It’s the end of the week and that means reviews.  Below is this week’s reviews of purchased comics.  Which ones were worth our money and which ones should you skip?  Find out below!

Monthly Comics

Astonishing X-Men: Xenogenesis #3 – Out of the two Astonishing X-Men comics this one is definitely worth the purchase and is the one to go with.  It’s sort of tied into the other one, which is interesting and Ellis returns to a storyline he used in the past, but thankfully you don’t need to be familiar with it.  Great story and fantastic art make this a definite buy.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

The Avengers #5 – The time travel adventure continues as we might get a glimpse of the Marvel time line to come.  This issue might be worth the purchase to see that alone.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Avengers Academy #4 – The final part to the “scared straight” storyline with the Thunderbolts.  The kids attempt to kill Osborn and debate of whether to go through with it.  I yawned a lot.  The series doesn’t quite have the magic that was Avengers: Initiative.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Black Widow #6 – Someone who looks a lot like the Black Widow is bumping off politicians and she’s trying to find out who.  The second arc starts off with a bang in a great, fast paced issue.  The art is weak at points, but story is fantastic.

Story: 8.5 Art: 7 Overall: 8

Fables #98 – Rose Red finally snaps out of her trance and first thing on her plate is taking back control of the farm and getting everyone in line.  The issue is good, but not quite up to snuff as recent issues.  Still worth the read though.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Fantastic Four #583 – Val decides to head into her father’s lab while the Fantastic Four fight something… The issue is ok and continues in Hickman’s grand vision and building on the prophetic warnings delivered in what seems ages ago.  My biggest problem with this issue is something I feel I missed.  When did Doom get brain damage?

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

The Flash #5 – It’s the Rogues versus the Renegades as we find out who the real killer is.  The story is a bit confusing but makes sense at the same time.  Not as good as the previous four issues, but the art is still solid.

Story: 7 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.5

Green Lantern Corps. #52 – The end to the arc involving Cyborg Superman, overall it’s ok but nothing to get excited about.  I liked the perspective this issue was told from and there’s some stand out moments, but overall the story arc was just ok.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Hit Monkey #3 – The end to the limited series we see the end to Hit Monkey’s first mission.  The series has been a fun read and definitely worth the trade pick up when that comes out.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Nemesis #3 – How to review this issue without giving too much away… This third issue is twisted on so many levels and full of the ultra-violence.  Mark Millar seriously needs to see a shrink to work through some of his issues.  Such a good issue and I feel a bit dirtier having read it.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

1 Month 2 Live #4 – I really enjoyed the first issue of this five part limited series and sadly the next three just didn’t hold up.  This issue like the past two is forgettable.  The art is so-so and story just doesn’t do it for me.  The series had potential, but oh well.

Story: 6.5 Art: 6.5 Overall: 6.5

Secret Avengers #5 – While the entire first arc was to introduce us to Steve Rogers’s strike team of Avengers, this second arc begins to unravel all of the mysteries from the first.  It’s great in that this issue reveals so much and adds so much to that first arc, but at the same time, it’s totally accessible for new readers.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5

Shadowland: Daughters of the Shadow #2 – This second issue of the decent Shadowland offshoot lacks any real depth to it.  That includes plot and any emotional connection.  Plot points are just thrown at us with little to back them up and the issue jumps from situation to situation.  We’ll see if this was a tale that even needed to be told.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Shadowland: Moon Knight #2 – My issue with the second issue of the limited series aren’t the plot points, all are good, it’s how it’s told.  The issue is very choppy, jumping from plot point to plot point without much of a flow.  This series should have a huge impact on the main Moon Knight series, we’ll see if that’s the case.

Story: 7 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7

Thor #615 – And thus begins Matt Fraction’s run on Thor and so far so good.  There’s been some issues with the Asgard on Earth storyline that haven’t been answered and Fraction has dived right in.  I don’t want to give too much away, but this is a great start.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.25

Uncanny X-Men #528 – Hope and Storm meet another new mutant as various things happen around Utopia and San Francisco.  Overall a fairly boring issue, but it’s all building to something…. I hope.

Story: 7 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.24

The Walking Dead #77 – Robert Kirkman’s character study continues as his look at what truly determines a monster and what makes a society continues.  To say this series is brilliant really is an understatement.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9

It’s a double dose of reviews this weekend as we ran last week’s reviews yesterday.  But here’s this week’s reviews which catches us all up!  What’s worth reading and what should you skip?  Find out below!

Monthly Comics

Astonishing Spider-Man & Wolverine #3 – It’s Wolverine versus Doom the size of a planet with one fold out page that’s beyond amazing.  This series is fun, entertaining, creative and a must read!

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9

Brightest Day #10 – We learn the secret behind Aqualad as well as a bit more about Firestorm.  I’m still shocked by how much I’ve enjoyed this event.  It’s been a lot of fun to read and see where it goes.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Captain America: Patriot #1 – The first issue in a four issue limited series that focuses on the man who became the Patriot and eventually took up the mantel of Captain America.  The issue is so, so good.  Words just don’t do it justice.  The art is top notch and story is fantastic.  This is easily the pick of the week.

Story: 9.5 Art: 9 Overall: 9.25

Deadpool #27 – An Arab as a terrorist, how original.  I can’t quite decide if the issue is racist or just really not politically correct.  But, no matter, the issue is entertaining and really fun to read.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5

DMZ #57 – A tale of a woman and a baby in a warzone.  A very powerful story and the usual quality you’d expect from Brian Wood.  DMZ is one of the best comic books on the market and one you should be reading every month.

Story: 9.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9

Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #2 – Guy Gardner gathers his team as he begins to head out to the unknown sectors, but first there’s something he must take care of.  The story and series so far is decent, but there’s barely a need for it.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

Joe the Barbarian #7 – It’s the second last issue of this Grant Morrison limited series.  Joe must decide what he wants to do, save his fantasy world or save himself.  The series has been enjoyable, but will definitely benefit by reading it as a trade instead of individual issues.

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

Marvel Universe vs. The Punisher #4 – It’s the end of the limited series as the Punisher must deal with the Kingpin and his tribe.  The final issue touched on a little more, but I was definitely expecting more of a comparison as to what defines a monster.  It’s very subtle and it’s done, but I really wanted more of it, along with the deep psychological issues the Punisher has.  Still the limited series is entertaining.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

New Mutants #17 – Wow, something is just so off with this issue.  The last couple of issues have been decent, but the stories pacing is really uneven and the art, not quite as good as it has been.  The issue is just bad.

Story: 5 Art: 6.75 Overall: 5.5

1 Month 2 Live #3 – It’s the third issue as the clock ticks down for Dennis.  He’s swept away by the Fantastic Four to deal with Ego the Living Planet.  The issue has a retro feel to it, but overall it’s a big meh.

Story: 6.5 Art: 6.5 Overall: 6.5

Shadowland: Ghost Rider – This one shot looks at Ghost Rider’s mission for the Kingpin after the jailbreak in Shadowland.  The story is pretty decent and art is very solid.  It’s a simple chapter but potentially has a lot of impact on the story and Ghost Rider.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.5

Shadowland: Power Man #2 – This attempt at a blaxploitation movie in comic form comes close to pulling it off.  But instead at times it feels like the worst of 70’s Marvel comics.  But I really appreciate the Warriors riff.  Can you dig it!?

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25

Steve Rogers: Super Soldier #3 – The comic is fun as Rogers deals with being de-powered.  It continues it’s pulp throwback feel to it, but this issue, along with the last, don’t quite hold up to the promise of the first.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

Thor: First Thunder #1 – This is the tipping point for me.  One mini-series too many surrounding one character who’s movie is roughly a year away.  This is another re-imagining of Thor’s origin.  Nothing really original, and completely unnecessary.

Story: 6.25 Art: 7 Overall: 6.5

Thor: For Asgard #2 – The second issue reads much better than the first, but still, other than the art, I just don’t see the point in the series.  Much like’s been done with Deadpool and Wolverine, Thor is quickly being exploited due to the upcoming movie.  Captain America overload should begin in 3…2…1…

Story: 7.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 8

Thunderbolts #148 – Luke Cage decides to use the team for some personal business as he sends them into the depths of Shadowland to find some missing cops.  The dynamic between the members is the best and the series is still picking up all the small interactions and personality conflicts.  A decent tie-in to the event.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

the Unwritten #17 – In a rather brilliant idea, we’re presented the various lives of Lizzie Hexam, where we the reader can choose the path she takes.  It’s choose your own adventure time in this very brilliant issue.

Story: 9.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9.25

Wolverine: Road to Hell – Three stories leading up to three of the four “Wolverine” comic book series.  Two of the three really give no insight, but the Uncanny X-Force story gives me a lot of hope for that series.  I really like the group dynamic shown.  But overall, there’s no need for the comic.

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7

X-Factor #209 – The team hits Las Vegas, and the issue is full of humor and it’s fun, but it’s just not the usual quality I expect from this series.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

X-23 #1 – Definitely the strongest of the three “Wolverine” titles.  This one totally focuses on Laura/x-23 and really plays off the fact she’s done all these horrible things and has her childhood denied.  There’s a lot of potential here, and I really enjoyed the first issue.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

We missed last week’s reviews (sorry but life intervened).  So, it’s a double dose of comic reviews this weekend.  Expect this week’s reviews to be up tomorrow!

Monthly Comics

American Vampire #6 – We’ll admit we’ve been a bit hard at times on the series as we had high hopes for it.  As this second arc begins, this is what we’ve been waiting for. It’s 1936, The Great Depression is well underway and the focus is shifted to the town surrounding the Hoover Dam.  Murder is afoot and vampires are involved.  Such a great start.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5

Daken: Dark Wolverine #1 – I’ve actually been a fan of Daken.  I know a lot of people dislike the character, but a bisexual character who’s into mind games are hard to come by.  There’s a  lot to work with here, and I hope we get a lot more than Wolverine’s petulant kid.  In the first issue we get a glimpse of the series’ potential, and I like what I see.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Daredevil #510 – All hell is breaking loose in the Shadowland as Daredevil descends further into madness and his best friends must decide what to do about it.  This is a great chapter in the hot or miss event.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

Daytripper #10 – I got chills as I read the last page, not knowing how this limited series would end.  Each issue has been fantastic, and the final issue has the same quality.  This is probably the best limited series of the year.  Beyond fantastic and shows how powerful the comic book medium can be.

Story: 10 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9.75

Green Lantern #57 – The issue is pretty much entirely focused on the Star Sapphires and their totem.  It’s an ok issue as it fleshes out their background a bit.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

Hawkeye & Mockingbird #4 – I can’t say I totally understand the Phantom Rider background and story line, but as the cover says “A hell of a good time.”

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Invaders Now #1 – An ok first issue, as something from the team’s past comes back to haunt them.  Overall, pretty meh.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

The Invincible Iron Man #30 – Thirty issues in and we’re still referencing items from the first arc.  Much like Brubaker’s current Captain America run, this is a classic that can’t be missed.  A long running epic, as opposed to the short story arcs many other series do.  This has a long term plan and vision, and damn it’s good.

Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9

Irredeemable #17 – Wow, just wow.  Mark Waid has totally thrown a curve ball into the whole hero/villain dynamic.  This series just got very interesting.

Story: 8.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8.5

The New Avengers #4 – The New Avengers continue to fight demons as Strange, Voodoo and Hellstorm try to figure out who’s behind it all.  There’s a lot of action here, with some great banter.  But overall, it feels like it’s being a bit drawn out.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

1 Month 2 Live #2 – While I really enjoyed the first issue, the second issue hits a bit of a lull.  It’s not bad, but not great, it’s just good.  And that’s not necessarily a horrible thing.  As a whole, I think this limited series will be a decent read, but the second issue is a big ole meh.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Shadowland: Blood on the Streets #2 – Various folks continue to investigate who’s murdering bad guys.  Is in the Hand?  Who knows, and really I don’t care.  Shadowland is pretty interesting but it’s various off-shoots, like this miniseries are pretty forgettable.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6.75

The Thanos Imperative #4 – This is a high note in the latest Marvel cosmic event as all hell breaks loose and everything is on the table as to what’s next.  So, so good.  But here’s my question, how can the “Avatar of Life” kill anything?  Doesn’t that go against the name?

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

Thor #614 – I have not been a fan at all of the Thor goes to Hell story arc.  I outright have hated it, and it’s finally over.  Now, the most entertaining thing in this book and muddled plot is a clear f-up in the pages with a scene involving Balder and a table that says “Scan of Map of Asgard?”.  That hilarity might make this worth it, but not really.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

Thor: The Mighty Avenger #4 – Thor and the Warriors Three head out for a drink as we learn a bit more as to why he’s on Earth.  The have a run in with Captain Britain and it’s actually entertaining.  The series is a cute entertaining read, and very much growing on me.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

X-Force: Sex and Violence #3 – We’re not talking rocket science here.  It’s Wolverine and Domino versus the Assassins Guild.  There’s some awesome visuals here and the final chapter of the series is decent.  Nothing ground breaking but entertaining.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.75

X-Men #3 – Dracula is back and Wolverine is on the hunt for Jubilee.  The issue feels like a middle chapter and the ending just didn’t feel like a big shock.  It just felt a bit empty and anticlimactic.

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7

Graphic Novel

Cuba: My Revolution – See an upcoming stand alone review.

Here’s this week’s reviews of the comics sitting in our pull box.  What was worth the purchase and which did we regret spending our hard earned money on?  Find out below.

Monthly Comics

Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #2 – A great issue.  The Avengers step in to protect the Young Avengers from Magneto, but do they want to go along to find the Scarlet Witch?  Quicksilver also enters the picture (natch), and we may finally have found out where the Scarlet Witch has been hiding (just hope it’s not a fake out).

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Brightest Day #9 – Some of this issue I enjoyed and other bits not so much.  I wasn’t too keen on the Martian Manhunter and Green Arrow segment, as I don’t have much invested in either character but the rest was ok.  I really liked the twist at the end.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5

Deadpool: Pulp #1 – Marvel launched their noir line, which for the most part I didn’t enjoy.  This limited series takes a similar tone taking place in the past and using familiar characters in different roles.  In this case Deadpool is a soldier who’s tasked with retrieving stolen nuclear materials.  It’s a really entertaining read.  I wish the noir line was this good.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5

Franken-Castle #20 – I feel like a broken record when I plead each month to bring back the old Punisher.  The fight with Daken wraps up with action and scenes that at times make no sense.  Sigh.

Story: 6 Art: 6.5 Overall: 6

Green Hornet #7 – I’ll mention again how good this series is.  Kevin Smith has taken what has been a fairly dull character and reinvigorated the franchise.  I’m now a Green Hornet fan because of him.  This series is fantastic.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

I Am An Avenger #1 – Marvel recently published a similar title which had four or so stories each issue, usually a few would have an impact.  I Am An Avenger is the same concept, with only members of the Avengers.  The difference is these stories don’t matter at all, in fact they’re pretty easy to skip over.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6.5

Incorruptible #9 – Mark Waid’s duel series showing the ying and yang of utter destruction continues, this time Max Damage heading to find out how the information of his powers got out to the Diamond Gang.  And in the character focused plot of his new partner Jailbait and an alcoholic cop and you’ve got a damn good issue.

Story: 8.25 Art: 7.5 Overall: 8

Iron Man: Legacy #6 – It’s another chapter of Tony’s life.  He’s down and out and lost his company and it seems like someone’s out to kill him.  Some history is retconned, but it works really well.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Marvel Universe vs. the Punisher #3 – The comic is almost over as the Punisher has a sit down with Spider-Man and learns there’s even bigger fish to fry.  I really have been enjoying this simple four issue limited series.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Marvelman Family’s Finest #3 – 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

1 Month 2 Live #1 – One man is given one month to live (a shocker I know considering the title) and super powers.  How does he spend the month and what impact on the world can he make?  That’s the concept behind this five issue mini-series that has a lot of promise.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Scarlet #2 – The vigilante taking down crooked cops has been done before, but for some reason this is so entertaining.  A great read and beautiful to look at.

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9

Secret Six #25 – I feel like I missed something, but the issue is still entertaining.  Bane has his new team set up, while the old band of brothers is gotten back together to go after him (at least that’s what I think is going on).

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Shadowland #3 – We sort of learn what’s got Daredevil so bent out of shape, and on top of that the Punisher is back.  I’m not quite sure what I think as some big demon type thing thrown in with the Hand just seems to diminish their “cool” factor.  Also the Punisher is back to normal!?  Kind of kills his series and getting him back there.  Way to mess that one up.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 6.75

Shadowland: Elektra – It’s a decent read, but overall I don’t know how vital of a read it is.  Basically Daredevil sends the Hand to send Elektra a message.  Then there’s debate as to what that message means.  As I said, it’s a decent read.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

Taskmaster #1 – The rumor is out that Taskmaster has turned state’s evidence and is helping Steve Rogers.  That sets off an entertaining amount of groups who are determined to cash in on the bounty.  It’s a great comic, so entertaining.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

Thor: For Asgard #1 – Calamaties are befalling Asgard in this Marvel Knights limited series.  The story isn’t what to come for though, the art is amazing to look at.  Just beautiful.

Story: 8.25 Art: 9.5 Overall: 8.75

Wolverine #1 – Something was just off with this comic.  I’m not quite sure what I didn’t enjoy, but there’s something here that threw me off.  I’m not the biggest fan of the art, which might be part of it, but Wolverine going to “hell” just seems a bit silly to me.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

X-Men: Smoke and Blood – Like most of the Curse of the Mutants offshoots, there’s very important plot points in here, but overall the story is pretty blah.  The art is interesting, but overall meh.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

Young Allies #4 – All kinds of secrets come out about who the Bastards of Evil are and their leader is revealed.  I’m sure few of you are actually reading this series, but you should give it a shot.  There’s just something really fun about it.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

We were at Baltimore Comic Con this weekend, but here’s reviews of this week’s releases.  There’s lots of tie-ins for events this week.  Some are good and some are rubbish.  Find out what stands out and what you can skip.

Monthly Comics

Astonishing X-Men #35 – Wow, what utter bunk.  Is this series now over?  If not, can we petition to put it out of it’s misery?  We learn who’s behind the attacks, and boy is it a cop out.  This ending feels like it was cobbled together to just get some closer.  Everyone is out of character, and the dialogue at the end is just bad and out of place.  FAIL!!!!

Story: 6 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.5

The Avengers #4 – Such a fun and entertaining comic book, where I’m definitely kept on my toes and don’t know what to expect next.  Such a great read.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5

Black Widow #5 – It’s the end of the first story arc as Black Widow goes after Imus.  Overall I think it’s a pretty solid issue with a good mix of action of words.  Hopefully more people check out the series when the first trade comes out.  The story is solid enough for a read.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Captain America #609 – Bucky goes after Zemo as the rest of the team are held up in helping him.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Fantastic Four #582 – What the hell did I read?  We wrap up the time traveling storyline as we find out what the Richards children have been up to and I can’t say I quite get it.  It feels like a middle chapter to a longer storyline.  Hopefully that’s the case and down the road this will make more sense.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

Green Lantern Corps. #51 – This issue is a fun super hero comic leaving you entertained.  It’s pretty predictable but at the same time leaves you satisfied.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

Namor: The First Mutant #1 – A tie-in to the Curse of the Mutants that holds a key chapter as Namor goes after the head of Dracula.  The whole issue is ok, and more of a series of events and set up than coherent story.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7

Secret Warriors #19 – I’ve loved this story arc.  It’s been perfect in it’s presentation tying in the past and present.  It’s take on modern nation states and warfare is right on target.  When this is collected as a trade it’s a must buy and a perfect starting off point as it sets the stage for what’s next.

Story: 9.25 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9

Shadowland: Moon Knight #1 – While I’m sure some will point to this issue as another case of a “refrigerator” moment, this first issue of the Shadowland offshoot miniseries.  The impact on the Moon Knight character is pretty evident and I can’t wait to see this spill over into his main series.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Thor #613 – Thor’s trip to hell feels a bit like a torture you might endure there.  There’s a lot of people explaining what you’re seeing on the page, and overall the story is just not exciting at all.  Bring on the new creative team!

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Unknown Soldier #23 – I’m disappointed the series is coming to an end.  This CIA storyline seems a bit rushed, but also has so much potential.  I have no idea where it’s going to end up, but I like what I see so far.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5

Dark Wolverine #90 – I know there are folks who just don’t like Daken, and that’s fine, but I think this issue is a perfect example of the potential he has as a character.  There’s been a couple of issues similar to this one, that aren’t just good for this character, but good writing period.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

X-Factor #208 – Not a bad issue.  It does pretty decent when it focuses on Rahne’s reaction to the relationship between Shatterstar and Rictor, but even then that’s a write by numbers situation.  Overall a ho-hum issue for a usually fantastic series.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

X-Men: Curse of the Mutants – Blade – The lead up to Blade getting involved in the X-Men’s fight with vampires.  Overall an unnecessary issue and you probably can skip it.

Story: 6.5 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.5

X-Men: Curse of the Mutants – Storm and Gambit – Storm and Gambit go after Dracula’s body.  It’s a pretty important chapter in the Curse of the Mutants storyline, but the comic is pretty so-so.  Something just seemed off and the art just doesn’t seem consistent for some reason.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

X-Men: Legacy #239 – The second chapter of the team’s trip to India.  Magneto does some investigating to find out what’s behind the storm and who their new visitor is.  The issue just feels like it drags on, it’s not bad, but doesn’t stand out either.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.25

Here’s this week’s reviews of the latest comic book releases.  A pretty thick stack of books of all sorts.

Monthly Comics

Age of Heroes #4 – Four more stories as this limited series comes to an end.  The Black Panther story is a great follow up to Doom War.  The Captain America story is a bit weak.  I also liked the Zodiac story and Cloud 9 one pager.  This is the most solid of the four issues.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Avengers: Academy #3 – We learn a bit about Hazmat’s origin which is a bit too much like Rogue’s.  That being said this storyline of having the students visit the Raft and Thunderbolts is pretty good.

Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8

Atlas #4 – This series revamp is top notch.  The addition of 3D Man has added a lot to the story and dynamic.  We learn a lot more about his powers and the story behind the body snatchers.  Another solid issue.  My only gripe is Bob and what he now looks like.  Didn’t his mini-series say he was human?

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Brightest Day #8 – I’m not enjoying the Hawkworld or Martian Manhunter stroylines, which is why I’m a bit down on this issue, but overall all pretty good.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

Chew #13 – Such an awesome issue.  The series is back to it’s over the top entertaining self.  The story is a great mix of humor and action.  So original in every sense.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

Deadpool #26 – A pretty solid issue of the series as we get a glimpse of a bit of Deadpool’s past during a meeting with Ghost Rider.  It’s a self-contained single issue that stands out and can hold up on it’s own.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Ex Machina #50 – I’ll admit I teared up at points reading this issue.  I also gasped at moments as well.  This is it.  The final issue to the blending of super hero and politics.  An amazing final issue and absolutely pick of the week.  I don’t think I could of ended the issue in a better way.  So amazing for so many reasons.

Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10

Fables #97 – The politicking continues as the focus on Rose Red comes to an end along with her tale, or is it the beginning of hers?  An excellent issue and I can’t wait to see what we happens as we approach issue 100.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Image United #3 – The comic’s been delayed for quite a while and time did not help.  It’s just utter rubbish with bad dialogue, a bad story and just off art.  This is Image at it’s worst and why I gave up on a lot of the company not too long after it launched many years ago.

Story: 5 Art: 6.5 Overall: 5.5

The Last Phantom #1 – The latest comic to attempt to resurrect the Phantom character.  While the story was interesting, there was just something missing to make me care about what was happening or the character.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

Marvel Universe vs. The Punisher #2 – The second issue of the limited series is just as solid as the first.  I’m pretty impressed by it and it definitely is much higher quality than the title would suggest.  Jonathan Maberry is putting out some more quality comics with his latest.

Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8

The New Avengers #3 – I loved this issue.  The dialogue and interaction between the various team members is fantastic.  The action and story is fun.  The whole issue is excellent.  So much fun.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5

New Mutants #16 – A pretty solid issue as we learn more about the military soldiers and Project Purgatory.  I like how it ties into some classic “X” history.

Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8

Phoenix Without Ashes #1 – It’s a future society that’s sort of Amish but make decisions based upon what a computer says.  But all is not right.  It’s an interesting premise, but the comic just wasn’t for me.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Secret Avengers #4 – The end to the immediate story on Mars, and it ends in a decent way.  Rogers with Nova’s power is a pretty cool moment.  Overall, the biggest thing that has me interested is Fury’s involvement in all of this.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Shadowland: Daughters of the Shadow #1 – The Shadowland off-shoots have been hit or miss and this one I enjoyed a lot.  The story sets up a new entity and back story that has some potential.  In the end the overall story will be what this is judged by.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Shadowland: Power Man #1 – This is a comic where the cover does not do the interior justice.  It’s actually a pretty quality comic and I like what I see so far with the new Power Man.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75

Thunderbolts #147 – I like this counter-point to this week’s Avengers Academy.  It shows the events from the Thunderbolts’ view.  A very good issue.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Uncanny X-Men #527 – We meet another new mutant as Emma also has dinner with some her gentlemen suitors.  It’s a decent story line.  Very slow, but also building well.  This is the calm before the storm.

Story: 8.25 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8

Wolverine: Weapon X #16 – A very touching story about Wolverine and Nightcrawler.  The whole topic is about faith and what you do because of it.  The story is top notch, the art though is not so much.

Story: 8.75 Art: 7.25 Overall: 8.5