Another Installment Equals Another Superhero
351620
Another installment equals another superhero in this series. This read is smart and creative while eliciting excitement to meet another new character. The storyline progresses in the usual way of comic book interpretation. There are cliffhangers to leave readers and fans alike enthusiastic about the next installment.

I received this short story for an honest review.
3795545
I enjoyed elements of the 'Reptile Brain' arc, and overall, not lots of the Action Comics crossover, but it's not one of the best entries in the series (For that, see&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Cat-s-in-the-Cradle/dp/0857681729/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Cat's in the Cradle</a>).

The Six go to Skartaris, home of the character Warlord, on behalf of Amanda Waller to go against the second Secret Six team (formed by Bane and consisting of perhaps more villainous team members). Warlord's enemy, Deimos, eventually has to be stopped by a team up from both Six teams. You get some nice resolution in here, like those folks asking about the death of the newer Atom, Ryan Choi, finally get a slight idea at payback from Giganta.

The Action Crossover needed to happen since Lex formed the team, and the book is about to end (Secret Six, that is), so it was a good place to come in. Since Lex was meeting Vandal Savage, it was also nice to see Bane (who has been acting as Scandal Savage's surrogate father) threaten the other villain. The book felt a little less violent than the Six's normal things, but I think this was to do with Action Comics' audience more than anything.

Anyway, I felt this was overall a good addition to the Six story.
2695411
Lucy Donovan's story continues in Avenge as the search for her younger sister, Jessica, rages on. Sarah M. Ross picks up the story on a note of optimism, hope, and determination. The Patronus establish a special team tasked with actively fighting the vampires and werewolves to find Lucy's sister. Their efforts prove to be fruitless and they're always one step behind their enemy. Against the odds that there may be a spy among them, the Gideon team makes impressive progress in destroying the vampires, but come across the most challenging series of obstacles.

Avenge reads much similarly to the first book in the Patronus Series, Awaken, but it takes longer to reach the scenes filled with the main conflict and action. There are a couple of chapters I thought showed a more relaxed side to the characters, but they were ultimately a drag to read. Max and Lucy are officially together and the progress of their relationship is evident in their actions and words, but the love scenes between them were so overdone and bordered on cheesy. Too many sweet proclamations, back to back, just portrayed Lucy and Max as infatuated teens than the soul mates they actually are.

Ross adds more crazy plot twists in Avenge than in the last novel. Avenge shows more of the Patronus members in action and I liked that they're efficient and work together to solve their problems. At one turn after another Lucy and her friends are put into more danger and readers won't be able to discern what may happen next.

*eARC provided via author in exchange for an honest review*
2832960
A nice blend of characters, an interesting premise and powers with depth.

All the powers in this book have limits & strengths that set them apart from ordinary comic book supers. The only exception is Alise, I doubt that will last past the third book. I can't think of any reason that I won't buy the next book.
2633494
All Star Western, Volume 4: Gold Standard is basically in two parts. In the first half, Jonah Hex and Dr. Amadeus Arkham are infiltrating a slum in 1870s Gotham that is closed off due to plague. Bruce Wayne's great-great-great-something grandmother has been kidnapped after sneaking supplies to the people trapped in there, and the two of them must get her out. The reward? 30% of Alan Wayne's casino. The second half pairs Hex and Booster Gold, the time-traveling janitor who stole a superhero costume. They have an adventure and then, of course, time travel to modern-day Gotham, where Hex meets Batwing.

I was wary about Hex being separated from Amadeus Arkham. Over three-and-a-half books, I'd grown to like the duo, but Hex and Booster Gold make even funnier partners. Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray have done a great job with this comic (as have Moritat and Staz Johnson), and I'm sad to see it ending. Hex in 2010s Gotham seems like a lot of fun, and I am glad that there are two more volumes out (both of which I have but haven't gotten around to reading). This series is a lot of fun, and it continues being fun through this volume. ****1/2
3338685
Finally, with issue #3 "Inviation Only" comes brand new storyline from creator Greg Weisman.  The story continues as Xanatos begins "Phase 1" of his plan to have the Gargoyles become socially acceptable by throwing a Halloween party.  Of course, there is no party this issue.  Feelings need to be sorted out between Goliath and Elisa first, while the Illuminati has their hand in the police's plans, Xanatos' plans and John Castaway's plans.  Their true motive remains a mystery.  Their presence and Thailog's appearance leave us with the suspense of wanting more!  This comic is a must have for any fan and now is the perfect time for those new to the series to grab this issue, as well as issues #1 & #2.
1392641
Another in death wonder. It just builds on the previous books, and keeps your interest by adding more layers. Awesome !
800335
Avengers World remains a fun read to supplement Hickman's fantastic Avengers and New Avengers runs. Avengers World fleshes out the massive team that Hickman created and breaks them off into three main groups. Volume Two picks up directly after the events of the first book. One team is dealing with Madripoor island now being on the back of a mystical dragon, another is fighting Morgan Le Fay in the City of Dead as she tries to awaken a ghost army, and the third is attempting to disrupt AIM's recent power grabs from their island base. The book remains a fun read with strong art and good character interactions. This book sees a bit more focus being placed on secondary teams like the Black Knight's European based heroes and a new squad of Chinese heroes who team up with the Falcon to stop the Madripoor dragon. The book certainly lives up to the title of a worldwide Avengers Initiative. If you enjoyed the first volume you'll love this one as each of the three on going story arcs build to their crescendos.
4085919
Oh, the trials and tribulations of being a Superman.  Patel is not exactly Clark Kent but he finds himself in the same boat in this latest installment where he discovers his nemesis (or alter ego?) hosting a party and seriously encroaching on his personal space.  Not cool, Silverbolt!  I really like the way the story is developing here, adding a bit of realism in with action superhero story.  This story just keeps getting better and better!.
3549020
This is an excellent new addition to the 21st Century superhero genre. Its hard for me to say this, but it is created in a new universe that I haven't seen expressed in this particular manner. This earth, at first, appears to be our own earth, but as it progresses, you are introduced to a parallel earth. Might still be in our universe, might not, but at this point its irrelevant. The inhabitants of the original earth are mysteriously transported to this alternate earth where they are empowered with various powers of varying strengths. What makes this superhero universe different from others is how the power infects the character of each being. I won't say more on this as it will spoil the fun of discovery.

The story itself revolves around a perfectly normal couple from Buffalo. They have their struggles in life and are strong fighters against all that life has thrown at them. Then comes the Harbinger Event and their lives are thrust into a shit storm of adventure and self discovery. The story develops not just the main hero, Sam, but several other characters equally well. And yes, the author does develop the villains to the level that you can hate them and fill fully justified in doing so. I would say that this authors strongest ability is character development. He makes you feel familiar with the vast number of characters without feeling overwhelmed.

This is a book rated for mature audiences; however, if you skip past the gruesome, overly detailed perversions of Faultline, then I believe this book isn't all that harsh. So, if you want to avoid the perversions, just skip over chapter 17; you won't really miss anything that confuses the story.
4574398
An interesting twist on superhero fiction set in a world that felt like a mix of Watchmen and The Incredibles. Fast paced and fun. I really enjoyed this, so hopefully there'll be more books set in the same universe.
3440412
Well this arc lost me fast. The new villains are more or less space amazons, and not nearly as interesting as that premise suggests. Well, space amazons mixed with the annihilation wave from marvel, but again it lacks anything really interesting. Achilles coming back is the highlight of this issue, but he just reminds me that he and his Argonauts are yet to do anything really interesting on their own. The next, and final issue promises a fight against yet another super tough woman who wants to kill Diana, but I have little faith at this point.
3515093
I won't bore you with the plot details which are easily found online but here we are now in the Marvel universe with a new avengers team. A team that doesn't get along nearly as well as the rest of them, was put together for publicity reasons to back Norman Osborns reformed SHIELD group renamed HAMMER, and filled with supposedly reformed villains where each one is crazier than the next. For those of you who have never read a thunderbolts storyline or haven't been keeping up with the Marvel universe as a whole you might have no idea that Wolverine has a son or that Norman was heading a team of reformed villains. With this in mind this definitely is not something for an introductory reader and is only going to make sense if you've read Secret Invasion. Getting onto the actual 6 issues we get to meet the team and see their unorthodox tactics. Norman Osborn has to deal with each character as the series goes on (this also happens in the various offshoots) and it's quite interesting to see that he's the one who wants this team to stick together and do the right thing. Norman is undoubtedly the most interesting character as he really refrains from going back to Green Goblin (though this has been mildly hinted at, perhaps this is how dark reign will end in the next few months?) and attempts to keep his team together and working towards their purpose of doing the public good. While this wasn't the greatest series it's certainly entertaining with good enough dialogue to keep you interested and will even make you wonder a bit about their pasts (which can all be found in other comics- though i'm unsure about Ares.) On that note i'm surprised that Ares is such a likable character! The God of War in the Marvel universe is one of the most level-headed on the team... he just likes a good battle. The retail price of $25 is a bit ridiculous for just a six issue series so just order it on Amazon or wait until trade.
994591
Comic Book Review (7.5/10) Good
Red Hood and the Outlaws #6 Dark Trinity Part 6: Darker Days
Writer: Scott Lobdell
Penciller: Dexter Soy
Plot: Black Mask is controlling Bizarro with the techno-organic virus, and the only way Jason and Artemis can stop both is by making the virus go to the brain  by making them angrier. Can Jason and Artemis survive long enough to burn up the virus in their assailants systems?
This is the conclusion to the 7 part story arc that started with the Rebirth #1 issue. This story arc felt more like an introduction to the characters and this trinity team more than anything else. Although it started off strong, I would say the arc ended the way I expected it to without any real surprises. The most glaring thing to me was how NICE Batman was in this book. Batman is the most untrusting super hero I know and I found it difficult to accept that Batman would be cool with Jason running around with a retarded Superman that has Supermans powers. Batman likes control, and knowing that there is a creature that cannot be controlled out there with Supermans powers should keep Batman up all night. Still the issue was good and good read despite the fact that Batman seemed so out of character. I am hopeful for this series!

Comic Book Review (8/10) "Great"
Red Hood and the Outlaws #5 "Dark Trinity Part 5: Behind the Mask!"
Writer: Scott Lobdell
Penciller: Dexter Soy
Plot: Bizarro has been injected with the technovirus and is now trying to kill Red Hood. Artemis also steps into the fray trying to stop Bizarro in his tracks. Can Hood and Artemis stop Black Mask before he allows Bizarro to destroy Gotham City?

Not alot happens in this issue but there is a whole lot of hectic action. Red Hood and Artemis frantically and desperately try to stop Bizarro in his tracks, but how do you stop someone that is under mind control and has the strength of Superman? By curing Bizarro of the technovirus that controls him of course! While Artemis distracts Bizarro, Hood tries to get to the cure. Along the way there are some funny jokes that each side seems to land intentionally and unintentionally.

Soy once again delivers the goods as his art is also on point. My favorite panel was the water trail created as Hood lifts his .45 pistol from beneath the water and fires. The action is very stylish and Soy makes each panel dramatic.
2810008
A good followup to Man of Steel and even better. DC is building its own DCVerse which may eventually rival Marvel's Universe. I've already seen Suicide Squad and am looking forward to Wonder Woman and Justice League of America.
4799285
Love superhero books. This one is definitely different than usual superhero books but I can see he appeal. I would for sure continue to read this series just because it kind of left it on a cliffhanger and I NEED to know how it all goes down.
301045
Excellent next installment, good stepping stone to the next story arc. Can't wait to see what progress is made with the next novel. YES, I'm that addicted to this series...already craving the next novel.