Has it really only been a dozen weeks that I’ve been doing this?  I have to say, I’ve really enjoyed putting my comic thoughts into the ether, and I hope that you’ve enjoyed reading them just as well.

This week is one of controversy, as the much maligned Before Watchmen project starts at DC.  I wasn’t sure if I was going to give it a go, but with the beautiful Darwyn Cooke artwork filling the pages of the first issue, I thought I’d at least give it a shot. As for the rest? We have some favorites, as new issues of Animal Man and Ultimate Comics Spider-Man hit the shelves. But let’s get to why we’re here - THE REVIEWS!

Images are, as always, thanks to iFanboy.com, who always help me keep track of my ‘to read’ list each week.

Action Comics #10 Written by Grant Morrison, Art by Rags Morales

This is a pretty gutsy issue for Morrison. After my worries that Morrison was, upon returning to Earth One Superman, going to become boring and complacent, turned out to be very unnecessary, as he has shifted the origins of Superman to a very unique degree. Killing off the identity of Clark Kent (and making a new one) is an incredibly ballsy move, which I can’t wait to see how it plays out. Also, the new villain, Nimrod the Hunter, while being kind of a blatant Kraven rip-off (not helping the Clark Kent as Peter Parker comparisons from the beginning of this reboot) could prove to be quite interesting, if he plays out right.

Animal Man #10 Written by Jeff Lemire, Art by Steve Pugh

The journey of Buddy Baker through the Red continues here, and the life of the Baker family continues to get strange with their meet up with the Justice League Dark team.  As always, Lemire balances both the supernatural and the mundane incredibly well (and Pugh gets to shine with some really screwed up creations within the Red), and the wrap up at the end of the issue could lead to some very interesting turns of events.  A solid mid-story issue, feeding you just enough while keeping you wanting for more.

Avengers vs. X-Men #5 Written by Matt Fraction, Art by John Romita Jr.

I had wondered reading the prior four issues how the hell that they’d get the story to expand out to 12 issues, and sure enough, this issue is the one that makes it clear.  Unlike other people, I’m not necessarily feeling like the twist in the end is a “jump the shark” moment for the series, but I do feel like that how they handle this will guide how the series plays out and is looked back upon.  One minor, silly complaint, art wise - I really think if Stark designed a ship/suit that big, it’d look WAY cooler than how Romita designed it.  Nerd rage, maybe, but I wanted it to look AWESOMER.

Before Watchmen: The Minutemen #1 Written by Darwyn Cooke, Art by Darwyn Cooke

OK - I know it’s very hard to do this, but let’s seperate the ongoing issues between Moore and DC Comics from this book.  In short, I don’t feel like it should have been made especially without Moore’s OK.  And I don’t think that the story needs further exploring.  That said, on its own merits? This is an extremely well made comic book.  Cooke’s writing is simple, setting up each character through the eyes of Hollis Mason, but it draws the character into each hero’s appeal, some dark and violent, some flirty and sexual, all rawer than any standard superhero.  Cooke’s art is beautiful here, on par with his work in The New Frontier and it perfectly fits within the narrative, even when such a simple style is subverted by darker writing.  I just wish it were connected to a different property. I really loved this comic - and I hate myself for it.  Is that what anyone wants?

Harbinger #1 Written by Joshua Dysart, Art by Khari Evans

The reboot and return of the Valiant Comics universe continues here.  In its time, the 90’s version of Harbinger was the Valiant equivalent of X-Men, featuring a team of super powered teens.  The modern version remains the same, albeit a group of more screwed up ones.  The lead is Peter Stanchek, a 17 year old on the run with psychic powers, who isn’t afraid to abuse the powers to his advantage.  As a first issue? This is great - you get setup, intrigue, a very cool premise and solid art and dialogue to boot.  I only vaguely remember Valiant from my childhood, but in this reboot, so far, they are two for two.

The Invincible Iron Man #518 Written by Matt Fraction, Art by Salvador Larroca

“Long Way Down” continues as we get to see Rhodey run rampant with the new Tron-esq Iron Man armor.  Larroca shines here, getting to do big robot blowup action as we fans get to drool over Tony’s new tech.  Back in the world of plot, Tony gets to reveal to the world (via press conference) that he’s no longer IM, Spymaster has his last stand at Stark Resilent, and well - things finally seem to be falling apart for the Mandarin.  It’s a quick paced, heart pounding read, and again, Fraction’s run continues it excellence, years in.

Sweet Tooth #34 Written and Drawn by Jeff Lemire

As we’re now heading towards the end of the line for the amazing post-apocalyptic tale Sweet Tooth, creator Jeff Lemire is using the remaining issues to tie up all the loose ends.  This includes giving fans a look into the past of Doug and Johnny, two members of the camp which Gus found himself in and escaped from.  Predicatably, it’s a very screwed up story involving dark childhoods and even darker decisions made as adults.  Lemire continues to permeate the screwed up fairy tale feeling of his comic, and giving these characters depth was a nice move before we come to our conclusion.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #11 Written by Brian Michael Bendis, Art by David Marquez

It’s an all killer, no filler issue as Miles gets to team up with his Uncle (the Prowler) to take down the Scorpion.  This is the first time we get to see a confident Miles run as Spider-Man, and the action is pitch perfect.  I really love how different Miles is from Peter Parker as Spider-Man, with a hilarious awkwardness to everything he does. I loved his speech to the cops at the end - so so funny.  I’m really finally starting to not miss Peter as Spider-Man, and I do wonder how the Aunt May plot hinted at the end will play out. This is my Pick of the Week.

X-O Manowar #2 Written by Robert Venditti, Art by Cary Nord

The second issue of X-O Manowar picks up right where the first left off, and I can’t help but get a John Carter vibe from this run. I’m not 100% familiar with the original, but yeah, you have the savage in an alien world vibe, and of course, things go crazy from there.  The issue leads to its obvious end (putting our lead in the titular armor), but its not predictable enough to throw me off.  Now lets just hope the plot comes into play after this issue.

What’s due up for next week?

• Amazing Spider-Man #687
• AvX Vs. #3
• Batman #10
• Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre #1
• Invincible #92
• Scarlet Spider #6
• Skullkickers #15
• Spider-Men #1