Top Picks: Volume 1 Issue 5

Before I get started, I just want to point out that this entry will be a little different. If you have read any of my other posts, you'll notice that I normally do a top five review of my favorite comics that I purchased during the week. However, due a small pull list this week, I have whittled down the competition to four.



4. Avenging Spider-Man #15.1
Written By: Chris Yost
Art By: Paco Medina

Avenging Spider-Man 15.1

NOTE: THERE ARE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW

This follows the events of Amazing Spider-Man #700. So before you read this, scroll down to see what happens, then come back...


Now that you know what happens, we get our first glimpse of Otto Octavius in his new role as Spider-Man in this issue.

A five-day period is laid out from this point. I'll give a brief overview of what goes down.

Day One: Otto realizes what has happened and how he can make Spider-Man better.

Day Two: Otto discovers some of the powers that Peter possessed.

Day Three: Otto begins work on a new costume and gets a phone call from Mary Jane, prompting some old images from Peter's mind.

Day Four: Otto pulls off his first "heroic act," and comes face to face with who he use to be.

Day Five: Superior Spider-Man is born.

Avenging Spider-Man 15.1 is the epilogue to Amazing Spider-Man #700 and the prologue to Superior Spider-Man #1. I see it as a necessary issue to have if you want to follow this story properly.



3. Justice League #15

Written By: Geoff Johns

Art By: Ivan Reis & Joe Prado

BACKUP STORY: SHAZAM

Written By: Geoff Johns

Art By: Gary Frank

 NOTE: THERE ARE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW

This issue begins the "Throne of Atlantis" storyline that will crossover between the Justice League and Aquaman. It also marks the debut of former Aquaman penciler, Ivan Reis, to the title.

The "Throne of Atlantis" story is shaping up to be pretty interesting. By the end of this issue we know that Aquaman's brother has initiated the first strike of the Atlantean War Plan which consists of flooding the most heavily populated areas. Next up, according to Aquaman, is a ground assault. How does he know this you ask? because he wrote the plan. We learn more about this plan and how it came about, in Aquaman #15

Everything about this issue solidifies why the Justice League is the flagship book for DC. Geoff Johns continues to be one of the best writers for the company. Ivan Reis also delivers top-notch work, especially in panels involving water. It seems as though he has become one with the ocean after his stint on Aquaman.

If your mind wasn't already blown from the feature story, we get another fantastic installment of Geoff Johns' backup-- Shazam. I did find it kind of odd that the character was featured on the front cover, despite not being involved at all in the main story. Regardless, Johns and backup artist, Gary Frank, continue to craft a story that is worthy of it's own book.

Pick this up, and do yourself a favor and keep up with the story in Aquaman #15. You see my review for that issue, next.

2. Aquaman #15

Written By: Geoff Johns
Art By: Paul Pelletier

Aquaman #15

NOTE: THERE ARE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW

As I mentioned in my Justice League #15 review, the "Throne of Atlantis" story continues here.

When you open up this issue to its first page, you are immediately taken to where the Justice League left off: Heavily populated areas such as Gotham and Metropolis are under attack by Atlantis, the result of missile test gone horribly wrong.

After Aquaman saves Commissioner Gordan and Detective Bullock from drowning, he hops in the Batplane. It is here that we learn more about the threat that is being posed, as Aquaman opens up to Batman.

Meanwhile, we learn more about the man who saved Lois Lane in issue #15 of the Justice League (read it to see what I'm talking about). It turns out that he is the first Atlantean that Aquaman ever met. He was also Aquman's and his mother's royal advisor.

From here we are taken to Boston, which is the latest city to be attacked. It is here that Orm, Aquaman's brother, surfaces and his finally confronted.

Newcomer to the Aquaman title, Paul Pelletier, knocked it out of the park with his art. From the opening panels (which gave me chills,) to the splash page at the end, Pelletier has shown me that he can stand toe-to-toe with the big guns.

I can't wait until Next month's Justice League and Aquaman to see where this story goes.



1. Amazing Spider-Man #700
Written By: Dan Slott
Art By: Humberto Ramos

Amazing Spider-Man #700

NOTE: THERE ARE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW

I desperately tried to avoid any and all spoliers related to this issue. I actually did a pretty good job. It wasn't until I'd say about an hour or so before I picked up #700 that my eyes finally caught up with countless readers who indulged their curiosity.

I had an idea of what was going to happen, so reading the spoilers didn't take too much steam out of my excitement.

I got to my local comic book store bright and early Wednesday, eager to pick up a piece of history.

There were a handful of really nice variants available for purchase. If the cover price wasn't $7.99 I might have picked up a couple of them. I ended up deciding on the mosaic-like cover which you can see to the left. For me, it was a nice symbol for what the past 50 years has brought fans.

It's after those 50 years that we get a new Spider-Man-- a Superior Spider-Man. Peter Parker is in fact dead. As many suspected, he met his demise inside the body of a dying Otto Octavius, who in turn finds new life inside Peter.

The final confrontation between the two will leave you breathless. It is in this moment that Otto realizes the full extent of what it means to become Spider-Man. He realizes that he can no longer be the villain, and that with great power does in fact come great responsibility.

You should definitely pick this up. Even if you have negative feelings towards the plot, it is a collector's item and a part of Marvel history.

--Eric Follow Me on Twitter



Top Picks: Volume 1 Issue 4

5. Red Hood and The Outlaws #15

Written By: Scott Lobdell

Art By: Timothy Green II



Red Hood and The Outlaw #15

I was really looking forward to reading this. I initially thought it was going be pretty epic. I mean, Jason Todd and the Joker-- the man responsible for the former Robin's death-- that is a recipe for success.

For all the potential that was on the table, I was pretty let down.

We start off with the G.C.P.D. confronting Jason in a woman's apartment. The woman, named Isabel, has been forced an overdose of some kind by the Joker, and Jason, being set-up for it, is held at gunpoint by several of Gotham's finest, including Detective Bullock.

Jason fights off the police, wearing nothing but a towel around his waist and a shower rod in his hand. 

From here, we see get our first glimpse of the Joker as he lurks in the back of Bullock's police car, which Jason had just drove off in in an attempt to warn the others at the Batcave of the Joker. As you probably guessed, this doesn't end well for Jason.

While we get some more hints into Jason and the Joker's relationship from the #0 issue, the whole encounter didn't have the "revenge factor" I was expecting-- like from last week's Batgirl.

Another issue I had was with the scenes between Starfire and Arsenal. Between Roy fixing a ship and the two hooking up-- it took away any momentum the Red Hood and Joker had going.

The various writers attached to all these "Death of the Family" books have been trying their best to keep up with Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman. So far, only Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason's Batman and Robin has come close.

This story will continue in the next Teen Titans issue, so I'm sure Tim Drake-- another former Robin-- will be involved. 

4. All-New X-Men #4

Written By: Brian Michael Bendis
Art By: Stuart Immonen

All New X-Men #4

Brian Michael Bendis and company have been killing it on All-New X-Men.

There are three big things happening in this book:

The first is Cyclopes' struggle to understand what he has done in the name of mutant people. The second is the original X-Men confronting the present X-Men regarding the previously mentioned Cyclopes issue. And the third is the deterioration of Beast's health.

We start off with an intense stare down between the two Cyclopes. During which, present Cyclopes, in his mind, runs through a laundry list of mutants who might have the ability to make him do the things he's done.

As this inner monologue progresses, we get a beautiful page that features the faces of both X-Men teams forming into one. This goes to show how good Stuart Immonen, Wade Von Brawbadger, and Marte Gracia have been. The three certainly     complement the detailed story that Bendis is providing.

Cyclopes isn't the only one struggling. A young Jean Grey is still coming to terms with her new found powers, which proves to be trying on the rest of the young X-Men.

As I mentioned, Beast's health is fading fast, and it doesn't get any better here. The ending of this issue certainly will have me picking up #5 to see what happens.


3. Nightwing #15
Written By: Kyle Higgins

Art By: Eddy Barrows

Nightwing #15

The Joker takes Nightwing on an emotional rollercoaster ride in this one.

***Warning: There will be some big spoilers from this point on.***

If you saw the preview for this issue on Newsarama, then you know that at least one person close to Dick Grayson dies, and it happens within the first three pages!

"Coming Soon" posters for Amusement Mile line sections of Gotham City. The posters feature Jimmy the Clown, a member of Haly's Circus. If you've seen Jimmy before, then you know that he bears a striking resemblance to our story's antagonist.

After Jimmy is poked fun of by the other members of Haly's Circus, he leaves to grab a drink and is confronted by the Joker, who is hiding in the shadows.

The Joker questions the similarities between Jimmy and himself, but after a deadly cloud of gas consumes the area, the Joker is singing a different tune.

We get a fantastic title page in which the Joker is holding up Jimmy's dead body. This is followed by an even better splash page that features Nightwing and Batgirl.

I have to say, it is so good to have Kyle Higgins and Eddy Barrows back. The two took a couple months off, and their work was greatly missed, at least in my eyes.

There is more to this book than just Jimmy's death. We see more of the relationship between Dick and Sonia Zucco. If you don't know who Sonia Zucco is, she is the daughter of Tony Zucco, the man who killed Dick's parents. The two share a passionate kiss, but it ends abruptly after Dick realizes what he is doing and who he is doing it with.

We also see more from another woman in Dick's life-- a former childhood friend named Raya Vestri. Vestri was sent to Blackgate Penitentiary in an earlier issue and is now being manipulated by the Joker.

After a brief confrontation with Dick, Raya suffers a similar fate to Jimmy, and leaves behind a message that will carry on into the next issue.

I highly recommend this book. It was fantastic from start to finish. Great writing and great artwork-- a must buy!

2. Hawkeye #6
Written By: Matt Fraction
Art By: David Aja

Hawkeye #6

Okay... this looks bad.

Are you kidding? This looks great!

How often can you say that you read a comic front to back... literally. Not only are the covers worth looking at a couple times, but the "Arrow Mail" on the back page is always worth your time.

David Aja is back after taking a two-issue break. I don't think I'm alone in saying welcome back.

Aja has the ability to draw things that look so simple, yet elegant at the same time. Don't let my praise take away from what Javier Pulido did in Aja's absence, which was fine work as well.

Issue #6 combines six days in the life of Hawkeye AKA Clint Barton, and places them out of order, which worked... really well.

The opening sequence had me really nervous, but as I turned the page, my anxiety slipped away and I found myself smiling. You'll have to read this issue to see what I'm talking about, but it involves Clint, Tony Stark, and some tricky wires.

Tony isn't the only Avenger who shows up. We get some fun dialogue between our titular character, Spider-Man, and Wolverine.

In previous issues, we have seen a group of men in tracksuits who really like to use the word "bro" and have a disdain for Clint. Their conflict reaches new heights here as the group broadens their scope and focus on more than our purple-wearing friend.

I'm sure we'll see more of this in the next issue, which also will deal with a real-life event that happened this past October.

Matt Fraction has said that we will donate royalties from Hawkeye #7 to Hurricane Sandy Relief. So if what you've seen so far isn't incentive enough to pick up the next issue-- you have another great reason to do so.

1. Daredevil #21

Written By: Mark Waid

Art By: Chris Samnee



Daredevil #21

Well that was... awesome!

Let's just get it out of the way. A big surprise came at the end of this issue. I will not reveal what happened, but it involves another character in the Marvel Universe. The moment alone is worth the price of admission.

This issue pretty much concludes Daredevil's situation with Coyote and The Spot. It's been a great story to read, and has featured fantastic moments such as Matt Murdock and others believing he might be crazy, to heads being "removed" from bodies. Thank you, Mark Waid for delivering the goods.

Let's not forget about the art, which has been spot-on. Chris Samnee is a force to be reckoned with. His artwork if the perfect compliment to Mark Waid's writing.

You should get this issue just for the ending alone, but also for everything else that it brings to the table. 

                                                            

--Eric  Follow Me on Twitter

Top Picks: Volume 1 Issue 3

5. Cable and X-Force #1                                                                               

    Written By: Dennis Hopeless

    Art By: Salvador Loracca

Cable and X-Force #1

This is another new title from the recent Marvel NOW! launch.

Like most #1s this was a set-up issue and we are introduced to the feature players. They include Forge, Domino, Colossus, Dr. Nemesis, and of course, Cable. Hope Summers, fresh off her Phoenix Force ordeal, also appears throughout the story.

The art in this book was well done, especially the splash pages. The story has potential, and did enough to keep me interested.

The standout moment of this issue was when Cable and company was confronted by the Uncanny Avengers. There were some pretty good lines from Havok and Captain America.

I'd say give this title a chance... it's not the worst way you could spend $3.99. I'll probably check out the next issue.

Now to the "Death of the Family" portion of the show...

 

4. Suicide Squad #15                                                                                 
    Written By: Adam Glass

    Art By: Fernando Dangnino

Suicide Squad #15

Is this the end of the road for Harley Quinn and Mr. J's relationship?

The last issue ended with the Joker choking Harley with a chain. We are brought back to this scene here, and the rest of the issue is pretty much a big fight between the two. 

During the lovers quarrel, we learn a little more about Joker's motivation, both for attacking Harley and for removing his face.

Speaking of face removal -- the standout moment that comes from this book, and really sticks in my mind occurs during their fight. As Harley gains the upper-hand, she shoves Joker's face into a wall, leaving quite an impression.

Between all the Joker/Harley stuff was some pretty random panels involving Waller and other Squad members. The ending, to me, also didn't fit well with this issue.

I'd say buy this just for the soul reason of being a part of the "Death of the Family" event. Or I can see it being appealing to people who are huge Harley/Joker history buffs. 

3. Batgirl #15                                                                                 

    Written By: Gail Simone

    Art By: Ed Benes

Batgirl #15

Before I get to my review, I feel like I need to address some pretty big news.

Batgirl writer, Gail Simone, recently revealed on Twitter that she was notified through e-mail that she will no longer be associated with the title. 

After the cat was out of the bag, a wave of support for Simone flooded Twitter. Fans, including myself, voiced their support for the popular writer.

It is yet to be seen what Simone will do next, but I'm sure whatever it is, it will be great -- just like this issue of Batgirl, which was a tie-in to the "Death of the Family" story.

Some of these tie-ins have been lackluster, but I think it's pretty safe to say that Bat fans everywhere were eager to see the confrontation between Babs and the Joker, which has been brewing since Alan Moore's 1988 "The Killing Joke."

We get more of the aforementioned confrontation here as Joker continues where he left off last month: holding Batgirl's mom hostage in a roller rink, while he awaits Batgirl's answer to his marriage proposal. Does she say yes, or does she turn down the Clown Prince of Crime? You'll just have to read and see.

I really enjoyed this issue. You can't go wrong with the story given Batgirl and Joker's history with each other. 

2. Batman and Robin #15                                                                            

    Written By: Peter Tomasi

    Art By: Patrick Gleason & Mick Gray

    

Batman and Robin #15

It's amazing how a character, such as the Joker, can get the creative juices flowing.

This book went from zero to 60 real quick.

After starting on a high note, the second run of Batman and Robin  kind of hit a rough patch for me. After the Nobody storyline, there were just, in my opinion, a bunch of uninteresting stories. That is, until now.

When this issue starts, we see the writing and artwork we have been accustomed to from Peter Tomasi, Patrick Gleason, and Mick Gray.

Damian, with the help of his dog Titus, is lured to the zoo where he gets ambushed by the Joker. From here, the thrusters were ignited and we were ready for liftoff.

We are taken into a dark and twisted story filled with maggots, worms, and all kinds of other creepy crawlers. You want to know what else is creepy? The Joker himself. His big reveal will leave you in awe.

Patrick Gleason takes the Joker and makes him his own, standing
out from all the other interpretations we've gotten thus far from the whole "Death of the Family" crossover event.

This is a great issue that needs to be owned by any and all Batman fans.

1. Batman #15                                                                          

    Written By: Scott Snyder

    Art By: Greg Capullo & Jonathan Glapion

    Backup Written By: Scott Snyder & James T Tynion IV

    Backup Art By: Jock

Batman #15

If there is a flagship book for the "Death of the Family" story, this is it.

We open up with an inner monologue from Bruce. He tries to tell himself that behind everything the Joker says or does, he is just a man.

But, does a man commit the acts the Joker has followed through with, or are they the acts of a monster? I'll let you be the judge.

The majority of this issue deals with a secret that Bruce has been holding back from the rest of the Bat family. Dick, Jason, Tim, Damien, and Barbara all learn that an altercation between Batman and the Joker in the past could have put their true identities in jeopardy. Bruce does everything he can to assure the gang that  that isn't the case.

Towards the end of the issue, we learn more about Joker's plans, thanks to some pretty sweet panels where Batman interrogates an Arkham City guard.

Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo keep up their A-game material here. Both of them without a doubt have me hooked on every word and image.

Even the backup story was great. Snyder is joined by James T Tynion IV on writing duties, while Jock takes over for Capullo.

In the backup, we get a better look inside what that Arkham guard was telling Batman. Plus, we get to see the Riddler. 

Batman continues to be a must-buy, top of the stack every week book. Buy this issue... in fact, buy two because you might wear out the pages reading it so many times.

Everyone Loves Batman/Top Picks: Volume 1 Issue 2

Before I get to my top comic book picks for the week, I want to talk about how glad I am that I live in a world where Batman is worshipped.

Unless you live under a rock, you know that The Dark Knight Rises was released this past Tuesday on Blu-Ray and DVD. Did I pick up a copy? You bet your boots I did.

I went to Best Buy on Tuesday and what did I find? Pretty much every customer had a copy of The Dark Knight Rises in their hands. As a Batman fan, I couldn't have been prouder.

But it's not just movies that fans are picking up. Everywhere you go, you see Batman T-shirts, hats, backpacks, shoes, iPhone cases... you name it, there's a product out there.

I'm guilty of this. I have multiple Batman shirts. I even have a Batman wallet. I can't tell you how many times I've pulled the wallet out to buy something and someone comments on it -- usually in a deep Christian Bale style voice.

I went to a bar a few week ago and got carded -- which usually happens because I look like I'm 16. The large man at the door (they are always large) saw my wallet when I went to get out my ID and said something along the lines of, "Batman, eh? You like Batman... I'M BATMAN."  I laughed and played along. The guy at the door told me that I probably hear that all the time. I agreed and said that everyone loves Batman... he also agreed.

Wallet

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's get into my top picks for the week.


5. ALL NEW X-MEN #3

   WRITTEN BY: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

   ART BY: STUART IMMONEN

All New X-Men #3

If you read last week's post, you'll remember that I had All New X-Men #2 as my second favorite book for that week. This week, although making the top five, didn't really excite me.

Cyclops and Magneto's quest to help new mutants continues here. However, the majority of this book deals with issues Cyclops and Magneto are facing following their encounter with the Phoenix Force (check out Avengers vs. X-men to see what I'm talking about.)  

As Scott and Erik try and recover some precious cargo, they realize that their powers aren't quite up to par with what they should be. After they find what they are looking for, some rifts in relationships develop.

By no means is this issue bad. If it was, I would not be writing about it. Brian Michael Bendis has done more than enough to keep me interested in seeing where this will go, and Stuart Immonen has kept the art fun and exciting.




4. DEADPOOL #3
   WRITTEN BY: BRIAN POSEHN & GERRY DUGGAN

   ART BY: TONY MOORE

Deadpool #3

Third time's the charm for Marvel's Merc With a Mouth. After two decent issues, #3 really delivers the laughs.

This was one of the Marvel NOW! titles I was looking forward to reading most. I thought it was a great move to put a comedian on the creative team given Deadpool's humorous nature.

As you can tell by the cover, Deadpool is kicking some dead president ass, and his little dog too.

This was the first we've seen of Richard Nixon, but he joins the likes of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Gerald Ford as they wage an undead war on Deadpool, Agent Preston, and Dr. Strange.

If anything, this book is flat-out ridiculous... but I love it.







3. AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 699

   WRITTEN BY: DAN SLOTT

   ART BY: PAOLO RIVERA

Amazing Spider-Man #699

After the events of the last issue, I first thought to myself, "Holy crap!" then my focus centered around how Peter Parker was going to get himself out of the really... I mean really bad situation he has found himself in.

I don't want to ruin too much about this story. Let's just say there is a serious case of Freaky Friday going on between Parker and Otto Octavius (Dr. Octopus.)

There is only one more issue left until the long run of Amazing Spider-Man comes to an end and Superior Spider-Man begins. That being said, I am anxiously waiting to see how the final issue, #700, is going to turn out.

As I said, the last issue had a "Holy crap" moment, and so does this one. Actually, it's more of a, "Wait... what? No!... really!?"

Once you see it, you'll know what I'm talking about.





2. HAWKEYE #5

   WRITTEN BY: MATT FRACTION

   ART BY: DAVID AJA

Hawkeye #5

How many Hawkeyes does it take to screw in a light bulb? Wait, I mean how many Hawkeyes does it take to retrieve classified information? The answer is two. Clint and Katie.

This was very close to being number one.

If you have not read any of the first four Hawkeye books, do yourself a favor and make it a top priority. I promise you will not be disappointed. Not only is the storytelling phenomenal, but the art is off the charts, crazy-good.

This issue is part two of a two-parter which centers around a VHS tape showing Hawkeye assassinating someone. If that's not bad enough, the tape has been leaked! This prompts S.H.I.E.L.D. to step in and make sure the video doesn't get in the wrong hands.

Matt Fraction and company have taken the character of Hawkeye and made him a star. I started picking up this book after reading so many positive reviews, and it has become a must-buy for me.

I'm going to end with a Batman title (thought I was done talking about that guy, huh?) It's a book that I will admit, I just started reading. I don't now why I skipped the first two issues... never mind, I know why... because I'm an idiot!

1. LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #3
   WRITTEN BY: STEVE NILES
   ART BY: TREVOR HAIRSINE

Legends of The Dark Knight #3

30 Days of Night's Steve Niles writes a wonderful Batman/Joker story here.

Legends of The Dark Knight is a different kind of Batman book. By that, I mean that instead of just one creative team glued to it, there is a revolving door of talent each month.

Speaking of revolving doors, that is exactly how Batman feels about his relationship with the Joker in this issue. Every time he captures the Clown Prince of Crime and places him in Arkham Asylum, the Joker finds a way out.

Batman is angered by this and lets out his frustrations, as Alfred listens. But Batman eventually realizes that the things he does for Gotham City don't go unnoticed.

After Commissioner Gordon asks Bruce to meet with him, he hands over bundles of letters that have been collected over the years -- all addressed to Batman. Each letter tells a story of how he has impacted someone's life. After reading them all, Batman restores hope in his mission, not only to the reader, but to the Gotham as well.


Well, that does it. Come back next week to see what I think of the new releases.


Eric   Follow me on Twitter

Vigilante Justice at its Finest

The CW

Has Oliver Queen ever been this bad-ass? Depending on who you ask, that could be up for debate. But one thing is for certain--at times he makes Batman look tame. The CW has done a stellar job in bringing Starling City's (Star City in the comics) billionaire playboy by day/vigilante by night to the small screen.

This isn't the first time we've seen Ollie on CW programming. Justin Hartley portrayed the "Emerald Archer" in the hit show Smallville, which revolved around the mythos of Clark Kent and Superman.



Hartley as Green Arrow in Smallville

This time around we get a different actor with a different look. Gone is the blonde hair, sunglasses and Green Arrow moniker. What takes their place is an angry man under a hood who goes by just plain Arrow. Enter Stephen Amell. When Amell came onto the scene as the lead role, I will admit I was a little skeptical. I was kind of expecting (and secretly hoping for) the Robin Hood look...




Art from Quiver Written by Kevin Smith

But after watching seven episodes I'll tell you this--I wouldn't change a thing! Long live the striking resemblance to Chris O'Donnell in Joel Schumacher's Batman run. I apologize for even bringing those movies up.

Stephen Amell as Arrow

Here's a brief overview of what has happened so far. After a shipwreck, Oliver Queen is missing and thought to be dead. His father, Robert Queen, was killed in that same shipwreck. After five years on an island, he returns home to Starling City. Upon his return, Oliver tries to reconcile with his ex-girlfriend, Laurel Lance (will she ever become Black Canary?), and reconnect with family. Speaking of family, we find out that some members have an agenda of their own--especially Moira Queen, Oliver's Mother.

Once the welcome home party is over we are introduced to his mission: wiping out the scum of his city. A task his father asked of him right before his death. Oliver is however met with some opposition in the form of Detective Quentin Lance, Laurel's father. Detective Lance is hell-bent on arresting the vigilante. In the fourth episode entitled "An Innocent Man," Lance actually arrests Oliver on suspicion of being Arrow, or as the police call him "The Hood."I won't get into what led up to this...you'll have to watch.

And here's some incentive to do so...

Yep...that's Deadshot

Oliver isn't alone in his quest. He gets some help from John Diggle. When we are introduced to Diggle, he is hired to be Oliver's bodyguard--Ollie doesn't like this very much and finds ways to sneak away from Diggle's watch. This goes on for a little bit until Diggle is shot by Deadshot. Once Diggle comes-to, he realizes he is in Oliver's hideout. Oliver offers Diggle an opportunity to fight along side of him. At first, Diggle declines--but later accepts. We even get to see him in an Arrow costume at one point.

In most of the earlier episodes of the season, we get flashbacks as to what Oliver's life on the island was like. Trust me, it doesn't look fun. In these flashbacks we get to meet some characters including this guy...

Image from "Damaged" Episode of Arrow

I know...awesome, right? Freaking Deathstroke! We now know that Slade Wilson will be played by Manu Bennett in future episodes. But his character as seen from the above image is from an episode entitled "Damaged." Here we got a brief glimpse of Deathstroke and a pretty awesome fight scene between him and a vulnerable Oliver. There has been no mention of Deathstroke since. So we'll see where that goes.

The latest episode, "Muse of Fire," also made DC fans very happy. We were introduced to Helena Bertinelli a.k.a. The Huntress.

Jessica De Gouw as Helena Bertinelli

She is first seen in the show racing down a street on a motorcycle, opening fire on an associate of her father--who just so happens to be a mob boss.

Moira is injured during Helena's assassination attempt. Oliver sees it all, as he was on his way to meet his mom. Oliver chases Helena (at this point he doesn't know it's her), but loses her.

Later in the episode, Oliver and Helena go on a date. After the date, craziness ensues and the two learn of each others secret identities. I'm sure we haven't seen the last of Helena--judging by the way the two ended things in "Muse of Fire."

An all new episode of Arrow premieres this Wednesday, December 5th. This show is currently one of my favorite things on TV. I do not watch the CW at all. But for this...I make an exception.

If you haven't watched the show and now want to...I have done my job. But really, you can just go to the CW's website and watch them all from the beginning. You won't be disappointed.

Follow me on Twitter

Top Picks: Volume 1 Issue 1

I try to keep up with what books are coming out each week. I do this with my handy-dandy Smartphone.  Typically I shop at Midtown Comics. They have a great app that tells you what is being released. This makes it very easy for me to navigate through the titles. I just do a quick search while I'm on the subway and when I walk in the door, it's easy pickins.

This past Wednesday had a lot to offer for Batman and X-Men fans.

Just a warning, this post may contain spoilers.

And here we go...

5. Talon #2

    Written by: Scott Snyder & James T Tynion IV

    Art by: Juan Jose Ryp







Credit: DC Comics

From the pages of Batman comes Calvin Rose a.k.a. Talon. This book is only on its second issue -- third if you count #0 -- so your wallet won't hate you if you want to start reading from the beginning.

If you haven't read the Court of Owls storyline from Batman, I recommend you do so. It's a great companion to this story. The first half of the Court of Owls arc is available in hardcover. You won't be disappointed. Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have been keeping Batman fans on the edge of their seats since the New 52 started last year.

But back to Talon. The issue picks up with Calvin breaking into a hotel that houses important items to the Court of Owls. It turns out that there are some items in the hotel that have value to Calvin, who is met with some opposition in his attempt to collect.

I'm really enjoying this book and I'm looking foward to seeing where it will go. The writing is great -- as is anything Scott Snyder does. But the artwork is where it fell flat for me. The first issue was drawn by Guillem March, who was replaced with Juan Jose Ryp for issue #2. While Ryp does a decent job, it doesn't compare to March's work.

***3/5 Stars: Good***





4. Wolverine Max #2    
      Written by: Jason Starr   

    Art by: Roland Boschi & Felix Ruiz



Credit: Mavel Comics

This isn't your grandpa's comic book. If friendly teamwork is what you're looking for... you've come to the wrong place. However, if violence and curse words are your cup of tea, than look no further.

Logan has been in a plane crash and is looking for answers. Much like issue #1, there are some really nice flashbacks. One thing I really enjoy about these flashbacks is that whenever they happen, the artist changes. This may distract some people, but I find it refreshing.

The main focus of this issue is Logan trying to figure out who Yami is. She was on the plane with him and died in the first issue. Logan had some kind of relationship with her... we just don't know what.


***3/5 Stars: Good***





3. The Dark Knight #14

    Written by: Gregg Hurwitz    

    Art by: David Finch



Credit: DC Comics

This issue does not start off very well for Scarecrow or Batman. Each encounter a pretty nasty boo-boo during a fight. But Scarecrow does get the last laugh... at least for now.

I've absolutley loved this book ever since Gregg Hurwitz took over writing duties from David Finch. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of Finch, but I enjoy him more in the art department.

Hurwitz's knack for writing crime-based stories has really shined since issue #10. We have gotten a great story that shows the struggles Jonathan Crane has encountered in his life -- particularly as a small child -- that have made him into the person he is today.

There is one issue left in this story arc. We will then move onto a new villian and new artist -- The Mad Hatter and Ethan Van Sciver, respectivly. 

***4/5 Stars: Great***



2. All-New X-Men #2

    Written by: Brian Michael Bendis 

      Art by: Stuart Immonen & Wade von Grawbadger

Credit: Marvel Comics

Beast is on a mission here. His goal is simple... stop Scott Summers from starting a mutant war. Sounds easy enough, right?

Let the time traveling fun begin!

As present-time Beast visits the early X-Men, there is a lot of convincing being done on Beast's part. He reveals some information that some members of the group are shocked to hear.

Most of the material from this book is fallout from the Avengers vs. X-Men story. So you might want to refeshen up on that before giving this a read.

This was just a fun book to read. I found myself enjoying every panel as I turned the pages. I even let out a laugh at certain points. Like when a young Iceman sees what he'll look like in the future. Their facial expressions were just great.

Another funny moment was when Wolverine falls asleep at the hands of a young Jean Grey. I don't know if it's the way he was drawn or what, but the way he was just sitting there on the ground was pretty good. 

***4/5 Stars: Great***

1. Batman Incorporated #5    

    Written by: Grant Morrison     

      Art by: Chris Burnham

Credit: DC Comics

Every week, there is one book that I can't wait to read. It's usually on the top of my stack. This week, that book was Batman Inc. #5.

Whenever Grant Morrison's name appears on something, there's a good chance you're going to get a great story. It may be a little out there -- but it's good. With this run of Batman Inc., the star is Chris Burnham. Every issue has been a delight for my eyes.

This issues brings up a lot of past Batman history. Stuff you can check out in Batman #666.

Morrison gives us a glimpse of Damian, Bruce Wayne's son, as Batman. Let me tell you, Gotham does not look like a place I would want to visit any time soon with Damian behind the cowl.

Batman Incorporated #5 has a little something for everyone. Explosions, Joker references, and zombies... oh my!

Buy this book... and the rest of the previous ones while you're at it.

***5/5 Stars: Amazing***




Well, there you have it. Until next week... happy reading!


Eric    Follow me on Twitter