Week of May 30th

Honorable Mention

Exile on the Planet of the Apes # 3 (of4) (Boom)

The human city in the Forbidden Zone is finally discovered. An army of apes is poised to eradicate every human they can find. The only thing stopping them is the grace of Councilor Zaius to see that any ape in the city is recovered safely...but this won’t last long. The humans are getting restless with the certainty of war...and the apes want it just as badly. General Aleron is forced to make hard decisions to protect the humans he has come to love, but will his military experience and passion be enough when the ape army finally begins to move...?

Next Men: Aftermath # 42 (IDW)

The world is upside down as the Next Men find themselves looking for answers in a world that doesn’t make any sense. The landscape is treacherous with creatures and monsters everywhere, but that’s not the weird part. People from different periods in time are juxtaposed in all of this...and nobody understands how or why. Suddenly, in the middle of all this...New York City...? As if that wasn’t enough, where does the superhuman Vanguard fit into all this...? Things keep deteriorating and time isn’t a luxury the Next Men have.

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

Batman Annual # 1

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writers: Scott Snyder & James Tynion IV, Artist: Jason Fabok, Colorist: Peter Steigerwald, Letterer: Sal Cipriano, Editor: Mike Marts

All-Star Summary for Choice: Every once in a while a story comes along that is entertains just by the very telling of it. This story is just that kind...and it’s even more engaging that the artwork is fabulous. Kudos to the writers for taking on Mr. Freeze...and writing a story that humanizes him, without diminishing his villainy.

Tragedy and loss is something most people can identify with. It’s the core of the origin of Batman...and now we see it’s also the core of the origin of Victor Fries. Even better...Bruce Wayne is indirectly responsible for Victor Fries becoming Mr. Freeze. Granted, Fries mental instability is the ultimate blame, but Wayne is certainly a factor, especially in the mind of Freeze.

None of this backstory diminishes Freeze as he escapes from prison, leaving a trail of bodies, on a quest to see Bruce Wayne pay for his transgressions. Not even the combined skill of Nightwing and Robin can deter Freeze from saving his wife, and killing Bruce Wayne. I’ve heard so much about “Nora” that is was very surprising to find out that Freeze has some serious “mommy issues”...which is totally understandable when an unstable and untreated young mind experiences a tragic event...through an act of mercy? Love?

Say what you will about the character, he has more depth than a simple cube of ice.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Victor, you and I both know that woman is not your wife.”

Incredible Hulk # 8

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Jason Aaron, Artist: Steve Dillon, Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos, Colorist: Frank Martin, Editor: Mark Paniccia.

All-Star Summary for Choice: The Hulk thought Banner was dead. Unfortunately for him...and a whole lot of other people (no doubt)...he isn’t. He is very much alive and has become a mastermind with a nefarious purpose. The Hulk is always two steps behind the machinations of Banner...which makes reading this book very interesting since the Hulk is always in “reaction mode” to something Banner has already done.

In this issue, the Hulk finds himself in Mexico...and in the path of the Punisher. Fortunately for him (Punisher...or Hulk?) they both are on the same trail and looking for the same person: Pit Bull (a dog faced super human malcontent). In order to stay the Hulk, he has to remain angry...or Banner will emerge and cause more mischief and chaos. The Punisher is unhindered here...and the Hulk doesn’t care how many bodies are added to the trail.

The art is the same from the late Punisher series...so it felt like home reading this book. The descriptions are graphic and enhance the story without having to go overboard with being just as graphic in the art.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Whatever you think is about to happen here...isn’t”

Our Love is Real (One Shot)

Company: Image Comics, Inc

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Sam Humphries, Artist: Steven Sanders, Letterer: Troy Peteri, Production: Phil Smith.

All-Star Summary for Choice: I really don’t know where to begin with this review. I saw this book on the shelf, odd shaped for a comic, thumbed through it and saw it had really nice artwork...and much gratuitous violence, so I picked it up. I should have known something was up when I was asked if I was sure I wanted the book. I’ve read many comics in my time...and not a single one of them prepared me for this book.

Flash forward into the future...specifically five years after the Aids vaccine (no specific year is given). Join officer Jok as he puts down a Vegisexual riot. Yes...that’s right, “Vegisexual.” People that mate exclusively with plants. Of course this is just a disgusting and perverse practice to Jok who is himself....a “Zoosexual.” That would be the future name they call people that mate with animals. According to Jok...”At least you can love an animal.” So imagine the confusion Jok has when he realizes that he’s falling for a “Mineralsexual.” Yes...this would be the icing on the cake as we go merrily off the deep end, describing those that have sex exclusively with...crystals!

There is no sex in this book (at least none that I recognize, being a heterosexual...and probably an antiquated laughing stock in this future society) but there is profanity...and adult themes. Original and shocking...this book takes “whoa” to a whole new level via the express WTF bus.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Jok, I...I love you too. Kill him. Please, kill him.”

NOTE: HIDE YOUR CHILDREN. SRSLY, NOT FOR KIDS.

Star Trek: The Next Generation / Doctor Who: Assimilation # 1

Company: IDW

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writers: Scott & David Tipton with Tony Lee, Artist: J.K. Woodward, Letterer:s Shawn Lee and Robbie Robbins, Editor: Denton J. Tipton.

All-Star Summary for Choice: I’m an avid fan of Star Trek...(Trekker is the proper term), and an avid fan of Doctor Who (Whovian being the correct classification), so when I saw this book on the shelf...there was just no way I was going to pass up the chance to see these two universes collied. It was, obviously, a great choice.

The book wastes no time in diving right in as Delta IV (how many “Delta” named planets are actually in the Federation anyway?) is attacked by the Borg...and Cybermen, working together! The artwork is spot on...so that made it all the more enjoyable when the focus turns to the Doctor with Amy Pond and Rory. The writing is impeccable as the characterizations are presented as if you were watching an episode of Doctor Who.

Since the main focus of this issue was The Doctor, I’m optimistic the next issue will heavily feature the crew of the Enterprise...or at least incorporate them with the wild shenanigans of the Doctor. I absolutely love these types of crossovers if they’re done correctly...meaning true to the characters, but also with a plausible premiss why these two different universes are commingling. So far the intrigue meter is off the scale...and I’m swept away in another great episode of Doctor Who.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “I’m the Doctor.”

Star Wars: Blood Ties - Boba Fett Is Dead # 2

Company: Dark Horse Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Tom Taylor, Artist: Chris Scalf, Letterer: Michael Heisler, Editor: Randy Stradley.

All-Star Summary for Choice: Ok...it’s a trap! Wait..that was the film, this is the book. Boba Fet isn’t dead (big surprise) but his survival skills are the best, bar none. His hunters gave hi the body with which he dressed as himself..and presented as a nice target to be shot to pieces as proof positive that he was dead.

Connor has lost an arm for all his trouble (well, it’s really the trouble Fett is in) and isn’t too happy with Fett about the whose situation. Being happy with Fett though, isn’t a prerequisite for speaking to him in the correct manner. It also goes without saying that Boba Fett has a plan within a plan to reveal who his true enemy is...and eliminate them. It’s just too bad for Connor that he will be an unwilling part of that plan and will likely suffer a bit more before this whole situation is sorted out.

The art is still excellent and the story is still what I expected whenever I read a Boba Fett book. The characterization of Fett comes straight from the films it seems and Connor Freeman is becoming more identifiable as an everyday person...except for the fact that he’s the son of one of Jango Fett’s clones...and this small fact tends to land him on places he doesn’t want to be.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “This is your only warning. Men don’t speak to me that way and keep breathing”

Week of May 23rd

Honorable Mention

Green Lantern: New Guardians # 9 (DC Comics)

The Blue Lantern Corps...the corps of hope. Well, they’re going to need it because the Reach have just invaded their home world, Odym...and they aren’t interested in taking any prisoners. Not to worry (or do), help is on the way as Kyle Rayner has rallied the rest of the New Guardians...except, they won’t make it to Odym in time. I don’t read Blue Beetle (I’m a Ted Kord fan) so this issue was great in my education on the Reach armor and capabilities. I found myself reminded of Mecha...and look forward to the level of carnage they will bring.

Secret Avengers # 27 (Marvel)

Captain Marvel is back (Mar-Vell for all you die-hard fans)...and he doesn’t seem quite right in the head. He is bent of destroying his former friends, and easily demonstrates the ability to do it. He isn’t the only one acting out of character. Ms. Marvel and the Protector have switched sides and play for team Kree now. Not only that...the entire Kree populace of Hala are all too welcoming of the Phoenix Force...which will surely destroy their planet and all life on it! Just what the heck is going on...and how can the Avengers make things right when their strongest member, Thor, is pwned by Mar-Vell?

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

Aquaman # 9

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Geoff Johns, Artist: Ivan Reis, Inkers: Joe Prado,  Oclair Albert & Andy Lanning, Letterer: Nick J. Napolitano, Colorist: Rod Reis, Editor: Patrick McCallum

All-Star Summary for Choice: The longer this series goes, the more interesting it becomes. Aquaman hasn’t always been a favorite of mine, but that has changed over the years with creative writing and continues to get stronger with the excellent writing of this new series. This isn’t the Aquaman we all grew up on...he’s better. Nobody ever really took him serious because he was never presented as being serious. This has recently changed and I suspect the positive fallout from that change has prompted a deeper look at the character and the potential he has.

   In his earlier years, Aquaman was part of another team...a seemingly secret team with members with names like Prisoner, Operative and Vostok. The past has a way of making it’s way into the present..and Black Manta is hunting down and killing all the members of the old team. His next target is Prisoner...but Prisoner isn’t an easy kill...not by a long shot. I look forward to the exploration of this mysterious team.

   As always, the artwork in this book is spectacular and the perfect fit for the great writing. The direction Aquaman has been taken has made him interesting again, and it’s not just because of the boost in power or the realistic attitude from enduring years of criticism, both in the comics and in real life, of being simply a ‘‘fish out of water.” He’s somebody you don’t want to mess with...anywhere. The tweaks being made to his mythos are also engaging as some of the finer points have undergone some changes. The rivalry between Black Manta and Aquaman being next up to be examined...I was surprised that Black Manta may soon be a sympathetic character since it is Aquaman that irresponsibly killed his father, not the other way around.

  

All-Star Quote of the Book: “A gun under your pillow? With one bullet? Why are you even fighting me?”

Batman: The Dark Knight # 9

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Judd Winick, Artist: David Finch, Inker: Richard Friend, Colorist: Sonia Oback, Letterer: Steve Wands, Editor: Mike Marts

All-Star Summary for Choice: Ok, I’m not embarrassed to admit that I’m a Batman fan. I think he can beat anybody and in doing so, remains a plausible testament to what the human spirit can achieve if driven by enough passion, tempered with pinpoint focus...immersed in an endless well of resolve. That said...kudos to this issue for bringing that feel to it, without the focus being on Batman

   At a time when it seems the New 52 is struggling in finding artists good enough to maintain any momentum and push ahead with brighter ideas, this book remains one of the few that has  artwork that can tell the story, even if the words were to suddenly disappear. There are few opportunities it seems, these days, to put a book out that captures the imagination with it’s visual presentation. This book is one of them, making any reader of it fortunate indeed.

   The Court of Owls is making it’s move and has unleashed their Talons upon Gotham. In this book, we get the whole presentation from the perspective of the Talon. This, for me, is what made this book awesome. For the time it took me to read it, I was a Talon in service to the Court of Owls.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “But I return...and see what has haunted me. What has driven me here. It is not a thing. It is a man. I can kill a man.”

Fantastic Four # 606

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Jonathan Hickman, Artist: Ron Garney, Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles, Colorist: Jason Keith, Editor: Tom Brevoort.

All-Star Summary for Choice:  This book seems to be red hot. I’ve noticed the number of All-Star entries it’s had recently...and am very appreciative to the creative team for all the enjoyment reading this title has given me lately.

   The great thing about the Fantastic Four is that they are primarily explorers and scientists (well, Reed is at least) and their adventures, their greatest adventures, aren’t ones where they are trying to save the world in some grandiose fashion, but are acting from very personal motivations of their hearts. That is the exact feel I got from this book the moment I opened it.

   Halfway through the story I figured out I was being treated to the Fantastic Four’s version of the “Fantastic Voyage.” I loved that movie and it was brilliance to do it again with these characters in the way in which it was presented. Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most effective...and this simple, well established story, was very effective in being able to move me. I highly recommend this issue.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “A miracle...does that guy have any idea who he’s talking to?”

Irredeemable # 37 

Company: Boom

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Mark Waid, Artist: Diego Barreto, Letterer: Ed Dukeshire, Colorist: Nolan Woodard, Editors: Matt Gagnon & Shannon Watters.

All-Star Summary for Choice:  So...this is the final issue, the series now comes to a close...and I’m saddened. I truly enjoyed the roller coaster ride that was the Plutonian, and read this book with anticipation that something big was going to happen to end it all. Of course, I was right...but not even close in any way that I thought it would.

   Qubit, now containing Modeus inside him, has come up with a plan to save the world...but he needs the Plutonian on board with it if it has any hope of success. What could he possibly do to persuade Tony to help him? How about murder him? It’s not all bad though, he also offers Tony a second chance to get it all right. I’ll say this, he is good to his word...but it’s his words that Tony should be very afraid of.

   The conclusion of this book is fantastic and took me on one last ride down the road of the unexpected. I couldn’t have guessed that Mark Waid would wrap this book up in such an iconic way, completely fitting considering the journey he’s taken us on for  thirty-seven issues. Read this one and by the end, you will be feeling just super .

All-Star Quote of the Book: “I got a good feeling about him, Joe. He’s gonna be a sensation.”

Lord of the Jungle Annual # 1

Company: Dynamite Entertainment

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Mark Rahner, Artist: Sergio Fernandez Davila, Colorist: Santosh Kumar Rath, Letterer: Simon Bowland, Editor: Joseph Rybandt

All-Star Summary for Choice: I’m a regular reader of this book and the first thing I noticed is that Sergio Fernandez should be the regular artist. His work is simply spectacular and added a whole other level of enjoyment to my reading experience.

   Tarzan is captured and hauled away for a fight club debut. In the period where this story takes place, Tarzan has learned to speak very well...and is very educated. This helps develop the story and builds the animosity between Tarzan and his antagonist, Sykes. The banter between the two is entertaining...but with a deadly undertone as Sykes has a total disregard for life, making Tarzan feel the same way for him.

   The payoff comes when it’s time for the fight. Tarzan’s opponent, Starker the Superlative, is not unlike the man mountains we saw in Ong Bak...huge and muscular to the point that small cars doing thirty miles per hour would simply bounce off him. He boasts an undefeated record. Nobody asked Tarzan what his record was...and they should have! Needless to say...this is a must read moment.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “You killed that German bastard in front of ten thousand people! That isn’t exactly in the rule book.”

Week of May 16th

Honorable Mention

Avengers Academy # 30 (Marvel)

I don’t collect this book. In fact, this is the first time I’ve ever bought this title. To be honest, I was simply intrigued by the sight of Sebastian Shaw on the cover looking as though he’s about to dish out some serious hurt. To my pleasure, that’s exactly what he does on the inside of the book, albeit, not to the same person on the cover. Shaw is after the students, and Madison Jeffries, Hercules and Tigra aren’t going to deter him from his goal. Now...if only the cover artist would draw the book...

AVX: VS # 2 (Marvel)

There are two matches in this book, but only one of them is worth talking about. If you guessed the Captain America versus Gambit fight, give yourself a no-prize. The art is simply spectacular (Steve McNiven) and the fight itself is simply awesome. The entire book is worth picking up...just for the first half alone. Let me drop a few facts. Captain America’s shield maintains stability even fully charged by Gambit. Captain America can run a 40 yard dash in 3.82 seconds. Get this book.

DC Universe Presents # 9 (DC Comics)

Vandal Savage is one of my favorite villains of all time. Being immortal and having been around a long time already will afford you certain advantages and an outlook on life that not many share. In this book he’s written just as I would imagine him to be...calm, collected, smooth, overtly intelligent and perceptive...a very scary man when you consider the brutality he indulges in. his daughter is a detective and needs his help on a case..and has no idea who he really is, and doesn’t believe that he is immortal. I think in time, all will become clear to her. In the meantime, I’m looking forward to the next issue..

Green Lantern Corps # 9 (DC Comics)

Seems like every time someone or something needs to be killed, John Stewart is the man to do it. He was responsible for the death of an entire planet in the “Cosmic Odyssey.” He killed the Green Lantern living planet, Mogo. Now he’s on trial for the death of another fellow Green Lantern...and I’m almost of the mindset to say put him away and throw away the key...he’s killing everybody! At least Guy Gardner is in his corner. Wait...that’s supposed to be a good thing?

Incredible Hulk # 7.1 (Marvel)

It’s Hulk versus Red She-Hulk...but it’s about more than just knocking each other around. It’s about love and loss...with a bit of revenge. Hulk is without the burden of Banner now...seemingly killed in a gamma bomb. So all there is left to do is simply wander the globe and find something to get into. That is, until Betty catches up with him. Then it’s collateral damage, with dessert at the end. Is there any truth that within the Hulk lurks complete madness on an epic scale? Is it true a monster rages within the Hulk...and his name is Banner?

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

Danger Club # 2

Company: Image Comics, Inc

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Landry Q. Walker, Artist: Eric Jones, Letterers: Richard Starkings and Comicraft’s Jimmy Betancourt, Colorist: Michael “Rusty” Drake with Derek Hunter, Editor: Branwyn Biggelstone

All-Star Summary for Choice: Very few books manage to keep my attention when the enter into character development mode. I guess it’s my obsession with the fights...action is where it’s at for me. However, a great story will simply be engaging....and I will have no choice about the matter. This book delivers the makings of a great story.

   Kid Vigilante is having a moment. The writing makes me forget he’s a super-hero sidekick and draws me into the fact that he’s a kid that has lost his father, while the world is going to hell in a hand basket. He has a twin brother, Kid Victory that has fallen victim to a neurological disorder that he keeps in stasis. In addition to all that, the writing shows me a child that has lost a brother, and must now let him go for good in an attempt to save what’s left of society. Very few books can get me to look at these characters in quite the way this book has me looking at Kid Vigilante.

   The offset of all this is that Yoshimi is having the time of her life in Micro-Tokyo as she takes on the male elite, bent on making sure she adheres to the rules of society that say only men can pilot the gigantobots. The cool thing here is no matter what anyone reads, there will be some similarity to something that has come before. Yoshimi is this worlds Atom or Ant-Man, except she pilots a giant robot where she comes from...that’s just a little bigger than a regular person in reality.


All-Star Quote of the Book: “Watch now...and bear witness to the price of your insurrection.”

Daredevil # 13

Company: Marvel

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

All-Star Summary for Choice: Mega Crime is finally coming after Daredevil for the Omega Drive. Hydra, Agence Byzantine, the Secret Empire and A.I.M...all gunning together to deprive Daredevil of the single most dangerous artifact to their world of crime. Any other person would be making peace with their maker...but Daredevil dives right in doing what he does best.

   It’s the writing that makes this book so interesting, particularly the narrative that goes on on the mind of Matt Murdoch as he fights the unbeatable odds of dozens of killer elite that know his strengths and weaknesses. Just when it looks like he’s down for the count, things get...worse!

   Black Spectre shows up with superior firepower and a fierce attack that catches everyone completely by surprise...and in a display of professionalism, take the Omega Drive and vanish without a trace. I suppose once it’s revealed who they really are, it’s totally understandable that they were so good at what they did. Of course...this book is always primed to deliver a good shock and when Daredevil disappears, only to reappear in a cage in Latveria...I’m shocked! I’ll wager Murdoch is as well...


All-Star Quote of the Book: “Figure out your least predictable option...and do that.”

Fantastic Four # 605.1

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Jonathan Hickman, Artist: Mike Choi, Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles, Colorist: Cris Peter, Editor: Tom Brevoort.

All-Star Summary for Choice:  This is probably one of the greatest re-imaginings of a classic super hero team that I have seen in a very long time. It starts with Nazi Germany taking over the world...and spins wildly after that until I’m left just sitting quietly.

Reed Richards assembles a team for the Fuhrer to conquer space. Susan and Jonathan Sturm are the perfect and most vicious cadets, and secure positions on the mission as the security team. Benjamin Jakob Grimm is released from a concentration camp...since he’s the best pilot around.Of course, some details still need to be worked out, and the most brilliant mind in the world offers the problem to lesser scientist. Lesser until one solves the problem quite easily...Viktor Von Doom. In this world though, Viktor never becomes Doctor Doom (see All-Star Quote).

A recurring theme of Reed Richards being an evil mastermind is afoot. I’m seeing it in too many different places. Here he orchestrates the death of Hitler via Ben Grimm, now turned into the Thing form their trip...and Iceman (Johnny Sturm). The Human Torch (Sue Sturm) perishes as she kills the Thing...leaving Richards in charge of it all. It isn’t very long before Richards has the Infinity Gauntlet in opposition to all the heroes of the world. If this little glimpse doesn’t convince you to get this book...nothing will.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “So thank you Viktor. You made all of this possible. A little of you, mixed with all of me, proved to be the perfect combination. If you could have lived through the procedure, I’m sure you would marvel at what we will do together.”

Nightwing # 8

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Kyle Higgins, Artists: Eddy Barrows & Andres Guinaldo, Inkers: Ruy Jose, Eber Ferreira & Mark Irwin, Colorists: Rod Reis & Peter Pantazis, Letterer: Carlos M. Mangual, Editors: Bobbie Chase & Brian Cunningham.

All-Star Summary for Choice: William Cobb, the great-grandfather of Richard Grayson is the very Talon from the Court of Owls that is trying to kill him...and doing a pretty good job of it so far. coming off the beating he just took last issue, Nightwing’s in no shape at all to take on the first and best Talon from the Court. Between last issue and this one, Nightwing has been stabbed so much he might as well change his name to pincushion.

   Along the way we learn more of the history of the Grayson family line...and it’s a tale of rejection, betrayal, purpose...and murder. Richard Grayson was supposed to be a Talon in the service of the Court of Owls. Instead he upholds the tenets of justice and in doing so, has found himself at odds with his great-grandfather...a man so old that he should be dead, but kept ever so young by the chemical machinations of the Court of Owls.

   Being taught by the best in the World, Batman...Nightwing must find a way to beat an opponent that outmatches him physically, and can regenerate from any wound he  receives. Here is where the proof is in the pudding that the greatest asset Batman has...and has passed on to all of his pupils, is the mind. Know your opponent...and know victory over him.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Broken bones...for someone...who regenerates? I said...impress me.”

Shade # 8

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: James Robinson, Artists: jill Thompson, Colorist: Trish Mulvihill, Letterer: Todd Klein, Editor: Will Moss.

All-Star Summary for Choice: I don’t remember when the Shade became such an interesting character for me. I suppose it’s when they stopped writing him like a two bit villain, and started taking him seriously. I think the hooks got in me when they made him immortal. That resonated with me as I was already intrigued by characters such as this.

   This title keeps the Shade interesting, especially as he is continually crossing paths with his past, a seemingly inevitable occurrence considering he never ages. This time it’s his grandson that has a very unique problem. He is in the thrall of a demon...with no hope of freedom, or so he thinks. It’s noteworthy that the vocabulary of the period adds a certain flavor to this title that I don’t see anywhere else. In the beginning of the book, the demon recounts to the Mayor of a small town how he killed everyone...ravaged some before death, and ate others after. He even levies personal insults about the Mayors wife...and all I could think of while reading this was the line from one of the Matrix movies about cursing in French. It’s like wiping your ass with silk. Different circumstances...same effect. Kudos to the great writing.

   Another intriguing thing about the Shade is that many people underestimate how powerful he really is. Take for instance the demon in this story. He didn’t have a clue and ran with the assumption of an assured victory, but if there’s one thing that’s been consistent about the Shade for the past eight issues, he comes through for his family...and that has personal appeal as well.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Trust me.”

Fallen Stars

Avengers # 26 (Marvel)

I spoke about this already...and still got roped in again. I should have known when my eyes started bleeding, that I shouldn’t have gotten this book. I really need to read my own reviews. The problem now is, I want to know what happens next issue, but I know it will be like sticking fiberglass shards in my eyes to find out. Maybe I could get someone to read the story to me...then just apply medical attention to their eyes when they’re done? I don’t know the politics behind producing these books....but I hope they change so that I don’t have to be subject to this type of treatment.