Young X-Men #5 - Marvel

Well, now that our young group of X-Men have figured out that they were duped by Donald Pierce . . what do they do now? Well, first of all, they have to find and retrieve the rest of their team-members . . Blindfold and Dani Moonstar. Speaking of which, so what's the deal with these old New Mutants? Are they part of the Hellfire Club now . . or not? We always knew that Bobby was, but now that he's been named Lord Imperial, how does that change things? I think these old New Mutants are going to play a bigger role in these kids lives than we first anticipated. Especially now that they really have no place to go. They were never really X-Men in the first place, just Donald's pawns and puppets. So their feeling pretty vulnerable and betrayed right now. Plus, at the end of this issue, Donald kills Nicholas. So there's really only 5 of them. 4 if you don't count the tattoo kid. I'm no sure if he's actually part of the team or not. The kids never really accepted him, plus he was Donald's mole right from the start. But . . he has power. So he would be useful. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what his fate is going to be. I think Marc Guggenheim is doing a good job with these stories. But, we're on issue #5 right now and, basically, we're really at the beginning because everything up to now has been a lie. Marc said right in the beginning that this team was going to be in flux for quite a while. I guess this is what he meant. Also, I'm sorry, I know Yanick Paquette has talent. Whether I like his style or not, he still does something I could never do. But, like I said, I just don't like his style on this book. I think this book has a lot of potential, and some great characters . . I just don't know if it's going to get the chance it deserves with this art. But . . that's just my opinion.

X-Factor - Layla Miller #1 - Marvel

It's about time that we got some word from Layla. She's been trapped in the future, and we have no idea of what's going on or if she's ever going to be able to get back to her X-Factor friends. For that matter, will she be able to find them if she ever makes it back? Peter David wrote this one, and since he's the regular X-Factor scribe . . he's the only one that would know. Valentine DeLandro did the art for this issue, and I have to say it was nice . . if not a little bit creepy. The art was fine, it was the colors. This is supposed to be such a bleak future with repression and imprisonment going on in all levels of society. Right now it's aimed at mutants, but pretty soon it's going to spread all across the spectrum. The differences between mutants and humans are becoming more and more indistinguishable every day. Anyways, the colors were all bright and vibrant. It was a lot of autumn colors, but . . it was still bright. It just seemed kind of eerie, for the bleakness of the future to be colored so resonantly. Like I said, it was a bit creepy. Anyways we find out that Layla is up to her same ol' stuff in the future. After she escapes from the internment camp, she makes her way to Atlantic City where Scott Summers, and his daughter Ruby, have been waiting for her arrival . . for decades. Eventually Layla will make it back, because Scott told her that she will. She's just not sure how to do it right now. This is a very interesting character, and I'm glad that we got the chance to catch up with her again. Obviously she'll be back from the future soon, but it was good to see that she wasn't to much worse for the wear. She adds an interesting dynamic to the group.

X-Factor #34 - Marvel

I thought I missed an issue here. Last issue was He Loves You part 1. This issue is He Loves You part 3. As it turns out though, the second part of this story took place over in She-Hulk # 31. You know what? I didn't miss anything. Things started out a little different here than they ended last issue, but . . it only took me a couple of pages to catch up and figure out what was going on. As I've told you, I'm not following the Secret Invasion story-line. I refuse to. However, I am reading whatever crosses over into the regular titles that I buy. Which, in the last 2 months, has turned out to be quite a lot. This issue Talisman explains to Darwin one of the reasons that they're trying to conquer the humans. He says it's because of his abilities, and that those abilities put the humans closer on the evolutionary ladder to the Skrulls that they had ever realized. However, given the humans nature, they also understand that sooner or later they will probably destroy themselves. So Talisman says that they're trying to take over to protect the humans, and their evolutionary potential. Like I said, I'm not following this story-line, but, just with what's crossed over into my regular books, I've probably heard about 8 different reasons for why the Skrulls are trying to take us over. So, either nobody knows what the real reason is, or . . everyone's been told a different story for a specific reason. I mean, it started out that it had something to do with what happened with the Illuminate . . there's been a myriad of reasons since. Which is why I won't follow it. The whole thing is in place to change one specific thing in the Marvel Universe. Whether it's to bring Cap back, or to negate the Registration Act . . whatever the reason, everything else that's going on is just so much minutia. I like this book, and these characters. It's nice that Darwin seems to have been brought back in to the fold. He's an interesting character. But I'd much rather see the X-Factor characters carrying on with their lives than going through and dealing with all of this crap. Peter David does well with the team books. Let him get back to what he does best. There was definitely some improvement in Larry Stroman's pencils this issue. Last issue I hated how he made these guys look, but, this month, things seem closer to normal. Who knows how long Larry will be around . . we've had like 9 or 10 different artists on this series already. Pretty soon he'll just be another name on the list. I think these characters deserve better.

Ultimate Fantastic Four #57 - Marvel

This issue pretty much wraps up the story-line about the Tan-Ed-Drul, or Hydra. However, I don't think it's completely over just yet. I think there will be some future repercussions from the events that took place here, but . . we'll just have to wait and see. The Fantastic Four are infamous for having some obscure event in there distant past coming back to bite them in the butt later on. It happens all of the time. I think Mike Carey is doing a great job on the stories of this book. He's doing a good job of keeping the Fantastic Four with their familiar feel, but, at the same time, dealing with the Ultimate Universe aspect of the story. Things are different here. This group is teen-agers, afterall, but . . they're still the Fantastic Four. Without the Ultimate factor, this would be just another Fantastic Four book. But with it . . it's something different. Well . . it is, and it isn't. But I've always said how much I love this Ultimate Universe concept. I also liked the introduction of Namor into this story-line. He fit in quite nicely. It'll be interesting to see the future dynamic between him and Reed. I thought Tyler Kirkman's art in this series was also very good. I like the feel that he gave the book, and the way he handled the various characters. I'm not trying to be funny here, but I thought his art gave this book an 'Image' type feel to it. Maybe it's just me. But I liked it. I'm glad that Sue and Reed finally make up at the end. Of course it took a 'life or death' situation to make them realize how much they mean to each other but . . that's just all in a days work for the Fantastic Four.

Ghost Rider #26 - Marvel

This issue was a bit confusing. Danny Ketch has shown back up in the picture, and for some reason, he's acquired a gang of thugs to help him take out the Caretaker. I know he thinks the Caretaker did him wrong, and left him when he needed him most, but . . it didn't seem like there was this much animosity between them. It appears that Danny is working for Zadkiel now also, so I'm wondering if he's got Danny stoked up somehow. He just doesn't really seem to be in character. Also there a new character working her way in to the scene, Sister Sara, from a convent in Kansas. I'm not exactly sure what her connection is, but she seems to be on a mission to make her way to Tennessee. That's also where the Caretaker, and now, Danny are. So I'm not really sure who it is that she's connected to. We don't actually see Johnny until the last panel of the final page. Sister Sara has made it to Tennessee and, literally, comes across Johnny's path. There's more to her than meets the eye. So far I've liked Jason Aaron's stories . . I'm just a bit confused by this issue, for some reason. Also, as I've stated, I think Tan Eng Huat is doing a good job with the pencils. He definitely gives the book a different flavor. I'm sure not everybody is going to like him. He is incredibly talented, he just has his own unique style. Sometimes that takes a while to get used to. This is the most work he's done though . . since Doom Patrol . . so give the guy a chance. He's an acquired taste. Overall I liked the book. I'm sure everything will sort itself out here in upcoming issues. It'll be interesting to see the dynamic between Johnny and Danny. And maybe we'll finally get some answers on Danny. Is he . . or isn't he?

the Amazing Spider-man #568 - Marvel

This is an extra-sized issue . . I think as a introduction to this new story-line New Ways to Die. It's being brought to us by Dan Slott, with John Romita Jr. on the pencils. It truly looks fantastic. We get 28 pages of art in the main story, and then an addition 10 pages of art in the back-up. Of course we paid extra for it, but it was still nice to see. With all the new villains that have been introduced in the last few months, we actually get some of the 'old' ones back this issue. Specifically, we see Norman Osborne and Venom. However, there are 2 new people in Norman's little gang, Songbird and Radioactive Man. Plus this Venom isn't Eddie Brock, so essentially he's a new character also. In this issue we also briefly see Menace, and Mr Li. Remember? He's the guy that's runs the FEAST shelter . . he's also Negative Man. So it seems that Peter has people all around him that want to take him down. This issue is basically the set-up for the story-line. We see everybody falling in to place, and then at the end of this issue Norman forces a meeting between his new little group and Peter. It's interesting to note that Eddie Brock appears at the FEAST shelter and he seems to be cancer free. Although I'm sure Mr Li is up to something. That's also the purpose of the back-up story . . to let us know how Eddie came to be in his current condition. Overall I thought it was a nice book, and a good set-up for the story to come. This one's really going to cause some grief . . more grief . . for Peter. Without 'bad luck' he'd have no luck at all.

Moon Knight #21 - Marvel

As I'm writing this . . I'm kicking myself. Sometimes I leave books lying around . . . who am I kidding, they're all over the house . . anyways one of my cats have a penchant for chewing on paper. Plus they like sharp corners. You know, to rub their heads on and stuff. Anyways, as I'm looking at this issue, I just realized that my cat has chewed away at the top corner of this book. It doesn't happen much, but it has happened before. You'd think I'd learn from my past mistakes. It looks like that's $3 that's been wasted. But I love my cats, so . . what am I gonna' do? Anyways, Marc's really dug a hole for himself this time. It's funny though . . with all this heat coming down on him, from all these different angles, he still can't stop doing what he always does . . beating up bad guys. "In some ways it's liberating. Before the padded gloves, the cowl, the mask, that cloak . . the voices in my head . . all gone. Back to the basics. Before the spectacle of it all. When it was a job. Not a religion. When all I knew was what I knew." Tony has made it his, and SHIELD's, number 1 priority to bring Marc in. But now, for some reason, the CSA has decided that they want that responsibility. They're claiming, according to the Super-human Registration Act, that an act of terrorism on domestic soil, by a card carrying registered 'super', falls under their jurisdiction. They don't seem to happy about it, but they do seem determined. And then, at the end of this issue, we find out that, for some reason, Norman Osborne has also made it his personal mission to take down the Moon Knight. I guess he doesn't like the competition . . you know, bad-ass psychos and all. Anyways, I think this will be an interesting direction, brought to us by Mike Benson and Mark Texeira. With Javier Saltares of course. I really like this book, and the direction that it's going. However, I'm not sure what Venom on the cover has to do with anything!

StormWatch: Post Earth Division - World's End #13 - WildStorm

Well, it's good to see StormWatch back again. Even if it is under these dire circumstances. All the usual characters are here also. This issue we see Jackson King of course, Link, Christine, Deathblow, Flint, Fahrenheit and Gaia. Although Gaia is a bit of a rogue right now, I think she's going to be playing a big part in all or this. Also we see that the Weatherstation is back up and active. That's where StormWatch has decided to gather up refugee's and give them a warm, safe place to stay. Although right now, the 'norms' see it as they're being rescued by the people they hate . . the people that caused all of this . . the 'supers'. It's going to be a tenuous relationship at best. In the back up story, Lynch is trying to find, and kill, Tao. He believes that he may be responsible for what happened. If not . . he at least knew it was on it's way. Which turns out to be accurate. Although Tao didn't orchestrate the happenings, he still plans on taking advantage of the after-affects. "Sometimes you have to burn a world to the ground to make room for a new one. Whatever the cause, we now have plenty of room. The old world's been swept aside. Now it's time for my associates and me to shape a new one . . . in my image." Which leads Lynch to make a decision he's never wanted to make . . it's time to put the old group back together again. "I don't know if they're still alive. But I do know this. The world's really gone to hell . . if it needs Team7 again." Ian Edginton and Leandro Fernandez bring us the StormWatch story, and Christos Gage and Trevor Hairsine bring us the Lynch back-up. The title is Post Human Division, but this is going to be a different StormWatch than we saw in the last issue. Get ready for the ride!

Casey Blue: Beyond Tomorrow #4 - WildStorm

We seem to be moving ahead pretty fast with this story-line. However, currently, there's alot being taken on faith. Some of it's not being explained very well. This is what I got out of this book . . Angela is from the future. She's come back, basically, to train Casey and get her ready for whatever's coming down the pike for her. However, in the future, we don't know what her relationship is to Casey. I'm sure that'll be some kind of twist. Also, these dreams that Casey are having . . I thought they were about some aliens or something . . they're actually also about the future. Something happens where it seems that the human race is taken over by something. The people that she's been killing appear to be 'seeded', which I think means that they're going to turn in to whatever it is she's dreaming about. So, in this time, she's kind of a pre-emptive strike. I don't think she's the only one of her kind though. The 'other side' seems to have an operative going around and killing the others like her. That's what all the murders are about around the globe . . Germany, Brazil and wherever else. What we don't know is . . what's going to happen . . how were Casey, and the others like her, prepared for this . . who are the 'seeded' and how were they 'seeded'. B Clay Moore is doing a nice job of pacing this story. I like the way were finding things out, basically, as Casey is. I also really like Carlo Barberi's art, and the feel that it gives this book. "I gotta say . . this leotard you gave me doesn't hide much, but it's easy to move in." Meoww!

Superman / Batman #51 - DC

First of all, I gotta' say, Ryan Sook did a fantastic job on that cover. I wish I could have it as a poster . . it's really cool. Anyways, as I started reading this issue, I could just tell this was going to be a Mxyzptlk story-line. It just had that feel to it. We start out with the little Batman and Superman showing up in Gotham. Our Batman and Superman show up to find out what's going on and the next thing you know . . the whole JLA-jr is on the scene. They're actually pretty cute little characters though. I particularly liked the Red-Arrow character and how he was shooting his suction-cup arrows at Superman. Or was that a plunger? Of course there's a misunderstanding, and a scuffle. But soon cooler heads prevail, and that's when Reddy figures out that there's an outside power-source affecting things . . Mxyzptlk. As always, he says he's here for the heroes' own good . . "All you guys take your jobs way to seriously. You seem so unhappy these days." But then, in the end, he brings the L'il Injustice League to the scene. It doesn't seem like he's trying to make things better. The story is by the usual team of Michael Green and Mike Johnson. These guys are really doing a fantastic job with this book. I've been loving their stories. The art this issue is by Rafael Albuquerque . . you know . . from Blue Beetle fame. Although, I gotta say, the art he does for this issue is actually the best I've ever seen from him. Really, overall . . it looks great. I wasn't expecting this at all. But then, for some reason, it always seems that everyone turns in their best work on this book. It must be the motivation of the characters . . I guess. Whatever the case, I thought this was a great book. It was a lot of fun to read . . and to look at. Keep up the good work!

DC/WildStorm: Dreamwar #5 - DC/WildStorm

Things are starting to come to a head this issue . . there's only 1 issue left. I'm thinking that the DC heroes represented here aren't the actual heroes . . I think they're just 'constructs'. I think they're just images taken out of the book that Chimera is reading in the dream-realm. They have the same basic characteristics and attributes of the heroes, but . . none of their memories. Now I understand why Batman was killed in issue #1, but then was back again in #2 with no memories of what had happened. The 'hero' thing though, basically, is the faulty logic in Chimera's plan. Hero's are intrinsically . . . heroic. So, no matter what type of situation he puts them in, or what he tells them, they're going to revert to their heroic nature. And that's when everything fell apart for him in issue #2. That's when he decided to bring in all the villains . . all at once. Yes it was overwhelming at first, but, in the end hero's always beat villains. Again, he's set himself up to fail. Midnighter and Apollo, with Superman's help, try to get to his sleeping body this issue. I think, though, when things started falling apart he had one of his constructs move it. Now they don't know where he's at. It looks like it's going to be up to the Doctor to confront him in the dream-realm. Hopefully he doesn't turn himself into the WildStorm version of the Sandman or something before then. This book is brought to us by Keith Giffen and Lee Garbett. Both of which, I think, are doing a fantastic job. We also get a very nice Gene Ha cover this issue. But there's only 1 issue to go. It'll be interesting to see how it all plays out, and what the repercussions are going to be.

Trinity #12 - DC

I kind of get the feeling that our evil trinity . . Morgan Le Fe, Enigma and Despero . . have sent our holy trinity . . Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman . . to the Crime Syndicate's world to test their spells on them. I know . . they went there to rescue the people that have been being abducted, but the evil trinity . . I'll start calling them ET . . were right on top of it. It seemed like they just got there when ET started monitoring their situation and gauging the effectiveness of the spell they've used to muddy their individual traits in the trinity. Each of the three seem to be feeling the other 2's feelings and motivation. Which is putting them way out of sync in the way they act and their effectiveness. There's a scene where Superman comes across real 'matter-of-fact', or curt. Batman asks Wonder Woman, "Well, that was annoying. And what do you usually do when I act like that?" To which Wonder Woman replies, "Mostly we follow along behind you . . and do whatever we can to help." We also see the effects that the trinity, and messing with them, has on others. Some other members of the JLA have also come along to help, however without their mentor's guidance and leadership, they really seem to be having a problem working as a team, or getting coordinated. ET decides that maybe they should take over this world instead . . but Enigma gets very agitated at that prospect. I'm thinking that Enigma is the Crime Syndicate's version of the Riddler / Scarface. But if so, wouldn't that make him a good guy . . since things seem to be reversed there? So, what's he really up to? In the back-up story, our Riddler is trying to make some sense out of all of the museum robberies. But from all of his contacts, I'm getting the sense that they're all blaming him . . even though their not saying it. I think he'll get to the bottom of it before our trinity does. In my opinion, this book is getting pretty intense. We seem to be past the 'set-up' stages and our full-fledged into our mystery here. I really like the pace that Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley have given everything. I think it's flowing along quite nicely. I also appreciate how the back-up stories are being used to fill-in between the lines. Kurt and Fabian Nicieza are doing a fantastic job. This weeks artist was Mike Norton. It appears that ASM has borrowed from their book of tricks. This week they also introduce a back-up story. I think the 3 times a month is starting to wreak havoc with the artists schedules. This book, however, seems to be flowing along quite nicely.

Justice League of America #24 - DC

My only complaint about this whole book is that we've only just recently learned about the spider-like character that seems to be controlling Vixen and Animal-man . . Zatanna got a vision of her (?) last issue. But they have no idea who she is, where she is, or what her purpose is. But, with the cover of this issue, we do have a name . . . Anansi! Why? Why do they have to reveal the name, when the story about the character just seems to be developing? I mean, I know it's just a name, but all of the information should unravel systematically . . not just be handed over to us like bread-crumbs. Other than that, I thought the story was great. But they had to spoil it by 'dummy-ing' it down for us. I don't like that. But, that point aside, I did like Dwayne McDuffie's story. I like the way he handed all of these characters as they tried to take on Amazo . . after he claimed their recent attempts at reanimating the Red Tornado. But I have to say, that was a little anti-climatic also. We've been building up these last few months with this Red Tornado story-line, then Amazo steps in to take over his new body. I can't say I didn't see that one coming. You knew there was going to be some kind of complication. Anyways, long story short, the JLA eventually beat Amazo into submission, and put Reddy back in his old body. That was it. Like I said . . rather anti-climatic with these months of build-up. But, I guess they had to put an end to that story-line so they could launch the new one about trying to help Vixen and Buddy. Allan Goldman fills in for Ed Benes this issue, and actually . . he did a rather decent job. The guy hasn't been around that long . . I first saw him a few months ago in Action . . and now he's filling in on the JLA. Congratulations! Overall, I thought he did a more than adequate job of filling in. Allan seems to be a real 'up-and-comer'. This is another book that I just love all the characters. It's the variety and interactions that really give this book it's spice.

Robin #177 - DC

There's a couple of mysteries going on in this book. First, and foremost, obviously, is Batman's disappearance. Robin is still looking for him, and other than the video of him supposedly in a psychotic state, he really doesn't have much to go on. He can't use his usual resources, because if he does, it would alert the Gotham underworld that Batman is out of commission. Then they'd really have some problems. So right now, it's basically him and Spoiler that are doing the hunting. But it seems as if he's trusting Spoiler less and less. Meanwhile, Jason Todd is also in town and he's trying to force all of the gangs to work together. He's busting a few heads in the process. He's not just asking them all nicely to participate. "I'm trying to protect Gotham City. It'll all go to hell now unless we strike first! Use the kid gangs as fodder, soften up the under-ground and thin out the corrupt cops . . then we have the gangs to control their turf . . while the good cops control the gangs. It'll be ugly at first, Tim, but it will work . . so work with me!" Meanwhile, while this is going on . . as you can see from the cover . . Red Robin is also patrolling around the roof-tops. At first I thought Tim had decided to change his costume. Then, after seeing that Jason was back, I thought he had decided to continue in the role that he began using in Countdown. But, it appears, that there's actually a third participant. But from this story, we don't really know who's side he's on. Right now he just appears to be an observer . . throwing in an occasional bat-a-rang here and there. On top of all of that, it appears that Spoiler has a mystery of her own going on. It appears that she's hiring an assassin to take down . . . somebody? Maybe Tim? We don't know yet. As Stephanie tells her at the end of this issue . . "It's complicated . ." Isn't it always? I really like the way Fabian Nicieza has been handling this book. He's really doing a fantastic job with these characters. I also have to say, this issue . . is probably the best work I've seen to date from Freddie Williams II. Overall is really is a great book from every aspect. I like that we're not so consumed by the RIP story-line that we've forgotten about the Robin character . . or actually, all 3 Robin characters. Very interesting!

Final Crisis - Legion of 3 Worlds #1 - DC

It's finally here! I've finally read it, and . . . it was fan-frikkin-tastic! Everything I expected from a Legion story, by Geoff Johns and George Perez, was presented in this issue. I like the way that it tied in to the recent story-line that Geoff did over in Action comics. All I knew going in to it was that it involved the Time-trapper and the Legion from 3 different worlds. Actually, ahead of time, I didn't even realize that Superboy-prime was involved. But, now that we get a glimpse of where this is going, I'm glad he is, because we need to resolve the conflicts within this character once and for all . . one way or another. Basically, the Time-trapper, having failed to take apart the Legion after a number of different tries, has decided to use Superboy-prime, who was lost in time, as an agent of chaos to finally accomplish what he's never been able to . . the destruction of the Legion. So he catapults him back in time to the year 3008, shortly after the story-arc in Action Comics takes place. He lands just outside of Smallville . . of course. From the Superman Museum he learns some more about the Legion, whom Superman inspired, and finds some potential allies in the Legion of Super-villains. But why stop there when he can have every prisoner of Talkron-Galtos as a member of his army. While all of this is going on, the Legion have been summoned by the United Planets, because, with all the xenophobia going on after the recent events in Action Comics, it seems to them that the Legion with their eclectic membership may actually fan the fires instead of subdue them. They want to disband the Legion. After hours of berating rhetoric, the session ends with the return of RJ Brande and his ultimate assassination by Leland McCauley. Which also exposes him as a Durlan and further fans the flames. The issue ends when, having found out about the uprising on Talkron-Galtos, the Legion summons Superman once again from the past. He explains to them about Superboy-prime and just how powerful he is. That's when Brainiac comes up with the solution to 'fight fire with fire'. He wants to call upon the help of the Legion from 2 other realities to come to their aid against this menace. Really, that's not at all how I expected them to come together. And, now that I think about it, this may also be part of the Time-trappers plan. Should they lose, this would wipe out the Legion from all realities. Right? When it comes to the Time-trapper it's always a little bit confusing. Anyways, I thought that this was a fantastic set-up for this series. I'm glad it's going to be 5 issues, because there's no way this could all be resolved in 3. Plus, I have to ask myself, how does Jim Shooter's title tie in to all of this? Or does it? This is going to be an incredible series, and with Geoff and George at the creative controls it couldn't be in better hands. Long Live the Legion!

the Brave and the Bold #16 - DC

I have to say, when I first saw the image for the cover of this book, I asked myself how they were going to be able to pull of this team-up. But, to the credit of all involved, I really think they did. The 'coy', 'flirtatious' nature of Selina really played well off of the 'naive', 'boy-scout' nature of Clark. It was a completely different dynamic that what we're used to seeing with her and Bruce. And I really think that's what made it so interesting. The image, and 'feel' that you get off of the cover is really how they play off of each other the entire issue. When Selina first comes across him, she tries to get away, but can't quit babbling the whole time . . "Oh, dear god, those muscles. And that hair. And that smile. 'HE' never smiles. It's always the bad boys with me. Maybe just once I should consider a 'boy scout'. It's not like I'm going to break him. Despite my very best efforts. Mmmm." Anyways, they have to team-up to try to stop an auction that's occuring in Gotham. They're auctioning off a map, which Clark thinks is to Bruce's cave. As it turns out it's actually to the cave where Clayface first got his powers. Which, in the end, could be equally as trouble-some to Gotham. We know that there's a woman behind the whole thing, but we never do actually find out who it is. Maybe that's a future mystery? I really liked the feel that Mark Waid gave this book. It really kept it interesting. And I'm still a huge fan of Scott Kolins. The style that he used in this book isn't exactly the same as what he did in the Flash. But, it's almost like that. It seems to me that he's refining it even more as he goes along. Over-all I thought it was a great issue.

Batman and the Outsiders #10 - DC

Personally, I think Chuck Dixon is doing a fantastic job with this team, and these stories. He's brought together a eclectic group of characters which, as a group, just helps to make them more interesting. I think. This issue Ryan Benjamin does the pencils and, I have to say, I really, really, like the feel that he gives the book. We're kind of going in a different direction here. It appears that there's some sort of alien, that these kids have captured. When it bites you it either turns you into a super-villain, or . . it turns you dead. And they've been testing the theory alot, because there's a room with a lot of bodies stacked up in it. The only part I question about the story is . . in this book, Batman jumps on the back of the parasite, or alien, as it tries to make it's getaway. One of the kids it 'turned' accidentally broke it free . . again. Anyways, he rides off on the back of it, and he's not heard from for the rest of the issue. Apparently this is going to be the reason that the group doesn't hear from the Batman for a couple of issues. I get that, but . . what about the RIP story-line, or the Hush story-line? Aren't those the real reasons why Batman is 'out-of-touch'? I do like how Chuck has brought Looker back into the mix though. He's treating her more like an available asset than necessarily a regular team member. I think that's a good choice . . considering her current situation. I also like the development that is occurring with Salah and the REMAC. But then again, this book has been HOT! ever since the beginning of it's last title . . the Nightwing led team. My only concern is that I'd really like to see Matthew Clark come back on board. I didn't know he was going away forever! Anyways, a fantastic title, and a fantastic group of characters.

Birds of Prey #121 - DC

This continues to be one of my favorite team-books. I don't know, maybe I just like all the 'chicks'. Whatever the reason, I really like these characters. I'm trying to get in to all of this Platinum Flats business. I understand the concept . . basically there's this crime syndicate that operates out of this town, but they've kept such a low profile, and their town so clean that nobody even know they're there. Well, except for Babs that is. Misfit gets a little history on the town to, when she goes to High School. I'm betting, in the future . . at least in this town . . Babs is going to be able to get a lot of intel from this direction. Where better to find the town gossip than at the local High School? Well, maybe hair-salons and banks, but I'm guessing mostly the from the kids. They never know how to keep their mouths shut, and they always gossip. Plus now, at the High School, we have a little mystery starting to ripen . . why is Black Alice there? Ok, I know what you're all asking . . so why is the Joker on the cover? Well, it appears that the ol' Jokester has gotten wind of this operation to and has decided to come on board . . I think as a kind of protection of some sort. But as Gizmo asks . . yes, he's still alive, sort of . . "Have you lost your flippin' mind, Visionary?" And speaking of that cover, isn't Stephane Roux turning in some fantastic covers? For some reason they don't recognize her in the credits, but that's definitely her work. And now, with Nicola Scott moving on to other projects, it appears that Michael O'Hare will be taking over the pencil chores. He definitely has a different feel to his work that Nicola, but . . I do like it. As with every artist that's done this book, I'm sure his stuff will only get better and better. This book seems to have a tradition of that. Anyways, I like the story that Tony Bedard is weaving here, but like I said . . I'm trying to get in to this whole Platinum Flats thing. It's an interesting concept, and I'm sure it'll play out well, but, right now, it just seems a little bit of a stretch. Hopefully it'll feel a little more comfortable with a little more explanation. In the meantime though . . 'chicks rule!'.

Batgirl #2 - DC

It's nice to see that J Calafiore has stayed inside of the Batman community for a little while longer. He recently finished the Gotham Underground series, and now it looks like he'll be on the 6 issues of this series. I like his art. Not necessarily for the way he draws his characters . . someone recently commented that they thought the characters in Batgirl #1 looked a little 'blocky' . . but his action sequences are phenomenal. I really like his perspective and the way his frames flow. There's a couple of artists out there that, for some reason, most of their faces look pretty similar . . including superstar John Romita Jr. But luckily most of them, including John and J Calafiore, have other aspects of their art that make them really fun to read. Yes Adam Beechen has made Batgirl a little intense for this series, but she's always been right there at that edge since she was created. She just seems to be taking it a little more personally, with this series, the affects Cain has had on her and her newly found 'sisters'. Right now, all she has is 'death' in her eyes . . at least when it comes to Cain, and now Slade. It appears that Cain and Slade first met when they were both contracted to kill the same person in Congola in 1975. It seems that they were so evenly match that they gained a mutual respect for each other and have been weighing their careers against the other ever since. Cassandra finds a handful of 'sisters' that were also being experimented on, but only one alive . . Marque. But it takes a while for each to gain the trust of the other. When Cain was drugging Cassandra, the formula was unstable. It appears that all of this effort is he, or Slade, trying to refine that. In the end, they walk in to one of Deathstroke's traps. I'm glad to see Cassandra in her own series again. It would be easy to have some of the other Bat-family show up to lend her a hand, but she doesn't lend to that type of character. She's more of a solo act. Even when she's in a group . . like the Outsiders . . she still seems to be on her own agenda. I loved the first series, and it looks like this one's shaping up to be pretty good also.

the Flash #243 - DC

This issue, finally, after 13 issues . . we finally start to get some answers to the afflictions that are plaguing Jai and Iris. Or course it takes the apes of Gorilla City, and Dmeme in particular . . the court physician . . to come up with an answer. Linda tries to explain to him that they've been using extremely advanced alien technology to monitor and help the kids, but Dmeme replies, "Gorilla City has had 'highly advanced alien technology' longer than you've had automobiles. 'No offense'. "All of this takes place after Grodd almost tricks Wally into beating up the apes that are actually trying to help him. Grodd tricks him into believing that the ape he's punching is him, when actually it's Nzame. Since he's considered sacred, if Wally had harmed him there would have been nothing any of the other apes would've done for him . . no matter how much his daughter and son were hurting. But, he's taking things a little slower and trying to think them through, rather than just reacting blindly and irrationally. It's with this focused reserve that he's able to gain the other apes help. That's when Dmeme makes the discovery that the kids problem doesn't lie with their DNA. This gets Wally thinking. He tests a theory, and finds out that it's the Speed Force that's causing the problem. There's a part of the Speed Force that's something like it's death-force. While riding through the Speed Force, he can see it in the kids. So, in order to cure them, he has to draw that aspect out of them and into himself. He just hopes that he survives the trip. As it turns out, all 3 of them come out the other side relatively unscathed. The kids are back to their normal age, sort of . . around 10 or 12 I think . . but we don't really know yet what the effects of all of this will be on Wally. Right now he seems ok. But you never know what'll happen in the future. Anyways, Tom Peyer and Freddie Williams II have finally wrapped up this story-line so the new creative team of Alan Burnett and Paco Diaz can take over next issue. So far, I think, it's been a pretty cool ride. It'll be interesting to see where a new creative force takes all of these characters. And, we still don't know what the repercussions are of Wally seeing Barry over in Final Crisis. Interesting!

Tangent: Superman's Reign #6 - DC

We don't see much of the Tangent Earth heroes this issue. Most of the issue is spent following Batman . . our Batman . . on a mission to Core, " . . the ultimate data collection." Before he just joins the resistance, blindly, in retaliation to Superman . . their Superman . . he wants to find out all the details of what's led up to the current state of affairs. It's kind of hard for him to believe that the whole world is taken care of . . as far as it's wants and needs . . there is no poverty, no crime and no disease, but still the man who orchestrated all of this, Superman, is considered a tyrant and a despot. Batman can't just jump to that conclusion without some details. Inside Core is a woman, Halo, who's hooked in, literally, to the data retrieval and storage process. She is Batman's link to the computer. Think of her as a living, breathing Google . . you ask the question, she gives you the answer. The problem is, her access is supposed to be restricted to strictly Superman. But she's intrigued by Batman, because he's from a different world. She see's it as a chance to gain more, or new, information. But most of the information comes from her, in answer to Batman's questions. This is when Batman finds out that Superman is Harvey Dent, or . . used to be. In the end though, she sounds the alarm and Batman has to make a hasty retreat. But that's when the Tangent Batman comes to his rescue. He teleports him out of harms way, and takes him to his lair to introduce him to . . the Outsiders. I really like the way that Dan Jurgens is showing us around this world. With all the little details he's adding, I can see some kind of series, maybe, coming out of this mini. At least I hope so. Jamal Igle is also doing a good job, with his art, of giving this world a distinctive feel. I love the take on these characters and the variations on the themes of our world. This almost feels like DC's version of the Ultimate Universe. Maybe?

Rann-Thanagar Holy War #4 - DC

This was an interesting issue, but I don't know that it would have been nearly as good without the scripts of Jim Starlin. We don't learn a whole lot more this issue, about what's going on, but Jim does keep it interesting with all the conflicts and battles that are being waged because of the tensions here. Last issue Synnar was brought back, and, in the Hawkman Special, we also see that this debacle has gained the attention of the Nameless One. Add to that Lady Styx involvement, and we have a holy, or unholy, trinity going on here. When it come down to it, this whole thing is a religious war. Really, that's the only way to describe it. But now the actual deity's that these various factions worship, are actually involved. We do learn that part of the chronal transmissions that Adam Strange and his team have picked up are because Deacon Dark went back in time to bring Synnar to the future. We all thought that after he fought the Justice League, all those years ago, that he had died. If indeed an entity of his power can truly die. But, in actuality, Dark absconded with him immediately following that battle. So, while he's here now, he's also not at peak power because of the energy he had just expended there. Adam's team isn't aware of that though because he's still awfully powerful. Also Adam, convinced that the recent arrival to their system of Bizarro . . that he's the only one powerful enough to stand up to Synnar, and save Rann. However, Bizarro is currently on Throneworld, because of Star-man, to try to save it from the advancement of Lady Styx's forces. Adam has to make a decision. He decides to give Rann a chance. However, in the process, Lady Styx completely wipes out Throneworld and it's population. Star-man is overwhelmed with anger, and Adam is filled with remorse and self-doubt. That's how the issue ends, with our team at it's lowest. The Adam Strange special is going to fit nicely between this issue and the next. There's a spot in this story where Adam seems to 'zone-out' . . that's where the Special fits in. Like I said, Jim is the perfect writer for this story. And if he can't also be the penciller, then Ron Lim fits perfectly with Jim's style. Jim is still doing the covers, but Ron is doing the interiors. I'm hoping that this series will lead to a resurrection of the 'Space' stories that used to exist in the DC Universe. And hopefully Jim Starlin will be the architect to that aspect of the DC line. There's a lot of opportunity here. I just hope they jump on it.

the Spirit #20 - DC

To me, the best part about this book is the covers. I like all of them, and I like seeing the Spirit in these ridiculous situations. However, the rest of the book . . for me . . just doesn't cut it. I do like the addition of Paul Smith on pencils. Remember when he was at his height with that streak on the X-Men? Anyways, he's adapted his style a bit for this book, and it works nicely with the 'spirit' of the Spirit. But, that doesn't mean that I enjoy the book any more. To me it just seems that since the inception of this line, the creators have worried to much about keeping the character, and the stories, more sophomoric than they need to be. Everything seems to be 'tongue in cheek', but, with the 'political correctness' of the world now a days, they seem to be unwilling to take the joke to far. We get a glimpse of where it could go, but . . there's no payoff. It's all anticipation . . and no climax. To me, the best issue of the whole series was a couple of issues ago, when, for some reason, they wrote in a whole lot of sexual innuendo. It made the book more interesting . . and edgy. Now it's just an average book, sitting on the shelves with the rest of the average books, trying to get attention through it's covers. Unfortunately, there's nothing to back them up.

DC Super Friends #6 - DC

While I appreciate that the Johnny DC line has another book aimed at kids, I'm upset that the JLA Unlimited book, and the Teen Titans Go! book were cancelled in the process. The line is also going to be gaining a Supergirl book shortly, but we're also going to be loosing the Legion of Super-heroes in the 31st Century. Of all of them, I hate to see the Titans and Legion book go. Other than the Justice League, these 2 teams have been around the longest in the DC Universe, but I don't think either of them get enough credit. It was nice to see both exposed to a younger, and newer audience. I thought it might be the chance for either of them to gain a little more prominence again. But . . I guess there were other plans. I really think, though, that this story is aimed at to young of an audience. This one seems to be aimed at the 6 - 10 crowd. It's enjoyable, but much lower than my expectations. I'm assuming that since this line is aimed at a younger crowd, they have to keep the material fresh . . which is why they're changing titles. They also seem to have a specified number of titles they want each month. According to my previous statements there were 3 cancelled, but only 2 put on. The third is the Billy Batson title, SHAZAM!. That's also a welcome addition, I just wish we didn't have to lose the other ones.

Astonishing X-Men #26 - Marvel

I absolutely loved the first chapter of this title. I thought that Joss Whedon and John Cassady were at the top of their crafts. My only complaint, and really it's a minor one, is that near the end they were having a problem keeping things on schedule. And, between #24 and #25, there was almost a 6 month gap. We did get the Super-spectacular, and the Sketchbook for the new creative team, but . . we had to go without one of the best books out there for a couple of months. Also, when the book first started, it was a little hard to tell just where the stories fit in with the regular X-Men continuity . . or if they did at all. That changed later on, but at first I almost thought the stories were taking place in another reality or something. They were fantastic, but they just didn't quite fit. Now were on to 'Chapter 2'. First of all the creative team is amazing. Warren Ellis and Simone Bianchi couldn't be a better match if they were soul mates. And were still getting Simone's incredible covers. Warren's writing is phenomenal. The intricacies he puts into his characters is absolutely amazing. I think he's the perfect follow-up for Joss. They're both heavy on the personalities and characterizations, which will make the flow between chapters seamless. Also they're both incredibly talented in creating the ideas and details that make their stories amazing. Secondly it seems that this title is now much more entrenched in the X-Men continuity. This title and Uncanny, in particular, really seem to be on the same track. My only comment is that I'd like to get to know Armor better. I think we need an issue dedicated to just telling her story . . although, I'm sure it's planned somewhere. Finally . . we seem to be on a more consistent schedule here . . so far. We're really only on the second issue, but . . they came out almost a month apart. That's a good start. I'm sure there will be some hiccups along the way though. I don't know how they'll be able to keep up these incredible incredible issues, and stay on schedule. I mean everybody needs down-time . . right? Anyways, this issue we learn more about the Space-craft graveyard, Chaparanga. They've gone there to find a mutant that seems to be a new form of mutant . . the next generation, if you will. They find him and can barely contain him. He ends up 'self-destructing', I think, but offers a warning before he does. "Bastards. If you think I'm going to let you make me tell you things, you're insane. One of us will get through. You can't stop the annex. You're all dead already." It sounds like it's another antagonist from the future, or a different reality or something. I guess that's why he needed to spaceships. Something to power up the portal. But right now, really, all we have are pieces of the puzzle. We don't know what the picture looks like yet. I have every confidence that this 'chapter' will live up to everything that we've come to expect from this book. They're already off to a brilliant start.

Spawn #181 - Image

Well, we're in the final story-arc before the creative change. It looks like David Hine is going to pull out all the stops and bring in everybody from Al's supporting cast on this one. It started out with that Vampire that supposedly infected Al, or the costume, with his own particular virus. I don't think it's a vampire thing . . it's something different. Anyways, first Al lost control of his costume, and now he seems to be on a mission . . one that wouldn't have originated of his own free will . . he feels he has to kill Wanda. I don't understand completely, but he feels that somehow killing her will save humanity. That leap in logic is a little confusing to me. But, right now, the only one who stands between Al and his goal is Cyan, and her grandmother. However, she is armed with the string that Al used to stitch up his costume, that time he was hurt and he wore it like a scar. You remember? Anyways, it's become a talisman of sorts, so she has it wrapped around a knife and is using it to threaten Spawn. Oh yeah, and on the string is Al's wedding ring. So Spawn takes Wanda on this metaphysical type journey, and while there he's able to separate himself from the symbiote costume. He can then save Wanda. However, that now leaves Nyx to fight the costume. Issue #185 is where they're going to switch gears. The new creative team will consist of Brian Holguin and Whilce Portacio. Plus, I guess, Todd himself is going to be taking a more active role in the title again . . covers, and some of the plotting I think. In the meantime, we can still be graced with Brian Haberlin's fantastic pencils. That's also his painted cover. I think it's stunning. Personally, I think this title is at it's peak right now. The run by the current creative team, I think, is one of the best ever in this book. So if the new creative team is going to even greater heights . . this book may be deserving . . again . . of the hype it had in the very beginning. We'll have to wait and see.

Fantastic Four #559 - Marvel

I've been a Fantastic Four fan for quite a while, but, I have to admit, I've really been diggin' this book since Mark Millar took over on the scripts. I think the books reached an all new level. I have the utmost respect for the writers in this industry, but you have to admit, in order to write a story about the smartest man on the planet, things need to go to an all new level. I mean, considering the characters, I don't think it's wrong in thinking that there would be world changing ideas, or views of things, almost every issue. It's what the guy does. Making things better, thinking through problems, trying to think of a better way to do . . well, almost anything . . it's how his mind works. It's as natural to him as breathing is to us. He can't help it, and I'm sure he can't shut it off. Well, since Mark took over, I feel like we're getting those fantastic ideas . . pun intended . . every issue. With Mark I just really feel like all the characters are performing to their natural potential. There's no limits . . and if there are, we haven't reached them yet. We recently found out that Johnny's girlfriend . . the bank robber . . was actually lying to him, big surprise, and was partly attracted to him because it was her job. It appears that Dr. Banner, or perhaps I should say Dr. HULK . . he's in his HULK persona, but has all the intellect of Bruce . . the HULK has put a group together that he's cristened the New Defenders. I'm not sure why he's picked that name, but he has. In the short time they've been together, they've captured Dr. Doom, Johnny this issue, and . . . Galactus. He claims that he needs them for a power source . . for some reason. Also this issue, Alyssa goes to Sue because she's upset about the Nu-world project. It appears that the people behind it have lied to her about their ultimate plans. They want the build an exact duplicate of our world, but, when it comes to populating it, they only want the save the cream of the crop. So now she's feeling betrayed, and Sue is the only one she feels comfortable talking to about it. Anyways, all these fabulous ideas are presented in the same issue. I think that's fantastic. And I haven't even had time to talk about Brian Hitch's incredible art. Like I said, I think, right now, this book is the best it's ever been.

the Amazing Spider-man #567 - Marvel

I liked the concept that was created here . . . another person claiming to be Kraven. This time it was a teen-age girl. And she seemed to have the stones to back up her claim. Of course she was tracking the wrong Spider-man. So basically, she was hunting a base-line human. Isn't that below her stature? I'm sure it would be if she knew. And if she really did have heightened senses . . or whatever . . as did the real Kraven, wouldn't she be able to smell the difference . . the way Vermin did? Since Vin took off with Kraven, and took Peter's costume, last issue, Peter was forced to go to Matt and borrow one of his Daredevil costumes. That logic seemed to be kind of a stretch. But anyways, he's looking for Vin and comes across Vermin. As they're fighting, Vermin says, "Your ssscent, not like Daredevil. Smellssss like Ssssspider." Don't you think Kraven would also have noticed the difference? Unless, like any other teen-ager, she was slacking when she did her homework. Long story short, Peter finds Vin, and it takes both of them to get Kraven even close to being on the ropes. She's just to strong and to fast. But then Vermin comes back, and he's pissed off. He doesn't like it that she's invaded his territory . . the tunnels. So while they're going at it, Peter and Vin take off for the hospital. At the end we find out that not only did Kraven capture Vermin, but she actually is the original Kraven's daughter . . . Sergei Kravinoff. I want to say that I've been impressed by some of Marc Guggenheim's stories. And Phil Jimenez is one of my favorite artists ever. However, like I said in the beginning, I liked the concepts that were presented here, however . . I didn't particularly care for the presentation of those concepts. I thought the story was a little weak. There were some leaps in logic that were almost to absurd to be believable. I enjoyed Phil's work, but he only did the breakdowns. Andy Lanning did the finishes. It was ok, but it lacked the usual detail of Phil's work. A majority of the panels . . a large majority . . . had no back-grounds. On pages 4 & 5, out of 12 panels, only 2 had back-grounds. Anyways, I'm not trying to be nit-picky. For what it was . . I thought it was ok. It just seems like the story could've been thought out a little more, and I expected more of the art . . especially with Phil's name on the cover. I think we may be working these guys to hard . . putting out 3 books a month. But that's just my opinion.

Genext #4 - Marvel

I really like the feel of this book. It's a shame that's it's only going to be around for 1 more issue. It was interesting to see this possible future of the X-Men and their progeny. Of course Chris Claremont does a fantastic job of getting us acquainted with these new characters. We get a lot more interaction this issue because they've gone off on a mission of sorts to find their friend No-name. I really think she needs a better code-name than that. But, I guess it's her choice. I like the way that we learn about these characters through the way that they react to the current situation. Chris really has a way of making us feel at home with these kids, even though we've really only known them for about 4 months. But that's Chris' strength. I'm also really getting to like Patrick Scherberger's artwork. It kind of has a pop style to it, but he's also very good with his framing and sequences. Everything flows very nice. At the end of the issue, we finally get to see what the 'old' X-Men look like. We see Scott, Bobby, Warren and Hank. But, I think they're all under the control of this Black Marvel, Janine Grey. They literally come in right at the end, so we don't really know what exactly is going on with them yet. Cliffhanger endings . . another Chris Claremont trademark. The problem with this story though, is that it's really only 1 possible future. So, Marvel can't really pursue it because it would lock them into a path that they may not necessarily want to follow. You know what I mean? That's not to say that if they get enough demand they might revisit these kids sometime in the future, but . . that's all that's really in store for them . . a series of mini-series. That's to bad . . . there's really a lot of potential here. But, I'm putting the cart ahead of the horse. We still have 1 more issue left so . . anything can happen.

X-Men: Secret Invasion #1 - Marvel

This was an interesting book. Basically the Skrulls have decided to make San Francisco one of the launching points, for the invasion. Unfortunately . . for them . . their intel seems to be a little behind because they aren't aware of the X-Men's recent arrival here. They're still a force to be reckoned with but, they were expecting little to no resistance. The interesting part about this whole thing for me is that these Skrulls actually think that there mission is a Holy War. They believe that they've embarked upon a crusade. Which actually makes them even more dangerous because now they believe that anyone that dies . . . "They will be remembered and honored." Also they have this orb with them that they call 'the Unborn One'. Apparently it links telepathically with whomever is in possession of it because Kurt ends up with it after their skirmish and it keeps promising him . . "Meditate on me, and you will find what you seek." So I'm wondering, is this whole thing actually the Skrulls idea or have they been brainwashed by this alien orb? Interesting! Mike Carey wrote this story. I like the way that he's handling the particpants on both sides of this . . . Crusade? Also Cary Nord's art is perfect for this book. There's some scenes in the beginning where Bobby is making this ice-fog, to try to hide the city, and we see these Skrull ships flying through the fog with nothing but the city lights to illuminate their way. It really has a great feel to it. And how hot does Emma and Laura look on that cover? Yeowzaa!