Cable & Deadpool #25: Duane Swierczynski is probably the most under appreciated and underrated guys in the Marvel X-Stable. He stepped into comics as a rookie with probably the hardest job of all: shepherding and maturing the most important character in the X-franchise. For two years now he has had to entertain and keep readers interested in Hope's story with a stable cast of three people and at long last he has been relieved of his burden. A finale issue, D-Swyz brings in the ever popular Deadpool (who I think he writes fantastically) to tell a Michael Bay-esque prologue/epilogue to the two year old Messiah Complex story. Although a bit thin on actual plot, Paco Medina (who is quickly becoming my favorite Deadpool artist) and plenty of action keep the issue going in a highly entertaining way. Although it is a story not too many people care about at this point, it feels like a reward issue for all D-Swyz's hard work, and he makes it rewarding for the reader. A-, you'll already know if you're buying this or not.
Weapon X #12: In one issue, Jason Aaron beats Old Man Logan to death and moves on to tell an awesome dystopic future story. After an excellent part 1 that included Logan and Steve Rogers on a bar crawl, this issue keeps the action going in a serious way, utilizing plenty of flashbacks in an almost Lostish fashion to move the story forward while still fleshing out the characters. Aaron's mastery of Wolverine at this point is unparalleled, allowing him to maximize Wolverine's involvement in the story even while the focus is on other characters. Garney's pencils are solid, although the art does get a bit muddy at times. At 3.99 an issue, if you aren't buying this in floppies already, seriously consider the trade. B+
Uncanny X-Men #523: Second Coming is the most X-fun I've had since Age of Apocalypse. It is only two issues in, but it is great to see things moving quickly, with plenty of great moments across a lot of characters. As someone who was critical of Fraction's earlier Uncanny work, he is fantastic on this script, which may stem from everything being more streamlined and his gaze more limited. The Dodsons continue to turn in fantastic work as always, and the colors really pop and help ease the eye pain of Finch's art from Second Coming. Things are starting to come together in a serious way, and while it is still early out the gate, once we go through the full rotation of X-writers, we should know the final quality of this cross over. B+
Invincible Returns #1: I absolutely adore this book. Spider-Man with Superman's powers, this issue is an obvious jumping on point for the upcoming Viltrumite War and does a great job of helping you review and learn the cast while feeling fresh to the long time reader. Ottley and Walker continue to turn in solid work and while I enjoyed the issue, I'm really ready for the War to get going. If you're interested in trying Invincible, check this out. If you're already a fan, I'd give it a B-
Red Robin #11: I'm love Tim Drake so I buy this book purely out of loyalty and while it is fun, it certainly isn't anything but a good time. Yost is turning in serviceable scripts and the stakes are "high" but nothing feels like a genuine threat or anything that will contribute to the overall Return of Bruce Wayne mythology. Niczea takes over soon, so hopefully he'll get us back on track. Marcus To is the best thing that has happened to this book, he keeps Tim looking young and slim, just the way he should. C
SHIELD #1: The boner jam of the week, no one rocks it harder for Hickman than I do and I was not disappointed. Setting up some neat stuff here and giving a quick taste of all the wild stuff he has cooked up was great, combined with Weaver's stellar art and decent coloring to produce a top notch book. This is going to read fantastically in trade, it is just too bad the trade won't be out until 2011. A
Spider-Man Fever #1: I'm sure I'll take some shit for this, but the book just didn't do it for me. I wanted to dig the Dikto-acid kung-fu hands Doctor Strange, but the dialogue was just shoddy, complete with cliche black dude who has to be a criminal. I understand there is a certain amount of Silver Ageness to this and that the "story is just a vessel for the art" but I think I'll pass on the next two. Take a look at the preview and decide for yourself
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