Captain Britain and MI13 #5: Blade the vampire hunter joins the team, but that isn’t good news for Spitfire unless she ENJOYS stakes through the heart. How do you get a traditional muslim family to allow their daughter to fight crime? Let them hold Excalibur for a sec.

Action Comics #869: Goeff Hohns and Gary Frank continue to take us on an epic jorney against Brainiac. Whats old is new again as this returns Brainiac to the arch-villain status he deserves. One thing… The Zor-El that Supes chats with doesn’t sound like the daddy Kara remembers (see this months image below from this week’s Brave and the Bold).

The Mighty Avengers #18: Ever wonder what basic training with Nick Fury would be like? Read this issue.

Guardians of the Galaxy #5: Oh oh, looks like Drax the Destroyer is of the kill-em-all-let-god-sort-em-out when it comes to uncovering Skrulls. That might be bad news for his teammates.

True Believers #3: The origin of Payback and the True Believers! What is a “Variant a?” What does Luke cage have to do with her mission?

Uncanny X-Men #502: Dazzler is on board, Pixie bails but has second thoughts, Wolvie gets deja vu as he cuts up Hellfire goons, the Red Queen looks like the White Queen? or does she?

Titans #5: This in-between issue was MUCH better than the previous arc. We have some quality art. Donna is back in her starry togs. I still don’t get why one of Raven’s half-bros has a costume and the other 2 fight in street clothes. It is a peculiar character design approach.

The Incredible Hercules #121: In this issue we meet a character who is essentially (or at least mythologically) Marvel’s Wonder Woman. Princess Artume of the Amazons is also the daughter of Hippolyta.

Birds of Prey #122: Oracle may think she has the crime lords of Platinum Flats on the run but she doesn’t really know who she’s up against. That changes with this issue’s cliff-hanger… it all comes down to Barbra Gordon face to face with the man who crippled her, the Joker.

Brave and the Bold #17: This issue supports the story I’ve been reading in Supergirl. Her father trained her to kill and wanted Kal-El dead. Kara seeks out Raven of the Titans to discuss their similar Daddy issues.

Secret Invasion: Thor #2 of 3: Donald Blake… delivers a baby as the Beta Ray Bill defends Asgard against the an invasion of “godkiller” Skrulls. Bad news for the Skrulls, the baby’s out and its fine, Thor’s back in the game next ish.

Batman and the Outsiders #11: Where’s Bats? I haven’t been reading R.I.P. so I dunno. The pink outfit and bat-mite were just too much for me. Everyone’s looking for the Caped Crusader, including his very own black-ops team.

Young X-Men #6: Attempts to wrap up the mess of issues 1-5 BUT… It looks like Pixie is not the only former New X-Man whose looking a bit more grown up. Check out the youth team’s only out and proud member… cute ‘lil Anole - definitely looking a bit less boyish. I bet he’ll have a hot time in San Francisco. They better give him a boyfriend now.

X-Factor #35: STILL LOOKS LIKE IT IS BEING DRAWN BY MONKEYS!!!!! His art was bad the first time around - dump Stroman!

I’ve come across a number of articles about homosexuality and comic books since I started this blog, and have been saving them to post together and update occasionally with some of my own thoughts.

Homosexuality has long been a subtext in Comic Books. Parallels can be drawn between the double life of a Super Hero with a secret identity and that of a closeted homosexual.

Just ask Frederic Wertham. Werthem’s Seduction of the Innocent was all about exposing the comic books of the day as a corrupting influence on American Youth. He had a big problem with the superhero sidekick phenomenon, saying it was inherently homoerotic and often citing the Dynamic Duo as an example… (Gotham’s Finest image by KirwanArts)

Batman and Robin, Wertham charged, inhabited “a wish dream of two homosexuals living together.” They lived in “sumptuous quarters,” unencumbered by wives and girlfriends, with only an aged butler for company. They cared for each other’s injuries, frequently shared quarters, and lounged together in dressing gowns. Worse still, both exhibited damning psychological characteristics: proclivities for costumes, dressing up, and fantasy play; secretive behavior and double-lives; little interest in women; and, most damning of all, neurotic compulsions resulting in their violent vigilantism. Indeed, Wertham argued, depictions of Batman and Robin were frequently homoerotic, visually emphasizing Batman’s rippling physique and Robins splayed, bare thighs.

I do agree he may have had some valid points with the shacking up, spandex dress-up and hot bods - surprised he didn’t mention hanging out in a dark cave. But I think they fail to take into account that it’s really only gay to the gay kids. The straight boys of the day just read it as innocent hero-worship fantasy.

The above quote if from this excellent bilerico.com article titled When Batman was Gay

This next link is to a Newsarama interview with Hero author Perry Moore in which Moore discusses his insider knowledge from friend Allen Heinberg about how Hulking was almost a butch female, the death of Freedom Ring, his favorite sexy Legionnaire and whatever happened to Terry Berg - that gay friend of Green Lantern (Kyle)… read it here.

There are a few veteran LGBT comic book characters around since 89 when the Comic’s code ceased is prohibition on “any suggestion of homosexuality.” Writers who grew up in the era are revitalizing these characters and bringing them to a new generation of gay and straight fans. Former New Mutant, Karma has popped up in San Francisco with her twin siblings to rejoin the X-Men and improve control of her possession powers. After his major stint in 52, Flash Rogue the Pied Piper will most likely have some part to play in Final Crisis. Although now victimized and crippled, Ultimate Northstar is still alive if not currently kicking and his 616 counterpart is a shoe-in for the new San Francisco X-Center. Obsidian is snogging with his boyfriend Damon as a supporting character in the pages of Manhunter. And the alien 70’s Starman, Mikaal Tomas is slated to be one of two LGBT characters seen in a new JLA offshoot title (Batwoman is the other).

The images accompanying the article excerpts and links are of 20 current LGBT characters from a number of publishers. Some have been out and proud for awhile and others are brand spanking new characters or just recently out of the CMYK closet.

In the following four linked articles, CBR News spoke with “nine comics industry professionals about the portrayal of LGBT characters and themes in comics, past and present.”

Homosexuality in Comics - Part 1: introduces Marc Andreyko, Lillian Diaz-Przbyl, Devin Grayson, Terrance Griep and Mark Millar.

Homosexuality in Comics - Part 2: introduces Allan Heinberg, Scott Lobdell, Alan Moore and Greg Rucka.

Wiccan, Hulkling, Karolina Dean, Batwoman, the Question, Anole and Xavin are reflective of a new wave of original or re-imagined LGBT characters that are cropping up in comics continuity. LGBT Storylines like the subtle romance between Young Avengers fan faves Wiccan and Hulkling go a long way toward making gay fans feel accepted and represented as part of a world they have come to know and love. A scene where they attempt to come out to Billy’s parents as teen super-heroes becomes a wonderful affirmation when the folks misunderstand and say its “OK we’ve always known and we’re so happy you boys found each other.” Even the lesbian Batwoman and Question haven’t been overly sexualized or exploited the way Rainmaker was in the 90’s. In this new millennium, we the major publishing companies may finally be ready to develop LGBT characters that are more than a superheroes stereotype.

Homosexuality in Comics - Part 3: The panelists discuss the Comics Code, the stigma of comics as a children’s medium, whether homosexuality is a lifestyle choice or a genetic predisposition, and the tendency for fictional GLBT characters to be defined by their sexuality.

Apollo and the Midnighter broke new gound in the 90’s as the World’s Finest Couple. The idea of a gay Superman and Batman archtypes as a couple had been used many times in the slash fanfiction genre, but the Wildstorm Universe’s addition of this loving gay couple (and eventually adopted child) truly heralded a new generation of homosexual heroes. Gen13’s Rainmaker was also part of that 2nd generation of gay characters that started to gain popularity in the 90’s, but her sexuality was primarily used to titillate a largely heterosexual adolescent male audience.

Homosexuality in Comics - Part 4: Topics include the “gay retcon,” the participants’ picks for well-informed portrayals of GLBT characters in comics, and the state of the union of homosexuality in comics

The outing of characters like Rawhide Kid, Colossus (Ultimate), Lightspeed and Living lightning was a surprise to many as most had recognized hetero history. Ultimate Colussus’ case is a bit different because (as far as we know) he’s straight as an arrow in the 616 universe. Though with Kitty GONE, maybe Jean-Paul should take a shot at him. Although Quasar (Phyla-vell’s) orientation was hinted early at it wasn’t officially revealed until later.

via CBR and Newsarama and Bilerico Project

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!

Comics Should Be Good at CBR has a great countdown of the 50 notable comic issues. The list includes one comic for every issue # between 1 and 50. They are arranged below from #50 at upper right to #31 at bottom right. Click on any of the covers to read an article on that specific issue (and other notable issues with that same number).

via CBR

Later than usual… but here it is.

Cyclops opened the doors of the X-Center with a psychic welcome message to the mind of every Mutant on Earth.

I have to admit his speech gave me goosebumps a little bit when I read it. You go Scott!

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.

BMB has a lot to say about Nick Fury and his new team of Untouchables. I was a bit surprised they didn’t go with Howling Commandos, but I see why they would want to use Secret Warriors… it ties into the recent Skrull Secret Invasion AND reminds longtime Marvel fans of the old favorite Secret War.

via Newsarama

The latest arc, “I Tell You No Lie, G.I.” continues as we learn more about the world of The Boys. Butcher plays a dangerous game, Terror crosses the line, and the Legend reveals the secret origin of the Seven… and the secret of Compound V into the bargain. Recommended for mature readers.

via CBR

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.

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.