POWERS - Not a bad little wrap-up to the latest story arc (and to the first volume of the title as a whole). Bendis and Oeming have turned this book into THE book I look forward to buying again and re-reading in trades. I can sorta see what’s going on in the last few pages of this issue, but I’m still trying to piece it all together in my head…and that’s a good thing.

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN - Another Bendis title, another good read. Seeing Avi Arad as a character in the comic was kind of sucktacular, but not so much so that it ruins the story. Some fun stuff mixed in with a few really nice character moments assures that USM remains one of the best books on the market, and probably the best book Marvel’s published in the last 5 years.

FALLEN ANGEL - Peter David continues to “re-invent” himself with this title, most easily described as a Vertigo title with DCU artwork. David’s at his best in this issue, crafting the story around Christian mythology and the crucifixion os Christ. Now, if only the book could get a fraction of the buzz that Mel Gibson’s movie has right now…

INCREDIBLE HULK - Bruce Jones coninues his run on last year’s critical darling, and things are looking up again. After getting rather thin on story about 6-7 months ago, HULK is back on track with actual plot movement. I have no idea where Doug Braithwaith came from, but his art is reason enough to get the book. Kinda reminds me of the Buscema/Palmer team from the mid 80s.

JSA - A nice little stand alone issue dealing with the fallout of the Black Reign storyline. The big development of the issue is the confrontation between Flash and Captain Marvel regarding CM’s interest in Stargirl, and what CM does about it. Hopefully, the issue is far from resolved, because it’s been one of the more engaging sub-plots of the last year. I’m guessing, however, that the next major plotline will involve the Hourmen, seeing as how one of them is supposed to be dying “soon, and the other is laying in-between seconds with his gut hanging outside his stomach.

And there’s more stuff, but I’m about typed out. Maybe I’ll cover the remaining books later this week, or maybe not. We’ll see.

What I Done Got