Brandon J. Griffin Comic Reviews

MOON KNIGHT ANNUAL #1 is a fun issue that takes advantage of the mission statement provided by "Acts Of Evil"

AGE OF X-MAN is uncharted territory for our beloved mutants. Thompson and Nadler are quickly solidifying their status as crucial X-Men creators.

AGE OF X-MAN: OMEGA is an effective final chapter. Lonnie Nadler and Zac Thompson are an extremely effective creative duo with an interesting angle on Marvel's beloved mutants.

APOCALYPSE AND THE X-TRACTS shows En Sabah Nur like you've never seen him before.

Ed Brisson and Marcus To perfectly tap into the AGE OF X-MAN landscape that Thompson/Nadler have laid out. ALL HAIL GLOB HERMAN, MUTANT HERO.

Duggan continues to deliver the GOTG book we've been desperate for the past couple years. Every laugh is earned, every progression is significant, the team is strong as ever. There's a real chemistry here that Marvel can't afford to lose. Smallwood's art is a triumph.

'All-New GOTG' is a must-read Marvel book heading into the 'Legacy' era. This has easily been the best 'Guardians series since Abnett/Lanning's run. Duggan and Kuder are ushering in a new era in Marvel cosmic in spectacular fashion.

All-New Guardians Of The Galaxycontinues to proudly carry the Marvel cosmic torch, resurrecting one of the most crucial elements of Marvel's comics. Gerry Duggan and Rod Reis are an unstoppable force. If more of Marvel's books looked like this, they'd win a lot more readers back.

After all this time on her own, with her own supporting cast, Laura is one of the most complete characters in recent memory. It's been a blast to watch her grow up, her future is one of the most exciting things in X-Men comics right now. The twist at the end of this first chapter is some classic comic book drama.

This continues to be one of the strongest books currently at Marvel, Tom Taylor and company are clearly up to the challenge of ramping things up for Legacy.

All-New Wolverine should no longer be a hidden Marvel gem. This is one of the strongest superhero titles in general and should be a huge hit. Tom Taylor and company will start getting more Marvel duties soon, and for good reason.

Laura and Gabby are a top superhero duo in all of comic books. It's Laura's book, but Gabby steals the show every time. Their chemistry is unmatchable and they happen to be in one of the most well crafted books at Marvel. This series is easily one of the best breakouts of the last 2 years.

All-New Wolverine is one of the most crucial staples in modern Marvel comics. The creative team of Taylor, Cabal, and Woodard is on another level.

Whenever you see Greg Smallwood on any comic, do yourself a favor and get it. 'Amazing Spider-Man' #32 is a stunning bit of insanity featuring our favorite Goblin Glider operator. Smallwood and Bellaire are an unbeatable artistic duo. Comic book villainy doesn't get much more entertaining than diving into the madness of Norman Osborn.

The fall from grace for our beloved wall-crawler promises to take him into familiar territory with a new outlook and shuffled supporting cast. For those who hated Parker Industries, there's nowhere to go but up. For those who enjoyed the prior thirty-two issues, a change of pace can be refreshing.

Regardless of how you feel about Dan Slott's long tenure as Spider-Scribe, Stuart Immonen has undoubtedly been one of the strongest Spidey artists of the last decade. He makes the web-slinger sing, even with a dumb glowing spider symbol. Immonen gets to draw the classic costume again and its dazzling.

The fallout from Parker Industries has been everything it needed to be so far to turn the book around for people on both sides of the fence. Like Pete says at the end of the issue, this feels like home. Slott is delivering on both sides of the mask for our favorite wall crawler.

"Venom Inc." is a chore to get through. Symbiotes don't really move the needle anymore, especially not when centered Lee Price. This story makes me miss Mac Gargan.

Slott looks to be going balls-to-the-wall with his final stretch writing Spidey. ASM #794 is a classic feeling Spider-Man comic that effectively cranks the ridiculous up.

Dan Slott is doing a lot right with this arc, at least at the start.

This was another fantastic issue from begging to end. That final page with Red Goblin looking onto Spidey's burning "white flag" is a powerful image we won't soon forget. The next issue should be more red than your Maximum Carnage SNES cartridge.

The sentiment illustrated and dictated in this issue is one that readers can reference when asked why they love Spider-Man. Mr. Slott, we thank you for your time and all of your entries into the Amazing Spider-Man continuity. Good luck on your new adventures!

This is a big moment for Spidey fans and Marvel as a whole. Amazing Spider-Man #1 is exactly what was promised, and more. Spencer and Ottley (their names even sound great together) are crafting an all-new starting point for a new, exciting era of Spider-Man comics. The hype is real, this is the Spidey book we've been waiting for.

I know we're only two issues in, but this is the real deal. We've been through enough good and bad Spider-Man runs to know when to spot something special. Spencer and Ottley's Amazing Spider-Man is going to be at the top of essential Spidey reading lists forever.

The Amazing Spider-Man is superhero comic book perfection. Spencer & Ottley take no time to win over longtime Spidey fans. From cover to cliffhanger, each issue has been a truly joyous experience worthy of a second read. This entire creative team is worth way more than the price of admission.

Amazing Spider-Man #5 is another home run for Marvel's new darlings. Spencer & Ottley should be celebrated and appreciated by every Spider-Man fan reading comics. There hasn't been this great of a jumping-on point for Spidey comics in over a decade.

Amazing Spider-Man #6 is one of the funniest superhero comic book issues I've read in a while. Spencer has completely commandeered the tone and reshaped it to better redefine and realign the character. This is the Spider-Man of the new era and it feels like home in every way.

Amazing Spider-Man #7 is another fantastic issue by Nick Spencer and company. This series can soon sit next to Tom King's Batman as the only comics to perfect the double-shipping schedule. Spencer's run will one to revisit often once it's collected.

Nick Spencer continues to masterfully craft a layered Spider-Man book that exceeds expectations at every turn.

Nick Spencer continues to masterfully craft a layered Spider-Man book that exceeds expectations at every turn.

There's a lot to like about Amazing Spider-Man #12, this arc is all about Jonah and Peter's relationship and history"and that's fine with me!

Simply put, Spencer & Ottley's run is memorable and iconic. Each issue is an intoxicating blast.

"Hunted" is a crucial Spider-Man story you can't afford to miss. Nick Spencer's ASM run keeps getting better and better.

"The Hunted" is classic comic book fun. Nick Spencer is making tie-ins worth your time again.

HUNTED is satisfying, entertaining, and loaded with classic villain menace.

"HUNTED" is a must-read for any Spider-Man fan. Nick Spencer is exactly who needs to be writing Spidey right now.

The epilogue to "HUNTED" wraps up this Kraven epic nicely while setting up a ton of future Spidey drama.

Get ready for a classic Spidey villain mystery full of surprises and twists!

The sixty-page comic bookAmazing Spider-Man #25 is both a successful bridge from one batch of narrative to the next and an accessible jumping-on point for new readers.

Plenty of charm and attitude with this great cast of characters. Boomerang is being cemented as an all-time great Spidey character.

Spencer & Ottley's AMAZING SPIDER-MAN is must-read superhero comic booking.

It's like 90s Spider-Man but without the fun.

Renew Your Vows was previously a safe haven for those who hated what Dan Slott was doing on Amazing Spider-Man. With ASM shifting back to a more recognizable Spidey, and Zdarsky's Spectacular Spidey hitting its stride, RYV feels much less necessary.

Renew Your Vows has worn out its welcome. I'm pretty sure the people still swearing by this series think Parker Industries still stands and Secret Empire is still going on.

The biggest appeal of this series is that it feels fresh and takes us to a setting we haven't explored much. America proves there are still places in the Marvel universe to visit and does so with the perfect character. America Chavez should have no problem solidifying a permanent fan base with this ongoing series if it continues to stick to its guns.

America isn't a perfect book by any means but it's got a lot of heart and character. The art alone is worth giving this comic a read.

Even if you haven't been following along before this arc, the community of America Chavez supporters is fun and warrants further exploration. There's plenty to like about America, there's potential for this book to grow past this arc, unfortunately it's among the latest handful of titles being cancelled.

Astonishing X-Men #1 is a visual triumph as well. Colorful and detailed layouts flesh out a fast paced and dire story. The varied personalities of this team are all up front and tastefully present. All of the Psylocke psychic projections, and monsters, are flawlessly illustrated and colored.

'Astonishing X-Men' #2 is clever and stylish, a much needed creative graduation from the previous era in both art and script. The title manages to feel fresh while maintaining a sense of classic X-Men storytelling.

Astonishing X-Men has been the best X-Book since ResurreXion, that doesn't change here. Charles Soule is master of mutant meddling and plotting. He's a big contributor in getting the X-Men back on track as a whole. Phil Noto makes for another delightful collaboration on this title with his outstanding artwork.

As X-Men: Gold and X-Men: Blue trend more and more into obscurity, irrelevance, and apparent cancellation, Astonishing X-Men emerges to keep X-Men fans satisfied. Between Astonishing X-Men and X-Men: Red, Marvel has their new flagship X-books. It's safe to say at this point, any time you see Matthew Rosenberg writing mutants you need to pick it up.

Matthew Rosenberg is a one-man-ResurreXion, Astonishing X-Men #15 is a shining example of why.

I don't place blame on the creative team for a forced tie-in issue, but there is very little to enjoy here. Readers of 'Secret Empire' and 'Avengers' alike can skip this forgettable entry.

This may not feel exactly like the Avengers of old, but the enjoyment does. This certainly feels more like a classic Avengers title than the most recent handful of various Avengers titles.

This crossover has been nothing but fun, worthy of collaboration between the two teams. Waid has crafted a swell starting point for readers looking to give both Avengers and Champions a go at this fresh jumping on point.

The fifth installment of this Avengers/Champions crossover is a fast read, but a highly entertaining one at that. Viv Vision and her father are very much the heart of this entire crossover story.

This is a big, bold project for Marvel and these creators. Avengers starts its now weekly story in a classic comic book structure and pace. This issue is much more than merely copying and pasting a handful of comics into one.

"No Surrender" is a big deal on its own merit, not because Marvel wants you to think so. The weekly format and lack of marketing pressure makes it really easy to enjoy this massive Avengers story.

The biggest takeaway from these first three issues is that with Pepe Larraz and David Curiel, there's no shortage of explosive action. A big story like this feels like a summer blockbuster event that we can enjoy without it bleeding into everything else from Marvel.

Avengers: No Surrender has been absolutely dynamite so far. It has exceeded expectations and proved that Marvel is back on track. The 616 is full of life again, with both old and new characters leading the way. Marvel may want to consider another weekly series after this one concludes.

The action hits heavy and the drama carries plenty of weight. AVENGERS: NO ROAD HOME could reestablish Hercules as a premier Marvel character.

In a world littered with too many Spider-People comics, this one stakes a claim on relevance. Peter David and company take advantage of the Legacy bump, even if it's not the easiest story to jump into.

Of all the non-Peter Parker Spider-Man comics that have come out since Spider-Verse, this is one of the most entertaining stories. Scarlet Spidey may have gotten off to a real rough start but hopefully this arc straightens out its trajectory.

Black Bolt is an emotional masterpiece with art that never ceases to blow your brain through the back of your skull. Ahmed and Ward are two creators you need to pay attention to, this series is an absolute triumph.

Even when taking the action to Earth, Ahmed and Ward continue to blow our minds with their vision and execution. Black Bolt is an abstract and unique spectacle that carries a lot of heart at it's core.

Black Bolt is in the same vein as Tom King's Vision. A brilliant, abstract, and unique experience that takes a classic Marvel character into a totally different realm. This collection will be a must-own for every collector.

T'Challa doesn't even appear until the final page of this issue, it's all about the return of the "sound god" Ulysses Klaw. For good measure too, this installment effectively ramps up excitement for the noise that's come to Wakanda and his eventual showdown with Black Panther. It's also a great entry point for readers not already subscribed to Coates' Wakandan adventures.

Leonard Kirk, Laura Martin, and Matt Milla hammer home the sentiment that Wakanda is a grand nation like no other. The culture, drama, politics, and unique appeal are easier to digest and carry a major weight of importance thanks to art as competent as the script.

Coates is leading us towards a massive showdown while keeping the intricate web of subplots moving along. This must be a chore for anyone jumping on late, but those following from chapter one are getting payoffs, ever so slightly, each issue.

Kirk and Martin prove they can handle the driver's seat any time they need to. This issue is an impressive display of the storytelling power of art by way of exhilarating action sequences.

Black Panther #1 is a major home run every way you slice it. Top to bottom, it's a dazzling spectacle. Ta-Nehisi Coates continues to build on his already impressive legacy at Marvel, this generates even more excitement for his upcoming Captain America as well.

Black Science is one of the greatest sci-fi comic books of all-time. Remender's pulsating scripts and Scalera's intricate chaos make this a title you'll never forget. Issue #31 is a masterpiece, a beautiful culmination of every disaster the dimensionauts left behind.

Embrace this book, celebrate this book, share this book. An industry inspired by what these creators are doing here is a healthy one. We could all use a little more Black Science in our lives one way or another.

Black Science #34 is a perfect example of why this is one of the best comic books in the industry. On the surface there's gigantic tapestries of gorgeous chaos to get lost in. At the core there's a tragic tale of redemption that goes for the gut.

BLACK SCIENCE is a masterpiece that every science fiction fan should read.

BLACK SCIENCE is a gorgeous sci-fi masterpiece.

Doop is the G.O.A.T. but the art in this issue is atrocious. This issue was a major disappointment and will probably do a lot of damage for those on the fence with Marvel who were excited for this title.

Cable's cast of fan-favorite Mutants overshadows the stringy, thin looking artwork. Even with a rather dull color pallet too, it's undeniably appealing for any X-Men fan to see these characters operate together.

At certain points Bastion makes this sound like a kid playing with his action figures, but at the same time has its own over-the-top 90s charm. This time-jumping mutant soap opera is a blast.

This is what the comic community has been asking for, Waid and Samnee deliver exactly what they needed to. Whether you enjoyed Secret Empire or not, Cap returning to form inspires a lot of hope in a time where we could really use some.

We all knew this would be good, yet Waid/Samnee/Wilson still found ways to exceed expectations. Captain America is a comic book that'll no doubt bring a smile to your face and a swell to your heart as you utter "I f*cking love comics" to yourself.

What a good ol' fashioned comic book full of twists and turns! Mark Waid and Chris Samnee are effortlessly reminding us why we love Captain America, but comic books in general.

This could end up being one of those Captain America runs that finds its way onto essential reading lists for the character. The tone, look, plot, and structure is exactly what it should be. Captain America's creative team seems to be up to the task. If this issue is any indication, we're in for a real great series.

CAPTAIN AMERICA #3 is another solid issue, the more emotional weight that gets piled onto Steve, the more complicated his circumstances become.

This may not be the fresh start some of us were looking for, but it's not a lost cause. The art is sharp and almost warrants a read completely on its own. The main cast isn't poorly written, it's just not an interesting story they're currently in. Hopefully the Alpha Cadets get left behind and Alpha Flight takes their services back into space sooner than later.

Readers will find themselves as confused as Carol at first, but by the end this "dark-mirror-verse" story gives enough incentive to pick up the next issue.

It's not a horrible comic book, it's just very bland. I don't understand why nobody can fix Carol after CWII, but the pieces are clearly here. With a movie on the horizon and cosmic Marvel healthier and healthier each week, a Captain Marvel book worthy of the character should become a priority.

This issue had moments where it felt like it was dragging its feet, especially given that we haven't actually gotten to our main villain. The character interactions and blossoming chemistry outweigh my growing impatience. The High Evolutionary is an all-time great Marvel villain, I anxiously await his arrival.

It remains to be seen how strong both of these titles are away from each other, but so far this crossover has more than delivered for both teams. Four issues in and it's avoided dragging its feet, instead it's getting better the more it unfolds.

The Champions come out of "Worlds Collide" as a stronger bunch. Even with Nova threatening to leave, this new mess they find themselves in should be fun to sort out.

Champions is shaping up to be one of the stronger Marvel Legacy offerings. The mixture of carefree youth and intriguing comic book drama makes this an important title. This offers plenty to the reader no matter what age.

COSMIC GHOST RIDER DESTROYS MARVEL HISTORY #1 does nothing for fans of Cosmic Ghost Rider, Marvel history, or comedy. Future Frank's first time away from Donny Cates is an absolute chore.

Charles Soule and Ron Garney have a remarkable chemistry, perfectly accented by Matt Milla. 'Daredevil' #26 is carefully crafted superhero triumph. This run is one of Marvel's brightest shining series, a future classic.

This arc is shaping up to be a satisfying culmination of the preceding stories with a major shake-up thanks to Fisk. Readers who haven't been following Soule's stellar run should have no trouble diving into this arc here. Soule's been telling classic Daredevil tales long before Marvel Legacy began, but now he seems to be raising the bar even higher.

Charles Soule's run on Daredevil is a staple of Marvel's lineup over the last two years. It's consistently one of the best comics and keeps finding ways to evolve and get even better. The more Soule flexes his lawyer muscles, the better.

Daredevil #600 pushes the story into new territory in multiple layers. There's still clearly a lot for Charles Soule to say about Hell's Kitchen, let's hope he stays on the title for a long time.

Horn head is in good hands with Chip Zdarsky behind the wheel. DAREDEVIL #1 is a great starting point for new readers and a change of pace for veteran fans.

Daredevil continues to be one of the best books Marvel is putting out. It doesn't rely on over-the-top superhero action or even much comedy. Zdarsky is delivering a compelling story and continuing to show that he's a superstar talent.

Zdarsky's DAREDEVIL is essential comic book reading.

While this isn't a game changing Darkhawk issue to drool over, it's a solid comic book. Successfully bringing both new and old readers up to speed before Powell takes on the new Raptor fraternity. If this were an ongoing, I would most certainly continue reading it.

DCEASED is an absolute blast for comic and horror fans alike.

Whether you're ready to say goodbye to grumpy Logan yet or not, this final chapter of his story looks to be a satisfying and fitting end. Dead Man Logan respects the characters and stories that came before. Where the issues are with Logan in the art, there is strength to literally every other character.

Remender and Craig created something special with 'Deadly Class'. With the old and new of King's Dominion coming together, the series is better than it's ever been. We go into a four month break on the edge of our seats, butt cheeks fully clenched.

How long does this series have to continue being fantastic for it to get more attention? Perhaps if the SyFy Deadly Class pilot gets picked up, the comic will gain the larger audience it deserves.

Deadly Class is among the elite ongoing comic book series. This spectacular thirty-fifth issue is a true testament to how addicting and well-crafted this title can be.

DEADLY CLASS continues to be one of the best long-running ongoing comic books. Remender, Craig, and Boyd are another level.

DEATH OF THE INHUMANS #5 fails to meet the hype setup by the previous issues. It's a solid read but falls flat in it's finale.

Image has another hit on their hands. Death Or Glory is like a Tarantino story told in a modern Speed Racer-type aesthetic. It's a series you can confidently invest your time in!

Top-to-bottom, Defenders is not only the best superhero team book at Marvel, but in all of comic books right now. Throw in Deadpool and another surprise player at the end and this tale gets taken to the next level.

It will be a sad day when this book is done way too early. It's a masterpiece in every way. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it certainly reminds everyone the potential there is in what these books are capable of being. If Bendis leaving marks the end of this title, at least keep this art team together for another book.

Bendis leaving Marvel is exciting for the sake of change at the "Big 2" but at the expense of this series, I don't know if it's worth it. Defenders will leave a gaping hole in Marvel's lineup.

All the action and ass kicking leads to the grand finale. Deadpool removing his own arm to replace it with Cable's in order to chase him through time, with his own little arm avatar taking over for Belle is exactly the kind of bloody lunacy I want.

Hopefully Duggan and company explore even more of the despicable going forward. With so many Deadpool Vs. comics out there, Despicable Deadpool is proving that just pairing him with Cable is always the best course to take.

This Cable and Deadpool reunion has been enjoyable. Nothing new to their dynamic, not letting nostalgia drag down their current standing, just a solid read. Scott Koblish and Nick Filardi take full advantage of Wade's change of heart, painting the walls of every panel with bloody carnage.

Cable and Stryfe both have their time travel back-up plans that get them out of everything as this story wraps up. Duggan and the art team keep delivering a more despicable Deadpool again without overdoing it.

This is the perfect comic for anybody who was feeling Deadpool fatigue but still have a soft spot in their heart for the mouthy merc'.

Despicable Deadpool #300 checks all the boxes, delivers some surprises, and is the perfect punctuation for the end of Duggan's fantastic run with the character. Now that's all behind us and Deadpool will be getting his own "fresh start."

Black Hammer is one of the most refreshing corners of the comic book industry. These spin-off series have proved to be completely necessary in building this world into something bigger. Dark Horse is 2-for-2 so far with these spin-offs. As long as they keep taking us new and unique places, keep them coming.

Loki being the Sorcerer Supreme is a bold decision, one that pays off immediately. This is a perfect jumping on point for new readers, without losing those of us who have been following along since Aaron's run. This could easily become a new dream team for Marvel with Cates, Walter, and Bellaire doing top-notch work.

This Doctor Strange series is already a major triumph from a monumental creative dream team. After only two issues, this is a can't miss comic. You can safely assume anything with Donny Cates involved is head-to-toe a spectacle you'll not soon forget.

Cates, Walta, and Bellaire are a dynamite creative trio operating on a different wavelength than the rest of us. Gorgeous art, great dialogue, and a script full of magical twists and turns makes this a must-read for every Marvel fan.

It's an amazing time for Doctor Strange fandom. Donny Cates' bag of tricks and ideas is clearly very deep. Walta and Bellaire build even more on the major artistic accomplishment that was Vision.

This is by no means a bad comic book, it just doesn't come close to matching the energy that the previous creators had been injecting into the character. There are plenty of places to go in space so there's plenty of hope that it's all uphill from here. We've been spoiled with Doctor Strange wackiness lately. Perhaps we're now coming down from that high, crashing like a Stark-made rocket ship on an uncharted planet.

Doctor Strange: Damnation gets off to a highly entertaining start. Cates, Spencer, and Reis exceed expectations and see their gambles turn to profit immediately.

There is no one true protagonist, readers find their own faction to root for as the world approaches the apocalypse. It's an element that isn't featured in comic books very often. The actions of each character mean more when the reader is invested into each of them for different reasons.

Extermination #1 is a bold statement that it's time to move forward again for our favorite mutant heroes. It's been long overdue, but it seems like the timing couldn't be better.

EXTERMINATION will be essential X-Men reading going forward. It's loaded with everything you want out of an X-Men story.

Zac Thompson and Lonnie Nadler give our boy Cable a proper sendoff. This is a heartfelt tale of loss and family featuring the criminally underused Hope Summers.

With six issues in the bank now, the direction this title is headed in looks as promising as a comic book could possibly be. Daniel Warren Johnson is doing something special here and it more than deserves the attention of all comic book readers.

Extremity started as a brutal and tragic sci-fi war epic. It ended up having a lot more to say about family, tradition, and purpose. This is a limited series that shouldn't be soon forgotten. Keep an eye out for anything Daniel Warren Johnson works on in any medium.

Sam's tenure as Captain America and betrayal by Steve Rogers has him in uncharted territory. The fallout has him in a weird head space. Fortunate for readers that's going to make for great super hero stories as he tries to confront Chicago gang violence.

Falcon and Patriot's new partnership, and budding friendship, is the heart of this book. Sam having a young partner to mentor should be the driving force to him growing past the darkness in his rear view mirror. Rodney Barnes has good handle on the duo, tapping into their potential confidently.

Similar to how Reed and Sue feel about their kids growing up too fast, FF #2's pace could be problematic for those looking to take their time with our long lost Fantastic Four members.

If you love you some Benjamin J. Grimm, you'll find plenty to like about this story!

A perfect compliment to Spencer & Ottley's ASM. This is a book that every die-hard Spidey fan will appreciate.

FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN is a constant reminder of why you love Spider-Man down to your core. Tom Taylor is the perfect ying to Nick Spencer's yang with these two Spidey titles.

FUTURE FOUNDATION #1 is far from perfect but sets up some Multiversal drama that FF fans won't want to miss.

Generation-X isn't a perfect book, but it's certainly enjoyable. What X-Men fan doesn't love the little guys? The mutants with silly powers? They're an important portion of the mutant population. Hopefully this isn't the last we see of Christina Strain at Marvel.

Strain, Pinna, and Sobreiro have all trimmed the fat and hit their stride together. Gen-X has matured and evolved into the unique coming-of-age mutant book it was destined to be.

GIDEON FALLS is a triumph for both horror and comic books.

This Guardians Of The Galaxy series has it all. Whether you're an old school cosmic Marvel fan or coming straight from the movies, this book will meet your criteria. Duggan and his rotation of brilliant artists make this a must-read series. Cosmic Marvel is coming back in a big way and this is the epicenter.

Duggan and company continue to repopulate and prioritize the outer space of the 616 universe. The quest for infinity stones has barely begun, but already this feels like we're scratching the surface of a classic Marvel space epic. Duggan also introduced a twist on the infinity stone discovered this issue, which is the first of its kind.

Guardians Of The Galaxy continues to be one of the brightest shining stars in the Marvel cosmic galaxy. Gerry Duggan and his artists are a godsend. This run has been spectacular, to abandon it would be a travesty. Gerry, please don't go anywhere.

The next issue is sadly the last of this ongoing series. We're promised something exciting is to follow the finale, and what a finale it's shaping up to be. It'll be a real shame if Duggan, To, and Herring part ways in whatever's next for our favorite cosmic scoundrels.

This brilliant Guardians Of The Galaxy ongoing series comes to end, but mostly just in name. We'll probably see another book on the other end of Infinity Countdown, depending on how well it does. Gerry Duggan is a supernova cosmic Marvel talent, to let his intergalactic vision go to waste would be a travesty. Kuder, To, and Herring have also used this series to firmly stake their claim on a chunk of cosmic real estate.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY is perfection for both longtime fans and new readers alike. In Cates & Shaw we trust.

Donny Cates' GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY hasn't reached its full potential yet but it's a solid read regardless.

Geoff Shaw has been carrying the team while we wait for this GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY run to really take-off.

Cates' GOTG is a doom metal soaked blast.

Hawkeye is one of the best titles at Marvel and not getting enough credit. Kelly Thompson, Leonardo Romero, and Jordie Bellaire are a dynamite creative team. Kate Bishop is a national treasure and deserves to be treated as such. All thanks to Kelly Thompson's work developing the character fully into her own.

Hawkeye is a book ending way too soon, clearly this creative team has a lot more to say with these characters. This arc is every bit as beautiful and quirky as it should be. This certainly isn't a book that every superhero fan is going to love across the board, but it will likely build upon the cult status it's already garnering.

Heroes In Crisis #1 is an extremely heavy read, it forces readers to contemplate another side of being a superhero and the toll that it takes. There are a ton of questions yet to be answered, it will be virtually impossible to read this first issue and not pick up the second.

There are a few minor annoyances but the sentiment is still there in full force. Heroes In Crisis is still very much a mystery that we're to solve along with the characters. It's going to be a journey with plenty of emotional bumps and memorable moments.

This is not a drill. HOUSE OF X is the most important X-Men comic in 30 years. ALL HAIL LORD HICKMAN.

If you've ever enjoyed X-Men to ANY degree, you need to be reading this right now.

Brilliant, beautiful, edge-of-your-seat drama.

HOUSE OF X is absolutely astounding. This is the most important moment in X-Men history since 1963.

We leave this issue with way more questions than when we came in. The good news is these mysteries are interesting and Logan seems to be in good hands. The bad news is that you'll have to be a little more alert and aware in making sure you don't miss any chapters in this story.

We don't see Wolverine in the flesh, but this issue takes a more interesting approach than expected. You'll be entertained enough not to care whether or not Logan ever appears.

We'll have to keep reading to find out, but this issue took big steps towards this being more than just another horror anthology. Ice Cream Man #4 managed to give us all these questions and tell another effective horror story up front. The next issue isn't coming until July so we've plenty of time to theorize!

Bobby coming out and learning how to act on his true feelings should be the emotional core of this book. Instead, it's a chore to get through. Instead of Bobby discovering the real him, the series can be summed up so far as "Iceman is gay, and that's weird, right?"

Iceman isn't much of an X-Men book and it doesn't do anything for Bobby Drake as a character. LGBTQ representation in comic books is important. Readers looking for a compelling gay hero can look elsewhere as the industry is full of better options.

Sina Grace is still working out the kinks but this issue is an improvement. Gill and Rosenberg carry the bulk of duty to entertain the reader. Iceman struggles to give you anything to take with you afterwards other than some fun situational dialogue.

It's a chore to read this series every month, which is a shame because in theory it could've worked. Nothing against Sina Grace, I just don't think his brand of storytelling translates here and this comic ends up feeling uninspired.

Immortal Hulk is a truly fresh and interesting take on a character that could use a shakeup. Al Ewing has been deserving more attention for long enough, hopefully this creative series will catapult him into getting the credit he deserves.

Al Ewing's IMMORTAL HULK run is as monumental and surprising as Tom King's VISION was a few years ago.

"Return To Planet Hulk" gets off to a great start, hellbent on winning over skeptics and the anti-Amadeus community. It's time to give this Hulk a chance as we revisit Sakaar with the same man who took us there the first time.

The peripheral characters and plot is hard to follow. It's tough to differentiate factions and motivations despite a valiant effort by Greg Land and Frank D' Armata. The Mad Max landscape with a heavy shade of gamma is tastefully portrayed. So far, this return to Sakaar has been mostly a blast.

"Return To Planet Hulk" isn't a story to challenge the minds of its readers. However, it is one that certainly keeps us entertained with dazzling fight sequences and interesting creature designs. Which is exactly what it needed to be.

A weak script and confusing plot makes this the weakest issue in an otherwise stellar series. Maleev and Hollingsworth still deliver, making it impossible to call this issue a total loss.

Infinity Countdown #5 doesn't really do all that much to actually set up what's coming in Infinity Wars Prime. What we do get is Doctor Strange beginning to assemble all the infinity stone wielders to sort out the inevitable impending threat. For the record, it's awesome that Stilt-Man has an infinity stone.

Infinity Countdown is shaping up to be a gigantic part of every Marvel fan's summer reading. We appear to be in more than capable hands and heading for some magnificent cosmic fun.

Infinity Wars #1 isn't exactly the cosmic explosion some of us were looking for, but it's still a pretty great issue. Gerry Duggan has proven time and again that he's got the goods, nothing he does is by accident.

Infinity Wars #2 doesn't necessarily drum up a ton of excitement for the next issue, or this story in general. This isn't the finest work by Duggan or Deodato. For the love of God (DOOM), get this story off Earth already!

INFINITY WARS #5 is a fun and explosive epic that can be enjoyed regardless of your cosmic Marvel cred.

Infinity Wars Prime gets the ball rolling. Gerry Duggan continues to make his mark on cosmic Marvel. This story feels like a true culmination of everything he's been writing since All-New GOTG.

Comic books are always best when there's an element of mystery. There's a lot more going on here than just bringing Tony Stark back eventually, Invincible Iron Man promises to be as grand as Legacy needs it to be.

Alternating between Alex Maleev and Stefano Caselli's art make the telling of two stories a fun and easy read. Bendis seems to be foreshadowing a return to villainy by way of face burning. If that's the case, there's no better artist to handle it than Maleev. Doom is in good hands.

As divided as fans seem to be on Riri Williams, the landscape of Iron Man comics is better now than it was before Bendis first handled an arc reactor. It'll be interesting to see where these characters go with a new writer behind the wheel.

Gritty and dark with explosive action and detailed sequences, Mike Perkins draws a very convincing Kung-Fu comic.

The Serpent Society, mysterious enemies of K'un L'un, an army of mystical warriors, Iron Fist & Sabretooth all pursuing the same magical book. Those are the ingredients to a classic Iron Fist comic book.

These two share a inexplicably wondering chemistry, tastefully mined by Ed Brisson. The winner of "Iron Fist vs. Sabretooth" is the reader.

Mike Perkins and Andy Troy do wonders for the story with the direction they've chosen for the art. Ed Brisson has many tools in his writer's toolbox. This is a highly entertaining story that doesn't use Iron Fist as a crutch. We could spend any amount of time with any of these characters and Brisson would keep us turning the pages.

Jean Grey #5 may be the weakest installment so far, but not enough to warrant concern. Dennis Hopeless' voice for Jean is superb and an absolute joy. This issue suffers from the supporting characters falling flat in comparison to the previous guests.

This is a sandbox with so much to play with inside, the opportunity isn't squandered by writer or artist. Jean Grey was one of the strongest X-Men titles before Marvel Legacy, there's no reason to believe it won't continue shining as bright. The approaching Phoenix spells even more thrills on the way.

This is the best Jean Grey we've ever seen, hands down. Never before has she been so familiar and appealing.

This is a comic in which the art is so drenched in photorealism that it relies heavily on the script to make it pop. Unfortunately, this script was dull and the art never really gets a chance to go anywhere.

If this is your first Jessica Jones experience, it's probably great. For the rest of us it's just a lot more of the same.

With a heavy dose of Purple, this was the best issue of this arc. Jessica dropped the ball, big time. We should expect Bendis to go big in his final farewell to one of his most beloved characters.

Justice League #1 is exactly what it needed to be. Scott Snyder and his creative team do not disappoint on the big stage when DC needs a JL resurrection. The Hall Of Justice's doors are open again, to everyone, and the DC Universe is much better for it.

"Drowned Earth" looks to be Snyder's first stab at a classic JL tale. He's got a great voice for every character, a fresh and interesting premise, and gorgeous art by Francis Manapul. Justice League #10 is a superb opening number for what looks to be a very promising crossover story.

Dylan and Kira makeup one of the most realistic relationships in comic books. Brubaker has an unrivaled ability to split open his main character's skull and show you how his brain works. Phillips and Breitweiser are a uniquely dynamic art duo that breathes life into each panel that you can feel in your chest.

Brubaker, Phillips, and Breitweiser clearly weren't satisfied with their handful of Eisner nominations. If they don't clean up on awards next year, it'll be a real shame. Every comic book fan should be reading this series.

KING THOR will do more than just satisfy your thunder-lust.

While it's not technically a poorly put together issue, Legion #1 is disappointing in how bland it is. Whether you're a longtime fan, coming from the TV show, or a new X-Men reader, this introductory issue likely isn't what you wanted from a David Haller story.

Quite possibly the strongest corner of Marvel right now is all of its Defenders books. Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and the Defenders series all make for a very strong lineup of comics.

If those bells the Grandmaster uses to control the prisoners sound familiar while you're reading, it's from this Dr. Dre classic.

Another Marvel book with loads of potential falls flat and ultimately comes to a quick ending. Walker's voice for Cage shouldn't go to waste, hopefully Marvel gives him another shot and more creative space.

"CAGED!" felt like it could've been told in 2-3 issues max. This final chapter is the most fun this arc has been. David F. Walker deserves another shot at a team book that features Luke Cage as this series has been cancelled.

This comic is shocking, twisted, and often hilarious. Maestros takes the tired concept of wizardry and injects a heavy bit of insanity. Steve Skroce has himself a major winner.

Mr. Liefeld, we get it. You created a lot of characters that are worth a lot of money now that they're in successful movies. We appreciate what you've done for the industry during your time, but that time is over. Comics have come so far since then and for good reason.

Marvel Legacy is officially upon us. We now enter a new era for Marvel Comics, it's shaping up to be an exciting and quite healthy one if this issue is any indication.

Zdarsky proves he was exactly the right man for the job. Jim Cheung and Frank Martin knock it out of the park, this is the most important comic of Marvel Legacy thus far.

Marvel Two-In-One is everything that Marvel Legacy's mission statement promised. Zdarsky is flexing so many writing muscles effectively and the art team is spectacular.

This is shaping up to be one of the best Fantastic Four titles not starring the regular roster. Similar to Fraction & Allred's FF run, it's a fresh examination at how important the "First Family" is. All while spending some valuable and entertaining time with some different characters.

Dalibor Talajic's art has the essence of an old Kung Fu movie, successfully hammering home the intended tone along with Erick Arciniega's color. Unfortunately there isn't much else to grab onto here. Fans of Shang Chi should look to the recent arc of Ed Brisson's Iron Fist for a more satisfying experience worthy of both the character and their time.

It's not afraid to be dumb fun when it needs to be, any kid can pick this up and dive in. Monsters Unleashed is also not a hollow reading experience, there's more to the story than giant monster fights. I would recommend this for any young reader.

Disney should consider turning Lunella and her T-Rex into a cartoon at this point. She's a fantastic character and a potential hit that could bridge to other Marvel characters constantly.

Moon Girl (And No Devil Dinosaur) is one of the FF torch bearers. Lunella is one of the most important and likable characters for Marvel. Montclaire and the art team keep things light but never fully drift into children's book territory.

Following the Jeff Lemire and Greg Smallwood run is no easy task. Moon Knight's Marvel Legacy debut proves that Bemis and company are not only up for the challenge, but could possibly raise the bar even higher. This is a must-read book for Moon Knight fans, Marvel fans, and comic book fans in general.

Moon Knight is a brutal, unforgiving, truly terrifying, and unforgettable experience. Max Bemis, Jacen Burrows, Mat Lopes, Guillermo Ortego, and Cory Petit are an absolute dream team. Every way you slice it, this comic is one you cannot afford to miss.

Moon Knight is a comic that delivers on every front. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the character, this kind of craftsmanship is impossible to deny.

Ms. Marvel makes its Legacy debut without Kamala Khan, but instead we get a tone setting example of Wilson's skill for writing teens.

A strong youthful spirit and stylish art keep Ms. Marvel readers satisfied without its leading lady.

New Super-Man has been one of the most underrated titles for DC Rebirth, standing very much on its own. Unfortunately, Suicide Squad's involvement hurt more than helped, averting our attention from the plot threads that were more interesting.

This is by no means a worthless comic book, it just doesn't hit all the notes it needs to for this to sing. It's also not an easy read for anyone who started reading Nightwing comics with this series.

I don't think anyone was expecting this to be a bombshell. Even so, it feels like more of a wasted opportunity for Marvel to earn some trust back with those who have abandoned the publisher. Either way, there are some good chuckles in here.

Old Man Logan debuts for Marvel Legacy in beautifully brutal fashion. Brisson, Deodato, and Martin are a dynamite team that makes readers feel every punch and splatter of blood. This story kicks off what should be another memorable Tokyo visit by our elderly pal with the Adamantium claws.

Now at thirty-two issues, Old Man Logan is still firing on all cylinders. Brisson, Deodato Jr., and Frank Martin are a powerhouse team delivering a brutal and effective comic sure to become essential reading for Wolverine fans.

Ed Brisson, Mike Deodato Jr., and Frank Martin are making Old Man Logan matter so much more than just a side note in the Wolverine continuity. Stunning layouts, a thoughtful script, and brutal violence solidify this series among the best at Marvel.

Another trip to the Wastelands makes for an exciting premise, this opening chapter may lack a detailed script but more than makes up for it in character. Also there will be DOOM and you can never go wrong with Dr. D. That Mt. Doommore was a glorious and promising sight.

Disappointing so far, not looking for a Deadpool book dressed up in webs.

This is turning out to be a solid Spidey book after all. Zdarsky has a handle on both Peter Parker and his wall-crawler alter-ego. Spectacular Spider-Man enters Marvel Legacy with an exciting story putting Pete in a really rough spot, but he has his new BFF, JJJ. Their relationship is the core right now, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Now that Zdarsky has settled in to writing Spidey, this feels more like home. Spectacular Spidey is now in full stride. One of the most satisfying things at Marvel right now is Chip writing JJJ.

Spectacular Spidey has really come into its own now that the tone is more realized and cemented. We approach the big #300 with plenty of momentum.

The message here is clear, if you've been skeptical about buying back into X-Men comics, this will be the be-all end-all. Matthew Rosenberg and the rest of this creative team seem to know they have delicate material in their hands. This first issue certainly buys some major goodwill.

Phoenix Resurrection is happening fast, hop on now before you get left behind. This is way bigger and better than any of the previews made it out to be. Matthew Rosenberg is doing big things without needing to halt an entire line of comic books.

A major push forward needs to happen in the next issue or this runs the risk of losing impatient readers.

Ultimately, the cinematic scope and eerie atmosphere make up for a frustratingly slow pace. Despite its flaws, we'll still be on the edge of our seat next issue as Logan approaches that diner.

In the age where nobody is satisfied with anything, even when it's tailor-made for them, this book manages to take home a win. The original Jean Grey is successfully back in our lives. Phoenix Resurrection. continues the trend of righting the X-Men ship and buying the goodwill of fans back

'Port Of Earth' is an easily digestible, high-concept sci-fi examination of human response. It's a beautifully dark book that asks important questions and introduces readers to world we'll certainly want to spend more time in.

While it's not an absolutely perfect book, there's more than plenty to love about Port Of Earth. As the series continues, and we get to know our cast more, this could potentially be one of the top sci-fi comics heading into 2018.

There's still plenty to explore and discover with the series, Port Of Earth is clearly still just scratching the surface. It may not be perfect, but there's plenty to grab onto.

Power Pack #63 is a fun trip down memory lane that stands on its own. The Marvel Legacy one-shots are off to a wonderful start.

This is the kind of bold and effective shake-up that only comes along once every decade. There's nothing else like this in Marvel/DC history.

POWERS OF X #3 is highly satisfying and masterfully executed.

My biggest issue with the art is Frank looking exactly like Jon Bernthal. We should be past the point where artists try to emulate the film versions of these characters, and not the other way around. When the War Machine suit gets its big reveal page, it looks god awful. Iron Manatee hopefully gets a makeover when Frank slaps a skull on the front of it.

Matthew Rosenberg keeps this wacky time in Punisher comics straight forward and tasteful. This could've easily been a disaster, but instead it's exactly what it needed to be.

The final scene and page set up this series to be the best kind of Punisher story"a war story. With all the players set and the starting line gun having been fired, The Punisher promises to be a highly-entertaining bloodbath.

'The Realm' wastes no time, grabbing readers by the throat and dragging through a dark and mysterious landscape. This is a world I want to spend a lot of time and I don't even like the fantasy genre. First issues don't get much better than this!

Lobdell is delivering the best stories we've seen about this trio of characters on their own. 'Red Hood & The Outlaws' continues to be an emotional rollercoaster that packs a gut punch.

Redlands heads into 2018 as one of the most interesting and intoxicating new series. This sexy, mysterious, and beautiful looking horror comic is a major accomplishment for everyone involved.

Return Of Wolverine #1 fires on all cylinders. This is exactly what we've been waiting for and more. Steve McNiven puts on a spectacular show while Charles Soule begins taking us on a blood-covered mystery. This epic return of our favorite mutant is stupendous in every possible way.

Return Of Wolverine #2 is a clear step down from the first installment in pretty much every single way. Soule and Shalvey disappoint with this skippable issue following what was an absolutely perfect kick-off in chapter one. Outside of a surprisingly interesting debut for Logan's "hot claws," there's nothing of note or much craft to even digest.

Rogue & Gambit #1 begins in spectacular fashion. Thompson, Prez, and D'Armata are bringing their A-game to a comic that will undoubtedly mean a lot to some very passionate fans. An already healthy time for X-Men comics gets even healthier. Kelly Thompson deserves more Marvel titles.

It's almost Kirby-esque in how colorful and complex these cosmic layouts are. That alone makes it worthy of the Legacy banner.

Inhumans are back to prominence in all the right ways with Royals and Black Bolt both setting a new standard.

It's a major feat to have this great of an Inhumans book without much Black Bolt involvement. Even with Gorgon and Medusa's uncomfortable relationship, this series takes the characters to new heights as they explore the galaxy.

'Saga' continues to stay fresh, unique, and inspiring. Issue #48 is a major delight for Ghs fans. BKV and Fiona Staples are top talents that won't quit, comics in the 21st century owe a lot to this series.

Secret Empire#6 is another fine installment in the story that's legitimately shaken Marvel to its core. There are some very deep lines drawn in the sand and plenty of mystery left to unfold. This is what I wanted from a Civil War II and it's funny that Spencer mentions that dumpster fire a number of times in this. The only thing making CWII carry any relevance is Spencer tying up the loose ends.

In the end, Secret Empire had its flaws but was a fun ride. Nick Spencer did his best to navigate all the red tape and fanboy land mines, while delivering a solid event that ties up this era of Marvel in a nice bow.

Javier Garrn and Will Robson use a cartoony style to tell this story, which even further illustrates the youthful sentiment. This particular approach works well for characters and their reactions, as well as the action scenes. For other characters, like Karnak, it doesn't translate as well.

Secret Warriors is one of the best team books around. A light-hearted, and often hilarious, comic that packs a major punch with stakes that carry significant weight. It's easy to fall in love with this cast of charmers, if you hadn't already. Not only are the characters infectious, but this is a goddamn gorgeous book too.

With only one issue left, one of the best under-the-radar comics for Marvel approaches it's finale. I sincerely hope this team gets another shot if the animated movie is successful.

This is a really solid finale for a series that has a passionate cult following. Matt Rosenberg keeps us entertained and laughing while providing some closure that we need.

Seven To Eternity is a must-read sci-fi comic. Whether you come for the spectacular art or masterful storytelling, you'll leave satisfied with both. Every inch of this world oozes creativity and grandiose, it's a delightful masterpiece.

Another classic Marvel villain returns as Jennifer Walters finds herself in a new mess. Her friendship with Hellcat is one of the realest feeling relationships in Marvel comics. Jahnoy Lindsay's art keeps up and fleshes out the incredibly plotted conversation pieces that give this comic a spectacular human element.

This issue is most likely the victim of bad news. Having to wrap-up an arc and quickly transition to your series finale all of a sudden doesn't usually make for a compelling comic book.

Sherlock Frankensteinis a home-run, hopefully we can expect morespin-offs like this in the future. If you're aBlack Hammerfan, don't miss this book.

There's not much of the Wild Pack, mostly just Silver Sable, but thats perfectly fine. This is easily the best Marvel Legacy one-shot. I wouldn't mind reading a monthly series, but with Nick Fury's recent failure to secure an audience it's not likely.

'Slots' is a sleazy, gritty tale of a charming scumbag and his colorful supporting cast. Smartly crafted, and beautifully illustrated, the series promises to bring the best and worst out of Vegas' innards.

Spider-Geddon gets started in the right way, with an emphasis on fun. What could've easily been a cheap sequel nobody needed will end up being a joyride through the multiverse of Spider-People. It's a good time to be a fan of any Spider-Man (except Noir and UK).

Spider Gwen's hyper-stylized art is extremely appealing, adding a layer of youthful spirit. This isn't just a fresh take on Venom through the narrative, but a unique take on the costume as well. Robbi Rodriguez and Rico Renzi pull their own weight as far as keeping this book fresh and distinctive.

"Gwenom" is the most fun a symbiote story has been in a long time. Latour keeps the plot loaded with twists, turns, and interesting takes on familiar faces. Robbi Rodriguez and Rico Renzi keep this coming fresh, unique, and undeniably appealing.

Spider-Gwen continuously makes the case for "elseworld" tales. When crafted this well, they become so much more than just a distorted mirror.

Spider-Man Annual #1 raises more Miles Morales continuity questions, but we aren't going to hold that against the creative team. If you can close your mind off to question marks and just enjoy what's in your hands, this is a great contained story that showcases what makes Miles and Peter both similar and different.

If you're someone who loves Miles but hasn't enjoyed his time in the 616, this is the time to jump back in. The Legacy course correction could succeed where Spider-Men II has failed in recapturing the essence that drew us all to Miles in the first place.

Miles versus Uncle Aaron will hopefully be Bendis going out on a high note. Otherwise, we're all ready for a new writer to breathe some new life into what should be one of Marvel's best comics.

We finally get to the uncle/nephew Spider-Men showdown, if only for a brief moment. The more we explore that gigantic revelation, and these little Sinister Six moments, the better.

The character deserves better, the time has come to pass the torch.

Deadpool fatigue was a real thing for a while, Marvel seems to be toning it back a bit. Robbie Thompson tastefully delivers a fun Deadpool without leaning too heavily into the jokes. There's no better time than now to give Spider-Man/Deadpool a try. It's a wacky, fun book that pokes fun at both characters efficiently enough to entertain fans of both.

Keeping the creative teams on rotation keeps it from getting stale. Marvel is getting pretty good at playing a revolving team to their favor. Thompson and Bachalo work great together, a fine example showing that creators are adjusting to the rapid pace of output as well.

Spider-Man/Deadpool reaches the twenty-five issue milestone in a much better place than it began. The supporting cast is delightful and lessens the load our web-slinger and mouthy merc' would have to carry otherwise.

Wheelchair wall-crawling, Deadpool deception, old treasures from past adventures, this issue is fully loaded. This is my way-too-early front-runner for favorite single issue of 2018.

SPIDER-MAN: LIFE STORY is a perfectly remastered and consolidated history lesson for both longtime fans and newcomers.

Spirits Of Vengeance #1 provides a spectacular jumping-on point for a book sporting some underused fan favorite characters. It even provides quick profile pages for the four members in the back of the issue.

DC said if Marvel isn't going to make Fantastic Four comics, we will with The Terrifics. Marvel says if DC isn't going to do a proper Justice League Dark, we'll take care of it with Spirits Of Venegance.

Spirits Of Vengeance is an important book for Marvel, learning that it's now a mini-series is unfortunate. Other than Doctor Strange, this is a corner of the 616 we rarely get to journey through. Even if Ghost Rider and Blade get their own series, SOV will be sincerely missed.

There's clearly much more for this creative team to say than what we'll ultimately get after the next issue. Spirits Of Vengeance is a strong example of Marvel wasting potential. This is a side of the 616 that needs more exploration.

A successful Star Wars series requires the creative team to take us to new places and old while operating within the cracks and shadows of the films. That being said, Greg Pak and Phil Noto make a great pair to usher us into this new era ofStar Wars.

Captain Phasma's first solo outing is a pleasant one. It successfully manages to flesh out a character we were hoping would've had more screen time in 'The Force Awakens' while bridging the gap to 'The Last Jedi'.

Thrawn #1 proves there's plenty of story to tell here. The supporting cast pulls its weight without taking the spotlight away from our beautiful blue, future Admiral. This first issue succeeds where other Star Wars minis have failed.

Super Sons #12 is a nice, quiet wrap-up for the crossover story. It doesn't have the youthful glow and spirit that makes this book lovable and unique, but it's a solid effort.

Peter David delivers a solid story and script that Greg Land vomits his art all over.

Lastly, the point of that face mask Bucky wore in The Winter Soldier movie was to hide his identity from the audience and Steve, what purpose does it serve here? It's irritating when our comic book iterations reflect their big screen counterparts for no reason.

This issue was more of a family affair and less of a cosmic epic, but entertaining nonetheless. Space witches, the God Quarry, and the Phoenix Force all add up to a more than enjoyable comic book experience!

The creative team here really came out swinging and delivered on every front. Thanos is a book that nobody knew they needed, it's now a staple of cosmic Marvel and a must-read title.

Thanos keeps taking us new and exciting places we didn't know we needed to explore. This ongoing series, through two creative teams, is one of the best surprises of 2017. COSMIC MARVEL IS ALIVE.

This story keeps getting bigger and better. They're clearly not taking their foot off the gas pedal and delivering the most metal story in comics.

NAMOR: THE BEST DEFENSE is both a great refresher and introduction to the King of Atlantis. Zdarsky has a great voice for the Sub-Mariner.

The Gravediggers Union is a complete package. Wes Craig quickly proves he's got writing chops as this series is unique and superbly crafted.

This issue wasn't great, just fine. That's the problem, Carol should be Marvel's female Superman and I don't think this is the time for this story if that's the goal. Captain Marvel has all the potential and characteristics needed to lead the way, just not the opportunity. It's taking so long to dig her out of this hole, with so many failed relaunches along the way.

Jason Aaron is a top talent in the industry, a top talent for Marvel, and an all-time great for Thor writers. If you aren't reading Mighty Thor right now, you're severely depriving yourself. A run like this doesn't happen very often anymore, and a story this epic is why many of us read comics in the first place, it's a major achievement.

It's tough to follow the gigantic masterpiece that was The Mighty Thor #700, but this certainly keeps the ball rolling. This issue is all about setting the stage for Jane's big finale. Jason Aaron keeps adding to his solidified status as one of the all-time great Thor scribes.

It's an amazing accomplishment, what Aaron has done with Thor. The longevity and effectiveness after all these years never ceases to amaze. We're headed for a big moment in what is easily one of the most prolific eras for Thor comics.

This is an emotional milestone for the title, characters, and creative team. No other "Big 2" comic book is this effective on such a grand scale.

Similarly to Mark Waid's Doctor Strange #1, this debut doesn't quite live up to the preceding Marvel Legacy series. Thor #1 has plenty to hook readers and keep us coming back for more, but the visual approach is troublesome. Thankfully it's Jason Aaron, so we know Thor is in the most capable of hands.

Overall, the book and series are nonstop fun from top to bottom. A perfect balance of lighthearted silliness and explosive ninja action with so much character it'll make your heart swell.

As fun as this was, it was over too soon. That could be said for both the story and title itself. Hopefully this weekly Avengers project isn't the last we'll see of this team, Ewing has plenty left to say and a lot of loose ends to tie up.

Christopher Hastings takes Gwenpool to the next level, wielding her third wall breaking as a powerful narrative tool. If you've been puzzled as to what this series is, or how it's made it to 21 issues, now's the time to jump on.

As skeptical as I may have initially been with this series, I can't get enough of it now that it's hitting its stride. Irene Strychalski's cartooning and Rachelle Rosenberg's vibrant coloring make this is a visual joy to read.

Gwenpool is a blast every issue. It's one of the best comedy series around right now. Don't write this comic off, it packs a lot more than one-note knockoffs of the past.

Another series we shouldn't have to say goodbye to already. Hastings and Gurihiru are working through the cancellation like the rest of us and it's translating into a truly unique comic book experience.

The primer pages in the back are fantastic, a sincere reminder of the Avengers' beginning, and how different all the many incarnations of the team have been.

This issue takes a heavier concept and paints it with a lighter brush. It's a beautiful book that juggles the cast and all their differing views and personalities effortlessly.

With the Avengers books all folding into one weekly series, Uncanny Avengers is the one that will be missed most severely. This has been a top-notch comic about superheroes dealing with obstacles you can't just punch through.

Uncanny X-Men #2 keeps the pace and energy level of the massive introductory issue. This is truly the ResurreXion we were promised by Marvel a year ago. That first batch of Gold and Blue books was an appetizer, now we're back in serious business!

UNCANNY X-MEN #3 could benefit from an occasional pumping of the breaks, but that doesn't keep it from being a fully loaded and exciting X-Men experience.

UNCANNY X-MEN #8 has a healthy balance of everything we need from our favorite mutants.

UNCANNY X-MEN #9 provides plenty of satisfying superhero fights but with not much underneath outside of a handful of character moments.

UNCANNY X-MEN #14 is an extremely satisfying read for anyone who's ever enjoyed an X-Men comic. Matthew Rosenberg is a treasure X-Men fans should cherish.

Rosenberg and Larroca deliver fans a satisfying return for the two most prominent X-Men of all-time.

This book does absolutely nothing for the character, it's a story comic fans have read hundreds of times. Even with the legion of dinosaur people at their disposal, every turn of the page was an expected and boring sense of deja vu.

Those looking for an ultra-violent, anti-hero Venom experience will be disappointed. Instead, this lighter and less serious take on Eddie Brock's brand of justice is as enjoyable as it is stupid. We'll have to wait and see how much of it's charm relies on featuring Kraven and whether or not Venom can still entertain after the hunt is over.

Looking at Kraven The Hunter chase down dinosaurs in the sewers is one of the best examples of why we read comics in the first place. Venom is dumb fun that isn't afraid to be the comic that it is. To expect anything else would be foolish.

WAR OF THE REALMS is a classic Marvel epic in all the best ways.

Simply put, WAR OF THE REALMS rules.

WAR OF THE REALMS is exactly what major crossover epics are supposed to be.

WAR OF THE REALMS is highly entertaining on the biggest scale possible.

WAR OF THE REALMS is a return to form for Marvel events, it's an instant classic that just has fun being a Marvel comic book. This is should be the blueprint for large-scale comic book crossover events going forward; hopefully DC is paying attention as well.

WAR OF THE REALMS is comic book crossover perfection.

NEW AGENTS OF ATLAS shines a spotlight on a corner of Marvel that deserves your attention.

Duke may be the perfect adversary for the Weapon X team, given how much better this issue was than the previous twelve. Being honest with itself makes this Weapon X pill easier to swallow than the ones Duke takes.

West Coast Avengers wastes no time establishing itself as the most fun you can have reading a Marvel comic. There's so much charm, character, heart and hilarity oozing out of each page. It's impossible not to smile the entire time you read.

The first issue of Alien 3 is a quiet setup more than anything, but one that perfectly establishes the tone and atmosphere fans want from the follow-up to Aliens. This is a one-of-a-kind experience for anyone with a love for xenomorphs.

Mariko Tamaki and Juann Cabal show they're more than capable of continuing to build on what Tom Taylor accomplished. X-23 starts off as a perfect compliment to and evolution of All-New Wolverine. This issue should satisfy Laura's fans, X-Men fans, and newcomers to the character.

The era of Kid Cable is a very promising one to start. Ed Brisson keeps stacking onto his X-Men credibility.

This is easily the best Annual issue of Marvel Legacy and ResurreXion combined. Cullen Bunn is on fire, "Poison X" couldn't have a more promising or fun setup. To make things even better, they slapped "CLASSIFIED" labels on the preview covers of issues five and six. Hooray surprises!

A crossover like this, with no grave stake against all of mutant kind, is what has been missing from X-Men comics for so long. This is a light, action-packed adventure with a huge cast of our favorite mutant heroes. ResurreXion was a huge first step in the right direction for X-Books, Legacy should see the X-Men firmly planted as a prominent corner of Marvel Comics again.

Even when the action is clearly setting up future X-Men plots, it's subtle and doesn't take away from the fun we're having here and now. At points, this is just a beautifully rendered history lesson; at other points, it's a cheap excuse to get all of our favorite X-Men together. Either way, it's a satisfying blockbuster story well worth your time.

Now that the dust is settling, Kitty dismantles the Blue team's standing with Magneto. "Mojo Worldwide" might not have been a masterpiece, but both Blue and Gold are going to be stronger books coming out of it. It's exciting to be an X-Men fan again.

Here we are again taking the teenaged X-Men into a new, exciting setting. This may be the only Legacy "hero versus hero" story. However, if it's the X-Kids versus the 2099 mutants, it'll be nearly impossible to feel like AvX, IvX, or any other vX's.

X-Men: Blue #18 is a beautiful comic, bursting at every seam with a tsunami of color. What Cullen Bunn's script lacks in actual story progression, it makes up for in character interaction and development.

Part three of this story was going to be the make-or-break issue, tilting the scale heavily onto the positive side. Cullen Bunn is doing his finest X-Men work with an art team hellbent on keeping the explosive and bright spirit of X-Men drama alive and well.

R. B. Silva, Adriano Di Benedetto, and Rain Beredo are an artistic force to be reckoned with. The colorful and lively art is a major factor in the book's consistent appeal. These are some of the best action sequences in Marvel comics, every page is bursting with color. It's like biting into a Gusher filled with color.

"Mojo Worldwide" gets off to a strong start. The Gold/Blue crossover features a giant cast of mutants, politically relevant antagonist, and an X-Men comic history lesson. There's not much more you could want!

Keeping this crossover on a weekly release schedule will keep it from getting stale. This is an easily digestible story that pokes fun at the X-Men continuity in a tasteful way, using the most tasteless but enjoyable villain.

There's still plenty of wonderfully big set pieces and layouts, but this installment doesn't have much to differentiate itself from the previous issue. It's an average issue but the overall crossover isn't tainted. However, there is a sigh of relief seeing that the next chapter will be the conclusion.

Taking the X-Men off-planet is where some of the best stories have been told in the past. A trip into the Negative Zone promises an exciting adventure, continuing the successful course correction of ResurreXion/Legacy.

"The Negative Zone War" is a smartly crafted off-world X-Men tale. Guggenheim and company don't waste the opportunity to tap into the same vein that made so many great X-Men stories in the past.

From top to bottom, this feels like an Uncanny X-Men story from the days before mutants were going extinct.

Even though this is easily the weakest installment of this arc, I'm more than willing to stay in the Negative Zone for as long as possible. This isn't an awful issue, just not up to par with the preceding bunch.

X-Men: Gold #20 is a very forgetful and unnecessary epilogue outside of the final page. Guggenheim is better than this, hopefully well back on track with the next arc.