It’s the last comic week before Christmas, which means a giant pull list. I ended up buying 18 comics and there’s no way I’m going to cover all of them today. So I’m saving 8 comics for next week, or at least this weekend.
The comics I read this week include X-Men 8, Uncanny Avengers 15, All New X-Men 20, Avengers Assemble 22, Superior Spider-Man 24, Scarlet Spider 25, Supergirl 26, Pretty Deadly 3, Red Sonja 6 and Witchblade 171.
The comics I’m saving for later are Young Avengers 14, Fantastic Four 15, FF 15, Thor God of Thunder 16, Indestructible Hulk 17, Animal Man 26, Mass Effect Foundations 6 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 29. Most of those at least look alright, but save for TMNT most of the especially good or potentially bad ones will be read this week.
Here are my first impression. Links to full reviews will be added as they’re posted.
X-Men 8 was very good. As with the last issue, it focuses more on the villains than the X-men, but the X-ladies still have some decent panel time. There’s still some X-men action and some good story setup. The cover is very misleading though, and would have suited the last issue better. Monet is the only character on the cover, and I’m pretty sure she doesn’t make a single appearance in this issue. Also, Bling’s subplot is starting to become silly. Even so, this is an easy recommendation for X-Men fans.
Uncanny Avengers 15 wasn’t all that special. Captain America kind of acts like an idiot at one point, attacking the Apocalypse twins on his own when he should know he wouldn’t stand a chance against them. The cliffhanger is very intense and almost saved this issue, but it also makes it feel even more like nothing in this series will be permanent. It makes it hard to care.
Avengers Assemble 22 was awesome. I laughed out loud several times while reading this issue – the dialogue is that entertaining. The superhero action is also good, as is the art. It’s fun, it’s accessible, and it feels like a classic Avengers story. This is the Avengers book to read right now.
Superior Spider-Man 24 was good. Two words – Superior Venom. That is all you need to know.
Red Sonja 6 was very good. It concludes Gail Simone’s first Red Sonja storyline with a lot of action, a number of big reveals and some great dramatic moments. It somehow packs in a little bit of everything, without feeling the least bit rushed. If a series about a barbarian sounds like fun, this is a must read.
Witchblade 171 was good, but definitely feels like a mid-chapter issue. Besides a quick flashback, Sara Pezzini isn’t in this issue all that much. She’s still unconscious from being shot at the end of the last issue, and other officers are investigating the shooting. The ending is intense, promising that the next issue will be awesome. If you’re a Witchblade regular, you’ll want to read this. I’m not sure if this is the best issue to check the series out as a new reader though.
healed1337 
X-Men was great. The Sisterhood is shaping up to be pretty interesting, with the Enchantress being added. Everything else was cool. Mercury’s reaction to Bling kissing Jubilee was interesting. Perhaps Mercury’s confused by the feelings she’s been having towards Bling? And that was why she punched her? Maybe.
UA was whatever. I just do not care. It’s clear that nothing that’s happening in this series is going to last. I would be surprised if any of the characters who’ve died stay dead when it’s over.
ANXM was good. Bendis’ style doesn’t really work quite right for Laura. She’s not someone who babbles at all. She thinks about what she’s going to say before she speaks. So he should change that a bit. Still, always glad to have Laura around. She’s a good character.
Assemble was great. Having Warren frigging Ellis on board always helps. Covington is wonderfully sociopathic and insane. The Lady Spiders breaking free was a really funny scene. Banner being brought in to talk to Vennema was hilarious, especially when Spider-Woman stops his rampage by suggesting they grab a sandwich. Spider-Woman and Hulk are such a great duo.
Superior Spider-Man was good. Otto’s losing it. Which is always fun to see.
Scarlet Spider was good. Very nice.
Pretty Deadly was so amazing. So, so amazing. Best book on the stands. Just such a gorgeous book, in every way.
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