Here is a rundown of my serious pile of comics. I looked at the Diamond list this week and told my husband it was going to be a doozy, and it was. For complete reviews of Aquaman #15 and Secret War #1, check out the review section of this here site.

Knights 4 #1: I had already read it in a previous issue of Wizard, but as a big fan of the Fantastic Four, couldn’t keep away from it. I am a fan of Steve McNiven from his work at Cross Gen on Meridian, and he doesn’t disappoint with his art here. The story in itself is a “what if” of sorts, as the FF is out of work and out of a home, and must fend for themselves in an all too realistic world. There’s a tough time all around, and it is compelling for sure, but I will need a few more issues to draw a more informed opinion.

Emma Frost #10: A look at Emma Frost before she was the quintessential bad girl of X-Men lore. I am loving each issue of this book, and in this second arc, out on her own, the stakes are higher then ever. Hey Fellas- give it to your girlfriend, and she might like it. How Karl Bollers writes it with such a female perspective is beyond me, but it works well.

Nightwing #90: This book kicks ass! Devin Grayson has taken Dick to his lowest ebb and made him desperate, creating a new breed of Nightwing. Pissed and driven, Dick is on the destructive streak of his life as he must battle through a throng of villains to get to his main target. Never in a million years did I think Grayson,a huge Nightwing fan in her own right, would tear him down like this, but she has, and it works beautifully. Kudos to her.

Batman: Death & the Maidens #7 (of 9): God knows where this book is ending, with a feeble Ras’Al Ghul and a newly submissive Talia broken by the mysterious Nyssa. As Bruce Wayne takes a spirit quest of sorts to meet up with his long dead parents, there is a mysterious break in at the Bat Cave, and a whole other sordid plan. Can Bruce be everywhere at once? Only Rucka knows. Can writer Greg Rucka up the level of suspense? Apparently the answer is yes, as I have got to pick up the next issue immediately.

Action Comics #812: Start of the six issue Michael Turner power arc. I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of improvement in Talent Caldwell’s art, as I was genuinely pissed at how long it took him to get out the Aspen: Fathom’s War mini series at Top Cow. The story is pretty cool, featuring an alternate reality where Clark never came to Earth, and a hot babe to match. Never underestimate the power of a good looking Turner babe.

Coup’Detat Stormwatch: Something about this tale is making my head hurt, and after two tries, I haven’t been able to read it. I don’t know if the scope and breadth of the tale is too much for my tired brain, but I have decided to wait until the four part story is out to tackle it.

New Mutants #8: I have love/hate moments with this title. I like the core characters, and the concept, but some of the storylines are too quirky for my tastes. I think it must be my middle age that is the problem. If I had a teenage niece, I would hand this to her in a heartbeat. Lots of teen angst and growing pains.

Incredible Hulk #67: I love Bruce Jones’ work here; my husband hates it. He thinks there should be way more Hulk Smash moments, and I like the pathos that ensues to make him come to the surface. This current story arc reeks of sexual tension, which makes a romantic fool like me all the more happy. Oh, there is also a lot of broken stuff, which is cool for the guys.

The Demon: Driven Out #6: The last issue of the mini series. I have enjoyed seeing a chick attached to the Demon, and the even greater destruction that can ensue. I also like the Japanese mafia’s involvement, which is a guaranteed crown pleaser.

HERO #13: A guy becomes a chick, and his friend falls in love. Always good for a laugh. Seriously, this is one great title, where you never know what is going to happen next, but you know for sure it’s going to rock.

Brath #12: A Cross Gen title that has a hot guy as the lead character. Also, an ancient, gladiator storyline that gives me Russell-Crowe type goose bumps. Too good to pass up. The art is great to boot.

Epic Anthology: Damn, I sure wish this could have happened after reading this. All three stories were great, with Rob Worley’s take on Young Ancient One a stand out. I loved the husband-wife bickering and the humor infused in the tale. I also loved the Sleepwalker story by Kirkman and Randolph. Trevor Scott, who is becoming a favorite of mine, pencils the third tale titled Strange Magic. All three stories end with cliffhangers, and I would really like to see where they are headed.

I also got Witchblade #73, Mythstalkers #7, and Feather #4. All are Image, but I haven’t read them yet. Just got them today, and think that would be a great way to spend Valentines Day - just me and the hubby reading comics and relaxing after a tough week of work. Amen and Hallelujah!

Spread the word!