Hey there, true believers! Step right up and learn about this week’s hottest new releases, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 8 #32 (now with more superpowers!), Ultimate Comics X #1, Siege #2, Siege: Embedded #2, Deadpool Team-Up #896, Blackest Night: Wonder Woman #3, and Mass Effect: Redemption #2:

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AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #615: Javier Pulido’s gorgeous art and Javier Rodriguez’s muted colors perfectly match Fred “Javier” Van Lente’s haunting lullaby of a story. The events of the previous issue are poignantly followed up on, as Spidey’s cast of characters try to move on in the wake of the destruction of the Daily Bugle. We get new status quos, some great character moments, and a deadly new Sandman. The best part of this issue is the amount of invention Van Lente and Pulido bring to Sandman’s moves (hey, he’s not just making hammers with his fists!), and more importantly, they explain how Spidey swings from the city to the center of the East River. That’s been a long time coming. Possibly my favorite issue of this title since Dan Slott and Marcos Martin’s Paper Doll arc.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN PRESENTS: ANTI-VENOM – NEW WAYS TO LIVE #3: I’m not 100% sure we needed a return of “Venom: Lethal Protector,” but it’s also not like Zeb Wells did a bad job with this series. There’s a nice underscoring of the theme on the last page, and the art is solid enough, I’m just still suffering from a bad case of the Venom over-exposure I caught during the ’90s.

ASTONISHING X-MEN #33: I’m not saying this isn’t fun. The splash pages and giant panels in particular are totally insane and poster worthy, and Warren Ellis has his usual “I read a science article this morning and now it is a comic book” ethic going on. But it’s also like Ellis spent the day watching a bunch of sitcoms, and then aped the speech rhythms of said sitcoms. There’s a lot of banter in here, and pacing that almost demands a laugh track. We’re not really getting anything except broad character strokes, so if you’re thinking about picking this up, do so knowing you’re in for a silly, big budget ride of a comic.

CABLE #21: I swear to god, if Hope ISN’T Jean Grey, I will eat my hat. I don’t own or wear hats, but I will go out, buy a hat, and put it on my head until the X-Men Second Coming event starts next year, just to prove a point. However, that hat will be made out of cheeseburgers. FYI. Anyway, this issue is great, as usual. Bishop and Cable are the super serious, time-traveling versions of Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner I never knew I wanted to read about on a monthly basis, until I did. If this series ends when Cable and Hope get back to “our” time, I’m going to be very sad; though, I don’t know how the mission statement of the book couldn’t completely change. Ah well.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: REBORN #5: Well, that just went crazy-pants. And in my book, there’s nothing necessarily wrong with that. Bryan Hitch and Butch Guice get to draw some insane, over the top battle sequences, including the intro of one character that, if it doesn’t fill you with abject glee, you’re not a Marvel fan. Unfortunately, given all the build-up (I’m including the entirety of Brubaker’s run on cap, because let’s be honest, this is what it’s all been building up to), the Red Skull’s plan comes off a little half baked. And generic. Which is too bad, because otherwise it has the action fans have been craving for most of the series. This is going to collect very well, and I think there the pacing will feel a little more classically three-act, but as is, it hasn’t quite been working in the issue format.

DAREDEVIL #503: I’m not a big fan of characters telling me, “things are going to get real bad…” or “There’s a storm coming…” or just generally letting me know things are getting bad, without actually showing me that. And, as is, it’s not like Daredevil doesn’t know he’s in over his head, we don’t need to keep telling him that. Still, Andy Diggle does a solid job solidifying the status quo in this issue, thoough I wonder how long it can hold for. We shall see…

DARK AVENGERS #12: Last issue I said I’m a sucker for a good Molecule Man story, loved what Bendis, Deodato, and Horn did with the look and pacing of the issue, and was curious to find out more about Victoria Hand. I wouldn’t abjectly say those fizzled out with this issue, but it definitely feels like, to use a television metaphor, the last five minutes after the last commercial break. The issue looks fantastic, and there’s at least two big plot points here (one I’m not crazy about, the other, at the end, is blindingly obvious once you think about it, but also incredibly satisfying), but as an issue, it’s a light one.

DARK WOLVERINE #81: When Daniel Way and Marjorie Liu completely avoid action, and instead focus on making Daken a diabolical mastermind, this series soars. Reason it works is, most monologuing bad guys don’t have frickin’ bone claws and assassin skills to back up their smarts, just a few bombs and some henchmen. Daken, in case you haven’t guessed, has bone claws. And, in this issue, is completely terrifying. A quiet character piece using Ms. Marvel (Sofen-style) as a window, this is a great one-shot to get on board the title, and another illuminating piece of the puzzle for Daken, who is quickly coming out of the shadow of his father.

DEADPOOL: MERC WITH A MOUTH #6: Last issue, I felt like Victor Gischler was really finding his stride with this title, making Deadpool his own; and I think that’s solidified with this issue, especially in light of Daniel Way’s take on DP in the… Main, I guess? Title, which is far more anti-hero-ish, than goofy. This is goofy. Almost shticky. It’s weird to say, but this is the comedy counterpart to Deadpool. Where there’s almost zero character development, and everything is to set up far more ridiculous situations for Deadpool and his talking zombie head to get into. Far be it from me to criticize someone else for being shticky, so I’ll just stop there.

DOCTOR VOODOO: AVENGER OF THE SUPERNATURAL #3: I’ve really enjoyed the first two issues of this, but this third one just devolves into the supernatural mumbo-jumbo speak people pick on when they talk about not liking magic comics. Arts still good, though.

HULK #18: Jeph Loeb continues his streak of solid character pieces about Hulk characters with this issue’s smartly written focus on Leonard Samson. Seriously? Did I just write that sentence? And it’s true? Everything I know and love is wrong.

MIGHTY AVENGERS #32: After the last, excellent arc, this title is finally firing on all cylinders, giving us the old school Avengers action we (well, I) wanted. Dan Slott takes solo scripting duties this issue, and as usual, he gives nicely textured character moments, big action, and at the end, a threat so big it needs two Avengers teams to take it on. For now, at least, this title has replaced Avengers: The Initiative as the best title to get a sense of what’s going on in the Marvel Universe right now.

MS. MARVEL #48: If Brian Reed is going to wrap up his run on Ms. Marvel in two issues, he’s definitely going in style. Great second page, great last page, a fun romp throughout that plays on elements seen throughout Reed’s run on the series. I’ll miss it when it’s gone.

REALM OF KINGS INHUMANS #2: As usual, a solid and enjoyable effort from Abnett and Lanning, but I’m going to repeat my slight, unfair dismay from the previous issue. In my mind, the Inhumans work best when you can radically change their status quo in a mini-series, allowing them to completely change over the course of four or five issues. As, you know, their whole thing is change. Previous Inhumans mini and maxi series have been some of my favorites put out by Marvel in the past two decades. Here, though, for the first time, DnA have given them a solid, interesting status quo. And I like it. However, I don’t think it really lends itself to a series, so much as having them now be supporting character in the back-drop. Also, I don’t think matters are helped by strangely crossing over the second issue of a mini-series with an ongoing series (Mighty Avengers). Again, I like both titles, Inhumans fans should definitely pick this up, but the whole endeavor is striking me as a little off.

THE MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ #2: Easily the must absurd issue of this series (as well as the previous one), it’s far more dialogue based than the previous issue, so more on writer Eric Shanower’s shoulders than Skottie Young’s. But… It’s still great. Every issue of this is great, and like I say pretty much every time, if you want to get a kid you know hooked on comics, give them one of the Marvel Oz books.

THUNDERBOLTS #139: It’ll probably take a few issues before Jeff Parker finds his footing and makes his mark with this title… Right now, it feels like it’s skimming on the surface of the water set up by Warren Ellis, then Andy Diggle. It helps, though, with this issue that Parker lands himself in comfortable waters by having the T-Bolts go up against his pet project, Agents of Atlas. And it’s a fun, creative fight in this issue, well worth picking up; though at this point, I’d love to skip forward five months and see where this title will be after Dark Reign finishes.

ULTIMATE COMICS ARMOR WARS #3: Okay, so after three and a half issues of Tony Stark boozing it up, havin’ da sex, and kicking arse without a care, we finally get a challenge worthy of the name Armor Wars. But again, he just kind of kicks arse, and I imagine the next issue he’ll again, easily solve his problems. Warren Ellis always knows how to make cool, fun tech, and write big battle scenes with quippy dialogue, but this, like most of his Marvel work, is characterized by far less interest and care than his creator owned work. Which is too bad, because he could make an insane Ultimate Armor Wars, if he put his mind to it.

VENGEANCE OF THE MOON KNIGHT #4: I’m just going to keep reiterating the same thing every issue: Jerome Opena’s art is spectacular and cinematic; I still don’t know why I should be caring about Moon Knight.

WHAT IF? DAREDEVIL VS. ELEKTRA: Of these new batch of What Ifs, this comes the closest to telling an actual story. There’s a review for you!

X-FACTOR #200: Ah… That’s more like it. After a cramped last issue, X-Factor is back with a super-sized spectacular, and as good as ever. This is a great jumping on point for new readers, as Peter David expertly introduces each character, as well as the new, central mystery. In a certain way, after the massive amounts of continuity and crossover-itis in the past few arcs, it’s bringing the title back to basics. And I like it. Plus, a killer last page, as usual.

X-FORCE #22: This is very much a middle chapter of the Necrosha cross-over, and while there are some big moments involving Rahne’s condition, and a great little moment with Blink and Eli Bard, for the most part, not too much changes; we’ve got far too many parts of this cross-over to go. If you’re picking this title up, keep picking it up, but this may not be the best time to jump right in.

X-MEN LEGACY #230: More like, “X-men leg you see,” because they all have legs, and you can see them, am I right? No, I’m not. Anywho, another solid issue by Mike Carey, wrapping up his Emplate arc in a big way. But again, broken record time… What’s this series about, really? what’s the mission statement? Because I don’t think we’re going to find out for another few issues, until the Necrosha cross-over is done, and I’m missing a compelling reason to pick up this title.

Did you miss us? Between the holidays and getting our comics a bit late last week, we didn’t have the chance to do our Wednesday New Releases video last week, so this one is extra special. Step right up and see the Cover Girls of the DCU Catwoman statue, Wonder Woman Blackest Night #1, Walking Dead #68, JSA All Stars #1, Deadpool #18, and the New Avengers Annual #3!

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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.

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!

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Deadpool by Arthur Suydam, cover of Deadpool: Merc With A Mouth #3

Megan Fox in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

from MTV SPLASH PAGE:
With that in mind, the actor told us that he and the studio have already agreed to some key terms. “He’s going to be the Merc with the Mouth, [we’re going to give] all those answers that everyone wants,” Reynolds explained. “He’s going to have the scarred-up face, he’s going to be in the suit — and, it’s going to be incredible.”

Is Deadpool in good hands? What do you think? Talk about it in our community!

As usual (well, as of last week and this week, usual), we’ve got spoiler-free reviews of tomorrow’s Marvel Comics today! Be sure to check back tomorrow and leave your thoughts, and we’ll have more spoilery looks on the video shows this week.

BLACK PANTHER #4 – Boy, they sure are taking their time with this “Who is the new Black Panther?” thing, huh? I mean, don’t get me wrong, it’s competently done, but I think I enjoyed the immense amounts of fun Reginald Hudlin brought to the run before it went to its new numbering. Now it’s all mysticism and gothic intensity, and it’s losing my interest.

DARK REIGN: HAWKEYE #2 – As much as I like the idea of this series, the execution is a little lacking. Whereas last issue had a strong focus on Bullseye wanting to be known as Bullseye, not Hawkeye, this issue jettisons all that in favor of a new psychological take on the mass murdering sai-stealer. Again, it’s not bad, Andy Diggle knows what he’s doing; but I can’t help but think this would have been far better as a one-shot, ala Chris Gage’s Thunderbolts one-shots, which focused on a character, informed the main book, but worked mainly as supplemental material. I also like Tom Raney’s pencils a lot, they’re nice and clean, but he has a bright, almost bubbly flair that doesn’t quite match the realism of Dark Avengers, for example.

DARK REIGN: YOUNG AVENGERS #1 – This should be Young Masters of Evil, right? And it almost is, except for some garbage about, “We’re heroes! No we’re not! Are we? I don’t know!” I love Paul Cornell’s writing dearly, but this is a bit of a mess, mainly because it’s entirely unclear who these young heroes are aspiring to be. The idea is great: young heroes inspired by the Dark Avengers are like the Young Masters of Evil. Except… Nobody knows the Dark Avengers are evil, so it comes off as a fantastic, unexplained coincidence that there’s a baby Enchantress, and Executioner, etc. Hopefully this will clear up a bit next issue, because Cornell (and the idea) deserve better than this first one.

DEADPOOL: SUICIDE KINGS #2 – I feel like I’m coming off as quite the negative nancy this week, so apologies on one more negative review before a few positive ones, but none of this comic makes any sense. Sorry, that’s a little strong, but how hard is it to pit Deadpool against The Punisher? It’s not. You barely need an excuse. Yet this book is bending over backwards to come up with a reason for them to come to blows. Here, I’ll pitch a better comic right now: The Punisher realizes Deadpool is an amoral assassin, and decides to kill him. Done! Goodbye.

GENEXT: UNITED #1 – The first GeneXt series was a nice surprise… Given the complicated premise, that the X-Men had aged in real time in from their first appearance, and now had grandchildren running around with mutant powers, it was surprisingly successful with an old school X-Men feel. Which makes sense, given that Chris Claremont wrote and created it. This issue picks up minutes after the end of the last series, and works just as well. If you want fun, old school X-Men tales set in modern times, this book is well worth a look.

LOCKJAW AND THE PET AVENGERS #1 – It’s embarrassing how excited I was for this book, and boy did it deliver. I’m not going to say much other than you probably know from the title whether you want to read this or not. If it’s “not,” let me correct you and say that yes, you do want to read it. It’s the most fun you’ll have reading an Avengers book all month. No joke. Marvel has been killing it with its pseudo-continuity books like Dr. Doom and the Masters of Evil, the Power Pack books, and X-Men: First Class; Pet Avengers fits in there quite well, thank you. Also, if Speedball’s cat Niles ends up in some sort of S&M armor by the end of the series, I will kiss Chris Eliopoulos square on the mouth.

PUNISHER: FRANK CASTLE MAX #70 – This is the last issue of the arc, and I haven’t read an issue since Ennis’ run, but it sure does seem like a lot of elements from what good old Garth was doing on the title, without the insane intensity. Ah well.

SAVAGE SHE-HULK #2 – I know a lot of people are mad that She-Hulk (aka Jennifer Walters) was cancelled for this title, and is being replaced by a new She-Hulk (Thundra and the Hulk’s daughter). Too bad none of that is true. She-Hulk was cancelled, but not because of this title. That was a happy accident. And the Savage She-Hulk isn’t replacing Jenny… She’s all over this issue, being as awesome as ever. There’s still a lot we don’t know about this character, and it seems like all four issues are going to be the superhero equivalent of 16 Blocks, but I’m officially on board with the new Thrulk. If you’ve been avoiding the title for any of the above reasons, stop it, and pick up this issue. You’re supporting new characters in the Marvel universe if you do, and single handedly destroying comics if you’re not. That may be a little harsh, actually. And untrue. Maybe.

SECRET WARRIORS #4 – I gotta say, four issues in, and I’m still not 100% sure who all of these characters are, or what they’re about. As a team book, it seems like we may have one of those “The team after the first arc isn’t the same as where we started!” things going on, which is starting to make me think, “Maybe I’ll wait until after the first arc, then!” As a Nick Fury book, though, Hickman and Bendis are rocking it. They have a great handle on Fury, where he’s at, and what he’s about. It’s nice that he’s returned to the Marvel Universe proper in style, with his own, f-ing terrifying Rogues Gallery. That’s not even mentioning Stefano Caselli’s gorgeous art, which makes this book worth picking up on its own.

THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ #6 – What can I say that hasn’t previously been said. Every issue is like a work of art. I mean, it is a work of art. Pick it up.

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #132 – Goddamn if this isn’t the most consistently great title Marvel has ever published. Bendis is writing this title so well, and so completely owning everything about it, that I can’t imagine anyone else ever writing the title. He’s even writing a great story arc in the face of the monumentally crappy Ultimatum event. And as much as I’m super giddy about David LaFeunte on Ultimate Comics Spider-Man when this relaunches in two issues, I’m going to miss Stuart Immonen’s superb art. I GUESS it’ll be okay that he’s going over to New Avengers. OH WELL. By the way, slight spoiler time, but anyone else think Bendis might (seriously, potential spoilers if I am an incredible genius) kill/get rid of Peter Parker? I could be totally off base here, but I think at least for the first arc or two, Ultimate Comics Spider-Man could probably be titled Ultimate Spider-Woman Comics. Don’t get me wrong, I’m betting Pete’ll come back from the “dead” at some point (and not that he’s dead at the end of this issue, I’m just speculating), but if I’m right, you all owe me cookies.

WAR OF KINGS: ASCENSION #2 – Why is there a comic book about Darkhawk? And why is it so fun? I feel weird.

X-FACTOR #43 – Peter David, as promised, is continuing to do a lovely job of making X-Factor as fun, exciting, and surprising as it has ever been, but there’s one moment in here that totally grossed me out. You’ll know what it is when you see it. In its own way, it’s as shocking a reveal as anything on the last pages of the previous three issues. And that’s not counting this issue’s last page reveal, which is fun and shocking in its own way. In case it isn’t clear, go pick this up.

Somehow the conversation started with X-Men Origins: Wolverine, then managed to stumble its way toward some of the worst comic-based movies ever. Whether that betrays our thoughts on Wolverine or not, I guess you’ll have to listen to find out. It’s a long one. Sorry about the sound issues.

As always, leave your questions or comments on the boards or give us a call at 1-888-817-5766, and we’ll address your feedback on the next show. Did YOU like X-Men Origins: Wolverine?

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