Compelling story, captivating artwork, and stunning color. If you haven’t read the “Marvel History” before (which I haven’t) then I highly recommend this series (based on this issue, at least). And I dare you to show me a color artist who’s better than Dave Stewart. Seriously.

The Marvels Project #1

This issue does not mess around. From point A to B with a little sex and gadgetry along the way. Tragic this has to end, but it promises to be a helluva conclusion!

Incognito #5

A brilliant super-powered espionage thriller. Holden Carver is a bad man. This series is right there with any of my all-time favorites. Absolutely masterful storytelling, and totally addicting. If you like Incognito (which everyone does!) and you haven’t read this, go out and get it today. The Season 2 collection is coming in September! Now if only they’d spend a few extra pennies on quality–my book was beat up before I even started (literally)!

Sleeper - Season 1 TPB

A worthwhile prelude to Sleeper, though it doesn’t unlock many pieces of the puzzle. Tao, Lynch and Carver are still very much mysteries. That said, this book fills in the backstory leading up to Lynch’s coma, and introduces us to Cole Cash, an entertaining character with a drinking problem and the training to make said drinking problem a real nightmare.

Point Blank TPB

If you’ve got a special place in your heart for bromance and male bonding, then this book might just be the thing for you. Five stories about critical points in the ongoing relationship between Batman and James Gordon, this book spans years as Gordon climbs the ranks of the GCPD and Batman goes from softy to killer and back again. Certainly not high on my all-time Batman list but decent nonetheless.

Batman - Turning Points TPB

I think Hannibal Tabu said it best: “There’s not a lot that can be said about this issue without spoiling the wonderful twists Ed Brubaker has in store, but suffice it to say that this series has been a non-stop delight since it started and shows no signs of relenting.”

Incognito #4

Writing aside, artistic capability is what fails here. No, that’s NOT Wolverine, yes the snow is distracting and no, there wasn’t much story here at all. More soap opera than superheros, a disappointing effort from a usually cracker book. -Bretzke

Daredevil #118

Ava Destruction, Firethunder and Ajax. Like those crazy out-of-control high school buddies you dread seeing. But instead of embarrassing you, these ones will kill you. *cringe*

Incognito #3

Must admit I had doubts after ch. 1 & 2. But then…WHOA! Once again, Brubaker and Phillips deliver a brilliant combo of tension and grime.

Criminal - Bad Night, TPB vol. 4

Had a wonderful time in Seattle for the Emerald City Comicon!

And came away with some sweet stuff:

Trades / Special comics:

1. Local #1 (set in Portland, wOOt!)
2. Queen & Country – Definitive Edition #1
3. The Boys – TPBs vol. 1 and 2
4. Casanova – TPB vol. 1
5. MySpace Dark Horse Presents – TPB vol. 2
6. Conan – Born On The Battlefield, TPB vol. 0

Autographs:

1. Kurt Busiek
2. Rick Remender
3. Greg Rucka
4. Ed Brubaker
5. Ben Templesmith
6. Jonathan Case
7. Dave Wachter

Original Art (see Gallery):

1. Mike Mignola
2. Ben Templesmith
3. Erik Larsen
4. John Paul Leon
5. Becky Cloonan
6. Vasilis Lolos
7. Dave Wachter
8. Jonathan Case

Already excited for next year, but looking forward to Stumptown next weekend!

–Scott