Week of March 28th

Honorable Mention

Aquaman # 7 (DC Comics)

   Black Manta is back...but what connection does he have with the sinking of Atlantis?

Batman: The Dark Knight # 7 (DC Comics)

   It’s Bane versus Batman...in a bloody and brutal battle!

Green Lantern: New Guardians # 7 (DC Comics)

   The story of Invictus...and progress for the New Guardians.

Justice League Dark # 7 (DC Comics)

   Can the team stop the vampire infestation of Gotham City...?

New Avengers # 23 (Marvel)

   Skaar versus the Dark Avengers, and when he’s done...enter the New Avengers!

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

Avengers # 24.1

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Brian Michael Bendis, Artist: Brandon Peterson, Color Art: Sonia Oback, Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit, Editor: Tom Brevoort

All-Star Summary for Choice: 
The Vision has always been an interesting character to me. He always had that Pinochio element about him...the synthetic man trying and wishing to be human. Now, he has been given the “Captain America-man-out-of time” syndrome in his return to the Marvel Universe after being destroyed by a Scarlet Witch controlled She-Hulk. Of course, this was after he was forced by her to attack his friends. Now he awakens to try to pick up the pieces.

A reconciliation with She-Hulk is his first stop, but the high point of the book is his confrontation with his father-in-law, the Master of Magnetism himself...Magneto! Kudos to the writers for making this an epic confrontation that didn’t have to go to the extreme of knock-down-drag-out to have a profound impact on me. Each has the power to destroy the other, but both pass up the opportunity out of the love they share for the same person. This was some very nice writing and the visuals simply enhanced the effect.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “And I shall pull out your heart and show it to you with my dying breath.”

Avengers vs. X-Men # 0

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Brian Michael Bendis & Jason Aaron, Artist: Frank Cho, Color Art: Jason Keith, Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos, Editor: Tom Brevoort

All-Star Summary for Choice: 
For months Marvel has been advertising their big summer event...the Avengers versus the X-men. Although it’s happened before, they are really hyping this up to be something really big. So far, it’s off to a great start with this first issue split into two distinct stories, both equally good and I’m sure, connected in some unrevealed way.

The first story is about the Scarlet Witch. Out on her own and trying to find her place in a world that sees her as a failed Avenger or the best solution to date for the “mutant problem”...she has a hard road to walk. It doesn’t get any easier when she ends up on the Avengers doorstep and finally sees Vision for the first time since he was destroyed by her hand through She-Hulk. This is a must-read sequence if ever there was one.

The second story is about Hope. Out on her own after a spat with Cyclops, she happens upon the Serpent Society conducting a robbery. Being billed as the “Savior of Mutant Kind” has to come with some pressure...so it;s a good thing the Serpent Society have volunteered themselves as scape goats for letting off some steam!

Great writing with both stories and Frank Cho is one of the best artists in the business. Get this book while you can.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “The Phoenix is coming. I know that. And I’m not afraid. I want it to come. I’m ready.”

Avenging Spider-Man # 5

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Zeb Wells, Artist: Leinil Francis Yu, Inker:  Gerry Alanguilan, Color Art: Sunny Gho, Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna, Editor: Stephen Wacker

All-Star Summary for Choice: 
I’m not a Spider-Man fan...but this book is quickly making me into one, at least in the context that this book is written. It seems to be following the mold of the old Marvel Team-Up comics...and that’s alright with me, I loved those books. 

After the Daily Bugle publishes an article featuring home made comics drawn by captain America as a child, Spider-Man feels they have something in common in that a comic geek and a science nerd don’t really live in worlds that far apart. I’m a sucker for giant battles and great fights...but I’m also a sucker for a great story...and Spider-Man trying to connect with Capon an emotional level makes for a great story. Especially since I really am a comic geek.

Just as every issue of this book seems to do, a few more layers of Spider-Man are peeled back as well as some unique insight into his co-star...in this case, Captain America. The thoughtful writing is superb and the characterizations are a staple of why Marvel Comics resonates with so many comic readers. This series just seems to to that better than any other on the shelf today...and this issue is simply a prime example.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Soooo...did you get beat up a lot?”

Daredevil # 10

Company: Marvel

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

All-Star Summary for Choice: 
This title has been consistently good and it’s just the luck of the draw on any given week that it hasn’t made the All-Star feature sooner. The artwork is great and fits the book by creating a feel of a throwback to an oder style, without actually throwing back to an older style. I know, it sounds confusing...and it’s just one of those type of things you have to see for yourself.

The Mole Man has stolen all the corpses from a graveyard to find the body of the woman he loves, but has also inadvertently stolen the body of Daredevil’s father. Captured and thrown into the maw of a great beast, Daredevil escapes to confront the Mole Man...and it’s a battle that everyone should see (pun intended). Some might have the impression that the Mole Man is a poor defenseless slob, but a quick look at this issue will dispel that myth very quickly.

The underlying point here though, is examining the way these two men deal with their grief...and ultimately how they must continue to do so in the face of doing the right thing.  If you’re not reading this book, this issue will make you a collector of the title.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “That’s the way justice works Harvey. Sometimes both sides lose”

The Twelve # 11 (of 12)

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writers: J. Michael Straczynski, Artist: Chris Weston, Letterer: Comicraft’s Jimmy Betancourt, Colorist: Chris Chuckry, Editor: Tom Brevoort

All-Star Summary for Choice:  
Writer of the Babylon 5 television series, J. Michael Straczynski is arguably one of the greatest writers of science fiction fantasy...ever. Chris Weston is awesome and always brings the characters and story to life.

Dynamic man has officially lost his mind and seeks to kill all his old comrades in one shot. At least, that’s how I interpreted bringing down an entire mansion on their heads. The sacrifice (or was it?) of Rockman is the only thing that saves them since Captain Wonder exits before the calamity in pursuit of Dynamic Man.

Phantom Reporter, Fiery Mask, Captain Wonder and Mastermind Excello take the final fight right to the one place Dynamic Man will be, the place of origin of his creation. It’s a great fight that not everyone survives. This issue could be dubbed the issue of closure as many of the stories and subplots of at least four of the characters comes to a close...and the direction of one is changed forever.

With this being issue eleven of a twelve issue series...I’m really excited about how the rest of everything will finally be resolved.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “And what will you do, now that the strongest of you has been driven to his knees by my father’s power?”

Week of March 21st

Honorable Mention

Green Lantern Corps # 7 (DC Comics)

   John Stewart has killed a Green Lantern...but at what price...?

Invincible Iron Man # 514 (Marvel)

   Tony Stark versus the U.S government!...and Mandarin is holding all the cards.

Wolverine # 303 (Marvel)

   Wolverine is on a killing spree in Japan...masterminded by Sabertooth...?

X-Factor # 233 (Marvel)

   Havok and Polaris are back with the team...and Madrox is back from the dead...?

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

Avengers Sanction # 4 (of 4)

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Jeph Loeb, Artist: Ed McGuinness, Colorist: Morry Hollowell, Inker: Dexter Vines, Letterer: Comicraft’s A. Deschesne, Editor: Tom Brevoort

All-Star Summary for Choice: 
Wolverine and Spider-Man join the fight, and Wolverine isn’t interested in taking Cable prisoner. A fight between Cable and Wolverine is always an exciting event...more so because of the fabulous artwork of Ed McGuinness. Everything comes undone though as one of Cable’s most trusted friends and ally betrays him!

If you think this book is just a giant slug fest...you’re right!...and, you’re wrong! The events of this book lead directly into the foundation of the upcoming Avengers versus X-Men story and the shocking reveals at the end of this issue makes it very clear that big things are on the horizon.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Cable! One last chance. Stand down now.”

Batman # 7

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Scott Snyder, Artist: Greg Capullo, Inker: Jonathan Glapion, Colorist: FCO, Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft’s Jimmy Betancourt, Editor: Mike Marts

All-Star Summary for Choice: 
This book just keeps getting better and better. Batman has escaped the Court of Owls...but Gotham City isn’t even close to side-stepping the danger they represent as the fall of one Talon, spawns the birth of many Talons! This is only the beginning as Batman learns some critical and personal information from his ordeal.

The Court of Owls has been planning the take over of Gotham City for a very long time and aren’t going to let Batman stand in the way of that. They have been forming their army of the dead (and yet alive) from the best stock available...and Nightwing has been marked as one of their own. Not only that...but apparently being a Talon for the Court runs in the family. With everything Dick Grayson has been going through...he certainly didn’t need this!

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Geez Bruce. What did they do to you?”

Kick-Ass 2 # 7

Company: Marvel / Millarworld

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writers: Mark Millar, Artists: John Romita Jr., Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos, Colorist: Dean White with Michael Kelleher, Inker: Tom Palmer, Editor: Aubrey Sitterson

All-Star Summary for Choice: 
I really can’t have a meaningful discussion about this book. If you’re reading it, then you know what I’m talking about. If you’re not...then you are either missing some of the greatest entertainment around, or saving yourself from a possible aneurism. This book reads at warp speed and before you know it....you’re neck deep in a Holy S@#t moment. No sooner you recover from that and it happens again! This is what I’m talking about...awesomeness.

Please heed the warning in the note section of this post...it isn’t there for show and if you can’t stomach this kind of stuff, please don’t waste this book on unworthy eyes. The only question this book plants in your head is “what the heck are they going to do next?”  The answer is simple however...they will probably continue to Kick-Ass!

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Relax. I’m just making sure she’s definitely dead.”

NOTE: This book contains profanity and EXTREME VIOLENCE.

Planet of the Apes # 12

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: 
I am a huge fan of the Planet of the Apes movies and television series and these books just invigorate everything I love about the franchise. The artwork is superb and the storytelling captures my attention making me wish I didn’t have to wait for the next part.

The humans have revolted and mounted an attack on Ape City. In the confusion,Bako has found Sully, but her newborn child has been taken by the apes. Bako finds the child...but also finds the white gorilla Nix...and this, their final fight, will culminate a long history of hatred for each other.

Meanwhile, Sully and Kale must escape the city...loaded full of apes. Kale, being a mutant human, has telepathy, but his greatest asset is his Batman-like robe that seems to be a cache of weapons from a golden gun to a holy hand grenade.

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: “No man can take down a gorilla in hand-to-hand combat. Just not possible. All I can do is fight, and pray for a miracle.”

Super Crooks # 1 

Company: Marvel / Millarworld

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Mark Millar, Artists: Leinil Yu, Inkers: Gerry Alanguilan, Colorist: Sunny Gho, Editor: Nicole Boose.

All-Star Summary for Choice:  
This book is magnificent. In fact, you heard it here first, Millarworld is about to take off with some REALLY good stuff coming up. This is just the beginning, and it’s off to a fantastic start!

Johnny Bolt is a small time crook with lightning powers, trying to score some easy cash for his wedding. Instead he ends up back in prison after him and his gang are pulverized by The Gladiator, a local hero.

Five years later, an old time villain, The Heat, and a young psychic get caught cheating a Vega casino...owned by some real serious villains. After making an example of his partner, the Heat must come up with one hundred million dollars in four weeks..or suffer the same fate. Of course he goes right to his old pal Johnny Bolt for help...and away we go! 

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Would you mind stepping out of the car, please, sir?”

NOTE: This book contains profanity.

Week of March14th

Honorable Mention

Artifacts # 15 (Image/ Top Cow Universe)

   Rapture versus Angelus!

Captain America # 9 (Marvel)

   Sharon Carter alone...versus Machinesmith!

Deathstroke # 7 (DC Comics)

   Deathstroke against his son, the Ravager...at last, and only one walks away!

Green Lantern # 7 (DC Comics)

   Hal Jordan pressed into service against his...will?

Incredible Hulk # 6 (Marvel)

   Hulk versus Banner...to the death!

Next Men Aftermath # 41 (IDW)

   In a crazy future full of death...the return of Vanguard!

Superboy # 7 (DC Comics)

   Superboy versus Rose Wilson...and she’s deadly like her daddy!

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

Batman and Robin # 7 

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Peter J. Tomasi, Artist: Patrick Gleason, Inker: Mick Gray, Letterer:, Pat Brosseau, Colorist: John Kalisz, Editor: Mike Marts

All-Star Summary for Choice:  To call this book intense is an understatement. Batman is in a race to save his son, Robin, from Morgan Ducard...Nobody. I’m always thrilled to see a great fight that spans the entire book...especially when it’s done well and the winner is not readily identifiable from the sequences. So, needless to say, I was very thrilled with this book. The blood really flies in this one, adding to the shock value since I’m not used to seeing this kind mayhem within the pages of Batman...but I can certainly adjust!

But wait, there’s more. Just as the last issue left me clinging to my seat as Nobody began to systematically break Robin’s body apart while Batman could do nothing but listen...this book brings us to the edge, along with Bruce, as he comes as close as I’ve seen in recent history to murder. Then is does what the last book did...and drives us off a cliff with the last page. I could tell you what it is...but honestly, it has to read to be appreciated.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “You try to murder my son...and expect to live?!”

Fantastic Four # 604

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Jonathan Hickman, Artist: Steve Epting, Inkers: Rick Maygar with Steve Epting, Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles, Colorist: Paul Mounts, Editor: Tom Brevoort.

All-Star Summary for Choice:  Just when you thought they reached the zenith with Galactus fighting the Mad Celestials...killing one of them, then getting pwned by the rest, they keep reaching higher with this issue. Books like this is why comics have captured my imagination and haven’t yet let go of my dreams. The writing and presentation is excellent and the scale...cosmic!

Franklin Richards has arrived and with a wave of his hand, dispatched the Mad Celestials...momentarily. Astounding...yes, I thought so too, but he simply doesn’t have the power to win and must enlist the aid of his herald (see the All-Star Quote) to finish the job. Did I mention that the scale of this book was simply...cosmic?

I’m not a regular reader of this title, but now I’m very interested in the next story arc and hopeful the writers can keep me on the edge of my seat...holding my brain in my hands.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “To me my Galactus!!!”

Grifter # 7 

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Nathan Edmondson, Artist: Scott Clark, Inker: Dave Beaty, Letterer: Wes Abbot, Colorist: Andrew Dalhouse, Editor: Bobbi Chase

All-Star Summary for Choice:  Ok...we start off with fantastic artwork, and this is important as it sets the tone for a great match between a master and an underdog. Grifter is facing off against Midnighter, so we already know how this is going to end. The exciting part is seeing how Grifter comes out of this (since it hasn’t been announced his book is ending with this issue).

Drawn to the Himalaya Mountains by the voices in his head, Grifter makes a discovery that is worth killing for...or in his case, dying because of it. being the fan that I am for cover-to-cover battles, there is no way I wasn’t going to like this book. How do you keep a man alive for an entire book against an opponent that he has no chance of ever beating...? You slap a mask on him, give him guns and guts, and call him the world’s most wanted man...Grifter! The clarity in this book is simply awesome and makes the fight (survival action if I’m being totally accurate) that much more complex...and yet simple at the same time. A brilliant piece of work.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “I’m the cleanup crew, making sure some secrets are not found out. You are the unfortunate sap who saw something he shouldn’t.”

The Punisher # 9 

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Greg Rucka, Artist: Mirko Colak, Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna, Colorist: Matt Hollingsworth, Editor: Stephen Wacker.

All-Star Summary for Choice:  Punisher is a man of few words...and this book follows his lead with excellent artwork, and as few words as possible. After all, what needs to be said when Frank Castle is going to work with nothing but a knife and a whole lot of determination to put it inside you? Always expect the unexpected when dealing with Castle. Somebody should have told that to the bad guys because Frank has a partner now...and she is every bit as deadly as she needs to be to get the job done.

Black Specter found that out the hard way...by way of an Acog SR 25 at seventy meters with five head shots in under ten seconds. The unlucky one took a knife to the throat....and begged Frank for something he’s incapable of rendering: mercy.

People always say the Punisher is just a man with guns and brush him off when talking about the super-hero world. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Frank Castle by reading his books...he isn’t “just” anything, except lethal.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Combustion nullification field...wasn’t certain that would work, honestly.”

Suicide Squad # 7 

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Adam Glass, Artists: Clayton Henry & Ig Guarra, Inkers: Scott Hanna, Letterer: Jarred K. Fletcher, Colorist: Val Staples, Editor: Pat McCallum.

All-Star Summary for Choice:  Few books are as good as Suicide Squad...and it isn’t just because of the fabulous artwork. The whole idea of the career criminal forced to work for the government under threat of death just spices things up right from the jump. Unlike Thunderbolts, which I read briefly only because Hyperion was in it, these people aren't reformed. They’re self accepting criminals doing whatever job comes their way. This issue, the job is Harlequin.

Harlequin has “left the reservation” over the death of the Joker...and is a whole lot more deadly and resourceful than anyone thought. Of course, what would Suicide Squad be if somebody didn’t die? So...when one of the squad tries to spill the beans, they just lose their head...literally.

Meanwhile, Harlequin has proven she is no pushover as we get treated to the telling of her origin...which explains, as much as any sane person can understand, why she is insane. Insane or not...you’re playing with a stacked deck if you’re gambling against Deadshot. Don’t let this one get by you...you’ll be upset if you do,

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Lady, you just picked sides on “Dead or Alive!”.”