The Black Monday Murders #1 is a promising start to another series from Jonathan Hickman. I've been a big fan of his previous work, and this first issue offers the same combination of fascinating characters, a weird premise, and detailed infographics to flesh out the world and explore the lore.

Kill or Be Killed #1 is a fantastic first issue, and fans of Brubaker and Phillips' previous work will not be disappointed. The theme of vigilante justice is not the most original, but there's a twist that really makes me want to keep reading to learn the truth of Dylan's situation, and what consequences his vigilante actions will bring.

Mirror #4's ending sets us up for a clear climax, bringing some characters together and transforming others. Though the story points aren't always easy to follow, I think it's an issue well worth rereading, both to gain a better understanding of the story and a further appreciation for the art. Mirror #4 is a rewarding read and another exceptional contribution to Brandon Graham's 8house universe. I have no idea where the story's going to go in the next issue, but I can't wait to find out.

Prophet: Earth War thus far has been a strong continuation of the Prophet storyline, and Prophet: Earth War #5 delivers strong momentum on the way to the end. Those most interested in the cosmic weirdness might not be as enthralled by the other two parts, but they add to the whole and help flesh out the cast of supporting characters and add depth to this strange universe.

jQuery.ajax({url: "http://boundingintocomics.com/wp-content/plugins/top-10/includes/top-10-addcount.js.php",data: {top_ten_id: 13278,top_ten_blog_id: 1,activate_counter: 11,top10_rnd: (new Date()).getTime() + "-" + Math.floor(Math.random() * 100000)}});

Kill or Be Killed #2 is a solid issue, though a little lacking in the story development department. Pick it up if you enjoyed the first, and hopefully the next issue will show more forward momentum.

Mirror #5 is a must-read if you've been following the series, wrapping up enough of the character arcs and mysteries to leave you satisfied. If you're new to the series, skip this issue but pick up the trade when it comes out in September. It's an amazing story, and I think the turns will be easier to follow in a trade than single issues.

For a story that didn't do much to move the plot forward, it was entertaining, but not as substantial as the side stories in the last few issues. Harrow County #12 has a pretty narrow focus, and I found myself wishing for an appearance from anyone in the regular supporting cast. We get to see more of how Emmy's handling the changes in her life, and how that affects her interactions with people, but not much in the way of character development that hasn't already been covered.

If you've been digging this series, pick up Wolf #9. It's real pretty to look at it, you'll get a really significant story moment, and the short comic in the back matter (by Minhal Balg) is a solid piece of writing. If you've been on the fence about Wolf, this issue isn't really going to push you to keep reading, and it definitely isn't a good place to jump in.