Sara 'Babs' Lima's Comic Reviews

Reviewer For: Comic Vine Reviews: 373
8.5Avg. Review Rating

This is definitely an issue that Hellboy fans should pick up this week! It's hard to believe that this is only a two part story considering the amount of stuff that happens in the issue, and it definitely feels like Mignola and Arcudi could extend it if they really wanted to. It's a fun horror comic and the writers capture the mysticism and overall danger of the events very well. Great pacing, gorgeous art, beautiful story. I highly recommend this to veteran Hellboy fans and new readers alike.

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I have definitely been waiting for a series focusing primarily on Abe's character, so this is something I really looked forward to reading. The good news is that the first issue definitely holds up and meets my expectations, so hopefully fans of the B.P.R.D. universe and Abe, specifically, will feel the same way. I loved the way Mignola pieced the story together by giving readers an adequate set-up. The story is organized well and will keep you engaged and interested in the story. It is definitely a fun read. If you are a new reader, there is not much you need to know about this issue going in: this is a great place to start reading if you are not familiar with this universe.

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Fantastic dialogue, beautiful art and a heavy action packed story will both have you at the edge of your seat and leave you wanting more. This is definitely an issue that will leave you entertained and with more questions than answers -- and that's a good thing.

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If it were up to me I would have Palmiotti, Gray and Moritat on this title forever. I think that this creative team works really well together on ALL-STAR WESTERN and they have set the standard for this series pretty high. This is, by far one of the best #0 issues I have read so far; it's clear, organized and it gives the reader the characters back story and still manages to set the stage for the next story arc without making the book feel rushed.The creators on this title have a very clear idea of the kind of story they want to tell and the type of character they want to portray and it's hard not to fall in love with him. If you've ever wanted to see what would make Jonah Hex cry, or how he got the scar on his face, then this isn't a book you will want to pass up.

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I'm a big fan of Jonah Hex, but I definitely wasn't expecting this issue to be this good. We are introduced to Hex in the beginning as a wandering bounty hunter who still wears his Civil War uniform because "it's the only one that fits." He has his own brand of justice and if he's paid enough, is happy to do the work some people would rather avoid. The narration of Amadeus Arkham serves to guide the reader through the story and help them understand just what kind of a man Jonah Hex is. What we get is an interesting and entertaining dynamic between two characters. Top that with a collection of murders and you have yourself an edge of your seat mystery that everyone should be reading. The story is brilliant, the art is breathtaking and the characterizations are fantastic. One of the issues I am most looking forward to reading consistently, and one that any new reader will enjoy.

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Overall, another solid issue of Jonah Hex. It's great when you get a comic that has a second story in the back, and it is equally as fun and entertaining as the main story. The art is fantastic. The story is solid and a lot of fun. I have definitely been enjoying this series. This issue is a really good introductory issue to the main story as well as to Jonah Hex's character, so if you haven't picked up any of these books yet, you can probably start with this issue to gauge whether or not it's a book you want to put on your pull list.

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I really love that Gray and Palmiotti are exploring different areas of the old DC Universe and introducing readers to new characters that would have interacted with Jonah Hex. This is a solid jumping on point for new readers because it's the start of a new story-arc. We are introduced to new and interesting characters, and the dynamic between Hex and Arkham remains consistent throughout. Moritat lends his talents to the seventh issue making this a perfect book. Lot's of fun, adventure and excitement here; I definitely recommend this issue.

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If you read BATMAN R.I.P., chances are you will pick up on some of the clues that the writers leave readers throughout the issue. Wayne casino chips, for example, I thought that was pretty clever. I think that it's good that the creative team on All-Star is trying to embed this series into the rich history of Gotham City; and I think it's important to do so. It makes it feel more relevant. I am a huge fan of Tallulah, so this issue really hit the spot for me. I thought her appearance was hilarious and there were definitely moments where I laughed out loud. I am definitely looking forward to the next issue.

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This book is one of the most consistent titles published by DC. I love the interactions between the characters, I think the art (Moritat) is perfect and very complimentary to the story, and I feel like this is a creative team that knows and understands who Jonah Hex and his supporting cast really, truly are. The back-ups in each issue are highly entertaining, and it's great to see some of these old DC characters get a little bit of the spotlight once again. Great story, awesome pacing and brilliant dialogue. You will laugh at every innuendo, I promise.

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It is great to see sci-fi integrated fluidly and effortlessly into the superhero genre, and if there is anyone that can pull that off without skipping a beat, it is Jonathan Hickman. Once again, Hickman proves to us that he is capable of combining these two genres together to create a really well written, fascinating story. Aside from the set up of this new and interesting story, we also have a neat introduction to Hyperion's character, his history and his power set. Adam Kubert illustrates and does a fantastic job. This is definitely gearing up to be an interesting series. If you missed the first three issues, you can definitely follow along starting here.

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Hickman has really been knocking it out of the park with both NEW AVENGERS and AVENGERS. Five issues in and it is really getting interesting. I love that we are being introduced to the members of the new team individually and I thought it was great to get a closer look at a character like Smasher who doesn't get very much panel time. It's well written and the dialogue is fun and easy to read. Izzy is a likeable character, too, which really helps a lot. Additionally, you have these absolutely breathtaking panels in this issue that will absolutely blow you away. I loved this comic and I am definitely looking forward to seeing what Hickman offers up next.

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Although the first three issues of this series felt like they were self contained and had a definitive beginning and an end, it is clear that Hickman has a bigger picture that he is playing with, and we see a glimpse of that here/ The being that the Avengers are introduced to at the start of this series plays an important role not only in this issue, but in this story in general. It's great to see Hickman circle back to a concept we saw previously, something I think that is essential to the story he is trying to tell. The dialogue is fantastic: it sets up the story in a compelling way and it clues us into the direction that Hickman plans on taking this series. Not only do we get a great story, but we have equally gorgeous art, too. Hickman manages to teeter between executing a story that is compelling and complex while still accessible to new readers.

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What an incredible story this has been! As if it couldn't get more exciting, Allan Heinberg ups the ante with issue 8 of 9. Jim Cheung's gorgeous art help tell an exceptional story. His ability to capture emotion, action, excitement and expression are incredible. This is the type of book that will leave you sad when you get to the final page and the realization that you have to wait another two months for the final issue sets in. Great way to end the final Wednesday of 2011.

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This is certainly one of the better books out this week, and it seems that anything Mike Mignola and John Arcudi work on is really rather impressive. Great pacing to this story; the writers let on just enough information to hook the reader without giving anything away. Fantastic art (great pencils and colors). Thios is definitely a three part mini-series I cannot wait to continue reading.

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If you want a jumping on point, this is it. Hellboy is gone but that doesn't mean the B.P.R.D. is down and out. The first of five issues in this story arc presents a very clear and concise story that longtime fans and new readers will appreciate. I highly recommend this issue.

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This issue of B.P.R.D. is truly beautiful. Everything from the pencils and colors to the structure of the story is just perfect. You will be at the edge of your seat reading this issue, wishing you didn't have to wait for #3. Incredibly interesting story that I cannot wait to see collected in order to appreciate it's true beauty.

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I would not usually categorize Hellboy and B.P.R.D. comics as being "horror" comics but this one sort of fits into that category pretty well. There is some fantastic character interactions and dynamics and the creative team captures fear perfectly in a story that is a truly fantastic page-turner. Add this to the fantastic art in this issue and you have a recipe for perfection. The story is great, the characters and intriguing and their plight feels believable. It's a great start to a new arc that gives us a closer look at the current state of the B.P.R.D. that will leave you guessing as to how these characters will survive with the core of their team gone. I am definitely looking forward to part two of this three issue arc and I hope that this three issue series gives us a chance to get to know Johann and the rest of the team a little bit better.

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If you missed the first two issues you should be just fine jumping right into this one. The story is accessible and it is written in a way that makes it very easy for readers to car about these characters and become interested and invested in them and their respective stories rather quickly. If you love suspense and adventure then I highly recommend you give B.P.R.D: VAMPIRE #3 a look this week.

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I love the idea of Batman in Africa and I think it's been very well executed here. The story feels cohesive and completely connected with the rest of the Batman universe. It's beautifully drawn and very well written. Definitely an issue to put on your pull list.

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This is a fantastic jumping on point for new readers. While the first issue does manage to allude to certain events that occurred in the first series, it's written in a very accessible way that will allow new readers to just dive in. Kate makes Batgirl look, well, amateurish. The tone of this series is definitely more refined and I haven't read a female character driven book that is as bold, brash, sassy and exciting as this one. Kate is just damn cool.

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This is the most gorgeous book at DC Comics right now. J.H. Williams III is an incredible artist and he and W. Haden Blackman work incredibly well together. The story is still accessible to new readers, although I recommend picking up the first issue before you dive into this one. Very well written story that is getting more and more exciting as time goes on. I absolutely cannot wait for the third issue!

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Everything from the colors, to the dialogue, to the plot and overall story will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat. The art compliments the story so well, and will absolutely take your breath away. Each scene in this issue is more beautiful than the next, it's hard to imagine how the creative team will top this issue. Lastly, Bette stands up for herself towards the end of the issue, and I am definitely looking forward to seeing what she does next.

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I absoluely adored this issue and thought it was one of the best thus far. The romantic scene between Kate and the Detective, while graphic, was tastefully executed. The art is absolutely stunning and the layout of the issue itself was brilliant. In an effort to prove to both herself as well as Kate that she is capable, Flamebird places herself in a tremendous amount of danger at the start of this issue and it will be interesting to see if she makes it back in one piece.

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If you are looking to be completely blown away by a comic book this week then be sure to put BATWOMAN on your pull list as it is sure to do the trick. If you thought things were heating up before, then you haven't seen anything yet. Definitely not where new readers want to start reading. Gorgeously illustrated, incredible story. I can't wait for issue #6.

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This is a good story and it is a great first issue. It's well organized and the narration of the story is very complimentary to the Dr. Manhattan's character. It's interesting to see Straczynski's perception of the character. I personally thought he did a pretty good job. I do wonder about the changes made to the character, however, and something about that (if I read that correctly) does feel a little bit off. Adam Hughes and Laura Martin do a fantastic job with the art on this issue, and it's great to see Hughes doing interiors again after 15 years. This issue is a great introduction to Dr. Manhattan's character and good look at the way his mind ticks.

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Darwyn Cooke's interpretation of these characters is brilliant and completely on point. The way he captures the naivety of Hollis Mason, the conservatism of Dollar Bill and the virtuousness of Silhouette is just beautiful. Pair that with his absolutely stunning pencils and Phil Noto's perfect colors and we have a perfect comic book. I am absolutely loving this series and I feel it is one of the few BEFORE WATCHMEN titles that does a great service to the original stories.

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This isn't just a great comic, it's a brilliant story about the human condition. Sure, Alan Moore created these characters, but Darwyn Cooke has breathed new life into them and made them his own. This series has been exceptional, and this issue will definitely be hard to top. The characters are complicated, and deep; and there is this crazy, dark story just waiting to be devoured if you just look beneath the surface of what's in front of you. I love the way that Cooke uses his pencils and his art to push the story forward. To clue the reader into things that are there just beneath the narrative. I'm falling in love with these characters because of the way Cooke is capturing them in this series, and this issue is the best example of why. This comic is gorgeous, and I absolutely recommend picking up this series from the beginning.

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There is a lot that happens in this issue, and there is definitely more than one story being told. Cooke calls back to the moments that led up to Ursula's death and the case she had been working on. That case that was initially introduced at the start of this series is very close to being solved, but it's done so in a really great way. The writing is superb and the dialogue fantastic. The story is organized very well and the art is, as always, complimentary to the story. The ending will leave you on the edge of your seat. This issue is, by far, one of the best comics out this week.

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Of all the BEFORE WATCHMEN titles this one, by far more than any other, surpassed what we saw in the original WATCHMEN, at least to me. Hollis Mason is a true hero, or at least he strove to be one, but he wasn't perfect. I think that's what this story was really about. It's about people who wanted to save other people, but were human themselves and were therefore flawed. Beyond that though it's just a brilliant series. Cooke's incredible use of symbolism and metaphors come to life in this issue and the way he takes unexpected turns in his story is brilliant. Of all the BEFORE WATCHMEN titles I have read, this one is by far the one that adds the most to the original story. Brilliantly written and drawn. I absolutely recommend picking up all six issues.

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The brief introduction at the start of the comic will make this issue easy for any new reader to understand and follow along. The comic opens with Jessica Drew, but quickly fast forwards to Carol Danvers who has traveled back in time before she became Captain Marvel. This is definitely an issue that focuses on Carol's appreciation for her powers and the life she lives now. The person that she has become. It's something that has been an underlying theme in this series so far, but it is something that definitely comes to the surface of the story. It's a great issue with fantastic dialogue and a great introduction to Carol's character if you have not yet read the series. Beautiful art and an awesome story makes this a perfect issue.

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I think the way that DeConnick is setting up the story and the narrative she uses is really perfect. There's a clear idea of who Captain Marvel is beyond the basics of "she's an Air Force pilot turned superheroine" that makes this an interesting read. As fantastic as the story is (Dinosaurs in Times Square!) DeConnick still manages to ground the character and make her feel real in a way that is very interesting. This is a great jumping on point if you haven't yet given this series a chance, too. Great art, a beautifully written story and a serious cliff-hanger make this a fantastic read.

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This is a series that fans of Daredevil will love, featuring Matt as well as shedding some spotlight on Matt's comrade Foggy Nelson. This started off with a fantastic first issue -- but if you enjoyed that, wait until you get to this second issue. The series is fantastic, not a slow moment here. The end of the book will leave you wanting more. The artistic team is one of the best I have seen on any Marvel book in a long time. Not only are Paolo Rivera's pencils beautiful and fluid; perfect for Daredevil, but Joe Rivera's inks are perfect. His smooth, fine lines help the character leap off the pages. Can't forget to mention Javier Rodriguez's gorgeous colors, reinforcing the classic feel of this book. Gorgeous book, accessible to new readers, highly recommended.

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This issue, like the ones before it, is fantastic. Everything from the panel layouts to Marcos Martin's artwork is breathtaking. Waid is slowly crafting a story that is slowly being revealed. It feels as though he is gradually peeling layer by layer of the story away to reveal a much bigger issue below the surface of what we already know. It's this manner of storytelling that not only keeps readers on the edge of their seats, but also keeps them intrigued. I definitely recommend this series for new readers who are unfamiliar with Daredevil, but I recommend that they begin reading at the very least with issue four. Also, it will be interesting to see the relationship between Murdock and Kirsten McDuffie develop.

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This is by far one of the best issues of DAREDEVIL so far. I love the contrast between Daredevil and Mole Man, it's brilliantly executed. The book is gorgeous and the story will certainly pull at your heart strings a little bit. This is one book that left me wanting more. The question remains, is Matt crazy?

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I really like the tactics Waid utilizes to push the story in a different direction. This issue he uses events in the present (the date as well as the character that appears on the final page of the issue) to move the story forward, as well as looking into the past. By having Matt reminisce about his college days with Foggy he is putting the friendship these two characters share on display ad demonstrating the true character of Daredevil. The pacing in this issue is perfect, and each scene will keep you on your toes. Yet another solid jumping on point for new readers who don't currently read DD but have been wanting to start.

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Amazing art coupled with phenomenal writing makes this one of the best issues to hit stands this week. Great execution by Samnee here; I loved him on this issue. He really helps tell the story, emotion and movement of Daredevil through his art. Mark Waid is setting up challenge after challenge for Matt; and that's how you tell a really good story. I love the parallel ongoing stories told here; the current predicament Matt is in and Matt's deteriorating friendship and partnership with Foggy -- Matt is definitely in for a world of pain. Excellent pacing in this issue. Waid put a lot of thought into this story and it shows. Fantastic cliffhanger at the end. This is a great jumping on point for new readers, too.

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This series has been spectacular and this issue is no exception. I love the way that Waid deals with Daredevil's issues and the way his heroics factor and influence his life as Attorney Matt Murdock. The two pivotal moments in this issue are in stark contrast to one another; one is absolutely incredible and impossible, and the other is completely grounded in reality and real emotions. This balance is what made this a great comic.

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This is not a bad place to start reading if you are not familiar with the book because it sets the stage for things to come. It reinforces the state of the relationship between Matt and Foggy, Matt's new girlfriend and a mysterious figure from Matt's past. This is a great place to jump on board if you haven't been reading. Like all previous issue, this one is easy to read and digest and will keep you entertained throughout. Great art, story, pacing and themes make this another awesome issue.

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This entire series has been great, but this issue in particular was really enjoyable. Things are beginning to come together for Matt in this issue. He's finally beginning to understand the problems he's had in the last two or three issues of the series, and it's kind of crazy. Waid doesn't just tell a great story with really good pacing; he also takes a classic Marvel villain and turns him into this really threatening, really formidable adversary. It's definitely a great twist that I personally did not see coming. Once again, the art is stunning. I love the heavy inks that give this book a darker feel; it's definitely appropriate for this comic and really meshes well with the overall tone of Daredevil's character. This is a well written, edge-of-your-seat adventure that you will not want to miss. It is an issue that definitely left me wanting more.

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This issue is guaranteed to make you cry, just a tiny bit. The story contains everything you could want in a great comic: humor, action, character development and a push to move the story's plot forward. Not only was it great to see Mark Waid play with this idea of a Doc Oc Spider-Man, but it was also great to see the two characters interact on both an action level as well as a conversational one. And that last page will definitely not disappoint. Not the best jumping on point for new readers, but Waid does definitely make this an accessible read.

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This issue is well organized, well written and features some really beautiful dialogue. It also does a fantastic job giving readers insight into what Daredevil is thinking and just how he is dealing with all of his problems. The result is a well written, really pretty comic with another interesting story. While I don't recommend starting with this issue, you can (if you must) and it should not be too hard to follow along.

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What I like about this series is the fact that Waid keeps you guessing; you never truly know what lies around the next corner with this series and that is something very evident in this particular comic. It is clear that DD may have met his match, but it is also clear that this new adversary (even without saying it explicitly) isn't the mastermind behind manipulating virtually everything in Matt's life as of late. It's interesting to see through the course of several issues the psychological breakdown of Murdock: this isn't just a physical adversary, this is someone who wants to make Matt feel fear. That's what makes this story so different and also so compelling. The art, as usual, is really lovely: Samnee's layouts and pencils really help to draw you into the story. This is a great read and not a bad starting point, although I would recommend picking up the previous few issues to really get a sense of how big Matt's problems really are.

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This issue is definitely worth a read: it's a fantastic ride and I can't wait to see what the creative team has in store for these characters in issue #27.

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Everything from the art to the way the characters are portrayed is brilliant. There are some panels where you can clearly tell that Bendis wrote for his artistic team. One scene in particular depicts a conversation between Urich and Milla and it's clear that Bendis allowed the artist to tell the story for him; having the artists really capture and convey emotion through movement and expression -- it's just fantastic. This issue is a great example of how when you get a solid creative team together, it's possible to create a really fantastic story. The issue ends on a massive cliff-hanger that will leave you wanting more and really excited about the next issue. Beautiful panels, perfect layout, and a story that will keep you at the edge of your seat make this one of the best comics of this week.

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I like how finite everything is in this series -- particularly in this issue. It's interesting to see Bendis write a story that gives him the ability to be flexible and do crazy things because he knows his story is outside of continuity. He is able to freely push characters and stories to their limits and he clearly does that here, and it's very entertaining to see. This issue also has some really beautiful art. It's definitely a more mature title, dealing with more mature themes and issues, but it's a great read if you're looking for something a bit darker. The way the story progresses is also really great and it is really well structured and organized. I don't recommend starting the series with this issue, however. If you want to read this series, I suggest starting with issue #1.

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There is so much I like about this issue. Even though Cornell is throwing a lot at the reader with this story, he's still organizing everything in a way that makes it relatively easy for even a new reader to follow along. The cast of characters are well written and the dialogue is highly entertaining. Pair this solid story with beautiful art by Bernard Chang and you have a winner. The end will leave you with a lot of questions, and you can likely expect a crazy battle in the next issue. If you haven't been reading and you are into books about mythology, heaven, hell and magic, then look no further. This is a great issue that is definitely worth your time and money.

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I really enjoyed the way this issue is structured. It opens with Etrigan, moves forward and delves into other characters before non chalantly bringing the relationship between Jason and Etrigan back into focus once again. I think the fact that Venditti did this so discretely is what made the story more fun to read. The layout was great and very organized: reading this I could tell exactly where Venditti's beats are . He definitely had some things he wanted to accomplish in this issue and he did so, but not without leaving some loose ends and cliff hangers for fans of this series to look forward to in the coming issues. The issue is very well written, Venditti gets these characters and knows their respective voices and he is clearly weaving a story that is engaging and fun for both old and new readers alike. This is also a great jumping on point for anyone interested in diving in.

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I really have been enjoying this series and I think Venditti has done a fantastic job taking on these interesting characters and playing with their relationships a little bit. This has been an incredibly exciting issue, and the story that we get here is definitely one that continues to escalate and get more and more interesting. The art is really fantastic, and very complimentary to the story being told here, which is great. The result is another solid issue and one that is bound to pique the interest of anyone fascinated by and invested in the world of Etrigan and his supporting cast. As far as a jumping on point, you can definitely start your journey here as it is, for the most part, easy to follow along. You may, however, not get the most out of the story if you don't at the very least read the previous issue.

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What a fantastic issue this is: just when I thought this series couldn't get any better, it does. The characters are interesting, the story is compelling and the dialogue will keep you consistently entertained throughout. And how could I not mention the absolutely breathtaking art by Bernard Chang?

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Overall, this issue was nearly perfect. I loved the pencils and the vibrant colors we get in this issue and I felt the art really complimented the story as a whole. The issue itself is a perfect jumping on point for new readers because it launches a new story arc while maintaining the repercussions of the previous issue and previous arc in a way that is interesting and does not feel overbearing. The result is a really fantastic story that feels as if it comes alive through gorgeous pencils and vibrant colors. It is a comic that is bound to leave you laughing and entertained from beginning to end, and one I highly doubt would leave you disappointed.

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I will be very sad to see this series come to an end. Not only is it fantastic in the way that it is written, but having such an eclectic group of characters together all in one book has been massively entertaining. The story is wonderful, the characterizations continue to be great and the plot is engaging. This issue is accessible to new readers too, even though it definitely feels like the series is gradually coming to a close.

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I loved this issue because of the balance and the pacing. Like I said, each character got to shine a little bit in the spotlight, which is important when you are first introducing a new superhero team. It's sort of the foundation for everything that comes after it; how will these characters interact? How will they play together on the same team? Will they have this sort of effortless relationship where each of their strengths are played up? You get that here.

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This is a big step up (at least for me) from previous issues, I think, because of Robinson's focus on the distinct personalities of the different characters in his series. The tone of this issue is definitely very different from previous issues. Up until this point, all the books in this series have focused heavily on superhero action, but this issue feels more like a spy-thriller. It's definitely an interesting change of pace, but a welcomed one. This issue veers away from the focus on the core "team" (that isn't quite a team yet) and leans on a different side of the story. Robinson has certainly complicated things and has made things more interesting and although the writer definitely seems to be approaching this issue slightly differently, it still feels like an EARTH 2 superhero-genre comic, just with a little bit more spy action and maybe a bit of strategy. I definitely enjoyed this change of pace and felt this to be one of Robinson's strongest issues thus far.

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Everything from Nicola Scott's art to Robinson's dialogue is magnificent in this issue. The story is organized in a way that will keep you turning pages, and leave you disappointed when you realize you've reached the end and have to wait another month for the next installment. Robinson does his best to ensure that he gives readers just a taste of all that is to come, and the result is pretty exciting. This is definitely one of the better issues in this series thanks to the way it is organized and the climactic moments that therein. I am definitely excited to see what Robinson has in store for us in the next issue.

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Overall, great art, wonderful structure and a great superhero centric story. Although it may not be the best jumping on point, this is still a fantastic read.

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Everything from the way that Willingham combines Grimm Fairy Tales with his own unique story, to Jimenez's stunning interiors, to Adam Hughes' breathtaking cover -- all these things make this a brilliant issue. The way that Willingham is able to take these classic characters and utilize them to create a new, interesting and edge of your seat story is amazing. This is definitely not a good jumping on point for new readers; I would recommend starting with the first issue of FAIREST to get the most out of the series and this issue.

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This is a very interesting book. Our heroes are not only faced with a huge problem, but they decide on a very unlikely solution to that problem. The question remains, will the plan backfire? I also liked the very brief scene between Johnny and Ben where Johnny says he would much rather be there (witnessing the possible destruction of the earth) than in the negative zone. I think that it will be interesting to see if Hickman delves deeper into the emotional and physical scars that the Negative Zone events may have had on Johnny, and in a way it feels like that is what he is sort of doing here by hinting at that. I felt that the Barry Kitson and Paul Mounts artistic team was perfect for this space adventure. Both artists did a fantastic job. I am definitely looking forward to the next issue.

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I really liked this issue a lot and I'm very interested in seeing where this story is going. I'm a big fan of T'Challa when he's written well, and so far the premise and the characterizations are on point. I think it's nice that Hickman addresses the current state of Wakanda, too. Beautiful art and an interesting story rooted in mythology is certainly exciting. I'm definitely looking forward to the next issue.

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I absolutely loved this issue. While it definitely picks up from Hickman's previous stories, it also acts as a great self-contained issue. If you still haven't had the chance to try reading Hickman's run, this story might be easy enough for you to follow along. Paired with Stegman's pencils and Mounts' gorgeous colors, it's not a book you will want to skip out on if given the chance.

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I am definitely excited about this series, and really looking forward to seeing how everything develops in the coming issues. One think that Fraction does well is he sets up a story with a lot of layers that makes the reader want to continue to read. Beyond the fact that Reed has this life threatening disease, he's also lying to his family. Fraction emphasizes trust and honor, and I think that's really important to see here. If you haven't been reading, this is definitely a great place to pick up the series and start.

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Overall, I think this is a great series and this was a solid issue. Mark Bagley delivers some really lovely art in this comic and the story takes a very interesting and exciting turn, which was great to see. Fraction melds history and science fiction together in a way that is interesting and compelling, and the result is a story that will leave you wanting more. The relationships between characters feels grounded and real, and that's something that is definitely necessary when writing about this tight knit group of characters. The story is written in a way that is pretty accessible, so if you haven't been reading you should be able to start here without any difficulties.

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This edge of your seat thriller combines aspects of mystery, crime and drama eloquently and beautifully tied together with Sean Phillips' breathtaking art. From every panel depicting Josephina's sexy and alluring nature, to the creepy, graphic crime scenes we find at the end of the issue -- Phillips does it all, and he does it brilliantly well.

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After presenting readers with an absolutely breathtaking first issue, it's hard to believe Brubaker could top the first issue -- but he did. The story is slowly coming together and readers will be able to witness the first connections between characters. Still, there are plenty of things we still do not know. What is the connection between Josephine and these three men? What is her connection to this occult organization? How dark will Brubaker delve? This is one of the best books out right now. Highly recommend this title to anyone who loves a good mystery.

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Brubaker continues to weave his brilliant tale of mystery and suspense; leaving readers on the edge of their seats yearning for more of this brilliant story. Nothing is what it seems, and there's a twist at every corner of this plot. These characters have depth, appeal, and are incredibly provoking -- particularly Josephine. Brubaker uncovers just enough of the story to pique the interest of his readers, but keeps them in the dark about the majority of the tale. Fantastic art, provoking plot, perfect pacing. If you like the occult, crime noir, mystery and a little suspense; this is a comic book you won't regret picking up. Not recommended as a jumping on point for new readers.

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This issue is brilliant. It's dark, gritty and most of all, mysterious. Just when we think we know more about what's happening in this series, we realize there is so much we don't know. It's this kind of story telling that keeps things really interesting. This is definitely not a good jumping on point for new readers. I think to really get the most out of this story, you need to start from the beginning. As one of my favorite ongoing books right now, I highly recommend this series to any one who is a fan of dark, gritty noir that will keep you guessing. Beautiful book. I highly recommend it.

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Another great issue from Brubaker who is magnificently weaving a dark, mysterious, occult story. I love the layers that are added with each introduction to a new character. The way that he portrays Josephine as this intoxicating vixen is brilliant -- she's seemingly irresistible. I love the way Brubaker begins to tie Josephine to the occult group towards the end of the issue -- it's really well done. Sean Phillips does a fantastic job setting the tone and mood of the story with his beautiful art and his selection of colors to depict the mood of each individual scene. Another fantastic issue that will leave you at the edge of your seat.

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This entire series has been fantastic so far, and this issue is not different. I love the build up of some of the scenes in this issue; I think it's executed with a lot of tact and finesse. Additionally, you have a story that is still mysterious. Beyond the mystery surrounding Josephine, there is the mystery of just how these characters are tied together and who they are. Once again, just as you think you know what's going on in this story, Brubaker takes a turn leaving you with more questions than answers and an urge to continue reading.

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Although Brubaker may have answered a lot of questions about the characters, their motives and the extent of their powers in FATALE #10; he still manages to leave us with even more questions about just exactly it is that is going on in this story. That is what I love about this series. Just when the reader gets one step ahead, Brubaker pushes us ten steps backward. It adds to the mysterious tone of the story as well as a lot of suspense. This issue is fantastic and is a breath of fresh air for this series. It will definitely leave you excited about the story and have you at the edge of your seat waiting for more.

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I think the previous story may have been a bit too drawn out and I think it was necessary to finally get some closure on the previous story and start fresh with issue #11. This issue definitely does not disappoint. Brubaker has a way of building up a story and making you think it will go one way, but he throws a curve ball at you. That is definitely what happens here. It's an edge-of-your-seat reading experience that will leave you wanting more. A fantastic, self-contained story paired with some really beautiful art work makes this a perfect issue. It has everything you would want in a horror comic: great writing, beautiful art and a whole lot of suspense.

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The issue is incredibly well organized. Every scene serves a purpose, but the story is a bit sad. It is upsetting that Mathilda had finally found someone who did not desire her in a sexual way; that she had finally found some peace only to see it all come to a violent end. It does force readers to beg the question, will Josephine fall prey to the same fate? Or will she manage to break the cycle? This is a good self-contained, jumping on point. As a stand alone story it's really well written and well done, but it also serves a far greater purpose in the grand scheme of things.

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Comics should be fun, and that's exactly what this comic book is. Not only is this a fantastic book that highlights on the friendship between Peter and Johnny, but it's the type of book that (stylistically) will leave old readers feeling nostalgic about the way comic books used to be. There is a ton of fantastic character interactions in this issue, and the art compliments the story perfectly. This is a gorgeous issue that isn't at all heavy like the last story that just ended in FF. Fun issue with a lot of fantastic elements. Great for both old and new readers alike.

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Even though the Hyena clan was going up against a bunch of kids, there was no point where I didn't feel they were non-threatening. Hickman introduces them as adversaries that are powerful, intelligent and conniving -- so even though the kids managed to successfully outsmart them, they don't come across as weak. I loved this book. I loved the art, the pacing of the story, the dialogue, the emotion of these characters -- I thought it was all really great fun. I recommend this issue to anyone wanting to get into FF or FANTASTIC FOUR; it's a great place to start.

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I think this is a great set-up issue. It really does a great job setting up this story that brings back some pretty cool (and very powerful) characters to the series, but also maintains a balance between a heavy plot and some lighthearted, funny dialogue. Lots of moments where you will find yourself chuckling when reading this issue, so be sure to expect that. I really enjoyed the art and the story in this issue and I am definitely interested in seeing how Black Bolt and the Inhumans come into play in the future of this series.

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I love the fact that Hickman reverts back to past events in his stories and brings them back to the surface. He creates interesting parallels between the relationships of different characters, and you see a lot of that in this issue. As sweet as this is, this issue changes a lot of things too. It's a sad story that definitely opens doors to possible story lines and interesting outcomes. I am definitely looking forward to seeing what happens next.

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I am so sad to see Hickman leave this title, but so glad to see him do it in this incredible fashion. The way he is able to write these emotional and poignant moments that will literally bring tears to your eyes (at least they did for me) is astounding. He will make you care about these characters and their interactions in a way that maybe you hadn't before, and he establishes a very fitting end to both his book as well as to Franklin. In the end, it's a beautifully written story that might make you tear up a little bit, paired with some truly fantastic art. If you have to pick up one book this week, make it this one.

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I absolutely loved everything about this comic; from the way the characters are portrayed and the way they interact, to the fluidity of Mike Allred's panels, to the pacing of the issue. I also love the way Fraction focuses on each character, giving them all a little bit of time to shine without sacrificing the story. It's, overall, a great issue that is fun-filled and ends on a serious cliffhanger that'll leave you guessing and yearning for the next issue.

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This is an incredibly entertaining issue. Not only does Fraction present us with a fun story, but he gives us a peek at interesting characters and a book chock full breathtaking art. The dynamic is fantastic and the story we see here will keep you at the edge of your seat the entire time. Unlike the story we see in FANTASTIC FOUR (also out this week), this issue meshes better with the continuity we've been seeing thus far. Overall, another great issue that is witty, cleverly written and organized in a way that will leave you wanting more.

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Overall, I really love this series and felt this issue was great. Not only is it well written with some fantastic and very humorous dialogue, but it does a good job exploring some of these characters individually. Fraction makes sure to drop some hints about some possible underlying character developments that may prove to be very interesting in the coming issues. The issue itself is relatively self-contained and very accessible to new readers, introducing the characters in a way that is easy to understand even if you haven't been following the comic from the start. Mike and Laura Allred do a fantastic job capturing emotion, expression and humor in the interior art and they are one reason why I personally keep coming back for more. This is another great issue of FF and I definitely look forward to seeing what this creative team has in store for us in issue #8.

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This is, quite frankly, one of the most beautiful books I have read in a long time. Everything from the explanation of what Flashpoint is and how it came about, to the gut wrenching, tear-jerking moments at the very end; if you go out and buy anything this week, make it the final issue of Flashpoint.

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If you love Bart Allen and if he is your favorite Flash family character, then be sure to grab a box of tissues when you dive into the final issue of Flashpoint: Kid Flash Lost. Gates certainly does do the character justice here, and the issue defines what it means to be a true hero. I really recommend this Flashpoint mini series, and I am interested to see if any of the events that took place here carry over into the "New 52." Also, it was nice to see Wally, at the very least, mentioned in this issue after being missing from comics for so long.

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This comic is just really aesthetically pleasing. Beyond the fact that it has a lot of really pretty pictures, it's just a really well organized comic with a solid story that will suck you in and keep you guessing. What are Chas' motives? What does he want and why did he fake his own death? There's a lot about this issue that will leave you wondering what is next, and I think that's a great start. I love the way it is structured and the dialogue in this book is a great insight into the characters that appear in the comic. The fact that this first issue leaves readers with more questions than answers is a great guarantee that it will bring you back for more. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a comic that is well written and beautifully drawn.

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I didn't think the creative team would be able to deliver a second issue equally as strong as the first but they did. In this fantastic second issue, the creative team explores the central character's personality without explicitly and directly delving into it directly. Here, we see that he is faced with some rather unusual circumstances that will force him to make some rather rash decisions. Still, very interesting stuff. I love the way this story feels grounded and based on reality to a certain extent; I think it really adds to its uniqueness. The art and story are very complimentary and the book is not only well written, but beautifully illustrated as well. I highly recommend this series (and recommend that you begin with the first issue) to anyone looking for something very different.

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It's very obvious that there is a story here that goes beyond this whole 'Chas Worthington fakes his own death and buys an island' stuff. Although that premise, in itself, is extremely interesting, there is a great story that is just beyond that beneath the surface of this story. It's about Chas, but it's about more than that. This issue starts to explore the central character's ego and his fears while it's telling the story of the giant squid that is stalking him. This very unique and interesting premise is paired with spectacular pencils by artist Martin Morazzo who is meticulous when it comes to his attention to detail. This is a fantastic issue, but I do not recommend starting your GREAT PACIFIC adventure here, if you are interested. Definitely pick up issues one and two before you dive into this one, it will be worth it.

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Once again one of my favorite comic books. It isn't often where I find that I don't enjoy Hellboy. I absolutely love the way Mignola incorporates legends and mythos from different cultures into his modern storytelling. The art for this series is absolutely breathtaking. This series is definitely one Hellboy fans won't want to pass up.

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It's very clear that Mignola builds on previous HELLBOY stories, so if you're a new reader, you should probably brace yourself or catch up on his HELLBOY series. And even if you've been reading Mignola's Hellboy for ages, you might want to brush up on your knowledge so you're not completely lost. Like I mentioned previously, there seems to be a lot of set-up in this issue and it doesn't feel like it will be a very easy, self-contained story to read (like many of his HELLBOY stories). This is a story that I have been looking forward to for quite some time and it is one that definitely did not disappoint. The way the issue is presented is really beautiful and it is definitely a great start to a new series.

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It isn't only Mignola's art that is abstract, the story he is telling in this issue is as well. The second issue into HELLBOY IN HELL is brilliant. It's extremely well written and is clearly inspired by other forms of literature. The way that inspiration is taken and applied in this issue is brilliant and very well done. The art that accompanies the story in this issue is equally beautiful -- it is abstract and the colors are very specifically chosen to represent the tone and the story that Mignola is trying to convey. The result is a well written, beautifully drawn issue that is bound to capture the hearts of all Hellboy fans. I am definitely looking forward to issue #3.

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How Mignola is able to top the previous two issues since this series relaunched is something that completely leaves me in awe. Everything about it from the art, to the dialogue to the abstractness of the story, to the hints at underlying themes and the surprise ending makes this one of my most anticipated reads each month, and this month's issue is no different. The story is beautiful and is a bit on the existential side in the sense that it really makes readers question who Hellboy is and what his purpose is. It's incredibly well crafted, and the ending will absolutely shock you.

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I would say this is a good jumping on point because it takes the focus away from Hellboy and focuses primarily of Edward Grey, his guide through Hell. It's written in a way that is accessible and easy to follow, although I would still recommend picking up the previous three issues of this series if you want a solid grasp on the story.

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This issue is a lot of fun and puts Helena in the spotlight in her very own series. She's interesting, exciting and a really strong woman. This book is extremely accessible to new readers; so if you know nothing about the Huntress and want to pick this up, do it! You won't be disappointed. Lastly, Marcus To knocks it out of the park, again!

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Sometimes you can read a comic and say to yourself, 'that was pretty fantastic.' Then you walk away from the issue and realize you can't stop thinking about what you just read; that's when you know it's really good. That's exactly what you get with this issue of Jonah Hex. The creative team is perfect for this issue. It's a glimpse into what makes Jonah Hex tick, and so much of what made him who he is, and it's those kinds of stories that are truly memorable.

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What does the future hold for Jonah Hex with the launch of the new 52 titles at DC this fall? Will we have the opportunity of revisiting this mysterious character connected to Jonah Hex? To a certain extent, there needs to be a follow up. This issue spent a lot of time telling us about Jonah Hex's character and digging deeper toward uncovering his mistakes and fears. The introduction of this stranger is important, and I hope to see her return. Overall, though, this issue was fantastic. Highly recommend the book!

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It's pretty evident that Gillen's British heritage played some role in the weaving of this very interesting and entertaining story. If there is a war between Gods to be had, then its no question that Loki would most definitely be there to meddle in other people's business. Instead of just meddling though, Loki is bringing all these characters together; weaving the plot the way he wants to. It's a great story paired with some really gorgeous art. It's also a fantastic jumping on point; Gillen practically holds your hand through the first few pages of the issue, so if you haven't been reading JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY, this isn't a bad place to start.

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If you are into pulp and stylized stories set in the 1930's with mobsters, gunmen and vigilantes then this is the book for you. Mignola and Arcudi weave another exhilarating tale in the second issue of this five-issue series that will keep you at the edge of your seat. Rich and interesting characters combined with stunning pencils and colors make this one of the best books out this week. The end will leave you with plenty of questions. Definitely a great jumping on point, even though it is the second issue. I highly recommend this comic.

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A great issue if you've been reading the Lobster Johnson series from Dark Horse. As good as this story is, however, if you haven't been reading the series (4 issues before it) then you might be slightly confused. This issue is not at all meant to be a jumping on point for new readers -- that's not to say you can't appreciate all the great scenes, characters and plot in this issue.

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The art in this issue is amazing. Not only does it capture the tone of the story, but it really pulls readers right in in thanks to this wonderfully detailed setting. This is a fantastic issue and if you have never before read a Lobster Johnson story, this is an awesome place to become acquainted with this character.

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If you've missed Magneto in the spotlight, you'll be really happy to pick up this four issue miniseries. Not only is it a story entirely revolving around the character and his personal demons and the repercussions of his past transgressions, but it also serves to tell a great story that highlights the character who continues to maintain his personal convictions, even if he's changed a lot. Clay Mann's pencils are gorgeous, and Seth Mann and Norman Lee's colors are vibrant and breathtaking. This one is a definite winner.

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If you don't know much about Magneto, or you never really liked the character, this might be a great four-issue mini to delve into. MAGNETO: NOT A HERO is not only beautifully illustrated, but it explores the changes that have been made to Erik's character over the years, giving new and old readers alike an opportunity to explore the character and see what makes him tick. This is gearing up to be a really awesome series, and I will be interested in seeing whether or not Erik undergoes any changes that may revert him back to his old ways. We will have to wait and see. I definitely recommend this book.

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This issue really provides the set up for what is to come, and it's great. Even though we have all these huge concepts, Hickman still manages to organize them in a way that is easy for the reader to understand without completely dumbing everything down. What we get is a beautiful issue that is really well written. The issue also features several pages of what appears to be a foreshadowing, so it will be interesting to see what happens there. This is also a great jumping on point, so if you didn't pick up issue #1, you can definitely start here.

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Hickman knocks it out of the park with this issue. Not only is the dialogue well written and interesting, but you can really sense that there is a lot of weight and emphasis being placed on the shoulders of these characters and their actions. What they do is important to the overall scope of the story and I think that is really what makes the reading experience interesting. This doesn't feel like a throw-away story, it feels larger than life. It deals with concepts that are mind boggling and it is presented in a way that is entertaining and really organized. Artist Steve Epting returns to the third issue to deliver truly stunning pencils. There is a lot going on in this issue, and a lot of emotion, and I think Epting did a fine job capturing both those qualities in this comic. Overall this was extremely well done and I find myself anxiously anticipating more.

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This is another great issue in a series that is quickly becoming one of my absolute favorite superhero books released each month. The scope of this story is huge, something I think would be rather difficult for most other writers to depict in a way that is organized. Here, however, we have a story that is both large in scope and also well organized. The result is a comic that will blow you away. Hickman delivers a fantastic story while artist Steve Epting does an amazing job with the issue's pencils. This is not a jumping on point and if you are looking to begin reading this series, I suggest starting from issue #1: you won't be disappointed.

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Everything about this story is solid. The pencils, the light inks and washed out colors compliment the story perfectly. Here you have everything you could want in a good story: adventure, excitement, action and a story that will keep you at the edge of your seat; guaranteed to leave you with more questions than when you first started reading. The main character, Charles Witten, is easy to identify with because he's a man who was once great that has recently fallen from grace. That failure to exceed everyone's expectations makes for an interesting story. Reading the story feels a lot like watching a science fiction suspense film. Incredibly entertaining and one of the most unique concepts I have seen for a comic book in a long time.

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There's a lot of violence -- something sort of expected in a Punisher comic book, but none of it feels gratuitous. It's a great, gritty and dark story that feels grounded in reality. It's very different from other Marvel books out right now. If you are looking to start reading THE PUNISHER, this might not be a bad place to start. The inside cover page does a great job briefing the reader on what's been happening, and the issue itself is very easy to follow. Oh, and I absolutely love that Frank Castle is a man of so few words; but the reader can still get a real sense for who his character is. Fantastic writing, beautifully gritty art, definitely a book I would recommend.

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As I mentioned previously, this issue was fantastic because of the way that it connected three characters through very similar experiences. It is interesting to see that although the characters are different, their motivations are different, they act out very similarly when they lose someone or something very close to them. It's a very powerful issue and feels really dense when you read it. It's paired with some pretty incredible art, too, so if you're a Punisher fan you really can't go wrong. I don't recommend reading this issue without at least checking out the previous one as I feel they really go hand in hand.

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All in all, this is a fantastic comic. It has everything you need from action packed scenes, great characterizations, rivalries and betrayal. So far, so good. Like I mentioned above, the interaction between the characters in this comic is what really impressed me. Rucka really understands the respective voices of these characters and that's really what made this such a great issue. Not to mention, the fluidity in both the structure of the comic as well as in the art. It's definitely a series I am looking forward to reading and highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good superhero story.

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I love this series, and I definitely love Rucka's take on such a complicated character like Frank Castle. There is no black and white with him, and the tone of this story is far more serious than other stories at Marvel right now. I think that Rucka balances suspense and thrill with the superhero genre very well, and that's what makes this comic and this series so interesting and fun to read.

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You will come away from this book a bit shocked, and I suggest you analyze Drake's actions here and weigh them against Batman's (Bruce) character. We know how they are similar, but in what ways are they the same? Does Drake show tremendous courage in this book, or fear? A fantastic end to a series, and a beautiful issue that leaves an open window for us to ask "what's next?" for Tim.

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This is a pretty good place to start reading this series if you haven't been keeping up. If you want to read some Red She-Hulk this is a good introduction because you get a lot of action (which you should expect from a Hulk book), but you also get a taste of who Betty Ross is and what she stands for. What lengths will she go to for what she believes? All of this is addressed here and I think that's important to recognize. It's a great example of how a fun action comic can also have some depth. The art is superb and the appearances of some of the Avengers doesn't hurt, either. I am definitely looking forward to the next issue.

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Like the last two volumes in Cooke's PARKER series, this volume is a work of art. There's something very different between reading a single issue comic book and reading Darwyn Cooke's PARKER. It's read in chapters, like a book, so it feels complete. You don't have to wait for the single issues to be released because the experience reading it as one collected volume is so worth it. The experience likens to watching a movie. It's a beautiful story and it's beautifully illustrated. The dialogue, the art and the detailed panel by panel is like seeing the storyboard for a film. I love this volume.

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This is the type of comic you can hand to anyone and say "read this, you'll like it," and if they have a heart, they probably will. I highly recommend this issue to any comic reader, newbie and veteran alike. There is nothing bad about it. Brilliantly executed book that will leave you wanting more.

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If you've never read a Star Wars comic before, this might be a good one to pick up. Although the title says "Darth Vader," there isn't a whole lot of Vader in this issue; and although that might seem like a bad thing, this is really a great story. This is a story about Tohm, a Cadet; not Darth Vader, at least not right now. At this point in the story Vader still seems untouchable. We don't know what he's thinking or feeling -- and that's okay. So much of Vader's story has been fleshed out in books, novels and the movies that getting the story from the fresh perspective of this cadet makes the reading experience more interesting. I really enjoyed everything about this issue. This is a great jumping on point for new readers. There are some Star Wars references but the story is written clearly in a way that will be easy to understand.

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I think this is a comic that will be entertaining to both die hard Star Wars fans as well as those who follow the universe but aren't so deeply tied to it. It is a story that, only two issues in, gives Darth Vader's character a lot of depth; even in the moments where he doesn't appear on panel. It's a fantastic miniseries so far. Writer Haden Blackman really captures the essence of Vader and the Star Wars universe. If you love Darth Vader, this is a book you don't want to miss out on.

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The things I really like about this issue (and this series in general) are the underlying themes. I think that those are what really give this book a serious kick -- it's what makes it interesting and entertaining. The central story, however, of Lord Vader's struggle to see Palpatine cured and the discovery of the Jedi Ghost Prison is very interesting. It's the perfect backdrop to tell a much deeper, more inviting tale.

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Like I mentioned above, although the plot itself might be a little bit predictable, I think the amount of character development we see in this issue is what stands out. I love seeing these characters in a different light. It's interesting. I also really like the art in these books. I think there is a lot of emotion that is captured really well in this issue. Not everything is what it seems. If you want to jump into this story, you should definitely start from the beginning of the series. This is definitely not a jumping on point for new readers.

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Everything from the writing to the pencils and the colors is fantastic. This issue is beautifully executed. The pacing is perfect, the dialogue is interesting and will suck you in. Even though it's a story we have seen before, it's still a ton of fun to see how this particular creative team executes the tale. If you're looking for a straight up super-powered superhero story, this is definitely a book you will want to pick up. Start from the first issue, its been a fantastic series so far.

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This issue is great not only because it introduces readers to the relationship between Sebastian and Calvin, but it also presents us with their very different means to the same end. Both characters want the Court of Owls eradicated, but both have very ideals. While Sebastian looks at their attack on the Court from a larger perspective, Calvin is very much focused on what the Court did to him, personally. These are two very interesting and very different perspectives and it's great to see them butt heads in this issue as a result. Both characters are interesting, the dynamic of their interactions are exciting, and that's a big reason why this issue was such a great read. This is a great start to a new series and I am definitely looking forward to seeing what else the creative team has in store for us in the coming issues.

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In the end, this is a solid issue and finale to the series. Chances are you will be very interested and excited in what's to come. The art is beautiful and the dialogue is fun, even if it is a little bit weak in some parts. Overall though Francavilla writes a very interesting story that will surely grasp the attention of readers from the get-go and only leave them more enthralled and intrigued as the issue progresses.

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There is so much going on in this story that we don't know yet, and that's essentially what made the reading experience so interesting. The ending is indicative of the fact that there are things going on; underlying themes in this book that still need to be expounded upon. The art was also really, really good. As violent and gory as it was, I think artist Nelson Daniel did a great job depicting the eeriness, gore and suspense on the expressions of the characters in this story and throughout the story itself. Although the setting is 1969 in a war ridden territory, this is more of a superhero story; although we don't know hows quite yet. Very rarely do we see superhero books or books that feature special objects with mystical properties start out this way, so it will be interesting to see how the story moves forward and evolves.

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I really liked the art in this issue. It's organized, just like the script, and it is really well done. It focuses in on the expressions of different characters at the right moments. For example, the scene where Oxel's friend hands him a bottle of pills and the focus moves to both the men's faces is fantastic. It really captures the torment that Oxel experiences. Does he take the pills or doesn't he? Another moment where he is being hounded by a group of young men, we see Oxel's blank stare. This one image can be interpreted in so many different ways. I think the art is great, but the layout is really what makes it powerful. The choice in colors are these somber shades of grey that are really appropriate in telling this sad story. Great layout construction, really nice dialogue and a perfect set up for this series. I was left with a lot of questions and I am definitely looking forward to the next issue.

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Bunn does an amazing job laying out the story, setting everything up in a way that is easy to understand as well as entertaining. You have these two really different characters headlining a series, and Bunn makes it work to his advantage. The result is this very quirky dialogue and really clever interaction between two very different individuals. You also have the basis for a very interesting story and a very brief introduction to the villain in this ongoing. Great pacing and pretty art made this book a fun read. I loved what I saw here and I am definitely excited to read more.

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New readers looking for a story that isn't totally entrenched in the new DC Universe should definitely give this maxiseries a shot. 'The Shade' is debonair, different, charismatic and interesting. The pacing in this book is solid, the art is absolutely breathtaking and the ending leaved you wanting more. I was impressed with this first issue and am anxiously looking forward to the next one.

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This issue isn't only about characterization, either; there's plenty of magic and action in the book as well. Hamner is also the perfect person to draw this issue and his style matches the story incredibly well. Definitely a fun book. Although I recommend getting the first issue, if you want to start with issue #2 it will be easy to follow along.

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I absolutely love Cully Hamner's work on this title -- it's absolutely gorgeous. He captures expression and emotion beautifully and I absolutely adore his portrayal of the Shade. The scenes where the Shade sheds bits of clothing during battle and gains them again (ex. where he is walking up the stairs of Darnell's home) is a fantastic visual. Everything about the Shade is shadowy, it's hard to tell what's real. This is part of what makes the character so alluring. By far one of the bet series coming from DC right now. This is an okay starting point if you are looking to pick it up, although I do recommend going back and picking up the two previous issues as well, if possible. A lot of fun, overall.

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Of the three issues of THE SHADE, this one is by far my favorite. As we travel to uncover the Shade's origin, the story grows increasingly more interesting. Paired with the art of Darwyn Cooke, THE SHADE #4 tops this weeks comics as one of the best. Robinson has once again crafted an interesting, alluring story whilst maintaining the Shade in a shroud of mystery. I highly recommend picking up the previous issues, although this does feel like a good jumping on point for a new reader. Gorgeous book all around.

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Robinson's grasp and love for The Shade spills onto the pages of this issue. There is an incredible amount of care and thought that has gone into establishing this character and crafting his story and it is obvious. Robinson continues to deliver a debonair and charming character while keeping perfect pacing and delivering an exciting story. It's hard to believe that Robinson could top the last few issues of THE SHADE but he has certainly done so with the fifth issue. Beautiful art, wonderfully crafted story. Do this book justice by picking up the first four issues, although this isn't an altogether bad place to jump into the book.

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If you've been with The Shade since the start you will feel rewarded with this issue. You'll recognize Caldecott's character who appeared at the start of the series; and we learn a lot more about him in this issue. Not only does Caldecott, the Shade's grandson, become more familiar with this issue; but so does the Shade. At the very end of the story, the final line in the book, The Shade reveals that he cannot remember whether he "cried" when he discovered his wife had passed away. It's a moment that really makes me wonder whether he (The Shade) had detached himself from humanity because really, he isn't human. He's something of an ageless, eternal being; and therefore cannot relate to people and the rest of society. Perhaps this is why he did not mourn his wife's passing, because he felt nothing for her.

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Aside from those first few pages, however, I found myself enjoying Irving's art in this issue. I think his artistic style really complimented the dark tones and premise of this issue. It wasn't nearly as light-hearted as some other issues before it (like the issue featuring Jill Thompson's art, or Darwyn Cooke). As a result I think it really added to the mood that Robinson was trying to convey. I also think Irving managed to depict The Shade's superpowers really well on panel towards the end of the issue. Robinson delivers another fantastic issue, and I continue to really look forward to this series every month.

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Although 2/3's of this issue is a lot of talking, it doesn't drag. I like the heavy dialogue in The Shade; it feels like a chess game. The reader will constantly wonder who will win the battle of wits between these two characters. It's an interesting story that leaves readers with an enormous cliff-hanger at the end. I am definitely looking forward to the next issue, and if you have been reading this series, so will you.

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This is a great first issue for anyone who has always wanted to read Thor but has felt intimidated by the character. Yet, this isn't just a new reader friendly book because it launches a whole new story and a brand new series; it's also a great first issue for those who have loved Thor forever (like me). The character is really well represented here, and it's a good first issue because it leaves readers guessing and asking a lot of questions. I won't get into specifics because I do not want to give anything away, but you will be left wondering and very interested. Great art, and an awesome story mean that I can't give this anything less than a perfect score.

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A great comic is one that can draw you into the story and keep you guessing until the end, and that's what this comic did for me. After reading this issue it is obvious that it is easy to follow along even for readers who might not be familiar with the character, but it's also a story that long-time fans of the character will be able to appreciate. The art really compliments the story, and the issue is a really fun ride.

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If you're new to the Ultimate Universe and to Spider-Man then this is where you want to start. You may not necessarily need the previous issue, although I recommend it; it's equally on par with this one. Bendis is good at crafting a unique new character based on a timeless one; and I say I almost prefer Miles to Parker. At least so far. This issue is fun, and it might have to do with the fact that Morales is so young and fresh faced; everything is new for him. Pichelli's art is brilliant; each page will leave you in awe of her talent. The pacing is fantastic and the story is shaping up to be a lot of fun.

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A comic is truly great when it can get the reader to feel an array of different emotions. You'll go from feeling really bad for Miles, to laughing at the way Bendis pokes fun at the villain in this issue; Batroc the Leaper. I think what I love the most (aside from the incredible art) is the dialogue. Each character is unique and has a unique voice, and Bendis really captures that magnificently. I hung on every word bubble and reveled in the beauty of every panel. If you are looking for a fun, entertaining, all-around great superhero comic to add to your pull list, you should definitely think about starting with this one.

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I really dig Marvel's Ultimate universe because writers have the tendency to do really bold things with their characters and plot lines. Creators take a lot more risks and as a reader, I am always left feeling surprised at the outcome of a story. This is yet another example of a really awesome comic book that will leave you with more questions than answers by the time you reach the final page. Exciting, beautifully illustrated and consistent pacing make this a must read for this week.

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Rick Remender has three ongoing stories running simultaneously in this issue, and each one of them is fantastic. Everything from the execution of the art to the pacing of this issue is just perfect. The chemistry and sparks between these characters will leave the reader at the edge of their seat and wanting more. I highly recommend this series, as Remender has consistently delivered a stellar book.

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The story is shaping up to be extremely exciting, and I absolutely cannot wait to find out what has happened to Archangel since X-Force made the treacherous journey into AoA. Like I said previously, the book is very interesting and beautifully executed. It is, however, sad to see Wolverine catch a glimpse at what he could have had, only to lose everything again. Very sad.

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This series will continue to keep readers on their toes and is one of the most entertaining Marvel books out right now. With fantastic art, and perfect pacing (and not to mention, some awesome one-liners from Deadpool) this book will not disappoint.

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Its really hard not to love all of these characters. The decision to rope in the Age of Apocalypse characters was a brilliant idea, and phenomenally executed. I also thought it was great to see Psylocke fully capable of overcoming the "dark side." Sure, she loves Warren, but she was able to pull herself out of it and that was great. The story is action packed and will have you at the edge of your seat the entire time. I am definitely looking forward to the final issue, but also a little bit sad that the "Dark Angel Saga" story arc is almost at its end.

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As a fan of this series and of Remender's writing, I personally could not have asked for a better end to a brilliant story arc. The fluidity, pacing and character development are nothing less than brilliant. The book is beautifully illustrated and the story will leave you wanting more. I don't know how Remender will outdo himself. Definitely not a place you want to start. I highly recommend purchasing all of the "Dark Angel Saga" issues -- you will not be disappointed. Be sure to have a box of tissues handy.

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SPOILER WARNING: Click here to reveal hidden content.I sure hope that Psylocke isn't using Fantomex to fill the emotional void she is feeling after first losing Warren and then having to kill her brother.That would be terrible. There are some truly great moments in this issue. The pacing is great, the story and art are equally fantastic, and it's a story that I find really interesting and compelling. Remender makes you care about these characters, and he really brings them to life off of the pages -- you feel emotionally invested in their actions and in whatever will happen to them next.

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A great issue by Remender; yet utterly heartbreaking. Seeing my favorite Marvel team come closer and closer to falling apart at the seams is gut wrenching for someone who has been following the book from the very beginning. Great art, great story and cliffhangers from beginning to end that will leave you guessing and wanting more. I can't deny that this was a great comic, even if I was really mad at Rick Remender when I got through reading it.

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If you like doing double takes when you read your comics, you won't be disappointed with this issue as it is full of surprises. It's an edge of your seat, awesome comic that really delves into both the physical and psychological battles these heroes have to face. It's fantastic. The fact that Phil Noto is on this issue only makes the reading experience feel that much sweeter.

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As much as what's happened in this issue pains me, I can't deny that it wasn't a great comic book story. It's very dark and grim, and you feel for these characters; something I think is very important when you're dealing with a character death. The pacing in this issue is just fantastic. Nothing feels like it happens too quickly, and everything feels like it happens for a reason (except maybe Gateway's death, but that remains to be seen). I think this is definitely a powerful issue that has the ability to re-evaluate the motives and purpose behind an X-Force team, and whether something like this is necessary. Dealing with the worst case, future scenario is always interesting, and it definitely worked here. I am so looking forward to the next issue of UNCANNY X-FORCE.

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If you've been reading this series you will definitely find yourself impressed with the events that take place in this book. It finally feels like things are beginning to come together in a really big way. What will happen to Evan? Will he be able to overcome the situation? Will he be manipulated by the 'Brotherhood'? Also, will X-Force find it in them to kill Evan? I was left with a lot of questions after reading this issue. It's very well organized with beautiful art and ends with a big cliffhanger. I am definitely looking forward to the conclusion. All around fantastic comic that X-Force fans are sure to enjoy.

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This comic is really beautiful. From the way the story unfolds (tragically), to the incredible art of Phil Noto; there is nothing about this comic that I did not enjoy. Additionally, the way the reader is left off, not knowing what to expect next is great. The comic ends on a cliff-hanger and the reader is still left in the dark over whether or not Evan will turn to the "dark side." Great, organized issue coupled with really stunning art, perfect character characterization and a great display of character development. What more could you ask for?

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This is really one of the best issues of this story arc thus far. Not only does the issue give enough time and focus to each of the characters on the X-Force team, but it also really pushes the story, ending it on a cliff hanger. It's easy to see, through this issue, how each of the characters on the team have evolved. Being a member of X-Force has forced them to undergo a full character development (Deadpool is the best example of this), and it's been an incredible ride. Things are not over yet, however.

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This series is almost over, and having been a huge fan of it from the very beginning, I will be sad to see it go. Yet, let it not be said that this issue went out with a bang. I loved that Remender dealt with the "nature vs. nurture" issue in his series, and although he hasn't quite proven yet that nurture can survive, he's come close. It's been an interesting ride and the (almost) final issue definitely will not leave you disappointed. I am a big fan of Phil Noto so seeing his work on this issue was a real pleasure. Like I said, the pacing of this comic was great; even though a lot of things happened in this issue, they were organized and strategic. This issue is nothing short of fantastic, I highly recommend it.

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This is no masterpiece by any means, but it is a mini-series that managed to take an unlikely cast of characters, put them in a sticky situation and force them to work together. It worked. Each character got panel time and proved to be an asset to the team in this quirky mini-series. This is by no means a jaw dropping, edge of your seat story; but it is a solid comic book.The art is a lot of fun and compliments the tone of the book, and the loose ends are tied by the time you get to the final page. Definitely a fun little mini-series featuring an unlikely cast of characters. I wouldn't mind seeing them work together again.

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I am thoroughly intrigued by the notion of a (sometimes) sexy, alien, intelligent spy who is more than a little bit cut throat and will do what it takes to get the job done. The book, however, deals with a lot of mature issues and I still think it should have a higher rating that "T+." Still, another stellar book by Basri and Marz. Very entertaining read. I don't know whether to hate Voodoo or love her, but either way, I'm having a lot of fun figuring it out.

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This is definitely a fun issue, and is turning out to be a really fun series. Even though this is Wolverine's team and Wolverine's new school; Jason Aaron still draws the focus to Bobby Drake who seriously steps up to the plate in this issue. All the young X-Men get face time in this book, and I particularly enjoyed the scenes featuring Broo, the alien student. He's just adorable. Fantastic work by Bachalo who's style compliments this issue incredibly well and maintains this upbeat theme throughout the issue. I am definitely looking forward to the upcoming adventures of this team.

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You know when you read a comic book and you absolutely do not want it to end? That's exactly the feeling I got reading this week's release of Wolverine and the X-Men. Aaron is a master of balance. He manages to successfully balance action and adventure and some very serious problems, but all of it takes place at a school. The scene where Beast takes his class on a five hour field trip is phenomenal. Each of the characters are incredibly unique and fun. Aaron writes these characters so that even those with very little panel time (Broo!) really stand out. You can tell Aaron chooses his dialogue and words carefully to construct these kids as interesting individuals.

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I am a huge fan of Bachalo's work, and in my opinion it is certainly welcome in this issue. It's a beautiful and really captures the tone of Aaron's writing. I really enjoyed it. Jason Aaron also delivers a fantastic book that not only addresses what the status of where the school will be during the Avengers vs. X-Men event, but it also focuses on some Young Mutants we haven't yet seen a lot of in the series; namely, Idie.

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This series is quickly becoming my favorite book of the 'New 52;' silly me to think that Azzarello could top the first one. I haven't been this interested in a Wonder Woman story in a long time. Azzarello manages to eloquently capture both her warrior-like attitude and her compassionate nature, giving readers a Wonder Woman that they can't not appreciate. Coupled with Cliff Chiang's brilliant art, this book has left me ecstatic about the new direction of the character. The issue ends on a cliff hanger that will leave you wanting more.

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While WONDER WOMAN #8 may not be the Wonder Woman story I (and probably many other fans) can get 100% behind, it is certainly an interesting story and provides a completely different take on the character than anything I have ever seen. She's very different, but at the same time; she is still the same Diana.

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Overall, this is a great issue. It serves to tie up some loose ends, closes out the story with Hades; but I think it's good that Azzarello left it sort of open ended. This is clearly not the last we've seen of Hades, and there may be room yet to develop his character further in the future. I think that it's interesting to see so many characters team up with Wonder Woman, all to save Zola. I think it's great that they all have their individual motivations, and that's important. I would have liked to see a bit more of that in this issue. The art in this issue is gorgeous; I'm a big fan of Akins on this series and I think he did a stellar job in this issue. This issue wraps up the current story and the next will likely be a good place for new readers to start this series; although this issue is pretty easy to read as well. This is a consistently good series, and I am looking forward to the next issue.

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First off, Cliff Chiang does an incredible job on this issue. I absolutely adore his interiors and the way he portrays movement in his art. It's really well done. As if we couldn't get another mind-blowing moment, Azzarello delivers in this issue. More than any issue before it, you will be guaranteed edge of your seat excitement page after page. It's all executed so beautifully. While not the best jumping on point into WONDER WOMAN, I still think this is a comic every DC fan should read as it pertains to the future of the DC Universe.

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Like I said above, this is an absolutely beautiful comic book. From the art to the story; everything feels as though it's well thought out. Every scene feels as though there is a greater significance; and that's what makes this book so interesting. The paing is great because Azzarello gives the reader just enough to clue us into his story and the direction he is taking the character, but still leaves us with a lot of unanswered questions. He keeps us coming back for more out of sheer curiosity. I loved this issue and I can't wait for the next one.

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This is a great issue. Not only is the story absolutely fantastic, but the art in this book isn't so bad. It's an issue that really works to build up multiple facets of the story; not only does it build up Wonder Woman's character and identity, but it also brings in the concept of the New Gods. It will definitely be interesting to see how they become integrated into the plot of the upcoming story.

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I loved this issue. I loved the art, the way the panels were laid out, the way that Azzarello brought the story to a steady climax, and the interactions between all of the different characters. I love seeing that Hera and Zola aren't that different after-all, and it's great seeing their characters unfold in the issue. While action fans may be a bit disappointed with this issue, the build-up of the story is worth it and is guaranteed to leave you wanting more. Although a lot has happened, and this has been one very long, continuous story, I do believe it's easy enough to follow and I highly recommend picking up this issue. I know that I for one absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next!

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Some issues of WONDER WOMAN are chock full of action and adventure. This one, however, focuses on intrigue and character development and pushes the story we have been seeing develop further than it's been pushed before. The result? Incredible character interaction and development and some great examples of how to write an interesting comic book story without beating everybody up. Beyond the fact that the creative team does a phenomenal job writing interesting and compelling character interactions, we also get to see them explored on a personal level. This issue will keep you at the edge of your seat wanting more, and will definitely leave you looking forward to Wonder Woman's next interaction with Orion. You know, because that dude is just the biggest jerk (and I kind of love it). Great art, amazing story, perfect pacing and a serious push forward in the direction of the story make this issue one you will not want to miss.

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The issue is great not only because it closes the chapter in the current arc in a way that is interesting, but also in a way that is really easy to follow and clear for readers to understand. I think it's fantastic that Azzarello has been simultaneously building this "First Born" story over the course of the last several issues, setting up the next story arc while closing up this last one. The art is, once again, really well executed and even though we have two different artists on this issue, the result is is still very fluid and easy to read. I am definitely looking forward to the next arc as well as the dynamics between the characters moving forward. The next issue may very well be a good place to start the series.

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If you thought the gatefold cover was just a way to garner sales, you will be happy to know that what happens on the cover just might happen inside the comic. It's a very entertaining scene that completely catches the reader by surprise but still manages to be very good. The issue itself is great: it feels like a continuation of what we've been reading for the last two years but also feels fresh and new -- the story feels invigorated. It's an accessible read which will be pretty easy for new readers to pick up and begin following along, and I think it is one issue that really does a good job establishing who this version of Wonder Woman is. Gorgeous art and a fantastic story will leave you looking forward to the next issue.

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This is one of the series I continue to be the most excited about each month, and after reading this issue, I absolutely cannot wait to read WONDER WOMAN #21.

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This issue is definitely one of the best. Some of the best scenes are those featuring the Thing and X-23 -- there are very few people who aren't intimidated by Ben, and evidently, Laura is one of them. Phil Noto knocks this issue out of the park as well with some absolutely jaw dropping art work. The story is stellar and overall one of the best this week.

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Definitely not new reader friendly! This is a story that has been building since the beginning of the series, so if you want to do the book justice, I suggest you start from, well, the start. You definitely won't be disappointed. Noto and Liu work very well together, and not only are they delivering a pretty book; but it's a solid, interesting story. Really great issue that will leave you wishing it didn't have to end.

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The previous issue featured Phil Noto's gorgeous art, but this one features the work of Sana Takeda -- and it's perfect. Takeda is absolutely the best artist to draw Valeria and Franklin. Sometimes I see pictures of the kids and I think to myself, "they look so much older than they should." Here, both kids are drawn to appear comparable to their respective ages -- and it's perfect. I just want to squish Valeria, she's so adorable! The issue is packed full of fun and plenty of action. The series takes a light hearted turn (perfect considering how heavy the previous story arc was) and it's a fantastic read. Perfect pacing, incredible art and awesome dialogue make this one of the best books of the week. It also makes me a bit more sad to see this title go come January. If you have never read an issue of X-23 before, you can probably pick up this one and follow along.

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If you want to read one X-23 story arc before it is canceled early next year, make it Adventures in Babysitting. This is a feel good comic with likable characters. The story is totally unpredictable and you never know what will happen next. The scenes shared by Laura and Julian are definitely worth reading, and the book in general is just very pretty. If you want to read an X-23 story, pick up this issue and the one before it (#17) and dive right in. I highly recommend this story arc.

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This issue is very bittersweet. On one hand it was a great comic; on the other it means that we are one step closer to the final issue. What does that mean for X-23, though? A lot of characters who see their series canceled drop off the face of comics. We often don't know what happens to them for a long time. Liu's writing in this issue reassures her readers that this isn't the last we have seen of X-23 and leaves her character somewhat open-ended. Her book may be coming to an end, but this is definitely not the last we have seen of this character; that's the kind of attitude that Liu exhibits with issue #20of X-23. Pair that with yet another gorgeous issue thanks to the talent of Phil Noto, and you have a hit. New readers should be able to follow along easily, although I recommend that you pick up the series as a whole. Most of it has been solid.

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If you love Rogue and you want to really see her in action, this is definitely the book for you. Like I said above, not only does she kick all kinds of butt in this issue; but she is also portrayed as a character that has her stuff together. She's grown up a lot, and she demonstrates that she is able to be a great leader both on and off the battlefield. Great characterization of Rogue in this issue and an awesome team-up between Rogue and Mimic make this a solid issue. Pair this great story with some beautiful art, and you have a winning book.

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This series has been pretty good, but Beechen captures 'Z' in a way I have not really seen. I love her interpretation in this issue. Uriah is a mischievous yet likeable character which might remind you of Damian Wayne. This is by far one of my favorite issues in Zatanna'z series, and one that will leave you wishing the series was not ending. Definitely worth picking up.

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The first scene where we see Lady Mechanika is brilliant. She has a brooding and sophisticated air about her that is so alluring, and she has a great rapport with Professor Littleton's daughter. The first issue definitely ends on a high note, leaving you wondering what will happen next. Don't be surprised if you find yourself begging for more.

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Overall, the art was, for the most part, really pretty but the plot just didn't make much sense. I liked the way that Rogue was portrayed, but I was not a fan of the way Bachalo wrote Black Widow.

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While it would have been great to get a third issue out of this story, it was still a fantastic look at the days where Abe and Hellboy were still alive, well, (for the most part) and working together. This is a fantastic book for readers who love these characters and want to read more stories focused on them as well as new readers who may be unfamiliar with the characters and want to learn more about them. I would absolutely give this issue a look. Mignola and Arcudi do it again, and James Harren knocks it out of the part with his fabulous art.

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Although the story might feel a bit all over the place (you move rather quickly from one setting to another), it is still very well written and organized in a way that is easy to understand. The art by Scott Allie is really fantastic: there are moments where Mignola lets Allie tell a bit of the story and the way these particular panels are organized is in an organized and well structured way. It is, in general, very well done. Overall the story is entertaining and is definitely worth a look if you enjoy Abe's character and are a bit curious about his identity.

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'El Diablo's' story has really piqued my interest. I loved Bernet's art at the end of that book; something about it really impressed me. Whether it was the fluidity of the panels or the way he told the story through his art -- it was gorgeous. The second issue of Jonah Hex was a solid story but left me wanting more from it. However, it's still a very good issue and I am definitely looking forward to issue #3.

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Both All-Star Western stories are very exciting this week and both will leave you wanting more. While it's great to see Palmiotti and Gray continue to explore Jonah Hex in old Gotham, it's also nice to see them venture into new territory by introducing readers to their creator owned character "The Barbary Ghost." Yet another brilliantly executed issue of All-Star by artists Moritat and Phil Winslade. Both provide a unique style that really lends to tell a fantastic story.

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The creative team has opened a lot of new doors by presenting new characters in this story and it will be interesting to see what happens next. Another beautiful issue. Definitely one of my favorite series of the "new 52."

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If you are one of those people who is really stuck on continuity, then you won't mind taking a trip back in time to find out how some of the concepts we see in current continuity relate to Gotham's past. How far back goes the history of the Court of Owls really go? Definitely an interesting read, but not altogether new reader friendly.

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Like I said, although it was a bit confusing at times; the story is really good overall and I have really been enjoying this series. Although I do feel as if this issue could have been better organized, I like that we are getting a chance to see Jonah Hex interact with a variety of different characters, and we are exploring many untouched regions of the DCU. I am still very interested in seeing what the relationship between Hex and the upcoming Court of Owls story arc will be, because that wasn't something that was brought up in this issue. Good issue, not a great jumping on point. I recommend getting issue #7 if you are just jumping into ALL-STAR WESTERN.

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Overall a solid issue from the creative team. The introduction of a well known character that has been missing since the end of the JONAH HEX series was the icing on the cake for me; I thought it was fantastic to see them bring this indicidual back and I look forward to seeing how she adds to the dynamic of the story Grap and Palmiotti and trying to tell. Really pretty art; Moritat does a great job. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what the Talon has in store for Hex and if there is a relationship between her and another Talon we've seen in a different story.

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Overall, I really liked this book. I think that the creative team did their best integrating the Court of Owls and the Talon into the story without making the whole concept seem forced and contrived. I think it's a well written issue with some absolutely beautiful art, and it's definitely worth reading. The dynamic between Hex and TAllulah is one that can be appreciated by new fans and old, and I think that incorporating her into this story was a smart move on the part of Jimmy and Justin. Moritat absolutely kills it on the interiors with his very rugged and rough pencils, which fits the mood and tone of the story perfectly (he's definitely the perfect artist for this title). If you haven't picked up ALL-STAR WESTERN yet, this isn't a bad place to start since it's an easy read, fits in with what we've been seeing in other DC titles (Court of Owls tie-in) and it does a great job introducing these new characters.

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I really enjoyed this issue; both the main story as well as the back-up that introduces Tomahawk to readers. I think both stories are well organized, the pacing is good, and are a great example of how best to create and present a group of characters who are working together to solve a crime. I think this issue is, overall, really well done. My only real complaint are the villains used in the book; they did feel a bit cliche. I understand that integrating Haly's Circus, it makes sense to have crazed, murderous clowns; but it's a concept we've seen countless times. I think it could have been a little bit more creative.

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Overall, I definitely enjoyed this issue. I love that you get two very different stories and I think the newest adversary to Hex and Arkham is definitely one that has piqued my interest. The character is interesting and taken right out of a classic novel, something I can appreciate. I think the creative team also really managed to find the voice of the character, too, which is important. The shift in tone halfway through the book is not only appropriate, but it is done so with ease. Save for some panels in the main story that felt a little bit sloppy, this was still another great issue of ALL-STAR WESTERN.

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This is a really fun book with some very pretty art. While it's not a series I would recommend for kids due to the language and the insinuation of some drug use, it's still a solid, entertaining book. Judith''s snarky, witty characterization makes her an interesting character to follow as she narrates her journey so far. The final pages of this issue will definitely leave you wanting more. A seriously fun, creator owned book. Looking forward to the next issue.

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This issue definitely has its flaws in the way some characters are introduced to the story, and although that was unfortunate, I think that Hickman has managed to lay a lot of the groundwork for the over-arching story in a very eloquent, well written way. It will certainly be interesting to see how Hickman deals with having so many different characters on board and whether he is able to successfully give each member of this new, very large, Avengers team their own time in the spotlight in this series. I do hope it doesn't turn into another Captain America, Thor and Iron Man title with a bunch of small appearances by twenty minor characters -- I hope he is able to give each of those lesser known characters their own time in the sun, at least a little bit. Still, an overall pretty solid issue of AVENGERS that left me looking forward to issue #3.

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I love the grand scope of this story, the way that the issue deals with life and death of whole universes but the way that it ends the same way the first issue in this series begins; with the creation of a team. Artist Jerome Opena and colorists Dean White, Frank Martin and Richard Isanove knock this issue out of the park. This issue features some of the best, most beautiful line work I have ever seen for Opena; it's just visually breathtaking. I think this could have been a much bigger story because the scope of it is so huge, and I am only sorry Hickman didn't save it and flesh it out, but I have a feeling this isn't the last we have seen of these characters. This is a beautiful issue that is well written and gorgeously illustrated.

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This issue is good, I really like that we had a break in between and now we are coming full circle to the start of the series : I think that's a good thing. The result is a positive issue and a lot of fun to read, and serves as a solid (and interesting) introduction to this new character. It will be interesting to see how he develops and eventually deals with members of the Avengers in the future. My only complaint is the fact that it's a character origin we have seen many times before, but I am still interested in seeing how Hickman takes this concept and makes it his own. The art in the issue is solid, and the colors really make everything so pretty. This continues to be an interesting story and a series I continue to look forward to.

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Things have been moving very gradually, and in this case I think that is a good thing. Hickman is clearly setting up a bigger story and he is taking his time: that's half the beauty of this series. This issue definitely felt like the prelude to something much bigger, especially the last three pages of the issue. I am definitely excited to see what happens next.

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I admit, I struggled with the rating for this comic a little bit because it really felt like it fell between a four and a five star rating. Sure, the fact that readers had to suspend their disbelief to really fully enjoy this issue was a little bit of a problem., but the fact that we're given such entertaining dialogue, great layouts, solid pacing and some nice art by Mike Deodato makes picking up this issue this week a no-brainer. This is a big change from what we have been reading in THE AVENGERS thus far but it surely won't disappoint fans of these characters and of this series. Overall this was a nice change of pace and it feels like a good place to start reading if you have yet to check out this series.

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Mignola and Allie take elements you'll find in the classic horror genre and implement them into every fiber of this issue; which is what makes it so interesting. It was great to see the art shift and become more panicky as the pacing of the story increased, The only thing I really had a problem with in this issue is that it left new readers in the dark; however, if you read the first issue you should have no problem following along. Like most B.P.R.D. books, although this is issue #2 of 2 it does still feel somewhat unfinished. Perhaps because their work is never really done. Overall solid story and great art. These are not your Twilight vampires.

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I really enjoyed this issue. It's a great one-shot for readers who haven't been following or aren't invested because, although there is a lot of backstory, you don't necessarily have to know all of it in order to follow along. Mignola has mastered the ability to contain his story into a single, or a couple of issues and that's exactly what he does here. In the end we have an awesome horror/fantasty comic that features some absolutely stunning illustrations. It is an issue that has the potential to appeal to both long-time fans and new readers alike, and if you like HELLBOY, chances are you will enjoy this.

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Overall, this is a beautiful issue. We get a great story with solid dialogue, complimented by some truly stunning art. The only real problem here was the fact that the story felt a bit predictable -- there was no real element of surprise. The issue was a bit too "formulaic" and really felt like something I had read before. Still, it's a great story, with very pretty and well done art work.

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Overall it was a well organized issue that basically covered all the bases. At the start of the comic we see Barbara practicing ballet, and practicing martial arts -- so when she appears to kick some butt later in the issue, it's not entirely outside the realm of possibility. I don't think that was ever an issue in this book. I think there's something about the way Barbara reads in this book, though, that doesn't feel real to me. Like there's something missing. For example, during the entire fight scene, Barbara is saying things like "I can't believe I did that," and you don't get a real feel for the choreography of the actual fight. It would have been great to see her break down the fight in her mind through her internal dialogue; identifying what she has to do in order to beat him since she is at such a big disadvantage physically.

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If you pick up this issue hoping to get a straight answer about how Barbara is out of the wheelchair and back in a cape and cowl then you are wasting your time. Gail Simone is no dummy, and she wants you to come back next month for issue #2. Simone gives readers just enough to keep them guessing about how Gordon is able to walk again by alluding just enough without giving away any major details. However, one clue she does give us is the fact that while the physical scars might be healed, the emotional scars from that fateful encounter with the Joker are still there. Additionally, any questions about Batgirl's possible "cybernetic suit" are answered in this issue. An interesting take on this classic character, I admit I am interested in seeing where the Simone, Syaf and Cifuentes creative team take the character.

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Overall this was was pretty solid issue of BATGIRL and I am definitely looking forward to seeing what happens next. Will Barbara marry the Joker? Will she show up at the chapel to see her mother has been killed? And where does her brother, James Gordon Jr. fit in?

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Aside from Benes' art, I think this is by far one of the best issues of BATGIRL in all of Gail Simone's run. From the somber reflection we get in the beginning of the issue, to the action packed sequences that follow, to an ending that will leave you at the edge of your seat; Simone knocks it completely out of the park. If you had been disappointed by this series in the past, this issue redeems it by delivering the story I think most Barbara Gordon fans have been waiting to see. Overall, this is definitely a well written, accessible read that is highly recommended.

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Overall the art was great. The pencils were definitely gritty, something that complimented the nature of the story Fawkes was trying to tell. It would have bene nice if the colors hadn't been so bright and instead used heavier inks. I think that would have complimented this story a bit more.This is a much darker Batgirl story and one of, dare I say, the most interesting I have read throughout this series. Like I mentioned above, the focus on the relationship between Barbara's family and Barbara's brother is really great. I want to see more of that and I hope that DC intends to mold Barbara's brother to be her very own personal Joker. I think that if written well, James Gordon Jr. can be incredibly menacing and that will certainly give creators a chance to demonstrate how Barbara can step up her game.

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This is a solid issue and most people who happen to be familiar with these characters can probably pick up this issue and read it as a stand alone without any problems. However, I highly recommend any Red Hood story written by Judd, so I highly recommend the two issues prior to this one as well. This is a very well written, entertaining book that will not disappoint Jason Todd fans.

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There was so much I enjoyed about this issue that I didn't even make a mention of the art which is just breathtaking. Artists Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray and John Kalisz deliver an absolutely stunning issue. Their attention to detail and the colors they choose to convey the dark and dreariness of the scenes are superb. The issue is great, especially if you're a big fan of Damian Wayne. Damian really shines in this issue and we see that even in the face of fear, he doesn't back down; I think Tomasi does a great job with his characterization and he definitely writes in a way that will leave you wanting more. I am definitly looking forward to the next issue!

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Overall one of the more solid issue of Batwing so far. The story definitely picked up in this issue and the characters were further explored. I am beginning to like Massacre's character development a lot, and I found that linking him to David's past was a great way to make the book feel more cohesive. Definitely looking forward to the next issue.

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This is really the first time where I felt that the interactions between Batwing and the rest of the Bat-family felt really natural and organic, and I wonder if a lot of that stemmed from the way that Batman is depicted as this sort of mentor to David. This book is full of really touching scenes that will tug at your heart strings and really make you fall in love with Batwing's character. In a way, he reminds me of Tim Drake because he has less of a problem demonstrating compassion. He cares about people, and that's nice to see.

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Overall, this is a solid comic book that is very accessible to new readers. I definitely enjoyed Marcus To's art, I think he's perfect for this book and it's nice to see more detailed pencils in this series -- particularly the background. I think Winick does a great job making this issue easy to read, so if you've been following the current BATMAN book but haven't really been reading BATWING, this might be a nice place to start the series. Solid story telling overall and great art make this a decent comic book.

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This issue features a lot of flashbacks that gives readers a closer look at Dr. Manhattan's life before he became Dr. Manhattan. We see him as a child and become acquainted with his father. Straczynski also goes on to explore that particular relationship. I think the only problem with this is the fact that it doesn't quite tell us who the character is. What was his personality like? Was he a moral person? How did he meet his first wife? There's just a ton that we don't know about Dr. Manhattan even after having read the three issues of his BEFORE WATCHMEN mini-series. So, at the end of the day, who is he exactly? What was the purpose of this series? Still, beyond all that, the issue itself is very well written, well organized and Straczynski certainly plays to Hughes' strengths. Hughes knocks the art in this issue out of the park completely, delivering a just absolutely stunning piece of work.

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I think the question on everyone's minds is whether or not this series -- as well as the other BEFORE WATCHMEN books that will begin trickling out -- will do the original WATCHMEN series justice. I think, in a way, this one does. If you understand that this story is not being told in Alan Moore's voice, and that Cooke will be delving into the Minutemen characters that were barely touched in the WATCHMEN series, then it's easy to see how this acts as a great addition to the original story. It's a solid book told from the perspective of a different writer who managed to capture the true essence of the time period, and I enjoyed it. I'm definitely looking forward to reading about the adventures of the Minutemen in the coming issues.

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I can't say I really enjoyed this story at its core mostly because I felt a lot of it was cliche. Having said that, I think it has a lot of redeeming qualities. It's very clear that Straczynski took the time to break down the character. He highlighted not only who the character is, but what pushed him to make specific decisions. He explained through the character's actions the different things that propelled and shaped him. I felt that although I wasn't crazy about the story itself, I can't deny the fact that it was really well written -- because it was. This issue is organized and structured in a way that is easy to understand. Straczynski doesn't write in a moment and explain a life event without thinking about the bigger picture. How does this moment shape the character and his actions? You can tell these are things the writer thought about and for that reason, the issue was executed well.

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This is not a bad story. I think the way it's structured is interesting. The constant parallels presented by the created team. The comparisons made between the two central characters -- all these things help tell a good story. Couple that with some great art by the fantastic Kubert brothers, and you have a decent book and overall, a good story. If you're not married to the idea that the Watchmen characters should never be tampered with, you may actually get something out of this series.

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Overall this is a great end to a pretty good series. For the most part I liked SILK SPECTRE and found it to be one of the better books of the BEFORE WATCHMEN series. Getting a closer look at Laurie's character through the eyes of creators Darwyn Cooke and Amanda Conner was great, and it was wonderful to see Conner really delve into the character and the story. This is certainly some of Amanda Conner's best work as an artist because of the amount of thought and work she put into the story -- she seems to have really put her best foot forward, drawing a lot of inspiration from classical artists and referencing their work in her illustration.

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Even though it's the second part of a two part story, you can totally pick this up if you've never read an issue of Black Panther: The Man Without Fear. The story is light and entertaining, and the dynamic between Storm and Black Panther is worth reading. In fact, I really enjoyed this team up and I wish they would have teamed them up a long time ago--seeing them together is long overdue. It's a married couple fighting Kraven the Hunter, and surprise surprise, it's not boring!

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One thing that DeConnick is doing right is getting you to really root for the character in this series. While I'm not crazy about the way her series has launched, I am hoping it begins to pick up. I am finding that I am interested in Carol's character. She's a little bit masculine and has a hard edge about her that makes her stand out from a lot of other female characters, and I like that. I am hoping that things pick up, however. I also really enjoyed the art in this issue a lot. I think it matches the pacing of the series.

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This issue follows in the same vein as the previous issue of CAPTAIN MARVEL. It really explores the character on a more personal level which is something I found really interesting. In it we see Carol's personality shine a little bit and get a glimpse at her hard-headedness and stubbornness. We also see that there are people in Carol's life that are important to her and are looking out for her, and both these things were great. Having said that, this issue doesn't feel like it rides the high that the last issue ended with. Things could have been a bit more dramatic and we could have seen Carol literally suffer after attempting to fly. The issue ends on a pretty dramatic note which is good, but a big chunk of what happens in the middle could have been a bit better.

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This was not a bad comic book. There are some definite flaws with the book, and it's not the best comic ever; but it has improved from the last two or three issues. I liked the way Winick tied the three significant events together in this book and it did leave me looking forward to the next issue.

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This issue is entertaining. The art is incredible, and the story is pretty good. It's nice to see a classic character like Klaw make an appearance in this series. While there are certainly some inconsistencies, this continues to be a fun series. However, I don't know how necessary it is to stress to the reader that Murdock's a ladies man -- We get it. He likes the ladies. In all seriousness though, good issue. New readers should at least pick up issue #2 in order to get a solid understanding of the story here.

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This is definitely another solid issue of Daredevil. Of all the Marvel books out right now, this one is not only one of the more interesting and entertaining of the bunch, it's also one of the most different. The creative team takes full advantage of storytelling through art and obscure panels. They delve into the superhero's alter-ego and tell an interesting story. This is very accessible to new readers and still feels like we are starting over with the character. The issue ends on a cliff hanger leaving the reader wondering whether the case Murdock has recently agreed to take on might be more than he can handle. I definitely recommend picking up this issue.

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I can't praise Marcos Martin's incredible pencils enough. His skills as an illustrator are astounding. He is able to capture the movement of Daredevil in a way many cannot, and he is a perfect addition to this particular series. His work paired with Muntsa Vicente's colors are incredibly striking and what we get is another beautiful issue of DAREDEVIL. Mark Waid is writing a really fun book -- bottom line. While I do feel that there are some inconsistencies, this continues to be one of the most interesting and entertaining books coming out of Marvel right now.

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This is not at all a bad comic; in fact, it's very entertaining. There is some really fantastic art in this issue and it is a great end to a cross-over event. I personally really enjoyed reading these three characters team up and work together. I liked seeing them keep a common goal in mind even if they didn't agree with one another. The fact that they did not agree actually made the story even more entertaining to read. Overall, not a bad issue and this book managed to wrap up the story very neatly.

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I liked this issue more than many other issues of DEADPOOL. I felt like the balance between the Deadpool story and the background story of the villain that is on his heels is pretty good. The comic is well organized and well structured even with the fluctuation in the tone of the issue. It's really easy to read and the perfect jumping on point for new readers. I am definitely excited to see the next issue and to find out what will happen to the character next.

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This story could have easily been fleshed out into two issues. Having said that, though, this was still well written and organized and overall a great read.

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Although I did feel that there was a slow start to this book, I really wound up enjoying it a lot. It picks up a third of the way through and really sets up an interesting story, giving readers a different perspective. It also allows readers to choose; who is right in this situation? Is Batman being too much of an idealist? It's an interesting addition to the plot.

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I thought it was interesting to see this story launch five years into the past, just like the JUSTICE LEAGUE series did. It's interesting to see how much more mature these characters are compared to the way they are, act and work together in the New 52 JUSTICE LEAGUE. I enjoyed this book a lot. In fact, I liked it better than the relaunch of the JUSTICE LEAGUE series we saw last September. I loved Nicola Scott on this book, and really liked Robinson's work here. I think it's a solid start to a new series that takes characters we haven't seen in the current DCU, and breathes new life into them (Alan Scott, Jay Garrick). The next part I will put in the spoiler box, so you have been warned.

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Overall though I think there was more I liked about this issue than didn't like.

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I won't say this was Robinson's best issue. I think it was really great, but not his best. While the pacing was good, and the way he managed to balance the two ongoing stories was good, I didn't feel like I cared much about Terry Sloan's character. I just don't find him interesting in this issue. I really liked the introduction to Amir Khan, however, and I am definitely looking forward to seeing how this Council plays into the politics on Earth 2. Readers also get a little bit more information about Hawkgirl. Since the start of this series, her character hasn't really been the focal point of the book; so it was nice to see Robinson slip in a bit of information about her character in this issue as well as establish a prior relationship between her character and the Atom. I am definitely looking forward to seeing this team come together, and I think this is a great start to the creation of a new team.

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There were definitely some moments in this issue where I felt the story had gotten a bit silly, but overall, it was a really fun read. I think that Robinson is really starting to embrace these characters, and it is clear in the way that he has written both Kendra and Khalid. This issue, like previous issues, is easy to read: the story just flows really effortlessly. The layout is great, the art matches the story really well and overall this is just a fun read. It's great to see these characters evolve in an interesting way, and I am definitely looking forward to seeing what happens next.

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Overall I liked this issue a lot. I don't necessarily recommend this issue as a starting point for anyone who has yet to read the series, but I do believe it is a great issue overall. I think it presents a very interesting story and introduces us to new characters while expanding on things we have already seen in previous issues. The layout is really great and very organized, and Nicola Scott's pencils are incredibly detailed and very beautiful. There are some moments I felt could have been fleshed out a bit and some word balloons that could have been broken up and had more additional images to compliment them, but overall this was still a great issue.

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The issue opens with a lot of momentum, as I mentioned above, and that's really necessary to engage readers (both old and new) into reading this story. The result, in general, is pretty good. You are given some interesting characters who share some really interesting and entertaining interactions, and you also have a moment where Green Lantern (who had been adamant against teaming up with the other heroes) step onto the scene in a way that was interesting. Still, I would have loved to see more to Hawkgirl. I would have also liked to see how Hawkgirl was able to cleverly deduce what happened to Alan Scott's former lover and I hope that is something that we get to see more of later on.This issue is also the first issue where these characters team up and work together towards a common goal, and it will certainly be interesting to see them further discover that they work better as one entity as opposed to alone.

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If there is one thing that James Robinson is good at it is leaving his readers in suspense, and the final page of this issue is a perfect example of that. Although James has multiple ongoing story lines in this series everything feels really organized, and that's one thing I really enjoy and have been enjoying about this comic. Reading this you never really know what to expect. The result is always surprising and exciting, and paired with the very pretty pencils by Yildray Cinar this has become one of the DC Comics I am most looking forward to each month. Although there were some moments in the dialogue that I felt could have been better written, I have been enjoying this story a lot. There is a lot going on and Robinson has been doing a superb job spacing out the story in a way that makes you keep coming back.

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Overall, if you haven't been reading FAIREST, this is not a bad place to start. While it isn't the best start to the series (I enjoyed the last story a bit more) I think this issue is well written, provides an interesting story (so far, at least) and features some really, truly stunning artwork. The characters and their interactions are fun and for the most part accurate, and I liked their portrayal here. It's a good start and a good jumping on point.

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For the most part this was a great issue. There's a level of suspense here that was great. The element of not knowing what is going to happen next really resonated with me and it's what made the issue so great. For the most part I really enjoyed the art and I thought it was really pretty; however; there were some panels that felt a bit strange and oddly incomplete. Overall, I thought that this was a decent stand-alone issue of FANTASTIC FOUR because it brings the reader down after reading such a dense cosmic adventure for so long. Although this issue was not as good as Hickman's Spider-Man and Johnny Storm story, it still served a similar purpose: it created a break in the series between story arcs with a story that depicted the value of human relationships. It was good.

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I think a good superhero comic not only pulls you into the story, but it also leaves the reader with a lot more questions than answers, even if the issue itself has concluded. This book was the second part of a two-part story, but by the end, I found myself with a lot more questions than andwers. What is this new bond between Reed and T'Challa? How will T'Challa's new role manifest itself and what powers (if any) has he gained? And what does this mean for Shuri as the Black Panther of Wakanda? Finally, it's alluded in this issue that Wakanda will suffer (and Hickman implies why), so what will lead to these problems? There is definitely a lot to think about in tho issue.

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Aside from being complicated and hard to understand (unless you have been reading FANTASTIC FOUR prior to Hickman's run) I think this is one of the best issue of this series so far. Hickman manages to write a story that is exciting, action packed and chock full of different avenues and possibilities a future writer can take -- all in a self-contained issue. Although the last page of the book is "the end," the readers gets the sense that this is only the beginning; and that feeling is what gets people to buy the next issue. Paired with beautiful art by Stegman, this issue of FANTASTIC FOUR answers a lot of questions, but leaves you scratching your head.

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Fraction delivers a lighter story that is a lot of fun at the start, but definitely shifts into a more somber and serious tone by the end. Although this issue doesn't start out being all about Franklin and what he is truly capable of, it certainly shift to being about that, in a really good way. The panels that make up the final page of this issue are absolutely stunning, totally minimalist and just perfect. It is a great way to round off the comic in a really pretty way.Overall this is a really fun issue with very pretty art. The issue itself feels a bit disconnected with what we saw in the fifth issue, but I am holding out that we will see a resolution and an answer to what happened and how the events here fit into the greater storyline. This comic is pretty and well drawn and overall a lot of fun to read. I definitely recommend it, even if it might be a bit confusing for new readers at first.

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Like the previous three issues, this one is a pretty good jumping on point for new readers because it feels relatively self contained. Although it draws on certain elements we've seen in the series throughout, it is still generally pretty easy to follow along. The end has certainly piqued my interest and I am definitely looking forward to the next issue.

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Hickman evenly distributes the focus on the different ongoing character driven stories in FF. It's clear that he's distinctly mapped out the bigger story to incorporate each individual character's story and build from there; making FF one of Marvel's more character driven books. Everything feels cohesive; things feel like they happen for a reason making this series all the more interesting to read. Well executed, solid issue that is beautifully illustrated and a lot of fun to read. This story is definitely heating up!

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Really interesting issue, very different and unexpected shift from what we saw in the previous issues. Even though the FF doesn't make an appearance here, it seems like the events that have taken place in this issue will leave a massive impact on the FF story ahead.

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The issue is good, and the story has been solid. My biggest complaint, however, is that Hickman hasn't made clear just how powerful and influential the Council of Reeds is. How threatening are they? They didn't appear enough in this issue, something I would have liked to have seen since the last two issues have focused on Black Bolt and his return. Still, it's a very interesting story line, and the ending will definitely leave you asking a lot of questions. Definitely not new reader friendly -- if you are interested in reading, start from the first issue of FF.

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Overall a great issue from the Hickman/Bobillo team. The story, (while it does seem a bit complicated at times) is a lot of fun. Great pacing and story in this issue, and the art matched the plot very well. It was great to see Franklin Richards stand out a little bit for once and not seem to be overshadowed by the intellect of his younger sister. While I don't recommend this as a starting point for new readers, I do recommend the FF series overall.

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The pacing was good. This book is a lot of fun. It's nice to see the kids take on so much responsibility but still act like kids. It doesn't feel stuffy or uptight, it feels like kids trying to save the world and it is really cute. The ending will leave you wanting more. Lot's of fun moments in this issue, I have definitely been enjoying this series.

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I personally really enjoyed this issue. I have been a big fan of both FANTASTIC FOUR and the FF, so seeing the way these two books compliment one another the way they do here is great. I loved the way the children are portrayed in this issue and I have enjoyed the level of depth that Hickman has given these characters. Although I don't recommend reading this issue without having read the last issue of FANTASTIC FOUR, I do think that these two books serve as a great introduction to characters like Bentley and Valeria. The other FF kids get some really fun panel time too, which was nice to see. This is another great issue of FF which will make just about anyone fall in love with these adorable kids.

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Even though I did have some trouble with the anatomy of some of the characters in this issue (baby Arthur's face looks off, as though they shrank adult Arthur's face). I really enjoyed the writing and the direction that Bedard has taken the character and the story. I think adding a glimpse into Arthur's past we can better understand his decisions and we in turn become more invested in the story.

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Did it totally blow me away? No. However, it did remind me of something important that I often forget; comics and reading comics and the experience as a whole is supposed to be fun, and that's exactly what Flashpoint: Kid Flash Lost is.

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The writer definitely deals with a mature issue in this book and manages to successfully give it a youthful perspective.

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This is shaping up to be a really great series. If you're looking for a crime drama/sci fi thriller, this is certainly a book you should consider picking up. Both Foster and the young boy he's looking after are compelling characters in their own right. They are well written, interesting and conflicted characters who must cope with their circumstances as well as their own personal demons.

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Overall, this wasn't a bad issue. I think it was great to see the character doing things we haven't seen him do in a long time. I think that it's great to see Asmus play up certain aspects of Gambit's personality; I think that's important. There are some great scenes that highlight Gambit's athleticism and they were portrayed by Mann really well.

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Like I previously mentioned, I get that Asmus has to push the story along -- he's got to get these two characters to team up and this was an easy way to do it. It's not that it's bad, and it might be something that clears up in the next few issues. I love this idea of a spy thriller starring Gambit, the globe-trotting thief. It's fun and interesting and it just really makes sense with the type of character he is. I think Asmus did a great job writing Gambit as this really interesting and fun character, and I definitely enjoyed this issue more than issue #1. Clay Mann is the perfect artist for this series; he's done a great job creating fluid, action packed panels and his talents really shine here.

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There seem to be three different ongoing stories in this comic, which might seem like a lot on the surface, but when a comic is this well organized it just sort of works. DeConnick does a great job not only introducing the main character in this issue, but also the two supporting characters and the set-up for two additional ongoing stories. It's well written and really well plotted and it's an overall good read. Aside from the characterization of one of the two supporting characters, I really rather enjoyed this comic. The character seems really interesting and the art in the book is just stunning. This is a great jumping on point for readers who are new to this character and you will definitely be left in suspense and wanting more.

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This is one of the new series from Image that I look forward to every month because it is so completely different from anything out in the comic market. Writer Joe Harris plucks a spoiled, naive, overly wealthy heir to a multi-billion dollar company and gives him a cause to care about. This character, whose motives seem selfless, is actually quite selfish and it is interesting to see him progressively get a taste of reality as he discovers that his original plans won't be so easy. Additionally, Martin Morazzo does a fantastic job on the art in this issue, once again. He is incredibly consistent and his work here is really lovely.

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It's funny how nothing actually happens in this issue (in terms of action) and yet, so much happens here. There is not only a lot of character development, but also an interesting introduction to a variety of different characters and groups who are all equally invested in the same thing: New Texas (or at least what's on it). What we get is an interesting story and an issue that pushes the plot really far, ending on a serious cliff hanger that will leave readers yearning for more. The great story is paired with some very beautiful (and very telling) art by Martin Morazzo making this issue one you will definitely want to pick up. So far, one of the best issues in this series, hands down. Finally, while I don't recommend starting here, this is an easy place to pick up the story and follow along.

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If one thing is certain about this series it is that it has some real unbelievable elements. The story lagged a little bit in previous issues (although it was still great), and closed a lot of loose ends in this issue. The creative team does a good job writing a story that is well presented and organized: I definitely got the sense that I did not see coming what was coming, and that's a good thing. This was not at all predictable, and really, who wants a predictable story? My only complaint is that as a result of this issue and things just going really smoothly, it taints the story as being a lot less grounded in reality. Things in life just simply don't go this perfectly, so there was something about that which left me a little bit unsatisfied.

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The great thing about this comic is its level of unpredictability. You may start off with some understanding of what's going on, but by the final page of this issue you will have a very different view of the story.

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This book, two issues in, still makes me wish it was being turned into an ongoing series. Between the great characterization of Helena by Levitz and the breathtaking art by Marcus To, this is definitely a great example of how to write DC women right. It's action packed, beautiful, and it deals with a very tough issue. I'm enjoying every moment of this fun read, and definitely recommend it. If you're looking for a fast miniseries you can easily dive into, this is a good one to try.

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Marcus To should always draw the Huntress. If this issue is anything, it's gorgeous. The Huntress is beautiful, smart, clever, witty, strong and sexy -- Marcus To captures each and every one of these qualities through his stunning pencils. The inks are very fine and the colors are vibrant which compliment his pencils perfectly. The third issue of the story is a little bit disorganized. The story definitely jumps around a little bit between locations, and it would have been good to have a guide of some kind to distinguish between the different locations. Overall, though, it's great to see the Huntress represented as such an interesting and independent female character. She has a big problem on her hands, but she seems to (so far) be handling it fairly well.

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The final pages of this issue leaves the reader wondering where this Huntress stands as far as her ethics and morals are concerned. What is her code of conduct? Eye for an eye? Are vengeance and retribution the recipe for what she considers justice? It will be very interesting to see where the writer takes the character in the final issue of her series. This issue is action packed and a whole lot of fun, although it is a bit sad to see that the series will be coming to an end next month. If you wanted to give this series a shot you can absolutely jump on board with this issue, and it may even convince you to go back and read the previous five. Marcus To delivers another stellar issue with his beautiful pencils and his incredible ability to capture fluidity and motion in a scene. I am definitely looking forward to issue six!

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The first issue of this mini-series is perfect for those who may have seen the recently released Disney film and are seeking more John Carter. It's a fun book that tells an entertaining story and is complimented by some really beautiful art. I definitely recommend it to both readers who are unfamiliar with the character as well as those who saw the recent film. This is definitely a fun adventure and I look forward to seeing more.

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This issue does a great job setting up who Sif is and what her motivations will be in this series. It is also paired with some truly breathtaking artwork which you definitely will not want to miss. Overall, this is a great first issue for anyone who is curious about Sif, or for someone who is looking for something new to read. This first issue of her arc is definitely worth a look.

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Solid art and good story. I like the fact that the team is given a unique purpose; Milligan answers why a Justice League Dark team is even necessary by depicting Superman's inability to get the situation (The Enchantress) under control. I really enjoyed Madam Xanadu's character in this issue, and it's cool to have the perspective of an all knowing character who can foresee future events as part of the story. Good start to a new book, although it might be hard for new readers who are unfamiliar with many of these characters to grasp the events.

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I really enjoyed this issue, but I didn't love it as much as I normally love LOBSTER JOHNSON. Like I mentioned previously, I felt the story felt rushed. I think in general it's a great introduction to the character (especially if you're a new reader), but those of us who are fans (like I am) might be a bit disappointed. I think it's a great story and this issue had a great concept, but felt that because it was so contained, much of the story couldn't be flushed out. I wanted more, but maybe that signifies how great I think the issue is. Aside from the fact that it's short, Arcudi and Mignola are great at organizing a story and making it clear and easy for a reader to understand. Wilfredo Torres' pencils are paired with some beautiful colors by Dave Stewart, which really sets the tone of the issue. Overall, it's an action packed, fun adventure with a very interesting story. It's a little bit campy and very pulpy; so if that's what you're into, you won't be disappointed.

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Definitely not a good jumping on point for new readers as this is the penultimate issue. I think what I enjoyed most about this comic is that although it's the third of a four issue mini-series, I'm still not sure what will happen next. When the reader isn't able to predict what will happen in the final issue of a mini-series, you know you have done a pretty great job crafting a solid story. There are some really great moments in this issue, my favorite of which I mentioned above. Although this is the weakest of the issues so far, it still left me wondering what will happen next. Definitely a great read. Highly recommend to any Magneto fan.

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This book has had some really gorgeous art and the writing has been on point. While I am sad to see the book go, I am glad that the we got a really well written and very pretty store that focused on Magneto as a character, giving readers a great chance to see how far Mags has come. Truly great stuff in this series. I recommend picking it up from the beginning rather than starting with the fourth and final issue, for obvious reasons.

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Bendis put a lot of thought into depicting the staring on Captain America and Namor's relationship, and it was good of him to address the fact that Namor is both a mutant and a member of the Avengers. There was never a moment where I felt Namor would have said "OK, I'll fight for the Avengers," but I still thought it was interesting to see the way he reacts to Captain America. It was also good to see that there is a mutual level of respect the two characters have for one another -- a sort of brotherly love -- and that even that is stronger than their opposing perspectives; or at least strong enough to keep them from killing one another for a minute.

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The last couple of pages will absolutely leave you excited about the future of this series. Although it would have been nice to see Hickman address the moral conflict in the plot (does eliminating an entire world make these heroes villains?), and Reed did display a moment of weakness when he underestimated Black Swan, this did leave a window for things to get really interesting in the future. Artist Steve Epting does a fantastic job illustrating this issue and the story will definitely leave you wanting more and excited about what is to come.

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Overall, this is a great introductory issue into her mini-series and I am definitely looking forward to seeing what happens to her next.

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Overall I really enjoy this book. I love that the creators can laugh at the absurd concept of a character who shrinks down and has to wear doll clothing. I love that the Phantom Lady is pretty "no-nonsense" and isn't about to stand down, no matter what happens. Even when the odds are against her, she pulls through -- but you get the sense that there is definitely a struggle. She's not the most likeable character 100 percent of the time, but she's likeable in a gritty, real way. I think as far as female characters in the DC Universe, there's no one that is written quite like her, and that's something really refreshing and something I can certainly appreciate. Although this is a four-issue mini, and you should pick up the first issue if you want to get a better understanding of the character, you can start reading here. The issue picks up without skipping a beat and is clear and concise enough for a new reader not only to read and understand, but also to enjoy.

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I did find some of Machine Man's dialogue to be a little bit obnoxious in this issue; like the scene where he compares himself to Ultron, for example. I think it could have been better executed and less annoying. Aside from that moment, his character is very interesting. You're not supposed to like him (I don't think), and Parker doesn't help you (the reader) to like Machine Man. However, just because he's not likeable doesn't mean he is an impossible character to read, and I think that's important. Although the issue didn't start out with a lot of action, you do, by the end, get a lot of action. I felt it also important to note that the story that is being crafted by Parker is more interesting and a lot deeper than I had originally anticipated, and that makes it a very interesting read.

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I think this is a really fun superhero comic, so if that's what you're looking for then you should definitely give this comic a look. I like the way the writer is telling two stories simultaneously. First we get the story of Betty Ross, who she is, and we explore her character a little bit. Then we also have a very interesting overall story. This issue gives us a good balance of both; we get to see different sides of Betty and we get to see her uncover this big secret of the World Computer. It's completely far-fetched, and I normally like my stories to me a lot more grounded, but this issue is a lot of fun.

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Like I said, I really have enjoyed this series overall, and I feel like it's been a great read in general. It's great for both long-time fans of the Rocketeer, and people just getting to know the character for the first time. It's also a great value -- you get three self-contained short stories in one issue, and it isn't often that we get that much content for the price.

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I thoroughly enjoyed this issue and felt it was a great introduction to this team and to this series. In general, it's a great place to start reading SECRET AVENGERS because it feels like it's the beginning of something really big. The dialogue and the characters are written really well, and I definitely enjoyed their interactions with one another.

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Now, I am not even that crazy about Superboy but it was great to see DeFalco show readers just exactly what the character is capable of in this issue. I enjoyed most of the comic (except for the fact that Superboy made H'el look a bit weak in one scene), and I admit this issue really took me by surprise. Overall, the dialogue is great, the pacing is solid and the story is propped up by some really pretty art. There are some very interesting clues in this issue as to the nature of the story, the future of the universe and the importance of Superboy's role in the DCU. This was by far one of the better issues in this series and it made Superboy's character look really, really good.

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The art by Rocafort here was better than in previous issues. Although the panel layout was abstract, and there were some missing, blank spaces; overall it didn't feel as baren or sparse as some of the previous issues. I think this is a pretty important issue to the story arc in general, so it was good to see Rocafort pay more attention to detail. This issue is also better written than the more recent SUPERMAN issues and it pushes the story along just a bit more, switching the focus of the arc considerably. There is not a whole lot of Superman in this issue, even though this is his series, but that is okay. The story is interesting enough that that doesn't really matter. New readers will definitely find it easy to follow along, while those who have been keeping up may find some parts of this comic to be rather redundant. Overall, the story is good (three stars) and the art boosts this one up to a four star rating.

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Overall this was a good issue. The story is pretty action packed and the structure and layout are relatively well organized. I think that there is a lot of great set-up for a solid rivalry between Calvin and The Butcher, and based on that last page, I doubt we've seen the last of him. It will be interesting to see the interactions between these two develop, Overall, pretty solid story.

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It's hard to judge this book because there is so much that will come afterwards that we do not yet know. How will this change Estacado? What will happen to him and will he be able to maintain control of "the darkness"? The repercussions of the events in this issue are needed to fully judge the issue as a whole, but from what I read this was definitely a great way to end Phil Hester's fantastic run on the character. Almost a perfect score.

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One of the things that makes reading this issue great is Bunn's dialogue. There are some great scenes shared by Hippolyta and Valkyrie where both claim their respective heritages to be the better of the two, and these scenes are fun. The story progresses and feels a bit cliche at moments (particularly the scenes featuring the story's villain), but overall it's a fun issue with a pretty crazy cliff-hanger at the very end. Bunn has put together an interesting team and this issue is considerably better than issue #2. I for one am definitely looking forward to the continuation of this series.

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Overall, this is a good issue. I think the thing that stood out the most to me in this issue is the fact that Thor is this great, powerful God -- and you really get that sense in this issue because he is battling these extremely powerful cosmic being. So while it does a great job showcasing the capabilities of Thor as a character and a superhero; I don't think it did a very good job introducing readers to Thor's identity. He does not feel very "human" in this issue, but maybe that's how he was supposed to feel. Overall, this oversized issue is worth your $4.99; particularly if you're into those cosmic battles.

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This is going to be such a great book once its collected. It will be interesting to see what the reading experience is like when you are moving from one artistic style to the next, and it's definitely something I am looking forward to. While I can't say that the art in this issue was my favorite in this series, I will say that this is one of the best written issues of THE SHADE thus far. It feels like the perfect penultimate issue, the way it closes up the final arc but doesn't quite give the reader closure on the series as a whole. I definitely recommend that new readers start this series from the beginning -- it's really worth it.

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This is an interesting issue because it brings Thor from three different points in his existence together to work towards a common goal. The result is this rather interesting story that gives readers a perspective of how the character has evolved over time, and how his manner of fighting has changed. In addition to this we get a closer look at who the God Butcher is and what his motives are, which makes for a rather interesting story. Pretty art and an interesting story makes this a solid issue. I would recommend picking up the previous four to really get a better understanding of what is happening in this story.

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I enjoyed the art a lot in this issue, I think it was one of the highlights of the book. Guice really does a solid job setting the tone for the story, and I think it's important. You can really sense the desperation of the character in so many scenes in this issue, and I thought that was important to the story being told. I think it would have been good if the issue was broken up a bit more and we got to see what Thor was doing, but we don't really get that here. This is also not an issue you want to start off reading as it doesn't give you an idea of what has been going on in the series overall, even if it does a good job giving us a backstory. The story itself was interesting, I really liked the fact that we get a deeper look at the character in general and what drives him to kill these Gods. It was a necessary issue and was, overall, really well done.

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The ending is interesting and it really leaves readers with a crazy cliff-hanger. There were definitely some points in the story that were really great, and others that were something to be desired, but overall this is a solid issue. I was glad we moved away from Gorr's back story and are finally seeing the three versions of Thor interact with one another to serve a common goal -- this is something I was hoping to see happen and so far it has been neat seeing the character(s) work together.There were certainly points in the dialogue that were great (Thor's conversations with himself) but other moments that were just not good at all (the start of the issue). Overall, the art was lovely and really complimented the story in this issue incredibly well.

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This issue is the seed of the "revolution" that was bound to take place in this series. The X-Men will no longer stay in hiding; they will come out and fight for their right to exist. There are a lot of great metaphors and some really interesting scenes, but overall the pacing of this book is a little bit slow. If you haven't been following the story and you pick this up you might be a little bit lost, but I think in general the plot is pretty easy to figure out. This issue is also a transition from one place to another, so it might not be a bad place to start reading. Finally, the art is absolutely gorgeous. Definitely some beautiful panels in this issue.

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Things are getting more and more interesting and this issue is guaranteed to have you at the edge of your seat. My only qualm was the characterization of Psylocke, which I mentioned above. Other than that, the story is really, really good. I do not recommend this issue for new readers; if you want to get into X-Force I suggest at least starting the story at the beginning of the story arc.

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Fantomex's subconscious is telling him to flee because that's what he's used to doing, but something tells me that he'll go back because it's the right thing to do. The fact that he acknowledges that his love for Psylocke is "unrequited" is funny too. As sad as it is, it's nice to finally see him admit it to himself out loud. I think Fantomex 16 issues ago would have left and never hesitated; but his character (since Remender has had his way with him) has evolved so much, and it's fantastic to see the evolution of his character play out in the story. The story is definitely not new reader friendly, and I recommend picking up the previous 15 issues or at least start at issue #11 where the arc began to fully understand. We are at the height of X-Force's excitement, and it still feels like things are just heating up and we are nowhere near the end. Personally, I can't wait for the next issue!

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The art is definitely pretty, but I struggled to understand what was happening in many of the panels in this issue. The writing, however, is fantastic as always and is a solid start to the new Uncanny X-Force story arc. While I did not that some of the events in this issue allude to the events that took place during the Dark Angel Saga, I feel strongly that this issue is very accessible to new readers.

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As Remender continues to explore Otherworld, the story is getting more and more interesting. Readers are left with a huge cliff hanger at the end of the issue that will guarantee to leave you wanting more. Who is the mysterious man on the final page with a vendetta against Fantomex and Psylocke? And why? Great dialogue in this issue and I it is definitely great to see Nightcrawler as a member of the team.

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There are, unfortunately, a lot of scenes where it is difficult to distinguish what is going on -- particularly those featuring Nightcrawler, Wolverine and Deadpool. I totally get that Otherworld is this mythical, mystical place; and I see how this seemingly impressionistic artistic style would portray that idea, but I don't think that it is the best for this book. I also hope that readers are clued into the actual war that is going on in the background.

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Issue #23 is the final chapter of the "Otherworld" story arc. This is a solid ending to an overall solid story, but I am a little bit glad to see it end. It was, in my opinion, not as enthralling as the previous story arc (Dark Angel Saga). Then again, that story might be hard to top. This story arc managed to develop a lot of these characters, made some big changes to the status-quo of the Marvel universe, and for the most part kept me at the edge of my seat. I'm definitely looking forward to the start of the next story arc and I'm hoping it will involve Fantomex taking a trip to the plastic surgeon. Poor guy.

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I understand I may be nitpicking a little bit, but I really do think it's important to have consistency. You can't show Psylocke unable to move in one panel and then depict her running across the page in the next. It's hard to understand how severe her injury was. Aside from this detail, however, this issue is yet another example of the complexities of Betsy's character. Remender isn't only dealing with surface issues, he's really digging deep into her character and dissecting her -- and it's really interesting to see.

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This issue was hard to read; probably because I've felt like I have been so invested in these characters from the very start of this series. But being hard to read, doesn't make the issue "bad." I think, if anything, this issue will make you think. It will make you look back at the beginning of Rick Remender's run on the series and feel as though -- as a reader -- you've come full circle with this character. Ultimately, the next moment is what the series has been all about. So what's next? If a comic can make you think in those terms; make you wonder what's next for this story and for these characters, then I think it's done its job. It's an interesting issue that leads you to look at the story as a whole rather than just a single issue.

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This is definitely a departure from the previous X-FORCE series by Rick Remender and it's clear that writer Sam Humphries is striving to make this series his own -- and I have to give him credit for that. And although all these changes are good and interesting, there are moments where things do feel a bit forced. It may be the newness of it all, but these feel like a group of characters that are totally unrecognizable. And, that may not necessarily be a bad thing. In the end, things do feel like they are starting to come together, even if they feel jarring initially.

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The last page of this issue is a cliff-hanger and will definitely leave fans of this series interested in seeing what will happen next.

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It's great to see a character like Ghost Rider take center stage after having had her series canceled, and she is really the star of this issue. This is especially evident in the final pages of the book -- she's pretty fierce. The idea of pitting this particular group of characters against their antitheses is kind of perfect, too. This is proving to be a really fun mini-series and I am definitely looking forward to issue 13.2 next Wednesday.

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This comic should have a mature rating. Having said that, it's pretty good. I think that if this comic had had any other artist it might have altered the rating. Basri does a phenomenal job portraying exotic dancers in a comic in a way that doesn't leave me too uncomfortable. The result is something pretty. Unfortunately, I worry that a lot of people won't be able to look beyond the surface of this issue at a story that has the potential to be really interesting. It's a little bit of horror, suspense and action all rolled into one, and the last three pages of this comic made it all worth it. Nicely done, Ron Marz and I'm looking forward to the second issue.

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This is another great issue of Voodoo that will leave you with more questions than answers. While this particular issue didn't develop the story as much as I would have liked, it does give us a new look at the character by showcasing her stealth and spy abilities. The issue, appropriately titled "breaking and entering" was good, but it did leave something to be desired in the realm of story development. It will be interesting to see what new direction they take the character, although I hope not a whole lot will change since it's been a pretty entertaining series up to this point. I am looking forward to the moment where Agent Fallon and Priscilla Kitaen come face to face once again. Also, Sami Basri's art continues to mesmerize. The clean lines, fluidity and his incredible ability to capture expression and emotion in his panels are brilliant.

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You can definitely see how this book digressed from the original story being told, and it is quite different. There's some solid writing in this book and it's definitely still interesting, but it's very different. I am definitely interested in seeing whether Priscilla was a human or an alien, or if she has been operated on by the Daemonites. Williamson does a great job merging the outer space stuff with the earth based material, so it continues to feel grounded in reality. Once again, incredible pencils by Sami Basri -- really gorgeous.

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Overall, this is a fun issue and a really great start to Wolverine's new adventures. The story is very fluid with solid pacing, and the art is absolutely gorgeous. Both Wolverine fans as well as new readers will appreciate this title; and if you aren't yet reading Wolverine, this may be a good place for you to start.

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I really, really love this book. I really, really love reading about these kids and seeing their interactions with one another. Not only that, but by giving characters like Kitty Pryde and Wolverine responsibility, you get the impression that the characters are aging and maturing a little bit. It's nice to read. This is, overall, a fantastic series -- one of my favorites to come out of Marvel right now. This issue is also a very good jumping on point for new readers.

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Although there have been better books in this series, this one was still a solid read. Sure it wasn't as great as the last issue, but it did have some redeeming qualities. I liked seeing Kid Gladiator in this issue; I felt that he really showed his true colors. Does he really hate the school, or deep down does he love his school and the kids he met there? It was really sweet. Jason Aaron also dealt with whethor or not it's in character for Wolverine to be the one to eliminate Hope if it called for it, and that was definitely interesting. Once again, beautiful art by Nick Bradshaw, Norman Lee and some very vibrant and beautiful colors by Justin Ponsor. Another great issue of WOLVERINE AND THE X-MEN.

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This is definitely one of my favorite series at Marvel, and for the most part I really enjoyed this issue. The only real exception for me was the appearance of the Hellfire Club in this issue. I am not a really big fan of Aaron's younger generation of HFC and don't feel he's presented an adequate motive for the group. Their appearance here did not strike me as altogether very interesting, either. Having said that, I think it's great to see Aaron present another adversary to the Jean Grey School as well as some new faces. I am definitely looking forward to the appearances of the Jean Grey School's newest instructor, and I am excited to see what happens to the development of these characters in the future. There is a lot of things happening at once here, but it's all really well organized and paired with some really lovely art by Nick Bradshaw. A great jumping on point to the series if you have not yet picked up this book. I highly recommend it.

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So, I am not too crazy about the premise. I felt this issue, compared to previous issues just wasn't as good. Additionally, I think that although the comic is organized and well written, it does ignore where these events are taking place in the continuity of the X-Men universe. Some of the characters that appear in this issue (namely, Evan) shouldn't be here, at least not yet. Aside from the fact that it's hard to distinguish when these events are taking place, I do think the issue is structured well and is easy to understand, so it's perfect for new readers. It was also great to see Nick Bradshaw return to this title.

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There are scenes in this book that are incredibly intense and will leave you at the edge of your seat. The story is incredibly interesting, and it's also not like any Wonder Woman story I have read before. The simultaneous internal and physical battle that takes place in this issue is almost poetic, and it's really beautifully executed. I was definitely impressed with this issue and I look forward to the next one, and to seeing the Wonder Woman we all know and love return to us at last.

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While I can see how this could be a contentious issue, the more I think about it, the more I find I like the idea. By establishing War as a father figure to Diana she is being developed into a more well-rounded character. Not only did she gain a father-figure to teach her, but she also gained a more well rounded warrior skill-set. Having said that, is this something that couldn't be achieved with just women? Does Wonder Woman need a man to be a whole character? I think that this issue left me with more questions than answers about the identity of Wonder Woman's character and it will be interesting to see how they alter her persona in the coming issues.

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While there may not have been as much Wonder Woman in this first issue as I would have liked, it still left me wanting more and I am willing to wait for the next issue to get my fill. Very good start to the series, and accessible to new readers who are unfamiliar with Diana's character. This was almost a five. Almost.

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Overall, this issue is fantastic. Azzarello lays the foundation for his story in this issue, and it definitely goes beyond Wonder Woman's discovery. Here he has laid the foundation for political turmoil and possible upheaval, and Hippolyta's broken relationship with her daughter. It's all very interesting. This book will leave you with a lot of questions and a desire to keep coming back for more. Not to mention Cliff Chiang's gorgeous art makes certain scenes very tasteful and beautiful. Definitely worth picking up the two previous issues if you haven't already; this is certainly becoming one of the series I am most looking forward to reading each month.

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This issue is all about set-up for what is to come. Why introduce Hades? Where is Eris? Why does Diana want to meet with Poseidon? These are only some of the questions that readers will be left with following the end of WONDER WOMAN #5. Artist Tony Atkins takes over for Clff Chiang in this issue and I felt he did a fine job. Although his style is more animated and it's very different from Chiang's hard lines, the change is not so jarring. Very pretty issue. I definitely can't wait to see where Azzarello has in store for Wonder Woman.

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This is by no means a bad issue. There are a lot of changes made to cannon, (which left me uneasy) but it is a good, solid, well written, beautifully illustrated story. In addition, thechanges made to the Amazon's aren't really that far out. Infanticide and infant abandonment is said to have been commonplace in Ancient Greece, and practiced by Greek city-states like Sparta, for example. If Azzarello used the Spartans as an example for his story (a city-state built on the warrior mentality) does that make sense? Do the changes made to the Amazons make them more closely line up with some ancient hellenistic traditions and practices? Something to think about.

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This is a great issue, and it has been a consistently great series. Yet; this is not the Wonder Woman we knew and grew up with. This one seems to have many levels to her character, and things are not as black and white as we are used to. So is this a good thing? At this point, it's hard to change. Is the essence of Wonder Woman's book even still the same? Is she still even the same character? Get rid of the costume, and can we really call this a Wonder Woman series? Then again, it's such a great story, so should that really matter? Should continuity really factor into the equation? That's the biggest conflict I had with this issue and with this series as it moves forward.

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Overall, there were plenty of moments that I definitely enjoyed in this issue. I liked the banter between the different characters and the way that Azzarello set up a lot of what we will see later on in the series. And although the majority of the interactions between these characters is lively, entertaining and interesting; the moments in Antarctica feel a little bit out of place. I don't think Azzarello explained the situation in Antarctica clearly enough in previous issues which may be why reading those scenes felt so jarring.The story ends on a definite cliff hanger, and this issue is definitely not accessible to new readers. It is a story that is traced to the series' very first issue. Still, I recommend it if it's a series you want to get into. It's well written with dialogue, gorgeous art and character interactions that are interesting and entertaining and will likely leave you looking forward to whatever happens next.

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I love the idea that true friendship can be born out of really horrible circumstances and I would have liked to see more of that. If anything, this story could have extended into a three issue series rather than a focused, self-contained book. It would have made a great three issue arc. In the beginning of the book we get a true sense of who Helena is and where she comes from through her parents. Then, after tragedy hits, we rush into her first meeting with Kara. Rather than having the two characters rush into a friendship, I would have liked to see them get to know each other. The reality is, you don't just instantly become friends with someone, something like that takes a lithe bit more time. That's why I felt that this issue ended so abruptly when it could have been drawn out. The relationships could have been explored further.

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Now, I've never been a huge Helena Bertinelli fan, but I could totally see how by having Helena Wayne pose as Helena Bertinelli could be seen as a slap in the face to Bertinelli fans everywhere. Yeah, we realize that this character appeared in over 580 comic book issues, but we're going to do away with her character anyway. I understand the argument that you don't need both Huntresses and having two characters who are so similar can be confusing, but I kind of liked Bertinelli and her back story, so I am a little bit sad to see her go.

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Overall, this was actually a pretty good issue. It presents some solid character interaction, pretty and stylized art, and a story hat leaves readers excited to see what will happen next. It builds off a story that we have been seeing all along, but manages to also be accessible to new readers.

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This issue is really fantastic. It's the first issue of a new arc and I honestly feel it's one of Marjorie's best issues yet. The pacing here is perfect. The amount of time Gambit spends on some new information is perfect. It's not drawn out, they just don't delve into the discussion. You can also gather in addition to being a friend to X-23, Gambit sort of admires her strength, too. I am definitely looking forward to the next issue which will feature the Future Foundation. I also am looking forward to learning why Alex Cimini is such an important figure in the story.

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In issue #14 where readers are introduced to Hyde we get the set-up for an interesting story. Issue #15, however, falls a little bit flat. Although Moritat does play around with the panel layout on some of the pages in this issue, he does leave some of the backdrops of certain scenes blank, which is disappointing. And while the previous issue did a great job of setting up story, characters and motives, this one is all about a big brawl. This is fine, sometimes, as long as there is a point to all of the fighting. While the point of why Hex is fighting Hyde is made, I think we spend a bit too much time on that and I would have liked to have seen the story pushed a bit further.

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I think the premise for the story, like I said, could have taken the issue into a far more serious direction, but it didn't. Instead, the writer plays with the characters on the surface of the story and doesn't really delve too deep, using a lot of cliche moments and one-liners to tell the story for her. A lot of the dialogue doesn't sound genuine to the respective characters, and I think it's important to maintain individual voices for the characters of a team book.

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A lot happens in this issue, and maybe it was a little bit too much but I think less action and a bigger focus on Babs' intellect and crime/problem solving capabilities would have this issue a lot more interesting. The art is great, however, and the colors are vibrant and beautiful and match the fast paced story line. My biggest issue right now, however, is that this doesn't really feel like a Barbara Gordon story -- at least not to me. I think that if you replaced her with blond hair, she would pass for Stephanie Brown. There's an interesting scene where Commissioner Gordon finds out that Barbara has returned, and the expression on his face in that panel makes me wonder whether he knows that Batgirl is his daughter. Very interesting.

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The book wasn't bad, but it didn't blow me away either. The villain is interesting, but doesn't feel very threatening; certainly not "sickly sweet and sadistic," as described on the cover. This isn't deep, dark and brooding like Batwoman -- it's a lot more light-hearted. As a result, it's harder to take Babs really seriously as a crime-fighter. She doesn't feel threatening, but she's also a lot less fun than Stephanie Brown. I am hoping that Simone will dig deeper into her character's psychology rather than remaining on the surface of the issues. I am craving depth for Barbara and I don't feel like I am getting it here. When DC decided to make her walk again, I was really hoping they would explore the psychological ramifications of her getting shot, learning how to walk and coping with the decision to fight crime again -- five issues in and I still haven't seen a glimmer of that.

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This issue certainly wasn't bad. In fact, it was interesting. The pacing is good, but it's the developments that were the most intriguing. There are definitely some huge changes to Bruce's character in this series, and the decision to make Bruce more positive and to focus on his relationship with his son than to be held by the past is certainly, well, different. I can't say I agree with it, but it's still a well written issue.

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When collected, these five issues will be superb, and I am sure the pacing will be perfect. However, because this issue is separated, it feels a bit drawn out. I would have liked to see Snyder and Higgins deal a bit more with the relationships and interactions within the Bat family considering this will be one of the last times we will get to see all of these characters interacting before the relaunch of the DC Universe.

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New readers should pick up the first issue in the series before they venture into this one as it might be slightly confusing. I know a lot of people have no problem with violence in their books, and neither do I, but I did feel this one to be incredibly mature and that the content was pushing the envelope too far for what it was rated. That said, I still like Batwing and I think he is an interesting character and will probably read issue #3.

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While it was great to see Winick further explore David's backstory, the reader is left wanting more. What about exploring how David gained the means to take on the role of Batwing? Where did he find his inner strength? This issue might leave you scratching your head with a lot of unanswered questions.

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This is definitely a pretty book. If you haven't been reading BATWOMAN from the release of the first issue, or feel like you want to be caught up on what has happened so far then you will definitely want to pick this up; otherwise it does seem like the creative team is simply going over what has already happened in previous issues. The two most important parts are the reveal of the people behind the Weeping Woman and the moment that solidifies Kate's cooperation with Cameron Chase and the D.E.O. Other than that, this issue doesn't feel terribly important or necessary to the progression of the plot, although it is great to see Amy Reeder's take on BATWOMAN and she definitely did a fantastic job.

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Great dialogue and great story, but it feels really disorganized because of all the jumping around. I still enjoy Batwoman, but it's no longer a book I find myself edge-of-my-seat excited about.

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This is a really pretty book and I do think it's interesting, even if it does have its flaws. The art, overall, is really pretty. It all feels like one giant Norman Rockwell painting which is really nice. The internal dialogue is also really good and very appropriate too. This is exactly the way I expect Ozymandias to sound. His character came off as pretentious and arrogant, and I think that's a perfect representation of the type of character he is. If you enjoyed Ozymandias' character in WATCHMEN then there's a good chance you'll appreciate what you get in this series -- a closer look at a character that we didn't see a whole lot of.

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I think there's an interesting story here and there is some really truly some gorgeous art, but it's certainly not a book I find I absolutely cannot wait to read next month.

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This book was okay. The story is fun, a bit difficult to pick up if you are a new reader. It does not feel like the end of a series, just the end of a story arc. It was great to see characters like Phantom Lady make an appearance, albeit briefly.

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I enjoyed this issue; it was sexy, clever and fun; and I look forward to the second issue.

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I honestly like this series so far. I think it's provocative, sexy and fun and I think it does a good job depicting Selina as being a smart character, as well. I wasn't too crazy about the ending. The tone definitely took a different turn, and I have to wonder whether or not it would have been more effective to keep Lola alive than to kill her off in the second issue. What Lola's death does do, however, is put Catwoman's lifestyle into perspective for her: whoever she brings into the fold she is ultimately putting in danger, something that is alluded to in the beginning of the issue. I'm honestly not crazy about Guillem March's art in the comic; I think another artist would have provided a different tone for the character.

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Overall, the story is moving along rather well. It feels like Winick is breaking Selina down in order to build her back up again. Here is a girl who already has a lot of baggage, that just lost the one person she was ever able to trust. It will be interesting to see how Lola will continue to influence Selina, even after death. I've thought about how to describe Guillem March's artistic style in this series and I finally concluded that it is raw. That's actually the perfect word for it. The scenes that are supposed to be violent are more-so because they are so raw. It's an interesting artistic style, but it still makes me feel a little bit uneasy. Winick deals with a lot heavier issues in this one, so there's considerably less "sexy, sexy, sex." Ends on a crazy cliff-hanger; I'll definitely be back for issue #4.

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I really like the art in this issue. I think that Rafa Sandoval does a fantastic job penciling this comic and doing so in a way that is really clean, not at all cheesecake and still feels a little bit sexy. It's also just really pretty.

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One of the things a good horror comic needs to be is unpredictable. The whole point of reading a horror comic is to revel in the suspense of what is happening and readers won't get that here. There is some absolutely awesome dialogue that will certainly draw you into the story and keeping you reading, but there's also this air of predictability to this issue as well. Unfortunately, you kind of know what's going to happen next and the idea here just feels a little bit too cliche. Additionally, the art wasn't terrible, but it was rather mediocre. I don't think the artist spent enough time making sure that characters were presented anatomically correct and a lot of the detail was lost in the inking and coloring of this issue. Overall, it was average; not great, and not terrible. The ending was pretty good and will leave you in suspense.

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I had a hard time with this issue. As well written as it was, it just felt like an easy out to have Matt parade around New York with some precious data drive strapped to his neck -- up for the taking. Is he that conceited? The saving grace of this issue (aside from Pham's great art) are the first few pages that put the spotlight on Foggy Nelson, who seems to be having a nervous breakdown. These scenes really express the tremendous amount of compassion Nelson has for his friend, by showcasing his level of concern. Great art, lackluster story that feels out of character for Matt. If you like action though this might be exactly what you've been waiting for.

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There are elements in this book (the scenes with Barbara, Batman's decision of how to deal with the Joker) that I think are very relevant to the books out now. How much has this character changed? Would he have gone through the lengths he did to save the Joker had the story been written today? It's definitely very interesting to read this and compare it to more modern interpretations of these characters. How are they different? How much has comics writing changed in ten years? While this may not have been my cup of tea, I think there are underlying elements in the plot that made it relevant; and for that it's worth reading. Maybe not purchasing, but definitely reading.

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This issue is definitely funny in a goofy way, but I didn't find it was one of Way's strongest. Is was entertaining and silly, but it felt like it was rushed through. Like the creative team took the easy way out of the situation in order to move the story forward. The interaction between Black Swan -- while interesting -- wasn't entirely believable. There was definitely something lacking in this issue. It would have been better if the creative team took things a little bit slower.

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This issue wasn't great, but it wasn't bad, either. I think Way does a good job keeping Deadpool funny while trying to talk some sense into Alison Kemp's character. I think that the pacing is pretty good; it doesn't feel too rushed and the art is really appropriate for the tone of Way's writing. However, there was a lot lacking in Alison's character. Like I mentioned above, if we are to believe that she's this really accomplished character, then it's strange to see her so easily swayed by Deadpool's speech at the end of the issue. Furthermore, it doesn't feel like a definitive end to his story arc or to Way's run; at least not like it should. I think overall, this story could have ended and Way should have used another issue to close the chapter on the character he's been writing for so long; but that's just my opinion.

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Overall, I had higher hopes for this series but I find that it feels lackluster. There are certainly things about this series that are interesting; like the history, for example; but if you don't have a compelling central character to guide the story, then you're not going to have a very good book.

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This is an interesting issue. While there are certainly some great parts of this issue and interesting scenes (Sam and Alan Scott, specifically), it is still somewhat hard to believe the story that Robinson is trying to sell us. Grundy is supposed to be really powerful and really hard to beat, but Alan Scott manages to do it one-handed. This battle really left a lot to be desired. The dialogue was lacking substance and the scene made it seem as though the other characters in this title were simply incapable and weak -- completely unnecessary to the issue. There was also a lot of build-up in this issue, just to have a really awkward, abrupt end. That doesn't mean I'm not looking forward to the next issue, however, because I definitely am. This series has been great so far, even though I wasn't a huge fan of this comic. New readers can pick this up and read pretty easily, Robinson manages to write a new-reader friendly issue.

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The art, like I said, is incredible. It was neat to see the combination of ancient Japan mixed with modern Tokyo in the story, but I'm not so sure how well it meshed due to the way the issue was organized. The story jumps around a lot and is kind of confusing in some parts, and it also makes it difficult to really explore the identity and motivations of the character. We don't get a good sense of who she is, and why she made certain decisions. I really wanted to like this issue and this story arc, but something about it just didn't grab me. Be it because the characters aren't very likable, or because the story jumps around, or maybe because the character's motivations aren't clear. Bottom line, though, it's hard to tell what direction this story is going.

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Overall, definitely not the best issue of FAIREST I have read. Aside from the gorgeous cover by Adam Hughes, there was a lot that this issue was lacking. Although the premise of the story was kind of cute, and I did find myself chuckling at certain points, I did not think that it was Willingham's best. The art in the issue is very flat and has virtually no fluidity whatsoever. I did like that the Fox speaks to the reader in this issue, breaking the fourth wall and giving the comic a different dynamic. The reding experience feels different, interesting and fun. Having said that, the story itself could have been better executed. A self-contained issue and probably good for new readers to pick up, but definitely not something I would put at the top of my list. The issue wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either.

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I initially went into this issue with some very high expectations, and wound up slightly let down. This is not an X-Force book, it's a Fear Itself tie in which happens to feature the X-Force team. However you may notice that the dynamic of the teammates is very different from what we see in the X-Force books, so don't expect that here. That's not to say that this issue is bad, because it isn't, it's just not what I am used to. It's a solid story that is well organized and well structured.

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This issue wasn't bad by any means; in fact it's one of the better DC Flashpoint tie in books that we've seen, I just didn't love it. I am, however intrigued by what happens towards the end and am definitely looking forward to seeing what happens to Superman in issue two.

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I'm not going to say that this issue isn't fun. If you're into mystical adversaries and mystery, lots of action and a tomb-raiding Gambit with a sexy sidekick, then this might be right up your alley. There are some great quips and one-liners in this issue that really capture the essence of Gambit's character, but I do still wish the story focused more on Gambit and less on his relationship with this mysterious girl.

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A lot of action that doesn't often add up makes me wonder why I bothered reading this series at all. What did I really gain from it? It didn't give me any insight into her character, didn't leave me with an answer as to her true identity and she literally let the villain walk away because he promised never to do all those bad things again. Sure, she had moments where she was depicted as a fierce, no nonsense, kick-ass chick; but at the end of the day she made some rather silly decisions that virtually undermined her character.

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This is a good introduction to Katana, particularly if you are unfamiliar with her skills and power set and the background of her character. Alex Sanchez's pencils are what really brought this issue to life. He did a fantastic job depicting her character in an interesting way and I definitely appreciate all the photo references he used that made it really feel like the scene was set in Japantown.There were some great moment in this issue where the dialogue and the narration was pretty strong, but there were other moments where it really fell flat. Nocenti had some difficulty explaining Katana's power set during a specific action scene towards the end of the issue, for example.Overall, if you are interested in this character then by all means check out this book. Overall, though, it was sort of average: there are some good and bad moments, but the art is consistent which is a huge plus.

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Overall, this issue feels like it has a lot of dead ends. We see one scene, and then see it come to an abrupt end and serve virtually no purpose. The motivation behind Lady Shiva's appearance in Gotham is not even hinted at, which makes this feel strange. It's as though you could switch in anyone in Batman's rogue's gallery for Shiva, which is kind of disappointing. The relationship between Dick and Barbara as well as Dick and Sonia is bizarre. Dick alluding to Batman's relationship with Catwoman and comparing it to his relationship with Sonia felt a bit off too. I think the important thing to remember is that Dick Grayson is not Batman, and DC doesn't need to make him Batman to make him interesting. Do something new with his character that hasn't been done before; don't dwell so much on Batman's history. Don't let Dick ride on Batman's coat tails, so to speak.

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All in all, if you feel that the proceeds of this anthology go toward a good cause then you will easily be able to justify spending the money on this comic. The book consists of 48 pages and features some of the industry's biggest names, but that doesn't mean it's all that good. There are some parts of this comic that are great: the editorial by Alan Moore and the comic by Matt Bors being two great examples. Yet as a whole there are some definite moments that are not as enjoyable, some of which I mentioned above.

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The issue had its redeeming qualities; it was great to see the interaction between Superboy and Superman and it's exciting to look forward to the development of their relationship in the future. Having said that, there is definitely a lot of things I didn't really enjoy about this issue. First, a lot of the dialogue felt forced and corny, and I thought it could have been better executed. I really wasn't crazy about the art in this issue, I felt it was lacking and that the various different art styles on the issue only served to pull me out of the story. Also, it's a bit odd how H'el just shows up out of nowhere. Very strange. I think the good things about this issue is that it does give fans some insight into Superboy and how he differs from both Superman and Superboy as far as his power set and molecular make-up go. I thought that was definitely interesting. Overall, not the best issue of Superboy but not the worst one either.

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Although it's great to see Kara wearing her heart on her sleeve, sharing an awesome moment with her best friend, and having these events pull on her heart strings; I think it's still a bit off that Kara isn't thinking about the consequences of her actions and is trusting H'el so blindly. Although it creates a great dynamic and leaves readers with a cliff-hanger, it was a bit predictable, wasn't it? I was also hoping to see the writer delve further into H'el's powers and get into the reasons for his actions. Hopefully we'll see more of that in the future. All in all, not a bad issue of SUPERGIRL, but not the best either.

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I can't say I loved the art in this book, but it was better than the art in SUPERBOY. I think that there are some scenes that are fun, like the moment shared by Supergirl and Krypto. Much of the dialogue in this issue is good too and we get to see some interesting conversation exchanged between Supergirl and the Flash. Overall, however, the issue seemed unnecessary. Nothing really happens in this issue that is essential to the overall plot.

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In the end this issue was not the best, but it was not so bad either. I think the writer depicted Kara very appropriately. It makes sense that she is uneasy and a little bit reckless in some scenes. The art in the issue was also very good and the layout of the panels (particularly the action scenes) were really well executed. This is not really the best place to pick up the story. If you have been following the 'H'el On Earth' story arc then you might enjoy it, but I personally felt this to be one of the series' weaker issues.

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This is a pretty issue. Rocafort delivers making all the characters in this book look really pretty, but he does fail in giving these characters a setting by not adding much to the backgrounds. There is a lot of empty space surrounding the panels and it feels like he doesn't make very good use of the pages.I think the premise for this story and this crossover is interesting. I think having a character that is connected to all three -- Superman, Supergirl and Superboy -- through lineage is a good idea and it will be interesting to see how this story unfolds. And while I think the premise is interesting and the story is well structured and well organized, I did have some issues with the portrayals of certain characters and the dialogue in this comic. I think it reflected poorly on characters like Superman and I did expect more from him than what we saw here. Overall, if you are looking to jump into this cross-over, then this is definitely an issue you will want to pick up.

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Like I said, at it's core the idea behind this issue is a good one. I felt the issue's focus on compassion was great, but that this good idea could have been better executed. The very start of the comic gives us some great examples of bad dialogue and unnecessary pop culture references and jokes that just simply aren't funny -- as though the writer was just trying way too hard. Having said that, the writing and the dialogue does improve. After both Spider-Man and Thing team up to work together in the issue, the comic definitely improves. Overall, I thought the art was great. The panels are really well organized and the art, in general, was really pretty (save for the fact that we can see Spider-Man's toes). In general, this is an alright self-contained story. I'm not sure if it's a comic I would go out of my way to get, but it could definitely have been worse.

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Overall, this issue was definitely a step down from the previous issue, although I will say I do like the way that Valkyrie is portrayed here: I think Cullen Bunn has a real grasp and vision for the character and the story he wants to tell so it will be interesting to see how he develops her character further.

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As much as I felt it was great to see this unique and very different story, I didn't feel that the method the creative team used for storytelling was very provocative. The premise alone is enough to draw a person who is looking for something different in, but the execution of the comic left something to be desired. It felt like I was reading an outline for a script, not the final story. I didn't feel drawn in or like I had connected with the characters in a very profound way. I can appreciate the story the creative team was trying to convey, but ultimately I felt the writing was disconnect from the art. If you like Sam Kieth, though, this is definitely worth a look as it is very Kieth -- he proves here that he hasn't lost his touch for crafting these bizarre and obscure worlds that look half-finished. It's great stuff.

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Although the issue and the overall story does have its redeeming qualities (really pretty art and some moments of heightened excitement), it's hard to overlook the fact that the plot doesn't feel like it makes a whole lot of sense. Reading this issue I found it hard to believe that the Gods would agree to build a weapon that will ultimately be used against them. It just doesn't feel like it makes sense and I don't see the Gods in general waiting nearly 900 years, until the bomb is nearly complete, to commit an act of defiance in order to save themselves.I still think that eliminating the timestream for the purpose of telling this story is interesting: the idea that you could have past, present and future versions of Thor all in one book and working together is interesting and it is something that keeps me coming back. Overall, however, I can't say I was really impressed with this issue and I don't really like the direction the plot had taken.

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This book feels like it will have a lot more WildCATS influence, and it will be interesting to see how much. I am curious to discover what kind of a direction Williamson takes the character and how far he goes with her. How much of her character in this series will change? The final fight towards the end of the issue also left me with a few questions. For example, what is the relationship between the Daemonites and former WildCAT, Grifter?

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I really like it when a comic keeps me at the edge of my seat and keeps me guessing. Where the characterizations are strong and consistent and where a solid story is backed by fantastic art. Voodoo continues to have most of these bases covered. Sami Basri continues to deliver some truly phenomenal work, the comic does leave me guessing (mainly because Voodoo is such a tremendously loose canon) and the characters are unexpected. While I may not like the direction the book is moving in, I am certainly interested in seeing what will happen next.

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There was definitely something up with the tone and overall voice of this issue, which felt somewhat out of place; but there was definitely some good that did come out of it. I thought the art by Jorge Molina was good, although it was not my favorite. I thought Kitty looked a little bit strange in some of the panels. Overall, though, I enjoyed the art. I think the issue felt a little bit rushed and it just wasn't as good as previous issues; although I did really enjoy the fact that there was a lot of movement and push in this story. There's plenty of development here, I just wasn't a huge fan of the way it was written.

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I think this issue was written well considering the number of things that needed to be addressed. It felt something like a roll call for all the characters that have appeared in this series. Although it was written well, it did still feel like it was all over the place. I don't think that AVENGERS VS. X-MEN was enough to bring everything together. This makes even less sense since it looks like the Hellfire Club will be making it's return in the next issue -- at least according to the cover of WOLVERINE AND THE X-MEN #15. This issue wasn't necessarily bad, but it wasn't my favorite, either.

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I normally love this series and I admit there was a lot that I enjoyed about this issue. There was some great dialogue and beautiful art by Chris Bachalo. However, I can't say that I enjoyed the concept. I really didn't like that we spent an entire issue on a villain character (current leader of the Hellfire Club) that is just, well, not that interesting. I can't relate with this idea that an 11-year old is walking around outsmarting adults and getting masked world leaders to eat right out of his hand. It's just not an entertaining idea in my opinion and not something I can really wrap my head around. As far as the structure and organization of this book I felt that Aaron was on point. I think he did a fantastic job constructing the issue, I just really didn't enjoy this story.

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Overall, comparing this issue to the early issues in this series, it was average, but the issue does have its redeeming qualities. Aaron does develop one of his characters further, and also introduces a familiar face towards the end that will likely make things more interesting. Bradshaw's art is, once again, really fantastic and a joy to see.

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There is a lot about this comic that I like and plenty that I did not like so much. I thought it was great to see the relationships between certain characters explored and explained in greater depth and detail, but at the same time there were other relationships that developed seemingly out of nowhere (Wolverine and Storm). I think that some reference to past appearances would have made this union more believable and interesting, but it just struck me as awkward. Having said that, this issue is accessible. It's not the best, but it isn't bad, either. It also deals with some interesting concepts and leaves readers curious and wanting more. The ending is a real doozy, too.

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All criticism aside, this is still a solid issue with less BAM!'s and POW!'s and that's okay. The last few issues we've seen a build up as to the reasons why Wonder Woman was dramatically altered in issue #600, and it's definitely an interesting development. You'll want to pick this up if you've been reading the Wonder Woman series - it's absolutely worth it. Oh, and that last page? It's a kicker.

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Like I stated above, you do feel slightly cheated as a reader knowing that the series simply comes to an end all of a sudden, and everything goes back to normal, but it's written well. Additionally, the issue ties all the loose ends in the series and leaves the character ready for the September revamp.

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I think that if a little bit more thought were put into this issue, it would be fantastic. There's so much potential here: a book featuring two really kick butt female heroes with interesting dialogue and banter? Sign me up, please! Yet even with all of that potential I feel like this book has some flaws, and that's unfortunate. I do hope that those flashback scenes are addressed in the series' zero issue and that things eventually pick up for the two ladies. They are great characters that a whole lot of us DC fans were missing from the relaunch of their universe, but the series -- as it is -- just isn't doing them the justice the deserve.

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This issue was average. It was not the worst I have read of this series, but certainly not the best either. I think that the story feels a bit more grounded which is important. This idea that there is a massive attack on Starr Island is a huge cause for concern, and it also opens up the doors for possible stories and ideas that Levitz could run with. I am actually interested in seeing what direction this story takes. Having said that, this issue does feel a bit inconsistent. The art especially fluctuates too frequently and makes the reading experience feel a bit jarring. There are some great pages of art, but there are also some pages that might leave you scratching your head. The action is good, and the story is well organized and makes more sense than many previous issues, but I am still having some difficulty with Power Girl's identity. I am beginning to wonder whether she is simply an empty shell of who she used to be, and that's discouraging.

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I really like this series because I feel Marjorie is putting a lot of effort into X-23's journey, and that's the type of story I like to read. Character development is why I read comic books, so I can admit I really enjoyed this (even if I felt some of the lines were a bit out of character). The story is interesting and I particularly enjoyed the end. There's a little bit of everything in this issue: action, humor and even a little bit of enlightenment. A great issue to pick up if you haven't been reading but want to start.

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There was a lot of hype from Marvel about this series, and maybe my expectations were a bit too high. I have to admit I was disappointed in this issue. There have been better first issues of a story arc, but I do think that some of the concepts we saw in this issue are interesting. I think the set up was just okay, but I am still interested in the reasons why this team will be breaking up.

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The last two issues in general have not been incredibly interesting. That's not to say the writing or the art was necessarily bad, because it wasn't; it moreso has to do with the premise of the story. For whatever reason I am just not interested or invested in the current SCHISM story line. I find that the adversaries in the book are not engaging or very interesting, and their motives are not very clear. Basically, a bunch of kids and some low grade sentinels vs. the entire mutant race does not make for an exhilarating story. This isn't something totally new and interesting that we have never seen before.

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I can't say this book is entirely bad, because it does have it's moments -- or should I say, it has some fantastic one liners. And while the concept isn't really great, and the characterization of Emma Frost is totally off, Iit's entertaining enough to keep reading because I know it will ultimately lead to a fight between Cyclops and Wolverine, and that's all I really care about.

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First, it is accessible to new readers. You don't really need to have a whole lot of background information on the characters and concepts we see in this issue. It's great because you get a variety of different stories featuring many of our favorite characters all in one place. So what's bad about this issue? Well, unfortunately, not every story is going to be very good. In fact, a few of them are really very bad. The issue is also pretty expensive; after taxes it costs you over $8.00. That's a lot of money for an issue that contains stories you may not necessarily like at all. So while a couple of these might be fun to read, it doesn't exactly feel like it's worth it.

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What exactly happened in this issue? I feel like a good zero issue is one that gives the reader a better understanding of who the character is and what their motivations are. After reading this book, I don't have a better understanding of Catwoman, who she is, why she does what she does and where she came from. I understand that Nocenti is taking over a book from a different writer and thus she will have a different vision for the character and the series, but there needs to be some kind of consistent vision for the character when you relaunch an entire comic book universe.

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Of all of Marvels voice, I feel Remender has a firm grasp of how the X-Force characters would speak, and I absolutely love that about those books. Their voices, however, do not carry over into this issue. This issue (as well as issue one) did not feel cohesive with the Fear Itself story line, although I can see why Marvel would brand it this way. Still, I think it may be a mistake not to state that in the story itself. The characters don't really allude to Wolverine's campaign with Scott, either. This issue is not an easy read, feeling cluttered at times and overall out of place.

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One of my big complaints about Lois' character is the fact that she usually comes across as a weak character-- and I don't know why. For someone who spends a lot of time throwing herself out of the sidelines and into the fire, Lois should be portrayed as a far more interesting and compelling character than she is. After the awesome first issue of Flashpoint: Wonder Woman and the Furies, I was expecting a little bit more from this creative team. The writers had the chance to define Lois Lane in a whole new and exciting way, and they missed their chance.

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If the people who worked on this book just took a little bit more time to fill in the gaps, this score would have been considerably higher. The thing is, I have really enjoyed this series and I think it has some really great qualities; but this was just too much. As much as it pains me to give such a beautiful book so low of a score, I am far too disappointed in the lack of common sense in the writing. Could have been much better. Nevertheless, Marcus To's art in this book is it's most redeeming quality.

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Perhaps I am being more particular when it comes to this issue, but I had just hoped for more from this book. We saw a set-up in issue #13 last month by DeFalco, introducing Lady Shiva as an opponent to Nightwing. The problem is, why now and why Shiva? Just like their first fight, Shiva withdraws leaving Nightwing alive. Again, why? Was she hired to fight Nightwing? If not then what is her fascination with him? That's the first problem. Additionally, it doesn't seem like Shiva will be appearing again for a while, so what was the point of this issue and the last one? What purpose do they ultimately serve? I was left with a lot of questions about this issue of NIGHTWING and, unfortunately, not all of the great. It will be interesting to see if Kyle Higgins, upon his return to this series, will take from any of the events thats transpired in this issue.

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The art is definitely a little bit jarring. The expressions of some characters are awkward, and the characters look a little bit off. There are also some panels that aren't fleshed out in the sense that they don't provide readers with a lot of detail.While there are some interesting moments in this issue, and a great one-liner from Batman about keeping Wonder Woman out of a fight, I have to admit that most of the dialogue feels rather silly. Scott Lobdell has proven he isn't a bad writer, and this issue demonstrates that this is certainly not his best work.

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I think this has to be one of the weakest issues in the series. To me, it really felt like a filler and it didn't even do a great job introducing us to this new character. Is she likeable or not? In the beginning she has a terrible attitude which she alters later on, but still. It's all very strange. I really didn't like the art in this issue, I felt it was sloppy and I thought the writing and portrayals of the characters were, overall, pretty poor. There is, however, a silver lining. Since this does feel like a filler issue, you might want to save your money and just pick up the next one -- aside from the introduction to this new character, and the explanation as to why Angel doesn't remember who he used to be, this issue doesn't feel like it will be essential to read.

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What happened in this issue? Why are we here, in the Savage Land? Why isn't the dialogue better? How come this story in this issue doesn't mesh well with the overall scop of the series in general? Those are the types of questions I asked myself while reading the latest issue of WOLVERINE AND THE X-MEN. This issue feels just so completely out of place, that I wondered whilst reading it why Jason Aaron decided to do this now. It feels like a filler issue and seems totally out of place when we look at everything else that has been happening to the school lately. In addition to the fact that I really don't understand why things happened the way that they did in this issue, I am at a complete loss when it comes to the reason.

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Reading this series I find it funny that in nearly every issue, Power Girl has strategically burned through her suit in the center of her chest. This isn't a criticism, just an observation. I mean, what's the sense of giving her a new suit if you're just going to tear right through it anyway? Maybe DC should never have tried to "fix" PG's costume in the first place. Just a thought.

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So, clearly, I had a few issues with this comic. I felt that the issue left a lot to be desired, the structure was weird and the direction of the story was unclear. Levitz takes a lot of liberties with character's who aren't in panel, and sort of just does whatever he wants. I didn't feel like he put much thought into the way the plot should unfold at all. I think this issue has a lot of problems. The idea behind the story, the first encounter, could have been great but I felt that overall the story was poorly structured, disorganized, not very well thought out and just badly executed.

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