Week of December 26th

This is what happens when a review is late. Stay tuned for a new format in 2013!!

Week of December 19th

Late review is against the law!

Week of December 12th

They're coming for the review...

Week of December 5th

Don't fight! The review is on the way...

Week of November 28th

Ah...the serenity of a great review...on the way.

Week of November 21st

Standing ready for the review...

Week of November 14th

I have sent my Omega Beams to seek out the review...

Week of November 7th

!...weiver a rof gnitiaW

Week of October 31st

When technology meets magic...it's time for a review....

Week of October 24th

The doctor is in...and he has your review....

Week of October 17th

Guys don't fight! The review will be up soon....

Week of October 10th

Shoot straight....for a post.

Week of October 3rd

Oh...what can be done with the idle time waiting for a post...

Week of September 26th

                Don't be a stranger...to a review.

Week of September 19th

Oops! Just posting a review O' Great One!

Week of September 12th

Lighting the way...to another review!

Week of September 5th

Better post a review...time is running out!

Week of August 29th

They're all coming for...the review!

Week of August 22nd

Don't go anywhere...the review is on the way!

Week of August 15th

He may have spotted the next review....

Week of August 8th

Looking for a fight...and a review!

Week of August 1st

He's looking...for the review!

Week of July 25th

Stand ready...for the review.

Week of July 18th

All-Star review...coming soon!

Week of July 11th

For liberty...and a review!

Week of July 4th

Waiting for the review....

Week of June 27th

This won't stop the review...trust me...

Week of June 20th

Honorable Mention

Next Men: Aftermath # 44 (IDW)

John Byrne has always been a fascinating writer to me...and I’ve been a fan of the Next Men from the very beginning. He has a knack for twisting the stories in the most unexpected directions, when you least expect it. This issue follows that formula as it brings a long storyline to a “seemingly” end. Only time will tell if it’s really the end, but the wrap up rings of the classic “it was all a dream” scenario...except we can never really be sure that it was. Like is says on the cover..."The End?"

...and now for this weeks All-Stars!

Daredevil # 14

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Mark Waid, Pencils: Chris Samnee, Colorist: Javier Rodriguez, Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna, Editor: Stephen Wacker

All-Star Summary for Choice: It’s never good news when you wake up in Latveria...a prisoner of Doctor Doom, and nobody has a clue where you are...giving a rescue effort the same chance a snowball has in Hell. Welcome to the life (or death) of Daredevil.

   The writing of this issue is great as we get a front row seat to a hopeless situation from the perspective of Matthew Murdock. Trapped by Doom and no help on the way...my heart sinks just thinking about it. The “man without fear” certainly knows it today! Stuck in a glass cell (standing room only) as they hook up hoses to it...to gas you, must be stressful (to say the least). On the upside, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger right? I doubt Daredevil will be stronger after the machinations of Doom!

   Of course Daredevil makes his escape (after blowing his chance at freedom) and the adventure begins as he kicks butt through Latveria on his way to the border. I had every confidence in him...until he began to lose his superhuman senses. See...nanites will do that to you, if you program them to. Uh-oh...looks like things have gone from bad to worse since escaping Latveria...really blind, has the same chance as that forthcoming rescue (and that snowball).


All-Star Quote of the Book: “Oh my God! I did it! I’m free!.”

DC Universe Presents # 10

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: James Robinson, Artist: Bernard Chang, Colorists: Bernard Chang, Letterer: Steve Wands, Editors: Wil Moss & Eddie Berganza

All-Star Summary for Choice: I have always been fascinated by immortal characters. The whole idea of living forever...or at least having lived incredibly long has always appealed to me. Yes...I’m a Highlander fan, both of the film and the series. I’m also a Vandal Savage fan, so imagine my elation about DC spotlighting him for a few issues.

   From the beginning, I have to wonder what the New 52 has done to Savage...with so many changes, I could only cross my fingers and hope for the best. Well...they made him a serial killer (not a really new development), but have never presented him in the same way as an actual serial killer. The story leads you to entertain the possibility that he really isn’t immortal at all...just a deranged crazy person that one day decided to kill many people.

   Vandal’s daughter is now an FBI agent (and has serious daddy issues as you might guess) and enlists Vandal’s help in catching a copy-cat killer of his earlier crimes. The relational dynamic between them is very interesting, How can she not carry scars from her past with a serial killer for a father...and what mind game is he playing with his own daughter? All this...and I’m left to wonder if this is the same Savage I’ve always known. Well...he jumped out of a helicopter into the woods and survived, but then again...so did Rambo.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “I’m a terrible man...what can I say?”

Green Lantern Corps # 10

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Peter J. Tomasi, Artist: Fernando Pasarin, Colorists: Gabe Eltaeb, Inker: Scott Hanna, Letterer: Dave Sharpe, Editors: Brian Cunningham & Matt Idelson

All-Star Summary for Choice: John Stewart has a knack for getting himself into trouble. First in Cosmic Odyssey where his overconfidence led to the destruction of an entire planet, ending billions of lives. Then pulling the trigger on Lantern Mogo during the War of the Green Lanterns. Now...once again, to protect the corps, he again takes the life of a fellow Lantern. This guy just can’t catch a break!

   It’s not just bad luck (even though he has plenty of that), but the Guardians themselves are setting him up. They were the ones that secretly revealed his actions and are now directing the Alpha Lanterns to pass judgment and sentence on Stewart. At least on John’s part, he accepts responsibility for what he’s done and, of course, is remorseful. Guy Gardner is another story. If anyone thinks Guy is going to just stand by and let John get executed, then they clearly haven’t been reading this book...and don’t know Guy Gardner!

   It isn’t just the clandestine dealings of the Guardians of the Universe. It isn’t just the cold and calculating efficiency of the Alpha lanterns. It isn’t just the profound and resolute soul searching of John Stewart. It isn’t just the brash and rebellious machinations of Guy Gardner. It’s also the great artwork and flowing storytelling that make this book a great experience to read.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “John Stewart, for the murder of Lantern Kirrt Kallak...you are hereby sentenced to death!”

Invincible Iron Man # 519 

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Matt Fraction, Artist: Salvador Larroca, Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna, Colorist: Frank D’Armata, Editor: Mark Paniccia.

All-Star Summary for Choice:  The Mandarin has come a long way since the days of the old 90’s cartoon, Iron Man. I used to be absolutely annoyed with that show with Mandarin being the arch villain on almost every single episode. It was a running gag with me...’I wonder who’s going to appear on the show this week? Oh, that’s right...Mandarin.” Now that he’s more devious and diabolical than Ra’s Al Ghul...I can’t get enough of him!

Capturing a host of villains, implanting them with bombs and forcing them to work for him, the Mandarin has no patience for failure and doesn’t tolerate any lack of acknowledgment that he is the master. Gotta love this guy. Meanwhile Tony has been forced to give up being Iron Man, another piece of the Mandarin’s master plan no doubt. Add to that the capture of Spymaster...although capturing him and keeping him turn out to be two very different things in a very unexpected way. Speaking of unexpected...who is this new Iron Man?

The artwork is as spectacular as always and makes this the type of book that I can’t wait to read every time it hits the shelf. It has me on the edge of my chair wondering what is going to happen next...and loving the visuals as it all unfolds. Wonderful writing and excellent artwork is making this title a mainstay of the All-Stars.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “You die, I win. I die, you lose, I win.”

Planet of the Apes # 15

Company: Boom Studios

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Daryl Gregory, Artist: Carlos Magno, Colorist: Darrin Moore, Letterer: Travis Lanham, Editor: Dafna Pleban

All-Star Summary for Choice: If you’ve been a regular reader of the All-Stars, then I don;t have to tell you what a huge fan of the Planet of the Apes I am, both the movies and television series...and now, the comic books! The artwork is excellent and the talented writing keeps me intrigued.

General Nix convinces Commander Jommu to send the White Troop to protect Voice Alaya because Councilor Nerise is secretly working with human terrorists to overthrow the government. Meanwhile Julian, son of Sully, the Mayor of Skintown...and adopted son of Voice Alaya, has been abducted from the city of Mak by humans. Not wanting to get shot by accident, he surrenders himself to the pursuing apes. That doesn’t go very well though.

Not known for their patience or love of humans, the apes are on the verge of killing Julian when his mother and her party snipe all but the leader. Promising to let the ape leader go in exchange for the Julian, the ape agrees...but that doesn’t go very well either. Meanwhile the White Troop delivers Voice Alaya to Councilor Nerise (uh-oh) and things go from bad to worse. I guess Nix didn’t know what team all the players played for.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again...if you don’t know who these people are or what I’m talking about...it’s because you aren't reading one of the best books on the shelf. Shame on you.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “This is that point in the drama in which the aggrieved party says, what’s the meaning of this? Thank you for sparing us that. We all know exactly what this means.”

Week of June 13th

Honorable Mention

Batman and Robin # 10 (DC Comics)

Damien Wayne has thrown down the gauntlet and is going to prove once and for all that he is the best Robin to ever wear the suit. A family portrait of the Wayne’s never hid so much family angst. Dick Grayson, Jason Todd and Tim Drake are in for an experience as Damien has his mind made up...and he may not be too far off the mark. But it isn’t just about physically defeating them for Damien...it’s about taking something from them, and leaving them with the realization that he is the son of the Batman...and he is the best. First up...Red Robin, place your bets!

Shade # 9 (DC Comics)

The Shade has some pretty...shady relatives. Seems like they’re always into something clandestine and not so upright. This simply will not do for such a...refined criminal like himself. The hypocrisy of this book is amazing, if you’re familiar with the Shade, and yet it still manages to paint him as altruistic. The art is vibrant and the character itself is very interesting as he has come a long way from his JSA days as a punchline villain good for a few panels of action. He is immortal, he is deadly, he is smart....and although his “human” status can be contested, he is very much in the middle, like most of us. Armed guards and ninjas don’t even slow him down...good thing the bad guys have Egyptian Gods working for them!

...and now for this weeks All-Stars!

Before Watchmen: Silk Specter # 1

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writers: Darwyn Cooke & Amanda Conner, Artist: Amanda Conner, Letterers: Carlos M. Mangual, Colorist: Paul Mounts, Editor: Mark Chiarello

All-Star Summary for Choice: There is so much to like about this book, beginning with the art. Amanda Conner is a great artist with a very expressive style. She is not unlike Kevin Maguire when it comes to facial expressions, and the nature of this story and layout of this book lends itself perfectly to her particular brand of artistic talent

   This book is not heavy on the action, although there is plenty going on in the story, but primarily driven by a great story laid out and expressed with the right artistic talent. In the movie, the Silk Specter was interesting to me...when she was fighting. In this book, she is just a very interesting character as we are shown her early upbringing...which is tantamount to her mother, the original Silk Specter, hellbent on her daughter carrying on the legacy. The clash of this with adolescence and “boys” is what gives this story a kick.

   By high school laurel Jupiter is a physical specimen that outclasses all the boys, which of course, puts her on the outs with all the girls...especially when she has her eye on the one boy everyone else wants, and he has his eyes on her. Her self critiques in the mirror, something all young girls do, is offset by her being besieged by a masked assailant...which is really her mother enacting another training tool for her daughter’s inevitable career. The juxtaposition of these situations is extremely refreshing and serve as another straw on the camel’s back as Laurel makes a decision for herself and what she wants...in sharp contrast to a life lived for what her mother wants.

  

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Frankly, I don’t see the family resemblance Oh wait...now I see it!.”

Green Lantern # 10

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Geoff Johns, Artist: Doug Mahnke, Colorists: Hi-Fi, Inkers: Christian Alamy, Keith Champagne, Mark Irwin & Tom Nguyen, Letterer: Sal Cipriano, Editors: Brian Cunningham & Matt Idelson

All-Star Summary for Choice: The art and coloring of this book still don’t disappoint and make it a visual pleasure to read. The writing of this issue is also first rate and keeps me on the edge as the story unfolds. There are few books that make you angry you have to wait thirty days for the next issue, this book is one of those books.

   Jordan and Sinestro are running on fumes with Sinestro’s ring drained and Hal’s unable to give him flight or forcefields. Not a big deal except the Indigo Tribe power battery has been destroyed, letting them all loose from the Indigo mandate. No big deal...except they are a tribe of the worst killers that can be found anywhere, and the Indigo light is their path to redemption. Without it...they are just ruthless killers, wanting nothing more than to get their hands on Jordan and Sinestro. Ok...now it’s a big deal.

   Jordan must now convince Natromo to remake the power battery to save all their lives, but without a spark of the Indigo light, there is nothing he can do. Time is not on their side as the freed Indigo Tribe is closing in, forcing Sinestro to make an unexpected sacrifice...while Jordan looks for a miracle. In all of this...where has William Hand gone? Losing track of him will have things going from bad to worse!

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Indigo Lantern of Sector 2814 deceased.”

Kirby: Genesis - Captain Victory # 5

Company: Dynamite Entertainment

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Sterling Gates, Artist: Dennis Calero, Letterer: Marshall Dillon, Editor: Joe Rybandt.

All-Star Summary for Choice:  Jack Kirby was a genius ahead of his time. I’m a fan of almost everything he’s created, mostly all the New Gods and Fourth World stuff...but now I get to immerse myself in Kirby Genesis titles like Captain Victory. This book brings back all the great things I love about Kirby creations, and also takes that “space adventure” feeling to the next level. The don’t call Jack “The King” for nothing.

Captain Victory leads a contingent of Galaxy Rangers. If this is beginning to sound like something you made up as a kid, then you’re getting the right impression. This book has a knack for bringing that childhood feel to it, but with a serious twist. It’s almost like Star Trek, with crew members having special hero type abilities. The book takes itself very serious and this takes all the hokiness out of it.

The Rangers have crash landed on Ilili and are being besieged by the Iira Tribe. An earlier Ranger expedition has already been lost on the planet and the Rangers must repair their ship, survive the onslaught, and solve the mystery of the earlier Ranger expedition. No problem for the Galaxy Rangers....well, not really. Lot’s of problems actually. This issue plays out like a really good television episode of your favorite science fiction show.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Major Klavus, once she’s shadow-stricken, she can’t be cured.”

The Mighty Thor # 15

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Matt Fraction, Artists: Pepe Larraz, Colorists: Frank D’Armata, Letterer: VC’s Joe Sabino, Editors: Lauren Sankovitch .

All-Star Summary for Choice: The artwork of this book is very striking, both in technique and colors, and is the first hook that sinks in. The second hook is the story. A race of Mares has trapped everyone and anyone they encounter in a communal nightmare...and stray dreams and thoughts become dangerous and deadly.

   Thor has had a bad dream...a very bad dream, about his father. Now Odin returns, demented as a giant, intent on teaching Thor many lessons in pain and suffering. It’s not often you pick up a comic these days and see Thor kicked around from page to page. It’s rarer still to see it happening on his own book. As bad as this is, it’s not the worst of the situation.

   Donald Blake has made a pact with the Enchantress (now how stupid is that)to attain godhood. I honestly don’t know why he is surprised in the manner in which she keeps her promise. It’s one of those “see for yourself” situations that I won’t write about here. add to this that a local kid has come into town and fallen victim to the Mares...and the stuff he dreams about make all of this go from bad...to worse. This is the type of issue that puts the fun back into reading comics.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “I had a bad dream.”

X-Men Legacy # 268

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Christos Gage, Artists: David Baldeon, Colorist: Brian Reber, Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit, Inker: Jordi Tarragona, Editor: Daniel Ketchum.

All-Star Summary for Choice: I’m not a regular collector of this title, and I don’t remember what compelled me to look in this book, but I’m glad I did. The artwork was very good, with clean lines, nice color, and excellent inking. Perhaps I looked at it because it had the “A vs X” label on it...although the story doesn’t directly deal with events happening in that story.

   I wasn’t familiar with the main character of this issue, Frenzy...but good storytelling has made me very clear now on who she is, what her motivations are, and the baggage she carries with her. Five X-Men have been imbued with the Phoenix Force and are remaking the world into a better tomorrow (or so they say). One of their new rules: no more war. Some people didn’t get the memo, so Frenzy is dropped into an African war zone to enforce the new law. From here, the story gets serious as the subject of abuse is tackled in a way that only an X-Men book can.

   Frenzy is witnessed to a particular brand of abuse that trigers memories for her...and inspires her to action. A woman is being abused by her husband, not unlike the abuse Frenzy faced from her father when she was a child. The depiction of these sequences is quite brutal...even for a comic, and of course, the worst situation is the one in which Frenzy’s mutant power manifests. The woman Frenzy saves in the beginning has an equally gruesome story of her own, although it’s told with words instead of pictures. In the end, this book leaves us to ponder the merits of a life lived with pain...and if the lessons that can be learned, should be learned.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Teach me. I dare you.”

Week of June 6th

Honorable Mention

Epic Kill # 2 (Image)

One girl against the police, the army...men in black suits with big guns...and all of them are in a world of hurt! Reading this book is like watching a John Woo movie unfold in your hands. Song is a young woman on a mission, and with the training she’s received, there is very little anyone can do to stop her. Anything in her hands becomes a weapon and shooting at her is like shooting at Neo in the Matrix...before when he could only dodge bullets. The layout and art are excellent...bringing enhancement to the gratuitous violence.

Uncanny X-Men # 13 (Marvel)

Continuing the Avengers versus the X-Men story, the Phoenix fast approaches and both teams face off in the blue area of the moon. Colossus, Emma Frost, Cyclops, Magik and Namor take it to Captain America, Thing, Red Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye. Meanwhile Unit is busy betraying the mutants...all in the name of science, of course. With the unwilling help of Danger, plans are set into motion that will change the course of everything...and when the Phoenix arrives, it makes an unexpected decision!

...and now for this weeks All-Stars!

Artifacts # 18

Company: Image/ Top Cow Productions

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Ron Marz, Artist: Stjepan Sejic, Letterer: Troy Peteri, Editor: Filip Sablik

All-Star Summary for Choice: The artwork of Stjepan Sejic never disappoints and simply blows away almost everyone. The pages make me salivate and give every issue tremendous re-read value. The attention to detail and clear renderings make this book a standard every other book should go by.

   The Angelus returns...but it’s not who Tom Judge thought it would be, making everything that much more complicated. To add to the madness, the new Angelus doesn’t waste any time going after the Darkness...making for a slash page that jumps clear out of the book at you.

   Balance must be maintained...but the Darkness made this new world, and he isn’t about to let anyone undo it...or alter it. Fortunately for Angelus, Tom Judge controls the Rapture and has the power to stave off the Darkness’s killing blow...for now. Everything is as it shouldn’t be...and look to get a lot worse before it gets better.

   If just for the artwork alone, this is one of the best books on the shelf...but it has a great story as well...making it s true gem among the many rocks.



All-Star Quote of the Book: “I don’t want the world...I just want you gone from it.”

NOTE: Adult situations and profanity.

Invincible Iron Man # 518 

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Matt Fraction, Artist: Salvador Larroca, Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna, Colorist: Frank D’Armata, Editor: Mark Paniccia.

All-Star Summary for Choice:  Iron Man no more! Say it isn’t so. Well, it kinda isn’t...but sorta is. Tony Stark has resigned from being Iron Man, but if that’s the case, who is in this new suit of armor that is now on the scene? Well...he likes war, and wears a machine (hint, hint). With  new gadgets and abilities that must be seen to be appreciated.

It’s Sasha Hammer versus Detroit Steel...in a fight that really only had one outcome. Meanwhile Spymaster is trying to close of a job that’s been along time in the making, but his intended victim simply refuses to make it easy for him. Easy or not..here he comes.

While the new Iron Man is trying to save lives at sea, Firepower has another idea...but I’m sure it wasn’t getting his butt kicked by the cutting edge technology of the invincible Iron Man. And if that’s not enough, Stane finally removes the bomb inside of him (courtesy of the Mandarin) and takes his grievance directly to the top...but the Mandarin is a very dangerous fellow indeed. The artwork is spectacular and enhances the whole experience.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Don’t worry folks. I’m here to help.”

Red Lanterns # 10

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Peter Milligan, Artist: Miguel Sepulveda, Letterer: Carlos M. Mangual, Colorist: Rain Beredo, Editor: Pat McCallum.

All-Star Summary for Choice:  Just the ides of this book had me excited. The Red lantern, Atrocitus, versus Stormwatch! The cover alone had me salivating as it tantalized with Atrocitus laying waste to the Martian Manhunter, Apollo and Midnighter. I consider him a heavy-weight, but to suggest he is that heavy....is a must read book!

From the beginning the art work is spectacular. I think DC is in dire need to establish their space program as when I think space heroes and adventures, I think Marvel. A book like this one gave that old Marvel space adventure feel, but with brilliant color and enormous amounts of gratuitous violence. The very fact that Atrocitus was able to rip through hyperspace and find the Eye of the Storm was mind numbing.

Every once in a while, there comes a book the redefines a character and puts that character on another level thought impossible, making it all the more impressive. This is just that type of book, and Atrocities has become that character. Apollo and the Martian manhunter are NOT lightweights...on par with Superman, and Midnighter is very capable and no less dangerous. So then, what does it say about Atrocitus to be able to stand toe-to-toe with them and give better than he got? I guess there is great power in rage...or at least the rage of Atrocitus.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “He’s here! Somehow hiding...in a void...beyond the fabric of space itself. In which case...I shall...incinerate space...and then tear nothingness itself.”

The Mighty Thor Annual # 1

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: J.M Dematteis, Artists: Richard Elson, Colorists: Morry Hollowell with Wil Quintana, Letterer: Dave Sharpe, Editors: Lauren Sankovitch & Ralph Macchio.

All-Star Summary for Choice: I just got through speaking about great space adventures in reviewing the Red Lanterns # 10...and here we go again! While the former had a classic Marvel feel to it, this book is an instant classic when it comes to space adventures. The players are all on deck, The Watcher, Scrier, Galactus, The Other...we even get treated to having the story narrative put directly to the reader by Oblivion. It doesn’t get any better than that.

   In the machinations of cosmic entities, beings like the Silver Surfer and Thor are little more than blips flickering for an instant. It’s great writing that gets this point across in just a few panels as a meeting between Scrier and Galactus demonstrates. Oblivion talking directly to the reader with questions like “Did you see it...just for an instant?” is the icing on the cake. The art and coloring are among the best in the industry...meaning this is one of those books that takes some time to read, since everything has to be thoroughly digested.

   The layouts are grand. Every so often a full page is dedicated to the presentation of something bigger than life...demonstrating just how small our heroes are and how powerful and overwhelming the situation is that they face. I counted six such splash pages...the last tipping the scales on the “whoa” meter as Scrier hurles a half dozen planets at Galactus...to no avail! Yeah...it’s THAT kind of book!

All-Star Quote of the Book: “But have either of you ever prepared...for a war against Galactus?”

X-O Manowar # 2

Company: Valiant Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Robert Venditti, Artist: Cary Nord, Inker: Stefano Gaudiano,  Letterer: Dave Lanphear, Colorist: Moose Baumann, Editor: Warren Simons

All-Star Summary for Choice: A prisoner of the Spider Aliens, Aric and the others are forced to work the “fields” and cultivate the “offspring.” A hungry prisoner gets caught taking a bite and Aric steps in...full of righteous anger, to stop the beat down...costing him a hand for his trouble. What got me was the next page after this event...”years later.” Just putting myself in his shoes...and it left me wondering where he found the hope and will to survive.

   Since the All-Star Crew hasn’t changed, the artwork in this book is still very rich and vibrant. The art does a very good job of conveying the feeling of the situation these men are in. They must work without reprieve, save for a simple nightly rest, and if they can’t perform, prove to be inadequate...or simply die, they go to the compost room where they will continue to serve the cause of the Spider Aliens as fertilizer for the fields! Talk about a bad situation with no upside.

   Of course, Aric will make his own upside by staging an escape. As expected, it is very violent and very bloody...and can only end with Aric coming face-to-face with Shanhara, the X-O armor. This was the moment I’ve been waiting for since I first heard that the book was coming back to the shelf...and everything leading up to this hasn’t disappointed in the least. X-O is back baby!

All-Star Quote of the Book: “I am finished arguing. Today will mark the end of our suffering”