What I’m Getting Wednesday

If it wasn’t for the Absolute Edition this would feel almost like a skip week for me in terms of actual dollars spent. I should be grateful as at one time the schedule had this Absolute and an Omnibus I had ordered coming out the same week. Add in a random archive hitting and that bill would have been a killer. All in all looks to be a decent week of books, with Invincible #50 being the book I’m anticipating the most.

Absolute Sandman Volume 3 – I wish this was for me, but it is a delayed birthday gift for Gwen and the final part of her birthday gifts. The contents are “The third volume collecting Neil Gaiman's seminal, award-winning series starring the Dream King in deluxe format. ABSOLUTE SANDMAN VOL. 3 presents several key SANDMAN tales in a slipcased hardcover edition, including "Brief Lives," in which the Sandman's sister Delirium prevails upon her older brother to help her find their missing sibling, Destruction. But their journey through the Waking World has dramatic repercussions for their family and also for the relationship between the Sandman and his wayward son, Orpheus. Also included is the spectacular short story "Ramadan," a tale of a young king of ancient Baghdad and the deal he strikes with The Sandman to grant his city immortality, with spectacular illustrations by P. Craig Russell (Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde, The Jungle Book).Never-before-collected bonus features include pin-up pages from galleries in THE SANDMAN #50 and SANDMAN SPECIAL #1, the Desire story from VERTIGO: WINTER'S EDGE #3, THE ENDLESS GALLERY #1, script and thumbnails from THE SANDMAN #50, and a section on the Endless retail products (poster, statues, t-shirts, Little Endless and more)! Plus, an introduction by artist Jill Thompson. “

Action Comics #866 – This arc is about Brianiac and not the one from the Legion. I have really been enjoying this book now that we have an artist keeping the book coming out on time The hype “Superstar artist Gary Frank returns as the new world of Superman for 2008 and beyond begins in Part 1 of "Brainiac"! Decades ago, Krypton went to war with Brainiac, a cold and callous alien obsessed with the control of knowledge. Superman believes he's faced Brainiac before, but he's about to learn the truth behind his close encounters as he heads down the road to his greatest triumph...and greatest tragedy.”

Batman Confidential #18 – Last issue was just an unqualified blast with Catwoman and the Babs Batgirl meeting for the first time, this issue should be just as good. The company line “ Batgirl tracks Catwoman and the notebook stolen from Commissioner Gordon to a posh nightclub — where costumes are optional!”

Booster Gold #10 – This series has been a winning series and has been an unqualified success from my viewpoint. The hype “ In order to correct the past and save the future, Booster Gold faces a startling reality — someone from his past must live and someone must die! Can the greatest hero the world has never known do what must be done to save all of time?”

Gotham Underground #9 (of 9) – This has been a very enjoyable series. I doubt that Morrison or Dini have really given it much consideration so I believe the impact to continuity will be minimal, but it has been a good Batman Family story. The final sales pitch from DC “Penguin's tenuous hold over the City quickly slips away as Batman and Gotham's other protectors close in for the final act of this epic gang war. Will Penguin pay the ultimate price? Or will the Dark Knight show Gotham's underworld boss a rare moment of grace? No matter the outcome, it all comes to an explosive conclusion here!” Writing ad copy for the final chapter in a mini-series is almost pointless and I can’t imagine you are generating a single new reader at this point. My ad copy would have read – The final chapter.

Green Arrow Black Canary #9 – This is still a good series, but once something hits a real high point and maintains it for awhile, a slight drop off feels like a lot. Plus Cliff Chiang left as interior artist and I miss his work on this book. The hype “Green Arrow and Black Canary follow the trail of Connor Hawke's missing body to the heart of the League of Assassins — and face the resurrected Ra's al Ghul himself!”

Green Lantern Corps #25 – This book was good and with Peter Tomasi coming aboard as writer it has become very good. The company line “ The epic battle against Mongul begins here, as the true origin of the Black Mercy is revealed! The Green Lantern Corps find itself pitted not only against Mongul to save Sodam and Arisia, but an entire planet made of Black Mercys that seem to be under the control of a quite possibly darker and more disturbing force. This creature the Corps will come to fear is known simply as Mother Mercy — and it has no plans of showing any now or ever.”

Salvation Run #7 (of 7) – This is a little late as we have seen almost everyone already pop back up on Earth again and J’onn J’onzz was already killed. The lateness on this book takes any buzz left on it and kills it. The word “The unforgettable conclusion to the ultimate game of survival between the DCU's villains! Who will live? Who will die? Will anybody make it home?”

Simon Dark #9 – I think this series is such a unique book, especially since it is set inside the DCU. If you are not getting this book, try it out. The ad copy “ The cult steps out of the shadows and is ready to seize control after its rampage through Gotham City! Can Simon and Rachel drive them back? “

Titans #3 – Last issue was really off-putting and has me thinking about dropping this title. The hype “Random hook-ups, internal fighting, envy…what's going on with Nightwing, Starfire, Flash, Beast Boy, Raven, Donna and Red Arrow? Can this team get their act together before their mysterious foes reveal themselves?”

Trinity #2 – The first issue was a great opening and I have high hopes for this book. It is early, but DC may have their best weekly series yet, already 100 times better then Countdown to wasting $150. The official DC word “The lead feature explores the unusual bond — and importance — of DC's top three characters, Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman, as a mysterious dream links them together and may prophesy important changes in their trinity!”

Wonder Woman #21 – I actually loved last issue of this series and I’m trying to keep my expectations in check, but Gail may finally have the right rhythm for this series. The hype “At the ends of the universe, Wonder Woman falls victim to the Black Horizon, risking the safety of her soul. To salvage her very existence, she must ally herself with the legendary Beowulf and another fearsome warrior from DC's past! But that's only half of Wonder Woman's troubles, as Tom "Nemesis" Tresser runs afoul of one of Diana's unexpected houseguests!”

Iron Man Legacy of Doom #3 (of 4) - If this book had been any longer then a four issue mini-series I may have dropped it. It is exactly what it was suppose to be, but it reads too much like a book form that era and has so far offered nothing new. The company hype “Through sorcery and subterfuge Dr. Doom has taken possession of Excalibur, the legendary blade that can cut through anything--including Iron Man! If Shellhead can’t stop him from joining the sword with its enchanted scabbard, Doom will become invulnerable as well as invincible, and nothing will be able to prevent his hidden agenda. Don’t miss this exciting tale of technology versus magic, which features the premiere appearance of Iron Man’s surprising mystical armor, as well as a final page that is, quite literally, an eye-opener!” At least they didn't say jaw dropping.

Newuniversal Shockfront #2 (of 6) – This is really issue #8 of the 12 part series by Ellis. The huge gap between #6 to last issue hurt this book and it appears like it may read much better when read as a 12 issue hard cover. The word “A charity football game turns into a nightmare when quarterback Jack Magniconte inadvertently kills another player. Is he the newest human to manifest a superpower glyph? And more to the point, will Ken Connell—who himself manifested the “Starbrand” glyph—and Izzy Randall—possessor of the “Nightmask” glyph—reach Magniconte before he’s killed in the government’s efforts to stop a superhuman Armageddon? WARREN ELLIS and STEVE KURTH’s brilliant re-imagining of the super hero continues.” I hope if sales warrant that Marvel has someone lined up to continue this story line as the entire series is setting up the “New Universe” again and it would be a waste to let it lie fallow.

Skarr Son of Hulk #1 – Two main reasons I decided to try this book out. First is Ron Garney on the art and second is it is a light week for me. The hype “Born in fire. Raised by monsters. Destined to destroy. On an alien planet shattered by war, no one is stronger than Skaar, the savage Son of Hulk. But as a Fillian warlord, an Imperial princess, and a mysterious Earthman spread chaos through the wastelands, will Skaar save the puny survivors -- or smash them? Another epic fever dream from Greg Pak, writer of "Planet Hulk" and World War Hulk" -- featuring the return of legendary Hulk artist Ron Garney!”

Twelve #6 (of 12) – This has been a fantastic series and I’m almost committed to buying the collection of all 12 issues when it is published. J. Michael Straczynski and Chris Weston have a home run on their hands. What’s inside this issue “The Laughing Mask--behind bars! Secrets of the Black Widow--revealed! Dynamic Man kicks ass! The Blue Blade bombs out! And the truth behind the origin of underground secret agent Rockman!”

Invincible #50 - I was happy to read an interview where Kirkman stated that he thought not enough happened in the last few issues of this book and that will not be the case going forward. I have loved this series and thought it hit a dead spot recently, glad to hear that as of this issue that time is over. The official hype “It's all been building to this. After five long years, the best superhero comic book in the universe has reached its monumental FIFTIETH ISSUE! Invincible and Cecil Stedman face off and after this issue, nothing will ever be the same. Also in this issue, Science Dog returns in an all-new back-up story... and the ORIGIN OF CECIL STEDMAN!”

Red Mass for Mars #1 (of 4) – Jonathan Hickman is the Adam Strange of comic book writers, the “thinking man’s writer”. I have loved his work so far and the ideas and concepts he is putting forward in comic like no one else. The premise “ From the mind of comic book innovator JONATHAN HICKMAN and pen of super-talent and Image debutant RYAN BODENHEIM comes A RED MASS FOR MARS. In a world that has survived every catastrophe imaginable, a new threat from beyond stars looks to be the end of all humanity.A RED MASS FOR MARS is a story about the death of utopia, the last days of Earth and the one man who could save us all - but won't.”

Screamland #4 (of 5) – A fun take on all the old movie monsters, making them real people and then seeing what their lives have been like after their fame has faded. The word “In the finest tradition of Rock Hudson, America's favorite vampire lady-killer is anything but. After decades of dodging certain questions, the Count comes face-to-face with crack entertainment reporter Bob Berger. In a career-spanning interview on the set of HOLLYWOOD NOW! No closet will be left unopened! Will decades of meticulously crafted public image go up in flames? This is our gay issue and we're very proud of it.” The last line of the hype bothers me as being unnecessary, it feels like when someone says some of my best friends are (fill in minority here). Let the issue speak for itself and we can make our own judgment once we read it.

BPRD War on Frogs - The hype “Legendary artist Herb Trimpe (The Incredible Hulk) joins regular B.P.R.D. writer John Arcudi and Hellboy creator Mike Mignola for the first of four one-shots which pick up from the March-April B.P.R.D. feature on MySpace/Dark Horse Presents. These stories are set before the events of B.P.R.D.: The Black Flame, chronicling the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense's fight against the frog monsters. As the frog cult spreads across America, Roger the Homunculus returns to the site of the B.P.R.D.'s first clash with the frog creatures- the ruins of Cavendish Hall, where Hellboy, Abe, and Liz first encountered both the frogs and Rasputin (Hellboy: Seed of Destruction)- to track down the final pieces of the puzzle of the Cavendish family. Cavendish family puzzle solved!” One thing I do not like is that this oicks up from the My Space stuff. It is fine to offer it for free online, but I want to read it as a comic. I just love what I call the Mignolverse and Dark Horse calls the Hellboy Universe, it all just works so well.

Fear Agent #21 Hatchet Job Part 5 (of 5) – This series is another one (like Goon) that started out as more of a comedic strip and has morphed into much more then that. The word on this issue “Haunting in space! When Heath Huston is forced to pass through a black hole, his rocket ship becomes home to an eerie and vengeful otherworldly presence that conspires to destroy him. Across the universe, the heartless bounty hunter Agent Zero comes to collect from Mara and Charlotte, and one of them will not survive.”

Goon #25 – Eric Powell has delivered on making this book almost a monthly series this year. I love how this series continues to grow over time and of course Eric Powell’s art is great. The company line “Buzzard returns from Horse Eater's Woods with the tale of how the terrible curse that plagues the town began. He also knows what it means for Goon. Will Goon turn his back on those that need him most to escape his fate? “

Fall of Cthulhu #13 – This arc has been the best arc in this series to date and the series is a damn good horror series. The company line “ As Lucifer and the Sheriff continue their search for the elusive Gray Man, they find themselves the hunted rather than the hunters. Either way, they must stop the Gray Man or the Cthulhu cultists will have their way...and that can’t be good for mankind’s survival.”

Doktor Sleepless #7 – Still not sold on this series, but it has enough intriguing elements to keep me reading, The hype "Why did The Nurse come to Heavenside with The Doktor? Is he aware of her private agenda? He appears to have hired her for protection, but will she bring both the Heavenside police and the intelligence community down upon him? And with Sing slowly piecing together the real reasons for his return, would that be for the best? Warren Ellis' satirical-political science fiction novel continues!"

Local #12 (of 12) – I hate to see this series end. This issue "More than a decade after Megan McKeenan set off on her cross-continental vagabond lifestyle, she's gone from a naive and brash teenager to a woman in her thirties, wise beyond her years. In this final issue, she travels to rural Vermont and the vacation house she remembers from her early childhood to finally settle down. She reflects on her life and what the future holds. Her entire life has been running from one situation to the next — can she find peace of mind in the New England woods?" I hope Megan finds happiness.

Locke & Key #5 - This is one of the best written books on the market right now. It is both a tale of horror and a tale of the family members that is dealing with it. This issue "The Locke family plays houseguest to Sam Lesser, just in from the West Coast, and ready to kill them one at a time to get what he came for: the key that will set his master loose. Acclaimed suspense novelist and New York Times best-selling author Joe Hill (Heart-Shaped Box) continues his all-new story of dark fantasy and wonder, with Gabriel Rodriguez handling art and cover duties."

Night & Fog #1 (of 4) – The premise “Linked to a terrible secret from the past, an accident in a government lab turns a nearby village's inhabitants into creatures that seem impossible to kill. A small group of survivors must hold out for the night until a special rescue team can arrive and save them from these unstoppable monsters that have not only been made real, but are also made to perfection!” This is certainly not an original idea, but I like these types of stories and thought I would check out issue #1.

When I have (for me) a lighter week of comics I get a chance to do other outside reading as well as read other older trades that I have not had the chance to read. Hopefully I’m getting a little caught up with my “real” job and that should free up some more down time.
Personally I hope that using the hype from the companies gives more information about each issue and I just add in whatever two cents happen to come to mind. I like the revised format and hopefully it meets with reader approval.

A Fistful of Reviews

Neozoic #5 (Red 5 Comics) *release date: 6/25*

This was my favorite issue so far. The raid on the city was somewhat overwhelming but with the dust settling and the pace slowing down I had more time to enjoy reading this issue. Lilli's team is dispersed throughout the city helping protect the people and trying to figure out the enemy. Lilli herself is outside the city walls and had the mysterious little girl in tow. I love this story, both for the story and the art. I can't wait to read next issue, and once there's a graphic novel it'll be fun to lend out to my friends.



Batman #677 (DC)


I really am trying to give Morrison's Batman a second chance. Really. This storyline is not interesting me at all though. I'm half tempted to set the book aside until the initial RIP story arc is over and read it all together - maybe then it will make more sense. Still, if any of the Batman being his own arch-nemesis mumbo jumbo turns out to be the case I don't think I'll be able to read this at all. I mean, didn't Batman finally get fixed after 1 year later? I really prefer Dini's Batman to Morrison's. I also don't care for Jezebel Jet, I find her to be somewhat generic as a character. The jury is still out on this storyline. Art's nice though.



Action Comics #865 (DC)


I liked this issue, it kind of reminds me of what Dini did with a lot of Batman's rogue gallery when he came on board Detective. It was a nice one shot featuring Toyman. I really enjoyed The Batman person vs Superman person thing. I loved Toyman begging Superman to take him in while Batman carts him off to Arkham.



Fables #73 (Vertigo)


I love Fables, this book is always an good read. This issue starts of the actual war story of Fabletown attacking the Adversary. I liked Blue as the messenger travelling between all the areas to report. A good start to the battle to come.



Blue Beetle #27 (DC)


I really enjoy the character of Jamie Reyes overall, but this was a slow issue. I'll give the new writer time to find a more solid direction but but this issue wasn't terribly exciting. High school losers summoning demons to get revenge isn't exactly an original idea - nor has it ever really been done well - probably because it's a lame premise. I'm more interested in Jamie and Traci's relationship and that seemed to be going nowhere.



Legion of Superheroes #42 (DC)


This was a fun issue - the major plot moved forward somewhat and it was fun to see Ultra Boy in action. As much as the dumb Ultra Boy is somewhat amusing it's hard for me to like a character that has no brain, so it was nice to see that Jo is still good at some things. Atom Girl and Colossal Boy's creative attacks were also amusing. The uniform change mystery is a fun background plot and the UP's plans for the Legion are also growing. I love how so many stories can advance at once in the Legion, it's always been a strong point for this series. The art's well done although everyone looks older since Kitson left the book.



X-Men First Class #12 (Marvel)


This was another excellent issue in this series. Angel finding a secret land thanks to his explorer Aunt and being able to be himself was a very sweet story. I always liked Angel's character before he was messed up and I also like the idea of hidden civilizations so this issue worked for me on several levels.



Final Crisis #1 (DC)


While I like that this isn't a huge in your face crisis I can't say that I got much out of this issue. I'm having a hard time keeping track of what's going on where and there's so much plot jumping it was hard to follow. Like with Morrison's Batman I think it'd be better to set this aside and read it once the whole thing is out. Nice art though.



All Star Superman #11 (DC)


Another fun issue in this series. I especially enjoyed Lex's niece bent on world domination - it was a nice touch. I'm looking forward to the conclusion of this story.



Ultimate Spiderman #122 (DC)


It's so much easier to enjoy the Marvel books that aren't steeped in Secret Invasion etc. I love Kitty Pryde in this book and this issue was a nice stand alone story while still staying in the more or less 'real time' feel of this series. Overall Ultimate Spiderman has grown on me.



Green Lantern #31 (DC)


This has been a fun reworking of Hal Jordan's origin. Entertaining and well executed, but still an origin rewrite. As much as it's been fun I'd like to get back to the newer stories.

This was a good week, nothing that I disliked too much. This wasn't all I read, just the first books I finished. As for Crisis 3.0 I'm not too interested, except for the Legion stuff that's coming out :)

Dark Mists - A Review

Dark Mists – Kuroi Kiri
Publisher Markosia Enterprises

Story Annika Eade
Art Lee Garbett (Issues #1-#3)
Art Yishan Li (Issue #4)

The company hype: Kyoto, Japan. 1936. While a shroud of impending unrest hangs over Europe, in Japan the number of Yakuza members is close to outnumbering the Japanese army. In a government experiment, a group of geisha ladies are recruited to inform on the conversations they observe between the murderers and politicians. However, as untrained spies the geisha's actions result in one of their member's brutal and bloody murder.

Jim: This was a really well done story. We meet two geishas Emi and Hoshi and follow them through their recruitment into spying. Emi is immediately endeared to us by her humor and almost cavalier attitude towards this assignment; you get a sense of true strength about her. After they accept the idea of spying for their government to keep the Yakuza from growing stronger we see them on their first assignment. Emi interviews this industrialist without him really knowing he is being interviewed. The two young women laugh on their way back home as the only information they gained was how boring this man really was. The new job seems like a game until the head of one of the geisha’s recruited is dropped off at their doorstep.

The girls all want to quit, but instead are sent off for three months to train in the martial arts. Emi is the most willful and is constantly being given the task of swimming back and forth across a lake for her insubordination. Ultimately the girls prove to be great students and the instructors believe the grace and dancing they learned as geishas translates into the marital arts. Still the girls are nervous as the danger back home is real. To see if the girls are truly ready one instructor breaks into their room at night. Emi is sleeping with her sword (and had never been told to do so) and she awakes and decapitates the (to her) unknown intruder. Emi is extremely upset to find out she had killed her instructor.

An additional element of the story is one of the government men who recruits the girls is also in love with Emi and wants to marry her. His high station in life and her status of geisha creates barriers, but he believes he can overcome them.

When they get back the girls are sent out as assassins and are successful. Unknown to them the men they are killing are actually part of the Japanese government as the main man who recruited them is secretly a government agent working for the Yakuza. Emi’s lover (Makoto) tells her this and she goes after the double agent (Osamu).

Osamu tells her who his boss is and writes down his address. Emi goes to the house and sees all of its obvious wealth and slays the man in his sleep. As she turns his body over she sees it is Makoto. She had been played again and our story ends.

It was so well done that I’m glad I had the collected edition as I never wanted to put this book down. It leaves you felling like Emi at the end, empty, lost, alone and drained. You can feel her pain and her humiliation at being played yet again.

The artwork is obviously some early work by Lee Garbett as opposed to his stunning work in DC right now, this work is very, very good, just not up to what he is doing now. The line work is thin and conveys both the beauty of this woman and the grace that they have. He also does a great job with the expressions on the character faces and conveys all the emotions this story calls for. His work improves as we move into each chapter.

The second artist is a drop off in quality, but it is not bad artwork, it is just Lee is that much better then Yishan.

Overall Grade A – Powerful, emotional and gives you a picture of a time and a place that is unfamiliar to most of us.

This was a four issue mini-series originally and the collected edition has apparently been out for awhile, but you can do what I did and order it from your local comic book store.


Gwen: Jim's already summarized the story here so I'll just move on to the review.

The art is very well done, especially in the beginning. The artist for the last part of the arc wasn't quite as impressive but it was still well done. I especially liked the coloring though - I think that in this instance the color made the line work all the more beautiful. The art more than anything allowed the story to flow. I was also impressed with how the artist in the first part of the story conveyed emotion in the characters. It was easy to understand what the characters were feeling from their body posture alone.

The story was well done - to a point. It seemed somewhat rushed to me, especially toward the end. I understand the girls being manipulated throughout the story - but after one man has pulled so many of your strings without you knowing... why would you even think to trust him to the point that you kill someone without making sure they are actually your target? It seemed to me that the tragedy at the end was forced and didn't take into account the character's intelligence. It's true she could have just been very far gone emotionally, but it still seemed unlikely that she'd be so incredibly naive after having it revealed to her how blind she had been in the past. Still, I enjoyed this story, and think that if they had given it a little more time to come together it would have worked out even better.

Grade B

Marvel Preview Review for August

Lee: While I may be late on Indies I’m right on top of the new Marvel picks. After a light couple months things seem to be heading in the right direction. There’s lots of new offerings to talk about.

Jim: Right direction, if you consider a wrong turn a right direction. Secret Invasion is the source of my ire, which we will talk of later.

DARK TOWER: THE LONG ROAD HOME HC Written by PETER DAVID & ROBIN FURTHPenciled by JAE LEE & RICHARD ISANOVECollecting DARK TOWER: THE LONG ROAD HOME #1-5.
The second collection of the best-selling comic-book series, inspired by Stephen King's epic The Dark Tower! Gunslinger Roland Deschain has seen the death of his lover Susan Delgado. And the Big Coffin Hunters who burned her at the stake are now in pursuit of Roland and his ka-tet Cuthbert and Alain. The friends are forced to flee into the desert with the deadly posse in hot pursuit….and Roland is in a coma! Don't miss the next chapter in the saga of the Gunslinger whose quest for the Dark Tower will shake the foundation of reality itself! Collecting DARK TOWER: THE LONG ROAD HOME #1-5.120 PGS./Parental Advisory …$24.99

Lee: Jim didn’t like the first arc but I loved it. I got the HC for Christmas and I loved the whole book. Now, I’m hooked and I can’t wait to read more. This has been very, very good so far.

Jim: So since I did not like the first two issues of the first arc, I will not be buying the second arc, but the art work is great looking.

VENOM: DARK ORIGIN #1 (of 5) Written by ZEB WELLSPencils & Cover by ANGEL MEDINAOn the unlikely day when an embittered, washed-up journalist met a spurned symbiotic organism from an alien planet, one of Spider-Man's greatest enemies was born - a force of evil and vengeance like no other in the Marvel Universe - VENOM! But is it as simple as that? Discover the true, twisted roots that gave rise to a lifetime of malevolence for Eddie Brock…AND the symbiote! Writer Zeb Wells (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN) and artist Angel Medina (SENSATIONAL SPIDER-MAN) shed a little light on one of Marvel's darkest monsters!32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
Lee: Honestly, I really don’t care to learn more about the origin of Venom. I think he’s over exposed and I’m sick of him. BUT, Zeb Wells is a great writer who has yet to disappoint me and Angel Medina is a heck of an artist. If anyone can make me enjoy a Venom story it’ll be this pair.

Jim: DC and Marvel have both over done all the origin stuff and it has to be something super-special to make me buy in and this is not it.

SPIDER-MAN LOVES MARY JANE #1 (of 5) Written by TERRY MOORE Penciled by CRAIG ROUSSEAU Cover by TERRY MOOREAt long, long, long, looooooooooooooooong last, SHE'S BACK! Mary Jane Watson, in her very own adventures! Superstar writer Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise, upcoming RUNAWAYS) supplies story (and covers!) and artist Craig Rousseau (The Perhapanauts) brings his best for this all-new mini.It's the beginning of a new high school year. MJ finally feels like she's got her life in order. Good friends, good classes, good relationship with a certain Wall-Crawler…but is there someone behind the scenes that's got it in for our rambunctious redhead?32 PGS./All Ages …$2.99
Lee: It’s nice to see this back in print. I’ve never read it but those that did loved it. And, I will support anything that Marvel directs towards female readers because we could use more female readers!

Jim: Terry Moore as writer has to be a plus, but didn’t Mephisto destroy this love? I know, I know, but I’m still ticked off over that whole thing.

GHOST RIDER ANNUAL #2: MERCY Written by SIMON SPURRIER Pencils by MARK ROBINSON Cover by MARK TEXEIRAMercy, Idaho: A small town in the hills with more than its fair share of secrets. A winged-terror that haunts the woods; an irresistible pull on the desperate and the suicidal; and now a stranger on a low-slung chopper, with fire in his eyes. For Johnny Blaze - searching for a way to wage war against heaven itself - the frozen forests of Mercy might just provide a path through the Pearly Gates…48 PGS./Parental Advisory…$3.99

Lee: Ghost Rider seems to be on an upswing with Jason Aaron on the main title these days. And, while I don’t always agree with annuals, Simon Spurrier is a very good writer. I bet this will be worth the money.

Jim: For me this is an easy pass. I have grown so tired of Ghost Rider, but Jason Aaron changed that, Jason Aaron, not Simon Spurrier.

RUNAWAYS #1 Written by TERRY MOOREPencils & Cover by HUMBERTO RAMOSComics legend Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise, Echo) and super-star artist Humberto Ramos (X-MEN, WOLVERINE, SPIDER-MAN) run back to Los Angeles with your favorite teen heroes. But it's not the same city they left so long ago. The Runaways try to stay off the radar, but the sins of their parents won't make that possible… 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
Lee: And, Runaway’s get’s another first issue. Sheesh this series is like Spidergirl or Manhunter from DC, it just won’t die. Terry Moore is a great writer so I’m sure it will be good but I don’t understand why it gets another #1.

Jim: Terry Moore is not all over the place at Marvel, which is great as long as he continues to get Echo out on time.

Secret Invasion – August
SECRET INVASION #5 (of 8)
MIGHTY AVENGERS #17
NEW AVENGERS #44
AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #16
SECRET INVASION: INHUMANS #1 (of 4)
SECRET INVASION: THOR #1 (of 3)
SECRET INVASION: X-MEN #1 (of 4)
SECRET INVASION: SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY #1 (of 3)
SECRET INVASION: RUNAWAYS/YOUNG AVENGERS #3 (of 3)
SECRET INVASION: FRONT LINE #2 (of 5)
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #4
NOVA #16
INCREDIBLE HERCULES #120
MS. MARVEL #30
CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI:13 #4
X-FACTOR #34
SHE-HULK #32
THUNDERBOLTS #123
NEW WARRIORS #15
BLACK PANTHER #40
Jim: Count them with me – 20- 19 tie-ins and/or spin-offs. This is Secret Wars II and maybe even worse. I can not tell you how many different comics have suffered through some of the worse stretches by being hammered into some event. The spin-off mini-series is a way to try and avoid that, but if you are telling me that I have to buy 20 books to enjoy one chapter in this sage, that I say f*** you Marvel. That is ridiculous and out and out insane. I’m getting the main event and the New and Mighty Avengers and will probably get the regular issues of series that I normally buy, but screw the rest of this crap. This is “jumping the shark” boys and girls.
Lee: Yeah, I noticed this. Since I only get a couple of these titles I hoping for pointless fight scenes between the characters and some silly super skrull. But, Jim’s right. There’s no real excuse for this.

PUNISHER KILLS THE MARVEL UNIVERSE Written by GARTH ENNISPencis & Cover by DOUGIE BRAITHWAITE Reprinting Garth Ennis' first shot at writing the Punisher! What happens when Frank Castle's wife and kids are caught in the crossfire of a super-hero battle instead of a gangland slaying? Find out in this alternate-reality tale from 1995, as Castle vows vengeance on a world full of Marvel heroes as the Punisher!48 PGS./Rated T+…$4.99

Lee: Overall, it’s an ok story and the art really isn’t my cup of tea so I won’t be buying this. But, I’m surprised Marvel didn’t issue this as a HC to suck ever last dime out of the Punisher fans.

Jim: Didn’t you sell your copy of this a year or so ago Lee? If yes, I bet your happy as reprints kill the prices on hard to find back issues.

PUNISHER #60 Written by GARTH ENNISPenciled by GORAN PARLOVCover by TIM BRADSTREETGarth Ennis concludes his epic run - in style! They threw up a wall of good men to shield themselves from the Punisher's wrath. Now these men of influence and privilege are going to pay. Frank Castle is about to bring his personal war to their doorstep in what might be the bloodiest chapter yet of the Punisher saga. Also featuring an 8-page preview of PUNISHER #61, "Girls in White Dresses," written by best-selling crime novelist Gregg Hurwitz (The Crime Writer) and illustrated by Laurence Campbell (PUNISHER ANNUAL: THE HUNTED).40 PGS./Explicit Content …$2.99

Lee: And so a great run comes to an end. Whether you liked Ennis’s Punisher or not he has defined the character for a very long time. I’m sad to see him go but at least he’s going out on top. And, it’s nice to have a preview of what’s coming next month with the new writer.

Jim: This was the seminal run on this character. Ennis 60 issues under the Max banner will go down as the Punisher. Good Luck to who ever follows as I’m quitting the hard covers after Ennis’ run.

PUNISHER #61 Written by GREGG HURWITZPenciled by LAURENCE CAMPBELLCover by DAVE JOHNSON"GIRLS IN WHITE DRESSES," PART 1The first of three story arcs written by three of the hottest writers in crime fictions starts here! Best-selling crime novelist Gregg Hurwitz (The Kill Clause, The Crime Writer) and Laurence Campbell (PUNISHER ANNUAL: THE HUNTED) bring you a tale of death, depravity and revenge south of the border. In black vans and under cover of night, they descend on the little Mexican town of Tierra Rota, abducting its women and returning them days later like broken dolls. And no one can stop them. That is, until one brave soul approaches Frank Castle with his heart in one hand and a bag full of money in the other. Now Frank's no bounty hunter, and definitely no hero, but there are some things the Punisher just can't abide.32 PGS./Explicit Content …$2.99

Lee: What the?!?! Ummmm why is this out now? Isn’t this supposed to be out next month? Half the time books can’t be published on schedule and the other time they come out in clusters. This is dumb and should have been held a month.

Jim: This is Marvel trying to make sure you continue on this book quickly as they have to know Ennis has set a very, very high bar.

MARVEL MASTERWORKS: GOLDEN AGE MARVEL COMICS VOL. 3 Written by JOHN COMPTON, STOCKBRIDGE WINSLOW, RAY GILL & VARIOUSPenciled by CARL BURGOS, BILL EVERETT, PAUL GUSTAVSON, STEVE DAHLMAN, BEN THOMPSON, AL ANDERS, IRWIN HASEN & BOB OSKNERCover by ALEX SCHOMBURGCollecting MARVEL MYSTERY COMICS #9-12.
The wait is over, and the stage is set. It's fire vs. water in the most famous battle of comics' Golden Age! Breaking new ground like none other, MARVEL MYSTERY COMICS, the flagship title of Marvel's earliest days, started a craze that defines super-hero comic books to this day. With hero pitted against hero in a fight to the finish, you'd better place those bets and settle into your seats. 'Cause it's the final round of the Human Torch vs. the Sub-Mariner!272 PGS./Rated A …$59.99

Lee: What can I say I love Marvel comics in all their incarnations. From the Golden Age, thru Atlas, to today, I love it all. Actually, once you get into the 40’s the artists and writers started maturing and it all got better. These are starting to reprint some great material.

Jim: I’m getting it for the Human Torch vs Sub-Mariner battle, I loved that material.

MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN VOL. 10 HC Written by STAN LEEPenciled by JOHN ROMITA & GIL KANECover by GIL KANEBlah blah blah… “And it all leads into one of the landmark moments of Marvel history, the Comics Code defying "drug" issues.”…blah blah blah. Collecting THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #88-99.256 PGS./All Ages …$54.99
Lee: This is one of the masterworks that I have really, really been looking forward to! I’ve always thought Gil Kane was at his peak with his run on Spiderman. These are great stories and great art. I am really looking forward to this.

Jim: And this is a Masterworks that I am passing on. We hit #100, and I do not need to get stuff that was not critical. While it has some “big” issues, it really was not the best material of all time in my mind and no more free rides for Masterworks for me.

ELEKTRA BY FRANK MILLER OMNIBUS HC Written by FRANK MILLERPenciled by FRANK MILLER & BILL SIENKIEWICZ
Good ninjas never die, let alone the baddest one of all! Fan-favorite Frank Miller ushers his awesome assassin through good and evil and life and death and rebirth and more! Who is the otherworldly entity in pursuit of the presidency? When has Elektra met her greatest triumphs and tragedies? Why did she die, and how did she return? Where do smarmy cyborgs and killer dwarves come from? And What If all this had never happened at all? Guest-starring Daredevil! Collecting ELEKTRA: ASSASSIN #1-8, ELEKTRA LIVES AGAIN, BIZARRE ADVENTURES #28 and WHAT IF? #35.384 PGS./Explicit Content …$74.99

Lee: Wow, the Frank Miller Daredevil stuff was certainly fast tracked into the Omnibus world. But, 400 pages is still awfully big. I wish they would slim some of this down.

Jim: I love Frank Miller, but this is too much of it and it was all Electra. The Electra Lives Again story was an over the top type story that Frank often enjoys doing, but $75 for this material is a no.

TOMB OF DRACULA OMNIBUS VOL. 1 HC Written by GERRY CONWAY, ARCHIE GOODWIN, GARDNER F. FOX, MARV WOLFMAN, CHRIS CLAREMONT & DAVID KRAFTPenciled by GENE COLAN, MIKE PLOOG & DON HECKCollecting TOMB OF DRACULA #1-31, WEREWOLF BY NIGHT #15, GIANT-SIZE CHILLERS #1 and GIANT-SIZE DRACULA #2-4.768 PGS./Rated T+ …$99.99

Lee: Why? Why? Why is this a jillion pages long, 10,000 lbs for $100. Seriously, why? Don’t get me wrong I love this material and already have the Essentials reprints this but I am not going to pay $100 for it. I like the Omnibus format but not that much. Marvel has gone crazy with these things. The ironic part, I WOULD pay the money for three shorter masterworks of the same material, which would actually cost me more.
Jim: I agree with Lee on this one, I would get a Masterwork, but not a hernia creating book of this material.

HULK: HEART OF THE ATOM PREMIERE HC Written by HARLAN ELLISON, ROY THOMAS, CHRIS CLAREMONT, ARCHIE GOODWIN, LEN WEIN, HERB TRIMPE, BILL MANTLO & PETER GILLISPenciled by HERB TRIMPE, SAL BUSCEMA & JOE STATONCover by HERB TRIMPE & DAVE COCKRUMIn the sub-atomic kingdom of K'ai, the Hulk gained Bruce Banner's brain, but lost his heart to the gorgeous green Grace: Jarella! After the sinister Psyklop gets their world in his hands, the atom-crossed couple seeks happiness on Earth, but the odds seem stacked against them in both dimensions! Will the Hulk save his emerald angel and her war-torn world? Can green hearts be broken? Find out in this saga that spans time, space, and [non]human emotion! Guest-starring Captain Marvel and the Avengers! Collecting INCREDIBLE HULK #140, #148, #156, #202-203, #205-207 and #246-248; and WHAT IF? #23.240 PGS./All Ages …$29.99

Lee: Can someone explain to me why this HC which is 240 pages long is $30 while the Spiderman Masterwork is $55, or the Golden Age Mastwork is $60? This makes no sense. That aside, this is classic Hulk at his best with outstanding art and stories. I will, without a doubt, be getting this.

Jim: The Golden Age is because of the restoration process, the Spider-Man because that is the Masterwork price. I’m getting this book also.

LOGAN PREMIERE HC Written by BRIAN K. VAUGHNPenciled by EDUARDO RISSOCollecting LOGAN #1-3, plus extras.LOGAN BLACK & WHITE PREMIERE HCCollecting LOGAN #1-3 BLACK AND WHITE VARIANTS, plus extras.BOTH: 104 PGS./Parental Advisory …$19.99

Lee: I have to give credit to Marvel for continually thinking of new and novel ways to screw to fanboy! I like it!!!! If I understand this, it’s the exact same story in color or B&W for the same price. I wonder which will sell better.

Jim: If you know Risso’s work you should buy the B&W. An okay series, not worth a hard cover.

THE TWELVE VOL. 1 PREMIERE HC Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI, Penciled by CHRIS WESTONYesterday's Men of Tomorrow - today! Thought lost to the pages of time, a dozen Mystery Men from the "greatest generation" of World War II find themselves thrust into the morally-gray world of the 21st century! Now, Captain Wonder, Dynamic Man, Mastermind Excello, Mister E, the Laughing Mask, the Witness, the Black Widow, the Phantom Reporter, the Fiery Mask, Rockman, the Blue Blade and Electro the Marvel of the Age must seek a place for themselves in the modern Marvel Universe - while a silent killer seeks to eliminate them, one by one! Collecting THE TWELVE #1-6.144 PGS./ Rated T+ …$24.99
Lee: The first real decision of the month. Get the HC that only has issues 1-6 or wait for the HC that collects issues 1-12. Ooooohhhh tough call.

Jim: WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I assume Lee was kidding and we just wait for the 12 issue volume.

THUNDERBOLTS BY WARREN ELLIS VOL. 2: CAGED ANGELS PREMIERE HC Written by WARREN ELLIS, Penciled by MIKE DEODATOCollecting THUNDERBOLTS #116-121.144 PGS./Rated T+ …$19.99CLANDESTINE: BLOOD RELATIVE PREMIERE HCWritten, Penciled, Cover by ALAN DAVISCollecting CLANDESTINE #1-5.120 PGS./Rated T+ …$19.99
Lee: OK. Can someone please explain the current Marvel hardcover pricing structure to me? Please? Because it shouldn’t be that hard, right? Let’s see “The Twelve” is 144 pgs for $25, BUT “Thunderbolts” is 144 pgs for $20? What???? Better yet, “Clandestine” is a bargin at 120 for $20 compared to Wolverine at 104 pgs for $20. I love standardized pricing! I love it! I love it! I love it!

Jim: The only think I can think of is the page rate and deals that each writer and artist have with the company and JMS gets paid more for reprints then others. Or it is random.

YOUNG INHUMANS TPB Written by SEAN MCKEEVERPenciled by MATTHEW CLARK, ROB TERANISHI, DAVE ROSS & DOUGIE BRAITHWAITECover by ADI GRANOVThey're just ordinary exchange students from a far-off land, here to learn about our culture - except their home is a mysterious city on the moon, and they each possess fabulous, exotic abilities and appearances. The product of experiments on humanity by an alien culture millennia ago, the Inhumans are a race governed by the laws of genetics. Here as nowhere else, diversity and individuality are prized beyond compare. The Inhumans have flourished in isolation from humanity within their kingdom of Attilan on the surface of the moon, but what happens when their king decides to send some of his subjects to Earth to learn about humans? Will they be able to integrate into human culture? More important, will they even try? Collecting INHUMANS #1-12.288 PGS./Rated A …$24.99
Lee: Sean McKeever is somewhat of a top name these days and this is a reprint of his early work. It’s a simple story about a group of Inhumans going to a human college as part of an exchange program. It’s very well done and entertaining. I have the originals and really enjoyed the series. This is a nice way to read it in case you missed it.
Jim: And I will still be missing it.

PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL CLASSIC VOL. 1 TPB Written by CARL POTTS & JOHN WELLINGTONPenciled by CARL POTTS & JIM LEECover by CARL POTTS & JIM LEECollecting PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #1-8.208 PGS./All Ages …$24.99

Lee: Ooooohhhh, another tough call. This is early Punisher just as he was starting to get over exposed. I remember these being good stories with some excellent art by a young artist by the name of Jim Lee. I might have to get this.

Jim: Another pass.

Lee: I have to say that this is a good month. Even with the crazy pricing structure of the hc’s I’m looking forward to a lot of these books. Marvel is doing a good job of offering plenty of supplementary material not related to Invasion which is clogging up all the regular titles.

Jim: I have to say that this was not a good month in my book. Nothing new in the way of regular series, a glut of reprint projects and little else of real excitement.

DC Preview Review for August

Jim: This looks like it might be a decent month, but I’m really hoping to try and keep it down when it comes to hard covers and trades as I realized recently I will never have time to re-read everything I own right now.
Lee: First, it’s not about reading it’s all about owning so BUY MORE!!!! Second, I’m so bored with both Secret Invasion and Final Crisis that I need new ways to entertain myself. I know, Jim needs a new nickname so I shall dub him Jimmy-J, or various other things throughout this review. Now let’s see how many different names I can use it!!!
Gwen: Wow Lee, how are you already bored with Secret Invasion? It hasn't been around that long. Not that I'm reading it, but still.

FINAL CRISIS: REVELATIONS #1
Written by Greg RuckaArt by Philip Tan, Jeff De Los Santos & Jonathan GlapionCovers by Philip TanGreg Rucka (52, Whiteout, THE QUESTION: THE FIVE BOOKS OF BLOOD) and rising superstar Philip Tan unleash the wrath of God in this FINAL CRISIS tie-in!With the end of creation nigh, Crispus Allen must embrace his role as The Spectre by exacting God's vengeance on some of the DC Universe's most vile sinners. But even as Allen struggles with his duty, a new threat is arising " one that only his former partner, Renee Montoya, a.k.a. The Question, can help him fight!On sale August 13 • 1 of 5 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US
Jim: I know Lee and Gwen will roll their eyes about this book being another add-on, but when you consider DC has only three or four add-on mini-series and one or two one shot specials, that compared to the crap Secret Invasion is doing, this is tame. Plus DC is putting all “A” list writers on these series.
Lee: Jimmy-J, I thinks youze has rosey glasses because you’re a big DC geek. Final Crisis is every bit as overblown and gluttonous as Secret Invasion. Same thing different characters.
Gwen: Actually having finally read the GCPD stuff this is kind of intriguing.

FINAL CRISIS: LEGION OF THREE WORLDS #1
Written by Geoff JohnsArt by George Pérez & Scott KoblishCovers by George PérezFrom the moment Kal-El landed on earth until the end of time, the Time Trapper has sought to erase Superman’s impact on the universe. But the Legion of Super-Heroes have always been there to stop him. This time, though, even the Legion won’t be enough. The Time Trapper has found the ultimate weapon to carry out his plan " a twisted mirror image of the boy of steel from a parallel Earth long dead: Superboy-Prime! Who will answer the Legion’s call for help? Find out here as the Crisis of the 31st century begins!On sale August 20 • 1 of 5 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US
Jim: Now according to the LITG gossip column the plans for the Legion from this series caused Shooter to quit the Legion book he was writing. I would be upset if I were Shooter also, as you would think that a title set 1,000 years in the Future would be left alone, but such is not the case. I love the Legion so this is a no-brainer for me.
Lee: I’m not that big a Legion fan but I am a Superboy-Prime hater so this is a pass. The cyborg Superman is bad enough without having Superboy Prime floating around too.
Gwen: That sucks about Shooter =/ I'm excited about this series because I love the Legion of Superheroes - all three versions! I hope it turns out well.

DC UNIVERSE: LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT #1
Written by Brad MeltzerArt and covers by Adam Kubert & John DellNew York Times best-selling author Brad Meltzer (IDENTITY CRISIS, JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA) makes his return to the DC Universe " and superstar artist Adam Kubert (ACTION COMICS) is riding shotgun!The final battle is quickly approaching. How do the heroes of the DCU prepare for the end? Whom do they approach and say goodbye to before they make the ultimate sacrifice? Featuring the entire DC Universe, Meltzer takes us deep into the hearts and psyches of our heroes. It's the day before you die. What would you do?On sale August 27 • 48 pg, FC, $3.99 US
Jim: Now while I did order this book, which sort of replaces Final Crisis on the schedule while that book takes its planned month off, this looks to be a snooze-fest.
Lee: AAAAUUUUGGGGGHHHHH, Jumping J-J-J-Jimmy you kill me. It looks like a snooze fest and I know you weren’t thrilled with Meltzer’s writing but you ordered it anyway? That makes no sense. Aren’t you the one that says we need to teach the Big Two a lesson by not buying all these mega crossovers?
Gwen: Reading this solicitation just confuses me. It doesn't look terribly interesting and I don't know enough of what's going to be happening during Crisis to care too much at this point.

FINAL CRISIS: SUPERMAN BEYOND #1
Written by Grant MorrisonArt by Doug Mahnke & Christian AlamyCovers by Doug Mahnke and J.H. Williams IIITo save the woman he loves, the greatest hero of all time becomes the pawn of ultra-dimensional forces when a wounded emissary from a world of doomed super gods comes to Earth on the eve of the Final Crisis. His mission: To recruit Superman’s help against an epic, reality-spanning menace that originated in the Crisis on Infinite Earths!Join the Man of Steel and his alternate-earth counterparts for a mind-blowing voyage to the edge of the DC Universe " and beyond! Can these super champions overcome their differences to beat the clock, find the ultimate treasure and save all existence from extinction?Writer Grant Morrison and artist Doug Mahnke take you on an unforgettable, hyperdelic journey from the streets of Metropolis, through the 52 worlds of the multiverse, to the haunted court of the King of Limbo, in part one of this 2-issue Superman adventure!With a unique 3-D section, eye-popping visuals and mind-boggling glimpses into the mysteries behind FINAL CRISIS, SUPERMAN BEYOND takes the Man of Tomorrow to new dimensions of action and excitement! This issue comes with a pair of 3-D glasses!On sale August 27 • 1 of 2 • 40 pg, FC, $4.50 US
Jim: Normally I would say this is going too far with the Final Crisis stuff, but after reading All Star Superman, I can handle Morrison writing a Superman centric adventure tying into Final Crisis. I loved the 3-D stuff, but with wearing glasses it is a pain.
Lee: Oooohhh yes, I can see how this is different from Secret Invasion. Secret Invasion has lots of little mini-series at normal price while DC does fewer mini-series at higher prices. Completely different.
Gwen: Honestly this sounds like an advertisment for a bad D&D game, but Pops is right, Morrison does do a good job with Superman.

HAWKMAN SPECIAL #1
Written by Jim StarlinArt and cover by Jim Starlin & Al MilgromSpiraling out of the events of RANN/THANAGAR: HOLY WAR! Hawkman finds himself face to face with a force of unspeakable evil: Synnar. The things Hawkman will learn in the course of their confrontation may lead him to question his very existence!On sale August 6 • 40 pg, FC, $3.50 US
Jim: I absolutely love that Jim Starlin is back and doing so much work in super hero comics again. Now if they could just get that next Dreadstar book published.
Lee: I honestly have to say this is a month full of more silly comments by Jammin’ JJ Martin than normal. JJ, you know this book epitomizes pointless but you pick it anyway. Why, oh why, is there a single issue of Hawkman which is linked to the Rann/Thanagar series. I have no chance of understanding this story without getting the R/T series. Honestly, while I love Starlin, I see no point to this book.
Gwen: I like Starlin but Hawkman just lost all interest for me over the years with the constant random changes to his story.

CATWOMAN #82
Written by Will PfeiferArt by David Lopez & Alvaro LopezCover by Adam HughesThe not-so-long kiss goodnight! Catwoman’s trying to stay one step ahead of Batman, the police and the supervillains of Gotham City, but in this final issue she’s going to have to doublecross one of them. Will they be able to live with it? And will she still be standing when the smoke has cleared?On sale August 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • FINAL ISSUE
Jim: This book was picked so I can say farewell to a series that was good almost every time out. This started with Ed Brubaker and Darwyn Cooke doing the book and then Will Pfeifer and David Lopez. One hell of a run and a very good and often great series.
Lee: I agree, I have most of this series and it’s always been good. But, never fear because you can always get the trades if you missed it the first time around.
Gwen: I haven't gotten the chance to read this stuff, but it's too bad it's ending because everyone I know who reads it enjoys it.

ALL STAR SUPERMAN #12
Written by Grant MorrisonArt by Frank Quitely & Jamie GrantCover by Frank QuitelyThe Man of Steel has faced twelve super-challenges. Now, as Lex Luthor’s brilliant, criminal machinations come together, what fate awaits the doomed Superman? This is the final, dramatic chapter of the incredible, award-winning 12-issue run of ALL STAR SUPERMAN by Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely and Jamie Grant " don’t miss it!On sale August 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
Jim: This run will go down as one of the greatest, if not the greatest Superman story ever done.
Lee: It’s good. I’m waiting for the hc.
Gwen: I am very interested to see how this all wraps up.

SUPERMAN/BATMAN #51
Written by Michael Green & Mike JohnsonArt by Rafael AlbuequerqueCover by Ryan SookThe Man of Steel and the Dark Knight are shocked to discover little versions of themselves fighting a threat in Metropolis. But where did these tiny heroes come from? As Superman and Batman search for answers, things get worse with the arrival of the Li’l League!On sale August 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
Jim: This looks too funny. This should be a lot of fun and a nice change of pace from so much of the dramatic stuff going on elsewhere.
Lee: This is all you, Jimmy-J. All you.
Gwen: This could go either way, but it looks amusing.

DC UNIVERSE ILLUSTRATED BY NEAL ADAMS VOL. 1 HC
Written by Robert Kanigher, Bob Haney, Gardner Fox, Neal Adams, Cary Bates, Len Wein and Howard LissArt by Neal Adams, Joe Kubert, Nick Cardy, Dick Dillin, Steve Harper and Vince CollettaCover by Neal AdamsAt last, it’s here " the first of three hardcover volumes collecting nearly every DC Comics story and cover by Neal Adams not already collected in GREEN LANTERN/GREEN ARROW, BATMAN or DEADMAN titles! Featuring rarely seen stories from OUR ARMY AT WAR #182, 183 and 186, STAR SPANGLED WAR STORIES #134 and 144, DETECTIVE COMICS #369, TEEN TITANS #20-22, ACTION COMICS #425, SUPERMAN #254, WEIRD WAR TALES #12 and 13 and more!Advance-solicited; on sale October 22 • 192 pg, FC, $39.99 US
Jim: I know Lee is the art guy, but I’m a sucker for anything by Neal Adams and DC has me lined up for there volumes of this material. Can’t wait for the Spectre material.
Lee: JiveTime Jim picking an art book. Will wonders never cease? I love Neal Adams too and I love the lower price tag. I’ll be getting it but I wonder how it will read as a collection.
Gwen: I have the GL/GA runs so I'm happy with that.

THE NEW TEEN TITANS ARCHIVES VOL. 4 HC
Written by Marv WolfmanArt and cover by George Pérez & Romeo TanghalThe 1980s adventures continue in this final Archive edition, collecting NEW TEEN TITANS #21-27 and NEW TEEN TITANS ANNUAL #1! Don’t miss the Titans’ struggle against the hordes of Brother Blood, Starfire’s confrontation with her evil sister and more! Advance-solicited; on sale October 29 • 224 pg, FC, $49.99 US
Jim: Glad to see that the Archives program is not gone, just trimmed back. This is certainly a good series to keep going for a little while longer.
Lee: They need to do NTT up through the Terra/Deathstroke storyline. This is some of my favorite material ever and some of the best written comics ever. Well worth your investment.
Gwen: The Terra arc is one of the best Titans arcs. I loved the Titans during that era.

SHOWCASE PRESENTS: BLACKHAWK VOL. 1 TP
Written by VariousArt by Dick Dillin, Charles Cuidera and Sheldon MoldoffCover by DillinThe 1950s adventures of The Blackhawks are collected for the first time in this new volume featuring stories from BLACKHAWK #108-127!Advance-solicited; on sale October 1 • 512 pg, B&W, $16.99 US
Jim: I’m very unfamiliar with this material, so I’m actually going to get it to see what is what. I hope they leave the politically incorrect Chinese member as Chop-Chop. I know that it is offensive, but for historical accuracy sake it should be left alone.
Lee: And now a special pick by Geriatric Jim, oooolllldddd Blackhawk material. And, in case you are wondering, I already have the Archives of the 1940’s Blackhawks. I just wonder how good the reproduction will be given the age of the material.
Gwen: I've never read this stuff although I am a bit curious since I really like Zinda in Birds of Prey.

THE AUTHORITY: WORLD’S END #1
Written by Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning and Christos GageArt by Simon Coleby and Trevor HairsineCover by Simon ColebyThe Authority has survived the cataclysmic events following NUMBER OF THE BEAST " but just barely! Do they have a hope of rebuilding their “finer world,” or is that hope dead and gone? Don’t miss the beginning of an astounding new direction for the series! Plus: Part 2 of the John Lynch backup story that began in WILDCATS: WORLD’S END #1, written by Christos Gage and illustrated by Trevor Hairsine (X-Men: Deadly Genesis)!On sale August 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
Jim: How many times are they going to try to get this series up and running again.
Lee: I think they do it just so you can complain about it month in and month out. That’s what I think. It’s a vast conspiracy to get Jimmy-J.
Gwen: Wow, I just don't care about this book at all.

THE X-FILES SPECIAL #0
Written by Frank SpotnitzArt by Brian DenhamPhoto coverVariant cover by Brian DenhamThe hit motion picture and television franchise returns to comics! With July's release of the brand-new X-Files blockbuster, WildStorm joins Mulder and Scully in a previously untold story from the film’s cowriter and producer Frank Spotnitz! Don’t miss this supernatural epic so large it will leave you screaming for more!Retro-solicited; on sale July 23 • 40 pg, FC, $2.99 US
Jim: I think the time for this series has passed and that this is no longer a winning concept.
Lee: It’s because they’re out to get out the Jim-ster.
Gwen: This is another book on the 'don't care' shelf.

AIR #1
Written by G. Willow WilsonArt and cover by M.K. PerkerLadies and gentlemen, there’s been a change in our flight plan.You may have heard of a group called the Etesian Front " vigilantes dedicated to taking the skies back from terrorism. Sounds like a noble cause, right? But there’s more to them than meets the eye.They’re after someone I know. Someone who is either an average frequent flier " or a terrorist. And he’s got a secret. Something that will change the way we fly " and the way we see technology " forever.To find him, we’ve altered course. We’re en route to a country that doesn’t exist on any maps. Only one person knows how to get us there: me.My name is Blythe, and I’ll be your stewardess today. So buckle your seatbelts " this will be the flight of your life.This extra-sized debut issue features the series’ regular cover price of $2.99 US.On sale August 20 • 40 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS
Jim: A 40 page comic for $3, nice. I like this concept and it sounds interesting. I feel like Vertigo is almost an indie brand.
Lee: OH HO, Jazzy James, showing the love for the indies! Sounds too mysterious for me with very little hint of what the series is about. I wonder if this is part of the conspiracy to get the BIG “J”
Gwen: This looks neat and worth giving a shot at the price & page count.

WATCHMEN MOVIE: ACTION FIGURE ASSORTMENT #1
These action figures, the first of two assortments totaling eight figures, are straight from the movie! Featuring exquisite sculpting and detailing, the first assortment of the WATCHMEN MOVIE action figures includes:
RORSCHACH • 6.25” hOZYMANDIAS • 6.75” hNITE OWL (Modern) • 6.75” hSILK SPECTRE (Modern) • 6.5” h
Each figure features multiple points of articulation and a base.Packaged in a 4-color window box.
Advance-solicited; on sale January 28, 2009 * Action Figures * PI
Jim: With the movie coming out we will see lots of Watchmen type collectibles, but it is almost counter to what the series was all about.
Lee: Jimmy “Martini” Martin pointing out the oxymoron of a big budget Watchmen film. Who cares I want a Rorshhas.. Rorshacn.. I want one of the dude with the messed up face!
Gwen: I'm just wondering how good the movie will actually be - it's going to be hard to make it work right.

AME-COMI HAWKGIRL PVC FIGURE Designed by Udon Studios
DC Direct’s wildly popular AME-COMI Heroines Vinyl Statue line continues as HAWKGIRL takes flight in 2009.
Kendra Shiera Saunders is the winged huntress who takes to the sky and soars above the clouds, wielding weapons both ancient and modern against enemies old and new.
This limited-edition, non-articulated, 9” PVC statue comes with a base, is packaged in a 4-color window box with J-hook and is manufactured to order.
Advance-solicited; on sale January 14, 2009* Statue * $59.99 US
Jim: They don’t look like the character at all. Besides Lee who is buying these?
Lee: You’re comment REAKS of jealousy. You know you want one.
Gwen: Ugh.

Jim: It is not a bad month, I like that we still have the Archives program alive and well and I can’t wait for the Legion of Three Worlds Final Crisis Book.
Lee: Well, an ok month with something for everyone. Now, as for nicknames, I felt I did OK. Nothing really stuck though. It turned out to be surprisingly harder than anticipated. Gwen: Lee, I think you can easily do better with the nicknames. I'm really quite disappointed.

Secret Invasion #3 - A Review

Secret Invasion #3 (of 8) - A Review
Publisher Marvel Comics
Writer Brian Bendis
Pencils Lenil Francis Yu
Inks Mark Morales
Colors Laura Martin

Before I even begin to dissect what has officially became a train wreck of a series, let me first off ask Marvel to please send me a kiss as they continue to **** me. I mean come on people $4 for the same 22 page comic book and this is your biggest selling book. Nice way to reward your fans.

Another thing I discovered is that Marvel is ramming certain characters down our throats whether we want them or not. Young Avengers is being pushed as are the Initiative brats. Seriously I rather see new people under the masks then these groups.

That will have to serve as my segue of sorts into the review of this comic. Lenil Yu’s art is solid art and he does a nice job, but his style does not fit this type of book. There is no way that I’m thinking I want to buy this book as a hard cover to be able to read and look at over the years. Not every artist has the type of style that works for these mega crowd scenes and for this type of story using Yu is a mistake.

The story itself is barely a story as opposed to being a series of huge panels and a few moments, somehow tying together I guess in the future to make a story.

I have quite a few issues with the this issue and the series to date:

1) What happen to it being a secret? If everyone and their kid brothers does not know about it now then they need to look out their windows. I mean seriously wouldn’t it have been more exciting to see the that the world was being taken over by skrulls in a more subtle manner. Like how our leaders have been taken over by corporate interest and sold this country down the river. Political commentary aside, this is a secret as hitting someone in the face with a two by four.

2) How can the FF, where the Skrulls were introduced, be relegated to sideline duty in a separate mini-series? I mean this is the group that started the whole skrull thing and they should be front and center.

3) Why does Captain Marvel act like a bad guy when he was suppose to have decided that regardless of his origins he will be the new Captain Marvel? I could be wrong on this one, but I thought his mini-series established he was okay with being Captain Marvel even though he knows he is a skrull.

4) If the skrulls now have the ability to make everyone this powerful why is it only a select few, just turn their entire army into super powered beings? What was the point of all the subterfuge in the beginning if they are just going to invade and smash everything? I mean at this point is their going to be anything left of the world? If they can duplicate all of these powers what is really going to stop them outside of the "War of the Worlds" solution with a virus that targets just skrulls.

5) Are we really supposed to believe that Echo is dead now after all the build up around her? Didn’t the Avengers just track her to Japan, save her after she was dead and then find out about Electra being a skrull? We even had a special solo issue leading up to Secret Invasion featuring her and we are now going to buy she is dead? Even worse if she is not dead are we are supposed to believe the skrull queen would leave her alive?

6) The skrull queen is going to try and convince Tony that he is really a skrull, but just does not remember? Why wouldn’t she just kill him right there on the spot? Also this just allows writers from here to eternity to screw anything they want. Why yes the Thing was doing Invisible Woman in the back room, but that is because he was a skrull and she was a skrull also, that's the ticket and Jessica Alba is my girl friend (Morgan Fairchild is too old to work anymore). We could see more rabbits being pulled out of hats trying to explain away retro-cons then ever before.

7) Please stop with the blurry effects screwing up the art, little lines on each side of a person is fine. Half the time I ready to ask for a refund of my misprinted book.

8) What the heck is with the gun Nick Fury is carrying? Is the goal just to make it the biggest and most ridiculous thing possible? If yes, then you have succeeded.

9) And oh joy, oh joy another group of people who I have barely had time to get to know shows up so I don’t care about them or the people they are saving. I have read comics for over 40 years and followed both companies. Yes, I’m a bigger DC fan now days, but the biggest event in Marvel this year does not involve the FF, the X-Men, Thor, Hulk, Captain America and instead stars Young Avengers, the Initiative Brats, new Howling Commandoes, Spider-Woman and Echo?

10) Killing the Vision is a joke, that robot has been destroyed more times then Tokyo in a Godzilla movie.

Overall grade - F