Superman #710
I finally caught up on my Superman reading. I was six issues behind (or, five issues of Superman and one 80-page special), and they were tough to get through. While I wasn't crazy about Straczynski's "Grounded" storyline, it's gotten much worse after he's left and Roberson's taken over. We've now gotten a dragged out story that has some special guest star who tries to motivate Superman in his old motto of "Truth, Justice, and the American Way." (Or, in Shawn Michael's talk, Superman has lost his smile.) Even when the book shows a hint of promise, like the G. Willow Wilson issue (a blogger claims to have evidence that the Daily Planet's Lois Lane is cheating on her husband with Superman), it pusses out in the end. (The photo was doctored.) What could be an interesting storyline is quickly forgotten and glossed over.
In this new issue, Batman tries to cheer up Superman, and we get some lost tale from their past, before Clark became Supes and Bruce became Batman. It's all garbage; and, it just makes me think, "DC crap is on a WHOLE different level from Marvel crap." I'm seriously thinking I'm wasting my time and money holding out hope that DC comics are going to improve.
Uncanny X-Men #535
Yeah, the past two issues of Uncanny have been much better than Fraction's; but, I'm still not totally onboard that this is now going to be the best X-title out there. This first issue of the new story is only okay...but, I can see how going from crap to okay might be viewed highly. I like how Gillen is probably going to solve Kitty's intangability problem; and, the art by the Dodson's is a huge improvement. What's missing is I still lack any real emotional attachment with the characters. It's a step in the right direction, though.
Uncanny X-Force #7
Still, this is the best X-title you can buy...even though this particular storyline featuring Deathlok wasn't great. Remender does a great job of making Deadpool fun again, and he actually makes me want to read more about Fantomex. I'm wondering if Deathlok is now part of the team, or if he'll be dropped by next issue.
Dean Koontz Nevermore #1
Originally put out by Dabel Bros., of which, the first two issues came out AGES ago, I believe this just reprints that first issue. (It's been so long since I read it, I forgot most of what happened...but, the ending was familiar.) I'm so happy that Dynamite just decided to start over; because too often they just resume where Dabel left off, and new readers do not get a chance to catch up on issues that have long since disappeared.
This is a decent story, about a man who can travel to different realities with his team, all in an attempt to find a version of his dead wife who is still alive...and, presumably living in some crappy world that she's voluntarily leave. By issue's end, he finds that wife; but, discovers she has the same cancer his previous wife had, and the lady doesn't have very long to live. What kind of sucks is that they introduce some strange alien-type creatures...which, took away some of my enjoyment of the story.
It's worth a look...but, too bad Dynamite must demand $3.99 for their books.
Amazing Spider-Man #658
Oh, Slott...where once I was praising ASM, I find myself disappointed for the second issue in a row. I'm not a fan of the art, and getting another issue where Spidey and the Fantastic Four have short adventures, one after the other, does not hook me into a very interesting storyline. (And, frankly, Slott's done better in the past with a F4 and Spidey team-up.) But, as I said before, Marvel crap is nowhere as bad as DC crap!
PunisherMax #12
Definitely Aaron's best title! By a LONG shot!!!
I hope this comic doesn't suffer from more delays, because it's always at the top of my reading list. I loved how the prisoners were too frightened to take out Frank; and, the backstory only made last issue's revelation (namely what other's found out Bullseye whispered in Frank's ear) more relevant to this version of the Punisher.

Iron Man 2.0 #3
By issue's end, we finally get introduced to the Iron Man 2.0 armor; and, Nick Spencer does a great job of making War Machine relevant and fun to read again. (Seriously, he makes a great point of how old school and ridiculous that old War Machine armor was; and, I loved how they even showed Rhodey's old Iron Man armor.) I know War Machine is a hard sell with readers; but, Spenser is doing a decent job of making me want to read each new issue.
Carnage #4
Maximum Carnage fans should be loving this mini. If only Crain's art wasn't making it difficult to read. It's too dark, and many times you're straining your eyes to see what he's really trying to show. The story is good, though; and, this issue explains how Cletus lived through The Sentry sending him and his symbiote into space.
Captain America: The Fighting Avenger One-Shot
Ok, it's too highly priced, at $4.99; but, this book was fun. It's very Marvel Adventures-ished in it's writing and art; but, it also doesn't take itself too seriously. We get one of Cap's first adventures during WWII, before the military had even dubbed him Captain America (lots of fun within at the various names people were labeling him); and, in the process, we're introduced to a group of soldiers who have been assigned with teaching Cap the tricks of the trade. (Needless to say, they're not too happy with this babysitting assignment.)
If you are a fan of Tobin-style stories, this isn't a bad one to pick up. Plus, it's perfect for kids interested in seeing what pre-Avengers Cap could have been like.
