We went to multiple shops to hunt down all of the releases we were looking for this week and still didn’t succeed (oh well).  Here’s this week’s reviews of what we did grab.  What was worth the trip(s)?  What should we have left on the shelves?  Find out the answers on how you should spend your hard earned dollars below!

Monthly Comics

American Vampire #9 – The final issue of this arc is interesting.  A lot I liked and a lot I was so-so about.  The events of the issue happen quickly and that rushed storytelling was a bit jerky for me.  This final part of the story arc could have stood to be over two issues, but still very solid.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Brightest Day #15 – Unfortunately this issue is spent entirely stuck in the mind of the Martian Manhunter.  It’s a waste of an issue, especially when his is the second least interesting one going on.  Skip!

Story: 6 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.25

Bring the Thunder #1 – A wounded soldier in Afghanistan fires an experimental weapon and weirdness happens.  This is how you get someone hooked into a series.  The first issue has a great narrative, solid art and enough of a mystery I want to check out the second issue.  A hell of a start to the series.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5

Captain America: Patriot #4 – Such a fantastic ending that really wraps up this mini-series quite well.  I’m hoping we can see future mini-series looking at the men who wore the uniform of Captain America over the years.  Hopefully they’re all this quality.

Story: 9.5 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9.5

Daredevil #512 – For as bad as Shadowland was, this single issue and tie-in is good.  The issue is the follow up you’d hope for after the fall out of Shadowland.  Checking out various characters and foreshadowing where everyone is going next.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Generation Hope #2 – Holy crap is this second issue bad.  The story is just a weird Akira wannabe and even then it’s somewhat incoherent.  The story about the birth of the next generation of mutants is born stillborn.  Don’t waste your money.

Story: 4 Art: 7 Overall: 4.25

Irredeemable #20 – Plutonian has been subdued and the world is safe, but what now?  The series shifts a bit as the threat is neutralized and the survivors must move on.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5

Lady Mechanika #0 – It was vampires, now zombies.  Is steampunk the next hot genre?  If this first issue of the series is any indication, I’m going with yes.  A crazy steampunk world has a very cool vision, fantastic visuals and interesting enough first story to get me to come back for more.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

Raise the Dead 2 #1 – I heard some very good things about the first volume of this “other” zombie series.  I have to say this first issue, didn’t quite blow me away, but was solid enough that I not only want to check out the second issue but go back and read the first volume.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Secret Six #28 – The last few issues of Secret Six have just not been the usual twisted fun I’d expect.  Instead it was a mish-mash of stories that just didn’t work, and at points was downright confusing if you didn’t have all of the continuity background.  So glad it’s over.  Onward!

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

Shadowland #5 – I had such hope for this mini-event, but the story has been a let down overall.  Few of the spin off titles and especially the main one made me excited about the direction of the characters and it just was a poor excuse to launch a bunch of new series.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.5

Supergod #5 – Is that the end of the series?  It’s a bit anticlimactic to me with a rushed telling of the story.  We’re told the story, but given no insight into what any of these “gods” were thinking.  Overall, this is a series plagued by delays that will read better in one sitting and debated about it’s meaning.  A pretty ambitious tale that let me down.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5

Taskmaster #4 – A fitting conclusion to the mini-series.  I want more Taskmaster!  I can easily see this being a television series, now lets make that happen Marvel!  Such a fun and entertaining read that expands a character’s history without totally mucking up what we like about him.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Graphic Novels/Trade Paperbacks

Pinocchio: Vampire Slayer – Um, the title is awesome.  Expect a expanded review later this week.

Here’s this week’s comic book reviews.  We dropped some comics (ahem Chaos War) and decided to check out some new ones we haven’t read in a while.  What was worth the hard earned cash and what will be heating us as we burn it this winter?  Find out those answers below!

Monthly Comics

The Avengers #7 – It’s the beginning of the next story arc.  The Hood is back, and he’s looking for some power to get right back into business.  Also, the Red Hulk makes an appearance as does Wonder Man who has a talk with Iron Man and Thor.  An ok issue that’s just the beginning of the next arc.  Very slow and the banter isn’t quite as up to snuff as usual.

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5

Batman #704 – I gave up on Batman during Bruce Wayne’s return and I personally think Grant Morrison’s run is overrated.  The new direction and truly new status-quo got me interested to check out this week’s offerings.  While this issue isn’t enough for me to start reading the series again, I have to give props in some of the themes being explored including the relationships between tutor/pupil, parent/child and also what true philanthropy is.  If you’re a lapsed Batman fan, looks like it’s a great time to hope in and check it all out.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

Batman Incorporated #1 – I like the concept of setting up franchises of Batmen but the first issue is beyond silly and the villain laughable.  Definitely not enough to get me to pick up the second issue.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Brightest Day #14 – The issue gets rid of all of the distractions and does a “This is your life Deadman.”  It’s all about Deadman and his search for the White Lantern and it’s done quite well in the strongest issue of the series yet.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Daken: Dark Wolverine #3 – I still say Daken is an interesting character and one that has tons of potential, but he needs to get out of the shadow of Wolverine and find a story on his own.  The first three issues seem to be a set up for that direction, but we’ll see.  They’re all tied into the poor “Wolverine goes to Hell” storyline and suffer because of that.  This issue is convoluted and not as clear cut as it could or should be.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 6.75

The Flash #6 – The first story arc ends as the seeds of Flashpoint are laid out.  The ending to this arc was pretty weak, especially since the first five issues were so solid.  We’ll see where this all goes though and how the second arc goes.

Story: 7 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.25

Green Lantern #59 – The Flash confronts Hal about his working the Sinestro and Atrocitous to find the entities.  A lot is going on here and not sure I necessarily think this is the best direction to go right now after such a huge event not that long ago.  Overall, meh.

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7.25

Green Lantern Corps. #54 – Kyle Rayner seeks out Sinestro to save his daughter.  Instead of some great character development, we get a typical and cheesy fight.  Overall, ho-hum.  The entire Green Lantern line has dropped in quality post Blackest Night, who’s build up set a high standard to meet.

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7.25

Osborn #1 – What’s been up with Norman Osborn since his downfall?  Find out in this limited series which delves into that dark world of people who fall just outside of civil liberties and rights.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.25

Superior #2 – There’s a lot of hate towards this series, but I’ve enjoyed the first two issues.  This is Big, but the kid gets turned into a super hero.  It’s fun and entertaining and a modern more vulgar version of that story.  There’s tons of potential here and so far, been a fun and magical read.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Thunderbolts #150 – The story is decent as the Thunderbolts meet the Avengers for an evaluation.  Really huge issue is a transition to the next step of the team, and seems like a wasted opportunity for such a momentous issue.  What’s also nice is a history of the team laid out for new readers and also a reprint of the first issue ever.  Overall, a lot and decent for the price.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

X-Factor #211 – An unusually poor issue.  We have the team fighting Hela’s forces the entire time with some great humor and banter.  But overall a pointless issue.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

X-Men #5 – The issue is predictable but satisfying in this second last issue before the X-Men’s battle with vampires concludes.  The issue is the fun you’d expect.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

X-23 #3 – The possessed Wolverine offers X-23 a deal to join him and plays “this is your life.”  Once again we have it beaten into us the horrible things done to X-23 and done by X-23.  The issue is boring and could have been done a lot better.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

Here’s the reviews for this week’s comic book purchases.  Which books were worth my hard earned dollars, and which will I be using to heat my apartment this winter?  Find out below!

Monthly Comics

American Vampire #8 – I fully admit I wasn’t the biggest fan of the first arc of this series.  But this second arc set on the backdrop of the building of the Hoover Damn involves a murder mystery, political intrigue and some great action.  This is exactly what I was hoping for and it’s getting better with each issue.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #3 – Even though there’s some odd statements in this issue and some ignoring of events in other books (Wonder Man is now ok with the Avengers?  He has Sentry-level strength?) this third issue of the nine issue limited series is more than solid.  There’s some great moments and fantastic character interactions.  This is the mini-event that’s making up for a lot of others that are falling flat.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

Chaos War: Thor #1 – To me Chaos War has been a let down.  If you don’t know what’s been going on with Amadeus Cho or Hercules, you’re likely lost like me.  A perfect example of the inaccessible story.  Totally unfriendly towards new readers.  While I appreciated the writing style of this comic, I’m just baffled how it fits into the Chaos War storyline, when it does and at times what the hell was going on.  Just not needed.

Story: 6 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6

Chew #15 – Tony heads home to see his family for Thanksgiving.  The issue is non-stop funny and had me laughing out loud for most of it.  Just beyond fantastic and easily the issue of the week.  A perfect example of why this is an award winning series and why it should be in everyone’s pull box.

Story: 10 Art: 9 Overall: 9.75

Green Hornet #9 – The second to last issue of Kevin Smith’s story arc and it’s fantastic.  This is such a fun comic and comes off as the blockbuster it should have been.  What’s Hollywood’s loss is our gain, because this has been such a fun ride.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Green Lantern Emerald Warriors #4 – The Sodam Yat storyline makes this series worth it, as having that as well as Gardner’s plot all in the Green Lantern Corps. series would be just too much.  But this series pushes it’s need to exist.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

I Am An Avenger #3 – The comic, and the entire limited series so far, has been entertaining and an ok read.  None of it’s vital, though we do get to see the moment Nova was asked to be a Secret Avenger.  The highlight for this one has to be the single pager feature the Hulk.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

The New Avengers #6 – The first story arc ends and the ending isn’t quite what I expected.  We’ll see where the series goes from here.  Is it me or is Hellstorm getting a lot of play lately?

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.75

Shadowland: Daughters of the Shadow #3 – Much like most of the Shadowland event, this miniseries is a big meh.  It doesn’t add much to the story and in fact feels a bit disjointed.  The real value or lack there of of this series will be scene in the coming months when Shadowland ends and new series begin, but this seems like a big skip to me.

Story: 6.5 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.5

The Thanos Imperative #6 – It’s pretty much the end of yet another cosmic Marvel event and it was a hell of an ending.  It definitely went places I wasn’t expecting and who knows where it all goes from here.  We’ll see what’s next up the sleeves of Abnett and Landing, but it’s been a hell of a fun ride so far.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

Thor #617 – Thor seeks out Loki as Iron Man talks to Balder.  It’s an ok issue and I have to say it was nice that Loki hasn’t been in the picture lately since he’s been such a player over the last few years.  It’d have been nice if the current storyline could of concluded without him being a part.  Overall a ho-hum issue.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25

The Unwritten #19 – Each issue of this series just makes me feel a bit dull.  I clearly don’t have a grasp of literature and can’t imagine how much richer this series would be for someone who does.  It’s impressive that nineteen issues in the series hasn’t been dumb down for those like me.  This is definitely for the cerebral and academic comic book readers.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.25

Here’s this week’s releases.  Find out what enjoyed and what we wished we didn’t drop our hard earned cash on below.

Weekly Comics

Avengers Academy #6 – The issue focuses on Reptil and the horrors he’s gone through and we learn a lot more about other members.  The series has it’s ups and downs, but shows a lot of potential.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25

Brightest Day #13 – I think this issue just shows how little I care for the Hawkworld storyline.  If you don’t enjoy that one either, you might want to skip this issue.  The weakest of the issues so far.

Story: 6.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 6.75

Chaos War #3 – If I knew more about Hercules and his corner of the Marvel universe I might enjoy this event more, but talks of gods and worlds just goes over my head and makes me tune out.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

Generation Hope #1 – I feel like we’ve seen this series before.  New mutants introduced who are unsure about their power and their role.  Now, how is this series going to differentiate itself from the rest?  It’s the first issue but we’ll see.  So far, meh.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Hawkeye & Mockingbird #6 – Another series that didn’t quite catch on with the public.  But even after a mini-series and this series (which might as well have been a mini) we’re getting a mini-event involving the Black Widow that begins next month.  This issue isn’t so much an ending as the end of this particular chapter.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.25

Iron Man: Legacy #8 – Tony continues to build his life and his fortune in this retconning series.  It’d be nice if there was some context as to where in his series this would be.  Very entertaining though.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Irredeemable #19 – An interesting twist.  We’ll see where the series goes from here, but it’s one of those comics that rarely disappoints and takes you in directions you’d never imagine.

Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8

Namor: The First Mutant #3 – Namor goes on the offensive against the underwater vampires.  I yawn and wonder when this’ll find it’s legs.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6.75

Punisher: In The Blood #1 – Yay!  The Punisher is back!  Such a great start, I just wish the series had come a while ago and saved us the pain of having to read the last few months.  This picks up right where it should with the Punisher taking care of outstanding business and opening up some new avenues to explore.  If you’re a Punisher fan, this is the classic version we all enjoy.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

Scarlet #3 – This is a statement, but interestingly it doesn’t totally commit to it’s politics or make it’s case for it.  It’s just short of being a manifesto about the abuses of power by those in charge of society.  Imagine how much more powerful it’d be if it was fully committed in it’s goal.  Still a very entertaining series.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Secret Six #27 – Um, what the hell is going on!?  I follow the story, barely, but there’s clearly a lot of back story I’m missing here.  If you can’t understand and be clear about everything going on in an arc, including past relationships, that’s just bad writing.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.25

Taskmaster #3 – Loved, loved, loved this issues.  Taskmaster has quickly become one of my favorite characters and this issue shows exactly why.  We learn the truth about his past and there’s just so many good twists here.  The backdrop and town it goes down in is pure entertainment.  Just such a fun issues and series.

Story: 9.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9

Unknown Soldier #25 – I can’t think of a better way to end the series.  A hell of a statement and sad to see one of the most politically relevant comics on the market come to an end.  This entire series is my recommended purchase for the week.

Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10

Wolverine #3 – Better than the first two issues, but generally I’m not a fan of the Wolverine goes to hell storyline.  I think there’s ways to explore similar themes without the silly story.  Much like Franken-Castle, I look forward to this being over and Wolverine being back.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

X-Men: To Serve and Protect #1 – Short stories involving the X-Men saving folks in pretty mundane crimes.  Only for the die hard fans, and even then….

Story: 6.5 Art: 7 Overall: 6.5

Young Allies #6 – We championed the series, but obviously the public didn’t respond.  This is the last issue of the under appreciated series of misfit characters that didn’t get much of a chance, and I have to say I can’t think of a better way for it to end.  But, it won’t be long until we see them again if recent teasers are any indication.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8 Overall: 8.75

Graphic Novel

How to Understand Israel In 60 Days or Less – Read the full review in an expanded review post.

Here’s last week’s new releases.  We’ll have this week’s later today.  What was worth picking up last week and what should have been left on the shelf?  Find out the answers below.

Monthly Comics

The Avengers #6 – All of the time travel definitely made my head hurt but there was still something entertaining about it.  This definitely gives a lot of hints to possible things to come and I think half of the fun of this will be seeing how much of it comes to fruition.

Story: 7.25 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5

Black Widow #7 – Beautifully tied into current events, Black Widow is on the run, framed for the murder of a U.S. Senator.  There’s a lot of commentary about the current detainment process, and lots of action.  Very entertaining and I’m a sure a comic not enough people are reading.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Captain America #611 – Folks decide what should be done about Bucky and the time spent as the Winter Soldier.  Should he pay for his crimes?  What type of trial should it be?  Steve, Tony and others are put through the wringer for keeping his secrets.  I think one of the most entertaining parts of this is the portrayal of President Obama as a wishy-washy leader driven to decisions by the media.  Also, is the bad guy being clearly Nazi’s a response due to the recent events of Cap’s taking on “Tea Partiers?”

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.75

Captain America: Patriot #3 – The series keeps getting better and better and is an absolute read.  There’s only on issue to go, and I can’t wait to see where it takes this Captain America.  Fantastic.

Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9

Fantastic Four #584 – Jonathan Hickman is building to something, and it’s either going to be really impressive or is going off the tracks.  Most issues so far haven’t had a ton of exciting events, but generally are just a build to what ever is coming.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Incognito: Bad Influences #1 – Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips’ second volume following a former villain now in witness protection.  It’s been some time since the first volume and we learn a bit more about all of the characters.  This is pulp with super heroes and is fantastic.

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9

Incorruptible #11 – We get more of the Senator’s plan as Max Damage has a heart to heart.  The series seems to get better and better adding layer upon layer.  It’s definitely entertaining and along with Irredeemable makes a pairing of comics you don’t want to miss.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

JLA/The 99 #1 – Wow, just so, so bad.  In this meeting between the JLA and controversial super team, you’d expect some quality since it should be a big deal.  Instead we’re given a very blah comic that not only has a horrible plot but writing that’s just beyond silly.

Story: 5 Art: 6 Overall: 5.5

Klaws of the Panther #2 – I’ve got some issues with this second issue.  The beginning is a jumble and incoherent and Klaw’s plan just seems silly.  Coming off the excellent Doom War, I expected more from this series.

Story: 6 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.25

Secret Avengers #6 – There’s a lot I liked and a bunch I didn’t, but if you don’t know a lot about Shang-Chi, you probably won’t dig this as much.  It does look like this second arc will tie into the first and overall it should be interesting to see where this goes.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

Secret Warriors #21 – As usual, you never know what to expect with this series.  Phobos steps up with a crazy ending I didn’t see.  The issue is quick and a small piece of the bigger puzzle, but it’s a puzzle that has me hooked.

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25

Shadowland: Moon Knight #3 – Jumpy and just at times making no sense, what was a good off shoot of Shadowland turns into a mess like the main series it’s a part of.

Story: 6 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.5

Thunderbolts #149 – I’m normally a big fan of this series and it’s direction but something about this issue bothered me, especially Crossbone’s new power.  It’s nice they’re playing up he’s a racist, but a crossover with Shadowland was not needed.  There’s better things these two issues could have spent time on.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25

Uncanny X-Men #529 – I feel like I’m missing why it’s a big deal Sebastian Shaw is in the X-Men’s brig.  He’s a bad guy right?  Emma decides to do something about it in an issue that’s just a bridge to something else.

Story: 6.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.25

X-Men: Legacy #241 – If I knew a bit more about the villains I might of enjoyed this more, but in the end this is a pretty forgettable story arc.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

X-Men vs. Vampires #2 – While the stories are pretty solid, none of them are necessary.  If you’re a die-hard X-Men fan or really enjoying the Vampire storyline, you might want to give this a shot.  If not, pass, you’re not missing anything.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Here’s this week’s review of comic books.  What’s worth the purchase and which were a waste of time and money?  Find out below as to what you should spend your hard earned dollars on.

Monthly Comics

Brightest Day #12 – If you like the Martian Manhunter this issue is for you.  If you’re not like me, you’ll probably want to skip it.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

Chaos War #2 – I wasn’t the biggest of fans of the first issue of this mini series.  My problem was it felt as if you needed to know Hercules and Cho’s history.  The second issue pushes the story along so that need of knowledge is lessened which makes the issue that much more enjoyable.  This is a mini series that’s growing on me.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Daredevil #511 – Shadowland as a whole could have been a great psychological thriller focusing on the corruption and downfall of a hero.  Instead we get a b-movie kung-fu actioner involving demons and what-not.  Still, this issue is a tick up from what’s been printed lately.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Deadpool #28 – We learn the truth about Steve Rogers’ recruitment of Deadpool.  The issue is pretty humorous, but they really have a character named Dr. Bong!?

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

DMZ #58 – In a powerful series this is one of the most powerful issues.  An amazing look at remembering events and keeping strength.  Even through a war, memories remain, and there’s many ways to honor events.  This issue is just powerful, and that’s saying something from one of the best comics being produced today.

Story: 9.5 Art: 9 Overall: 9.5

Fables #99 – The Mr. Dark storyline gets the main focus as the North Wind pays a visit to talk some sense into him.  We’re also given a bigger picture as to what’s going on.  Next issue is a huge one and this just leads up to this big fireworks.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

Green Lantern Corps. #53 – The Weaponer attacks and we find out what he wants.  We also start getting a loose thread wrapped up as Kyle’s dating Sinestro’s daughter begins to be addressed.

Story: 7.75 Art:  Overall: 7.75

Kick-Ass 2 #1 – Let me first say I definitely enjoyed this first issue.  But, unlike the first series that was turned into a movie, this second volume is clearly being written for an eventual movie.  It’s a bit different, but still entertaining.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Loki #1 – This limited series focuses on Loki and zeroes in on his issues with Thor and the rest of the gods of Asgard.  What could have been a good psychological focus on a man with an inferiority complex comes off as a generic tale.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

New Mutants #18 – It’s the fourth part of the Fall of the New Mutants storyline.  As a whole the story has intrigued me or caught my interest as much as I’d hope it would.  It had potential, but it’s more of a yawner.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25

Shadowland: Power Man #3 – This is the best of the Shadowland related comic books, but that’s not saying a whole lot.  We sort of learn the secrets behind the new Power Man, but the series is brought down a bit by second rate blaxploitation knock off characters.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Soldier Zero #1 – The first issue and release from Stan Lee’s corner of Boom! Studios.  The story focuses on a veteran from Afghanistan who inherits an alien super suit.  The story is a classic tale we’ve seen multiple times but with a modern setting.  The writing was decent, and the focus on human interaction was ok, but a first issue should hook you and I felt like this missed that.  It’s not bad in any way, but it also doesn’t have me excited enough to come back for the second issue.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Steve Rogers: Super Soldier #4 – The limited series had it’s ups and downs with an amazing first issue.  This final issue ends on an up and leaves things in an interesting direction that made the series worth it, if it’s followed up on.  This being a Brubaker series, expect it to be just a small piece of his carefully woven puzzle.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

TURF #3 – The series that mixes vampires, aliens and gangsters.  The third issue is ok and entertaining enough, but the art makes it a bit difficult to figure out what’s going on at times.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

The Walking Dead #78 – One of the best comics on the market only gets better.  What happens when a desperate people decide they want in a protected area?  This issue is pivotal and pretty impressive in how straight and quickly it makes it point.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9

Wolverine #2 – It’s the second issue in and I’m really not a fan of the Wolverine going to Hell storyline.  It feels like it’s been done before, and done better.  I do want to see how it ends and where it goes, but so far, blah.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

X-Factor #210 – As expected a lot is being set up here and will probably drive the next 6 months of stories (if not longer).  The pregnancy, a possible villain, plus part of the team is still in Vegas.  So much is going on and it is good.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

X-23 #2 – Part of the Wolverine going to Hell storyline.  The first issue showed so much promise and was very good.  This second issue is just so blah.  It has no reason to tie into the Wolverine story, and instead of going in a proper direction and fleshing out her character, we’re given a pretty forgettable issue.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.25

Graphic Novel

Luthor – Loved, loved, loved this.  We see the world from Lex Luthor’s point of view and why he hates Superman so much.  The brilliance of this is by the end of it, I was not just sympathetic to Luthor, but I agreed with him.  A brilliant look at what defines being a man and potential.  This is a definite, must buy.

Story: 9.5 Art: 9 Overall: 9.25

We’ve got a pile here as we’ve got two weeks of comics to cover.  New York Comic Con delayed last week’s so check out what we thought of the last two week’s worth of comics.

Monthly Comics

American Vampire #7 – I’ll admit I wasn’t the biggest fan of the first story arc, but these last two issues have been fantastic.  It’s Las Vegas during the construction of Hoover Dam and it seems a vampire is murdering folks involved.  This is a vampire/noir comic and it’s damn good.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5

Avengers Academy #5 – The new guard and old guard clash as it’s clear the latest generation of heroes might have a different reason for getting into the business.  The issue focuses on Striker with another nice twist that adds a great layer to the story.  There’s also some very good and timely pop culture references thrown in.  Overall a solid issue.

Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8

Brightest Day #11 – I’ve generally enjoyed this series and can say I think this is the first dud issue for me.  It’s all action and with so much going on, little time is spent on each plot, instead the story jumps around.  It’s all action and at times cheesy dialogue.  It’ll be an important part of the overall story but on it’s own, meh.

Story: 7 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7

Casanova #4 – The spy series is crazy, kinetic and a hell of a lot of fun.  Just beyond whacky and so entertaining at the same time.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Chaos War #1 – Hercules is pack and he must lead the world’s super heroes against the Chaos King.  I’m not quite sure what to think as I know nothing of Hercules’s story and that’s pretty vital to understand what’s going on and appreciate it.  It’s an ok comic.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.25

Daken: Dark Wolverine #2 – Directly tied into the Wolverine going to Hell story arc, this second issues sees Daken paying Mystique a visit.  I’ve really enjoyed how the issues have been written, but can’t say I’m ecstatic about this particular issue’s plot.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Deadpool Max #1 – Deadpool is over saturated and this might be the series that put his exposure over the top.  Instead of the mix of action and humor, we get over the top action (it’s MAX after all) which is fine if it wasn’t the case that the humor’s been replaced with unneeded gay bashing.  This is comics at it’s worst.  Juvenile and not needed.

Story: 5 Art: 5 Overall: 5

Deadpool Pulp #2 – Remove Deadpool from this series and you still have a moody noir period piece set during the Cold War.  In fact the comic might work better that way.  Unlike so many other Deadpool spin-offs this series works and works quite well.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5

Emerald Warriors #3 – Someone or something is draining the Lantern’s rings and their enemies are gathering, but are either of these plot lines enough to justify this, the third Green Lantern series?  It’s good, but not enough to justify it’s existence.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5

Green Hornet #8 – Each week I’ve praised this series.  The story is entertaining, action is great and banter is exactly what you’d expect from Kevin Smith.  This issue has it’s problems, but generally this is the shift to the finale, and I expect a lot of the issues I have with this issue will turn out not such big deals when the final two issues wrap up.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Green Lantern #58 – I’ve been somewhat ho-hum about this arc where Hal and a few others attempt to find their rings entities, but this issue does give Atrocitus a lot more depth than the rage fueled one sided character I thought he was.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5

Hawkeye & Mockingbird #5 – It’s the end of the first arc and pretty much goes out with a whimper.  It’s an ok ending to the story, but nothing spectacular.  The preview for issue 6 though is listed as the “finale.”  Is the series cancelled?

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

I Am An Avenger #2 – The stories here focusing on various members, both present and past, of the Avengers are pretty decent.  Overall the comic is nice, but it’s not vital to read.  This is only for the serious die-hard Avengers fans.  Some of the stories are better than others, but overall, pretty solid.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Incorruptible #10 – Max Damage takes on the Plutonian’s racist disciples.  I’m not sure what to think of his big baddie right now being such a cliche, but whatever.  This issue isn’t quite as good as recent issues and is a dip in overall quality, but still an interesting series about a villain who’s trying to reform.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

The Invincible Iron Man #31 – One of the best comics each and every month.  Matt Fraction has taken out the spandex and super heroes from the story and instead gives us a powered up take on dueling corporations and a man trying to rebuild his reputation and fortune.

Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9

Irredeemable #18 – Mark Waid continues his look at a fallen hero as he introduces another x-factor that might stop Plutonian’s rampage.  There’s one part in here where I was expecting Waid to go one way, then he quickly shifts the story in another.

Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8

Iron Man Legacy #7 – Tony’s down on his luck as the series focuses in on one of the times he was down and out.  He’s hiding in LA and has an idea to get his fortune back but quite a few folks are hunting him down.  An entertaining issue.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

Klaws of the Panther #1 – I’m a bit mixed on this new series that picks up where Doomwar left off.  There’s a lot of potential and a lot I like as Wakanda must chart a new path withotu Vibranium, but the first arc involving AIM just feels lame.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Liberty Annual 2010 – It supports a good cause, free speech and fighting censorship.  Just buy it.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Marvelman: Family’s Finest #4 – The series shows it’s age but it’s a nice piece of history to check out.  I think everyone is just waiting to see how the character fits into the bigger Marvel universe, if there even is a plan to introduce the characters.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25

The New Avengers #5 – We figure out who’s behind the mystical attacks and a way to end it is decided.  There’s a lot of mystical mumbo jumbo thrown around and that part doesn’t work too well, but overall the banter is great and the comic is entertaining.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Secret Six #26 – This is the second time an arc in this series has made me feel like I missed something.  The two teams head to the strange world, working for who knows who, and who knows why.

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7.25

Shadowland #4 – I’m torn on the whole Shadowland event.  While I like the concept of the Hand taking over New York and Daredevil being corrupted and turning bad, my issue lies in the execution.  Instead of a great psychological breakdown and thriller, we’re given a cheap tale of demon possession.  What could have been great comes off as a cheap story.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Shadowland: Blood on the Streets #3 – While the main Shadowland series focuses on Daredevil’s fall, all of the offshoots seem to tie-in together focusing on Mr. Negative’s play for power.  The story is ok, but nothing special.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Shadowland: Spider-Man – The offshoots for Shadowland have been all over the place as far as quality and need.  I can’t say there’s any need for this one at all.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

S.H.I.E.L.D. #4 – To say the series is high concept is an understatement.  There’s a lot of big ideas here and overall, this is a story that’ll be stronger read as a trade than as individual issues.  Beautiful art though.

Story: 7 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.25

Strange Tales II #1 – Varied artists and writers, most of the “indie” cred all take on Marvel characters.  As expected some of the stories work out great and others are clunkers, but overall it’s cool to see such varied takes on characters.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Superior #1 – Magical is the word I’d use to describe this first issue.  Mark Millar tends to have an edge about his comics, but his latest series is his attempt to reach back and update a character like Superman or Captain Marvel.  I think we’re seeing the beginning of something amazing, a throw back, retro comic updated for the modern age.

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9

Taskmaster #2 – This miniseries is adding tons of depth to the character of Taskmaster.  A former villain, who’s now in a gray area is being fleshed out with an interesting background and being made even more sympathetic.  I really liked him post Civil War and loving where they have him going.

Story: 8.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 8.5

The Thanos Imperative #5 – The battle rages on all sides as twist and turns abound.  There’s all kinds of zigs and zags and you never know what to expect in this Marvel space epic.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25

Thor: #616 – Thor mopes around his kingdom as he surveys the damage and attempts to rebuild, mean while writer Matt Fraction continues to build the dread as we learn what’s filling the void left by Asgard’s time on Earth.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.75

Thor: For Asgard #3 – While the art is beyond beautiful to look at, I can’t say this Marvel Knights take on Thor is really needed or adds anything special to the character.

Story: 7 Art: 9 Overall: 7.5

Thor: The Mighty Avenger #5 – Thor meets Namor as he takes a jaunt around the world with Jane.  The story is cute enough, but I’m not quite sure I see a huge point in the series other than to just tell entertaining stories.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

Uncanny X-Force #1 – Warren and Logan have assembled a new team to take on a returned Apocalypse.  But can they stop a force in the form of a 10 year old boy.  I like the writing and pacing and art is fantastic.  Just a solid issue.

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9

Unknown Soldier #24 – It’s the second last issue as we finally learn the truth about the Unknown Soldier and who Moses is.  It’s a hell of a twist and one I wish was revealed earlier.  But this is a nice wrap up of the series.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

Untold Tales of Blackest Night – When I saw this on the shelf, I asked if it was really needed.  The answer is yes and no.  Does it add a lot to the Blackest Night storyline that’s been over for months now?  Not really.  Are the stories entertaining?  Hell yes.  This is one of the best tie-ins for the event.  The stories are entertaining and there’s an opening that’s created in the final story for what we can expect next.  Is it needed, no.  Is it appreciated, yes.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

Unwritten #18 – After each issue I seem to feel like I’m an idiot.  The story blends fantasy and the real world mixing the power of story all within a comic book.  The series is layered, deep and complicated.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

X-Men #4 – Lots of speeches with little movement as far as plot.  Wolverine has supposedly turned into a vampire, I’m doubting it and he’s likely to turn back at the last second and betray the vampire nation.  Jubilee, I’m not so sure about.

Story: 7 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.25

Young Allies #5 – I’m a bit sad to see this series with the next issue.  There’s a lot of potential and it’s a really fun read.  I can’t say I’m shocked at it’s cancellation, but again a series that deserves and audience.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Graphic Novel

A Sickness in the Family

Here’s this week’s reviews of the comics piling up in our long box.  Which ones were worth the money and which aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on?  Find out below!

Monthly Comics

Atlas #5 – Five issues and that’s all she wrote.  Another series staring this team down the drain as good writing just couldn’t find an audience.  There’s a lot crammed into this issue with a lot of text taking place to speed up the pace.  I’m sad to see this series go, as it really was high quality.

Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8

Avengers: Prime #3 – Thor does battle and Rogers finds Stark.  We’re still not told exactly what’s going on or where our heroes are, but the story is fairly interesting and entertaining.

Story: 7 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7

Captain America #610 – While the end to Bucky’s fight with Zemo is predictable and somewhat weak, there’s a point to it, and it’s just a fraction of Brubaker’s bigger, master plan.  When taken as a whole, this story arc will be a a key piece and one that needed to be told.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.75

Captain America: Patriot #2 – It’s the second issue and it keeps up the quality of the first.  We get glimpses of how tough it is to fill Captain America’s boots as Jeff the third one to take the role does his best.  The interaction and writing is fantastic and art top notch.  this is a must buy and contender for limited series of the year.

Story: 9.25 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9.25

Casanova #3 – It’s another trippy issue of the kinetic and crazy spy adventure.  It’s a comic you have to pay attention to or you’ll miss what’s going on.  The art is entertaining and story just fun and whacked.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5

Chew #14 – I just love this series.  It’s so much fun, so entertaining.  The art, writing, characters, everything is creative and puts a smile on your face.  This is definitely a must read month after month and should be on everybody’s pull list.

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9

Franken-Castle #21 – I’ve hated the Franken-Castle storyline and this issue sees the end of that in a bit convoluted way (he’s still hurt, look time passes and he’s healed!).  The issue for the most part is just bad, but the preview pages of what’s to come next look fantastic.  This is night and day from the same writer.

Story: 6.25 Art: 6.25 Overall: 6.25

Lady Death Premiere – The comic was free and entertaining.  It’s kind of hard to have any issues with that.

Story: 7 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Morning Glories #1 – I generally get what the big deal about this new series is, but ok.  Not sure how well it’ll hold up in the long run, but I’ll give it a shot.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Namor: The First Mutant #2 – There’s a lot I want to like in this series, but at the same time, something just seems off.  Namor must rally his troops for the impending onslaught of the underwater vampires.  There’s so much potential here, but it doesn’t quite have the oomph yet.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

1 Month 2 Live #5 – The first and last issues of this limited series are what we should of gotten in a comic that explores what a person will do if they had super powers and one month to live.  The final issue comes off as a “very special episode” and the art isn’t up to snuff.  Overall, I wish I saved the $15.

Story: 6.25 Art: 6 Overall: 6.25

Secret Warriors #20 – While a lot of the Marvel universe is puppy dogs and rainbows, this gritty series gives us the darker side of the universe.  Leviathan and Hydra have upped their attacks against teach other and Fury has decided he’s the one that’s going to put an end to it.  This isn’t a simple read, this series is an epic dance and one you should be reading.

Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9

X-Men: Legacy #240 – The battle with the Children of the Vault continues.  The story is entertaining, but something just seems to be missing.   I generally like the plot and story, but at the same time, there’s nothing here that’ll make it memorable.

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5

X-Men vs. Vampires – Out of all of the offshoots involved in this mini X-Men event, this one is so far the best.  It’s like most of the short stories put out with four short stories and all of them are really good and all have decent to good art.  It’s stand alone and you don’t need to know much.  I really recommend this one.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Graphic Novel

De: Tales – See the extended review later this week.