Comic reviews for the week of 3/28/12

Hot Pick of the Week: Astonishing X-Men #48 (Marvel Comics) Marjorie Liu Writer/Mike Perkins Art

 
   Previous issues of this title in my opinion were going no where and were far from astonishing. Before I even picked this issue up I had a feeling of resurrection and I was not let down by the talented Marjorie (Daken: Dark Wolverine, X-23) Liu who really shows all sides of this ragtag team lead by Wolverine. I think this is one of my favorite combinations of X-Men I have enjoyed in quite a while, a great formation of well distinguished and established characters.  I have only read a handful of books that Mike (Aliens vs. Predator: Xenogenesis) Perkins has been involved in doing the artist chores and he does shine bright in this issue and hopefully in many more to come. This awesome continuation of a already beloved book is also graced with a cover by the talented Dustin Weaver...A must get for all X-fans.

**Runner-Up**

Voodoo #7 (D.C. Comics) Josh Williamson Writer/Sami Basri Art **This book keeps rolling with some great art and story telling, I think it is safe to say that Voodoo has solidified her place in the New 52 universe.**

Aquaman #7 (D.C. Comics) Geoff Johns Writer/Ivan Reis Pencils/Joe Prado Inks **This creative team has made Aquaman a relevant book and keep bring us some awesome stories seven straight months in a row.**

Batman: The Dark Knight #7 (D.C. Comics) Paul Jenkins Writer/David Finch Pencils/Richard Friend Inks  **Finch, Batman and Bane...Nuff Said.**

Teen Titans #7 (D.C. Comics) Scott Lobdell Writer/Brett Booth Pencils/Norm Rapmund Inks  **One fun book provided by this all-star cast of creators, nice fresh spin on the Teen Titans with a solid story and amazing art page after page.**

Avengers vs. X-Men #0 (Marvel Comics) Brian Michael Bendis & Jason Aaron Writer/Frank Cho Art **Nice first salvo from this major Marvel event that starts in April, Just hoping Marvel is not trying to jump the shark. That would be a great disappointment.**

Avenging Spider-Man #5 (Marvel Comics) Zeb Wells Writer/Lenil Francis Yu Pencils  **This issue is on another level than the first four issues and this issue should be read by all comic artist weather established or aspiring.**

Uncanny X-Force #23 (Marvel Comics) Rick Remender Writer/Greg Tocchini Art **Another great story from Mr. Remender and I mean this cause I simply hate the Captain Britain Corps. and the Omniverse.  He made it more then enjoyable.**

X-Men Legacy #264 (Marvel Comic) Christos Gage Writer/Rafa Sandoval Pencils/Jordi Tarragona Inks
**Month after month for a few years I have felt this X-title has been more relevant than Uncanny, and it is.**

BloodStrike #26 (Image/Extreme) Tim Seeley Writer/Franchesco Gaston Art **Another Extreme re-launch that is awesome, YoungBlood and Supreme is up next after Avengyline, Prophet and Glory have been nothing short of fantastic.**

Carbon Grey Origins #2 (Image Comics) Tanya Landsberger, P. Tuoinman & Paul Gardner/Hoang Nguyen, Khari Evans & Kinsun Loh Art **Great filler before the second offering from the Carbon Grey series continues in June 2012.**

Elephantmen #38 (Image Comics) Richard Starkings Writer/Axel Medellin Art **This book is always high octane issue after issue, This is one property I would like to see made into a motion picture.**

Morning Glories #17 (Image Comics) Nick Spencer Writer/Joe Eisma Art/Rodin Esquejo Cover **Great Image comics main stay keeps drama and fantasy on its toes.**

Cobra #11 Cobra Command Part 9 (IDW Publishing) Mike Costa Writer/Alex Cal & Beni Lobel Art **No publisher that has ever had this property in there hands has never, ever put a product this good out. This series with the other two books this storyline is running through are a complete masterpiece.**

Star Trek #7 (IDW Publishing) Mike Johnson Writer/Joe Phillips Art **Just like G.I. Joe IDW has put out some of the best Star Trek material to date and this series has been there best work to date.**

The Transformers: Robots In Disguise #3 (IDW Publishing) John Barber Writer/Andrew Griffith Art **Yet again another classic property that has been blessed by a company that cares and puts there all into these properties we have come to love.**

Honorable Mention

 The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men #7 (D.C. Comics) Joe Harris Writer/Ethan Van Sciver Art **This title is starting to pick up steam and with Ethan finally coming out and laying fabulous pages on the cover and interior I have high hopes for this title.**

Green Lantern New Guardians #7 (D.C. Comics) Tony Bedard Writer/Tyler Kirkham Pencils/Batt Inks **So much talent on this title, just can not get into the current storyline.**

Legion: Secret Origins #6 of 6 (D.C. Comics) Paul Levitz Writer/Chris Batista Pencils/Marc Deering Inks **I yearn for the classic Legion stories of yesteryear, this just didn't ill that void.**

The Mighty Thor #12 Shattered Heroes (Marvel Comics) Matt Fraction Writer/Giuseppe Camuncoli & Klaus Janson Art **More Silver Surfer and well Thor is back after a few issues, always a plus.**

G.I. Joe Infestation 2 #2 (IDW Publishing) Mike Raicht Writer/Valentine De Landro Art **Love the cast, just not thrilled with the whole infestation storyline.**

G.I. Joe: Retaliation #3 (IDW Publishing) John Barber Writer/Salvador Navarro & Atilio Rojo Art **Nice work, just never felt any book that is leading into or after a movie is really the best work put out there.**

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #8 (IDW Publishing) Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz Writers/Dan Duncan Art **Hoping for new stories and not retelling or re visualizations of previous words already written, art is boss though.**

Voltron #4 (Dynamite) Brandon Thomas Writer/Ariel Padilla Art **Still trying to decide if this is a re-telling of the origin of Voltron or a prequel.**

Not so Hot

The Savage Hawkman #7 (D.C. Comics) Tony S. Daniels Writer/Philip Tan & Sunny Gho Art **I have been trying so hard to like this series but to no avail, I am a big fan of Tony Daniels and Philip Tan's works. It is just not working, hopefully Rob Liefeld can breath some life into this book when he comes on board.**

FF #16 (Marvel Comics) Jonathan Hickman Writer/Nick Dragotta & Steve Epting Art**This started off as a very good book and just has lost it's direction in the last few issues. Can not see myself dropping the $2.99 a month anymore.**

Preview: Notes published by Superhero Enterprises

  

     In comics today you do not see many cross overs done with the music industry, last year Image comics release Blood Red Dragon which is a collaboration done between the godfather of comics Stan "The Man" Lee and Japanese pop-star Yoshiki. I liked the zero issue and then the series by issue three was just all over the place that That I could not find it in myself to pick up another issue. I actually reviewed each and every issue and had a significant outpouring of complaints cause I slammed the three issues after issue zero. Through the years there have been such stars from the music industry making guest appearances in the page of your favorite comic books.

     Over the years the two music related comic books that I felt were significant news worthy books was published by Image Comics. These books were KISS (as in the rock group) and Wu-Tang Clan, KISS was pretty good story and art wise. Wu Tang Clan was a classic book and did not last long, If I remember correctly it was cause of internal problems and not sales that this books run was ended. I was devastated when this book was canceled because I have always been a big fan of Wu-Tang and foremost hip-hop music in general as an art form. Other than those projects the only other musical adventure I can remember was a guest appearance by Aerosmith in the pages of Valiant's Shadow-Man.

 

     Which brings me to the reason I am posting this piece on Notes from Superhero Enterprises, to be quite honest I did not know this comic property existed till I was contacted by the books creator Davien Watkins. I received an email from Davien asking me to take a look at his property and see if I would be interested in running a piece on Notes. After going through the email, art and links that Davien had provided me with I was definitely impressed with the work put into Notes and fully agreed to run a piece and support another comrade in the independent comic book field. I went to the links and the site he provided and I must report that I was blown away by the caliber of the art on this project, this could run with any main stream book on the market weather published in paper form or digital. I love the injection of hip-hop artists with musical powers, from the little bit of the story that I have gone through and reviewed I must admit I did like the samples I was provided with and will be interested in further adventures of Notes. Also please check out Superhero Enterprises web site, it is chock full information, character bios and art. There is also merchandise of all kinds of stuff that you may be interested in. Below I will provide some links and more pictures for your enjoyment. Support independent comics and independent Hip-Hop!

Comics Forge: Article on Superhero Enterprises

Pepperdine University presents: LAUNCH publication

Superhero Enterprises: http://superheroenterprises.com/home.html

Review: Saga: Chapter One Published by Image Comics

Saga: Chapter One (Image Comics) Brian K. Vaughan Writer/Fiona Staples Art

     I am at a loss for words on this amazingly fantastic epic issue, keep in mind I have never picked up a book by Brian K. Vaughan that was his Vertigo work on Y The Last Man. Nor his work on Ex-Machina, all the titles that I ever read from this great scribe were superhero or mutant books. For one I was never into the Vertigo material, the only book I ever picked up was one issue of Sandman when it had a glow in the dark cover. Yeah you know during the years that each and every published book had to have a gimmick in or on it. I haven't heard anything but praise for his work on Y & Ex-Machina, Just wasn't my thing at the time. When I seen coming attractions I thought it might be a good idea to give it a whirl and to my surprise it is on of the best reads of the year for me.

     "Am I shitting? It feels like I'm shitting!" I kid you not, I was just taking a sip of my hot coffee when I opened this book and those word balloons just jumped off the page. Good thing I did not spill none of my steaming hot Joe. I have turned the pages of a few Vertigo titles and I had a feeling going into this book that it would be more along the lines of those kind of books and not along the lines of some X-title that Brian has written before. I knew this would be like work that I was never much interested, accustomed to or just did not feel like trying something new. Well now I feel like I missed so much and just will have to pick up some of Mr. Vaughan's previous Vertigo works if only for the enjoyment that I received from reading this true gem.

     I never picked up one piece of work that Fiona Staples did other than Superman/Batman #79-80 and that is only because that book was on my pull list and she just happened to be the cover artist those two months. I would put her work in the category of art work on the same level of Vertigo books that D.C. has released in the past. I swear I could never stomach the work's on the visual side in any Vertigo title that I ever laid hands on and Since Fiona has worked on a Vertigo title I prejudged her and put her work in the same area of art I do not like. Guess what? I fell in love with Fiona Staples art page by flowing page, It worked so well with this story I could not think of a better team to man this book. I admire the works of some of theses legend (Stephen Platt, Jim Lee, Travis Charest and Todd McFarlane), not in no way would I put Staples in the same area as these guys due to the lack of detail, But her work tells the story with precision and does not need to load the page with a traffic jam of detail. Her lines pop of each and every page and the colors just make each and every visual stunning on every single page of this masterpiece. After 3 months into 2012 I will make it a statement that this has been the number one release to me out of any book I read to date in the last 3 months. A great ne world to explore with a three dimensional cast.

Previews, News on Spell and the Future of PsychoRelik Studios

 

     Two pages from Spell #2 penciled and inked

     So Spell #2 is taking a lot longer than anticipated and rightfully so. This issue will be better than the first issue after learning from so many mistakes and taking my time to make advancements from the first issue. I am really excited about this next release in my creator owned project, but I am taking my time and I wish I had more time. The first issue took me two and a half months to complete and I had the printed copies of the book in two weeks after I sent it over to the publisher. Which that time frame took so much out of me that after it's late November 2011 release I had to take most of December off with me being totally wasted from my daily schedule and trying to fit producing a book with no help what so ever on the project. I did every chore on the book which is a great accomplishment in my book.

     So here is the run down, I have 9 pages fully penciled and inked and I am penciling page 10 right now as I post. I hope to have the second installment of Spell printed by sometime in May of 2012 and no later. That is not a guaranteed release date but I will try my damnedest to meet that timeline. What's the hold up you say, well sometimes every day life gets in the way or just does not work out as you planned. I got twin girls on the way and this is the busy season at my place of business, so I have trouble getting as much time as I had in the fall. But I take it as it comes and I will try to put the best book out that I can. Another reason this issue will take longer is cause I am going to do partial coloring and blending with the Wacom tablet I got, I also thought I had someone to do a back up story for this issue but that fell through to unforeseen circumstances.

      So this brings us to the future of PsychoRelik Studios as a whole, As far as I am concerned everything will run as has been since I have been pushing my blog. No changes, i may not be able to post as much as I have been. All the same I will keep updating as long as you keep visiting. After I release Spell #2 I am putting the series on hold till the foreseeable future. I thought long and hard about this, but after I release it I am going to study and take classes to refine my skills and get better at the art form I truly love. I really want to get serious about following through on getting involved with projects no matter how big or small.

     I estimate you will see a new Spell book by sometime in late 2012 and that wait will be well worth the time. During the time I will be studying to refine my craft I will be taking commission requests and always up to collaborate on something. I am always looking for people to post articles in the genre and an contact me at secaucusartist@comcast.net

Thank you,

Joseph W. Hottendorf Jr.

aka Hock

PsychoRelik Studios

Comic reviews for the week of 3/21/12

Pick of the Week: The Amazing Spider-Man #682 Ends of the Earth: Part One (Marvel Comics) Dan Slott Writer/Stefano Caselli Art
 
   When I seen previews and advertisements show casing the beginning of this story arc in Amazing I was really excited for it to begin, I had every right to be. This issue of ASM is one of the best issues I have read in years, Dan Slott scribes a brilliant story for die hard web head fans and would recommend this book to any newbies to reading comics. A great jump on issue with out trying to be. I have picked up books in the past just based on the art chores when handled by Stefano Caselli, even books I was never accustomed to picking up or on my pull list. This issue he really pushes his work to the fullest, each single panel in this book is filled with detail and popping visuals. I usually dont delve into the colorist chores on books, Frank Martin Jr. does that fantastic of a job that I just had to plug him in this review. Great issue all around.

Runner Up: Red Hood and The Outlaws #7 (D.C. Comics)

Scott Lobdell Writer/Kenneth Rocafort Art **Another great issue from this group of creators, title has been solid and in the hot pick list for 7 months in a row now. Love this cast and the team comedy works so well every issue.**

Batman #7 (D.C. Comics) Scott Snyder Writer/Greg Capullo Pencil/Jonathan Glapion Inks ** This book leads into the Night of the Owls story ark, looks like D.C.'s first Batman Family tie-in could rock.**

Justice League #7 (D.C. Comics) Geoff Johns Writer/Gene Ha & Gary Frank Art **I will admit that I was kind of salty when I knew Jim Lee would be taking the next few issues off. Well the combo of Ha and Frank hit one out of the park and this issue is by far Johns at the top of his game.**

Wolverine #303 (Marvel Comics) Jason Aaron Writer/Billy Tan, Steven Sanders & Paco Diaz Art  **This story arc of Wolverine has been pretty damn good, brings back memories of when Claremont was on this title. Sabretooth and a Japan Hand Ninja what more do you want**

X-Factor #233 (Marvel Comics) Peter David Writer/Leonard Kirk Art *Peter David keeps pumping great issue after great issue of X-Factor and the art is always spot on. Great to have Havok and Polaris back in this title.**

Uncanny X-Men #9 (Marvel Comics) Kieron Gillen Writer/Carlos Pacheco Pencils/Cam Smith Inks **I wish the X-Men would go back to being...The X-men. But all in all this has been a good book the last few issues, I wasn't hot on the first few but it looks like they got there footing now. Also this is one hell of a heavy hitting team.**

Star Wars Dawn of the Jedi: Force Storm #2 (Dark Horse Comics) John Ostrander Writer/Jan Duursema Pencils/Dan Parsons Inks **WOW...When Ostrander thinks up new worlds in different times and places in the Star Wars universe he really does not take no short cuts, This story is truly deep and Duursema always impresses.

Prophet #23 (Image Comics) Brandon Graham & Simon Roy Writers Simon Roy Art **By far my favorite issue of

this re-launched series to date, also got me with flashes of story injected from the original Prophet series. I hope to see more infusions in this title from older Prophet lore mixed in with the new direction.**

Snake-Eyes #11 Cobra Command Part 8 (IDW Publishing) Chuck Dixon Writer/Alex Cal & Beni Lobel **All the Joe books have either been in the hot pile and a few just missed in the past year since the re-launch of this title and it's sister books. One word for my thoughts on this book...Quality.**

Honorable Picks:

Cat Women #7 (D.C. Comics) Judd Winick Writer/Adriana Melo Pencils/Mariah Benes Inks **This one slipped a little this month but I have every faith in this group to get it back up to hot picks. After 6 hot issues they get a pass.**

Legion of Super-Heroes #7 (D.C. Comics) Paul Levitz Writer/Francis Portella Art **Not my favorite run on the series, not a total waste,  I look forward to next issue with

the return of past artists Steve Lightle & Yildiray Cinar. How I do love classic Legion artists.**

Avengers X-Sanction #4 of 4 (Marvel Comics) Jeph Loeb Art/Ed McGuiness Pencils/Dexter Vines Inks **This series did not really catch me, I was looking forward to it being a giant Cable fan and I must admit this was the best match up between Wolvie and Cable since New Mutants #93 Vol. 1.**

The Invincible Iron-Man #514 (Marvel Comics) Matt Fraction Writer/Salvador Larroca Art **Another title that gets a pass, I didn't feel this issue measured up to the quality these to bring most of the time month after month. Still an enjoyable read.**

Kick-Ass 2 #7 (Marvel/Millar/Icon) Mark Millar Writer/John Romita Jr. **I prefer the first series to this continuation of the hot first series, still a good read.**

WitchBlade #154 (Image Comics) Tim Seeley Writer/Diego

Bernard Pencils/Fred Benes Inks **Not my favorite issue since the rebirth of the Top Cow universe.**

Star Trek/Legion of Super-Heroes #6 (IDW/D.C. Comics) **Not the best book to represent these two individual properties, may only get a rise out of die hard's and not your new readers.**

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Infestation 2 #2 (IDW Publishing) Tristan Jones Writer/Mark Torres Art **did not live up to the caliber of the first issue of this 2 issue mini, but I do love me some good Turtle adventures.**

Not so Hot:

Green Lantern Corps #7 (D.C. Comics) Peter J. Tomasi Writer/Claude St. Aubin Pencils/Scott Hanna Inks **Not my favorite of the Green Lanterns family books since the New 52 premiered, still picking it up cause I never get enough ring slinging action.**

Generation Hope #17 (Marvel Comics) James Asmus Writer/Takeshi Miyazawa Art **Some issues really shine and then some just dont hit the right mark. I do enjoy this New Mutant/Generation X like book, just hard when it is a roller coaster ride.**

New Mutants #39 (Marvel Comics) Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning Writers/Leandro Fernandez Art **Which brings me to New Mutants, this has been a major struggle for me. Being that DnA is one of my favorite writer/creators in comics, this book started to flow good after a rocky debut on this title for the duo. But after a while I was not feeling the book, then the last 3 issues it started to build and I felt the greatness that shines from these two amazing artist that have brought us some great stories in the likes of Guardians of the Galaxy, Nova and Legion Lost to mention a few in there great past. The art has been good, nothing to blow your socks off but it is serviceable. Hope for a complete turn around...dont let me down guys.**

Review: Fusion #1 by Project4 Studios

     This is a great anthology like book penciled and inked in classic small press black & white and tones. Love the feel of this book which has a total of 5 short stories with an extended 32 page count. This book is one of those obscure titles that is enjoyable from cover to cover and is worth a look through. Hope to find more material from the bunch of creators that helped bring this book to publication. This is definitely a nice surprise when you get this book in the mail, perfect definition of small press comic books. Support Independent Comics!!!

Link:

Project 4 Studios: http://project4studios.net/

Indy Planet: Fusion X Issue #1

Interior Pages

Featuring stories by Justin Jude Carmona, Lawrence Denvir, Rudy Vasquez, Hugo Cantu, and Juan Muro
Cover by Eddie Nunez
Standard Comic
Black & White
Page Count: 32
POD

Who is Fan-Girl and what is her shocking secret? Find out in GENESIS by Justin Jude Carmona and Lawrence Denvir.
One man and his little girl must survive the threat of a zombie-infested wilderness in DEAD HORIZON by Carmona and Vasquez.
Valose is a deadly warlord and conqueror who feels it is his destiny is to “…rule the world of mortals…” But do the Gods of fate have other plans for him? Find out in Hugo Cantu’s sword and sorcery tale, WAY OF THE SWORD.
Who or what is the WAR-BEAR? And will it defeat the Noble Claw Oso Clan’s enemies or bring about their doom? By Juan Muro with Carmona.

There’s something for everyone in Project4 Studios’ premier anthology book, Fusion X! If you like horror, super-hero adventure, humor, fantasy, drama, slice of life, mystery, crime or sci-fi, then the Fusion X anthology is for you. Featuring four widely diverse stories by some of comic’s finest up-and-comers, this book will satisfy any taste. And with each cover featuring Project4’s sexy mascot, Fan-Girl, Fusion X is a guaranteed can’t miss.

Fusion X #1 TM and ©  the respective creators.  All rights reserved.

Review: O:PhX #1 by Oren Kramek & Omer Goodovich

     Sexy & Bloody is how I am going to start this little gem off, last time I remember a book anything like this was Sam Keith's Maxx from Image Comics and that was tame by comparison. This is one crazy trip of a story and the art is fantastic, it measures up to greats such as Sam Keith, Barry Windsor Smith & Chris Bachalo. That is by the way good company to keep if those three name do not ring a bell trust me on this, masters of the art form in every shape and form. Also another fun fact is that those three artists have all done the art for a certain X-Man by the name of Wolverine at one point in there careers. Once you open the pages of O:PhX you will see what I mean when you turn each highly detailed page after another. Ned the Chainsaw Guy & Jayne Doe are the two out of the world main cast to this great ride, and they have the personality to boot. Great issue by these creators, check out the links below. Support Independent Comics!

 Links:

Indy Planet: O:PhX Issue #1 

 

Interior Pages

O:PhX "The Hangover of Doom" TM and © Oren Kramek & Omer Goodovicth. All rights reserved.

Review: Fungus Grotto #1 - 3 by MS, Shatia P. Hamilton

     I know, what a funky out of left field title for a comic book. If it was not for the cover art I may of just passed this one up, no let me take that back. I would of most definitely shrugged my shoulders and went on to another book. Well from the cover to the interior art these books have been so enjoyable for me from start to finish. The story line in my opinion is kind of on the lite hearted side and would usually not do it for me, but this book works out so well with the Anime/Manga look to it and it almost feels like you are on a RPG quest with the scribing of this title. What really convinced me and won me over was the amount of work put into this book and how each page flowed perfectly, a real page turner this book is. I will be picking up issues 4 and 5 in the not so distant future. Check out more art below by Shatia P. Hamilton and click on the links I have provided, sure to not be a waste of your time. Support Independent Comics!

Links:

Publishers Site: http://www.destiny-makers.net/

Indy Planet: Fungus Grotto Issue #1

Indy Planet: Fungus Grotto Issue #2

Indy Planet: Fungus Grotto Issue #3

Interior Artwork

 Fungus Grotto #1-3 TM and © Ms,Shatia Hamilton. All rights reserved.

Another inked page of Spell #2

Still working on the 2nd installment of Spell, just coming a little slower than the first and I do not in any way want to rush it. I think I owe it to my supports no matter how small my following is. The wait may be a little longer, but well worth it with the effort I am putting into the second issue of Spell.

Thank You,

Joseph W. Hottendorf Jr.
aka HOCK
PsychoRelik Studios 2012. All right reserved. Spell and all other characters are copy-rite and property of PsychoRelik Studios.

Comic reviews for the week of 3/14/12

Pick of the Week: G.I Joe #11 Cobra Command Part 7 (IDW Publishing) Chuck Dixon Writer/Alex Cal Art

    I know, I know...Picking the under dog again! This was the best book out of all the material I read this week hands down. Especially when you pick up eighteen books and the winner is not one of the big two, makes you wonder. Chuck Dixon has been writing a masterful storyline through Cobra Command and Alex Cal backs him up with some amazing Joe art that most people are not accustomed to seeing in these pages. Great execution all around can not wait to see how this ends. It cant be all bad for the Joe's this round or can it, They got slaughtered in the last go round with Cobra.


The Winners:

Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic: War #3 of 5 (Dark Horse Comics) John Jackson Miller Writer/Andrea Mutti Pencils/Pierluigi Baldassini Inks

*Another great release from this creative team, it revisits an era of the Star Wars universe Dark Horse has explored once before but they have learned how to keep it fresh*

Green Lantern #7 (D.C. Comics) Geoff Johns Writer/Doug Mahnke Pencils/Keith Champagne & Christian Alamy Inks
*Since the relaunch a few years ago this book has been nothing short of spectacular even into The New 52 incarnation of this title*

Grifter #7 (D.C. Comics) Nathan Edmondson Writer/Scott Clark Pencils/Dave Beaty Inks *Art and story have been on point since issue #1 and each page jumps off the page with great visuals and I know this story is leading into something big sooner or later*

The Incredible Hulk #6 (Marvel Comics) Jason Aaron Writer/Whilce Portacio Pencils/Allen Martinez Inks
*Another great offering from these legendary creators, The ending on this cliff hanger can no be so...or can it*

Wolverine and the X-Men #7 (Marvel Comics) Jason Aaron Writer/Nick Bradshaw Pencils *Seven for seven with Wolverine and the X-Men, that is 7 months in a row that this book has been a hot pick and 4 of the 7 it has had the top honors of the week*

Artifacts #15 (Top Cow/Image) Ron Marz Writer/Stjepan Sejic Art *Another book and these two just keep putting out slamming work, do miss them on WitchBlade but it is only a matter of time before she shows up in this book*

Glory #24 (Image/Extreme) Joe Keatinge Writer/Ross Campbell Art * Avengelyne, Prophet and now Glory! Extreme has me convinced that there back and they are hitting strong*

G.I. Joe A Real American Hero! #176 (IDW Publishing) Larry Hama Writer/S.L. Gallant Art *Larry keeps finding new ways for me to stay interested in this title now through 176 issues...Amazing. Gallants art complements this masters scribes work just as well as artist that have handles the chores in the past.

G.I. Joe: Infestation 2 #1 of 2 (IDW Publishing) Mike Raicht Writer/Valentine De Landro Art *G.I. Joe with three great titles in one week, Not to mention the first G.I. Joe Infestation a year ago was one of the best G.I. Joe books I have read to date. Great follow up!*

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Infestation 2 #1 of 2 (IDW Publishing) Tristan Jones Writer/Mark Torres Art *Another great Turtle adventure from IDW!*

The Transformers: More Than Meets The Eyes #3 (IDW Publishing) James Roberts Writer/Alex Milne Art *I was on the fence when the first issue was released, but after three issues in I am convinced with the level of storytelling here that this book has so much more than any other TF property ever released.*

Honorable Mention:

 Star Wars Agent of the Empire: Iron Eclipse John Ostrander Writer/Stephane Crety Pencils/Julien Hugonnard-Bert

Demon Knights #7 (D.C. Comics) Paul Cornell Writer/Diogenes Neves & Robson Rocha Art

Legion Lost #7 (D.C. Comics) Tom DeFalco Writer/Pete Woods Art

My Greatest Adventure #6 of 6 (D.C. Comics) Aaron Lopresti, Matt Ryan, Mat Kindt, Scott Kolins & Kevin Mcguire Creative Team

X-Men Legacy #263 (Marvel Comics) Christos Gage Writer/David Baldeon Pencils/Mark Brooks Cover

No...Just No:

X-23 #21 (Marvel Comics) Marjorie Liu Writer/Phil Noto Art

 I have been a major supporter of this title and it's creative team since issue numero uno. This is the last issue of this series which Marvel announced its closure some months ago. I read a lot of books and this was one of my favorite books every month due to its consistency of excellence! Just like Nova and Guardians of the Galaxy disappeared in the night, where books like Sheild and Millar World titles get next to no exposure. Does Marvel just not like promoting books that are good and deserve it. I will miss this book, but what gets me the most is that this book was a silent issue. This was done many times but should of ended with the G.I. Joe silent issue in the 80's. It was tried by Devils Due again on G.I. Joe and other titles have used this technique such as Wolverine. It just ticks me off, you cancel a book I enjoy and you dont have the decency of putting dialogue. Another great move!

Review: Lazarus: Immortal Coils by 10 Worlds Studios

     This one is definitely not for the kiddies!!! I picked up all four issues over at Indy Planet not knowing what to think, any title independent or mainstream is always a hit or miss like everything in life. Well this one hits the mark running on all cylinders, great story and fantastic art to boot. I love how this story spans almost two eons which dates back to the days of Jesus Christ. Great back story really sets up the main character Lazarus and leaves so much more that could be done with this idea if 10 Worlds Studios plans to run with this title with further adventures. Almost reminds me of some old Valiant material like Immortal Warrior and Shadow Man which makes me get into this story even more since these two title were also awesome ideas. Joseph Gauthier's story is flawless in execution and reeks of imagination. Carlos Rafael Duarte's visuals inspire and jump off the page after each enticing page. This is not to be passed up by any true comic collector or fan of the genre. Support Independent Comics!!!

I also have to plug the rest of the creative team on this well thought out book from cover to cover. Colors Frank Martin Jr. & Vinicious Andrade/Production Alexander Lugo & Neil DeMonte/Letters Dave Lanphear/Book Design Christian Colbert and Cover provided by Kevin Sharpe & Casey Edwards

“A LONG TIME COMING…” It begins here, the New Testament character that disappeared from history is back, but this is no bible tale! On the surface, Gehenna City is any other metropolis. Its citizens are unaware they are raw material for an invasion! Demons rule Gehenna, possessing citizens and spreading like an infection. Only Lazarus can stop them! Discover the origins of this eternal warrior. His death, resurrection, and what fuels his one-man war for over a millennia! The comic 1,974 years in the making!

LAZARUS: Immortal Coils starring the Biblical figure as an immortal warrior in a city built by demons where humans are used as hosts for an invasion. The miniseries is created and written by Joseph Gauthier, penciled by Carlos Rafael Duarte (Highlander: Way of the Sword), with covers by Casey Edwards and Kevin Sharpe.

10 Worlds Studios Site: http://www.10worldsstudio.com/
Issue # 1 Indy Planet:  Lazarus Immortal Coils #1
Issue # 2 Indy Planet: Lazarus Immortal Coils #2
Issue # 3 Indy Planet: Lazarus Immortal Coils #3
Issue # 4 Indy Planet: Lazarus Immortal Coils #4