I open up Captain America 615.1 and immediately recognise the name Brubaker, I assume Marvel is pulling out all the stops for this issue and eagerly read on! The issue nicely sets up the relationship between Steve Rogers and that shield, a man who doesn’t want to take on the huge responsibility it holds but jumps at the chance to jump over rooftops whenever the opportunity arises! The pages are exciting and action packed, Bettie Breitweiser’s colouring nicely complimenting the art. I do have one gripe though, Nick Fury disguised in a latex suit?! Come on… I must admit though, I am not completely swayed but decide to buy the next issue and see how it goes.

I have to take a double look at the cover for Hulk 30.1, the guy is red! Once I get through the opening page I hit the ground running and read on, or if you’re a hulk… jumping! Parker’s writing is really sharp, never losing sight of Thunderbolt Ross’ voice underneath the red skin; who else would shout “Get out off the way trust fund babies” whilst flying down a ski slope? The relationship between Ross and General Fortean is also well handled, and I like the Moby Dick referencing title. Hulk was exciting and full of adventure; I will definitely be buying issue 31.

Ok so just a few questions about Deadpool 33.1, is it always this crazy? And also so funny? If the answer to all of the above is yes, then I’ll be sticking with Deadpool through the next issue. Next up, Thor 620.1 and I have to admit I am really looking forward to this issue, the film is coming up and I am hoping it will be a good starting point; luckily I am not disappointed. Abnett and Lanning get through all the boring plot details quickly (Asgard on Earth… etc) and move straight into the action, introducing a villain and giving Thor a clear objective that can be completed within one issue. The writing builds up the anticipation to Thor’s arrival to maximum effect and very nicely gives us a way to meet all the other colourful characters in Asgard. I really like this issue and will definitely be putting Thor on my pull list.

The last release of the month is Uncanny X-Force 5.1, one look at the opening page and the size of the team I know I’ll be making quite a few trips to wikipedia in the near future. The issue is really exciting and can only be described as a combination of extreme violence and nice looking pictures, it’s good to see a darker arrow for the Marvel bow and I like the idea of a black opps mutant team. The colouring by Dean White nicely compliments Albuquerque’s scratchy drawing style; this leads to a grimy page, soaked in dark tones, really letting me know I’ve entered the dark side of Marvel. Remender’s writing is very lean and the action moves at a fast pace, and although the attention to the individual characters within the team is a little un-even, I feel we will become acquainted in future issues. Uncanny X-Force is loads of fun; I will definitely be buying the next issue.

You’re gonna end up buying SO many comics Will – ED

In part 3 of this feature, I’ll be taking a look at the final .1 releases including Uncanny X-Men 534.1 and Secret Avengers 12.1.

Will Pond.