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This Week's Essential Comics: 10/24/2012

Ed Brubaker finishes his work on Captain America, Punisher enters a war zone and Wolverine goes MAX.

It’s okay, change happens. It’s not the end of the world, we promise. As you may have noticed, we’re bringing a slight format change to what used to be “10 Comics to Buy This Week.”

Now, we’re not trying to tell anyone how to spend their hard-earned money, but our goal for this updated weekly column is for it to be something people can look to for near 100% accuracy when pointing out quality titles. Because as we all know, the problem isn’t finding comics to read, it’s reading the ones that make the most of your limited budget.

Firstly, you’ll notice our typical ten titles have been cut down to five (or there about). But we’re sticking with the old adage: quality over quantity. Lastly, outside further expansion on why we recommend each book, we’re also going to provide preview pages for each title (when available) to give you an idea how the book reads and looks. You can click each image to enlarge.

Batman Incorporated #4

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After a bit of a detour to (once again) cover the formation of Batman Incorporated, we’ve back to the ongoing struggle between Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul with li’l Damian caught in the middle. If you can remember back a few months, issue #3 concluded with Damian donning the “Red Bird” guise since, according to dear ol’ dad, the Robin identity was grounded. Now Damian has a new secret identity and is hot on the trail of saving his father and bringing down Leviathan all by himself… at least in theory.

While BATMAN INCORPORATED might not be the main Bat-book anymore thanks to the magnificent work being done by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo, it still remains one of the most entertaining superhero titles hitting shelves. It also serves as a nice complement to Snyder’s work, which is draped in so much death and despair. Comparatively, Morrison and Burnham’s BATMAN INCORPORATED feels much more fun and lighthearted, at least as far as Batman can go.

BATMAN INCORPORATED #4 might not be a great place to jump in for new readers. So if you find yourself in that camp, run out and pick up the series’ first four issues (#1-3 and #0) and give it a whirl while also snagging this week’s #4. It’s got an epic plot and serves as the only place where you can find that sweet, sweet Matches Malone action.

Captain America #19

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This issue marks the true end of an era. This is Ed Brubaker’s final Captain America issue.

While CAPTAIN AMERICA has not been as strong in its current volume as previous volumes, this issue will most likely provide Brubaker’s final stamp on the character and should not be missed. We’re betting it’s going to be quite a poetic send-off to a character Brubaker revitalize all those years ago.

Joining Brubaker is his longtime Cap collaborator Steve Epting, who is providing the artwork for issue #19. With both Brubaker and Epting back together, CAPTAIN AMERICA #19 should be quite a memorable reading experience that hopefully leaves fans with a great taste in their mouth and begging Brubaker to return to the character sometime down the road.

Preview brought to you by CBR:

Punisher: War Zone #1

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You will buy this book.

I’m doing my best to hypnotize everyone reading this list because Greg Rucka deserves your duckets for his work on Punisher. Unfortunately, Rucka’s main PUNISHER series was cancelled due to poor sales, but at least Marvel granted him the opportunity to wrap up his over-arching Punisher story with a mini-series called PUNISHER: WAR ZONE.

Following the events of Punisher #16, the Punisher is on the run from pretty much every law enforcement agency in New York, including the Avengers. According to Rucka, PUNISHER: WAR ZONE is a series that can be enjoyed by new readers who haven’t read PUNISHER #1-16. That means you have no excuse not to pick it up. Seriously, Rucka’s take on the character is a masterstroke and should be experienced, even if it is this late in the game.

The only sad thing about WAR ZONE is that artist Marco Checchetto will not be drawing the book. Checchetto was originally schedule to, but a family emergency came up and he had to drop the title. However, Carmine Di Giandomenico will be picking up the artistic pieces, and we all know Giandomenico can draw. Please buy this book.

Talon #1

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Of all the new books that debuted with zero issues, James Tynion IV, Scott Snyder and Guillem March’s TALON was arguably the strongest. The book’s main character was strong, the artwork by March was beautiful and dynamic and the plot centering on a man on the run for his past sins felt fresh, surprisingly. TALON showed a lot of potential with that first zero issue, and now we’re about to find out if that momentum carries through to issue #1.

TALON #1 picks up with Calvin Rose heading into Gotham to investigate the fallout of the recent Court of Owls storyline. Rose is trying to find any loophole out of his past life that he can, and maybe Gotham has the answers. Meanwhile, the court continues to hunt him relentlessly.

Wolverine MAX #1

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This title is this week’s wildcard pick. On paper, a MAX series centered on Wolverine seems like a slam dunk; the character is perfect for a gruff, gritty and uber violent take aimed at adults. However, it needs to be said, do we really need another Wolverine book?

Well, if we’re willing to look past the fact that Wolverine already has like 1,000 books, WOLVERINE MAX has potential to stand out. The series will be written by award-winning crime novelist Jason Starr, who did some work in the MAX line already with Punisher, and drawn by Roland Boschi and Connor Willumsen.

WOLVERINE MAX takes place in modern day Tokyo, yet will revisit Wolverine early years. The plot line might not scream originality, but for a no-holds-barred take on Wolverine, I’m willing to give the series the benefit of the doubt for now. I suggest you do the same.

Erik Norris is a freelance writer for sites such as ComicVine, IGN and CraveOnline.com. You can stalk him on Twitter @Regular_Erik.

61 Comments

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deactivated-5d921c81bd12c

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Amazing Spider-Man should be here. Its looking pretty awesome :)

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InfamousFish

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Edited By InfamousFish

Talon

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lifeboy

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Edited By lifeboy
SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!!!!! : D
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sweetesttoaster

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Edited By sweetesttoaster

I wish I could pick up Wolverine MAX, but I don't think Comixology will have that. They don't seem to have the MAX titles.

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SmashBrawler

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Edited By SmashBrawler

From this list I'm only getting Batman Incorporated and Punisher: War Zone.

The rest...

  • Amazing Spider-Man
  • I, Vampire
  • Justice League Dark
  • Red Lanterns
  • The Flash
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haydenclaireheroes

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I am only getting 4 comics this week =(

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zackattack529

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Edited By zackattack529

PUNISHER! so sad its going to be over, but im glad Ruca and Punisher are giving the Marvel Universe one last middle finger by beating the Cr*p outta the mainstream marvel character! haha gotta love frank man..This is a must buy for me! Nice to see Ruca and Punisher are not going down without a fight! :D

Im also getting Flash 13, Gorilla Warfare begin! its gonna be awesome guys check that out! X)

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ccraft

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Edited By ccraft

I'm getting Talon 1, Teen Titans 13, Superman 13, Maybe Hawkman Vol 1

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usabfb

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Edited By usabfb

@haydenclaireheroes: I'm getting three, if Comixology is to be believed. It should be four though.

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kingjoeg

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Edited By kingjoeg

No ff 23? the final issue of jonathan hickmans epic fantastic four run.

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longbowhunter

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Edited By longbowhunter

Batman Inc, Talon and Punisher: War Zone from the list. Also gonna grab Secret Avengers, Aquaman, JLD and maybe I,Vampire.

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cc1738

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Edited By cc1738

I'm getting Aquaman, Superman, and Batman The Dark Knight this week. I want to get Red lanterns for the rise of the third army tie in, but I can't afford it. I'm not getting GL corps either for the same reason. It sucks because I wish I could afford to get the whole series.

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SavageDragon

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Edited By SavageDragon

Gambit, Talon, I Vampire, Punisher War Zone

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SavageDragon

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Edited By SavageDragon

@cc1738: No Aquaman this week. I know it sucks cause the Others storyline needs to be concluded! Great book

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deadpool25mm

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Edited By deadpool25mm

Well my list this week:

MARVEL:

  • Avengers#32
  • Captain America #19
  • Deadpool#63
    Maybe i'll check out the punisher war zone.
    No DC for me this week :(
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kriminal

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Edited By kriminal

@sweetesttoaster i order my comics online. midtowncomics.com or tfaw.com usually have everything for at least 3 or 4 weeks

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jstndmnd

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Edited By jstndmnd

I don't know none of my comics made the list: Aquaman, and the Flash. I might be stop reading The Flash, giving it up for earth 2.

Of all the list I would say Talon is the only one that looks good.

I'm surprised they didn't add Superman with this, I thought it was the start of H'el on Earth crossover.

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thespideyguy

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Edited By thespideyguy

@jstndmnd said:

I don't know none of my comics made the list: Aquaman, and the Flash. I might be stop reading The Flash, giving it up for earth 2.

Of all the list I would say Talon is the only one that looks good.

Earth 2 isn't better I'm dropping it after issue six.

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GillaDro

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Edited By GillaDro

@guttridgeb said:

Amazing Spider-Man should be here.

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Baconbot

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Edited By Baconbot

Some great looking books coming out this week. I'll have to add PUNISHER: WAR ZONE which looks very interesting.

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AngeTheDude

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Edited By AngeTheDude

Roland Boschi? HELL YEAH.

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cc1738

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Edited By cc1738

@SavageDragon: What!? I hate five week months. They screw everything up.

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Deranged Midget

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Edited By Deranged Midget

It's truly a shame to see both Brubaker and Rucka's runs on their respective titles ending. Both have been amazing and both deserve to be picked up.

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Icon

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Edited By Icon

Superman, Teen Titans, Talon, and Aqauman for me, thanks.

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Cap10nate

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Edited By Cap10nate

Captain America 19... Sad to see my favorite writer leave both my favorite characters in a span of a couple months.

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RedheadedAtrocitus

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Punisher: War Zone looks so promising. SO tempting...:;strokes the image with my fingertips::

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Kyjeremiah

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Edited By Kyjeremiah

punisher war zone for sure. its sucks the regular punisher got canceled but life goes on, it does bum me out that marco checcheto isn't drawing but i understand my heart goes to him and his family

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MadeinBangladesh

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Edited By MadeinBangladesh

Only gettin Punisher!!!!!! Cant waitt! evryone get this bookkkk!!!!!!!!!!!

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MisterKetch

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Edited By MisterKetch

Glad to see Talon is getting some positive buzz. He can't hook up with Catwoman if he get cancelled after all.

Flash 13, Gorilla WAR!!!! WOOOO Rogues and Flash vs powered up Grodd Round 1, can't wait.

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Smurfboy

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Edited By Smurfboy

Wolverine MAX #1 and Gambit #4!!! And probably A-Babies VS X-Babies #1.

Several weeks ago, I was very surprised to see that Wolverine is having another ongoing-series title (MAX). Does anyone know the MAX series has nothing to do with Wolverine & The X-Men series in terms of story-line? I seriously hope they're two completely different titles, though. Looks like Wolverine will have about three or four titles going on (Wolverine MAX, Wolverine & The X-Men, Savage Wolverine and X-Force[?]). What a busy guy he is!

-Smurfboy

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wh1t3b0y5t33z

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Edited By wh1t3b0y5t33z

Wolverine MAX seems nice, just hope it's not going to overlap with Wolverine and the X-men.

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jinxuandi

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Edited By jinxuandi

Cap 19. Will probably be the last good issue of that book for some time, unfortunately.

Flash 13

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Trodorne

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Edited By Trodorne

: Here is a few more you and everyone else should check out AWAY from the big 2.

Star Trek:TNG/Dr.Who Assimilation #6 - This Fan devoted service from IDW has been amazing from the get go. Last time we left the series the Doctor was trying to convince Captain Picard to make an alliance with the Borg to fight the Cybermen.

Twilight Manga Collectors Edition Graphic Novel - Love it, or Hate it; Fans or haters can be able to pick up a collectors version of the twilight in manga form. Anyone who is a fan of the series will enjoy Stephanie Meyers adaptation into manga form. Though I am shuddering at the thought of it. Angel still wins against Edward.

Ice Age Past, Present & Future One Shot - Parents or Kids at heart who have seen the movies may enjoy A story about sid paying Santa a visit after screwing up events of last year. Ends up meeting himself of past, present and future. I for one am planning to buy this for my niece and get some early shopping done.

Star Wars: Darth Maul Death Sentence #4 - This mini series continues as it left off with Darth Maul using the natives of the planet in a perfect distraction against the republic while he goes back into the mines to get his brother. Master Kenobi has to try to find a way past the natives and secure Maul before he kills more.

Bravest Warrior #1 - Based on ADVENTURE TIME creator Pendleton Ward's brand-new animated series! Join Chris, Wallow, Beth and Danny, four 16-year-old heroes-for-hire, The travel from planet to planet, galaxy to galaxy saving aliens and other beings. If you are a fan of Adventure time this is a change to more of kids or adults who are more of science fiction fans.

Invincible #96 - The Flaxian invasion should end in this issue, I am interested to see what the secret is with Robot and Monster Girl. I love Ryan Ottley's art and can't wait for the next arch. For those who are already into invincible this is your reminder to pick it up son....*glare*.

Number 13 #0 - I saw some ads for this from Dark Horse, so I am going to pick up this issue Zero, its a new series. Unknown kid with no memory of their past in a post apocalyptic future, looks similar to Fallout but with better mutants. So Ill see how this is Robert Love and David Walker do the story for this.

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InnerVenom123

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Edited By InnerVenom123

@GillaDro said:

@guttridgeb said:

Amazing Spider-Man should be here.

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Duke_Nasty

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Edited By Duke_Nasty

I'll pick up Wolverine MAX and Punisher Warzone in trades. That Cap cover is sweet.

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CombatSpoon86

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Edited By CombatSpoon86

Batman Inc, Hickman's last issue of FF, Justice League Dark and Punisher War Zone

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GamerGeek360

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Edited By GamerGeek360

Of this list, Batman, Incoporated and Talon. I'm also getting Adventure Time, All-Star Western, Batman: The Dark Knight, and Red Lanterns to round out my week.

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ArtisticNeedham

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Edited By ArtisticNeedham

Getting

FLASH #13 $2.99

INVINCIBLE #96 [DIG] $2.99

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #696 $3.99

Maybe Getting (Not letting me underline these two words.)

FF #23 $2.99

MARVEL TALES BY ALAN DAVIS TP $16.99

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Blizaga101

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Edited By Blizaga101

JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK :D

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Mezmero

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Edited By Mezmero

Whenever I think of Talon I hear the theme song to the Hair Bear Bunch where the chorus is changed to, "Help! Help! Here comes the court." I think it's because of a past podcast or something. Might want to check out Punisher: War Zone but other than that it's going to be a slow comic week for me. Keep me informed.

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marvelman2099

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Edited By marvelman2099

since i dont get to the comic shops often i have to get most from ebay i just ordered wolverine max and am now looking for punisher war zone

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sinestro_GL

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Edited By sinestro_GL
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cacarl

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Edited By cacarl

I'm buying War Zone. I bought volume 1 and 2 of The Punisher and I loved it. Glad that I don't have to read volume 3 before reading War Zone. I don't want to wait until March to get my volume 3 and then War Zone. I hate the fact that the series was cancelled. The story was good and the art brilliant. I'll miss checchetto.

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fodigg

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Edited By fodigg

Frustrating to see them embrace Red Bird (or is it "Redbird"?) identity for Damian, even temporarily. They could've given that to Tim and ditched the terrible Red Robin name in the revamp. Instead, Tim has been nothing but 'Red Robin' and since the reboot, potentially better names have been handed out to other characters (e.g., Talon, Redbird).

Costumes look badass though.

As for Wingman's identity, anyone know which character would have a "Bowery accent?"

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G_Money_Christmas

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Superman #13, Talon, Batman: The Dark Knight, maybe Wolverine: MAX, and maybe Wonder Woman (even though it's from last week).

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Stormbox

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Edited By Stormbox

Only talon this week for me

Too bad aquaman comes out next week

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Cavemold

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Edited By Cavemold

Getting war zone , talon. !

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reignmaker

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Edited By reignmaker

All-Star Western and Flash for me this week.

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pingclang

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Edited By pingclang

Judging on the endings of each arch during this latest volume, I seriously doubt Brubaker`s Cap will have a "poetic" ending. If he keeps to habit it'll build and built then drop off with a sudden end that leaves you scratching your head.

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chocobojam

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Edited By chocobojam

Im getting AvX consequence # 3 and batman incorporated # 4 this week. but this is the first time I've heard wolverine Max so i might actually consider getting at least its first issue.

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