Ultimate Iron Man #4 (of 5): Even though writer Orson Scott Card has been a source of controversy because of some anti-homosexuality statements, I am finding it easy to look past the drama to the real issue here- how is Card doing on Ultimate Iron Man? The answer is a calm and happy “great”. I am pleased with the tone Card has taken with the series, and in my mind each issue just gets better. Jim “Rhodey” Rhodes was introduced last issue, and here in issue 4 we get a chance to see more of his personality and his interactions with Tony. It is apparent that Tony is an eccentric adult because he had an extremely strange childhood. Between his genius father and his band of associates, Tony never has a chance for normalcy, and his brilliance only serves to further alienate his peers. Give Ultimate Iron Man a look for the “behind the music” look at what makes The Ulimates’ Iron Man tick.

JLA #119: Here it is kids! The precursor to Infinite Crisis happens here, and is no real surprise to anyone what goes down. The team is in its most vulnerable state ever. There is no trust and the big three are fractured to a point where it seems their relationship cannot be repaired. Wonder Woman is a killer, Batman built a spy satellite that has gone rogue, and Superman just wants them all to get along but can’t forget what has occurred. The original members of the team are split down the middle, and Zatanna is so out of here! I am completely fascinated by how screwed things are looking and am very interested to see how things can possibly be put back together. Humpty Dumpty has nothing on the DCU.

Adventures of Superman #644: As Superman continues his trip down guilt lane; he decides to take Zatanna along for the ride. We get a deeper look into Zatanna’s motives and some of the back story that was previously hidden. To top it off, Jimmy Olsen becomes an even bigger dick, and the rest of the supporting cast are further mistrusting Superman and his motives. This is the good stuff; grab a copy if you get a chance.

Young Avengers #7: The controversial youth team book takes a character building breather this issue as we get an inside look at some of the team’s families and the relationships they have with them. Billy and Teddy reveal a different secret then they expected to, and Cassie Lang must tiptoe around her mom and step dad for fear of reprisals. Most surprising is the shocking turn Eli’s story takes, compelling readers to keep picking up such an interesting title. The thing that Young Avengers has going for it is a great sense of the unknown and a focus on the characters rather then the battles so far. Add in a little letter column controversy courtesy of someone I know quite well, and this is the book everyone is talking about bar none.

Sentry #1 (of 8): This was not what I expected at all when I picked up the title. I was hoping for more back story and what I got was a whole new group of problems that The Sentry is wrestling with. The Void is very much a problem for Robert, and the inner/outer dialogue completely crept me out. The breadth and scope of Sentry’s power is a whole other unknown, and CLOC’s influence is extremely confusing. For a brain teaser of a read, check out The Sentry #1.

Fantastic Four #531: I am just not feeling this title. Maybe I am still disappointed that Mark Waid left, but I am not enjoying this new direction at all. J. Michael Straczynski has done other titles I really like, but I am thoroughly under whelmed with this first story arc. With the rising price of comics, next issue will be my last unless I see a total 180 in my feelings.

Ultimate Spider-Man #83: I really enjoy this title, though in the past it has been a tad uneven at times. Brian Michael Bendis very able captures the spirit of Peter Parker and having that essence so well in hand makes the rest come along very easily for me. I am itching for the current “Warriors” storyline to be over so that the events from this summer’s annual can come into play, but have to admit that I am enjoying the Ultimate universe portrayal of Iron Fist and Black Cat. If you have stayed away from this title, give it a chance sometime. At $2.50 it is still one of the least expensive bets you can make.

Comic Reviews