HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
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DEADPOOL #2, $2.99, 32 Pages, Marvel Comics
Written by Daniel Way, Art by Paco Medina

For starters, this issue features a cover from legendary Deadpool artist Ed McGuinness (who drew Deadpool during Joe Kelly’s unforgettable run). Maybe not enough to get anyone but the most devout Deadpool fan to buy this issue (they are buying it anyway), but it is a nice extra.

The faces of Deadpool fans were blue all over, as they collectively held their breath prior to the release of the last issue. Nicieza, Kelly, Simone - Daniel Way is none of them. And his reputation on Wolverine: Origins led many to write this title off before it was ever released. Whether it was low expectations or actual story quality (probably a combination of the two), the first issue of Deadpool was widely received with a cautious approval - a definite sense of promise. Of course, you read here prior to its release that it would be better than expected - good to see that advice turned out to be right.

So, one solid issue in the bag, Deadpool #2 is out this week. So far, so good. Daniel Way is still not in the camp of the “greats” - but if Deadpool’s publication history tells us anything, you are either great - or horrible. And he is leaning towards the former so far. Definite promise here.

HELLBOY THE CROOKED MAN #3 (OF 3), $2.99, 32 Pages, Dark Horse
Written by Mike Mignola, ARt by Richard Corben and Dave Stewart

Seriously, what a great time to be a Hellboy fan. Two solid films, increased exposure for Hellboy and B.P.R.D., and a steady stream of new comic from both titles. This is the final issue of the Crooked Man, which has been pretty decent so far. In the past, this meant a longish wait before the next Hellboy comic - not so much anymore. The next issue will be a one-shot - In the Chapel of Moloch, which will come out towards the end of next month. This issue features Mike Mignola back doing the art - a real treat for long time Hellboy fans. After this issue, a follow-up to Darkness Calls is set to begin in December entitled The Wild Hunt.

An excellent tie to be a Hellboy fan indeed.

IMMORTAL IRON FIST ORSON RANDALL DEATH QUEEN , $3.99, Marvel Comics
Written by Duane Swierczynski, Art by Giuseppe Camuncoli

Some readers who were heavy fans of Brubaker and Fraction’s run on this book are understandably a little let down by Swierczynski’s new run, but that was expected. It is always tough to follow a team as acclaimed as Brubaker, Fraction, and Aja were on Immortal Iron Fist. Still, his work isn’t too bad so far, and he has managed to do a passable job continuing the examination of the Iron Man mythos that Brubaker and Fraction focused so much on. That angle to this character drew in a lot of fans, and many are patient enough to bear the change in writers as long as the focus remains the same.

This one shot deals with one aspect of that mythos introduced in the ongoing - Danny Rand’s predacessor, Orson Randall. This issue takes place in the 20s, and looks like it is going for a noirish feel. Could be good - this issue will definitely appeal to those who weren’t totally turned off by this book after Brubaker and Fraction moved on.

TEEN TITANS #63, $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics
Written by Sean McKeever; Art and cover by Eddy Barrows and Ruy Jose

Last issue - what can you say about last issue? The cover and solicit made it seem so innocent - a nice little single-issue interlude that would shift the focus to the Titans’ supporting cast. And a silly super-dog to boot (appealing to my affection for Krypto on top of it all). What we got? something much more brutal. Clearly this won’t be the last time we see that innocent little pup, or his real master… but from the looks of this issue, we are going to have to wait for a bit.

McKeever continues to be strong on this book - he will no doubt continue to do so as we go into this new arc.

ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR X-MEN ANNUAL #1, $3.99, Marvel Comics
Written by Aron Coleite and Joe Pokaski, Art by Eric Basaldua

Not to be confused with the Ultimate X-Men/Fantastic Four Annual #1 that was released a couple weeks ago. Of course, the covers are different, but in a time where Marvel heavily prints variant covers, that is no guarantee that people will realize that these are, in fact, different issues.

Not much to say about the issue that was released a couple weeks ago. It is intended to build towards the Ultimatum event, but it looks like that tie-in was marketing only. Suffice to say that if you enjoyed that issue, you will likely enjoy this one as well. Just be on the lookout, because confusion is inevitable here.

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #126, $2.99, 32 Pages, Marvel Comics
Written by Brian Michael Bendis, Art by Stuart IMmonen, Wade Von Grawbadger, and Justin Ponsor

It really isn’t a stretch to say that this is the best Ultimate book on the market. That really isn’t news, but it also seems to be the only really good one left. Marvel seeks to change that with Ultimatum - hopefully that doesn’t hurt this book in the process, however. I somehow doubt Bendis will slip up at all in the wake of that event - despite anything that happens in the Ultimate Universe, he has always kept this title in its own little bubble. It is doubtful that Spider-Man’s involvement with that event will have any impact on this title in the long term.

Still, why even think about Ultimatum? Ultimate Spider-man has always stood well on its own, and continues to outshine its 616 Universe counterpart in every conceivable way. Sure, there is still a lot to love about the original Peter Parker, but this title allows you to enjoy all that is great about Spider-Man, without decades of continuity, bad storylines, growing-up, reboots and retcons… it is pure, the way Spider-Man was always supposed to be. If you are still not reading it, you really are doing yourself a disservice.

WILDCATS #3, $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics
Written by Christos Gage; Art by Neil Googe and Mike McKone

It wasn’t obvious to the Wildcats newcomer from the first issue (a rarity from Gage, actually), but this latest Wildcats run is quite good. Especially if you are a fan of the characters. Of course, from a title and a label that frequently features relaunches and chronically late issues, it is tough to take the leap and hope that this one will be different. Gage has a good record for timeliness, however, and should last at least as long as it takes for the Editors to decide to start everything over again. Abnett & Lanning’s Majestic lasted 17 issues, so you would think Wildcats have at least that long. If the first two issues are any indication, it will be well worth picking up.

SPOTLIGHT PICK OF THE WEEK

SUPERMAN #680, $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics
Written by James Robinson ; Art by Renato Guedes and José Wilson Magalháes

While James Robinson has done an excellent job on this title since he took over, this issue is special for another reason entirely. Krypto. Superman is one of those characters that is tough to get behind these days, only because he is such an iconic and venerated character that it is tough to tell compelling and fresh stories about him. Highly skilled writers have managed to do a great job with him, but when the wrong person has taken on this title (or Action Comics), the quality dip can’t be ignored. Thankfully, Robinson has managed to keep this title readable and enjoyable.

But Krypto… perhaps it is a little biased, but Krypto’s inclusion here alone makes this title worth reading. Krypto is one of the best supporting characters in comics today, because he is at the same time totally silly, and totally serious. And when writers take care to portray him as just a dog (well, one with super powers), he just works. Should be an outstanding issue.

DARK HORSE COMICS

HELLBOY THE CROOKED MAN #3 (OF 3) $2.99 Now: $2.69

DC COMICS

BATMAN GOTHAM AFTER MIDNIGHT #5 (OF 12) $2.99 Now: $2.69
CHUCK #4 (OF 6) $2.99 Now: $2.59
SUPERMAN #680 $2.99 Now: $2.89
TEEN TITANS #63 $2.99 Now: $2.89
TRINITY #17 $2.99 Now: $2.89
WILDCATS #3 $2.99 Now: $2.59

IMAGE COMICS

PERHAPANAUTS #4 $3.50 Now: $2.99

MARVEL COMICS

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #568 2ND PTG JRJR VAR $3.99 Now: $3.89
ANGEL REVELATIONS #5 (OF 5) $3.99 Now: $3.49
DEADPOOL #2 $2.99 Now: $0.00
FANTASTIC FOUR #560 $2.99 Now: $2.89
HULK #6 $2.99 Now: $0.00
IMMORTAL IRON FIST ORSON RANDALL DEATH QUEEN $3.99 Now: $3.69
MS MARVEL #31 - MONKEY VARIANT $12.99
NEW AVENGERS #45 $2.99 Now: $2.69
SECRET INVASION #3 (OF 8) 3RD PTG YU SKETCH VAR $3.99 Now: $3.49
SECRET INVASION INHUMANS #1 (OF 4) 2ND PTG RANEY VAR $2.99
SECRET INVASION X-MEN #1 (OF 4) 2ND PTG NORD VAR $2.99
THUNDERBOLTS #124 $2.99 Now: $2.89
ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR X-MEN ANNUAL #1 $3.99 Now: $3.49
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #126 $2.99 Now: $2.59
ULTIMATES 3 #5 (OF 5) $2.99 Now: $2.69
UNCANNY X-MEN TP DIVIDED WE STAND $14.99 Now: $12.99
WOLVERINE FIRST CLASS TP ROOKIE $12.99 Now: $10.99
WOLVERINE ROAR $3.99 Now: $3.79
X-FORCE #7 $2.99 Now: $2.69

The opinions in this article are the writer’s alone, and no not necessarily reflect the views of X-World Comics or comiXtreme.com.

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