So this week is kind of a small week. Perfect timing for a small week as I had some car troubles this week and so i'm operating at the low end of the money spectrum. Only going to be able to get a few books tomorrow for this reason so I am also glad that this weeks selection of books isn't that full of stuff I HAVE to have. So baring more volcanic activity fucking up my ability to get comics tomorrow here is my list.

Must Gets

Flash: Rebirth #1 - Looking forward to this. Geoff Johns and Ethan VanSciver on a title staring a classic hero with the word Rebirth in it means another word MONEY! So Money and we all know it.

Justice Society of America #25 - Geoff Johns' run on this title is almost at an end. Until then I am going to eat up whats left of the run like a fat kid whose snuck out of fat camp and found a Sizzler.

Amazing Spider-Man #590 - A title that week in and week out has been strong. Don't even have to say it again but I hate the lack of MJ/Pete but these are some great stories.

Cable #13 - Hoping the continuation of the Messiah War story will be strong and contain enough action and dram for it to live up to the amazing Messiah Complex.

Captain America: Marvel 70th Anniversary Special - Four words. Marcos Martin on art.

Invincible Iron Man #12 - Great storyline going on here. Can't wait to see more with Pepper Pots/Iron Maiden.

War of Kings #2 - New Starjammers, Emperor Vulcan, Shiar, Nova, Gyradians of the Galaxy. This is a big one and so far has brought its A game.

Going Into The Box

Teen Titans #69 - This title used to be one of my favorites. I can't quite drop it but I don't feel the urgency to snatch it up quick like either.

Astonishing Tales #3 - This one was a hard choice to put in the box. I really want my Mojo but lack of money means lack of money.

Avengers/Invaders #9 - Honestly just riding the wave out on this one. To deep to quit but not enjoying to say the least.

Deadpool #9 - Good stuff but it can wait.

New Avengers: Reunion #2 - Not sure about this one but I like Ronin/Hawkeye/Clint and am very interested by Mockingbird.

Secret Warriors #3 - This title has been awesome and I wouldn't be surprised if it actually ends up coming down to getting this and putting Iron Man in the box instead. Who comes home will depend on what I see when I flip through the two of them tomorrow.

The cover of the month for March came down to three nominees. Those nominees are Action Comics #875 by Andrew Robinson, X-Force #13 by Clayton Crain and Daredevil #117 by Marko Djurdjevic. The winner of the month for this month is.......



The cover to Action Comics #875 had the highest SPRI Total of all titles this month. I really enjoyed this cover. Despite the fact that I have since dropped this title from lack of interest I really really like the cover. The frosty blue and searing red mix into an amazing two color combo. It's a very haunting cover. Don't really have any fancy pants arts terms to use here. Just plain like it. Winner of March 2009 Cover of the Month Award it is!

Every tattoo has a story. Every tattoo has a meaning as well. I figured i'd put up some pictures of my tattoos and share the stories that produced them and the meaning of them as well.

The newest of my two comic related tattoos is a Green Lantern tattoo. I got it on my left forearm. I got this one with two friends of mine. The reason for this one was two fold. The first being that I enjoy the Green Lantern character and enjoy the Willpower idea behind the symbol. Having it on my forearm kept it in a place where I could easily see it and remind myself to keep strength in hard times.
The second reason and the more important reason to the other two guys was because we all used to use a bong we called Green Lantern. It was a homemade glass wine distiller that we hung a green glow stick in. It would light up the whole room while we got all lit up. I used to recite the GL oath before "recharging my ring" with it. We all loved that bong and had a lot of great times while using it and after using it.
Well, as all things of that nature seem to do it got broken one day. My buddy Matt broke it and thus his tattoo has a nice crack in it. I'll try to get a pic of his up sometime soon. Maybe tomorrow. What's sweet is all of our tattoos have slight differences a lot like the GL Corps and their uniforms. Getting these done together created our own GL Corps and linked us for lives as friends.

My first tattoo, and my favorite, is my Joker tattoo. It's clearly based on Brian Bolland's work from his and Alan Moore's Killing Joke. It is a panel straight from the comic. I even kept the HAHAHA in the background. You can't really see it in the picture as well as you can in person. The HAHA portion goes from a dark orange to red as you work toward the waist of the Joker. The HAHA is actually the negative space and so the spacing between the letters is what is actually colored.
I took liberties with the panel and changed the color of the suit. Instead of the black suit I made it the traditional Joker purple, green and orange. I also added the bola and removed the standard style tie. The only thing it's missing, I wish I had added it as well, is the deadly flower on the lapel.
This tattoo was something I got because I enjoyed the story it came from and I have always loved the Joker. I grew up watching the old Adam West Batman show and fell in love with the Joker there. Then at five years old the first Tim Burton Batman came out and my Dad took me to see it. Deal was done at that point. The Joker was insane and totally unruly. For a kid it doesn't get much better.
As this was my first tattoo I was super fucking nervous. I think I took like 6 nervous pees before I even sat down. To get myself chilled out I smoked a bowl before I got there. (As you can tell I used to smoke a decent amount of pot before I was married with child. That's all changed now) The artist wasn't to into the tattoo at first and I could tell. After I sat down and he got the equipment going he started playing some tunes. Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon came on and "Speak to Me/Breathe played. During that a maniacal laugh sounds. The artist smiled and said to me, "Ok, now i'm ready for this. Now I want to do something wicked!". Now this is something that I will have for the rest of my life. I love it and I enjoy carrying this masterpiece with me to the grave.

Well those are my tats and the stories behind them. Anyone else got comic tattoos? If so leave a rant with a link to a pic and i'll put it up here on the Asylum. Or just email a pic to me along with a story about it. Looking forward to some tats Inmates!

Let me start out by saying I am not the biggest fan of this Wolverine appreciation month concept. The idea to give most if not all Marvel comics a Wolverine variant for a month is ridiculous. This character isn't over exposed enough? I do love some Wolverine like most do but enough is enough. I especially dislike that the covers have nothing to do with the title.

Having said that some of them look pretty cool. Such as this one for Ms. Marvel #38



Pretty damn sweet cover. Just wish it had been used for an X-Men title or one of the ten Wolverine titles. Just seems a waste to use as a variant cover for a non related title.

So I saw this movie, Comic Book Diaries, on instant Netflix and thought the premise seemed like fun. It is a cool preference. It just isn't a cool flick.

The main problem with this movie is that it tries too hard to be Clerks. It has the low-budget feel and the overly wordy script that reflects on a place in the world that one might not be entirely pleased with. What it doesn't have is talent or originality. The low-budget camera work is something you can get used to but the forced dialogue and the constant music in the background no matter the scene really grates after only a few minutes.

I will admit I didn't make it to the end but I highly doubt you will either Inmates. So if you see this somewhere avoid it like you would an infectious disease. It is just that bad.

So I know there have already been changes to this blog on a few occasions. That isn't going to stop anytime soon. Currently the average hits has been under what it was a few weeks ago so I really think I need to do something more with this. Not sure where this will take us Inmates but I know we aren't calling it quits. I think we are just going to have to start slamming things against padded walls and see if them stick. So stay tuned as over the course of this week i'll try some new things and maybe bring back some old. Who knows?!

Here are my favorite covers from this week. I have picked them based upon a few factors. Each factor is worth 5 points and the points are totaled to give the cover a rating. Those factors are:

• Style - Is it unique and something new or just classic and clean.
• Pop - How much does it pop out to the readers eyes when it's sitting on the shelf.
• Relevance - How relevant is the cover to what is actually happening inside the book.
• Iconic Value - Is this a cover that will stand out over the course of time or is it neat but nothing legendary.

Without further ado here we go:

4. Messiah War One-Shot (Kaare Andrews)

• Style - The style fits the direness of the title very well. It is very dark and decrepit. The look of Archangel in the background is a very haunting image and works well as a focal point for the eye in the background. 4/5
• Pop - Almost everything that helps this title in the style category hurts it here in the pop category. It does have some great A-List characters from the x-books here which will draw some readers to look at it. The dark drab colors though doesn't really make it immediately appealing. 2/5
• Relevance - It has a majority of the characters from this arc in what appears to be a wasteland much like the future that appears under the cover. This is about where it ends. 2/5
• Iconic Value - It is a great visual piece of art. Very dark and brooding and it sets a great tone for this story arc. It has some great characters in a great pose looking half dead. Iconic? Wouldn't go that far. I would say it will probably be one of the more memorable covers from this crossover though. 3/5
• SPRI Total 11/20

3. Amazing Spider-Man #589 (Chirs Eliopolous, Klaus Janson and Dean White)

• Style - This cover takes a chance and I dig it. While there isn't much art it has flavor nonetheless. The large font with Spidey's hand coming out of it is really a neat idea. It stands out from its peers on the shelves. Name one other book that looks anything like this. No matter whether you think that's a good thing or a bad thing. It still has a style of it's own. 3/5
• Pop - Again because of its uniqueness it pop quite a bit. Enough to get you to buy it? Not so sure. But pop it has in spades. If you walk by it you are sure to take a few seconds to let your peepers take a look at it. 4/5
• Relevance - Well i'll be damned if the Spot doesn't return here so i'd say the relevance is through the roof. 5/5
• Iconic Value - It isn't iconic as much as it has a real retro unique feel to it. I can't get give it a ton of marks here but it definitely deserves some credit for trying. 2/5
• SPRI Total 14/20

Justice League of America # 31 (Ed Benes and Brian Miller)

• Style - Pretty cool cover with the big three walking away. Really dig the torn JLA flag billowing over their heads. Always enjoy when a logo can be incorporated into a cover as more than just a static logo stamped at the top. Definitely seems to show the end of an era here. 3/5
• Pop - Anytime you have the big three on a cover there is immediate pop. The fact that things look so bleak yet you have a little sun coming up only adds more pop. The JLA flag up top is a really nice touch that adds a little more flair to it as well. 4/5
• Relevance - All three of these characters are now out of the title as the cover implies. The cover does a great job of implying the end of an era and on the inside this is exactly what is going on. 4/5
• Iconic Value - For this era of JLA this is a very iconic and well done cover. While we all know that these three will be back at some point right now they are out. Since this title was relaunched it has been an uber power team but this looks to be shifting. So i'd say for the era that is now passing this is iconic as it marks the end. 4/5
• SPRI Total 15/20

Daredevil #117 (Marko Djurdjevic)

• Style - Love the look of this cover. DD and Kingpin meeting in a graveyard and shaking hands. Great stuff. Scream deal with the devil. Which is the devil though? Very Faustian. The light coming in from the background really brings the dark nature of the foreground into focus and gives it that highlighted effect as your eyes are drawn right there. 3/5
• Pop - DD and Kingpin shaking hands in a graveyard is great. The light surrounding them brings your eyes onto them immediately and makes you think, "Now why the hell would these two be shaking hands?!". I know it did for me. I then popped the sucker open and consumed it with my eyes. 4/5
• Relevance - This scene is in there. It happens at the end as it should too. The cover makes you want to see it and they make you wait till the end to see it. Oh and it's worth it. 5/5
• Iconic Value - DD and Kingpin shaking hands. Mortal enemies seemingly making a gentleman's agreement. It is beautifully rendered. I think it will be remembered for awhile. 4/5
• SPRI Total 16/20
  

Let me know what you think Inmates and tune in next week as we start on April! Just as a refresher the final three nominees for Cover of March are Action Comics #875 by Andrew Robinson, X-Force #13 by Clayton Crain and Daredevil #117 by Marko Djurdjevic.

I figured why not do some quick reviews on stuff that came out this week as well as stuff I finally got out of my pull box called Limbo. So here we go!

Ms. Marvel #37 - Eh...not much here worth gushing over that's for sure. Probably one of my least favorite of the run. Plus come on Carol is as dead as Batman, Elvis and Tupac. Art was not very good either. Hopefully this is going somewhere better. D-

Guardians of the Galaxy #11 - Story was alright. The philosophical waxing was the best part. Loved Drax's explanation of how the Marvel Universe works basically. Pretty cool. Art was weak. C

X-Infernus #4 - Some great Nightcrawler in here. Variant cover with Illyana is gorgeous! Didn't mind the art but nothing I would write home from the Asylum about. Some development with Pixie and the not so surprise return of a chick whose brother calls her Snowflake. Fun read but nothing monumental. C+

Skaar Son of Hulk #9 - Again this title doesn't disappoint. Good art made great by the inkers and colorists. Pak does a great job with the story and leaves us with an ending that should take better pay off and be more than a shock ending that falls flatter than the Silver Surfer's board. B

Thunderbolts #130 - Didn't mind it as a Deadpool comic. The problem is this is a Thunderbolts comic. So while I was hoping for a Thunderbolts comic with a much edgier but yet deranged Deadpool I instead received a dumbass TBolts team who came across as way to comical for them to be taken serious when this whole thing is over. D

X-Men: Kingbreaker #4 - Awesome mini that serves as a great lead in to War of Kings. Everything here was top notch from words to pictures. Only thing lacking here for me was the cover. Didn't dig it too much at all. I would love to see the same team do a Starjammers book when War of Kings is finished. Oh and where oh where did that damned Phoenix Force soar off to? That should be interesting. A

Dardevil: Man Without Fear #116 - Brubaker + Aja = please sir may I have another. This team should make books forever. This is a Miller/Hitch combo IMHO. Their Iron Fist was spectacular and so was this. This is one of the first DD books I have ever purchased and I will be coming back. I know Aja isn't the regular artist but that's cool they hooked me for an arc at least. I also know Brubaker is leaving but we will deal with that when the time comes. Kingpin I feel bad for you brotha I really do. Now it's time for that sweet sweet revenge. A

X-Force/Cable Messiah War One-Shot - This was a mixed bag. Did a great job of setting the event up through recap and the action was great. The Bishop and Stryfe stuff to me was just lame ass. Did not enjoy that interpretation of Stryfe at all. Maybe I missed something here but since when is Stryfe a mix of Gambit and Wolverine. Hanging out in a bar after killing everyone and then just acting charming instead of psycho crazy ass regal like?! Blah! Bishop also is getting a weak rap here and coming off more and more like a lame ass D-List villian. The hint at the return of Apocalypse was sooooo enticing though! C+

Captain America #48 - Good stuff. Wrapped this arc up nicely. This was my least favorite arc during Brubaker's run but this was the best issue of it by far. I actually quite enjoyed it. Wish the arc would have been this good. The stuff at the end with Black Widow and Bucky Cap and Namor had way too much cheese factor for me though. B

New Avengers #51 - Wasn't a fan of all the art changes. Bachalo's stuff was my least favorite part of this issue. The stuff with Spidey unmasking AGAIN was done well but still was lame. I really thought he might leave i'm gonna be honest. I would have probably prefered it. It kind of invalidates a lot of what has happened since Brand New Day. That statement might endear itself to some though I realize this. The leadership stuff was good though I did dig Luke leading. Oh and an we make Dr. Strange the wicked badass he is again soon. Please? C+

Wolverine Origins #34 - Cool cover and great art. Writing wasn't too shabby either. Overall I enjoyed this for what it was which was a lot of action as this arc comes to the end next issue. Wasn't a huge fan of all the X-Men getting their asses handed to them by Daken though. I mean I know Marvel is building him up but at what expense? C+

So I was sitting here thinking and I have decided to drop the Top 5 Writers and Artists of the week features. Didn't feel like they were anything special and thus not worth doing. If you disagree or just want to chime in I changed the poll to coincide with this change.

I will continue doing cover reviews because they are unique. I will also be keeping Top 5 Titles of the week because it's a good feature for people who aren't sure if a title is worth picking up. Plus I like doing that one. ;)

So there you have it shit keeps changing and we keep evolving. Maybe the features that replace it will be stronger and more likely to hold everyone's, including mine, attention and keep them coming back. Only time will tell.

I'll speak at ya later Inmates!

So I just finished watching season 1's final episode of Wolverine and the X-Men. This show is fucking awesome! From beginning to end this show can't seem to find a way to disappoint. Granted it follows its own continuity but trust me you'll like it.

I myself am a huge fan of the Fox X-Men animated series but I have to admit this show gives it one hell of a run for its money. Had the Fox series not been such a staple of my childhood I may have had to even give this one the edge. It just has so many, "oh shit! no way!" moments.





We are constantly shown fan favorite characters through out the season that will make most X-Fans flip their wigs. Here are some of the characters:

• All pictured in the accompanying image
• Hellfire Club
• Archangel/Angel
• Blink
• Apocalypse
• New X-Men galore
• Mr. Sinister
• Sentinels
• Marauders
• Polaris
• Quicksilver
• Scarlet Witch
• Marrow
• Bishop
• Vanisher
• Domino
  

Honestly just to many too list.

The season focuses on Xavier disappearing and turning up in the future. While this honestly seems very much like a Zordon and the Power Rangers relationship, with Xavier's body living in a tube in stasis and using floating head talking to communicate, it is pretty cool. The other two main plots are finding Jean who also vanished as well as the looming threat of the Sentinels and government backed mutant roundups.

As the season progresses though the gears shift in crazy ways that no one will see coming and everyone will enjoy. The show twists constantly and turns viewers on their heads as new characters come in and out and new menaces rear their heads. The last episode itself is a huge twist. The very end of the episode should have all X-Men fans who have been enjoying the books since at least the mid 90's shitting their pants in anticipation of the next season. I know I was and still am.

So check this show out if you haven't already and let me know what you all think. I promise you won't be let down by this animated masterpiece.

Alright so the comic gods have decided to grant me my books today. Despite volcano ash and downed flights coming into Anchorage, Alaska comics have arrived! So hopefully in the near future I can get some features up.

Next, I put up a poll on the side. I know it is difficult to read but I have no clue how to change the color of the font on the stupid thing. So it is what it is. If everyone could take the time to vote it would be a big help. Trying to decide what features should stay and which should go in favor of new stuff.

Lastly, I am thinking of adding a weekly video feature to the blog. Haven't nailed down 100% what it would involve but would love some input on what you Inmates would like to see. So those 5 of you that come here let me know!

Alright keep checking back and we'll talk some fucking comics!

Alright so I wont get my comics today it seems. Yet again comics weren't shipped on time to the great city of Anchorage, Alaska. I am sure the volcano eruption will be blamed but sad excuses are all that is. Don't the shipping people understand I know face withdrawals. Ah the headaches are setting in! Bastards!

Alright last category for the week of 3/18/09 here. Much like the other two this is a shorty.

5. X-Men Legacy #222 - This title had top artist and writer nods. Placing 5th for artist and 5th for writer. This has been a fun title that has done a lot of tweaking of the X-Universe. Some has been for the worse some has been for the better. This issue was one of the betters as we are seeing a lot of development with the characters of Rogue and Gambit.

4. Wolverine: Old Man Logan #71 - This crazy look at the potential future of our favorite hairy Canadian canucklehead has been a great joy ride. This title was awarded 2nd in artists and 4th in writers for this week. This issue pushed the story forward finally after a bit of time where it felt like this title was just going to be a more violent road trip movie. The end of this issue could potentially change the whole direction of this story.

3. Amazing Spider-Man #588 - 3rd for covers and 2nd for writing gets this title in at the 3rd spot for title of the week. While it obviously had writing and covers I enjoy the art was also great. Any other week and it probably would have been a top 5. It actually was 6th on my list so there is that. Really enjoyed all the elements of this title and where it left us going forward into the future. It left many stories available such as where does the whole Lily/Menace and Harry/Goblin relationship go?!

2. X-Factor #41 - Pulled down 3rd for covers and 3rd for writing. Lot going on here. Rahne has some good moments. Madrox and Layla together in the future. Don't want to go into much detail here because PAD as been so eager to keep people from spoiling things. Just believe me this has been a great title recently and this title ratchets it up another level.

1. X-Force #13 - Death, destruction and New X-Men appearances galore! This title was nominated in all three categories. 1st in covers, 3rd in artists, and 1st in writing. The trio of Kyle, Yost and Crain are pumping out some great stuff. This title almost seems like the main x-title honestly. It ties into more of the other x-titles than any other book does and it seems to be one of the highest quality on a consistent basis.

So the two titles of the week so far this month are Ghost Rider #33 and X-Force #13. Stay tuned later in the week to find out the last title of the week for March.

This will be another short and sweet one. This week we should be back on track and doing it the old way. But who knows how we'll do it. Maybe people like it better this way?! Let me know what you think people. So here we go top writers!

5. Mike Carey (X-Men: Legacy #222) - So this was a really good issue. Starting to get somewhere I think. Rogues characterization has been really spot on as has Gambits. I love seeing those two characters written well. I just hope this arc concludes with the two of them being part of a new X-Men team lead by Xavier. Who knows where Carey is going with this though. I'll be there to find out though and that's in very large part to the writing here.

4. Mark Millar (Wolverine: Old Man Logan #71) - This has been a really great arc. While it doesn't take place in continuity it still has me connected to the characters. It still has me feeling slightly sad when something happens to a character like Hawkeye who gets an abrupt ending to his story here. Hopefully now though berserker Wolverine will make his return and Millar as we know can write that quite well.

3. Peter David (X-Factor #41) - Let this title never end! PAD has been amazing here. This title has been good since the start. For a bit there it was good but nothing great. Almost resting on its laurels. Not anymore the last few issues have provided us with twists, turns, and killer cliffhanger endings. This is a book that only seems to get better issue after issue. Can't wait for the next one after the way PAD left us hanging on the last one!

2. Marc Guggenheim (Amazing Spider-Man #588) - While I really miss the MJ and Peter relationship I gotta admit I have enjoyed these stories set in Brand New Day. The Spidey Brain-Trust now know as the Web-Heads are why. Guggenheim has given us a great character arc here and provides plenty of action as well. This issue in particular was a heart breaker but so is the life of Peter and those who surround him.

1. Craig Kyle and Chris Yost (X-Force #13) - These guys plus an X-Title is guaranteed gold for Marvel and fans. They are amazing writers and you can tell by the way they off characters but still fanboys keep coming back. This issue was no exception a they rid another mutant from the world with the promise that two more could go next issue. They can do the blood and gore fighting like no other but they also have touching moments with Rahne here that should keep everyone happy.

So there you go! We now have two of our three nominees for Writer of the Month. First being Peter Tomasi (Green Lantern Corps) and now Craig Kyle and Chris Yost (X-Force). Stay tuned later this week as I run down this weeks top 5 and we get our last nominee!

I know these are wicked late! I will do these sweet and to the point.

5. Scott Eaton (X-Men: Legacy #222) - This was some dynamic stuff that I really enjoyed. Nothing off the charts amazing but still some really enjoyable art.

4. Jerome Opena (Punisher #3) - This art is awesome! I love the sketchiness to it. It is perfect for a Punisher title. It is just amazingly raw. I also LOVE the way he draws the Hood. Would love to see a Hood book with Opena on art chores.

3. Clayton Crain (X-Force #13) - Again like I stated with the covers I really like his stuff. The digital painting technique is different from a lot of what is going on at the big two currently. It is gritty and works really well with whats going on here in X-Force.

2 Steve Mcniven (Wolverine: Old Man Logan #71) - McNiven is something fantastic. He is such a great artist when it comes to the dynamic event feeling books. He just has the whole big blockbuster feel while maintaining the integrity of detail and emotion.

1. David Finch (Ultimatum #3) - While the title is amazingly out of control ridiculous I have enjoyed it. I have especially enjoyed the art here. Finch has brought his A-Game every time out and this is no exception. The panel with Giant Man biting off Blob's head then spitting it out was fan-fucking-tastic!

So there you have it. So as far as nominees go for March's Artist of The Month we now have Tony Moore (Ghost Rider) and David Finch (Ultimatum). One more artist this week and then we will review and pick the Artist of the Month.

So here are the books on my to get list this week. Some will end up in my pull box while some from previous weeks will probably come out of the box but this is my list of what I feel is worth picking up from this weeks releases.

Coming Home No Questions Asked:

Justice League of America #31 - Probably my last for this title for a bit though. Seems like the big three will be leaving the team and a few of the Milestone characters will be coming over which I could care less about. Unless this issue is absolutely killer that will be the end for this one. It's the only reason it comes home this week.

Amazing Spider-Man #589 - Digging the new Spider-Man stuff still. Not sure why MJ couldn't have been left as his wife but still loving the stories.

Captain America #48 - So far the weakest arc of Brubaker's run but still good stuff. This is consistently one of my favorite titles. Love me some Bucky Cap.

Immortal Iron Fist #24 - Another Iron Fist already? Awesome! This one always come home when it releases. Great title that is well worth the money.

Mighty Avengers #23 - This one is like JLA not really digging it and may be the last one unless this issue proves me wrong and hooks me. Coming home tomorrow just to find out.

Ms. Marvel #37 - Love the title. Brian Reed usually never disappoints. Interested having said that to see how this title is with a new lady in the Ms. Marvel uniform.

New Avengers #51 - Can't wait to see who the new Sorcerer Supreme is! This is a consistently out of this park hit with me. No complaints at all.

Skaar: Son of Hulk #9 - Great title that keeps me coming back. Love the art especially. The muted colors and the perfect fantasy vibe with a hulk is a great mix. Feel like Planet Hulk never ended when I read this.

Messiah War Prologue: Can't wait for this one! Loved Messiah Complex and this is the second part of the Messiah trilogy. Hopefully we will see some real progress with the stories of Cable, Hope and especially Bishop.

X-Infernus #4 - This has been a fun mini and I am interested to see how they close this one out. Hoping for no casualties from the New X-Men class.

X-Men: Kingbreaker #4 - Going to miss this one. The art has been fantastic. The writing has been great. I really love the X-Men infused Starjammers and hope they stick around in some capacity.

X-Men: Sword of Braddocks - As has been pointed out in a previous post I am looking forward to this. I am a fan of Psylocke and can't wait till she comes back to the 616 proper. While I love Claremont I am excited this is his last story with her for awhile.

X-Men: Bishop Mini #2 - Enjoying seeing the future from Bishop's POV. Interested to see what has brought him to the point we are at in the Messiah trilogy. Bishop is one of my favorite X-Men so I hope he comes out better than he is going into this one. I wanna be able to break out the Bishop Was Right shirts.

Going in The Box:

Wonder Woman #30 - Gotta get the last one from the box before I get this one. Another title I will probably be dropping. Just waiting till the end of this long arc. The whole Genocide thing has been just plain flat for me.

Umbrella Academy #5 - Gotta get the previous one from the box. This is a fun title it just unfortunately gets shifted to the box because of all the other things out this week.

Fantastic Four #585 - Just waiting for the new team to come on board. Not my favorite run on this title.

Guardians of the Galaxy #12 - Another one I enjoy but gets shifted to the box because of all the other stuff out this box or that is currently in my box that needs to come out.

Nova #23 - Good title but gotta get the last one from my box. Wish it didn't have to go in but a big week means sacrifices.

Thunderbolts #130 - Gotta get the last one from my box. Fun title though. Love G.I. Ant-Man sleaze bag.

Not Sure Whether to Get or Not:

Dark Reign: Elektra #1 - Art looks cool. Character is fun. Just not sure if it is going to be worth the $3.99 price of admission. Better be something real spectacular.


So as anyone who comes to this blog can tell I am an X-Men fan. So a lot of X-Men this week. Also the trend continues with less and less DC titles every week. It is a real shame as I was on a huge DC kick after Infinite Crisis and 52. Looking forward to reading this weeks titles.

So it's been teased that Psylocke would be returning to the Marvel 616 proper soon. This week the one shot that is supposed to make her transition from Exiles back is released. Today though some early solicitations were released for the June releasing X-Titles and this is what the solicitation for Uncanny 512 says:

As the X-Men reel from the return of one of the greatest X-Ladies, Beast and Angel take the X-Club back to 1906 to investigate the origins of the mutant species as we know it. See the earliest stages of the Hellfire Club and the very first Sentinel ever! This story is not to be missed!

Pretty sure that's Psylocke they are talking about. Not convinced? How about this cover! Gotta say this is exciting as it would appear Psylocke and Warren are together... on a team at least that is. The X-Club! Fantastic! Love the quirky X-Club and their crazy science adventures. It has been my favorite part of Uncanny without fail. Psylocke will be a great addition and should add a new twist to the group considering her and Warrens relationship. Looking forward to this.

So I put up my cover reviews at ProjectFanboy.com and they put it on the frontpage in the special features section. I'll be trying to put some of my stuff over there as well as here so do check them out.

Here are my favorite 5 covers from this week. I have picked them based upon a few factors. Each factor is worth 5 points and the points are totaled to give the cover a rating. Those factors are:

• Style - Is it unique and something new or just classic and clean.
• Pop - How much does it pop out to the readers eyes when it's sitting on the shelf.
• Relevance - How relevant is the cover to what is actually happening inside the book.
• Iconic Value - Is this a cover that will stand out over the course of time or is it neat but nothing legendary.

So here are the top 5:

5. Deadpool : Games of Death - (Greg Land with Justin Ponsor)

• Style - Typical Greg Land style here. Well minus a female. Pretty goofy not taking itself to serious. funny but nothing special style wise. 2/5
• Pop - It definitely stands out. I mean you got the merc with a mouth firing off a handgun holding a teddy bear. That surely has some pop factor to it. 3/5
• Relevance - Well actually none at all. There is no carnival or teddy bears inside. 0/5
• Iconic Value - It's Deadpool in a pose that only Deadpool could pull off. He looks badass holding a teddy bear. Pretty classic. 3/5
• SPRI Total 8/20

4. Ultimatum #3 - (David Finch, Danny Miki, Steve Firchow)

• Style - Static pose down shot done gorgeously by Finch. Colors and inking enhance it quite a deal and provides a very beautiful shot that fits together with the other covers from Ultimatum. The Magneto eye glow effect is a great touch. 3/5
• Pop - It's gorgeous like I said and it stands out because you see the whole Brotherhood in one shot with Magneto eyes a glowing in the background and Sabertooth roiding out in the foreground. 3/5
• Relevance - Not much. Sure you see some of these guys in the interior but you get no clue as to what is going on inside from the cover. I mean Quicksilver in the background is even dead by this issue. 0/5
• Iconic Value - As far as iconic value goes it is extremely iconic for the Ultimate Universe. This title is the end of the Ultimate Universe as we know it and this is a great shot of some the hardest evil mutants the Ultimate U has to offer. Great way to showcase these guys before obliterating the Universe and some, if not all of them, along the way. 5/5
• SPRI Total 11/20

3. Amazing Spider-Man #588 - (John Romita Jr., Klaus Janson, Dean White)

• Style - This is a very classic looking John Romita Jr. style. There is something about JRJR's style that just seems classic when it is attached to Spidey. The image is very dark and haunting and is rendered very well by JRJR. It even has newspaper in the image that tells you what the story is about. Nice touch. 4/5
• Pop - It doesn't pop so much for me. While I think it is well done by JRJR and is yet another classic Spidey image done by him it doesn't really sell the book you know what I mean? Nothing really flashy about it. 2/5
• Relevance - It's relevant alright. As I mentioned above the newspaper on the cover even tells you what is happening inside the cover and a little of what happened before. It's a great cover that tells you all you need to know about the interior. Pretty neat way to recap on the cover without really being overt about it. 5/5
• Iconic Value - It's JRJR and I would argue just about all of his covers are iconic in some way because he does Spidey so well. Long into the future I think JRJR will be remembered as one of the best ever to draw Spidey. Having said that this is not the most iconic of all the drawings he has done and surely not the most memorable. 2/5
• SPRI Total 13/20

2. X-Factor #41 (David Yardin with Nathan Fairbain)

• Style - Very foreboding and dark. Th Sentinel looks great seemingly preparing to destroy Madrox and his multiples. The sheer panic on Madrox and the dupes is great and I love the interior of the Sentinel's mouth the detail is fantastic. 3/5
• Pop - You have a giant Sentinel in the background with its chest, eyes, and mouth glowing with energy. In such a dark cover these elements really make it stand out. It draws your eyes in and then you see Madrox and the dupes and the terror they are experiencing. 4/5
• Relevance - It's got Madrox and a Sentinel. Both are inside in some capacity. Maybe not the same as this exact image but its close enough. It definitely gives you a damn good idea of whats inside and does not disappoint. 4/5
• Iconic Value - Pretty iconic Sentinel. Probably one of the more iconic images of the series so far in my opinion. Maybe not iconic in a everyone will remember it forever sort of way but still pretty chilling and memorable. 3/5
• SPRI Total 14/20

1. X-Force #13 - (Clayton Crane)

• Style - I think Clayton Crain's style is currently extremely unique. Crain's digital painting style is very dark, I mean VERY dark, and just stands apart from the crowd. This cover is no exception 4/5
• Pop - This cover pops right out there. First you have a character in front of the logo which automatically sets it apart from other things on the shelf that have a static logo in the top of the image. Second you have everything shot to hell in the image including the previously mentioned logo. Then you have the antagonist standing over the members of the team who all have her crazy weird Jason mask on and are bound. Looks pretty dire and makes you want to crack the book open fairly quickly. 4/5
• Relevance - This scene does not happen in the book but it figuratively is very relevant. Leper queen is in control and she has these guys right where she wants them. This is a downer issue, in a great way, and this cover captures all of that. 4/5
• Iconic Value - Not a lot of iconic value on this one. It is though one of the cooler covers for this series which makes it a little iconic for this book. It's an image I will remember when I think of this book. 3/5
• SPRI Total 15/20

Let me know what you think Inmates and tune in next week as we review another five covers and pick the last nominee for cover of the month. Just as a refresher the two nominees so far are Action Comics #875 by Andrew Robinson and X-Force #13 by Clayton Crain.

So Newsarama posted a slide show of DC Direct items coming in the future. One of the slides was some Blackest Night figures. While we had seen most of these one of them had been originally blacked out. That being a Superman Black Lantern that was left up to imagination. Well not anymore. The picture revealed not only what appears to be Black Lantern Superman but also Black Lantern Martian Manhunter. They look pretty damn cool. An awesome figure line in general. This is kind of big news. Here it is:
Again credit Newsarma for posting it first.

The movie sucked but Jennifer Garner was hot as hell in that suit. That is all.

June will also see the return of Judd Winick as the writer of Batman and the debuts of Red Robin by Christopher Yost and Ramon Bachs, Batman: Streets of Gotham by Paul Dini and Dustin Nguyen and Gotham City Sirens by Dini and Guillem March.

Starting in June the Bat titles see a relaunch of sorts with new titles and new characters taking the mantles of others. What wasn't clear was who would be taking over all the titles. While we knew some creators on some of the titles a clearer list has been given. Judd Winick is the writer of Batman, Red Robin will be by Christopher Yost and Ramon Bachs, Batman: Streets of Gotham by Paul Dini and Dustin Nguyen and Gotham City Sirens also by Dini with Guillem March.

I am especially looking forward to Yost on Red Robin as he is consistently a bringing quality work to the titles he is on. What about you Inmates? Any of this sound good to you?

Trying out this new look for the asylum let me know what you think everyone. Also if anyone can tell me how to change the image next to the beginning of the post I would be much in your debt. Hope you Inmates like the new look for the Asylum.

Well today is that day that we all wait for ladies and gentlemen. New Comic Day! The day where no matter how hard the economy is hitting your wallet you can still justify dropping 3-4 bucks on some paper with pretty pictures and words in it. All held together with three staples. Yours and mine visual crack.

In looking at the shipping list it appears to be X-Men week. Just about every x-title under the sun comes out this week. Not complaining just wish it was a little more spread out so there wont be a week where there are no x-titles.

So what am I picking up from this weeks offerings? Whats going in the box? Let's take a look.

Taking Home:

Amazing Spider-Man #588
Amazing Spider-Man: Extra #3
Dark Avengers #3
Thunderbolts #130
Punisher #3
Ultimate X-Men #100
Ultimatum #3
Uncanny X-Men #507
Wolverine #71
Wolverine: Origins #34
X-Factor #41
X-Force #13
X-Men Kingbreaker #4
X-Men: Legacy #222
Young X-Men #12

Pull Box:

Azrael: Death's Dark Knight #1
Supergirl #39
Deadpool Annual: Games of Death
Spider-Man Noir #4

So most of it's coming home with me this week.

Gotta say I am noticing a trend. It seems that most of my comics are now Marvel. For awhile there I was getting a pretty equal amount from the big two but as money has gotten tighter I find myself looking to drop titles and mostly they end up being DC. I really think the quality of their books has decreased a fair amount in the last couple of years. Exceptions of course for anything written by Geoff Johns. If Marvel ever snagged him DC would be in for some serious hurt.

Well things can change and sometimes comics don't come in so we will see if this list changes or not. I'll try and get on later tonight with some thoughts and what not on this weeks bounty. So all five of you that come here and the two of you that follow check back and see whats what!

Alright so this one is like the writers and artists features. The choice of the top 5 titles is based around how well overall the comic was put together. This includes, cover, art, writing, coloring, inking and anything else that goes into making a comic what it is. So here are the first 5 comics of the week here on Burpee's Comic Book Asylum.

5. The Immortal Iron Fist #23 - This is a title that is consistently good. When Matt Fraction left I was sure the quality would drop at least a touch. That didn't happen and the title has maintained it's unique Kung Fu flavor in a comic universe filled with capes. Helping this title get onto the list was writer Duane Swierczynski. He placed 4th on the writers of the week list this week as well. Clever ideas like morse code messages of blood are something you just don't find in other titles. The art does go back and forth with me on whether or not I really enjoy it but I believe I still just miss Aja's art. Overall this is a consistently solid title that has earned its spot in the top 5.

4. The Invincible Iron Man #11 - World's Most Wanted has been a solid story with solid storytelling. This title also had a writer who made the top writers list with Matt fraction ranking 3rd. It also like the number 5 title has a clever means of communication in the pages. Tony Stark within the pages sets up a gmail account to ping his soldiers in the field. While I wont describe it here, as I wouldn't do it the service the story does, it is well worth picking up in stores to find out yourself. The art as usual with Salvador Larroca is solid as well but unlike the writing there is nothing new or amazing involved.

3. Batman: Battle for the Cowl #1 - Great kick off for a mini. I am not sure if this will wrap up all too nicely as there seems to be more going on then can fit in three issues. It is a great starting point none the less. It also marks the return of Black Mask who Daniels renders in his art superbly by really giving him the creepy evil feel he deserves. Tony Daniel does both writing and art chores here and does a fantastic job with both. His writing and art bring forward that blockbuster feel that this title needs. This title picked up nods in two categories this month. It's nominations being in best cover and best art receiving 3rd and 2nd respectively.

2. Green Lantern Corps #34 - Sitting at number two because of its consistency throughout its 34 issue run and also because of the strong performance of this issue in particular. Peter Tomasi presents a story that has both character moments as well as an epic fight for the ages. Artist Patrick Gleason's pencils bring all of these moments to life with an amazing flair. The stand out scenes of the issue come from the Mongul and Arkillo fight which is done so well you almost wish it had taken up the whole issue. The story also moves along the plot as we get ever closer to Blackest Night which I know a lot of fans including myself are dying to get to. This title also bolsters a stacked list of nods this week. Placing 5th for cover, 1st for writing and 5th for art.

1. Ghost Rider #33 - I must admit this was a title that a year ago I really contemplated dropping. What a mistake that would have been as this is easily one of my most looked forward to titles every month. Ghost Rider has never been a character I much enjoyed beyond his obvious visual appeal but Jason Aaron has really made this character shine. He has done the same with this single issue that focuses on Caretaker. It really sets her story into motion and makes her less of a background character and more of a main cast member. Tony Moore on art is fabulous as usual as well. His rendering of the different ghost Riders in this issue were great and left me wanting to see more of each of them. I almost wish they would have a tales of Ghost Rider book that covered some of the Ghost Riders of past. This title received nominations in all three categories this week. Placing 4th in covers, 2nd in writing and 1st in art. A well rounded performance that demanded this title be placed on the list.

So this is obviously like the top 5 Writers list but with artists for the books in which I read for the week of 3/11/09. Not all are always going to be from that shipping week but instead what I have purchased and read that week. So without further ado here we go.

5. Patrick Gleason (Green Lantern Corps) - So Gleason in Green Lantern Corps #34 provided us with one brutal fight scene between Mongul and Arkillo. Leveling cities, rubble falling around them and blood oh yes there was blood. He also gave us great character interactions. He did a great job of conveying Sodam's anger. The green glowing eyes and chest on the opening page would not have been as effective had Gleason not provided such a great figure. I also really enjoyed his Kryb stuff. Very creepy with the crying children left alone. Although we have to go back to the fight between Arkillo and Mongul. The final shot with Mongul triumphant holding Arkillo's tongue is amazing. What a shot. Mongul looks as dominant as ever and clearly comes across as no joke.

4. Jorge Molina w/ Adrian Syuf (Nightcrawler Manifest Destiny One-Shot) - While the one shot itself was anything but revolutionary the art was quite enjoyable. Molina is credited as getting help from Syuf but I am not sure who did what. For the purpose of this I am going to give credit to Molina as he seems to be the main guy according to the credits. Molina did a great job of capturing Nightcawler's swashbuckling spirit. It has been a long time since I have seen a Nightcrawler I liked this much. I would love to see him tackle something a little more high profile to see what else he has to offer.

3. Ron Lim (Skaar Son of Hulk) - I gotta say Lim's art on this title is one of my favorites monthly. Not sure what exactly it is but his art mixed with the wonderful coloring job done on this book make it very stunning to flip through. It definitely brings with it that fantasy feel that I usually am not as big into but for me it really works here on this title.

2. Tony Daniel (Batman: Battle for the Cowl) - I know that Daniels art isn't something you would find in a art house. It is that big blockbuster event kind of art. Clean lines, dramatic poses and things of that sort. That is exactly what kind of book Battle for the Cowl is so it works wonderfully. He definitely seems to be channeling some Jim Lee here but it looks great. His rendering of Black Mask just might be my favorite of the character as he just looks fucking terribly evil.

1. Tony Moore (Ghost Rider) - This is another title that utilizes more of a muted color palette and I enjoy it a great deal. The detail in Moore's art is what really does it for me. Every time I read it I am absolutely enthralled with the environments of the panels. His ability to capture emotion is something else that seems to set him apart from many of his peers. I strongly believe that Moore is at the beginning of a meteoric rise at Marvel and if they don't utilize him correctly over time DC will. Until that time he is a solid fit for Ghost Rider. I wouldn't mind seeing him on Iron Fist for a stint.

Stay tuned weekly as we continue this feature. At the end of the month an artist will be declared artist of the month. For this month Tony Moore is the first nominee. Here's looking forward to next week.

Starting here we kick off a weekly feature where I rate the top 5 writers of the week. The format will change slowly over time as I decide how best to do these so stick with me and I'll get it down.

So here are this weeks Top 5:

5. Greg Pak (Skaar Son of Hulk) - Pak has done such an incredible job building the world of Sakar that it will be a shame if once the upcoming event which sees Skaar come to Earth finishes he doesn't return back there. To let such a world that is a character unto itself go to waste would be a great disservice to the stories told by Pak. From his Hulk run that started there to the current issue of Skaar Son of Hulk #8 Pak has consistently added new and compelling elements to the story of the planet and its inhabitants. This is a title that I think if done by anyone else would have floundered in a large and disastrous way. Pak though having created it has such a wealth of stories it seems that he has a genuine love for the creations he has put to page. Personally at some point I would like to see him get a crack at Thor and the gods of Asgard.

4. Duane Swierczynski (Immortal Iron Fist) - The story of the weapons traveling to the Eighth City has been a lot like everything to come from this title since its inception in that it has done nothing but kick ass. Great ideas here and ways to have the characters interact without necessarily having them come face to face. From taping Morse code through walls to having it written in blood on the arena floor to build a plan of escape Swierczynski finds inventive ways to make a compelling and action packed story. In a matter of two issues he has made an old man who just might be the first Iron Fist into a three dimensional character by giving us his origin as well as showing his need to gain his freedom. All of this while still moving the main story along and showing us that Davos is still the bastard we knew he was all along.

3. Matt Fraction (The Invincible Iron Man) - So the story so far is that Tony is on the run from Osborn and Pepper now has an Iron Maiden suit I suppose you could call it. While the story isn't anything revolutionary the way in which Tony orchestrates his soldiers by having them use a soccer mom email account to ping each other is a brilliant fucking idea. Where he came up with this is beyond me but I can assure you I am jealous. Word is he set up the email as well but someone dicked it up and it is now inaccessible. If Fraction can keep this title as creative and fun as he has since he joined it we may be seeing a long run with him as the mouth of Tony Stark.

2. Jason Aaron (Ghost Rider) - So here Aaron does a great job of introducing many new Ghost Riders that could easily have their stories told all while giving the Caretaker character focus, purpose, and a voice. While she will surely remain a secondary character in the title her she assumes the role of star. Front and center throughout the title she poses as the voice and Aaron builds her into a believable character that I am excited to follow. Ghost Rider is consistently one of the crazier more inventive titles challenging religious stand points and using incredibly unique characters to do so. Gun carrying, motorcycle riding nuns. Need I say more. Great stuff from a guy who is about to launch a new Wolverine title. His stock is on the rise to say the least.

1. Peter Tomasi (Green Lantern Corps) - Tomasi was able to add character development to the new Ion as well as further a relationship (which had me thinking well guess we are going to need another freezer). Oh and there was also this huge badass battle in which Mongul expressed his dominance by ripping out Arkillo's fucking tongue and declaring that Arkillo was not to be heard from from here on out. Great sequence at the end of a visceral fight. Tomasi does get the added benefit of working within the buildup to Blackest Night but much credit to him for making Green Lantern Corps feel like a primary title and not a backup to Green Lantern proper. This tends to be what happens to titles like this but Tomasi has consistently made this title just as entertaining as GL. All these things combined make Peter Tomasi the writer of the week.

Stay tuned weekly as we continue this feature. At the end of the month a writer will be declared writer of the month. For this month Peter Tomasi is the first nominee. Here's looking forward to next week.

Here are my favorite 5 covers from this week. I have picked them based upon a few factors. Each factor is worth 5 points and the points are totaled to give the cover a rating Some of those factors are:

Style - Is it unique and something new or just classic and clean.
Pop - How much does it pop out to the readers eyes when it's sitting on the shelf.

So without further ado here are the top 5:

5. Green Lantern Corps #34 (Cover By Patrick Gleason)

• Style - It's gritty as all hell that is for sure. Love seeing Arkillo is still missing his finger. Very brutal very well done. Nothing to unique though. 3/5
• Pop - It definitely jumps out to you and says hey look at me some shit is going on here that you really should see. It is an action cover that draws the eye. 4/5
• Relevance - The cover features a great fight from the issue. It portrays the viciousness of that battle and does not lead the reader astray from what to expect inside. 5/5
• Iconic Value - While it is a great cover it does not have the lasting ability to be remembered as one of the greats. In the end it is just another fight cover despite its great quality. 0/5
• SPRI Total 12/20

4. Ghost Rider #33 (Cover By Arthur Suydam)

• Style - Nice dark style for the cover. The Caretaker appears very haunting and focused. Classic Suydam work. 4/5
• Pop - It definitely stands out to the reader but it isn't bright and flashy so it wont draw all the eyes. It will be appreciated by those who like Suydam's art though as it is one of his recent best. 3/5
• Relevance - Great static pose with the main character of the issue. Does not tell us a lot of what happens inside but it lets us know that the main character is Caretaker. 3/5
• Iconic Value - It all depends on how the character of the Caretaker evolves and whether or not she becomes a larger part of the Marvel tapestry. As it stands now though it is the most iconic of her. 3/5
• SPRI Total 13/20

3. Astonishing Tales #2 (Cover By Kenneth Rocafort)

• Style - This is a unique style that I really enjoy. It takes the sketchiness of Lenil Yu and makes it a tad cleaner but keeps the grit. The way the characters are posed really makes for a great layout. 4/5
• Pop - It doesn't really pop out all that much. It has the Punisher and Wolverine though which will surely draw readers eyes to it. Interestingly and too its credit instead of having Wolverine (Marvel's cash cow) front and center they use the Punisher. 3/5
• Relevance - This is a hard one to rate based on the fact that it is an anthology. It really is only relevant to one story in the whole thing. This sadly hurts it's overall rating. 3/5
• Iconic Value - It has some iconic value for sure. It is a great static image. It has two great Marvel characters that everyone loves to see together. Will be people remember this always? Probably not. Will people remember it when they see it? Most certainly. 3/5
• SPRI Total 13/20 Despite the tie with Ghost Rider I gave this the nod for the 3rd spot because I prefer it over the other just barely.
  

2. Batman: Battle For The Cowl #1 (Cover By Tony Daniels)

• Style - I really like the cover it is Daniels style but definitely feels as though it is playing off Jim Lee's Hush covers a bit. This time though Nightwing is at the forefront of the Bat troops. Nothing to unique here though very mainstream. 3/5
• Pop - It stands out in that it has a lot of Bat characters that we all love. Nightwing standing in the foreground with everyone behind him really stands out and makes him look like A-List character he is and should be treated as. 5/5
• Relevance - It really isn't a moment from the comic but it sets the tone for what we are bound to see which is a lot of characters from the Batman titles as we get a new status quo. So in that regard it has relevance but nothing that can be literally taken from the interior. 4/5
• Iconic Value - High iconic value here. This is Nightwing as he presumably gets ready to take up the mantle of Batman. This is the beginning of what many assume is Nightwing running the show and these supporting characters falling in behind him. Add the riff on Lee's Hush cover and this is a great iconic Dick Grayson. 5/5
• SPRI Total 17/20

1. Action Comics #875 (Cover By Andrew Robinson)

• Style - This one has some great painted style. Love the colors and the figure placement. Overall this one comes across as very unique compared to the others that I got this week. 5/5
• Pop - I think the blue and red colors used in this cover really give everything a great sense of pop. It grabs you and makes you look it all over. It is another one that grabs you and makes you want to thumb through it. 5/5
• Relevance - It is the beginning of an arc that puts Flamebird and Nightwing as the new protagonists of the title so it does a good job of placing them in the front with the evils they face in the back. Not a literal scene from the title but still quite relevant. 4/5
• Iconic Value - It has a very iconic feel but really doesn't accomplish much but looking very cool. It will be remembered as a cool cover but not one of the coolest of all time I think. 3/5
• SPRI Total 17/20 Again despite a tie with Battle for the Cowl I gave this one the edge because it seemed more unique and different. Something about it I really enjoy and stayed with me as I read my books this week.

So there you have it my favorite covers this week. Stay tuned next week as we do it all over again. Then at the end of the month I will take the top covers from each week and crown a best cover of the month. Then again at the end of the year as we do cover of the year.