1. Immortal Hulk #20 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Al Ewing / Art: Joe Bennett with Ruy Jose, Balardino Brabo & Marc Deering / Colors: Paul Mounts
I’m running out of superlatives to describe this book. Did they resolve the ending of the previous issue a bit too easily? Yes. Does it matter? No. Aces.

2. The Walking Dead #193 (Image) ★★★★★
Writer: Robet Kirkman / Art: Charlie Adlard / Colors: Cliff Rathburn (Gray Tones)
I’ve never read a Walking Dead book before. Based on this one, that was a mistake. Beautiful writing and gorgeous B/W art make for a compelling and touching experience. Will I go for the back issues now? Perhaps.

3. Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #46 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Ryan North / Art: Derek Charm / Colors: Rico Renzi
Another book, I have never read before, and I loved it. Ryan North writes a wonderfully fun and entertaining story (including delightfully funny footnotes). The art by Derek Charm is very indie feeling, but works well with North’s storytelling style.

4. Fantastic Four: The Prodigal Son #1 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Peter David / Art: Francesco Manna / Colors: Espen Grundetjern
Very fun Savage Land adventure. Delightful writing by Peter David & beautiful art by Francesco Manna make for a pleasant surprise. Prah’dGul is an interesting character. Looking forward to the Silver Surfer: Prodigal Son issue next.

5. Captain America & The Invaders: Bahamas Triangle #1 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Roy Thomas / Art: Jerry Ordway / Colors: Jay David Ramos
Entertaining old-timey one-shot Invaders story. Loved baby Cap. The art by Jerry Ordway suited the story perfectly. Very cool.

6. Superman: Up In The Sky #1 (DC) ★★★★
Writer: Tom King / Art: Andy Kubert & Sandra Hope / Colors: Brad Anderson
A refreshingly enjoyable Superman story. Loved the Clark & Lois patter. Great writing. Lots of solid emotional moments here. Good stuff.

7. DCeased #3 (DC) ★★★★
Writer: Tom Taylor / Art: Trevor Hairsine & Stefano Gaudiano / Colors: Rain Beredo
Nicely done. Showing the emotional toll the zombies are causing to our heroes. This book keeps getting better. A welcome surprise.

8. Cosmic Ghost Rider Destroys Marvel History #5 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Paul Scheer & Nick Giovanetti / Art: Nathan Stockman / Colors: Rachelle Rosenberg
Well, that was unexpected. Surprisingly strong not-the-last book. Fun Hulk story as well as a tension-filled final act. Looking forward to the conclusion.

9. Adventures of the Super Sons #12 (DC) ★★★★
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi / Art: Carlo Barberi & Matt Santorelli / Colors: Protobunker
Super Sons comes to an end with a fast paced finale that neatly wraps everything up. Lost of fun bits in this one. Gonna miss the Sons, especially with what Bendis has done to Jon.

10. The Long Con #10 (ONI Press) ★★★★
Writer: Dylan Meconis & Ben Coleman / Art: EA Denich / Colors: Fred C. Stresing
Satisfying conclusion to what’s been an enjoyable ride. Plenty of exposition to clear things up, plus a tender(ish) moment between our leads. It’s been a fun ride.

11. Uncanny X-Men #21 (Marvel) ★★★
Writer: Matthew Rosenberg / Art: Salvador Larroca / Colors: Guru-eFX
Lots of things happening in this book… perhaps too much. It got a bit confusing toward the end. Still, the book has plenty of pop, and has become quite an intriguing story.

12. Savage Avengers #3 (Marvel) ★★★
Writer: Gerry Duggan / Art: Mike Deodato Jr. / Colors: Frank Martin
Everybody gets involved in the big battle in this book. Great action sequences. Shocks, guests and cool symbiot action. Still, the over the top durability of the heroes sort of kills the mood. There are no stakes if everybody’s invulnerable.

13. Aero #1 (Marvel) ★★
Writer: Zhou Liefen (Adaption by: Greg Pak) & Greg Pak / Art: Keng & Pop Mhan / Colors: Federico Blee
A fairly rote book. Both stories tread familiar ground. The art in both is aces though, so it has that. That this story ties into WoR: New Agents of Atlas was a fun surprise.

14. Secret Warps: Soldier Supreme Annual #1 (Marvel) ★★
Writer: Al Ewing & Mark Waid / Art: Carlos Gomez & Alex Lins / Colors: Carlos Lopez & Erick Arciniega
Well, I knew these books were coming. Its not a bad story, it just feels so contrived. The art works, but again… It doesn’t feel organic. Just another Marvel cash grab.

15. Doom Patrol: Weight of the World #1 (DC: Young Animal) ★★
Writer: Gerard Way & Jeremy Lambert / Art: James Harvey / Colors: Jeremy Lambert
I was a bit lost, having missed the previous series. Some nice stuff, some rough bits. Couldn’t really connect with it though.

Generally with the Books of the Week posts, I only post the top 4 to 6 books I purchased each week, based ont he total count. As an experiment, I thought I would offer my take on the remainder of the books I picked up this past week.

1. War of the Reams: Punisher #3 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Gerry Duggan / Art: Marcelo Ferreira & Roberto Poggi / Colors: Rachelle Rosenberg
Guns, death and retribution. Yup, this is a Punisher book alright. It’s actually a good read. Nice action. One of the better WotR battle books.

2. Batman: Damned #3 (DC Black Label) ★★★
Writer: Brain Azzarello / Art: Lee Bermejo / Colors: Lee Bermejo
Oddly compelling story. I enjoyed it, even if I didn’t completely understand it. Art was good, although Batman himself, always seems a bit off.

3. Flash #73 (DC) ★★★
Writer: Joshua Williamson / Art: Howard Porter / Colors: Hi-Fi
A lot of exposition and Barry being whiney. The art felt a bit dodgy at times. Still a good read, but I hope this was just a hiccup.

4. War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas #4 (Marvel) ★★★
Writer: Greg Pak / Art: Gang Hyuk Lim, Moy R. & Pop Mhan / Colors: Federico Blee & Andres Mossa
A little too simple a victory, with a twist that felt a bit forced. Not a bad conclusion, but a perhaps a bit rote. The art, by Gang Hyuk Lim, was excellent as usual. I love Sindr.

5. Avengers #20 (Marvel) ★★★
Writer: Jason Aaron / Art: Ed McGuinness & Mark Morales / Colors: Jason Keith
Interesting look at the ‘new’ She-Hulk. I like the narration and the backstory. Still not sure where they’re going wth this. I do miss the old Jen.

6. Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #8 (Marvel) ★★★
Writer: Tom Taylor / Art: Ken Lashley & Scott Hanna / Colors: Nolan Woodard
Lots of set-up. Creepy villain. Art continuity mistakes. Snappy patter. This book has it all. Just wish it was better.

7. Amazing Spider-Man #24 (Marvel) ★★
Writer: Nick Spencer / Art: Ryan Ottley with Mark Morales & Cliff Rathburn / Colors: Nathan Fairbairn
Ottley’s art continues to bring this book down for me. It’s like a poor man’s (late period) Sal Buscema. This story should have been dark and mysterious. Instead it just fell flat. Not a good mix with Spencer’s writing.

8. War of the Realms: Uncanny X-Men #3 (Marvel) ★
Writer: Matthew Rosenberg / Art: Pere Perez / Colors: Rachelle Rosenberg
The weakest of the WotR titles ends with a thud. Big moments get lost amid silly resolutions and a deep backstory that confuses more than it enlightens. The art was nice though.

1. X-Men: Grand Design – X-tinction #2 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Ed Piskor / Art: Ed Piskor / Colors: Ed Piskor
Another solid review of unfamiliar (to me) X-Men history by Ed Piskor. Piskor’s X-series have me wanting to read the actual X-books – which was probably the goal all along. All in all, a very good series.

2. Fantastic Four #11 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Dan Slott / Art: Paco Medina, Kevin Libranda, Paolo Villanelli & Juanan Ramirez / Colors: Jesus Aburtov
Offputting cover aside, this was a delightfully fun FF adventure. I loved the villain in this issue, Gargantua. The art was aces and FF Kids, Franklin & Valeria, are quickly becoming some of my favorite Marvel characters.

3. War of the Realms #6 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Jason Aaron / Art: Russell Dauterman / Colors: Matthew Wilson
This was certainly a BIG ending. Lots of interesting things happened here. I’m guessing the companion books will handle the mop up? I’m happy that I couldn’t guess the ending. Note: Read this book last, after all the other WoR tie-ins.

4. Thor #14 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Jason Aaron / Art: Scott Hepburn / Colors: Matthew Wilson
One of those War of the Realms tie-ins I warned to read before WoR #6 (read it right before #6). Even though I read this out of order, I really enjoyed it. Great to see Viking Thor again. A very cool read.

5. Doctor Strange #15 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Barry Kitson / Art: Mark Waid with Scott Koblish, Matteo Lolli, Terry Pallot, Craig Yeung & Mike Hawthorne / Colors: Brian Reber
Well this was certainly an interesting read. Lots of stuff happened that I didn’t understand, coming in cold as I did (I couldn’t resist the cover). Still, it was still a really cool read. The art by Barry Kitson & Mark Waid has an old timey feel that suits Dr Strange well. I see back-issues in my future.

6. Steel Cage #1 (Ahoy) ★★★★
Writer: Tom Peyer, Stuart Moore & Mark Waid / Art: Alan Robinson, Peter Gross & Lanna Souvanny / Colors: Lee Loughridge, Giulia Brusco & Lanna Souvanny
Fun concept, (voting for one of three individual stories by different creative teams to receive its own book). For the record I voted for ‘True Identity’. Currently ‘Noah Zark’ is in the lead. I enjoyed both. ‘Bright Boy’, not so much.

1. Daredevil #7 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Chip Zdarsky / Art: Lalit Kumar Sharma & Jay Leisten / Colors: Java Tartaglia
Beautiful. Just… beautiful. I love scruffy Matt Murdock, and the religious elements really moved me too. There were even a couple of surprises. This may be a perfect book.

2. Guardians of the Galaxy #6 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Donny Cates / Art: Geoff Shaw / Colors: David Curiel
Nice, solid ending to the Final Gauntlet story. Geoff Shaw’s art continues to dazzle. Donny cates provides a beauty of an ending. This will be hard to top.

3. Captain America #11 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Ta-Nehisi Coates / Art: Adam Kubert / Colors: Matt Milla
That was a very enjoyable action read. Dialog was spot on and the book just flowed. Art was aces too. Nice rebound.

4. War of the Realms: Journey into Mystery #5 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: The McElroys / Art: Andre Lima Araujo / Colors: Chris O’Halloran
Fun wrap up for the Journey into Mystery storyline. A few surprises along with some nice action. This was a very enjoyable ride.

5. Uncanny X-Men #20 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Matthew Rosenberg / Art: Salvador Larroca / Colors: Guru-eFX
Another quality issue. Tight writing with a strong, clear narrative. I’m actually a bit surprised. I like where this is going. Took long enough.

6. Offbeats #4 (Antarctic Press) ★★★★
Writer: John Ward / Art: Giles Crawford / Colors: Lee Milewski
Gritty never felt so cool (if a bit grim). I love how it wrapped everything up… or did it? We shall see.

1. The Flash #72 (DC) ★★★★★
Writer: Joshua Williamson / Art: Howard Porter / Colors: Hi-Fi
Another really solid book by Williamson & Porter. I love the art, and the story is very compelling. This is quickly becoming my favorite title. I hope it lasts.

2. Immortal Hulk #19 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Al Ewing / Art: Joe Bennett with Ruy Jose & Balardino Brabo / Colors: Paul Mounts & Rachelle Rosenberg
Sweet Christmas, this book was something! Grisly, cruel, shocking… Just… wow. Easily one of Marvel’s best current titles.

3. Spider-Man: Life Story #4 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Chip Zdarsky / Art: Mark Bagley & Andrew Hennessy / Colors: Frank D’Armata
This issue, set in the ’90’s, was a nice return to form, and may be the best issue yet. Twists, turns, really solid stuff.

4. Asgardians of the Galaxy #10 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Cullen Bunn / Art: Luca Maresca / Colors: Federico Blee
AoG goes out with a bang in this War of the Realms tie-in/finale. Beautifully written, with a bittersweet ending. Nice way to go out for a series that started out so strong, then stumbled a bit before slowly working its way back.

1. Sharkey the Bounty Hunter #4 (Image) ★★★★★
Writer: Mark Millar / Art: Simone Bianchi / Colors: Simone Peruzzi
Excellent book. Betrayal, spies, living asteroids. Great stuff. Vatanni’s assist on the art provided a special kick. Just awesome.

2. War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas #3 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Greg Pak / Art: Gang Hyuk Lim / Colors: Federico Blee, Andres Mossa & Erick Arciniega
Nice return to form. Lots of acton, some great laughs (spam!) and dazzling art. One of my favorite WoR books.

3. War of the Realms: Journey Into Mystery #4 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: The McElroys / Art: Andre Lima Araujo / Colors: Chris O’Halloran
Delightfully fun read. A welcome break from the seriousness of the other WoR titles. Thori continues to steal the show and Wonder Man shines. Aces.

4. Black Cat #1 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Jed Mackay & Nao Fuji / Art: Travel Foreman, Nao Fuji & Mike Dowling / Colors: Brian Reber
A delightful read. Both the Cat and Fox stories hit all the right notes. The art by Travel Forman has a clean simplicity I really appreciate. A quality book.

5. Once Our Land: Book 2 #4 (Scout) ★★★★
Writer: Peter Ricq / Art: Jake Bilbao & Peter Ricq / Colors: Peter Ricq
The dark tones made following the night battle scenes a bit difficult, but this book still had lots of fun action plus a tidy wrap up. This was a fine mini-series. Looks like I may have to track down Book 1.

6. Domino: Hotshots #4 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Gail Simone / Art: David Baldeon & Michael Shelfer with Craig Yeung / Colors: Jim Charalampidis
Fun read. Big battle book. Art continues to sparkle. Nice to see the wrap-up wasn’t nearly as tidy as it initially looked like it might be. I enjoy surprises.

1. Daredevil #6 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Chip Zdarsky / Art: Lalit Kumar Sharma & Jay Leisten / Colors: Java Tartaglia
I’m just gonna say it. Daredevil is Marvel’s best book. Period. Even without DD in it, this book just soars. Excellent stuff.

2. Doomsday Clock #10 (DC) ★★★★★
Writer: Geoff Johns / Art: Gary Frank / Colors: Brad Anderson
This issue was great! A welcome return to form for this series. Well worth the wait.

3. Thor #11 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Jason Aaron / Art: Mike Del Mundo / Colors: Mike Del Mundo & Marco D’Alfonso
Not usually a fan of Thor books without Thor, but this one was great. Cul Borson is a fascinating character, and Aaron wrote his story beautifully.

4. X-Men Grand Design: X-tinction #1 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Ed Piskor / Art: Ed Piskor / Colors: Ed Piskor
Interesting look at a period of X-Men history I am unfamiliar with. Piskor does a great job of making these reviews both compelling & informative. A pretty cool trick.

5. Fantastic Four #10 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Dan Slott / Art: Paco Medina with Kevin Libranda / Colors: Jesus Aburtov
Nicely done inclusion of the FF into the War of the Realms. Loved the Franklin storyline (Angst!). The art was aces.

6. Giant-Man #2 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Leah Williams / Art: Marco Castiello / Colors: Rachelle Rosenberg
This War of the Realms tie-in, featuring all of the Marvel big men, is a surprisingly entertaining book. Lots of laughs, followed by a slap in the face. Really solid stuff.

1. Miles Morales: Spider-Man #6 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Saladin Ahmed / Art: Javier Garron / Colors: David Curiel
That was really good. Art beautiful as always. Starling is fun. Great dialog. Book popped!

2. War of the Realms Strikeforce: Land of Giants #1 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Tom Taylor / Art: Jorge Molina & Adriano Di Benedetto / Colors: David Curiel
Great book. Less overt gore and more the nobility of battle. The Spidey narrative was a nice touch. Loved the ending.

3. Flash #71 (DC) ★★★★
Writer: Joshua Williamson / Art: Howard Porter / Colors: Hi-Fi
I really do like Howard Porter’s art. This book just sparkles. Great writing. The Flash is actually… interesting!

4. War of the Realms: Uncanny X-Men #2 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Matthew Rosenberg / Art: Pere Perez / Colors: Rachelle Rosenberg
I enjoyed this book. Good action, fun interactions. Really solid stuff.

1. Daredevil #5 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Chip Zdarsky / Art: Marco Checchetto / Colors: Sonny Gho
So good it hurts. You can feel the emotions coming off the page. Incredible writing and art to match. This series will go down as legend.

2. Immortal Hulk #17 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Al Ewing / Art: Joe Bennett with Ruy Jose / Colors: Paul Mounts
Creepy as hell. Not the greatest issue, but still a compelling read.

3. War of the Realms Strikeforce: War Avengers #1 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Dennis Hallum / Art: Kim Jacinto & Matt Hollingsworth / Colors: Java Tartaglia & Felipe Sobreiro
Highly entertaining book. Deadpool steals the show, but appearances by Namor, Black Knight & Captain Britain sparkle as well. Nice writing. Solid action.

4. War of the Realms #4 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Jason Aaron / Art: Russell Dauterman / Colors: Matthew Wilson
Freyja kicks ass in this book. Spot on writing and big battles. Nice pacing.

1. Invaders #5 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Chip Zdarsky / Art: Carlos Magno with Butch Guice / Colors: Alex Guimaraes
Lordy! What a book. BIG things happening. Shocks and surprises everywhere. Ends on a great cliffhanger. Aces.

2. War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas #1 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Greg Pak / Art: Gang Hyuk Lim / Colors: Federico Blee
Very fun book. Champions plus a slew of asian superheroes? Yes please! The art is gorgeous, and the writing sings.

3. Flash #70 (DC) ★★★★
Writer: Joshua Williamson / Art: Howard Porter / Colors: Hi-Fi
Interestng Origin story… with a twist! Very fond of Howard Porter’s art. Book feels fresh.

4. The Long Con #9 (ONI Press) ★★★★
Writer: Dylan Meconis & Ben Coleman / Art: EA Denich / Colors: Fred C. Stresing
Fun change of pace and venue. Loved the writers room – and drunk Victor.

5. Symbiote Spider-Man #2 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Peter David / Art: Greg Land with Jay Leisten / Colors: Frank D’Armata
Really like Land’s art in this book. Interesting story with a solid twist.

6. War of the Realms: Journey Into Mystery #2 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: The McElroys / Art: Andre Lima Araujo / Colors: Chris O’Halloran
This was fun read. Nice artwork, Thori, and Skrulls! What’s not to love?