A solid week of books where some of the consistently best are released.  It’s great to have such amazing books being produced, but sad that it’s all during one week.

Which is the best of the week?  Find out in our reviews below.

Monthly Comics

Batman: the Widening Gyre #5 – Kevin Smith and Walt Flanagan continue their tale of Batman and Baphomet.  We get the reveal behind Baphomet’s motivations but other than that the story feels pretty phoned in without much to really make the series stand out.  With one issue to go, there needs to be a decent amount packed in to make this limited series worth the time.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.5 Overall: 6.75

Batman and Robin #10 – Though there’s been hints leading up to this, you can consider this the lead up to the return of Bruce Wayne.  We also learn more about Talia’s plan for Damian.  A good issue and intriguing enough to actually get me interested in how they pull of Wayne’s return.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Breaking Into Comics the Marvel Way #1 – Though it fails in what it was billed as, “an insiders guide to making it into comics,” as a highlight of upcoming talent it very much succeeds.  Unlike other recent talent highlights like Girl Comics, Breaking Into Comics the Marvel Way has six stories that not only have fantastic art, but also entertaining plots and writing.  It’s a mix of talented writers paired up with artists that compliment the story.  It’s well worth the pick up, even if it doesn’t live up to what it was advertised as.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

Cable #24 – The long story of Cable and Hope running from Bishop has finally ended after 24 issues as the two make it back to the present day.  But, will Hope be the savior of mutant kind or it’s damnation?  We’ll find out soon in the upcoming Second Coming storyline.  While it’s nice to see this arc finally end, the art for this issue changes numerous times making it a bit jarring and definitely adding a negative to the issue.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6 Overall: 6.25

Dark X-Men #5 – Osborn’s X-Men continue to deal with the Green Goblin as Osborn must deal with Nate Grey.  It’s a rather weak ending to what has otherwise been a very good limited series, and all I’m left to say is, what’s next?

Story: 7 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7

Daytripper #4 – Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá continue their brilliant examination of life.  This is easily one of the best comic books of the year and one you should be reading.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9

DMZ #51 – After the events of last issue how is the world dealing with the aftermath of a nuclear explosion?  And how is Matty Roth coping with the fact that his life is back to where it was as Delgado Nation collapses?

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9

Ex Machina #48 – Brian Vaughn’s series hurtles towards it’s conclusion as the threat facing Mayor Hundred is revealed and shattering news is delivered to him.  Is this a political allegory in the shape of a super hero comic or is it a super hero comic with political undertones?  Vaughn will let us know as the series roles to it’s conclusion.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9

Prelude to Deadpool Corps. #2 – We’re introduced to yet another alternate version of Deadpool, this one Kidpool aka Tito.  It’s a pretty entertaining comic, very funny, but again a wee bit too much Deadpool is going on right now.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Secret Six #19 – The team heads out to take on a cult as the diversion that was Blackest Night is now over.  For as bad as those last two issues were, this one is so far the other end of the spectrum.  The team is back to their usual dysfunction and banter making it one of the most entertaining team books out there.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5

the Twelve: Spearhead #1 – The Twelve was an excellent limited series that seemed to disappear with four issues to go.  This story sees the characters of that limited series together fighting alongside Captain America in World War II.  Told from the perspective of the Phantom Reporter, we’re treated to a lost tale of super heroes during the war.  It also is a look at what defines a real hero, with numerous commentary that the soldiers are the real heroes.  It’s a decent story, and if you enjoyed the limited series you might enjoy this.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

the Unwritten #11 – Our three travelers learn more about why they’ve been sucked into the past and a little about Tommy’s power and role.  This is Harry Potter for adults.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

X-Men: Forever #19 – Chris Claremont has shaken up the status quo with this “X” offshoot and the results have definitely been interesting.  Killing off a major character, changing powers, the introduction of burnout and the Consortium have all had a familiar feel but still been interesting directions.  Unfortunately, with the sub par art among other things the material still feels “C” grade at best.  If your a Claremont fan the series has a decent retro feel, but it just isn’t special enough to keep me hooked.

Story: 6 Art: 6 Overall: 6

ZVR Aventure #2 – Um there’s robots and there’s zombies, need I say more?  You really can’t go wrong if you enjoy either of these things.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8