Jake Baumgart Comic Reviews

Although the fourth volume of Top Cow's The Magdalena #1 is off to a shaky start, there are definitely some hidden gems hidden in the young talent on this book.

Although missing the charm of some of Marvel's other lighter tone books, Great Lakes Avengers #5 is a winner.

Of the most recent spate of Rebirth titles, Batwoman: Rebirth #1 is a welcomed return to form for the character and an exciting jumping-on point for new fans.

At the end of the day, Justice League of America: Rebirth #1 might be worth picking up later down the line.

If you were missing the darker corners of the Marvel Universe, this book is for you.

Much like what has been done to Harley Quinn over the years, Mirka's style lends a softer, more human, nuance to Killer Frost that round off some of the character's sharp edges. In one issue, Orlando, Houser and Andolfo have been able to successfully reimagine and rebrand Killer Frost for the big leagues.

Steve Orlando and Stephen Byrne's The Ray - Rebirth #1 is a tightly-crafted introduction to the lesser known Leaguer, giving a solid foundation for him to shine bright in Orlando's upcoming team book.

Unfortunately, the first installment of Justice League/Power Rangers leaves a lot to be desired.

Despite the strength of the artist, U.S. Avengers doesn't fly very high on its first mission.

This is writer Scott Lobdell's second Red Hood and the Outlaws #1, and he has definitely learned from any past mistakes.

While Abnett repeatedly hammers home his theme of Aquaman not being whole, this first issue doesn't dig deep enough in any one direction to suggest what kind of series this is going to be, or why we might want to see this character put back together in the first place.

Abnett, Jimenez and Eaton's Aquaman: Rebirth #1 is exactly the kind of course correction that is needed for Aquaman.

The script, although a great example of putting a team together, is very dense and asks readers to follow along without a lot of action to break it up. However, if you are a fan of the Dark Knight before his reboot five years ago, you are going to love these characters getting back to their essence and playing around in the fringe corners of Batman's war on crime.

It's back to basics for Green Arrow: Rebirth #1, and it feels so right.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink #1 gives a the first Pink Ranger a real edge and is more compelling than many of the original series' episodes.

With an abrupt ending, there was very little to dig into here in the first outing, but Rough Riders #1 is still a lot of fun.

Although it isn't time to give up the ship, Hyperion #1 really starts things off at a disadvantage.

There is something ailing Mockingbird #1 and it isn't the Super-Soldier Serum.

There have been several iconic runs on the character, and if Daredevil's creative team continues its momentum, audiences might be looking at another one.

Sometimes, when a character has been around a long time, like Wolverine, they lose their way - the powers that be forget what made the character such profound favorite in the first place. Lucky for us, Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino's Old Man Logan #2 cuts the continuity bull and gets the Ol' Canucknucklehead back to doing what he does best: fighting Hulks.

It's a shame when a single issue has to share two different stories that differ vastly in quality. Unfortunately, that's the case with Suicide Squad Most Wanted: Deadshot & Katana #1.

All-New X-Men #3 is an energetic romp that will satiate X-fans and, at least, leave readers entertained.

Although the focus could be tightened a bit, Justice League #43 still has some of the best scenes of "Darkseid War."

Earth 2: Society #3 is certainly not for everyone, but is very unique in its own existence.

The great thing about Batgirl #42 is how Babs Tarr's art continues to impress this deep into her run as artist on the title.

Although some of the establishing notes - a new cybernetic villain and socially-inept scientists - feel a little bland, the potential is here for Cyborg to be a blockbuster series that holds its own with the rest of the Justice League.

Although the whole is sure to be greater than any one piece, Justice League #42 is the kind of thing that summer events should be.

We Are ... Robin #1 does a lot of things right in its opening issue, while avoiding pandering moves to attract young/diverse readers on the surface. If DC is honest in its commitment to bring in different characters, from different background, that more reflect their desired audience base, then We Are ... Robin might be the best place for a young reader to dig in and invest in a new group of characters - so long as Bermejo, Haynes, Corona and the rest of DC Comics can steer clear of becoming out of touch with a notoriously fickle fan base.

This isn't to say the issue is bad, just unexpected as the alternate universe story reads more like Claremont's X-Men Forever than a dark and serious tome.

Although the missing elements in this story would dock it points as a solo issue, Brian Michael Bendis sets the tone and brings the audience back into the fold of the Old Man Logan universe seamlessly, and sets the expectations high for the following installment.

Although Convergence: Green Arrow #2 isn't anything special, but it is a testament to writer Christy Marx working well with the restrictions of Convergence's story requirements.

Convergence: Nightwing and Oracle #2 feels like Simone returning to her roots and giving a proper send-off to that Barbara and the rest of the New 52 maligned Gotham residents.

Without trying to cram too much story into a single issue, Convergence: Justice Society of America #1 is not a victim to the debilitating Convergence story device. Readers get a glimpse into these characters and who they are before getting dragged into the motley summer event.

Like a fresh coat of paint, the story could have been saved by some fun or dynamic artwork. Unfortunately, the partnering of penciler Philip Tan and colorist Elmer Santos is awkward at best.

The first installment of DC's summer event, Convergence #1, is everything you have already seen before. Literally, this exact plot was in Crisis on Infinite Earths and Countdown: Arena.

Bengal's art is an excellent complement to the main title's tone by capturing the lighter, cartoony, style and adding a sped up, slick, and frantic feeling to Batgirl's rescue efforts in Burnside.

Falling down isn't what makes Batwoman #40 a weak outing, it's that it never stands back up.

The truly great thing about the latest Ant-Man series is the tone. It's the quirky yet down to earth voice of the comic that makes it so enjoyable.

The major flaw in the Detective Comics: Endgame tie-in is how inconsequential the whole affair feels. Sure, seems like Brian Buccellato is building towards something with the Lonnie Machin (originally Anarky in pre-"New 52" continuity) character, but the events in this issue don't feel like they are really driving the character or "Endgame" forward any further.

Even as the capstone to five-part Anarky arc, Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato's Detective Comics is another perfectly crafted entry.

The story itself manages to perfectly and succinctly unveil this alternate world, its characters, and Overman's issue without relying on a full miniseries. The shame here is Jim Lee's pencils.

Wolverines' concept about the mercenaries that were tied to Logan in life is a great idea - it just seems like there is wasted potential in seeing how the Canucklehead influenced these people.

Batman #38 might find its weaknesses turned to strengths when collected, but as a standalone issue it just feels like trudging through Snyder's "A-ha!" moments.

Futures End, as a whole, has been a lackluster entry in the history of DC's attempts at a weekly series. Blame it on the inconsistent quality of the artists, the uneven pacing between exposition and climax, or just the general ambiguity of the title and where it wants to go.

Although Wolverines #2 is a bit slow, the title is gearing up for big things to come.

The innocent and goofy nature of Squirrel Girl is exactly the kind of thing that varies the genres on the spinner rack and attracts new readers in the best possible way.

Although the issue feels stilted in its very beginning and ending, one can hardly fault the creators for this chapter when considering the prestige of the entire collected edition.

Although focused on two fan-favorite characters, Earth 2's Barbara and Dick Grayson story falls completely flat.

Wonder Woman #36 is a new start on the character but it might not be for the better.

Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo are crafting the great tragedy in their second entry with the Joker and what sets it apart are the tiny details. Whether it is a link of chain, a buzzing fly, or rictus grin, Snyder and Capullo are really gelling together as a team by this point in their Hall of Fame Batman run.

Since Andrew Kreisberg and Ben Sokolowski took over the title, the characters from Lemire's run have been shuffled off to tropical islands and popular characters from the CW's Arrow tv show have taken center stage. Even artist Daniel Sampere's Oliver is looking a little more Stephen Amell. It's fine (and common in our day and age) that the movies/tv shows dictate the direction of their source material, but what really derails this issue is the clunky exposition.

These two part mini stories can be really hit or miss and in AXIS: Revolutions #1 readers get a little of both.

Futures End #25 keeps right on chugging along. Sure, when completed, the story might read as an epic, universe-spanning adventure, but the intensity is lost in these small 20-page clips.

The artist feels like the combination of Becky Cloonan and Kate Beaton which is sure to make her popular with a younger audience - the people this book was made for.

Green Lantern #35 isn't anything we haven't seen before - and what I mean by that is an entire open field of blown-apart Corp members.

Godhead is a visually engaging first act and something different for long-time Green Lantern fans.

What's refreshing is that, in contrast to the other tie-ins, writer Sholly Fisch has predicted a pretty reasonable fate for Catwoman. No venom serum, cybernetic enhancements or general bleakness. It feels like a very natural progression for the character.

Justice League: Future's End #1 isn't mind-blowing, earth-threatening or even worth the event.

We may not have gotten the emotional send-off for Barbara she deserves, but we know there will always be another Batgirl.

Although a final issue in an arc is difficult to grade on its own, Detective Comics #34 still stands strong. Sure, if this is your first issue you might be a little lost, but Buccellato and Manapul have crafted an amazingly striped-down-to-the-core Batman story in the six-part Icarus story.

For Detective Comics Annual #3 a brain trust, led by series writer Brian Buccellato, tackles an origin story of sorts that provides the colorful background for their ongoing Icarus storyline. Artists Kalisz, Loughridge and Proctor are all strong, individual talents but the transition between their work can feel jarring within the flow of the story.

Sure, a failing title could always use a shot in the arm, but New Suicide Squad #1 isn't it.

Geoff Johns has a great handle on the Justice League. Paired with artist Doug Mahnke, this creative team is bringing out the best qualities of this title: the action, the suspense and the humor.

It's a rare feeling when you're only three issues deep into a new arc and you know it's going to be amazing. Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato are a rarity on DC titles. They are a perfect team that elevates a time-tested character, like Batman, from monthly serials into a true experience. The storytellers are in complete control of their craft: narrative, artwork, and legacy. They are leaving their mark on Batman. In Detective Comics #32, Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato establish Batman as the great detective in the forefront of a vibrant and destructively beautiful Gotham City.

If you have mistakenly missed out on the work this team has done on Oliver Queen, then Green Arrow #32 is the right jumping-on point.

Like a lot of finales to the big events in comics, Forever Evil #7's strengths are not in the story itself, but the status quo in the fallout. The issue features a few too many Mortal Kombat-styled finishing moves and final desperate moments that could have used a beat to linger on for impact.

Although there is a lot of entertainment in the DC multiverse, so far things are feeling a little anachronistic in Future's End.

Lemire and Sorrentino have brought the luster back to Green Arrow in a powerfully artful fashion.

A book like Secret Origins should always be made available. Not only are they an amazingly helpful primer to new readers or those who lost track of constantly evolving stories, but done at this level of quality makes them a nice sampling of different talents.

This is a can't miss for anyone feeling sentimental about Marvel's Merry Mutants and where they have been and where they could be going.

Daredevil #1.5 suffers from a unique problem that a regular issue doesn't commonly suffer from. #1.5 is a collection of interesting artwork, unappealing storytelling and more blocks of text, letters and extra material than one can desire. It felt like just watching the dvd extras.

Nightcrawler #1 might warm the cockles of your heart with the purest of the X-Men back in action, but the story feels out of time. Indeed, the whole thing feels very out of step with the other Marvel books and the Cinematic age of comics.

Although the New 52 DC prides itself on being modernized, its hard to escape that ol' Silver Age feeling in Aquaman #29.

Social crusader Harley Quinn is a fine idea, but I think some focus on the structure and some responsible decisions about the character couldn't hurt, too.

Simone has deftly brought Barbara back into the cape and cowl in her run on the title but issue #29 doesn't see the character moving forward - indeed, in this case, it feels almost like she's moving backwards.

If the characters on the frontlines don't do it for you there isn't much going on back in the barracks to keep you around.

The real highlight in Superior Spider-Man #28 is penciler Giuseppe Camuncoli who is a refreshing break from Humberto Ramos' more cartoony style. Camuncoli's figures may struggle from being a bit stiff but the artist has a level of clarity in the panel that is sometimes lost in Ramos' work on Spider-Man.

Even though this issue is mired in crossover confusion, Justice League of America #12 is still a strong book about DC's leading heroes.

Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino's Green Arrow is a beautiful cataclysm that's remaking the Emerald Archer into one of DC's top-tier characters.

Immonen's art is cinematic in scale and his direction makes this feel like The Breakfast Club plus a scary-alien-soldier-attack.

Let's just get right into it: Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason are writing one of, if not the, best Batman books out there.

Justice League #25 may feel like a long winter of wickedness in the DCU, but sharp-eyed readers are going to see the hint of a brighter future- a second chapter- for DC's heroes.

Tomasi's direction with the Irish mob and Two-Face brings Bruce back down to the ground level with familiar Batman problems of organized crime and the Arkhamites it spawns. Although it might not be getting all the attention, this is the Batman book for the longtime fans.

Tynion and Gopez are shaping this into the book they want it to be and that's far from a bad thing.

Although it might be overwhelming and a bit confusing for the initiated (or this not following Forever Evil), Forever Evil: Arkham War #2 scratches a very particular itch in that we get to see these popular villains battle it out and stab each other in the back. Does this make for the most compelling story? Maybe not - but it sure is fun!

This is a great issue for people missing the kid-version of Dick Grayson's Robin.

Issue #25 demonstrates how Lemire and Sorrentino are able to bridge the gap while still creating a quality comic that rises above the rest of the current DC roster.

This issue might have the casual reader rolling their eyes but, but if you're a fan of the hulking villain, Bane's standalone is just the book for you.

What we have here is a near-perfect one-shot tie-in book. When it comes to a situation like Villains Month, there are usually too many editorial cooks in the kitchen. However, Frank Tieri and artists Scott Eaton and Jaime Mendoza pull off a strong one shot that address where Man-Bat was and where he is going.

Despite some amazing looking panels by artist Claude St. Aubin, Aqauman #23.1: Black Manta gets the character to his next chapter without adding anything new.

Regardless of any praise or dissuasion this issue may receive, it will be referenced for a long time to come because it holds the origin story for fan-favorite Bat-agonist Poison Ivy.

Sure, Deadshot is another villain driven by revenge and tragedy but Kindt is able to really pinpoint the style and grace that gives this character texture. Artist Pasqual Ferry is able to render the failed-artist-turned-assassin in a clean style that is cartoonishly bold and clean without the exaggerations and goofiness.

No events and hype necessary - Daredevil #29 is as close to a perfect single issue as you're going to get until (probably) the next issue.

Audiences haven't gotten to see much of Bruce's interaction with the fan favorite Bat-family and between Tomasi's deft interaction and Gleason's unique and dynamic visuals, a book like Batman And Catwoman is a must-read.

With Walking Dead #112, Kirkman is still able to make your muscle tighten, your guts turn and your heart jump into your throat.

It may not be the strongest single issue, but Justice League of America #5 is still fun for DC fans.

Batgirl feels like it has really gotten a shot in the arm. Maybe it's because Gail Simone as been fleshing out Barbara for some time now, but the whole world of Batgirl seems richer for it, as we have moved past our initial reintroduction to the character.

Even though the ending might have taken a left turn into less full filling territory, Bendis has made it one hell of a ride for Daredevil and his fans.

You can call Red Hood and the Outlaws a comeback, but maybe wait a few months for the victory lap.

With the previous two issues having a few shocking (and I mean shocking) turn of events, #3 feels rather dull in comparison. Adding to this is the disrupting change of artists halfway through the issue between Jheremy Raapack and David Yardin. Although both fine artists in their own right, Yardin and Raapack don't mix well together and adds to this lackluster installment.

High-octane from the start and unrelenting emotional stakes makes Snapshot #2 a must.

Fraction is able to show the true heroism behind both Hawkeyes even without the bows and arrows in their abilities to risk it all for their neighbors. This might be a bit out of place with the other capes on the comic racks, but this sort of story is needed a little more than the others.

This is a must-buy for young female readers looking for something more. If the current DCU is bringing you down then take a break and have some fun with Duela Dent and the other Ame-Comi Girls.

This work might be stronger after be collected. Despite a busy first issue, there is something beautifully startling about Change #1.

This is the best that Before Watchmen hoped it could be. The only real downside to this issue is that the miniseries is almost over.

Without the typical baggage of history and origin, Ame-Comi Girls drops the reader into a fun and fast world; with the major heroes and villains are stylized, feminine, versions of their normal DC counterparts. Full of high-adventure, great visuals and just a little bit of raciness, Ame-Comi Girls #2 is a fun read for everyone.

Series writer Jeff Parker seems to have a lot on Betty's to-do list but fits more than needed into the issue. Between the government angle, the mental child and the renegade tone, there are too many themes are going on at once and Red She-Hulk can't smash them all.

A Harley-heavy issue delivered by Adam Glass and Frenando Dagnino probably isn't very upsetting to longtime readers. However, the fluidity is lost in the issue with the back-and-forth of what's happening to Harley and Joker while the team deals with the fallout of their battle with Regulus and the death of Deadshot. Harley fans are certainly rejoicing this month, but readers who are invested in a little more might feel slighted.

What Johns does best here is capture what he does in the first issue of the series: in other words, he shows a new and interested audience that Arthur Curry is a real-deal superhero and capable of all the passion and honor that comes with that title.

Pencils are digitally over-rendered, sending the pages right past realistic and into the uncanny valley. Things clean up when artist Daniel Sampere takes over the latter half of the book. Although Gail Simone shines here, the book does not due to lackluster art.

his wasn't a book about a man, out of time, cracking skulls. Brubaker shows, especially with Issue #19, that Captain America is one of the great American symbols and completely irreplaceable both for comics and modern American mythology.

Manapul's run on the Flash may go down as one of the great runs for the characters. and It's great to see most of the Flash Family represented here, even if we find ourselves asking... who is the redheaded guy running around worried about Iris?

There is no need for the modern, cinematic, layouts that are popular today. Cooke is able to tell the story masterfully using these older techniques and smaller panels. It remains true, not just to Gibbons, but of comics of this era. At the beginning of the Silver Age, the simple panels were the frames that held in the characters and setting. It was about the creativity of trying to convey the story in an organized fashion. Cooke is able to tell so much more story in this efficient style that is both practical and fitting. "It's safe to say that, when this series ends and is collected, Before Watchmen: Minutemen will be an acceptable and perfectly fitting title to stand next to your copy of Watchmen on the shelf.

Jump on for the Joker story arc, stay for the awesome creative output by Nocenti and Sandoval.

Although this second entry is a lot stronger than the first, Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan #2 still languishes in the uncertain. Perhaps it's writer J. Michael Straczynski's intention? Since the logic of the character Dr. Manhattan is so beyond normal comprehension, the narrative of his self titled book should be the same. This doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the book, just distracts from it.

This second issue of the indie darling Sparrow and Crowe raises the stakes but also raises the quality. Readers are instantly going to fall in love with Sparrow, the gothy sidekick with the razor-sharp wit. She actually steals the show from her boss since she seems to have a better handle of the situation.

Animal Man has officially taken a turn into the world of horror. There was enough monsters, bones and blood throat-grabbers to make this a book to maybe skip right before bed. Jeff Lemire keeps Buddy Baker charming as ever even after he lands in his new, monstrous world.

Told in the narrative style of Citizen Kane, this could go on to be the penultimate Daredevil story " even if it is his last.

This issue kicks off the next big story arc in both Swamp Thing and Animal Man. It may be all kinds of spooky creepy, but what else would you want from a Swamp Thing book?!

Kieron Gillen paints Scott Summers as not so much remorseful for his actions, but instead a martyr for the mutant cause. Raising his hands in an X-formation is a profound action for a man that was corrupted by the same celestial force that killed his wife.

In a comic world full of zero issues and reboots, Steed and Mrs. Peel is a great place to start outside of the mainstream.

Talon #0 is the perfect blend of storytelling by Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV and visual bliss by Guillem March and Tomeu Morey.

The Joker segment, penciled and inked by Brett Booth, seems overrendered. With so many spurts of lines aimed in every direction, the page looks messy. It could just be a poor pairing of penciler and colorist but the Joe Kubert-influenced style doesn't seem to be working on these four pages. It's a shame because this might have been a better fit for the main story, but after 11 pages of Pasqual Ferry's art, the change is jarring and uninviting to the eye.

What more can a fan want out of a solid #0 issue like this? Duane Swierczynski really nails the story elements all the way around. The pacing, although fast, managed to feel organic.

If you were ever curious about Captain Marvel and Shazam this is the issue for you. If you weren't? This is still the issue for you.

What might be the real hook of Lil' Depressed Boy is the relationship that the character has with fans that are just like him.

Does the regular Teen Titans have you frustrated? Fans looking for a more traditional version of their favorite young superheroes should definitely be reading Young Justice.

Even though the formula still feels like "add Deadpool, and a script will follow," the lighter tone in Avenging Spider-Man isn't derailed by the Merc with a Mouth, even when the story switches from animated comedy to uncomfortably trippy.

Batman and Robin #0 just reiterates that Damian is a little punk... and that's about it.

This is how you tell a Green Lantern #0 story!

It might seem like a burden to read this book alongside Swamp Thing if you haven't started already, but it's totally worth it.

With all the serious, earth-shattering events taking precedence in the Marvel Universe, it's nice to see some people can still have fun as the world gets destroyed.

If Detective Comics #0 was supposed to fill in the early Batman years, it didn't add much.

Artists Tomas Giorello and Nathan Eyring make this book really pop.

Kano is able to keep up with Snyder and make the horrific details seem genuine and not frightening for the sake of frightening.

That said, "more could have definitely been done here to make this book stand out. While I can understand the appeal to make this book seem more controlled and less garish, there is no need to lose the quality along with the in-your-face and over-the-top attitude. Sadly, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Microseries: April #7 suffers from exactly this.

The story is very fast paced for the size of the issue and much of the dialogue seems superfluous. It's a poor introduction of this retro version of Black Mask. The art for this issue was just as bland.

For completists of the Before Watchmen series, this isn't the worst of the bunch. However, fans that are still on the fence can go ahead and skip this one as well. No need to meddle with a work as good as the original Watchmen. Maybe JMS doesn't exactly know what he has to say about a man as powerful and close to God as Dr. Manhattan.

It's more than refreshing to have Williams back on art forBatwoman #12 and judging by the unique pairing between the titular character and Wonder Woman, this next arc is gearing up to be amazing.

The books theme seems to be all over the place. Is this a team-up book? A story of the young, damaged Daniel Dreiberg? The morally gray Nite Owl? It doesn't know what it wants to be, and could leave readers wondering if it's worth continuing.

Although the threat of mind control through '60s rock and roll seems a little too comic book-ish, it doesn't derail the story at all. In fact, all the tastes are well-balanced as this book gives the reader equal parts action, love and coming of age.

"Not only is Before Watchmen: Ozymandias #1 an excellent addition to Watchmen but it's strong enough to stand on its own. Where these titles may be steeped in controversy over their existence, it's hard to complain about this book and its impact on the source material. Hopefully, from here on out, the Before Watchmen titles will be more like Ozymandias #1. Not only is Adrian Veidt the pinnacle of human perfection, but his solo series is conquering the other Before Watchmen titles.

Hit-Girl #1 lets the reader further down the rabbit hole of these characters lives. It pulls you down with the title character and elevates the stakes for the next book. Although the art is great, the real testament of this title is the way that Hit-Girl goes from "The Little Bitch" to a lovable character. We loved it when she was decapitating thugs, but we love her when she is at her most vulnerable " a scared little girl who just lost her daddy.

Even though Avengers vs. X-Men #6 is an enjoyable read, it suffers from feeling too much like a prologue. Yet, with so much on the page, what comes next promises to be huge. There is so much work done here setting up the next step that the story is certainly worth sticking with. The X-Men may have started out as the underdogs in this event, but it looks like the tables have drastically turned.

It's going to be a hard run for this series, considering the prestige the source material enjoys. However, it's also important to look at what this book has already accomplished and what it could be in future issues. The necessity of a prequel to Watchmen will surely be debated long after the initial print run. However, you can't argue with results " and Silk Spectre #1 gives fans of the original series hope for something amazing out of this run.

Issue #10 sees more baddies added to Batgirl's lineup with a team called The Disgraced. Where other New 52 titles seem to have their titular heroes' pummeling vague, monstrous villains every month, there is a real feeling here that Simone is creating a foundation of evil for Babs to build upon. However, it would be nice to her spend a little more than two issues with any one antagonist.

Lapsed fans of Swamp Thing get a second chance to jump into the title with Issue #10. A reader doesn't need to be a fan of the character because the talent on this book will convert the uncertain. Swamp Thing is for fans of great storytelling and, starting with Swamp Thing #10, has become a must-read.

The message behind this storyline maybe needs the following disclaimer: "Don't think too hard about it and just have fun."

If the reader can look past the looks of the book, they might be able to find an enjoyable piece to the arc and an important moment for equal rights in comics.

Although not one of the strong tie-ins in the Night of the Owls storyline, the story does do a fine job of adding to the main story without being necessary to read.

Any reader, young or old, can pick up the title and enjoy a fun comic with two popular characters going head to head. Only problem? I doubt this will stop the debates on "who will win in a fight" at your local comic shop.

While there's been some great comic booking in this series so far, Batwoman #9 shows that there's still plenty of greatness to come.

Although this fits right in with Brubaker's amazing run on the character, Captain America #11 is certainly not for everyone, and might require a more mature taste in comics. In fact, this Captain America might feel better off in Gotham City than the same New York that's home to the Fantastic Four and Spider-Man.

Avengers vs. X-Men might have been holding back a little this week, but it certainly feels like it's ramping up to something bigger.

With DC introducing the concept of another Earth and parallel characters, one might wonder if they are working themselves into the same corner that required a reboot (see Crisis on Infinite Earths, Final Crisis). However, Worlds' Finest compliments what's already there, and actually provides a fun female team book that doesn't insist on a lot of history lessons of DC Comics past.

Blow for blow, Romita doesn't hold back but still keeps it clean without a lot of blood and viscera that might be expected from such powerful match-ups (or his work on Kick-Ass). Over all the impending doom and drama on the island, Avengers vs. X-Men #2 is the kind of fun a Marvel fan would want from a summer event.

Don't be surprised if readers get a few more issues of primer leading up to any actual action in the event proper but Bendis has really stacked a formidable team of Avengers that should have the X-Men sweating it on Utopia. However, the team on this book should be able to provide something interesting from the trenches and give a better insight to the Avengers' side of things.

Who doesn't want to see their favorite superhero teams throw down against each other?

Although it is a #0 issue and nothing as actually happened yet against the X-Men or Avengers, this issue doesn't feel like a way to get your hard earned cash. It isn't required reading, instead, its excellent supplemental material to this summer's Marvel event and a fun read for fans of both teams.

Although Finch and Jenkins make a good art team, their writing work on Batman: The Dark Knight #7 seems unfocused, concerned more with using the characters like action figures.

Judgeing by issue one of The New Deadwardians, this will make an excellent collection for zombie and vampire fans hungry for something a little more.

Although Justice League #7 fell short this month, there doesn't seem to be a reason to completely drop the book altogether. Consistency with the artwork and a focus on the Big Seven and their relationships could pull this issue back from the brink. The talent on this book could enough to salvage what comes after issue #7 and perhaps the Justice League can inspire some hope outside of the comic.

Writer Dan Slott really nails the character's voice, too, by balancing the quip-fueled ADD mind of a genius with heart and valor of a hero. Although trying to keep the hero updated, Slott doesn't lose the core of the character. If you have been curious about Spider-Man, this is the issue to pick up.

The book seems to be unraveling faster than the team of fictional hired guns in the story. With the constant rotation of characters, no-one-is-safe approach, fan favorites like Deadshot and Harley and the deadly cliffhanger might be enough to keep some readers coming back, the longevity of this book and the impact it has on the greater DCU is questionable.

Not only is Batwoman one of the best books being published today, but with Issue #7, Amy Reeder is showing that she can definitely stand on her own as one of the top talents.""

Although professional and well done, the writing and art on this book might not be strong enough coating to swallow this pill.

The new take by Nocenti and Tolibao is unique to the character and to the rest of the DC books on the shelves and feels like a good fit for Green Arrow.

Sometimes I feel that books the lead into summer events (like Avengers vs. X-Men, for example) sometimes suffer from too much exposition or the logistics of putting characters into place. The Avengers: The Children's Crusade does this without feeling heavy handed or trite and makes for an excellent reading experience.

It might be a little too Marvel-centric for new readers, but The Defenders is certainly a must-read this month.

Although it looks as if the art team is trying to stay as close to the look of the show as they can, I don't think it would hurt to venture off the beaten path a little more and get experimental with the tone and looks of the characters. Like the story itself, the pacing of the artwork was well-timed and executed. It kept the pace of a comic instead of a TV show and never felt heavy-handed in its introduction to elements of this unfamiliar world. Although it stands apart from the other Batbooks on the shelf because of its origins in TV, Batman Beyond Unlimited can certainly stand on its own. I can see this book really becoming a fan-favorite, and it is an excellent introduction for new readers who were Bat-fans from their childhood.

Although I haven't been a hardcore Avengers fan in the past, I'm definitely on board thanks to The Avengers #23.

Firestorm may not be an A-list sort of hero, but I would definitely recommend this book for a friend wanting to dig deeper into DC's characters.

Although this might not be the first book of this caliber I would recommend, The Li'l Depressed Boy #9 is a great starting point for new readers.

Although I can see that long time fans of these characters might be enjoying the book, it seems that the rearranging of the art team might have been too sudden or thrown this book for a loop. The shakeup definitely put the Birds of Prey on unlevel ground and, unfortunately, they are going to need it for the next issue and if this title wants to stay relevant.

Of all the other titles DC is publishing, this is becoming a must-read.

Although the long-term plans for the Batgirl series seem vague, I am still thoroughly enjoying the adventures of Barbara Gordon getting back into action after a miraculous recovery.

The stories are building very naturally with each obstacle pulling Batman in further and further and, as the audience, we are right behind him.

Although the story seems thrown together, this is better than the previous issues of this arc and not all together terrible to read. Green Arrow seems to be enjoying himself, keeping a beer on his utility belt like a superhero Randy Quaid at the end of the issue. I think that's the point of this issue, too.

It's Issue #5 and the Teen Titans are still not complete. Unfortunately, this book might be the best access point for younger readers who grew up on the Teen Titans cartoon and love Young Justice. I do worry if this book is suffering because of the pace it is trying to keep with Superboy (also written by Lobdell and recommended). The end of the issue leaves the team in the same way it started the issue"they aren't really a team at all yet. I'm curious how much longer till this title really comes into its own. Over before it's begun? I would suggest not starting Teen Titans #5 at all.

A fun story featuring teenagers that is accessible both in art and story is perfect for DC if they hope to capture that younger audience. Z-Tech may want the Firestorms as mascots for the company, but DC might want to think about using Firestorm as a gateway for new readers.

All though at the center of controversy at the beginning of The New 52, issue #5 is a great example of why this book is more than a few sensual pages from five months ago. The real controversy should be the fact that this book isn't getting the same attention for the spectacular art and fun storytelling that has been consistent month to month where other books in its class are failing fast.

I do think that Red Hood and the Outlaws will be getting the axe from my pull list.

The overall tone of the book really sets up the New 52 version of Nightwing (not all that different from the old one, really) and the visuals make me forget about the costume change. Although this issue seems like filler in the big picture of the story arc, it's still a fun ride for fans of the first Robin.

Although I strongly the move towards digital for use tech-savvy, fast-paced fans, I cannot recommend enough to you to go pick up Batwoman #5 and enjoy each page. I have a feeling that after being captivated by the artwork and story, you will be just as excited about next month's issue.

It's the perfect blend of off-center and beauty that perfectly complements Frankenstein's world of vampires, cannibalistic dwarves, monks, and (for this issue) O.M.A.C. Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E isn't like its reboot buddies in capes and spandex, and that's just fine with me.

Although it feels like it is missing that edge to push it further, Daniel's Batman is a lot of fun to read as a fan and it's a great reminder of how it good it feels to have Bruce back under the cowl. Although far from the best of the Batbooks after the reboot, both stories are strong enough on their own and a positive read for a Batman fan, pre- or post- the New 52.

Unfortunately, it's hard to imagine hardcore fans of the Emerald Archer enjoying this series or a brand new audience just getting into comics. This sets the stage for the new creative team of Ann Nocenti and Harvey Tolibaoto to really do something with the character that brings him into the fold of DC Comics' New 52. Unfortunately, with Green Arrow #5, they really missed their mark.

Although there are other Spider-Man choices on the rack and the costume still doesn't quite wow me, The Amazing Spider-Man #683 is genuinely enjoyable and a lot of fun for new readers and fans of the Webhead. Where Slott, Caselli and Martin are taking the story not only keeps the reader holding on for more but is just good old-fashioned Marvel Comics.