Being a bit choosy this week, but maybe not choosy enough in some spots.

• Batman & Robin Future’s End #1 (DC): It’ll be in my bag, but I couldn’t care less.  If that makes me a heretic, so be it.
• The Multiversity: The Society of Super-Heroes #1 (DC): With The Multiversity #1, Grant Morrison effectively dangled a Captain Carrot on a stick and for that and a multitude of other reasons I’m going to follow him–and artist Chris Sprouse–to the ends of the Earth–in this case, Earth-20.

• Wonder Woman Future’s End #1 (DC): Same as B&R.  One good thing as I peer into the future: my relationship with Future’s End ends with these two titles.
• Clone #20 (Image): I’m still hanging onto the cliff, baby!  These guys know how to build tension and expectations, and aren’t afraid to “go there.”  In that, it’s not unlike Saga.  As consistent a book as you’re going to find.

• Satellite Sam #10 (Image): #9 was a strong issue from every angle.  I know that Sex Criminals gets more attention, but it’s masturbation compared to this orgy of compelling characters and taut storylines.
• Stray Bullets: Killers #7 (Image): We’ve been kinda down on the reload since a .44 caliber Magnumicent first shot, which we named our #1 book of March.  #5–the return of Amy Racecar–was fun, but it failed to satisfy.  #6, however…  OK, so, for just about the entire issue, I felt as if I were reading #2 or #3 or #4; and I wasn’t excited about it–until the final page.  THAT’S what I’m talking about, Mr. Lapham!  That’s Stray Bullets, baby!  And, darn it, I’m going to fight for its being represented in our Top 5 for August.  It’s not going to be easy, but I’m going to try.

• Trees #5 (Image): Speaking of a lack of excitement: ugh.  It’s like watching a tree grow.  A really boring tree.  What I should do is prune it from my picks.  Probably won’t, though.
• The Wicked & The Divine #4 (Image): I liked #2, but I loved #3.  Yeah, I had my doubts at first; but now Gillen’s got me good.  Toss in some terrific art from McKelvie (lovely layouts, splashes, and double-page spreads) and wow, wow, wow!  Another book that deserves to be in our Top 5 list for August.  I’ll do my best to fight for it.

• All-New X-Men #32 (Marvel): I’m getting nervous about the Ultimate storyline.  Damn, man!  If you’ve been following along, then you know I’ve been really enjoying All-New–when I’ve been able to get it, of course.  This could very easily kill it for me.  (I don’t want it to kill it for me!)
• Daredevil #8 (Marvel): #7 wasn’t very good.  Is Original Sin to blame?  Or is the bigger sin Waid’s turning DD into a monthly PSA?  Instead of being excited about the next issue, I’m thinking more about what issue Waid’ll focus on next.  Not where I should be.  For example: #8 offers up a new “menace”: the Purple Children.  So, where are we headed?  Homelessness?  Adoption?  Child abuse?  It’s getting to be so forced, so processed, ham handedness just doesn’t speak to it–it’s more like Spam handedness.
• Original Sin #5.5 (Marvel): Here’s the real truth: the first .4 issues of this misguided diversion have been underwhelming and painfully obvious.  Why have I bothered?  Well, I bet on Al Ewing and Loki–and lost.  Should’ve listened to you, Derek!
• Uncanny X-Men #26 (Marvel): #25 was an overpriced, forced effort that was more transition than climax.  I don’t know what’s happened.  I finally gave myself over to Bendis and I get this and All-New #31?  OK, so, the cover’s cool.  Would say we have a plethora of Cyclopses?

• The Delinquents #2 (Valiant): #1 was fun but just not as fun as I had hoped it’d be–especially considering the star power in charge of this light brigade.  Sure, we’re only one issue in, but it’s kinda clear: Asmus and Van Lente are neither the Archer & Armstrong nor the Quantum and Woody of writing teams.  Highlight: Kano’s artwork!  No surprise: the guy can sell a story–even one forced into being–with the best of ’em.
• The Last Broadcast #5 (Archaia/BOOM!): There’s nothing nonchalant about the way these fellas tell a story. Yeah, this book’s about to Doyle over!  Plenty of threads have been spun together; can’t wait to untie them!

• The Life After #3 (Oni):  I’ve enjoyed the casting of Hemingway as Virgil in this Truman Show for suicides.  The Christ twist at the end of #2 was made tolerable by a plugged-in–and brazen–presentation of God.  I’m intrigued.
• The Sixth Gun: Days of the Dead #2 (Oni): Starting a new Sixth Gun pile!
• The Devilers #3 (Dynamite): Not sure if I’m long for this.   It’s fine for what it is; I’m just not sure if I need it.

Avery’s Pick of the Week:

• Scribblenauts Unmasked: A Crisis of Imagination #9: Avery’s gonna be excited to get a hold of her favorite comic from Josh Elder and Adam Archer!  But she ain’t gonna be happy that this is the end of the Scribblenauts.  Poor baby!

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott