ROBIN #140

Robin, Boy Commando? When the Veteran offers Tim a position as a member of his government-sponsored Black Ops team, it may be an offer Robin can't refuse. Tim Drake continues to prove he's much more than just Batman's teen sidekick, with his own goals and views about the cape-and-cowl vigilante scene, even offering a new take on why Batman doesn't use guns. Writer Bill Willingham continues to take the Boy Wonder in new and exciting directions, giving him the maturity and growth the character has been deprived of for too long. Ex-Nightwing artist Scott McDaniel and inker Andy Owens round out the creative chores, balancing smooth pacing with action-packed but very open layouts. Discuss

DAREDEVIL #75

"Decalogue" concludes with secrets revealed and Daredevil's purpose redefined. After a year as the Kingpin of Hell's Kitchen, Matt Murdock must face up to his actions and the public's opinion of their self-appointed protector. Once again, Brian Michael Bendis proves why he is the best thing that has ever happened to the character of Daredevil, with artist Alex Maleev's moody and cinematic style sealing the deal. Discuss

EX MACHINA #13

Who is Automaton and what is his connection to the Great Machine? That's what the NYPD would like to know, but Manhattan's newest mystery superhero certainly isn't telling. And the Great Machine's "most trusted confidante" is just as obstinate in answering any pertinent questions, though he seems to have his own ideas about the origins of the elusive vigilante. Meanwhile, Mitchell Hundred (the Great Machine himself) is tied up at jury duty. Not surprisingly, drama follows him wherever he goes, as one of his fellow jurors is not quite what he seems. Written and drawn by creators Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris, with inks by Tom Feister and color by JD Mettler. Discuss

DEFENDERS #1

Keith Giffen, J.M. Dematteis, and Kevin Maguire bring their own inimitable style to Marvel's foremost team-that-isn't-a-team! When the dread Dormammu threatens once more to invade Earth, Dr. Strange is once more saddled with the task of assembling one of the most powerful teams of super-heroes in the Marvel Universe. With the combined powers of Dr. Strange, Namor, Hulk, and Silver Surfer, only one obstacle stands between the team and defeating Dormammu's hellish demon armies---their inability to get along! Possibly one of the most inventive takes on the Defenders, what was beginning to feel tired and uninspired on Justice League ("Formerly Known As" and its sequel "I Can't Believe It's Not") becomes fresh and entertaining in this new venue. Discuss

BIRDS OF PREY #84

The Birds have had it a little rough lately, with their forces thinned and scattered, but they're by no means defeated! In Gotham, Huntress has an unlikely run-in with an old flame whose new alter ego may prove useful to Helena's newest venture. Oracle tries to patch things up with Huntress after recent revelations, but things go about as smoothly as expected, which is to say not-so-smoothly at all. As if her guilty conscience isn't enough, Oracle still must fight the ravaging effects of the Brainiac Virus. As always, it's ably written by Gail Simone, so you know there's bound to be an odd food reference in there somewhere---what more can you ask from a comic? Discuss

CABLE/DEADPOOL #17

Deadpool's reality-hopping quest for Cable continues with "House of Mmmm", undoubtedly the weirdest tie-in to the "House of M" Marvel Mega-Event. Deadpool finds himself at the mercy of one of the X-Men's oldest foes, but is it really so bad when all he wants is to treat Deadpool and his erstwhile companions Cannonball and Siryn to dinner? Discuss