DESOLATION JONES #5

At last, writer Warren Ellis provides a little insight into the mysterious origins of one Michael "Desolation" Jones, with series artist J.H. Williams III providing trippy, hallucinatory visuals. When Jones awakes from a fitful sleep after being shot, he begins to put together the final pieces of his current case involving stolen "exotic" pornography and one family’s very full closet of skeletons. As the old saying goes, nothing is as it seems, but Jones has a knack for uncovering what lies underneath. Ellis is in top storytelling form here, and his co-conspirator Williams helps to cement this book as one of the writer’s best creations in years. Discuss

NEW X-MEN #22

While I’m not as happy with the direction of this book post-House of M, Mark Brooks‘ art is definitely a step in the right direction. Vibrant and youthful, it’s a perfect match for chronicling the lives of a handful of mutant teens living at the Xavier Institute. The introduction of the Danger Cave seems a bit forced, but its visual execution is top-notch---even I had to double-check an old X-Men back issue or two to catch the costume references! In this issue, tension threatens to break the team apart before it can heal recent wounds, all the while old X-Men foe William Stryker moves ever closer to his prey. And what is the connection to all this of a Dallas-dwelling mutant from the X-Men’s past? Discuss

CAPTAIN ATOM #4

After facing Majestic a second time and still no closer to finding a way home, Captain Atom is in no mood for games when the Wildcats show up for a fight. Captain Atom takes them on grudgingly, even as another group of superhumans watches from space. Will Pfeifer has constructed a smart, fast-paced piece of superhero fiction with this series, playing Captain Atom, a product of simpler times and simpler ideals, against the "edgier" so-called heroes of an altogether different universe. Discuss

SON OF M #2

Quicksilver finds himself all alone in a world he no longer understands after losing his powers, but the questions he faces don’t offer an easy solution. Stripped of his powers, the most impatient mutant alive searches for reconciliation with his loss of identity and family, but can ex-wife Crystal and the Inhumans provide the solace he seeks? Discuss

SHE-HULK #4

Dan Slott and guest artist Scott Kolins offer a look into She-Hulk’s recent past after her current trouble with the Time Variance Authority. After laying waste to the town of Bone, Idaho, as the savage She-Hulk, the unassuming Jennifer Walters returns to the scene of the crime to help rebuild in the aftermath. But all is not as it seems in the small town, and Jennifer soon finds herself embroiled in a mystery that may require the power of the She-Hulk to resolve! All that and the most unexpected Avenger cameo yet! Discuss

FABLES #45

It’s the surprising conclusion to "Arabian Knights (And Days)", as Frau Totenkinder’s clandestine plans come to fruition. With Yusuf’s wicked treachery overcome, Prince charming and King Cole must decide what to do with the remaining Arabian Fables, but Sinbad may have an idea or two of his own. Written by creator Bill Willingham, with art by Mark Buckingham, Steve Leialoha, and Andrew Pepoy, this book never ceases to delight readers with its modern twist on classic "fairy tale" characters, celebrated and obscure alike. Discuss

ARES #1

Seriously, Ares? Has there ever really been a Marvel version of the Greek God of War? Who cares, because this book is simply amazing. Mike Oeming seems to have a real flare for handling classic mythical characters, as seen in his run on the last Thor series and his own version of the Norse God of Thunder, and this book looks to be no exception. Travel Foreman’s pencils are truly inspired here as well, switching subtly in style as the book shifts from Ares’ bloody past to his current life in the modern world of mortals. Brilliantly conceived and cleverly executed, this unexpected gem of a book is not to be missed! Discuss