BRIAN'S BRAIN: September 6, 2007

SPOILER ALERT!!!

Amazing Spider-Man #544: 5 out of 5
Written by J. Michael Stracynski
Art by Joe Quesada
A heart-wrenching tale of Peter Parker trying to come to terms with his Aunt's death. Running out of money to keep May on life support, Peter confronts Tony Stark. Tony initially rebuffs Peter, but ultimately does the right thing and fronts the money. But even so, the doctor doesn't think Aunt May will pull through. But Peter can't accept that just yet. Amazing Spider-Man, I choose you as...BRIAN'S PICK OF THE WEEK.

Countdown 34: 4 out of 5
Written by Paul Dini, Justin Gray, and Jimmy Palmiotti
Art by Keith Giffen and Jesus Saiz
Things really pickup with this issue, and every storyline advances. Wally West confronts Piper and Trickster, who after explaining themselves in the events leading to Bart's death reveal that Deathstroke is planning to attack Green Arrow's wedding to Black Canary. Jimmy Olsen reflects on the mysterious deaths we was investigating (which hopefully means he will return to that storyline rather then bumbling about trying to be a superhero) and consults Steel about his powers, who concludes that Jimmy is no longer human. Also, he seems to have knowledge about the 52 earths and the source wall floating around in his subconscious (sp?). Donna Troy and Jason Todd break free and send Belthera packing, but not before she nabs Donna. Holly Robinson, along with Harley "Funny Face" Quinn, win the gladiator games and win a trip to Paradise Island, where Granny Goodness no doubt has evil plans for them. Mary Marvel finds a mystical Chinese village where she is captured by Klarion the Witch Boy. And Orr reveals that Karate Kid is infected with the OMAC virus, and refers him (and Una) to Buddy Blank on behalf of Darkseid's lackey, Dassad. Also, the Origin of Lex Luthor, just in case anyone didn't know who he was.

Ms Marvel #19: 4 out of 5
Written by Brian Reed
Art Aaron Lopresti
First off, the cover is worth picking up this issue alone. Tigra! Second, it's Brian Reed, so you know it's all good. Third, Silverclaw, Stature, and Tigra! Fourth, Machine Man gets drunk. Fifth, Tigra! And finally, Puppet Master being really, really creepy. Plus: Tigra! Did I mention she was also in this issue? Oh what the heck, one more. Say it with me now: Tigra! Tigra makes Ms. Marvel...BRIAN'S HONORABLE MENTION OF THE WEEK.

Uncanny X-Men #490: 3 out of 5
This issue features Skids: Agent of SHIELD, who MUST team-up with Bob: Agent of Hydra now that I think about it. Somebody make this happen!. Hepzibah gets her freak on with Thunderbird. Oh, and they fight some Morlocks, and Masque makes Thunderbird ugly, which distracts Hapzibah enough for Bliss to blindside her. Storm, Caliban, and Skids find another group of pacifist Morlocks where they learn about a precog who wrote a book (no, not Destiny) that the Morlocks have taken as a religious text. Unfortunately, a cave in occurs, trapping Storm, who as you know, doesn't like tight spaces. Bad weather insues. In the backup, Beast hits another deadend, but thinks that maybe Bishop, being from the future and all, might hold the key in his DNA.

BRAIN DROPPINGS

All New Atom #15 (Countdown): 4 out of 5
Annihilation Conquest Wraith: 2 out of 5
Black Canary Wedding Planner: 2 out of 5
Detective Comics #836: 3 out of 5
Exiles #98: 3 out of 5
Incredible Hulk #110 (World War Hulk): 4 out of 5
Infinity Inc #1: 3 out of 5
Metal Men #2: 3 out of 5
New Excalibur #23: 3 out of 5
New Warriors #4 (The Initiative): 4 out of 5
She-Hulk #21: 4 out of 5
Supergirl #21 (Countdown): 3 out of 5
Super Villain Team Up MODOKs 11 #3: 3 out of 5

Next Week: Countdown 33, Green Lantern #23, JLA Wedding Special #1, Justice Society of America #9, New Avengers #34, X-Factor #23, and more!

BRIAN'S BRAIN: August 22, 2007

SPOILER ALERT!!!

Amazing Spider-Man #543:5 out of 5
Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Art by Ron Garney
The conclusion to Back in Black. With the life of Aunt May hanging in the balance, Peter Parker finds himself spiraling downwards and dragging MJ down with him. The road to hell and all that. JMS does an excellent job exploring moral ambiguity on the wrong side of the law. Be sure to check this issue out as it is...BRIAN'S HONORABLE MENTION OF THE WEEK.

Astonishing X-Men #22: 4 out of 5
Written by Joss Whedon
Art by John Cassaday
Shipping delays have really dragged down the momentum of this title. Even so, it is still one of the best titles out there. Emma calling Danger's bluff was great, nobody writes Emma like Joss Whedon. It was also nice to see the "fornification" of Kitty and Peter. Plus Lockheed! Unfortunately, that Armor girl is still hanging around. Considering how many X-Men-in-training teams there have been (New Mutants/X-Force, Generation X, New X-Men), it's amazing how many people get to join the main team (or is that teams?) directly. Go figure.

Countdown 36: 3 out of 5
Written by Paul Dini and Tony Bedard
Art by Jim Calafiore
The Challengers story becomes marginally interesting this week as we are left wondering who Monitors Bob the Monitor, but Jimmy Olsen wastes a page. If you were looking for a follow up on the big reveal last issue, you'll find it in Action Comics. It is completely glossed over here folks. The Karate Kid storyling has become my least favorite. The Mary Marvel (who has a magic catfight with Zatanna...yum!...while Eclipso watches!) and the Piper/Trickster storylines are continue to carry this title for me. The new backup, Origin of Supervillains, is a complete waste of space. I mean, is anybody reading Countdown that don't know who Poison Ivy or Deathstroke the Terminator are? And don't give me the any comic might be someone's first line. That may hold for titles like Batman or Justice League, but nobody is going to walk into a comic book store and pick up Countdown on a whim. I'll stop ranting for now.

Green Lantern Corps #1: 3 out of 55
The Sinestro Corps War
Written by Dave Gibbons
Art by Patrick Gleason and Angel Unzueta
A descent issue in the shadow of its big brother. Still entertaining though and if you enjoy Green Lantern, you enjoy this issue as well. I mean it's got Killawog vs. his Sinestro Corps counterpart in it. Plus, Mogo the Planet Green Lantern for the giant city...um, Sinestro Corps member (Sinestro Lantern? Yellow Lantern?). And a punch of characters which I would probably know more about if I read the series, but I must say that Arisia chick is smoking!

The Order #2: 5 out of 5
The Initiative
Written by Matt Fraction
Art by Barry Kitson
Say what you will about Civil War, it made possible great new series like Avengers the Initive, New Warriors, and this title, the Order (however the less said about Omega Flight the better). The Order just may be the best of the bunch. This issue spotlights the shapeshifting teen sensation Becky Ryan, codename Aralune (what the frak is an Aralune?), whose story brings to mind a certain former pop star that has fallen from the grace (I won't name names, but it's Britney Spears). In the hands of a lesser writer, this could spell disaster, but Matt Fraction totally pulls it off. If her and Anthem are any indication, I'm sure the rest of the team are equally flawed and interesting. Anyway, this is...BRIAN'S PICK OF THE WEEK.

X-Men #202: 4 out of 5
Endangered Species
Written by Mike Carey
Art by Humberto Ramos
Colossus, Kitty Pryde, and the New X-Men vs. the new Acolytes. Mike Carey is an X-Fan, and it shows in his able to bring in obscure characters without stomping over their previous history and personalities. Chris Gage lends his writing talents to the Endangerd Species backup (that guy is fraking everywhere anymore. Did you see how many books he has coming out in November? Even Brian Bendis is telling him he needs to slow down).

BRAIN DROPPINGS

Annihilation Conquest Starlord #2: 4 out of 5
Blue Beetle #18: 4 out of 5
Birds of Prey #109: 4 out of 5
Cable Deadpool #44: 4 out of 5
Immortal Iron Fist #8: 4 out of 5
Mystic Arcana Scarlet Witch: 3 out of 5
Thunderbolts #116: 4 out of 5
World War Hulk Gamma Corps #2: 4 out of 5

Next Week: Amazons Attack #6, Countdown 35, and more! Including something from Marvel.

BRIAN'S BRAIN: June 27, 2007

Wow, what a week for comics. I'll be keeping my reviews brief this week.

SPOILER ALERT!!!

DC COMICS

Amazons Attack #3: 3 out of 5
Written by Will Pfeifer
Art by Pete Woods
This is pretty much an overview title, with the real story taking place in Teen Titans and Wonder Woman. 'Nuff said.

Blue Beetle #16 (Countdown): 4 out of 5
Written by John Rogers
Art by Rafael Albuquerque
A great blend of humor and character. Blue Beetle takes on Jean Lorring as Eclipso! Also, Blue Beetle's secret power fantasy is not to be missed.

Countdown 44: 4 out of 5
Written by Paul Dini and Adam Beechen
Art by Carlos Magno
Countdown starts to pick up speeds. Billy Batson/Captain Marvel/Shazam confronts Mary Marvel about her new powers, Captain Atom/Monarch recruits Forerunner, Jimmy Olsen experiments with his power surges (not power escalations mind you), and Piper Trickster are on the run for their role in the death of Bart Allan/Flash. You know how cops get when you kill one of their own, so imagine what superheroes would do. Oh, and Holly visits an Amazonian woman's shelter. Okay, maybe that last one isn't as gripping, but it only takes up 2 pages, so at least it's short.

Fallen Angel #17 (IDW): 3 out of 5
Written by Peter David
Art by Joe Corroney
Yes, yes, I know this is no longer a DC title, but my friendly neighborhood comic shop keeps it in the Vertigo section, so what can you do? Anyway, not a whole lot happens here as it just leads up to Fallen Angel meeting Shi. Although Peter David provides some witty (as if he ever provides anything non-witty) commentary on the nature of free will.

Green Lantern Sinestro Corps Special #1: 5 out of 5
Written by Goeff Johns
Art by Ethan Van Sciver
This issue simply blew me. The Sinestro Corps move on the Green Lantern Corps with devestating results. Plus, Sinestro recruits one last unlikely member into the fold, and the true power behind the Sinestro Corps is revealed. Don't let the $4.99 price tag deter you. This issue is worth every penny, especially since it's...

BRIAN'S PICK OF THE WEEK

Teen Titans #48 (Amazons Attack): 4 out of 5
Written by Adam Beechen
Art by Al Barrionuevo
Wonder Girl and Supergirl have a lot in common. They're both blonde, they're both flying powerhouses, and they're both pissed at the U.S. government, who starts rounding up anyone remotely associated with the amazons. Miss Martian, Kid Devil, Ravager, and Robin find themselves caught in the middle.

Wonder Woman #10 (Amazons Attack): 4 out of 5
Written by Jodi Picoult
Art by Paco Diaz
The Amazons' secret weapon is revealed, and Wonder Woman takes drastic action to end the war.

MARVEL COMICS

Black Panther #28 (Civil War Initiative): 3 out of 5
Written by Reginald Hudlin
Art by Francis Portela
This title has really become a second Fantatic Four title. The foursome take on skrulls, zombies, and one giant bug. A fun tale, but nothing special here. Unless maybe your a fan of Marvel Zombies.

Cable Deadpool #42: 4 out of 5
Written by Favian Nicieza
Art by Reilly Brown and Jon Malin
A companion piece to X-Men #200 (although said title doesn't seem to know what's going on here in spite of Cable showing up in both issues). Cable battles former X-Men Gambit and Sunfire, while Deadpool faces down Senyaka! Who is Senyaka you ask? A member of the Acolytes I say. Who are the Acolytes?!? Sigh. I'm old. (When I was your age, comics only cost a $1.25!)

Daredevil #98: 4 out of 5
Written by Ed Brubaker
Art by Michael Lark
Determined not to let Milla to become the next Elektra or Karen Page, Daredevil battles Gladiater. How can you not love a villain, reluctant or otherwise, that can shoot saw blades from their wrist-gauntlets?

Fantastic Four #547 (Civil War Initiative): 3 out of 5
Written by Dwayne McDuffie
Art by Paul Plletier
The Frightful Four make their move on their Fantastic counterparts. One wonders how the (Wingless) Wizard patched things up with Paste Pot Peter aka the Trapster, but I digress. But did they account for Black Panther and his queen Storm? Unfortunately, we have to wait until next month to find out. Also, don't question Storm about whether her hair and/or eyes are natural. Ever.

Immortal Iron Fist #6: 3 out of 5
Written by Ed Brubaker and Matt Fraction
Art by David Aja
I was all set to drop this title, but being the completionist that I am, I decided to pick up this issue. I mean, everyone else seems to rave about this book, so I figured I should give it one more chance. I'm glad I did as, while it may not be my favorite, this issue was surprising enjoyable. Especially when Luke Cage tells Misty Knight she should get gay-married to her partner-in-crime, Colleen Wing. Okay, maybe I'm just a sucker for lesbians, even in jest. Or at least, "crazy white girls" with swords. Danny Rand has gotten a repieve, for now at least. He can thank the incredible confusing Moon Knight for that.

She-Hulk #19: 5 out of 5
Written by Dan Slott and Ty Templeton
Art by Rick Burchett
Ah, Dan Slott, or as I like to call him, the second coming of Peter David. Too bad your leaving this book, but at least you'll be leaving it in good hands. I just hope Peter will be able to pick up some if not all of Slott's well-developed supporting cast. Or at least Awesom Andy, even if he's been MIA for a while now. Anyway, the Leader goes on trial represented by Mallory Book. Jen's testamony is not to be missed! In fact, even the Leader aborted his prearranged escape attempt to see how things play out after Mallory tears Jen a new one on the stand.

Silent War #6: 4 out of 5
Written by David Hine
Art by Frazer Irving
Silent War concludes! Well, not really, as seem to be the trend in David Hine limited series. Seriously, this guy needs an ongoing series. Maximus makes his play for Black Bolt's throne (and his family), while Black Bolt himself fights a mutated squad of marines to protect Attilan. I just want to know how events here relate to Black Bolt's appearance in World War Hulk #1. Without giving too much away, I will simply say that it doesn't seem to fit either before or after the events WWH.

Thunderbolts #115 (Civil War Initiative): 4 out of 5
Written by Warren Ellis
Art by Mike Deodoto Jr.
I have to admidt, I haven't been a big fan of the Thunderbolts reboot. I miss Atlas, Mach-Whatever, the Fixer, Zemo, Joystick, Speed Demon, and Blizzard. But I must admidt, the new Thunderbolts do make for an interesting read. Ellis show's he's not affair to shake things up as one the 'bolts (apparently) gets removed from the team in the worst possible way. Also, I don't usually comment on the art as I am by no means an artist, but wow! The art here is incredible detailed. From the flames on the opening pages to the sweat dripping off someone's face one the last page, the level of detail is just incredible.

World War Hulk Front Line #1: 5 out of 5
Written by Paul Jenkins
Art by Sally Floyd
Ben Urich and Sally Floyd report on the opening of World War Hulk. It's always nice to see a title that focuses not on superheroes but rather on "average joes", especially when its done so well.

World War Hulk X-Men #1: 4 out of 5
Written by Chris Gage
Art by Andrea Divito
This issue shows just why I love Chris Gage. He totally nails the character of the New X-Men (and Beast for that matter), so much so that it fits seemlessly with their own title. All too many writers seem to disregard the works of others, so much so that you end up with characters that don't even resemble themselves. Take Geoff Johns' Wonder Girl vs. Peter David's Wonder Girl for instance. Yes, there is something to be said for different takes on the characters and character development and what not, but to see such radical departures happen overnight...but I digress. Anyway, the New X-Men lead by Beast make an impressive showing against the Hulk, holding him off long enough for Xavier to evacuate the rest of the students. Only once they are safe does Xavier confronts the Hulk, who has some questions about Chuck's friends in the Illuminati.

X-Factor #20: 5 out of 5
Written by Peter David
Art by Khoi Pham
The X-Cell situations arrives at its (literally) explosive conclusion. X-Cell consists of Calliso, Marrow, the Blob (aka Sir Not Appearing in This Issue), and B-list former mutants Abyss, Reaver, Fatale, and Elijah Cross (a new character who has a Juggernaut-esque restored mutant power, not to mention the non-mutant power of being completely expendable). My only complaint is that Abyss serves as a dues ex machina of sorts to save Reaver and Fatale, not to mention himself, because they're not expendable at all (now if this were written by Frank Teri on the other hand...) Also, Maddox's one man performance of 300, M trying to save Fatale, and Layla Miller's comments on her "catch phrase" are great moments. Very few writers can successfuly mix humor into an otherwise dark, noirish comic, but then Peter David is no ordinary writer.

X-Men #200 (Endangered Species): 5 out of 5
Written by Mike Carey
Art by Humberto Ramos and Chris Bachalo
Last but not lest, we have X-Men #200, and the return of the Marauders! Yes, the Marauders, once formidable enemies of the X-Men turned cloned jokes return to their former glory as the adjectiveless X-Men are betrayed by not one, not two, but three of their number (aka, half the team with Cable and Sabretooth gone), although admidtedly one is possessed by Malice. One wonders if they were manipulating Rogue when she assembled her team. Luckily, Beast, Cyclops, Emma Frost, and Wolverine are on hand to help even things out. Mike Carey really knocks it out of the park with this one, but unfortunately I only have one Pick each week. With that in mind, we have the first ever....

BRIAN'S HONORABLE MENTION OF THE WEEK Oh, and also, the Beast enlists some unlikely allies in the first chapter of Endangered Species, also by Mike Carey.

Next Week: Countdown 43, Fallen Son Death of Captain America Iron Man, and more! Plus, Endangered Species continues in Uncanny X-Men #488.

BRIAN'S BRAIN: June 20, 2007

SPOILER ALERT!!!

DC COMICS

Catwoman #68: 4 out of 5
Written by Will Pfeifer
Art by David Lopez
By threatening little Helna, Hammer and Sickle keep Selina on the ropes all issue, and Holly arives for a last minute save. I usually hate it when the title hero is saved by another, but due to Holly's intrical part in the book, it works here. However, Holly then has to leave Gotham (for Countdown presumably), but it is not made clear just why that is. For such an important plot point, it feels very rushed and forced.

Checkmate #15: 2 out of 5
Written by Greg Rucka and Judd Winick
Art by Joe Bennett
As Checkout continues on to its conclusion, not much happens. They group tries to rescue the captured Boomerang, Nightwing, and Sasha Bordbaux, but they are misled to the wrong location. It turns out, they are really in North Korea (presumably), and Batman has to save the day. So the entire issue was just a pretense for bringing in Batman to the Outsiders. Both Checkmate and Outsiders have been dropped from my pull list, although being a completionist, I will pick up Outsiders #49 for the conclusion of this story.

Countdown 45: 4 out of 5
Written by Paul Dini and Tony Bedard
Art by J. Calafiore
Things start to pick from last week as the character of Forerunner is given some depth as she battles Donna Troy over the injured Jason Todd. Good Monitor intervenes to save the pair, which causes the Monitors to exile Forerunner for her failure. The Jimmy Olsen story is essential a recap of his journey from Countdown 51 to Countdown 46, and he gives some exposition on the New Gods for those who don't have access to Wikipedia. Holly Robinson makes a brief apperance, but neither the Rogues nor Mary Marvel appear in this issue.

Flash The Fastest Man Alive: 4 out of 5
Written by Marc Guggenheim
Art by Tony Daniel
Another one bites the dust. Without the Speed Force, Bart Allen is overwhelmed by the Rogues. But Bart fights on, and pays the ultimate price to save the day in the end. The last few pages are well done as Tim Drake (Robin), Jay Garrick (Golden Age Flash), and Jesse Quick (Liberty Bell) react to his death without any words. Less is more in this case.

Justice League of America #10: 4 out of 5
Written by Brad Meltzer
Art by Ed Benes
The Lightning Sage concludes! I'm not going to spoil the big event in this issue, even with a Spoiler Warner. All I will say is not to overlook this book.

Shadowpact #14: 4 out of 5
Written by Bill Willingham
Art by Tom Derenick
Zauriel confronts Blue Demon over him making demons cool, and after teasing a fight for several pages, reason prevails. It sounds dull, but is in the able hands of Bill Willingham, it actually works much better than the typical hero vs. hero fight. Blue Devil calls for a press confrence where he tells kids not to do drugs, I mean make deals with the devil, stating how it has ruined his life and those of everyone he cares about. He then takes a leave of absense from Shadowpact to go into Hell to investigate what happened to his family, with Zauriel temporarily taking his place on team.

MARVEL COMICS

Amazing Spider-Man #541: 4 out of 5
Written by J. Michael Stracynski
Art by Ron Garney
The darker Peter Parker learns of the Kingpins involvement in the assassination attempt on Aunt May, and the Kingpin prepares for their showdown by bribing a guard into helping him escape from his cell (and more important, change out of his prison jumpsuit). Peter checks in on his Aunt, and decides to take the desperate measure of injecting her with his Spider-Blood, as it has saved her life one before (albeit with side effects later on). Then Spider-Man and the Kingpin meet face to face in the prison, as the inmates look on in anticipation of their fight.

Annihilation Conquest: 5 out of 5
Written by Dave Abnett and Andy Lanning
Art by Mike Perkins
This review will be biased. The Phalanx Covenant was the event going on when I first got into comics, so can hardly be abjective here. Not to mention it features Phyla-Vell and Moondragon, two of my favorite characters in Peter David's Captain Marvel run (even before they became a lesbians and hooked up). Anyway, this issue is a great setup for Annihilation Conquest, and even if you didn't like the Phalanx from the 90s, you should check out this issue as it breathes new life into them. In fact, this issue is...

BRIAN'S PICK OF THE WEEK<

Captain America #27 CWI: 4 out of 5
Written by Ed Brubaker
Art by Steve Epting and Mike Perkins
This title really outshines the Fallen Son limited series in dealing with Cap's death thanks to the superb writing efforts of Ed Brubaker. The Winter Soldier targets Tony Stark, and begins by reclaiming Steve Roger's iconic shield from the Black Widow. In a flashback to the days of the Cold War, it is revealed that the two have a history. The Black Widow divines the Winter Soldier's motives and warns Tony. Meanwhile, the Falcon recruits Sharon Carter on behalf of Nick Fury to pursue the rogue Winter Soldier.

Fallen Son Death of Captain America Spider-Man: 3 out of 5
Written by Jeph Loeb
Art by David Finch
This series have been mediocre at best, with the exception of the Captain America issue. Spider-Man grieves over Cap's death, bringing back memories of losing his parents, Uncle Ben, Captain Stacy, and of course Gwen Stacy. He has a rather pointless brawl with the Rhine, who is just there visiting his mother. Their battle is mostly filler as Peter reflects on a similar fight in which he teamed up with Cap to take down the Hulk. Wolverine trails after Peter and tries to cheer him up. You know your in a bad place when you need Wolverine to cheer you up.

Heroes for Hire #11 WWH: 3 out of 5
Written by Zeb Wells
Art by Clay Mann
If you pick up this issue expecting a World War Hulk tie-in, prepare to be disappointed. This issue only tangentially ties-in to that storyline, as the Heroes help with the evacuation of NYC a bit before going off on a "side-quest" invovling some evil bugs from space.

Incredible Hulk #107 WWH: 4 out of 5
Written by Greg Pak
Art by Gary Frank
Amadeus Cho, the seventh smartest person on the planet (as they keep reminding us), gathers human allies for the Hulk, from former Champions Hercules and Angel (although it unclear what Angel's motives for doing so are) to the brother of the late Goliath and average joes. Hulk at first views the puny humans as enemies, but Amadeus tries to reason with him. The Hulk appears to be listening to him, especially when Hercules underscores his point by not fighting back as the Hulk smashes him.

Iron Man #19 WWH: 3 out of 5
Written by Christos Gate
Art by Butch Guice
Christos Gage takes on the task of making the post-Civil War Tony Stark heroic. Iron Man has the potential to be a great character, as evidenced in Civil War: The Confession and Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America - Captain America. Gage builds on that by showing that even though Tony Stark has made many questionable decisions of late, he still has the guts to face the consequences of his own actions.

Moon Knight #11 CWI: 3 out of 5
Written by Charlies Huston
Art by Mico Suayan
As I mentioned last week, I hate the hero-start-in-peril, flash-back-to-how-he-got-there plot device. This issue illustrates just how confusing it can be as three stories happen in a jumbled sequence, further confused by Marc Spector's proclivity towards hallucinations.

X-Men Endangered Species Special: 4 out of 5
Written by Mike Carey
Art by Scot Eaton
Endangered Species kicks off not with a bang, but with a whimper. A throw-away mutant has died, and various members of the X-Men, New X-Men, and X-Factor react to his death and the impending extinction of their species. A well written story, but hardly anything Earth-shattering.

Next Week: Amazons Attack #3, Countdown 44, X-Men #200, and more!