As a whole there is a lot going on in this issue but it never feels rushed and the panels never feel crowded. It's no secret that I'm a die-hard Batman fan and any week with a Batman comic in it is a good week for me. But I have chosen Batman #25 as my Comic of the Week on the quality of the comic book alone. Because it is a fantastic issue, in a fantastic series.

There has been a slight redesign in Joker's appearance since we last saw him. Obviously his new face being the main one, but he is also in a black suit with shorter hair. This new, more muted appearance (okay he still has green hair and white skin, but muted for Joker) suits the change in his attitude. This Joker is much darker, more sinister than he has ever been. As he tells Batman, after he has locked him in a cell in the old Arkham, "no more games"no more jokes. I'm just here to close up shop!"

But does this represent the end of Batman Incorporated? Not likely. There are several signs in this comic that the seeds Morrison has sown over the past few years will grow and be significant in future Batman storylines within the New 52 continuity. That suits me fine.

Are the feminist themes of Bitch Planet going to put people off reading it? Probably. Sadly the people who will be put off reading it are exactly the type of people who need to read it. Hopefully that will change over time as this comic, and more like it, become part of the mainstream, and the questions they raise lead to much needed discussions on a wider scale, and a meaningful change in attitudes.

It seems that Higgins and Siegel have big plans for the world of C.O.W.L and intend for the comic to be a long term project. I really hope that is the case because this comic has a lot more to give. Check out the second printing of issue #1 and pick up this week's second issue. You won't be disappointed.

Change is the latest in a fine line of high-concept sci-fi tinged comics published by Image. Following on from Saga, Manhattan Projects, Prophet, Nowhere Men, this title is another one which is definitely worth a look if you like your comics intelligent, and devoid of tights and capes.

Waid and Samnee on Daredevil is a fantastic collaboration, as effective as Fraction and Aja on Hawkeye. With so many comics being produced right now, and with money being tight for many people, the comics that people choose to spend their money on need to be close to perfection. Daredevil is one such book.

Mark Waid's Daredevil has been our Comic of the Week on several occasions now and this week he and Samnee have pulled off another excellent instalment of an excellent series. Long may it continue.

If you were a fan of 100 Bullets I assume you have already read this comic. If you werent a fan, or just never read it, you need to pick up Brother Lono #1.

I loved this opening issue to Descender and it really feels like the start of something special, the same kind of feeling I got when reading Saga for the first time.

The question that should be on most people's lips now is what's next for Gwen Stacy Spider-Woman? We know she is going to feature again in the Spider-Verse event but she has exploded into existence with such force that it seems almost impossible that she will not feature again in the pages of comic books, or even have her own on-going series, once Spider-Verse is finished. I'd definitely buy that! Make it happen Marvel.

This issue had everything that has made the series so excellent " tension throughout, great action sequences, emotional depth, comedy, heartbreak.

It really feels like The Infinite Vacation has been a labour of love for Spencer and Ward and that shines through in this final issue. This is a perfect conclusion to a brilliant series and I urge you to find the back issues or buy the trade.

It's great to see the return of Marvel Knights and the publisher has chosen a great project to re-launch the much-loved imprint. Check out this book if you haven't already. It's a must-own comic book.

We've only had six issues of Ellis, Shalvey, and Bellaire's Moon Knight. But in those six issues this creative team have given readers a fantastic take on a fascinating character who usually hovers at the periphery of the Marvel Universe.

It was with a little sadness that I read this comic book, as I knew it was potentially the last time I would read the Punisher, as written by Greg Rucka. However my sadness was overwhelmed by my joy at the brilliance of the damn thing. Buy this essential comic and seek out the back issues or the trades. Marine, that's an order.

The writing in the last third of this issue is superlative. Vaughan quietly builds up a tension which sneaks up on you as you read the dialogue back and forth between Prince Robot and Heist, then becomes palpable as the two characters heated exchange becomes violent.

In a recent letters column Vaughan asked readers for their opinion on the idea of doing variant covers for the 25th issue. In this month's letters column he says that the idea was rejected by readers at a ratio of about 10-1. Most citing that variant covers would detract from one of the main elements that makes Saga special; Fiona Staples sumptuous art. I'm glad that Vaughan takes the time to share ideas with readers and that he listens to the feedback. It is another thing which makes Saga a very special comic.

I think its a perfectly fitting conclusion to this superb miniseries and I imagine it is exactly how the creators envisaged it.

If you're a fan of the TV show I'm sure you'll enjoy this comic. If you're not, then it is a perfect introduction to the world of the Sons of Anarchy and well worth picking up.

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Stephen HardmanBorn in Preston, Lancashire in the North of England and now living in North Somerset he works for a law firm during the day. His interest in comics started at an early age by reading the cartoons in weekend newspapers a particular favourite being Calvin & Hobbes. His interest grew when he discovered Batman, and the character remains one of his favourites to this day. He also loves crime and noir fiction, and American TV series. Writing and blogging takes up much of his spare time and he hopes to one day publish his long-gestating crime novel.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)Like this:Like Loading…Related

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