While this isn't the strongest issue of Batgirl in recent memory, it does feature all of the wit, charm, and personality that make this DC's most underrated book. Miller does a lot of setup work here, so I expect the next issue to make up for some of the more awkward moments in this one, though the big thing that keeps this from being a Must Read is the uneven effort from Ramon Bachs. This is a great comic, though, and it just barely falls short of reaching that next level.

While I was underwhelmed with their debut issue, the Toamsi and Gleason team really work to their potential in this issue, which is a great mix of action, mystery, and character work. With an intriguing plot and great art, you really can't go wrong with this issue. There are some nagging problems, most notably the fact that Gleason's weakest character is Batman, but overall, this comic is worth your cash.

There are a lot things that work really well in theory in this issue, as Grant Morrison has some fun, wacky ideas that could work really well with the tense plot, but the execution from both the writer and artist Yanick Paquette here just aren't up to snuff compared to their usual work. The great cliffhanger has me excited for next issue, but I can't help but feel like this one should've been stronger than it was.

In terms of writing alone, this could probably be a Buy It level comic thanks to the strong character interaction and the surprising moves made by Oracle. On the other hand, the art is...shocking, really. There is only so much the writing could do here and, unfortunately, it just wasn't enough.

In terms of nudity, this is

When Bendis writes one of the best scenes of his career and Samnee draws the best issue of his career, there is absolutely no chance that any other comiceven the amazing Elephantmencould top this one as

I'll admit that I'm really biased towards Dan Slott's work with the new Venom, which does cloud my judgment some, but in general this is a solid first issue for Rick Remender, who does a good job of introducing the new Venom and the world he operates in. There is a missing xfactor that Slott had and, hopefully, Remender can find that over the first few issues. The weak link here is Tony Moore, whose inconsistent artwork shows flashes a unlimited potential, but ultimately keeps this issue from reaching a Buy It verdict, though it was a closedecision.

While this isn't the strongest issue thus far of Phil Hester's run at the helm of JMS's Wonder Woman, it is a solid read that continues to showcase how strong Hester's vision for the character is. The cliffhanger was a great way to end this actionpacked issue and has me more excited than I have been at any point in this story arc. While I do wish that Kramer were drawing this book without fillins, Borges does a fine job of taking the reigns, despite a few hangups.

There is some great character work here from Liu and Takeda, who make a formidably combination that I'd like to see on this title a bit more often. Some awkward plotting and even more awkward bits art, however, keep this issue from fully reaching its potential. This is a fun read and there is a lot to love about it, but the issues add up and keep it from jumping further up the Rankings.

While Cliff Chiang's work is a nice bonusalbeit an odd bonus as he seems to be feeling out a new stylethe real draw of this issue is the clever storytelling from Paul Dini, who uses the plot of this issue in some interesting ways as he establishes rules, plays with reader expectations, and showcases just how clever he is. Another month and another fun issue of Zatanna.

This issue just barely sneaks onto the Buy It plateau. At $4.99, it is a tad pricier than most comics, but you get two extended stories. The first really didn't do much for me this week, but I've got a lot of faith in the writing team and I know they can bring it back around. That alone is probably a Check It level story, but it is balanced out by the Must Read brilliance of the Rocket Raccoon and Groot second story. So, although I do say Buy It, I want to forewarn you that the lead is a bit of a letdown.

Are you reading Avengers Academy? No? Why not? Seriously, this is the best comic that Marvel is currently releasing and probably the best comic that they have released in years. You need to read this book, including this issue. Seriously, go buy it right now. You won't regret it.

This issue is a prime example of why it is a tragedy that Freedom Fighters is being canceled later this year. The awesome pacing, great character work, and superb art make it one of the finest comics being produced, while its density and focus on huge action makes it unlike any other superhero book currently on the market. This is a can't miss comic, even if you only have a few more months to catch it!

This series has lost a lot of steam over the last few months and this choppy issue does nothing to alleviate that problem.

Another fine issue of

Secret Six is at its best when Gail Simone gets bizarre and it doesn't get much more bizarre than this issue, which features some just plain crazy moments. True to form, however, Simone and artist Jim Calafiore never back down in this issue when confronting their insane demons. Both creators are at the top of their game in this

This is much closer to the type of comic that I want Avengers to be, but still a far cry from the type of book that the combination of Bendis and Romita Jr. are capable of producing. This story has the making of being the biggest nonevent Avengers story of the last few years, but instead we get a brilliant creative juggernaut running at halfspeed. Lesser Bendis and Romita is still better than most, but I want this to be so much better than it is!

Scott Snyder does a wonderful job developing the complex relationship between Jim Gordon and his psychopath son in this issue's main thread. This story is powerful in its simplicity and one of the finest things I've read from Snyderwhich makes up for the faults in Batman's place in this issue. The show stealer, though, is artist Francesco Francavilla, who absolutely shines here with his clean, atmospheric artwork that is evocative of Tim Sale and Darwyn Cooke. The stumbling block for Francavilla, much like Snyder, is the Batman sequence. If the two could have replicated the success they had with Jim Gordon on these scenes, this would've been a major contender for the top spot on this week's Rankings.

I really feel like my love for Green Arrow is being tested with this book lately. I know that JT Krul can put together some amazing stories and he has a great artist to work with in Diogenes Neves, but the more this book features demons, mad men of the Round Table, and enchanted forests, the further it gets from both Green Arrow's roots and the types of stories that Krul does well. This issue is a prime example of that, as we get with a disjointed mess with decent art (that would be really solid with a single inker and tighter colors).

I know that I'm a late comer to this series, but issues like this have really made me a huge fan. Mark Waid has done a great job of adding depth to the character of Max Damage and this issue really highlights that as Damage finds himself going in a very different direction than his protg, Headcase. When you add a solid effort from artist Marcio Takara, you've got a fun and enjoyable comic that I give a solid recommendation to.

This is a really hard issue to review because so much of the book's success hinges upon the appearance of William Shakespeare. Looking at this issue alone, I'm a bit underwhelmed, but that's not to say that this won't read a million times better once the story is completed. This is one comic that is really going to benefit from being read in trade format (or even in chunks of issues) and I think that my opinion of this issue in particular could change retroactively after we see more of what McCreery and Del Col are doing. That's not to say that there aren't some problems that are hard to overlook, though. This isn't the strongest issue of Kill Shakespeare yet, but in the grand scheme of things, I remain extremely positive about this series as a whole.

JT Krul does some really fun things with the Teen Titans here as he continues to establish himself as the right man for the job on this titleespecially after the last writer was pretty much the worst possible choice. Unfortunately, guest artist Georges Jeanty struggles to find his place on this issue, which drags this otherwise Buy It level book down .

If you are going to follow The Death of SpiderMan in the coming months, this is a really important issue to read and there are some things in the issue that you'll find to be very enjoyable. The final scene is a really touching moment, but the majority of the issue simply doesn't fall into place. We all know what this creative team is capable of, but, unfortunately they just don't live up to it in this issue.

There is a lot to like about this issue, but for everything I dig, there is something around the corner that doesn't sit well with me. The end result is a perfectly adequate comic that shows great potential and is just enjoyable enough to keep me hooked. This book is definitely going in the right direction; it just needs to stop being its own worst enemy!

Avengers Academy has been simply amazing from day one, but Gage and McKone take it to a completely new level here. This is one of the finest issues I've ever seen from either creator. The Taskmaster/Finesse situation is incredibly intriguing and the way that it plays out here is simply incredible. This will be the new standard for this title and for these creators. Not only is this an incredibly easily pick for

I'm always going to pick up this time, if for nothing else than the fact that I'm a huge Batman fanboy and I've always picked up this title. That being said, it is getting to the point that I'm only picking this series up for the art. Tony Daniel has a lot of talent as a writer, but he isn't working to his potential yet and so my main enjoyment of this series is coming out of the art. Of course, I think that this book would be considerably stronger if the Dick Grayson was replaced with Bruce Wayne, as Daniel clearly seems more comfortable with the latter despite writing the former.

For every step forward that this issue takes, it takes several steps back. I have faith that Kieron Gillen can do some really great things with these characters, but I'm not sure how much longer I want to stick around to see what these things are. With greater focus in both the writing and the art, this would be a dynamite book, but as it stands, it just isn't living up to its potential.

You already know that Green Lantern is a Must Read for Doug Mahnke's art alone, but Geoff Johns does a great job of establishing the threat of Krona while giving Hal Jordan something more personal to worry about in the midst of this crisis. It's a setup issue, but Johns keeps it fresh with his great character writing. Chances are this is already the mostread title on this week's Rankings, so you probably already bought this comic. But, in the off chance that you didn't, you need to!

It took me quite some time to determine where this book would fall on the Rankings and what verdict it would receive. Paul Tobin's writing is stellar and could easily take in a Must Read verdict if I were judging the book on writing alone. On the flipside, the art isn't really my thing and is most certainly the wrong fit for this book. In the end, the writing edge the art out and just barely bumped his one up a level.

Another month down and another issue from this incredibly solid, but criminally underread title is on the stands. While The Spirit may not be on every reader's radar, it is one of the finest books that DC is currently producing. Once again, Hine and Moritat make a formidable team with this quirky crime story that sets up some interesting pulpstyle action for the next installment in the storyline. Too many of you aren't reading this title and now seems like a great time to give it a shot!

I like where Aaron is going with this story, especially since he acknowledges the fact that Wolverine seems so prone to mindcontrol, but I'm a little dismayed by some of the plot holes and the inconsistent output from Acuna. I had fun reading this comic, but it's hard to get past some of the flaws. You certainly wouldn't regret reading this, but you should still approach it with caution.

This is really, really on the fence between Check It and Buy It. The writing is superb as Hester has firmly established his take on Wonder Woman and is doing a phenomenal job with the character. Unfortunately, he is still trapped in the plot that JMS built before he abandoned the title and that plot has some holes that need plugging. What sends the book over the edge to the Check It level, though, is the art. This is not up to Kramer's standards by any means and, as a huge fan of his work, its hard to swallow!

While I've been on fully board with Amazing SpiderMan since the start of Big Time, this is the first dualstory issue where I was excited by both the lead and the backup. You get two great stories in this issue, both of which very finely crafted and have me really psyched for the directions they take their respective characters. The lead story cuts deep with its shocking and emotional ending, while the backup perfectly sells the new Venom ongoing series. It is a great time to be a SpiderMan fan thanks to comics like this hitting the stands!

In a week full of wellcrafted comics, what really gave Batgirl the edge was the fact that, not only was it supremely put together thanks to some amazing work from the creative team, it was also extremely enjoyable. The charm of this series is turned up to eleven in this issue. I never thought that any comic featuring Klarion the Witch Boy could top the Rankings, but this issue earned the spot easily thanks to the stellar work of Miller and Nguyen. A lot of folks still scoff at the high praise that this series has earned from its devoted fanbase, which is unfortunatethis is one of DC's finest comics. Everything about this issue screams

This issue is definitely on the bubble between Check It and Buy It, but falls just a bit short. I will openly admit that I might have gotten too excited about this creative team's debut and that could be clouding my judgment, but I was a bit let down by this issue. There are definitely flashes of everything that I hoped for and more, but a lot of it fails to live up to the high standards this team has set for themselves.

There is a lot that I really like about this issue, but in the long run, there is a lot more that I didn't care for. Writer Gail Simone seems a bit off of her game here, which is surprising considering how consistent of a writer she normally is from month to month. The issue is compounded by the fact that artist Inaki Miranda has a very uneven effort here that, while showcasing potential, is more of a hindrance to the issue than anything else.

Technically, other than some issues with the coloring, there isn't a lot wrong with the craftsmanship of this issue. Manapul's art is impressive and Johns has a good take on the characters. The biggest problem that I'm having is that the issue is that it's simply too much like the first issue of this relaunched series and it really wasn't the most entertaining book. Sometimes it just comes down to how much fun you have reading a book and this one felt a bit flat.

In a lot of ways, this issue really encapsulates the struggles that this series has had since launching last year. The story is drug on a bit too long with too little concrete information being given, too much is forced to make things fall together "nicely," and the issues with the art drag down the fact that Pasarin's a fantastic artist. This series has all of the makings of being on of DC's best comics, but it falls short in the end.

Despite some scriptdensity issues and a few stiff facial expressions, this was easily one of the most entertaining and wellcrafted comics of the week. You do have to overlook some flaws, but the fact that this comic is so thrilling makes that much easier to do than you'd expect. Steve Pugh has an awesome character on his hands with a superb premise and does not disappoint in the execution. The only problem? I want more of Alice's adventures now!

It has been way too long since we've seen an issue from this series, but that doesn't stop this one from being immensely enjoyable. Brubaker and Phillips both play to their strengths and the issue is fantastic for itthough Phillips does make some strange detours along the way. I still would prefer this series in trade, but the episodic nature of this issue definitely made it work better as a single issue. It's gritty, it's pulpy, it's fun, and it's worth your cash.

This quirky and charming miniseries rolls on this week with its strongest issue yet thanks to a great effort from artist Jimmy Broxton and simply superb plotting and character writing from Paul Cornell. This is a book with a niche audience, which, sadly, will keep us from ever having a Knight and Squire ongoing series, but as a member of that audience, I am damn glad that this book is what it is.

Great storytelling and superb art continue to be the hallmarks of this series, which produced another great issue this week. Nicieza and To are a dynamite creative team and this issue shows that they can work just as well with other DCU characters, with the exception of Catman, who is surprisingly flat here. That aside, you really cannot go wrong with this series and this is another fine example of why.

This issue is all about setup and foreshadowing as SpiderMan "learns" about heroics and we learn about the insanely powerful Zodiac Key, both of which are likely to be major parts of the

I really want to give this issue a Buy It verdict because I did enjoy the fastpaced action of the lead story and Stefano Casseli's artwork was really impressive, but the pacing in the lead was off at times and I simply didn't care much for the backup. Unfortunately, despite this issue having many impressive qualities, it was dragged down by these weaknesses.

Once again, Freedom Fighters is all about value. This denselypacked actionoriented comic gives you more story per page than nearly any other "big 2" comic with Palmiotti, Gray, and the fantastic art team giving you more for your $2.99 than you'd expect. There are some faults and inconsistencies, but for the most part, this is an awesomely crafted comic with bold memorable characters and an engaging highenergy plot that is definitely well worth your cash.

This volume of GI Joe is on its way out (a relaunch is planned for later this year after Cobra Commander was killed a few weeks ago in

This issue squeaks in at a Buy It ranking, but just barely. Paul Tobin's writing continues to impress me as he's made SpiderGirl an extremely engaging character. If you look at each individual artists' pages as a singular entity, this issue is really amazing, but the three artists fail to come together without jarring shifts that really detract from the issue. It is still worth your money and another fine issue from this great series, though.

This volume of GI Joe is on its way out (a relaunch is planned for later this year after Cobra Commander was killed a few weeks ago in

This issue is epic and engaging with a great balance between the larger conflicts and a strong personal connection that is just fantastically put together. This series has gotten better and better with each issue, but the creative seems to just now be hitting their stride. This issue is a perfect example of everything that this series is capable of and everything that fantasy comics should strive to be.

This issue just barely misses out from taking home a Must Read verdict. You get a cool new villain introduced and a few great moments of personality, including Bane's first date ever, but the lack of focus on the main characters for the majority of the issue and some slightly awkward plotting towards the second half of the issue did drag this one down a bit. This one is definitely on the bubble, so I do strongly recommend it.

Once again, Freedom Fighters is all about value. This denselypacked actionoriented comic gives you more story per page than nearly any other "big 2" comic with Palmiotti, Gray, and the fantastic art team giving you more for your $2.99 than you'd expect. There are some faults and inconsistencies, but for the most part, this is an awesomely crafted comic with bold memorable characters and an engaging highenergy plot that is definitely well worth your cash.

This issue is epic and engaging with a great balance between the larger conflicts and a strong personal connection that is just fantastically put together. This series has gotten better and better with each issue, but the creative seems to just now be hitting their stride. This issue is a perfect example of everything that this series is capable of and everything that fantasy comics should strive to be.

This issue just barely misses out from taking home a Must Read verdict. You get a cool new villain introduced and a few great moments of personality, including Bane's first date ever, but the lack of focus on the main characters for the majority of the issue and some slightly awkward plotting towards the second half of the issue did drag this one down a bit. This one is definitely on the bubble, so I do strongly recommend it.

Being a big fan of the creative team, I knew that SheHulks was going to be a fun comic put together fine craftsmanship from all involved. I had high hopes for this book, but I never could have guessed how insanely entertaining and incredibly fantastic this comic would end up being. Wilcox went from being a writer that I barely knew to one whose work I'll now greatly anticipate, while Stegman went from being one of my favorite rising stars to a true superstar in the making. If you passed up this comic for whatever reason, go grab it now while you still can. When this creative team is headlining some of Marvel's biggest books, you'll wish you had this awesome comic in your collection. Few comics can pull in three consecutive

This issue squeaks in at a Buy It ranking, but just barely. Paul Tobin's writing continues to impress me as he's made SpiderGirl an extremely engaging character. If you look at each individual artists' pages as a singular entity, this issue is really amazing, but the three artists fail to come together without jarring shifts that really detract from the issue. It is still worth your money and another fine issue from this great series, though.

In all honesty, I'm sad to see this miniseries end. Tim Seeley is absolutely superb on all levels in this incredibly fun issue. You get big crazy concepts, great characters, and fantastic artyou really can't go wrong with this one. AntMan and Wasp is a really wellcrafted comic and one of the biggest surprises of the last few months.

Its business as usual, as the highoctane Freedom Fighters delivers another denselypacked issue. The issue is walltowall action and a great cliffhanger. There are some small issues that just barely keep this issue from reaching a Must Read verdict, but, as a whole, the comic is highly entertaining, wellcrafted, and definitely worth your money.

Gillen and Espin continue to show promise, but fail to consistently live up to their own potential in this issue. The saving grace is that both creators do a solid job handling Hope, the main character, but the inconsistencies in the art and the lifeless plotting keep this issue from earning a stronger verdict.

The moody and atmospheric storytelling of Hine and Nichols come together here for another fine issue of this supernaturalnoir series. The reliance on exposition and stiffness in the art do hold it back some, but that shouldn't keep you from checking this out. It's well worth your money.

The problem with this comic is that it doesn't tie into a major event and doesn't feature marquee characters. In other words, too many readers are going to miss out on this incredibly entertaining and finely crafted comic. Harrison Wilcox and Ryan Stegman have been generating a lot of buzz over the last year and hit all of the right notes here. With issues like this, it won't be long before they are major players in the industry. This was an easy choice for

The fact that Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning have written yet another Must Read comic should surprise absolutely no one. The duo bring their usual magic, teaming up with artist Miguel Sepulveda to take Marvel's cosmic characters around the corner to the next movement in their saga. It looks like there are big things on the horizon and this is a great way to kick them off...even if it doesn't address the disappearance of Nova and StarLord at the end of the miniseries.

You get a brilliantly written Lex Luthor, a fantastic guest appearance the Secret Six, the insanely enjoyable Jimmy Olsen by Nick Spencer, and art from two of the finest creators in the business today. You cannot go wrong with this issue of Action Comics, which is definitely a Book of the Week caliber comic and would be a shoein if not for the fact that this has was such a great week for the industry (which, in all honesty, featured five Book of the Week caliber comics). Don't miss this.

This issue is really, really close to making it into the Buy It range. I love the epic scope of the plot and the final spread is easily one of the coolest moments of the week, but the rehashed fight scene and the haphazard art really drag this one down. I definitely feel like this series is finally heading into the right direction considering its ridiculously impressive creative team, but there needs to be more focus and greater consistency if this book is ever going to live up to its potential. There is no reason a Bendis/Romita Avengers book isn't always near the top of the Rankings.

This one just barely inches into the highest verdict bracket despite some issues that were hard to ignore. However, when Jock is one he is damn near unstoppable, Snyder has a great ear for his characters, and Francavilla is amazing; when you add these up, you get a superb comic that should not be missed. It's hard not to be impressed by a comic with so much talent involved!

Once again, the Elephantmen crew put together a powerful and incredibly wellcrafted comic. I've made no secret of my love for this series; it is issues like this that have earned that praise and adoration. I've told you this over and over and over againyou absolutely must read Elephantmen.

Clearly the Reverse Flash has a major role to play in the upcoming Flashpoint storyline and this issue is an entertaining way of bringing readers up to speed on the character's history. I really dig seeing Geoff Johns be playful with how he unfolds this story, even if the ending does seem to miss the mark. The biggest downfall for me, though, is the art of Scott Kolins, which simpy isn't up to par on his previous work. A stronger outing from Kolins and this issue would be much higher up on the Rankings.

It was extremely difficult choosing this week's

This issue squeaks in at a Check It verdict on the strength of Mike Mayhew's art, which might be the best interior work that I've ever seen from him. His hyperrealistic style is a great fit for Green Arrow, even if the story wasn't. While I'm sure that this series will return to being more grounded once

While I am disappointed that this issue doesn't directly pick up on the

As if there was any question, the brilliant creative team of Brubaker, Phillips, and Staples come together again for a topnotch issue that hits all of the right notes in this pulpy thrillride. This creative team is as good as they come and continue to showcase that in this issue. If you aren't reading this book, you should be.

Another fine issue from the creative team of DeConnick and Rios, who put together a great thrillride story that sees Osborn manipulating his surroundings as he works his way out of custody. This issue isn't tremendously deep, but it is highly entertaining thanks to the fine craftsmanship of the creative team. You aren't missing much in terms of a highly important plot if you skip this issue, but you are going to miss out on a fun story that features some really great art.

After bursting onto the scene with a great debut issue, the creative team behind SpiderGirl follows it up incredibly well with the actionpacked and tragic story that is extremely powerful. Tobin's brilliant character writing is accented nicely by both of the main artists, resulting in an issue that carries the momentum forward from the first issue and earns this title a place on my Pull List.

Krul and Scott's revitalization of Teen Titans continues this week with another fantastic issue that features a strong mix of personalitydriven character writing and simply gorgeous art. There are some plotting drawbacks that keep this from jumping further up the Rankings, but the great work from the creative team keeps this fresh and exciting throughout. If you jumped shipped on this title at some point in the last few years, now is the time to come back as it hasn't been this good since Geoff Johns was at the helm.

As X23 heads into its second story arc, things are looking good for the series. This issue features strong character work from Liu on both Laura and the guest starring Gambit. While the ending is a tad predictable thanks to some strange editorial decisions, this is still a strong, finelycrafted issue.

When Grant Morrison manages to inject some fun into his weird and builds that out of a strong plot and great characterization, he is hard to beat and that is exactly what we get here. This issue features some great development as the Batman, Inc concept is fleshed out more in this highly entertaining issue. Paquette's art is a strong fit for the series, especially with the improvement made from last issue, though the inking is just a terrible fit. The sooner this is fixed, the sooner this book will be a contender for the top spot on the Rankings.

It is always great to have Dynamo 5 back, even if it is just a oneshot story. Much of this issueaside from the epilogueis fairly inconsequential, but is rather heartwarming and is a great way for Jay Faerber to tackle something less weighty with his superhero team. When you add in a solid effort from Marcio Takara, you get a great little issue that overcomes its faults to become quite the enjoyable read.

This comic is as charming as it is heartbreaking with Geoff Johns and Brett Booth working together to create an intelligent, emotionally complex Christmas special that does wonders for expanding upon the character of Larfleeze in a way that should really resonate with readers. Holiday comics are normally fluff pieces without substance, but they break the mold here and produce not only one of the finest comics of the week, but one of the best comics of the year.

While I definitely prefer to read Incorruptible in trade and feel that it flows better that way as opposed to an issuebyissue read (which is rarely an issue with superhero comics), I was really pleased with this issue and the developments that it sets up. The series is turning a major corner here as the Plutonian is no longer a major issue hanging behind Danger's actions from this point forward. I look forward to seeing where Waid takes this and I'm glad to have Takara along for the ride, even if some tweaking is needed for him to meet his potential.

As Kill Shakespeare heads towards its inevitable conclusion, the creativity and complexity of the plotting continue to compound into what is becoming one of the best comics of the last few years. This week's issue features an awesome twist with Hamlet and Juliet that has me chomping at the bit for next issue in addition to more solid craftsmanship from all involved. You really should not miss this comic!

This issue is very much on the cusp of being a Buy It book as the action was handled really well and there are some cool developments that go on as the plot inches forward. Unfortunately, accessibility issues do factor in heavily, as does the disappointingly shallow dialogue. Is it a fun read? Definitely. Is it something you need to run out and buy not? Probably not.

I've been singing the praises of Morning Glories from day one and it has easily been one of the best comics of the year. That being said, this issue completely blows away every single issue that we've seen so far. This is Morning Glories living up to its tremendous amount of potential and exceeding all expectations. There is no more enigmatic comic on the stands this week and the brilliant creative team turns that into one of the most satisfying. Even in a week overflowing with awesome comics, there was never any question as to what would be the

Skullkickers is easily one of my favorite comics being published right now and this issue is another prime example of why. It's big, bold, and bodacious in its unrelenting awesomeness. It has memorable characters, great action, and a unique sense of humor that sets it apart from every other book on the stands. You can a comic that is just plain fun (and finely crafted)? Look no further.

You should probably buy this issue for the artwork alone, as Sara Pichelli absolutely rocks it here. She is such an incredible talent and I really hope that Marvel utilizes her elsewhere after she leaves this book. The writing is a tad disjointed, but Bendis's tremendous character work does make up for a lot of the pacing and plotting issues. In the end, not the finest issue of Ultimate SpiderMan, but another nice reminder on why this book is so much fun.

Phil Hester makes the most of this new highprofile gig by immediately going for an iconic take on Wonder Woman and absolutely nails it. It's too early to count chickens, but there is a ton of potential in Hester's run being the first real defining take on the character since Rucka's run ended. Unfortunately, the strength of the art is counter by some frighteningly bad art that brings the issue down hard. Not every page is problematic, but there are some that are just plain shockingly bad. I really want you to read this comic because the character work is so great, but I want you to be warned before you crack it open.

This issue was really close to bringing in a Buy It verdict, as it is easily one of the best XMen comics that I've read from Carey in quite some time, but the art inconsistencies were just too overpowering to ignore as they bring this one down. If Davidson can focus more on his consistency, there is some fantastic things going on with his art. There is definitely potential there, we just aren't seeing it come together.

This week's Avengers Academy made a strong run at the top spot this week through a great combination of exciting action, strong art, and brilliant character writing. This will be the defining Hank Pym story for years to come and with good reason, Gage does a great job of redefining the character in a way that opens up a lot of potential stories without fundamentally changing anything about the character that has come before. Oh yeah, and you think that

I really can't fault Tony Daniel when he is clearly putting forth a huge amount of effort for this comic and is showcasing a great amount of talent as both a writer and an artist. Technically, this is a really sound comic. The problem is that, creatively, he is missing the mark. Daniel just doesn't seem to be meant for writing or drawing Dick Grayson as Batman. If you turn off your brain and pretend that this is actually Bruce Wayne, you'll probably love this comic. If not, you'll only love the totally awesome last page.

If you can live with the piles upon piles of ridiculous details and implausible concepts in Absence's origins, you might enjoy this issue more. Unfortunately, I simply couldn't get over all of the things that don't work about this issue, which really distracts me from the things that do. Of course, this wouldn't be so bad if Scott McDaniel and Christopher Jones gelled better or if either artist brought his Agame. The end result is a surprisingly weak issue that simply misses the mark on a number of levels.

I'm really torn on this issue. There are a lot of really interesting things going on and I'm really looking forward to seeing what Gail Simone has in store for Oracle's endgame against the Calculator and her many enemies who are aware of her presence, but there is also a lot about this issue that simply doesn't work for me. I think I might be more forgiving if I could get behind Adrian Syaf's art more. In the end, I don't think you'd regret reading this issue by any means, but I don't think you need to run out to buy it.

This issue features some of the most excitement Green Lantern moments of the year, but falls short of being a Must Read simply because so much of the issue is Geoff Johns covering the same ground that he has covered countless times since

When Emerald Warriors launched, I was really hoping that it would simply take the place of the once nearanddear Green Lantern Corps on my pull list, especially with Peter Tomasi spearhearding the book. Unfortunately, the last few issues have really spun their wheels without going anywhere, which had me ready to drop the title. An improved effort from Fernando Pasarin and a very intriguing final scene really elevated this issue, though, and has earned this title a reprieve for a few more months. I just hope this momentum can continue to carry this book in the right direction.

While this is a far cry from some of the best issues in the overallstellar Gates/Igle run on this series, it does close out their time on the title on a strong note. The creative team did a fine job of giving Supergirl a strong supporting cast and in fleshing out the character, both of which are on full display in this finely crafted comic. While this is by no means groundbreaking, it is fun, well put together, and definitely worth your money.

I feel like I'm repeating myself in each review of

This comic is awesome. I cannot stress that enough. It is simply awesome. The first two chapters were fantastic, but the entire creative team turns it up to eleven in the finale. I can't recommend this highly enough and I can guarantee you'll see it on a lot of "best of" lists this year. The easy

The interesting concepts and the strength of Opena's art is certainly enticing, but the faults of this issue are simply too much for these to overcome. For every step forward that this issue makes, it takes another big step back with an overwritten script, a move backward for Deadpool's characterization, and coloring that simply doesn't work. This book has a ton of potential, but issues like this make me wonder how long I'm willing to stick around to see if it will live up to it.

Despite really enjoying the lead story, I strongly considered bumping this down to a Check It verdict because of the unnecessary backup story. I probably would have if not for the great art in that story by Jamie McKelvie. Jason Aaron is doing some cool things in this issue that have lead to a much stronger than I expected from the premise. I'd much rather see this book to only have a single story and a lower price, but as it stands, its still a damn fine read.

Another month and another fun issue of Batgirl, one of DC's top titles. Between Miller's superb character work and Nguyen's clear storytelling, this issue is as technically sound as it is entertaining. I've been singing this book's praises nonstop since its debut and this issue continues that winning trend, despite a handful of stumbling blocks that keep it from reaching a Must Read level.

For every step forward this issue makes, it takes another big step back...over and over and over again. There is a lot that the creative team does really well here that is at war at all the things they could have done better. The end result is a wildly uneven ride that, while entertaining, can't overcome its flaws to be the comic it has the potential of being.

Personally, I wanted to give this a Must Read verdict. I loved the bits of British humor and history that are packed throughout this incredibly fun issue. However, I do recognize that most American readers aren't going to get a lot of the references and might have a hard time tackling this issue without some familiarity for everything that Cornell is referencing. I'm part of the target audience for this book and so I loved every second of it. If your not, though, it's still a great read, but you are missing out on a lot of what makes it phenomenal.

Nothing goes quite as planned for Tim Drake in this issue, but its business as usual for Red Robin with another top notch issue. This is one of the most complex and densely packed issues of the series thus far, with a great amount of action and plot movement. Nicieza balances that out with strong character work, including an intriguing debut for the new character Promise. All of this is rounded out by another solid effort from artist Marcus To.

I was hoping this would fill the void left in my pull list after the end of

I hate giving this a Check It verdict, because I am really enjoying the story and the creators are clearly putting a tremendous amount of effort into making this an epic storyline. Unfortunately, it seemly doesn't work in a serialized form. I can almost guarantee that this comic would be a Buy It if I were reviewing the storyline as a whole in trade format. As a single issue, though, it's not working. Plus, I'm just not happy with the output from Ferry. This is a step down for him and a far cry from some of his strong works (like my personal favorite, his adaption of

There is little to be said about

After the cancellation of Hawkeye and Mockingbird, I was really hoping that this brief miniseries could continue my enjoyment of Jim McCann and David Lopez's take on those fantastic characters. Unfortunately, this issue really falls short of my expectations. There are certainly things to like and the mystery behind the new Ronin is intriguing; unfortunately, the issues really overwhelm this book's strengths and hindered my enjoyment of it.

Tim Seeley makes the best of this great opportunity to bring something a bit offbeat to the Marvel Universe while simultaneously showcasing his skills to an audience that may not be as familiar with his awesomeness. This issue features some extremely creative concepts while remaining grounded with strong character writingall wrapped up in some fantastic artwork. While the title characters may keep some readers away, don't let them discourage youthis is a can't miss comic.

The creative team behind Freedom Fighters has not let up on the throttle for even a moment since the first page of the first issue. That has been a major reason why this series has been such a great read but, as this week's issue shows, that can work against them. Some of the intricacies of the plot and a lot of Travis Moore's storytelling gets lost in the densely packed issue because the creative team is pushing too hard to put so much in the issue. It's still a great read and highly engaging, but it could easily be so much more!

This series was off to a solid start last issue, but really faltered in this week's installment. Kieron Gillen struggles to find the right voice for his characters as he trudges through a repetitive plot. While Salvador Espin does showcase some strong work at various points in this issue, the majority of the book sees him having just as much trouble finding the right look for his work. There is promise hidden in random panels throughout this issue, but in the end, I was disappointed.

First of all, I'm a little annoyed that this comic has Iron Fist on the cover, but there is no Iron Fist inside. He gets named checked, but that's it. I wants me some more Iron Fist. Beyond that, this comic is a major mixed bag that scoots by on the strength of a shocking final few pages. Huge fans of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning's recent work will be disappointed by how this one builds up, though Brad Walker's art does a solid job of making up for the writing shortcomings. I'm not sold by a long shot, but I'm intrigued. Approach this one with caution!

This has been the weakest Secret Six storyline yet and, while it does feature a bit of an upswing this week due to the twists with Waller, the illdefined conflict and rushed conclusion to the battle for Skartaris does hold it back some. Simone's character work is as good as ever, as is Calafiore's art, so fans of the series should enjoy what they are getting here quite a bit, though it is worth noting that this is a bit of a letdown from the earlier storylines.

This comic really has it alla fun plot, great character work, fantastic art, and a whole buttload of superpowered apes. Wilcox puts together an incredibly charming issue that had me incredibly engaged in characters I've never really cared for before, but it's the work of artist Stegman that made this the

If you have the patience to follow the lead story carefully,

I was really impressed with the first issue of the new

This issue moves fast through a lot of twists and turns as

Scott Snyderwhose

This fastpaced issue offers up some solid action as Green Arrow fights Nyx though the big focus is Ollie's confrontation with his father's former lover, The Queen, who now runs his former business. While

Once again, the more absurd Skullkickers gets, the more enjoyable it is. This issue is chock full of action as the "heroes" storm the castle of their enemies, but the highlight is Beardy's hilariously absurd hallucination. I had no idea until now that I'm a sucker for constellations coming to life to deliver prophecies to angry dwarves. And here I thought I knew myself so well! Despite little in terms of concrete character interaction, I'm amazed at how well

Writer

This issue jumps and backandforth between scenes, which can be a bit jarring at times, though the dichotomy between Thor finding a life on Earth just as he is being denied one in Asgard is incredibly intriguing.

This is really fun, really wellcrafted comic. All of the art teams do a great job of working with

As long as you can overlook the continuity nightmare that is Apocalypse and his Horsemen, there is plenty to enjoy about this comic.

I know I shouldn't really hold this against this storyline, but I feel that the timing is off. This storyline spins directly out of Second Coming and should have followed it immediately, rather than after the recently concluded Mumbai/Children of the Vault storyline.

Artifacts #3 is a weird beast. In some ways, the flurry of character introductions puts you in information overload, but on the flipside, the lack of story movement makes you wish there were more meat in the issue. This draws and interesting parallel with the absurd number of artists who touch this issue, but don't seem to touch it enough. I'm intrigued by where the story is going and I want to know more about the characters we are introduced to here, but I need something more than what we are getting here. This issue is on the right track, it's just not going anywhere yet.

In theory, I love Avengers and the direction that it is going in. You've got a great cast, big threats, a dynamite creative team, and a guest spot for one of my absolute favorite characters in the Marvel catalogue. Unfortunately, somewhere between the theory and the execution, things go astray. The craftsmanship from both Bendis and Romita is subpar considering their histories and the entertainment value suffers as well. This should be a Must Read book every month, but instead I'm scrambling for reasons to justify the purchase.

I really debated whether or not I should rank this issue higher or lower than where it currently sits. I feel like Tony Daniel is putting forth a tremendous effort, both in terms of his improvement as a writer and his incredible amount of ability as an artist. In terms of craftsmanship, I can't deny the quality of his work. The problem is that, as a storyteller, he still struggles. He can't seem to find the right voice and visuals for Dick Grayson as Batman, often times putting himself at odds with himself as the writing doesn't always mesh with the art and vice versa. So, although this is a Buy It, it's a Buy It with an asterisk. The moment Daniel finds that voice, though, he is going to blow us all away.

I have to be totally honest, this could have been the Book of the Week or a very strong runnerup if the art was just a bit more under control. Grant Morrison absolutely shines in this issue with his cleveryetclear approach to the characters, concepts, and plots. There is so much about this issue that I absolutely loved, it just kills me that the inking holds back the art so much. Inkers are often considered the unsung heroes of the business, but here, the inker is definitely the villain! A great performance from almost all around earn this the Must Read verdict, though it clearly had the potential for so much more!

This issue just barely misses the Must Read verdict. You have writing from Grant Morrison that easily earns the verdict, but the art just barely falls short and, when combined with an unjustified $4.99 price point, I can't rationalize bumping this book to the next level. That being said, it's still a very strong comic that has me extremely excited for the future of the Batline and, perhaps most importantly, Grant Morrison's participation in it. He casts aside the chains of his convoluted highconcept Batman versus Dr. Hurt epic in favor of a more directed and grounded approach that should appeal to both his loyalists and his fans that were disenchanted with his recent output. It's not quite a Must Read, but it's still a winning comic.

This week's Elephantmen features all of the characteristics that make this series such an addictive seriesgreat characters, quality action, complex themes, and superb craftsmanship. On a purely visceral level, you get a great comic about giant animal/human hybrids and robots battling it out, but under the surface, as with all Elephantmen issues, is a haunting history and multifaceted conflict that makes it all the more engaging. Plus, on top of that, you get another fun Charley Loves Robots comic. Who could ask for me? Not me, that's who.

The first storyline for this series wraps up just as well as it began, with Johns and Manapul showing that they both have the goods to make Barry Allen a compelling and exciting character (as a Wally fan that hated

Is this the best issue of Green Lantern that we've seen lately? Not by a long shot, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth the cover price. The seams are starting to show in this is current storyline as Johns circles a bit in this issue, but when he does take a step forward, it's practically a leap. In terms of story, this issue nearly earns a Buy It verdict on the strength of Black Hand's appearance alone. When you add in a solid, but not quite up fantastic, effort from Doug Mahnke and crew, you get another issue of Green Lantern that is worth your cash.

This is easily my favorite issue of Kill Shakespeare yet and, much like the other books in the Top 6, has plenty of reasons for why it was a contender for Book of the Week. This is the most emotionally and thematically complex issue of the series, with the writing team of McCreery and Del Col showcasing just how much thought went into the plotting of this series. Another solid effort from Belangerwith some of the coolest layouts you'll see this weekelevates the book to the Must Read level, despite featuring the weirdest swollen lips I've seen in some time!

This issue almost pulls in a Buy It verdict, but falls short thanks to an underdeveloped backup and a lead story that is simply too short for my liking. I'm trying not to throw the

With just one more issue left in the opening storyline, things really pick up with this week's issue of Morning Glories. We see more character development in this issue than any of the previous, which bodes well as Nick Spencer absolutely kills here. To back him up, Joe Eisma steps up his game with perhaps his best effort yet. Two great creators working in perfect sync on an equally as great concepthow can you go wrong? Seriously, if you aren't reading Morning Glories, you are totally missing out.

I was admittedly on the fence about this comic before I read it. I have never cared for Norman Osborn or, with few major exceptions, Norman Osborn stories, but I really dig all of the creators involved. In the end, the creators won out and I am so glad that they did. DeConnick, Rios, Ellis, and McKelvie flex their creative muscles and throw their weight around in a disturbingly complex and satisfying comic that pushes the boundaries of a "superhero" comic. This comic is nothing like anything else that Marvel is currently publishing and is an absolute must have book for your collection. This will get overlooked by far too many people, but don't be one of them.

It was another hardfought week on the Power Rankings where any number of books had good reason to be the #1 book. Only one book, however, could take home the

This is one of those few issues where the sum of the parts really outweighs the individual achievements. If I nitpick, there are quite a few little things in this issue that don't work for me, but when I step back and look at the issue as a whole, it really comes together quite nicely in spite of the development of Cat Grant, some art inconsistencies, and a headscratching final two pages. When you take it all in, this is a great way to kick off Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle's final storyline as the Supergirl creative team, bringing together a lot of plot threads they've left hanging while encapsulating a lot things that made their run so enjoyable.

This is another great issue for The Spirit, which continues to flourish under the watchful eyes of David Hine and Moritat. They spin a fun, but somewhat shallow mystery in the midst of a larger and more satisfying plot that I think has some real potential. When you add in a solid blackandwhite backup from the legendary Walt Simonson and equallyaslegendary Jordi Bernet, you've got a really solid issue that is worth a purchase in spite of needing some polish in all aspects.

I actually read this one multiple times before writing this review and, while I did gain a great appreciation for the character work, I couldn't get past a lot of the issues that I found in this comic. The biggest issue in the writing is the pacing, though I don't think this would be quite as noticeable if the art wasn't so distracting. The art should complete the story, not pull you out of it. Unfortunately, Tan Eng Huat's art works against this book more than for it and the entire issue suffers accordingly.

After two really strong issues, X23 really spins its wheels this week. Marjorie Liu's take on the character is still incredibly strong and enjoyable, but you'll have dj vu the entire time you are reading this. It's the same concepts we've seen before, but with slight tweaks in the presentation. The surprising misstep from Wil Conrad doesn't help, though the few fleeting pages from Sana Takeda looked fantastic. I still have a lot of faith in this series, but this issue really missed the mark in a lot of ways.

I can't say that I didn't enjoy this issue, because it was fun, despite its flaws. Adam Beechen brings a great oldschool vibe to the story, which feels like it could be ripped from one of DC's blackandwhite Showcase volumes. Unfortunately, the pacing issues and overwritten approach take away from the story, as does Chad Hardin's struggles to refine his art. There are definitely reasons to read this issue, but I couldn't find enough to recommend a purchase.

Having dropped Amazing SpiderMan a few months back and only marginally following it through other reviewers, I was completely floored by how much Dan Slott and company pack it not his incredible debut issue for the new status quo. This issue hits all the right notes in terms of craftsmanship and entertainment value in a way that should appease disillusioned SpiderMan readers while still exciting those who've been following SpiderMan for the last 101 Brand New Day issues (and beyond). When you add in a superb backup, this is a great jumping on point with and incredible amount of new twists and turns that shows just how exciting the future can be for SpiderMan. It's a hard fought week, but this issue could not be denied the

Comic book readers are constantly complaining about comics not being fun anymore, but then often overlook comics like this issue that are precisely that. Seeley's playful tone and great character work make this a highly enjoyable issue that has a decidedly different feel than any other book that Marvel is currently publishing. Its oldschool superheroics with a newschool attitude presented through fine craftsmanship. While not quite jumping into Must Read territory, I still highly recommend it.

I really hate to see Lee Garbett leaving this title because he had amazing chemistry with writer Bryan Q. Miller and the two did such an impressive job of bringing the adventures of Stephanie Brown to life, but it's hard to be upset when his replacement is the alwaysimpressive Dustin Nguyen. Nguyen and Miller make an excellent team here and continue the winning ways for this insanely charming and addictive series. Another month, another big win for Batgirlthe best superhero book that you probably aren't reading.

I really hate to Rank a book this low and give out this harsh of a verdict when the art is so strong, but in the end, the abysmal writing simply overwhelms it. Morrison goes off on a wild tangent here, but simply outpaces himself, delivering underdeveloped ideas wrapped in shoddy dialogue. With more time and stronger focus, I think the concepts here could actually work and work extremely wellwhich is the same argument I had for

I was really on the fence about assigning this book this strong of a verdict given some of the flaws in the art and some issues with the development of the plot, but the strength of Gail Simone's Huntress and the fun action sequences won out. The entire White Canary epic has been weaker than could be expected based upon Simone's recent output on

This issue squeaks by with a Check It verdict, but just barely. If you take a giant step back and start to see the forest from the trees, this issue has a lot going for it as the story begins to transition into its next phase. When you get down to the issue itself though, there are plotting and pacing issues that are hard to get past, especially with surprisingly weak dialogue and an inconsistent art effort. It's enjoyable enough, but the issues aren't easy to overlook.

It pains me to rank this book at #6 when it's definitely of a Book of the Week caliber. That just shows how strong this week really was for comics. There aren't many major flaws with the craftsmanship or the entertainment value of this comic. The lack of action may put some readers off, but the real stumbling block, and the main reason this didn't rank higher, is accessibility. This is definitely a niche comic for a niche audience, meaning that the average reader of the Rankings may not be able to get full invested into the comic. On one hand, I applaud Cornell and company for not even flinching with this book, but on the other hand, I do have to note how easily they dismiss a large potential audience that would love to jump onto the K&S bandwagon from Morrison's work. Still, if this is your thing, you'll freakin' love this book and you'll wish it were an ongoing series (I know I do).

There are a lot of books this week that pulled in Must Read verdicts, but no comic fought harder for the Book of the Week ranking than this week's Red Robin. This is a near flawless issue that delivers on an obnoxiously large number of levels. Every time I think about this comic, I find new things to love about it. The fact that this issue isn't #1 has absolutely nothing to do with any of its own flaws and it should be noted that it was just barely nosed out of the top spot by another incredibly impressive comic. Even as I write this, I'm second guessing my choice to put this book at #2. It's that goodnay! It's that great!

I can honestly say that I never thought a SheHulk comic could make such a strong case for being purchased, let alone for being Book of the Week. While this issue does fall just shortand I'm taking millimeters hereit is certainly worth of the honor. Harrison Wilcox puts together an insanely entertaining storyline featuring some of the most intriguing characters of the week, but it is the work of Ryan Stegman that launches this book to another level I've been singing the praises of Stegman for years, but his work here is above and beyond anything I've seen from him before. In a few years when he is headlining the next

With

For patient fans that have followed Marvel's cosmic books from page one of the epic Annihilation miniseries way back in 2006 until now, this is the perfect ending to one of the most complex and satisfying epics that Marvel has ever produced. Although Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning jumped in after that initial miniseries, they piloted these characters through twist and turn through hundreds of pages spanning multiple titles and then BAM, they slap the readers in the fact with a shock ending that reaches all the way back to those opening pages of Annihilation. It's heartbreaking and powerful; even if I'm totally not okay with the fact that we readers are left with our jaws on the floor wondering what happened to two of our favorite heroes (including my personal favorite Marvel character). There are still issues with the art that have plagued this miniseries from day one and there is a lot that is glossed over to reach the shocks, but this is still an amazing comic that absolutely needs to b

This is another squeaker. It seems like every time Fraction and Ferry take a step forward, they have to take another step back. The biggest problem lies in the fact that Fraction's head seems to be in the clouds on this story. The big picture is welldeveloped, but its time to raise the stakes by closing the story in a bit. Now that we have Loki back and the threat of the WorldEaters is closer to Earth, we might just get that. I certainly hope so as I'd love to see what this creative team is capable of once they really get going.

It's really hard not to compare this issue to the previous efforts from this awesome series because the quality of those issues was so high. On its own merits, there is a lot to like here, but knowing the potential that Gage and McKone have, it doesn't add up. Of course, it doesn't help that the multiple inkers on McKone's art give it an uneven quality. This isn't a horrible comic by any means, but its definitely a step down for this otherwise brilliant series.

And so the door closes on of the most divisive storylines in recent memoryGrant Morrison's multiyear, multititle epic that saw Bruce Wayne at his highest and lowest points as he battles the mysterious Dr. Hurt. In the midst of this, Morrison wrote some of his best and worst work, but he ends on a very strong note with this issue. When you had in superb efforts from Burnham and Stewart, you have a simply phenomenal comic, even if Irving's work is simply abysmal.

Remember when Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray launched

As IDW's take on GI Joe reaches its twoyear point, things are looking as good as ever. Chuck Dixon finds the right mix of action and character work and gets a fine assist from artist Robert Atkins. This has the makings of a Must Read comic if not for a few hangups here and there, but overall, it's one of the strongest issues this series has seen since the relaunch.

Despite being the lowest ranked Buy It title, this is still a fantastic comic and well worth your time and money. Keiron Gillen picks up on the stronger aspects of the recent

I absolutely hate that this series is going to go away, especially since the recent Runaways hiatus has shown us that hiatuses are just cruelly mislabeled cancellations. Jim McCann and the art team led by David Lopez play to their strengths here and bring their Agame in doing so. This issue encapsulates everything that has worked incredibly well for this series and turns it up to 11. I'm not okay with the fact that this series is ending, but I'm so glad that it is ending on such a strong note. If you are going to go, go out on top, right? This is the first

This storyline is still a bit weaker than the usual Secret Six fair, with awkward pacing being the only major issue. Despite this, it's still a great read with strong character work and some great art. Plus, Amanda Waller's scene is so awesome that it is worth the cover price alone. Seriously, it's incredibly badass.

As a huge fan of Jeff Lemire's presuperhero work, I really hoped that his awesome writing ability would transition well into his work for DC. While I do think that he has a strong take on Conner Kent as a character, the poor pacing of this issue and the very weak art hold this one back and bring it down. With more careful storytelling and a lot of polish on the art, this book has potential, but there just isn't enough here for me to recommend purchasing or reading this comic. I had hopes, but this one let me down.

While this issue definitely has its strengths, it is a matter of one step forward followed by one step back followed by a backup story that tips the scales by just not working. I'm still enjoying this storyline and there is a lot that I really like about this issue, the holes in the craft keep it from jumping up the Rankings any further. Without the back up, we are looking at a low Buy It, but when I take the book as a whole, it can't make it any further up the Rankings.

Young Allies comes to a close with this issue and it's a damn shame. This issue is a great example of the complexity and depth behind the concept of a "team that isn't a team" that Sean McKeever and David Baldeon have been building over the last six issues. The craftsmanship here is as superb as ever; I'm glad to see the series go out on a strong note. It's just a shame that Marvel's readership can support umpteen Deadpool and Avengers books, but couldn't find a place for this one on their pull lists! Hopefully the upcoming

This is a prime example of the type of Grant Morrison comic that I thoroughly enjoy. It features the crazy offthewall concepts, but doesn't sacrifice the sanctity of established characters. It's focused and clear, but still delivers the unexpected and the unusual. It's just good writing. In fact, it would've catapulted this book to Must Read territory and a potential Top 3 finish if not for the fact that Frazer Irving's art is just too inconsistent. Yes, some pages are beyond awesome, but some pages are equally as dreadful. Overall, however, I'm calling this a win based upon the strenght of the writing.

The majority of the issue features fairly lifeless and lackluster writing, but the issue as a whole jumps up to a Buy It verdict on the strength of the last two pages and the very impressive art. This issue was a nice reminder of how effective a grounded Gotham City story can be and really makes me wish that DC would dust off the

There are a lot of reasons that this book could have jumped up to Buy It territory, including some interesting new concepts and some of the stronger points of Peter Nguyen's art, but ultimately the flaws are too numerous and too glaring to bump this issue up. If you are following the Road Home storyline, its necessary reading, but I'd recommend not setting your expectations too high.

It's amazing how this went from a series that I approached with caution due to the convoluted history of the extremely large Legion of Superheroes cast to becoming one of DC's strongest titles. Paul Levitz and a great art crew close out the first story arc with great new twists on undeniably charismatic characters. I get more and more excited about this series with each issue and this is a fine example of why I've recently become a total Legion junkie.

Morning Glories is every bit as amazing as everyone says it is. There is no way around it. If you aren't reading this comic, then you can't possibly comprehend how awesome this series is. Don't just take my word for itgrab $3.50, head to your comic book shop, and demand a copy. Well, take like $15, because you'll want all three issues, plus you'll probably need a snack, too. DO IT NOW.

I'd been solidly behind the Week 2 offering,

Skullkickers is big, crazy fun. Jim Zubkavich and Edwin Huang pull no punches with how boldly silly this comic is, but never let that get in the way of telling a great story through superb craftsmanship. This is high fantasy that isn't afraid to ham up its kitschier elements. If you are looking for a comic that is sheer entertainment, you can't do much better than Skullkickers.

This issue is simply brilliant. Sterling Gates does a wonderful job of stepping up his Supergirl to an allnew level that really revitalizes her (just in time for Nick Spencer to take over in a few months). Between the amazing art, fantastic story, and great character writing, this issue really showcases just what Supergirl is capable of as a character and how complex she can be. It's not often that a single issue is a game changer for a character without resorting to gimmicks, but this issue is just that, which is precisely why it tipped the book over the edge to make it my pick for

This is a fluff issue for sure, but that doesn't stop it from being fun as Williamson does a great job of developing the tense relationship between Robin and Supergirl in their unlikely teamup. Between the strong interaction and fun gags, Williamson has a winner on his hands. When you add in the art by Ale GarzaSupergirl's torso asidethe issue is that much better. I just hope other writers pick up on how well these characters came together here, as I'd like to see more interaction from them.

DC's soontobedeceased backup features can be both a blessing and a curse, sometimes lifting lackluster titles up (such as Sean McKeever's Ravager stories in the abysmal Teen Titans), but they can also drag an otherwise strong comic down. This is definitely a case of the latter. While David Hine's departure from the style and pace of the previous issues does make this the weakest issue of the storyarc, this issue could have jumped up a few slots on the Rankings with a strong backup (or without a backup at all). Don't get me wrong, this comic is still worth your money, but in the end, there are better buys because I do have to look at the comic as a whole.

Much like Thor's internal battle with Donald Blake within the issue, I feel like the writing is at battle with the art in this issue. Glass's strong take on the Thor/Blake relationship and his simply frightening vision of Loki are definitely Must Read material. Unfortunately, I found that the art seriously hindered my enjoyment of the issue. Tan Eng Huat definitely has strong aspects to his art, but the overall look and feel of the issue is incredibly offputting. Thankfully the writing wins out on this issue, but I can't help but feel that, with stronger art, this issue could have made a run for Book of the Week.

The second issue for Liu and Conrad's X23 shows that the first was no fluke. This is a great exploration and expansion of the character that adds considerable depth while maintaining a highly interesting plot. Plus, this is the coolest that the Wolverine Goes to Hell storyline has been so far and actually has me more excited for future of Jason Aaron's Wolverine series because of that. This series continues to showcase superb craftsmanship, but still has a lot of potential yet to reach. As awesome as it is now, can you imagine how great it will be once it hits its stride?

The second issue for Liu and Conrad's X23 shows that the first was no fluke. This is a great exploration and expansion of the character that adds considerable depth while maintaining a highly interesting plot. Plus, this is the coolest that the Wolverine Goes to Hell storyline has been so far and actually has me more excited for future of Jason Aaron's Wolverine series because of that. This series continues to showcase superb craftsmanship, but still has a lot of potential yet to reach. As awesome as it is now, can you imagine how great it will be once it hits its stride?

I'm sure there will be several anonymous posters that complain about me hating Morrison (which, for the last time, I don't), but I can honestly say that every other Morrison comic I have complained about looks Eisnerworthy in comparison to this mess. This is easily the word comic I've seen from Morrison since the Joker prose story that should have never seen the light of day. The worst part is that Morrison could've phoned this story in and nailed it. Bruce Wayne would be perfect in a noirstyle detective comic, but instead we get a piss poor conspiracy comic that highlights all of the ridiculous retcons that Morrison has been jamming down our throats for the last several years filled with simply horrendous dialogue. I had high hopes for this comic, but its lack of clarity, cohesion, and quality killed those.

Every time that Fabian Nicieza takes a step forward with his high quality writing, the art forces the book to take a step back. Unfortunately, those backward steps tend to be a bit longer than those going forward. There is a lot of neat concepts being developed here and it is required reading if you want to follow the return of Bruce Wayne (even if you don't read the other Road Home oneshots), but it isn't the strongest comic, despite Nicieza's best efforts.

It has been a long time since I've had this much trouble choosing a

With a solid effort from artist Ramon Bachs at his back, Fabian Nicieza is able to ramp this one up the Rankings with his great character work leading the way. Nicieza has established himself as the single best writer when it comes to Tim Drake and this issue is just another fine example of that. Are there issues? Of course, but none of them so prominent that you shouldn't pick this one up.

I'm tempted to give this issue a Must Read verdict on the strength of Doug Mahnke's art and the awesomeness of Larfleeze alone, but the somewhat haphazard plotting and the lack of urgency in the plot stuck with me long after reading. A bit more focus and a tightening up of the pace would go a long way, potentially even making this issue a contender for Book of the Week.

Much like Thor #616,

I really considered skipping over Knight and Squire, waiting for the reviews to pour in, and potentially picking it up in trade. This would have been a horrible decision. This comic is incredibly charming and entertaining with a great bit of action and superb character work. It feels like a natural extension of Grant Morrison's use of the characters (some of his best work in the last few years) and is a showcase of superb craftsmanship. I really, really dig this comic and I think you'd be absolutely insane if you didn't give it a shot. I told myself I would only feature one Book of the Week this week, but this issue made it extremely hard for me to decide what book that would be. While this didn't capture the top spot, it was certainly deserving of the honor.

First issues of Star Wars comics are always a hard sell because you have to do so much setup to introduce the characters and era while, balancing against developing a sense of familiarity to tie it into the greater franchise. Even looking back at the first issue of the modern classic

This is easily the best issue of Thanos Imperative yet, which says a lot considering how awesome the series has been thus far. The great action, superb art, and utterly fantastic twist ending make this a comic that you absolutely have to read. On a lighter week, this one could've easily been the Book of the Week. Take that to heart and buy this comic as soon as you can. You won't regret it (and if you do, I'm not so sure we can be friends anymore).

This issue is definitely teetering on the edge of Buy It territory thanks to the strong sense of atmosphere in the writing and the always awesome work of Pasqual Ferry. Unfortunately, the lack of plot movement and the repeated beats from last issue drag this one back into a Check It verdict. Its still a fun issue and I've got a feeling that, given time, this will be a muchtalked about run for the title, but it needs to start picking up a little before it starts losing readers (including this one).

This is really just not a very interesting comic. Aside from the subpar art, there isn't a lot to complain about here in terms of craftsmanship, but the lack of personality keeps this one from being entertaining enough to justify a purchase. I think we are on the cusp of some cool plot twists with Wolverine and Cyclops battling it out (plus whatever it is they are planning with

I've been a huge fan of Christos Gage for years, but with Avengers Academy, he has completely redefined himself as a writer and jumped into the upper echelon of characterwriters. His work on this issue has just been superb and this issue might be his best effort yet. The way that he has turned Striker into the most interesting and complex characters in the series is just phenomenal. Jorge Molina does an admirable job stepping in for Mike McKone here, as well. Honestly, this one had Book of the Week written all over it, but was just barely edged out for the top spot.

It's clear that

Slightly shallow character writing aside, this issue's flaws are few and far between. The entire franchise ramps up with this issue as we get closer to the inevitable fullon war between Cobra and the Joes. That will only serve to elevate my enjoyment of this tremendously wellthought out series, especially if Robert Atkins sticks around. Plus, any issue both Helix and Storm Shadow is that much more awesome by default. Don't miss this one!

The first storyline in this series rockets to a conclusion in the much the same manner it has operated from the beginningstrong character work, highoctane action, and an anything goes approach to storytelling. Jim McCann pulls a major shocker here that completely changes the game for this series and the art team led by David Lopez makes it look fantastic. I never thought I'd see the day that a comic starring Hawkeye and Mockingbird would be one of Marvel's strongest books, but issues like this have shown me the error of my ways.

We are three weeks in and all three of Top Cow's Pilot Season titles have been enjoyable. Jeff Katz, working from concepts created by

This has been one of the strongest weeks for comics in recent memory, with so many great issues. It was almost impossible for me to choose my favorite comic this week, but I kept coming back to Ryder on the Storm. The lush, atmospheric art and the genredestroying come together beautifully in an intriguing and exciting package that is not only the Book of the Week, but one of the best comics of the year. This is not a comic you want to miss.

This isn't the best Secret Six storyline that we've seen, but even its lulls are stronger than most comic's highs. There is a lot to love here, especially with some of the stronger character moments. Ragdoll's joke about it raining swamp creature is worth the cover price alone. This is your usual fantastic Secret Six fare and, if things go the way they are heading, the next issue will be even better.

I really don't know what I expected from Uncanny XForce, but it certainly wasn't something as characterdriven as this issue was. Between Angel's war with himself and the bold personalities of Fantomex and Deadpool, Rick Remender offers a new spin on the XForce formula that works very well. I wasn't blown away by this issue, but I was impressed enough that I'd say it is well worth your money. There are a lot of really interesting concepts coming together here under some damn fine craftsmanship.

Don't let the fact that this is lowestranked comic of the week fool you into thinking that it isn't worth reading. This is a tremendously satisfying comic that features some of the strongest writing that Wolverine has seen in quite some time. Jason Aaron has this character down perfectly, which allows him to rise above a storyline that is only marginally interesting to me. There are some issues with the art that caused this to tumble down the list, but this comic is still completely worth a purchase and comes strongly recommended.

The first storyline for Young Allies ends on a very strong note with the team finally coming together to stop a threat and showing just how capable the young heroes are when the situation demands their attention. The openending has me wondering where McKeever is going with the story, but so long as the craftsmanship stays as strong as it is here, count me in for the ride. This is definitely one of the most underlooked books on the stands today and you'd be wise not to pass it up.

I picked this issue up knowing how great the Jimmy Olsen backup feature was (after it had been posted on Comixology last week), but was pleasantly surprised to see that the Lex Luthor main story was leaps and bounds ahead of the first (and only) installment I had read a few months back. With clever writing from both Cornell and Spencer, as well as fantastic art from both Chen and Silva, this is a definite "can't miss" comic.

Honestly, when the kind folks at Top Cow sent me a review copy of

This is a prime example of how a backup can hijack a great comic. The lead comic in this issue is easily Must Read material and could be a contender for Book of the Week on its own. Unfortunately, the longwinded prose story takes up the majority of this issue, bumping up the page count and adding to the price. At $2.99 for just the main story, this comic could take home the top spot on this week's rankings (granted, IDW's standard price point for GI Joe books is $3.99, but I think we'd probably get more story pages at full price, so I won't complain). Unfortunately, I feel like I've paid a few extra bucks for something that has very little to do with the lead and, ultimately, drags the book down.

If this issue were a bit more cohesive with a stronger underlying focus, it could easily vault into Must Read territory. The twist ending was a great shocker that has me super pumped for next issue, while Diogenes Neves is making leaps and bounds forward with his art. I still wish we'd see a more grounded take on Green Arrow that skips over the Brightest Day mumbo jumbo, but even with that present here, this is an issue that is wellworth your time.

We may only be two weeks into Top Cow's Pilot Season, but this issue is the frontrunner for me and its going to take a very strong comic to steal my vote. Filip Sablik's unique story is brought to life expertly by David Marquez in this extremely intriguing issue. This feels like a good trailer for a hit movieyou get just enough to be interested and you have to overlook some flaws, but in the end you can't wait to see the whole thing.

This honestly feels more like a great opening to an ongoing series than it does a oneoff story. Glass makes you care, then sets Valkyrie off into the sunset for other writers to work with. The problem? I want more and I want more from this creative team. This issue shows what a strong creative team with a clear focus can do for even the most convoluted characters. I never though I'd say this, but if Marvel launched an ongoing Valykrie series, it would go to the top of my pull listprovided it retained this creative team. In a week full of simply awesome comics, it took a total package issue to walk away with the Book of the Week honor and that is exactly what this is.

This issue definitely made a run for a Buy It verdict thanks to some really interesting concepts presented by JMS and strong efforts from all of the artists involved. Unfortunately, the lack of cohesion in the art and the very rushed concepts in the writing held this one back just enough that it stayed in Check It range. I'm still really enjoying the new direction for Wonder Woman, but unfortunately this issue isn't quite up to par with the previous offerings in this run.

There are some positive aspects of this book here and there, but it ultimately misses the mark and misses it hard. Pacing issues, shallow character writing, and simply disappointing art are the main culprits with this book as the creative team turns an interesting plot into an unfortunate mess. Unfortunately, this might just be the last straw for this title as I'm really tired of giving it second chances.

This is the first time that I've really felt like this series is something special, which is how every Avengers issue should be. These are

After three straight second place performances on the Rankings, Avengers Academy finally snags its first

This one squeaks into the Buy It range on the strength of its art mostly. There are some great moments in terms of writing, especially in the latter half of the issue, but in a lot of ways it feels like we are treading down the same path, which is frustrating. That's not to say that I didn't enjoy the issue or that I wouldn't recommend it, because I think you should read it, but don't say that I didn't warn you!

It's getting harder and harder to write justifications for Elephantmen's Must Read verdictsnot because it doesn't deserve thembut because I'm running out of ways to praise this series. I think it is wellknown at this point that Elephantmen is my favorite comic and this issue is another great example of why. You'd be a fool to miss it, True Believers.

It isn't often that I can say this, but I really feel like there is too much of Geoff Johns in this issue. Francis Manapul does a superb job of carrying this issue and telling the story, but Johns has a tendency to overwrite here and that hijacks a lot of what Manapul is accomplishing. There are some major issues that would keep this from being a Must Read comic, but with a minimal approach to dialogue, Manapul could have run this one a few more spots up the Rankings!

Earth Man is the

Until the second printing drops, you are going to have a hard time finding Skullkickers #1. You might have to do some hunting and you might have to pay more than cover price, but trust me, it's worth it. Skullkickers is quirky and entertaining with a highly imaginative approach to the fantasy genre that should have a broad appeal. There is a lot of buzz about this book and, quite frankly, it's wellearned.

In a lot of ways, this issue is a step in the right direction. Jamal Igle's work continues to be very strong, especially with inker Jon Sibal on board. The concepts that Sterling Gates presents for Bizarroworld are really cool, even if there are some missteps in the execution. My biggest problem is still the ending, as I feel that Supergirl is a strong enough character to stand on her own and this issue would be a great way to bring her out of the funk that the character has put herself into over the last few years. It could be a turning point, but I feel like Gates is backpedaling too hard.

Another month and another fine issue of The Spirit. This issue has really caught fire under writer David Hine and this issue does not disappoint. The darker tone and serious edge make for some incredibly tense storytelling that works very well. As a huge fan of Azarello's writing, I was a bit disappointed in the back up, which does pull the issue down a tad. Still, allinall, it's a solid read.

With two other great Thor titles being published by

A bad issue of

Once again, I feel like I am at a crossroads with this title. I love the

While the story left me wanting a bit more, the art in this issue is simply spectacular. I really feel like Kenneth Rocafort is one of the best artists outside of the Big 2 and I'm surprised that DC and Marvel have yet to scoop him up for fulltime work. His artwork alone is Must Read material, but the story does pull it down some. This is a satisfying read that is probably under the radar for a lot of readers, but don't let that keep you from checking it out.

This issue is definitely not what I was expecting. Gail Simone's writing is nowhere near the level of quality that she is known for, with poor pacing and uneven plotting standing out as the major issues. When you add in some wildly inconsistent art, you get an issue that simply does not live up to the high standards that Birds of Prey has set for itself. There are a few shining moments that will remind you why this book is normally so awesome, but for the most part, this one misses the mark.

There are a lot of great ideas here in what could be consider one of the stronger plots in any of IDW's GI Joe plots that we've seen thus far. Unfortunately, it is betrayed by haphazard execution that relies far too much on exposition to tell the story and features art that remains subpar. I love the ideas presented in GI Joe Cobra, but without an improvement on its execution, I can't justify sticking with this series.

I'm clearly enamored with this issue of Morning Glories. Nick Spencer and Joe Eisma have put together a shockingly awesome comic that is clearly the "next big thing" for Image, a company that has spent the last several years churning out "next big things." Between the haunting mysteries of the Morning Glory Academy, to the undeniably engaging characters, to the shockingly awesome final page, this comic is stellar in every single way. Get in on the ground floor by picking this comic up right now. You won't regret it!

I had very high expectations for Bryan Glass's writing here, as his Mice Templar series is one of the best comics of the last several years, and I wasn't disappointed. Glass is clearly looking to add depth and humanity to Thor's origin and is right on point here. There are some minor gripes here and there, but for the most part, my biggest issue is with the art. Huat's ability to convey action and his storytelling are strong, but in terms of actual designs and style, I was not impressed. Despite these issues, I definitely think that this comic is worth your time and money.

This is one of the most complex comics of the year and also one of the most satisfying. Palmiotti, Gray, and Gulacy have put together an amazingly tight plot with extremely engaging characters around a very strong concept that looks absolutely fantastic to boot. Honestly, even at a staggering 50 story pages, I am ravenous for more. It took me a really long time to decide which comic should be this week's

I had very high expectations for this issue and Marjorie Liu's brilliant characterfocused writing did not disappoint. This is one of the most compelling portrayals of X23 that I've ever read. The moment I put this comic down, I immediately wanted another issue because I have to know what happens next. When you add in very strong art from Wil Conrad, you have a total package comic that should not be missed under any circumstances.

While I'd still much rather have

I've seen a lot of reviews trash this issue for being a silly doneinone story, which is absolutely ridiculous. This story is meant to be brief and fun and selfcontained; these are strengths, not its weaknesses. This is a bit silly and it is inconsequential, but it is also a ton of fun and extremely charming. This is one of the more entertaining comics I've read all year.

This issue has a lot going for it and definitely has the makings of a Must Read storyespecially in terms of how well Fabian Nicieza handles the relationships between the Batfamily, particularly the strong bond that is developing between Damian and Dick. There are a few missteps with the writing, but the biggest issue is the art by Cliff Richards's that has very strong moments, but ultimately falls a bit flat.

This is probably the strongest non

This issue really rocks on a number of levels with Geoff Johns putting together some great character work that adds a ton of credibility to the Star Sapphires that the group had been lacking when compared to some of the other Lantern Corps. Add in some very strong work from Doug Mahnke and his pantheon of inkers and you've got fantastic issue despite some nagging flaws that bring it down.

With a smidgen more plot movement this issue would easily jump into Must Read territory. The writing team does a great job with the characterization, but I don't feel like we are any closer to the core of the story than we were in the previous issue. The good news is that Andy Belanger's art is really starting to win me over. This issue is a great improvement and I hope that we see similar growth over the next few issues.

Honestly, this issue is pretty flawless. The craftsmanship from everyone involved is topnotch and its pretty entertaining to boot. There is a lot to like about this issue and a lot that is building up to that I think I'll like even more. There is no reason whatsoever to miss this comic.

This issue really delivers the action with Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning putting together a very exciting issue that sees nearly all of the major players in this storyline embroiled in some battle or another. While it's great to see the fights, it is still a little hard to grab onto the very high concept behind the war between the regular universe and the Cancerverse (simple conquest yes, but the battle between Life and Death is a lot). Still, with action this sweet and extremely solid art behind it, it's hard to go wrong with this issue.

Once again, the combination of superb craftsmanship and undeniable charm rockets Thor Mighty Avengers up the Rankings to take home the

I know that I do have a lot of harsh things to say about this issue, but it was definitely an improvement over the last two issues and could easily make it to a Buy It verdict with some tweaks. I think that there is a lot of potential for this series because of Gischler's ability to write the characters with such strong personalities, but it might take an artist shift or, at the very least, a plot that doesn't involve vampires.

When I first starting writing the Rankings for this week, I had Freedom Fighters at #5; then, every time I flipped through it, I found something else that I loved about itnext thing I know, it's the

I had been generally enjoying this series over the first three issues, but with this issue it has officially solidified its place on my Pull List. Jim McCann's spot on plotting and great character writing are complimented perfectly by David Lopez's engaging and exciting art in one of the more thrilling issues of the week. There are still kinks that need to be worked out, but with this issue, Hawkeye and Mockingbird has vaulted up to the echelon of Marvel's best titles.

Truthfully, this is probably the worst Secret Six issue I've ever read. That being said, I can honestly say that the worst Secret Six book is still better than the vast majority of the comics you'll read in any given week. Does it deserve a higher ranking than #5? Probably, but I am docking points of for this issue not living up to its potential. That's nothing something I do for most books, but when you are the best comic being printed today, there are standards that must be maintained. Although, I do have to give credit to Gail Simone for giving

This is a really, really solid debut issue for this new series. Jason Aaron clearly has a fantastic take on the complexity of Wolverine and is using that to his advantage in a really trippy way with this story. It is extremely predictable, though, despite the craziness of the concept, which is a bit grating. This is definitely the best issue I've seen from Renato Guedes, though there a lot of small issues with the art that start to add up in retrospect. Allinall, though, it's a fantastic issue that definitely has me pumped about the future of this title.

With a little bit of direction and focus, this issue could've easily jumped into the Must Read range. The character work from McKeever continues to be topnotch and the action was satisfying. When you add in a strong, but someone shifty effort from Baldeon, Young Allies continues to be one of the best books you probably aren't reading.

This is definitely a step up for this title and was close to making it into the Buy It range thanks to some solid character interaction and cool action scenes by John Romita Jr. Unfortunately, there is simply too much of this story that isn't being told, which is getting very aggravating. I like the overall plot, but with so much left unsaid, I'm beginning to wonder why I should bother sticking around. If some of that plotting can be tightened up and something can be done about how lifeless the colors have been, this series could be a major win for Marvel. Instead, we are left with a surprisingly mediocre title.

When this issue works, it works in spades. Morrison's outsidethebox plotting is his biggest weapon and his most consistent downfall here in this tremendously inconsistent issue. I think there is a lot of potential for Morrison to be able to finally tell a complete and coherent story out of two of his most holefilled and incoherent stories of his career, but instead he creates more problems in an issue that, quite honestly, reads like a halfassed apology. If you are going to plug the gaps that you are admitting exist (which is clearly the point of this storyline), plug themdon't drill more holes.

If this issue was $2.99 or even $3.50 without the backup story, I think that it could have easily been a Buy it level book. Unfortunately, when reviewing the issue as a whole, I have to include the simply uninteresting backup feature. The backup alone is bad enough, but when you add in otherwise forgivable issues in the main story (they wouldn't be so bad if they were the only problems I had with the issue), this one tumbles back down the Rankings. I think that this issue is going to seem a lot better in trade, truthfully.

I can forgive a lackluster plot if the character work is strong and if the artwork is engaging. While there are moments that Tony Bedard does well with the characters, for the most part, the character writing is just as shallow as the plot. When you add in a very disappointing effort from the art team, you have an issue with few redeeming qualities. Truthfully, from this point forward, I think it would be best to avoid any issue of this series that isn't written by 'regular' writer

The art is definitely the saving grace in this issue, as I feel that the plot really betrays the quality of the character work and the strength of the new Green Arrow status quo. To me, Green Arrow always works best as a "street hero" and the best runs he has are always firmly planted in that idea (even the "

I've said this on every single review of every single issue of this series, but I'm totally surprised by how invested I have become in this series. Paul Levtiz's character work has been simply amazing as he has done a tremendous job with making this series accessible and enjoyable to new readers. I cannot commend him enough on that. There are still issues with the multiple pencilers, though. If either Portela or Cinar (preferably Cinar) were taking on the issue in full by themselves, this issue could easily have made a run at the Top Spot on the Rankings.

As

I never thought there would be a day where I would like anything written by JMS more than I did when it was written by Gail Simone, especially not a Wonder Woman comic, but I am very pleasantly surprised by how strong this run on Wonder Woman is thus far. With a great sense of mythology and mystery, this storyline has me hooked. Of course, it helps that the art is (mostly) done by Don Kramer, who remains one of DC's best artists. He does a great job of bringing this story to life and, hopefully, will be taking on this series solo in the issues to come.

Aside from some personal issues with the plot of this story, I was actually pretty pleased with how well written it was. Carey did a solid job of developing the characters and their relationships, which is a major plus. If there was something to balance out the negative image of Indian culture and a stronger showing from the art, this could've easily been one of the best books I picked up this week.

I will definitely say that

This is a major step up from issues #2 and #3, which were complete bombs (despite the strength of the debut issue), but it still suffers from a lot of the problems that held those issues back. I really dig Captain America being a momentary Nova Corps deputy, but the ease in which he takes on and controls the Worldmind's power really undercuts how special Nova is. This was a cool moment and I definitely want a Captain America Nova action figure, but I feel like it could have been handled in a way that built up both characters. The character work on the supporting cast is a bit shaky, though it doesn't help that characters like

There are definitely some cool things going on in this issue that make it worth a word; unfortunately, the craftsmanship around those things simply isn't up to snuff for this title. For starters,

The lead in this issue is an excellent chase story with a lot of fun twist and turns as Spirit rushes to save Ebony.

I'll admit, I am a little annoyed that we got a baitandswitch from Marvel as this issue doesn't continue the action of Avengers Academy #3, but instead happens alongside it and, ultimately, spoils some of the action of the yettobereleased Avengers Academy #4. That being said, this is a fun read. It's a very loose, somewhat shallow action issue, but its fast pace and memorable moments kept my interest all along. I especially enjoyed

My love of the

Batgirl is easily DCs second best book after Secret Six and, with issues like this, it is going to give that title a run for its money. This issue is filled with heart and personality while delivering a very strong done-in-one story. Its not filled with shocking revelations or major twists, but its highly entertaining and features one of the best endings from a single-issue story that Ive read in a long time. It was simple, but very powerful and highly evocative of the type of storytelling that made Batman: The Animated Series so amazing. Simply put, Bryan Q. Miller is establishing himself as one of the best character writers in the business. This is Pere Perezs first full issue on the series and, while I wouldnt say he is as sharp as Lee Garbett yet, he makes the most of it. The art isnt flashing, but its paced incredibly well and does a brilliant job of establishing the tone of the story. Its solid work that is perfect for this story. I cannot recommend this series enough and this is

I really suspected that the identity of White Canary would be the big talking point of this issue, but in reality, I'll be surprised if most readers even know who the character is or what her connection to

This is perhaps the most fastpaced issue that this series has seen, with

This is a strong debut issue with

I had no plans to pick this up, but after it had been heavily hyped over the last few months, I felt that it was worth a shot. I'm glad I did.

Ive really enjoyed this story so far, but this issue really raises the bar as Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning introduce some of the highest concepts Ive seen from there. There are definitely shades of writers like Warren Ellis, Grant Morrison, and 4th World-era Jack Kirby in this issue. I really like that each scene in this issue throws something new into the mix that builds the tension even morethis story goes from huge to epic rather quickly. The art is definitely a step up as well. While I still dont think we are seeing the best of Miguel Sepulvedas line work (again, I refer to the sketch pages from the back of issue #1), but Jay David Ramos definitely seems to be coloring with more attention to detail here. This is definitely the strongest issue yet from this miniseries and after seeing the awesome debut of Novas strike team, Ive got a feeling it is only going to get better from here!

Reading this series is easily the most fun I have had with a Marvel comic in years.

There really isn't anything original about this story that hasn't been done for every other superhero that has faced a shapeshifter at one time or another; the only real twist is that Chameleon is two people in the Ultimate Universe (yawn). This is really the first time I've felt letdown by this series, but the hopefully the inevitable action next issue will make up for it. Also, while

The stuff that doesn't work in

As usual, Paul Dini does a brilliant job here. I really love the crazy concepts that he puts together in this issue (a Rat Pack version of the Royal Flush Gang? Im sold!), plus the interaction between Zatanna and Zatara was strong. Unfortunately, Chad Hardin simply cannot live up to the standards set by regular artist Stephane Roux and is wildly inconsistent in his attempts to do so. If not for their clothes remaining the same through this issue, the characters would be unrecognizable at times thanks to their ever-shifting facial features. Plus, seriously, if you are going to have Rat Pack impersonators in your comic, you need to make them look at least marginally like Frank Sinatra and company!

This is a great issue that builds upon a lot of the many, many things that have worked over the last few issues. McCann has been dropping threads leftandright, many of which start to come together, giving this issue multiple levels of conflict that are tremendously interesting. There are some pacing issue with the dialogue and certain aspects of the art still grate on me, but overall, I'm calling this one a win (albeit just barely) and a book that way too many people are missing out on.

I really loved the first three issues of this series and the fourth follows suit by showcasing the same strengths as the creative team does wonders in turning a strong but whacky premise into a highly engaging story that is as intelligent as it is irreverent. I'm really not sure exactly what I expected with this series, but I do know that every single issue has exceeding any expectations I could have had and this issue is no different.

This series is definitely in the running for my favorite comic of 2009 and this issue is a great example of why. Fabian Nicieza and Marcus To are working perfectly in sync on this series and the results are just phenomenal. There aren't many major flaws in the issue and those that do exist are more than made up for by its strengths. You really cannot go wrong with this book.

This issue came very close to a Buy It verdict and, in a lot of ways, has characteristics of a Must Read book. Unfortunately, for everything this issue does right (which is a lot), there are so many missed opportunities, poor transitions, and a severe lack of focus that pulls it down. I love so much of what is going on in this series, but with nothing to ground the unbridled plethora of ideas that we are seeing here, its hard to get invested. I feel like Jonathan Hickman has so many great ideas, he is in a rush to put them out on paper before he loses themunfortunately, that means we get a lot of fantastic ideas that will make for amazing stories, but there is no cohesion or focus to turn them into a great story now.

As of this week, this is the sixth issue that I've pegged as a potential Single Issue of the Year candidate and, quite honestly, I now think it is the book to beat. This issue works on every single level of its craft and is incredibly entertaining to boot. There is absolutely no reason for anyone to miss this book. If it weren't so practically impossible (and financially irresponsible), I would buy all of you a copy to enjoy the crap out ofthis book is that good. There were some awesome comics this week, but none could touch this one, making it one of the easiest

This issue really sums up everything I love about this bookstrong characters, interesting plot twists, energetic artworkbut also suffers from some nagging issues that could easily be fixed, such as the slowmoving plot, weird eyes, etc. You can tell from page one that this series has the possibility of being one of Marvel's strongest titles, but its not quite there yet. Don't get me wrong this is a fantastic comic from a criminally underread title, but you can tell after reading it that it has the potentially to be something much greater.

I can't say that there have been many major event storylines that are good jumping on points for new readers, but with a little bit of Wikipedia research, this is a great place for newbies to start out in the Top Cow Universe. The characters are introduced well and the concepts seem to unfold naturally as it builds up to a great conclusion that has me excited for the next issue. Am I newfound Top Cow junkie? Not yet, but I'm certainly on board for this exciting story.

Return of Bruce Wayne has been full of ups and downs from the beginning, but this is definitely the lowest point that the series has reached so far. Between the unfocused writing and the unpolished art, there is little about this issue that works for me. I can't help but feel like this is a majorly wasted opportunity given the quality of the creative team and the strength of the premise.

This issue is practically exploding with awesomeness as there are a ton of cool concepts going on and another amazing effort from artist Francis Manapul. I wasn't quite as thrilled with the short backup on the

I really like this series and I want to continue to pick it up, but without Paul Dini at the helm fulltime, it is just going to continue to go downhill. Its not that I don't think that Tony Bedard has the chops to tell a good story with these characters, because he does, but his work can't reach that Dini plateau. Of course, it doesn't help that this is one of the weakest issues I've seen from Bedard.

Given that this series spun out of some of the worst storytelling that Green Arrow has ever been a part of, I'm simply floored by how excellent this series has been so far. JT Krul has found the perfect tone for Green Arrow in the midst of a premise that really suits him. When you add in the stellar efforts of artist Dioenes Neves, you have a book that, in just two issues, has come a long way towards redeeming Green Arrow after some truly horrid stories.

Green Lantern maintains its postBlackest Night momentum with another incredibly strong issue this week. This issue really is a total package, excelling in nearly all aspects of craftsmanship. Plus, it features some downright hilarious scenes with Larfleeze that are easily amongst the most memorable moments I read this week. You really cannot go wrong with this issue, but you definitely shouldn't go without it.

Boldly unique and unflinchingly creative,

Boldly unique and unflinchingly creative,

Much like Uncanny XMen #526 before it, Secret Avengers #3 came very close to jumping into the Buy It range thanks to some cool things going on with Nova and a very strong effort from Mike Deodato. Unfortunately, the colors were a bit weak and, quite frankly, I'm getting very annoyed with how poorly the ensemble cast is being handled in this series. While I'm glad to see my favorite members of the team being spotlighted, there is no reason for the rest of the team to be written off so casually. If they are going to be part of the team, they need to be part of the story.

We may only be two issues into this book, but I'm ready to hand this series the title "Best New Series 2010" already. Langridge and Samnee have an undeniable chemistry that bleeds through on every single page of this incredibly wellcrafted and highly entertaining comic. There are very few things I could even dream of complaining about in this book and they are all outshined by its many, many, many strengths. While everyone's eyes are on the leaked Thor trailer today, I really hope they don't overlook the excellence that is this series. This week had a slew of Must Reads, but nothing could come close to unseating this issue was

Time Bomb might not be the easiest comic for you to find this week, but is definitely one of the most satisfying. Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray take a great concept and milk it for all that it is worth in this wellpaced and finely crafted issue that is engaging from page one and leaves you wanting more. You should definitely pick this comic up if you can find it, though I strongly recommend going out of your way to hunt it down.

Both stories in this issue feature some strong characterization, which nearly earned this one a Buy It verdict. However, the briefness of the backup (it was done long before I was ready for it to be) and the extreme weakness of the art in the main story pull this one down into the Check It range. It is definitely a step in the right direction for Uncanny XMen, which had severely lost its way prior to Second Coming, but it still has a way to go before I'll be totally jazzed with it.

I came into this issue expecting the worst and was pleasantly surprised with what the results. There is a lot about the "new" Wonder Woman that I don't agree with an see as highly unnecessary (something that I believe to be JMS's calling card), but it all works really well here as Wonder Woman seems fresh. Much of the credit belongs to artist Don Kramer, though, as he makes the most of this high profile gig. He has been one of my favorite artists for years and this issue is a prime example of why.

This issue is definitely a "one step forward, two steps back" situation. There are some great things going on with the characters as Carey once again shows he has the chops, but some aspects of the plot are really lacking and the art is a major misstep for me. I'm not ready to give up on this series yet, but I think there is way more potential for greatness than what we are seeing here.

This issue is (very slowly) moving the Avengers in an interesting direction and there are a handful of moments that I really enjoyed. For the most part, however, it is a surprisingly weak effort from the creative team, with some of John Romita Jr.'s most unpolished work in years and a meandering plot from Bendis that spins its wheels through most of the issue before heading off in an unclear direction. This series has an incredible amount of potential, but unless it starts living up to it, I'm not going to stick around.

I was really excited for this issue, having really dug the original Heart of Hush storyline. Unfortunately, the complete lack of focus in the main story (which seemed way shorter than the backup) combined with subpar efforts from the creative team left me baffled. There are some neat concepts here and I'd love to see more of the young Waynes, but that is definitely not enough for me to recommend this issue.

This issue is just as strong as any of the previous Dynamo 5 issues, as Jay Faerber and Julio Brilha bring the goods on a number of levels. I was a bit worried that we would see some rust, but I'm just as pleased with this issue as I was with the original run of the series. In fact, were it not for the relatively uninteresting backup feature, this would definitely rank as a Must Read and would've taken a strong run at the Top Spot in this week's Rankings.

This is a big step up from the previous issue in a lot of ways as the story of The Coil and the origin of Serpentor are two of the most interesting additions to IDW's GI Joe mythos that we have seen thus far. When you add in the very craft storytelling and plotting, the writing is top notch. Unfortunately, the art really brings this down. The best way I can describe it is "awkward"which is a total bummer as this issue had a lot of potential.

This series is threeforthree on fantastic, reasonably accessible issues as Paul Levitz and company are put together the best Legion title in quite some time (and really, the only one I've been able to stomach). There are some really cool thing brewing with EarthMan that are worth buying the issue for alone, though the fact that it is filledtothebrim with intriguing characters drawn quite well solidifies this as a worthy purchase.

Supergirl #54 is not inherently a bad issue, its just an issue that should be considerably better than it really is. Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle do showcase a lot of what has made this series so great under their watch, but the repeated plot elements, awkward anatomy, and poor coloring drag this issue down further than the high points can really bring it up from. With Kara back into action at the end of this issue (well, sort of, but I won't spoil it for you), I'm hoping next issue will be a step back to form for this title.

The change in creative teams does absolutely nothing to slow this series down as David Hine's debut is just as strong, if not stronger, than the three previous issues thanks to his complexly plotted story and instant chemistry with artist Moritat. When you add in a strong backup feature, you've got another win for this awesome series. If you haven't been checking out The Spirit, now is that time!

Zatanna has been a fantastic book since its debut, but Dini and Roux really raised the bar with this amazing issue. Everything about this issue works perfectly in synch as this amazingly talented creative team puts on a showcase for quality storytelling and characterization. From the strong dialogue and inventive action sequences to the gorgeous designs and stellar expressions, this comic is pure gold from cover to cover. You absolutely should not miss this one under any circumstances.

The first issue of Avengers Academy really blew my away with his quality craftsmanship, especially the strength of Christos Gage's new characters. This second issue shows that the first was definitely not a fluke as he builds upon all of the strengths of the first issue and throws in a slew of new twists as he focuses on Finesse. When you add in another strong effort from Mike McKone, you have a comic that you'd be insane not to buy.

In a week that featured five Must Read books, you'd think it was a hard fought battle for the

There isn't a lot of depth in this story and I'd definitely say that there is an air of toolittletoolate hanging over it as this story fills in a lot of the gaping plot holes left from Batman RIP and Final Crisis, but what it lacks in timeliness and relevancy, it makes up for in quality craftsmanship. As I said a few bullet points back, this is everything that RIP wasn't and while I thoroughly enjoyed this issue, it does make sad to know what RIP could have been capable of if Morrison would've tightened his focus as he does in this issue.

While not as strong overall as the first two issues, the third installment of the new volume of Birds of Prey is still an excellent read. Gail Simone's writing is topnotch throughout as she twists and turns her way through this thrill ride, though the shortcomings of the art do hold it back some. Still, when taken as a whole, the highest definitely outshine the lows and you get an issue that should not be missed.

The action gets turned up to 11 in this issue as DnA set the stage for what should be the most exciting cosmic showdown since the first

I'm not a huge fan of any story that involves a shapeshifter taking over the body of a hero because, quite frankly, its been done too many times and there are only so many spins that can be put on it. Considering this storyline was already done with SpiderMan earlier this year with the

I would probably pay the full cover price of this issue for the scenes between Beast and Molly on their own as Fraction and Sanders absolutely nailed them. When you add in some cool developments with Hope and Cyclops, plus a great effort from McKelvie, you have a very strong issue. The art from Portacio drags it down a bit and there is some wheelspinning in the Hope story thanks to Franklin Richards showing up for almost no reason, but I'm willing to overlook that when so much of the issue is incredibly enjoyable.

I had high expectations going into this one thanks to the absolutely stellar creative team and they did not disappoint. This is a ton of fun with great action, superb character work, and some of the best looking art you'll see in any comic this week. Yes, it is a little light on story, but what is there is entertaining as the comic lives up to its potential in spades.

There are a lot of things that go absolutely right in this issue, a few things that work but could be done a lot better, and, unfortunately, a lot of things that completely miss the mark. In terms of writing, this is one of Morrison's best efforts since the opening story arc, despite some missteps and strange plotting choices. On the flipside, this is not the Frazer Irving I'm used to seeing at all. I hate to speak so ill of such a talented artist, but this is some seriously bad mojo that pulls this book from what could potentially be a Buy It book to just barely making the Check It range.

This issue has lots of cool concepts and does a solid job at introducing a few new Joes (including one of my favorites, Shipwreck), but is fairly mediocre thanks to some nagging issues that just didn't click with me. When you add in the humdrum art, you get an issue that is mostly just "there." You won't hate it, but you won't love it either.

One step forward, one step back. Great character moments, followed by less than pleasing plotting. Awesome action sequences, followed by horrible looking civilian identities. The good definitely outweighs the bad, which vaulted the issue up a few places, but the series could definitely use some polish before I'm going to commit to anything beyond the next issue.

I absolutely loved this issue. Nicieza continues to show that he is the best man for the job when it comes to Tim Drake and his chemistry with To is simply stellar. When you add in one of the best uses of Damian yet, you have an issue that should absolutely not be missed. If you are following any of the Batman books right now, you absolutely have no excuse for missing out on this issue. If you aren't, this issue is a shining example of why you should be.

Once again John Ostrander has proven that he is more than capable of being the only person fit to fill in for regular writer Gail Simone with this fantastic action story that showcases just how badass the Secret Six really are. The biggest problem? This issue is done long before I was ready for it to be done as Ostrander rushes through this great concept to keep the story down to one issue. It's great for what it is, but it could be so much more!

This issue really captures everything I have loved about Thor since I was a wee little lad, while stripping away the years of intense continuity that have made the main series pretty inaccessible to a lot of readers. What's left is an incredibly charming tale written by Roger Langridge that is full of personality and is drawn by Chris Samnee in an amazing twist on his usual style. To beat the nearperfect Red Robin #14, it took one heck of a book and

With Paco Medina putting in a solid effort (aside from Pixie) and some great character writing from Victor Gischler, I strongly considered giving this a Buy It verdict, even though it is falling prey to the current vampire craze (thankfully none of these vampires sparkle). Unfortunately, there are some nagging issues and the unjustified high price tag holds this back. I'll gladly pay $3.99 for a comic with solid extras, but one page advertisements for the other XTitles are totally not worth the extra buck.

Wonderful character writing should suck readers right into this immensely fun comic as the haphazard team of underestimated teen heroes deal with the fallout of Warhead's attack and prepare for the next show of force from the socalled

Given the last minute creative team switch on this issue, I'm not surprised that this isn't the strongest issue of Paul Cornell's that I've ever read (Marc Guggenheim was originally solicited as the writer), but there is still a lot to like about this issue and enough to show that the concept has a lot of potential. It is a bit unfocused and the logical leaps are a bit much to swallow, but I think it is still worth a read if you've got a chance.

This slightly disjointed issue of Elephantmen may not be the strongest that this series have ever seen, but buy now you should know that even the weakest issue of Elephantmen is going to be lightyears ahead of most comics you'll see on the stands. Starkings throws a lot of plot points out there this week, which opens the story up to go in a number of different directions and does so with the help of a cadre of talented artists. Could it have been better? By Elephantmen's standards, possibly, but its still an awesome read that you should definitely check out.

Another issue, another big win for The Flash. Geoff Johns and Francis Manapul are working perfectly in synch to build an exciting story here with a slew of twists and turns while remaining extremely character focused. This series is a ton fun and this issue really should not be missed.

The premise of this story is interesting and Bedard does a solid job with the characters, including setting up

Green Lantern pulls in its third

I like the mystery that is building here and the character writing is strong, but the overall execution of the issue is a tad too uneven to earn a Buy It verdict. There isn't much of a teamdynamic with characters like

It's hard to believe that there is only one issue left of this series, but I'm glad to see that Ostrander and Duursema are still going out in a big way with another fantastic issue. It still amazes me exactly how densely packed, yet emotionally charged this series has been over the last several months, all of which carries over here. This issue leaves a lot of unanswered questions, but does leave the characters in prime position for an explosive finale. Star Wars Legacy has never taken home a Book of the Week honor, but with the strong buildup in this issue, next month could finally be time!

The biggest problem with Wonder Woman #600 is that it simultaneously tells readers that Wonder Woman is a beautiful, timeless concept that embodies some very strong ideals, but also that she is completely broken and needs to be reimagined for a modern audience. In one corner, you have the heartfelt story by Gail Simone and George Perez that sums up everything that we love about Wonder Woman, but then you have the story by JMS that blatantly tells readers that they are wrong. The war between these two stories is what firmly plants this issue in Check It territory. The Simone/Perez story is a definite Must Read, but its downhill from there in varying degrees before the Avoid It finale that reminds us that if it ain't broke, don't fix it (Remember how well that worked with

This issue just barely squeaks in a "Buy It" verdict thanks to the strength of the NohVarr/Tony Stark sequences and the epic feeling of the story. There are definitely some places where the script could be tightened up and I'd like to see more rationale behind the team following Kang's warning, but overall I have to say that I enjoyed this more than I have most Avengers books in the last few years.

There is a lot that I really like about this issue, which says quite a bit considering how much I was on the fence about the two previous issues and how disappointed I was by the lack of high seas adventure in this issue. Morrison is definitely on the right track with this issue, which is the strongest so far in the series, but it was, surprisingly, the art that held this one back from attaining a Buy It verdict.

This is a great ending for the most unique chapter in the Dead @17 franchise yet as Josh Howard packs the story into this issue before bringing it to a close with perhaps his best cliffhanger yet. It isn't perfect and there are bits that certainly could be done differently, but its immensely satisfying and highly enjoyable. Having follow Howard's work on this franchise for years, I'm sad to see it all coming to the end that this issue ushers in, but if this is any indication, we are in for a real treat as this epic story reaches its conclusion.

I'm so glad that the hiatus has not meant a dip in quality for Dynamo 5. It has been far too long since we've seen a new issue from this always awesome series, so it is so good to have it back. Faerber has absolutely no rust with these characters and with a bit more polish, Brilha could easily become the next big thing like Asrar was. This one was close to a Must Read, but a few nagging issuesincluding a really uninteresting backup storyheld it back, but just barely.

Even when I'm reading a comic that I don't particularly care for, it is very rare that I'm actually bored while reading. Unfortunately, this is one of those rare occasions as Hickman and Edwards present a forgettable and ridiculously predictable story whose most notable moment isn't the relatively interesting twist ending (which can't hold up the issue on its own), but instead is a two page spread that has nothing to do with the issue and is only memorable for how poorly timed it is and the adverse affect it had on the rest of the issue. I'd highly recommend passing on this one as it is definitely the weakest issue so far in Hickman's run.

Outside of the Batman family, Green Arrow is, by far, my favorite character in the DCU and so I've had a hard time with some of the choices that have been made in how to present the character this year. I've been very vocal about my displeasure and was very nervous going into this issue. That being said, I could not have been more wrong about how this issue was going to turn out. Krul and Neves do a solid job of crafting a new world for Green Arrow that is very engaging and very excitingI just hope that it isn't ruined by the more fantastic elements of being under the Brightest Day banner.

Other than the issue with how John is drawn, Ardian Syaf's art is what really kept this otherwise uninteresting issue out of last place on this week's Rankings. I'm sure you can get more out of it if you are fan of the main characters, but I just couldn't get interested in this issue no matter how hard a I tried thanks to the lackluster plot and lifeless characters.

After the last year or so has meant that Supergirl has gotten lost in crossover after crossover, I'm glad to see that the book is back on track and hasn't missed a beat. As a transition story, this isn't my favorite issue ever, but it shows that Gates and Igle have not lost a step and that Supergirl could easily become DC's best nonSecret Six book once again (of course, now it has to tangle with the ridiculously underrated Batgirl).

The first story in this collection would be really great if it were three or four pages shorter. The second story was spot on, even if the art doesn't live up to the Dan Jurgens/

Writingalone, this issue could easily be considered a "Check It" comic as Mike Carey is doing some very interesting things here and I dig the way he writes Hope. Unfortunately, everything that works about this issue is ruined the moment that Greg Land touches it. It's unfortunate, but there is no artist that can ruin an issue faster than Land.

After being let down a bit by the last volume of Agents of Atlas (I loved the original miniseries), I'm glad to see that Jeff Parker's pet team are back to form with this new ongoing. I had high hopes but did not expect this issue to be as fantastic as it was. When you take a character as lame as 3D Man and make a story compelling around him, you know you are onto this one. I wouldn't recommend missing out on this issue as it is well worth your time and money.

Despite a few setbacks with the art, this is an amazing comic book and just one more sign that Gail Simone is at the top her game and perhaps the best superhero comic writer out there today. Every single page in this issue features Simone doing something brilliant and, as a whole, it simply destroyed every other comic out there this week, including the phenomenal issue of The Spirit that came in at number two on this week's Rankings. If you only buy one comic this week, it absolutely, positively must be this one. For the second week in a row, Gail Simone owns the Rankings with one of her brilliant comics, which also happens to be the second

When this issue works, it really works. Unfortunately, it only works part of the time and the rest of the time, it is wallowing in mediocrity. The biggest problem that this issue has is that SL Gallant is still struggling with consistency. When he tightens up his work, he is capable of some really great work, but too often he is plagued with problems like his inability to draw Scarlett the same way twice. This isn't necessarily a bad comic, but I know that this creative team and this comic can do so much better!

I'm way more in love with the idea of this issue than I am with the actual execution of it. James Patrick puts together a nearperfect story for Harley Quinn, but fails to find the character's unique voice to flesh that story out. Harley isn't like

I can't say that I would ever think to buy Magdalena if it weren't for the fact that Top Cow was nice enough to share it with me. Now that we are two issues in, I'm pretty sure I would buy it now. While I would like to see more plot in this issue and more backgrounds in the art, this is really solid comic featuring some strong craftsmanship and a lot of potential. I could have easily missed this comic but that doesn't mean you should. I don't think you'd regret buying this comic at all.

If there was any reason whatsoever for this team to exist, I think there would be more to like about this issue beyond Stuart Immonen's art. Unfortunately, the formation of the team is completely ignored in favor of cracking a few jokes and building up a plot about

I absolutely love the intensity of this issue as Zeb Wells puts together what is probably my favorite issue that he has ever written. His strong sense of character voice allowed for so many characters, many of whom only have a panel or two of face time, to shine without detracting from the intense action of this storyline. When you add in some solid art, you've got another big win for this enjoyable crossover.

I had a really hard time deciding on this week's Book of the Week and a huge reason for this was the sheer badassery of this week's Spirit. This issue excels on almost every single level with not one, but two great stories including, by far, the best of the

While my patience for the lack of an overarching plot is growing thin, I am still very pleased with how finely crafted Ultimate X is as a continual character study. Jeph Loeb is back in old form here once again with a compelling and engaging introduction to the newest member of the Ultimate X crew. When you add in the art by the everawesome Arthur Adams, you get an issue that is so good that you'll forget momentarily that you have no idea where this story is going.

I'm a sucker for teen superheroes, particularly those that are presented in a complex and reverent manner. This issue takes cues from some of my favorite teen hero runs as it presents some of the most interesting and intriguing new characters that have come from Marvel in quite some time. Gage and McKone have a ridiculous amount of potential in this series, which says a lot considering this is already a wildly entertaining and finely crafted issue. The sky is the limit on this one and I highly suggest that you get in on the ground floor before its too late.

Another month and another win for what is probably DC's single best straightup superhero comic (the only comic they are publishing right now that is better would have to be Secret Six). The ridiculous amount of charm and personality in both the writing and the art should win over most readers, which the strong action and intriguing work in the rivalry between Oracle and Calculator should win over the rest. I know that Stephanie Brown has been a tough sell to a lot of readers, but there is no reason this comic isn't on everyone's pull list and this is another example of why.

There are some really cool concepts here as Grant Morrison does a solid job of paying tribute to the Batman concept and characters through three (plus) stories with a strong central theme and plot point. Unfortunately the uneven effort from the Alist artists and the horrible characterization in the "tomorrow" section cut this one off before it can meet its tremendous potential. I feel like this is definitely on the right track, but ultimately it ends up in the wrong station.

I had really, really high hopes for this series after being tremendously impressed with the opening storyline. While there are cool concepts here and as a big

While I'm still digging the concepts and the characters in S.H.I.E.L.D., the storytelling gaps and unnecessary avoidance of anything grounded makes this a huge step down from the previous issue. Hickman is jumping head first without making sure that there is water in the pool. Thankfully there is enough to keep him from metaphorically perishing, but there isn't really enough to have that great of a time. I'd like to see better focus and more control from Dustin Weaver in the next issue of this series. For something that was so great out of the gate, I can't help but feel like this series has taken a sharp turn in the wrong direction.

You will not find a comic more intense than Secret Six #22. You probably won't find a comic more disturbing than Secret Six #22. This week, you definitely will not find a comic more satisfying than Secret Six #22. This is Gail Simone and Jim Calafiore at their absolute finest. From the brilliant character development to the shockingly awesome artwork, this issue is the total package and an easy choice for

There are things to like in this issue, but most of them are fleeting as it plods along from one major storyline to another. Transition issues like this are always a hard sell, but there just wasn't enough for me to sink my teeth into to be fully satisfied, especially with such a bland villain to close out the issue. At least we had plenty of David Lafuente awesomeness to even things out.

After taking a week off, the XMen Second Coming crossover is back in full force this week with another solid installment. While the story just barely moves forward, Matt Fraction does a great job of raising the stakes and the intensity while Terry and Rachel Dodson continue to do a solid job with all of the characters involved. The story does spin its wheels a bit, but the craftsmanship is so solid that I really don't mind.

I picked this up as a big fan of Sean McKeever's ability to write teenage heroes (potentially as a replacement for Teen Titans on my pull list now that his

This issue just barely missed the mark for a Buy It verdict, mostly because of the awkward pacing that made it hard to trudge through on my first readthrough and the prerequisite knowledge of Mockingbird's history that you really need to have to get the full extent of this issue. I really dug McCann's approach to the characters through and the art team worked well with him. This is certainly a fun issue that has me convinced to come back for more as this series has loads of potential.

As I said in my first bullet point, I hold Mice Templar to an almost unnecessarily high standard compared to most comics that I read each week and I have never been disappointed as Bryan Glass and company always meet and often exceed those expectations. They have never exceeded my expectations quite like this. This is simply incredible comic book storytelling from start to finish as every single member of the creative team puts forth one of the finest works of their respective careers. As this phenomenal franchise closes out its second volume, the bar has been raised even higher thanks to this issue, not only the Book of the Week, but one of the finest comics of the year.

Transitions from one very strong run to a new creative team tend to be some of my least favorite issues; it seems like the more I liked the previous direction, the harder it is for me to stay entertained while the new creative team finds its legs. That doesn't happen here. In fact, there isn't a moment where I even remotely lost interest in Red Robin while reading this issue. Nicieza jumps immediately into old form as he picks up the reigns on Tim Drake, firmly establishing the new direction of this issue while still spinning out of Yost's superb run. This issue works on nearly every level and you'd be a fool to miss it!

I really want to give this issue a Must Read and I'll probably regret holding it back at Buy it, but after seeing what the potential of the art, I can't help but feel that the coloring in this issue was a large enough miss that it drags down the entire issue. Don't get me wrong though, this is still an amazing issue with some awesome action and some of the finest character moments DnA have ever written. You shouldn't miss it, but be warned about the art.

This is a huge step in the right direction over the incredibly uneven first issue. Morrison puts together a really great Batman tale here that I found myself to be very engaged in...until the Superman and the Time Masters stuff got started up. That really pulled me out the flow and is a major reason this didn't quite make it to a Buy It verdict. The rest of that blame rests firmly on the shoulders of the art, which has its moments, but is mostly a big miss for me.

The lack of transitions and seemingly unnecessary "distraction scenes" mar the fantastic concepts that Hickman is building here. He is clearly taking a slowburn approach to this series which will read better in a trade format, but as a monthtomonth reader, I can't help but feel like there are just as many misses as there are hits in this issue.

This is a fun issue with a really cool premise, especially if Maggie can remain a "rogue" for Catwoman in stories after this. Unfortunately, the issue isn't without its flaws and they are rather glaring. Tony Bedard doesn't quite live up to Paul Dini's standards, but its actually the massively inconsistent art from Peter Nguyen that drags this one down.

This issue has some flaws, but the strengths definitely overcome up it. I'm absolutely loving what Geoff Johns is doing with Atrocitus and I hope there is some connection between him and the character revealed in the cliffhanger. I could have done without the repeated scene at the beginning of the issue but once things pick up, this one is great. As for the art, Mahnke is earning his keep here in big ways, though I think something needs to be done if his work is going to be drowned out by the White Lantern in future issues to avoid the poor quality of those pages in this issue.

This issue isn't necessary bad, but its not that great either. The best way to describe it is to say that it is "just there." If you are hardcore fan of Ganthet or even John Stewart, you might get more out this issue than I did, but I was just tremendously underwhelmed. I didn't hate it, but I'm not sure that I'd ever want to read it again either.

Despite the strength of this week's haul, including four other Must Read titles, there was no questioning and no debating which comic would walk away with the

I had a good feeling about this series, but I really did not expect it to be quite this good. Brubaker flexes his mysterybuilding and characterwriting muscles to draw the reader in almost immediately; while Mike Deodato puts in one of his better efforts as of late (I can't say that I've ever been a huge fan). This issue is worth it alone just for the Beast/Steve Rogers interaction, but beyond that I can't see any reader not finding something to love in this one.

It amazes me how much story is packed into this issue. I know that I've said that about the last several issues of Star Wars Legacy, but Ostrander and Duursema outdo themselves with this incredibly intense and densely packed issue that brings together threads from the very beginning of the series up through the present. The only downside? The creative team has clearly hit their stride and only have two issues left on this title before its cancellation.

Despite the low Ranking and poor verdict, the majority of this issue is a fun actionpacked conclusion to what has generally been an enjoyable storyline. Unfortunately, the reliance on the Phantom Zone yet again and the disturbing suicide of General Lane nearly ruin this issue for me. I just can't overlook the lack of creativity and the desperate attempts at cheap emotional reactions. When you add in the inconsistent art, I can't justify Ranking this one any higher.

You can't tell me that you were actually expecting anything less from this series, could you? I mean, you've got all of the heavy hitters from Marvel's cosmic line, the return of one of Marvel's coolest villains, and a simply superb creative team. There is no way this comic wasn't going to rock incredibly hard. Now you just need to do your part and not miss it!

The pacing issues are really the only thing that kept this issue from making a stronger run at the top spot than it did, but I really can't emphasize enough how great of a comic it really is. Choi and Oback put on a clinic here and the superb chemistry that they have with Kyle and Yost make this one of the most compelling XMen comics in quite some time. Even if you haven't been reading Second Coming, I highly recommend this one just for the craft of it.

Jeff Parker and Company bring their Agame on this very unusual first issue that taps a pulpy noir vein and manages to make one of the least interesting characters in all of Marvel one of the most intriguing. You get a great mystery and fantastic art in this issue, which has me clamoring for more. You can't ask for more from a debut issue.

I really want to like Brightest Day. It is a cool idea and it has talented creators backing it, but after three issues, I'm just bored. I'm all for the slow burn, but you have to meet me halfway with better characterization and stronger art. I considered sticking around for the fate of Firestorm, since I'm a HUGE fan of the characters (I'm probably the biggest fan of Jason as Firestorm that you'll ever find), but it's just not worth buying, especially on a biweekly schedule.

This issue came really close to snagging a "Must Read" verdict and certainly would have it the love scene had better setup. That is really all that it came down to as Josh Howard puts forth one of the best efforts of his career in this issue. His character writing is amongst his strongest and, as always, his art is top notch. I don't think I've enjoyed one of Josh's comics this much since

The strength of the writing in this issue definitely propels it up the Rankings, but SL Gallant deserves a lot of credit for stepping up with the art. This is definitely the highest quality art that we've seen from Gallant and he chose a great issue to showcase it as this is also one the strongest GI Joe issues that Dixon has produced. You really shouldn't miss this great doneinone.

I've never really connected with the Legion of Superheroes, despite all of my efforts to get engaged in their adventures. That, of course, was before this wonderfully crafted issue that does a great job of making the Legion accessible and enjoyable. Levitz's character writing is fantastic, especially given how long it has been since he has regular written a comic, and Cinar's artwork really shines. I was weary of another Legion relaunch, but I can see myself really getting on board with this series.

After two very strong issues, I had high hopes for this week's installment of War of the Supermen as the battle finally reached Earth. Unfortunately, for every step forward, there was an equally as large, if not larger, step back. This is definitely a major miss in comparison to the other issues and a big part of that is the fact that we have more than 4 issues of story and it doesn't have the room to breathe. Next week's conclusion looks promising, so hopefully this issue doesn't end up derailing what had been a very enjoyable story.

This week's Spirit stuffs two topnotch stories between its covers and easily walks away with the

I was excited about the direction of this crossover before this issue and I'm excited to see what happens next, but I really couldn't care about what happen (or rather, doesn't happen) here. This is just a dull comic with almost no plot movement and some of the most boring characterization I've ever read from Mike Carey, who is normally a fine character writer. Plus it is filled with the lazy tracings of Greg Land, which ruins everything it comes in contact with.

There are setbacks in this issue and some of its faults are awfully glaring, but you cannot deny the potential it has for greatness. Paul Dini does wonders with the character and Stephane Roux looks like he will, given time, just as strong of an interior artist as he is for covers. Zatanna is character that is too often played up as either A) a quick magical deus ex machine or B) sheer eye candy, but I think that this series is going to go a long way at changing that. This could definitely be the new

As a longtime fan of Stephanie Brown and off the Batgirl legacy, I had high hopes for this series, but I don't think I could have ever imagined that it would so quickly become one of DC's strongest titles. Issues like this are a perfect example of why this might just be the best solocharacter series that the company is producing today. Then again, I can't argue with high quality storytelling, polished craftsmanship, and fun characters in an engaging plot (of course, that could just be me).

Tony Daniel really misses the mark with his writing in this issue as he presents a story that never really comes together in a coherent way. His characterization is just as bad. In fact, if it weren't for the fact that Guillem March is doing some interesting things with the art in this issue (and Titans left such a horrible taste in my mouth) this issue definitely would have been the lowest Ranked book of the week based upon the poor quality of the writing alone.

This issue was a fun read with some interesting ideas, but it seemed to be so wrapped up in how neat the concept was that it lost its purpose as part of a larger story. I think this would make a great

Gail Simone picks up where she left off with the Birds of Prey, reminding us of exactly how awesome she is and how perfect she is for writing these characters. This issue has something for everyonegreat action, amazing character interaction, and an intriguing cliffhanger that has me clamoring for the next issue. When you add in the best art I've ever seen from Ed Benes (big props to Nei Ruffino on that one), you've got an easy choice for

Brian Azzarello is definitely writing towards his strengths in First Wave and because of that, is writing to a niche market. The average superhero fan may not care much for such a carefully plotted and slow burning story, but mystery buffs and fans of classic pulp stories should find a lot to dig here. The ambitiousness of the project does come back to haunt Azzarello a bit when the scope becomes cumbersome here, but if you've got the patience to sort it out it is well worth the more careful read. Plus, seriously, Nei Ruffino is a freakin' rockstar on this issue, bringing Rags Morales's art to a whole new level.

I really did not expect much out of a series focusing on Barry Allen as the Flash (lifelong fan of Wally as the character), but Geoff Johns and Francis Manapul are making a fan out of me with high quality issues like this one. The strong pacing, interesting characterbased twists, and fantastic art are enough to win over just about any cynic. I know I can't be the only naysayer about Barry Allen's return and I urge my brethren to give this series a shot as issues like this are likely to change their minds.

The fanboy in me that loves bigaction and hero camaraderie found enough to like in this issue that I can't say it was a total waste of time. Unfortunately, the toocozy ending and paintbynumbers approach is a bit of a letdown, especially with certain bits having no setup or context clues for fans that didn't read all of the tieins. This issue came in with a good amount of momentum, but I can't help but feel like this ending is a bit of a misstepa misstep with the best of intentions, but a misstep nonetheless.

I read one reviewer online say that this issue made him feel "dirty" and I'm inclined to agree for a lot of reasons. This issue is very dark for the sake of dark to the point that it is, at times, an uncomfortable reading experience. When you add in the very poor character writing and haphazard art, this one is a total stinker, especially for the ridiculously high $4.99 price tag. I can't think of any reason to buy this, even if you are a hardcore Deathstroke fan. In fact, if you are a hardcore Deathstroke fan, you probably need to avoid this issue even more than the casual fans. Needless to say, this has killed all interest that I had in the new direction of the Titans series, even if Ravager shows up (and y'all know I'm a sucker for

Once again, Ultimate Comics SpiderMan is a veritable clinic on effective storytelling and character work with Bendis and Lafuente seemingly sharing a brain as they put this issue together. There is no other explanation for how two individuals could click so well in creating a comic. Having never seen them in the same place at the same time, I'll also accept conspiracy theories about them being the same person.

This issue was very close to earning a Buy It verdict as well, but the lack of focus in this fartoo briskly paced issue drags it down. Much like Siege, we are getting a big picture look at a major conflict, despite the fact that it has a very personal significance to characters that are being written compellingly when they have do get a chance to shine. I try not to review comics based upon what they aren't, but I can't help but feel like this issue does not live up to its potential despite hints of exciting action and some engaging character work.

For every big step forward that this issue takes, it takes an equally big step back, which has become the norm for this title. There is a lot about this issue that I really like, as it features some of my favorite moments from the entire series thus far and hints at the complex genius from his early work that Morrison has built his reputation on. Unfortunately, the lack of polish and, at times, downright lazy approach to plotting mucks up everything positive about the issue. I've said it before and I'll continue to repeat it until the issue is resolved, Grant Morrison needs to go back to basics and focus on the mechanics of telling a good story. Once he gets back into the hang of that, then he can go for the "genius" moments and absurd twists.

Other than the fact that there is very little being offered in this issue that we haven't seen before, there isn't much technically wrong with the issue. The writing isn't terribly offensive and, despite not appealing to my own personal preferences, the art isn't bad either. The problem with this issue is that it is just incredibly boring. The lack of a single focus really brings the issue down and the uninspired reuse of elements from Brightest Day #0 really kept me from enjoying this issue to the fullest. I'll stick around for a few more issues to see where they are going from here, but as far as first impressions go, I'm not impressed with Brightest Day.

The biggest problem with this issue isn't anything about the actual story itself. I don't really take issue with what this issue is, but rather with what it isn't. Mignola has a killer concept here and a fantastic story that demands more time to percolate and develop than what we are seeing here. This feels like a pretty cool trailer or pilot to a much, much more awesome and engaging larger tale. As a standalone issue, I'm not disappointed, but as a fan that knows what this story is capable of, I am a bit let down.

This issue is the total package. You get brilliant character work, a great plot, some fantastic twists, and utterly stellar art. I've been digging this series from its first issue and so I've got high expectations, but this issue blew those out of the water. I hate to see Yost and To separated when they have such amazing chemistry with the title character, but I'm glad to see them go out on top. I had a tough choice to make in picking this week's #1 thanks to a strong haul of issues, but this

Another month, another simply amazing issue of Secret Six. This issue was very, very, very close to taking home the Book of the Week honor and probably would have if it weren't for the weird misstep with the Scandal and Black Alice confrontation. Even if it isn't quite #1, it is still definitely worth your money and is a book that I absolutely implore you to pick up this week...even if you already bought your comics this week. This one is worth a second trip to the comic shop.

This is, by far, the strongest issue of the Second Coming crossover. Fraction takes a break from the action and gets very character focused in this issue, which is to its advantage. His great interpretations of the characters and how they interact is the key to this issue's success. I'm bummed that Nightcrawler, a great character, had to die for this story, but this issue makes up for that as Fraction sends him off in style.

The main purpose of this issue is clearly to build tension for the remainder of the miniseries and on that level, this issue works very, very well. The stage is set for the big battle and the ante is upped with the destruction of New Krypton. The strong character writing and expressive art do a great job of sucking the reader in, which is precisely what this issue needed to do. There has been a lot of buildup towards this story and I'd say, so far, it seems worth it.

This week's Fantastic Four is definitely the weakest issue of Jonathan Hickman's run so far. It is clear that he is setting up big things and I'm excited to see them play out, but this issue's haphazard plotting and horrible transitions keeps me from fully enjoying the ride there. Things don't fare much better for Dale Eaglesham and Paul Mounts, whose art simply does not live up their own standards. Perhaps my expectations were just too high, but I feel totally let down by this issue, despite being excited to see where the series goes next.

This is a fun little issue that plays to Paul Dini's strengths as a character writer. I dig the quirky plot and the interactions between Catwoman and Harley. The only thing really holding this issue back is the unpolished and inconsistent art. The issue was definitely on the cusp of a Buy It verdict, but the art doesn't justify this issue reaching the next level.

This issue was the easy choice for

After being pleasantly surprised by the last issue, I was really blown away by the poor execution of this one. The only saving grace for this issue that kept it out last place on the Rankings was the fact that Felicia Henderson is the worst writer in comics today. If it weren't for that, this stinker would definitely be holding down last place as there is almost nothing I liked about it.

This issue was really close to earning a Buy It verdict and I flipflopped on the issue several times before finally deciding to stay at Check It. The plot is very engaging and the action is fantastic, but ultimately the lack of real character writing and the unpolished art pulls this one down. If you read it, chances are you will enjoy it, but the flaws are simply too overbearing to ignore.

This issue features the last of the Ravager storyline, which means that there is a very good chance it will be my last issue until Felicia Henderson is relieved of her writing duties. Her work is simply painful to read and is an embarrassment to DC. At one time, Teen Titans was one of the strongest titles that DC published, but now it has been reduced to simply amateurish storytelling. The only bright side to how horrible Henderson's writing is here is that is shows that just about anyone has a chance at writing for DC, even if they have absolutely no place writing comic books.

The decision to kill of a major character in this issue, which has been telegraphed since the first issue of Second Coming, is going to be talked about a lot more than the craftsmanship will, which is a shame because the issue is very well executed. There is a lot that I really like about this issuealmost enough to bring this to a Must Read. However, there are a number of very minor issues that all added up to keep this one from reaching that highest echelon. You really can't go wrong with this issue though and I do highly recommend checking it out.

It is really hard to explain why this issue works as well as it does. The concept is simple, the storytelling is straightforward, and the splash page concept is gimmicky. None of that is detrimental though as it all combines into a powerful and fantastic issue that really sums up why Elephantmen is perhaps the single best comic book being published today. This is the type of comic that makes you glad that you are a comic book reader.

There are a lot of things that I really, really liked about this issue. Unfortunately, for everything I dug, there was something else that I didn't care much for. It was one step forward and one step back throughout the majority of the issue. When you add in the lack of plot substance, I can't justify ranking the issue any higher, despite its many admirable qualities.