MARVEL KNIGHTS: FOUR #24

Any Marvel Zombie worth his salt knows that whenever the Impossible Man pops up (apologies for the bad pun), it’s bound to be one zany story. And when writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa inserts himself into the action, it makes for a hysterically wild ride the likes of which haven’t been seen in the pages of an FF comic for some time. After a few issues that seemed only so-so (Invisible Woman’s night-on-the-town issue aside), Aguirre-Sacasa has hit a home run with this two parter, bringing an entirely new energy to the table. This is of course aided greatly by artist Mizuki Sakakibara’s gorgeously rendered art, adding a vibrance to these pages that seemed mostly lost since Steve McNiven’s run. Discuss

GOTHAM CENTRAL #37

Still possibly the best Batman-related title! Smartly written as if it were a tv crime drama with a sharp twist of capes’n’cowls, Gotham Central consistently delivers great characterization and brilliant mystery action alike. With a great ensemble cast of Gotham’s finest detectives and the occasional skulking appearance of the Batman himself, writer Greg Rucka packs a mean punch that often surpasses most of the action found in the more obvious regular Batman books. Why hasn’t DC turned this into a tv show? If done well, it’s a no-brainer, and certainly no worse than the quickly departed Birds of Prey. Discuss

HOUSE OF M: THE DAY AFTER

The House of M is no more, but in its wake the Marvel Universe is a very different place. See how the lives of Marvel’s greatest heroes have been grimly changed after the events of House of M’s grand finale. Comics publishers often promise that any new storyline, especially events like House of M, will change the status quo, but Marvel has fully delivered on its promise to change the landscape of its characters for years to come. This double-sized one-shot offers a peek into the repercussions of the House of M as well as setting the stage for an all-new, all-different Marvel Universe. Discuss

INFINITE CRISIS #2

The DC event of the decade is fully underway as the heroes of the DC Universe find themselves divided on many fronts. With the "Big Three"---Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman---split apart by recent developments, the other heroes must marshal their forces to fight the multiple crises that have been brewing for months. As battles erupt on several different fronts, some long lost champions make their return from places unknown to stem the tide against the coming storm. Who are they, where have they been, and what does their return mean for the DCU? Geoff Johns and Phil Jimenez provide some answers and more clues of what’s to come in part two of Infinite Crisis! Discuss

EXILES #72

The Exiles head to their next stop on their "World Tour"! It’s the New Universe, where it’s still 1987 and mullets are in, and the insane Proteus is on the hunt for a power source to sustain his mutant energies. The Exiles arrive to track down and defeat him once and for all, and they soon come face to face with some long-forgotten heroes. And back on Earth 616, learn the final fate of Barnell "Beak" Bohusk! Written by Tony Bedard, with art by Paul Pelletier and Rick Magyar. Discuss

NEW EXCALIBUR #1

After the calamitous events of House of M, an all-new Excalibur is born! Alison Blaire, AKA Dazzler, is in serious trouble from a group of villains who look frighteningly familiar, and it’s up to the remaining members of the original Excalibur (and a few fresh faces) to save her from certain doom. Written by Chris Claremont, with art by Michael Ryan and Rick Ketchum. Discuss

HAWKMAN #46

Carter Hall is back, and not a second too soon, as he and Hawkgirl must face a city overrun with villains. Later, after a run-in with an OMAC, the Hawks prepare for a trip into deep space to fight in the Rann-Thanagar War. It’s a busy time for the newly-returned Hawkman, and the departure of a close friend won’t be making things any easier for the winged hero. Written by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti, with art by Ron Randall, Art Thibert and Walden Wong. Discuss