Review # 87: "X-Factor - 'Short Stories' and 'Hell On Earth War'"

I was overjoyed to learn a few months ago that Peter David's exploits with X-Factor would continue in a new form starting next year with a nearly brand-new cast. Polaris is set to be involved along with the return of Quicksilver... and the surprising inclusion of Gambit! I am incredibly curious to see David's spin on the popular-yet-poor (in my opinion) character. He could do some great things with Remy.

Review # 86: "The Walking Dead Compendium Vol. 1"

The first compendium collection of "The Walking Dead" is a gripping page-turner that - remarkably - leaves me unsure if I want to keep reading and absolutely sure that I will never watch the TV show.

Review # 85: "Cable and X-Force: Dead or Alive"

"Cable and X-Force" is a great series provided you don't care about plot. The second volume is an entertaining read despite its lack of tension while character interaction continues to be a hoot.

Review # 84: "JLA by Grant Morrison - Volumes One and Two"

With sales sagging on Justice League, DC made the wise decision of blowing the property up and starting over with a single team of heavy-hitters. The classic lineup of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, The Flash (Wally West instead of Barry Allen) and Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner instead of Hal Jordan) was back together. From there, DC took a gamble with lesser-known artist Howard Porter and arguably another with writer Grant Morrison.

Review # 83: "Wolverine and the X-Men by Jason Aaron Vol. 7 (The Hellfire Saga)"

"The Hellfire Saga" is so good it gives Jason Aaron a serious claim as one of the greatest X-Men writers of all time. It's one of those stories where everything comes together so well that it makes all that preceded it much better. Quite an achievement considering - despite sidetracks from the Avengers vs. X-Men event - it took about 30 issues of build to get there.

Review # 82: "The Sensational She-Hulk by John Byrne Vol. 1"

Several years before Joe Kelly made Deadpool famous by having the title character break the fourth wall, John Byrne did the same with She-Hulk in the 1989 relaunch of her title. The result is more quirky than funny, but it's very, very smart.