First up on my list this week was Terror, Inc. I only started reading this series because it was a Marvel Max book and I am so in love with Garth Ennis’s Punisher. Not to mention, the plot sounded kinda interesting. A guy I work with then gave me a copy of the very first issue from its debut back in the day, and I had to admit, I was a bit more intrigued. While I certainly won’t be putting this on any top 10 lists, this has been a fun title, and they did manage to do quite a substantial amount of character development in 5 issues. The only thing I wasn’t into was the ending. While I knew that the hero would survive, they pulled the classic mistake: end a great story line with a sappy last two pages. The last Ra’s Al Ghul arc did the same thing. Its not a good way to end. The book was, however, wonderfully drawn and painted. Gore never did look so fine. Like I said, while not the greatest book ever, it was a fun read, and I’ve enjoyed it. For 4 dollars a month, what more can you ask for?

Ultimates 3 #3: Once again, I’m forced to admit, I have underestimated a book. I guess this should not have been underestimated, as Jeph Loeb is writing it, but that first issue threw me for a loop. Who gives a crap if Ultimates U Tony Stark has a sex tape?! Issue 3 really brought the big guns though. The focus on Logan in this issue was really quite interesting, especially detailing his infatuation with the Scarlet Witch’s mother. The dynamic between Pietro and Wanda was also interesting, and quite satisfying in the way they explained their relationship. This issue actually has me really excited about the rest of the series. Good work Jeph Loeb. But as a side note, I didn’t realize the f-word was now spelled “tornado bulls-eye biohazard poison.”

Wolverine #62: I know it came out last week, but my shop’s box of em got destroyed by UPS, so I got it today. Is it just me, or do Jason Aaron books take place in the southwest most frequently? Not that I’m complaining. I’m a HUGE fan of Scalped. This arc of wolverine seems to be pretty promising also. While I’m a firm believer that villains are villains, and heroes are heroes, there is no need to turn a villain like mystique into a Mosque bombing terrorist. Thats just rude. While it does serve the story well, I think that was in somewhat poor taste. Good book overall though, minus that minor lapse in judgement.

Robin #171: Chuck Dixon didn’t really burn it right out of the gate with this issue. In fact, it was actually not particularly great, although it does set up some potentially interesting situations for our young hero. I see Batman and Robing cracking down on underage online gambling. Who’s with me?! For real though, who was the villain at the beginning, condiment man?! With his tobasco sauce of doom? I’m a bit confused, and mildly distraught by the inanity of the character. So be it. I’ll read on.

Amazing Spider-Man #551: Ok, its great that you can now add one of Spidey’s biggest pitfalls back into the storyline, by removing his organic webbing during the WORST STORYLINE EVER, but please, let us not overuse it. In every single issue since that God forsaken plotline, he has run out of webbing. Thats a load of crap! You should attempt to keep making the plot mature, and full of depth, not childish with excessively repeated themes. I will give Guggenheim credit where credit is due, however. The man can write. He plots his story lines in a very interesting way, and it does serve to draw the reader into the book quite well. Guggenheim is responsible for making Brand New Day not completely sucktastic. Thanks for that one.

I have yet to finish the rest of my books for this week so I’ll eventually be back for more, but this is shaping up to be a good week.
-brian