It’s a new week of comic books and it’s a massive release dominated by Marvel books.  There’s also some pretty high profile ones including the death of one major character.  Which comics are worth the purchase and which should you skip?  Find out our thoughts below.

Monthly Comics

Age of X: Alpha – This is the scene just before the battle when the soon to be combatants gather to discuss their past as they relax and prepare before the big battle.  An excellent start to the big X event that shifts the Marvel world to one where the X-Men never existed and genocide is well under way when it comes to mutants.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

American Vampire #11 – The series started off slow and at times has pacing issues, but it definitely gets more and more solid with each issue.  You can see the misses and hits working their way out and what might be an issue with one arc is corrected for the next.  This seems to be the last issue of this story arc which saw Pearl and Henry taking on blood bootleggers.  The issue is solid and entertaining and as much as it wraps up one story arc, kicks up a potentially solid next one.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5

Avengers #9 – The Avengers teams confront the Illuminati and some secrets are spilled.  The storyline seems solid enough but this issue’s highlight is the confrontation between Steve Rogers and Tony Stark that’s been building for quite a while.  As usual Bendis shows he has a mastery over dialogue and witty banter.

Story: 8.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 8.25

Captain America #614 – The trial of Bucky Barnes continues as we get a bit more of a taste of what Sins plans are.  I actually hoped this would go a few more issues as I find the trial aspect of the story pretty interesting and wish it was expanded upon.  As a whole, what seems like it could have been a cheesy plot line is perfectly  handled by Ed Brubaker.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Deadpool #32 – Deadpool takes on the baddest bounty hunter there is and the issue is just full of the over the top action you’d expect.  I myself was a bit bored and wondered if this is the direction the series is going.  If it is, I don’t think I’ll be going with it.  Deadpool in space?  No thanks.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Fables #101 – Whatever happened to Bufkin?  This issue takes up that question as the monkey still stuck in the business office takes off on his next quest.  It’s a very entertaining beginning to what should be an impressive next story arc.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Fantastic Four #587 – While the issue is actually really solid, I have with issues with it being oversold as a “death” issue.  We see the character in question being dragged down and overwhelmed, but at no point do we see his actual death.  We know he’ll be back, and that he didn’t actually die.  A lot of hype for a non-event.  Overall, this issue brings a lot of plot lines that have been lingering for a while in a very satisfying way.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.25

Incorruptible #14 – With his major nemesis taken off of the board, how will Max Damage deal?  He’s still trying to get it all down in Mark Waid’s excellent series.  But, just as he won’t let past crimes go for other criminals, will the other heroes let him turn a new leaf?

Story: 8.25 Art:7 Overall: 8

Infestation #1 – G.I. Joe vs. Zombies? Transformers vs. Zombies? Star Trek vs. Zombies? Ghostbusters vs. Zombies?  IDW has all of those properties as comic book series, and there needed to be a way to get them all to take on zombies, cashing in on the current zombie craze.  They’ve pulled it off, but can’t say it’s bee done amazingly well.  It’s entertaining, but really is for the hard core fans of those series.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Magneto – This one shot looks at Magneto’s move to the United States, how he got his costume and the beginnings of his time here.  The issue is ok, not quite adding to the depth of other limited series involving the character.  It’s a decent read, but really, it’s for the hardcore fans out there of the character or X-Men.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Namor: The First Mutant #6 – I’m not quite sure why this series hasn’t sat right with me.  It might be it’s weird habit of trying to set Namor on his own and ignoring what’s occurring in other series, but at the same time being tied so closely with the X-Men and their recent fight with vampires.  It’s a tough balance to do, and I can’t say this series really stands out enough that I really look forward to it every month.  I think this is it for me and it’s getting dropped.

Story: 6 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.25

The New Avengers #8 – Luke Cage and Jessica head out for a nice dinner and to talk about her return to being a full time hero.  But as you’d expect nothing goes right and Dr. Doom shows up to ruin it all.  It’s a great isolated issue you can pick up and enjoy, but at the same time it looks like it’s setting something up for down the road.  Great issue, that’s a really entertaining read.

Story: 8.5 Art: 7 Overall: 8.5

New Mutants #21 – As  a whole the “fall” and “rise” story lines haven’t done much for me at all.  I don’t know the original story it works off of, and it is just convoluted if you don’t  This is for the serious hardcore old-school New Mutants fans out there.  I will say that I did enjoy the weapon that had to be unleashed to make it all happen and what that opens up and there’s some hints as to some things we might be seeing down the road.  All of that opens a lot for this series to reach the potential it has.

Story: 7 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7

The New York Five #1 – Brian Wood’s sequel to his cult smash hit picks up where the first one left off with the four girls ready for another semester of college and more drama in their life.  The characters are a bit cliche but at the same time they’re realistic.  But on top of the story and characters this series much like it’s first volume is a love letter to New York City and you can tell Wood feels it’s the greatest place on earth.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9

Punisher: In the Blood #3 – It’s so nice to have the regular Frank we know and love back.  He continues his march through the underworld on his quest to take on Microchip and the men who’s keeping his wife alive.  All the elements of a classic Punisher tale, and it’s so nice to have it back.

Story: 8.25 Art: 7 Overall: 8

Secret Avengers #9 – This solid series continues as Rogers must figure out how to take on John Steele and get Sharon back.  The series is consistently solid and entertaining.  It doesn’t quite hold up to that “secret” in the title as you’d expect, but the team is entertaining even though they’re not featured as much as they should be.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Thunderbolts #152 – The issue seems a bit weak as the team takes on monster movie knock-offs that are heading towards Japan.  But the point of the issue becomes apparent about half way through which saves the issue and makes it a lot better than the first quarter would lead you to believe.

Story: 8.25 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8

Uncanny X-Force #4 – Holy shit that was an amazing ending to the first story arc.  The team must decide what to do when they confront Apocalypse in the body of a child.  Do they kill him?  Do they capture him?  Do they leave him be?  The decision by the team members might surprise you with an ending I was not expecting.  My jaw dropped.  Beyond fantastic.

Story: 9.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9.25

Uncanny X-Men #532 – The mutant plague still rages on Utopia as the few X-Men in San Francisco deal with the impostor X–Men and threats that are going on.  The Sublime story line is interesting but there’s a spark that’s missing.  Meanwhile Fantomex, Pryde and Frost continue to deal with Shaw in a story that has a lot of potential and should be getting more focus.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5

X-Men #7 – The vampires are dealt with and the team must figure out what’s next.  This issue starts to set that up in interesting ways with a new way to figure out things they should be handling as well as a PR aspect that seems to have a lot of potential.  The issue is definitely entertaining, but not quite spectacular.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

X-Men: To Serve and Protect #3 – There’s nothing bad about these short stories and some will come into play down the road, but overall this is really for the hardcore X-Men fans only.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

X-23 #5 – The series has been entertaining so far and is full of potential, but so far has reached it.  The first few issues were tied too closely with the sub-par Wolverine story line, and now it’s attempting a plot that’s too complicated too soon.  It’s still trying to find it’s legs and hopefully it finds them soon.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

It’s a busier week for comic books as we move further into the new year.  It seems like it’s the build up to the storm that is next week’s releases.  What’s worth reading and what should be skipped?  Find out our thoughts below!

Monthly Comics

Avengers Academy #8 – And in this “very special” issue, the students deal with Tigra’s trauma and we learn that a few of them are the sociopaths hinted at in the first few issues.  The issue deals with some important issues and events in Tigra’s life, but feels shallow and empty and a bit too neat and clean.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Brightest Day #18 – It’s never a good thing when you’re happy two characters died.  The cover of this issue admits it’s a Hawk focused issue, and those tend to be the weakest, and this one continues the trend.  But at least the plot is really moved forward.

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7.25

DMZ #61 – Brian Wood continues to show how the Free States came to be and the beginning of the Second American Civil War.  The series just keeps getting better and better and this two parter shows how amazing it is.  The focus on how a soft supporter can become a die hard fighter is poignant, relevant and just fantastic.

Story: 10 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9.5

Green Lantern Corps. #56 – The story kicks up a bit from the last few issues as the Yellow Latnerns come to Qward.  It’s not quite the amazing epic we’ve been used to, but this issue kicks the story up a notch.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

The Invincible Iron Man #500 – For a landmark 500th issue, this one left me wanting.  There’s an interesting story about Tony’s decisions and how he’s let the genie out of the bottle when it comes to his ideas for weapons.  But, what could be a powerful message and story instead jumps back and forth between the present and a possible future.  The better is the prologue for Iron Man 2.0.  But, overall, very much a let down, especially for a $4.99 price tag.

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7.25

Memoir #1 – This series came under the radar and the cover is what drew me into picking it up this week, and boy I was glad I did.  Another noirish thriller, a town’s memory has been wiped clean and a journalist heads there to find out why.  A grisly discovery is made which makes me think this almost leans towards the horror ends of things.  A great first issue, that definitely has me coming back for the second.

Story: 8.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 8.25

Scarlet #4 – Brian Michael Bendis continues his treatise about organizing and citizen engagement by a corrupted/do nothing government.  The series could go deeper, but it’s pretty damn good for what it is.  I’m sure by it wraps up, there’ll be a lot to reflect on and debate, but each chapter is good, I’m sure the whole will be great.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Secret Six #29 – I skipped the first part in Action Comics which saw the team being hired by Lex Luthor and if I went with my gut I would have skipped this second part as well and saved the $3.  Really not worth it.

Story: 6.5 Art: 6.5 Overall: 6.5

Superior #4 – While I won’t back the book’s boisterous claims it’s the “best book on the stands,” it does achieve some interesting things.  The story is immensely entertaining and worth the purchase.  It also makes some digs into that blue boyscout from that “other company” and in a way makes a case on why he’s relevant and how he could be made more relevant.  Overall a great book, that deserves more credit than it gets.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Thor #619 – Odin’s back and gives a better idea as to what’s exactly going on.  The story is fairly easy to understand, but at the same time is dense in that you really need to know the Thor mythology to get it all.  Still, pretty entertaining, but not quite as accessible as past arcs.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Wolverine #5 – As much as I’ve disliked this opening arc for the series, it looks like what’s behind it all actually might be interesting.  Wolverine escapes from Hell in a much better ending that betrays the craptacular first four issues.  Where this series goes from him will be key, but hopefully it keeps to improve like this issue.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

X-Factor #214 – Um, what the hell did I read!?  A very interesting issue that obviously sets up a lot and will make a lot more sense down the road, but right now, wha!?

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

X-Men: Legacy #244 – A decent issue with uneven art that’s clearly written to set up the upcoming Age of X storyline.  It builds the sense of mystery nicely, but there isn’t quite the major shift or shock that brought us the Age of Apocalypse.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75

Graphic Novels/Trade Paperbacks

Rat Catcher – The latest entry in the Vertigo Crime series of graphic novels.  Expect an extended review this week.

Shipping issues made it a smaller pile than expected this week, so hopefully the few issues missed this week will be grabbed next week.  But as a whole, this is a very light week, perfect to try something new.  And while you’re at it, find out what you should be grabbing in the reviews below!

Monthly Comics

Black Panther: The Man Without Fear #514 – The Black Panther continues to find his footing as he fills in for Daredevil.  The second issue of his journey continues to remain interesting with a few missteps in the writing.  Some choppy scenes and a Luke Cage that doesn’t match up to his other depictions are stand out issues.  But, overall, a very solid read.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8 Overall: 8.25

Casanova: Gula #1 – It’s a new volume to Matt Fraction’s amazingly fun series.  The question isn’t where is Casanova Quinn but when it what I’m sure will be another off the wall comic book series.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Daredevil: Reborn #1 – It’s no secret at how I felt Shadowland was a massive let down and lost opportunity.  But, there seems to be a silver lining if this first issue is any indication.  Matt Murdock has fallen from grace and now he’s wandering America trying to find the man he was.  The first issue is a solid start, lets hope it can keep it up.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Deadpool #31 – Deadpool continues this Curse of the Mutants tie-in as he takes on some vampires at a hospital.  The comic is the usual mayhem, humor and unpredictable fun.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #6 – Guy Gardner comes clean as to what’s going on and people get pissed.  There’s a fight, and I continue to wonder if this third Green Lantern series is really needed.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Heroes for Hire #2 – Loving this new series which brings together a few of the B-team heroes out there with one hell of a background mystery.   I have no idea where it’s going but there’s so many great references going on.  So much fun.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5

I Am An Avenger #5 – The final issue of the limited series covers three stories that vary a lot.  The stand out is the much promoted Captain America tale that also involves the Suicide Prevention Hotline.  It’s ok, but I’m not quite sure it really covers the seriousness of the issue, it was off.  The other two stories are ok, but nothing very special.  As a whole this is for super fanboys only.

Story: 6.5 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.5

Thor: The Mighty Avenger #8 – Very sly as there is now a “limited series” designation on the cover as if that was always the plan.  But in the end a quality series comes to an end.  I might not have been quite as enamored as many others out there, but this series deserved an audience as it’s quality was consistently some of the best each month and so much better than a lot other comics are on the market.  If you missed the series, definitely check out the collected editions.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5

The Unwritten #21 – There’s one series every month that makes me feel like I know nothing about literature, and this is it.  Wrapped into a lot of depth and real world writing references, usually half of each issue goes over my head.  This is for the literature fans and academics, but it’s still very entertaining.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Widowmaker #3 – While I’ve been looking forward to this crossover between Hawkeye, Mockingbird and Black Widow, the end product just doesn’t quite reach the level of quality of each of their separate series.  We finally get the big picture as to what the end game is of the overly complicated scheme and who the bad guy is.  To say I yawned at all of the reveals is putting it nicely.

Story: 6 Art: 6.5 Overall: 6

It’s the first week of comics for the new year!  Does 2011 start off on the right foot and give us some excellent comics that makes us excited for what the next year brings us?  Or is it a pile of dreck that makes us want to save our money and take up another hobby like smoking?  Find out below!

Monthly Comics

Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #4 – It seems like forever since the third issue, but we learn a bit about how Wanda made it into Latveria and what’s going on.  There’s some big questions answered such as how a few folks would react when they found Wanda and a pretty big ending.  Even though this isn’t really an event, it’s still better than a lot of what Marvel’s been putting out lately.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Brightest Day #17 – This issues really focuses on just two of the many ongoing stories but starts off with Firestorm, picking up from last issue.  From there it spends it’s time between the Hawkworld story (which I care less about) and Boston Bran’s story which is really solid in this issue.  For that part alone, I’d pick this up for DC fans.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Bring the Thunder #2 – The first issue of this new series from Dynamite really took me by surprise in it’s quality and this second issue keeps it up.  Especially fantastic is the protagonists comparison of gang life in the inner city to what he saw fighting in Afghanistan.  This could be a sleeper hit and pretty impressive and deep series.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

Green Hornet #12 – There was some nervousness in Phil Hester picking up from where Kevin Smith left off in this fantastic series.  But two issues in and Hester keeps up the quality I expect.  So much fun.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

Iron Man: Legacy #10 – It’s Tony Stark versus The Pride, but is he able to take on them all by himself?  This series fits into 616 continuity and is pretty fun, but really it’s really geared for Iron Man die-hards.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Irredeemable #21 – I’ve been wondering where Mark Waid was going with this series but we now get an idea of where things are headed.  Is the world better off without Plutonian or are there worse monsters out there?  Also, when will the Plutonian snap out of his make believe world?  This excellent series continues it’s tale of fallen heroes.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Raise the Dead 2 #2 – It’s easy to dismiss this as “that other” zombie series but this second volume of Dynamite’s hit is unique enough that it stands and shambles on it’s own.  The story is unique and interesting, characters have enough of a back story in two issues you have sympathy for them and their situations different enough that you’re not quite sure what’ll happen next.  If you like zombie stories absolutely pick this one up.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8 Overall: 8.25

The Thanos Imperative: Devastation – More of a prequel for the upcoming Annihilators series that’s coming, this really shows how that team was formed and the status quo that now exists in Marvel’s cosmic corner of the universe.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

27 #2 – Charles Soule’s limited series continues.  We learn a lot more as to what’s going on in this music inspired horror story.  It’s beyond unique and there’s just nothing else out there like it.  It’s especially fun if you’re a math geek.  There’s a reason this series has so much hype around it.  And it lives up to it.

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9

Ultimate Captain America #1 – I’ve never been too into the “Ultimate” line of comics, but I picked up this issue and flipped through it and that first spread had me hooked.  It’s a hell of a start and set up.  Enough so this is immediately being added to my buy pile each month.  Fantastic stuff.

Story: 9.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9

The Walking Dead #80 – Just when you think the series can’t get any better, Robert Kirkman totally proves you wrong.  There’s just so many fantastic moments in this issue and one that just had me lingering on the page.  This is a character study with zombies in it, and one that really just nails the character development aspect.

Story: 9.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9.5

Who is Jake Ellis? #1 – I guessed this would be a solid book this week and boy was I right.  This is a “chase” comic similar to the Bourne movies.  We’re not told exactly what’s going on, but it’s fun, keeps you on your toes and just sets up a hell of a lot.  If the first issue of a comic is supposed to hook you in, this one does it job amazingly well.

Story: 9.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9

X-Factor #213 – The last few issues have been a bit of a let down for me.  I haven’t really enjoyed the team’s Vegas adventure and team-up with Thor, but this issue brings back all of the amazing banter and interactions that’ve been missing.  I found myself laughing out loud at points.  Welcome back X-Factor!

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.25

The final week releases for the year brought a thick stack of comic books.  Which ones were wait of the year?  Which ones shouldn’t even be released in 2011?  Find out our thoughts as to this week’s releases in our weekly comic book reviews.

Monthly Comics

Astonishing Spider-Man & Wolverine #4 – Easily one of the most fun comic books on the market.  It’s the 616 universe and somewhat in continuity but each “Astonishing” series is supposed to be accessible for new readers.  Spidey and Wolverine continue to hop through time as we learn the how, the why and the who that’s behind it all.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25

Astonishing X-Men: Xenogenesis #4 – Really this should have taken over for the other “Astonishing” series (is it even still going?).  This issue is over the top and exagerated much like the art with tons of bullets flying, characters getting flayed and the level of threat.  I’m a bit torn on my thoughts of this.  It’s better than what was going on, but there’s still something that just seems off and would be better suited for a regular series storyline.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.25

The Avengers #8 – Someone has two Infinity Gems and the Illuminati was the one’s in charge of them.  How’s it going to look when they get back together and how is everyone else going to take to their existence?

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Batman: The Dark Knight #1 – The story is solid, and art fantastic of this new Batman series.  I don’t see the need for it, or what it brings that others don’t, but as a whole Batman just hasn’t excited me lately enough to take it up as a regular read.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Captain America #613 – I don’t think Ed Brubaker can tell simple stories, it’s all epic, and that’s not a bad thing.  The “Trial of Captain America” begins as everyone tries to figure out what Sin is up to.  This is a big picture story with pieces being laid out for quite some time now.  We know Sin will be playing a big roll in 2011’s Fear Itself, my guess is this is her big coming out party.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Daken: Dark Wolverine #4 – Wolverine’s son doesn’t get the respect he deserves.  It’s reflected in the comic that almost gives a nod to the character’s reputation with comic book fans.  But give this series a second look, it’s definitely higher quality than people give it credit for and has tons of potential down the road.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

The Flash #8 – It’s the history of Professor Zoom and the Reverse Flash in a pretty solid issue.  This is one of the best things that have come out of Brightest Day.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Generation Hope #3 – Third issue in and the comic book is still pretty piss poor.  I just don’t see the point or the direction.  It comes off like so many of the other “new generation” of comic books that’ve come before, and doesn’t improve on any of them, or stand out.  But at the same time, you know it’s going to be important in a future storyline.

Story: 6 Art: 7 Overall: 6.25

Green Lantern #61 – We finally get to see the Red Lantern being and Atrocitous gets much more fleshed out character wise.  The issue is an uptick from the past few issues.  But the latest storyline doesn’t quite have the build or excitement of recent story arcs.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

Incognito: Bad Influences #2 – The second issue keeps up the quality and it’s pulp sensibility.  Overkill wants back into the criminal world but he first needs to figure out how to get back into the game.  It’s a solid second volume to the series.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Nemesis #4 – Wow, so what I was expecting was not what this series wrapped up to be.  A hell of a card is played at the end that totally changes this over the top he-man action fantasy.  As a movie, this series would go over quite well and I’m looking forward to seeing what the next volume brings.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

New Mutants #20 – Uh, ok.  I’m not sure if this or Generation Hope is the worst “X” comic on the market (not counting the Forever series).  It’s just so bad and not interesting.  I’m not invested at all, and could care less as to what happens next.

Story: 6 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.25

Osborn #2 – An absolutely fascinating take on Norman Osborn and a couple of characters that we’ve never heard of until now.  A pretty fun and entertaining series.  Of which I have no idea where it’ll end up.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5

Secret Warriors #23 – Again we see why you can never be quite sure what to expect from this series.  Whatever happened to Sebastian?  We get the answer in this issue as the shocking events of last issue all catch up.  Such a solid series.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

S.H.I.E.L.D. #5 – What the fuck is going on with this series!?  I need Cliff Notes to get through it.  I’m sure in a trade format it’ll read much better, but right now I’m so confused.

Story: 6.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7

Widowmaker #2 – The battle continues as we get a bit closer to finding out who the new Ronin is.  Anyone have a guess?  As much as I loved each of the individual series that merged into this, something is just not quite as solid as they were.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

X-Men: To Serve and Protect #2 – Four short stories of various “X” characters dealing with the rest of the Marvel universe.  None of them are particular interesting, but this might be good for the die-hard “X” fans.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

X-23 #4 – The series is going in an interesting direction and one that’s pretty damn enjoyable.  X-23 is starting to stand on her own as she gets away from the X-Men and more importantly out from under Wolverine’s shadow.  Like Daken’s, the series has a lot of potential.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

It’s almost the end of the year and this week saw a thick pile of comic books.  Which comic books is Santa reading after his long trip?  Which ones are the elves using to heat their factory?  Which should you pick up with the cash gained from returning Christmas gifts?  Check out the reviews below.

Monthly Comics

American Vampire #10 – The third story arc focuses on Pearl and Hattie.  It’s an interesting start to the story.  Two vampires, two different experiences and both heading towards a collision with each other.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Chew #16 – Strange writing has turned up in the sky, so the chicken prohibition will have to be placed on hold.  One of the strangest, funniest and most entertaining comics out there goes in a direction you don’t see coming (as usual).

Story: 9.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9

Deadpool #30 – It’s Deadpool versus a bunch of “draculas” in the usual hillarious action we’ve come toe expect.  The issue put a smile on my face.

Story: 8 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75

Fantastic Four #586 – The series kicks it up a notch as the countdown to the death of a member continues.  It’s an attack on the Fantastic Four’s HQ as followers of Annihilus attempt to get to the Negative Zone.  Sue’s negotiations break down as the truth about Old Atlantis is revealed and Nu-World is visited my Mr. Fantastic.  Lots is going on here and it all feels exciting in a retro sort of way.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Green Lantern Corps. #55 – The three various Lantern comics are all telling pieces of the same puzzle which is interesting, but just feels like it’s a bit of a money grab.  Things haven’t been quite as amazing since the blockbuster events of recent past, but the new baddie that’s emerging seems to have a hell of a lot of potential.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

Green Lantern Lafreeze Christmas Special – Larfleeze learns the true meaning of Christmas in this cute and at times humorous story.  The art is top notch for a one shot that’s clearly a money grab.  While it’s enjoyable, I can’t say it’s worth the $3.99.

Story: 7.25 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5

I Am An Avenger #4 – Four short stories about various members of the Avengers.  None of it blew me away.  The one involving the Thing was completely foreshadowing what’s going on in the Fantastic Four.  All together, pretty ho-hum.

Story: 7 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7

Incorruptible #13 – The series is growing on me more and more and I like the new art style.  Max figures out a way to stop the Plutonian just as the events we’ve seen in his book are announced.  Now, where does he go from here?

Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8

The Invincible Iron Man #33 – The chess game between Hammer and Stark continues as a new piece enters the board and we learn who’s really behind Hammer Industries.  This is consistently one of the best super hero comics on the market mixing in action, humor, and relevant stories.  It’s a battle between corporate behemoths instead of guys in tights and it’s just as thrilling.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9

Klaws of the Panther #4 – Really didn’t enjoy this series and the ending at times is just a jumbled mess.  Add in so-so art and this is a series you can absolutely pass on.

Story: 6 Art: 6 Overall: 6

Namor: The First Mutant #5 – How can Alani breath underwater?  We learn the reason behind this in this look into Namor’s past.  It’s a bit of retcon to tie him closer to the current mutants.  The story isn’t too bad, but in the first issue post “Vampires” I’d hope to have it focused more on Namor in the present and the future direction of this series.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

Punisher: In the Blood #2 – It’s great to have the Punisher back and this series is as good as he gets.  So solid and twisted in every sense.  The story is about revenge from multiple angles in every sense and the relationships between fathers and sons.  Welcome back Frank!  We missed you.

Story: 9 Art: 8 Overall: 9

Secret Avengers #8 – Steele and Fury need to figure out how to get Shang-Chi.  The story is just so solid and entertaining with a great mix of “history” and current events.  One of the best books of the week.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

Shadowland: After the Fall – The aftermath to the summer event Shadowland.  The follow up to that disappointing event actually runs laps around what it’s wrapping up.  Ben Urich looks for answers for a newspaper article while Det. Kurtz must decide what to do about the fugitive Daredevil.  It’s a solid ending to a horrible comic event.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Superior #3 – This is the part of the story where the hero begins to make his presence known to the world by doing miraculous things but not really being seen doing them.  I know this series gets a lot of shit and there’s pretty clear influences here, but the series is pretty fun and there is something quite magical about it.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Uncanny X-Men #531 – The plot about the Mutant flu continues and it’s fairly interesting.  We learn more about Emma’s past with Sebastian Shaw and a bit more as to what she had to do to be the White Queen.  Also the fake X-Men continue their thing.  The issue is kind of blah.  There’s just something missing.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25

X-Men #6 – The battle with the vampires comes to an end with a lot left open for future story lines.  Overall it was a lot stronger of a story than I expected and worked quite well.  It’s one of the stronger “X” series out there.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

X-Men: Legacy #243 – We get the finale to Omega Sentinel going crazy and Hellion dealing with the aftermath.  The story seems like it’ll have long term implications but the short term is very forgetable.

Story: 7 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7

Graphic Novel

War Is Boring – Reporter David Axe takes on various conflicts of war and it’s victims across the world.  We’ll have a longer review later in the week.

Here’s the reviews for this week’s comic book releases.  Which ones are worth your hard earned cash?  Which maybe deserve to be given as presents?  And which should be burned and forgotten?  Find out below!

Monthly Comics

Avengers Academy #7 – This issue has a nice old school feel to it as Hank must decide what his future is going to be.  Just when you begin to groan about a certain direction, the story pulls back, as if tempting you with a crap story, just to make the direction it does go in seem that much more solid.  While the issue isn’t amazing, it is entertaining.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Black Panther: The Man Without Fear #513 – I was a bit skeptical when I first heard about this series, but this first issue just blew me away.  The tone and set up is near perfect and the art very solid.  Hopefully when Daredevil returns, this quality series won’t go away and also with it’s Daredevil tie-in more people will give it a chance.  No matter what, it’s nice to see such a quality comic.

Story: 9.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 9

Brightest Day #16 – Last issue was pretty piss poor, so it was nice to see this issue bounce back so solidly.  This issue continues to focus on Firestorm as well as Aquaman and Aqualad and his origin.  Not the greatest issue, but very solid.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

DMZ #60 – Just when you think the series can’t get any better writer Brian Wood finds a way to prove you wrong.  This two part story shows the beginning of the Free States in a world and America that seems all too familiar.  Just amazing.  The best political commentary out there today.

Story: 10 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9.5

Green Hornet #11 – I’ll admit I was nervous as to where this series would go after Kevin Smith’s run, but Phil Hester has picked up where Smith left off with a solid first issue.  The humor isn’t as prevalent but the writing and action is solid as to be expected.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Green Lantern #60 – After having such an amazing run that lead up to the Blackest Night storyline, it’s hard to follow up.  That’s been the issue with the past few issues with this series, you compare to what’s come before.  This issue isn’t that bad, and follows up the fairly recent event quite well, but there’s still some magic missing.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #5 – This series is just enough content and story to need to be it’s own thing.  But it’s clear what’s going on here ties into the other two Green Lantern comic books.  This isn’t so much a stand alone series with it’s own voice, but instead an extension of the other two.

Story: 7.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.5

Iron Man: Legacy #9 – There’s nothing really bad about this series at all.  We finally find out when this series takes place (at least this story arc), but the bigger question is if it’s needed?  I can’t say it really adds a whole lot to Iron Man, but it definitely is entertaining and a solid enough series.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Thunderbolts #151 – It’s the origin of Ghost of which I shrug my shoulders.  We also find out who the new team member is.  I yawned in the end.

Story: 7 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7

Uncanny X-Force #3 – I’m really enjoying this series, and it’s easily the best of the “X” books right now.  The team gets their asses handed to them by the new Four Horsemen and we learn about each of them.  The issue is just solid.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

The Unwritten #20 – I usually feel like an idiot after reading one of these issues as it’s so dense and digs so deeply into literature (an area I’m not the most solid in).  But this issue focuses on Moby Dick, a book even a non-reader like me has gotten through once.  Probably one of the most straight forward issues of the series.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5

Wolverine #4 – Wow, I’ve really not enjoyed this entire storyline about Logan going to Hell.  The scenes are silly and what’s happening to his body in the real world just doesn’t interest me.  It hasn’t added anything to the character at all.  Hopefully it’s all be over soon.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

X-Factor #212 – I really haven’t liked the storyline that’s seen the team take on Hela with the help of Thor.  This issue is very blah, but what happens to Darwin opens up a lot of potential in future storylines.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7 Overall: 6.5

It’s a very small batch of books out this week, but we finally have 27 #1 in our hands (yay!).  There’s not many books, but we’ll let you know what’d make some great holiday presents.

Monthly Comics

Fables #100 – A seriously thick 100th issue with a whopping $10 price tag and 103 pages.  It’s what you’d expect with numerous stories, all to the normal quality from this series.  Fantastic stuff as always, here’s to 100 more!

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9

The Flash #7 – I’ve really enjoyed the new Flash series so far, though the ending to the last arc was a bit underwhelming.  This issue takes a step back to give us the history and motivation for Captain Boomerang.  In one issue a character is fleshed out, given reason behind his actions and a bit sympathetic.  It’s a solid issue that stands on it’s own.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Lady Mechanika #1 – Such a fun new series.  I can see steampunk becoming the next big genre and this comic book will be leading the way.  There’s a bit of mystery, fantastic world, just so much to work with.  I’m sure this series will fly under the radar, but it’s one that deserves to be checked out.

Story: 8.75 Art: 9 Overall: 8.75

The New Avengers #7 – They finished saving the world and it’s down time to get everything in order.  This issue is hilarious as the team debates getting a paycheck, fixing the mansion, a new team member, some hired help and a nanny.  I was laughing out loud numerous times in a very entertaining issue that put a smile on my face.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

Thor #618 – I’ve generally been enjoying Matt Fraction’s take on Thor and the direction the series has been going in and the art’s been growing on me.  But, something is missing and I can’t quite put my finger on it.  I have a feeling the pay off will be worth it, but I can only recommend this to the hardcore Thor fans.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.25

Thor: The Mighty Avenger #7 – It’s the second last issue and it’s sad to see a quality series such as this come to an end.  Comics like this deserve and audience and the audience deserves comics like this.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

27 #1 – Charles Soule’s comic about a guitar god who falls hard and has to make a hard decision to get back on top.  The comic is what I expected with amazing visuals that fits the rock and roll story.  This first issue is all set up with a great concept that’s open to go in so many directions.  We have no idea what to expect and where this is going but I can’t wait to read issue two.

Story: 9.5 Art: 10 Overall: 9.75

Widowmaker #1 – I had some high hopes for this meeting of Hawkeye, Mockingbird and Black Widow.  Someone is knocking off spies, but who’s behind it all?  The mini-series has a lot of promise, but it doesn’t quite reach to the level I was hoping for.  I’m impressed that the comic reaches back to items in the early days of New Avengers and Hawkeye’s return, but overall, it doesn’t quite reach the level I hoped.

Story: 7 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7

Graphic Novels/Trade Paperbacks

Transformers Volume 2: International Incident – Expect a longer review later in the week.

20th Century Boys Volume 1 – Folks have told me over and over that this Manga series is one I have to read.  In this first volume I can get a sense of how good it is and that it does live up to the hype, but at the same time it’s 100 plus pages of set up and mystery.  There’s an apocalypse coming and a mystery involving child hood friends is somehow involved.  It’s quite a set up mixing The Stand, Lost and so much more.  I’ll absolutely be reading the full series, but so far so good.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5