Issue # 18: Comic Books For The Week of Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Giant-Size Astonishing X-Men #1 (Marvel)
Joe Kubert's Tor #2 (of 6) (DC)
Ultimate Origin #1 (Marvel)
Noble Causes #34 (Image)
Justice Society of America #16 (DC)

This week I picked up two issues of titles that I had dropped sometime ago. I had dropped Astonishing X-Men to tighten my comics buying budget, and while Ultimate Origins is just beginning Ihad not picked up Ultimates 3 for the same reason. I was not disappointed. It made for another great week for reading comic books.

Giant-Size Astonishing X-Men #1 (Marvel) * * * * *
This over-sized issue, hence the title, wraps up Joss Whedon's and John Cassaday's run on the title and the conclusion of their storyline. Even though I had not read it for a while, I could not resist reading the end of the story. Plus, any reason to look at John Cassaday's art is a good reason. The first page was a recap page and made it easy to jump into the story. Also, I had read the early issues of this particular story so it was easy to hop on board. This issue also boasted the entire Marvel cast of super heroes. Seeing John Cassaday's version of the Fantastic Four I couldn't help but think of the similarities between the FF and The Four from Planetary, Cassaday's series with Warren Ellis. Reed certainly looked like Dr. Dowling, being the inspiration to the Planetary villain. Marvel's heroes band together because of the threat to Earth, and the neutralizing of the threat is both exhilarating, and tragic, 'Nuff Said.

Joe Kubert's Tor #2 (of 6) (DC) * * * * *
This issue is even better than the first. If you want a comic book that serves as a textbook on how to draw comics and tell a story this is one of those series to put on your list. After all, Joe Kubert began his career at twelve or thirteen in the late 1930's - early 1940's and has been working ever since. He's forgotten more about how to create comic books than a lot of other crators and fans will ever know. In a flashback sequence we see the origin of his exile that was hinted at in the first issue. This issue also has its share of prehistoric adventure, and the creatures are well drawn and frightening. If the title has Joe Kubert's name at the top I'm grabbing it.

Ultimate Origins #1 (Marvel) * * * * *
Being written by Brian Michael Bendis is one reason this title grabbed my interest. Another reason is that this series explores the dark secrets of the origins of the Ultimate Universe's super-soldier programs. Even though I did not pick up Ultimates 3 I had to pick up this series for that reason. After a beginning scene in modern times we are led to a flashback to WW II, and we even meet a young Nick Fury. This title is definetly going on my pull list.

Noble Causes #34 (Image) * * * * *
This is the third issue for Noble Causes after a short hiatus, and picking up the characters five years later is certainly adding interest to a title that wasn't broken. The Nobles find a unique solution to Frost's plight, the infiltrator continues the intrique in the Noble's camp, and the ending is a shocker. I can't wait until the next issue.

Justice Society of America #16 (DC) * * * *
We learn Gog's origin and see him act like a benevolent god. After the events of Kingdom Come we still have to wonder if he is really like he is acting or are there any ulterior motives to his actions. There are not any super battles but lots of character moments. And a character undergoes a remarkable transformation.

Scheduled comic books for the week of Wednesday, June 11, 2008:
Action Comics #866 (DC)
Invincible #50 (Image) Finally, the long-awaited 50th issue, especially for me. I can't wait to read Robert Kirkman's promised big changes for Invincible. They promise to ba whoppers.