Another week of comics, and another thick stack of books.  What’s worth picking up for the first week of March?  What should you skip?  What shouldn’t of been printed?  Find out our thoughts below!

Monthly Comics

Annihilators #1 – Here we go again with another fantastic take on the cosmic side of the Marvel universe.  As ususal Abnett and Lanning are in the driver’s seat and I wouldn’t have it any other way.  There’s also a back up story featuring Rocket Raccoon and Groot which is awesome so far and adds some depth to both characters.  Loving this first issue.

Story: 10 Art: 9 Overall: 9.5

Avengers Academy #10 – The kids take some classes and gets all angsty but the elephant in the room that is Speedball and what happened in Stamford is addressed.  The issue is good, but there’s something that’s off that doesn’t make it as impressive as it’s predecessor Avengers: The Initiative.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25

Brightest Day #21 – The heroes begin to pick up on the fact that the returned heroes are again being taken away from them as the end of Martian Manhunter’s tale is told.  The issue is ok, but the art isn’t consistent throughout especially at the beginning.

Story: 8 Art: 7 Overall: 7.5

Chew #17 – The series continues to be one of the most wacky and crazy ones on the market.  Where else would you find the FDA acting like the FBI by kicking in doors and kicking in heads.  Each issue is filled with action and laughs and shouldn’t be missed.

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9

Daken: Dark Wolverine #8 – The series keeps growing on me, and I’ll keep claiming the character is under rated and under appreciated.  There’s a lot of chess moves to what Daken does and this arc in Madripoor has been top notch so far.  I can’t wait to see what else is in store.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Deadpool #33.1 – I’m completely confused as to the point of the whole Point One series of books.  They’re introductions to the characters but not necessarily an introduction to current story lines.  This one gives us the tone we’d expect in a Deadpool comic, but has no connection to the current arc.  It’s a waste and you might as well have called these annuals.  This issue is decent, but there’s no reason to buy it.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

5 Ronin #1 – Marvel characters set in a feudal Japan.  The first issue is ok, but didn’t blow me away enough that I’m psyched about picking up the next four issues.  The twist on Wolverine was nice though, and quite unexpected.  Overall though, nothing too impressive.

Story: 7.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.5

Green Lanterns #63 – It’s the lead up to the War of the Green Lanterns with some huge revelations as to what happened with the Manhunters and the beginning of the green power rings.  For as off the last few issues been, this one completely bounces back draped in awesomeness.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Heroes for Hire #4 – The series keeps impressing me and getting better.  Misty knows there’s something wrong in her world and begins to fight the control of the Puppet Master.  It’s a great issue and I think there’s a lot more than we’re lead on (I think she’s still asleep at the end).  It’s a great single issue, but also a fantastic series.

Story: 9.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 9.25

Incognito: Bad Influences #4 – Zack continues his journey into the underworld and struggles with his dual lives.  It’s a fascinating read, a bit reminiscent of Mark Waid’s Incorruptible.  A great read, but that’s what I’d expect with Ed Brubaker.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

Irredeemable #23 – The cover rocks and it fits the fantastic interior.  I had my doubts as to where Mark Waid was going with the series, but he’s been hitting it out of the park.  There’s some twists and turns here that are top notch.  This is a fantastic series and I only expect it to keep improving.

Story: 8.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8.5

Joe the Barbarian #8 – It’s been a wicked delay for this issue, and it wasn’t really worth it.  The series had so much potential but at times it fell into Grant Morrisons habit of being indecipherable.  The only reason I’d recommend it is if you’re dying to know how the limited series ends.

Story: 7 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7

Secret Six #31 – The series has bounced back to all of it’s dysfunctional fun.  But, it’s unfortunate the plot is taking them to Hell.  For some reason this is a popular plot lately, occurring in at least two Marvel books and now this one.  Oh well.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Secret Warriors #25 – I kind of feel like this issue’s whole point was to tie this series into Hickman’s other series S.H.I.E.L.D.  It’s an interesting story, but a bit out of the blue.

Story: 8 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.5

Thunderbolts #154 – A self contained issue focusing on Man-Thing.  It’s a pretty solid read that adds a lot to the character and sets his role for the team.  It’s a really good read, and the fact it’s one issue makes it a good pick up for new readers.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5

Ultimate Captain America #3 – I thought the firs two issues of this series was solid but this third one blows them away in every way.  It’s damn near perfect with amazing art and writing that’s unbelievable.  I haven’t been a fan of the “Ultimate” line, but this series is a must read.

Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10

X-Factor #216 – The Mayor of New York shows up on the doorstep of X-Factor, but is it a good thing when J. Jonah Jameson needs something from you?  The series seems to be getting back in the right direction.  We’ll see how this story arc goes.

Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8

Graphic Novel/Trade Paperback

Takio – Brian Michael Bendis’s all ages original graphic novel from Marvel and Icon.  The story is an all ages book focused on two super powered sisters.  We’ll have an expanded review this week.