This is an interesting end to a strong storyline. Now I just wonder if we have to wait for Bendis and Maleev to get back before we continue with this story, or will Mack get us started with DDs new relationship to the neighborhood?

Beautiful. That about says it all. This is without question the most impressive piece of work out this week.

More good stuff from Mack during this interlude in DDs takeover of Hells Kitchen. Even the appearance of Wolverine doesnt cheapen it like I feared it would. His inclusion is explained to my satisfaction and Im eagerly awaiting the next issue.

And if that wasnt enough, Im pretty sure there are cameos later on in the book by two of my favorite comedians. If thats not Patton Oswalt and Brian Posehn, Ill eat my hat. Kudos, gentlemen.

So a new storyline kicks off and Matt may find a little bit of peace by the end of it. I wouldn't count on it, but we can always hope. Good, dependable work by everyone involved, with skills in play that make most books on the racks look silly in comparison. Call it a jumping on point and make your friends read it. They'll thank you for it. Or at least they won't beat you senseless in an alley.

So yeah. I like this one a lot. I don't know if it's having Rucka on board or what, but this is one of my favorite DD stories of Brubaker's tenure so far. Which is a surprise, really, because with the first chapter, I wasn't sure this was going to be anything special. But it's a good one, from start to finish. Well, so far. But I have high hopes for next month's climax. I'm also very intrigued to find out where Matt's head will be at the end of this. Supposedly, this story is meant to establish, not a new direction really, but a new phase in Brubaker's overall Daredevil plan. I'm really looking forward to that.

In the end, though, because the story falls a little short, and the art isn't as distinctive as it could be, Daredevil: Blood of the Tarantula ends up being just average. But there's potential here. Both the writer and artist have really only started working over the past four or five years, and they're both kind of restrained here by having to fit this story into a particular mold. This is an okay addition to the Daredevil portion of the MU, but isn't really a very distinctive one.

So, if you've been getting this series, you might as well go ahead and finish it off. It's not bad work by any means, but just isn't very inspiring, and a three bullet rating might be a little generous. Until we get to those last few pages, anyway. I don't know if they make up for what's come before, but at least they make it plain that Hickman is looking to the future and that his plans are pretty big. I just wish we could have gotten there more efficiently.

Oh! I almost forgot to mention that not only do you get my favorite story in ages when you buy this comic, as an added bonus, Jason Aaron's 2002 talent-search winning Wolverine story, "A Good Man" is also included. Why are you still sitting there? Go buy this book! Don't tell me the store's not open yet or it hasn't been released yet. Go get in line!

So, when all's said and done, I'd say the pros outweigh the cons with this story, but only just. It's not the most graceful of opening chapters, but it's effective at introducing an entirely new cast of characters (even if most of the names are familiar) and setting up a fundamental thematic conflict. I'd prefer it if some of the characters were allowed to behave and interact more realistically, but that mostly falls on the heads of editorial. If you're a Young Avengers fan, you'll probably want to check this out. If you're not, then you can probably skip this without much guilt. Sadly, I'd be surprised if this series really made much of an impact overall.

I'm curious to see where this one goes. I've been more impressed with narrative voices of the first issues of Terror, Inc. and Foolkiller, but neither really made me interested enough to check out their second issues. So Devil Slayer has that going for it. Slow and steady wins the race, as they say.

Overall, this issue was a great disappointment. I don't know if next issue's promise of zombie-killing mayhem can pull it back from the brink before its conclusion the following month. I'm afraid that this book is going to be like the other Max titles that I've sampled (aside from Ennis' run on Punisher, of course): Fairly strong starts with realistic, ultra-violent art and a grounding of characters in the "real" world that then lose my interest by not going far enough or being inventive enough to escape those "real" world limitations. Does that even make sense? It does to me.

No. Please do not do continue with this character. Do not screw up Dracula and Son of Satan. Please. Just stop. Just pretend this never happened. That's what I'm going to do.

And shame on me for wasting my time with this crap. That's it. I'm pretty much done. I'll read Final Crisis (and Batman, out of some misguided loyalty to Morrison), maybe check out some Vertigo titles now and then, and perhaps a Wildstorm book or two, but that's it. DC has done nothing but disappoint me since Identity Crisis, so I really don't see any reason to stick around any more. They can get my money with their hardback reprint collections of books I liked long ago.

I'm afraid this book is trying to update a concept that was already ahead of its time. Adding Running Man elements only "updates" the concept to 1987. Adding Starship Troopers elements only "updates" the concept to 1997. We've still got a long way to go before this concept is as innovative or imaginative as the original. Until then, I'm not really sure what the point of it even is, beyond making me sad about the loss of Deathlok Detour.

This is just a gorgeous book. And by gorgeous, I mean filled with bloody gore, clean sequential narrative, and sci-fi imagination. I only wish that the story lived up to the visuals.

I don't know what to tell you. If you love Batman, this will probably resonate with you. Maybe the notion of finding meaning, sans happiness, in just going on and never giving up is enough for you. It's not a bad lesson for this fairy tale, but it's not a very good lesson either. In fact, it's a pretty damn forgettable story all around.

I think I'd be happier with a $2.99 price tag and just the Batwoman story. Even then, though, if it weren't for Williams I don't know that there'd be anything to keep me coming back for the next issue.

I was kind of disappointed with how easily she gets taken out at the end of this chapter--and the sudden appearance of the goon who TASERs her could have used a little more suspense. Sure, it's a back-up feature, and they don't have a lot of page-space to tell their story, but it could have been better planned.

Stop snickering, that was the mans name.

I suppose it's okay. It's not horrible and the art isn't bad. But I could do without it if Marvel wanted to knock that extra dollar off. I'm not made of money, after all.

So what we've got here is a comic that is holding steady and isn't really bad, but it's not really pushing any boundaries so far. It's lacking the crazy energy I was hoping to see from Remender and the visuals are becoming a little too stiff. As strange as it is to say, I'm getting more satisfying crazy horror/supernatural action from Remender's Punisher run than I am from the book about the Sorcerer Supreme.

I hope that after Doctor Voodoo gets some more exposure in whatever new Avengers incarnation he shows up in, that we might get to see a better planned return to the character. I really want to see where Remender was going with this. I guess an ongoing series was always a bit much to hope for when even the original Sorcerer Supreme can't sustain an ongoing anymore.

So, in the end, I end up giving this an average score. If you're a fan of the Doctor and can accept Donna's tagging along, this isn't a horrible piece of work. It's just not very inspired. It looks nice, though, and might be worth picking up on that level. Personally, being more of a casual Doctor Who fan (who loves the concepts, but not so much that I'm blinded to story faults), I just want a little more depth or at least a few surprises in my Doctor Who adventures.

So, essentially, if you've been reading this, you're probably going to get it no matter what. If you're waiting for the trade, this signals its imminent arrival. If you've got access to the issues and weren't sure whether to get them or not, or if you stopped reading somewhere along the way, I can't recommend them highly enough.

So, while I'm not really sure what the point of this issue is, there is a lot of information and plot movement here that will become essential as the story continues to develop. Which, now that I think about it, is exactly how the narrative line of The Wire worked. So Ellis is apparently doing something right.

It was a long time coming, but Dominic Fortune is finally home.

That was sarcasm, by the way. Anyway, this was remarkably disappointing and I wont be picking up any more. None of the characters were very interesting and the situation was kind of silly. The art is nice, though, so if you keep getting this, I wont hold it against you.

An engaging story with very attractive artwork. Theres not really anything groundbreaking here, but it is solid storytelling, if a little clich at times. Id like to see something fresher, thats all.

Sit back and unplug your brain. The bad guy's won and everything you expect to happen does. You don't need to read this story to already know this story. Waid and Kitson have bills to pay, too, though, so I won't just dismiss this book. But please don't say that this is something brilliant. Because it's not. It's a good idea but that's it. And it looks nice.

Im keeping up with this as a test. To see if Waid really can write something that will surprise and entertain me, without relying too much on the high quality art to carry the story. I dont know why youre buying it. Or would. Its really not that special.

I was really looking forward to this series. It had all the elements that should have been a no-brainer for me to love. Instead, I'm canceling it from my pull list immediately. Sure, I'll get stuck picking up the next issue or two, depending on how many orders are in that can't be adjusted, but I can't afford to keep paying for this one in the hopes that it picks up and starts to tell a story worth reading. There's nothing in the first issue to make me think that's going to happen.

Maybe that last issue was just a misstart, as the Knaufs and Acuna got their legs under them. I hope that's what it was, because on the strength of this issue, I want to keep reading again. I hate flip-flopping like this, but there is a dramatic difference between these first two issues. The momentum is back. The characters are defined. The plot is moving forward briskly. What more can you ask for? Okay. Consistency would be nice. We'll have to see what next month brings.

So, in summation, this series is shaping up, but still has quite a few problems (mostly centering around Little Big Head). It's a good read, but not really anything special yet. And to be honest, in retrospect, I probably should have given last issue 3 Bullets as well (instead of 4), but the contrast between the horrible first issue and it skewed my perspective.

Although I must admit that the closing narrative voice each issue is still not working. The classic "Stan Lee" hyperbolic excess is clever and fun, but really doesn't reflect the rest of the book. This is a good series that doesn't need to rely on a gimmick like that, especially since it really isn't carried out throughout the rest of the issues.

If the Annual had been a longer story, this might have gotten another bullet. A half-bullet, for sure. For some readers, the back-up extras will be interesting and new, but for me, they were just page-fillers. I don't need to know anything more about the Young Gods than what Van Lente gave me, especially since I doubt they'll be showing up anywhere else for a while, if ever. And Kirby's story, while cool, has been in my collection for 30 years. Yes, I am an old curmudgeon. Get used to it.

But it will still be wisecracking Ash doing the cutting loose, and I'm just not interested in that. Others might be. So my bullet score is pretty idiosyncratic here, I admit. But come on. Did we really need to add a "humans taste like chicken" joke? Surely there were better ways to expand the story.

Even then, I just don't have much to say other than that if there weren't only eleven issues left, I'd drop this title from my pull list. I just hope it picks up some steam from this point.

I hope that doesnt give too much away, as this is a very well-done book. I dont want to say too much about it, because I know Im going to find myself saying the same things again and again in coming months if I review further issues. This is a title that never lets me down, whether its the ongoing series or these sporadically released specials that seem to take the place of a monthly issue when they appear (I really dont understand the orchestration of the specials to the monthlies). Each character has a distinct voice, the interactions are realistic and very believable, the plotting moves smoothly (making this done-in-one story very satisfying), and the resolution to the Klan problem is workable and makes perfect sense. Theres no bias to either the Left or the Right in the politics of this series, no matter how controversial the subject matter is (and it sometimes gets in-your-face controversial). The art, no matter who is doing it, is always good. Its really amazing the

Interesting issue with some hits and some misses. If it were always like this I might be a regular reader, but we all know about the chances of that, dont we?

All in all, it seems like Marvel would have wanted to start this off with more of a bang. As it is, there's hardly anything that would make me want to check back next month, beyond just the hope that eventually something interesting would happen. And after being burned by the JMS run, I don't think I'm willing to drop my cash on this.

This is a good place to get on-board if you've been away, and if you were thinking about abandoning ship, I'd suggest sticking around to give the new creative team a try. It could be made stronger with more restrained page layouts, but the last page splash is worth the price of admission all by itself.

Until then, I'm still loving it and reading it for the plotting, the imagination, and the characterization. On all three of those fronts, this is as good as The Fantastic Four has been in years.

I'm not going to bore you with detailed descriptions of what goes on (hostage situation), or the twist ending (justice), or even of the brilliant visualization of Fell's thought process (stick figure). I'm sure the other reviewers will cover all that and more. I will say this, though. On my first reading, I was a little disappointed with the resolution. It seemed to be a bit too much wish fulfillment on Mr. Ellis' part, and made me question the realism of it. Then I read it again, and said to hell with my initial qualms. It's Snowtown, dammit. The beatings can be ignored.

And speaking of paying attention. Why is there a little, tiny Justice League in a jar at the Hall of Justice? Anyone?

No worries, gang. I calls em like I sees em. And this is one great story. Could it be better? Maybe if editorial stopped messing with it and just let Morrison tell the story he originally wanted to tell. Maybe. But its still the best event series Ive read from both a content standard and a stylistic approach. So there.

And Luthor has his own pseudo-heroic path to travel. Morrisons Final Crisis is not easy. Its not expected. Its not conventional. Thats what makes it great.

Id say that Final Crisis is the epitome of Morrisons DC work. A grand symphony of tunes strange and familiar, yet not quite familiar; melodies played on instruments refurbished and refashioned. Its not Top 40, but it is Pop. Its just Morrisons idea of what Pop should be.

I am a fucking idiot for continuing to buy this book.

There, it's done. Now stop talking about it and go read something good.

So all in all, this is worth taking a look at, so long as you can stomach some pretty graphic violence. The writing is a nice workmanlike start that could easily turn into something very disturbing and good. It could also go the other way, though, and probably just as easily. The art is the real star of this first issue, with a very distinctive look and realistic to the point of distraction at times. It might not be for everyone, especially if you dont like the kind of realism you might find in a Life Drawing class, but Medina makes the grotesque mutilation of fools believable. Im pretty sure thats a good thing.

If you like horrendous violence and ultra-detailed artwork then this is the one for you. If you stopped watching Robocop movies after the first one, like I did, here we have the true successor. At least until Paul Verhoeven decides to make a new Robocop film. You might also want to track down Miller and Darrows Hard Boiled to see where this style of storytelling comes from.

We're talking high-concept here, folks. High-concept wrapped up in a dusty, Texas-style, drive-in movie extravaganza trappings. If this were a film, Tarantino or Rodriguez would direct (hopefully shooting for a hard R rating). Either that, or it would have been made in the 70s, when people got their hands dirty and made the classics. This feels like if Wes Craven had directed Vanishing Point. I keep half-expecting the comic to have scratches or to stutter on the reel.

This is an interesting start to what could be a very violent, extremely bizarre, new Ghost Rider story, taking Johnny Blaze's quest another step closer to completion. Probably at the cost of most of the lives in the prison. Like it wasn't bad enough for the inmates just being in a Texas prison to begin with.

And if you needed any more proof, here's what's coming next issue: The Nunchuk Nun Meets the Biker From Hell In: Vampire Terror in the Tennessee Hills!

So there it is. Again. How many times do I have to tell you people? This is an excellent, exciting, action-packed comic every month. There's an epic story going on here involving a war in Heaven and the secret behind the origins of the Ghost Rider. It's freaking crazy, is what it is. People should be reading this. You should be reading this. Go read this.

It makes a solidly 3.5 bullet comic into a 4 bullet comic, for me. You see, I avoided all things Ghost Rider through the nineties. Before that, really. The only thing that made me pick this up was Jason Aaron's name, and he has yet to disappoint. There's been some shuffling lately, and Ghost Rider has moved up and become one of the most interesting and exciting things Marvel is publishing. If you're tired of invasions and dreary negativity, check this out.

So if you've been craving a Blaze/Ketch dust-up, here's your first round. My lack of emotional investment in this conflict sours me a little on the issue, but your mileage may vary. I have a feeling that I'm going to dig the next few issues much more, and this issue does nothing to dampen my enthusiasm for the series as a whole. I still can't believe that I'm anxiously awaiting Ghost Rider each month. That's crazy.

Maybe if the design was more innovative, I'd feel differently. I don't know. But there's a lot of good stuff here, with the plot, the characterizations, and the art. I'm just too distracted by my disappointment in Zadkiel to enjoy the rest of the book like I should.

Next month brings us the conclusion of "Last Stand of the Spirits of Vengeance" and the letters page promises many good things in Aaron's second year on the title, not the least of which is a tour through the Ghost Riders of American History. I can't wait!

This issue marks the farewell of Tan Eng Huat on art duties. Some people will be glad to see him go, but not me. I've enjoyed his take on Ghost Rider and have especially enjoyed his design work on the international GRs. This is another solid issue, and another reason the quality of the comic is back to its peak levels. His battle scenes are action packed, and I really enjoyed the absurdist energy of Johnny's and Danny's Motorcycle Race Around the World to Determine the Fate of This Entire Plane of Existence.

This is an excellent point to hop on-board if you've been thinking about giving Ghost Rider a shot. Most of what you need to know in order to get caught up is on the recap page, and from there you can just dive right in to the Ghost Rider Legacy Goodness. Surely I'm not the only one craving a Tales of the Ghost Riders anthology series, am I?

That's not good news, really. I enjoy this comic more than most of the books I'm reading right now, and I'm gonna miss it. As far as Jason Aaron comics go, Wolverine: Weapon X is okay, but it lacks the energy and sheer madness that has fueled Aaron's entire run here. But I guess I'll just have to take what I can get once this series wraps.

Ultimately, this is a book that you probably don't need to buy, but it's still a good story and worth a read or two. I'm telling you, Spurrier is going to be big and this is a good chance to see him in action before he really explodes all over the American market. Now I just need to see if I can somehow track down some of his 2000 A.D. work for cheap.

Man, this sounds a lot more hostile than I intended it to sound. But it's because I expect more from Spurrier. He's a talented writer, and this series, so far, just isn't up to snuff. I'll keep reading, because I have hope that he can actually get Ketch from the goofy cartoon drunk he is now to the truly messed-up character who talked a boy into killing himself when Jason Aaron re-introduced him a few months ago in Ghost Rider.

Is this the book I was hoping it would be? Not even close. It's a disappointment on nearly every level, but at least it's getting a little better. It's not bad enough to make me want to drop it. It's just bad enough to make me regret that it doesn't live up its potential. Three bullets is a stretch, but appropriate. Barely.

What I was hoping would be Spurrier's big break is turning out to be a case where I may have begun singing his praises too soon. He's done very good one-shots, and Silver Surfer: In Thy Name was pretty good, but this lacks any kind of edge. It's a story that may as well have been farmed out to anyone. I was really expecting something better.

So there it is. How Danny Ketch became a tool of Zadkiel. No surprises except for the final issue reveal of Mister Eleven's true nature and what happens to Mary. And even those aren't really a part of this series. They're just Spurrier getting some pieces into play for somewhere down the line.

It's a nice addition to Heaven's On Fire with some actual relevance to the story at hand, so I approve of its inclusion to help defray the extra dollar being charged for this issue. I guess if they're going to up the price, the least they can do is give us more, and appropriate, content.

I guess that adds enough value to justify the 3.99 price tag, but only just. I'd have been more satisfied if we just had extra pages added to Aaron and Boschi's Ghost Rider story, really.

So there you have it. Two years' worth of Ghost Rider comes to a violent conclusion and if you ask me, it was a ride well worth the time and money. I'm sad to see it go. No buts about it. Go pick up the whole run in trade format (it's only three volumes, not counting the eventual collection of Heaven's on Fire) or start bugging Marvel for hardback collections or maybe an omnibus edition. Ooh yeah. That'd be sweet.

Excellent work from start to finish this time around. Definitely worth the effort. I don't know how all of these stories will play when collected into trade format, and at this point I don't care. This may be the only series I'm currently reading that demands immediate attention. A trade down the line will just be icing on the cake.

The pendulum swing of Global Frequency stories continues this month. While it is lacking in some story elements and the art can be hard to follow, it is still better than most of the stuff hitting the shelves on a regular basis. And hell, even weak Ellis is good Ellis.

Buy this book. Buy the previous issues if you've missed them. This is just the fourth issue so it shouldn't be any hardship. Especially with all the variant covers Avatar publishes of each issue. There should be some around to be had. It's a good, brutal, and refreshing take on the concept of the magician in modern comics, and with each consecutive issue it becomes one of the best ever.

All in all, what began as a story much like the previous adventures of William Gravel, in all their repetitive violent glory, has turned into a very well actualized character study that has expanded this character's world and opened up very exciting possibilities for stories to come.

This book is one of my favorites, and this issue is one of the best written of the series. It has a little bit of everything one wants from an issue of Gravel, and leaves us with a bloody violent cliffhanger that actually took me by complete surprise. It's not often that we seen Gravel on the receiving end of punishment, and this time it's pretty serious. I guess this is what happens when one is drafted to the Big Leagues.

Um, I mean, then you can skip this and not feel like you're missing anything. Go grab a trade of Wormwood, Gentleman Corpse, instead.

The art might keep me coming back for this one, though the story is more suited for a Vertigo title from sometime in the last decade.

This is a very good read. It is almost entirely character work, so action fans might feel left out, but Hawkman is a character that deserves some real attention. Im sure the action will be back.

This is a very nice opening chapter. Im curious to see where it goes and how it will handle some of the issues it raises in just four issues.

But so far, I'm not so much disappointed as disinterested. So this issue gets an "average" rating of three bullets. It's not anything special so far, but it's not poorly done.

All in all, this is another mixed bag. I really want to like Pak and Van Lente's story as much as I used to (and as much as I like their other work), but it all just feels so inconsequential that it's hard to justify continuing to spend money on it. On the other hand, the Agents of Atlas back-up provides a little more depth of emotion and characterization, pulling the overall rating up. Thanks to Venus and Namora, I'm giving this one four bullets.

You know, now that I think about it, I have to up my score for the old Hulk story from two bullets to three. It was pretty cool, after all.

Ive been hoping for a Milligan Vertigo series for years. Now Ive got it and Im going to enjoy it. You should too. This is about what comics can do, not what theyve already done.

More good consistent writing from Milligan and the art, while a little sketchier than it has been, still does a good job of stylishly carrying the story through. I still dont like baseball though.

Really, if it has Ellis's name on it and Avatar is publishing it, then it doesn't matter what kind of books you like; you should pick it up.

Everything about this book is geared toward realism and believability, and Pagliarani's pencils and design-work may be a perfect realization of Ellis's muddy, broken world of damaged Space Heroes. Ignition City is definitely one of the best works that Ellis has produced for Avatar. It shows just what a talented writer can do in today's market if Editorial is willing to sit back and just let the Writer write.

One more issue to go. Promises of confrontation between Mary and Lightning, the truth about what's up North, and more Doc Vukovic witticisms have me desperately craving issue five, not to mention whatever Ellis and Pagliarani have waiting for further adventures.

And it's oh-so-satisfying. I want more. I'm probably not going to get more. And I blame all of you.

The conclusion ties up everything pretty much like you expected it would, although there are a few plot points that should make for very interesting reading in the months to come. Granted, "Brubaction" will be gone, but it would be hard to mess this title up with the groundwork that is established at the end of this issue. I really like where all of the characters end up, I just wish it had moved a little more smoothly this issue.

So, goodbye Matt and Ed and David. In sixteen issues (and a couple of one-shots) you did what I never would have imagined possible. You made Iron Fist one of the coolest, smartest, and most entertaining books on the stands. It's going to be a tough act to follow, and I don't pity the new guys at all, but I'll give them a chance.

I guess I cut back on cola and keep on buying Immortal Iron Fist, that's what.

So, ultimately, this is a pretty good book. Swierczynski has yet to fumble the ball he was so graciously handed, although the last couple of issues had their weak spots. This month he steps up and presents a one-shot that while not as good as Fraction and Brubaker's before him, is still worth reading. And if you like good science fiction art, Timothy Green is someone to keep your eye on. This is definitely worth the money.

Seriously. With Immortal Iron Fist, Ghost Rider, Incredible Hercules, Secret Warriors, Captain Britain and MI13, and Agents of Atlas, all running full-throttle, Marvel's second (and third?) tier characters are all competing for the title of best books on the market alongside Captain America, Uncanny X-Men, Astonishing X-Men, Daredevil, and Invincible Iron Man. This is a great time to be a Marvel fan. Unless you're poor, of course.

Hell, it would be a four bullet book if it was just a Travel Foreman art book, so take that however you might like.

It's a little darker than it was then, and the supporting cast isn't as lively, but it still works. It still works quite well, actually. This is a book that is still worth paying attention to and it is still one of the best titles in the Marvel line-up.

All in all, it's a sad way for this comic to go out. Reading this issue was kind of like finishing a drink and then being told that someone had dipped their balls in it while you weren't looking. Not only does it make you want to throw the drink down in disgust, it taints any enjoyment of the drink you might have been having before being told the truth.

And it does look good. This month, however, it looks better than it reads, thanks to way too many attempts at humor. This book was more interesting when it took itself a little more seriously, and with events playing out like they are, forcing more jokes into the script will continue to fall flat. Let the story breathe, guys. You've got a good thing going here. Don't crap out.

All in all, this is a pretty good book that continues to entertain on a very consistent basis. The story has just about everything you could ask for: comedy, drama, action, emotion, heroism, tragedy, and even some meta-commentary about the constant state of war that the Marvel Universe seems to be in lately. And in a nice touch, there's also a tribute to the passing of regular colorist, Stephane Peru. It's simple, but nice. He really will be missed.

I couldn't be happier with both the art and the story. They work hand in hand to create one of the best current Marvel runs I can remember. It's consistent, too. This is a title that everyone should be reading.

All in all, this is an extremely fun book that satisfies on every level that a comic is supposed to satisfy on. It looks great. It's funny. It's action packed. It's the best book I've read this month. Anyone who's not reading Incredible Hercules is missing out on something special. And you may be simple, too.

I cannot recommend it highly enough. I was going to leave it at 4 bullets, so as not to go overboard. I mean, it's not trying to do anything more than be an exciting, entertaining comic adventure, but after reading over the book again, and laughing and enjoying myself as much the third time as I did the first, I decided it was worth another half bullet.

Yes, Namora did call Herc "beloved" as they flew away from Namor to confront the Amazons. This was after saying, "So come along then. Time to kill some Amazons." Sweet.

Anyway, next issue promises to tell "The Origin of Hercules" and also tempts us with "The Search for Kirby" (not the King, but the coyote/pet). Hopefully that will be better than this one.

And that, my friends, is a sign of a well-written book that everyone should be taking a look at.

I don't know how much longer I'm going to keep giving Marvel my money for this sort of drivel. The real problem is that I know how good this comic could be. You know, because for a while there, it was really, very good. It was one of Marvel's best books. But for the last four or five months, at least, it's kind of an afterthought, and a book that I no longer look forward to reading. It's a chore, and that's not good by any stretch of the imagination.

I really don't feel like reading this title any more.

This is a very good issue of a book that has been dragging for quite some time now. This is not a call, a very popular one these days, for the wrapping up of the mysterious Mr. Blue, or whatever, storyline. That can go on for as long as Jones wants, so long as he fleshes out that skeleton with solid, well-told stories like this one. Well see what happens once this story is complete and Fernandez goes on his merry way.

I bought this issue and it finishes the storyline. But thats it. No more for me. There are more than enough other titles worth reading that I dont need to waste my time with this one anymore.

So, to sum up, The Incredible Herc looks good, is filled to bursting with action and humor, and is ready to take the piss out of S.H.I.E.L.D. Whats not to like in that?

I don't know what else to tell you people. If you're already reading Invincible Iron Man, you already know how good it is. If you aren't reading it yet, you need to give it a shot. Pick up a trade or two. What you'll be picking up is one of the best ongoing narratives that Marvel is producing today. I'd say this is storytelling on a similar level as Brubaker's Captain America and just looks like it's going to get better and better as the story goes on.

In the end, this is a good conclusion to a story that may have gone on a little too long. Or maybe it just seemed that way since it took a while for the actual threat to be revealed. Yeah, that's probably it. If the overall storyline had been trimmed back a little, this might have really knocked it out of the park, but as it is, my enjoyment was tempered by relief that it was finally over. That, coupled with a few narrative problems and a glitch or two in the art, keep this from being an exceptional comic. But it's still pretty damn good, and much better than a lot of the stuff on the shelves week in and out. You know, the stuff you're reading when you should be reading this.

Overall, the two stories don't seem to fit together for me, although I wouldn't object to them in separate titles. The art also fails to come together as smoothly as it has previously on this title, which draws me out of the story while I'm reading it. It's not a bad chapter, per se, but it's not up to the standards set by the Knaufs.

Go on and buy it. You know youre gonna anyway. Nothing I says gonna change that. Just dont start acting like its the best thing youve read in a while, because then Ill know youre just faking.

This is the first of a four issue mini, so what do you have to lose? Give it a shot. The 3.50 (American) price tag is a little steep, but there are no ads interrupting your reading, so I give it some leeway. Things look to be turning violently bad as the story continues, so hop on board and enjoy!

The bad part is that there's nothing here to make me the least bit interested in picking up, or even reading, future issues. And that's no good at all. So instead of the 'average' score of 3 bullets, I have to drop it one, from sheer lack of interest.

DC and Marvel could both take a few lessons in how to appeal to female readers from this title. So, go ahead. Buy this and try to track down the other seven issues. Whats that? The TPBs been announced? Um. Well, you might as well complete your set, if youve been reading all along.

I understand that with anthology books it is difficult to maintain quality. But I dont think this title knows what it wants to be, or who its audience really is. With that in mind, this isnt bad work. It is just simple and boring.

This is really good work from both Millar and Romita. IF the hype machine puts you off of checking this out, don't be that guy. Give it a look and ignore the ad copy. There's a lot of comics love here, alongside a lot of fairly realistic exploration of the concept. If it can maintain the intensity and creativity of this first issue, without giving in to the lowest common denominator approach to scripting that mars moments of this issue, this is going to be well worth the time and money.

I'm just gonna go take some aspirin and lie down for a while.

Man this book is crappy, and my review ain't all that, either. Did you keep reading after the necrophilia bit? Why? What's wrong with you? You're just going to keep reading Legion of 3 Worlds, too, aren't you? I suppose I will too. I don't know why, though. I just can't pull out no matter how hard I struggle and cry.

So, basically, what Im saying is, if you like zombies, particularly the first Marvel Zombies series, then you should probably give this a shot. Theres a chance you might be burnt out on the concept, but give it a try anyway. I think it will win you over. Its a good, solid start to what will hopefully be another horribly disgusting, over-the-top zombie extravaganza.

For the most part, this creative team does its job and squeezes out another interesting start for a Marvel Zombies mini-series. But I'm a little biased. Your mileage may vary, depending on your level of devotion to Seventies comics and cannibalistic, undead monsters. But I'm in baby! I'm in!

In fact, to be quite honest, there wasn't a single thing that let me down this issue. Sure, the art could go a little further with the gore, or maybe push the expressionistic boundaries that the previous series did, but it still holds up. And the story is by far the best of the three series so far. We have strong characters, excellent characterizations, a fresh twist on the theme, and fast, entertaining pacing and dialogue. Who could ask for anything more?

This is another good issue; solid on both the writing and artistic fronts, as Van Lente and Walker make it plainly clear that creative work is almost always more about the execution than the initial concept. Although when both aspects are strong it's a thing of beauty. We're halfway through Marvel Zombies 4 and the two big twists that occur at the end of this issue are, quite frankly, Game Changers. And both make logical sense without being the most obvious places for the story to go. Both Marvel's and DC's Big Event writers could learn a thing or two from Van Lente's work here.

With each passing issue, Van Lente and Walker are eclipsing all previous creative teams' work with this concept, and are making Marvel Zombies 4 the high water mark against which all previous and future installments will be judged. This is the good stuff.

Anyway, Walker's energetic pencils and heavy, distinctive inks are a worthy successor to Sean Phillips, and Van Lente's writing is vastly superior to anything Kirkman or Millar did with the concepts. This is a definite keeper, particularly if you like gory horror and have a fondness for '70s Marvel. This is the good stuff.

Overall, this issue is well above average in both the visual presentation and in terms of dramatic narrative movement. The characterizations, especially of Ares, Jan, and Ms. Marvel, are both entertaining and effective from a plotting standpoint. Im actually looking forward to the next issue and really want to know what Ares realized. This is the first time since the end of issue #1 that the book has left me hanging like this, so good job by all involved.

All in all, this is an interesting bit of narrative movement in the Nick Fury saga, if not the most efficient. The new faces all have potential and I appreciate the fact that it didn't take six issues to gather them up and get the story started. I think I like the Bendis/Maleev take on Nick Fury more than I like The Mighty Avengers, so it gets 3.5 bullets from me. It's a little bit of a step down from last issue (which I really enjoyed), but still keeps the Secret Invasion story moving. I'm curious to see where this goes.

So again we have a Secret Invasion tie-in that accomplishes more in one issue than the main series has done over the last few. It's not the best of the tie-ins, but it's a good one, providing a few inspired twists and kinks in the Skrull plans.

I'm only finishing this Secret Invasion storyline because I am mentally ill. There's no reason anyone else should waste their money on this.

Im buying it. Its a nice use of a character that some writers are overwhelmed by. Theres lots of good action and exciting spy hi-jinks (would that be spy-jinks?). Heres to hoping that somewhere down the road, Mystiques casual gender switching is addressed in some detail. That might be interesting.

This is an okay issue with one or two surprises, but far more clichs and gimmicks that might leave you groaning.

Overall, this issue slows down on the Avengers front (practically to standstill, if youre waiting for Skrull revelations), but it does provide some interesting character work and introduces someone who is supposed to be the next big thing, crime-wise in the Marvel Universe. I just hope that Deathlok gets to shine and isnt just used as a lumbering zombie battle-bot.

To be honest, after this issue, Im not sure if I really care about The Hood and his plans. I dont think I really care about the Venom infestation either. Im a little curious about Spider Woman and Iron Man getting together, but I assume thats going to happen over in Mighty Avengers (if it ever gets caught up to the rest of the MU). I would like to know whats up with the Skrulls though. Thats really the only reason Im sticking around. This comic has been average for too long. If it doesnt start doing something special, I think I may be done.

This issue almost makes up for the crapfest that was the Elektra story. Almost. As it is, it is still a strong chapter in the over-all story, and better than about half of the actual Secret Invasion series. It still doesn't hold a candle to Captain Britain, but then again, what does? Ooh, if only they could convince Warren Ellis to write a huge Marvel crossover event. Just thinking that made me a little giddy, just then.

Hmmmm. Is there a subtle sense of irony at play here, or is it just bad plotting? I can no longer tell. And at least the art is easy on the eyes.

One of the best books out consistently. I think everyone should be reading this and enjoying some fine work that seems to spring directly from the end of Claremonts and Byrnes tenure together. If only everyone wanted to forget the last fifteen years of X-Men like I do.

So thats what Im looking forward too here, basically. Morrison having the freedom to really mess with the world hes writing. If they want to explain it all away sometime down the road, I think they can you know, if they want to go back to being pablum for the fanboy masses.

Of course everything will go back to normal when Grant leaves. But if were not there to read it, then itll be like it never happens. As such, this is a heart-pounding, gut-wrenching, story that is pulling no punches. Its just what the final days of the X-Men should be like. And for me, thats what these are.

By the way, the cover of this book spells "Conqueror" with an "er" instead of "or," but the copyright info at the bottom of the first page spells it with the "or." Is that a conflict between American and British spellings, or is it just a mistake? Merriam-Webster seems to indicate that it's a spelling error. On the cover. And all the solicitations. Sigh.

So the story kicks into gear, major plot points are introduced, but the book still looks like it was beaten with the Ugly-Stick. Which is really too bad. This should be a show-piece title, and instead it is being held back by an art team that doesn't mesh with the writing at all.

Strap-on spinecock.

So, all in all, its a three bullet affair. Its pretty average quality as a whole with a few brighter patches that provide interest for things to come. There are a lot of possibilities open at the end of this issue, as Nova is no longer being tied to big crossover events, and hopefully, will now be able to develop its own stories and create its own event.

The cover of this issue uses a quote from another website, where a reviewer has declared Nova to be, the best Marvel ongoing series of the year. That is simply hogwash, and whoever said it should have their reviewing license taken away (or at least have some points taken off). Nova is nowhere near the best ongoing series from Marvel. Its not even in the top five. Maybe the top ten, but Id have to think on that. How many books are Brubaker and Fraction writing between them? Theres the top seven or eight, right there, so maybe Nova could squeak into the top ten. But it really needs to start cutting loose and letting the ideas fly. The potential is there, weve just not seen anything close to fulfillment yet.

Theres some adult subject matter here that might offend some more prudish readers, but to hell with them. This is a good story about realistic teens with a hint of mutant abilities thrown in at the end for good measure. Hell, it could be written by a one-eyed monkey with the clap and it would be worth buying for the art alone. Im hoping for an oversized hardback of this baby. Keep your fingers crossed.

Buy this. Buy this. Buy this. If you think this is boring and stupid then youve got problems that extend far beyond your choice of reading material. But, if you want to see how good writers and artists expand the medium and try to do something with at least a modicum of relevance, this is the title for you.

Planetary is a limited series, so I have no fear of this dropping off in quality. In fact, it just keeps getting better and better as Ellis and Cassaday build and build upon the layers of imaginative reconstructions that are the foundation of this series. This is rapidly becoming my favorite comic, shuffling The Invisibles off to the side for a while.

Not that a four-bullet score is anything to be disappointed with. It's a very good story; it's just not the perfect one it was so close to being.

I guess were coming down to the end of the world that Moores been promising, and it looks pretty serious. To me, this is the most successful series Moores created for his ABC label (although Top 10 was very, very good, as well), and Im going to be sad to see it go. If it really does.

While theres a lot of gore and inner dialogue going on this month, there are subtle differences between this incarnation of The Punisher and the previous. Look out for more interesting exploration of Frank as a character and not just as a killing machine. Hopefully the readers will go for it. I sure am.

I do want to say, though, that the prose portions of the story are amazing. This issue covers an interview with a tank commander who was vaguely involved with the hell that gave birth to Frank. It's wonderfully believable, and I can't praise enough Ennis' choice to give us a character who isn't the standard Hollywood stereotype of the Viet Nam vet. The emotions on the page as he listens to the recording of the calls for help are real. It's powerful stuff, and I pity the writer picked to follow up this run.

I couldn't hope for a better continuation of one the best books any company has published over the past five years. The Punisher continues to be a work of brutal brilliance.

I was shocked by the end of this comic (and Dark Reign: The List Punisher) and can't wait to see where Remender takes Frank next. Particularly with Tony Moore providing the art beginning with the next issue.

Somehow this time out, two of my favorite artists working in comics today failed to ignite any spark of interest in me. If these done-in-one stories are building toward something, they need to get moving.

So, taken as an individual issue, starting a new story, this is a pretty interesting beginning. We get a lot of good character work with Jigsaw (the story is named after him, after all), and an okay twist at the end of the issue. It's really more like a prologue than a first chapter. But it looks good and reads well, so I agree with Jigsaw. Game on.

Anyway, like I said at the top, maybe it's just me. Maybe I'm just done with the MU Punisher as a character. Or maybe I'm just not digging the way the team of Fraction and Remender are gelling. I haven't really noticed any major difference in the voice of the character (although Frank is a bit on the sentimental side this issue) or in the pacing. It's just not working for me. I'm afraid this might be another title that gets sacrificed to keep putting gas in my car and to keep the air conditioner running in my home.

All in all, I'd say don't miss this one. Especially if you're enjoying Frank's current MU incarnation. It's very inventive and entertaining with a clean, exciting look. I'm telling you, Spurrier is one to watch. Good things are coming from this guy.

I suppose Punisher should have more excess to really make it work. It couldn't hurt, though, to bring a little more depth to the Punisher's world. But until that happens, what we've got here is a brutal, graphically violent, renewal of Frank Castle's MAX existence. With Frank going all undead in the mainstream series, which I'm loving, by the way, it's nice to get some unadulterated Frank here, by a team that really knows what they're doing.

I've really enjoyed the first three issues of this version of Punisher, but those three issues focused on character development and the excessive violence worked as part of defining who these characters are. With this issue it feels like narrative short-cuts are being made and it has gone from being a brutally honest exploration of the characters and their world to a cartoon version of the same.

This is my favorite start to any of Ellis' minis so far. There's better characterization and solid action from start to finish. I can't wait for part two. You should all go buy this. What are you waiting for? Go. Waitaminute. Read the rest of the reviews today. And maybe go buy something. This ain't a charity you know.

If you want action and adventure involving characters that you might actually care about, this is the title for you. Go dig up last issue, if you didnt buy it, and grab this one too. Its worth your time. I really hope DC decides to collect it into a trade. It would look good on my shelf, and carry its own weight with some of the other top-notch books there as well.

Buy this for the art and cross your fingers that the story will catch up. Thats what Im doing, and I dont do that often. Almost never.

Next issues supposed to be a shocker, so well have to wait and see on that. If this book wasnt so pretty, I would not be spending my money on it. If you like the romantic aspect of the story, which didnt really appeal to me too much, then it should be a home run for you. For me, Id rather read something else. But then, like I said, I dont think this is being written for me.

Read this book! What are you waiting for? Read this book!!!

Do I have to beat you over the head with a stick? Go buy the trade when it comes out and then start picking up the individual issues so that we can keep getting this delicious goodness on a regular basis. Now shoo. Do as I say. Shoo.

While not bad, this issue didnt really click with me like the previous ones have. I didnt like the way some of the characters behaved, but really enjoyed others, so its kind of hit and miss. Not solid enough for four bullets, but not too bad. Its certainly not a waste of time.

I was really looking forward to this, but I'm clearly not in the target audience. S.W.O.R.D. is everything I'm not looking for in a comic, while using characters and basic situations that are everything I'm looking for in a comic. I want to love it, but am instead, entirely disinterested in it. It's not bad, but it's nothing that I want to keep reading. Although I understand Marvel Boy and Beta Ray Bill will be showing up soon. That might get me to stick around for a little while at least.

Again, this isn't a bad book, but there's really not much here to recommend beyond the extremely nice use of color. I'd almost prefer that they just focused on the cast of characters stuck in Stark Tower and let that story really move and build suspense. The other stories just aren't doing anything for me.

This book is the total package. It's easily the best Thor title on the stands, with only Fraction's one-shots rivaling them for sheer scope, energy, and extremely confident handle on how to tell tales of Asgard.

This is good stuff right here. If it keeps going this way, Hickman may just achieve his goal of creating the definitive Nick Fury story. If I have any complaint, it's that the name of the series should seriously be Nick Fury: Agent of Nothing. When he's called that this issue, it just reverberates. Can we get that fixed somehow?

Regardless of whether or not all that comes into play beyond the merely symbolic, the level of detail and textured scripting that Hickman is bringing to this comic is impressive. When combined with Caselli's distinctively meaty and expressive figure-work and innovative character/set designs, Secret Warriors becomes one of Marvel's most promising new titles. It, like Remender and Opena's work on the relaunched Punisher or Parker's new Agents of Atlas, is spearheading a new front of "Dark Reign" inspired comics that are walking the artistic walk and talking the storytelling talk.

Regardless, this is another impressive issue rebuilding a part of the Marvel Universe that has been sorely lacking over the last few years. That's Marvel's spy/espionage wing, in case you were wondering. Captain America cannot do all the heavy lifting in this genre.

We're finally getting the Nick Fury series we deserve.

I trust in Hickman's ability to construct an intelligent, science-fiction tinged spy story that could quite possibly be the definitive Nick Fury adventure. The only thing stopping it from happening is you.

This is a book that has yet to let me down in any way. And after the revelations of Dark Reign: The List Secret Warriors, it looks like there are even more surprises to come. If you like espionage in your Marvel Comics like I do, then I know you've been hurting for quite a while now. How long has Nick Fury been underground, anyway? Too long. If you've missed him, then without question, you should be reading this book. It's a slow burn punctuated by a continuous stream of action bursts. Hickman is the real deal and this is the best Nick Fury story in years.

So, while this isn't a bad issue at all, it's just not what I've been enjoying or what I look forward to with this title. However, it might be just what some readers are needing to help them connect to the characters. Well, to connect to Alexander, anyway. The rest of the team are relegated to cameos, except for Fury, of course.

This is, if you ask me, one of Marvel's best titles at the moment. The demands it makes on the reader are part of what makes this so.

As far as opening chapters in blockbuster Event Comics, this is the weakest I've ever read. And I liked the opening issues of Civil War, World War Hulk, Secret Invasion, and both Annihilations.

Hell, you should be reading Secret Warriors anyway. Picking this book up is a no brainer.

I hate giving such a low score for a book that, with just a little more work and in another context, could have been good. Or at least interesting. But the writing is lackluster and the art is ill-suited for the story. I really just don't see why this book was even created, much less released.

I'd put this one almost exactly on par with last week's Siege: Young Avengers as a good time if you're a fan of the characters, but probably not all that essential otherwise. Of course, I'd say only Siege: Loki could be considered "essential" at this point.

Still, this is the best of the Siege Tie-ins this week, and is a must-read if you're following Thor, regardless of whether or not you're paying attention to the Big Event. Honestly, though, I can't imagine someone reading Thor and not being at least slightly interested in what Bendis is doing over in Siege.

In fact, Asrar does a very good job of making this feel like a natural continuation of the Young Avengers' story. McKeever's writing also maintains the quality I expect from a Young Avengers project. The only real drawback is that there isn't much reason for this comic to exist, other than to keep our Young Avengers appetites whetted.

I have seen some preview pages online where the distinctiveness of the color shading was stronger and easier to make out, so I hope it is just a problem with the files we have. If thats the case, then this is definitely worth taking a look at, especially if you already enjoy the Silver Surfer character, or have been curious about him. Its nice to see Marvel taking chances with their science fiction properties again after a long drought. With this, Nova, and Annihilation: Conquest all going on at the same time, theres a lot of cosmic-level science fiction to enjoy at Marvel these days.

The only way I can see fixing it, is collecting it as an oversized hardback or trade, so the art is at least blown up some and the action is easier to follow (or even to distinguish). But I really don't see that happening. So while I really want to give it a higher score, the art problems really do make it a chore to read, so I'll settle for the average 3 bullet score. It's worth reading, especially if you enjoy comics anthologies like Metal Hurlant, 2000 AD, or even Heavy Metal... without the swearing, sex, and violence, that is.

Unfortunately, this issue is cut short, as, I guess, Garney's behind on the art (again, according to rumors online). Regardless of the reason, there's also a back-up story included in this issue, but it's really not very interesting. I suppose it has the potential to grow into something better. For now, though, it seems more like filler than anything else. At least it has Butch Guice doing the art, so it looks great. It would just be better if there was some sort of actual narrative goal in sight beyond just calling it "Part One."

Anyway, this is still a good-looking book, but the main story is beginning to drag. The building interest in the back-up is a good thing, but it threatens to overshadow our main focus. Skaar himself needs some attention. He's still a bit of a void as a character, and there's really not much in the prophecies surrounding him that make him any more interesting. If Pak can draw something more distinctive and exciting out of this character, then this book could become something special. At the moment, it's lingering a bit too much around average for my tastes.

This book is not for the kiddies. It is a hard-hitting, espionage adventure involving fringe superpowers. This is something that adults should enjoy, and if I were in charge, thered be a hardback version of this out within months of completion and marketed directly to bookstores. The comic shop crowds dont seem to be ready for this, and its their loss.

With a writer whos willing and able to take the stories to the heights that the visuals have already attained, this title should become a must-have book, month in and out.

I trust that Edginton will bring this story around to a point eventually, it just doesnt happen this month. Land seems to be coasting, too. Hopefully theyll get back to their actual quest soon and quit floundering around in the oceans.

Finally! Some movement in the storyline! Ill keep getting it for a while, but I think I might go back to just buying the trades. That way, Im not getting hit in the face with pretty people every month and can accept it a little easier.

I feel bad about coming down so hard on this book, because I really wanted to love it. The character is great, providing a lot of interesting possibilities for stories, as well as for character exploration and development. Making your hero a bad-ass, sword-wielding, pistol-packing, Puritan fanatic on a mission to destroy Evil in the name of God, was daring when Howard envisioned Kane, and his stories are pretty much the founding work in pulp horror action/adventure. Allie's version, however, seems rather bloodless this time out, and I'm not sure I care enough to see if he can up the ante in the future issues.

A very tempting title, thats definitely worth picking up if youre a Spider-Fan. Even if youre not, its worth a look. Who knows? You might even like it. And its only at issue two, so its easy to catch up on. Sort of.

Excellent work, gang. Id like to see more like this. Dont let your Zimmerman prejudices keep you away. This is good stuff!

All in all, the art isnt enough to make this story interesting. Neither are the stunt appearances by the biggest names of the 90s. Its early enough that I may just go ahead and abandon ship since the storys really just treading water anyway. Ha! Did you see what I did there with the aquatic references? Get it? Its the Sub-Mariner! Hes from under the sea! Ahem. Sorry. That probably hurt me as much as it did you.

So, in the end, I'd recommend this as a good read with pretty, painted art, but I don't know if it's worth bothering with in the monthly format. You'll definitely want to give it a look in its prestige hardback format (at least, it seems that way this early in the game), but as a pamphlet it is leaving something to be desired.

This has been a relatively quiet story, building slowly, but steadily towards its conclusion. We still don't know what happened to the missing Captain Marlowe, and honestly, I don't know if we ever will. At this point, it's almost beside the point. The point is the crafting of a seriously creepy and disturbingly effective little horror story.

If you haven't been reading this comic, then pick up the back issues or get the collection when it is released. Read it all together in one sitting. It is well worth the time.

This book is a success on every level, and I applaud Avatar for providing an outlet for creators to push the boundaries of what is acceptable subject matter in American comics. I can't wait to read more.

Screw this book. Its boring, its sanctimonious, its useless. No wonder Superman sales are in the toilet.

Fresh? Maybe. Interesting? Barely. Pretty? Definitely. Buying it? Not interested in the least. This is for the Superman fans who have been dying for at least a halfway decent take on the character over the past few years. As such, its not bad. Just dont ask me to care.

It took a while to get here, but its here at last. From its creepy-as-Hell cover to the final surprise of the conclusion, this is a solid read. Millar and Plunkett and rest of the team did themselves proud. If you missed any of the sold-out issues, keep hoping that DCs not lying when they say this will be released as a trade. Millars saying they wont do it. Cross your fingers.

Havent I rambled on long enough? New storyline starts next issue! Grab it! Grab the back issues! Grab the trade when it hits! If you like intelligent, imaginative, insightful, innovative and whatever other complimentary word-that-starts-with-an-i you can think of, comics, then you shouldnt be missing this.

This is a nice piece of work and Image seems genuinely interested in telling some good stories of late. If you can get past any prejudice you might have about black and white comics, this is something to check out.

So if you like espionage and action along with your vampiric violence, this is the book for you. It's a good introduction to the world of Sword of Dracula if you aren't already familiar with it, and if you are, it's a welcome return to form all around. I'm getting excited about The Dracula War already.

I know some people have given up on this series because it seemed to be just gross-out humor and hostility toward the super hero genre, but it really is much more than that. If Wildstorm wasn't a good home for this book, Vertigo should have been. This is the type of book that the Vertigo line would have made a flagship title back in the day. That DC let it go says volumes about the vacuous creative landscape at that company. And I don't care what anyone else says, there are only two or three Vertigo titles that are worth a damn, and DC was foolish and childish to let this title go. Dynamite has something special on their hands now, and it continues to get stronger and more emotionally complex and satisfying with every new issue.

Give Priest more work. Id like to see him on The Avengers. Then maybe Id give a shit about Marvels mainstream characters for a change. People should be buying this, if they like good characterizations and excellent plotting.

Of course, if the cliffhanger is resolved for the worse at the start of the next issue, I'll be right back on board. I just don't expect that it will be. But I've been wrong before, and I hope I'm wrong here. With that said, I'm not sure I care enough to check back.

But to be fair, this issue was probably the best one since the first. Things actually happened. People got shot. A monster ate some bad guys. Something really bad happened to Susan (I dont think that needs a spoiler, since it was kind of obvious from the beginning that something bad was going to happen to her). And Roland is no more. Hes The Gunslinger now, I guess. It all happened pretty fast, after waiting around for six issues doing next to nothing. So not exactly a satisfying experience for the series as a whole, but this issue wasnt bad. The art kicks it up above average in my rating.

Theres LOTS of sex and violence in this book. Some might think its gratuitous, but I disagree. We are witness to a dam breaking with these characters and physical pleasure, and there are plenty of repercussions to keep this from being mere titillation. This is a good read for adults especially if you like more European-style comics. If you think all comics should be for all readers then please dont even open this title. Just go read something based on a cartoon.

Thanks to all of you people who decided that you either didnt want to read something different, even if it did have naked women in it, or you would wait until the trade, this title has been cancelled. Because of you people, the comic shelves will be a little blander in the coming months. Thank you all. Youre living up to my expectations with each passing week.

Brubaker, Epting, and Stewart are not only retelling the origin of the modern Marvel Universe, but they're building the moral framework for everything that's happened since. This is how you craft a modern mythology.

And just let me say that Steve Epting is doing the best work of his career. This is a beautiful book. From the settings, to the design, to the action sequences, to the expressions and body language, this is just gorgeous. And Dave Stewart's colors help to bring it all to life. Even when we move from the grays, greens, and browns of everyday life to the brilliant reds, whites, and blues of the costumed heroes, it all works. Those colors leap off the page in a way that makes even the more outrageous costumes seem believable.

Even if you're not in the market for the other books on the way, I can't recommend One Trick Rip-Off + Deep Cuts highly enough. These stories broke with convention when they were originally produced and they still stand on their own as some of the medium's greatest work.

Im gonna stick with it for at least another month and see what happens. But it needs to really pick up or theres really not any point in reading it.

Theres a really good book inhabiting this one and it shows itself a few pages at a time. I dont want to push this metaphor much further, but maybe Johns and Grimminger should consult a priest and do something about freeing up this story. Its definitely worth a shot; especially if you like horror, dark shadowy art, and big boobs.

Ill probably get the next issue just to finish off the story, but thatll do it for me. It just doesnt seem worth the investment. It relies too much on clichs and big tits. Im sure theres an audience for that, its just not me.

This is a very intriguing start, not only because it's a nice first chapter to what appears to be a rousing space adventure, but because it also provides a valuable insight into the creative process. I assume that by the time this is over, we'll get a good idea how Lucas' ideas solidified and how the marketplace affected later drafts.

Lucas' story has already fallen apart and the first act isn't even complete. None of the heroes are remotely likeable, the villains are nondescript and flavorless, and a lot of the boring political blather that helped ruin the Prequel Trilogy is on full display. What I'd hoped would be an interesting look at an alternative take on the story we all know and love, is instead just the displaying of a corpse that maybe never should have been uncovered.

So yeah, this book is awesome! I can't wait for the next issue, and the one after that. That'll be a sad one, though, since it'll be over then. But hopefully there will be more after that!

For me, comics dont get much better than this. It has giant space squids, miraculous births, disguised aliens, a zombie-robot, a moon base, bad parenting, a talking monkey, time travel, a transplanted head, an opportunity for revenge, tentacles, sibling rivalry, and death. And thats just the first issue.

It wasn't a deal breaker, though, by any means. This was a pretty strong series overall, with just the right amounts of insanity, heart, darkness, and hope to keep me coming back for more. If you haven't been reading this series, see if you can pick up the back issues. Or, I guess you can wait for the trade if you've already waited this long. Regardless, it's worth the effort.

All in all, this book has everything I want in a zombie narrative. Sympathetic protagonists, graphic detail in the rotting of the zombies, and a touch of nihilism mixed generously with a bit of hope. The pacing of the story is damn near perfect and I really cant wait until the next issue hits the stands.

This is the best book Im reading right now, hands down. The art is great. The writing is great. The look and feel of the storytelling is superb on all counts. Theres not a single false step with this book in two issues. It just keeps getting better and better.

Yes, its very much a soap opera. But its a soap opera about people surrounded by shambling cannibalistic corpses. You cant really go wrong there. Especially when the emphasis is on character, the way it is here. My only fear is that without a specific ending in sight, I sometimes wonder just how long this can go on without losing its power. Its a bleak world, even with the moments of lightness and joy that the characters find, and sometimes its a little daunting to read. If you like fun escapist stories, this isnt the book for you. But you probably already knew that.

So there you have it. Sure, it's not a great review in and of itself, but it should let you know just what the hell you need to do. You need to read this. I don't care if you don't like zombies. Stop whining and read.

JMS doesn't seem to have it in him to really get any epic, barbaric, Asgardian flavor into the story, unless it's as a punchline or to teach a lesson about responsibility. And the rest of the time it's just damned depressing. No fun at all.

Laura Martin is a name to look for when you're thinking about purchasing your comics. Period. Unless you're one of those people who count the words as the only indicator of how much story value you're getting for your money. Anyone who "reads" a comic in just a couple of minutes, regardless of how many actual words are on the pages (or aren't) is doing a disservice to the medium and the artists involved. For the inking and coloring alone, this book gets knocked up to 3.5 Bullets. Just try to ignore the clichs in the plotting and dialogue.

So if you're tired of mopey, father-issue Thor over in the main title (which apparently you're not, since it keeps selling like crazy), check this out. If, like me, you want to see your Norse gods acting like Norse gods, you should go home happy.

I really don't know if there's going to be five full issues of violence and gore. But at this point I don't really care. We've had one already and I want more. Is that wrong? Who cares? Buy this and put your brain on hold for a while.

Overall - more unending carnage and destruction for everyone! Plus a special guest-star on the last page who made ME happy anyway.

More fun and gore from Ennis and Fabry. Plus, a special guest-appearance by the Avengers. If you dont like excessive violence and gore, then you obviously arent the audience for this title, so quit yer bitching and buy something more family-friendly.

"Caged Angels" is turning into one of Marvel's best stories in recent memory. It's violent and twisted and being done by two artists at the top of their game. Buy it. Buy it now or Norman Osborne will cut off your skin and feed it to pigs! Heh heh. Brilliant.

What's that? The series isn't ending when Ellis and Deodato leave?

That doesn't mean you shouldn't go ahead and buy this though. This and every one of the eleven previous issues, actually. If you don't like them after my glowing recommendation, then what can I say? There's always Marvel Adventures for you, I guess.

All in all, this was a disappointing second act. Ellis fans will want to get this and the next one if theyre completion junkies (like me), but otherwise there was not much to recommend here. Theres a lot of death, but no repercussions. There are giant monsters and robots, but very little fun. There doesnt seem to be much point to it at all. Is that the point?

Overall, this was a fairly slow first issue and the art really overshadowed the writing. Rieber seems to be staying in the background, and doesnt want to really mess with too much established history. Because of this, the story can sometimes seem inconsequential. However its at least more substantial than this weeks other big crossover JLA/Avengers. Even with fewer, far less crowded pages.

Unfortunately, I don't really care about the Ultimate Universe any more, which is really why my rating is 3.5 instead of 4. Ever since The Ultimates ended (and it ended with the second volume - I don't know what the hell that third volume is supposed to be), I really haven't cared for anything else under this imprint (unless Warren Ellis was writing, of course), so while the emotional connection really isn't there for me any more, this is still a pretty good story, building up to the end.

Unless the mystery sixth member of the Ultimate Six is Hush, I just dont really have much of an interest. Its only my faith in Bendis thatll keep me reading this mini.

Theres really not much in this issue to bring a new reader on board, but its up to snuff for the regulars. Overall, not much happens and the X-Men are poorly done. Spideys crossover into the Ultimate X-Men is much more interesting. Of course, the X-Men havent really shown up there yet, so whos to say what thatll be like.

This issue is all about character building. If you want to see Spidey in action, youre only given a taste. Its good though. But to be honest, Im wondering if Bendis is spreading himself too thin. This title has been kind of on hold for a while now.

I wasnt sure about Bendis run on this title after the first storyline and was ready to drop the book, but so far the New Mutants story is excellent. Old characters are being fleshed out and made more approachable and believable, while new characters are hitting the page running characterization-wise. Damn you Bendis! Now I have to keep reading. At least it doesnt cost very much and is solid on every front. Its very much worth my time and attention.

I don't know if this was worth the wait. But then I've been saying that about every issue of this storyline. If you've been getting this title, then don't stop now. If you're looking for something new and different. . . well, it's new. And the art is good.

This seems pretty faithful to the spirit of the old Claremont Uncannys. If I still liked that sort of thing, I wouldnt have many problems with Austens interpretation. Visually, I liked some of it, didnt like other parts. Overall, this is an interesting issue and the start of a new storyline always tends to be a little slower than the issues that follow. It kept my interest.

So the issue is functional, with no major problems jumping out at me. The art is pleasant and inoffensive. The writing is consistent in its characterizations, if lacking any big moves forward, but that's what this issue is all about, really. It's a pause for breath after a lot of violence, death, and general mayhem, before the next round of violence, death, and general mayhem begins. I don't think it will make new readers excited about sticking around, but for those who've been with the title for a while, this might be a welcome vacation.

Anyway, great jobs all around! While I'm still not really excited about Uncanny X-Men, especially since it's being molested by Dark Reign, this is an excellent issue and it bodes well for what's to come.

All in all, this is an okay start to a new horror miniseries from IDW. Niles work is pretty consistent from title to title from what Ive read and hopefully the artwork will tighten up next month. If you like horror and Dark Horse isnt putting out enough for you, try this.

Not every idea is a good idea. Not every story needs to be told. This is a good example of this. Its just not worth the money or the time it takes to read. Niles is better than this, and Chee should shine on another project.

And I don't know who's responsible for the final image of the issue, but the contrast between Kaufman's giddy happiness and the, um, action of the old guy in the street was hilarious. Even though Kaufman is a bit of a jerk, he's growing on me, kind of like he is with his commanding officers. I'm actually starting to care about what happens to him beyond just as a fan of Ennis and Chaykin. As the story goes on, I assume we'll find out a little more about what motivated him to join up and why he didn't go through proper channels. But there's plenty of time for that.

Look, you're not going to find a better looking, better written, better colored comic about World War One pilots, anywhere. Okay, okay. There aren't any other books out there about WWI fighter pilots, I know. But this is still the best one.

I know that the fifth and final issue of a miniseries is a bad time to try to tell people to read something if they haven't started already, but here I am saying it. This is a beautiful book, both to look at and to read. If you can't be bothered to track down the back issues, then keep an eye out for the collected version. It's definitely worth the time and money for five issues of Howard Chaykin at his best and Garth Ennis writing the kind of comics that we just don't get much of in America. Sure, England has had comics like this for thirty years, but over here it's rare and exciting and we need more like it.

This wasn't generally daring adventure. It was usually dirty and one-sided. If the character can come to terms with the fact that to survive and to win, he's going to have to abandon ideals about "fair fights" and learn to kill the enemy as quickly and with as much surprise as can be mustered, then this could really develop into a fantastic, if disturbing, character study. Given the talents of the creators involved, I expect nothing less.

If you are resistant to change and like your Marvel eighties- and nineties-style then this is the book for you. There really wasnt anything here that I havent seen before and there was nothing to hold my interest to the next chapter. But then Im an old fart.

This is not a book for everyone. It is a book for me, though. Ben Templesmith may be a genius. Or maybe a savant. I'm not sure, after following him on Twitter for a while. Either way, I loved this book. I loved the use of color, the use of shadow, and the multimedia approach that provides the finishing touches to some of the most liberated and explosive pen and ink work in comics today. I love the absolute disinterest in playing nice and making something mainstream marketable. Turns out there just may be a market for mad, biting bastards and werewolf prison guards.

This could be nicely marketed to a whole other audience outside comic shops, if the whole story were collected into a hardcover and promoted in mens magazines and such. I know this title is doing good in the shops, but theres a whole other market for it out there that is being ignored.

Excellent afterword to an excellent storyline. Rucka and Robertson are the epitome of Wolverine artists for me. I outgrew the need to see Wolvie cutting up Sabretooth on a monthly basis a long time ago. Its nice to see the character grow up too.

I've heard complaints about this story online, but really, none of them have stuck with me. This isn't brain surgery or a philosophical treatise. This is a completely mental, somewhat pessimistic, action epic. It's not deep, so don't scratch at it too vigorously.

This is definitely one to pick up when the inevitable oversized hardback is released. McNiven's art will be even more gorgeous than it is already, and the story will read even better all in one sitting. Granted, if you haven't been reading already, you probably aren't going to be motivated to pick up this issue and all the back issues (especially not in this economy), but this is really worth the time and money.

As it is, it's good. But it could have been great. And it can probably still get to the point where it's a very good story. We'll have to wait and see, of course, but all the ingredients are there.

Aaron and Garney's Wolverine: Weapon X is probably as good as it can possibly be, if you still care about this sort of thing, but I find it hard to believe that anything beyond "a little above average" is really possible with the character in this format.

What are you waiting for? Go get it! Well, wait till the Shops open at least. Then go get it!

So, a good book keeps getting better and it couldn't be more perfectly illustrated. The threat is epic, the plot is intricate, and the characters are bad-ass. What more could you want in a Wolverine story?

Ive never liked this book. There, now you know. Bring in Greek gods, ditch her memory, do what you want, I never cared. It was always boring. This is the first time I want to read more about Wonder Woman, and she isnt even in bondage once! Thats good writing!

The good news: Its the first time Ive ever found Wonder Woman interesting as a character (and not just as a fetish icon). The bad news: I still dont really care much about her or the supporting characters. Maybe its because I dont like The West Wing either. Its worth checking out, but its not really for me. Just like every other mainstream DC title. Whats up with that?

Huh? Who? Talk about an obscure reference to take the threat level up quite a few notches. I like the choice for its surprise factor, even if I did have to Wikipedia it to find out just who the hell Strange was drinking. (That will make sense if you read the comic) At the same time, though: Huh? Who?So, all in all, I have to go with 3.5 Bullets, with the option to upgrade to 4 later, when the series is complete, if theres actually some sort of thematic point to the whole exercise. If theres not, then at least its big and flashy, with lots of people hitting each other, and lots of things blowing up.

All in all, Pak and Sandoval do an excellent job of killing any enthusiasm I had after finishing World War Hulk. I had intended to try out The Incredible Hercules and maybe even that Son of Hulk series, but now I just dont think Ill bother. To be quite honest, Planet Hulk and World War Hulk were both only fairly average, overall. When there were glimmers of light, they were pretty quickly dimmed, with nothing really being allowed to develop on its own. They brought him back to Earth too soon, I think. And now hes not even here anymore. Instead, we get replacements and sidekicks. And not a word anywhere about Rick Jones health. Did he die at the end of WWH or what? There were countless other possible threads that Id rather see followed up than what were being given here. Theres nothing in this comic that anyone needs to know, going into a post-WWH Marvel Universe.

So, what have we got then? Weve got a pointless story (if you already dont like people, at least), with very nice art. Weve got another even more pointless story with no ultimate reason for being, with very nice art. And weve got a cute two-page comic about how Sally Floyd has ruined Marvel with obligatory drunk jokes. Theres really not much to recommend unless you make your purchases mostly because of the art. If I didnt like Bachs and Martinbroughs work I would score this a full bullet lower.

I'm sorry. That's really all I've got. If you pick this up and don't like it, I can't be your friend anymore. I mean it. I can't explain to you why this is great if the mere description of it doesn't shed some light. I've never really read a book where the inherent greatness was simply self evident and I don't really know what else to say. Buy this book. Buy multiple copies and give it to friends so you can earn their eternal praise. Give it to your enemies and make them your friends, or at least your willing thralls. That is all. End transmission.

All in all, this is a pretty good start that not only stands on its own as an original and entertaining story, but also throws in references to X-Men history and characters by the handful. You don't have to know who everyone is in the mainstream continuity and you don't have to have an encyclopedic knowledge of X-Men lore in order to follow the story, but if you do, there's a little more for you to enjoy. It probably wouldn't hurt to check out X Men Noir just to find out how our characters got to where they are, but I wouldn't say it was essential. But it couldn't hurt.

Awful. The worst Marvel book I've read in years.

With this series, both creators are crafting a comic that the best in the business would be jealous of. If you're an X-Men fan, there are plenty of Easter Eggs to entertain yourself with, but they aren't necessary for the enjoyment of the story. All you need to enjoy the story, is the story itself. This is easily the best-looking book on the shelves this week, and may be the best-looking book on the shelves for weeks to come. Buy this. You won't be sorry.

Yes, it is an "Elseworlds" story. But it's a damn good one, with a fully realized alternate world that isn't just a gimmicky twist, but actually utilizes the conventions of Noir to color the traditional presentations of these characters and their relationships. When did we, as a community, decide that the quality of a story isn't as important as its role in continuity? That's what I don't get. If you dismiss this book because it's not in continuity, or not "real," then you are living up to any insulting ridicule that gets hurled at comic readers. You are a cliche.

Painful as it is to say, I didnt really see anything in this story worth recommending, except maybe the pin-ups at the end. I need to go read some Lone Wolf and Cub to wash this hurt away.

So this is a very good opening salvo for a new Marvel weekly event. It has the benefit of Brubakers hand on the wheel for the first (and the following, second) chapter thats a bonus, right there. I like the fact that Bru gets to lay out the groundwork to which the other writers will be contributing. That, in itself, makes me curious about the Messiah Complex as a whole, and if the intensity can stay ratcheted up to the level of this one-shot, Im there for the whole ride.

The fact that this comic still has a letters page says it all. Even the letters are intelligent for the most part. If youve not been keeping up with the series, this is a good point at which to step in. It has everything Ive come to expect from X-Statix ever since Milligan and Allred took over the storytelling. Plus, its the beginning of a brand new character arc. If you HAVE been keeping up, then tell me please, where can I get some of those sober-up pills?

If you get this regularly, prepare to be a little let down, but not too badly. If you dont read this title already, nothing heres going to inspire any kind of interest of brand loyalty.

Overall, then, if you're a fan of Captain America, and particularly of Brubaker's return of Bucky Barnes, this issue might have more of interest for you than other readers. If you're a fan of the Young Avengers, I don't think this really does anything new or interesting with Patriot. The issue seems to just be establishing a holding pattern for the characters until they can actually be brought back by Heinberg later in the year.