Emo Spidey? Great starting point! Amazing Spider-Man #542

Hey comic book fans! This week's Book of the Week will be short and sweet. (Awww, sweet!) Mostly because I can't tell you much about the book without spoiling it. Plus, if you have ever picked up a comic in your life (and I assume you have, or you wouldn't be reading this), I don't need to explain anything about the basic concept of Spider-Man to you.

Recently, times have been tough for Spidey and his alter-ego. Peter went and outed himself as Spider-Man during Marvel's Civil War, and that hasn't really turned out to be a very good idea. Not only are Iron Man and the Super Human Registration Act crowd out to arrest him, but all the nefarious folks he has crossed in the past know who Spider-Man is. More importantly, they know who his family is. Consequently, Aunt May has taken a bullet and things look pretty bleak. Bleak enough that Spidey dug out his emo black costume again.

When Spidey finds out that tubby old Wilson Fisk, AKA the Kingpin of Crime, is the guy responsible for Aunt May's shooting, he's pretty upset. Upset enough, in fact, that he swears to kill Fisk. The Amazing Spider-Man #542 is the issue where Spidey finally catches up with the Kingpin, and we see how that confrontation plays out. I don't want to give anything away, but this scene takes several turns that regular Spider-Readers might not be expecting. As a long-time Spidey fan, I declare it awesome!

Not only is this issue great on it's own, it is a prelude to a lot of big stuff down the road for our hero. J. Michael Straczynski's excellent run on Amazing Spider-Man is coming to an end soon, and there will be some big events in the life of everyone's favorite Wall-Crawler coming with it. This is as good a place to start as any, so don't miss Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week, Amazing Spider-Man #542! Just keep your secret identity to yourself, we really can't be trusted with that information.

High Fantasy: The Hedge Knight II: The Sworn Sword #2

If you're like me, the first things that come to mind when you read the title "The Hedge Knight" do not necessarily inspire confidence. I picture a guy dressed up in bushy, green, armor, wielding a big, electric hedge trimmer. Or maybe some sort of anthropomorphic hedgehog warrior, like Mrs. Tiggywinkle gone Medieval. Of course, both of those ideas are very silly, and wouldn't make very good comics. (Or would they? Drop me a line Marvel, I already have an idea for a Hedgehog Knight/Rocket Raccoon book!)

The Hedge Knight II: The Sworn Sword is an adaptation of (creatively initialed) George R.R. Martin's novel, by Ben Avery and Mike Miller. It is published, through Marvel, by the Dabel Brothers, who have quickly built an impressive reputation when it comes to turning popular novels into popular comics. That tradition of quality is definitely being continued with this series.

I'm still not sure exactly what a Hedge Knight is, but the hero of this story is a young knight named Dunk, or Ser Duncan the Tall, as he prefers to be known. Ser Duncan and his squire, Egg, are in the service of the aged and impoverished Lord, Ser Eustace. A crippling drought is ravaging their fiefdom, so it is serious business when the neighbors dam the only stream providing water to the few people who still live on Ser Eustace's lands. Duncan, Egg, and the filthy, unpleasant, old, knight Ser Bennis find themselves trying to turn a handful of peasants (most of whom are named Wat) into a fighting force. The battle to take back their water is not off to a promising start...

Obviously, the story and characters by Martin are solid here. Avery does an excellent job adapting the novel into comics form, and Miller's pretty artwork lends the whole story a bit of a fairy tale atmosphere. If you are a fan of Martin's novels, this is a must-read. If you've never even heard of George R.R. Martin, but you enjoy Tolkein-esque high fantasy, this is also a can't miss. However, if you are looking for a hedgehog dressed in armor, kicking the Mouse Guard's butts, you will be very disappointed.

Brave the burning sun and soldier out to Four Color Fantasies now to try out The Hedge Knight II: The Sworn Sword #2 (There are copies of #1 left, so act now!) while it is the guaranteed Book of the Week. And maybe someday, if we all think positive thoughts and send lots of annoying e-mails, we can read the Hedgehog Knight and Rocket Raccoon Meet Gorilla Grod Crossover Spectacular!

Squirrel Girl, Merc with the Mostest, It must be: Dead-Pool/GLI Summer Fun Spectacular

Hey kids! Are you ready for the awesome-est, most fun-tastic, squirrel-tacular fun of the summer? OK, that's a trick question. Of course you are! Brace yourself for more fun and excitement than you can shake a doorknob at because here comes the Dead-Pool/GLI Summer Fun Spectacular! Wowwee!

A whole host of incredible creators, like that Slott guy, Fabian Whatsisname, and a bunch of poeple that can draw pretty pictures, all got together to bring you the latest adventures of the (now government funded) Great Lakes Initiative and tales of their titanic team-up with the Merc with the Mostest-Dead-Pool! OK, he's actually more like an unwanted houseguest who never leaves rather than a real team-up partner, but Dead-Pool is still 100% awesome.

This comic is packed to the edges with great stuff, like Dead-Pool's date with Big Bertha, Dead-Pool killing Mr. Immortal, Dead-Pool playing in the tub with Flatman, and Dead-Pool eating pork rinds while watching Bea Arthur on TV. But wait! There's more! You'll get to see the GLI's new state-of-the-art, top-of-the-line, super-secret, fully-hyphenated headquarters! You'll thrill to exciting vehicles like the Flat-a-maran and Big Bertha's Bumper Buggy! You'll get sage advice from Tippy-Toe, the world's most amazing squirrel, and, best of all, you'll experience the deepness of Penance and P-Cat, the Penitent Puss! If that doesn't make you run to the comic shop, I don't know what will.

The only thing wrong with this comic is that there's only one issue! Seriously, why the folks at Marvel haven't responded to my many e-mails demanding an ongoing Squirrel Girl series, I can't imagine. The fact that Marvel's most adorable, smartest, most powerful and effective (she beat Doom and Thanos, afterall), female hero doesn't have her own book is a crying shame. C'mon, at least give us a Marvel Legends Squirrel Girl action figure, with Tippy-Toe and plenty of nutsacks!

Anyway, it's got Dead-Pool, it's got Squirrel Girl, and it's a whole heap of wacky summer fun, so what could you possibly be waiting for? An invitation? Consider it done! You're hereby invited to Four Color Fantasies to buy the Dead-Pool/GLI Summer Fun Spectacular! It's guaranteed. All we ask in return is that you don't wipe your pork rind smeared fingers on the comics! I say that's a bargain! Wowwee!

A Godlike Return: Thor #1

He's back, baby! You just can't keep a good god down! We all knew that, Ragnarok or no Ragnarok, Thor would be returning to the Marvel Universe someday. It was just a question of when and how. Marvel faked us out during Civil War, but this is no crummy clone/cyborg Thor (AKA Clor), this is the real Asgardian deal. Get thee behind me, Clor!

Thor #1, by J. Michael Straczinski and Oliver Coipel, finds Thor hanging out in the void, just sort of "not being." He is paid a visit by his old alter-ego, Dr. Donald Blake, who has used his time in the void to find out the answers to a lot of important questions. His advice to the God of Thunder is, essentially, to cut out his selfish non-existence and get back to the land of the living. The mortal world needs a guardian, or imminent disaster awaits. (Plus, I think somebody needs to give Tony Stark a beat down. After the Hulk is done with him, that is. Clone Thor, indeed!)

JMS is a writer who plans ahead, so this first issue is just the start of Thor's latest journey. For old school Thor fans, JMS is bringing back everything you love about the character. We've got Donald Blake, Mjolnir (You can't keep a good hammer down, either), and Thor as protector of Midgard. It is pretty clear that Asgard and it's entire cast of characters will follow. Not that this series is just going to be a rehash of the past, Blake seems set to play a much more active role and Thor is bringing Asgard down to Earth, literally. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the Marvel U, post Civil War, reacts to a god in their midst. I have a feeling Thor will not be lining up to register with S.H.I.E.L.D.

Coipel's art is gorgeous and dynamic, with Thor looking very godly and imposing. The addition of a chain mail body suit sort of thing to Thor's wardrobe has been somewhat controversial, but I like the look. It takes the character back to his medieval roots, without changing him too drastically from the classic Kirby design. It does look like it would chafe, though. ("The son of Odin requires baby powder! And lots of it!")

So, little mortal, hie thee to Four Color Fantasies and exchange thy meaningless "dollars" for Thor #1. Then wilt thou revel in the new exploits of the immortal God of Thunder! Shalt thou disrespect Thor by refusing to read his great chronicles? I SAY THEE NAY! If thou be not deeply moved, thy money shall be returned. If thou fearest to even try, there is a lightning bolt with thy name on it.

Hey, Kids, Zombies! Black Panther #28

These kids today and their crazy fads: skateboards, hula-hoops, i-phones, and ZOMBIES. Yeah, kids just can't seem to get enough zombies nowadays, and who can blame them? There's just something about the walking dead, dragging their decomposing carcasses around in search of fresh brains that appeals to young and old alike. Zombies can be the ultimate, skin-crawling, horror, or hilarious B-movie comedians, or even a bit of both.

If you have been paying any kind of attention lately, you know that Marvel Comics (of all people!) has been having quite a bit of success in the zombie department recently. Playing off the old nickname for rabid fans who ONLY read Marvel books, Robert Kirkman (like Reeses) got some zombie in his superhero and created an alternate Marvel Universe reality where a zombie plague infected the heroes, who quickly zombified each other. Then they proceeded to eat the enitire civilian population of the planet.

The Marvel Zombies are unique in that, despite being dead, they retain most of their personalities and powers. Of course, even the best of them turn a bit evil, what with their insatiable desire for fresh human flesh to nibble on. In the first Marvel Zombies series, the last remaining hero zombies managed to kill and eat Galactus (now that's a hearty meal!) and absorb his cosmic power. Being out of food, they headed for space. Which brings us to Black Panther #28, by Reggie Hudlin and Francis Portela.

In his new role as leader of the Fantastic Four, T'Challa (AKA Black Panther) has led his quartet all over the universe. His chosen method of transportation, King Solomon's magic, golden frogs (no, I'm not kidding!), has proven pretty unreliable. Unexpectedly, the frogs have dropped the Four onto the Skrull homeworld of an alternate universe. A universe in which a bunch of Galactus-powered, decaying, zombie heroes have just dropped in for a tasty Skrull snack!! Mmmmm, fresh Skrull....

Black Panther #28 is a can't miss hit! Many readers may not know that the high-profile, original Marvel Zombies series is essentially being continued here. This issue (and those to follow) even comes with one of those amazingly popular Arthur Suydam zombie covers. So be sure to catch the next wave of undead fun and shamble to Four Color Fantasies today, where you can buy this guaranteed Book of the Week! (But please, if you drop any body parts in the store, show a little courtesy and clean up after yourself. Ick!)

No Flash in the Pan: #13 ends one chapter

Sometimes big events in the world of comics get leaked and spoiled by the various comics news outlets. On a slow news day, they sometimes even break into mainstream news. (Like the recent Captain America hoo-haa.) But, every once in a while, the companies manage to keep the big surprises to themselves. They let it sneak up and kick readers in the pants when they least expect it. Even though a metaphorical kick in the pants can be fun, it stinks if you miss a key issue because you didn't know it WAS a key issue.

Such is the case with The Flash #13 by Marc Guggenheim and penciller Tony Daniel. It's not easy to surprise readers nowadays, what with the new-fangled internets, text messages, and cellular whatnots the kids are all using today. Information spreads fast (in a flash, you might say), so DC had to put some real effort into hiding the fact that this is the last issue of the current Flash series. They had phony solicits for future issues and writer Marc Guggenheim went around discussing plans for the book that he knew he wasn't actually writing. Oh, those cheeky monkeys!

So what actually happens in Flash #13? I won't be such a stinker as to give it away! I will tell you that it is an appropriately fast-paced finale to the current series. Guggenheim's story wastes no time getting down to business, and Tony Daniel's art is up to the occasion. He does a great job moving the action along apace, and in dealing with the more emotional moments of this tale. Of course, there will be a new Flash title soon, but it will clearly be very different from the current incarnation of the series.

So, if you care about The Flash at all, you need to read this book. If you like to have key, turning point issues in your collection, you need to read this book. If you enjoy a good, cathartic cry from time to time, you need to read this book! Pull on your running shoes and dash to Four Color Fantasies now, while The Flash #13 is the guaranteed Book of the Week! (No pouting if you miss it, you've been warned!)

Not to be trifled with: Sub-Mariner #1

Imperious Rex! You know, people think of Wolverine or the Punisher as the Marvel Universe's ultimate bad dudes, but, seriously, no one can hold a candle to Namor the Sub-Mariner. He fought with Captain America in WWII, he's the ruler of Atlantis, the protector of the entire undersea realm, takes no crap from surface-dwellers or sea monsters, and he has the best abs in the Marvel U. By comparison, Aquaman is a whiny little girl.

It's been a while since Namor had his own series, so this new limited series is really long overdue. Sub-Mariner #1, written by Matt Cherniss and Peter Johnson, makes Namor especially relevant by tying him to recent events in the Marvel Universe AND making some serious connections to real-world politics. This series is clearly high-stakes too, in the first pages we see Atlantis laid waste and an American town leveled. No messing around here!

In the aftermath of the Civil War, Namor has cut most of his ties to the surface world. Unfortunately, many Atlanteans feel that isn't enough. They want to see the surface-dwellers punished and wouldn't mind a full-fledged war between Atlantis and the human world. As Namor is quick to point out, his realm is NOT a democracy. He expects his people to do what he says, simply because he says so. He does not expect to be questioned, and he certainly doesn't expect to be defied. Too bad some of his subjects have ideas of their own.

A small sect of Atlanteans, without Namor's knowledge, begins launching terrorist attacks on the surface world. As you can imagine, Tony Stark, S.H.I.E.L.D., and the U.S. government, are all less than happy to see 900 American citizens killed in an Atlantean attack. This politically charged story is a serious page-turner, and Namor's regal character has been captured spot-on by Cherniss and Johnson. Artist Phil Briones also creates a dynamic Atlantis that seems more "real" than any version I can remember. This is no Little Mermaid fantasy land!

Do not disappoint the scion of Atlantis! Pull on your swim trunks (no Speedos, please) and your water wings, and head to Four Color Fantasies this week to pick up your guaranteed copy of Sub-Mariner #1. (Also guaranteed completely dolphin safe!)

A Movie-quality launch to the (new) New Warriors

Everybody loves a rebel. C'mon, you know it's true! We love folks who go their own way, do their own thing, and don't care how much they get hassled by "the man." It doesn't even matter what they're rebelling against. Conformity, censorship, unfair laws, burdensome taxes, expensive tater-tots, whatever ya got (to paraphrase James Dean)!

Marvel's latest super-group, however; HAS a cause. They're rebelling against fascist, jerk-face Tony Stark and his conformist Superhuman Registration Act. If you think about it, people who put on costumes and go fight crime are always likely to be an independent lot. Just because Stark and his government lackeys have all happily signed up to be good, government-supporting hero boys and girls, doesn't mean everyone is going to go along for the ride. There are bound to be those that operate outside the new law, doing good on their own terms and making rude gestures towards authority.

That's where the (new) New Warriors come in, in the first issue of their ongoing series. Of course, the original New Warriors were the team that inadvertently caused the Stamford disaster and brought about the whole SRA mess in the first place. In the Marvel Universe, the Warriors have become reviled. Their name is synonymous with death, destruction, and irresponsible heroics. Unfortunately, the team has been largely unable to defend themselves and their actions, what with most of them being dead and all.

In this first issue, we discover a new team, whose members are still a mystery, that has taken on the New Warriors name. These Warriors are operating from the shadows, snubbing their nose at Stark's Registration Act, and spreading the word through actions and, in proud rebel tradition, graffitti. Stickin' it to the man and fighting crime! It's the perfect combination!

New Warriors #1 is written by Kevin Grevioux with pencils by Paco Medina. Grevioux is primarily known for his film work (he was a writer on the Underworld movies), and that background shows here. The character's dialogue has a very snappy, movie-like quality and scenes move with a brisk pace. Medina's clean artwork also has a very "filmic" look, and his style really captures the "disaffected youth" vibe that runs through the book.

Don't bow down to authority! Stand up and be heard! Read New Warriors #1 now, while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week. (And fans of the old, dead New Warriors won't want to miss the issue's cliffhanger ending. Someone may not be as dead as you think...)

Essential Reading: Black Panther #27

Ah, Spring is here at last! Unfortunately, we have to take the good with the bad. Along with warm, sunny days and gorgeous greenery comes Mother Nature's biggest nuisance: bugs! For most of us, that means spraying some insecticide and getting out the flyswatter, but super heroes do everything bigger, especially the Fantastic Four. Instead of crawling in through a window, their bugs get in from the Negative Zone.

In the aftermath of Marvel's Civil War, the husband and wife team of Black Panther and Storm find themselves standing in for Reed and Sue in the FF. Though these two may be able to mange the entire kingdom of Wakanda, they are quickly learning that running the Fantastic Four is no walk in the park. In Black Panther #27, the team returns from deep space, where they had to deal with the Silver Surfer and Galactus, hoping for just a little bit of down time. Instead, a giant, armored, seemingly unstoppable, bug scurries through the Baxter Building's Negative Zone portal and starts munching on the furniture. What a revoltin' development!

Black Panther #27 is written by Reginald Hudlin, with pencils from Francis Portela. Hudlin does a great job characterizing not only his lead characters, but also their new FF teammates. The story has just the right balance of serious super-hero action, character interaction and FF-style humor. Portela's art is up to all of the challenges Hudlin throws his way, including bug-monsters, frog-powered dimensional travel, and alien planets. (All in one issue!)

In Marvel's post-Civil War landscape, Black Panther has become a pretty essential read. Now that T'Challa is standing in for Reed Richards, he is right at the heart of Marvel's super-community. He has to deal with heroes from both sides of the conflict, and work with S.H.I.E.L.D. to keep Reed's super-prison under control. Not only should fans of the FF or Civil War be reading Black Panther nowadays, but anyone who is into the enormously popular Marvel Zombies books will not want to miss this issue...

Nowhere else can you find this much stuff packed into one slim comic! You definitely need to try out Black Panther #27 now, while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week! You don't want to find yourself being shipped off to prison in the Negative Zone, do you? (Hey, that's not a threat. I'm just sayin'...)

A Fresh Approach: Unique 1 & 2

"Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean everyone ISN'T out to get me!" OK, that's an old joke but it does pose a serious question. If the world seems to be going crazy around you, if you think everyone is out to get you, how do you know if it's all true? You don't think you're crazy, but a crazy person wouldn't think that, would they? It's enough to give you a serious brain-ache.

That conundrum is just a small part of the troubles faced by accountant Jon Geoffries in Platinum Studio's Unique. Jon is troubled by strange dreams, paranoia, and bouts of sleep-walking. His shrink has put him on a wide variety of meds, but all to no avail. There is, though, an experimental new treatment that could solve all of Jon's problems. Or make them much, much, worse.

Not only does Jon discover that everyone really is out to get him, he learns that he is being hunted down by people from multiple universes. You know you're in trouble when parallel worlds are out to get you! Jon Geoffries problem is that he is a Unique. That means that in all of the parallel universes, there is no parallel Jon. That unique status also means that Jon is one of the very few people who can, under the right circumstances, travel back and forth between the parallel worlds. Unluckily for Jon, there are nefarious, powerful, people who would like to put his abilities to use for their own personal gain. Or maybe none of this is true, and Jon really is just crazy...

Unique is written by Dean Motter, with art by Dennis Calero. Motter's story is full of twists, turns, conspiracies and the unexpected. Dialogue is used sparingly but effectively. The characters are all very real, and Jon seems like a regular guy who finds himself drawn into this bizarre situation. Readers are definitely kept on their toes, wanting to see what happens next. Calero's art is perfect for this story. It is dark and just a bit surreal, which gives Jon's mind-trip a very dream-like quality.

You're probably not crazy, but can you be sure? Are you really even reading this, or do you just think you are? Does your parallel self have some weird facial hair variant, like Mirror Universe Spock? Find out the answers to all this and more by reading Unique! You aren't imagining that it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week. (Plus, there are two issues already in stock. Try 'em both!)

Don't miss this comic: She-Hulk #17

One awesome, and often overlooked, book has been at the center of all Marvel's recent blockbuster events. This book had major connections to Civil War and is playing a big part in the lead-up to World War Hulk. This book has humor, action, romance, and makes better use of continuity than any other Marvel title. It also has a lead character with the best green gams in the super-hero business.

Of course, by now you realize that we're talking about She-Hulk. Written by rising Marvel star Dan Slott with art by Rick Burchett, She-Hulk is one the smartest and most fun comics on the stands. It should be right up there on the sales charts with New Avengers, 52, and X-Men. I'm not sure why it isn't up there, but if you are one of the people who has not tried She-Hulk, we really need to do something about that ASAP.

As a result of the recent Super-human Registration Act, lawyer Jennifer Walters has found herself pressed into service by S.H.I.E.L.D. Tony Stark and S.H.I.E.L.D. are less interested in Jen's legal abilities than in her smashing abilities as She-Hulk. Due to the machinations of the Illuminati, Jen's cousin Bruce (you know, you wouldn't like him when he's angry) was shot into space. Without the Hulk around to smash guys like the Abomination and Wendigo, S.H.I.E.L.D. needs help keeping them under control. Clay Quartermain makes Jen the muscle in his new Hulkbuster team. Joined by the magician Agent Crimson, and the super-sexy Life-Model Decoy Agent Cheesecake, Shulkie takes on all of the Hulk's old adversaries. Though things could turn ugly when She-Hulk figures out who is responsible for Bruce Banner going missing in the first place.

Trust me when I tell you that She-Hulk #17 is one great comic. If you haven't tried it, now is your chance. The folks at Four Color Fantasies are so sure you'll love this book that it's guaranteed all week long as FCF's Book of the Week. If you don't enjoy this comic, you can get your money back! And angels will cry, but don't let that sway you or anything.

P.S. Read She-Hulk. Have I mentioned it's awesome?

Cool Again: Moon Knight #9

A year ago, very few people would have believed that Moon Knight could ever be made cool again. Moony had become a joke. He was seen as Marvel's white-suited version of Batman, with a silly Moon-copter and a stereotypical French sidekick. However, just nine issues later, thanks to novelist Charlie Huston and super-star artist David Finch, Moon Knight is one cool, hardcore, vigilante!

Moon Knight #9, still written by Huston, with new artist Mico Suayan, showcases this crazy, violent hero at his best. Marc Spector (AKA Moon Knight) is still single-mindedly struggling to overcome the damage his "career" as a hero did to his body. (Not to mention the mental damage Spector may be suffering from!) More of his disasterous past catches up with him, in the deranged form of a deadly former sidekick, and serial killer, who has a serious bone to pick with his former mentor.

If you like your heroes with a heaping dose of crazy, Moon Knight is a book you simply should not miss. Marc Spector is portrayed as a remorseless, driven, angry vengeance machine. He has no powers to speak of and succeeds by sheer, hard-headed, bone-crushing refusal to fail. He is either constantly accompanied by his god Khonshu (in the form of his late, mutilated arch-enemy) or he is a psychotic nut-job with a very minimal grip on reality. Either way, the last thing you would ever want to see is Moon Knight leaping down on you in some dark alley, because he puts his opponents in a world of major hurt.

Coming in after David Finch, artist Mico Suayan has some big shoes to fill. Fortunately, he delivers 100 percent. His art is very detailed and realistic, very much in the same overall style as Finch. However, I actually found his storytelling to be smoother and easier to follow than his high-profile predecessor. He brings plenty of grit to this down and dirty tale, and this issue's main fight is depicted with a level of tooth-pulling detail that made me wince more than once.

If you like the Punisher, Wolverine, Batman (at his most bada$$), or anything written by Garth Ennis, you should really give Moon Knight a try. Moony may be a complete nut-job, but he sure is cool again. Try out Moon Knight #9 now, while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week.

Shining Example: Nova #1

Back in the day, if you were an average space-person in the Marvel Universe and your planet was being stomped on by a giant space-monster or crisped by solar flares, you'd call the Nova Corps for help. A bunch of powerful folks in cool helmets would show up, loaded with equipment and experience, to save the day! Hooray for the Nova Corps! Unfortunately, that's not quite what happens now, as shown in the new Nova #1.

Thanks to that big space-jerk Annihilus, the entire Nova Corps was destroyed in the Annhilation Event. Well, ALMOST the entire Nova Corps. The Corps' Earth representative, Richard Rider survived, and he has to carry the weight of the whole Corps on his human shoulders. That is a whole lot of responsibility for one guy. Now when you call for help, if you're really lucky, you'll get one amped-up, over worked, inexperienced, and just plain cranky, Nova on the scene.

Nova #1 is written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, with art from Sean Chen. Abnett and Lanning have a long track record as writers for the UK's 2000AD, but they also handled Nova brilliantly in the just-finished Annhilation crossover in the cosmic part of Marvel's neighborhood. The events of Annhilation have left the often over-looked Nova with a new status quo. He has all the power of the entire Nova Corps at his disposal, and the complete knowledge of the Worldmind to draw on, but he is still just one inexperienced guy trying to save the whole universe.

This first issue sees Rider jumping from planet to planet to take on everyone's problems, so there is a ton of action to draw in new readers. Sean Chen does an excellent job showing Nova in action against a diverse range of alien menaces. He keeps up with the crazy pace the writers set for our hero admirably. This is definitely NOT one of those comics where readers will feel they didn't get enough story for their money.

Anyone who read and enjoyed the Annhilation series should absolutely not miss Nova. I don't want to give too much away, but this issue's cliffhanger ending might also interest fans of Civil War. (Hint: Next issue may feature some serious helmet on helmet action. If you know what I mean!) For older fans of the Human Rocket, it's nice to see the Man Called Nova getting a little respect again. It's about time! Try it out now, while this book is Four Color Fantasies' Book of the Week!

A Tasty Anthology: Savage Tales #1

I love comics anthology books. This particular form is, all too often, neglected. What could be better than getting different stories by different creators all under one convenient cover? As a reader, you get to experience work from a range of writers and artists and you have an excellent opportunity to find out about stuff you didn't even know you liked. This is essentially the way the pulp magazines, the forebearers of modern comics, worked, and that's why the anthology format is the perfect form for the awesome stories waiting to be discovered in Savage Tales #1.

Dynamite Entertainment's Savage Tales comes out of the gate strong, with an excellent starting line-up of stories and creators. There are four ongoing stories in this first issue, and each one offers readers something different.

First up is The Witch's Familiar, starring cover she-devil Red Sonja. (By the way, all of the variant covers are nice, but the Arthur Suydam version is worth the cover price all by itself.) It's certainly a good idea to start off with Dynamite's most recognizable character, and Sonja is in fine form here. Part one of this tale, by Ron Mars and Adriano Batista, has gorgeous art, a very clever opening scene, a bit of sword-wielding action, and a cliff-hanger that will leave you counting the days until the next issue.

Battle for Atlantis, by Leah Moore, John Reppion, and Pablos Marcos sets the stage for a somewhat different take on the question, "Why did Atlantis fall?" The art is lush and detailed. The blend of primitivism with Atlantean super-science is very "pulpy." Maybe it's just me, but the inflated pride and corrupt politics of the Atlanteans may also be a sly commentary on current world affairs.

A Red Sonja spin-off, Where Walks the Hunter by Lieberman, Oeming and Sharpe, is the third offering in this issue. This story follows a brutal warrior, the Hunter, who is an enemy of both Sonja and her mortal foe Kulan Gath. This character first appeared in Red Sonja's ongoing title, but everything you need to know about him is filled in quickly in this story. Seeing his encounters with Sonja from the "villain's" point of view gives this story a neat twist.

Finally, we have The Elder Things that Fell to Earth by Mike Raicht and Pere Perez. Keeping the pulpy theme going, this story has elements of both Robert E. Howard and H.P. Lovecraft, doing justice to both creators. A group of warriors (Out hunting dinosaur monsters!) run into a weird space vessel. The ship's pilots are a powerful race of aliens looking for help reigning in the escaped power of the evil Lovecraftian deity Cthulhu. Of course, Cthulhu has some recruits of his own and is not going gently back into his cage...

For fans of good, old-fashioned, sword swinging, monster battling adventure, Savage Tales #1 is a wicked tome full of fun! You may pick this up just to check out Red Sonja, but all of these stories feature great art and pulp-tacular adventure. You have nothing to fear (except maybe Cthulhu), because this book is guaranteed awesome this week at Four Color Fantasies!

Don't you just hate it when you miss out on a cool new series? You hear all the buzz, but you already missed the first few issues, so you just don't feel like you can catch up. It's even worse when you hear all about how cool a title is, but you have YEARS worth of missed issues scaring you away from the book. Lucky for you, those clever folks at Marvel have everything under control.

In this case the cool series you may have missed out on is Runaways, by Brian K. Vaughan and an assortment of excellent artists. This title has hidden on the fringes of the Marvel Universe. Despite excellent reviews, lots of people still haven't read it. Now you may have heard that hot-shot writer Joss Whedon (You know, the Buffy and Astonishing X-Men guy.) is going to be taking over the book. This would be a great time to try this book, but what about the first 42 issues? To you I say, "Runaways Saga #1!"

This special Runaways issue cleverly compacts the events of the entire series into one handy-dandy issue. Still on the run, the team picks up the journal of their youngest member, Molly. Reading the journal, they get to see the crazy events of their lives from Molly's sometimes naive viewpoint, starting with how they had to run from, and eventually defeat, their own villainous parents. If you've never picked up an issue of Runaways before, this book is a great introduction. If you are already a fan, you may still enjoy seeing the events of the series analyzed by Molly. As an added bonus, there are a few new story pages by Humberto Ramos to link everything together.

Now's your chance to hang out with the cool kids and make up for your shameful ignorance! Runaways Saga #1 has everything you ever wanted to know about the Runaways, but were afraid to ask. It's all in one convenient book at one thrifty price, so what do you have to lose? Nothing! Because this book is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week!

Kid Fair: Franklin Richards-Son of a Genuis: March Madness!

Need a break from all the doom and gloom in the world of comics? Had enough wars, shocks, dead super-heroes and black costumes? Or maybe you'd just like a comic your kids can read without needing therapy later in life? Either way, I've got the book for you! The hugely titled Fantastic Four Presents: Franklin Richards-Son of a Genius: March Madness!

The basic premise of Franklin Richards (by Chris Eliopoulos and Marc Sumerak) is pretty simple: Franklin, son of Reed "Mr. Fantastic" Richards deals with many of the problems kids face in their day-to-day life by using stuff found in his dad's lab. His robotic baby-sitter, H.E.R.B.I.E, tells him not to, but Franklin doesn't listen and chaos ensues. It's kind of like what would happen if Calvin and Hobbes' Calvin had a real transmogrifier or dimensional portal, instead of just a painted cardboard box. I'm pretty sure the creators must be fans of Bill Watterson's duo.

This book is a one-shot collection of several short Franklin Richards adventures. Franklin de-evolves his dad, rides the subatomic sled, has a bad hair day, and plays his first basketball game, all with predictably silly results. My personal favorite from this issue has to be when Franklin foolishly decides to give his hamster, Mr. Sniffles, super-expanded intelligence. Little did he know that he would be unleashing the villainy of Norbert Q. Sniffles, Hamster of Destruction upon an unprepared world! Oh, the horror!

This comic won't "change the universe forever!" But, it will provide a chuckle or two. (And, really, couldn't we all use a good chuckle?) If you're in the mood for some simple, cartoony, fun, you need to try out Franklin Richards. It IS Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week. Besides, if you choose not to read it you may will incur the wrath of Norbert Q. Sniffles, Hamster of Destruction! I don't think anybody wants that.

Character Development: Robin #159

First dates are always awkward, difficult, terrifying situations. You have to figure out what to talk about, what not to say, and how to not make yourself look like a total idiot. In the most extreme and horrible situations, you have to keep your date away from your embarassing family, who you just KNOW will ruin everything and make you look like a dork. You might think that super heroes don't have to deal with such trivial trials, but Robin might beg to different.

Robin #159 sees Tim Drake (AKA Robin) on his first date with Zoanne, his adorable classmate and tutor. Things start out just the way you might expect: bad conversation, awkward silences, and lots of goo-goo eyes being made across the table. Unfortunately for Tim, right after they order he gets an unexpected appetizer-a heaping helping of Bat-Signal. What is a sidekick to do?

Like many a normal parent, Bruce Wayne shows up (in costume) to catch a glimpse of Tim and his date. Unlike normal parents, Bats suggests that maybe Tim could cut his date short to come punch some bad guys. Naturally, Tim refuses. Most parents might get the hint and go away, but Bruce ends up crashing through the window and onto Tim's table. And you thought your mom showing off baby pictures was bad!

Robin #159 is written by Adam Beechen with art by Freddie William II. The story is a very clever super-heroic twist on a romantic comedy staple. Tim and Zoanne's conversation rings very true, as does Tim's suspicion that maybe Batman's date crashing wasn't ENTIRELY unintentional. William's art is a nice, clean style that works well for the story's romantic comedy moments but also perfectly captures an action-packed Bat-tussle.

This is a self-contained story with a little love, a little action, and a lot of fun. What more could you ask for? You know you have to find out if Robin gets a goodnight kiss or not! Check out Robin #159 while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week. Just remember, comic shops are probably not the best place to bring a first date. MAYBE a second date...

Intriguing story, cinematic art: Legion of Monsters: Werewolf by Night

Everybody loves a good monster. Monsters come in many varieties: good, bad, scary or silly. Some monsters are such universal classics that they become a part of our shared folklore. Even if you've never watched a horror flick or read an H.P. Lovecraft tale, you know these all-time great monsters. I'm talking about monsters like Dracula, the Mummy, the Wolf Man, and Frankenstein's monster.

These classic purveyors of nightmare have long been a part of Marvel's ecclectic universe. Lucky for all you monster fans, the House of Ideas is shining an eerie beam of moonlight on these sometimes forgotten fear-mongers in a series of one-shots under the title Legion of Monsters. The first book in this series features two heavy-hitters, the Werewolf by Night and the Monster of Frankenstein. The two stories do share a common theme-monsters coming to terms with what they are.

The Werewolf story is written by Mike Carey with art by Greg Land. A young woman named Rhona has lived her whole life with the curse of the wolf. Carey's story is a simple, but effective tale about a young woman dealing with the curse of the wolf and the prejudice of the yokels in her hometown. This tale would make a great opening scene in a Werewolf by Night movie. (C'mon, somebody make that movie!) The ultra-realistic art by Land really enhances the story's cinematic feel, and is mighty pretty to look at too.

The Monster of Frankenstein story by Skottie Young has an interesting take on (arguably) the most famous monster of them all. This story features a reformed monster, pushed to violence in a "good cause." Young takes a thoughtful look at what makes people, or monsters, good or bad. Is it who they are or how others treat them? This dark and introspective story is a great choice to accompany the more "fun" and action packed opening tale, with art that is much moodier than other work I've seen from Skottie Young.

With two great stories in one spooky book, you can't go wrong by trying out Legion of Monsters: Werewolf by Night. Just have your silverware and an unlit torch close at hand when you read it! This book even comes with Four Color Fantasies' money-back guarantee, so what are you afraid of?

A Unique Take: Ghost Rider: Trail of Tears #1

Johnny Blaze and the Spirit of Vengeance are burning across movie screens this week and, fingers crossed, the movie looks pretty promising. It only makes sense that Marvel is making sure there are some Ghost Rider comics on the shelves for new fans to check out. Ghost Rider: Trail of Tears is an unusual choice, but one that definitely deserves reader's attention.

It makes sense that the Spirit of Vengeance has been around a lot longer than Blaze or follow-up host Danny Ketch. Trail of Tears, by Garth Ennis and Clayton Crain, takes us way back to the Civil War (the real one, not the Marvel one) for a look at an earlier incarnation of the flaming-headed one. Protagonist Travis Parham is a Lieutenant in the Confederate Army. He starts out as a gung-ho soldier fighting for his cause, but one horrific battle leaves him injured, disillusioned, and out of the war. He is taken in by a former slave who worked to earn the freedom of his family. During his recovery, Travis learns a lot about himself and discovers a mysterious altar adorned with brightly burning skulls....

I'll reveal my bias up front: I've never met a Garth Ennis comic I didn't like. Of course, Ennis is most known for over-the-top crazy violence and the darkest of dark humor. Books like Preacher, the Punisher, and The Boys push the envelope for just what you can get away with in a comic before the peasants rise up and chase you off with pitchforks and torches. Ennis is the go-to guy for gritty, macho heroes-guys who would kick you in the knackers as soon as look at you. However, he is also a prolific writer of seriously researched and realistic war stories.

Trail of Tears is very much a product of this more serious side of Garth Ennis. Parham's war is politically complex and utterly horrific. Being on the battlefield leaves Travis a changed man, a man with a lot to think about. The complexity and horror of war is perfectly realized by Crain's amazing artwork. The opening scenes, detailed and grim, do not paint a glamorous picture of this often romanticized war. The few glimpses we get of the Spirit of Vengeance (Don't expect any full-on flaming skull action in this first issue!) have some serious super-natural weight. In the wrong hands, the whole flaming demon skull thing could come across as just silly fantasy, here it is seriously spooky stuff.

Just because there isn't a cool burning biker in this series, don't overlook Ghost Rider: Trail of Tears! This is a different, but exceptionally good, take on the character. Try it now while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week!

In space, no one can hear you chuckle: Outer Orbit #2

Science-fiction very often takes itself WAY too seriously. In an effort to be seen as serious, intellectual fare, sci-fi all too frequently gives us heaps of angst, dystopian futures, mysterious aliens, and heroes who never seem to smile. Don't get me wrong, I love sci-fi. It's just that, every now and then, someone needs to come along and poke some holes in its inflated sense of self-importance. Luckily, Outer Orbit #2 is here, and it brought its poking stick.

Dark Horse's Outer Orbit, by Zach Howard, Sean Murphy, and Reed Buccholz, takes a ton of standard sci-fi ingredients and mixes them up with a heaping helping of fun. The unlikely protagonists of Outer Orbit are the mismatched pair of Quinn and Krunk. Quinn is a goofy, blue, inter-galactic pizza delivery guy with a motor mouth and a tendency to lose his pants. (Don't worry, his undies are quite fetching, and very tight!) Krunk is a disgraced (thanks to Quinn) space cop, and all-around tough guy with a distinct lack of social skills.

Quinn and Krunk find themselves drawn into a plot of galactic intrigue and mayhem by Neoki, a super-hot chick with loads of guns, and a stolen idol that has the criminal underworld's baddest dudes hot on her tail. (Quinn's just hot FOR her tail, but that's just 'cause everyone can totally tell that they're a couple.) The second issue starts with Quinn and Neoki on the run, and the action keeps coming at a fast and furious pace. There are explosions, gunfire, fiery crashes, underwear, more explosions, and a viscious lunch box attack. The action only stops for potty breaks and poker, which seems reasonable to me.

All three creators contribute to the story, and their combined hilarity is awesome to behold. Every line of dialogue is packed with funny, and you'll find yourself quoting lines like you would from the Simpsons or a Kevin Smith flick. The art is equally great, as it perfectly captures the manic energy of the story. Quinn and Krunk's facial expressions alone are worth the price of admission.

I love Outer Orbit and, if you read it, you will too! This series isn't generating nearly as much buzz as it deserves. This book has it all: a hot space-babe, big guns, hilarious dialogue, a fun story, loveable heroes, space gangsters, and tons of action! What could you possibly be waiting for? Try Outer Orbit #2 while it is Four Color Fantasies guaranteed Book of the Week! (Poking stick, unfortunately, not included.)

If you're lucky, there might even be copies of #1 still available. Act now!