Action Comics #827
Writer: Gail Simone
Art: John Byrne and Nelson

Two things stand out in this issue, first the writing of Gail Simone. I've enjoyed some of her other stories, they have always shown the depth of the characters involved and had some interesting twists, this issue is no different. The secon, is the excellent art by John Byrne and Nelson. This is some of the best art I have seen from Byrne in a very long time, it makes me wish that instead of writing so so books and handling the art, he would just concentrate on the pictures. Aside from Terry Austin, I think that Nelson perfectly compliments his style. Great issue.

Astonishing X-Men #10
Writer: Joss Whedon
Art: John Cassaday

A mole within the team, and I actually think I figured out who it is. The team has been taken out by "Danger", the danger room personified, and now it's up to Charlie to save the day, a consistantly good read with great art.

 

 

 

 

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #191
Writer: J. Torres
Art: David Lopez, Fernando Blanco, and Cliff Chiang (cover)

 

One of the better pieces I've read that dealt with Mr. Freeze. He really is a tragic character, trying to deal with his grief over the loss of his wife. He wants to end his own life while taking as many people as he can with him, it's up to Batman to stop him. But can he stop a man so determined to die?

 

 

 

 

Breech #5
Writer: Bob Harras
Art: Marcos Martin and Alvaro Lopez

5th issue and I'm going to have to give it 5 stars, but they are qualified. This has been a book with one of the more solid starts I have seen in a long time. Between writer Bob harris and the art team of Marcos Martin (Batgirl: Year One) and Alvaro Lopez, this book is always good and I am always suprised by how much I like it. This issue would have usually rated 4 stars in my book, but I'm going to go ahead and give an extra to reward the consistancy. After his run in with the JLA, Maj. Timothy Zanetti (Breech) has been taken into custody again and is being studied to find out what is going on with him, both physically and mentally. We also find out a some back story regarding his family and their current status, but when Tim starts to piece things together a trusted souce turns to lies to helpcontroll Breech.

Deal With the Devil #1
Writer: Mike S. Miller
Art: Sherwin Schwartzrock

A detective tracks down and faces a serial killer and survives, but not fully intact, either emotionally or physically. He isolates himself from his family while the murders continue and finds himself greeting an unexpected guest. Decent enough start to this book.

 

 

 

 

Desolation Jones #1
Writer: Warren Ellis
Art: J.H. Williams III

The story of an ex British intelligence agent that spent the past year barely sleeping and workiing as a PI in Los Angeles. His jobs deal strictly with the covert community of ex spooks and agents that are present in the city, dealing with a strange series of cases. Oh did I mention that he is the only one that survived something called the Desolation Experiment? His latest case involves the return of a film that may be an adult film starring none other than Adolf Hitler. If that last sentance does not clue you in that this book may not be for kids, let me tell you it's not. It's just another fine example of the workings of Warren Ellis' mind. This book was great, the story and art worked well together and the only thing I dread is the bi-monthly schedule- if Ellis can keep it.

Elsinore #1
Writer: Kenneth Lillie-Paetz,
Art: Brian Denham

I can honestly say I don't know what is going on in this book, but for some strange reason I liked it. An anchient right performed has reprecussions in the present, kind of an X-Files feel to it. We'll see where it goes.

Fantastic Four #526
Writer: Karl Kesel
Art: Tom Grummett and Jim Cheung (cover)

Biding time until the next creative team takes over. It's going to be hard to top Waid and Weiringo's run, but I'm going to be patient.

Gotham Central #31
Writer: Greg Rucka
Art: Stefano Gaudiano, Kano and Cliff Chiang (cover)

Law and Order of the comic book world, this is what Marvel's "the Pulse" Should aspire to be, rather than the vehicle for a tie in here or that that it has become. The characters, grow a little each issue of this series. THis is the last part of the Keyston Cops story line that has the Gotham Police trying to save one of their own from the affects of an experiment by Dr. Alchemy. Will there be a happy ending to this story or do hiings jusst keep getting worse for the GCPD?

Green Lantern: Rebirth #6
Writer: Geoff Johns
Art: Ethan Van Sciver and Prentiss Rollins

Hal Jordan is back and I didn't think that Geoff Johns would be able to pull it off and make it somewhat goofy. Geoff Johns is definately the go to guy if you want to honor the past, move towards the future, and fix the craptaculr decisions like killing off some of the better characters. Good job and I'm looking forward to the new GL series starting this month.

 

Grimjack: Killer Instinct #5
Writer: John Ostrander
Art: Timothy Truman

More Gaunt action, but the nostalgia is beginning to wear off. A plenty readable book, but not as fun as it was at first.

JSA #73
Writer: Geoff Johns
Art: Don Kramer, Keith Champagne and Alex Ross (cover)

In he aftermath of their last adventure, the JSA is deciding whether or not to let Atom Smasher rejoin the team after his actions in the Black Reign storyline from last year. While he wan't to rejoin the team, he is torn between the JSA and rejoining Black Adam in Kahndaq.

Killer Stunts, INC. #1
Writer: Scott Kinney
Art: Scott Cohn and Mike Manley

I wish I could say that this book was off to a good start but it felt more like a story board for a movie. I understand that it was actually something quite like that, but it just dragged on and on.

Marvel Team-Up #8
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Art: Jeff Johnson and Scott Kolins (cover)

Not as good as the past few issues have been, the team up between Blade and the Punisher, which should have been fun, turned into a big "measuring" contest. I guess in 8 issues if one of them is kind of a clinker isn't all that bad.

Mary Jane Homecoming #3
Writer: Sean McKeever
Art: Takeshu Miyazawa

I wish I were through praising this book, but I can't help it, it's enjoyable each and every month. Lets hope that Marvel decides to let this team continue on with the stories, even if it is a series of "minis".

Starkweather #4
Writer: David Rodriguez
Art: Jon Bosco and Alex Silva

A decent book, but I have one major complaint, the bi-monthly schedule, just kills the momentum that develops in each issue. I like the story more than the art, it's kind of cartoony.

Ultimate Spider-Man #77
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Art: Mark Bagley and Scott Hanna

An interesting development between Nick Fury and Spider-Man, is the only thing that saved this from being another average outing from this team. Still not among their best stuff, but better than the past few issues.

Wonder Woman #216
Writer: Greg Rucka
Art: Rags Morales, Mark Probst and J.G. Jones (cover)

A consistent outing from the team, it's interesting to see the difference in the artwork with Probst inking. A possible interesting development with Wonder Girl and Ares.

Green Arrow #50
Writer: Judd Winick
Art: Tom Fowler, Rodney Ramos, and James Jean (cover)

The end of this issue felt terribly rushed, but sets the stage for the return of a nemisis and the possiblity of a new major meanace, borrowed from one of Green Arrow's "friends". I've kind of enjoyed Winick's run, it hasn't been exceptional but has been interesting.