X-Factor: Layla Miller #1: This is SOOOO good. We’ve heard the Summers Rebellion mentioned in whispers in X-title arcs involving the future, but now we get to see what it is about. Creepy, kooky and altogether spooky, Layla Miller “knows things” about the past, present and future of the Marvel Universe. For the first time we get a glimps of what that must do to her. I hope she sticks around in the future for a year or so - enough time for at least 12 issues of a new x-title set in this period with Layla, Ruby Summers and who knows who else… This seems more like Generation Next than anything from genius-turned-hack Chris Claremont.

Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds #1 of 5: This actually tied Layla Miller for 1st place. With art by George Perez and words by Goeff Johns, Lo3W probably should have beat the Layla special but I was just so surprised at how much I loved Layla in the future that she got some extra points. Check out the comic book beefcake shot of Superboy Prime I HAD to post - its a few posts above.

True Believers #2: Best new book in ages. Its fun, entertaining and compelling. The potential for this concept (a superteam dedicated to “the pursuit of truth at all costs) is limitless in universe as currently screwed up as Marvel’s.

The Incredible Herc #120: The God Squad vs. the Skrull Gods. Nuff said.

Guardians of the Galaxy #4: The seeds of dissention have been sown as SKRULLS are discovered on Knowhere.

Uncanny X-Men #501: Still loving the new home in San Francisco, but I had some problems with a few things this issue… With Emma’s Astonishing comments on Oakland, she may not be the only one with a snobbish view of Oakland. Writed scripted Pixied gang attack there too. Pixie could handle N’gari demons, but not a bunch of masked wannabe thugs? How the hell did Pixie get all the way from Oakland to X-Men HQ after that beating? (we should have seen her ‘port in) and where is her friend? I like the red Queen… Madelyne Pryor I hope.

Birds of Prey #121: Things will be heating up with joker to stir the pot. Wizkid WAS a pain. I groaned when I saw his manga armor - glad he’s not going to be a feature. Not surprised Joker would murder a child crime prodigy in cold blood.

Justice League of America #24: Enough with Amazo already. They have been there, they have done that. The cover doesn’t match the story at all. it should be cover to next month’s issue.

Batman and the Outsiders #10: I’m confused. They keep calling the ugly critter whose bite either kills or bestows meta powers “the Parasite.” I can’t find anything in his wiki entry about him being transformed into a huge nasty looking monster?

Brave and the Bold #16: Cute story. I’m not really big on cute. Probably dropping this. Loved the initial Perez arc, but its over and its time to move on.

X-Factor#34: THIS TITLE LOOKS AS IF IT WAS DRAWN BY MONKIES!!!!! Especially frustrating with the amazing X-Factor Laya Miller special out at the same time. Lets cancel the regular series and give Layla her own title.

Young X-Men #5

SPOILER WARNING!!!!!!!!!! READ YOUR OWN BOOKS FIRST!

Secret Invasion #5 of 7: The story is REALLY starting to take off with Norman Osborn’s manipulations of Captain Marvel back to our side, a Skrull telecast from friendly and fearsome faces, Agent Brand to the rescue, a brilliant strategic use of LMD’s by Maria Hill…

Agent Brand gets the biggest brain on earth back in the game and Clint Barton is massively pissed.

Action Comics #868: I just love this arc on Action. I can’t say for sure if it is Geoff Johns words or Gary Frank’s pencils or the magic combination of the two that makes it an instant 4 color classic. My psychic abilities tell me this storyline and the one following it WILL be released as a hardcover sooner than later.

Captain Britain and MI-13 #4: Better the Devil you know… Pete Wisdom made a deal with the devil and once the Skrulls are taken care of, he may regret it. Shades of Wanda…

First mutants everywhere, now no more Skrulls in England… Easily pluralized groups really should watch out for magic.

Secret Invasion: Inhumans #1 of 4: Damn it looks like them damn dirty Skrulls got a lot of agents replacing Inhumans. This first issue does a good job of setting up a feeling or suspense as situations begin to simmer to an epic boil.

Final Crisis: Revelations #1 of 5: I knew Dr. Light was going to buy it from the preview, but it felt good to read it. Lets hope he’s not transfigured to return as an evil being of pure light. I prefer him snuffed out by the Wrath of God. Which apparently has no power over “Libra.” He must work for or BE a more powerful Deity. Plus The Question may have some explaining to do next issue.

Booster Gold #11: Its Booster Gold as Killer Moth against Batman, Robin a Batgirl and he must win or they don’t exist. Or must he? Oops! This time traveling romp is a great read every month so try it if you haven’t. I don’t think Booster has really processed losing Ted again. His “dead” sister’s arrival might have something to do with that.

Astonishing X-Men #26: The art is breathtakingly penciled and finished and the dialog is in character and snappy even if it now lacks that Whedon quality. Warren Ellis is on a short list of writers who I’d be glad to see step in after Joss.

X-Men Origins: Jean Grey: We all know her origin and this didn’t really tell us anything new, but it is a lovely retelling of the events that brought the little girl who would grow to be Phoenix to the care of Charles Xavier.

Secret Invasion: X-Men #1 of 4: Cary Nord and color artist Dave McCaig have turned out a beautifully illustrated first chapter of Mike Carey’s the X-Men’s place in the Skrull invasion. Their take on Marvel Mutants is art.

Turns out the Skrull intel on San Francisco was a bit out of date and the Skrulls don’t seem prepared for super-resistance… at least not THIS issue. By next issue they’ll have Super Skrulls and Depends.

Secret Invasion: Runaways/Young Avengers #2 of 3: I truly love these characters and this is their place in a story I’m throughly enjoying, so I did like it a lot. But I’m just not loving the art. His Young Avengers looked like Sunday funnies versions.

Fantastic Four #559: I don’t trust Reed’s ex. I’m confused about this Dr. Banner that looks like an alternate version of the smart Hulk that ran with the Pantheon for awhile. How exactly did he capture Galactus and where would you put him if you did capture him? How big is that base? Where is it? These New Defenders MUST be from another dimension or the future. No other explanation.

Secret Invasion: Thor #1 of 3: Beta Ray Bill is back! And he’s going to battle Skrulls while Lady Loke breeds mistrust and betrayal and Thor… plays mid-wife? Not selling me with the first issue, but the last page interested me again.

Amazing Spider Man #567: I LOOOVES me some Phil Jimenez. H could probably pencil the adventures of the Fuller Brush man and I’d buy it. I’m not a Spider Man purist, and haven’t really picked up a Spider title myself in awhile so wasn’t QUITE as outraged as some at the Brand New Day fiasco. I liked this issue, but didn’t really buy that Spiderman would set up innocent people as potential targets by making people think they were him, but I COULD see him doing that to a villain whose identity he had guessed. I’ll be buying parts 1 and 2 as back issues.

One thing puzzles me… Accorcing to this family tree on the computer screen, lil jailbait Kraven is supposed to be 12-13 and her vixen mom is a very well preserved 84?

Green Arrow / Black Canary #11: They are losing me. It’s Ra’s, Its not Ra’s. Now Ollie was the target and its Shado in a Ra’s holo-disguise? Is she that big a bad? I don’t know her that well.

The Last Defenders #6 of 6: I’m still sort of intrigued by the line-up. I wish it hadn’t taken all six issues to get there. Someone else might have written the team coming together in #1 and told us a real story with 2 - 5. I tire of multi-issue stories where NOTHING HAPPENS!

Later than usual… but here it is.

I like to keep a lookout for new gay cinema and spotted this scene from After Sex the other day on WayOutWest and it seems worth watching. I may be projecting, but I just don’t buy the curious fratboy trying out for the catcher position before he even has a shot at bat, (Freddy must have some serious game when it comes to seduction lines) but I’ll check it out when I can find a copy and let you know what I think. The movie is a collection of both straight and gay relationship stories. Anyone else seen it?

After Sex is a relationship comedy that uses sex as a background to examine intimacy and vulnerability. It’s a humorous, yet honest look at modern day relationships told through nine couples.

Written and Directed by Eric Amadio. 2007 Freddy (Tanc Sade) and Jay (Noel Fisher)

Through witty dialogue and compromising situations, the film takes us from the beginning of a relationship to the aftermath of one, and examines every stage in between while somehow finding humor within the drama, heartache and confusion of it all.

via WayOutWest

Justice Society Annual #1: Power Girl finds out you really CAN’T go home again. Or maybe you can, but you have to know where home is. This may be definitive proof that the “new” Earth-2 isn’t the same Earth-2 that some of us remember. Awesome read.

Even if it isn’t the SAME Earth-2, this story does a beautiful job of showing us where that Earth-2 might have gone over time.

True Believers #1: I really like the idea behind this title. First issue was a solid read and last few pages give an interesting lead into Issue #2 and an even stronger connection to the major players of the Marvel U.

Thor #10: Wow, Balder a recognized Prince of Asgard. As if things weren’t rife with possibilities with just 2 siblings in the royal line… I’m enjoying this rebirth of Asgard phase and Lady Loki’s manipulations are a treat to read. You just know that everything that has happened thus far is EXACTLY what she has planned. But the question is why?

Green Lantern #33: Sinestro and Hal are finally aware Atrocitus is alive and on Earth, but may have some trouble dealing with him with drained power rings. Also we get a step closer into seeing how the origins of Black Hand (c’mon, - William Hand? - just guessing here but think I the odds are good).

Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four #3 of 3: Johnny, Ben, Franklin, Valeria and Lyja band together and with the help of the Tinkerer they just might make it back home to the warzone that is NYC.

Huntress #6 of 6: The last issue of this continuation of the origins of Helena Bertinelli’s crusade against organized crime as well as her introduction the the Batman family.

Ms. Marvel #29: Interesting story that furthers the depiction of carol as the strong hero she wants to be. But the cheesecake cover doesn’t become the powerful Hero that Ms. Marvel is. I AM interested to see what scares a Skrull.

Reign in Hell #1: The demon battle scenes at the beginning didn’t do much for me, but I have a feeling this title will “heat up”in a few issues so gonna stick it out a bit. I love Zatanna and she’s bound to show up a lot. Also Batwoman and the new Question will be part of the story.

Teen Titans #61: The birth of the Red and the Blue! Red Devil (formerly Kid) and Blue Beetle finally bury the hatchet. They should get along better without Rose messing with their heads. That said. I want Ravager back in the Titans Tower. Even her psychotic father knew she belongs there.

H.P. Lovecraft’s Haunt of Horror #2 of 3: I’m a huge H.P. Lovecraft fan so I wanted to love this, but it left me lukewarm. The stories are far too short to REALLY capture the descent into madness that invariably happens to a Lovecraftian hero.

READ any comic you see listed below BEFORE scrolling below the covers - there may be visual spoilers

New Avengers #43: We wee a Skrull taking the form of Captain America (I won’t tell you if it is the dead one of the one in SI) and get some answers about that ship that landed in Secret Invasion 31.

Madame Xanadu #2: The origin of DC’s demon Etrigan, the timeless mystery of the Phantom Stranger, the triumph of Morganna and the defeat of Merlin. Read it!

Avengers: The Initiative #15: Why did Crusader come to earth? How did he get the Freedom Ring? Why does he wear that scar?

Uncanny X-Men #500: Another x-milestone. 500 issues. Wow. I’ve been onboard since issue 163 (but bought all the way back to 121 back in the day). More on this issue a bit later. Overall a good issue, but didn’t feel as epic as some past anniversary issues. Greg Land’s pretty but reusable artwork is starting to bug me as I see some faces and they look remarkably familiar.

X-Men Legacy #214: Charles Xavier, Gambit and Sebastian Shaw vs Mr. Sinister for control of Xavier AND the final page reveal of a new, but remarkably familiar (in a variety of ways) X-villain that I’m sure we’ll be seeing again very soon.

Thunderbolts #122: Warren Ellis’ arc is definitely a hard act to follow, but we are hitting the ground running this issue with the reappearance of… Andrea Strucker? Clone? Skrull? What do you think? I think Skrull. Plus Captain Marvel learns of the existence of ANOTHER son and kicks everyone ass.

Justice League of America #23: Can we just skip this Amazo crap and get to Zatanna, Vexen, Animal Man and what’s going on with the Tantu totem already? I tire of Amazo. I though he was lame in the silver age, now he’s just lame and deadlier.

Ambush Bug Year None #1: I probably wouldn’t have liked this so much if not for the fact that I TOTALLY remember AB from the original runs back in the 80’s. So for me nostalgia factor is a big part of the equation. All the old gang is back (including Cheeks the Toy Wonder and AB’s Nemesis Argh!yle!!) for this new romp through the DCU. I’m curiou swhat someone new to this nonsense thinks of it… (so tell me if you pick it up)

She-Hulk #31: I wish the art on X-Factor looked 1/2 this good. This issue shows a bit of what happened during and immediately after the last issue of X-Factor, but from Shulkie’s point of view. Plus we learn about who the Skrull who is playing Longshot is, and why he is important.

Brave and the Bold #15: Nightwing and Hawkman wrap up the mess that Deadman and Green Arrow got into last issue… Ok end to a mediocre 2-parter. Next Issue - Superman and Catwoman!

Legion of Super Heroes #44: Cartoony artwork isn’t really working for me. At least they seem to be resolving the government hates and persecutes them storyline. I want to hold out awhile longer in case there is some lead in to the upcoming Legion of 3 Worlds.

Ultimate X-Men #96: RANT WARNING!!! My last issue. I’m pissed. After the last issue, they go for 1/2 this issue before having Colossus casually mention in a throwaway manner that Northstar’s death was his fault. We see no grief, we don’t see what happened after Northstar died. Colossus tried to stop a plane with his bare hands to save Jean-Paul, what did he do to avenge him? He went on a Banshee fueled drug binge.

Yet again the powers that be have killed Marvel’s major gay character. It’s not enough they killed Northstar in the mainstream Marvel Universe (I know he got better, that’s not the point), but they had to kill him in the Ultimate Universe where they had even given him a loving boyfriend (something the 616 Northstar NEVER had). Like I said. This was my last issue. The storyline showed a lot of promise and seemed to be going somehwere interesting, but they completely lost my interest as of this issue.

Captain Britain and MI-13: This REALLY is the best thing out of the Secret Invasion (thus far… we’ll see how Secret Warriors pan out soon enough). As the Skrulls have taken all magic and things look their darkest, Pete Wisdom plays his last card and frees Merlin to remake Captain Britain yet again.

Secret Invasion #4 of 7: Nick Fury and his Howling Commandos rescue the ambushed Initiative squad in Times Square, agent Brand hitches a ride, Is Tony a Skrull or not - we still don’t know, and oh yeah, the Red Hood thinks no more Earth is bad for business. The Skrulls may have underestimated the Earth pride of the villain contingent. Plus shades of next issue as it looks like Thor and Bucky Barnes have arrived in NYC.

Final Crisis Requiem: This was both beautiful send-off for the one of the first original DC heroes of the silver age, and an ugly look at his last moments.

I for one am glad that the Martian Manhunter did NOT go gentle into that good night. Even though heavily sedated, J’onn J’onzz went out fighting with all his telepathic might. I wish the whole wrath of the JLA HAD come down upon Libra and his pals (as he had them believing for a second).

I for one will miss J’onn. Though where was Miss Martian at the funeral?

Action Comics 876: Goeff Johns can do no wrong as of late. Gary Frank’s phenomenal art certainly doesn’t hurt either (I loooove his Kara). I haven’t been this psyched about Superman stories since John Byrne revamped the title in the 80’s. Clark has touching moments with both Kara and Pa Kent (I fear Pa’s doomed again - I feel my heartstrings being pulled), Funny moments in the Daily Planet bullpen and great super action as Kal-el looks to take the fight to Brainiac.

Powers #29: A long drawn out story winds up, or does it. Powers has actually expanded to MORE pages. I’m still enjoying the ride. Looks like former Detective, Deena Pilgrim’s fate might not be so sealed after all…

Slow week. Which was OK as last week was out of control.

Manhunter #32: This is only my second issue of this title but I’m intrigued. The issue starts out with an interesting twist on the usual confused battle between two heroes who don’t know each other. Manhunter and Blue Beetle’s COSTUMES have a fight. And thats just a bonus as Kate digs into a sinister mystery and starts to close in on the New Crime Doctor!

Astonishing X-Men #25: IS it just me or was this supposed to come out AFTER Uncanny X-Men 500? They are already in San Francisco, ensconced in a sprawling brand spanking new headquarters. How did they get there? Who built it? Why not lead with that? That said, I liked it despite Storm (I mean Ororo Iqadi T’Challa) wearing an exotic string bikini and leg warmers. There was a nice moment when Emma called Storm on how they’ve never been all that close (well except when the White Queen switched their bodies during her initial attack on the X-Men, but then again that wasn’t really a touchy feel moment so much as a mental violation). Anyway its good to know that with Kitty “GONE” someone will still give Emma shit for bing an occasionally evil bitch.

The Boys 20: Still loving this storyline and title despite or maybe because of its many irreverent moments. This issue we find out even more back story to the world the Boys live and work in, and gain some insight into the enigmatic Billy Butcher. All this and just enough hints and forshadowing to make this seemingly innocent image (from next issues cover) VERY disturbing.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight #16: I never read Fray, so some of this issue was lost on me. Loved seeing Willow and her slayer ladylove Kennedy banter when reunited. I heard Allison Hannigan’s voice as I read it. To me this title feels like the same show with a bigger budget, but a 1/2 hour time slot. I love the stories, but they seem too short.

Avengers / Invaders #3 of 12: OK I have a bit better idea of when this takes place. We see Spiderwoman and she is with the New Avengers after bringing Tony the Skrull. So it IS recent. It just seems weird that no one seemed to think the Invaders were Skrulls. Other than that just one complain… Namor DOES NOT wear boxer briefs! He’s a Speedo man all the way.

On the side of “what’s right” my ass you two faced, ridge-chinned Skrull! What have you done with Jessica Drew?

Secret Invasion Front line #1: Brings Ben Urich’s man-on-the-street storytelling style to the Secret Invasion. The first issue introduces us to a group of humans caught at Start Tower during the Skrulls initial onslaught. So far so good…

Cable #5: I’m just holding on til he gets back to the present, but did enjoy this more than the last few. But why is it that Cable seems to transform innocent civilian women into hard ass battle toughened vixens with his mere proximity? Maybe it is his secondary mutation.

Legion of Super Heroes #43: They aren’t really grabbing me with the government persecution. I’m interested in M’Rissey and what kind of deal Brainiac 5 has made.

Patsy Walker Hellcat #1 of 6: Decided to give it a shot. She gets fitted for a dress, flown to Alaska where she attacks two magical talking polar bears with antlers. Then a giant kraken named Bessie is summoned. Meh. Probably skipping 2-5.

The Joker’s Asylum - the Joker #1: Thought this was going to be part of a big campaign to make joker as scary as he is in the movie. But I have to say this bloodless take left me wanting. I’m as bad as the producers i guess. I don’t mind him letting the contestants win, but think he should have killed the producers stone dead.

Young Avengers presents 5 of 6: Hawkeye - Great bonding moments between Kate and Clint. And Alan Davis can do very little wrong (wasn’t THAT into Killraven but it was pretty).

Madame Xanadu #1: The art is beautiful, and the story is a new, yet oddly familiar (Merlin, Morgan Le fey, Nimue and a setting right out of Arthurian legend.) look into the mythic origins of one of the most mysterious characters in the DCU.

Thunderbolts #121: The chaos that ran rampant for the last few issues is reigned in and Songbird faces down Green Goblin and garners herself a bigger power base in Thunderbolts mountain. Great issue but not quite as phenomenal as #120 was. Its hard to follow something that perfect.

Green Lantern #32: Geoff Johns continues to amaze with his surprisingly original retelling of Hal Jordan’s secret origin. He’s still dropping hints of what’s co come… I wonder what’s next? Hmmm I have no idea. Who will Birth the BLACK? William HAND. OK that IS a bit obvious.

Runaways 30: Its about time. I love Joss Whedon and really liked Michael Ryan’s art, but there was just tooo long between issues. I wish they’d brought the redhead back with them too, but I’m glad plant-girl cam along. I wonder if this was delayed so it would finish this week to coincide with their arrival in Secret Invasion Runaways / young Avengers #1 of 3.

Its late… more reviews to be added tomorrow.

Comics are ordered from top to bottom, left to right from my pick of the week to my least favorite

Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four #2 of 3: Even though between the solicit and my own suspicions, I already had most of this figured out, I still REALLY enjoyed it for the smaller moments that rang true… Such as: Johnny making out with a Skrull mid Secret Invasion, and the kids upgrading their status to full members, and Franklin outthinking Ben and Johnny (he IS Reed’s son after all). The only problem I have with it is… SEVEN? Franklin is only seven? Lets forget for awhile how many adventured he’s gone through, how old he was when he was with Power Pack, and how old Julie Power was in Loners, Just look t him in this issue - he looks at least 11.

Guardians of the Galaxy #2: HUGE Paul Pelletier, and his work is really shining on this title. The team really starts to come together when they find Vance Astrovik A.K.A. Major Victory of the Guardians of the Galaxy frozen in a block of ice with Captain America’s shield. Vance manages to solve their quest for the right name for the team, and provide a symbolic parallel to the origin of the Avengers in one fell swoop.

Justice League of America #22: A MAJOR improvement over last issue (story-wide at least - I LOVED Carlos Pacheco’s work last issue - it was the story I didn’t like. What I enjoyed about this issue was #1 it has Zatanna in it, #2 we FINALLY have Vixen address her power problems with the team, and #3 Black Canary handled the situation like a pro. She removed Mari from the team, but is going to marshal the resources of the JLA to help her figure out what’s wrong with the Tantu Totem. All this and Amazo too (kind of tired of Amazo, but willing to see where they are going with this).

Batman and the Outsiders #8: Not sure if I’m subconsciously cutting Chuck Dixon some slack because he’s had a hard week, but this ALSO felt like a major improvement over the last few issues. I was mildly amused my Dr. Miandad’s realization of who Alfred is… the guy who makes the sandwiches. I was also a bit touched by Grace and Thunder’s emotional reunion (not sure if Dixon tossed that in there to combat talk of him not handling their relationship well - but I appreciated the effort).

Ex Machina 37: Vaughan and Harris’ political super hero epic is bringing is some post Papal action with the “Dirty Tricks” story arc. We’re given a peek into “Trouble’s” past and, surprise surprise, her origins seem to be entwined with Mayor Hundred’s days as the the Great Machine. The intrigue will only get thicker as the Republican National Convention arrives in town. Tony Harris’ artwork is breathtaking as always.

The Incredible Hercules #118: I’m a big mythology buff, so the idea of Hercules leading a group of Gods against the Skrull pantheon really interests me. The fact that they are throwing in all kinds of great stuff from Greek mythology makes it even better. This issue shows a flashback about Hercules and Hylas. While it doesn’t come right out and say they were lovers, it does say Hercules spared Hylas (after killing Hylas’ father, Theiodamas) “on account of his great beauty which bewitched all who looked upon him.” And shows how Hercules abandoned his quest for the Golden Fleece in order to search for Hylas after he was lost. HUGE Kudos to writers Grek Pak and Fred Van Lente on including Herc’s gay history. Oh yeah and pup is a Skrull.

X-Factor #32: I knew Val Cooper has an offer they couldn’t refuse. And although they sure tried to say no (and we lost 5 months? so what were they up to during the Secret Invasion? or did this take place 5 months ago?), it seems Val isn’t taking no for an answer. Good. I look forward to seeing where this ride will take us. Next issue - She-Hulk visits! New base of operations, and its a Secret Invasion tie in!

Brave and the Bold #14: I’m a fan of both Deadman and Green arrow so this was a bit of a treat. It feels like the start of a new multi-part arc and they travel to Nanda Parbat to stop a Demon Priest who captured a God (Rama Kushna). I think Oliie knows Boston will go immaterial again once he falls far enough from Nanda Parbat, so he’s really just sending him for reinforcements.

Ultimate X-Men #95: Scott Summers - Childhood Bed Wetter, too much information? Cyclops is playing both sides as he tries to find out where the MGH drug known as Banshee is coming from. Colossus’ roided up X-team kicks some Alpha Flight ass, but are they too late to save his true love? They better not be. Northstar doesn’t look good on the last page. I WANT A HAPPY ENDING! Don’t separate these two!

Birds of Prey #119: Good issue, but was eclipsed by better stuff this week. Babs and the laides of BoP are still setting up shop in their new home town - Platinum Flats. It felt a bit like filler, but I think they were setting up a number of story points for an ongoing arc. I still want to know what’s up with recently empowered psychopath, Tabby Brennan.

Cyborg #2 of 6: I enjoyed seeing the Teen Titans team together again - the disassembled quality of the current storyline is bothering me so it was nice to see the gang all together again, even if it is in past continuity. Other than that… there were a few good moments, but generally just a so so issue.

Teen Titans Year One #5 of 6: This is just too cute and comical for me. The stylized artwork is fun, but the stories are fluffy crap.

ClanDestine #5 of 5: I love Alan Davis. This too short miniseries reintroduced the Destines, and left them in a place ripe with possibilities.Fingers crossed for a monthly…

Booster Gold #10: I’m not sure why i enjoyed this so much. i actually found the big reveal of who set up Booster’s dad as Supernova to be annoying. But then I never bought the original big cosmic reveal for that character.

Action Comics #866: Gary Frank is back. I started picking this title up for his Legion arc and was going to drop it until i realized he’s not done yet. DCU has been through so many reboots… what is the current status of Kandor? In a bottle at the fortress? Never recovered? Isn’t that where Supergirl and Powergirl has that confusing stint as Nightwing and Flamebird? That aside - the Daily Planet bits were what actually put this one so high up on my list. Lois had a definite Margot Kidder quality. Jimmy was perfect Jimmy, cowboy Steve Lombard and cougar Cat Grant are back among the supporting cast.

Captain Britain and MI13 #2: Pete Wisdom, Spitfire and Skrull John against a mystically enhanced Skrull army with no less than the fate of all Magic hanging in the balance. And they aren’t doing so hot thus far. Lets hope The Black Knight and TakeBodiesApartWoman (she’ll hate it if that name sticks) can even the odds a bit. But how will they get to Avalon? What will bring Captain Britain back? He IS the first name in the title so you know he’ll be back.

Secret Invasion: Who Do You Trust: Like the recent Divided We Fall X-Men issues, this is a series of short stories meant to fill in some gaps and provide backstory, but raises more questions than it provides answers. Captain Marvel: What did he tell the Skrulls and how do they think he is helping? What is his utimate plan? Agent Abigail Brand: What kind of childhood did she have? What does the tapped code from the Skrull liaison mean? Who is the “First One?” Hank & Simon: 01

The Twelve #6 of 12: The TRUTH behind Rockman! Dynamic man visits a gay bar. Captain Wonder never saw that Nair short shorts ad. Master Mind Excello senses something terribly wrong. Black Widow has more blood on her hands, but she’s not alone with Laughing Mask in jail for murder and bloody carnage hours later in the same gay bar.

Green Arrow and Black Canary #9: Still no Conner but the managed to find Plastic man before anyone missed him. I wonder how long he was gone? Oh yeah, and the League of Assassins! Plus one page of Batman.

The Last Defenders #4 of 6: We’ll see if these are really the “Last Defenders.” Someone sure wants it to be. Son of Satan is looking hot. This is another miniseries that will get interesting JUST as it winds up.

Titans #3: This moves a bit up my list this week largely due to Ian Churchill being replaced by penciller Joe Benetiz as the Titans are caught in the throes of emotions broadcast from Raven’s 3 half-brothers (one is sporting a muniz and a hoodie - not a threatening character design).

X-Force Ain’t no Dog: Two adequate stories, One Wolverine and one Warpath. Not much happens in either, but the art is nice.

Secret Invasion 3 of 6: I am still completely enamored of the Secret Invasion. And all I have to say about this issue is I FUCKING KNEW IT!!!!!! Number 1: The “Skrulls as dopplegangers here to take over replacing major characters” plotline only works if major players have been engineering the recent events. Number 2: Tony Stark as a Skrull who doesn’t know he’s a Skrull is the PERFECT way to undo all the Civil War craziness. Number 3: But I guess this means it REALLY IS the Skrull Queen and not Jessica as a quadruple agent. PLUS all hell has broken loose in New York.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer 15: Two words… Mecha Dawn! (and that is just background theatrics) A solid issue with an epic end to a roller-coaster storyline. But alas poor Xander is just not destined to have a long term lady love. Maybe he’ll turn to Andrew in his time of need? Nah I doubt it.

Kick-Ass 3: Was indeed kick-ass. Our hero gets famous on YouTube…

…and makes a mySpace page to find people who need help. He pays a visit to the threatening ex of a woman who asked for help and what happens next… I won’t tell you. Yet. Maybe later in the week I’ll write a post about it, but its too good to reveal here, so read it yourself. But I will show you the look on Kick-Ass’ face when he meets the latest development.

Manhunter 31: The guys in my comic book group have been raving about this for awhile so I decided to pick it up when i heard she was back. Its a great jump on issue for peeps like me who haven’t been reading. The first 30 issues are boiled down to a well written 2 page backstory.

Avengers/Invaders 2 of 12: I like it, I’m just not sure where it fits with Marvel continuity. I assume before this Summers events, because noone yells SKRULL!!!! and the New Avengers are still at Dr. Strange’s crashpad. It seems like odd timing to release this in the heat of the current Secret Invasion. That said, the art is just pretty good, but then its hard to live up to an Alex Ross cover. But I don’t get why the New Avengers would just decide to break out the time-traveling Invaders. It should be a good fight, but it doesn’t make sense.

Astonishing X-Men Sketchbook: This will get an extensive post later in the week. But if you are the type who like blueprints of the brand spanking new X-Men super secret headquarters… pick it up.

Justice Society of America 16: Gods walking the Earth are always trouble, even if they come in peace. But at least Damage gets a makeover? He’s pretty again.

Nova 14: Nova, Galactus, Silver Surfer, sociopathic psionic entity on a spree killing rampage on a dying world… nuff said.

Ultimate Origins 1: ITS ALL CONNECTED. Banner wasn’t kidding. We’re just starting to see the dots connected but the ideas revealed here are fascinating. Looking forward to seeing how the mutation “spreads.” But since when does Ultimate Nick Fury have powers? Did I miss an issue of something somewhere?

Cable 4: What is it with Cable and waitresses? I’m more interested in what will happen once Cable return to the present. If not for seeing covers for future issues showing Bishop being taken down by the current X-Force, I might have dropped this. All this does is make me hate Bishop. He keeps ranting about how the baby kills a million people. Why not explain and try to stop it from happening?

FX 4: I’ve been one of the faithful 50,000 that buy any John Byrne book since the Dark Phoenix saga. So I picked up the first 3 of this book. Its an odd read. This “teen hero finds himself” adventure kinda feels like I’ve pulled it out of a time capsule that was packed during my childhood. If you like Byrne, check it out.

Young X-Men 3: OK Dani Moonstar slapping around a blind girl and calling her a bitch. I just don’t see it. Cyclops sending a living sandstorm against Magma? He is MUCH smarter than that. Thus far this title is a travesty. They are pissing all over the memory of the New Mutants. I’m giving them 2 more issues to change my mind before I drop it. If it wasn’t for this promotional illustration for X-Men 500

(showing Anole, Surge, Pixie and the old New X-Men) I’d be angrier at this title. AS it is, I’m starting to get comfortable with there being x-titles i just won’t buy. Well Claremont’s New Exiles was the pioneer in that department - damn that book sucks.

Supergirl 30: OK I may just have to give in. I just don’t know why I keep buying this. I want this to be a good title but nothing happens. Its been bottom of my list too many times. Bye Bye Kara!!! Dropping you sadly. I’ll catch you in Justice League.

One of these things just doesn’t belong,
Can you tell which thing is not like the others
By the time I finish my song?

I’ve said numerous times, I REALLY wanted to love Final Crisis #1. But I just did not. I’m sick of companies killing off major characters JUST to make a manufactured event seem important. OK, it was new and shocking when the silver age Flash, Barry Allen and the original Supergirl both died valiantly in the Crisis on Infinite Earths. It was even ALMOST reminiscent and still heart-breaking when Superboy (Conner Kent) bravely gave his life while restoring the Multiverse during the Infinite Crisis.

But this? This was just a mob-style hit against one of the most powerful (albeit often ignored and forgotten) forces in the DCU. It was a slap in the face. I don’t WANT to read about the day evil won. Evil wins every day all around me. Comics are the one place it doesn’t. I’ll keep reading, but the good guys best begin to get their act together by #4.

To simply drag out a “pyro-tranqilized” Martian Manhunter and then whack him does not do justice to a character as powerful as J’onn J’onzz.

This is a character as powerful (arguably more than) as Superman. His only weakness has been fire. But not only have multiple authors and story arcs have established this as a psychological weakness instead of a physical one, it is also a psychological weakness he has overcome multiple times - most notably with the semi sadistic help of a flame-wielding villainess named Scorch.

Martian Manhunter told Superman that his aversion to fire had changed and he was now invulnerable to flames unless they are “flames of passion” or of some other “psychic significance.” I hate when writers don’t do their homework. Is it too much trouble for hem to read a wiki page before killing off a major character?

OK enough on the less than stellar snuff scene, here are some more questions/problems the story gave me.

1. For what does Libra NEED the Human Flame? Why would he go to the trouble of capturing and killing Martian Manhunter (bringing the SURE ire of the JLA) just to recruit an overweight guy who controls fire. Did he do it JUST to convince Luthor that he can kill Superman?

2. What in the holy hell was Turpin thinking going in to an club run by an unknown criminal figure without backup or even calling in? I’m guessing Question is hot on his heals and perhaps she and Batwoman will kick the crap out of the apokolyptian stepford children. Or he may be waif-food.

3. Considering the JLA already found out that Libra is running around in last issue of the Justice League of America, they should already be on alert. having Superman declare Justice League Condition Amber had no weight. I want to know what Batman’s is contingency plan for evil gods running amok on Earth. The man plans for everything, and he’s met Darkseid and his cronies before, so he should at least have a plan involving the theology powered heroes calling upon their pantheons for assistance.

4. Corruption among the Monitors… I read 52 and Countdown and I still have a hard time telling the monitors apart. Who is this Wanderer? And where did the Monitor talking to him get a cell phone? Roaming charges must be a bitch in the Multiversal Orrey

5. Who is the guy with the mohawk/ponytail combo and why is he looking at his hands with such surprise? He is looking at them as if they were covered in blood or if he was surprised to have hands. He can’t be Human Flame (no mustache) and I don’t see an interstellar being like Libra having such a dated hairstyle.

Also read Highlights of the WW PHILLY: DCU: CRISIS NOW! PANEL from Newsarama