01. Secret Warps: Arach-Knight Annual #1 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Al Ewing & Jim Zub / Art: Carlos Gomez, Carlo Barberi & Juan Vlasco / Colors: Carlos Lopez & Ruth Redmond
Best book in the new Warp series by a mile. Beautifully illustrated with writing so fun I laughed out loud. Both stories are practically perfect, in every way.

02. Fearless #1 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Seanan McGuire, Leah Williams & Kelly Thompson / Art: Claire Roe, Nina Vakueva & Carmen Carnero / Colors: Rachelle Rosenberg & Tamra Bonvillain
An absolutely delightful read. Three stories, each filled with charm, spot on art and sparkling dialog. The Mille the Model story steals the show. But Campfire promises to be a banger.

03. Amazing Spider-Man #26 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Nick Spencer / Art: Kev Walker / Colors: Laura Martin
Surprisingly entertaining comic. I admit it took me a while to get used to Walker’s take on Pete, but overall I really liked the art. The story was a lot of fun, and really clicked. Great job.

04. History of the Marvel Universe #1 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Mark Waid / Art: Javier Rodriguez & Alvaro Lopez
Enjoyable chronological review of Marvel’s myths and history. Nice use of Galactus narration to Franklin Richards to frame the story. Pleasant art, and a whole lot of information (including exhaustive annotations from a small army or researchers) make for a surprisingly solid read. Looking forward to more.

05. House of X (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Jonathan Hickman / Art: Pepe Larraz / Colors: Marte Gracia
Really interesting read. I am a bit confused why Jean is ‘Marvel Girl’ again, and why she & Cyclops require the masks. Other than that, the mix of text & comic was quite impressive. Very interested to see where this goes.

06. Doctor Strange #16 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Barry Kitson & Mark Waid / Art: Mark Waid / Colors: Brian Reber
Galactus fights… everybody. Cameos abound in this big cosmic battle for reality. It doesn’t end how one might expect, which is a good thing. Lots of tension and suspense. Nice.

07. Flash #75 (DC) ★★★★
Writer: Joshua Williamson / Art: Howard Porter, Scott Kolins & Christian Duce / Colors: Hi-Fi & Luis Guerrero
Solid finish to the Year One story, along with two smaller stories. Nice job bringing it back around to the present day. The Today story was a pleasant coda. The Offer felt like a tag on. I get it , but didn’t need it.

08. Guardians of the Galaxy #7 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Donny Cates / Art: Cory Smith / Colors: David Curiel
The new GotG chapter kicks of with an intense story filled with mystery and high stakes. Looks like its gonna be a cool ride.

09. Valkyrie: Jane Foster (Marvel) ★★★
Writer: Jason Aaron & Al Ewing / Art: Cafu / Colors: Jesus Aburtov
This was good. There was a lot of action packed into one book, which I normally like, but I admit I got a bit confused at times. My fault for not reading the Jane Foster Thor series.

10. Batman: Curse of the White Knight #1 (DC Black Label) ★★★
Writer: Sean Murphy /Art: Sean Murphy / Colors: Matt Hollingsworth
Dark, if predictable mystery. Interesting visuals. Loved the look of Joker.

11. Sword Master #1 (Marvel) ★★
Writer: Shuizhu & Greg Pak / Art: Gunji & Ario Anindito / Colors: Rachelle Rosenberg
Not sure how I feel about this book. Gunji’s art in Part One was a bit hit and miss for me. Anindito’s work in Part Two was better, but not without its own issues. The mystery is solid, even if the dialog gets a bit clunky at times.

1. Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #1 (DC) ★★★★★
Writer: Matt Fraction / Art: Steve Lieber / Colors: Nathan Fairbairn
Fun silliness with Jimmy getting himself into trouble. What’s not to love? Sparkling writing and some truly enjoyable artwork make this an unexpected treat.

2. Loki #1 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Daniel Kibblesmith / Art: Oscar Bazaldua / Colors: David Curiel
A surprisingly good book. If you’re a fan of Asgardian shenanigans (as I am) this is a very enjoyable story, filled with quality art, fun characters, crackling dialog, and Thor! Great stuff.

3. Invaders #7 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Chip Zdarsky / Art: Carlos Magno with Butch Guice / Colors: Alex Guimaraes
Excellent book that doesn’t ignore things that happenend in the previous issue, and keeps rolling along with even more intrigue and surprises. The writing in this series is incredible.

4. Daredevil #8 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Chip Zdarsky / Art: Lalit Kumar Sharma & Jay Leisten / Colors: Java Tartaglia
The first issue in the current DD series that has not rated my top BOW slot, its nonetheless an interesting book. There’s a lot packed in here. Contrivances aside, it’s a fascinating discussion about the ethics of law and crime.

5. Champions #7 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Jim Zub / Art: Steven Cummings / Colors: Marcio Menyz
My first check-in on this Champions series since issue 1. I do love a Nova story, and this pne was a lot of fun. Love the Kaldera character, and the Black Helmet Heist storyline. Fun stuff. Perhaps I should go back for those earlier issues. Note: Original Release Date: 07/10/19

6. Age of X-Man: Omega #1 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Zac Thompson & Lonnie Nadler / Art: Simone Buonfantino / Colors: Triona Farrell
This was actually far more satisfying than I had anticipated. Nicely wrapped up the AoXM saga and cleared up one my big problems with Uncanny #22 (more on that later), and provided a hint of the new X-world to follow. Nicely done.

7. Domino: Hotshots #5 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Gail Simone / Art: David Baldeon & Michael Shelfer / Colors: Jim Charalampidis
Exciting, fun and eventful ending to the Hotshots saga. Did the end feel a bit rushed? Yes. Should there have been a book 6 where Nina has to decide between power and responsibility, instead of resolving this major plot point in a single page? Yes. Do I care…? A little, yes.

8. Spider-Man: Life Story #5 (Marvel) ★★★
Writer: Chip Zdarsky / Art: Mark Bagley & John Dell / Colors: Frank D’Armata
It’s kind of funny Tony Stark has become Marvel’s de Facto bad guy in this type of story. Some pretty cool stuff in this issue, although the series may have benefitted from being longer. Perhaps they could have allocated two issues per decade, for better pacing. As it is, the whole thing moves a bit too fast.

9. Immortal Hulk #21 (Marvel) ★★★
Writer: Al Ewing / Art: Ryan Bodenheim / Colors: Paul Mounts
A guest artist plus a focus on a character, other than Hulk or Banner, make this feel like a very different book. Lots of death and surprises, but it felt a bit… empty.

10. Lois Lane #1 (DC) ★★★
Writer: Greg Rucka / Art: Mike Perkins / Colors: Paul Mounts
Torn from the headlines, as they say. Pretty straightforward press/espionage story. I enjoyed the dialog and the art. Lets see if it holds up. Original Release Date: 07/03/19

11. Secret Warps: Ghost Panther Annual #1 (Marvel) ★★
Writer: Al Ewing & Daniel Kibblesmith / Art: Carlos Gomez & Ig Guara / Colors: Carlos Gomez & Matt Milla
It’s only my OCD that keeps me reading this series. The art has been solid throughout, but the story is such a muddled mess. Two more books to go. Hopefully it will all come together in the end. Let’s see if I can make it.

12. Silver Surfer: Black #2 (Marvel) ★★
Writer: Donny Cates / Art: Tradd Moore / Colors: Dave Stewart
The art is beautifully unpleasant, which is tough to pull off. The story however is just more Surfer whining. That gets old real fast.

13. Uncanny X-Men # 22 (Marvel) ★★
Writer: Matthew Rosenberg / Art: Salvador Larroca with David Messina / Colors: Guru-eFX
Final issue before Age of Hickman. Everything gets conveniently resolved really fast. What was the point of any of this? Did I miss something? Bah. When will I learn?

14. Batman #75 (DC) ★★
Writer: Tom King / Art: Tony S. Daniel & Mitch Gerads / Colors: Tomeu Morey & Mitch Gerads
What the hell did I just read? None of this book made any sense. Honestly, I’m kind of tired of this never ending nightmare narrative. I just don’t care that much anymore. The second star is for the art, which continues to carry this series.

15. X-Liefelds #1 (Keenspot) ★
Writer: Rob Potchak / Art: Rob Nikolakakis & Eric Kent / Colors: Michael Sanders
Lightweight silliness poking fun at Rob Liefeld tropes & characters. It was fun, but I expected more. Especially at $4.99.

The Hits: A lot of good books this week, but only one standout.

1. Symbiote Spider-Man #4 (Marvel) ★★★★★
Writer: Peter David / Art: Greg Land / Jay Leisten / Colors: Frank D’Armata
Another great book (that cover!). Loved the Kingpin/Mysterio sequence as well as how the symbiote is still mysterious. The art continues to dazzle. Next issue is the conclusion. I want more!

2. Invisible Woman #1 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: mark Waid / Art: Mattia De Iulis
Sue Storm, super spy? I’m in. Compelling story, kick-ass Sue and beautiful art by Matta De Iulis. What’s not to love?

3. Event Leviathan #2 (DC) ★★★★
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis / Art: Alex Maleev
Gripping storyteling. Griity art. This book has it going on. Nicely done.

4. Avengers #21 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Jason Aaron / Art: Jason Masters / Colors: Jason Keith
Enjoyable breather with some fun bits of business. Nice set up for the next story. Loved the hot tub sequence.

5. Black Cat #2 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Jed MacKay / Art: Travel Foreman / Colors: Brian Reber
There was a lot packed into this book. It’s bit of mystery mixed in with a fun heist story. Very enjoyable.

6. Wolverine & Captain America: Weapon Plus #1 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Ethan Sacks / Art: Diogenes Neves & Adriano Di Benedetto / Colors: Federico Blee
Solid action adventure book. Nice dialog and dynamic art. Turns out the one-shot is part of a bigger Weapon Plus story. Curious to see where it goes.

7. Thor #15 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Jason Aaron / Art: Mike Del Mundo / Colors: Mike Del Mundo & Marco D’Alfonso
The penultimate Thor issue. We get the fate of Maleketh and some set-up for WoR: Omega. Beautiful art, nice story. Hela steals the show (as always). Looking forward to the finale.

8. Second Coming #1 (Ahoy) ★★★★
Writer: Mark Russell / Art: Richard Pace / Colors: Andy Troy
Controversy aside, this was a really entertaining comic. All the characters tread familiar trope, but it what they say that makes them work. God steals the show, but Jesus comes across as an inquisitive visitor, wise beyond his years. I’ll take more.

9. Amazing Spider-Man #25 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writers: Nick Spencer, Zeb Wells & Keaton Patti / Art: Ryan Ottley, Humberto Ramos, Patrick Gleason & Kev Walker with Cliff Rathburn, Victor Olazaba, Dexter Vines, Patrick Gleason & Kev Walker – also: Todd Nauck & Dan Hipp / Colors: Nathan Fairbairn, Edgar Delgado, Dave Stewart & Laura Martin, also: Rachelle Rosenberg
Lordy, it took a small army to put this book together. Not a huge fan of the main Mysterio story, but I loved the Mary Jane, Team-Up and Robot Helpers ones.

10. Miles Morales: Spider-Man #8 (Marvel) ★★★★
Writer: Saladin Ahmed / Art: Javier Garron / Colors: David Curiel
Good to have Garron back. Interesting book. Nice little mystery. Poor Miles.

The Misses: No outright flops, but a fair number of books that were just… okay.

11. Flash #74 (DC) ★★★
Writer: Joshua Williamson / Art: Howard Porter / Colors: Hi-Fi
A bit of a retread of the earlier chapters, but still a compelling read. Some of Porter’s art was bit wonkier than usual too. I’ll chalk this up a bridge issue. High hopes for chapter 6.

12. War of the Realms: Omega #1 (Marvel) ★★★
Writer: Jason Aaron & Al Ewing, Daniel Kibblesmith & Gerry Duggan / Art: Ron Garney, Cafu, Oscar Bazadua & Juan Ferreyra / Colors: Matt Milla, Jesus Aburtov, David Curiel & Juan Ferreyra
Nicely done wrap up of the Jane Foster, Daredevil, Loki & Punisher stories. All set-ups for new titles of course. As cash grabs go, this wasn’t so bad.

13. Batman Universe #1 (DC) ★★★
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis / Art: Nick Derington / Colors: Dave Stewart
Fairly straightforward Batman story. Interesting that it toes into Batman Who Laughs. Sweet artwork by Derington.

14. Superman #13 (DC) ★★★
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis / Art: Brandon Peterson & Ivan Reis with Joe Prado / Colors: Alex Sinclair
I’ll admit I love the art, but how many times can they retell the Krypton story? I’ll give points for keeping it interesting, but I’m having a hard time caring about what comes next.

15. Batman #74 (DC) ★★★
Writer: Tom King / Art: Mikel Janin / Colors: Jordie Bellaire
So much psycho babble. The tortures of Batman are beginning to torture me. It feels like forever since I fell for this title. I may be over it.

16. Secret Warps: Weapon Hex Annual #1 (Marvel) ★★
Writer: Al Ewing, Juan Vlasco & Tim Seeley / Art: Carlos Villa & Bob Quinn / Colors: Carlos Lopez & Rachelle Rosenberg
Not sure if I enjoyed this book or not. Like the previous one, It just feels so calculated. The art and action is good. It just lacks any soul.

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.