Outsiders #43 - DC

Here's another book that gets better and better with every issue. You can see the fight between Katana and Sabre on the cover. But the real twist is that all this undercover, or black ops, stuff that the Outsiders have been doing for the past year or so, has garnered the attention of Sivana, Shazam's criminal scientist rogue. He's actually been manipulating them for quite a while. They thought they were getting intel from Arsenal, through Batman. Well come to find out, it was actually Deathstoke impersonating the Batman. To go a step farther, it was Sivana hiring Deathstroke to pose as Batman and feed them the intel. He was using them to take out some of the competition. Or people he thought were going to prove to be a thorn in his side. Plus he's been trying to get his prized posession back from LexCorp that they stole from him. The Luddite. It's like a bomb that knocks out technology. Except it also fries the people's brains of those in it's blast zone. They forget everything, except the most rudimentary of functions. And he wants the Outsiders on his team. Well Katana has a few tricks up her sleeve, mainly that she can release the demons that her sword captures. So she releases Sabbac and take down Sivana's compound with hellfire. But of course Sivana and Sabre make a getaway. This is a cool book with great characters. I think Judd Winick is doing a fantastic job with this whole package. Keep up the good work!

the All New Atom #6 - DC

First let me say, I'm not a big Ladronn fan, but, I really liked his cover on this book. Also it looks like Eddy Barrows is going to be our new regular penciler. Yay! Don't really know the guy, but, his style is perfect for this book. And plus, I've just had enough of John Byrne. I mean, how many books does the guy have to do? Anyways, this are really coming to a head in Ivy Town. We have to factions of this "war" (??) coming to a head. The "Waiting", which is all the miniaturized aliens and their insect and science based culture. And their opposite "M'nagalah" and his worshippers and magic users. So we got this going on, then throw into the mix that somebody has dressed up a guy to look like the Atom, and with similar powers. The difference? He calls himself "Dwarfstar", and he's a psychopath. Somehow, even with all this going on, Dwarfstar still manages to make it to the Atom and engage him in a sound licking. Ryan can't beat him with physical prowess, so he uses his intellect. He shrinks down to fight him, and he keeps shrinking. Or course Dwarfstar keeps up, but then the Atom grows bigger and swiped Dwarfstar's belt on the way up. Leaving him stuck in microscopic size on the sidewalk. So much for him. For now! He also uses his intellect to beat the "Waiting". He surmises that with all the ant based technology, ".... that if an ant was damaged, it sent out an alarm pheromone. So, I hypothesized that concentrated, repeated damage should release that pheromone . . . or the "waiting-tech" version of it . . . . sending all their ships into a fighting frenzy so severe they even attack each other." He still has to figure out M'nagalah though. But then another mystery abounds when his dad's taxi driver says, "A bell, no spry matter." Which obviously doesn't mean anything, but it's an anagram. Ryan figures out it says, "Not Ray Palmer's belt.". Not a good sign. All I can say is, thank god for Gail Simone. Writer Extraordinaire!

Detective #826 - DC

Ok, I have to admit, Paul Dini is gaining favor in my book. I guess I was just so used to him writing the "Johnny DC" books, that I felt that his stories here were just as one dimensional. However, as time goes by, with this book, his stories I feel are improving. It still seems like they're all one issue stories. But, maybe that's what they're shooting for here. And Don Kramer, seems like he gets better and better with every issue. Wasn't a huge fan before, but, the more I see of him, the more I like him. Of course the colorist of this book helps a lot too. Very vibrant! In this issue, Robin is chasing some gang, and it just seems like things aren't going his way this nite. That is until, when he seems out of options, a mini-van stops to help him out. Maybe his luck is turning. Until he finds out the Joker is driving the van. So there's some flashbacks of him, Bruce and Dick working together. And the dialogue between Tim and the Joker is great. "I just happened to be out, enjoying the holiday atmosphere when I saw you with those thugs on your tail. So I thought "Hey, the kid's in trouble. Why not cut him a break?" I mean we never do this . . . just hang out. We're always trying to, I don't know . . . . . . is "destroy each other" to melodramatic?" The Joker tells him this as he's duck taped, tied up with Christmas lights and has an ornament shoved in his mouth in the passenger seat. But Tim stays calm. He knows that eventually the Joker will let him talk because he loves the banter. He waits for the perfect moment and then hits him with a Marx Brother's quote. "You can't fool me. There ain't no sanity claus." Then he gets him all flustered because Tim remembers what movie it's from, but Joker gets it mixed up. Or vice versa. But either way when he gets flustered, Tim makes his break. Of course he gets free, but Joker is knocked off the bridge by a passing truck, and he and Batman can't find his body. All in all a pretty decent book. But, the fantastic cover didn't hurt much either.

Batman Confidential #1 - DC

This is a new series that apparently takes stories out of the Batman mythos, that we never heard about. This one is written by Andy Diggle. It's good to see him back. This arc is written with his forte', a slant on the govt. and military. If you're not sure if he's good at that, just pick up his Losers series. It was awesome. Anyways, he coupled with Whilce Portacio really makes this book a must have. This story takes place about a year after Batman got started. It has to do with his Waynetech govt. contracts. They're trying to get a new contract, and Brace has to go toe to toe with Lex Luthor. He puts some of the usual Batman angst in his story, but he leans heavy on the weapons fighting tactics. I love the cover also. For the first issue in a series, this one really kicks it off with a bang. Great effort!!

Supergirl #12 - DC

I really like the direction that they're taking with this book. I mean it could be just like every other Superman book. You know . . . . but . . . with a girl. But no! It's different. She's a youngster. A youngster who doesn't know what she wants to do with her life. Who happens to be super powered. She's trying to find her own look, her own style, her own self. She doesn't want to be Superman's cousin. She wants to be her own person. It may seem selfish, but it takes a lot more courage to be yourself than it does to follow in someone else's footsteps, or to be the person everybody thinks you should be. So she's experimenting. But not to worry, she's got a lot of good people looking after her. I mean obviously Superman and Batman are keeping tabs on her. And Nightwing, and now Boomerang are also watching out for her. So I don't think she'll do anything so wrong, that it can't be fixed. The dialouge between Kara and Boomer is great. It's realistic, and honest and funny. And although Amanda Conner isn't the artwork I'm used to with this book, her look was perfect for this story. It has a young, fresh and very vibrant look to it. Oh, and on top of all that, we got to meet the new Terra this issue. I don't know if that's her official name yet, but basically . . . . . it's her. She's a great character too. So all around, a suprisingly good book. By that, I mean, we had a fill in writer and artist this issue, but the book was up to the standards of this series so far. Thank you!!

52 - Week Thirty One - DC

We get to see Captain Comet this issue. Well a little bit. Before he dies. The first time. Apparently he's good at this. In the Mysteries maxi series, he dies in the first issue also. Coincidence? I doubt it. Anyways he on a planet that's being overrun by some kind of alien presence. Their ships are cubes, and their soldiers are. . . . well basically . . . .zombies. They just keep chanting "believe in her". Two GL's answer Comet's psychic distress call, but the Guardians refuse to help them. We then move on to Nat and Infinity Inc.. She's having a conversation with Jade, Sierra, because she's kinda' creeped out by Hannibal. Jake shows up to talk to them, but he's actually Hannibal in disguise. He makes out with Nat, then moves on. Meanwhile, Cassandra, who of course is hanging out by the Superman / Superboy memorial, is confronted by Ralph Dibny and Fate. He's trying to help Cassy out, but now she's fixated on Supernova being Conner. Ralph knows he's not, because, Ralph is probably the only one who knows who Supernova actually is. Back on the planet Captain Comet is on, the invaders have killed everyone, included the two GL's. Captain Comet is flayed and crucified. It appears these aliens all answer to Lady Styx. Who happens to be who Lobo is taking our outer space adventurers to met, to fight with for him. Great stories, and great art. We only have 21 issues to go. But it keeps getting better and better.

New Excalibur #14 - Marvel

This is part 2 of a 3 part story. Cain has been losing his power, because he trying to be on the side of angels. Well, unfortunately, that's not what his power is all about. So he's gone to Korea, specifically to the temple of Cyttorak, to retake the gem and get his power back. Obviously it's not going to be that simple. Cyttorak wants him to earn it. And to piss him off, he let's Cain know that he wasn't even the first choice for the Juggernaut power. It was Xavier. That'll probably get his blood boiling. Anyways, the rest of the team is hot on his trail, but as they enter the woods around the temple, they're all taken over by a form of bloodlust. They're all bickering and snipping at each other. And while they all have legitimate points, they're taking it way. . . . way . . . . overboard. I like the team that they've assembled for this book. It's a great cast of characters. Also Frank Tieri and Jim Calafiore do a fantastic job on the creative side. I hope that this incarnation sticks around as long as the first one.

Uncanny X-Men #481 - Marvel

I really do love this book. Ed Brubaker is a fantastic writer and Billy Tan is equally impressive on pencils. But this story, "Rise & Fall of the Shi'ar Empire" is really starting to drag. I'm sure we'll see some more action next issue, because the Starjammers joy the fray. But this one seems like a history lesson of the Shi'ar. Our X-men are stuck trying to retrofit the ship they're in, while Xavier in on the Shi'ar home-world being tortured by the evil Vice Chancellor K'tor. He seems to be trying to make a bid to take over the empire for himself. Or maybe it's for his mentor Chancellor Araki. They seem to be in on it together. And we have no idea where Vulcan is. Actually we haven't seen him in the last 2 issues. But Rachel, who mind melded with Korvus and the Phoenix blade last issue, somehow is feeling connected to him now. And their bond is stirring base emotions in both of them. Meoooww!! Anyways, Darwin was also on board the ship that brought the Prof. to the home-world. And at the end of this issue, he starts to make his bid for an escape attempt. I really do love this book. Like I said, there just wasn't a lot of action this issue. More of a history lesson. But it was still good. And there's still 5 more issues in this storyline, so it could all hit the fan pretty quick now.

Wetworks #3 - Wildstorm

Ok, so far Colonel Dane only has Persephone, a vampire and an excellent fighter, and AB-Death. They're chasing after the Blood Box. Apparently some scientists were doing some experiments, trying to fish through the bleed into other dimensions. They came upon a place called Thea Mater. A dimension not unlike our own, but apparently overrun with Vampires and Demons. That's where the Blood Box, and Vascar came from. Vascar is some kind of hybrid Vampire who is trying to do the Blood Box's bidding. And right now it's asking for body parts. Lots of them. Dane was also trying to get Rachel Rhodes, the Mother One Cyborb, rebooted to help him out. He failed, but after he left, she got herself rebooted, and did her own repairs. Talk about determination. We don't really know what Blood Box and Vascar are up to, yet, but, they're doing a lot of killing and dismembering in the process. When it just about looks like Vascar is about to take out Dane and his team, Rachel and Detective Ashe, also from Thea Mater, apparently, show up to chase him off. But he was going to leave soon anyways. Whatever it was that he needed to make the Blood Box happy, I guess he got enough of it. At the end of the book, Ashe takes everyone to Thea Mater to show them what's really going on. Great start to a new book. But with Mike Carey writing, I knew I'd like it. Also Whilce Portacio has jumped right back in. Great looking pages.

Teen Titans Go! #37 - DC

This was a silly book. It's told in prose. It's supposed to be like a "Nite before Christmas" story. "Twas the nite before Christmas, and all through the tower, not a Titan was stirring, not at this early hour." You know . . . . yada yada yada. Anyways it a battle with Mumbo Jumbo, and Silkie ends up with Mumbo's magical hat by accident. Very silly story, but exactly what you would expect from this book. This is a great book for kids. My nephew can barely read, or he doesn't really like to. But he loves to read these books when I buy them for him. Hey . . . reading is reading. The more he practices the better he'll get. No matter what the source. So I say, more power to these books. Especially if it brings young readers into the comic fold. We have to perpetuate this medium somehow.

Deathblow #2 - Wildstorm

This is a cool book. Last issue, the govt. inadvertently rescued Michael Cray, aka Deathblow, from a foreign prison. Sort of. More of a gulag, really. Anyways, they went there for someone else, but accidentally killed him. So they couldn't go home empty handed. They looked around a little bit, and found Deathblow. They took him straight to Guantanamo bay for debriefing. Now, with this issue, they're trying to put him back into civilization. I don't think they're necessarily trying to get rid of him. I think they're just scared of what he's capable of. So, I guess, while debriefing him, they also did some subliminal suggestions, to try to keep him calm, and with no desire to get involved in any kind of conflict. Well he's staying out of trouble, but, he also knows there's something wrong. He's not responding to situations the way he normally would. He's so bothered by this that he has a hallucinatory conversation with the neighbors dog. From the looks of the final pages, it appears that he's going to attempt to take on the role of some kind of masked vigilante. Oh yeah, he also got pushed over the edge a little bit, when they took him to introduce him to his kids, which he barely remembers, and then they told him that his wife had been killed. It'll be interesting to see where he goes from here.

Loveless #13 - Vertigo

This sketch cover looks nothing like the cover of the book. Sorry. I have another problem with this particular issue, I'm lost. We stepped away from the storyline that we've been following for the last 12 issues. We're still in Blackwater. But I'm not sure if it's past, present or future, . . . . . from the other 12 issues. Don't get me wrong, the writing is superb. And the pencils are perfect for the era that they are depicting. I'm just not sure how this story fits in with what we've already seen. It's about a man, who lives in Blackwater. I assume he's come home from the war, and because of injuries, has to have part of his leg amputated. Well during this whole drama, he's thinking about a gal he knew when he was younger. From his recollections, I assume he's been off to war a long time. Anyways, he just can't get the woman out of his head, so he's writing her a letter. This letter serves as the main dialogue of the story. At the end, she gets the letter, but can barely remember who the guy is. And he's sitting on the ground next to his wheelchair, burying something. Like I said, I'm not sure how this fits into our continuity so far. Hopefully they explain it better next issue. We'll see.

Aquaman : Sword of Atlantis #46 - DC

Ok, I like this book. But, this one illustrates the problem with the "52" concept. We jumped into the future 1 year, with the "1 Year Later" story lines. And then, from what I understand, is that the "52" series is supposed to fill in most of the blanks. But, that series is up to the 30's, and we haven't even heard anything about Aquaman yet. So this storyline, has to slow down a little, in my opinion, so that it doesn't get to far out ahead of the "1 Year Later". If they get to far ahead, nobody will care anymore, because we've moved past that. But if they take it too slow, things will start to get sluggish. They kind of have the same problem over in Outsiders, in that, again, "52" is in the 30's and we still haven't heard what happened to Boomerang or how he ended up with the Outsiders. Now don't get me wrong, I still think that all in all they're good concepts. But this book, I feel, is having to deal with the downside of the experiment. Like I said, I still like this book. And don't mind reading a flashback story every now and then. Even if it is just a filler. But I'm just wondering how "52" is going to catch up to this. I'm not really criticizing either series. It's just an observation.

Guy Gardner - Collateral Damage #1 - DC

This one is written and drawn by Howard Chaykin. So I know I'm going to love it. And it's about war and conflict, which he does a fantastic job with, so I know it's going to be exciting and action packed. Of course we get a glimpse of many of the GLC, but obviously the focus is on Guy. I think we see the rest, so we can get an idea of how Guy is different. We start out dealing with the Rann / Thannagar war. Gnort has come to Guy because they want to mediate a truce, and they want someone who is unbiased. Looks like they picked the wrong guy for that. But really they mean someone who hasn't picked a side in the war. So they want Guy to do this, and they want to do it on neutral ground, at Guy's bar, Warriors. Guy not up for this, but both representatives are pretty hot babes, so he convinces himself. Well, come to find out we also have the Tormocks, who are out to eradicate the Vuldarian race. You know that's the one that mixed their blood with Guy's to turn him into the Warrior. So they see him as a threat. So, right during these peace talks, they show up to try to kill Guy. Now I know Guy is an idiot, sexist and completely obnoxious, but I'm willing to bet that by the end of next issue, through the battle and their heated engagements, that somehow Guy is going to end of getting with both these women. It shouldn't happen but it will. Mark my words. Anyways, nice book. I can't wait to see how it wraps up next issue. And does this mean that maybe we see a Guy Gardner monthly in the future? I hope so. Keep your fingers crossed.

American Virgin #9 - Vertigo

I'm still having a little bit of a hard time getting into this book. And I'm not thrilled with the art. But, this issue pretty much wraps up the first storyline about Adam searching for the killer of his girlfriend. There are also some good messages in here. Adam finds out that Mel has been using him all along to get to the killer. Well, he's not after that killer per se, but rather the religious group that he represents. Once Adam figures this out, all he has to do is find Mel and he'll find the killer. But it's kind of an empty victory. He realizes that he can't kill someone, and that he's never going to be able to convert him. So he comes in with the upper hand, but ends up laying underneath him ready to be flayed. But then Mel comes in and shoots him. Adam is kind of relieved and sorrowed at the same time. Which is where the other message comes in, because when Adam first got there, he and the killer had a heated debate about their beliefs. And, where I see the real problem, and the same can be said about the different religions in our world, is that both sides feel that they're right. And both sides feel that god has instructed them on what to do. And both sides feel that what they're doing is for the greater good not only of their people, but of the world. But, what I don't think both sides are getting is that they're serving the same god. Different names. But essentially the same god. So anyways, this book kind of reflects whats going on in the world now. In a way scaled down version, but still the same. And this is the first one of the 9 that has really given me something to think about.

Warlord #10 - DC

First props to Phil Winslade for such an awesome cover. It really captures the look and the feel of the Warlord. Secondly, I want to say that I'm really disappointed, because this may very well be the last issue of the Warlord. Say it isn't so!!! Everybody should send messages to DC and tell them how much we love this series. We've all been waiting for years to finally get some new adventures from Travis and company, only to have it cut short after a mere 10 issues. Is there no justice? Is there no vision? Is there no one else out there reading my blogs or this series? I can't believe that. And I really felt that Bart Sears' style for this book, was adapting well. How can we stop this injustice? Warlord has been one of my favorite comics since it's inception. Granted I probably didn't start reading it until, somewhere between issues #20 to #30. But, I went back, got them all, and have been a fan ever since. Yes I'll always have the Mike Grell look in my head, but I thought that Bruce Jones and Bart Sears were doing quite nicely. Plus it was good just to see the Warlord back. So now I have no Mike Grell, and no Warlord. And on top of that, our story about Shamballah and Regine, Brovis, Alexa, Terry and Tara has been left undone. This issue was a story plucked out of the Warlords rich history, which is fine, but it wasn't an extension of the previous 9 issues. This was a stand alone issue. Please, I'm begging, don't let the Warlord drift into obscurity! Please!!!

Ion - Guardian of the Universe #8 - DC

I really like this cover, because I really feel like it has a Gil Kane vibe to it. Especially the girl posing in the middle. If that's it's intention, then it's a great homage. This book is about Kyle going back to one of the planets that Nero caused damage to, and trying to right the wrongs that he created. Even with all this power, he feels the constant need to prove that he's a hero. Also, for some reason, the Monitors are paying very close attention to him. For that, we'll have to wait for news at 11. We also have the Guardians interrogating Nero on how or why he was transformed. They feel that someone is out to destroy the Guardians. Anyways, Kyle goes to the planet and does battle in an arena for this planets population. Actually he's kinda' diggin' the princess. But, he does have the right intentions. Of course he wins the battle, without his powers and saves the day. As a reward, the princess offers herself to him. But, before they can knock boots, Guy shows up to tell him that there's a problem with his mother. On the final page, we have some kids in California that have found a different Green Lantern. Very interesting! But we'll have to wait till next issue to learn more. I really hope that they have some future plans for Kyle after this series. I hate to see such a great character just fade away. If they can keep Hal & Guy & John Stewart & Allen Scott around all these years, I'm sure they have some room for 1 more. Please!

Flash #6 - DC

We're finally working through the first story arc of this book. Bilson & Demeo are doing a fantastic job with the scripts. Also, Ken Lashley is back on board, and he and Andy Smith on pencils, make an awesome artistic duo. They compliment each other very nicely. By the way I noticed that the Flash found himself at the intersection of Fox & Anderson streets in this issue. Nice kudos! Anyways, Bart is going after the Griffin because he's taken Jay. He believes he can suck the energy out of him to keep himself alive. Of course the Flash beats him, but not before Jay has died. However, Bart uses the speed force to bring him back to life. Huh! Who knew he could do that? Also we have Mota, with the help of Inertia, trying to use his daughter Valerie's body, to help himself get back to reality. Also in his final battle with Griffin, Bart almost drowns. In that instant he remembers what happened during the crisis with Superboy and the Speed Force. This is the first time we've seen Wally in over a year. Basically everyone funneled their speed force in to Bart, so that he could beat Superboy back to our earth. But that still doesn't explain what happened to Wally. I guess we'll have to wait for future issues for that story. Anyways, nice book, and a great start to the series.

Green Lantern #15 - DC

Another awesome cover by Ethan Van Sciver. The interior art was just as incredible. Like I said last issue, I really liked Ivan Reis' artwork when he was working for CHAOS, and I always wondered why he wasn't working for one of the big guns. Well now he is, and he's shown everyone that he's a master of his craft. The panel on pages 4 & 5 that has the Crimson Fox pawing over a snow covered Hal, is beautiful. And the final page with the JLA confronting him, is incredible. Anyways, we got lots of subplots going on this issue also. The Guardians are trying to pick apart Hank Crenshaw for information about his role with the Manhunters in sector 3601. They also want to know about "52". Also we have Amon Sur, who is on planet, and after Hal's ring. He feels that he should've gotten it when his father Abin Sur died. Then we had Krystal, in Salisbury England, who has just become the new Star Sapphire. Who knew that bad could look so sexy. Then we have the planet Qward in the antimatter universe. It seems that they're busy training their own corps, and they're also sending out power rings into our universe. Yellow power rings that is. I guess they're looking for the next Sinestro. Oh yeah, and then back on our world, we have the Rocket Reds, the Global Guardians and the JLA all squaring off over who's going to take custody of Hal Jordan. Brilliant direction on this book, and I love the writing and art. Keep up the good work.

Batman / Spirit #1 - DC

This was a fun book. Of course they had to create a first meeting with Batman and the Spirit. But the way they played it out was pretty good. Of course with Jeph Loeb on the script, I didn't expect anything less. What I was really surprised by was Darwyn Cooke's pencils. I'm not a huge fan, but they were perfect for this story. I assume he's going to be on the monthly also. He's trying to fill some mighty big shoe's, of Will Eisner's. Good luck to ya' bro. They brought in all of the Spirit's and the Batman's huge ensemble of characters. So you got to see a little bit from both sides of the fence. Overall it was a nice book and I liked it. I'm looking forward to the monthly.

Ultimate Vision #0 - Marvel

I liked this book, but was a little confused. It seems like it took place before the end of the last mini series, "Ultimate Secret". But then next issue takes place back in regular time. I'm just a little confused. I'm sure it'll sort itself all out next issue. Anyways this one is written by Mark Millar. So you know it's going to be fantastic. Also John Romita Jr. does the art. I really liked it. I got a lot of information about the Vision, what it's gone through, where it's been, and what it's purpose is. Too bad it's been corroding in some Soviet bunker for the last 50 years or so. The main character in this book, besides the Vision, is Sam Wilson, aka the Falcon. He really doesn't do a whole lot, but observe. The Vision actually does most of the work his/her self. So next issue, we'll find out more about where the stories going to go from here. Also there's some extra pin up pages in the back that are pretty nice looking.

X-Men #193 - Marvel

I love this book. And now with Mike Carey and Chris Bachalo in charge of the creative process, it's even better. This story has been a fantastic ride. We've gotten to meet a whole new culture of "metas". Supposedly evolved thousands of years into our future. Supposedly evolved so far, that they're actually an entirely new species. At least that's the explanation that we're getting. Anyways they're coming after the X-men. They were originally after Creed. But, since he took refuge on the X-men compound, they also have a target drawn on them. Rogue, however, has assembled her own team and has gone to confront them head on, before they actually get to the school. She really does a very good job, and pretty much puts them out of commission by the time they get here. The X-men help to finish up the job, but Rogue was pretty much the quarterback calling the plays. And once she's finished the job, she's decided to take her team and go someplace else. Don't really know what that's all about yet, but I'm sure we'll find out in the future. And I'm sure we're going to see these "Supernovas" in the future also. They genetically altered some dead cattle, and filled the hull of the ship with them. That way if their plan failed, when they saw all the bodies on board, they would think that they've gotten them all. Great story, good art and fantastic characters. What more could you ask for?

Onslaught Reborn #1 - Marvel

I didn't buy the variant of this book, because I don't feel the need to support Rob Liefeld. Don't get me wrong. I like his art. And the guy did a lot for Marvel and for Image. But, I just don't like the guy. Never met him. All I know is what I've in the mags and the trades. Call it a quirk. I don't know. I can't explain it fully. Anyways, this was actually a pretty decent book. But, again, with Jeph Loeb on the script, I expected nothing less. It seems that Onslaught has come back. I don't believe he has anything to do with the Professor anymore. But somehow he was reborn on the whole M-day debacle. And for some reason, he has a hard on for Franklin Richards. So first he takes over Johnny trying to get at him. And next he takes over Reed. How much therapy would that require in his teen years. Yeow! So then he has to watch his mom & dad take each other out, so he won't be hurt. So anyways, Franklin runs to his room, finds this glowing green orb, and transports away, apparently with Onslaught in tow. Next issue, it looks like the rest of the Avengers join in. Hopefully then, we'll find out more about what's really going on. On a side note to Marvel, check on whoever staples your books together. They're doing a lousy job. This is the third book this month that the centerfold has come out, or there's a page that's not stapled in the right order. Just something I thought you might want to check on.

Ultimate Power #2 - Marvel

For an "ultimate" Marvel freak like I am, this is a dream book. First of all, we have the "ultimate" Squadron Supreme come to this earth, because they want to arrest Reed Richards. It seems one of the probes he sent out, without permission, destroyed their world. More on that next issue, I guess. So of course the "ultimate" FF is involved. Then Spider-man and Kitty Pryde show up to help them out. Well of course, Kitty calls up the "ultimate" X-men. Who are soon involved in the fracas. Next thing you know, the Ultimates show up. And finally, the Squadron's powers and physiology's get back in tune, it seems there was some kind of backlash or side-effect when they crossed dimensions, and now they can explain why they're here. That's when we find out that Reed's probe has somehow destroyed their earth. Now, add to this that the story was written by Brian Bendis, and beautifully drawn by Greg Land, and we have a "must have" book. This book has "classic" written all over it.

52 - Week Thirty - DC

Here we go again. We start out with Nightwing trying to explain to Robin about why Bruce, or Batman, has disappeared all of the sudden. He says that it just got to be to much for him. Everything he's gone through in the last year or two. We move on to Renee in Gotham. She's staying with Kate, the new Batwoman, and Renee's ex. Charlie is in terrible shape because the cancer is overwhelming him ever since he left Nada Parabat. She's struggling with asking Kate for help, and still having feelings for her. I don't know if I have this right, but Bruce has gone to, I believe, the ten eyed surgeons of the empty quarter. Basically he's gone on a soul journey to try to cleanse himself of the darkness that he feels. They did that for him, but now he claims, "I asked them to cut out all the dark, fearful, paranoid urges I've allowed to corrupt my life . . . and they did. It's over. The Batman is gone." Back in Gotham, Batwoman is tackling some of Mannheim's animal men, and she's getting some help from Nightwing. Of course being the hound that he is, he comes on to her. "Trust me. I'm not your type", is her only response. But they have decided to coordinate their efforts in trying to find Mannheim. Also the final two pages about the origin of the Metal Men was really good. Of course Duncan Rouleau does an awesome job with the art on them. I love this book.

Teen Titans #41 - DC

I love the Teen Titans. I don't care who's on the team. I just dig this book. And Geoff Johns has been doing a fantastic job with the scripts. The last few issues every one's been looking for Raven. Don't know why. Or where she went. But it's been every one's concern. Well they found her. What they didn't know was that she was trying to bring back a body for Jericho. Their former teammate, Deathstrokes son, and Rose's brother. They also find out who the traitor in their midst is, it's Bombshell. Like we didn't see that one coming. Also we get to see Miss Martian again. I think she's cute. Also, Robin is starting to think that maybe if Raven brought back a body for Jericho, she can do the same thing for Conner. He's becoming kind of possessed. Now the bad news, Deathstroke has been monitoring this whole thing. They didn't say so outright, but I think he's the one that hired Bombshell. And now that he knows his 2 kids are alive and well, Ravager is long gone, or is he?, he wants them back. And I think he's going to try to coerce them into forming a Titans East team, to try to bring them together. That's what I love about this book. So many different characters, personalities and plot lines going on. I think this is the best incarnation yet.

Spawn #162 - Image

Well this is it. The end of the world as we know it. Well . . . . . . at least in Spawn world. It appears that Spawn has bested everyone. The feathers on the cover are from Zera, god's chosen angel of wrath. So with the amount of feathers on the cover, you can imagine what Spawn's done to her. Well . . . maybe not. Think Texas Chainsaw Massacre. And then, maybe, you'll have some idea. The final 3 pages are epic. "With a heavy heart, Spawn summoned the power bestowed on him by the Mother of Creation." "For there can be no creation without destruction." "When he looked about him and saw what he had done, Spawn wept. For all the world was desolation . . . . . and mankind was no more." That's it. It's all gone. So where do we go from here? Well according to the next issue blurb, "The final conflict is over. So what happens after the end of the world? A pivotal issue in a must have story arc in the Spawn mythos, wrapping up 163 issues of continuity. Saying anything more would just give it away." Could you be any more oblique? Guess we'll have to wait and see what happens.

Batman #659 - DC

I gotta' tell ya, I know Morrison and Kubert were only here for a couple of issues, but, I miss them already. The two of them were just. . . . . . . . artistic with their interpretation of the bath mythos. Perfection! Now I do admit that I like John Ostrander. I'm just feeling a bit disappointed. And, I really don't know what it is about Tom Mandrake's pencils. When he first came on the scene, ten or so years ago, I did like his pencils. But, then the more I saw of him, the less I liked his style. I really can't explain it, other than I just don't like it. It's nothing personal. Other than it's my personal opinion. But, I just don't really like his art now. Sorry! Anyways this one is about a new criminal on the scene, Grotesk. Whomever he is, he feels like he's a vigilante like Batman. In fact he thinks they should be on the same side. But his MO is to burn the people alive, and then take a piece of their skin to add to his mask. I know. Pretty gruesome. Anyways, he eludes Batman. And I think the whole thing is wrapped around the doctor that is helping Leslie in the clinic. For some reason there's a Russian mob after her, for something her husband did. And this Grotesk seems to be killing people of European descent. So I think they're connected. But we'll find out next issue. And hopefully after that, Morrison and Kubert will be back.

Superman/Batman #30 - DC

With the creative team on this issue, Mark Verheiden and Ethan Van Sciver, you just know it's going to be fantastic. I now have 3 artists in this style that I really like, George Perez, Phil Jimenez and now Ethan Van Sciver. I love the detail and the razor thin pencils and inks. This issue has an obviously possessed Killowog trying to convince Clark just how much of an alien he is on this planet. Batman has a way of getting Clark to see the truth, but someone or something is really screwing with all these aliens brains. Luthor is so scared, that he's asked Batman and Plastic Man for their help. They are going to Superman's fortress to try to obtain some Blackrock that they think will help with this alien invasion. But the Blackrock has "found" Plastic Man. They also encounter an equally ominous alien in Starfire there. And the final panel of the book, with Superman's glowing red eyes, saying "From this moment forward, earth belongs to anyone with the strength to take it", feels particularly threatening. The momentum of this book has not slowed down one iota since issue #1. I love it!

Sensational Spiderman #32 - Marvel

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite books. I do miss Angel Medina this issue, even though he's listed in the credits. (??) But it's actually Sean Chen who does the pencils this time around. And Sean is more than an adequate fill in. Also what about these Clayton Crain covers? This one is fantabulous. This one has Mary Jane drawn so sexy, that you can almost see her tan line as her shorts ride down around her hips. Meoooww!! Also the author, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, it really doing a great job with these characters. This issue is mostly about Mary Jane, and her feelings about what her husband is going through right now. She can't believe how far her life's come since being a model and actress a short time ago. She gets together with Sue Richards and try to sort out everything that she's feeling. The one thing she figures out is that the time when she finally admitted to herself that she was in love with Peter, was right after Gwen died. He came back home afterwords, and was so upset that he tried to push her away. But she decided in that moment, that she loved him so much, that "nothing was more important than my being with him." But the issue ends with her coming home and finding her beaten up bloodied husband laying on the ground in a clump, and Aunt May holding him and trying to put him back together. By the way, this series also has some great cliffhangers.