Comics:

Batman: Gotham Knights #57

War Games Act Two, Part 4---the halfway checkpoint! Batman learns the truth about the War Games, and he isn't going to like it one bit. How could the World's Greatest Detective have missed what should have been so apparent? He's not the only one having a bad day, as Tarantula must take on Deadshot and a group of super-powered henchmen. Stephanie is still prowling the streets as Spoiler, trying to right her wrongs, and comes face to darkened face with the mastermind behind the War Games. A great catch-up issue if you haven't been following every "War Games" tie-in, and it's written by A.J. Lieberman, with art from Al Barrionuevo and Francis Portella.

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Toys & Statues:

X-Men #161

The X-Men are back from China, but they won't get a moment to rest as the New Brotherhood of Mutants attacks! Who are the new members of the Brotherhood, and why is Nocturne from the Exiles with them? All that, and Chuck Austen manages to squeeze in some really great character moments. As always, breathtaking pencils from Salvador Larroca, with Danny Miki on inks.

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Fantastic Four #518

With the Avengers disassembled, it's up to the FF to save all of Manhattan from being lifted into space. It's a race against the clock as Reed must figure out who is behind the destruction in time to save the island, or all of New York City is doomed! This is the kind of science hero action that writer Mark Waid and artist Mike Weiringo excel at, and you won't be disappointed! Also, a member of the FF must make a choice that will shock everyone!

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New X-Men: Academy X #5

This book only gets better, as Michael Ryan (Mystique) joins the action on pencils! "Choosing Sides" Part 5 finds everyone at the school divided over what should be done with young mutant Kevin Ford. Is he a problem for the human authorities or his fellow mutants? The situation calls for the New Mutants and the Hellions to call a truce, but it only spells more trouble.

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The Batman Strikes! #1

You've seen the new animated series on Kids' WB, now check out the comic! A new take on the Batman mythos finds a much younger Bruce Wayne (who enjoys rock-n-roll concerts and ...mosh pits?) and a Batman in his third year of crime fighting, and the crazies are starting to come out of the woodwork! This issue finds Batman at odds with the Penguin, but what does the legend of the Phoenix have to do with the bird man's schemes? Written by Bill Matheny, with art by Christopher Jones and Terry Beatty, this is a great all-ages book for Bat-fans young and old.

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