A very light week for comic books, with lots of second issues a few firsts and the end of the first volume of a series I loved.  What was worth the purchases and which should I have saved the money on?  Find out below!

Monthly Comics

Cinderella: Fables are Forever #2 – There’s so much that can be mined in the Fables world and this series is taking advantage introducing us to the Chinese and Russian Fables communities.  It’s a great twist and adds a lot to the series.  My only issue is the use of Dorothy Gale.  As the series focuses on imaginary beings from story books, shouldn’t she be a real person who fell into the Fable world as the Fables have come into ours?  That bit doesn’t really matter, but nagged at me.  Still, a great second issue and added depth to the Fables world.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5

5 Ronin #2 – I wasn’t the biggest of fans of the first issue of this limited series, but the second issue improves as it focuses on the concept of the Hulk.  The issue still doesn’t blow me away, but it’s not too bad a read.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Jennifer Blood #2 – Garth Ennis is a sick, sick puppy.  The house wife meets Dirty Harry series continues as Jennifer Blood continues her war on the underworld and we learn a little more about her connection with her targets.  The big death at the end is pretty damn creative and something that got me to cringe imagining it happening.  Solid series.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5

The New Avengers #10 – Two stories make up this issue.  The Avengers of the present and the first Avengers team, in 1959 with a membership that’s a bit unexpected.  Both stories are fun and entertaining.  My only issues is Chaykin’s art which is so recognizable, but many of the male characters look alike.  Still a very good issue.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75

Onslaught Unleashed #2 – The second issue of this four issue series ends with a pretty big reveal that throws into the question the entire existence of a character.  I missed the first go around of Onslaught, but I’m digging this series so far.  I’m more interested in seeing where these characters go afterwards.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Sigil #1 – So, this was my first step into the Crossgen world and as far as first issues go, this one wasn’t too bad.  There’s enough there to get me to check out the second issue, but not enough I want to go back and check out the original Crossgen books.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.25

27 #4 – This final issue of the first volume is where it all comes together.  Where does inspiration and talent comes from?  Is it given to us by a muse?  But, don’t we have to want to create?  Are we given talent?  Or, do we have to practice and teach ourselves it?  That’s the debate of the series and it’s all laid out here in this final issue and it got me thinking about it all for quite some time after.  The series made me think, which is what art is supposed to do.

Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10

Venom #1 – An original take on the Venom character with him now being a black-ops agent for the government.  It sounds a lot worse than it actually is.  The first issue has got me interested to check out the second, but time will tell which way this series goes.  I fear this might just turn into a Punisher/Spider-Man mash-up.

Story: 8 Art: 7 Overall: 7.75

The Walking Dead #82 – Robert Kirkman’s amazing series continues to impress.  The safe world around them is collapsing and Rick and really everyone must make the decision to help each other or help themselves.  An amazing issue that shows how much of a character driven series this is.

Story: 10 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9.5

X-Men: Legacy #246 – Age of X continues with an ending that impresses me and I didn’t see coming.  Legacy/Reaper is on the run as Fortress X scrambles to catch her.  I still don’t quite know what to expect as this mini-event barrels to a conclusion, but I’m hooked.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.25

X-23 #7 – The story involves pirates and sharks and yes it generally is as lame as it sounds, but this is an important issue that shows where the series is heading.  It’s point is to add depth to X-23 so she’s not just a killing machine/Wolverine knock-off.  The final few pages are the important part, and will the rest of the issue is forgetable those final pages shine.  The art though stands out with a great anime feel that I gushed over.

Story: 7 Art: 8.75 Overall: 7.5