SOLO #7

Michael Allred brings his quirky, pop art inspired vision to the DCU! Join the creator of Madman on a wild ride through the swingin’ Silver Age of DC’s finest, with appearances by the Teen Titans, Batman and Robin, and the New Gods. Allred is obviously in his element here, and his enjoyment in creating this issue is fully evident, from the introduction page featuring Bizarro to the fanciful and (slightly) autobiographical “Comic Book Clubhouse”. The book also becomes a family effort with the always fantastic coloring skills of wife Laura Allred and some super co-writing credit to brother Lee. Discuss

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #525

“The Other” continues as Peter hides his mysterious problem from loved ones, leading to frustration and outbursts. Meanwhile, readers are left clueless as to what the point of the story is, and somehow okay. The story is definitely going somewhere, but it’s not readily apparent where at such an early stage of this massive 12-part saga. What is apparent is that Spidey is about to be put through the ringer, with the seemingly indestructible Morlun back for round two and the buffoonish Tracer revealing himself to be a bigger threat than he first seemed. Spider-Man’s newest trip down the crapper that is his life is brought to you this month by Peter David, with art by Mike Deodato Jr. and Joe Pimentel. Discuss

JACK CROSS #3

Anyone in need of proof that Warren Ellis is at the absolute top of his game need look no further than this book. Devoid of the usual supernatural craziness or over-the-top political statements, Jack Cross is direct and to the point in its delivery. There’s political commentary to be sure, but not as in-your-face as something like Transmetropolitan, and the focus seems to land squarely on the intense and well-orchestrated action, credit for that belonging chiefly to artist Gary Erskine. In this issue, Jack runs into some nasty trouble after questioning a wrongly interned inmate at Guantanamo Bay. As he gets closer to the truth, he may well find it hits closer to home than he could ever have suspected. Discuss

SENTRY #2

Robert Reynolds, AKA the Sentry, has it more than just a little tough. Essentially “Superman with issues”, the Sentry balances a busy work schedule saving the world with a wife who is beginning to show signs of boredom with his all-too human alter ego. He may have the power of a god, but is it enough to salvage his marriage? What’s a schizophrenic super hero to do? Discuss

JSA CLASSIFIED #4

Amanda Conner is finally in the spotlight, and rightfully so. After years of fantastic work on titles such as The Pro, she’s landed herself dead center in the consciousness of comics fandom with this prelude to Infinite Crisis featuring Power Girl, a super hero whose history is at best confused and convoluted. Along with writer Geoff Johns, she’s helping to unlock the multitudinous mysteries of Karen Starr, and this final installment promises to be a knockout! Discuss

TEEN TITANS #28

You’ve waited an extra month for the conclusion to this exciting two-parter and here it is! Featuring the phenomenal writing skills of Gail Simone along with the well-hyped art of Rob Liefeld, this issue pits the Titans against the power mad Kestrel. Can even the assistance of the new Hawk & Dove help turn the tide? More importantly, will there be food involved? Will these Gail Simone food references ever get old? Discuss

CAPTAIN AMERICA #11

Ed Brubaker has had fans waiting ever so impatiently for the answer to the question, "Who is the Winter Soldier?" Captain America is one step closer to finding the truth when a mysterious envelope lands on his doorstep. The answers inside lead to some very troubling answers and threaten to shake Cap to his core. You know the drill---this story will affect Captain America for years to come! No, really! Discuss