Well, the pile’s gotten really large and I wanted to go through most of it before doing the round up of books for those who’re interested (if you’re not one of those people just skip this post).

JSA #50 - Leading off, the conclusion to a big storyline in JSA (Princes of Darkness). The problem with big stories like this is there’s a tendency to lose track of characters because of the scope of the story and that’s the case here. Art is solid, story is good, another issue in a solid title but comes in at a 6 on the 10 scale.

Fantastic Four #500 - Another big wrapup of a major storyline. Waid manages to bring everything to a big conclusion and this succeeds where JSA fails. Mainly due to the smaller scope (four lead characters, three supporting characters and the villain). Nice hook the the story and a really good surprise ending which I won’t spoil but to say Dr. Doom finally does get his long awaited revenge on Reed Richards. Great art which is overworked by the coloring, solid 8.5 on the 10 scale.

Batgirl #42 - Good story, cluttered art. As stated before the title is losing its focus and its way. Not much else to say about it although there’s a nice little exchange between the Big Red S and The Dark Knight at the end that’s worth scoping out. Another 5 on the 10 scale.

Hunter, The Age of Magic #25 - Book goes out on a good note. If you haven’t been following the series, it’s not worth licking up. Horrocks and Case are competent. Wraps up most of the dangling plotlines. Nothing Spectacular. 5 on the 10 scale.

Hulk #57 - Marvel doesn’t seem to be able to cash in on things sometimes. Following the beginning of this storyline which started in the 25¢ issue released to coincide with movie’s debut, this story doesn’t generate the suspense it should be generating. I’m souring on Fernandez’ art which while good, doesn’t excite at all (maybe it’s the choices he makes storytelling-wise). Bruce Jones is writing himself into a corner. 4 on the 10 scale (and that might be generous).

Wonder Woman #194 - I picked this up on a lark. Walt Simonson and Jerry Ordway had taken over the title recently and I thought I would see what they were doing with the book. Another one of those big wrapups which there seem to be so many of this month. I like Ordway’s art but I’d really like to see him on JLA, JSA or some other DC title. Simonson does what he can with the story (which seems like a thousand other Wonder Woman stories I’ve read). 5 on the 10 scale.

Green Arrow #28 - Going down the tubes really fast. Seems to have lost its way. Time for the editor to step in before it winds up being canceled again. Winick isn’t a good choice for the book and Hester‘s art would probably be more palatable if the story were better. 4 on the 10 scale.

Doom Patrol #22 - This title bows out. I never was that crazy about what Arcudi was doing with the book. This was a title that took the place of Suicide Squad (which was infinitely better and didn’t get the chance this title did). Tan Eng Huat’s art is distinctly different but it wasn’t really suited for this title. He might be better used on a Vertigo or Wildstorm book. Nothing spectacular in terms of wrapup but, anything beats the Ann Nocenti wrapup of Spider Woman which Brian worked on. 4 on the 10 scale.

Amazing Spider Man #55 - POW! 10! Solid through and through. JMS takes on a writing partner and nothing suffers for it. Tight art as always by J.R. JR. Really great angle on the story, fun read. Amazing how effortless this title makes it seem. Worth picking up even for the non comics buyer, just a plain fun book. Again, 10 on the 10 scale!

Adventures of Super Man #618 - Joe Casey who does such a great job on other titles (I believe he’s responsible for the current incarnation of WildCats which is just terrific), stinks up the joint here. Interesting slant on an old character from the Superman mythos but, whether it’s the art or the story something isn’t working in this book. 4 on the 10 scale.

StormWatch Team Achilles #13 - I originally picked this book up just thinking to read an issue and now find myself wanting to go back and find the other issues. Interesting storyline with good character development. Good mix of scifi, super hero, spy thriller. Like what’s going on in this book. This issue is actually a good jumping on point (although I would suggest getting #12 as well). 8 on the 10 scale.

Black Panther #62 - It’s really not clear to me whether or not the title has been canceled or not. The current storyline was wrapped up in this issue but, it had the feel that that might be it. More]s the pity. A lot of ink was given the book on the boards and it had become a real favorite of people who picked it up. Count me among those people because once I picked up the title on a regular basis I found myself hooked. Priest and Califiore do a great job 7.5 on the 10 scale.

Hellblazer #185 - hellblazer runs through periods like this. The title gets boring, loses track. A new team comes in and may not have the feel for the character. The art is good but, something is missing in the story. I’ve been following Hellblazer for a long time so, I pick it up out of habit as much anything else but, this ranks a paltry 4 on the 10 scale.

Gotham Central #9 - This book keeps getting better and better. The addition of “Josie Mac” character, previously the backup feature in Detective is welcome. This is one of the books I look forward to each month. It’s a terrific marriage of story and art and I highly recommend it. I’ve become really taken with Michael Lark’s art. He makes good choices in his storytelling and it shows - the guy can draw. As I said, the story is great and it’s definitely a book worth checking out. 8 on the 10 scale.

Batgirl, Year One #8 - If you haven’t picked this title up yet, you may want to wait for the trade. I don’t know how the book is doing and whether or not back issues are hard to come by but, it is simply eye candy. Scott Beatty captures an innocence and naivete that works perfectly within the context of this story. The art (and color) is just beautiful. 9 on the 10 scale.

Robin #116 - The big news is that Jon Lewis is being replaced on this book by Bill Willingham. The general consensus on the boards is that the title has languished under Lewis’ tenure. I like the character and follow it with devotion. There’s just something in the way DC has managed to flesh out Tim Drake’s character. This issue deals with a surprise party that’s the backdrop for a new storyline (Lewis’ last), the story and art are great 6.5 on the 10 scale.

Superman: Metropolis #6 - Chuck Austen is managing to do something really interesting in this book, he‘s fleshing out the character of Jimmy Olsen and taking the whole dynamic between Jimmy and Supes into a new direction which should prove fruitful for materials for years to come. Also, he’s been filling in the gaps in the backstory in the current Superman books. Zezelj’s art took some getting used to but works on the title. A fun read at 6.5 on the 10 scale.

Legion #22 - Part four of Dream Crime brings some long absent Legionairres back into the spotlight. The title is starting to flag a little under Abnett and Lanning. It’s a good book, don’t get me wrong but for some reason it’s just not a very exciting book. Batista’s pencils are beautiful to look at though. 5 on the 10 scale.

Captain Marvel #12 - This is the wrapup of the Coven storyline (part 4 of 4). It’s a story which could’ve been told in two issues instead of four but, that’s how things have been going on this book lately. I don’t have any great love for Reis/Sotomayor’s art, it’s just not working for me. The modeled coloring over pencils isn’t working. It’s a gimmick that should be dropped in favor of a cleaner, crisper, clearer style. Overall, David]s writing has been taking a bit of a hit since the whole U-Decide stunt. He took the book in a new direction and even though sales figures may have increased I think this will be my last issue buying the book. What I once really enjoyed was David’s snappy dialogue that would sometimes catch me laughing out loud over the banter. The humor in this title is gone now and he‘s taken the lead character in a much darker direction. It’s not working. 3 on the 10 scale.

Superman #195 - Seagle and McDaniel turn in a superior effort. As mentioned before, I’m a big fan of McDaniel’s. Seagle has crafted enough of a mystery to make me anxious to read the next chapter. 7 on the 10 scale.

Batman: Gotham Knights #43 - Beatty crafts a decent tale but Robinson’s artwork isn’t my cup of tea. Good story, great cover (Bolland) mediocre interior art. 5 on the 10 scale.

HERO #6 - Last one out, turn off the lights. I’m out of here on this title. Whatever buzz this has generated has fallen flat as far as I’m concerned, not worth any further investment of time or money on my part. 1 on the 10 scale.

Hawkman #17 - This book is an easy read. Rags Morales art is just so compelling to look at. Really dynamic and beautiful. If I have a knock on the book, it’s whatever is happening from issue to issue doesn’t leave enough of a mark. On Johns other books (notably Flash and Avengers), the stories are so suspenseful you breathlessly await each chapter. On Hawkman for whatever reason, there’s drama in the title but, it doesn’t leave any lasting impression or carry over each month - kind of like a meal where you’re hungry a half an hour later. A bit of fluff but still fun 6 on the 10 scale.

Daredevil #49 - Brian Michael Bendis is at it again. The Kingpin returns. It’s like the title can’t survive without the Kingpin’s ominous presence in the background of the title. In a word, bleech. I wish he would move things away from that. Maleev‘s art is just awesome (take note it’s everything they’re trying on Captain Marvel but, here it works). Plus there’s an appearance by Bullseye who looks like the Bullseye from the DD movie (ewwww). The hero/celebrity thing is getting a little long in tooth. The book is better than I’m making it out to be. 6.5 on the 10 scale.

Spectacular Spider Man #1 - Paul Jenkins is back in full force. It‘s the beginning of a five part story arc taking Spidey’s nemesis Venom in a new direction. Humberto Ramos is back to, looking terrific. Some background characters are introduced which I could live without but, then again, I don’t know what Jenkins has in store for those characters or whether they’re just window dressing. 7 on the 10 scale.

Spectacular Spider Man #2 - Picked up both of these around the same time. The second issue maintained the level of quality and threw a couple of good curves into the storyline as well. Still solid at 7 out of 10.

Wildcats 3.0 #12 - This is the book Joe Casey sings on! It’s his best work and makes me understand why some people rave about his writing. It has a compelling story and Dustin Nguyen’s art is fantastic. This has become one of my favorite books. Pick it up and you’ll see why. If this comes out in a trade (or it may already be available in a tpb) be sure to pick it up. What all comics should aspire to. Sharp writing, good dialogue, really super art. 9 on the 10 scale.

Fantastic Four #501 - Good follow up to the 500th issue as the lead characters are stuck dealing with the aftermath of events leading up to the last issue’s climax. Everyone is coping with the scars from that battle, both emotional and physical. The FF are currently experiencing a renaissance of sorts that will most likely end when Waid‘s run on the book ends. The news on the grapevine is the editorial direction is going to take the book more into the vein of a family situation comedy along the lines of what the proposed movie is supposed to be (uugghhh). Casey Jones art is very easy on the eyes. Harkens back to the better days of the title and a nice buy for any longtime fan of the FF. 9 on the 10 scale.

The Flash #200 - Very satisfying conclusion to the current storyline. Unfortunately also Scott Collins last issue handling the art chores - I’m not sure if I’ll be liking the new guy. Still could be a good jumping on point. Overall, this has been (and I hope will continue to be) one of my favorite books month in and month out. 9 out of 10.

New X Men #143 - I’m liking the current storyline a great deal but, Chris Bachelo’s art which I loved so much on the Death one shot and Shade series has undergone a big change (which started in New Mutants and continued in Steampunk). It’s well drawn, Bachelo knows what he]s doing and he can draw but, something about it is really numbing - too much. Whether it‘s too much line work or too much clutter in a panel, I’m not sure. Bachelo needs to step back a little bit though - he would probably make his life a lot easier too if he did. Morrison continues to take the book in the strange new (but appealing) direction he’s taken it over the last year (or is it two now). It‘s the only X-book I buy each month. Worth checking out. 7 on the 10 scale.

Catwoman #21 - Every once in a while a book can surprise you. This issue of Catwoman does exactly that with a really charming story. Lots of fun to read. I still stand by my comments regarding Stewart‘s art (too many panels per page). I don’t think I’ll be sticking with the book when Gulacy takes over. Overall though an improvement over the last issue, 6 on the 10 scale.

Batman #617 - Technically a well drawn book but, I’ve tired of Jeph Loeb and this issues’ confirms that with the mysterious villian who has been in the background these last few months finally revealed. I didn’t like it. I’m waiting for Loeb and Lee to leave the title and holding my nose until they do. 5 on the 10 scale.

Hulk #58 - Hide in Plain Sight part 4. Danger, danger title tanking fast. Fernandez just doesn’t work on this book (his art is good but, the combo of his art with Jones’ writing is just a bad combo). Needs to move in a new direction or get back on track. 3 out of 10.

Thor #65 - Dan Jurgens is really busting a gut writing this book and trying to make it interesting. He’s doing his best, no knock on him and the Lai brothers art is great. Something just isn’t clicking for me on this book though. I can’t tell what’s wrong with it but, I know something just isn’t right. Could get dropped soon (do I see a trend among the Marvel titles?) 5 on the 10 scale.

Lucifer #40 - I like this title but, it’s an acquired taste. If your not into this kind of book you won’t find it appealing at all. Carey and Gross do a good job on this book and I’m enjoying the current storyline. 6 on a 10 scale.

Red #1 - The jury is out on the premiere issue of this Warren Ellis series involving an ex CIA hit man who was just too good at his job and knows too much to be allowed to live. Art chores are handled by Cully Hammer (who I think was on Green Arrow). Things work, I just don’t know if this is something I want to follow. 4 on the 10 scale (but waiting to see what happens).

Strangers in Paradise #58 - Terry Moore is an autuer. Strangers in Paradise is a labor of love and it’s celebrating it’s 10th anniversary. It’s a small, self published book by Moore who has shown a deft hand in his writing and a strong hand in his art. Really a joy to read and I can’t recommend it highly enough. If you’re intimidated by coming in late, thumb through a couple of the trades to see if you like it. The lead characters are two women whose friendship keeps them bumping up against each other, as they try to figure out whether they’re lovers or just friends. This is a title that has a broader appeal than the “long underwear” books for boys. Really shows what the medium can be. 10 on the 10 scale (not too many books get that rating either).

Global Frequency #1, #2, #3 and #10 - Filling out those missing back issues. This title doesn’t disappoint. Definitely worth getting the trade (as it’ll be hard to follow the complete run due to scarcity of back issues). Each issue features a different artist but, the art is always good. In order it’s about a human bomb in San Francisco, the 500 million dollar man, something reminiscent of a Craig Thomas novel I read and a knock down, drag out alley fight. Fun through and through. 8 on the 10 scale for all.