The Good

What isn't good about AVENGERS: CHILDREN'S CRUSADE? The series which started back in 2010 and has run it's course through 2011, released bi -monthly by Marvel is one comic that is always worth the wait. The book has finally reached a climax, and will prove to be the introduction to the upcoming Avengers vs. X-Men story arc -- something that is clear after reading this issue. It is in the eighth issue of AVENGERS:CHILDREN'S CRUSADE that we get the very first peek at the seeds being planted for the upcoming major story.

What happens when power-hungry Doctor Doom is given the power of the Life Force? Will he use it for good, or will he manipulate those around him to control the people and world around him? If you know Doom, then you know he does not play fair, and given cosmic powers and the healing factor of the Life Force you can just imagine the kind of damage he can do.

It's definitely interesting to see Doom contradict himself, saying things like "I shall make ours a planet free of poverty, disease and war..." and in the next breath blasts Wanda and the Young Avengers home, setting them up to pit the Avengers and the X-Men against one another. Here is another incredible issue of AVENGERS: THE CHILDREN'S CRUSADE that will have you at the edge of your seat. Not only is the story one of the absolute best to hit shelves this week, but the art of Jim Cheung is equally jaw-droppingly gorgeous. It's Wanda versus Emma Frost and Avengers versus X-Men versus Doom all rolled into one, and the end will leave you puzzled and maybe even a little bit sad. What will happen next? How can this get any better?

The Bad

Absolutely nothing bad here. Gorgeous book, exciting story and tons of fun. One of the best books out this week.

The Verdict

What an incredible story this has been! As if it couldn't get more exciting, Allan Heinberg ups the ante with issue 8 of 9. Jim Cheung's gorgeous art help tell an exceptional story. His ability to capture emotion, action, excitement and expression are incredible. This is the type of book that will leave you sad when you get to the final page and the realization that you have to wait another two months for the final issue sets in. Great way to end the final Wednesday of 2011.