While none of my books blew me away this week, it was a solid pull with Marvel, DC, Image, and even Dark Horse represented. Considering my mainstream, mostly superhero tastes, this is about as cultured and diverse as the weekly dose gets–so give thanks! Meanwhile, I’ll give thanks for a few things, too:

Thank you, Amazing Spider-Man #612, for not sucking. After four lousy issues that had me on the fence about dropping the series from my pull, you were a really good issue, kicking-off to the “Gauntlet” storyline, which promises to reestablish several key crooks in Spider-Man’s rogues gallery. First up is Electro, who gets a genuine recharge by writer Mark Waid and artist Paul Azaceta. Also recharged–my interest in this series. (I could have done without the Black Cat backup feature, though, so no thanks for that.)

Thank you, Dark Avengers #11, for once again teasing the death of The Sentry. I know it won’t stick this time, just like it didn’t stick when Morgan LaFey zapped the golden glitch from existence earlier in the series…but giving me the thrill of watching one of my least favorite characters die over and over in various ways is almost as good as just killing him off for real.

Thank you, Flash: Rebirth #5, for re-introducing an old character name and costume in a way that continues DC’s reliable track record of consideration for female readers, present and future, as it builds out the legacies of its iconic core heroes. No thank you, however, for the convoluted way this impulsive origin came about. (The speedforce does custom tailoring now? Say wha-huh?!)

Thanks to Dr. Horrible #1 for reminding me how good Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog was…because this comic was not.

Thanks to several books I bought this week, for reminding me to not be so naiive about the many tricks of misdirection I should be more aware of as a longtime fanboy: 

I originally skipped Green Lantern Corps #42, thinking it was yet another inconsequential bit of padding on the Blackest Night event; it pretty much was…except for the last two pages, where a major GL character bites it in a way that is sure to resonate in the main miniseries and GL title. Thankfully, I was able to find a copy of the issue one week later, rather than have to track down a marked-up back issue or wait for a second printing. If I had flipped to the end of the issue while scanning the shelves when it first came out, I’d have seen the book’s value and bought it then.

Of course, spoiling the end of a comic is not recommended. It can actually backfire on you in a bigger way than simply ruining story surprises. Thanks to Dark Reign: The List: The Amazing Spider-Man #1 for reminding me of this, by tricking me about the potential relevance of this comic with a two-year-old issue of The Pulse tacked onto this comic as a backup feature. That issue ends with a Daily Bugle cover story of Norman Osborn revealed as the Green Goblin and imprisoned for his assorted crimes and craziness. My quick flip in the comic shop had me thinking I was picking up a major turning point in Dark Reign. I’ll hope for the best that Peter Parker’s leaked viral video of  Norman Osborn being his old crazy self–which is what happens in this comic–does have some significant payoff in the bigger Dark Reign plot.

But if it doesn’t, thanks to another Dark Reign: The List one-shot (Dark Reign: The List: The Incredible Hulk) for actually validating my skepticism about the inconsequentiality of these one-shots and reminding me I should have known better. That book annoyingly invaded the plot of a book I did pick up this week–The Incredible Hulk #604–with a dismissive one-panel explanation from a previously unseen, but suddenly important supporting character. Thank you for reminding me how spin-offs, crossovers, and “event books” always manage to overstay their welcome and overstep their boundaries.

And, finally, thank you to Invincible #68 for reminding me that just because nothing ever seems to happens in a book doesn’t mean it doesn’t have plenty going on.

DARK AVENGERS #11: Sigh. I just have a soft spot for the Molecule Man, I’m sorry guys. And I really think Bendis has hit his groove with this title, mixing his patented naturalistic dialogue with action, perfectly complemented by Mike Deodato’s moody art. Plus, in this issue, we get some painted pages by Greg Horn, and I don’t know the last time I saw interior art by the guy, but it looks great. This is a great looking comic, lots of fun, and I’m going to be a little sad to see it go (assuming it does, in fact, go after the upcoming Siege event).

DARK REIGN: THE LIST – AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: Adam Kubert draws an amazing Spider-Man (no pun intended), but I guess you wouldn’t expect anything less from the guy. First off, I’ll say its a smart move by Marvel to use Mr. Kubert on specials and short runs, rather than promising he can deliver a monthly book. That’s another win in Mr. Wacker’s column, in my book. And this book looks great. Reading wise, Dan Slott turns in another near perfect Spider-Man script, perfectly melding character moments, old-school fun, and good story. Except, and I’m going to get back on my soapbox now that we’re done with this “List” event… Basically nothing happens. In the grand scheme of things, I mean. The one List book that had a major event was The Punisher, which by all accounts was, I think, a high mark for Rick Remender, The Punisher, and Marvel in general. Not that every issue of The List needed to hold up to that standard, but I wish there was some sort of moving the story forward, that something had happened. There is a minor victory for Peter Parker towards the end of this book, and its a nice moment, but honestly, is Parker leaking a video on the internet really going to show up as a plot point in any other book?

It’s frustrating, because I would really, really like ASM: The List to be the biggest and baddest part of this mini-event, but it just can’t be, because… You can’t have Spider-Man win that big. Spidey can’t actually reveal Norman’s true villainy to the world, because that would mean Spider-Man was revealed as a world-wide hero. There’s ways around that, sure, but Spider-Man works best when everybody hates him. So he can’t win that big, he has to win, but kind of lose. And he can’t kill Norman, because he doesn’t kill. Plus, we got to save that for Siege, right? My point is, as a fan, I still think of Osbourne as Spider-Man’s villain, and I feel like Spidey needs to take him down, but given the character, and the layout of the Universe, that just can’t happen. So instead, I’m frustrated.

Anyway, great looking issue, solid read, if you want some pretty Kubert art, pick it up.

DEADPOOL: MERC WITH A MOUTH #5: This title is growing on me, but veeeery slowly. Not to sound like a broken record, but considering you’ve already got Deadpool and Headpool in the book, it seems unnecessary and repetitive to even include the Deadpool double narration boxes. I’d rather just see those two bicker and be done with it. I also like how The Gisch is filling out the supporting cast with fun riffs on previous DP continuity. I’m curious to see where this goes after this arc, and hopefully, it can forge its own way, and move out of… Way’s… shadow.

INCREDIBLE HULK #604: You know that feeling when you take a deep breath and let it out, and how relaxing and refreshing that is? That’s what having Greg Pak back on the Hulk is like. A breath of fresh air, or at least air you’ve breathed before that feels fresh again. Or something. Anyway. Banner, Skaar, and Warbound vs. The Leader? What’s not to love? Pak keeps adding his own take to the Hulk mythos, and shows why he’s the best writer of the character since Peter David. Love this series, pick it up.

MIGHTY AVENGERS #31: Dan Slott and Christos Gage bring it all together to end out the best arc of this title in a good long while. Classic Avengers action, classic avengers moments, great fun shout outs and good actions pieces. My only caveat is that the art seems a little crowded, but that’s a quibble when its so much fun to just see heroes being heroes, and all working together to save the day. Fun.

NOMAD: GIRL WITHOUT A WORLD #3: As nice as it is to see Sean McKeever back at Marvel, working in high school (where he excels), this just isn’t grabbing me. It ain’t bad, by any means, its a well crafted comic book, but I guess I just don’t care enough about Rikki Barnes yet. Ah well.

PUNISHER #11: Tony Moore and Rick Remender working together is a-okay with me. And this Frankencastle storyline gets to an insane, over the top start, as you might expect. Love it.

REALM OF KINGS: Abnett and Lanning have one of the most complex, yet easy to follow road-maps for their cosmic books I’ve ever seen. And it all kicks off in spectacular fashion in this one shot. I thought they couldn’t take the action and danger to another level. I think I was wrong. Love these books, love the direction of them, and I love the focus that’s happening throughout. Great stuff.

REALM OF KINGS INHUMANS #1: On the other hand… There’s a killer last page to this issue, but otherwise, it’s one of the more snooze-worthy Inhumans mini-series in a while. Granted, the characters are in a place where they’re all miserable, and for the first time in a long time, they have a real status quo that can’t immediately be broken, but it feels like the backbone of this cosmic universe has moved on to Nova and Guardians of the Galaxy.

THUNDERBOLTS #138: Jeff Parker makes his debut on the title, and while I love the Parker, this won’t knock anyone’s socks off. However, he continues the feel of the past few issues well without missing a beat… I’m just looking forward to him maybe blazing his own path. And maybe bringing in a few A-Listers. It feels like this title needs a new mission statement, and soon.

WAR MACHINE #11: The little title that could keeps chugging along, and though I THINK it’s canceled already, Greg Pak has made a fascinating uber story that has done a lot to build up Rhodey’s character, and define his supporting cast. It’s too bad this won’t be around in the long term, because in Year Two, it feels like it could have gotten quite good.

WOLVERINE WEAPON X #7: I’m totally loving this storyline, with Logan caught in the world’s most disturbing lunatic asylum, scared and fighting for his life. Sure, it’s not the most original story of all time (it’s been done in Buffy, for one), but I’m completely caught up in the mystery, and can’t wait to find out how Wolvie ended up there. Kudos to Jason Aaron for turning in another solid arc.

X-MEN LEGACY #229: Speaking of little engines, I still don’t get what this title is about (other than secretly The New Adventures of Rogue and Gambit), but Mike Carey, as always, chugs right along with a solid story that pays tribute to Generation X, one of the much beloved, much forgotten pieces of X-history past.

PCS says: Did you know Continuity Studios, which handled the creation of the final AXM motion comic, is owned and run by legendary creator Neal Adams? That in itself is pretty awesome!

I love the idea of motion comics, especially as a means to attract new, younger, indifferent-to-print readers; though I’m still happy to read the funny pages, rather than click through links for my own comics fix. I think the Whedon-penned Astonishing X-Men motion comic by Neal Adams’ Continuity Studios has been the best conceived motion comic of the recent lot, with actual CG animation adding fluidity to the original John Cassaday illustrations, turning AXM into something not unlike the old 1960s Marvel cartoons). As an evolutionary link between printed comics and fully animated cartoons based on comic runs (see Superman/Batman: Public Enemies), the Continuity design seems like the best approach to motion comics, rather than a video file comprising pan-and-scan panels and spoken word balloons.

Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean Dark Horse will go that route with their entry into this new medium. But with the potential for significant mainstream crossover appeal with Buffy in the title, this could be the motion comic project that determines the style and technology expected of all motion comics to follow.

Midtown Comics Monday Podcast: Brian Michael Bendis

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Turns out X-Factor Investigations relocated, not just to another town, but to another time! And this issue was the conclusion of what seems to have been an epic journey to the future that saw the Multiple Man, with an all-growsed-up Layla Miller, at his side battling an evil tricked-out uber-dupe, a senile and sinister old Doctor Doom, and a part-cyborg Cyclops who has been hacked for villainy by the bad Doctor. Helping Madrox and Layla in this future imperfect are Ruby, Cyclops’ future daughter (with Emma Frost?) and Trevor Fitzroy, whom I remember was a key villain in not-appearing-in-this-comic Bishop’s oh-so-90’s time-travelling origin story. I was hoping to see my old favorite X-Man Longshot in this issue, as he appears on the cover, but he was only name-dropped. How the heck did he get pulled into this?

Other things of note in this loaded anniversary issue: Strong Guy got a make-over; Darwin, an interesting-albeit-retrofitted-into-X-continuity character from Ed Brubaker’s Uncanny X-Men run, is now Jaime’s right hand man; Siryn has distanced herself from Jaime and the team…probably because of that mysterious baby business that I heard about but never got details on a few issues prior; and Rictor and Shatterstar are a couple. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. In fact, it’s an interesting new take on the characters, and downright hillarious that Shatterstar, the poster boy for what passed as a bad ass in 90’s comics, is now the human vibrator’s bottom.

I was sad to see the Layla Miller mystery (the mystery of Layla Miller, I should say) wrapped up so neatly in this issue, as she was my favorite character in the book and the series’ primary plot driver. But I also appreciated the parallels drawn between Layla and Valeria Richards (Reed and Sue’s daughter), who guests in the backup story in this issue, reminding me that some of the fun of Layla Miller will live on. The back-up bit sets the tone for X-Factor from 51 on as a factor in the greater Marvel Universe, and I’m caught up enough now to know I want to read more. Welcome back to the pull, X-F!

But now the bad news: Coming off the pull to make room for X-Factor could be either Amazing Spider-Man or Batman and Robin (maybe even both).

ASM  #611 really needed to kick it up a notch after the last few issues, but it was only cute this week–and entirely inconsequential, with a whacky guest spot from Mister Inconsequential himself, Deadpool. Mildly amusing, slightly juvenile, and mostly chaotic are not descriptions I’m willing to pay for at $2.99 a pop, especially after the snore-fest clone saga retread I had to sit through for the three previous issues. The writing was clever, but the art was not my style, and the story itself was wholly forgetable. I’ll consider the upcoming Gauntlet arc, which looks to maybe, possibly be a return to focused, relevant storytelling in this series, but I’m starting to realize this whole weekly Spider-Man thing is requires an awful lot of filler. This series may be better suited for the trades…and even then, only the good ones.

Chaos for the sake of chaos tends to reign in Grant Morrison’s comics, as well, but those books are rarely just cute or juvenile. There’s always depth to his stories and a bigger picture unfolding that makes it hard to step away without feeling like I’d be missing out on the payoff. Unfortunately, this is a visual medium and Phil Tan’s inconsistent and entirely sub-Quitely artwork makes it so much easier to get over that concern. There are moments of greatness in every issue of Batman and Robin…but, again, $2.99 is a lot to pay for only a one or two cool or intriguing moments. As with ASM, I can just as easily flip through the issues on the shelf and catch up with the details online.

One book I will not be dropping anytime soon, if ever, is The Walking Dead, which continues to keep me hooked like a roamer jonesing for some brain meat. Regarding this week’s #67, I  knew this guy was trouble from the start:

Back to catching up…

The main reason I do it is to get back up to speed on characters or series scheduled for big things, like a new creative team, a destined-to-be-hyped change to the status quo, or a crossover event. One “event” I’ve been hearing about that I’m looking forward to is the apparent culmination of Greg Pak and Jeph Loeb’s collective run on the Hulk–Fall of the Hulks–more for the Pak, less for the Loeb. 

I’m hesitant to give any more money to the steaming pile of comic that Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuiness have been producing in Hulk, with the neverending battle royale between Green Hulk, Red Hulk, Blue Abomination, Yellow Stars, and Purple Horseshoes, and all the other muscle-bound, rampaging colors of the rainbow. But if this upcoming storyline is meant to wrap it up, tie up the sloppy, frayed ends, and refocus the Hulk story, then it deserves our support. Loeb and McGuiness’s Hulk is a fun looking comic, and there have been plenty of outrageous moments that appeal to me on a base, childish level (Red Hulk punching out the Watcher a while back comes to mind)…but the series has been a constant, cheesy, unfullfilling tease about the identity of Red Hulk, and now Red She Hulk, with so little substance that it seems to be plotted by a child. The book is absolutely candy. Unfortunately, it is the kind of candy that makes your teeth hurt, without ever satisfying the craving.

And that is why I chose to play catch-up with the other Hulk–Incredible Hulk, written by Pak and illustrated by Ariel Olivetti.

Where McGuiness’s art is fun in a chunky cartoon-on-paper sort of way, Olivetti’s work is Norman Rockwell doing superheroes. And Pak’s writing, which has been the true guiding voice behind the Hulk since the Jade Giant was rocketted into space by the Illuminati two years ago, is more grounded than Loeb’s top-that silliness, and with a far more sensible and sophisticated vision for the character that seems to reward loyal long-time readers. Loeb’s Red Hulk storyline seems designed to punish the faithful, who sit through issue after issue of mindless fisticuffs and zero payoff. If you’re a Hulk loyalist following both books, you know that Pak and Olivetti are making great comics, while Loeb and McGuiness are just taking your money.

And to think, the three issues of Incredible Hulk that I picked up this week, issues 601-603, don’t even feature the Hulk! The storyline is all about Bruce Banner, currently unable to transform into his gamma-powered alter ego, training his son, Skaar (conceived during Pak’s Planet Hulk epic and born in the periphery of World War Hulk), to be able to kill him when he does inevitably change again. The book looks great, is fast paced, and has sold me on a character i thought was a bad joke when I first heard of him.

Skaar, Son of Hulk seemed like a dumb money-grabbing idea designed to drag out Planet Hulk even though the Hulk and the alien planet had been destroyed. But somehow, Pak has convinced me that Hulk Jr is a viable character. And with this latest edition to Marvel’s second-generation roster, I can see a big picture plan, where, like in DC, the new generation of characters is establishing itself, so the old guard heroes can finally evolve beyond their origins and usual tropes.

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The Wolverine Premium Format figure captures every aspect of this classic MARVEL hero with stunning realism. Each piece is individually painted and finished to exacting standards, each with its own unique quality and detail that is the trademark of a handcrafted Sideshow Collectibles product. The authentic fabric costume presents the classic Wolverine costume with real leather belt. Poised to strike with chromed adamantium claws drawn, the Wolverine Premium Format Figure is an outstanding addition to your Marvel display, the perfect centerpiece for any X-Men collection.

Product Size: 17″ H (431.8mm) x 11″ W (279.4mm) x 14″ D (355.6mm)*
Product Weight: 8.00 lbs (3.63 kg)*
Box Size: 21.00″ H (533.4mm) x 15.00″ W (381mm) x 18.00″ L (457.2mm)*
Est. Shipping Weight: 8.00 lbs (3.63 kg)*

Dynamite Entertainment presents the dynamic debut of their Robocop series written by Rob Williams (Cla$$war) with art by Fabiano Neves (Marvel Zombies vs. the Army of Darkness)!

Dynamite goes back to basics as it unveils the dystopian, deeply satirical, and all-out violent world of Robocop.

This Robocop series picks up where the first movie left off and boasts high action and extreme violence with a touch of conspiracy theory.

Plus: the return of ED-209!

We couldn’t be more excited to see our favorite crime fighting future policeman back in print, so we put our noggins together at TFAW Headquarters to give him an appropriate send-up.

While supplies last, you can pick up the first issue of Dynamite’s new Robocop series and get a FREE mini Robocop figure complete with busted ED-209!

The Robocop #1 Book and Figure Set is the same price as the the comic by itself (just $2.80 when you pre-order), but most customers will see $0.50-$1.00 difference in shipping (since we can’t send the figure in a flat mailer).

Stay tuned to future TFAW.com Newsletters to learn about the next Robocop Book & Figure set! Click here to sign up for the TFAW.com Newsletter.

After the hugely positive response to the Darkstalkers Tribute art book, fan outcry for more Darkstalkers stories became clear. Now, the ghoulish monsters and sexy seductresses of Darkstalkers are coming back to comics! This January, UDON bring fans more tales featuring creatures of the night with an all-new 3 issue miniseries titled Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors.

The new series will pick up the continuing stories of slinky succubus Morrigan, demon hunter Donovan, vampire lord Demitri, and ancient evil Pyron as they all battle for control of the Earth and beyond. Fans can also expect appearances from new creepy crawlers like insect queen Q-Bee, slumbering mummy Anakaris, noble bigfoot Sasquatch, the robotic harbinger of doom Huitzil, and more!

Returning to UDON as a cover artist is fan favorite Alvin Lee, who provides 3 connecting covers to the series featuring the entire Darkstalkers cast! Every issue will also feature a variant cover by Emily Warren, each showcasing one of the beautiful women of Darkstalkers. The series itself will be written by Ken Siu-Chong, and feature the artwork of UDON’s Joe Vriens and Eric Vedder.

Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors #1 arrives this January at comic shops everywhere.

Other Darkstalkers books available now:

Darkstalkers Vol.1: Rise of the Dark Ones
Darkstalkers Tribute
Darkstalkers Graphic File

The past few years have been a whirlwind of success for American Born Chinese author Gene Luen Yang, and now SLG Publishing is collecting his earliest published comics works, Gordon Yamamoto and the King of the Geeks and Loyola Chin and the San Peligran Order, in an omnibus, Animal Crackers, to be released by SLG Publishing in January 2010.

Read the full press release

CABLE #20: My biggest questions about this book right now, as it finishes up the (excellent) brood storyline, and enters its biggest arc yet (Hope & Cable return home) are: 1) What’s the mission after Hope and Cable get back to the present? and 2) Is there any hope at all for redemption for Bishop? To the first one, it’s clearly wait and see. I wouldn’t be surprised if the title gets canceled/rebooted in the wake of the upcoming “Second Coming” event, which ties up the loose X-Men storyline started in Messiah Complex several years ago. To the second… I don’t know. Duane Swierczynski has done such an effective job of completely breaking down Bishop, to the point he’s no longer a villain, he’s a tragic figure, more Shylock than Iago. So I’m not sure he can ever crawl out of that. Maybe this title could change from “Cable” to “Bishop” and be about his redemption arc? Anyway, all the heady talk aside: Cable blasts his way out a space-whale. Sweet. If you’re not picking up Cable, you’re missing one of the most unique journeys in mainstream comics today.

DAREDEVIL #502: Here’s my ridiculous comment – this series is still moving a little slowly for my taste. Silly, because its been literally three issues under Andy Diggle’s steady hand (#501, #502, and The List one-shot), so its not like we’ve moved an inch in a year or anything; it just feels like Diggle is still taking his time and feeling out the area, when I really want him to just f- some s- up. Essentially, despite the massive change in status quo, he’s still playing in Ed Brubaker’s sandbox. I’d like to see him start his own, play with his own characters and plotlines. That aside, Diggle does provide, as usual, solid plotting, good characterization, and some nice, albeit small, twists and turns. And the end of this issue seems to promise what I’m asking for, so no way I’m putting this title down yet.

DARK X-MEN #1: Paul Cornell never works better than when he’s paired with Leonard Kirk, like on Captain Britain and the MI13, one of the best series you guys got canceled and I hate you for. Kidding! Maybe. Anyway, Dark X-Men is a pretty much perfect first issue, following up on the events of the Dark Avengers/X-Men crossover, without ever having had to read any of those issues. Its a riff on the original X-Men line-up, and I won’t spoil anything by revealing who is who, but lets just say the gang’s all there… And evil. Great art, great writing, fun twists and turns. The only downside to this issue is that its kicking off a limited series, and not an ongoing.

DEADPOOL #17: This issue of Deadpool, as well as this week’s Amazing Spider-Man (see above) confirm something I’ve long thought: Deadpool works ever so much better as a villain. Or at least, an anti-hero more on the side of anti- than hero; and Daniel Way walks that line perfectly in this issue. As usual, the balance of action, jokes and character is great, and Way keeps the various balls in the air with deftness and speed. If there’s a reason Deadpool is so popular right now, its because of this title, and because of Daniel Way. Also? Best butt joke this week.

PUNISHERMAX #1: It’s missing the depth of Garth Ennis’ run, but we’re one issue in, so relax. Or rather, reLAX. Jason Aaron turns in a solid, fun, over the top Punisher tale in the best MAX tradition. And the story of the Kingpin’s rise to power is one that I shockingly haven’t heard before, so I’m really fascinated to see how this all turns out. Plus, Steve Dillon art. Sweet. This issue earns the right to call itself Punisher MAX, though I would like to see Aaron bring the emotion, as well as his usual razor sharp writing, to the next few issues.

S.W.O.R.D. #1: Well, that was… Not what I expected. Far more Phonogram than Beta Ray Bill, Kieron Gillen brings the funny to space with this first issue, creating a workplace comedy set in the Marvel Universe. There’s hints it might become something more, particularly in the stupendous back-up story (no joke, it’s worth picking up the issue just for this fantastic follow-up to Astonishing X-Men), but for right now, if you like ‘em fast and light, you might enjoy this.

STRANGE #1: I really love this book. Really, really love it. Emma Rios’ art is a clean fusion of manga and Western styles. The colors are bright and engaging. And Mark Waid, as always, turns in a pitch perfect comic book script. It even brings you up to speed with Dr. Strange’s current status quo, and sets up the series as effectively as a television pilot. Except… There’s something slightly off about it, and it isn’t just having a baseball storyline a few weeks after the season’s ended. It’s that it doesn’t quite strike the balance between the current status quo, and being a brand new series. It’s honestly a little hard to put your finger on, because I really did like this a whole lot, and even recommend it, but… Something was off. It’s a good start to what looks like a cool take on Dr. Strange, but I need another issue to sell me 100%.

VENGEANCE OF THE MOON KNIGHT #3: Jerome Opena’s art still knocks it out of the park… The action sequences are pitch perfectly staged, and match the “Shock & Awe” title of this arc to a T. But three issues in, and I still don’t know why we should care about Moon Knight, other than everybody telling us how amazing he is. I want to see some struggle, some heroism, some loss… Some reason I should be sold on this title, and I’m not quite getting it yet. A well put together comic, well written and drawn, but its got no heart. Yet.

X-FORCE #21: The second chapter of Necrosha continues at a far more break-neck pace than Blackest Night, so we’re quickly leaving comparisons behind. I hope. Anyway, we do get at least one “Holy S&%T!” moment in here with a returning… Character. And the whole cross-over is well conceived and executed. I’m just hoping, though, that X-Force can get more than two months off between crossovers next time; this is basically an X-Men book, guest-starring X-Force. Though with Second Coming on the horizon, I don’t see that happening. Ah well.

X-MEN FOREVER #11: Why is this so enjoyable. Why? ANSWER ME, DAMMIT!

If you’ve been keeping an eye on comic news lately, you’ve probably heard whispers (and shouts) about 45, an intriguing title from Com.X that hits shelves on December 23rd. And if you’re anything like me, you read the praise for this title, such as in the November 2009 issue of Wizard where 45 is listed at #17 on the list of “Top 50 Things You Need To Buy,” and you started to get more than a little excited.

First off, there’s the premise–a journalist expecting his first child, who may or may not be super-powered, interviews 45 super-powered individuals from every walk of life to get an idea of what he might expect. And then things begin to get complicated. But beyond this intriguing idea, there is something else that sets 45 apart. Each and every vignette is illustrated by a different artist, for a total of 45 artists, including seasoned industry veterans and hotshot up-and-comers, contributing to one book.

Are you starting to see why we’re so excited? Well then, here’s the coup de grace: we have an exclusive interview with Andi Ewington, writer of 45 (his debut title, if you can believe it), giving TFAW.com’s viewers the lowdown on what we can expect and a hint to the mysterious identity of the 45th artist.

Want to win a copy of the book signed by the writer and many of the artists? Of course you do! Just leave your guess as to the identity of the mystery artist in our comments, and you’re entered to win. We’ll choose one winner (at random) from the correct answers. Watch and enjoy.

CHECK OUT 45

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What do you think about this title? Any guesses regarding the mystery artist? Post them below!

Marvel is proud to unveil your first look at episode 2 of the Astonishing X-Men Motion Comic! Based on the acclaimed story by superstars Joss Whedon (Buffy The Vampire Slayer) and John Cassaday (Captain America), the X-Men are faced with a mysterious new villain and a possible cure for the mutant gene! Now Cyclops, Wolverine and all your favorite mutants must face the greatest threats of their lives and, before it’s all done, experience one of the most jaw-dropping moments in Marvel history!