SPIDER-MAN LOVES MARY JANE #1

The title really should be the other way around, as it’s one MJ Watson who is head over heels in love for the wall-crawler and he who plays the bemused object of the obsessed girl’s affections. Semantics aside, this book is one of those treasures that seems to never get enough attention, but it sells just enough that Marvel keeps the faith and continues publishing the adventures of Spider-Man’s high school cast. In terms of strict continuity, Mary Jane was never really in the picture during Peter Parker’s high school days, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying this truly fun book that mixes adolescent soap opera with the super-powered spandex set. In this new number one issue, MJ takes her obsession to new heights by following the Webbed One all over Manhattan in an attempt to ask him on a date. Written by Sean McKeever, with art by Takeshi Miyazawa. Discuss

JLA CLASSIFIED #15

Warren Ellis“ epic Justice League story comes to its conclusion as the Big Seven (with Aquaman being replaced by the talents of information guru Oracle) take on their mysterious tormentor in a blazing final battle! Each hero has faced his or her version of hell, but their greatest trial lies ahead when they take on the Martian God of Terror face to face. Warren Ellis has managed to capture a moment in time of one of the greatest incarnations of the JLA, giving this team’s originator Grant Morrison a run for his money in terms of big scale super hero action. Artist Butch Guice gives the tale a smooth look that conveys its grand proportions but manages to never overwhelm the reader---the perfect mix of style and substance. Discuss

SENTRY #4

Poor bedraggled Sentry. He has the power of a god but the splintered mind of a mental patient. He can save the world fifteen times over in a day, but his personal life as humble Robert Reynolds is practically non-existent. What little life he has finds his marriage in near-shambles and his grip on reality tenuous. All this adds up to Sentry being a much more captivating character than the average super-man, and in the capable hands of creative team Paul Jenkins and John Romita Jr. this book has established itself as one of the more interesting reads at Marvel these days. Known for bringing a good deal of depth to his characters, Jenkins’ storytelling tends to focus on internal character struggles rather than slugfests, and here he balances the two to great effect. John Romita Jr. compliments the writing with his always amazing pencils, breaking new ground for himself after years of penciling the more urban-dwelling stories of Spider-Man. Discuss

SHE-HULK #100

A milestone for the savagely sensational (ouch) She-Hulk, this issue features not just an all-new extra-sized tale featuring the green-skinned heroine but two first issue reprints---Stan Lee and John Buscema’s Savage She-Hulk #1 as well as John Byrne’s (literally) boundary-breaking Sensational She-Hulk #1. After trying to save a time-displaced Hawkeye from his future untimely death, She-Hulk is captured by enforcers for the Time Variance Authority and sentenced to be erased from existence. With the help of her friends and a few special guest artists, Shulkie may just stand a chance against her accusers, but what happens when the gamma-powered beauty decides to enter a plea of guilty? Discuss

SUPERMAN BATMAN #23

At long last Jeph Loeb’s final story for the world’s finest super hero duo continues! Superman and Batman’s troubles have only just begun when they must face both the Krytponite Man and the Maximums. Meanwhile, Bizarro and Batzarro continue their search for the two heroes, but it only causes a bigger mess. As the situation gets even more convoluted, two troublemakers stand revealed as the masters of this very mixed-up plot. Although not immediately apparent, Loeb begins to tie up all the loose ends of his extraordinary run, sending Superman and Batman on one of their grandest adventures yet. And artist Ed McGuiness put in some of his best work as "With A Vengeance" barrels toward its epic conclusion, featuring some unexpected guest stars and surprising turns. Discuss

WONDER WOMAN #224

Wonder Woman’s life has been turned on its ear once again in the aftermath of Infinite Crisis #3, and writer Greg Rucka’s not done with the Amazonian Princess yet! With the world believing her a cold-blooded killer, who can she turn to in her loneliest hour? Things may be at their darkest now, but it could very well lead to Wonder Woman’s greatest triumph over tragedy. Discuss