Birds of Prey #112 - DC

This was a bit of a sad story. The Birds are finally memorializing Big Barda. There's a funeral, and all, but Lady Blackhawk decides she's going to remember her in her own way. She starts out by painting the town red. She feels, I think, that you can't celebrate someone, unless you fully grab ahold of the life they lead. After that she wants to go to Pancho's Bar. It's a bar near Edwards Air-force Base in California. What she doesn't know is that there's some people that are trying to get to her. Calculator has hired False-Face and White Star to take her out of the picture. I think he's calculated . . pun intended . . that Lady Blackhawk is associated with his nemesis, Oracle. So he wants White Star to take her out, and then False-Face to take her place. That would put one of his operatives directly in the lap of Oracle. But even drunk, the Lady proves to be a little more than both of them can handle. But even with all of this going on, the Lady still completes her mission, to reach the bar and put a picture of Barda up on the wall of Fallen Heroes. "Here's to Big Barda . . . the ass-kickin'est gal to ever cover my six! And for the rest of ya: "May you live as long as you want, and want to as long as you live!"" I thought it was a nice way to wrap up the previous story-arc. So next issue we can begin a new chapter. I was really worried about this book after Gail Simone left, but, it seems to be in more than capable hands with Tony Bedard.

the Brave and the Bold #8 - DC

It appears as if our stories are going to follow the Book of Destiny now. And there seems to be a common theme emerging . . . Megistus. But we don't know what or who it is yet. This story is really about Wally and his family. Niles Caulder, of Doom Patrol fame, has been trying to contact him about the fluctuations in his children's powers, and what he may be able to do to help control that. But Wally sees Caulder as a modern Dr. Frankenstein, and doesn't really want to have anything to do with him. However, in the end, his wife's concerns for their children's welfare sway his decision in the other direction. Much to his chagrin, they go ahead and teleport over to Prague to the castle Niles has now set up shop in. It's the perfect setting for their group, actually. Anyways, long story short, they end up getting the kids involved in one of the good doctors experiments, with the help of Rex Mason, but of course things go awry. The children's atoms were to be pulled, for a split second, and studied, but something takes Rex out of the equation. Without his stabilizing influence the kids atoms are about to be dispersed. But with some quick thinking, they use Cliff's robot body, and Larry's negative energy to contain them for the time they need to become re-cohesive. In the interim, however short, we get a Robot-boy, and Negative Girl. It's kind of neat, actually. But the really problem is that in split second before they thought of how to save the kids, Niles proposed to Wally that they could only save one, and he would have to decide which. Later, when they're home, Wally's obviously distressed and Linda wants to know why. " . . . you know that split second? When Caulder told me to choose? Which child to save? . . . . . . I chose. You didn't have time to even let the question sink in. But for me, that moment was a month long. I thought and I thought and I thought. And just before I got the Negative Man idea . . . I made a choice . . .!" Meanwhile the Challengers of the Unknown, who have been reading the Book, are starting to realize just what kind of affect it's beginning to have on them. And they've also become aware of this Megistus. Fantastic story by Mark Waid. And I have to say, I've really fallen in love with George Perez's work all over again. I always thought he was an incredible talent, but now, I think his stuff is just as good, if not better, than when he first gained recognition with the New Teen Titans. It's hard to believe that that was almost 30 years ago now. Wow! And here we've come about full circle. It's simply fantastic.

the Flash #234 - DC

A few months ago, Mike Wieringo, or Ringo as he put it on his covers, passed away from heart failure. His most recent work was at Marvel, so they've been putting a page in most of their books saying goodbye to him. However, his first work was at DC. Or to be more specific, on the Flash. He was even the co-creator of Bart. So I've been wondering, why wasn't anything said in any of the DC books? Well they've made amends to that this issue. There's a beautiful 2 page spread at the end of this issue talking about Mike and the impact he had on the DC Universe, by Mark Waid and Brian Augustyn. It really was touching and well deserved. He's a talent that will be sorely missed. Now . . . back to the book. I like the direction that Mark Waid is taking with this new chapter in the Flash mythos. We're gradually coming up to speed . . . pun intended . . . on the workings and machinations of the family's 2 newest members, Iris and Jai. Jai, last issue, learned of his own mortality. Do you remember when you were a kid and learned that? I think I was about 8 or 9. But the hardest thing was, up until that point, I pretty much thought myself invincible. Then one day, I think because of something I learned in school, I had an epiphany. In an instant I realized just how frail our form really is. But, when you're the son of the Flash, and you have powers that are constantly mutating . . . a deep psychological depression can have disastrous effects on the way your body handles it's energies. Which is what happens to Jai this issue. But even after his transformation, he still doesn't come clean with his parents about what's really bothering him. In the back-up story, about the planet the Flash family has been living on for the last year or so, we see how Barry had an impact on their culture. Last issue we saw Jay's effect. But what this story is really trying to show us is why this planet, Savoth, and it's inhabitants are so enamored by the various heroes of the Flash family. Freddie E Williams II does the artwork for the opening story, and Doug Braithwaite does the art for the back-up. Doug's work is much more stylistic and flashy. But Freddie's is really growing on my. To be honest, I really didn't like his style on this series at first, but it's really starting fit in and define the story. And with all the talents combined, this chapter is really turning out to be a great addition to the Flash legacy

Batman Confidential #11 - DC

When this story first started, I was a little worried. I was worried about how they would handle Joker's origin. Actually, I would say, I was worried about what they might do to update it, and how that might change the overall story. Well, as usual, I needn't have been concerned. Michael Green has done a fantastic job with this story so far. The subtle nuances that he's given the Joker, and his psychobabble have been brilliant. Yes they updated the story a bit. But, they really didn't change the main essence of it. The only thing I am worried about is in this version, Batman is much more intricate in the creation of his evil counterpart than he ever was before. Basically, it was his decision to take this guy out. Something he himself couldn't do, so he turned his identity and location over to a mob boss, whom he knew would do the things he couldn't. However, they didn't. They messed up. And that's what led to him being dropped in the vat of chemicals. But, more than that, this issue we begin to see the strings that tie these two fantastic characters together. Joker's antics are really much akin to a child begging for his father's attention. A beaten and abused child. Not that he doesn't deserve it. But a child none the less. Unfortunately, Joker decides to make his presence known at the exact same time that Bruce learns that Miss Shore is alive. So he decides to be by her side until she comes out of it. That is until the Joker raises the stakes enough that he has no choice. Or, I should say, until Alfred gives him no choice. "You unleashed something foul and depraved on those whose lives you swore to improve. A dead thing, killed by you, that makes more things dead. And now they call on you to rein it in. You cannot do nothing." Of course Bruce has to go now. And he finds the Joker ready and waiting. Ready and waiting for their dance to begin. Like I said, this turned out to be a fantastic story by Michael Green and Denys Cowan. Denys draws a pretty wicked looking Joker. And we aren't even done yet. The next issue should be full of mayhem.

Detective Comics #838 - DC

First of all, look at that beautiful Simone Bianchi cover. That's gorgeous! Now . . . this storyline, is fantastic. We start out with Ra's, who has brought Tim and Damian to his lair . . . or stronghold. Depends on who you ask. I guess. Anyways, they're both in extreme physical danger, yet still they bicker about the approach that each takes to their strategies. We finally get the full picture of what Ra's is going through now. In order to come back, he's inhabited a corpse. His goal is to move into a much younger body. Preferably Damian's . . . . or Tim's. And Batman and Talia are racing across Tibet to try to get to Ra's before his plans can come to fruition. The Sensei, or whatever he is, that Batman went to, to gather information about the invisible map, has also joined their group. Although, I'm not exactly sure how, or why. Dick and Alfred have also finally landed in Tibet, although, because of handling the situation in Gotham, they're several hours behind Bruce. Dick stopped the three Vixen's from being killed by the poison dart's. However, after turning them over to Arkham, it appears that the toxin's still affected their brain functions. So I don't think they'll have to worry about the whole secret identity thing. But it seems to me like it gets closer and closer to coming out every time. Almost like it's to much of a secret to contain any more. There ought to be one of the universe's where Bruce has made a full disclosure, so we can explore the ramifications it would have on his mission and his associates. I think that would be interesting. Kind of a Tony Stark / Iron Man type thing. What do ya' think? Anyways, by the end of the book, everyone has converged on to Ra's lair. Except for Dick and Alfred that is. Tim has been knocked unconscious, and Damian has attempted to escape but has been contained. So now Ra's gives Bruce a choice. Which son does he want to give up to him so that Ra's may continue his existence. But I guess the correct question would be, which son is he going to let die? My question is, what about the whole secret map thing? And how does Nada Parabat fit in to this whole story? I thought it was a very good story by Paul Dini and Ryan Benjamin. Ryan's artwork was fantastic. His style fit perfectly with the action in this book. And I thought Paul did a great job with the way he handled all the various characters in this book. This was chapter 3, so we still have 4 parts to go.

Army @ Love #9 - DC

I really do like this book. I do! It's topical, satirical . . . and . . . it makes you think. You think about what could be. You think about what would happen if nations started looking at war as a vehicle for finance and profit, rather than the atrocity that it is. You think about what would happen if a war were sponsored by big business, rather than a governmental budget. What would happen to the systems of checks and balances? What if war were marketed . . like a video game, or a lifestyle . . . and recruitment was handled like a sports draft? Like this story, if there became a new branch of defense called Motivation & Morale . . . whose sole purpose was recruitment, retention and changing the way the soldiers, and the world, felt about the war and it's ramifications . . . what would that do to government plans like . . . oh, I don't know . . . exit strategies maybe? I mean, look at the cover. It's an obvious take on the Abbey Road cover, but more than that . . in the world that is created in this book . . . I think it's almost akin to an advertising campaign. And to me, that's why this book is so hard to review. I really do think it's brilliant. And it's full of very distinctive characters who are going through a myriad soap-opera of story lines. However, the most important part of this book is the story-line. And the ideas that it represents. Which is also the scariest part of this book . . the story-line and the ideas that it represents. Because in all honesty . . . we're really only a hair's breath away from this reality. I'm not a big horror movie person. And it's not the blood and guts. If it's a drama, that just happens to have some gore in it for story motivation, I'm fine. But the slasher movies? The movies filled with gore, just for the sake of gore? I don't ever have to see one of those, if it's my choice. And the reason is, the ideas it represents. It bothers me that someone could think of the ideas in those movies, and put them to script and screen. And it bothers me that there may be people out there, on the brink of destruction, that maybe hadn't thought about those ideas . . yet! Well . . . I almost feel that way about this book. But, on the same token, it's like a car wreck that you just can't look away from. It disgusts you, but at the same time peaks your curiosity. I know that this story is so far out there, that it's almost inconceivable. But, it's the almost part that worries me. But, at the same time, if a book can prompt this much synaptic activity in my head . . . then it must be doing it's job. And after all, that's what these stories are here for.

Hellblazer #238 - Vertigo

First of all, look at that work of art on the cover. It's by Lee Bermejo, and it's fan-frikkin-tastic! What a talent. The interiors aren't quite as eye-popping, but . . . they're good in their own right. Danijel Zezelj is the guest artist this issue. If you've had the opportunity to read any of the Loveless series, you've probably seen his work there. Very heavy on the shadows and inks, and therefore very moody. Perfect for this book. It doesn't look all that complicated at first glance. But if you slow down and study the panels . . . look at all the lines, and shadows and forms . . . and you'll find that there are some pretty amazing pieces to look at in this book. The panels on page 17, where John has just entered Shadow London, where everything is only as powerful as the world's belief in it, and reputation is the hand that holds all the cards, is really a page that deserves some attention. John is standing up to some urban legends. He's letting them know that he is just as powerful as them, because his reputation is just as well known. But he has the upper hand because he is real. So he uses his knowledge to tear down the legends and thereby render the characters powerless. He's actually there, at Map's bequest . . . the spirit of London . . . to go after three strays that have wandered there through on of the river tunnels. Effra to be exact. Map needs John to retrieve the wanderers and seal off the tunnel. Really, though, he just wants him to seal off the tunnel. Because John only makes it back with one of the three, and Map just sends her back behind the sealed entrance. "You know the mechanism. Urban myths spread like a virus. If word gets out, the story spreads . . . and they grow stronger. Why do you think they let her live?" Which just goes to show you, now matter how strong, or smart, you think you are . . . there's always someone else out there who's ready to use you as a pawn. The master of one game . . . and the Rook in another.

Ex-Machina #32 - WildStorm

This continues to be one of the smartest books out there. Month after month, Brian K Vaughan and Tony Harris give us intelligent, well thought out story-lines, that make us think. The last couple of issues have been leading up to this one. And now Mayor Hundred has made it to Vatican City. And who's the first person he talks to? A priest, who is also an astrologist, who believes that Mayor Hundred is the antichrist. What a way to make an entrance. But he's still going to get his audience with the Pope. "The Pope once went to prison to meet in private with a man who tried to kill him. Let's just say he likes to keep his friends close . . . ." But, even being half a world away, the Mayor still worries about his home town. Luckily he has a more that capable deputy with Wylie. We also learn that this assassination attempt appears to be engineered by the Russians. The Pope isn't their true target. Just a means to an end. I don't think Mayor Hundred is their target either. For some reason they see him as their true enemy. So the assassination attempt is really just a way to make him powerless. " . . if we could make our real enemy become an assassin, he would instantly be rendered powerless, whether or not he succeeded." And I think the good Mayor, subconsciously, suspects that something is amiss. He's having daydreams of his past indiscretions coming back to haunt him. It's not enough to dissuade his course, but I do think it's enough to make him be a little more cautious. He does make it to the Pontiff's chambers, and the Russians are watching and attempting to control him. On the final page it looks as if they may succeed. But, since the story doesn't end here . . . anything can happen next month. Like I said, a very smart series, with a great cast of characters. I actually starting reading this one on a whim. And I've never regretted my decision to stick with it.

WetWorks #15 - WildStorm

Apparently, last issue, when Mother One gave herself up to Cassus, she did so out of heroism. She knew that Cassus was intrigued by her, and what her addition to his growing army would mean. But I think she also did it because she was intrigued. She knew that since she was a cyborg, that she most likely would be able to control her transformation better than most. Or, at the very least, would be able to retain her self awareness and a measure of her independence. But mostly, I think, she knew that her sacrifice would afford a respite for Colonel Dane, and he'd be allowed, or able, to leave the tunnels and return to the surface. Cassus wraps her up and displays her for all to see. Supposedly for the benefit of his sister Eleusis. But, I think, mostly for his own benefit. But Eleusis sees it for what it is. She immediately kills Cassus, and then orders the destruction of Mother One, before can become aware. But . . . it's to late. Rachel does indeed become aware, and in her burgeoning anger and appetite, proceeds to single handily wipe out everything that Cassus and Eleusis had built. Until it's just Rachel and Eleusis. Eleusis puts up a better fight than most, but, in the end, it's inevitable. Meanwhile, Queen Arin, the legitimate Queen, has already begun working with IO. She knows that should this war continue at it's current pace, even should her race survive, it would most likely be devastated. So she's chosen to become a peaceful enemy. Persephone, Red, even helps to broker the deal with the UN, and then becomes the Vampire Nation's ambassador to the United States. And in Rumania all that's left to do is clean up and rebuild. They get Mother One to Cyronic Pod, so they can take her back and study her, but not before she puts up a little fight. And like that, the Vampire threat is squelched. My only question is that in the WetWorks Armageddon book, Mother One is not only part of the current team, but also the team in the future. So either she gets better, or IO does something to fix her. But I guess that's a story for another time. Right now, it looks like this is the last issue for the foreseeable future. I've looked at the schedule for books up to June, and I don't see another issue of this title scheduled anywhere. That's too bad. I didn't necessarily like that Vampire stories, but I do like these characters and this team. But, I guess, the fact that in the Armageddon storyline the team is still together in the future, means that sooner or later they'll be resurfacing. Keith Giffen, JM DeMatteis and Joel Gomez have accomplished the impossible task of wrapping up this story line. They actually did it quite neatly too. Hopefully there'll be some new WildStorm titles coming out soon. Because, right now, they seem to be dropping like flies.

WetWorks - Armageddon #1 - WildStorm

Really, the only thing I don't like about this book is all these Vampire stories. Can't we do something different? Every once in a while? Anyways, this issue sports a nice Mike McKone cover, with Brandon Badeaux doing the interior pencils. Visually, the book is very solid. The story is ok also. We're really only getting bite sized pieces of this whole Armageddon thing. This issue Void comes to get Colonel Dane's help. We already have a great cast of characters here, but in the future, there's 2 or 3 more that are added that are pretty cool. This almost reminds me of that thing Image did, about 12 or so years ago, where every series they had out, no matter what issue number it was on, they published issue #25. You know, to give us a future look at where the team was going. Remember that? That's kind of the feel I get from these one shots when they bounce in to the future. I know it's not the same thing, but it just kind of has that feel to it. Anyways, we do find out, at the end of this issue, that Void doesn't seem to be gathering these hero's for the help to stop the future. It looks like what she wants more is for them to stop her. " . . oh Dane, you misunderstood. It wasn't the night tribes. They just took advantage of it. It's my fault. I need to be clearer next time . . . but . . I'm so weak . . . even worse in astral form. It's so hard to think . . so hard to do anything . . ." And it looks like somebody is trying to hold her hostage, but we don't know who yet. It's somebody who's familiar with her though, because they refer to her as Nikola. Hopefully, with Void's involvement, this is all a prelim to the return of the WildCATS. That would be nice. It's a shame to have such a great cast of characters running around in limbo out there. But, I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Catwoman #73 - DC

The story arc that we're in now . . . basically the complete destruction of Catwoman's identity and base structure . . . is interesting. But, to me, the real fun's going to be in the next part, when we see and find out where she's going to go from here. We ended last issue with the destruction of her apartment. Selina woke up just in time, realized what was going on, and dove out the window. But I really don't think that all of that was included in Bruce's plans to help her start over. But I could be wrong . . I guess. Anyways, being the strategist that she is, she had a backup in place . . . . a locker at the bus station with everything she would need to start over. Except . . . somebody got there first and emptied it. So now, she literally has nothing except for the clothes on her back. She immediately goes to the information guru . . . the Calculator. I wonder why she didn't go to Barbara? He really doesn't have any information for her, but he does have a name, Conrad Krupp, who is a collector of "villain" paraphernalia. It's a place where she can at least get part of her identity back, with her mask. The problem is, in the process, she's pissed off the Calculator. So he ends up setting her up in a trap. Somebodies paying for the privelage, but we don't know who. But we do see her get her butt handed to her on the final pages of the issue. This is a good feel for Catwoman. I like that she's getting "back to her roots", sort to speak. She's also showing up in some of the issues of Outsiders, so any fans out there will get plenty of Selina action. And as always, you gotta love those Adam Hughes covers. Meowww!!

Legion of Super-heroes in the 31st Century #8 - DC

I'm sorry. I know sometimes I'm repetitive. Every month I read these Johnny DC books, and every month I talk about how much fun they are and a nice change of pace from the usually somber super-hero market. Well . . . I'm here to say it again. This issue was mostly about Triplicate Girl. We got a glimpse of the different personalities of the different egos. It was fun. We also saw the return of Star-Finger. But for some reason, nobody else seems to remember him. I'm not sure what's up with that. There also was the beginning of a budding romance between Triplicate and Bouncing Boy. Seems kind of a mismatch to me, but hey . . . whatever floats your boat. Anyways, it was just a lot of fun, and a very pleasant distraction. I'm really thankful that this line is out there.

Action Comics #859 - DC

This book has already been pretty good, of late. But now, with the addition of Gary Frank to the artistic chores, and Geoff Johns staying on the scripts . . . it's fantastic. And to top all of that off, their very first story-arc together is a Legion cross-over. What more could we ask for? Last issue, Brainiac 5 sent a time-sphere in to the past to retrieve Superman. He said the were going through a great crisis, and only he could fix it. But upon his arrival in the future, first he found out that the Legion were now outlaws, and the time-sphere he used was destroyed. Also, because of a solar shuttle research accident in recent years, the Earth now has a red sun. Which of course means that Superman is powerless. This issue he finds out why the Legion members are outlaws. It's actually not just them, it's all aliens. A few years ago, Absorbency Boy, a Legion reject, claims that on an arctic expedition he discovered a tablet detailing Superman's true origin and identity. Everything from the Kent's on up was the same, but there was no mention of him coming from another planet. He also claimed that in fact Superman despised aliens and made it his life's work to defend Earth from them. Absorbency Boy then changed his name to Earth-Man and became on of the founding members of the new JLA. It wasn't long before the word spread around Earth, and then the United Planets that Xenophobia was now the accepted practice on Earth, and all aliens would soon be banished. Since the Legion was made up of mostly aliens, they became the poster children for the anti-alien movement. It became the JLA's mission to rid the Earth of them. So now Cosmic Boy is trying to put together these covert missions with the intention of finding proof that Krypton existed. To that extent, this issue they go on an archaeological dig to the site of the Bat-cave. They're looking for Batman's Kryptonite ring. Meanwhile the Earth born Legionnaires, Dawnstar, Wildfire and Colossal Boy are on their own mission since, at the most, they're considered race traitors. They're the ones who found Superman, and now they're trying to help him find Brainiac so they can find out what it is he wants Kal-el to do. Unfortunately he's in alien holding camp #6726. It's the site of the old Legion headquarters. This was a fantastic story, and a fantastic book. I can't wait for the next chapter in this story-arc. Also, some incredible covers too!

Nightwing #138 - DC

The nice thing about this whole Resurrection of Ra's al Ghul storyline, is that it's bringing the whole Batman family back together again. It's nice to see them all in their own individual books. But then it's also cool to see them all together in the same action packed adventure. This chapter is deftly written by Fabian Nicieza, and brilliantly drawn by Don Kramer. Dick is in ChinaTown, trying to stop some new vigilante, when he is called in to action by the "boss". Tim is back at the mansion, where Damian has recently showed up, and Bruce is concerned that he might need some help. So he asks Dick to hop on a JLA transporter and beam over. He does so, and is immediately met by 3 evil ladies. Beautiful . . but evil. Tiger Moth, Silken Spider and Dragonfly have been hired by Talia to retrieve Damian. But there's also a hundred or so ninjas, in the employ of Ra's descending upon the manor. He takes out the chicks quick, with some gas, and then goes in to find out what's going on with Tim and Damian. He finds them up to their eyeballs in ninjas also. They seem to be gaining an advantage when the girls, whom have recuperated, have come down the elevator to join in the melee. But it quickly falls apart for Dick as the girls are drugged by the ninjas, and he has to choose between saving them, which he has all of about 30 seconds, or going after Tim and Damian. He chooses the girls, only because he thinks the boys can handle themselves. Plus, they don't really want Tim or Damian dead. Meanwhile, Bruce and Talia are on the trail of Ra's himself. His minions are trying to put together the invisible map which will lead him to the doorstep of Nada Parabat. His current body is so degraded that that may be the only place that can save him. Batman doesn't know where he's headed, but as he drives through the Himalayas with Talia, he does know that he's about 12 hours behind Ra's. And the book ends with the ninjas taking off with Tim and Damian. Lots of action. Lots of excitement. This is turning out to be a great storyline, and it looks like there may be some changes in the Batman family when all is said and done. The next chapter's in Detective.

Superman / Batman #42 - DC

I have to say, again . . . if you've been reading my blogs . . . this book still has me confused. Not about the story. Actually, about the presentation. In the first issue of this arc, there was a panel that at the top read " . . . in another reality". So, over the course of this chapter in our heroes lives, I've been confused as to whether or not this story takes place in our universe . . . or an alternate one. There were many things in that first issue that led us to believe that this was taking place in another universe . . . rather than in our normal DC Universe. I forget what number we are. 1 maybe? I don't know. We have 52 to choose from. But, as the story winds up in this issue, everything is consistent with our universe. So . . . did we have a mistake in that first issue? Did I misunderstand what I read? Was it a clerical or editorial error? I only want to know because little things like this tend to drive me crazy. I thought for sure Superman was gone, after Desaad stuck that crystal in his head. But after retrieving Highfather's staff for him, Desaad banished Superman to the Source wall. There he came into contact with Highfather himself, and apparently the Source wall healed him. Darkseid has been powered back up, thanks to Desaad and seems to have immersed himself in the Omega power, and universe, to get away from Superman. And the warship Tartarus, after Darkseid has abandoned it, has been sucked into the Source wall to fill in the hole that Superman left when he escapes it. So now, apparently, Desaad, and anybody else aboard the war-world, are now stuck in the wall. And we have another casualty in the war against the Fourth World. This time it's Bekka. Orion's wife . . . and Batman's lover. So that should give Orion a more personal stake to get involved in whatever's going on. Like I said, in the end, it's all congruent with the DC Universe. But, for whatever reason, we were lead to believe, in the first issue, that it wasn't. Very confusing! But now it all ties in with the Death of the New Gods storyline. And I guess we can just go forward from here. Great story by Alan Burnett, with incredible pencils from Dustin Nguyen. I can't believe we're almost up to issue #50 already. Whodathunkit?

Ghost Rider #17 - Marvel

I'm sorry you can't see the picture any better, but this really is a beautiful cover. Mark Texiera is just an incredible talent. Now . . for the bad news. I don't know if it's permanent, but Mark isn't doing the interiors on this book. Javier Saltares is still doing the pencils, but Tom Palmer is doing the finishes. I'm really now trying to diminish Tom's talents, but . . . it's really just not the same without Mark doing the finishes. I've talked, several times, in various blogs, about how I think an inker can make or break an artist. And no matter how talented either of them may be, if you put the wrong inker with the wrong artist, the result will go from stunning to mediocre. That's what I fell happened to the interior art on this issue. Both men, Javier and Tom, are incredible talents. They both have a huge, and impressive, resume of work. However, together . . . the chemistry just isn't there. The result, unfortunately, is that what's consistently been a stunning book visually, is now, with this issue . . . just mediocre. And I really don't mean that to insult either of them. They just don't meld well together, with their different styles. I know . . it's not going to be the same without Mark. I don't expect it to be. And I know that we have to change artists sometimes because people move on to other projects. That's really not what this is about. I'm just not happy with the results of these two artist's union. That's just how I feel about it. As far as the story goes . . I thought it was in line with the rest of the series. Daniel Way is still the author. So that's not going to change to much. The angels have come to Johnny's aide, for some reason, and they take down the inception of Lucifer that was holding the kids hostage. They also decide to spare another one, because he/she is being cooperative and helpful. I think that decision's going to come back to bite them. And what's with the demon that's chained up under the bridge? I must've missed something there. Anyways, now Johnny just has to figure out what's up with these angel's involvement. This time they helped. But, is that what they're really trying to do? Tune in next month . . . same Ghost time . . . same Ghost channel.

the New Avengers #36 - Marvel

I have to assume that this whole Venom Invasion thing is going to play out over in the Mighty Avengers title. Because, really, it's all just skimmed over in this book. But, I think that title is way behind schedule, so I'm not sure when we're going to be reading about it. Between the Avengers and the Initiative, we've been getting about 4 issues between copies of the other. Which, to me, really seems like it's throwing this whole storyline out of whack. Anyways, Luke is telling his wife about how they went to warn the Avengers about the Hood's likely attack on them, when they come across this debacle on the streets of New York. Of course they try to help, and most of them are transformed by the symbiotes . . except of course Luke and Logan. The Mighty Avengers are also involved. They work together to try to control the situation, and Iron Man takes off to find a cure. Apparently he does, because the next thing they know everybody is reverting to normal and now, both Avengers teams, have the task or trying to calm the people and clean up the mess. Which they team up and do so together. Luke is worried though because it seems as if Jessica has switched teams. Really, he's worried about her giving them up. So they send Logan in to the Avengers tower to find out what she's done, or told them. Meanwhile, the Hood has made a move, a major bank heist with the help of the Wrecking Crew and Madame Masque. But the New Avengers decide that they're to much of a threat for them to handle alone, so when they come crashing through the wall of their hideout, we see everybody standing by their side . . . the Mighty Avengers, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men . . . . everybody. It seems like a lot of firepower for this little group of thieves. But we'll have to wait until next issue to find out what's going to happen. Meanwhile, Tony, in curing the Venom thing, also found out the Doom was behind dropping the virus on midtown. So they're all on their way to Latveria. And everybody still has the whole Skrull thing looming over them. Nobody still knows who they can trust . . . and not. This book, as always, was brilliantly conceived by Brian Bendis and Leinil Yu. When the Mighty Avengers came out, I thought for sure this book would fall by the wayside, but honestly, I think it's only gotten better. "Avengers Assemble!"

Avengers - The Initiative #7 - Marvel

This actually is turning out to be a very good book. When it first started, I really only bought it because of the whole Initiative thing. And that it was tied in to the Civil War. Or course being linked to the Avengers didn't hurt either. But, to tell you the truth, I really wasn't expecting that much out of it. To be honest, even though I never read it anywhere, I just assumed that it was just going to be a mini-series. I thought that it would just go through the motions, start setting up the state to state teams, and then some new team books would spin off out of it. But, much to my surprise, this book has had quite a few twists and turns along the way. It's become very interesting, and actually fun to read. We really kind of have 3 teams here. The first is the staff at Camp Hammond in Stamford. They're, for the most part, the actual Avengers. Or, at least, some of them. That, and Tony Stark, is the link to the rest. The second team is our group of ever expanding initiates, for lack of a better word. And they have really been coming in to their own. Most of them aren't officially on teams yet. The ones that are, are no longer in this book, because they're working out of their assigned states now. So, the ones that we see, issue to issue, are supposed to act like a team, they're supposed to jump when they're called to duty. But, they aren't actually a team, and may not even be considered accessible assets. They're really all still in training. And the third team . . . actually the one that operates below the surface and behind the big picture . . . is the "normal" humans which are overseeing and running the operation. Most of which, in some form or another, have ties to the government. Such as Henry Gyrich or Baron Von Blitzschlag. But it also includes all the techs, and scientists, and soldiers that run the camp. It is, after-all, a military base. This issue we learn some secrets about the Scarlet Spiders and MVP, Michel Van Patrick. The Spiders have to go public, because when the Baron is out on a field trip, the Vuturions come along a steal his suitcase full of gamma weapon information. But I got the feeling that Senator Voodman, who is with him at the time, is actually orchestrating the whole thing. But, I may be wrong. Anyways, the Spiders are out, and Peter Parker sees them. So of course he has to give chase. He ends up helping them beat the Vulturions and get the case back. The guys in the Spider suits decide that they're going to help our wayward hero. So they tell the media that Peter was just posing as Spider-man, so he could help them out. Their costume gives them the ability to morph, so they can look like any Spider-man costume, and even like Peter. They show this to the media, and tell them that Peter was just a pawn. This doesn't get him completely out of the woods, but, it's enough that the doubt of his identity quickly begins to spread. Good for him. When the Spiders come back to base, we find out that they're actually clones of MVP. The Baron made them, and he's named them Michael, Van and Patrick. When he grills them about what they did, they answer " . . . because, well . . . it was the right thing to do." Which leads the Baron to believe that the original MVP is maybe more perceptive and influential than his lifeless corpse would lead him to believe. As always, this program is brought to us by Dan Slott and Stefano Caselli. Both of which are also improving, issue to issue.

X-Factor #25 - Marvel

This issue is another exciting chapter of the Messiah Complex. There's lots of things happening this issue. First of all, Rahne does a little acting by coming across as a mutant terrorist attacking the Purifiers headquarters. Rictor is stationed out front, so when she tries to attack . . . he shoots her down. Not really. Like I said . . . she was just acting. The whole thing was Scott's idea to get Rictor in undercover. And it worked. Meanwhile Jamie and Layla have gone to see Forge. This part is a little confusing, but basically, Forge has developed a way to track and follow divergent time lines. The problem, since M-Day, all divergent time lines involving mutants became " . . . well . . . flatlined, for lack of a better word." But, since the mysterious mutant birth, 2 branches have spiked. So he wants to investigate them. His plan is to send 1 of Jamie's dupes along each time-line, and then report back with their findings. Sounds easy enough. The thing is though, Forge doesn't tell Jamie's, until after his dupes have been sent off, that they're on a one-way mission. He implanted a message in their heads, shortly before they left, that as soon as they gather their intel, they should kill themselves and the knowledge will be instantly transferred back to Jamie. Now the real problem is, before the second dupe left . . . Layla jumped in there with him. Meanwhile the rest of the X-men team have gone searching for Amelia Voight. She used to be associated with the Marauders, so they're hoping that she can give them some information as to their whereabouts. Also Scott is busy arguing with the "New Mutants" . . . er . . "New X-Men" . . about their involvement in the whole thing. They want to help. They want to feel like they're part of the team. But Scott stands firm in his decision, "They also serve who stand and wait. And when your time comes . . . you may well wish it hadn't." Peter David wrote this book, as he has with the whole series. But I really think that Peter does better with the more characters he has to deal with. And Scot Eaton does an excellent job with the artist side of the creative process. I really think that this book has improved over the time it's been out. It gets better every month. Which, really, is the most you can ask for with a book.

Batman and the Outsiders #1 - DC

It's finally here! After the 2 months between issues #49 and #50. And then the 2 months between issues #50 and this one. It's finally here! And we finally get to see who the new team consists of. This issue Batman uses Katana, Catwoman, Grace, Metamorpho and the Martian Manhunter. Thunder is available, but Batman doesn't feel that she's ready for the field yet, much to her strong protests otherwise. He's got them on a mission to infiltrate Jardine Tower in Central City. It's the North American headquarters of Jardine Ltd., a Belgium company, whom Batman thinks is up to no good. It has something to do with radioactive substances, Berkelium and Californium, but he's not sure what it is they're up to. The team finally work their way in to the central chamber, only to find a cocoon type of thing there. When their presence is detected, the guards hoof their way out, and the chamber begins being bombarded by gamma radiation. The cocoon bursts open and out comes an OMAC. It looks like some super-powered OMAC. We don't see to much of our teams individual talents this issue, other than Rex's, so I can just assume that the next issue with be a jam-fest of action and mayhem. Chuck Dixon is writing it, and we all know how good he is at these spy and espionage stories. Julian Lopez and Bit are in charge of the art. And it is truly incredible looking. By all rights, this series looks to be a hit. I can't wait for issue #2.

Green Arrow and Black Canary #2 - DC

At the end of the regular Green Arrow series Judd Winick was writing it, and Scott McDaniel was drawing it. Of the many incarnations that Green Arrow had been through, I thought that that final run, by those two creators, was the best, by far, that we had seen to date. It was thrilling. It was action packed. And the ever growing cast of characters were really coming in to their own. Which is why I was in agony when it got cancelled. Well . . now we're back. Judd Winick is back on the scripts, and Cliff Chiang is doing the pencils. How does this book stand up to that final run of the last? It's even better. Judd somehow has amped it up even more than it was at the end. The King is dead! Long live the King! And Cliff's artwork . . . . . is just phenomenal. I really started diggin' his stuff when he did that Dr. 13 backup series. But this? This is even better. He can draw some amazingly beautiful women. And the scene with Ollie running naked through the Themyscira forest . . . somehow he covered up his manhood in every frame. Really my only disparaging comment about the whole thing is that, Cliff does his own inks, and I think . . . it's just my opinion . . . that he's a little heavy on his lines. But that's just me. Overall I think it's a beautiful piece of work. Dinah and Mia have come to the Amazon island because they think they have something to do with Ollie's disappearance. So she's used the invitation from Athena as her reason for entry. She also brought along Connor, who stealthily works his way into the jungle and finds where they're holding Ollie. While he and Ollie are making a break for it, Athena is offering Dinah a job. Because of recent events, they've had to repopulate their people and their country. But the new recruits haven't all been trained in their warrior ways. That's what she wants Dinah to do. So while she's pondering that offer, Connor and Ollie aren't being quite as stealthy as they thought. The issue ends with them surrounded by Amazons . . and even more spears. From the next issue blurb, it looks as if next issue they're going to find out just what's been going on, on Paradise Island. And who was really behind Ollie's kidnapping. With the 4 of them on this island of Amazon warriors . . . you can bet it's going to be an action packed issue. A fantastic way to start a series.

Suicide Squad #3 - DC

I have to say, I was a little confused during the first two issues of this book. Not so much about the story, or the book itself. But more about the timeline that it was trying to follow. It seemed to be bouncing around, and I was really having a hard time figuring out how it all fit in to the story with CheckMate and the Outsiders and all. But this issue seems to be have cleared some of that up. At least for me it did. We seem to be telling the story here of how Amanda got the Squad back up and running. And how she did all of that while she was the White Queen for CheckMate. A time when she shouldn't have been running any ops or missions. Not that that ever stopped her before though. We learn how Rick Flag survived the explosion at Jotunheim. Apparently the Scimitar is semi-sentient. When it sensed it's demise, at the the time of the explosion, it split space and time to escape. In that act, I guess, it sought out it's birthplace, Skataris, and transported Rustam and Flag with it. But it also spent it's energies. So now they're stuck here until it recharges. When it does, Rustam goes after Rick again, but doesn't hold a flag to his combat skills or training, and ends up dead. But Jennifer Morgan, the Warlord's daughter, comes to his aid and show him how to use the Scimitar to get back home. Unfortunately, he ends up back in Qurac. And that's how he ended up locked away and forgotten in an Qurac prison for 3 years. And with Amanda's promise of him becoming Eiling's boss, as the General is one of her operatives now, she pulls him back in to the Squad. I really liked this story. I was surprised that it was written by John Ostrander. Only because I haven't seen his name in a while, and he did write the original series. Javier Pina does the art . . from ManHunter fame . . . and it was beautiful. I'm not sure why this is only an 8 issue mini. I'm hoping it's just a prelude to an ongoing series afterwards. One can hope. Right?

Booster Gold #4 - DC

I really like what they're doing with this book. It seems like they're taking a lot of old story-lines, that really aren't connected to anything, or seem irrelevant, and showing how they all fit into the grand scheme of things that is the DC Universe. This issue Booster and Rip run in to Barry and Wally using the cosmic treadmill the travel through time. But that leads to them running in to Supernova and Rex Hunter. A relative? Actually it's a kid who tried to join Rip's team a long time ago, named Jason Goldstein, but he wanted to be a part of it for the wrong reasons. He wanted to change time, and history. And now, he actually looks older than Rip. The scheme they've cooked up this time is to change the origins of the original Blue Beetle, and that of Barry Allen. They're going to stop the storm from causing the accident in the Police laboratory. In the skirmish with Supernova, Booster finds out that it's actually . . . . his dad. The Supernova suit has been programmed to only recognize Booster's DNA, so it can only work for someone of his bloodline. Rex decided to go to the 25th century, and recruit Michael's father from his prison cell. I'm sure he didn't put up to much of an argument. Anyways, long story short, they stop the altering of Barry's timeline, and they end up capturing Rex, but Booster can't keep ahold of his father. So he's still out there running around somewhere. But before they can worry about his, they need to go back and fix what's been undone with the Blue Beetle. But, before they can do that, they need to go back and fix what's happened to Barbara Gordon. Basically, Rex tells Booster that the whole thing with the Killing Joke . . . you know . . the Joker shooting Barbara, paralyzing her and her becoming the Oracle . . . that was all a mistake. In order to set history right, they have to stop that from happening. This next issue should be a doozy. This was a fantastic book written by Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz. It was also brilliantly drawn by Dan Jurgens and Norm Rapmond. I really like the new direction they've taken with this character.

Black Adam #4 - DC

I love the creative direction that they're taking with this book. I know it's only a mini-series, but . . . damn . . . it's good. Peter J Tomasi is doing an incredible job with the story. He really seems to have a firm grasp of the character. I love the way Black Adam puts himself at the mercy of the 2 human doctors. He needed some medical attention, as Teth-Adam, so he had to put himself at their mercy by changing and letting them operate on him while he was under. Then when he comes to, 2 hours later, he has the audacity to ask them why they didn't let him die while he was unconscious. As he drives away, he sees a military team that homed in on his magical surge, descending upon the medical center. "Gunfire. Pain. Destruction. Innocents. Death. Not my problem", he mutters to himself as he's looking back in the mirror. But then 2 seconds later he comes swooping in and takes out the commando's before they can harm the doctors. As he's carrying their limp bodies out the door, like so many rag-dolls, all he says is "You're welcome!". But then he finds out from one of the survivors that they found his energy because they hacked in to the JSA satellite, which has been tracking his movements across the globe. They've found a way to track the lightning. So as Mr. Terrific and the Atom-Smasher are watching the monitors, the next thing they see is Black Adam looking back at them through the satellite's cameras. Before he smashes the satellite, he borrows a line from Ryan Seacrest . . . . "Black Adam out!" Doug Mahnke is also doing a tremendous job with this story. His artwork is easily the best I've seem from him . . to date. The whole team, creatively, really seems to be putting their all into this book. And their hard work shows. If this team could stay on the book, I could really see this story expanding in to a regular series. It really is that good.

Countdown to Final Crisis #24 - DC

This is a very action packed issue. But, I'm a little confused about where this new Superman came from. But first . . . last issue Desaad immersed himself into the Firestorm matrix and took control of Firestorm away from Jason. Now he's trying to put the hurt Val and Una. That is until the Atomic Knights show up. They his him with some kind of weapon that seems to overload the matrix, kicking all three of them out. Sensing defeat, Desaad immediately heads back to Apokolips. But there, Darkseid is trying to deal with Mary Marvel. He has a legion of minions at his disposal, but, he doesn't have a sorcerer. And that is where his interest in Mary lies. Eclipso, who apparently is also one of his minions, has brought her to him. But she proves to be very spirited. Mary and Darkseid attempt to hurt or intimidate each other, but that's when Desaad emerges from his boom-tube. Which gives Mary the chance to fly off and escape. We get a glimpse of our challengers, but it's mostly just Donna and Kyle talking about how they don't trust Jason, and they're unsure of Bob. The majority of this issue is spent on Earth 15. That's the Earth where Zod is Superman. But it seems to be a benevolent Zod. That is until Superman prime shows up. He's dressed in the black Superman outfit, when he had long hair, and he's a raving lunatic. He's upset, I guess, because his planet was destroyed, and I guess he hasn't, in his mind, been able to find a suitable replacement. Which is sending him over the edge. One by one he takes out all the heroes of the planet, and Lex Luthor. And eventually just destroys the whole place. Literally blowing up the planet. "The perfect universe is out there. Mine is out there. And if I have to rip apart the entire multiverse to find my home . . . I will!!" This was a fantastic issue of this book. It's written by Paul Dini, with help from Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti. And this issue was incredibly drawn by Tom Derenick. We're getting closer and closer to issue #1, and, what I guess, is going to be the Final Crisis.

Gen 13 #14 - WildStorm

This was a good book, but, it's just the beginning of a new adventure for our team of misfits. Actually, that's not fair. They're not misfits. They're just trying to play the game with the hand that they've been dealt. The problem is, with their manufactured bodies and pasts, it's like they came in to the middle of the game, with no idea what's going on, or even how to play, but they are still expected to play it out. Luckily they still have free will. And with that free will, they've decided to strike out and try to handle the world together as a team. Now the problem is, the place they've landed. They want to experience the world, and find out how it works, and how they fit in to it. But, with this leg of their bus trip, they've truly landed in the deep end of the pool. New York City! No better place to experience the world. And, no better place to have it eat you alive. I'm all for these kids making it on their own, but I really don't think NYC is the best place for them to start that journey. Sure Michael J Fox overcame it in the Secret of my Success, but, this ain't the movies. They've only been here for a few days, if that long, and already the city is pulling them all in different directions. Meanwhile, IO, after the debacle at Tabula Rasa, is trying to make the most of the assets they already have in place. Right now, that consists of the Gen teams they already have in the field. And, like it or not, our group of teenagers are one of those teams. So now they have a new project starting, called "15 minutes", and headed by Ezra Rothwell and a Mr. Wilson. Coincidentally, both of which are also on their way to NYC right now. The last page of this issue, shows Roxy mingling in what seems to be some kind of teenage pop art group. The man who's selling it is talking to her, and his sales pitch is " . . . really, doesn't everyone deserve their full "15 minutes"?" Like I said, deep end of the pool. Great story and art by Simon Oliver and Carlo Barberi. I guess Gail is gone now, which is why it looks like we're headed in a new direction. Which is cool. But, with this book, the trick is to always . . no matter what the situation or dilemma . . keep it fun. Otherwise it just degrades in to any other normal super-team book. The teenage, and fun, factor keep it different. Please, Please . . don't lose that.

Welcome to Tranquility #12 - WildStorm

Say it isn't so! It looks like this is going to be the last issue of Tranquility. The next issue blurb reads . . . "The end - for now!" That really sucks! I really liked this book. It was a typical super-hero book, but it wasn't. It was a "supers" book . . with a twist. They were all like reluctant, or just retired, heroes. I like the way it was kind of a Eureka, but with supers as the backdrop, instead of Global Dynamics. And I really enjoyed Neil Googe's art. I've been a fan of his for a while now, but really, I don't even think he's hit his full potential yet. I think this kid is really going to set the medium on fire. Which he does this issue, with his demon character. Also the fantastic writing of Gail Simone, has really set this series apart from the rest. Maybe it has something to do with this whole WildStorm Armageddon thing. We're getting bits and pieces of it, as it goes from title to title in 1-shots. So hopefully, when that dust settles, they'll decide to do something with these characters. I know Gail will still be around. She is doing like 7 or 8 books a month. So there will be plenty of places to find her wry wit. I just hope they keep Neil on staff someplace with some book in the WildStorm or DC Universe. This kid really is an incredible talent. They need to keep him busy. And we need to see his incredible art. But most of all, I'll miss one of my favorite books while it's forced in to hiatus. I really hope it's not gone for long. And I really hope they decide to do something with these characters. But, I guess, in the end, it's really not up to me. All I can do is hope and dream.

Superman Confidential #9 - DC

Apparently this story-line's purpose is to tell us of Superman's first meeting with the beings of New Genesis. Last issue he met the Forever People. This issue, after a fight with Orion, he's spirited away to New Genesis at the behest of Highfather. There he meets more of the New Gods, and after a conversation with Highfather, comes to realize that the Earth may be drawn in to the was that's been going on forever, between New Genesis and Apokolips. He's not very happy with Highfather, because, it seems like he wants to recruit the super-powers from Earth, but at the same time seems reluctant to get to know it's people. This convinces Superman that, should their war be brought to the Earths soil, that they will indeed fight, but it will be against both. They will fight for their own preservation, not that of either side of these cosmic powers. I know that this story is important. And I know that, for whatever reason, it needs to be told before, or as a prelude to, this Death of the New Gods storyline. But, I wish they hadn't cut the original storyline of this title, the one by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, short. Couldn't they have just pushed up the production and release of this story-line, and the Lori Lemaris story-line that preceded it? It's hard telling when we'll ever see the wrap up of Jeph and Tim's story. And by the time we do, we'll have forgotten what most of it was about. Or you know what? Why not put out an issue #6a, or #7a or something. There's a myriad of ways they could've resolved it without putting it on the back burner. I am impressed with the work that Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning and Chris Batista have turned in so far on this story-line. And I think that this grand story that DC is doing with the New Gods this year is a long time in coming. But, I want to see the final chapter of that first story. Will we? And when?

Ultimate Fantastic Four #48 - Marvel

Ok. This book has taken a rather strange twist. Last issue, a Dr. Igor Kragoff invited Sue and Reed to a scientific symposium in Russia. I guess the guys a friend of Sue's dad. Well, Reed didn't go because he was working on his Cosmic Cube, however Sue did decide to go. Because Reed was working on his Cosmic Cube. It's a sore subject right now. Anyways, it was all a set-up. This Dr. Kragoff, who was working with Rutskaya, his assistant who has a gauntlet of a Crimson Dynamo, shot Sue's plane down when it entered Russian airspace. Having found out about the accident, Reed, Johnny and Ben immediately set out in search of her. Dr. Kragoff's plans are to use N-Zone technology to meld Sue's body with that of his dead wife's, Julia. She was dying of cancer, but then she was hit by a car in Moscow and killed. Being a brilliant geneticist, he decided to focus his efforts on bringing his wife back to life. Without her, he seems to have lost all focus. Well, his assistant, Rutskaya, has decided that she wants to use his ideas and plans for herself. She knocks out, or kills . . . we're not really sure . . . Dr. Kragoff, and decides that she's going to meld herself with Sue. That was she can use Sue's powers to impose her own will on things. The problem is, they kept Sue semi-coherent, because she started giving them ideas on how to make the gene splicing stick. They were having problems with tissue rejection, but Sue seems to have some of the answers. Well by the time Rutskaya fires up the machine and is ready to start, Sue is ambulatory enough to evade the process. The result ends up being Rutskaya merged with all the lab animals that Dr. Kragoff had in the laboratory. The issue ends with Reed, Johnny, Ben and the original Crimson Dynamo facing off against a squad of Russian Super-soldiers, and Sue coming face to face with the monstrosity that is now Rutskaya. It was a pretty cool story, written by Mike Carey and drawn by Mark Brooks.

Wolverine #59 - Marvel

What a fantastic book. I really like the writing of Marc Guggenheim. We've learned so much about Logan . . . sorry, James . . in the last 2 years. But, there's still little hidden corners here and there that we don't have all the pieces yet. It seems like that is what Marc is trying to do. Provide us with some of the hidden pieces. Or, some of the pieces that didn't seem like they were of much consequence. Such as his name. When his claws appeared for the first time, Rose thought he was a savage. Well the only savage she knew was Logan, so that's what she started calling him. And the name stuck. Also, this issue, when Logan and Doctor Strange are trying to get him out of purgatory, he starts thinking back on his past. He starts thinking that he's been adrift for a little while now. Kind of like he was in the beginning. But he doesn't know why, really. He thinks it was when Lazaer spared him on the killing fields of WWI. But the realization that came after that was just that he really shouldn't even be alive. Then it dawns on him. The change came when the Gorgon killed him. It was the first time that he died, and the Hand had brought him back to life. Well . . the Hand, and, a mysterious red-haired woman. Also there was another man there. He doesn't have a face, and he didn't speak. But, he stood there watching the whole time. So he was involved. With that realization, Logan's soul finds it's way back to his corporeal body. Why then? Because now he has a goal. "I feel good. Better'n good actually. 'Cause I found out who I gotta kill now." I know all these pieces, and answers to the puzzle are going to be long and drawn out. That's ok. That's how we've gotten to know Logan for years. But I really like the way Marc is handling the most recent chapters in his long complicated history. I was starting to think that the only things we were really going to learn about Logan, were over in the Origins book. This story-line is proving me wrong. Add to that the brilliant artistic renderings of Howard Chaykin . . . and I think we have an instant classic on our hands. If you're not reading this book . . . you're crazy. Especially if you're an X-Men addict . . . 'er . . I mean fan . . this is a must have. Pick it up!