Issue #5: Catch Up Week: Comics For the Week of 1/16/08

This week is a catch up week, as I empty my subscription file at my comic book store, Bad Apple Comics, http://www.bacomics.com/.
From the week of December 19, 2007, I finally bought Infinite Power #9 of 9 (Marvel).
From the week of January 9, 2008, I got Countdown #16 and Superman #672 (both DC).
For the week of January 16, 2008, I bought Countdown #15 (DC), The Sword #4 (Image) and The Umbrella Academy #5 0f 6 (Dark Horse).
with that I'm caught up until next week, when I'll have to wait another week until payday.

Infinite Power #9 of 9 (Marvel) * * * *
The conclusion to the battle between the Ultimate Marvel Heroes and the Squdron Supreme, we get the Hulk vs. the Hulk, the Hulk vs. everyone, and the Hulk vs. the Thing, just like during the 1960's. Several manipulators get theirs in the end, an dboth sides come to an interesting truce. It ends where it began, Reed Richards and Ben Grimm, in a very touching scene. this miniseries was definitely above average, with a good combination of action combined with plot twists.

Countdown #16 and #15 (DC) both: * * * *
In issue #16, Monarch attacks and the Monitors are in dissary. Ray Palmer is found by some of the other heroes of Earth-51. Donna Troy fights - Donna Troy, Jason makes an interesting aquaintance, Superman Pime (superboy Prime from Infinite Crisis) and Jimmy Olsen and Forager recuperate in Metropolis. The back-up feature is the origin of Sinestro.
In issue #15, Mary Marvel gets to know Queen Hippolyta more, Hal Jordan is on the run, Monacrch's battle continues, and the fate of the Bruce Wayne/Batman of Earth-51 is revealed, Donna Troy finishes her battle with Donna Troy, and more is revealed of Hal Jordan's work on Earth-51.
Contdown seems to be done with plot setup and seems to have begun the final stretch. The pace has definitely picked up and the issues are more interesting. Now it seems to be rushing to its grand climax, or the next event series.

Superman #672 (DC) * * * *
In "Insect Queen, part two", we learn the origin of Insect Queen, and her insect minions find an interesting way of challenging Superman, and something changes with Chris Kent. This story is shaping up to be better than the Arion story, but I still think that Action and All-Star Superman are still better titles at the moment. This storyline seems to have a better balance of character development and action than the Arion story.

The Sword #4 (DC) * * * *
Dara continues her run from the police as a fugitive, and her mysterious adversaries discover that Dara and her sword have become national news. The Luna brothers have another winner. they are building a great story and revealing a little more of the sword's mystery with every issue. Unfortunately, I've dropped this title because Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch are going to begin their run on Marvel's Fantastic Four, and I need to fit it into my budget somehow. I may have to drop Countdown as well whenever Dynamite Entertainment's Superpowers begins.

The Umbrella Academy #5 of 6 (Dark Horse) * * * * *
Issue 5 begins with the aftermath of the attack on Dr. Pogo and #5 in the diner. Space Boy and Allison have some time to catch up, and the Orchestra Verdammten begin their ultimate attack on the Umbrella Academy with the help of #7. I can't wait to read the climax of issue 6. This miniseries has been one of the best titles I've read lately. If you haven't read this title yet, look for any back issues, or you can wait for the inevitable trade paperback. You won't be disappointed.

Coming up for the week of January 23, 2008:
Countdown #14 (DC)
Superman Confidential #11 (DC)
Legion of Super-Heroes #38 (DC)
Dan Dare #3 (Virgin)

To share what is on your pull list e-mail me at: mypulllist@gmail.com.