Writer: Gail Simone
Art: Jim Fern
Inks: Steve Bird

Gail Simone continues to amaze. One of the best issues (and thatÃÔ saying something) of her time on this series was a stand alone issue after the Å´tudent and Sensei¡¦that at first glance looked like the perfect opportunity for filler or at best a transitional story. Instead it was a delightful character driven intimate slice of life bursting with the usual Simone humor. This issue, a stand alone coming on the heels of the conclusion of Å£etween Dark and Dawn,¡¦while not as strong has charms all its own. ThereÃÔ pretty much two halves to this with the first one having Huntress and Canary breaking up a meeting of super villains¡¦henchmen who all happen to be in costumes like a bunch of wannabes. Huntress and Canary, undercover, are in disguise, too. Simone goes with the inherent silliness of the situation and has a ball. The second half is much more serious as the aftermath of SavantÃÔ kidnapping of Canary clashes with OracleÃÔ attempts to rehabilitate him. ItÃÔ pretty intense stuff and it brings Canary, who was a little short changed in the last arc, back to the forefront. The fill in art by Jim Fern maintains the style for this book established by Ed Benes but either the inking or the coloring gives much of the book a washed out, flat feel.

Writer: Mark Waid
Art: Mike Wieringo
Inks: Karl Kesel

Writer: Brad Meltzer
Art: Rags Morales
Inks: Mike Bair

This hard boiled intrusion of a type of realism into the DC Universe continues as the mystery deepens. The pulse-pounding opening basically undoes what we thought the climax of last issue had wrought. From there it is discovered that the attack on Jean Loring resembles the one on Sue Dibny in that the obvious suspect didnÃÕ commit the crime. Green Arrow is quietly becoming the centerpiece of all this and thatÃÔ not surprising considering Brad Meltzer first DC gig was on OllieÃÔ book. Meltzer also revels in DC continuity and that leaves readers like me who are unfamiliar with much of it missing the point in too many spots. Too much of the time IÃÎ not even sure who some of the characters are. This issue also may be the first time anyoneÃÔ referred outright to Wonder WomanÃÔ rack which is on prominent display in Michael TurnerÃÔ gorgeous cover but along with her face doesnÃÕ make an appearance inside. Finally Hal Jordan has a cameo and clears up why the Spectre hasnÃÕ acted along with providing a commercial for the new Green Lantern miniseries. Whatever you think of this book it is truly superheroes as youÃ×e never seen them before; well DC superheroes at least.

Writer: Warren Ellis
Art: Trevor Hairsine
Inks: Nelson DeCastro with Simon Coleby

For a writer of such renown, some of Warren Ellis¡¦recent superhero books are really frustrating me. IÃÎ enjoying his arc on Ŷltimate Fantastic Four¡¦but it suffers from a lack of plot momentum. However compared to this limited series itÃÔ the model of old style compressed story telling. After the terrifying alien broadcast of last issue which caused murder, mayhem and suicide among the populace the Ultimates and the X-Men separately travel to the area in Russia that is the source. ThatÃÔ it. The X-Men talk on the way and the Ultimates get acquainted with the Ultimate version of the Falcon before they leave for Russia. Some of the characterizations seem off, especially Wolverine. And as with last issue thereÃÔ padding in the form of a couple of full page drawings of ships. Additionally none of the conversations are of much interest or show a spark of wit. Now that the two groups have entered an apparently alien underground complex from different ends and are set to maybe meet, please let something happen next issue because I donÃÕ think weÃ×e had one issueÃÔ worth of story in the first two installments

Writer: Mark Millar
Art: J.G. Jones
Inks: Paul Mounts

Ÿanted¡¦continues to read as if written by a high school boy or college fraternity pledge free of the threat of censorship for the first time. Just take a look at the first page, including the title, if you donÃÕ believe me. That said while Mark Millar and his inner high school boy go overboard from time to time they are one good writer. The over the top style is part of the point and works most of the time. The counter attack by Wesley and the Fox is thrilling although the number of heads splattered on panel is a bit much. Since the issue is filled with action it is also free of the meanness that permeated earlier issues. Among the mayhem Millar finds time for humor (anyone else every want to drop Adam West and Burt Ward in a vat of acid?) and plot development and serves up a twist at the climax that I for one did not see coming. J.G. Jones continues his impressive work and is probably the reason for the excessive period of time between issues. If you have the stomach for it or actually revel in this level of gross-out and gore this is one heck of a ride.

Writer: Si Spencer
Art: Dean Ormston Colors:
Fiona Stephenson

This inventive and imaginative series is starting to suffer from too many players and not enough explanation. Some narration would be very helpful. Too many pivotal moments in this issue occur off page. And while much can be said for that approach, especially in a Vertigo book that can be very graphic, subtle is not always better. ItÃÔ definitely not better when whatÃÔ happening is not all that clear. Maybe I need to read this again when my mind is clearer but I wasnÃÕ at all sure what the waitress with the baby did and how she did it at the moment of the big reveal, and ZatannaÃÔ narration clashed with the dialogue earlier when she was recounting her talk with the waitress to Constantine. Similarly IÃÎ confused by what Tim Hunter knows and doesnÃÕ know. I think I have a grasp on whatÃÔ going on but IÃÎ not entirely sure. I still like this book but with all thatÃÔ going on and all the forces at work it needs to be clearer