For this week’s quick takes, comics will be either “bad”, “fair”, “good”, or “great”. I couldn’t make myself get any fancier than that today, so I hope that is alright.

Infinite Crisis #2 (of 7): DC ups the ante with an outstanding second issue of the mini-series that will redefine the universe as we know it. From Power Girl’s revelations to the old school nods to pre-crisis continuity, this is shaping up to be the read of the year. Many comics promise to shake things up but few actually do. I believe this will be the exception to the rule. GREAT

Fantastic Four: 40th Anniversary Special: As Kung Fu Rodeo’s resident sap who cries at weddings, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to check out a book all about Reed and Sue’s wedding anniversary. I figured worst case scenario I got a reprint of the Stan Lee/Jack Kirby original and a great Gene Ha cover. Luckily Karl Kesel and Drew Johnson came through with a cute story to help salve my fears. I wouldn’t say this was the best comic to showcase weddings, but it was a sweet nod to Sue and Reed. GOOD

House of M: The Day After Special: I would definitely call this a great marketing opportunity to set up the new titles coming out of the House of M mini. Featuring art by Randy Green and Aaron Lopresti, long time writer Chris Claremont sorts out what will happen in the X-titles for the rest of the year and beyond. As an X-Man fan in a money crunch, the end result was pissing me off because I have no idea how I will afford these spin offs. FAIR

100 Bullets #66: Brian Azzarello reminds readers why 100 Bullets is such a great series with an issue that breaks all the rules. 100 Bullets has never left any characters safe, and no plotline ever excludes any group, making the title a dangerous read. More plot reveals and a compelling read remind me why I love this book so much. GREAT

The Pulse #12: I love the way Brian Michael Bendis writes Jessica Jones. I have been an avid fan of Alias and have stayed with The Pulse, but I have one huge question: Why does it take three issues to have a freaking baby!? Since The Pulse is a bi-monthly, I have to wait six months for Jessica and Luke’s child to enter the world? Consider me angry like the Hulk. POOR

New Excalibur #1: In Marvel’s quest to drain my wallet of all of its money, I picked up New Excalibur #1. Actually, I mostly picked it up because Pete Wisdom is on the cover and he is my favorite hold out from the original series. I was pleasantly surprised by what I read, and if it holds will consider making it the X-title I get. GOOD

New X-Men #20: Another House of M casualty, New X-Men is the title hit hardest by the loss of mutant population. The kids are scared and many are powerless. House of M has left a serious need to regroup, and never so badly as here. The status quo is gone, and this series is starting over as new. I didn’t really have a reaction, as the whole plot was so chaotic. This book is a maybe for me as I make some title cuts. FAIR

Have a great week and a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Comic Reviews