This was an unusually expensive week. Bank accounts around the world cried out in sorrow as we all rushed to our local comic shops on Wednesday. Plenty of solid titles from the big two filled the shelves and there was no way I could resist IDW releasing the second color classics of the original TMNT run. When the stack was finally cast aside, here are the 3 issues that stood above the rest for me. Do you agree with this list? If not, what were your favorites?

The New 52 has had a few exceptional titles so far, and there's no disputing Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman is among the best of the best. Snyder delivers a great tone in each issue, always finding a way to dive into Gotham's rich history and the dark and gritty art compliments it well. This is Batman at his best and the reveal here is one hell of a twist in this issue.

Ryan Stegman's art is brilliant and vibrant once again. But on the flip side, it's terrible that this is his final issue with the series. That said, it's a pretty good issue for a send-off. Yost puts a heavy emphasis on how Kaine feels about the name "Scarlet Spider" and there's a few very nice nods thrown in there and it continues to help us connect more with Kaine and make him a far more interesting individual. Ana Kravinoff shows up looking for Kaine's blood, and what ensues is a short but oh-so good looking fight sequence. When all is said and done, a handful of epilogues layout the groundwork for what's to come in Scarlet Spider, and as a fanboy of a certain Spider-Man rogue, you can bet I'm pumped for the upcoming issues.

Writer Peter Tomasi continues to impress me with this one. Damian's arrogance takes center stage as he aims to prove he's the best Boy Wonder in the history of the Bat-family. The banter is priceless and the story is split with a focus on a new nemesis. One part Doctor Octopus (one foot in the grave) and one part Ra's al Ghul (I'm refreshed and stronger than before, son!), I'm curious to see his master plan for revenge unfold as Damian creates even more chaos in Batman's world. His lackeys were hilarious, too. The first page is also home to what could disputably be the best use of a a batarang ever.