SOLO #12 - DC

This months focus is on Brendan McCarthy. This guy draws some seriously twisted stuff. I puts me in mind of some of the psychedelic stuff from the 60's and early 70's. But I really like it. Unfortunately this is the last issue in the series. That's to bad too. There's a lot of great artists out there that really could've exploded their talent through this book, for greater exposure in the market place. But, we'll never see it again. How Sad!!! Truly!!! Oh well, I still have 12 good issues to go back and peruse. If you can find this series on E-Bay though, you should pick it up. Some pretty cool stuff.

Teen Titans #38 - DC

This is one of my favorite team books out there. This issue has a new artist, Carlos Ferreira. I like his stuff so far. Some of his perspectives are a little ascew, you can tell he's fairly new at this. But I can see a lot of potential in his work. He almost has an Ian Chuchill quality to him. Anyways, things are up in the air for the team again. This time they want to kick Ravager and Kid Devil off the team. But they aren't leaving without a fight. I know that there's going to be a Titans East coming up here pretty soon, so this might be the beginning of that. With this issue, they start their look for Raven. First stop, the USSR. They hook up with Red Star, to find out if he knows whats going on. He seems to have himself quite the little operation set up over there now. Apparently some aliens invaded Moscow a couple of months ago. Red Star single handedly stopped the war which lasted a week. Since it was televised all across Russia, the President has appointed him "State Protector". With the Rocket Reds as his Deputies, kind of. And he is living in one of the Alien spaceships and using it as a base of operations as it hovers directly over Moscow. They find a Journal that Raven left behind. It appears that during the Year Later, while Vic was "unoperational", there were over 20 different members in and out of the tower. One of them stole something from her. And that is why Raven is on the run, to try and retreive it. We do get a glimpse of her. She appears to be running through a wooded area, but we don't know where, and we don't know who's chasing her. Great Book!!!!!!!

Superman/Batman #29 - DC

Mark Verheiden and Ethan Van Sciver are back again for part 2 of the attack of John Jonzz. Or is it? Bruce decides to go to the source, the Martian Manhunter, and although he finds out it wasn't him that attacked, he is insulted that Batman would even think such a thing. Next, whover it is, takes control of John Stewart. It also goes to the Daily Planet and poses as Lois Lane. But, when it's exposed by Lois, the real one, it transforms into a caveman from Krypton. Hal Jordan shows up to help them cart off the creature, but then he turns on them, as it seems he is under it's control. And finally all of them are attacked by Killowog. Not sure who or what it is, but I don't think it's actually controlling the people, I think it's controlling rings. Quite the mystery. Anyways Mark writes an action packed story, and Ethans pencils, I think, just get better and better every issue. He was already awesome. But now, he's becoming a master. By the way I this isn't the actual cover to #29. I think this is the cover to issue #30. But, I think DC has thier cover pictures messed up. #31 & #32 look like the same cover, just different colors. So I apologize.

X-Men #190 - Marvel

This book is fan-freakin-tastic. These Supernova's, aka "Children of the Vault", are attacking the X-Men, because Creed is under their protection. They are up to some master plan. But, in order for it to proceed at the desired pace, they must remain under the radar. Creed is the only person alive who has seen them, so he, and anyone he comes in to contact with, must be disposed of. And Creed is genuinely scared of them. They send in Northstar, yes he's dead, and Aurora to do their dirty work, and also so they don't have to risk futher exposure. The 2 that are attacking the X-Men are Serafina and Perro. They are working for someone named Sangre. Lots of cool stuff happens including Iceman being fried all the way down to steam. He eventually goes from steam to ice to bring himself back, but he doesn't have the strength to go all the way. So Mystique, being the humanitarian she is, helps him by making out with him. That or she just gets really horny in stressful situations. Really though, I think she's just trying to give him something to focus on so he can come the rest of the way. Also Cable returns this issue. He's looking good to. Apparently he's got the technovirus under control. And finally, the end of the issue, Serafina comes across Lady Wyngarde and decides to play with her. I'm not sure what she's up to, but Sam happens to be in the room and he gets sucked in to it. Good thing he's immortal.

X-Factor #10 - Marvel

Another new artist on this book. What's this make, 4 or 5 so far on these first 10 issues? But I have to admit, I like this one. His name is Renato Arlem, and he definitely has a unique style. Can we keep this one for more than 1 or 2 issues? Please!! Anyways, other than that criticism, I really like this book. We're dealing with a kid this issue, obviously an immortal, because we first see him in Wales in 1347 burning down his village because they're treating him bad because they think he's a witch. We then see him looking over the village talking to Mr. Tryp, from Singularity Investigations, or at least some kind of astral projection of him. We then come back to X-Factor headquarters, where Jamie has just found out that one of his dupes has been running around sleeping with all the female teammates. It's a good thing , and bad thing. Well everyone except Layla that is. Because she says, "I'm saving myself for our wedding night." We then have a scientist, who works for Singularity Investigations, that comes to X-Factor for help and protection. But as Guido is driving him he gets a call, later we find out from Mr. Tryp, and he kills him. We also get a glimpse of Pietro, who is still "gifting" people, as he gets a visit from Rictor. I really do like this book. But please settle on an artist.

Ultimate Fantastic Four #33 - Marvel

This issue starts a new storyline with a new creative team. Mike Carey is the new writer, and Pasqual Ferry is handling the art chores. There's some kind of aliens that have ported into NYC. They just happen to crash in to the same building that Sue and Reed are shopping in. From what we get from thier conversation, it sounds like they're running from another dimension. They try to adapt and fit into the local form, but not before they have a slight altercation with Sue & Reed. But then they camoflage themselves and slip out. They need to find someplace for a ship to land. Meanwhile the motorcyle looking thing that they came riding in on gets left behind. So naturally Reed has to take it back to the Baxter Bldg. to examine. They also dropped "seed" which is thier device to signal home with. Another odd thing is that all theses devices seem to be alive. Anyways, since they can't "phone home" now, they have to find "seed" which is also in Reed's posession. It appears to me that Sue and Reed are just looking for trouble. That or it just always finds them. Well this issue ends with the aliens gaining entry into the Baxter Bldg., disquising themselves as kids, and when confronted by Johnny, they destabilize his power and it looks like he may burn down the building. Good start to a storyline. I'll miss Mark & Ryan, but I'm sure these guys are more that adept to fill thier shoes.

Spawn #159 - Image

Ok with this issue, were being pulled deeper into the heaven and hell storyline. At the end of last issue Wanda had decided to go into the other room and put a gun to her head. The revelation about her kids, and her role in the whole heaven and hell war, was just to much for her to handle. This "Mother" creature though, slows down time so Spawn can save her. He has a very specific role to play in the war, and if something happens to Wanda, and his love for her is broken, he will not have the strength to play his role. Meanwhile Terry is blaming Al for this whole thing. All he really sees is what's being done to his family, his kids, and his life. And in his eyes it's all Al's fault. After Spawn pleads with her, the "Mother" erases all the memories for Wanda and Terry, and fixes the surroundings so they won't know what has transpired. But Cyan still knows. Cyan is also special and has a specific role to play. But we don't know what that is yet. "Mother" trys to explain to Spawn what his role is, who will be at his side, and who he needs help from. But of course she has to do it in the mystical way where she gives him just enough information to pique his interest and cause him to have more questions then he did before. The one thing he does know, is that in order to get Cyan ready, he has to show her his true nature. Which is not pretty. But it works, and the bond between them is now even stronger. We also see what Cyan and Spawn think it the Rapture. Thousands of souls being called to heaven, so they can be off the earth before the end of days. But, it looks like what's really happening is heaven is calling up a bunch of souls, so they'll have more angels to fight in their war. I like the direction this book is heading right now. And this storyline should keep it going there for many issues to come.

Eternals #3 - Marvel

Neil Gaiman is creating an awesome story here. What's really incredible, is that he's doing so while still remaining true to all the history and heritage that has gone on before. Also John Romita Jr's artwork is phemononal. When he puts this much effort into a project, it really shows. The only reason I say that is because his work of late, in various mini-series, is so much more detailed than when he participates in a series. No disrespect meant. But, I really much prefer his work on the mini's because it seems like he takes his time, and enjoys the finished project more. I'm guessing. But, something is shining through in his work. Ok, we're back to dealing with some Eternals, in their human guise. And apparently, they don't remember being Eternals. We got Mark Curry, Ike Harris, Sersi, Thena Eliot, and Deputy Prime Minister Druig so far. Although the last one, I'm not sure who's side he's on. Oh yeah, we also have the young one, I can't remember his name, that is the child TV star. At the end of the last book, the party that Sersi was in charge of at the Vorozheika Embassy, had been invaded by some terrorists looking to capture all the scientists in attendance. They were hired by Druig. But something went wrong and they are no longer taking orders from him. Mark jumps into action, literally, and gets rid of the bullets, the guns and most of the shooters. Thena jumps in to help a little too. But then Iron Man shows up. Mark is worried that if he really does have powers, that he'll have to register, so he's trying to keep a low profile. Iron Man trys to talk to Sersi, since she's a former Avenger, but she apparently has no memory of anything. And Druig uses his powers to slip out of the fray unnoticed. All this is being retold to the TV kid, by Mark, because he has felt some kind of connection to him, so he flew out to CA to tell him. Meanwhile, Ike Harris, Ikaris, who was atomized last issue, has reformed in some type of chamber in the Antarctic. He's seems to be a man that really can't be kept down. Awesome story. Awesome art. And cool cover. What more could I ask for?

Batman and the Mad Monk #1 - DC

What I really like about these mini-series that Matt Wagner is doing, is that is goes back to Batman's roots. They're set literally in the first days of his "coming out" as Batman. Everything he goes through, he literally is learning as he goes. He's not the "fine tuned" / "polished diamond" that he is today. He's not thinking of 14 different ways that he can bring a criminal down, before he even enters the fight. 3 of which are leathal. No this Batman, is just trying to make it through the night, and try to keep his mysterious / seldom seen persona. As he's fighting Catwoman he's thinking, "First, her . . . and then that poor wretch in the red cape and hood. Have I inadvertently given license to every crook with a flair for the dramatic?" I like this Batman. On the outside he's the rough, gruff, try to scare you out of your pants, Batman. But inside, he's still trying to justify what he's doing and why he's doing it. After Catwoman scratches him and drugs him he thinks, "Perhaps it's time I took to wearing armor underneath the outfit." He's still trying to clumsily balance his nocturnal activity with his social life. As is witness by Julie Madison's frustration over waiting for him to go shopping with her. And his relationship with Jim Gordon is still new and not completely without reservation. There's no "Bat-Signal" yet. Right now he's using a pager. And Jim, with Batman's help, is still trying to deal with, and even come to terms with, all the corruption in the Gotham city govt.. Including the Police Dept.. But on top of all this is a new storyline about what appears to be some Vampire type murders. I assume this is where the "Mad Monk" comes in. But, in this issue we don't see him. This issue is just laying the groundwork for the grand story. All we see of the protaganists so far is Dala, whom I assume is the person who goes out to retrieve the "meat". She mentions some "Brotherhood". And that, "Niccolai will be pleased." But that's all we know so far. This issue also, literally, picks up days after the "Monster Men" storyline. With Matt's unique style of art, and all the depth he puts into his stories, this should be a great series.

the Ultimates Annual #2 - Marvel

Very cool book. This story picks up after the destruction of the city by all the foreign super powered beings. However, there's another mystery unfolding. Alot of the dead bodies are turning up with some kind of white dust. Actually, not all the dead bodies, just the ones that are not of white ethnicity. Which brings up a memory for Steve of someone he fought during WWII. I like the way they did the art in this book. Mike Deodato Jr. does the art for the current scenes, and Ryan Sook does the art for the flashback scenes. It work together very well. Anyways this Arnim Zola was some Nazi scientist that was experimenting on humans during the war. Cap tried to stop him then. And, thought that he had. But, the Secret Service and the O.S.S. kept him alive after the war and brought him over to work on the post war Super-Soldier program. However, he really was dying as he was riddled with tumors. So before he passed, they mapped his brain to create an artificial intellegence. "Didn't want to lose all that crazy intellect." So now Cap, with the help of Falcon, have to bring him down again. They head out to some bunker in the desert and tear him a new one. Well, all they really have to do to him is shut him off. As he's really just a machine with A.I.. The good part of the story though is Falcon filling Cap in on all the stuff he missed while he was gone. And how the world has changed. Actually he was telling him what the people had to go through to bring about the change. Pretty touching stuff, and good bonds between Cap and Falcon. The Ultimates was the second book in the Ultimate line, behind Spiderman. But in my opinion it's one of the, if not the best, written books out there. Just wish it would come out more often.

Wolverine #45 - Marvel

Ok, Wolvie is still after Nitro. But now, he has to fight Namor, because he's after him too. He's also still fighting in the nude. Hasn't had time to stop and get dressed yet. He actually takes Namor and his crew down pretty quick. But, Namor heals pretty quick too. So he delivers a knockout blow and them absconds with thier prey. Wolvie tracks them, but loses the trail at the water's edge. However, because of some help from Iron Man, he continues his trek ala Iron Armor. Yes Wolvie is now Iron Wolvie. I mean the guy can't breathe underwater, so what's he going to do? Anyways he goes down and does a little posturing with Namor. In the end though, he realizes that Namor is better suited to deal with this guy, so he heads back to the surface. But not before he takes a chunk out of his arm. Like, his hand and most of his forarm. SNIKT!! Later Namor comes up to tell Logan that they did get the information he want from Nitro. Nitro's benefactor was Walter Declun, the CEO of Damage Control Inc. Very interesting! Logan just may be the one to figure out who started this whole "Civil War", why, and who's going to benefit from it. On top of the usual hype over Wolvie, we now have Humberto Ramos on the pencils for a few issues. Cool!!!

Hawkgirl #55 - DC

The Simonson / Chaykin team has struck again. At the end of last issue we saw Carter come back. But, is it really him. Somebody has arranged for Khimaera to be transfered out of the holding cell at the Police Headquarters. You just know how this is going to turn out. They find all the policemen dead and after she's sucked out their life force, they look like they've been dead for weeks. Obviously they want her to go after Kendra again. Whom, is busy talking to Carter to try to figure out what is going on. But she may not have much time left, because he seems to be aging by the minute. But the Khimaera, rather than attack her directly, as she's standing outside of her building, uses her powers to take over and control Carter. And with those powers, sends Kendra into a deep trance and trys to get her to commit suicide in her dreams. Meanwhile Hath-Set is also staking out the Halls. He's a little farther off than Khimaera, so he see's her and decides to let her play out her hand before he trys anything. Meanwhile Kendra has a meeting of minds with Shiera. Sort of. Somehow Shiera's spirit comes to her to try to break the bond with Khimaera. When she does, she finds out that Carter is really some gangbanger from the docks that had been mystically altered to look like him. He taps into Khimaera's powers again, so he can try to take down Kendra, but when Kendra slaps a piece of armor over his head the feedback causes his head to explode. Which really pisses Khimaera off so she decides to go in to take car of her herself. Which is where the issue ends. This is quickly turning in to a must read book every month. Excellent job guys!!

Heroes for Hire #1 - Marvel

Ok, this is a neat concept. It's not original, but it's neat. Especially with the whole "Civil War" thing. Basically, everyone is a hero for hire. But not all of them belong to this specific team. First of all the creative team is phenomenal. We go Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti on scribes, and William Tucci and pencils. This spells "H-I-T" already. Now, the lineup of characters, Misty Knight, Colleen Wing, Humbug, Shang-Chi, Tarantula and the Black Cat. But it appears that they have many more counterparts available. Basically, Misty is recruited by Iron Man, to start up a new team to round up the people that refuse to register. The first target the get is a new identity ring, run by one of Misty's old nemesis' Vienna. However, after a big tussle, and all the heroes/villians are rounded up, it turns out is was just a big sting operation. Vienna is actually on their side, along with Palladin and Orca, who show up before the ultimate capture, to aid in the clean up. This book was basically just an introduction. It's explains how and why the team is being put together, and it introduces you to each of the characters, with a little background history on each. There's a little bit of action with the sting, but it's mostly groundwork. I liked to first issue, but I'll wait until we get farther into the story before I attempt a legitimate opinion. I have high hopes though.

New Avengers #23 - Marvel

For some reason this book seems to be running a month or so behind the Civil War storyline. So we already know that Jessica Drew has joined Cap's resistance. But this book explains, I guess, how she came to that decision. She starts out being attacked and abducted by SHEILD. After interrogating her, HYDRA busts onto the scene and liberates her. Nearly crashing the SHEILD helicarrier right in to NYC. She wakes up to find herself on HYDRA island in the lap of luxury. It seems that the reason they abducted her is because they feel that Viper is unstable. So they want to have a 'coup. They want to get rid of Viper, and install Jessica as the new Madame Hydra. And yes they know about her double, or triple (?), agent status. "What keeps me going specifically is that four or five times in my life . . . I've had the honor . . .no, the privelage . . . of being on a HYDRA base somewhere in the middle of nowhere . . . . . just like this one . . . . . and blowing it and everyone on it straight to hell." , is what Jessica tells Connelly shortely before she does just that. She thens traveses the country going through all of Fury's old hidden bases looking for him, or Cap. She ends up finding Cap, and begs him, "Please take me! Please! I have nowhere else to go!" I'm just wondering how Bendis can right this many good books every month? Is the "Clone Saga" over in USM based on personal experience? Seriously, this man is a machine. They obviously have him chained to a desk in the bullpen. I just hope they're feeding him regularly.

Ultimate Spider-Man #99 - Marvel

We start out where we left off last issue. Peter is confronting Gwen in their old house. He saw out looking for MJ, but instead found Gwen, in their old burned up house, looking for him. He has a little bit of a breakdown. We then see MJ stuck in the bubble, "The Girl in the Bubble" (?), in the abandonded Oscorp plant, being held captive by what appears to be Peter. A disgusting burnt flesh, flesh eating disease, looking Peter. But, Peter none the less. Next we go back to the Baxter Building, where Sue and Reed are trying to examine the "Scorpion" Peter. Things don't go well, so they decide they have to call in General Fury. Meanwhile Peter, the original (?), and Gwen try to sort out what's going on. Also to try to explain to her, why he thinks she is a clone. But Aunt May, who has gone out searching for Peter and MJ, comes in on them. They chase her back to the house, but in order to try to explain the whole thing to her, Peter also has to "Come Out" about his being Spider-man. Talk about a lot to digest. He ends up hanging from the ceiling to try to prove it to her. She ends up asking him some obvious questions about the Osborne's and then kicks him out. Right on cue, Peter's dad shows up at the door. Man, this book leaves you hanging. I love the stories. I love the art. I love the pace. I love the idea of shaking up the norm, and disposing of preconceived ideas. I love this book. Give me some more!!!

JSA Classified #16 - DC

Ok this one wraps up the JLA chicks storyline. Stargirl, Vixen and Gypsy have gone to the mountains of Detroit (?) to try to save Wildcat. Amos Fortune, with the help of the Gambler, Sportsmaster and the Wizard are holding him in a trace where it seems that all he can do is get angry and fight. Amos has set up a fighting arena and every time the gamblers lose and he wins, his stellaration power, which is fueled by luck, grows exponentially. Stargirl is trying to fight against it, but of course she's not in Wildcat's league, so she's not accomplishing much. Gypsy however is in an astral form, and after vixen is severly beaten up, come in to contact with Mari's astral form. She fights to get her back into her body, or at least in contact with her animal powers. She does so and Vixen defeats the Wizard. That releases Wildcat from his hold, and with Gypsy's help, clears up his mind so he can focus on the real matter at hand. Meanwhile Stargirl confronts Amos, since is source of power has been disrupted, and uses her own star power to feed Amos and overload him like an overstuffed jelly donut. She sends him out into the atmosphere, and "POOF" he's gone. The most important thing that happens in the whole book, is the stuff we learn about Gypsy. I really think they're setting her up for something big here in the near future. And the line that has me thinking is at the very end when she's thinking to herself, "and that's why I brought all this into being, Mari . . . . to see that smile again." Ok, what does she mean she "brought all this into being"? How much of this did she actually orchestrate? And with another mystery surrounding Gypsy, how are we going to have the means to sort it out? Better that the last story arc, but still a little predictable. Except for the Gypsy part that is.

Warlord #7 - DC

The first page is a classic Warlord pose, in all his armament, addressing the people of Shamballah, with Princess Tara and Regine by his side. This is the way every Warlord book should open, with a full page, or double page, spread. Bart Sears' new style of art gets better and better every issue. I can see frames where he wants to slip back into his old style. But, he pulls away from it through the whole book. I'm very impressed. Alexa & Brovis are stuck on a very small island together. Brovis trys a little civility, but, then he trys to rape her. Terry however, now that he has the ship working, homes in on the tracking device in her medallion and arrrives in the nick of time. But, since the ship seems to be the instrument of Travis' power, did he just deliver the means to his destruction right in to Prince Bovis' hands? Terry seems adequately cautious of Brovis', but we'll have to wait to see where this part of the storyline goes. Meanwhile Travis', after just having liberated Shamballah from Brovis', delivers his victory and rebuilding speech to the people, and then enjoys the spoils with Tara and Regina. What a dog. But Regine has also found the diary of Travis', so she knows he's not really a god. And to drive the point home, Terry turns off the Jet almost at that same time, so Warlord converts back to Travis. They have a little touching moment on the beach, but then they are attacked by a giant sand crab. Travis ends up switching back to Warlord, but not in time to save Regine. It appears that she is dead. It appears that way. We'll have to wait till next issue to find out. I like the way the storylines are being handled so far. This is a series that shouldn't have a 1,2 or even 3 issue story-arc. Theses are stories that should carry us through at least 6,8 to 12 issues. And even then they aren't completely resolved. So far I feel that Bruce and Bart are living up to the Warlord tradition.

Batman #656 - DC

Ok, we're on the Morrison / Kubert ride again. Please fasten your seatbelts. Bruce is in London at a Pop-Art exhibit. The gallery is filled with frames from comic books. Bruce remarks, "all this comic stuff is way to highbrow for me." And when he looking at another piece he says, ". . . there's a message here somewhere. I know if I just stare hard enough. . ." Classic!! But the evenings festivities are going to be interupted by Kirk Langstom. He just gave Talia the Man-Bat formula, and she's about to crash the party with her very own kamikazee samuri Man-Bats. About 20 or them. The funny thing is, as these fight scenes are going on, you're put in mind of the TV show, because you have all of these comic frames in the background. We even get a glimpse of holiday dinner with Aunt Agitha. But as I said this whole thing was set up by Talia because she want Bruce to be in his peak form when she introduces him to his son. Talia says, "have you forgotten the night you and I shared under the desert moon above the tropic of cancer?" "I remember being drugged senseless and refusing to cooperate is some depraved eugenics experiment.", replys Bruce. To which Talia coyly says, "Believe me. . . . you cooperated magnificently." And the only thing his son says, as he's holding a sword to his throat is, "I imagined you taller." These are going to be some awesome issues with these 2 on board. Get a ticket, and keep your arms inside of the ride.

52 Week Sixteen - DC

It's another fantastic week of 52. This one's mostly about the wedding of the century, Black Adam & Isis. Renee and "Charlie" are trying to figure out how to get themselves out of this jam, when it dawns on Renee that intergang is going to hit the wedding. It had to do with the rat poison in the when with all the dead guys. I guess suicide bombers coat their bombs with it so that when the shrapnel hits, they'll bleed more. Pretty gruesome. Meanwhile, Mary Marvel, Isis' maid of honor, is trying to talk her out of getting married. But it's no go. While Captain Marvel is having a heart to heart with Black Adam himself. He's also performing the ceremony. And Captain Marvel Junior is in charge of crowd control. It's a family affair. Needless to say, Renee and "Charlie" stop the bomber, but, in order to do so Renee has to shoot her, a 14 or 15 year old kid, in the head. Meanwhile back on the crazy planet, Animal Man, Adam Strange and Koriandr' finally get the ship running and get it off planet so they can head home. And what's this next issue blurb? Lobo?? Man it just keeps getting better. And on top of that J.G.Jones does a Black Adam origin in the back of the book. Fan-Freakin'-tabulous!!!

Justice League of America #1 - DC

Brad Meltzer and Ed Benes really bring back the JLA with a bang. To start off we get 3 different covers. 2 different regular covers by Ed and a premium cover by Michael Turner. So basically I paid $23 for the first issue. But you know what, it was worth it. Right from the first page you can tell that they're going to do something special with this book. Basically there's 2 stories going on. One is Superman / Batman / Wonder Woman debating, discussing, heckling, and voting on who they feel the new members should be. The other story is about Red Tornado. This one involves Deadman too. Kathy and Will Magnus are sitting over Reddy's body, all the pieces were delivered to Will by Superman, so he could help in putting him back together. He's had his body blown up 6 or 7 times before, so they're just waiting for "John" to come back. There's a very touching discussion between Kathy and Platinum about the nature of love, and what attracts people. Obviously Platinum is still pining for Will. So during this we also get some of the background story on Reddy. We also get some glimpses at some other potential JLA'ers. Hal Jordan and Arsenal have a discussion and decide to go on a road trip. On their way out they stop to pick up Black Canary. Black Lightning is hanging out with the criminal element, trying to get some intel on upcoming agenda's. And Vixen is involved in a mystery of her own. We don't get to much info though. After some discussion with Boston Brand, Reddy decides to put his soul into a body, one of the Multiple Man's left overs. Actually way left over, because Multiple Man's dead now. He then decides to head home to suprise Kathy. Meanwhile, one of Miracle Man's nemesis' has gone after Reddy's robot body. We're not sure what the agenda here is yet, but, Batman tells Supe's and WW, ". . . . the whirlwinds are a great long range weapon for the team. But based on what I saw, the most powerful . . . and potentially dangerous. . . . thing Reddy's got going for him. . . . is the android body itself." At the end of the book, they also have published the first chapter of Brad's new book, "The Book of Fate". I'm telling you, how much more can they cram into the first issue. This book was astounding. Worth every penny of the $23.

Supergirl #9 - DC

This book just gets better and better every month. That last story arc with Karen, Power Girl, and the Nightwing / Flamebird story, was great. Joe Kelly really writes a lot of nuances into his stories, that make them very interesting. Boomerang is in this issue this month also. He seems to be everywhere, Outsiders, Robin and now Supergirl. The opening page is Karen sitting in a bar, smoking, wearing a ripped up black t-shirt, a loose skirt, and not sitting like a lady. Oh, and having a heart to heart with Boomerang. You also see Kara and Karen arguing, yes a chick fight, about how they got out of Kandor. Karen finally realizes that Kara basically sold them out because the "holy mother" gave her some info on Argo. There's a lot of interaction with Cassandra too. I think Kara thinks of her as a step sister sort of, after their time together on Paradise Island. She also goes and visits the Kents. Which is where the black t-shirt with the "S" symbol came from. It was Conner's, and she stole it while she was visiting. She doesn't want to have to worry about money anymore, so she sells a piece of Kryptonian technology to Bruce for a million dollars. And she still has time to save a little girl that walks out in front of a car by accident. When she finally goes home to unwind, Cassandra comes over because her and her mom got into a fight again. As they're sitting and talking, Kara gives the t-shirt to Cassandra because she knows it means more to her. It looks to me like Kara is trying to forge her own path, and she's certainly not holding to convention. But that's ok. We need some down to earth super-heroes. Not everyone can be a Boy-Scout. Oh, and did I mention that Ian Churchills pencils were astounding??

Birds of Prey #97 - DC

Again I have to praise Gail Simone. Up until a few years ago, I don't know what she was doing, but she seems to have the knack and style to come up with interesting thought provoking stories. I also like the new penciller, Paulo Sequeira. He is also improving with every issue. He's developing a real flair for these characters. And what a bunch of characters we have now. We have Oracle, Lady Blackhawk, Huntress, Black Canary (with her semi-adopted daughter Sin), Gypsy, and next issue maybe the new Batgirl/Woman. Right now they're dealing with Black Alice. She's a relative new comer, previewed back in issue 78 or 79 I think. But apparently she's one of, if not the, strongest magical weilders in the DC universe right now. She steals Cheetah's and Felix Faust's magic from them this issue. Which is, I guess, what her schtick is. She steals magical powers and then uses them against the weilder. Anyways, Talia, Cheetah and Faust come after Black Alice in her home in Dayton, Ohio. They've come to recruit her for the society. But, coincidentally enough, they come after her the same time the Birds decide that they need to check in on her. Of course a battle ensues and Alice is left not knowing who to believe. When Faust shows her her dead mother, that's when she decides she's had enough. So she vanquishes them all. After she steals their powers. And they're only vanquished to the outskirts of the city. So I guess she's not all bad. Yet! She then tries to take her Dad and her newly revisited mother home to calm them down. We also see a glimpse of Batgirl/Woman fighting crime in Gotham. Not much of her, but, she'll be in the next issue. I still don't know what Black Alice is doing with the black Wondergirl T-shirt on though. And she also has a copy of the Lariot. What's that all about?? I guess we'll just have to watch and wait to see this story unravel.

Blue Beetle #6 - DC

This is another one that's turning out to be a pretty decent book. But with Keith Giffen at the helm, I really didn't expect any less. Everything is converging on some "Fort" out in the desert that LaDama is taking all the magical entities she's been capturing to. Jamie Reyes and his crew go out there thinking that they're going to be breaking out all of these captives, only to find out that LaDama is actually protecting them. She says they're free to come and go as they wish. She also knows that Jamie is the Blue Beetle. The final twist comes at the end when he finds out that the Scarab, and his powers, are not magical but extraterrestial. Oh yeah, we also get to see the Phantom Stranger this issue. I like that we're learning a little more about the Blue Beetle every issue. But then I knew that Keith was a master story teller.

Astonishing X-Men #16 - Marvel

This book is incredible. Everything about it is "Astonishing". The writing is great. I love all the twists and turns Joss puts into his stories. The artwork is fabulous. I love John's cinematic style that he uses on all his pages. I'll tell you what, if they don't use Joss to write the next X-Men movie, they're insane!! Any one of these books could be a movie unto itself. So many things happened last issue. The Hellfire Club all but disabled the X team. The only one with any semblance of sanity is Kitty, but she's been sunk to the center of the earth. She was starting to make her way back up though at the end of last issue. Danger, the new entity that is the Danger Room come to life, has gone into orbit to visit Ord to tell him that he is destined to destroy the world. Now neither of these 2 things are aware of the other, presently. But I think all that will change in the next issue or 2. I mean if the X-Men are being attacked from 2 different directions, by 2 different groups, it's only logical that eventually they're going to come into conflict with each other. That could be a mess. For everyone involved. The other twists that come this issue is that Emma and the White Queen are 2 separate entities. And that SWORD is responsible for bringing Peter back to life, and that "the one mutant destined to destroy the entire planet. . . . is the one you brought back to life." Man this book leaves you wanting more.

Exiles #85 - Marvel

It took 85 issues, but finally, in the only book that could pull it off and explain it logically, it's an all Wolverine issue. Seriously! The Exile team now consists of all Wolverines. We have Patch, Zombie Wolvie, Alber and Elsie the androids, Weapon X, James Howlett and Logan from the future when the Sentinels are running the show. And they're going after an even worse Wolverine. One that's been merged with Scarlet Warlock, Quicksilver, Mesmero and Magneto to create Brother Mutant. "A single mutant combining the powers of all 5. He was never meant to exist, and he's sworn to kill every non-mutant on earth." Well, on his earth. So the time broker sends in all these Wolverines to take him out. The problem is this isn't the first batch they've sent. So they have to fight a whole army of Wolverines that Brother Mutant has at his disposal. They're all brainwashed. But, a brainwashed Wolverine is still pretty troublesome. Logan though, convinced that he's been sent into a steaming pile of a mission, convinces the timebroker to send him after the previously disposed of Exiles team, because, they are "the best they are at what they do." Tony Bedard writes some great humor into these stories. Some of the interactions between all these characters is priceless. Also it's good to see Paul Pelletier back on pencils. Hope he sticks around for a while. The last page, Patch comes face to face with Brother Mutant. Can't wait for the next one.

Wonder Woman #2 - DC

Princess Diana has just barely assumed her Diana Prince identity, and already there's complications. I do like the fact that Sarge Steel and Bruce are the ones that set up her new identity and job. It's cool that she's working with Nemesis too. But, they don't seem to be getting along to well so far. I think it'll also be interesting when her and Checkmate cross paths. I mean she's part of the Govt. now. The Dept. of Metahuman Affairs. It can only be a matter of time before they cross paths. Allan Heinberg has done a superb job, so far, of blending all 3 Wonder Women into the book. Donna is the obvious choice for Wonder Woman, but Cassandra is still in the mix. For a nice emotional scene with Cassandra also, check out the end of the new Supergirl #9. Anyways, Diana is up against Cheetah, Giganta and Dr. Psycho. And somehow she manages to not give up her new identity, even though a couple of times it was really close. She does seem pretty eager to call in her buddies though, Hal, Bruce and Clark. But in the end, just before she changes into Wonder Woman, Hercules comes to her rescue. Where did he come from? Have to wait until next issue to find out. First 2 issues have been incredible. The art is awesome too!! Thank you!!

Flash #3 - DC

Really my only complaint about this book, is that I can't believe they already have a fill in artist. I mean, it's the 3rd issue. Anyways. I like that they're keeping us off balance still about who the new Flash is going to be. Bart is the obvious one right now, so, I doubt it will be him. Griff would be the second choice, but, I just don't think he's right for the role. Plus, with this issue, he seems to have some plans of his own. Wally is another choice, but, he's still MIA. We get no further with that situation this issue either. I still think it's going to be one of the ladies. I really think it's going to be Val. Who by the way, this issue, finally showed Bart how she felt about him. But, we did get to see Jay in action this issue, so that's cool. I like the direction that this book is going so far. I hope they don't make us wait to long to let us know what's going on with Wally. But, I've liked Bart's character ever since he came back in time to visit. I wonder if his time travel has anything to do with the time flucuations that seem to be surrounding Booster? I mean, why wouldn't they? If one person coming back to live here from the future is screwing things up, I would definitely think that 2 would be a weird magnet. Oh wait, that was Blue Devil. Anyways, I can't wait to see where we go from here.

Hellblazer #223 - Vertigo

Ok I guess this is a stand alone issue. I kinda' had a hard time figuring out what was going on. From what I understand, Map, who is literally the spirit of London, is having a bad day. He's having bad dreams, and in his head, seeing the upper level in chaos, murder and mayhem. So, he contacts John. Apparently someone is trying to get to Map, and they're using his visions to do it. John gets the bright idea that getting him out of the city limits might help, as he would become disconnected with the City's spirit. But this backfires on him and almost kills Map. And things really do seem like they may get out of control without Map's loving guidance. So he rushes him back to the subway and supposedly things are back to normal. That part I get. The purpose of the whole story, I don't understand. Obviously we're probably being set up for some future story arc, but I don't really understand what the purpose of the whole thing is, or was. Hopefully we'll find out in the future, but right now, I'm lost.

Ion - Guardian of the Universe #5 - DC

Ok last issue we learned that who we thought was Kyle Rayner, tearing across the galaxy causing death and destruction, was actually Alex Nero, a street thug whom the Qwardians gave a yellow ring to thwart the Green Lanterns. But why is he pretending to be Kyle? And why does he seem to be on such a murderous rampage? Well, we don't get all the 411 this issue. But we do get to see Hal Jordan as he comes to face down Ion, whom he assumes is Kyle, and finds out that it is Alex. This really throws him for a loop, and of course they have a huge battle. But then the real Kyle shows up, fully rested and suprisingly in control of himself, after a brief respite on Mogo. Nothing like a little Mogo therapy. Hal can't make any headway with him, but, with Kyle's new powers, he mops him up pretty fast. Now he's on his way to OA with Alex trussed up looking like Hannibal Lector. I like the way their streching this mystery out. And I like the new depth and character their giving Kyle. I really hope he gets his own book after this Maxi-series. Ron Marz, keep up the good work.

Sam & Twitch #25 - Image

Ok, I ragged on this book last issue. Guess what? I'm gonna' rag on it again this issue. What a boring, predictable book. And what pisses me off the most, is that I've always liked this book. Not only does it read like an episode of Law & Order, and a bad episode at that, but it shows none of Sam or Twitches personalities that we've come to love. Forget about the story. Who cares! The only twist is that the wife confesses to the murder, but through the flashbacks we learn that it was the son who actually did it. The mother is just trying to protect him. And the only glimpse we even get into Sam or Twitch, is the final panel when his daughter comes home. Other than that, the whole book is forgettable. I am really disappointed in where this series is heading. If all of the books were like the last couple, there would never be talk of a movie, because, frankly, who would care?? The artwork is amatuerish too! No I couldn't do any better, but that's not what I do. And I've just come to expect so much better quality from the Spawn franchise. What a joke!