Weekly Comic Book Reviews 04/21/08

Amazing Spider-Man #557
Writer: Zeb Wells
Artist: Chris Bachalo
Publisher: Marvel

The latest Spider-man storyline wraps up and I'm mainly just pleased it's over. I'm not a fan of Bachalo's art and Wells first contribution to Brand New Day really just didn't do much for me. Not that it was bad, but I'm not that into Spidey fighting gods and mystical beings. I prefer it when he's dealing with street level stuff.

Image via WikipediaAnnihilation: Conquest #6
Writer: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning
Artist: Tom Raney, Wellington Alves
Publisher: Marvel

The latest Annihilation mini-series winds up to a spectacular final battle as all the players come together to battle a giant Ultron. Just like Annihilation before it, this cosmic saga has hit all the right notes and I'm really curious if they have a third one lined up, this certainly leaves that possibility open.

I'm also wondering how anyone will ever manage to top this use of Ultron in the future. His usual Avenger attacking antics just won't seem that impressive any more.

Countdown to Final Crisis #2
Writer: Paul Dini, Sean McKeever
Artist: Scott Kolins
Publisher: DC

Almost at the end of this sprawling and not entirely coherent story. This week we get an issue long fight between gods. It's pretty impressive in scale but at this stage the result isn't really very surprising. I am quite curious to see where all this Fifth World stuff is going though. Presumably Final Crisis?

Then Incredible Hercules #116
Writer: Greg Pak, Fred Van Lente
Artist: Rafa Sandoval
Publisher: Marvel

Not a lot of plot in this issue, but there were some nice character moments. I like the continued efforts by Pak and Van Lente to connect Marvel's Hercules with the historical Hercules instead of continuing to treat him like a buffoon. It also serves as a lead in to the Secret Invasion spinoff Sacred Invasion which I'm looking forward to. All in all then it's probably a good jump on point for people looking to try out the series since it briefly recaps what has already happened.