DC
Batman And Robin #1 – The one everyone’s been waiting for, the new Batman and Robin hit the streets runningflying in a refitted Batmobile with a chase that feels like it could be something out of Batman: The Animated Series, which is most certainly a good thing. While Dick is still sorting things out in taking on the mantle, we get a nice look at how Damian will be as the new Robin, which is just as arrogant as ever, should be entertaining. Quitely’s art deserves a mention as well, while I’ve not read anything drawn by him before, I can see why he gets such praise, absolutely loaded with detail, character, and expression, this is a very gorgeous book, and definitely something that I’ll be looking forward to as it continues.

Final Crisis Aftermath Run #2 – So it seems the flaming nipples will continue to be a regular feature of the Human Flame’s costume, heh. Lots of fun little bits of humor here as he fights for even an ounce of respect, but like Rodney Dangerfield, there’s none to be had. Then the second half of the issue hits and we’re introduced to the DCU Villains version of the Island for Misfit Toys, where all the goofy and unworkable villains (including Condiment King, Sportsmaster, and Polka Dot Man) have gone, and my interest skyrockets. Really curious to see where this goes.

Secret Six Vol 3 #10 – Getting hired to work for a (particularly nasty) slaver? Seems an appropriately horrid job for the best group of villains in the DCU. Was a bit disappointed at the overall lack of Ragdoll in this issue, but we got some nice growth with Bane and Scandal, and Deadshot had a whole mess of great lines, so all is forgiven. Another great read as usual, continues to be towards the top of my pile.

Marvel
Exiles Vol 4 #3 – Really digging the art in here as well, the lines pop out a fair bit, sort of like Jamie McKelvie’s art in Phonogram, but styled(and colored) in such a way that it looks like it could carry over to animation nicely. The character design’s also growing on me, particularly the cute, elfin look for Blink (who confirms for us, but not the team, that she’s the same one we’re used to) This issue possibly wraps up the new team’s first mission, but in a way that makes it look like they’ll quite likely go back to finish cleaning things up. But who cares about that? Next issue they’re facing off against Machine Man! (and Vision, Ultron, and Jocasta, but who cares about them?)

Universal War One: Revelations #3 – God damn. That was a great end to some truly fantastic science fiction, and more importantly, some really well done time travel. A tricky thing to pull off, but this one does it quite nicely and as such, joins a pretty select group of quality time travel tales. This also marks the first ‘complete’ title in Marvel’s line of Soleil imports, and something I’d heartily reccommend to anyone without any hesitation. Unfortunately that’s about all I can say about this issue without ruining things. Just go buy it all, quite worth it. Now let’s get Loisel’s Peter Pan published, Marvel.

Other Publishers:
Muppet Show #3 – Feeding childhood whimsy, this series really, really, really continues to capture everything great about The Muppets. Loads of sketches, bad jokes, winks to the audience, and the eternal quest to figure out what Gonzo is- this time for the sake of insuring the theater. Great fun, and a feast for the eyes, absoutely loaded with things to love, and really, I’d buy it just for the Statler and Waldorf moments.