Review # 174: "The Ultimates"

With over a decade behind it, you have to make the argument that "The Ultimates" by Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch is the most culturally significant comic book story so far this century. It reads like a movie blueprint, and - while its eventual adaptation for the big screen was not note-for-note - many of the Marvel heroes we see on the big screen today are influenced more by the incarnations seen here than the ones who had been around for decades previous.

Review # 106: "Captain America - Winter Soldier"

Ed Brubaker will be remembered most for killing off Captain America. But first he had to bring someone else back to life. "Winter Soldier" is the story of the return of Bucky Barnes who - for decades - had been "Ben Parker Dead." Resurrection is clearly a common event in comic books, but there are just some characters that are untouchable. There was no way Cap's old sidekick was ever coming back to life. The idea of a story that would make it worth doing so just didn't seem possible.

Review # 19: "New Avengers by Brian Michael Bendis Volumes 1, 2 and 3"

Many people jump on Brian Michael Bendis for focusing on character interaction more than character development. I think they need to wake up and realize what series they're reading.