Busiek's twist on super-hero genre: Astro City Special (The Eagle and the Mountain)

We've all seen the pattern over and over in super-hero comics: the villain defeats the hero, the hero comes back from the jaws of defeat, the villain starts scheming his next great masterplan to destroy his nemesis. Whether it is Superman and Luthor, Batman and the Joker, or Spider-Man and the Green Goblin, the result is always a never-ending struggle that neither hero nor villain can win. Seems kind of pointless, doesn't it?

In the latest Astro City Special (The Eagle and the Mountain) from Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson (with a snazzy Alex Ross cover), Samaritan and his arch-nemesis, the immortal Infidel, have worked out a pretty unique solution to this eternal problem. They quit trying. Having realized that they just can't get rid of each other, can't win with any finality, they end the cycle of pointless rematches by calling a truce. Infidel minds his own business, living in extravagant luxury, but not enslaving the human race or conquering the world. Samaritan continues to fight the good fight, defending humanity, but leaving Infidel to his own devices.

Once a year these two arch-enemies meet for a civilized meal and discussion of their respective philosophies. Of course, each is constantly gauging the other for signs of weakness, signs that maybe they could finally get the edge needed to win once and for all. The fight goes on, but without all the pointless property damage and violence. Not a bad way to deal with a stalemate, really.

Kurt Busiek is a great writer of "traditional" super-hero stories, but he can always be relied upon to find a slightly different way of looking at the world of heroes and villains. Would a super-genius villain waste his time and energy with endless rematches, just asking for another beat down from the hero? Probably not, which is what makes this deeper look at two Astro City characters so interesting and thought-provoking. Busiek has also put this tale together in such a way that it absolutely doesn't matter if you have ever read an Astro City comic before. I hadn't, and I had no problem totally enjoying this self-contained story. Brent Anderson's art is perfect for this kind of in-depth character study. His work may not be as flashy as some, but his ability to tell a story and create characters who feel real is rock-solid.

So, if you've ever wondered WHY the Joker goes looking to get a Bat-fist in his face over and over again, this Astro City Special is well worth your time. Great art, great characters, and a done-in-one tale. What's not to love? Just look out for the reality-altering booby trap your arch-nemesis has cleverly disguised as an advertisement on page 7! And the fact that this is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week is NOT just some sort of plot to lure you out in the open. Honest!

An Excellent Jumping On Point: Justice League of America #0

Any time you put a group of people together, there are bound to be conflicts. Whether you are talking about a family, a band, or a team, it is simply inevitable that there will be trouble. Sometimes the tough spots make your group stronger, and sometimes they make it fall apart. So if your brother's band or your little league team have problems, imagine how much worse it would be for a group of super-powered heroes, aliens, and Amazons!

That's exactly what Brad Meltzer and an all-star artist jam are thinking about in Justice League of America #0. (Doesn't the zero issue concept mean that this book doesn't actually exist in our reality? Is it made from anti-matter? Should I read this with lead-lined gloves?) This issue doesn't really have a linear storyline. Instead, it jumps around in time and shows us many of the highs and lows in the League's history. In particular, how those highs and lows are mirrored in the relationship of DC's Big Three: Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman.

This issue is a good jumping on point for someone like me, not really a big DC reader, because I learned everything I needed to know about the League to be interested in what happens next. I imagine that long-time DC fans will appreciate some of the details that slipped past me, but I didn't feel left out of the story. Meltzer's character vignettes have something for every reader, new and old alike.

There is a huge roster of artists on this book, and each one is given an era to illustrate that best matches their style. This gives a distinctly different feel to each era of the League's history represented in this issue. Whatever your artistic preferences, you will find something you like here. Sometimes, the art changes from panel to panel as the time-shifts occur more frequently, which is a really neat way of handling the whole flashback thing without using the wavy lines trick from '80s sitcoms.

Justice League of America #0 gives readers a nifty, self-contained history, while looking forward to the future. If you are interested in where the League has been and, especially, where it is going, you really should pick up this (non-existant) issue now, while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week. Just don't forget to share it with your family and friends, you wouldn't want to start a fight!

Your teacher's a super-hero? Sensational Spider-Man #28

Teachers are SO cool! How much closer can you get to real-life superheroes? Teachers fight the good fight every day to improve lives, fight ignorance, and make the world a better place. Plus, teachers tend to be both intelligent and good-looking. Ummm, am I giving away what I do for a living here? OK, let's move on before someone starts throwing spitballs.

Even if you don't think teachers are the coolest people around, you should still get a kick out of Marvel's Sensational Spider-Man #28 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Clayton Crain. If you've been hiding out in your underground lair for the last few months, you may have missed the fact that Spider-Man recently unmasked himself for all the world to see in Civil War. The first question most fans asked about this unmasking was, "How does this change Peter Parker's life?" This issue addresses that question, but looks even more deeply at how Pete's unveiling changes the lives of those around him. Particularly, the people around Peter that we've never thought much about before.

Jordan Harrison is a pretty typical high school kid. He works hard to keep up his grades, even though they aren't always great. He daydreams about his lab partner, who is a "total hottie." He worries about getting into a good college, so he can become a Marine Biologist someday. And his favorite teacher, his Biology teacher, is a guy named Parker who just made a big splash on the news wearing his Spider-Man tights. That is a big step for Spidey and a REALLY big deal for Jordan.

For the naysayers out there who were worried that Marvel would backpedal, failing to give the unmasking story the follow-through it deserved, this issue should help you to unclench just a bit. Clearly, this story is going to have huge ramifications, and they start here. Aguirre-Sacasa gives readers a great, self-contained story. Jordan, and his fellow students, are believable. Pete's first "unmasked" run-in with an old sparring partner is worth the price of admission all by itself. Clayton Crain's art is always amazing in the level of detail and realism he brings to a story. His images really seem to jump off the page. I always enjoy Crain's work, but I think it is even better than usual in this book, since there is less of the dark quality that sometimes makes his art hard to see.

Are we still paying attention class? This is a fun book, tied into major Marvel Universe events, but with a totally done-in-one story. Don't make me keep you after class, read Sensational Spider-Man #28 while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week. And don't forget to thank a teacher today!

Everybody loves H.A.T.E.! Nextwave #6

For comic book fans, Summer means huge crossovers, blockbuster movies and loads of promotional hoopla. This is all well and good, but it's also important to remember the great comics that don't get caught up in the media's gigantic PR machine. CNN may get all excited about Superman, Spidey's press conference, and the new Batwoman's sexual preferences, but, for some reason, they don't seem to care about H.A.T.E.! Get with the program, people!

As far as I'm concerned, EVERYONE should love H.A.T.E.-especially Nextwave: Agents of H.A.T.E.! In case you have been missing out, Nextwave is a hilarious, action-packed spectacle of madness from the demented minds of writer Warren Ellis and penciler Stuart Immonen. It is also one of the craziest things ever published by Marvel Comics. It isn't always easy for one of the Big Two publishers to let creative minds just go mad with their toys, but, when they do, readers should take notice.

In this issue, our rogue agents of H.A.T.E. have a titanic throw-down with their former boss: the homicidal, suicidal, brain-damaged, lizard jerky chewing, cross-dressing, tooth grinding, Dirk Anger. The weapons in Anger's arsenal are fearsome indeed! He throws the robotic warriors of Samuroid Batch 23 at them! He unleashes the terrible Pteromen! He sends forth the scuttling horror of the Homicide Crabs! He may even release the Neo-Hyde Gutspawn (They eat girls, you know.)! How will our heroes survive? Since this is Nextwave, you know copious quantities of explosions and kicking will be involved. Oh, and there is a robot in a bra. How can anyone resist that?

Nextwave not only packs a ton of fun into every issue, it also makes sure that the fun is accessible for new readers. The stories are told in one or two issue bites, and there is a brilliantly funny primer page at the front of every issue to tell new readers anything they might need to know. The writing is (as you might expect from Warren Ellis) incredibly clever and loaded with twisted characters that make this book unique. Immonen's art is also stylish and action-packed. If you are a fan of crazy, over the top action, Nextwave: Agents of H.A.T.E. will deliver in a big way.

So if your summer fun is fading in the aftermath of all the big movies and huge comic book crossovers, Nextwave #6 is just the breath of exciting fresh air you need. Don't miss out on all the H.A.T.E.-filled awesomeness! H.A.T.E. does it all for you! Show some appreciation and kick back with a fresh pack of pep-filled Lizard Zoom Sticks and the latest issue of Nextwave. You won't make Dirk Anger happy, but you might make him slightly less enraged. Isn't that the least you can do, after everything H.A.T.E. has done for you?

Eternally Cool: Eternals #1

Most people don't respond well to being approached by strangers who are desperate to share their crazy ramblings with them. As soon as some guy on the street starts telling you about the secret government plan to hide Atlantis from the aliens who, by the way, are always watching you, you're probably gonna head in the opposite direction as fast as your feet will carry you. That kind of thing is just way out of our comfort zone.

Unfortunately for him, that is just about what happens to Mark Curry in Eternals #1 by Neil Gaiman and John Romita Jr. Mark is a hard-working medical intern whose life has hit a bit of a rough patch. His job is relentless, his student loan payments are overdue, his girlfriend just left him, and he is having some really weird dreams. The only thing that could make matters worse would be having some weirdo show up at the hospital to tell Mark that they are both actually super-powerful, immortal aliens who have been around for half a million years, give or take a decade. So, of course, that guy does turn up in the men's room.

The weirdo, who says his name is Ike Harris, is not easy to get rid of. He keeps turning up where Mark least expects him, with tales about the dawn of time, the origins of the humanity, a race of gigantic aliens called the Celestials, and super-powered beings known as the Deviants and the Eternals. Mark, normally enough, is not inclined to believe anything Ike tells him. It seems, however; that SOMEONE believes because Ike and the other Eternals soon find themselves targeted by some very violent and dangerous people.

If you've been a comics reader for any time at all, the names Gaiman and Romita will almost certainly not be new to you. Neil Gaiman is an award-winning, best-selling novelist, who also wrote Sandman (widely considered to be one of the all-time greatest series in comic's history). Known for his epic fantasy tales, Eternals is a perfect fit for Gaiman. These characters, originally created by Jack Kirby, inhabit a world of god-like beings, mysterious aliens and thought-provoking, fantastic concepts. It is a real treat for fans to have Gaiman back in comics with such a great story. Top that off with powerful and dynamic art from John Romita Jr. (who has probably drawn just about every character in the Marvel Universe by now), and you have a winning combination that is hard to beat.

Great writing, great art, and really cool characters. What more could anyone ask for? Eternals is definitely a series that should not be missed. That's why it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week. Just try not to get distracted by that guy on your porch who wants to sell you an aluminum foil hat to keep the little gray men from reading your mind. That guy really is crazy.

Wranglin' Up a Good Time: The Mighty Marvel Western featuring Two-Gun Kid

Saddle-up, ya low-down, greasy, yella-bellied varmints! We is goin' ridin' with the Kid. Two-Gun Kid, that is. And don't go pointin' out that most all of them masked gunslinger types carries two guns. That's the Kid's gimmick, and it would be downright rude to ruin it fer him. (Reckon I should give this here authentic, western writin' style a rest, afore I busts my dialect bone.)

Over the next couple of months, Marvel is publishing a series of one-shots featuring their western characters under the Mighty Marvel Western banner. Like the monster-themed one shots from a few months back, each issue has a new story (or two) by a top-notch writer/artist team and a classic reprint story, all under a cover by Eric (The Goon) Powell. The first book out of the gate in this series is Two-Gun Kid, by Dan Slott and Eduardo Barreto.

Two-Gun Kid has a whole mess of entertainment value to make it well worth your 6 bits (or 3.99, as the case may be). Two-Gun Kid, AKA Matt Hawk, has recently found his way into the modern Marvel Universe thanks to his big, green, buddy She-Hulk. Matt is an interesting guy because he is not only a quick-drawin', sharp-shootin' gunslinger, but also a book-learned, law-slinging lawyer. With his legal skills being a hundred years or so out of date, Matt has been helping out at Shulkie's law firm by roundin' up some of the ornery critters they need to wrangle into court. Wranglin' skills never go out of date!

The story in this issue starts with Matt and She-Hulk on a vital mission (one that you don't want to miss if you've been reading She-Hulk, and you SHOULD be reading She-Hulk), but quickly becomes a flashback to Matt's past. This self-contained western tale has masked gunslingers, loads of action, and werewolves! Slott's story is great and Barreto's art lends a perfectly dry and dusty feel to the Tombstone setting. As if that wasn't enough fun, this issue also has a Keith Giffen tall tale featuring Hugo, the world's smallest cowboy. AND there is a full-length Jack Kirby classic reprint story featuring the Rawhide Kid: Beware the Terrible Totem! If all that isn't worth your 6 bits, I don't know what is. (Please be aware, I have no idea how much a "bit" actually is. If you try to pay for this comic in bits, you may be unsuccessful.)

So don't give me none of your sass, cowpokes! Get your ornery mitts on a copy of The Mighty Marvel Western featuring Two-Gun Kid with no delay. It's guaranteed at Four Color Fantasies this week, so there ain't no way you can lose. It'll give ya something to do while yore tendin' yore saddle sores!

Say Uncle: Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #9

We all know that comic book reality is a bit warped. When people die in the real world, no one wonders "when will they be back?" But in comics, that's the first question that comes to mind when a character goes to the big super-hero lair in the sky. We've gotten used to the weird logic of comic's storytelling that tells us death is just a temporary setback. Of course, there is an unspoken law that at least two characters can NEVER come back. Captain America's little chum Bucky and Peter Parker's Uncle Ben.

Recently, and to much critical acclaim, Ed Brubaker actually found a way to bring back Bucky. Somehow, the world didn't end. Readers liked the story, and Bucky came back to the land of the living. Brubaker got away with that one, but nobody would be crazy enough to.....what? Peter David did what? Brought Uncle Ben back to life? Is he allowed to do that?

I guess if anyone can be trusted to handle such a delicate subject, it's Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man writer Peter David. Mr. David has written tons of great comics over the years, including popular runs on Incredible Hulk, Supergirl, X-Factor, Spider-Man 2099, Aquaman, and many, many more. (He is a best-selling novelist too! Check out his Knight Life and Sir Apropos of Nothing series.) If anyone else even mentioned having Uncle Ben walking around, I'd be very afraid. Another writer might have made this a cheap stunt, instead of a great story. However; I think we can give Peter David the benefit of the doubt here.

So what exactly is going on in Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #9? I don't want to give too much away, but it involves alternate realities jumbling together, the time-patrolling Spider-Man of the year 2211, and future Spidey's daughter, who also happens to be the Hobgoblin of 2211. Oh, and did I mention, Uncle Ben? I know that sounds complicated, but David's great storytelling makes it all make sense. The story is aided and abetted by great pencils from Mike Wieringo. Wieringo is equally good at drawing character moments, super-hero action, and futuristic fashions and city-scapes. All of which makes him a perfect fit for this title.

If you haven't been checking out what this great creative team has been doing with Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, you've been missing one of the best books on the stands right now. Poor Uncle Ben has had a pretty raw deal in Spider-Man history, he is a pivotal character whose importance lies in being dead. Peter David is giving Ben Parker a chance to show his stuff, at least for a while, in the land of the living. Have some respect for the dead, and read Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #9. It's Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week!

Pasty-faced Fun: Spectre #1

When you think of ghosts, you usually think of something scary. Ghosts jump out at you in the night, screaming and moaning and making you run for the exorcist. Maybe they possess creepy dolls, or make the walls of your house bleed, or throw some crockery around. At the very least, they leave creepy Ouija Board messages. Scary stuff, kids!

However; in the DC Universe, ghosts apparently can't do squat. At least, that's the case for the ghost of Crispus Allen. Allen is a ex-homicide detective. "Ex" because he is, ironically for the guy who shows up at murder scenes, deceased in the line of duty. Shortly after his death, where he is quite surprised to find himself still hanging around, Crispus is paid a visit by the Spectre. The pasty-faced Instrument of Divine Justice wants to recruit Detective Allen for the cause, but the recently deceased detective is not interested in the position.

Not one to take no for an answer, the Spectre gives Crispus a year to ponder his choice. In that year, he discovers that ghosts just can't do very much. He observes the world around him, but he can't make his presence felt to his family, to his killer, or even to Batman. (And that guy doesn't miss anything!) After a year of this unsatisfying existence, Allen is a bit more interested when the Spectre returns, but administering God's justice may not be the gig he is expecting...

The Spectre #1, an Infinite Crisis Aftermath tie-in, is written by Will Pfeifer with art by Cliff Chiang. Pfeifer's story tells you everything you need to know about the Spectre, and makes a great start for this new series. I knew nothing about the Spectre going into this issue and I never felt like I was missing anything, despite the ties to other DCU stories. Chiang's art is dark and spooky, so it has the right vibe for this otherworldly tale.

If you want a little ghostly fun, but don't want to cut holes in your good sheets, give The Spectre #1 a try. Don't be scared to try it now, while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week!

Learn and Enjoy: Orson Scott Card's Red Prophet: Tales of Alvin Maker #2

We all know that comics are wonderful, escapist entertainment. Every once in a while, however; a comic comes along that offers more than just mindless entertainment. Yes, reading some comics can make you feel like you are learning something. (I mean something besides the "facts" that radiation gives you super-powers and that zombies like brains.) Now don't get scared by the "L" word! Learning stuff can be fun AND good for you.

Orson Scott Card's Red Prophet: Tales of Alvin Maker #2 (hitherto referred to as Red Prophet) by Card, Roland Brown and Renato Arlem, is a great example of what I'm talking about here. After reading this comic, adapted from Card's novel, I really felt like I had brushed up on my American history. Though the story is clearly fictional, and contains some fantasy elements, I'm confident that Card did his research on history and native beliefs before writing this tale.

The story of Red Prophet takes place during the Western Expansion phase of America's development. In particular, it deals with the clash of cultures between the indigenous Americans and the European American settlers. In retrospect, we know that even the best intentioned pioneers had a disastrous impact on Native Americans (and those with bad intentions were, of course, infinitely worse). This story shows how different settlers, in different ways, really messed things up for the folks who were already living on this land.

After the murder of his father, young Lolla-Wossiky is never quite the same. He was always more sensitive and in-tune with the land than others, but witnessing such a violent, personal tragedy heightens that sensitivity to an overpowering and painful extent. Lolla-Wossiky sees and hears things that others don't. Things that can only be quieted with lots of alcohol. When he takes a keg of whiskey and heads off across the land to meet his dream beast, will Lolla-Wossiky find answers or just more confusing questions?

Red Prophet has a satisfying, thought-provoking story and realistic art that perfectly captures the historical setting. Best of all, you can learn something WITHOUT a keg of whiskey and a hundred mile walk! Try out Red Prophet while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week.

No Elves Allowed: Wolfskin #1

Though I know it is oversimplifying things to say this, there are really two basic kinds of story in the fantasy genre. The first type has elves and magic and powerful relics with portentous names, like the "Great Ring of Eternal Diptheria." I know many people love those stories, but they just aren't my cup of black ale. The second type has enormous, hairy, foul-mouthed men (and sometimes women) who cart around gigantic swords and hack the living daylights out of each other. Now THAT, I can appreciate!

If, like me, you want your fantasy tales uncomplicated and violent, you're in for a treat with Avatar's Wolfskin #1 by Warren Ellis and Juan Jose Ryp. There isn't really much to say about the plot of the first issue. The Wolfskin of the title is a lone warrior from an infamous brotherhood of fighters. He is happy to mind his own business in life, but he is waylaid by troublemakers who just can't leave a stranger walking through their territory alone. Much extremely graphic hacking and beheading ensues. There is a larger plot building about a village at war, but this issue is mostly about the hacking.

Warren Ellis has earned a reputation as a writer who is not afraid to push the envelope or do the unexpected. You never know what you are going to get with a Warren Ellis comic, but you know it will be something different. Ellis brings his over-the-top style to the fantasy genre with Wolfskin, and it's a breath of fresh air compared to some of the self-important, elf-laden stuff out there. Ellis is also, along with Garth Ennis and Brian Bendis, one of comic's greatest writers of good old-fashioned cussin'. Even though there is more fighting than talking in this debut issue, our hero does show he can wield his tongue as well as his sword. (Avatar doesn't have a "mature readers" label on this book, but it is clearly not for the young or easily offended!)

Ryp's artwork is incredibly detailed, and wonderfully depicts both the violence and beauty of this world. Every time you pick the book up, you will notice elements in the art that you missed the last time through. The detail in some of the fight scenes suggests that he really brushed up on his Grey's Anatomy for this series.

Dig your least moldy old animal skin out of the closet, strap on your rusty broadsword, and pillage your way to Four Color Fantasies to try out Wolfskin #1. Just leave your pointy elf hat and wand of unicorn summoning at home.

Political Straight-Shooter: Green Arrow #61

No matter what your political leanings may be, I bet that most of us can agree on one thing: ninety percent of politicians are full of enormous, stinky, piles of hooey. It seems to me that politics would be SO much more productive (and interesting!) if politicians could forget about fund-raising and public opinion polls, and actually say what they really think about the issues. Hopefully, deeds would quickly follow the words. With no more kissing up to lobbies, or sweet-talking the press, maybe the politicos would be able to DO something useful for a change.

What does this have to do with comics, you ask? (And isn't that one of life's more pressing questions? Everything should have SOMETHING to do with comics.) Well, it has a lot to do with Green Arrow #61. Part of DC's "1 Year Later" event, this issue reveals that, during the missing year of the title, Oliver Queen (the maverick alter-ego of Green Arrow) has gotten himself elected as the Mayor of Star City.

Written by Judd Winick with art by Scott McDaniel, this issue reveals Ollie as the kind of politician I would like to see in the real world. He says exactly what he thinks, without worrying about being politically correct, hurting anyone's feelings, or even seeming just a bit crazy. Wouldn't we all like to see a public figure stand up at a press conference and threaten to hit the press with fire hoses if they don't settle down? He makes it quite clear that he became the mayor to help his city, and he will do whatever it takes to make things happen. Even if it kills him. Of course, killing the new Mayor has already occurred to some people....

By far the best thing about this issue is watching Mayor Queen handle his first press conference. Winick's version of Ollie is a guy I would jump to vote for, if given the chance. Though the press conference is very funny, it also makes sense that this is the kind of no-nonsense politician anyone crazy enough to dress up in green and shoot arrows at criminals would be. For the action fans out there, this issue isn't all politics and microphones. Ollie does get to suit up for a little archery action, and McDaniel's clean, stylish art is equally good in both settings. (It does cross my mind that a big-time public figure might need more to disguise himself than a hood and a little tiny green eye-mask. The beard should be a dead giveaway!)

So if you like a little politics in your comicbook world, Green Arrow #61 may be just the book for you. Not many super-folks have managed much success in the political arena (I'm looking at you, Tony Stark), so I can't wait to see if Ollie pulls it off! Cast your vote for more butt-kicking, arrow-fletching politicians. Mayor Queen speaks LOUDLY, and carries a big quiver! Vote now while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week.

Tough Life: Runaways #15

Even in the most normal of families, kids are frequently appalled by their parents. They dress funny, and say weird things, and are just embarassing all the way round. So you can imagine how much worse it is when your parents turn out to be evil super-villains who want to rule the world. Getting grounded would be the least of your worries!

That is precisely the problem that the young heroes of Runaways had to deal with. When these kids discovered that their parents were on the wrong side of the good/bad divide, they stole a bunch of their folk's villainous gear and ran away from home. Even though they eventually defeated their parents, the Runaways troubles are far from over. Not only do they have to fend for themselves in the world, but they have to deal with any threats that rise up to fill in the void left by their naughty moms and dads.

Of course, some threats are more personal than others. When friends of the Runaways' disgraced, and dead, former leader (Alex Wilder) try to ressurect Alex, they actually succeed in bringing back a young version of Alex's evil dad. (I know this is confusing, but that's what it's like to be a teenager, isn't it?) Needless to say, Geoffrey Wilder isn't any too pleased to find out what these bratty kids have gotten up to. As far as he's concerned, it is time for a SERIOUS spanking!

Runaways #15 is written by Brian K. Vaughan, with pencils by Adrian Alphona. Vaughan has a reputation for telling great stories (Y: The Last Man and Mystique, to name just two), and he lives up to that reputation here. The characters are well-developed, and the messes they find themselves in seem believable, even though they are firmly set in crazy super-hero world. Alphona's art is clean and simple, with enough style (and a bit of anime influence) to keep things visually interesting.

No matter how weird your family may be, your domestic troubles will seem like a breeze compared to the lives of the Runaways! So don't run away from home, pick up Runaways #15 today and you'll feel much better about your own life. Try it now, while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week. It's way cheaper than counselling!

Pointed Truth = Wolverine: Origins #1

Wolverine: He's the best there is at what he does. And what he does is carry around an enormously convoluted backstory! For decades, Wolvie has been the go-to guy for enigmatic storytelling. He's had so many different phony origins and shocking revelations that were later revealed to be untrue, no one knows what to believe about poor old Logan. In fact, he's had enough fictional memory implants and episodes of amnesia, that even Wolverine doesn't know his real past.

Marvel is hoping to change all that with the new ongoing series Wolverine: Origins. It could be argued that, what with being in the X-Men, the Avengers, and his own book, we already have more than enough Wolverine each month. However; thanks to the events of the recent House of M series, this book does have a purpose in the Wolvie-verse. During the big M-event, Logan got the one thing he always wanted: his memory came back! Of course, a hundred years worth of returned memories does bring back a whole bunch of unfinished business that needs takin' care of.

Wolverine: Origins gives writer Daniel Way and artist Steve Dillon the opportunity to work through all of that unfinished business with Logan. This series focuses on Wolvie's attempts to take care of business and get some payback for all the crummy stuff that various governments and evil organizations have heaped on him over the last century or so. With these events all kept in this book, the creative team don't have to worry about any crossovers or world-changing catastrophies going on in the rest of the Marvel Universe. Just pure angry-Logan action!

The team is off to a good start in Origins #1. Wolvie doesn't fool around. Now that he has his memories back, he heads straight to the White House to ask a few "pointed" questions. (Get it? Pointed? Claws? Ha!) Unfortunately, nothing is ever simple for Wolverine, and SHIELD, a nuclear missile, and a huge killer robot all end up involved. Way's story is intense and fast-paced, as all the best Wolverine stories are. Dillon's realistic art brings a great, hard edge to this gritty tale. Nobody draws better tooth-gritting tough guys than Steve Dillon. Wolvie is clearly here to chew gum and kick butts, but he's NEVER been much of a gum chewer! Plus, for all you old-school fan folks, this series features Wolvie in his classic 1980s brown and tan costume!

If you like Wolverine, but don't want to read any of the universe-spanning crossovers he tends to appear in, this is the book for you. This title is all set to be great self-contained, butt-kicking fun. This is your chance to find all the answers about Wolverine's past in one convenient place. Give it a try, bub! Especially now, while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week.

Can you keep a secret? Illuminati Special

Shhhh! Can you keep a secret? I hope so, because we are gonna talk about some seriously classified stuff today. Secret society stuff. Don't mention a word of this to anyone, or we may have to send some men in black over to "re-educate" you. We understand each other? Good.

A lot of people believe that there are secret societies ruling the world from behind the scenes. Personally, I'm a bit sceptical. Our government can't even keep its bribery and adultery scandals secret, let alone hide alien spaceships or conceal the fact that the Freemasons are really ruling the world. I think some people find comfort in the idea of secret societies. If most of our elected officials seem incompetent, isn't it nice to think the REALLY smart people are in control behind the scenes?

Of course, the Marvel Universe is a bit different from the real world. In their universe, there really are some people who may just be smart enough to run things from behind the scenes. At least, Tony Stark (AKA Iron Man) thinks so. In the New Avengers: Illuminati special, the history of Marvel's secret society is finally revealed. After the Kree-Skrull War, Stark decides that the world's heroes need to unite, work together, and share information to prevent possible future disasters on the same massive scale. To that end, Tony gathers the leaders and great minds of the super-human community: Reed Richards, Charles Xavier, Black Bolt, Namor, Doctor Strange, Black Panther, and (of course) himself. Unfortunately, great minds also come with great differences of opinion, and things don't work out quite the way Tony plans...

If you are planning to read any of the big events taking place in the Marvel Universe this year, you really need to read Illuminati. Planet Hulk, Civil War, and upcoming events in New Avengers, all spin out of this book. If you want a peek behind the scenes, to see who has been shaping the events of the Marvel U for the last couple of decades, you need to read Illuminati. If you like any of the other great books by creators Brian Bendis (who writes like 100 books a month nowadays) and Alex Maleev, you need to read Illuminati. So, to sum up, you need to read Illuminati.

We all know that one-shot specials often turn out to be pretty easy to pass up, having minimal repercussions and forgettable storylines. Don't make that assumption with this book! This is a key issue that will be pivotal to events in the months ahead. Get in the know, and read New Avengers: Illuminati! Just don't go running your mouth about it later. Loose lips and all that. Put on your extra-dark shades and skulk down to Four Color Fantasies to pick up a copy of this guaranteed Book of the Week. Ssshhhhhh!

Khonshu's Finest: Moon Knight #1

What kind of guy dresses up in an all-white outfit to go out at night and kick the crud out of evil-doers? The kind of guy you don't want to mess with. The kind of guy who is both nutty and dangerous. In other words, a Moon Knight kind of guy!

Moon Knight takes a lot of heat from the uninformed for being Marvel's Bat-Man wannabee. On the surface, the characters do have some similarities. At least one of Moony's personas is a rich playboy. Both heroes are regular guys, powered more by their own obsessions than by any super-abilities. Both heroes have a bundle of cool gadgets to help them thwart their enemies. Both heroes even have the scary, spooky "avenger in the night" vibe. So what makes Moon Knight different? He's a whole lot crazier than Bat-Man could ever be! In fact, Bats seems almost normal compared to Moon Knight.

For the uninitiated, Marc Spector (AKA Moon Knight) was a mercenary who "saw the light" when he died and miraculously returned to life in front of a statue representing the Egyptian deity Khonshu. Naturally, he assumed this meant Khonshu wanted him to go out and beat the daylights out of naughty people. Unlike most heroes, Spector wasn't satisfied with any one alter-ego. He developed a plethora of aliases, each with his own totally separate personality. When Spector takes on the roles of Jake Lockley, Steven Grant, or Moon Knight, it is not at all clear if he is playing a part or if he really thinks he has become someone else. This makes Moon Knight pretty unpredictable. You never know what he may be capable of, but he sure isn't playing by Bat-Man's strict rule book. I don't think Khonshu even has a rule book. (Hieroglyphics are such a pain!)

Crime novelist Charlie Huston, a long-time Moon Knight fan, definitely seems to be emphasizing the dark and unpredictable side of Khonshu's #1 disciple. This new series is not throwing out any of the old Moon Knight stories, but it is delving into a whole new phase of his life. Huston is clearly not afraid to take this character into some of the darkest places he has ever been. And Moony has never looked better with dark and detailed art by David Finch, last seen on New Avengers. Finch's take on the brooding Knight makes it very clear that you would NEVER want to run into him in a dark alley. Or anywhere else for that matter.

I have a feeling that, this time around, Moon Knight is gonna hit the big-time! He is finally going to earn the respect that a crazed vigilante in a moon-themed costume deserves. If you don't want to miss out, you need to pick up Moon Knight #1 while you can! You have nothing to lose while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week!!

Hammer Time: Fantastic Four #536

If I had a hammer...well, actually, I do have a few hammers. I don't do much of anything with them. They mostly just sit in the shed and rust. Every once in a while, I get one out, smash my thumb with it, and remind myself why I am not really much of a do-it-yourself kind of guy. But, if I had THOR'S hammer, the mighty Mjolnir, umm, I probably couldn't even pick it up. I guess I'm just not a hammer kind of guy. There are those, however; that enjoy a well-crafted tool...

I don't think it's much of a spoiler to say that Thor's hammer falls to earth in Fantastic Four #536. There's a really big picture of it on the cover afterall. In case you didn't know: Thor, Loki, and all the other Asgardians, vanished into the ether some time back. Ragnarok happened, the time of the Norse Gods was over, and that was all she wrote for Asgard. It makes sense that Mjolnir would be the one artifact of the Asgardian civilization to survive. That hammer has been through some tough situations, and always ended up in one piece.

Of course, those sneaky buggers in the government try to keep Mjolnir for themselves, but word gets out. That hammer is one hot addition for the toolbox that has everything, and a lot of people would like to get their hands on it. Including a certain Latverian dictator, with an army of robotic duplicates of his own noble self at his disposal. Is Doom back from the dead? And just what would Doom do if HE had a hammer? Don't you want to find out?

This issue, by the regular FF team of J. Michael Straczynski and Mike McKone, is a great comic on its own merits, but it also ties into some major Marvel Universe events. It's part of Marvel's "Road to Civil War" build-up, it gives Thor fans hope that the godly one could be up for some sort of return, and it has the Doom-tastic return of Doctor Doom! (Or at least a reasonable facsimile. Doom does copy himself quite a bit.)

Fantastic Four #536 has a great story, great art, and will clearly be a pivotal issue for some serious future events! Plus, Reed Richards eats a sandwich. This is definitely an issue to pick up while you can. Head over to Four Color Fantasies today, and try it out risk-free! Maybe it will inspire you to get out your own hammer and build a spice rack! Or smash a villainous troll in the face. Whatever works for you.

H.A.T.E. loves you! Try Nextwave #3.

H.A.T.E. loves you, so you should love H.A.T.E.! H.A.T.E. (Highest Anti-Terrorism Effort) loves you so much that they spend fortunes pumping General Dirk Anger full of special H.A.T.E. life-extending drugs, just so he can be out there saving your sorry rear-end day after endless day! Why does Anger do it? He does it for H.A.T.E., of course! What kind of stupid question is that? It sounds to me like you don't love H.A.T.E. nearly enough!

Nextwave, the Agents of H.A.T.E, don't actually love H.A.T.E anymore, either. The Nextwave team, a group of B-grade heroes put together by General Anger, found out that the Beyond Corp. (the parent company of H.A.T.E.) was actually a terrorist organization. You can probably see where they might feel a little conflicted about this. So the team absconded from the H.A.T.E. Aeromarine with the super-cool Shockwave Rider, and decided to take the fight to the terrorists in their own way: Healing America by beating people up!

Who are the H.A.T.E. haters who make up the Nextwave Squad? Great question! They are: Monica Rambeau (formerly Photon) who used to lead the Avengers, Aaron Stack (AKA Machine Man) who really hates most fleshy ones, Elsa Bloodstone who is a bigshot English monster-hunter, Tabitha Smith (AKA Boom Boom and Meltdown) who blows things up, and the Captain who, ummm, is really kind of a sucky hero. This unlikely band has taken it upon themselves to hunt down all of the Beyond Corporation's Unusual Weapons of Mass Destruction, such as the underpants wearing monster Fin Fang Foom, and destroy them before Beyond can make any nefarious use of them.

Personally, I love comics that aren't afraid to be a little different, and you can't get much more unique than Nextwave. This crazy, over-the-top series is the twisted brainchild of Warren Ellis and Stuart Immonen. Mr. Ellis is already well-known for some brilliant and subversive writing, so it is great that Marvel has been brave enough to let him really run wild with some of their toys. As I'm writing this review, I can't stop rereading the issue and chuckling. Nextwave has witty dialogue, tons of explosions, heaps of satire, more explosions, and quite a bit of punching and kicking. Immonen's unique and stylish art perfectly complements the out-there tone of this book. This series has quickly made it to the top of my favorites list, and it could soon be topping yours too!

If you hate terrorism, and you love H.A.T.E., you must read Nextwave! Try out issue #3 ASAP, while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week! You really don't want to upset General Anger, he'll take a bite right outta ya!

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #201

In most situations, Bruce Wayne is a pretty reasonable guy. Sure, he may be a little on the hard-headed side. If you give him a real reason to, he may even have his Batty alter-ego kick your butt and leave you on the curb for police pick-up. But the one thing you really shouldn't do is mess with his parents. Bruce may just take that personally.

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #201 is the beginning of a new three-part story, "True Crime." Decades ago, when Bruce Wayne was just a little Bat-Toddler, Gotham was terrorised by a notorious serial-killer: The Robinson Park Ripper. The Ripper, much like the more infamous Jack, had a relatively small number of victims. His crimes attracted attention because of the sheer brutality exhibited by the killer. The victims, all women, had organs gruesomely extracted while they were still alive.

Public interest in such horrific crimes never really goes away. Despite the passage of so many years, true-crime writer Mark Prather takes on the Ripper case. He finds some interesting evidence. The only thing the victims had in common was a tie to the University Medical Center where Bruce's father, Dr. Thomas Wayne, sometimes saw patients. The organs were removed with surgical precision only a Doctor could manage. A Doctor such as, ohhh, Thomas Wayne? When Prather announces the impending publication of his findings, Bruce finds himself thrown into a case that he THOUGHT was long cold.

This story, by Christos N. Gage, is my favorite kind of Batman story. It is a realistic story, that could easily have been pulled from today's news. Batman's detective skills are at the forefront, rather than his Bat-buttkicking. (For fans of the fisticuffs, he does take time out to thrash Clayface and rough up some of the Penguin's hired goons.) Ron Wagner's pencils are perfect for this kind of gritty, down-to-earth storytelling. The cast of characters seems very real, which emphasizes Batman's dark, intimidating stature.

This is a great, self-contained, story, perfect for readers who don't want to be dragged kicking and screaming into any of the massive crossover stories currently coming out from both Marvel and DC. If you prefer to watch the World's Greatest Detective at work, rather than watching Bats hang out with his super-buddies, there is no mystery here: You should be reading "True Crime."

Pick it up this week at Four Color Fantasies, it's guaranteed! Just don't say anything nasty about Bruce's momma, that's when he gets really unpleasant!

A Stryk-ing Predicament: New X-men #24

When things go wrong for Marvel's mutants, they go REALLY wrong. In case you haven't been paying attention, the events of "House of M" did some serious damage to the mutant population of the Marvel Universe. Where there used to be millions of mutants, there are now only hundreds. This has put the remaining mutants, and many former mutants, in some pretty tough spots. And spots don't come much tougher than the one the New X-Men end up in.

Tragedy befalls the team of young X-Men in training in New X-Men #24, by Craig Kyle, Chris Yost, and Paco Medina. There have always been those who view mutants as a feared and hated minority. When there were millions of powerful mutants to look out for one another, there was safety in those numbers. Now that the mutant population has been drastically reduced, there are plenty of people who see this vulnerability as a prime opportunity to strike. The Reverend William Stryker, for example. (And really, anybody with the name "Stryker" just has to be up to no good.)

Stryker predicted the events of M-Day, and he's been preparing for quite some time. He has built up a virtual army of anti-mutant fanatics to join him in his second crusade to wipe out his hated enemies. As Emma Frost and the X-Men try to sneak a bus full of non-powered students away from the Xavier Institute, Stryker's forces attack. The bus is destroyed, and a whole bunch of dead students are left in the aftermath of the attack.

This emotional issue focusses on how the remaining New X-Men deal with their grief and loss. These are young people who have been through some incredibly tough times, and coping isn't going to be easy. Of course, as Emma Frost makes clear, Stryker is not going to wait around for the New X-men to feel better before he decides to attack again. This is just the beginning of a story that will clearly be pivotal in how the mutant community survives in the post-M world.

So strap on your black armband and stroll somberly over to Four Color Fantasies to pick up New X-Men #24. It's guaranteed, so you have nothing to lose, unlike the New X-Men.

A Lady to Admire: Ms. Marvel #1

Name a female super-hero. Sure, it's easy for you and me, we're comic book nerds! But ask any member of the general public that question, and their answers will be pretty limited. They'll know Wonder Woman, because she had a TV show. They may know Batgirl, also because of her TV appearances. Maybe a few people could name Sue Storm, since Jessica Alba played her. Unfortunately, I'm willing to bet that is about all most people could come up with. For some reason, it isn't easy for the ladies to earn the respect and notoriety of their male counterparts in the hero biz.

Well, Carol Danvers is out to change all that in Ms. Marvel #1. In her new ongoing series, Carol has decided that it is time to take control of her heroic career. She wants to be the best there is at what she does, and what she does IS actually pretty nice. Ms. Danvers is dead-set on living up to her potential, so losers like Stilt-Man know exactly who she is while getting their villainous butts kicked. In short, Carol wants to be the kind of hero that kids will imitate on the playground.

Of course, just like in real life, it isn't easy to stay in the public eye. To help out with her public image, Carol goes to one of the biggest names in the Public Relations biz. (Didn't know that Captain America, the Fantastic Four and the X-Men all have a publicist? You HAVE heard of them, haven't you? See how PR works?) Lucky for us, the first PR move for Carol is to forget about the unfortunate code-names Binary and Warbird, and get back to her original Ms. Marvel. Who wants to be saved by somebody named Warbird? Ick.

This new series is written by Brian Reed with pencils by Roberto De La Torre. Reed's writing makes this first issue really shine. His style combines the fun of a Dan Slott comic with the witty dialogue of a Brian Bendis book. What more could anybody ask for in one book? How about great art? Ms. Marvel has that too! De La Torre's pencils perfectly convey action, humor, the joy of flight, and Ms. Marvel's pulchritudinous sexiness. (And, if you're into that sort of thing, check out Frank Cho's sweet cover art!) Plus, the surprise villains at the end of the issue are as terrifying as Carol is sexy.

So c'mon people, let's work together to promote equality of the sexes in comics! Help Ms. Marvel become the big name hero that she deserves to be! Fly down to Four Color Fantasies today and try out the guaranteed Book of the Week: Ms. Marvel #1.