This week was pretty interesting. It wasn't quite as crazy as last week, even though I probably read more, but it was still good.

Best

The Strange Talent of Luther Strode #2: Easily one of my favorite books right now if not my favorite. While other books that reel me in with characters that I already have a vested interest in or an emotional connection, this book has brought me in on sheer creative talent alone. As the story develops so does that connection between the creator and their material. There's so much life in Justin Jordan's words and Tradd Moore really knocks it out of the park with his pencils. My review jumps into the actual issue a little more, but bottom line is: Read this book.

Good

Animal Man #3: There's something about the dark macabre style of the book that is really enchanting. I'm drawn into the story like I'm being pulled by a planetary mass. The artwork has a strange simplicity to it that I did not like at first, but as I read on from the first issue, I grew to appreciate its style. I think it accentuates the eerie feeling that one gets while reading the book and it is perfect. This issue has a bit of a revelation as it explains a bit more about Animal Man's powers. It turns out that Buddy was given power by The Totems; Once avatars of the Red in life, they now seem to be running the show. Although the power was bestowed to Buddy, he was not the intended champion. He was just there to protect the one that would rise as the Red's true warrior. I am extremely excited for the next issue and to see how the story further develops. ((Side note: My favorite part of the issue is where the bad guys show up to Buddy's house, but begin to lose their human form and you can see from panel to panel as they lose it. In particular, one of them looks extremely goofy)).

Swamp Thing #3: Revelations? Or Confusion. It's actually some revealing that happens, but at the same time, it's kind of a weird way to go about it. At least for Alec. You learn more about Alec Holland's past, but more importantly about his tie to Swamp Thing and what it means on the grander scale. Even more importantly ((most importantly?)) the villains appear to be the focus of the issue. It's the worst kind of evil as it stems from corruption. When someone has a chance at being a good person, but in the end succumbs to the dark side, you have to wonder if preventing such things in the first place would provide for a world with less strife and conflict. Either that or we're all entwined with our own destinies and no amount of outside influence can deter us from it. Nonetheless, the incredible sadism of the new antagonist is quite chilling and should make for some intense battles in the future. Also, I could be wrong, but Animal Man and Swamp Thing are being set up for a cross over aren't they? I mean Animal Man represents the Red and Swamp Thing the Green. They're both fighting The Rot so in the end they should be joining forces no?

Amazing Spider-Man #672: Yes I realize that this ended a while ago, but hot damn I am a fan. The final battle wasn't all that and a bag of potato chips like a lot of epic battles have been in the past, but I like the way that problem was solved. With the good ol' Parker mind. The reason I loved older comics and Spider-Man in particular was that to defeat his opponents, the hero would devise a strategy and sometimes create some tech to take them out. It's that element of outsmarting your opposition that was really appealing to me. In this issue, instead of fighting an army with just a handful of heroes, Peter takes a moment to think and brings his own army to the party. Of course the day is saved in the end, but the real story is: Will a certain redhead be back in Peter's life? Those of you that are longtime fans of Mr. Parker may remember once upon a time in a story arc dubbed "One More Day", MJ told him that they would find each other again. Could this be that inevitability? There's also that pesky situation involving one Carlie Cooper, but I'm sure that would work itself out. Or maybe the dark forces behind the scenes really are enough to destroy a love eternal. Side Note: Humberto Ramos' art amazing.

Our Love is Real: This one-shot is...... a thing. It's a book with pictures and words and there's a story in there. How to describe it is something of a challenge. I really feel like it's just kind of a statement, but it's really more than that. Something more like a discussion... but that would imply an interaction of ideas and thoughts, so it's probably just a lecture. Lecture kind of has a negative connotation, but it did remind me of a lecturer presenting a topic and proceeding fill our minds with information through story. I suppose that's the best description that I can offer at the moment. There's more of my thoughts on this book in my review here.

Invincible Iron Man #509: Yes I know Fear Itself ended ages ago, but I still haven't gotten that last issue in my readings yet. I should really organize these things better >< The ending of it is all but ruined, but I still want to experience that last issue. This issue sets up the final confrontation quite well. The build up has been long and arduous from Stark's plea to Odin and working with the dwarves that I just want to see freaking weapons in battle! I'm actually going to miss the dwarves a lot. They had a lot of character and "kept it real." I love that Tony Stark was able to truly earn their respect ((Or perhaps he instilled fear in them)). I think that was a nice touch. I am however a little tired of this whole "I don't drink" thing though. I get that he's a recovered alcoholic and shouldn't drink, but they make it into such a song and dance every time they bring it up. Maybe it's just that constant recapping for new audiences, but as a continual reader, it sometimes gets on my nerves a bit. It was a nice ending to this little Fear Itself chapter and I'm curious to see what Tony's got in store for the future of Stark Resilient.

Should/Could Have Been Better

X-23 #12: This issue was by no means terrible, but it just didn't draw me in. I think the beginning of this book was good enough to keep me around and X-23 is one of my favorite characters ((I admit, I do have a thing for ladies. I know it's weird, just work with me here)), but as this series evolves, it hasn't been the bee's knees to put it bluntly. I suppose I may be a little harsh in my assessment here, but it's just because I really like the character and wish that the book would be amazing. I suppose not every book is destined to be the best, but there is a really interesting character here. I do feel that her character is really developed since she was first introduced in the comics ((I never saw her creation from the X-Men Evolution cartoon, but it was probably pretty awesome)). She has evolved into a much different person even if she still appears to have the same cold exterior. I can't whole-heartedly recommend this issue or arc ((#10-#12)), but if you're a fan, you may want to check it out. If nothing else, Sana Takeda did the art and I LOVE her stuff.

Fear Itself Side Stories: For most of the big cross-title events that Marvel has, there's usually a large number of limited series tie-ins that honestly, I don't really care for all that much. There may be a couple that have some interesting tidbits of information, and if you're lucky there's some relevant information about the main story or further background information. Most of the time though, it's just a story that is mildly related, and by mildly related, I mean some of them are just happening at the same time as the major event and that's just about it. I feel that side stories like this should really enhance the main story, but in the end it just seems like filler content or just random stories that I just don't really care about. I really wish that Marvel put more effort in creating a more cohesive story. Not to say that the side stories should directly impact the event, or be required reading, but they should add value, not just be something we check off our list to say that we have everything collected.

Did Not Care For

Hawk and Dove #2: To preface this, I didn't read much of these two before the New 52, and what little I did read was from Birds of Prey where they weren't really that much of a focus. That being said, I think the characters are kind of interesting, but they are building on a legacy that I don't know about. I don't know about the past bearers of the mantle or the whole history so I have no vested interest in the characters. I am however strangely drawn toward Rob Liefeld's art. I think it's just the fact that it looks about the same as it did in the 90s and there's that nostalgia factor. I'll say no more on this.

Stray Thoughts

Supergirl #2: At one point I wished Superman would just yell "I've done nothing to harm you, why aren't you listening to reason?" Either that or just punched her in the face. I suppose if I were in a situation like hers, I would act much in the same way, but seriously, repeatedly punching someone who is trying to talk to you as opposed to the mechanical figures that tried to capture you doesn't follow any line of logic.

Vengeance #4: I still don't really know what I'm reading here. I recognize Beak and Angel from their brief stint with the X-Men, but really. What's going on? I suppose I could re-read from issue #1, but even when I first read that issue, I felt like this limited series is based on something I haven't read yet.

Avengers Academy #20: Things are shaking up. I really hope this turns into what I think it will be. I really liked the Young Avengers series that they had awhile back, and I'm really confused as to why they didn't continue it. I suppose it would be like Avengers juniors, but it was quite interesting for me. Now, they just pop up every time there's a big event or in their own thing like Children's Crusade, but I feel like I would read that title over Avengers Academy. Here's to hoping that this title will get better from here on out.